Georgia Board of School Directors

June 3, 2008 at Georgia School Library

Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM

MINUTES

 

Board Present:   Jennifer Petrie, Carl Laroe, Irene Bonin; Doug Bergstrom, Casey Hager

Administrators:                  Flora Hurteau, Frank Calano, Armando Vilaseca

Others:   Carolyn Branagan, Chris Sumner

 

I.            Call to Order                                                                                                                                                                                                

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM

 

II.      Public Comment – Rep. Carolyn Branagan was present to introduce herself and to discuss recent legislation.  Carolyn is on the Ways and Means Committee which deals with taxes.  She informed the Board that the statutory tax rate for is the same rate as what was budgeted.  There was a discussion regarding education for incarcerated individuals.  The state is considering dipping into the Ed Fund to educate prisoners housed in Vermont.  Consumer taxes are down and that could play a role when starting to plan for next year’s budget.

 

III.      Consent Agenda

                  Minutes – May 6, 2008 and May 20, 2008

                  Reports – Principal, Financial

                  Correspondence

                  Other

                        ACTION:  Motion by Casey Hager to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Jennifer Petrie, approved unanimously.

 

IV.      New Business

                  Educational Presentation – Tony Hardy (Room #104) – Mr. Hardy showed the Board how he incorporates the Smartboard into his daily teaching of math.  He stated that it is a huge advantage to his teaching.  The resources available through the program are endless.

                  Approve New Hire:  Preschool Teacher (0.5 FTE)

                        ACTION:  Motion by Jennifer Petrie to approve Julie Johnson as an Early Education 0.5 FTE teacher, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

                  Board Secretary Pay Rate – Armando presented information to the Board regarding the pay rate for Fletcher, Fairfax and Georgia board secretary.  The Board was asked to consider a pay raise to a $75.00 flat rate for the Board Secretary.

                  Approve Tax Anticipation Notes – Chris received information from the Bank regarding the recent drop in interest rates.  Chris recommends going with the Chittenden Bank.  The Chittenden has offered a tax anticipation note in the amount of $1,230,000 at a 2.39% interest rate.

                  ACTION: Motion by Irene Bonin to approve the tax anticipation note, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

                  Chris prepared a memo to the Selectboard regarding the delinquent tax payment that was late to the school.  The payment has since been made.

 

V.      Policy Review

                  Criminal Record Check Policy – Tabled – This policy is being worked on and will be presented at a later date.  It will pertain to vendors only.

                  Volunteers & Work Study Students Policy – 1st Reading – The background check for volunteers and work study students will be conducted in Vermont only.  A procedure will be presented with a policy.

 

VI.      Other – The 8th graders will be going on a field trip to Six Flags on Thursday, June 5, 2008.  Graduation will be Friday, June 13, 2008.  Ann Dunn will start July 1, 2008 as the new Technology Director for the District.  The Board Retreat will be held on August 5, 2008.

                  Transportation Contract – The School had a verbal agreement with Terricel Transportation to meet the requirements of Title 16 which allows for districts to enter into a one year extending contracts as long as they stay within the NE pricing index.  Terricel has expressed that they will not be able to honor the agreement at this point due to the increase in fuel costs.

 

VII.            Executive Session – Entered Executive Session at 8:20 PM regarding transportation.  No action taken.  Exited Executive Session at 8:45 PM.

 

            VIII.      Upcoming Meetings

      Regular Meeting:  June 17th at 6:00 PM at Georgia School Library

      Regular Meeting:  August 5th at 6:00 PM at Georgia School Library