Georgia Town School District

Board of School Directors

Meeting on October 4, 2005

 ::  MINUTES  ::

 

These minutes are not approved until accepted by the School Directors at their next meeting.

 

PRESENT:

·         Georgia Board Members - Doug Bergstrom, Chair; Chris Mitiguy, Alice Sturgeon, Dan Harvey

·         Administrators - Phil Higgins, Frank Calano, Flora Hurteau

·         Others – Rep. Carolyn Branagan, Natalie Duffy, Ann Marie Lowe, Sue Tougas, Devon Canastra, JoAnn Harvey, Rachel Fightlin, Pat Chamberlain, Kristine Jenkins.

 

  1. Call to Order

The meeting was called to order by Doug Bergstrom at 6:05 p.m.

 

  1. Consent Agenda

§         Minutes:   unavailable and will be brought for action to the next meeting.

§         Reports:   principals’, superintendent, building & grounds, and financial reports were presented to the board.

 

::   Action: Dan Harvey moved to approve the reports as presented, seconded by Ron King. The board approved the motion unanimously.

 

  1. Old Business
    1. Communication Plan for Public Forum

There was a discussion of communication for the upcoming public forum. A postcard will be distributed out to the community, inviting them to attend.

 

    1. Transportation Update

The board reviewed the clusters outlined in the Transportation Policy. Clusters will be addressed further when blueprints are submitted as part of the Act 250 permitting process. There was an update on the cost for bus antenna and radio equipment.  

 

::   Action: Alice Sturgeon moved to purchase and install the bus antennas/radios, with the total cost not to exceed $1700. Dan Harvey seconded and the board unanimously approved the motion.

 

    1. Approve Audit

The board reviewed the auditors report. There was a discussion about postponing action until the next meeting to allow the board to fully review the report.

 

::   Action: Dan Harvey moved to table approval of the audit report until the next regular meeting. Alice Sturgeon seconded and the board unanimously approved the motion.

 

  1. New Business
    1. Legislative Update – Rep. Carolyn Branagan

Franklin-1 Representative Carolyn Branagan provided a brief legislative update. Currently seeking pages and applications will be accepted through October 15th. There was discussion around school funding issues and ongoing challenges related to property taxes.  

    1. Kindergarten Presentation

Ann Marie Lowe presented the Kindergarten program. Various options are being considered. The school will be conducting a survey of the community to better evaluate the need. One of the proposals is to extend the Pre K to increase availability.    

 

    1. NECAP Presentation

School administrators presented the NECAP process and shared information on the practice tests that will be given to students.

 

  1. Policies
    1. Safety & Security Policy – Action

::   Action: Dan Harvey moved to approve the Safety & Security Policy, seconded by Ron King. The policy was unanimously approved.

 

    1. Student Records Policy – 1st Reading

There was a first reading of the policy. It will be brought back to the board for second reading at the next regular meeting.

 

    1. Student Surveys Policy – 1st Reading

There was a first reading of the policy. It will be brought back to the board for second reading at the next regular meeting.

 

  1. Executive Session
    1. Personnel Issue

Entered executive session at 8:00 PM

Exited executive session at 8:10 PM

 

::   Action: Dan Harvey moved to grant unpaid leave to TracyAnn Fortin from the beginning of normal birth leave until the end of the school year. Seconded by Alice Sturgeon and unanimously approved by the board.

 

    1. Residency Issue

Entered executive session at 8:12 PM

Exited executive session at 8:25 PM

 

::   Action: Dan Harvey moved to grant Robin Mercier an additional 30-day tuition waiver for her children to attend Georgia School. Seconded by Alice Sturgeon and unanimously approved by the board.

 

  1. Executive Session

The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 PM.