Georgia Elementary Middle School

Minutes of December 21, 2004

 

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

 

Present

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

v       Administrators:  Phil Higgins, Superintendent; Frank Calano, Middle School Principal; and David Young, Elementary School Principal

v       Transcriptionist:  Wendy Larose

v       Channel 16 Technician: 

v       Others:  Diane Reilly, teacher;  Cindy Little, Guidance

 

1.   Call to Order:

      Doug Bergstrom called the School Board Meeting to order at 6:08 p.m.

 

2.   Approve Minutes:

      A.  Regular meeting – December 7th

Motion to approve the regular meeting minutes (Mitiguy/Harvey). Motion passed unanimously. 

      B.   Budget Meeting – December 14th

Motion to approve the budget meeting minutes (Harvey/Mitguy). Motion passed unanimously. 

 

3.   Review Correspondence:

v       There was no for review in executive session.

 

4.   Public Comments:

v       There were no public comments. 

 

5.   Reports:

      A.      Principal’s report – Frank Calano

v       No update. 

            Elementary report – David Young

v       Many holiday activities.  Bus travel has been okay. 

      B.      Superintendent’s Report

v       Phil Higgins reported the superintendent’s and principals had a meeting with Commissioner Cate regarding the Regional Technical Academy.  There will be another meeting in January with Tech Ed Directors and the business community. 

v       Phil brought information on the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA). 

      C.   Board Reports – no board report to present.    

 

6.   Old Business:

      A.  Review Budget FY2006

v       Transportation bids are due in December 22nd. 

v       A projected high school tuition worksheet was handed out and the impact on students moving in was discussed. 

v       Need numbers back from Chris Sumner on how much money is still available in the capital account. 

v       Doug Bergstrom discussed refining the schedule and having the committees meet on January 3rd to prepare for the January 4th budget work session.   Their meetings times on the 3rd are:  Technology from 3-4 p.m., Transportation from 4-5 p.m., and Buildings & Grounds from 5-6 p.m. 

v       Phil Higgins passed out a list of outstanding issues.


 

7.   New Business:

      A.  Plan Final Budget Forum

v       The board will meet at 6:00 p.m. to review and organize committee work.

v       The public open forum will be from 7-9 p.m. in the library.  There was discussion on how to notify the public as this is the most important and influential meeting for them to attend.  A note will be put on the board in front of the school and a general mailing will be done to all Georgia residents. 

      B.   Early Education Presentation

v       Annette Blanchard and Jody Pry (parents) were present to review a concerned parents group’s discussion on early childhood education.

v       The PTA had invited Joann Nye to present the research she had done on this subject. 

v       The group had done some research on the school’s kindergarten program and felt there was a need for more time than what is currently available in kindergarten.        Based on feedback from parents, they recommend the idea of an 8 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. kindergarten with the possibility of afternoon activities. They thought this would require two, .60 fulltime teachers

v       Space is an issue along with other areas that need to be considered. 

v       Dave Young expressed he wants to support the group but there needs to be more time for planning and the details to be worked out. 

v       Alice Sturgeon expressed her concern to have balance so students don’t get overloaded. 

C.      Approve 2003-2004 Audit Report

v       Georgia is in non-compliance with the audit.  There are no Chittenden County schools in compliance and only six schools in the entire state that currently comply.  There was a discussion on how quickly Georgia could comply.  All questions regarding the audit should be emailed to Chris Sumner for the next meeting.  No action taken tonight. 

 

8.   Policy Review:

      A.  Board Meeting Agenda Preparation & Distribution Policy – 2nd Reading

v       No comments. 

      B.      Evaluation & Supervision of Educators Policy – 1st Reading

v       Practice is in line with the contract and what’s currently being done in the school.  No other comments. 

      C.      Paraprofessional Policies – Review/Action to Repeal

v       All paras are covered by this contract.  No action taken.

 

8.   Policy Review:

Motion made at 7:52 p.m. (Harvey/Mitiguy) to go into executive session. 

Executive Session called by Chairman Bergstrom at 8:05 Student Issue

Out of session at 8:15

Action:

Dan Harvey moved to follow our current policy in regards to residency and the Parent request for tuition waiver.

Motion Seconded by Alice Sturgeon

Unanimously approved. 4 votes (1 member reclused himself from vote)

Chris Mitiguy reclused himself from the discussion and the vote.

 

Chairman Bergstrom reentered executive session – Personnel Issue at 8:16

Out of session at 8:25

Action:

Alice Sturgeon moved to grant Lauralee Baral her leave request including 2 unpaid leave days.

Motion seconded by Dan Harvey

Unanimously Approved

 

Chairman Bergstrom reentered executive session at 8:27 – Student Issue

Out of session at 8:45

Action:

Dan Harvey moved to support the administrative recommendation in regards to two middle school students.

Chris Mitiguy seconded motion

Unanimously Approved