DRESDEN SCHOOL BOARD
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAYJUNE 21, 2005
7:00 P.M., HANOVER HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY
Approved: 9/6/05
Present: Board members Asmus, Bruce, Carter, Chamberlin, Cheney, Fleischer, Gray, Pilchman, Sachsse, Vitt; Student council rep Creighton; Administrators Gersen, Aubin, Brush, Gillespie, Finer; and
18 members of the public.
Recorded by R. Lohr
1. Call to order – Chair Cheney called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
2. Athletic Fields Committee Report
Dresden Athletic Fields Committee chairs Kathy Parsonnet and Peter Krass reviewed the committee’s report and recommendations. The chairpersons outlined the extensive communications with the public on the issue of athletic fields, particularly with people in the vicinity to the school fields, and highlighted the good public participation in the survey and the meetings. The report described the different options the Committee considered and detailed issues such as the field shortage, transportation to the practice sites, development costs, sharing fields and facilities with the towns and Dartmouth College, and many other factors. The Committee’s recommended option included adding fill to expand the high school’s lower field that is currently used for field hockey and lacrosse; installing synthetic turf and lights to that field; increasing the size of the current football field so it can accommodate a regulation sized soccer field; building a new track and associated elements around that field; installing irrigation and sod on field; and going forward with the two multi-purpose fields planned for the Norwich site.
Estimated costs for the plan totaled $2,875,000, which includes a 15 percent contingency. The committee expected this cost to be reduced by $290,000 by the use of the Merriman fund, and by in-kind contributions.
The Committee chairpersons’ presentations focused extensively on the value of the proposed synthetic turf fields, emphasizing its versatility. The Committee chairpersons’ also emphasized the value of lighting on the lower field, noting that it would be less of a factor with residences in the vicinity because the lights would be below the tree line. The Committee chairpersons also suggested that the Board consider using a design/build approach on the project.
The Committee report included a list of associated amenities (such as a press box, athlete facility at the Norwich site, trails, a skate park, walking and biking trails, etc.) that the Committee proposed be excluded from the bond but ultimately incorporated in the design through alternate funding. The Board raised many questions related to synthetic turf, wetlands issues, and how to fund the replacement of synthetic turf, which has a ten year life expectancy. The Board developed a list of issues to address over the summer including the hours of field use if synthetic turf and lights are installed, drainage details, the feasibility of obtaining a State wetlands permit for filling the lower field, costs associated with additional facilities such as track lanes and bleachers, and the use of the fields at Richmond Middle School.
Superintendent Gersen distributed a document from Hanover town manager Julia Griffin, which officially outlined the town’s position on sharing existing town fields with Dresden. Additionally, Gersen reviewed an outline of the next steps for the development of Dresden athletic fields, which included confirming cost estimates, completion of engineering studies, obtaining a confirmation of sharing agreements with each town, determining how to oversee the project, exploring alternative funding, and evaluating potentially controversial elements. He also reviewed time lines that assumed holding a bond vote on November 8.
The Board expressed its appreciation to the committee for a job well done and the estimated 3,000 man-hours of work on the issue.
3. Receiving of public input
One member of the public expressed disappointment at learning that a recent Athletic Fields Committee meeting to discuss options was only publicized hours in advance. Another member of the public said that as a neighbor, he had been kept very well informed and thought the Committee had done a good job.
4. Approval of minutes
A motion was made and seconded (Carter, Sachsse) to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 24 and the nonpublic meeting of May 24, as submitted with corrections. The motion passed with nine in favor and one abstention (Bruce). Changes:On the nonpublic meeting minutes, Robert Bruce was not in attendance.
5. Communications and Reports
a) Report of Chair:
Chair Cheney announced that the next Board meeting date is scheduled for August
30, at 7:00 p.m. in the new Richmond School Library. This meeting will follow the official school opening reception, which is scheduled for 5:00 p.m.
Nancy Carter volunteered to speak at the faculty meeting scheduled for August 29.
b) Reports of Administrators
Superintendent’s Report – Superintendent Gersen reported on the staff’s review of the cost of the town’s building-related requirements. He indicated that the town’s mandate regarding the sewer line connection proved to be a wash in terms of cost to the District because of the deteriorated condition of the older sewer on Lebanon Street. He reported that the Building Committee would meet in July to discuss the other town mandates included in John Aubin’s report shared with the Board in May.
Superintendent Gersen also updated the Board about the Route 5 Norwich Fields. He indicated that Act 250 requirements might prove to be an obstacle to implementing the idea for allowing a contractor to use of four acres on the site in exchange for the completion of the athletic fields. Contractors were offered space for developing a contractor’s yard on the site for five years, but once they completed a cost-benefit analysis they both requested, a minimum of 10 years. The estimated maximum usage of the yard, which includes up to 100 truck trips per day, will lengthen and complicate the permitting and land use review. Board members suggested that the staff meet informally with a representative from the Norwich Development Review Board to determine the town’s perspective of the contractor’s yard idea. Superintendent Gersen indicated that his staff is also exploring other options to reduce costs. Additionally, he reported that a member of the Athletic Fields Committee has suggested reconfiguring the Norwich site fields to allow daily passers-by to see the students on the fields. The staff will get additional details associated with these issues and share them with the Board over the summer. Dr. Gersen also indicated the permit processes and complications may delay the hoped-for spring of 2006 completion of the project.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report – John Aubin reviewed a financial budget report, highlighting the fact that Dresden received unexpected building aid from New Hampshire. He reported that the expense ledger is under budget by nearly $28,000 and the revenues are over budget by more than $120,000. Aubin also announced a recent ruling from the Vermont Department of Education indicating that the cost of the fields will not be factored into Vermont’s excess spending provision and that Norwich may receive State aid for the fields.
Director of Facilities Report – Jonathan Brush reported on the June 13 tour of the new middle school attended by the middle school faculty and some Board members. He is presently pricing the blacktop needed at the new school because the town is focusing on the repair of road damage caused by the rain storms. He reported that at the high school the pipeline for the Dartmouth drain is almost completed, which has resulted in a ditch that stretches from Lebanon Street to the athletic fields. The woodchip building foundation will soon be started and asbestos removal will also be initiated in the near future.
Principals’ Reports – High School Principal Deb Gillespie announced that the graduation ceremony was conducted outdoors and was a success. She also reported that Social Studies teacher Martha Lorden and Athletic Director Mike Jackson had been awarded special recognition. In response to the Board inquiry about male/female enrollment in honors math and science, Ms. Gillespie reported that 54 of 95 students (57%) in science honors classes are female while 50 of 91 (55%) in math honors are female. The senior class is 49 percent female.
RMS Principal Susan Finer reported that the staff and students left the old Richmond School on June 10. Staff in-service was held at Dartmouth on June 13 and 14 following a tour of the new school. Unpacking is scheduled for August 23-25. Mrs. Finer thanked the many organizations that helped provide activities for the students during the early release from school.
c) Report of Council Representative
Alex Creighton reported on the two meetings of the Student Council held since the last Board meeting. He reported that the Council passed a motion requiring parents to sign registration applications for parking spaces. He also announced a civil rights assembly planned for next spring. Creighton mentioned that there had not been a board representative attending the Council meeting in the recent past. Matt Slaughter is the Board liaison to Council; the Board appointed Robert Bruce as an alternate Board member to help ensure Board representation at the meetings.
d) Reports of Committee Representatives
Quality of Education Committee
This committee met and reviewed ways to increase communication with parents about the high school. The committee meets again on July 15 at 9:15 a.m. at the SAU office.
Richmond Opening Ceremony Committee
This committee met and developed a list of invitees for a scheduled grand opening program on August 30 at 5:00 p.m. There will be food and music and a ceremony in the lobby. The Board was asked to forward suggestions about other invitees to John Chamberlin.
HS Committee On Instruction
Mary Sachsse, Board liaison to is this committee, reported that the Committee reviewed the debate curriculum and activities that encroach on the typical academic day. The types of activities include field trips, trips abroad by various school organizations, athletic events, etc.
6. Business Requiring Discussion
Crescent Parking Lot
The Board discussed the plans for the crescent parking lot configuration on the north side of the school. Jonathan Brush explained that this lot would be used as a construction staging area for the next 18-24 months, but a decision was necessary for the crew to begin setting up the area. He reported that the town planning board has approved the full crescent parking lot. After school representatives communicated with people in the neighborhood and reviewed the report of the Dresden Athletic Fields Committee, they recommended that half of the lot be developed. If a larger lot is necessary in the future then the remainder of the lot could be developed. This half lot plan would eliminate 17 or 18 parking spaces and leave about 170 total spaces. A fire road would connect the parking area to Hovey Lane for emergency access only. The members of the Board expressed a varied perspective of the parking lot ranging from opposing any lot to favoring the largest lot amongst the choice of alternatives. A motion was made and seconded (Bruce, Pilchman) to accept the parking lot proposal for a half crescent that connects to Hovey Lane. The motion passed with seven in favor and two opposed (Carter and Cheney). Matt Slaughter was not present for the vote.
Alternate Funding Committee Mission Statement
The Board discussed the mission statement of the proposed Alternate Funding Committee. It was suggested that the Committee begin by contacting other schools that use alternate funding for information on the issue and that a mission statement was not needed at this time. Additionally, the Board felt that this committee should initially include only a Board-based membership rather than a community-based group.
Proposed Educational Goals
Superintendent Gersen discussed the proposed educational goals, which are directed to teachers’ professional development. The Board discussed the fourth goal regarding encouragement for innovations. This goal might involve budgeting from staff development funds or enrichment funds. The check/balance intended is that the goal is associated with the core academic areas. The Board expressed both an interest in sending a message to teachers that it supports such innovation and concern about keeping a rein on costs.
7. Business Requiring Action:
The Superintendent nominated Jeaniel Barrett as a teacher at the Richmond School for the 2005-2006 school year.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to elect Jeaniel Barrett as a .2 Graphic Novel teacher at Richmond School at track 4, step 8, salary $10,712.60 (20% of $53,563), for the 2005-2006 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
The Superintendent nominated Lynn MacDonald as a learning specialist at the Richmond School for the 2005-2006 school year.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to elect Lynn MacDonald as a Learning Specialist at Richmond School at track 6, step 13, salary $67,532, for the 2005-2006 school year. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to approve the HHS Student Handbook for the 2005-2006 school year, as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to accept the coaches as submitted and attached to the original meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to accept the resignation of Wanda M. Clark effective June 15, 2005, with regret. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to accept the athletic gifts as listed and attached to the original meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
A motion was made and seconded (Chamberlin, Carter) to approve the compensation for the AD Administrative Assistant and Registrar as proposed and attached to the original meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Adjournment
A motion was made and seconded (Bruce, Chamberlin) to adjourn at 11:12 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.
The meeting adjourned at 11:12 p.m.
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