MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS October 2, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: October 16, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principal Pam Arnold, Curriculum and Technology Director Michael Martin Students: Ben Field Public: Jennifer Matthews Absent: Alex Stetter Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda No changes. Public Comments None. Presentation of Award Superintendent Ricca presented Mr. Phillips with a certificate from the Vermont School Boards Association in recognition of his ten years of service on the board. Visit with MSMS Principal Principal Arnold provided a snapshot of the first month of school at MSMS, as well as a PowerPoint presentation in regard to the potential transition of fifth grade to MSMS. Information contained in the presentation was collected from two conversations with the middle school staff. Items covered included logistics, enrollment, staffing, concerns, a timeline, and feedback. The Board thanked Principal Arnold for her informative report. Visit with Director of Curriculum & Technology Michael Martin, Director of Curriculum & Technology, shared his view of Montpelier Public Schools. Mr. Martin discussed some of what he has seen around the District in the early days of his new position. Included on that list were relationships, relevance, rigor, inclusion, community, teamwork, engagement, green, culture, colleagueship and student-directed learning. The network rebuild project and technology in-service sessions scheduled for October 15, 2013 were discussed, as well as ePortfolios, personalized learning plans, and proficiency-based assessments. The need for documenting progression of learning was discussed, as well as the need to combine traditional learning with experiential learning. The Board thanked Mr. Martin for his report, and Mr. Martin thanked everyone for the welcome he has received in Montpelier. Review Superintendent Limitations Policy 2.0 – Global Superintendent Constraint Following discussion, there was consensus to excuse Superintendent Ricca from reporting on this specific policy due to its generality and lack of focus. Discuss Expectations for Quarterly Financial Reports Superintendent Ricca asked the Board for specific information they want included with quarterly financial reports. Mr. Jones would like Business Manager Cindy Rossi to identify unexpected trends, i.e., categories where the District is spending at a pace higher than planned or lower than planned. Mr. VanDerlip commented that it would be helpful to have the Business Manager present during the budget building process. Mr. VanDerlip identified the need to look at staffing ratios, as well as the need to have conversations about what is behind those numbers. He would also like to hear Business Manager Rossi’s ideas for identifying potential savings and exploring alternate revenue sources. In summary, the Board is looking for more commentary in regard to interpretation of the numbers rather than just the numbers themselves. Discuss Topic for November 6, 2013 Public Invitation Meeting Following discussion, there was consensus to invite the public for the presentation on special education scheduled for the evening of November 6th. The presentation will cover general background information for understanding special education, including basic information as to how the program is funded, as well as commentary from the District’s new Director of Support Services as to MPS’ way of service and predictions for the future. Discuss Spiral International Agreement – Possible Action Item to Sign Agreement Minimal additions to the contract were suggested by Mr. VanDerlip, the first around the issue of students being eligible to receive diplomas “upon meeting graduation requirements”, and the second around the issue of the District maintaining control over the number of students they are willing to accept. Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to move forward and sign the agreements that are necessary and to incorporate Mr. VanDerlip’s two recommendations. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of September 18, 2013 Warrants Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the September 18, 2013 regular meeting and Warrants 18, 19 and 20 dated October 10, 2013 in the amounts of $516,942.28, $31,799.91 and $25,872.83 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Feedback from the last meeting was shared. Students defeated the faculty 5-3 in kickball. A great time was had by all in the dodgeball tournament. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:01 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS September 18, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: October 2, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principals Pam Arnold, Adam Bunting and Chris Hennessey, Curriculum and Technology Director Michael Martin Students: Alex Stetter Public: Scott Adams, Mike Baginski, Shannon Baker, Carrie Cook, George Cook, Kristin Davey, Steve Frey, Christine Gibson-Davis, Jennifer Gordon, Sarah Halpine, Heather Jerome, Morgan Lloyd, Jen Matthews, Kate McCann, Doug McDermit, Maureen McDermit, Melissa Miles, Lyn Munno, Brian Murphy, Andrea Myotte, Sigrid Olson, Melissa Parker, Melissa Pierce, Brigitte Savard, Howard Sirvent, Amy Tatko, and others Absent: Ben Field Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda No changes. Public Comments None. Student Presentation Students from Mrs. Pine’s third grade class gave a presentation on their This is Me and What I Believe unit. Visit with Chinese Exchange Program Representatives Dr. Emily Guo from Spiral International presented the Board with a proposal for participation in a pilot program to build sister school relationships with schools in China. Under the program, Montpelier would continue to host Chinese students through the summer camp, as well as work with a Chinese school to form a co-op program for Chinese students to study in Montpelier and Montpelier students to study in China. Dr. Guo asked the Board to enter into an agreement granting permission to go forward with year one of the process. While the concept sounds promising, board members agreed on the need to review the agreement in more detail, with a definite decision promised at the next meeting on October 2, 2013. Discuss Foreign Language at Union Elementary School Brigitte Savard spoke to the efficacy of immersion as a means to learning a language. The follow-up discussion focused on language choice, the desire for exposure versus proficiency, and worries about time and financial constraints. A suggestion was made to look at other schools to see what they have done because it is believed that a lot can be learned from other people who have already gone through it. Director of Curriculum and Technology Michael Martin agreed with this approach, noting great variation in programs statewide and the importance of deciding what the expectations are. A member of the audience noted the need for long-term goals for both the District and UES. Discuss Possible Relocation of 5th Grade to Main Street Middle School Board members, parents, community members, teachers and administrators engaged in a discussion regarding the possibility of moving fifth grade to Main Street Middle School as a possible solution to the current overcrowding at Union Elementary School. UES Principal Report Principal Hennessey reflected on the preliminary days in his new role as principal of Union Elementary and introduced the new UES blog, The Wise Owl. Consent Agenda Minutes of September 4, 2013 Warrants MSMS Athletic Director Contract Co-Curricular Contracts Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the September 4, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 16 and 17 dated September 26, 2013 in the amounts of $788,643.49 and $20,794.50 respectively, the MSMS athletic director contract, and co-curricular contracts (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Mr. Jones commented that he enjoyed tonight’s discussion and appreciated the participation. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:05 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-curricular Appointments MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS September 4, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 18, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principal Adam Bunting, Recreation Director Arne McMullen Students: Ben Field, Alex Stetter Public: Pam Arnold, Rebecca Cardone, Cathy Clements, Theresa Giffin, Patricia Magoon, Ginny Zahner Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Add update on RFP for riverbank stabilization project. Public Comments None. Update on RFP for Riverbank Stabilization Project A copy of the RFP, project details, and bids received were provided. Mr. McMullen requested permission to move the project forward with the low bid. The Recreation Board has approved this request. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to accept the recommendation of the Recreation Board to go forward with the riverbank stabilization project based on the bid presented by Mr. McMullen. Motion carried unanimously. Visit with MHS Principal Principal Bunting reported on the first few weeks of school at MHS. Items discussed included recess, Soar, advisory, and the new block schedule. Visit with Instructional Coaches The Board visited with the math, literacy, and behavior coaches at UES and with the literacy coach at MSMS regarding their roles and responsibilities in their respective buildings. PowerPoint presentations and handouts were provided. Update on Staffing, Enrollment and Tuition Students A handout was provided detailing staffing, enrollment, and tuition student numbers. Mr. VanDerlip inquired as to the percentage of kindergarten students who had preschool experience or a group setting experience. Update on Communication Plan The Board is interested in identifying topics with budgetary impacts and discussing those matters in detail at select board meetings before the heart of budget season. The schedule of topic discussions will be publicized using various forms of media. People specifically interested in each topic will be invited to attend. Topics for future meetings were discussed. The next meeting on September 18th will take place at Union Elementary School. Topic discussions will include foreign language at UES and the possibility of moving 5th grade to MSMS. Discuss 5th Grade Report Expectations Superintendent Ricca asked the Board for specifics on what they want in the report from Principal Arnold. Mrs. Aldrich would like to know how Principal Arnold and the middle school teachers think a possible move of the 5th grade to MSMS will affect the middle school philosophy. Mr. Jones would like to hear about the possibility of a 5-6 loop, whether there’s an obvious location for an additional 75 kids, and how that physically gets managed. Mr. Phillips believes moving the 5th grade to MSMS would be a neutral educationally, but if it’s a bad combination he would like to know about it. Mr. VanDerlip is interested in knowing if moving the 5th grade to MSMS would have a negative effect on the overall population of the school and what’s manageable. He also noted the need to look at the general school population and what it’s going to cost. Mr. VanDerlip suggested identifying the priority, looking at the way the district utilizes space, and taking a more historical view of both buildings. Superintendent Ricca suggested separating the economic piece from Principal Arnold’s report. Discuss Budget Priorities – Review Admin/Board Retreat Passed over. Discuss Schedule of Reports for Fall – Special Education and Curriculum & Technology Possible meeting dates for visits with the new Director of Support Services and the new Director of Curriculum & Technology were discussed. It was decided that Superintendent Ricca and Mrs. Aldrich will work on scheduling these visits during their agenda planning. Consent Agenda Minutes of August 21, 2013 Warrants Teacher Contracts Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the August 21, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 13, 14 and 15 dated September 12, 2013 in the amounts of $535,000.00, $37,000.00 and $189,240.79 respectively, and the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Thomas Cate (music – UES) and George Vassiliadis (foreign language – MSMS). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Mrs. Aldrich reminded people about the upcoming meeting with Mayor Hollar on September 17, 2013 at Noble Hall. Mrs. Bean alerted people as to a parking survey on the City’s website. The school district will be publicizing the link to that survey on their website as well. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:16 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS August 21, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 4, 2013 Present Board: Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Director of Facilities Thom Wood Students: Ben Field, Alex Stetter Absent: Sue Aldrich Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice-Chairperson Charlie Phillips. Adjust/Review Agenda Warrants were removed from the Consent Agenda. Public Comments Dick Powell introduced himself as a representative of the semi-pro football team Vermont Ravens. Due to a scheduling conflict with their home field, Mr. Powell presented a proposal for the team’s use of the football field at Montpelier High School during the last weekend of September of this year. Discussion ensued regarding gate receipts, concessions, EMT/police coverage, liability insurance, etc. The proposal will be turned over to the Principal and the Athletic Director at Montpelier High School for further consideration. Update on Summer Facility Projects – MPS Director of Facilities Thom Wood Director of Facilities Thom Wood provided substantial information regarding the bond and maintenance projects completed over the summer. Also discussed were future projects where community feedback is being sought, and Mr. Wood asked for Board volunteers to sit in on these discussions. Included on the list of future projects is the bleacher issue at MHS, the auditorium at MHS, and a parking lot at MHS to perhaps accommodate the State. Mrs. Bean volunteered for the parking group, Mr. Jones for the auditorium group, and Mr. Phillips for the athletic group. Also discussed was the window replacement project at MSMS and MHS. Mr. Wood requested global feedback on that project as well. Discuss Proposed City Charter Re: School District Documents detailing proposed changes to the City Charter were provided. Mr. Jones inquired as to the School Board’s specific responsibility to the City Council regarding charter changes. Superintendent Ricca will follow up with City Manager Bill Fraser. Discuss Community Reaction to School District Budget Increases Tabled. Update on Technology Audit A written report was provided. According to Superintendent Ricca, the report is a little worse than expected. The estimated cost to “get the house in order” is $80,000. All non-essential purchases have been put on hold. Superintendent Ricca will begin work on an RFP to solicit bids to address substantial needs. He hopes to have additional information by the early part of October with a recommendation as to which direction to go. Discuss Goals for Admin. Team/Board Retreat Possible agenda items for tomorrow’s meeting with the Admin. Team were discussed. Suggested items included FY15 budget priorities, budget process, getting to know new administrators, curriculum development and role of the board, evaluation system re: equity and feasibility, parking lot review, and a timeline regarding the possibility of moving 5th grade to MSMS. Consent Agenda Minutes of July 17, 2013 Unpaid Leave of Absence Requests Athletic Trainer Contract Co-Curricular Contract Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the July 17, 2013 regular meeting, two unpaid leave of absence requests, the recommendation to offer an Athletic Trainer contract to Seth McCoy, and a co-curricular contract (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Ben Field and Alex Stetter were welcomed as the new student representatives to the Board. Mr. VanDerlip requested an overview of school opening and an enrollment update at the next meeting on September 4th. The Board extended well wishes to cameraman Anthony Barrows as he heads off to college. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:59 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-curricular Appointment MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS July 17, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: August 21, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Business Manager Cindy Rossi Public: Ben Field Absent: Jennifer Cahill Bean, Carol Paquette Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:45 p.m. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 6:45 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 7:04 p.m. Return to Open Session 7:04 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda The Financial Condition and Activities report will be moved upward on the agenda. Public Comments None. Discuss Superintendent Limitations Report A handout was distributed and discussed. Financial Condition and Activities Discuss Field Trip Orford, New Hampshire – Jason Miles Trip details were provided. Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve Jason Miles’ field trip request to Orford, New Hampshire on August 23-25, 2013. Motion carried unanimously. Review Superintendent Limitations Policy In an effort to prepare the best report possible, Superintendent Ricca asked the Board for suggestions on methods to capture the needed data. Mrs. Braun suggested a Survey Monkey survey. Since November was the time selected for a more thorough evaluation of the superintendent, the Board will need information back to them by the second meeting in October. With that in mind, it was suggested that the survey be sent out by the end of September. Board members will send questions to include on the survey to Superintendent Ricca. Mr. Jones wants to follow up with the public on some of the bond projects to complete, as he remembers a discussion about getting more substantial community involvement in this regard. Mr. VanDerlip inquired as to the status of the technology systems review. Superintendent Ricca expects a report on that later this week or early next week. Treatment of Staff Discuss Policy Waiver Criteria Mr. Phillips inquired as to the existence of any models that could be reviewed. Superintendent Ricca will check on that. Mrs. Aldrich suggested inviting the K-1 team to a meeting to discuss how they evaluate and why they believe it is important not to make exceptions. A discussion in regard to making kindergarten admission dates reflective of one’s gender was added to the list of parking lot items. Discuss Spiral International Proposal Superintendent Ricca gave an overview of the proposal. Mr. VanDerlip expressed interest in knowing more about Spiral International, acknowledging that the concept of developing an international exchange program sounded really good. Mr. Jones would like to know more about Spiral International’s experience with the language exchange. Action Items Approve Signing of AFL-CIO Local 1369 FY14-16 Negotiated Agreement Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve signing of the AFL-CIO Local 1369 FY14-16 Negotiated Agreement. Motion carried unanimously. Approve Signing of Updated Member Agreements to Continue Participation in the Vermont Education Health Initiative Medical and Dental Programs Beyond June 30, 2014 Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve signing of the updated member agreements to continue participation in the Vermont Education Health Initiative medical and dental programs beyond June 30, 2014. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of June 19, 2013 Warrants Teacher Contracts Co-Curricular Contracts Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the June 19, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 3 and 4 dated July 18, 2013 in the amounts of $363,862.03 and $45,133.81 respectively, the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Rachel Aldrich-Whalen (kindergarten – UES), Vanessa Freeman (kindergarten – UES) and Nathalie Sugarman (social worker – MSMS/MHS), and co-curricular contracts (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Ben Field and Alex Stetter are the new student representatives to the Board. Congratulations to UES physical education teacher Emmanuel Riby-Williams who became a citizen of the United States on July 8, 2013. The Board sends its condolences to Beverly Morgan and the family of Don Morgan who passed away last week. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:01 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-curricular Appointments |