SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS June 20, 2014 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 3, 2014 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principals Pam Arnold, Adam Bunting and Chris Hennessey, Curriculum and Technology Director Michael Martin, Support Services Director Mary Lundeen, Business Manager Cindy Rossi Public: Val Gardner Absent: Ken Jones Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 12:02 p.m. Public Comments None. Board/Leadership Team Retreat Val Gardner led the Board through an extensive and thorough review of good governance and included the Leadership Team throughout. Consent Agenda Teacher Contract Resignation Gregory Conk Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including the recommendation to offer a teaching contract to Christina Young (special education – MSMS) and a teacher resignation. Motion carried unanimously. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 4:05 p.m. Dr. Brian G. Ricca Recorder SPECIAL MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS June 13, 2014 MINUTES Minutes Approved: July 16, 2014 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Michele Braun, Ken Jones (by phone), Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Facilities Director Thom Wood Public: John Hemmelgarn, Michael Vitti Absent: Jennifer Cahill Bean, Carol Paquette Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 11:05 a.m. Public Comments None. Discuss Bond Projects There was discussion about a motion made at the last school board meeting regarding bond money for bathroom renovations. Director of Facilities Thom Wood had a discussion with UES Principal Chris Hennessey and UES Head Custodian Todd Keller. Both agreed that it was too much work to get all done before school started. Attorney Paul Giuliani stated that in spirit of the bond, all resources should not be spent at Union Elementary School. The bond was voted by the public for bathroom renovations at all three buildings. It is a conflict. With that in mind, you will have to go by what the public voted on. Superintendent Ricca stated that Act 213 did not leave much latitude. All classes and all three buildings. Improvements for roof and bathrooms. Mr. Jones argued that the bids came in separately and higher than expected. How does the bond state to use the money? What did the public vote on? When it went to the bank after the public voted, what was different or changed? We have to go by what the public voted on, not what went to the bank. If we want to change the bond, we will have to go back to the public and ask to modify the bond with the appropriate changes. Mrs. Aldrich said the Board should get Mr. Wood’s opinion on what needs to be done now and what can be worked on at a later date. Mr. Wood said they could work on all three, or they could do the UES bathrooms and the MSMS bathrooms and then do the MHS bathrooms and additional work at a later date. Mr. VanDerlip asked if the MHS bathrooms had to be done or whether they could be put off and the money put towards bathrooms at UES. Both Superintendent Ricca and Mr. Phillips referred to postponing one part of the three bathrooms. Mrs. Braun asked if we were doing two of the schools – UES and MSMS - or all three. Mr. VanDerlip suggested that since the bids did come in higher than expected, do two now and hold off on the high school. Mr. Phillips stated that in his opinion the high school bathrooms are the last on the list to be done. Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to rescind the prior vote regarding bathroom renovations. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to use bond money for first level north side bathroom renovations at UES, as well as second level bathroom renovations at MSMS. Motion carried unanimously. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 11:24 a.m. Dotty Rowe Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS June 4, 2014 MINUTES Minutes Approved: July 16, 2014 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Facilities Director Thom Wood Student: Alex Stetter Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda Addition of teacher contracts to the consent agenda. Public Comments None. Update on MHS Auditorium Steve Frey from Arocordis Design has been working with a committee of stakeholders on ideas for improving the space and character of the auditorium at MHS. The group worked on defining priorities and important issues surrounding the auditorium space. Preexisting conditions, i.e., equipment, lighting, seating, were assessed. As a result of the committee’s work, concept plans were generated. These plans were shared and discussed with the Board, along with a design phase estimate. Mrs. Braun inquired about the availability of bond funds to cover the proposed renovations. Director of Facilities Thom Wood reported that while there are some bond funds available for this purpose, it is not nearly enough. He has therefore requested a master plan allowing for the renovations to be approached sequentially and incrementally. Part of the next steps will be to work on building broader community support for this project, as well as fundraising. Mrs. Braun requested a recommendation as to where to invest first. Mr. Frey identified a detailed acoustical analysis/assessment/recommendations, as well as a detailed theatrical lighting and stage equipment analysis/assessment/recommendations, as his top two priorities. Mr. Jones asked Mr. Wood for a schedule of shorter-term actions. Mr. Wood will schedule a follow-up meeting with the stakeholder committee to prioritize items and devise an action plan. Update on UES Playground Mr. Wood reported that the master plan for playground renovations will not be ready until the fall of 2014. The discussion then turned to restroom renovations. Restroom renovation bids were distributed and discussed. Mr. Wood reported that bathroom renovation costs are much higher than anticipated, as well as the fact that there is only enough bond money to renovate approximately one set of bathrooms at each school. With that in mind, he proposed renovating the set of bathrooms by the auditorium at MHS, the set of bathrooms on the second floor at MSMS, and the set of bathrooms on the first floor by drop-off at UES. There was discussion around the issue of the bathrooms at UES needing the most attention. The Board discussed the possibility of taking the liberty to decide which bathrooms to renovate based on need. Following discussion, there was consensus to use all available bond money to renovate bathrooms at UES. A question was raised about the bond requirement to renovate bathrooms at all three schools. Superintendent Ricca agreed to check on that. Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to approve the bid of E.F. Wall for renovations to bathroom pairs (a), (b) and (d) at Union Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. Discuss Possible Exit Survey for Seniors 2015 Mr. Jones talked about the new piece of legislation that passed which requires the State to track post-graduation paths. Mrs. Braun suggested the possibility of an exit survey for individuals who leave the district before graduating. Superintendent Ricca informed the Board about a renewed proposal from Matt McLane to work with an AP statistics class on a project such as this and asked board members for suggestions on areas to measure. Mr. Phillips requested information on student plans immediately following graduation. Mr. VanDerlip would like to know how the students perceive themselves as successful students in high school. Mr. Jones wants to know if the students feel like a part of the community. Mrs. Aldrich suggested having the students come up with ideas for questions as well. Mr. Jones suggested having the class visit with the Board before beginning their work on this project. Hear Superintendent Limitations Report 2.8 Communication and Support to the Board Superintendent Ricca asked board members to provide feedback on how he is doing in regard to providing them with information and support. Mr. Jones told Superintendent Ricca that he needs to be more systematic in order to ensure timely ends data reporting. He said the only time the Board should divert from the set reporting schedule is when they specifically act to do so. Mr. Jones went on to say that he does not believe the Board has reviewed data on a particular schedule. Mrs. Aldrich told Superintendent Ricca that she thinks he has fulfilled the requirements of #3 and #4 well. Mr. Phillips commented that he sees no value in the limitations reports. He said the information that these reports require is not the type of information he is interested in receiving. He went on to say that he wants information like periodic reviews of the action plan, the status of teacher observations, statistics as to the number of teachers who have been put on focused assistance, etc. Mr. VanDerlip said he wanted to receive board packets in a more timely way. He asked Superintendent Ricca for richer superintendent narratives with more of his own thoughts about what's going on, what's working well, etc. Mrs. Braun commented that she likes the way Superintendent Ricca's memo corresponds with each item on the agenda. Mr. Phillips suggested revisiting this issue at the scheduled retreat on June 20th. Mr. Jones agreed, acknowledging that it may be time to revisit the limitations policies and reporting. Discuss Expectations for End #2 Superintendent Ricca asked board members for sources of evidence to prove that this end is being met. Mrs. Braun questioned if some of the indicators for this end might be contained in the learning objectives. Mr. VanDerlip believes the personal learning portfolios will address these types of skills and attitudes. Mr. Jones requested information as to what the rollout plan for personal learning portfolios looks like - where we are now, where we will be next year, etc. Mrs. Bean commented that there is a lot going on in the MSMS building around this end. Mrs. Aldrich asked Superintendent Ricca to look for examples like the Green Expo. to report on. Mrs. Braun suggested asking teachers to offer examples. Mr. Jones believes finding good examples will be the easy part, with the more difficult part being how to identify where improvement is needed. Mr. VanDerlip noted the importance of anecdotal examples, saying the other half is having a plan to ensure it's systematic. Set Annual Calendar Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the annual calendar as presented pending a check for religious holiday conflicts. Motion carried unanimously. Discuss Unpaid Leave of Absence Request Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Phillips, to accept the recommendation for approval of an unpaid leave of absence request for a high school teacher. Motion carried unanimously. Action Item Approve Bid for Bathroom Renovations See #5 above. Authorize the Board Chairperson and/or the Board Clerk/Treasurer to Sign Warrants Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mrs. Braun, to authorize the Board Chairperson and/or the Board Clerk/Treasurer to sign warrants on behalf of the entire Board between scheduled meetings. Motion carried unanimously. Consent Agenda Minutes of May 21, 2014 Warrants Teacher Contracts Resignation Ivy Zeller Authorize Superintendent to Submit Consolidated Federal Program Grant and to Receive and Expend Federal Funds Mr. Phillips moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the May 21, 2014 regular meeting, Warrants 60, 61 and 62 dated June 5, 2014 in the amounts of $569,759.36, $30,052.51 and $82,379.75 respectively, the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Lindsay Vanoli (math – MHS/MSMS) and Heather McLane (social studies - MHS), the resignation of Ivy Zeller with recognition and appreciation for all the work she did on behalf of the students during especially awful times, 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 (+/∆) A copy of The Essential Work of Vermont School Boards was provided to each board member in advance of the Board’s session with Val Gardner on June 20th. Superintendent Ricca previewed the schedule for that day. The final high school choral concert of the year was fantastic; there are 12 seniors leaving that group (Mrs. Aldrich). The high school art show was fantastic, a lot of talent there (Ms. Paquette). Mrs. Bean commented on the new owl sculpture outside of the high school. The MHS outing club recently participated in a wonderful overnight sunrise hike. Executive Session On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to enter Executive Session at 8:45 p.m., with the superintendent remaining. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 8:57 p.m. Contract Negotiations Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:57 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS May 21, 2014 MINUTES Minutes Approved: June 4, 2014 Present Board: Sue Aldrich, Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principals Pam Arnold and Chris Hennessey, Curriculum and Technology Director Michael Martin, Business Manager Cindy Rossi Students: Ben Field, Alex Stetter Public: Jed Guertin Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Adjust/Review Agenda No changes. Public Comments City Councilor Dona Bate addressed the Board regarding the Citizens to Protect Berlin Pond’s petition to the Agency of Natural Resources. She asked board members to consider writing letters in support of the petition. Student Presentation Melissa Parker and students from her fifth grade class shared their work on a writing project. The students worked in conjunction with the residents of Woodridge Nursing Home and produced written stories on an artifact. The final product of the project was a DVD of the written stories. The goal is to provide each resident with a copy of the DVD. The entire project will be dedicated to Conrad, a Woodridge resident who participated and recently passed away. Visit with UES Principal Chris Hennessey reflected on his first year as principal of Union Elementary School. The focus of Principal Hennessey’s work during his first year was building relational trust, reducing distractions, and using technology. A nine minute video entitled “Our Story” was presented. Principal Hennessey discussed his vision for the future of UES. Needed playground renovations and repairs were discussed. Principal Hennessey invited and encouraged the community to get involved in this project. Following the presentation, Mr. VanDerlip requested an update on plans for moving the 5th grade to Main Street Middle School. Visit with Business Manager Don Morrill from Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust updated the Board on insurance coverage and resource information. Following that presentation, Business Manager Rossi provided financial updates. Update on Foreign Language Committee The Board previously delivered a directive to explore a proficiency based model. A committee was formed and researched the feasibility of forming this type of program at Union Elementary School. A report was generated and Director of Curriculum and Technology Michael Martin shared the results of the initial investigation. Discuss Board E-Mail Communication Mrs. Aldrich provided a brief reminder about open meeting law including the fact that board members cannot conduct email conversations. Discuss End #1 In addition to NECAP and AP test scores, Superintendent Ricca asked what other indicators board members wanted him to use for reporting on this end. Mr. Jones inquired about post-graduation follow-up. Mrs. Bean suggested looking at PNOA assessments. Mr. VanDerlip offered basic literacy assessments around second or third grade. Mrs. Aldrich suggested looking at cohort information. Ben Field asked if there was an exit survey for students. Mrs. Braun wondered if kindergarten screening data might be meaningful. Discuss Superintendent Limitations Report Superintendent Ricca distributed and invited feedback on his report. Mr. VanDerlip requested an update on playground safety issues including what might be done to remedy the situation. Consent Agenda Minutes of May 7, 2014 Warrants Teacher Contracts Administrator Contracts Resignations Nathalie Sugarman Lyman Castle Co-Curricular Contract Mrs. Braun moved, seconded by Mrs. Bean, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the May 7, 2014 regular meeting, Warrants 57, 58 and 59 dated May 22, 2014 in the amounts of $858,861.83, $27,742.60 and $29,637.80 respectively, the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Julie Morton (English - MHS), Stephanie DiLena (SOAR - MHS), Josh Parker (Math - MHS), Suzanne Francke (School Counselor - UES), Scott Appel (Grade 6 - MSMS), and Michelle Harper (Grade 6 - MSMS), the recommendation to offer administrator contracts to Jen Wall Howard (Assistant Principal - MHS) and Benjamin White (Assistant Principal/Athletic Director - MSMS), two teacher resignations, and a co-curricular contract (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) The Mouse That Roared was hilarious and well-attended, a great show. There has been excellent participation in the auditorium conversations. The non-existent boys tennis team is probably going to playoffs. Congratulations to all students who participated in the dance performance at the Barre Opera House. Main Street Middle School had a Green Expo a few weeks ago. According to the Central Vermont Solid Waste Management District, in three years MSMS has reduced its trash by more than 50% and is making a concerted effort to be more sustainable. The City is going to move forward on its solar net metering proposal without the school district. We will learn from their efforts and explore the possibility of going out on our own next year. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:19 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-curricular Appointment MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS May 7, 2014 MINUTES Minutes Approved: May 21, 2014 Present Board: Jennifer Cahill Bean, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Carol Paquette, Charlie Phillips, Lowell VanDerlip Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Facilities Director Thom Wood Students: Ben Field, Alex Stetter Public: Jed Guertin Absent: Sue Aldrich Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Vice Chairman Charlie Phillips. Adjust/Review Agenda Mr. Wood will not report on summer work projects, rather just bond and other facility issues. Public Comments None. Update on Bond Projects and Other Facility Issues – Director of Facilities Thom Wood Mr. Wood reported that the resignation on tonight’s consent agenda represents a complete turnover of the custodial staff at MHS and his work is now to refocus on development and retention of staff. Mr. Wood reviewed the UES re-roof bid results with the recommendation that the District engage Rodd Roofing to do the roof with the insulation issued included. Following discussion, Mr. VanDerlip moved, seconded by Mr. Jones, to approve the low bid of Rodd Roofing in the amount $330,000 for the re-roof at Union Elementary School. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Wood distributed a concept sketch of the MHS parking lot re-design and reviewed goals for the re-design. The new design represents a more efficient layout with no net loss of parking spaces. The hope is to have a bid packet for this project on the street next week. Regarding the MHS auditorium, design individuals are in the process of generating conceptual ideas. Regarding the bathroom renovations, Mr. Wood reported that bid packets should be ready to go out next week, with bids due back on June 4, 2014. The architects are taking an incremental approach to the three different project areas. Mr. Wood will wait and see where the numbers come in, but initial estimates from the architects are significantly higher than anticipated. Mr. Wood said there may be a need for some value engineering on the proposals when they come in. Additionally, Mr. Wood reported that the City is in the process of aggressively getting the revised RFP for their solar net metering proposal back on the street and has asked for confirmation as to whether or not the school district wants to be included. Mr. Wood asked if the Board had any appetite for this. Mr. VanDerlip inquired as to the advantages versus disadvantages of the school district working with the City. Discussion on financial incentives, scale, and renewable energy credits ensued. Following that discussion, there was consensus for Mr. Wood to investigate the question of whether the school district should participate with the City or explore opportunities for net metering on its own, as well as the question of whether or not the school district could maintain control of their renewable energy credits in the event they chose to participate with the City. Mr. Wood will explore these issues and provide information for the Board at the next meeting on May 21, 2014. Mr. Phillips expressed appreciation to Mr. Wood for his stewardship. Hear Indicator Report on End #4 “Citizenship” Superintendent Ricca distributed his report for End #4 and invited thoughts and feedback. After reviewing the report, Mrs. Bean said she appreciated the highlights. Mr. VanDerlip said it would be helpful to know if the discipline issues were repeat offenders or an array of students. Mr. Jones requested a continuum of data, indicating it would be helpful to see 5-10 years. Update on Program/Finance Committee Mrs. Braun explained the selection process for the four community members. The first meeting of the committee is tentatively scheduled for next Wednesday. Superintendent Ricca will assemble basic information in regard to setting the school budget. Mr. Jones inquired as to how selection of other committee members would occur. Discussion ensued. Mr. Jones said he wanted to ensure that everyone has a chance to participate but not necessarily be on the committee since there are a lot of people interested in a lot of topics. Mr. VanDerlip promised agendas in advance of committee meetings. Review Superintendent Policy 2.6 – Asset Protection Superintendent Ricca asked the Board for specificity in terms of desired information in advance of his report. Playground equipment, the amphitheater at UES, and the potential parking lot at MHS were areas identified in regard to paragraph #3. Regarding paragraph #8, Mr. Jones asked for clarity in regard to relationship between school money and city money. Discuss Parent/Teacher Conferences Student-led conferences were the focus of the discussion. Superintendent Ricca offered to assemble a group to examine this area in the event the Board so desired. Mr. Jones suggested asking the parent groups at UES and MSMS to weigh in on how the current system is working. Mrs. Braun asked if student-led conferences were considered best practice. Mr. VanDerlip said he was more concerned about the possibility of trading any further student days for teacher conference days. While on the topic of student days, and in relation to the calendar discussion that took place at the prior meeting where she was not present, Mrs. Bean made another pitch for going back to students having the entire week of Thanksgiving break off. Following further discussion, Superintendent Ricca offered to gather research in regard to student-led conferences to share with the Board, as well as to discuss the issue with teachers since he believes they have valuable feedback to offer. Consent Agenda Minutes of April 16, 2014 Warrants Resignation Salih Numanovic Co-Curricular Contract Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. VanDerlip, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the April 16, 2014 regular meeting, Warrants 54, 55 and 56 dated May 8, 2014 in the amounts of $653,379.84, $26,505.56 and $145,256.76 respectively, a resignation, and a co-curricular contract (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Announcements/Review Meeting (+/∆) Edutopia, a branch of the George Lucas Educational Foundation, will be filming at MHS next week. It’s National Teacher Appreciation Week – thank you to all of them for all that they do. Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mrs. Braun, that the Montpelier School Board recognize the high quality of the teachers in the district, with a request that this message be communicated to the teachers this week. Motion carried unanimously. Adjournment On a motion duly made and seconded the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:57 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-curricular Appointment |