Georgia Board of School Directors

Regular Meeting August 8, 2006

MINUTES

 

Board Present:    Wendy Larose, Ron King, Dan Harvey, Alice Sturgeon, Doug Bergstrom

Administrators:    Armando Vilaseca, Frank Calano

Others:                  

 

I.          Call to Order                                                                                                     

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 PM

 

II.         Consent Agenda

A.  Minutes/Principals Report:   

                              There was a discussion regarding the proposal to the Town from Citizens Bank.  The initial proposal was changed.  Suggestions were made that the Town Treasurer and the School Business Manager should meet at an earlier date to discuss changes to Town and/or School banking.  Doug Bergstrom discussed the reappraisal issue with the Town that was conducted earlier in the summer.  This could potentially cause issues for the school budget.

                                    ACTION:  Motion by Dan Harvey to direct the Franklin West Supervisory Union Business Manager to contact the Georgia Town and School Treasurer with an offer to jointly investigate banking and financial services, within a reasonable and appropriate timeline, that could be beneficial to both the Town of Georgia and the Georgia Elementary and Middle School., seconded by Wendy Larose, approved unanimously.

                                    ACTION:  Motion by Ron King to approve minutes of Regular Meeting, dated June 20, 2006, seconded by Alice Sturgeon, approved unanimously.

                                    ACTION:  Motion by Wendy Larose to approve minutes of Special Meeting dated June 22, 2006, seconded by Ron King, approved unanimously.

                              Frank Calano discussed the annual 5-8 retreat that was held today.  The action plan, individual goals, grade level goals and multi-grade goals were discussed.  They will be presented at the monthly meetings.  The handshake project will be introduced at the middle school, possibly K-4.  The building is complete regarding cleaning.  The furniture will be brought back into the classrooms this week.  The school has a roof issue.  The membrane of the roof is starting to pull away from the sidewall.  The material is brittle, it is 23 years old.  It was guaranteed for 15 years.  There have been phone calls made regarding replacement and/or repair.  The bids for repairs will not be guaranteed due to the existing material’s age.  The bids are due Friday, August 11.  It is estimated to be approximately $160,000.  The southern wall where it is connected to the roof by the cafeteria is moving.  The estimate for this repair is approximately $30,000.  Doug Bergstrom suggested a project list for existing and future repairs at the school.  There should be money budgeted each year for future repairs.  Dan Harvey does not think it is inappropriate to ask the taxpayers for the money for replacement.  Armando suggested finding out from Chris Sumner exactly where we stand on the budget.  Another possibility would be a line of credit for three years, which does not require town approval.  There is a light issue in the middle school.  Frank Calano suggested some sort of natural light for the interior rooms, possibly dormers.  Ron King pointed out that there are other schools with classrooms that do not have any natural light.  Armando suggested an ongoing capital improvement fund for repairs/improvements.

 

                              Armando discussed his administrator’s retreat last week.  He has had meetings with the Franklin West Supervisory Union regarding what he hopes to see happen in the District.  He further stated that he was able to utilize technology ten years ago in prior districts that is still not available at FWSU. Doug Bergstrom brought up the networking issue within the school.  He mentioned that we are outsourcing and spending a lot of money on this service.  He suggested having someone within the District act as administrator.  Doug suggested that a list be created that contains all of the equipment/software in the building.

 

III.        Public Comments – None.

 

IV.       Old Business

            A.  Cafeteria Discussion – Armando was brought up to date regarding the cafeteria issues.  Armando will have a discussion with Frank regarding the efficiency of the cafeteria.

 

VIII.     New Business

                        A.  Adopt Action Plan – Tabled.

 

IX.       Policies                                                        

A.  Tuition Payment Policy – Tabled

B.  Wellness Policy - Tabled

C.  Public Use of School Facilities – Tabled

D.  Transportation Policy – Tabled

 

X.        Other – Doug Bergstrom mentioned the notes coming home to parents regarding supplies the students should provide for the school year.  He mentioned that there is a school supply budget.   Alice Sturgeon suggested a meeting with the teachers regarding the supply issue.  Armando suggested creating guidelines for the teachers.

                                                                                                                                  

            Doug Bergstrom has been asked to fill an interim position on the Vermont School Board Association for the region for the months of August through November.

 

XI.               Executive Session: Negotiations

Entered Executive Session (negotiations) at 7:45pm

Exited Executive Session at 8:10pm

No action was taken.

 

XII.      Upcoming Meetings                                             

A.     Special Meeting (Roof): August 15, 2006 at 6:00 PM, Georgia School Library

B.    Annual Board Retreat Meeting:  August 22, 2006 at 4:00 PM, Doug Bergstrom

C.    Next Regular Meeting:  September 5, 2006 at 6:00 PM, Georgia School Library

 

XIII.     Adjournment