Grand Isle School Board
Minutes

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD REGULAR MEETING

Monday, January 23, 2012, Grand Isle School

7:03 Meeting was called to order by Superintendent, Robert Phillips, in the absence of a Chair and Clerk of the Board.

Members present: Carol Miller, Herb Durfee, Mitch McGrath and Michael Inners.

Administration: Robert Phillips, Superintendent, and Troy Nolan-Watkins, Principal.

Public: Dan Foster, teacher, Mr. and Mrs. Burbo, David Gadapee and Trish Finkle.

Reorganization of the Board- Nominations for Chair- Mitch McGrath nominated by Herb Durfee, second by Carol Miller; Mitch declined.

Michael Inners nominated as Chair, pro tem.( Mitch, 2nd Carol). Michael accepted for this meeting and next meeting as pro tem. Vote 4-0.

Changes in Agenda

1. Request for judges for "Dancing with Teachers" PTA fund-raiser

2. Request from teacher for additional three hours credit reimbursement for graduate credits

3. Request for student to remain at Grand Isle School

Minutes of January 9, 2012 approved- 4-0

Superintendent Report

Budget presentation will be filmed for public use. One week lead time will be required. Filmed during regular work hours, Mr. Phillips will organize the project and Herb and Carol volunteered to assist.

Town Report Materials

Herb indicated that he received no response from board members to prepare the budget report to the town office. The Chair usually assumes this responsibility, but having no chair to complete the task; Mr. Phillips, Mr. Nolan-Watkins and Mr. Inners will prepare the document for the Town Clerk in order to meet the Wednesday deadline. Michael will write a short report recounting the facts of the budget. Tab D will be included. Mr. Nolan-Watkins has prepared the Principal's Report for the budget document.

Legislative Update

Mr. Phillips provided "Legislative Issues- VSA- January 19, 2012" .The brief overview of his report includes:

- appointment of the Commissioner (H.440)

- enlarge S.U. Boundaries to 16 units (S.194)

- incentives for S.U. Mergers

- residential education tax yield discussion

- State collection of education property tax

- public high school choice

- 7th/8th grade Act 150 Public School Choice

Board Discussion

Teacher request- Dan Foster- requested and additional 3 credit hours for class work toward his Master Degree. Board discussion about whether the reimbursement was taxable and what plans were in place if the class is full? In that case, Mr. Foster will enroll in a summer class, not online per his request.

Motion to allow Dan to be reimbursed for and additional 3 hours (9 total for the 2011-2012 school year) toward his Master's. Motion: Herb/Carol. Vote 3-0-1, passed.

Town Meeting Discussion- covered actual presentation, mailings, postcards, TV presentation and any publications the Board wanted to prepare/distribute in prep for Town Meeting. Mr. Nolan-Watkins will distribute report through the school publication and will make the report readily available for the public. Michael will put together a 15 minute presentation, addressing 6 or 7 significant line items in the new budget. Someone will need to compose, print, pay for and arrange mailing for the postcard , using the Town bulk mail system to distribute the information to all Grand Isle households. Michael stated that he did not have the time to do that task. Herb will do the job if no other Board member volunteered. Herb agreed. Traditional size postcard was selected.

Islander opportunities to inform the public regarding the budget: editorials, GI column, prewritten articles are needed. Each Board member was encouraged to write one letter to the Editor of the Islander. Five publications are available. The following will be written:

February 7- Michael

February 14- Carol

February 21- Mitch

February 28- Herb

March 5- ?

March 5, 2012, is slated as the Public Information Meeting

Future Meeting Dates: February 13 and 27.

Grand Isle School staff has requested that Board members serve as judges for the "Dancing with the Teachers" fund-raiser, Monday, February 20. Dinner begins at 5:30, followed by the competition. Herb and Carol volunteered as judges.

Board Correspondence and Sharing with Public Attendees

Trish Finkle= iPad information that supports 1:1 technology initiative.

Superintendent Phillips discussed the annual High School Fair hosted by GIS last Tuesday.

Board Action

Bills payment- $174,351.48- approved.

CVU bill announced vs allowable tuition question- denied.

Executive Session 8:05- 8:15

Decision to respectfully deny request based on past practice.

Agenda Building for Next Meeting

Elect Chair Pro Tem

Town Meeting

High School Progress Reports

Adjourned- 8:25

Respectfully submitted,

Carol Miller, Member

School Board Minutes

December 19^th, 2011

Attendees: Mitch McGrath, Herb Durfee, Mike Inners, Thom Jagielski @ 7:10PM, Bob Phillips, Troy Nolan-Watkins

Meeting was called to order by Herb Durfee at 7:00 PM.

Agenda adjustments made:

· Tony Pietricola to speak on behalf of the value of the Arts in an Elementary curriculum

A motion was made to approve the School Board minutes of December 12^th, 2011, with the modification that the minutes reflect that the Curriculum Coordinator is not a new position but rather a position that would no longer be funded by federal funding. Approved: 3-0

Superintendent’s Report:

· VEHI & ACA Updates:

Mr. Phillips stated there was information from the VSBA regarding the % of increase change allowed for teachers to pay toward health care. It is uncertain if our current health plan would be grandfathered. Further information would be provided in the next few months.

2012/2013 Budget Discussion:

· Updates to budget:

o Common Level of Appraisal has been determined

o Special Education reimbursements have been determined

o There is a slight reduction in the Small School Grant

· Mr. Pietricola, retired music teacher, presented to the Board various rationale as to how the inclusion of a robust Arts program would benefit the academic performance of students.

The starting point for the School budget for the Board to consider was $5.012M for 2012/13. It appeared that the general objective for the Board was to achieve reductions to that number of roughly $85K to $120K. Some of the ideas that were considered for reduction were the following:

· Deferred maintenance

· Deferring the purchase & installation of additional Smart Boards

· Reducing or eliminating the purchase of Netbooks

· Elimination of the additional funding for education credits in excess of that provided by the current teacher’s contract.

After a lengthy discussion of items that could be considered for reduction, roughly $87K was reduced from the $5.012M proposal thus reducing the budget request to $4,925,333, which would represent a 1.29% reduction from last year’s budget request.

A motion was made to present a budget to the town for approval in the March, 2012 vote that was $4,925,333. MM:TJ: 3-1-0

A public meeting concerning the budget would be held on January 9^th. The auditor would be available at the meeting.

A motion was made to approve the paying of the bills in the amount of $58,415.81. The majority of the bill was made up of the electric bill, health care and CVU tuition.

MI:TJ: 4-0

A motion was made to go into Executive Session for a Personnel Matter. HD:MI: 4-0

Executive Session was entered at 9:55 PM.

A motion was made to leave Executive Session. HD:MI: 4-0

Executive Session was ended at 10:10 PM with no action taken.

A motion was made to adjourn. MM:TJ: 4-0

Meeting was adjourned at 10:10 PM

_______________________________ _________________________

Herb Durfee Michael Inners

_______________________________ _________________________

Mitch McGrath Carol Miller

_______________________________

Thom Jagielski

School Board Minutes

December 12^th, 2011

Attendees: Mitch McGrath, Carol Miller, Herb Durfee, Mike Inners, Thom Jagielski @ 7:10PM, Bob Phillips, Troy Nolan-Watkins, John Gabriel, Beth Hemingway

Meeting was called to order by Herb Durfee at 7:00 PM.

Agenda adjustments made:

· GISU meeting attendance

· Auditor is coming to the school on January 9^th, 2012

A motion was made to approve the School Board minutes of November 28^th, 2011. Approved: 3-0-1

Bill Baron of the Grand Isle Fire Dept was interested in School’s bond retirement as he believed it affected plans for new fire station. HD said budget will be discussed during meeting and asked if the subject could be addressed at that time.

Alan Arthur, also representing the Fire Dept stated they will listen to the budget discussion and interject at that time. The reason for the interest was the need to get an Article to Town Clerk by Jan 23rd and Select Board by Dec 19th. Mr. Durfee stated the School Budget would not be defined until early January.

Mr. Gabriel handed out Grand Isle School’s Draft Budget for fiscal year 2012/13. He indicated that he was only going over format and not content. Mr. Gabriel also indicated the base tax rate had not been set by state yet. Therefore the draft presented was based on best available information and likely to change significantly over the next few weeks.

Mr. Gabriel then went through the overview of the budget. Net was that the proposed budget, based upon input received was going to be roughly $5.008M.

Ms. Hemingway then proceeded to review the special ed budget highlights. Overall, she indicated that Special Ed spending would be down slightly for the 2012/13 year based upon the information that she currently had. She cautioned that spending is highly dependent upon the services provided and it could and likely would change going forward.

Mr. Nolan-Watkins, Principal presented his budget adjustments that were part of the overall budget request. In addition to some staffing adjustments, Mr. Nolan-Watkins also proposed some increases for school maintenance and curriculum upgrades.

The floor was then open to public comment. Mr. Baron & Mr. Arthur indicated that it appeared that the proposed budget would consume the $100K anticipated savings from the school bond debt retirement. Ideally, they were hopeful that the budget would have reflected the savings in such a manner that would have made the anticipated request for town funding for a new fire station more acceptable to a positive town vote. This point was discussed for several minutes but with the conclusion that the budget in its current state was far from complete and that the School Board and Fire Department would remain in contact over school budget particulars going forward so that the most accurate information would be available to taxpayers at the time of the budget requests. There are likely to be 3 more budget meetings before the final request would be submitted to the town for the March 2012 vote.

Superintendent’s Report:

· Indicated that the GISU board meeting was scheduled for 6PM in Alburgh on December 15^th. This meeting would be to go over the GISU budget for 2012/13.

· A posting for a full time business manager would be posted for the GISU. It would be posted for a CPA at a proposed salary of $80k/yr.

· Indicated that there would be a need for a curriculum coordinator in the GISU

· Indicated that the proposed budget would include $50K for a technology phase in

A discussion was held on how the proposed Grand Isle School budget would be communicated to the town going forward. The usual communication vehicles that would be used: Islander, School web page, Wildcat Wisdom….school newsletter, Front Porch. It was anticipated that the information would be available the last week of February.

A public meeting concerning the budget would be held on January 9^th. The auditor would be available at the meeting.

The next Grand Isle School Board meeting is to be held on December 19^th, 2011.

A motion was made to approve the bills in the amount of $228,109.78, of which $179K was to go to Colchester for tuition. MI: 5-0. Approved.

A motion was made to adjourn. MM: 5-0 Approved.

Meeting adjourned at 9:28 PM.

_______________________________ _________________________

Herb Durfee Michael Inners

_______________________________ _________________________

Mitch McGrath Carol Miller

_______________________________

Thom Jagielski

School Board Minutes

May 13th, 2011

Attendees: Troy Nolan-Watkins, Herb Durfee, Mitch McGrath, Mike Inners, Carol Miller, Thom Jagielski, Beth Hemmingway, Karen Groseman

Meeting was called to order by Herb Durfee at 7PM.

Agenda was adjusted in order to accommodate an anticipated lengthy discussion regarding budget actions considering that the petitioned budget was again rejected by the voters.

Minutes for April 25^th were approved with a couple of spelling mistakes to be be corrected. HD/MI: 4- 0

Budget Discussion:

Karen indicated that there was an anticipated $69,469 surplus from the 2010/2011 fiscal budget.
Mr. Nolan-Watkins indicated that some of that surplus was spoken for….specifically $11,700 for technology training, VSLI, course reimbursements, and workshops all required expenditures by contract. Mr. Nolan-Watkins also indicated that there is an additional $12,000 recommended to be expended for roof repairs and gym hot water boiler. The Board recommended that the roof repairs proceed but that more investigation was needed for the hot water boiler to see if the boiler was the most pressing item to be repaired at this time.
Karen indicated that next years budget had some probable reductions due to the following: 2 students leaving Grand Isle who were anticipated to be in High School, busing contract came in less than budgeted, supervisors for special ed busing was not anticipated to be needed in the next school year. All this was expected to yield about $47,000 in budget reductions.
Mr. Nolan-Watkins recommended a staffing pattern that would retain the current FTEs on staff. Some reorganization would be made to place two Grade 3 teachers in next year’s staffing utilizing existing staff.

At this point, the floor was opened up for comments from the teachers in attendance. In general, Mr. Nolan-Watkins staffing recommendation was supported, with several indicating that more teachers were needed to provide sufficient coverage of the students with qualified educators.

Mr. McGrath presented a proposal that would reduce the budget by $150K, $69K was comprised of the budget surplus from 2010/11, $47K was comprised of the anticipated reductions to budget demands listed in an earlier bullet, and roughly $30K in reductions in student activities, maintenance, instructional materials, etc.

Karen indicated that due to the need for long term temporaries for maternity leaves that the actual reduction for 2011/12 would be closer to $40K.

A motion was made to move the anticipated surplus to a reserve fund to offset the $30,000 deferred maintenance request approved by voters in the March 2011 town vote.

MI: 2-3. Motion Defeated.

A motion was made to move an amount to not exceed $41,000 of anticipated surplus funds from the 2010/11 FY to offset anticipated 2011/12 FY expenses originally proposed in the defeated March 2011 School Budget so as to reduce the 2011/12 FY budget to be voted on. TJ: 4-1 Motion Passed

A motion was made to propose a School Budget of $4,947,905 for FY 2011/12 which represents a reduction of $81,409 from the previously defeated budget.

HD: 3 – 1 – 1 Motion Passed.

A motion was made to have the School Budget proposal voted on Tuesday, May 24^th with an informational meeting to be held at 7PM on Monday, May 23. HD: 4-0-1 Motion Passed.

Teacher’s Contracts:

At this point, there was discussion as to whether or not, contracts should be issued to the teachers that received notification in accordance with their contract that their contract may not be renewed for 2011/12 school year.

The discussion centered around whether the School Board should retain options for further reductions should the new proposed school budget not pass or considering that it was unlikely that the positions would be cut even with a future budget cut, that it was more important to reassure the staff that their services would be required in 2011/12. Karen indicated that there were other staff reductions that could be made should reductions in force be needed.

A motion was made to issue contracts to the remaining teachers who had not received contracts earlier. CM: 3-1–1 Motion Passed.

It was noted that the GISU meeting regarding Superintendent hiring for the pending vacancy was to be held on Thursday, May 16^th at 7 PM.

A motion was made to pay the bills in the amount of $72,373.53. The majority of the bill was for health care costs for teacher insurance. HD: 5-0 Motion Passed.

Mitch went over Board correspondence…of particular note was the lack of direction from the townspeople regarding what should be done with the budget.

Future agenda items were discussed….it was decided that the June 13^th Board meeting would resolve the issue of utilization of the school’s septic system for the proposed Grand Isle Fire Station.

A motion was made to adjourn the meeting. MI: 5-0 Motion Passed.

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

Monday, March 28, 2011

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee III, Michael Inners, and Mitch McGrath.

Others in attendance:

Richard Taylor, Troy Watkins-Nolan, David Gadapee , Joe Guernsey, Tricia Finkle, Melissa Estus, Marshall Phillips

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: HD: Study Topics for GISU, Grant Agreement, Bev’s Letter, GI Playground.

Approval of Minutes: HD provided Troy updates to 3/14/11 minutes for electronic updating during first part of meeting. 7:10 HD motioned to approve meeting minutes as adjusted. MI second. Approved 2-0-1

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda:

N/A

Superintendent’s Report:

Interest in VSBA Board Member Training

If interested, get name to Dick Taylor ASAP. Session will be held at GI School 6:00 on May 10^th.

- RT Sent letter to GI President Chapter NEA regarding RIF’s that they may occur by 4-1-11. April 11 contracts will be disbursed for signature by the Board. Must be signed by 4/15/11.

- MM inquired about ability to bring motion in public for RIF. DT indicated only if was for all rather than specific names/areas. 7:21 MM motioned to send RIF to all. MI Second for purpose of discussion.

- Discussion on RIF. On one hand -Negative impact to moral, ability to become free to seek employment elsewhere, only political posturing. On the other – Tool for Board in budget development, matter of procedure rather than ill will, teachers have approached Board to get out of contracts for employment elsewhere before.

- 7:37 vote MM Yes, HD No, MI No voted down 1-2-0

- DT mentioned with new language Board has to 4:15 to RIF. Question on whether same motion could be raised again.

- 7:48 MI Motioned for RIF to Specials and Middle School. HD mentioned concern on impact to class size.The motion died for lack of a second. 7:50 MI motion to postpone to 4-11. , HD Second. HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained ; Passed 2-0-1

Principal’s Report:

· Enrollment Update

· Troy – 23 registered for K. (handout)

· Kindergarten Registration Information

· Registration date May 15^th. Working on pre-filled form to speed up process.

· School Action Plan Review Process – Ended with NECAP scores.

· PBiS-Positive Behavioral Support-PAWS Update (hand out) In the works. Will look for Board approval in June.

Board Discussion: .

· FY2012 Budget

HD & DT discussed feedback from state and GI legal regarding having two articles on budget. HD and MI expressed favor of single article for budget based on petition.

8:16 HD motioned to hold the petitioned budget vote on Thursday, April 28 with the required public informational meeting to be held on Wednesday, April 27 at 7:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria. HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained ;Passed 2-0-1.

HD asked if replacement Board member statutorily had to be on the April 28 Special Meeting Warrant. DT – No.

Discussion on how to get info on vote to public. DT asked if support for vote should come from petition supporters or Board. HD will get draft out for straight fact based document for vote – document would be mailed to households and forwarded to other venues such as the GISB webpage, Front Porch Forum, Wildcat Wisdom, and The Islander.

GISB FY2012 Board Goals

HD - Tabled

· VSBA Membership Survey

HD –Postponed. Due April 30^th.

GISU – What are at least five items GI Board seeks to achieve to benefit the school through consolidation/merger/RED. HD – postponed.

Letter of resignation from Bev Gover. HD – Bev will be a loss to Board, many years of service and will be missed. 8:51 HD motioned to regretfully accept resignation. MI Second. Vote HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained. passed 2-0-1

HD – Board has 30 days to fill position. Will place notice in Islander, front Porch, Tim Richard. Those interested should get intent to DT. Interested folks shoud plan to introduce them self and meet with Board 4-25-11. Board vote for new member at some point on or after 4-25-11.

Board Action:

Approval of Bills for Payment

MI - questioned actual vs projected documentation for worker’s comp. DT will follow up with Karen.

9:00 MI moved to approve bills for $196,756.44. HD second, approved 3-0.

HD – Looking for approval from Board to sign the LWCF Grant Agreement which would allow release of grant funding for the Community playground. MM mentioned legal questions remain. HD- mentioned document regarding land ownership designation not with other documents. 9:07 MI moved to send to legal Chris Leopold.. MM second. Voted 3-0

Contract - Internal candidate Kim Provost- 1-1 role. Regular Special Ed. Not a new position. Already in budget. 9:09 HD moves, MI second, approved Vote 3-0.

· Sign Warning for Special School District Meeting and Reconsideration Vote

Performed.

Executive Session:

· Contract Matter

9:14 HD moved to go to executive session. No second.

Board Correspondence/Sharing:

HD- Reminded board members that the board agreed to apply for a VT Building and General Services grant. 1-1 match for $15,000 will be offset against approved maintenance article. Jodi Butler offered to help write/submit. As this year’s grant round information becomes available, HD indicated he would get it to the board.

Agenda Building:

MI – Robert’s Rules for Small Boards

TW – Maternity Leave Requests

Alan Arthur & Bill Baron – Grand Isle Fire Department Septic System Request

TW – AYP Results

GISB – Board Vacancy Candidate Discussion and Possible Action – April 25

GISB FY2012 Board Goals [Tabled to April 11]

VSBA Membership Survey [Tabled to April 11]

Support Staff Contract Negotiation Team Members – Appoint Bev’s Replacement

9:15 HD Motion to adjourn. Approved 3-0.

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

Monday, March 28, 2011

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee III, Michael Inners, and Mitch McGrath.

Others in attendance:

Richard Taylor, Troy Watkins-Nolan, David Gadapee , Joe Gurnsey, Tricia Finkle, Melissa Estus, Marshall Phillips

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:01 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: HD: Study Topics for GISU, Grant Agreement, Bev’s Letter, GI Playground.

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda:

N/A

Superintendent’s Report:

Interest in VSBA Board Member Training

If interested, get name to Dick Taylor ASAP. Session will be held at GI School 6:00 on May 10^th.

- RT Sent letter to GI President Chapter NEA regarding RIF’s that they may occur by 4-1-11. April 11 contracts will be disbursed for signature by the Board. Must be signed by 4/15/11.

- 7:37 vote MM Yes, HD No, MI No voted down 1-2-0

- DT mentioned with new language Board has to 4:15 to RIF. Question on whether same motion could be raised again.

- 7:48 MI Motioned for RIF to Specials and Middle School. HD mentioned concern on impact to class size. 7:50 MI motion to postpone to 4-11. , HD Second. HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained ; Passed 2-0-1

Principal’s Report:

· Enrollment Update

· Troy – 23 registered for K. (handout)

· Kindergarten Registration Information

· Registration date May 15^th. Working on pre-filled form to speed up process.

· School Action Plan Review Process – Ended with NECAP scores.

· PBiS-Positive Behavioral Support-PAWS Update (hand out) In the works. Will look for Board approval in June.

Board Discussion: .

· FY2012 Budget

HD & DT discussed feedback from state and GI legal regarding having two articles on budget. HD and MI expressed favor of single article for budget based on petition.

8:16 HD motioned for Wed April 27^{th .}April 28 vote. HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained ;Passed 2-0-1.

HD asked if replacement Board member could be appointed immediately with out public notice and interviews. DT – No.

Discussion on how to get info on vote to public. DT asked if support for vote should come from petition supporters or Board. HD will get draft out for straight fact based mailing for vote.

GISB FY2012 Board Goals

HD - Tabled

· VSBA Membership Survey

HD –Postponed. Due April 30^th.

GISU – What are at least five items GI Board seeks to achieve to benefit the school through consolidation/merger/RED. HD – postponed.

Letter of resignation from Bev Gover. HD – Bev will be a loss to Board, many years of service and will be missed. 8:51 HD motioned to accept resignation. MI Second. Vote HD Yes, MI Yes, MM abstained. passed 2-0-1

Board Action:

Approval of Bills for Payment

MI - questioned actual vs projected documentation for worker’s comp. DT will follow up with Karen.

9:00 MI moved to approve bills for $196756.44. HD second, approved 3-0.

HD – Looking for approval from Board for initiation of funding authorization for Community playground. MM mentioned legal questions remain. HD- mentioned document regarding land ownership designation not with other documents. 9:07 MI moved to send to legal Chris Leopold.. MM second. Voted 3-0

Contract - Internal candidate Kim Provost- 1-1 role. Regular Special Ed. Not a new position. Already in budget. 9:09 D moves, MI second, approved Vote 3-0.

· Sign Warning for Special School District Meeting and Reconsideration Vote

Peformed.

Executive Session:

· Contract Matter

9:14 HD moved to go to executive session. No second.

Board Correspondence/Sharing:

HD- VT Building and services grant. 1-1 match for $15,000 will be offset against approved maintenance article. Jodi Butler offered to help write/submit.

9:15 HD Motion to adjourn. Approved 3-0.

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

Monday, January 17, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, Beverly Gover, Michael Inners, Peg Burbo and Mitch McGrath.

Others in attendance:

David Gadapee

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: HD – Board Discussion – add GISU issues; annual report; Exec Session – add personnel/contractual matter.

Approval of Minutes: At 7:02 p.m. PB made a motion to approve the minutes of January 10, 2011 as drafted, 2^nd by MI – GC.

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda: Sunday afternoon basketball fee, where does that go; HD explained to Mr. Gadapee that it is a voluntary contribution and it goes to the Boosters; Mr. Gadapee also wanted to know who to contact for a grades 1-4 program; HD indicated that Folsom has a ¾ program; for GI gym check with Pam or Troy.

FY12 Budget – HD opened the floor for motions or suggestions; MI’s intent to get budget to 4% by cutting $50,000. BG asked for clarification of % and MI indicated that it was the Ed Spending % increase, not the overall budget.

Superintendent’s Report: None.

Principal’s Report: None.

Board Discussion: Board meeting schedule – GISB meetings on February 14; public informational meeting on February 28 at 6:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria; voting on March 1 at the Town Clerk’s office from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

HD suggested PTA be contacted.

GISU issues – 2-year interim superintendant can be hired according to Education Commissioner; review draft ad;

Review of annual report for town report

Letters in the Islander; prepare presentation; post card; update website; MI to present expense side of things and revenue; MM to present ed spending to end of spreadsheet; HD to contact PTA; No meeting on January 24.

Board Action: At 7:08 p.m. MI made a motion to put $30,000 of maintenance and repair as a separate article and have the article be for a reserve fund; purpose for reserve can carry forward if not used, 2^nd by HD. Discussion – separate warrant article for deferred maintenance and repair, MI – line items? Line item is $49,500 drops to $19,500 page 11 of 12 #5431. HD said he would be voting no because he wants it in the main vote. Motion passes 3 to 2 with MI, MM and PB voting yes and HD and BG voting no. Shall the legal voters of the Grand Isle Town School District approve a reserve fund in an additional amount of $30,000 for the purpose of addressing school facility deferred maintenance and repairs. HD reminded the Board that Jodi Butler would be willing to help in the grant application process for a BGS grant.

At 7:24 p.m. MM made a motion to add a third article to reduce the expenditure budget by an additional $20,000 and have a separate article for those reductions referred to in his e-mail of January 11. $20,000 out of bottom line of expenses budget, another separate article referring to items of MM’s e-mail for supplies and other items as noted, 2^nd by MI for discussion. MM’s motivation – he understands problem with education funding and sustainability over years; MI does not support these particular types of items because of micro-management. Motion fails with HD, MI and BG voting no, MM – yes, PB abstain. Two articles equal same bottom line.

At 7:40 p.m. MI made a motion to remove special education unfilled position 1200-5115 at $34,802, ed spending will decrease $13,924 – 2^nd by MM. Motion carries 3-2 with MM, MI and PB voting yes; HD and BG voting no.

At 7:50 p.m. MM made a motion to add a fourth article in the amount of $12,000 for purposes of classroom technology improvements, MI 2^nd. HD explained that too many articles make it confusing to the voters. MM stated with multiple articles the Board can find out where people stand; this article would bring expense side increase from 6.68% to 6.21%. Motion passes 3-2; MI, MM and PB yes; HD and BG no. Article 4 will read: Shall the legal voters of the Grand Isle Town School District approve an additional $12,000 for the purpose of classroom technology improvements? The base budget is $5,038,954 at a 5.33% increase before articles on expense side.

At 8:02 p.m. MM made a motion to reduce expense budget by additional $6,076 out of recommendations provided earlier from motion at 7:24 p.m., 2^nd PB. Motion fails 3-2 with BG, MI and HD no; MM, PB yes.

At 8:22 p.m. MI made a motion to reduce #1100-5115 instructional aides’ salaries by $10,000, 2^nd by MM. HD and MI discussed reasons for increase for the last three years, adding staff etc. TW was conferred with via telephone and he expressed concern that the position would be reduced. Motion passed 3-2, MI, MM and PB yes; BG and HD no.

At 9:02 p.m. BG made a motion to recommend a budget for FY 12 of $5,028,954, 2^nd by MI. Motion passes 4-1, BG, MI, PB, MM yes; HD no. The warrant will read:

“1. To elect all School Officers as required by law.

2. Shall the legal voters of the Grand Isle Town School District approve a budget of $5,028,954.00 as recommended by the School Board, to meet the expenses and liabilities of the school district for the next year?

3. Shall the legal voters of the Grand Isle Town School District approve a reserve fund in an additional amount of $30,000 for the purpose of addressing school facility deferred maintenance and repairs?

4. Shall the legal voters of the Grand Isle Town School District approve an additional amount of $12,000 for the purpose of classroom technology improvements?

At 9:15 p.m. MI made a motion to sign warrant as presented, 2^nd by BG – GC.

At 9:35 p.m. MI made a motion to pay bills in the amount of $55,791.75 and 2^nd by MM – GC.

Executive Session: At 9:36 p.m. HD made a motion to enter into executive session for a personnel/contract matter, 2^nd by BG – GC.

At 9:58 p.m. HD made a motion to move out of executive session, 2^nd by BG – GC. No action.

Agenda Building: Executive Session – personnel contract, Board Action approve contract and approve bills for payment.

Board Correspondence/Sharing: None.

At 10:20 p.m. Motion to adjourn by BG – GC

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES

Monday, December 20, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, (arrived at 5:50 p.m. briefly) Beverly Gover, Michael Inners, Peg Burbo and Mitch McGrath.

Others in attendance:

Members of the public: David Gadapee

Members of the teachers and staff: Deb Bedrin, Mandy Poquette, Colleen O’Connor, Charlie Farrell, Jessica Ochs, Robin Taylor, Dorothy Sacca, Tracy Pearson, Barb Carter, Paul Sacca, Joe Guernsey, Jeff Martin and Dan Foster.

Proceedings:

BG called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: None.

Board Discussion: Teacher input on FY12 budget assumptions. Documentation: It does not appear that teachers received a copy of Troy’s recommendation that was presented to the board at the meeting on December 13. They were e-mailed what appeared to be a modified version the next day which the board did not receive.

Challenges for Change: Teachers present voiced strong approval for the Board’s decision to not follow the recommendation for cuts and rather focus on what is best for student’s education.

Robin Taylor – currently two teachers for kindergarten and 24 students; that many in one class is too many; 16 or 18 with an instructional assistant is possible with teaching ability.

Dorothy Sacca – we all feel it is important to add another elementary teacher in K-5 and keep 5 in the elementary.

The board informed the teachers our next meetings are public hearing on December 27, January 10 and 17 (tentative).

Paul Sacca – Alburgh allows their paras to go to workshops for further education and training, maybe consider for Grand Isle.

Dan Foster – supports small classes in K-5; 18-22 academics and phys ed; primary grades too large create safety concerns (i.e. hockey sticks).

The teachers understood 5^th grade; adding a teacher at 3^rd; add .6 for language arts in middle school and increase art teacher to 1.0.

Jessica Ochs – regarding larger classes at middle school level – music history only; cannot do hands on with guitar or keyboard; electives back would be nice, not have lessons before school – researching for 27^th meeting; past five years for all arts changes from three hours per week, 1.5 to 2; feels does not have opportunities to teach kids.

Dorothy – What is best for kids?

MM – Asked teachers for their opinion on trade off of more class time versus recess. TWs recommendations that the board received, eliminates recess for grades 5-8. Teachers said recess is tied to lunch, so it would only be about 10 minutes gained.

Jessica Ochs – instrumental lessons, most schools have pull out lessons; kids out of study hall this year has been great.

Dorothy Sacca – 5 and 6 need to play; 7 and 8 maybe not.

Joe Guernsey – 7 and 8 not a problem with recess (Bev had indicated that behavioral issues were a concern regarding middle school recess as relayed by TW at a previous meeting.

Dorothy – PBIS program needs to continue outside if there are problems at recess.

Dan – behavior is going to happen somewhere if not at recess, may be in his class.

Colleen O’Connor – currently 6-8 grades are approximately 84 students and she has 16 novels active – 4 or 5 groups; if adding another class, she would have to go back to a single novel per grade, she did it when she first started at GI; instructional assistants not helpful as she has to do conferences with each group; adding a .6 not even a band aid; reading mid 2^nd grade through high school levels; small classes are necessary; no Title services in the middle school. In other schools the reading and writing teachers are separate.

Deb Bedrin – 43 kids in 10 reading groups for grades 2 and 3. The 5^th grade for next year is very diverse and high needs.

Barb Carter – agreed that the current 4^th grade is diverse and has high needs.

Tracy Pearson – 4^th grade now needs one more year of self-containment; keep one grade per teacher, no multi-age classes.

Joe Guernsey – more teachers, less paras – IEPs are over committed, but have to have paras if ordered on IEP.

MI – special ed to GISU for 2013, new state law.

Deb Bedrin – if 5^th stays in elementary, she and Shelly Grant-Farrell would consider multi-age teaching again if they have to.

The Board thanked the teachers for attending and expressing their concerns and considerations.

Executive Session: None.

At 6:10 p.m. Motion to adjourn by MI – GC

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

Monday, November 22, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, Beverly Gover, Michael Inners, Peg Burbo and Mitch McGrath.

Others in attendance:

Troy Nolan-Watkins, Principal

Members of the public and staff: David Gadapee; Marshall Phillips, Anza Myers, Deena Waters, Mike Talbot, Gary Mackres, Bill Butler and Bill Baron.

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: MM – playground/March ballot;

HD – matter of personnel for executive session via letter from parent.

Approval of Minutes: At 7:03 p.m. MM made a motion to approve the minutes of November 8, 2010 as drafted, 2^nd by PB – GC

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda: All items on agenda.

Bill Baron, Chief, Grand Isle Voluntary Fire Department – gave history of steering committee and indicating that the fire department and library were at the top of the list; he wanted to know about any upcoming funding needed for new additions etc. HD brought up the upcoming agenda item of discussion regarding the Principal’s building/facility assumptions/recommendations. (i.e. separate article, separate line item, combination of previous or continue to defer maintenance)

Superintendent’s Report: Teacher Contract – draft of master teachers’ contract handed to board members; teachers have voted to verbally ratify; board members are asked to review before next meeting.

High school – tabled until December.

Principal’s Report: Budget considerations – 2007 Al Russell study; and electrical inspection on June 25, 2010 – regular maintenance $138,125; defunct hot water heater not included; Budget Plan – 5 year – deferred $35,000; regular maintenance $12,500 and furniture replacements $5,000.

Enrollment will increase to 215 on November 29, 2010.

Barbara Brown – General Ed Instructional Assistant – tabled; Two Medicaid funded positions open – for remainder of school year – support room supervisor (a degreed position) and writer in residence.

Staffing assumptions – considerations are:

1. No changes in staffing; 2. Move 5^th grade into the middle school; 3. Increase the art teacher to 1.0 FTE; 4. Eliminate one kindergarten position; 5. Add a third grade teacher.

Recommendations – restructure middle school to include Grade 5; increase Art teacher to 1.0 FTE; eliminate noon recess for grades 5-8; move teacher to third grade; assign current instructional assistants (general education) to grades 1 and 2 for the full day;

Staffing changes – increase Art teacher 0.5 FTE; reduce special ed para – 1.0 FTE; increase instructional assistant (general education) 1.0 FTE; stipend choir, band and music lessons (before school activities); kindergarten staffing – leave along for now; change nurse’s schedule to two afternoons per week.

HD asked TW for his considerations and recommendations and TW indicated those.

HD asked TW to ask Karen Groseclose to prepare a draft with TW’s recommendations for staffing purposes including increase Art teacher 0.5 FTE, reduce special ed para 1.0 FTE; increase instructional assistant (gen ed) 1.0 FTE;

Budget building/facility - $35,000 deferred maintenance, $12,500 regular maintenance, $5,000 furniture replacement.

TW recommendation of $52,500 for maintenance for budget purposes.

Board Discussion: Tabled resolution from last meeting – resolution regarding legislative target goal to reduce ed spending – draft resolution on table – HD moved and MI 2^nd for discussion purposes at previous meeting – acted on. BG support; MI and MM do not like format, MI would support and MM would not sign as a resolution, PB does not like format; discussion continued – any other discussion no. Changes to be made to the resolution include changing 2009 to 2010; fourth line should read Grand Isle; second page, change refuses to declines – GC approved at 9:43 p.m.

Board Action: At 9:10 MI made to pay bills in the amount of $336,018.10, 2nd by MM – GC. ($250,000 for EHS/Tech tuition)

Update on Act 1 – tabled.

Second Reading of Class Size Policy- At 9:15 p.m. HD moved the adoption of class size policy Code G12 (Mandatory) as drafted, 2^nd BG – GC.

Executive Session: At 9:45 p.m. MI moved into executive session for a combined student/personnel matter, 2^nd by HD – GC.

At 10:02 p.m. HD made a motion to move out of executive session, 2^nd by BG – GC. No action.

Agenda Building:

Beth Hemingway – first meeting in December

MI requested high school updates and performance information

MM playground question regarding conveyance of land; ask legal if a vote is needed for conveyance of playground – maybe deed restriction.

Teachers’ contract

Board Correspondence/Sharing: None.

At 10:03 p.m. Motion to adjourn by BG – GC

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

MEETING MINUTES

EDUCATION FORUM

Monday, October 25, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, Beverly Gover (absent), Peg Burbo, Mitch McGrath, Mike Inners

Others in attendance: Richard Taylor, Superintendent; Heather Luce, Isle LaMotte School Board Chair; Andy Julow, North Hero Board Chair; Janet Bernadelli, South Hero Board; Randy Brock, Sarah Brannon-Kittell, Bob Krebs; several members of the public.

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and opened the educational forum. Candidates introduced themselves.

Sarah Brannon-Kittell lives in Fairfield and represents Franklin County and Town of Alburgh since 2002. 1995 appointed by Gov. Howard Dean to legislature. Elected seven times. School nurse for South Burlington High School previously and now is a substitute nurse. Sat on Education Committee for Act 60 during years of 1996-2002. Presently on Health and Welfare Committee in afternoon and in the morning chair of Senate Agriculture Committee.

Randy Brock represents Franklin County and Alburgh in the Senate. Vermont State auditor. Sits on Education Committee and was involved in crafting of education bills this past year.

Bob Krebs “new guy on the block”. Was appointed to legislature last year by Governor Douglas due to the untimely death of Ira Trombley. Lives in South Hero. On Fish and Wildlife and Water Resources Committees. Professional Engineer who was fortunate to be involved with water resources.

Two seats on House side as well as Senate side up for vote.

1. Do you feel the quality of our children’s education has improved over the past 10 years? Please explain.

S. Kittell - Yes, computer technology and all testing taking place, overall top 10 of schools in the nation. Challenges with math, reading overall children doing better. Hands on learning and agriculture have to be part of student learning. For example organic farming. Less emphasis on testing as one person can make a huge difference in the scores.

R. Brock – As far as testing, the NECAPs for example compare us to a small group; the state’s decision to shift to the 30-state standardized program will be a lot more meaningful in the long run. Not moving forward fast enough, may take 60 years to be successful at the current rate. I am not sure when you look at high spending districts and low spending districts and there is not much difference in the scores.

B. Krebs – Echo what R. Brock says. When looking at the questions, what does quality mean? Nurturing at school, well rounded students, difficult to put finger on. Would say yes. A lot of stuff that says Vermont kids are doing well. Caution that just being based on scores. Needs to be a lot of different outcome measures. I do not think that how much you spend on education is a predictor of how students will do. Big fallacy – throw more money on it and our kids will be smarter. Does not think that connection exists.

2. What are your general beliefs on school consolidation throughout the state? Is this a local, regional, or state decision? Assuming the Grand Isle Supervisory Union retains its current boundary; do you believe there should be a consolidation of any of its constituent school districts (i.e., resulting in a closure of one or more school buildings)?

R. Brock - Has a degree in history and likes to look at what has happened before. Feels that history is repeating in trying to consolidate number of districts as was done over 100 years ago. Believe local control is really important. Possibility to save some money if you consolidate. Virtual mergers is in bill but has not been talked a lot about. Contracts with other districts or supervisory unions regarding supplies etc. even if they are not contiguous. There are cash incentives if you want to do that. Local control is important issue. Does not think legislature should impose consolidation.

B. Krebs – It would take some very compelling evidence for him to vote for forced consolidation. A town’s identity is wrapped around its own school. He does not see himself forcing the issue of consolidation. Research that shows no solid belief that elimination of school districts will improve education. Possible savings with consolidation. Some have seen an increase. Right now he would not vote for forced consolidation.

S. Kittell – Agrees with the above more or less and wonders where the cost savings is. Health care and personnel approximately 70% of cost of school. Looking to be re-elected to Montpelier to work on single-payer health care. Explore options of taking five buildings to one or what it would look like. For the community deciding what to do. May have to go back to looking at time-sharing teachers.

3. Across the state, speaking from an “average” perspective, enrollment is declining and the level of spending per pupil is of concern. Though most Island school districts are exhibiting a decline in enrollment, Grand Isle School District, on the other hand, exhibits an INCREASED level of enrollment since 2001 and, thus, is contrary to the state’s “law of averages” educational debate. How do you plan to serve your legislative district given the different enrollment scenarios in the Islands balanced with the “law of averages” in which Act 60/68 is rooted?

4. Currently the definition of “Education Spending” includes previous carry over surplus/deficit figures from the most recently completed audit report. While it is correct to account for such surplus/deficit information it inaccurately skews true education spending per equalized pupil in a budget year, since the audit report is based on an earlier fiscal year’s financials. Thus, do you believe the current method for calculating education spending is sufficient or do you believe the methodology should be adjusted to more accurately reflect a school district’s annual spending balanced with offsetting revenue? Please explain.

5. For the most part, since No Child Left Behind dictates certain cost requirements and high school tuitions are defined by statute and developed by off-Island school districts (i.e., by out-of-our-control mechanisms), do you support budget segmentation for voter approval such that voters would have a better understanding of education spending per equalized pupil at the elementary and secondary school levels? For instance, since all secondary school students attend high school off-Island, should high school tuition combined with secondary Special Education budgets be voted separately from the elementary school budget and its related costs (e.g., Special Ed, bussing, debt service, etc.)?

6. For differing reasons but generally rooted in finance, some persons claim that a fundamental reform to Act 60/68 is warranted. Do you support such change? Please explain. In addition, do you believe the state’s current system of financing education is sustainable? Please explain.

Answers for 3-6 were received in written format and are the following for B. Krebs and R. Brock:

7. During the upcoming session, how must the Legislature and the Administration resolve the state’s call to reduce education spending by 2.0% in fiscal year 2011-12 yet concurrently distribute $19M of one-time, federal funding for teachers?

B. Krebs – Difference of opinion. Have to negotiate and compromise. Two percent was voluntary reduction of all school boards being requested to make. Supposed to have been sent out August 1 so that the school boards have the information. Target was about $23M. Feds have said they would give Vermont $19M specifically obligated for school jobs. Some school districts as of January will have to make some changes voluntary or not by making cuts often includes personnel and the stress that brings along with it. Are boards going to be allowed to do that or use the $19M to offset that? The Governor wants to take $19M and add to Ed Fund for teacher retirement or some other things to decrease some of our debt load. Need to negotiate a compromise on particular issue. School Boards should budget the best they can assuming they are not going to get that $19M. Use as an emergency fund unless you just can’t do it if it compromises the kids’ education too much, causes too much stress, cannot heat the building, whatever it is, then you will have to use it.

S. Kittell – She thinks that we should use the $19M as it was directed for to prevent teacher layoffs. Looks at it for transition time for challenges for change asked schools to decrease spending by $23M so use that money to go to schools just as Bob said there will be needs in one place more than another. I think that the $$ should be available for that and not teacher retirement. That is a whole separate issue. Changed last year and does not feel that we should be using this money for that. I do not think the Commissioner of Education has recommended that either. She thinks that schools have stepped up to the plate, they’ve tightened the belt. Use to be increase every year of 5% or so, recently 2% or even less, some 0% budget increases, most school budgets passed. $19M for schools will be very important.

R. Brock – go back to the 2% into perspective. Towards end of session, dealing with Challenges for Change and it was a challenge to reduce both the current budget and next year’s budget by a certain amount. The Appropriations Committee recommended 2% because that was the number needed to plug the amount of money so they could balance the budget. We pushed back on the Senate Education Committee because we didn’t like the 2%. Principally, because it penalized those districts that had done a great job in managing costs and it rewarded those who had not and we have had districts that have been flat or have low budget for a period of time. Other districts that have gone up 9% or more per year over and over again. The law was rewritten so that it included the Commissioner coming up for a number for each district based on several factors. Among the factors was how well the district had been managed financially, per the number of students at poverty and several other factors. Unfortunately the computation that came back that applied it to the districts looked an awful lot like the education law. I don’t know that it did what we intended. This $19M now comes in as a windfall. I don’t think we are going to have any choice based on the federal rules as to how we use it. I think we are going to have to use it as intended. That being said though, I would be very hesitant to ask districts to kick the can down the road and do nothing regarding the $23M target. This is one time money and this money is going away, just like all the federal stimulus money that we have been patching things together through. It’s going away and you can’t fund long-term programs. For the past 10 years education costs and staff has been increasing and the number of kids in school has been decreasing. Require a plan now to use $19M.

8. Do you support statewide teachers’ and support staff contracts, where applicable, with a regional geographic index to adjust salary and benefits?

S. Kittell – Yes, I always thought we should have a statewide teacher contract and support staff, I do not know as much about that. It would take a while to get salaries stabilized. It would be good for teachers, schools and superintendents. Local districts deal with local issues. Teacher contract and health care insurance should all be state wide.

R. Brock – I do tend to support statewide teachers’ contract. Regional variations are essential. Local school boards would be on a local playing field and could afford the representation and high level negotiators, which the NEA has. Concern is that salaries would rise to the highest level within the region being considered. At this point, having no money, having minus some money, not sure if that is feasible. In principal, great idea.

B. Krebs – Show me the contract for me to give an opinion on something. Conceptually it would be a good idea. Referred to recent events in Winooski and hopefully that kind of stuff could be eliminated with a statewide contract. Try it on a regional level first.

9. Do you believe a teacher’s salary should, at least in part, be based on performance besides educational attainment and years of experience/seniority?

R. Brock – Yes.

B. Krebs – Yes. Student variation, if students are all supposed to meet the same standards, the students are not necessarily equal to judge teachers’ performance on students tests, has to be a very comprehensive system to evaluate teachers to decide on merit.

S. Kittell – Merit pay is discussed a lot. Every seven years teachers have to have their endorsement fulfilled with professional development plan. Standards have been raised for teachers. Have to be very careful about merit pay system not making it subjective to whoever is deciding on the merit. National Teacher Certification was a program when Howard Dean was in office.

10. Please explain how you believe the State Teachers Retirement program should be funded?

B. Krebs – This is a little over my head. This is where I call Randy with financial experience. Short answer is we need to keep looking at this and it is going to be a struggle.

S. Kittell – Agree with that also, keep our promises. Whatever the numbers are live within means. Have some reserve. For future or new hires, in teachers, we may have to change that.

R. Brock – The teachers’ retirement system. Slowed the rate of spending but as you carry the curve out 10 or 15 years, it doubles again. My sense is we are going to be back at the table in two years, because we just scratched the surface of this problem. Vermont has a $2.7B unfunded liability between State employees and teachers retirement and it is unsustainable. Make annual contributions to these plans and not allow ourselves to borrow from them. Teachers’ pension fund is funded right now at about 65%, State employees about 79% of what it ought to be. No funding source for benefits of health care being paid out of plan. Pension plan should go in the education fund in my opinion as opposed to the general fund, but, it should only be if a funding source is provided to the education fund to pay for it.

11. How will you actively engage and otherwise communicate with school boards, if elected?

S. Kittell – Go to meetings, right. I attend all the meetings I am invited to.

R. Brock – Going to meetings is good, but if invited would be happy to come, available by e-mail and telephone. Ed committees love to hear from people, school board members and superintendents and if something is coming up and would like to come down and testify, love to have people, particularly school board members and so on to come and sit down and talk to the committee. Talk to the group of people who are involved in writing the law.

B. Krebs – Communicate, communicate, communicate, if school board invites him, he will attend. (Refer to his written answers to above boldfaced questions regarding communication.)

MM indicated that he tried to attend forum last year regarding Challenges for Change and he couldn’t even get into the room.

12. Eighth Grade – a. With the current economic status, how are you going to protect our sports and other after-school programs?

R. Brock – I am not, that is not my job. That is a school board’s job. The school board has to set the priorities and not the legislature.

B. Krebs – Certainly agree with that answer. Athletics was what got me through college and if he had not had athletics, he would not have had the opportunity. Encourage communities with other after-school activities as well.

S. Kittell – Agree with previous answers. Responsibility comes down to local school boards.

b. What is your view on year-round schooling?

B. Krebs – If he was an eighth grader, he didn’t think he would want to do that. Has not had a chance to research this. Budget issues may make it not feasible to keep schools open all year.

S. Kittell – Thought there should be less school rather than more. When school ends, thinks community should take over. There are before and after school programs available now. Does not think we should have year round school.

R. Brock – Not sure that in 2010 that school year is ruled by agrigarian calendar. Has proposed in talking increasing class sizes, save money, add an hour to the school day and still save money.

c. What are you going to do for students, if elected?

S. Kittell – See students in Montpelier, talk with them and explain how laws were made. Stay in touch with and visit some of the schools. Focus on nutrition, farm to school; wellness and decrease obesity.

R. Brock – work with students and focus on policy answering how can we give our kids a great education at a cost that the taxpayers can afford. It is not all about cuts.

B. Krebs – Sticking up for the kids on policy issues as Randy was talking about. On a personal level, I would like to engage some students to try to impress upon them the importance of their education. Life-long learning. Had questions prepared for eighth graders if they were in attendance to ask them.

d. How are you going to protect our interests without raising taxes?

R. Brock – As a practical matter, he does not think taxes can be raised. Taxed to the max and see the issue of property taxes and the effect right now. Transformation of education document prepared by State Board of Education has some interesting information in it; Challenges for Change based on outcomes; asked the Commissioner of Education to prioritize mandates; can be more cost effective and with the present state of the economy, has to be done without raising taxes.

B. Krebs – two separate issues, what he has heard from people is that taxes cannot be raised, protecting kids – he would try to not let anything happen as far as legislature is concerned. Would also encourage communities to be more involved in volunteer efforts, including the kids.

S. Kittell – I think the same thing. Be careful that Montpelier does not do the hidden tax shift. For example the teacher retirement fund out of the general fund and into the education fund. Look at communities in general and see how they need to evolve for the future and economic development.

Questions from the public: Charlotte Kennedy – How do you react to cuts in school budgets, Algebra and world language two years ago and five budget votes later, which are not only present in our school system, but also other school systems? How would you change that?

B. Krebs – cuts, higher education, related engineering education and what is happening with cuts; local decision, have to work with local school board;

S. Kittell – has to come from the state and locals;

R. Brock – if you want the State to control the problem, local control would be lost; if local board makes a change, local taxes could increase; distance learning, virtual mergers with contractual agreements; consolidation.

Mike Talbot – Referred to an article from the Stowe Reporter – 1999 property taxes represented 49% of education spending, 2009 increased to 79% - Can you explain why and how that has happened, if it is going to continue, or if it can be reversed?

R. Brock – Has not seen that statistic. There is a breakdown into what constitutes education spending. Property taxes are the lion’s share, transfers from the general fund, $2M from Vermont Yankee which is going to go away, money from the Lottery.

S. Kittell – question the figure rising from 49% to 79%. House values increase, which increase taxes. CLA must have an effect also.

M.Talbot – the way that it was depicted was it was less years ago.

R. Brock – as the value changes, the rate changes, so it should bring in the same amount of revenue.

Bart Wilcox – heard comments about local control but in opposition to that I heard statewide teacher contract mentioned. I oppose statewide contract, as there are some school that are not unionized.

S. Kittell – I look at the statewide contract as leaving the locals in control of what they should be in control of. B.W. 80% of the budget is compensation. How do you reconcile your endorsement of local control and go ahead and say that we want to take away from you 80% of your budget. SK – merit pay; part of what she said before during the Dean administration there was money on the table for the teachers, they have to be judged somehow, what is the standard. The standard being used then was the national merit test or something.

R. Brock – the issue of statewide contract is simply a mechanism; competition between districts is leading to an escalation of school costs beyond the control of local school boards.

B. Krebs – Would like to see a statewide contract and see how it is going to work before hand. Regional level first might be the way to start.

Andy Julow – What needs to be the future of Act 60/68? Can we tweak it, scrap it, keep it and why?

R. Brock – utterly unworkable, see result in property taxes rising; need to start again. A commission doing some work with this. Income sensitivity has turned into a middle class tax entitlement. Needs to change.

B. Krebs – certainly agree. It is way too complicated. Does not understand it. Help him out with ideas to be taken back to Montpelier.

S. Kittell – Present when Act 60 written. Difficult process. Equal opportunity for all students of Vermont no matter what part of the state you lived in. Looked at every year and has to be tweaked.

R. Brock – clarified that the M. Talbot question is a closer margin of increase than quoted. Special Ed has to have a big impact.

Janet Bernadelli – South Hero – One educational initiative would you support to go forward and one that you would let go of.

S. Kittell – would cut transportation to get all parents to school board meetings, one of the most important things is a teacher, wants best and brightest in her schools.

R. Brock – High quality teachers are most important factor; get rid of not good teachers.

B. Krebs – agrees with teachers being an important factor and also would fight for a well rounded curriculum;

Adjustment of Agenda: None.

Approval of Minutes: At 9:12 p.m. MM made a motion to make the following change to the draft minutes of October 11, Line 44 MM – asked what happens to unused stipend funds, HD said it becomes a discretionary fund. MM asked because he is not taking stipend, if his designated portion be removed from upcoming budget. HD said no because MM could leave and the replacement would not have stipend funds available. 2^nd for HD.

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda: None.

Superintendent’s Report: None.

Principal’s Report: None.

Board Discussion: None.

Board Action: At 9:15 p.m. MI made a motion to pay bills in the amount of $199,208.83 and 2^nd by MM. GC (health insurance, bond payment largest portions)

Executive Session: At 9:17 p.m. HD made a motion to move into executive session regarding contracts, 2^nd by MI. GC At 9:25 p.m. HD made a motion to exit executive session, 2^nd by MI. GC

Agenda Building:

Budget building assumptions and discussion FY2011-12.

Bill Baron, GIVFD Chief, will be at November 22 meeting.

Class size policy – first reading.

Board Correspondence/Sharing: Next board meetings are November 8 and November 22, 2010.

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

Monday, September 27, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, Beverly Gover, Peg Burbo, Michael Inners and Mitch McGrath

Others in attendance: Richard Taylor, Superintendent, David Gadapee and Marshall Phillips.

Proceedings: HD called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: MI – Add class-size policy to discussion regarding budget.

Approval of Minutes: At 7:0 p.m. MM made a motion to approve the minutes of September 13, 2010 as drafted, 2^nd by PB – GC.

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda: None.

Superintendent’s Report: None.

Principal’s Report: None. TW not in attendance.

Board Discussion: FY2012 Budget – RT will bring a draft to individual boards for consideration concerning recommended class size policy; needs to be set by January and added as agenda building also; cost of repairs to discuss; staffing patters; State request to reduce budget by 1.46% and our response; salary adjustments as a result of negotiations impasse.

School Checking Accounts - Currently nine accounts at the Town Clerk’s office; need to change signatories to Pam Leonard and Troy Nolan-Watkins.

Federal Funding – Due to federal and state inability to sustain beyond its one-time federal funding injection, HD stated a concern to not accept designated funding from the Education Jobs Fund (Public Law No. 111-226). MI disagrees. MM – too early for him to decide.

GISU meeting follow up – merger discussion ongoing; press release regarding Act 153 forthcoming from GISU. MM – updates from our board to the public, regarding the cost benefit of what pursuing Act 153 would possibly look like within GISU. “The goal is to get and keep information out for the public to first be informed of our activities and second, given time to absorb the information and seek/provide additional input on action during the time prior to the 2017 deadline. The desire is to come up with an initial strategy and process short of investments in formal studies until/if there is adequate public support in favor of the initiative.”

Legislative Candidate Forum – An invitation to the candidates was mailed September 24 to attend GISB’s October 25 meeting at 7:00 p.m. at the Grand Isle School to talk about education issues specifically. The invitees are candidates for senate and house; board chairs of GISU, Superintendent Taylor and Principal Nolan-Watkins were invited to attend also. Format – send HD two versions of a potential forum depending on attendance; send list of questions to HD and any other information as well.

Upcoming Meeting Schedule – October 11 next meeting; October 19 schedule for contract mediation; October 25 legislative meeting at GISB; November 2 GISU Executive Committee meeting; November 8 and 22 GISB meetings and December 2 GISU meeting at Grand Isle at 7:00 p.m.

Board Action: At 8:06 p.m. HD made a motion to consolidate various checking accounts into as few, if not one account if possible, at People’s United Bank whereby TW, PL and Karen Groseclose are signatories and all checks issued will require two signatures, 2^nd by BG – GC.

At 8:58 p.m. MI made a motion to pay bills in the amount of $72,073.59 2nd by HD – GC (approx. $40,000 benefits).

Executive Session: None.

Agenda Building:

FY2012 Budget

Updates from our board to the public regarding consolidation and the benefits.

Board goals – secondary discussion regarding tuition and curriculum.

Board Correspondence/Sharing: None.

At 9:08 p.m. Motion to adjourn by HD – GC

APPROVED BY

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

_____________________________

______________________________

GRAND ISLE SCHOOL BOARD

DRAFT MEETING MINUTES

Monday, August 9, 2010

Board attending:

Herbert Durfee, III, Beverly Gover, Peg Burbo, Michael Inners (absent) and Mitch McGrath

Others in attendance: Richard Taylor, Superintendent and Troy Nolan-Watkins, Principal, Beth Hemingway, GISU, Paul Sacca, David Gadapee, Bethany Davies and Angela Hamlin

Proceedings:

HD called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

Adjustment of Agenda: Correction to Board Discussion – change budget to Board Goals.

Approval of Minutes: At 7:08 p.m. MM made a motion to approve the minutes of July 12, 2010 as drafted, 2^nd by PB – GC.

Members of the Public – For Items Not on the Agenda: David asked about status of afterschool – TW gave update, indicated that there are site directors; no program first trimester, grant run that way, next summer full staff, there will be a letter the first day of school.

Superintendent’s Report: Assessment timeline-quarterly v twice a year; insurance in summer then after the summer, take second half and divide into two; July, January and April. Legislative requirements – RT handed out results to the board.

Principal’s Report: Enrollment is 208; course offerings include Algebra during the day; all specials will be the same time of the week; an 8:05 a.m. start will take place daily; grades 7 and 8 will be on a block schedule; the parent handbook will be in the form of a calendar.

Board Discussion: Paul Sacca updated the board on the present science program and where it is going.

Board Action: At 8:45 p.m. MM made a motion to pay bills in the amount of $175,682.72, 2^nd by HD – GC ($98,000 was GISU assessment)

Food Service – 6 qualified firms in the State of Vermont approved by DOE; 4 declined and one did not return call; Abbey Group adult meals will increase from $3.00 to $3.25. At 8:47 p.m. HD made a motion to accept the proposal from the Abbey Group to provide Food Service Management Services for the GISU Food Service Authority for fiscal year FY11 as recommended by the Central Office and authorize the central office to prepare and sign appropriate documentation for this contract, 2^nd by BG – GC.

At 8:49 p.m. HD made a motion to offer a contract for teaching to Allison Cram for the K-8 Art position according to the terms as recommended by the Principal and Superintendent, 2^nd by PB – GC.

At 8:40 p.m. HD made a motion to offer a contract for teaching to Deborah Hawthorn as .4 EEE according to the terms as recommended by the Principal and Superintendent, 2^nd by BG – GC.

Table – bus routes and budget report. Karen Groseclose told RT she would have a budget report for the September 13 meeting.

Executive Session: At 7:10 p.m. HD made a motion to enter executive session regarding personnel, 2^nd by BG – GC. At 7:26 p.m. HD made a motion to exit executive session, 2^nd by BG – GC. At 7:27 p.m. HD made a motion to offer a contract for teaching to Bethany Davies according to the terms as recommended by the Principal and Superintendent, 2^nd BG - GC. At 7:30 p.m. HD made a motion to move into executive session regarding personnel, 2^nd by BG – GC. At 7:43 p.m. HD made a motion to move out of executive session, 2^nd by BG – GC. At 7:45 p.m. HD made a motion to offer a contract for teaching to Angela Hamlin according to the terms as recommended by the Principal and Superintendent, 2^nd by BG – GC.

At 9:05 p.m. HD made a motion to move into executive session regarding contract negotiations, 2^nd by BG – GC. At 9:30 p.m. MM made a motion to move out of executive session, 2^nd by HD.

Agenda Building:

Yearly Board Goals - HD suggested the following: 1) update web page; 2) address state and other imposed budget issues; 3) create, maintain and update communications with the public at large; 4) continue to work with the administration to address standardization test scores improvement; 5) continue to work with GISU to address issued related to responsiveness, accountability, major issues such as consolidation and legislative, fiscally constrained budget etc.; 6) contact area high school boards to collaborate on areas of interest, for example status of Island students, budgetary issues, curriculum and preparedness; 7) ratify a teachers’ contract; 8) address building repair needs; 9) what are legislature representatives bringing to Montpelier for GISU.

Board Correspondence/Sharing: Next board meetings are September 13 and 27^th, 2010.

At 9:31 p.m. Motion to adjourn by MM – GC