Georgia Board of School Directors
November 11, 2008 at Georgia School Library
Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM
MINUTES

Board Present: Jennifer Petrie, Doug Bergstrom, Casey Hager, Carl Laroe, Irene Bonin Administrators: Flora Hurteau, Armando Vilaseca, Frank Calano Others:    Dayle Payne, Gabe Coleman

I.                    Call to Order The meeting was called to order at 6:05 PM

 

II.                 Public Comment There was a question regarding the deadline date for the kindergarten questionnaire. Flora explained that for budget purposes the questionnaires need to be returned on November 13, 2008. Doug explained that between November 18, 2008 and January 2009 are when decisions will be made regarding the kindergarten program.

 

Ill.         Consent Agenda

·           Minutes — 10/7/08 (Regular Meeting), 10/21/08 (Forum Meeting) 10/30/08 (Special Meeting)

·           Reports — Principal, Financial

ACTION: Motion by Casey Hager to approve the Consent Agenda, seconded by Jennifer Petrie, approved unanimously.

 

IV.         New Business —

·           Technology Presentation — Dayle Payne

Dayle explained how each grade is using technology in their classrooms. Each grade learns keyboarding. In second grade the students are introduced to internet research. There is a monitoring program, iTalc that allows teachers to monitor what students are doing on the computers at any time. Flora mentioned an internet safety forum to be held at the school on Thursday, November 20, 2008. Gary Kessler will be speaking on internet safety along with a Vermont State Trooper. The new e­newsletter is up and running. There is a link on the school website where you can sign up to receive the newsletter.

·           Ski Program Presentation — Gabe Coleman

Gabe Coleman, middle school physical education teacher, was present to discuss the Smuggler's Notch after school ski program. He proposed a noon to 4:00 PM program. Gabe discussed that the children will be home earlier than years past which will enable the children to get their homework completed and. a good night of sleep. He stated that the program would allow for 30 to 45 minutes of ski time. Smugglers Notch prices are slightly lower than Bolton. Frank stated that the children would be missing two core classes with this new proposal. In the past Gabe has received grants from PBM Nutrition that covers most of the bus expense. There is a scholarship program for children who can not afford it. Armando stated that he has a hard time supporting a program that takes students away from the classroom. The Board inquired if a student is failing would they still be allowed to participate.

ACTION: Motion by Carl Laroe to switch the ski program to Smugglers Notch, seconded by Jennifer Petrie, approved unanimously.

·        Community Forum Planning Session — The dollar amount for the program is $5,000. The VSBA will run the Community Forum meeting, gather the information and work with the Board to formulate a plan. Winton Goodrich was present to discuss the steering committee, dates for the community forum, creating a list of potential invitees, etc. The community forum presents different activities to come up with ideas for the future of the school. Winton presented the Charge for the Board's review. Winton discussed, stakeholder groups. He presented a list of potential persons from the community who may be good candidates. The Board presented a list of persons who they think would be good candidates. The Board will need 10 facilitators to arrive at the Community Forum 1.5 hours before the meeting for training. The first meeting will be December 4, 2008 at 6:30 PM at the Georgia school. The Community Forum will be held on January 19, 2008 at 5:00 PM.

ACTION: Motion by Carl Laroe to accept the proposal by Winton Goodrich and

selected VSBA to conduct the Strategic Plan, seconded by Jennifer Petrie,

approved unanimously.

ACTION: Motion by Casey Hager to adopt the Georgia School Board Committed Charge, seconded by Carl Laroe, approved unanimously.

ACTION: Motion by Casey Hager to approve the Community Forum on January 19, 2008, seconded by Carl Laroe, opposed by Jennifer Petrie, motion passed.

 

V.        Policy Review

·        Enrichment Policy —

ACTION: Motion by Jennifer Petrie to approve the Enrichment Policy, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

·           Animal Dissection Policy — 1st reading

This is a required policy although it does not apply to GEMS.

·           Student Medication Policy — 1st reading

This is a policy to allow students to carry medication for life threatening reasons, such as epi pens.

·           Board Meeting Policy - 1st reading

Armando suggested changes that should be made to the policy regarding meeting frequency.

 

VI.                 Other — Armando stated they received a revised bill from BFA - St. Albans for $100,000. Armando stated that we will be increasing their budget by 10%. Armando will be meeting with their superintendent.

 

VII.             Executive Session —

ACTION: Casey Hager moved to approve Hallie Desautel's request for unpaid leave on December 18-19th, 2008, seconded by Irene Bonin, approved unaninmously.

 

VIII.          Upcoming Meetings

·           Special Budget Meeting Session: November 18th at 6:00 PM at Georgia School Library

•. Regular Meeting: December 2nd at 6:00 PM at Georgia SchoolLibrary