Georgia Board of School Directors

December 2, 2008 at Georgia School Library

Regular Meeting at 6:00 PM

MINUTES

 

Board Present:    Jennifer Petrie, Doug Bergstrom, Carl Laroe, Casey Hager, Irene Bonin

Administrators:    Flora Hurteau, Armando Vilaseca, Frank Calano, Chris Sumner

 

I.          Call to Order                                                                                                     

The meeting was called to order at 6:05PM

 

II.                  Public Comment – There was a public question regarding when it is appropriate to discuss the kindergarten program.  Chris stated that January 6, 2009 there will be a public forum for input regarding the budget.  Armando explained that the Board Chair has the right to limit discussions.  Julie Brown read the following letter she had written regarding her support for full-day kindergarten.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

III.        Consent Agenda

            ●    Minutes:  11/11/08 (Regular Mtg.), 11/18/08 (Special Mtg.)

            ●    Reports:  Principal, Financial

            ●    Correspondence:  Doug received correspondence that was shared with the Board Members.

            ●    Other 

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

 

 

IV.       New Business

            ●    Carolyn Branagan was present to inform the Board that there is an additional $20 million in the education fund.  If it is used for education, the tax rate may decrease further. 

            ●    Community Forum – Doug stated what programs have come out of the last community forum that was held 6 years ago.  He explained that this process is a real benefit to the community in getting their voices heard.  Doug went to through the list of names and stated that we are short 2 people.  Irene will contact the remaining names to try to fill the last spot.  Armando explained what will take place at the Community Forum.

                        ACTION:  Motion by Irene Bonin to welcome Heather Grimm to be a member of the Steering Committee, seconded by Jen Petrie, approved unanimously.

            ●    Annual School Meeting Presentation – The Board can discuss the results of the community forum.  Georgia School Board may be able to go first on Town Meeting day.

            ●    FY2010 Budget Work – Two new options were distributed regarding the school budget, one at 3% and one at 3.5%.  Armando asked Chris to present the numbers at 3.5%.  Inflation rate is 3.9%.  Chris distributed information regarding the transportation bids which all came in higher than our anticipated 10% increase.  There will be a 5% increase in a teacher for a full-day kindergarten and there will also be an increase for a para-educator.  This would be an approximately $20,000 increase in the budget.  There was a question from the public inquiring what the vehicle is for the community to get their views considered.  Armando asked the Board for some direction. 

            ●    Protocols for informal Decision-Making Process – Armando states that there should be an informal vote for any decisions so that there is a record of it.

 

V.        Policy Review

            ●    Animal Dissection Policy

                        ACTION:  Motion by Jen Petrie to approve the Animal Dissection Policy, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

            ●    Student Medication Policy

                        ACTION:  Motion by Jen Petrie to approve the Student Medication Policy, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

            ●    Board Meetings & Agenda Preparation/Distribution Policy – 1st reading – This policy states that the board will annually decide when the regular meetings will be held. 

            ●    Idling of Vehicles Policy – 1st reading – This policy covers vehicles, not buses.  Frank and Flora will be responsible for idling vehicles in the parking lot.  This is state law.  Notice should be given to all parents.

            ●    Hazing Policy (New) – 1st reading – This is a required policy by the state.  This is a new policy.

            ●    AIDS/HIV Policy – Update – There was a change made to the policy to include all blood borne pathogens.

                        ACTION:  Motion by Jen Petrie to approve the AIDS/HIV Policy, seconded by Casey Hager, approved unanimously.

 

VI.       Other – There are three board positions that will be ending.  These positions are all one-year terms.  Doug met with the Select Board last month.  The numbers regarding monies spent in the school budget for the town were set years ago and have not been discussed since.  The Town Report has not been bid out in years.  They discussed looking into options for future printing costs.  BFA-St. Albans is donating an ice rink – boards and glass.  Georgia is one of several communities that this is being offered to.  A proposal needs to be put together by December 31, 2008.  Doug asked the Board if they want to make the kindergarten decision or put it on the ballot for the Town to decide.  Armando does not suggest putting the full-day kindergarten on the ballot for the town to vote on.

                        ACTION:  Motion by Casey Hager to make the full-day kindergarten decision a town-wide vote, seconded by Carl Laroe. Motion failed with 3 opposed and 2 voting in favor.

 

VII.             Executive Session – Entered Executive Session at 8:37PM and exited Executive Session at 9:01PM.  No decision was made regarding the transportation contract.

            The Board approved the following personnel requests:

·        Jasmine Tremblay – 3 days of unpaid leave between January 19 & 30, 2009

·        Sheila Lamoy – 2 days of unpaid leave on February 5-6, 2009

·        Carol Frechette – 1 ½ days of unpaid leave on March 5-6, 2009

 

            III.        Upcoming Meetings

●    Special Budget Meeting Session:  December 16th at 6PM at Georgia School

      Library (if needed)

●    FWSU Quarterly Meeting: December 17th at 7PM at Fairfax Community Library