Georgia Elementary & Middle School

Georgia, VT

August 5, 2003

 

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

 Present

Georgia Board Members:  Ken Minck, Teresa Stebbins, & Doug Bergstrom

 Administrators:  Phil Higgins, Superintendent;  Adrienne Fisher, Director of Student Support Services;  David Young, Elementary School Principal;  Frank Calano, Middle School Principal;  & Chris Sumner, Business Manager

 Transcriptionist:  Candy Granger

Others:  David Warrender

 1.      Ken Minck called the School Board Meeting to order at 6:06 pm.

 2.      Approve Minutes:

This item will be discussed later in the meeting once the Board Members have a chance to review the minutes. 

3.      Review Correspondence:

Ken Minck:

-          Chris Sumner has a Letter from the Town of Georgia Selectboard informing the School Board that Laurie Broe has been appointed as the Town Treasurer due to Todd LeBlanc’s resignation

-          Phil Higgins has a proposed Georgia development to discuss under Old Business 

4.      Public Comments:

There were no public comments. 

Doug Bergstrom made a motion to move the School Board into Executive Session to discuss a Student Issue.  Teresa Stebbins seconded.  Motion passed, unanimously.

 Entered Executive Session at 6:07pm.

 Exited Executive Session at 6:31pm.

 (skipped to)

7.      New Business:

B.     Special Education Needs – Adrienne Fisher:

Teresa Stebbins made a motion to hire 2 paraprofessionals as discussed in Executive Session.   Motion passed, unanimously. 

Adrienne Fisher departed at 6:33pm.

 (returned to)

5.      Reports – Administrative:

  1. Principals’ Reports:

David Young:

-          Teresa Stebbins made a motion to hire a ½ time Kindergarten Teacher to make up a 5th session.  Motion passed 2 to 1, with Doug Bergstrom opposing.

-          October 22nd is Teacher of the Year Day.  Our Teacher of the Year was Leslie  Ely.

-          Everyday Math Training has been taking place, there have been 3 sessions and 1 more to go.

 Frank Calano:

-          The Building is messy right now, but things will be in order before school opens

-          Responsive classroom training has been taking place

-          Hired a custodial supervisor, Tod Granger, who starts Monday, we will have 4 custodians on staff, and Paul’s ½ time position

-          Completed all hiring in the Middle School

-          Aug 27 just Grades 5 & 6 attend

-          Aug 28 just Grades 7 & 8 attend

-          Aug 29 all grades attend 

  1. Financial Report – Chris:

-          Revenue is about $60,000 more than anticipated

-          Expenditures are right on

-          We are overall about $295,000 above the bottom line

-          Doug asked for a budget update in regards to the changes as of tonight.  Chris said that she would get him a list of additions above what was budgeted, but that she couldn’t show him the full picture until about October.  

-          Chris had information on the sprinkler system.  She explained that GEMS needed 2 bids per Chris Boyd at the State;  1 for work to be performed this summer and 1 for next summer.   If FY’03 job will cost in excess of $5,000 more than FY’04 job, we can postpone work until next summer.  In this case, we must have a signed contract to perform services for next summer in order to open school.

 -          Teresa Stebbins made a motion to extend the sprinkler bids due date to have the work performed in the summer of ’04.  And to get bids by August 15th and then to bring the bid information to the Board Meeting on 8/19 for approval.  Motion passed, unanimously. 

  1. Superintendent’s Report – Phil:

-          Regina Meigs is now on board at the Superintendent’s Office working 3 days per week, and Su Sawyer is now working 4 days per week.

-          Thursday and Friday is the annual Administrative Meeting

-          The District’s Federal Grants have been approved already for this year. 

  1. Board Reports:

Doug Bergstrom made a motion to approve the June 17, 2003 Regular School Board Meeting Minutes.  Motion passed, unanimously. 

Doug asked if another Board Member could help him out by signing the warrants through the month of September.  Teresa Stebbins volunteered.  He will resume his Clerk responsibilities in October once his life is not as busy.  

6.      Old Business:

A.     Restrictive Behavioral Intervention Policy–1st Reading:

This Policy will be acted on in September. 

B.     Administrative Contract Negotiations – Executive Session?:

This item will be discussed under Executive Session. 

C.     Transportation Requirements for Development Proposal:

Is the road in Milton a Town road?  Phil will check on this.  And Ken will set up a meeting with the Georgia Selectboard.  

7.      New Business:

  1. Superintendent’s Review:

Phil Higgins asked if the Board Members had turned in their yellow review sheets to Chris Mitiguy.  The Board Members said that they had turned them in a while ago.  

8.      Confirm Meeting Dates:

  1. Regular Board Meeting & Retreat – August 19, 2003 @ 4pm in GEMS Library

  2.  

Carolyn Branagan arrived at 7pm. 

Carolyn Branagan wanted to mention that the legislature is working on a plan to review student dropouts.  Carolyn wanted to let the Board know that this item has not been forgotten.  She also asked any board members to call her with any questions. She is planning on having a town meeting in late September for Georgia and Fairfax residents.   

Teresa Stebbins thanked Carolyn for all her hard work on communicating with everyone. 

9.      Executive Session – if needed: 

Teresa Stebbins made a motion to enter the Board into Executive Session to discuss 2 issues (1 Personnel and 1 Student) at 7:18pm. 

Teresa Stebbins moved to grant the Administrative recommendation for a 4th Grade Student to attend project soar.  The Administration is to investigate possible scholarships and grants to help fund tuition.  Unanimously approved. 

Ken Minck adjourned the Meeting at 7:40 pm.