Georgia Board of School Directors

October 16, 2007

Georgia School Library

Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM

MINUTES

 

Board Present:                  Jennifer Petrie, Casey Hager, Doug Bergstrom arrived at 7:00 PM

Administrators:                  Flora Hurteau, Frank Calano, Armando Vilaseca

Others:  

 

I.            Call to Order

            The meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM.

 

II.      Consent Agenda

            A.      Minutes – The minutes will be approved at the next regular board meeting.

 

III.        New Business

      A.      Kindergarten Presentation – The three kindergarten teachers were present to discuss the kindergarten program.  All of the kindergarten students have two full days and three half days.  This is the second year of this program.  The teachers were able to implement a literacy program with the extra time with the students.  Parent feedback has been positive.  The first grade feedback has also been positive.  Pam Toof spoke to the board about the literacy program.  There is an intervention and enrichment program in literacy for these students.  MJ Mitiguy was able to serve 41% of the kindergarten students through the enrichment program.  Ms. Nye spoke on behalf of the 1st grade teachers and their experience with the students who have completed the new program.  She stated that the children are more prepared and relaxed.  It is an option for parents to only have their children attend half day kindergarten.  Ms. Rowell stated that the children transitioned to the full day very well.

            B.      Ratify New Master Agreement

            C.      St. Albans Public Access Presentation – Paul Legassey was present from St. Albans Public Access.  SAPA has been in service for approximately 8 years.  Armando suggested that we explore who is able to view SAPA in the Georgia area.  Mr. Legassey stated that they will be gathering some numbers with regards to programming in the area.

 

IV.       Public Forum:  Budget Input

            Doug stated to the general public that the Board was in the beginning phases of the budget planning process.  He asked the community members who were present to present their ideas to the board.  Some suggestions to the board were:

                  ¨      Foreign language

                  ¨      Full-day kindergarten

                  ¨      Preschool program

                  ¨      Enrollment numbers and keeping the quality of the school

                  ¨      Supervisory board change.  Georgia is currently part of the Franklin West Supervisory Union.  There is some consideration to switch to the Franklin Central Supervisory Union.  Most of our students currently choose BFA-St. Albans who is part of the Franklin Central Supervisory Union.  There is also some discussion regarding consolidating supervisory unions in the state.

                  ¨      Transportation issues for the high school students

                  ¨      New technology.  Alert Now which is a system that allows a message to be sent to parents telephones, e-mails, text message simultaneously.  The school is looking into establishing a website that would be accessible to parents to look at their student’s grades, homework assignments, etc.

                  ¨      The board stated that the bus service is up for bid.

 

V.        Other

            ACTION:  The Board voted to allow for unpaid leave of absence for a support staff member.

 

            VI.      Upcoming Meetings                                               

A.      Next Regular Meeting:  November 5th at 6:00 PM, Georgia School Library