MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS October 5, 2016 MINUTES Minutes Approved: October 19, 2016 Present Board: Bridget Asay, Michele Braun, Steve Hingtgen (via Skype), Ken Jones, Jim Murphy, Peter Sterling Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principal Mike McRaith, Director of Facilities Thom Wood Student: Brynn Bushey Public: Jen Matthews, Jason Serota-Winston, Sarah Squier, Nathan Suter, Ryan Zajac, and others Absent: Tina Muncy, Theresa Noonan Item I - Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:34 p.m. Item II – Executive Session Motion for Approval for Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board find that discussing contract negotiations in open session would put the Board at a substantial disadvantage. Mr. Murphy seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:34 p.m. Motion to Move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Murphy moved that the Board enter into Executive Session in accordance with 1 VSA §313 to discuss contract negotiations. Mr. Sterling seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:34 p.m. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 7:07 p.m. Item III – Return to Open Session 7:12 p.m. Item IV – Public Comment Montpelier resident Nathan Suter posed questions to Superintendent Ricca regarding the upcoming budgeting process. Item V – Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes of September 21, 2016 School Board Meeting Approval of Warrants for Payroll & Accounts Payable for October 14, 2016 (Limitations Policy 2.4) Approval of Co-Curricular Appointments (Limitations Policy 2.7) Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the September 21, 2016 regular meeting, Warrant 8 dated October 13, 2016 in the amount of $639,816.98, and co-curricular contracts (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Item VI – Limitations Policy 2.0 – Global Superintendent Constraint Superintendent’s Report A written report was provided and discussed. Following discussion, and given the broad nature of this policy and the fact it is part of a subset that the Board does not want to spend a lot of time on, a suggestion was made to handle future reporting on this via the consent agenda. Accept Superintendent’s Report Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Hingtgen, to put limitations report 2.0 on the consent agenda for the October 2017 calendar. Motion carried unanimously. The Board discussed a process for identifying additional policies for reporting on the consent agenda. Item VII – Limitations Policy 2.8 – Communication and Support to the Board MHS Principal Report – Proficiency Based Graduation Requirements A handout was provided detailing traditional MHS graduation requirements and proposed graduation requirements for the class of 2020 and beyond. Principal McRaith reviewed the basic differences between the two and requested that the Board accept the proposal for the new requirements. There was discussion about determining evidence for transferable skills, the new grading system, and the need for designing a math curriculum that counts for proficiency. Accept MHS Principal Report Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, to accept Principal McRaith’s report. Motion carried unanimously. The next step in the process will be for the District to adopt a new proficiency based graduation policy. A first reading of that policy will be included on the agenda for the October 19th meeting. Item VIII – Limitations Policy 2.6 – Asset Protection Director of Facilities Report A handout was provided. Mr. Wood provided an update on the status of capital improvement projects and a reconciliation of the fund balance. Superintendent Ricca asked the Board for a motion to reduce the committed fund balance by $140,400 which would allow for needed adjustments to what was previously requested in April of 2016, as well as pay for the items identified and already paid for in FY17. There was continued discussion in regard to the possibility of a bond. Accept Director of Facilities Report Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Sterling, to reduce the committed fund balance request by $140,400 as identified in the table on the handout provided by Mr. Wood. Motion carried unanimously. Item IX – Governance Process Policy 4.1 – Governing Style Discuss Possible 706 Study with Roxbury Ms. Asay questioned Superintendent Ricca on his view as to the District’s ability to run the Roxbury Elementary School as a consolidated district with the physical gap and what that would involve. Superintendent Ricca read Stephen Dale’s response to the questions he agreed to secure at the last meeting. Vote on 706 Study with Roxbury Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Sterling, that the Montpelier School Board communicate to the Roxbury Board that it is in favor of a 706 Study Committee. Motion carried unanimously. Item X – Limitations Policy 2.4 – Financial Planning and Budgeting Discuss and Agree to Board Outreach for FY18 Budget Avenues for community outreach were brainstormed and assigned. It was agreed that the purpose of these group discussions is to elicit feedback in terms of values for the District, as well as gather reaction to a set of budget priorities established with input from the Leadership Team at the next meeting on October 19th. Mrs. Braun will craft a direct observation form for use at the outreach meetings. Item XI – Governance Process Policy 4.1 – Governing Style Board Self-Evaluation Sadly over time on tonight’s meeting (Mrs. Braun) but with a very full agenda. Superintendent Ricca promised a timeline from the Vermont Bond Bank at the next meeting. Go to netzerovt.org and look at the 20 architectural renderings of redevelopment in downtown Montpelier and cast your sentiment as to which of those look best (Mr. Jones). Item XII – Adjourn On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:27 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-Curricular Appointments MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS September 21, 2016 MINUTES Minutes Approved: October 5, 2016 Present Board: Bridget Asay, Michele Braun, Ken Jones, Tina Muncy, Peter Sterling Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca Public: Stephen Dale, Harry Frank, Laurie Gossens, Jon Guiffre, Adam Jackson, Katlyn Jackson, Alex Rob, André Souligny, Nathan Suter, Ryan Zajac, and others Absent: Steve Hingtgen, Jim Murphy, Brynn Bushey, Theresa Noonan Item I - Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Item II – Executive Session Motion for Approval for Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board find that discussing contract negotiations in open session would put the Board at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Asay seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:30 p.m. Motion to Move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board enter into Executive Session in accordance with 1 VSA §313 to discuss contract negotiations. Ms. Asay seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:31 p.m. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 6:58 p.m. Item III – Return to Open Session 7:00 p.m. Item IV – Public Comment Montpelier resident Nathan Suter posed questions to Dr. Ricca regarding equalized pupils, what direction Dr. Ricca plans to give to the Leadership Team in light of the upcoming budgeting process, and how the District is ensuring that students are getting the attention they deserve in terms of social workers, special educators, etc. Item V – Consent Agenda Superintendent Ricca requested addition of a co-curricular appointment. Approval of Minutes of September 7, 2016 School Board Meeting Approval of Warrants for Payroll & Accounts Payable for September 30, 2016 (Limitations Policy 2.4) Approval of Co-Curricular Appointment (Limitations Policy 2.7) Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Ms. Muncy, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the September 7, 2016 regular meeting, Warrant 7 dated September 29, 2016 in the amount of $868,825.40, and a co-curricular contract (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Item VI – Governance Process Policy 4.1 – Governing Style Meeting with Roxbury School Board – Facilitated by Stephen Dale Stephen Dale facilitated a discussion with the Roxbury School Board to explore the possibility of a merger between the two towns and to decide whether to create a 706 Study Committee. Pros and cons of a merger were reviewed. A financial analysis, with assumptions, was presented. There were a few issues identified for Mr. Dale to research and provide answers. Following receipt of that information, the Board committed to deciding whether or not to go ahead with the creation of a 706 Study Committee with Roxbury at their next meeting on October 5th. Following that decision, Roxbury committed to providing a response following their meeting on October 12th. Item VII – Limitations Policy 2.8 – Communication and Support to the Board Superintendent’s Report – End 3 A written report was provided and discussed. Accept Superintendent’s Report Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Ms. Asay, to accept the superintendent’s report on End 3. Motion carried unanimously. Item VIII – Governance Process Policy 4.6 – Board Committee After School Program Committee Report A written report was provided. Ms. Asay provided a summary of the report’s conclusions and recommendations. There was discussion about the possibility of restoring some of the funding for Community Connections’ after-school programs in the upcoming budget cycle. Accept After School Program Committee Report Ms. Muncy moved, seconded by Mr. Sterling, to accept the After School Program Committee Report. Motion carried unanimously. Item IX – Governance Process Policy 4.1 – Governing Style Board self-evaluation The Board discussed the process for a repeat of its self-evaluation survey. Posting board packets and having extra copies of reports available at meetings were also discussed. Item X – Adjourn On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:25 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-Curricular Appointment MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS September 7, 2016 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 21, 2016 Present Board: Bridget Asay, Michele Braun, Steve Hingtgen (by phone @ 7:41 p.m., dep. 8:02 p.m.), Ken Jones, Tina Muncy, Jim Murphy, Peter Sterling Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca Student: Brynn Bushey Absent: Theresa Noonan Item I - Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Item II – Public Comment None. Item III – Consent Agenda Approval of Minutes of July 13, 2016 and August 22, 2016 School Board Meetings Approval of Warrants for Payroll & Accounts Payable for September 16, 2016 (Limitations Policy 2.4) Approval of Co-Curricular Appointment (Limitations Policy 2.7) Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Ms. Muncy, to approve the consent agenda including minutes of the July 13, 2016 and August 22, 2016 board meetings, Warrant 6 dated September 15, 2016 in the amount of $720,000.00, and a co-curricular contract (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Item IV – Governance Policy 4.3 – Agenda Planning Work Plan Review The Board’s work plan was provided. There was discussion about the process for reviewing and reporting on mandated policies. Superintendent Ricca will provide board members with a copy of the wrap up from the legislative session from the end of May or early June. He and Mrs. Braun will review that document and come up with a proposal for moving forward around any changes that might be coming in regard to education policy. Ms. Muncy suggested moving the reporting on Ends 1 to earlier in the schedule given the fact that test results now come out in October. Discussion regarding indicators for Ends 1 ensued. Following that discussion, Ms. Muncy moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, to switch reporting on Ends 1 from April to February, and reporting on Ends 2 from February to April. This change is being made for the current year only with the understanding that reporting on Ends 1 may be moved up even further on the schedule once indicators for Ends 1 are established. Motion carried unanimously. Ms. Asay pointed out the fact that one of the Board’s policies calls for agenda planning to occur in May and wondered about board members’ desire to deviate from that schedule. Following discussion, Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the Board add to the work plan for May that the Board engage in agenda planning as contemplated in policy 4.3. Motion carried unanimously. Approve Work Plan Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, adoption of the work plan. Motion carried unanimously. Item V – Limitations Policy 2.4 – Financial Planning & Budgeting Budget Process Review Superintendent Ricca shared and invited feedback on the proposed FY18 budget process. Ms. Asay suggested changing the December 21, 2016 and January 4, 2017 meeting dates to make the time between the first and second budget presentations more workable. Mr. Jones requested the scheduling of a public hearing for some time after January 4, 2017. Superintendent Ricca suggested moving the January 4th meeting date to January 11th. Ms. Muncy suggested moving the December 21st meeting date to December 14th with a public hearing on the 21st. Following discussion, it was agreed that holding a public hearing on December 21st did not make sense and Mr. Jones suggested January 4th as an alternative date. Mr. Sterling proposed holding the public hearing on a non-Wednesday night or on a weekend, with a weekend date of January 7th offered. At this point Mr. Hingtgen joined the meeting by phone and identified himself for the record. Mrs. Braun reviewed the current proposal to move the December 21st meeting to December 14th and the January 4th meeting to January 11th, and to schedule an additional public presentation of the budget on Saturday, January 7, 2017 in the afternoon. Approve Budget Process Mr. Sterling moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the FY18 budget process be adjusted as follows: there will be no meeting on December 21 or January 4. The new December meeting dates will be December 7th and 14th. The December 7th date will be the audit presentation, the December 14th date will be what was previously laid out for December 21st. The January 4th meeting date will be pushed to January 11th. There will be a public presentation meeting scheduled for Saturday, January 7th in the afternoon, time to be determined. Motion carried unanimously. Mr. Sterling asked for a similar timeline from the administration for a potential bond initiative. Superintendent Ricca acknowledged the Board’s desire to consider a bond and advised that he and the Leadership Team would be working on a parallel track to get board members the information they need. Mr. Murphy inquired as to a reasonable time for receiving information to determine whether or not a bond might be advisable. Following discussion, Mr. Murphy moved that on October 5, 2016 the Board have a presentation from the administration on funding priorities and possible ways to fund them so that board members are prepared to go to the community with funding needs and funding options. Mrs. Braun requested to amend the date from October 5 to just October. Ms. Muncy suggested whatever can be put together on that issue for October 5 since the budget process timeline calls for board members connecting with community groups between the October 5th and October 19th meetings. Superintendent Ricca committed to providing a rough list of projects that need attention so board members can start the conversation around the infrastructure and the buildings. He said he was happy to also provide rough estimates for the projects as long as everyone understood that the estimates had the potential to change drastically. Mr. Sterling said he saw having rough numbers attached to the projects as a way of getting input rather than being something the Board is tied to. At this point Mr. Hingtgen left the meeting because he was unable to hear all of the conversation clearly. He will rejoin by phone later for Executive Session. Mrs. Braun suggested also hearing from the Leadership Team in regard to their priorities on October 5th. Ms. Muncy moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, that the budget process calendar be amended to include a presentation by Director of Facilities Thom Wood in regard to facilities on October 5, 2016, as well as a list of the leadership priorities on October 5, 2016. Motion carried unanimously. Item VI – Governance Policy 4.1 – Governing Style Board self-evaluation Glad to be back to regular meetings and looking forward to getting this work going (Mrs. Braun) Good discussion with a lot more detail about budget than previously (Ms. Muncy) Item VII – Executive Session Motion for Approval for Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board find that discussing contract negotiations in open session would put the Board at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Asay seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 8:20 p.m. Motion to Move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Murphy moved that the Board enter into Executive Session in accordance with 1 VSA §313 to discuss contract negotiations. Ms. Asay seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 8:20 p.m. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 8:55 p.m. Item VIII – Adjourn On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 8:55 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder Co-Curricular Appointment MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS August 22, 2016 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 7, 2016 Present Board: Bridget Asay, Michele Braun, Steve Hingtgen, Ken Jones, Tina Muncy, Jim Murphy, Peter Sterling Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca, Principals Pam Arnold, Chris Hennessey and Mike McRaith, Support Services Director Mary Lundeen, Curriculum and Technology Director Michael Martin, Business Manager Grant Geisler Item I - Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 8:30 a.m. Item II – Public Comment None. Item III – Consent Agenda Approval of New Teacher Contracts (Limitations Policy 2.9) Approval of Co-Curricular Appointments (Limitations Policy 2.7) Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Mr. Murphy, to approve the consent agenda including the recommendation to offer teaching contracts to Peggy Watson (Pre-K coordinator and EEE teacher – UES), Morgan Nicastro (Pre-K teacher – UES) and Kellie Lynch (Coordinator of Behavior Support and Intervention – UES) and co-curricular contracts (see listing). Motion carried unanimously. Item IV – Leadership Team & Board Retreat Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Ms. Muncy, that the Leadership Team provide the Board with agreed upon indicators for Ends 3, as well as a work plan for the next twelve months to identify other indicators for Ends 3. Motion carried unanimously. Item V – Adjourn On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 12:35 p.m. Dr. Brian G. Ricca Recorder Co-Curricular Appointments MEETING OF THE
MONTPELIER BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS July 13, 2016 MINUTES Minutes Approved: September 7, 2016 Present Board: Bridget Asay, Michele Braun, Steve Hingtgen, Ken Jones, Tina Muncy, Peter Sterling Administration: Superintendent Brian Ricca Public: Jason Gingold, Sigrid Olson Absent: Brynn Bushey, Jim Murphy, Theresa Noonan Item I - Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m. Item II – Executive Session Motion for Approval for Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board find that discussing contract negotiations in open session would put the Board at a substantial disadvantage. Ms. Muncy seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:30 p.m. Motion to Move to Executive Session for the Purpose of Contract Negotiations Mr. Jones moved that the Board enter into Executive Session in accordance with 1 VSA §313 to discuss contract negotiations. Ms. Muncy seconded and the motion carried unanimously at 6:31 p.m. On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to leave Executive Session at 6:55 p.m. Item III – Return to Open Session 7:02 p.m. Item IV – Public Comment None. Item V – Consent Agenda Approval of Warrants for Payroll & Accounts Payable for July 22, 2016 and August 5, 2016 (Limitations Policy 2.4) Ms. Asay moved, seconded by Mr. Sterling, to approve the consent agenda including Warrant 2 dated July 21, 2016 in the amount of $623,916.01 and Warrant 3 dated August 4, 2016 in the amount of $480,000.00. Motion carried unanimously. Item VI – Limitations Policy (2.1) – Treatment of Parents, Guardians, Students, and Citizens Complaint Process Superintendent Ricca presented the Board with proposed procedures for hearing complaints. Feedback was given. Superintendent Ricca will share this feedback with the Leadership Team and return to the Board with an updated proposal by the end of September. Item VII – Limitations Policy (2.2) – Treatment of Staff Superintendent's Report A written report was provided and discussed. Accept Superintendent's Report Mr. Hingtgen moved, seconded by Ms. Asay, to accept the superintendent's report on limitations policy 2.2, treatment of staff. Motion carried unanimously. Item VIII – Limitations Policy (2.3) – Financial Condition and Activities Superintendent's Report A written report was provided and discussed. Accept Superintendent's Report Mr. Hingtgen moved, seconded by Mr. Sterling, to accept the superintendent's report on limitations policy 2.3, financial condition and activities. Motion carried unanimously. Item IX – Process Policy (4.1) – Governing Style Follow-up from 7/11/16 meeting with Roxbury Board Mrs. Braun reported on a recent meeting with the Roxbury School Board attended by herself, Ms. Muncy and Mr. Jones. Roxbury would like to know whether or not Montpelier is interested in pursuing an exploratory study with them. Following discussion, Mr. Jones moved, seconded by Ms. Asay, that the Board send a letter to the Roxbury School Board indicating it is interested in pursuing an exploratory study with them. Motion carried unanimously. Item X – Process Policy (4.1) – Governing Style Meeting Evaluation Superintendent Ricca made a recommendation that the Board be more deliberate in its conversational practices with the public. Ms. Muncy requested that the schedule of meetings for next year be added to the website. In addition, Ms. Muncy requested to hear comments in regard to how the Leadership Team felt the last retreat went. Item XI – Adjourn On a motion duly made and seconded, the Board voted unanimously to adjourn at 9:14 p.m. Heather Michaud Recorder |