NORWICH BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 6, 2008
7:00 PM, MARION CROSS SCHOOL
Minutes
Present: Board members Callaghan, Gray, Vitt, Williams; Administrators Gersen, Aubin, Edson; and 4 members of the public. Recorded by R. Lohr
1. Call to order – Vice Chair Stan Williams called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. The meeting will be available via streaming video on the Internet at www.CATV8.org.
2. Approval of minutes
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 3, the budget meetings of January 10 and January 17, and the executive session of January 3, as submitted. The motion passed unanimously.
3. Communications and Reports
a) Report of Chair
Vice Chair Stan Williams announced that the next regular Board meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 5, 7:00 PM at the Marion Cross School Library.
b) Reports of Administrators
Superintendent’s Report
Superintendent Gersen updated the Board about the search process for the elementary school principal. The Search Committee will hold interviews for the three final candidates. Public forums to meet the candidates will be held on February 7, 12, and 14. The Board members would be able to appoint the new principal at a special meeting prior to the next scheduled regular Board meeting.
Kim Williams gave a presentation on the Faculty Survey to the Marion Cross teachers. There will be an overall presentation about the survey on the district level at the next Dresden School Board meeting. One clear message from the survey is that the teachers would like to have more time for planning and collaboration. Dr. Gersen suggested the school boards might consider reconfiguring the school day and year to incorporate such time.
Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Assistant Superintendent John Aubin cited a letter from the Vermont legislature regarding the tax rate, which was originally issued at 85 cents in mid-December. The rate is now two cents higher than previously stated but the exact final rate is still an estimate at this time. The contents of the letter will be incorporated into the town report.
Principal’s Report
Principal Edson reviewed his report and announced that the NECAP presentation will be held at the March School Board meeting.
4. PTO Report
Deb Kaplan of the PTO reported on committee activities. The Stewardship Committee that is conducting a compost program, recycling program, and planning for Earth Week. The Science Enrichment Committee will use PTO funds to acquire hands-on learning supplies for different grades. A kindergarten orientation is planned and staff appreciation is set. A shortened Norwich Unplugged will be on the week of March 10 with a planned family contradance. The PTO gift award request deadline is March 1. The Spelling Bee is scheduled for April 4. On behalf of the school and community, Ms. Kaplan expressed appreciation to the outgoing Board members for their service to the school and community.
5. Public Input
Irv Thomae cited proposed legislation regarding lead paint abatement and he urged people to support the passage of this bill.
6. Business Requiring Discussion
2008-09 Budget Presentation
Assistant Superintendent John Aubin stated that the District mailer about the budget was sent to be printed and that he will email the Board members an advance copy of the mailer. He offered Board members help on the Warrant Article presentations.
New Board
The Superintendent reviewed plans for holding an orientation for newly elected Board members on March 5. Board members that will be leaving the Board will be asked to speak about what they felt was unexpected during their Board service and what they would have like to seen accomplished during their term had they continued. The Dresden reorganization meeting is set for March 6. It was suggested that an outside expert be invited to discuss normative behavior for school board members.
7. Executive Session
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to enter executive session in accordance with Title 1, Section 313 for discussion of negotiations.
The motion passed unanimously. The Board entered executive session at 7:53 PM.
8. Adjournment
Linda Gray moved and Carey Callaghan seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:05 PM. The motion passed unanimously. The meeting adjourned at 8:05 PM. |
