MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS June 19, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: July 17, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca Public: Anthony Barrows, Madeline Murray-Clasen, Caroline Kessler, Devin Tomasi Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Superintendent Ricca requested the addition of an item in regard to the process for reviewing and signing warrants. Public Comments None. Visit with MHS Graduates Recent graduates Anthony Barrows, Madeline Murray-Clasen, Caroline Kessler and Devin Tomasi talked about their high school experiences. The Board asked the four graduates to return at a later date to discuss their college/work experiences. Discuss Roof Design Bid Proposals Wood Construction withdrew their bid. Feedback was not favorable. Further discussion warranted. Discuss FY15 Budget Priorities The Board began discussing the list. The list is long. Need to work on technology. Discussed electronic portfolios. Design a system for feedback. Find a system to help students shine, also outside plays a huge factor. Mr. Phillips mentioned that the bond and interest payments come up in 2015. Discussion of preschool and foreign language being offered at the elementary school, along with possible movement of the fifth grade to Main Street. Discuss Superintendent Limitations Report 2.1 #3 Mr. Hennessey and Superintendent Ricca had a parents night, which was very productive. Parents would like to see more opportunities to communicate. They are also looking for different types of communication. Superintendent Ricca and Mr. Hennessey discussed the school website, so that parents would have more specific questions answered and easier to find. Establish a back and forth feedback. Mrs. Braun would like to see the newsletter brought back, something more dynamic. Discuss August Retreat Dates and Details The Board discussed whether it should be half or full days. How many days should it be, one or two? The Board decided on two half days in early August. Superintendent Ricca will follow-up with the Board to schedule the days and times. Discuss Framework for Future Meetings with Mary Lundeen and Michael Martin The Board would like to see from Mary Lundeen the caseloads and cost to provide the best service. Mr. VanDerlip would like to see from Michael Martin how he plans to visit the buildings and classes. How he will get a fix of the classrooms. Mrs. Bean would like to see Mr. Martin’s five year and ten year plans for our systems and hardware. Mrs. Braun would like to know if and how the Smart Boards are being used. The Board would like to see from them their overall snapshot and budget. Authorize the Board Chairman and/or the Board Clerk/Treasurer to Sign Warrants A handout was provided. Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to authorize the Board Chairman or the Board Clerk/Treasurer to sign warrants on behalf of the entire Board between scheduled meetings. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of June 5, 2013 Warrants Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the June 5, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 51 and 52 dated June 20, 2013 in the amounts of $385,638.31 and $36,122.42 respectively, Warrants 53 and 54 dated June 28, 2013, and Warrants 1 and 2 dated July 3, 2013 in the amounts of $740,000.00 and $55,000.00 respectively. Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Congratulations to the girls’ tennis team on their state championship. Congratulations to all the graduates. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:58 p.m. Dotty Rowe Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS June 5, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: June 19, 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 Student: Meghan Wingate Public: Ben Field, Daniel Grosvenor-Hoyne, Andrea Myotte, Colleen Quinn Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 6:30 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 7:07 p.m. Evaluation of Employee Return to Open Session 7:07 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Addition of two teacher nominations to the consent agenda. Superintendent Ricca requested the addition of a discussion item in regard to the RFP for roof design. Public Comments None. Discuss Field Trip Montreal – Andrea Myotte Students Colleen Quinn and Daniel Grosvenor-Hoye explained how this field trip relates to their curriculum. Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mrs. Braun, to approve Andrea Myotte’s field trip request to Montreal on June 13, 2013. Motion carried unanimously. Discuss Superintendent Limitations Reports A written report was provided. Mr. Phillips commented that the report did not further his understanding of the school system. Following that comment, the Board had a frank discussion about the efficacy of the superintendent limitations reports. In terms of reports from the administration, Mr. Phillips said he is looking for a different kind of format. He sees no need to spend time on the limitations reports. Mrs. Aldrich echoed Mr. Phillips’ comment. Mr. VanDerlip feels having a framework to work from is helpful. He likes having a structure and a calendar. Following discussion, it was decided that as each policy comes up for reporting, the Board will review the policy and really pare down for Superintendent Riccca the specific information they want to receive at the next meeting. Mr. VanDerlip suggested one way for the Board to get feedback would be to implement the questionnaire they discussed. 2.1 Treatment of Parents, Guardians, Students and Citizens 2.8 Communication and Support to the Board Review Superintendent Limitations Policies The Board began compiling a list of parking lot items. Under policy 2.4, Mr. Phillips wants a report on special education costs from the new Director of Support Services. Under policy 2.6, #9, Mr. Phillips wants information relative to a prior issue involving confusion over property belonging to either the Montpelier Theater Guild or the elementary school. Under policy 2.7, #3, Mr. Phillips wants an overall sense of what’s going on. Mr. VanDerlip wants a reporting on policy 2.6, #10. According to Mrs. Braun, policy 2.1, #5 is an area that needs work. In that regard, Mrs. Braun asked Superintendent Ricca to find out why the eNews is not longer being published. 2.2 Treatment of Staff 2.3 Financial Condition and Activities Visit with MHS Principal Principal Bunting presented the proposed schedule for MHS for 2013-2014. The major change in the schedule is a shift to block scheduling. Classes will expand from 45-minute periods to 85-minute blocks. Teacher advisory has been expanded from 8 minutes a week to 40 minutes a week. There is also time dedicated to recess/health-wellness. Mr. VanDerlip inquired about the possibility of a year-end student exit survey. While happy to do it, Principal Bunting questioned the wisdom of any additional year-end activities. He believes a more appropriate time for student polling would be around semester break. Set Annual Calendar Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the annual calendar as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Discuss Roof Design RFP A summary of the roof design RFP was distributed. A total of six firms were asked to respond and the district received only two proposals. A school district employee owns the firm with the lowest proposal and this is the firm being recommended to do the work. School board members are concerned about the conflict of interest this presents. Mr. Phillips suggested having both firms attend a future school board meeting to make their pitch. Superintendent Ricca will follow-up with City Manager Bill Fraser to see if the City has ever encountered a similar situation. Mr. VanDerlip suggested contacting an attorney for their advice, noting the importance of approaching this matter both legally and ethically. Consent Agenda Minutes of May 15, 2013 Warrants Resignation Carol Kelley Teacher Contracts Authorize Superintendent to Submit Consolidated Federal Program Grant and to Receive and Expend Federal Funds Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the May 15, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 49 and 50 dated June 6, 2013 in the amounts of $597,497.24 and $15,240.69 respectively, a teacher resignation, the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Sarah Mele (school nurse – UES), Joshua Parker (math – MSMS/MHS), Nancy Mears (Grade 3 – UES), Clarissa Adams (Grade 5 – UES), Rebecca Cadone (literacy coach – UES), Heather McLane (social studies – MHS) and Ann Nelson (SLP – UES) and authorization for the superintendent to submit the Consolidated Federal Program Grant and to receive and expend federal funds. Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Congratulations to the boys’ lacrosse team on today’s playdown win in two overtimes. The MSMS 100th anniversary celebration is next Wednesday, June 12, 2013. Tonight is Meghan’s last meeting. Thanks for being a great student representative and good luck in college. The 1st Annual State of Vermont Economic Development Summit was held on Monday, June 3, 2013. Mrs. Aldrich encouraged board members to attend the MSMS CBL celebration on Tuesday, June 11, 2013. Ms. Paquette requested an addition to the list of parking lot items – assistant for Chris Hennessey at UES. The Girls on the Run 5K event is this coming Saturday. Congratulations to the Ultimate Frisbee team on their third place finish in state competition. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:56 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS May 15, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: June 5, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca Public: Zachary Beechler, Ben Field, Carolyn Herz Absent: Meghan Wingate Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Addition of student presentation. Addition of a discussion item regarding the possibility of adding a fifth kindergarten class for the 2013-2014 school year. Public Comments None. Student Presentation Sally Aldrich and Ethan Herz presented part of a scene from the high school production of Romeo and Juliet. Review Superintendent Evaluation Process The process and tools for evaluating the superintendent were discussed. Following discussion, it was decided that initial feedback will be gathered from board members and discussed with Superintendent Ricca in June, with more thorough feedback from other stakeholders by November. Discuss Superintendent Limitations Report 2.6 Asset Protection A written report, with a focus on technology, was provided. Review Superintendent Limitations Policies Superintendent Ricca inquired as to what areas of these policies board members want his report to focus more strongly on. Mr. Phillips noted the need to establish “selling” of the district as a priority. A comprehensive review of the co-curricular program was previously discussed; this needs to be re-examined. An early summer meeting with the Admin. Team was suggested, with a follow-up meeting later in the summer. Mr. Phillips would like the Board to brainstorm on how to better improve relations with the community. Mrs. Braun suggested the use of social media for relaying factoids about the district. 2.1 Treatment of Parents, Guardians, Students, and Citizens Mrs. Aldrich would like to hear from Superintendent Ricca on #9. Mr. VanDerlip would like Superintendent Ricca’s feedback on the mechanisms used or that could be used to assess #4. Mr. Jones suggested that Superintendent Ricca work with incoming UES Principal Chris Hennessey to enhance the district’s mechanisms for handling the areas identified in #3 and #5. Following discussion, it was decided that the focus of Superintendent Ricca’s report for the next meeting on June 5 will be #4, with substantive follow-up on #3 and #5 going forward. 2.8 Communication and Support to the Board Mr. Phillips requested information on #3. Mr. VanDerlip expressed interest in a report on #1, although acknowledging that this may be an area for discussion with the incoming Director of Instruction and Information Systems, Michael Martin. Following discussion, it was decided that the focus of Superintendent Ricca’s report for the next meeting on June 5 will be #3, with follow-up with Mr. Martin on #1 going forward. Discuss FY15 Budget Priorities Superintendent Ricca inquired of board members as to their thoughts on the timeline he sketched out. Mr. Jones identified as a priority the need to look at the revenue pieces. Also identified as a priority was the need to figure out where the potential for growth is, as well as gathering information on why families are electing alternatives. Mr. VanDerlip recognized the need for an approach that allows creativity. Discuss Addition of Fifth Kindergarten Class for 2013-2014 The UES looping plan was emailed to board members by Superintendent Ricca. High registration numbers necessitate the addition of a fifth kindergarten classroom for the upcoming school year. At this point the Board needs to decide if the fifth second-grade classroom that was added for the current school year continues to third grade. It is time to evaluate progress in that classroom. Superintendent Ricca will gather feedback from the current second-grade teachers. The class size policy needs to be reviewed. Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve the hiring of a fifth kindergarten teacher for the 2013-2014 school year. Motion carried unanimously. Approve 2013-2014 School Calendar Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve the calendar for the 2013-2014 school year as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of May 1, 2013 Warrants Teacher Contract Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the May 1, 2013 regular meeting, Warrants 47 and 48 dated May 23, 2013 in the amounts of $756,549.10 and $30,633.21 respectively and the recommendation to offer a teaching contract to Julie Morton (SOAR – MHS). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Congratulations to Julia Gilbert on winning the Presidential Scholar Award. Julia named Lyman Castle as her most influential teacher. The Contemporary Dance and Fitness Studio performance is this coming weekend. Congratulations to MHS teacher Kerrin McCadden on winning the 2013 New Issues Poetry Prize. Congratulations to MSMS on a successful evacuation drill. Superintendent Ricca will email confirmation of the various graduation dates. Superintendent Ricca will follow up with incoming UES Principal Chris Hennessey regarding institution of a foreign language program at the elementary school. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:18 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS May 1, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: May 15, 2013 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principals Pam Arnold and Adam Bunting Student: Meghan Wingate Public: Laura Dunwoody, Bonnie Flanagan, Susan Koch, Andrew LaRosa, Morgan Lloyd, Marita McDonald-Frey, Emily Wetherell, and others Absent: Jennifer Cahill Bean, Carol Paquette Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 6:30 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 7:07 p.m. Employee Disciplinary Hearing Return to Open Session 7:07 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Mr. VanDerlip requested the addition of a discussion item regarding the superintendent evaluation process. Public Comments None. Visit with Finalist for UES Principal Position The finalist gave a PowerPoint presentation and then responded to questions from the Board and the public. Update on District Heat Initiative – Thom Wood Mr. Wood provided an update on the fuel procurement consortium, as well as the Honeywell contract. A capital improvement spending plan for FY14-FY16 was distributed. Mr. Jones would like to establish a subcommittee of the Board to work with Mr. Wood on FY14 projects and volunteered to serve on that subcommittee, along with Mr. VanDerlip. A question was raised about possible improvements to the parking lot in front of the high school. Superintendent Ricca advised that the district is in preliminary discussions with some people in Montpelier to do some work there. Update on CBL Program – Matt McLane and Brooke Pearson Messrs. McLane and Pearson provided a quick update in regard to the CBL program. A course syllabus and enrollment numbers were shared. The Board praised Messrs. McLane and Pearson for their work in this area. Discuss FY15 Budget Priorities Passed over until the next meeting on May 15th. Discuss Procedure for Evaluation of the Superintendent Passed over until the next meeting on May 15th. Mr. VanDerlip has an evaluation paper process that will be distributed with the next board packet. It is the Board’s goal to complete and discuss the evaluation with Superintendent Ricca at the first June meeting. Consent Agenda Minutes of April 17, 2013 Warrants Resignation Dennis Maranville Transportation Contract Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the April 17, 2013 meeting, Warrants 45 and 46 dated May 9, 2013 in the amounts of $642,000.00 and $27,500.00 respectively, the resignation of Dennis Maranville, with appreciation, and the transportation contract. Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Romeo and Juliet this Friday and Saturday. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 9:10 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 9:42 p.m. Appointment of Employee Return to Open Session 9:42 p.m. Action Taken a. Appointment of Employee On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to offer Christopher Hennessey a contract for the position of Principal of Union Elementary School. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:43 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS April 17, 2013 MINUTES Minutes Approved: May 1, 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 Student: Meghan Wingate Public: Nina Merriam, Tom Nowlan, Brooke Pearson, Dorothy Rowe, Marijke Russo, Tom Sabo Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda An Executive Session will be added prior to adjournment. Public Comments None. Discuss Policy Waiver Request Lisa Mahoney and Pete Mancauskas presented their request for a waiver of the September 1 cutoff date for entrance into kindergarten. Following discussion, Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to make a one-time exception and have the child in question evaluated by the kindergarten team with no pressure for a recommendation to admit. If, after the evaluation, the teachers return with a recommendation that this child be admitted to kindergarten in the fall, the Board agrees to grant a waiver of the policy in question for this one case. Motion carried unanimously. Visit with Finalist for Director of Support Services Position The finalist gave a short presentation and then responded to questions from the Board. Discuss Hoop House at MHS – Tom Sabo Mr. Sabo presented a proposal for construction of a 24’ x 48’ “hoop house” style greenhouse adjacent to the existing greenhouse at MHS. There will be no cost to the district for this project. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to accept Mr. Sabo’s proposal. Motion carried unanimously. Discuss Field Trips Birmingham, Alabama – Marijke Russo The Debate Team experienced success at the District Tournament and is moving on to Nationals. As a conditional approval of the trip to the District Tournament, Nina Merriam and Tom Nowlan participated in an abbreviated debate with Mrs. Aldrich and Mr. Jones. Following that, Ms. Russo presented the team’s request for approval of their trip to Birmingham, Alabama for participation in the National Debate Tournament. Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve this request pending satisfactory arrangements for budgetary concerns. Motion carried unanimously. Atlanta, Georgia – Brooke Pearson Mr. Pearson presented the Scholars’ Bowl Team’s request for approval of a field trip to Atlanta, Georgia on May 24-26, 2013 to compete in the NAQT high school national championship as the Vermont small school champion for 2013. Following discussion, Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Ms. Paquette, to approve this request pending proper arrangements for the balance of funding. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of April 10, 2013 Warrants Financial Report Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the April 10, 2013 special meeting, Warrants 43 and 44 dated April 18, 2013 in the amounts of $826,438.88 and $16,661.91 respectively, and the FY13 third quarter financial report. Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Mr. Jones requested Thom Wood’s presence at the next meeting on May 1, 2013 for a discussion in regard to the district heat construction. Superintendent Ricca provided an update on the UES principal search. The group met for the last time as a search committee and attended a site visit for one of the candidates today. A candidate or candidates will be brought to the Board at the next meeting on May 1st. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 9:32 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 10:05 p.m. Appointment of Employee Return to Open Session 10:05 p.m. Action Taken a. Appointment of Employee On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to offer Mary Lundeen a contract for the position of Director of Support Services. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the board voted unanimously to adjourn at 10:06 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder |