Georgia Board of School Directors

October 3, 2006 at Georgia School Library

Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM

MINUTES

 

Board Present:                  Wendy Larose, Dan Harvey, Ron King

Administrators:                  Frank Calano, Armando Vilaseca, Flora Hurteau

Others:   Carolyn Branagan, Chris Sumner

 

I.            Call to Order                                                                                                                                                                                                

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM

 

II.      Principals’ Report

                        Flora and Frank handed out their respective reports.  Flora and Frank meet with the State Police tomorrow to discuss the lockdown procedure, school blueprints, etc.  Flora discussed the use of the building by outsiders such as senior citizen groups.  Middle school conferences will be held this week.  Kindergarten students will be screened for extra help and enrichment programs.  The historical society is involved with the third and fourth graders on a project regarding the town.  Georgia Veterans Memorial is up at the town office and some students were involved planting some shrubbery at the site.  NECAP has started this week for the third and fourth graders.  It will start next week for grades five through eight.  Sixth graders did the star base program which involves putting together rockets and setting them off. 

 

III.      Committee Reports

                        There was a Franklin West meeting which initiated a long range plan involving all schools.  There was a discussion to move the Franklin West offices.  There are a number of options at this time.  Chris Sumner handed out the Financial Budget.  She noted that there was a significant savings in salaries.  There were some savings in special education because of an IEP change.  Due to the savings there will not be a need to acquire a loan for the roof expense.  By the final January school board meeting there will be a recommendation regarding the roof expense and/or loan.

 

IV.      Consent Agenda

                  ACTION:  Motion by Wendy Larose to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting on September 19, 2006, seconded by Ron King, approved unanimously.

 

V.      Public Comment

                        Carolyn Branagan, Franklin County Representative, came to ask what the school board’s take was on the school budget and how we should raise money to fund our schools.  She discussed some proposals that are currently out there regarding property taxes, etc. which effect school budgets.  She suggested that the school board send her their suggestions and thoughts.  The issue of Catamount Health was discussed and will be implemented fiscal 2007 which could be at a significant cost to the school.

 

            VI.      Policies

A.      Tuition Payment Policy – No action

B.      Student Conduct & Discipline Policy – There was a change regarding bomb threats.

C.      Student Suspension & Expulsion Policy

            ACTION:  Motion by Ron King to expunge the current Student Suspension & Expulsion Policy in the policy manual, seconded by Wendy Larose, approved unanimously.

            D.      Employment of 12 Month Personnel Policy – There was a discussion that the information contained in this policy should be included in the employee contract.  Armando will prepare a handbook for review.

 

VII.      Other

            Ron King discussed wood chip heat and wind power electricity for the school.  The Facilities committee would like to obtain proposals and feasibility reports.

                  ACTION:  Motion by Ron King to approve the Facilities Committee to obtain proposals for renewable energy to heat and power the school, seconded by Wendy Larose, approved unanimously.

            Armando handed out the policies required by the state.

            Armando put together a guideline regarding expectations for teachers regarding supplies for the classroom and what the parents should provide for their student.

 

VIII.          Executive Session

ACTION:  Motion by Ron King to grant Wendy Gabaree’s request for an unpaid leave of absence from January 25, 2007 through the end of the school year, seconded by Wendy Larose, approved unanimously.

 

ACTION:  Motion by Wendy Larose to grant Sheila Parrotte’s request for a catastrophic leave of absence from October 2-6, 2006, seconded by Ron King, approved unanimously.

 

IX.                  Upcoming Meetings                                                                                                                              

A.     Next Regular Meeting:  October 17, 2006 at 6:00 PM, Georgia School Library