NORWICH BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY DECEMBER 5, 2007
7:00 P.M., MARION CROSS SCHOOL
Minutes
Present: Board members Callaghan, Gray, Sachsse, Vitt, Williams; Administrators Gersen, Aubin, Edson; and 7 members of the public. Recorded by R. Lohr
1. Call to order –Chair Mary Sachsse called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.
2. Approval of minutes
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 7, as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Communications and Reports
a) Report of Chair
Chair Mary Sachsse announced that the next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Thursday, January 3, 7:00 PM at the Marion Cross School Library. This is the first of three budget meetings in January and this meeting will be the budget presentation.
b) Reports of Administrators
Principal’s Report
Principal Edson reviewed his report and announced that two new students were expected to enter the school soon. The staff and students practiced school emergency procedures with the police and fire departments. New bike racks arrived that are associated with the Safe Routes to School funding. The ice rink is open. A visiting dance troupe from Norway visited the school and was very well received. The Holiday Concert is scheduled for December 11 and 13 at 1 PM. The Faculty Survey results are expected in late December or January. Principal Edson will provide the Board with a recap of the new staff and mentoring program in January.
4. PTO Report
Deb Kaplan of the PTO reported on recent activities including the Inspiring Kid fundraiser, which successfully netted $6,650. The kids planted 1,300 bulbs and the PTO extended its appreciation to the community and businesses that supported the program. A fantasy writer visited the school and interacted with students in several grades. The grant awards included computerized music programs, art materials and mobile shelving, new rugs in the kindergarten, and science modules. The gift making festival was successful and the PTO extended its appreciation to the supporters. Mrs. Kaplan announced that Marion Cross students will have their artwork displayed in Hanover stores during the holidays. The family fun ice event is scheduled for February 3 during the day. The next PTO meeting is slated for December 10 in the morning.
5. Public Input
A community member suggested that the school market itself to families with prospective kindergarteners earlier in the year with a brochure, school tours, and a networking campaign. The principal reviewed some of the ways that the school currently interacts with these families.
6. Business Requiring Discussion
The Board discussed the principal search timeline, process, and committee membership. It was decided that Carey Callaghan and Mary Sachsse would serve on the committee. Linda Gray will be the alternate. It was announced that inquiries about public service on the committee would be handled at the SAU office and those seeking to serve on the committee were asked to contact the Superintendent about the committee memberships. The Board planned to select community members and parents on December 12.
The Board reviewed the document providing an update on the Board goals. This was included on the December agenda to provide a check on the progress toward the goals and Board members expressed a sense that the goals were being achieved.
John Aubin, Assistant Superintendent of Business reported on the budget process. The proposed budget is presently increasing above last year’s bottom line by 1.99 percent or roughly $90,000. The number of teachers will decline by one against the actual number of teachers, and special education costs are expected to decline by $200,000. Medical insurance is up $30,000 and the budget includes $90,000 of building improvements. These improvements include a new boiler that is needed at $50,000, insulation in the art wing at $15,500, replacement of 23 windows at $19,000, new door locks at $9,000 and exterior painting at $6,000. Mr. Aubin noted that the Dresden assessment is down by $175,000. His preliminary calculations indicate a tax rate increase of approximately two cents without applying any state construction aid. Principal Edson mentioned that physical education for grades 4-6 needs to be improved and he will recommend an increase of .2 FTE in that department.
7. Business Requiring Action
Carey Callaghan moved and Stan Williams seconded a motion to approve revised Policy JRC, Protection of Students Rights Amendment as proposed and attached to the original meeting minutes. The motion passed unanimously.
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to approve the continuation of the exemption of a breakfast and lunch program in accordance
with 16 VSA Section1265 for one additional year. The motion passed unanimously.
8. Future Agenda Items
Principal Edson is planning a Board presentation regarding how students use computers in the classroom. Suggestions about a school brochure would also possibly be an agenda item.
9. Executive Session
Stan Williams moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to enter executive session in accordance with Title 1, Section 313 for discussion of student matters.
The motion passed unanimously. The Board entered executive session at 8:12 PM.
10. Adjournment
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to adjourn at 9:20 PM. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM. |
