Georgia Elementary & Middle School

Georgia, VT

May 18, 2004

 

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

Present

Georgia Board Members:  Doug Bergstrom, Chair;  Chris Mitiguy, Clerk;   Ron King, & Dan Harvey

Administrators:  Phil Higgins, Superintendent;  David Young, Elementary School Principal;  Frank Calano, Middle School Principal;  & Chris Sumner, Business Manager

 

Channel 16 Technician:  Matt Wohl

Transcriptionist:  Candy Granger

Others:  Joan Nye and Linda Strandberg 

 

1.      Doug Bergstrom called the School Board Meeting to order at 6:08pm.

2.      Approve Minutes: 

  1. Regular Meeting – May 4th:

Ron King made a motion to approve the May 4th Regular School Board Meeting Minutes.   Dan Harvey seconded.  Motion passed, unanimously.

3.      Review Correspondence:

Doug Bergstrom asked if everyone received their invitations to the School Board Social on Tuesday, May25th.  Doug Bergstrom also shared the idea of inviting the Georgia PTA Board.  The School Board agreed.

Sue Tougas arrived at 6:12pm.

(skipped to)

7.      New Business:

  1. All-Day Kindergarten Presentation – Joan Nye:

Joan Nye shared her information on an All-Day Kindergarten Presentation.  She shared information that she researched at various schools.  She stated that it seems like an All-Day Kindergarten Program would be a good idea.  

Joan Nye, Sue Tougas, and Linda Strandberg departed at 6:45pm.

4.      Public Comments:

There were no Public Comments.     

5.       Reports:

  1. Superintendent – Phil:

-          Early Education bill was stalled at the State

-          Fiscal School  bill was stalled at the State

-          Bullying bill passed

-          District Curriculum Director interviews start tomorrow

-          Busy time of year, but the Student climate in buildings is still good

-          Students are still learning

-          Weapons Policy to be discussed under Executive Session

  1. Principals’ Report:

Frank:

-          This Friday, some of the 8th Graders will be going to orientation at BFA Saint Albans.   There will be simulated schedules for all students from Georgia, Fairfield, Saint Albans Town, and Saint Albans City.

-          Education is still happening

-          8th Grade information letters went out last week, informing parents of end of the year dance, graduation, Spirit of Ethan Allen cruise, Harry Potter movie, and Pizza Putt outings

-          Grades 6 & 7 will have an exploratory electives night

-          Information has gone out to parents about math night

 

Tod Granger arrived at 6:51pm.

David:

-          Placement process has begun and will continue

-          Stat 9 test results have been returned, the information will go out soon.  The school report will be presented prior to June 16th.

-          New Standards Reference Exams have been completed

-          Judi St. Hilaire will have more information at the next Board Meeting regarding her upcoming field trip details

-          Both David and Frank are taking a class on Professional Development in the evening on Thursdays, called Lenses on Learning

  1. Financial Report – Chris Sumner:

-          Nothing new to report at this time

  1. Board Reports:

-          Dan Harvey informed the Board that the PTA approved $750 for a volunteer

Coordinator, with the understanding that the School Board will match.  Doug Bergstrom asked for this to be put on the next agenda.

-          The next Community Relations Team Meeting in on June 2nd at 6pm

-          Dan would like to draft School Board news for the new monthly Georgia paper

6.      Old Business:

  1. Building and Grounds Update:

Tod Granger reviewed information about outstanding building and grounds issues.  He shared quotes that he received and is still waiting for a couple more.

Chris Mitiguy said to he feels that we should definitely fix the maintenance issues.  Dan Harvey suggested spending the $3,720 on fixing the cafeteria floor.

Ron King reminded the Board and Administrators to check with the staff and make sure that if any items were needed for school this year that they be addressed, since we have been in the frozen budget status.  He wants to make sure that the perception is okay.  Dan Harvey made a motion to approve Tod Granger spending up to $25,000 for capital and maintenance issues, providing the work can be done by the June 30th.  Chris Mitiguy seconded.  Motion passed, unanimously.  Dan Harvey thanked Tod for all his work.  Tod Granger asked when the School Board would like to schedule the internal Building walk around.  The Board decided to meet with him after the School Board Social on 5/25 at 4:30pm.

Tod Granger departed at 7:40pm.

  1. Administrative Contracts – Discussion:

This item will be discussed under Executive Session.

  1. Approve positions:

-          Grade 5/6 Teacher:  Frank Calano informed the Board that there were 8 people on the interview committee and there was a good turnout of applicants.  They interviewed 10 applicants, and there was a lot of investigating and some of the committee visited the schools were the finalists worked.  Sandra’s school is closing.  Frank Calano recommends hiring Sandra Luna Leclair.  Chris Mitiguy made a motion to present Sandra Luna Leclair with the FY’05 Grade 5/6 Teacher Contract.   Dan Harvey seconded.  Motion passed, unanimously.

-          K-4 SLP Teacher:  David Young recommends hiring Kristine Williams for this fulltime position.  She has been employed here in the past.  Chris Mitiguy made a motion to present Kristine Williams with the FY’05 K-4 SLP Teacher Contract.  Dan Harvey seconded.   Motion passed, unanimously.

8.       Policy Review:

A.     Board Goal Setting & Evaluation Policy - ACTION:

Ron King made a motion to approve the Board Goal Setting & Evaluation Policy.  Dan Harvey seconded.   Motion passed, unanimously.

B.     Interscholastic Sports/Students Clubs & Activities Policy – 2nd Reading:

This policy was read for the 2nd time. 

C.     Board Relations with School Personnel – 2nd Reading:

This policy was read for the 2nd time. 

D.     Board Commitment to Non-Discrimination – 2nd Reading:

This policy was read for the 2nd time.

E.      Weapons Policy – Review/Update:

This policy was reviewed again. Doug Bergstrom asked Phil Higgins to check if any other policies have developed.

9.      Other:

There were no other items to discuss.

10.  Confirm Meeting Dates:

  1. Regular Board Meeting – June 1, 2004 @ 6pm in GEMS Library

11.  Executive Session – Student & Contract Issues:

Doug Bergstrom called for an Executive Session at 8:05pm for a Student Issue.

Exited Executive Session at 8:35pm.

No Action Taken.

Doug Bergstrom called for an Executive Session at 8:40pm for a Student Issue.

Exited Executive Session at 8:55pm.

No Action Taken.

 

Doug Bergstrom called for an Executive Session at 8:55pm for Contract Negotiations.

Exited Executive Session at 9:05pm.

No Action Taken.

 

Doug Bergstrom called for an Executive Session at 9:05pm for Contract Negotiations.

Exited Executive Session at 9:25pm.

No Action Taken.

 

Doug Bergstrom called for an Executive Session at 9:25pm for Contract Negotiations.

Exited Executive Session at 9:55pm.

No Action Taken.

 

Doug Bergstrom adjourned the School Board Meeting at 9:56pm.