School Board Minutes

Georgia Elementary & Middle School

Georgia, VT

November 18, 2003

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

Present

Georgia Board Members: Ken Minck, Chris Mitiguy, Teresa Stebbins, Richard Benoit, & Doug Bergstrom

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

Channel 16 Technician: Ben McCarty

Transcriptionist: Candy Granger

Others: MJ Mitiguy

1. Ken Minck called the School Board Meeting to order at 5:57pm.

2. Approve Minutes: November 4, 2003

Doug Bergstrom made a motion to approve the November 4, 2003 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes. Teresa Stebbins seconded. Motion passed, unanimously.

3. Review Correspondence:

- Information from VSBA regarding appointment of a new President

- A letter from the Town of Georgia Selectboard appointing Richard Benoit to the School Board until March of 2004

- A letter from the GEMS Teachers Association to the School Board

4. Public Comments:

MJ Mitiguy presented a research project that she is doing with children in Grades 5 & 6 in enrichment in connection with her masters program at Johnson State.

MJ Mitiguy departed at 6:06pm.

Steve Lefebvre, Adrienne Fisher, Alice Sturgeon, & Carlene Smyth arrived at 6:07pm.

5. Reports – Administrative:

Superintendent Report – Phil:

- The Regional Technical Academy could cost GEMS approximately $15,000 per child.

- The High Schools vote on the Regional Board. The votes are based on student population.

- Shared information from the No Child Left Behind

Principals’ Reports:

Frank:

- Shared results from the NAEP scoring from last year showing that Vermont has scored very well in comparison to the Nation.

- GEMS Grades 5 & 6 Spelling Team are going to Montpelier to compete in the regional spelling bee

- Will be meeting to discuss Math Portfolios shortly

- Thanksgiving feast on Friday

David:

- A lot of positive responses to the Public Forum held last week

- Marilyn Sink departed yesterday for Japan and will bring back some great information from the Fullbright Scholarship experience

- Parent Conferences continue in Grades K-4 and there has been great turnout from Parents

Continued Public Comments:

Steve Lefebvre and Carlene Smyth are here representing the 8^th Grade Class Field Trip. They asked questions regarding what they need to do such as chaperone ratios, overnight approval, out of state/country approval, and cost limit. They will return for Board approval once the 8^th Grade has decided what to do for their field trip.

Steve Lefebvre and Carlene Smyth departed at 6:42pm.

Financial Report - Chris:

- Chris stated that we still don’t have the big tuition bills from Essex or BFA Saint Albans, so these are best guess scenarios based on ADM counts.

- Approximately $90,000 over in Regular Education Tuition

- Approximately $96,000 over in Special Education Tuition

- She does not feel that we are at a point to freeze the budget yet, but it maybe needed by January

Board Reports:

There were no Board Reports.

6. Old Business:

A. Budget – Special Education – Adrienne Fisher:

Adrienne shared information on the Special Education Budget. She showed the Board how hard it is to predict the Special Education Budget. She met with the Special Education Teachers regarding caseloads.

Chris Sumner explained information that she received from the state regarding grant funds and how the proposed budget will need to be shown with all grant costs in with the expenditures and then to be offset with their revenue.

(skipped to 8. Policy Review)

D. Special Education Policies – 2^nd Reading:

- Special Education Policy

- Referrals

- Evaluation & Planning Team

- Private Health Insurance Pertaining to Special Services

- Independent Educational Evaluations

- Disciplinary Procedures

These policies were reviewed for the 2^nd time and will return for action on the next agenda, except for the Private Health Insurance Pertaining to Special Services, which will remain as a 2^nd Reading on the next agenda.

Special Education Policies – 1^st Reading:

- Local Action Plan Required by Act 60

- Special Education Out-of-District Placement

- Special Education Extended School Year

These policies were reviewed for the 1^st time and will return for a 2^nd Reading on the next agenda.

Adrienne Fisher departed at 8:03pm.

F. Risk Management – 1^st Reading:

This policy was reviewed for the 1^st time and will return for a 2^nd Reading on the next agenda.

(returned to)

8. Policy Review:

Mandatory Drug Testing of Transportation Employees – ACTION:

This item will remain as a 2^nd Reading at this time.

Local Action Plan – ACTION:
Annual School Reports – ACTION:

Chris Mitiguy made a motion to approve the Local Action Plan and Annual School Reports Policies. Teresa Stebbins seconded. Motion passed, unanimously.

7. New Business:

A. Copier Bid:

Chris Sumner is going to ask for a bid from Ikon. She is also going to send a letter to our current copier company to inform them that we will not be extending our copier contract. She will also look into the costs of a Riso machine once Doug Bergstrom gets her the information on a vendor.

B. Act on Audit Report:

Ken Minck asked Phil Higgins to draw up a policy for GASB 34 setting dollar limit on depreciable assets. Teresa Stebbins made a motion to approve the Audit Report. Motion passed, unanimously.

9. Confirm Meeting Dates:

Special Budget Meeting – November 25, 2003 @ 6pm in GEMS Library
Regular Board Meeting – December 2, 2003 @ 6pm in GEMS Library

Chris Sumner handed out information from the Library on equipment and books. She also shared more information from Diane Leyden about Libraries and students achievement.

Chris Sumner shared more budget figures.

Teresa Stebbins moved to enter Executive Session to discuss a Personnel Issue at 8:23pm.

10. Executive Session:

No Action.

Ken Minck adjourned the Meeting at 9:15pm.