Linda Gray moved and Deb Kaplan seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 2, the special meeting of June 22, and the executive session of June 2, as submitted. One correction to the minutes of June 2 was offered: page four, first paragraph, last sentence, the word "large" was changed to "larger." The minutes were approved as corrected with Linda Gray and Deb Kaplan abstaining from voting for the June 22 minutes.

3. Library presentation

Susan Voake, Marion Cross School Librarian, presented the Board with an overview of the Library program. She spoke about her duties and responsibilities to the students and staff, which include teaching time with students (all classes visit weekly, gr. 2-4 visit twice/week, with second visit directed by their classroom teacher); assisting students with selecting appropriate reading and research materials; supporting leaders' curriculum work; overseeing the selecting/purchasing/inventorying/displaying of library materials and the work of the 15+ volunteers; assisting with public relations; helping home schooling parents; and coordinating the biannual used book sale. Ms. Voake reported that the library collection totals roughly 20,000 books at the present time. Principal Edson noted that Vermont Standards recommend 1 FTE/300 students and that librarian is one of the few positions requiring a Master's degree for certification.

4. Communications and reports

a) Report of Chair:

(1) Calendar - Chair Sachsse announced that the next regular Board meeting will be Wednesday, September 1, 7:00 p.m., at the Marion Cross School Library.

(2) Norwich Board retreat - Chair Sachsse also announced that the Norwich Board retreat will be held on Thursday, August 19, 4:00 - 10:00 p.m. at the Quechee Inn at Marshland Farms. The Board then discussed items for the agenda, which included a discussion of possible long term goals and budgeting, how the Board can help all goal setting entities by identifying key goal areas, and reflections of Rob Edson's first year as Principal. Board members were encouraged to email Mary Sachsse prior to the August 5 agenda setting meeting with any other agenda items they might have.

c) Reports of administrators:

Superintendent's Report - The Superintendent briefly discussed board/superintendent relations and referenced the documents he distributed to the Board pertaining to the expectations of each party. Board members thanked Dr. Gersen, who suggested that, if the Board wished, this could become an agenda item for the retreat.

Assistant Superintendent/Business - Mr. Aubin reported that the unaudited year end fund balance is $118,095, which is approximately $68,000 higher than anticipated. He said that the special ed reimbursement account is the source of this unanticipated revenue.

Block grant credit - At the June meeting, Mr. Aubin was asked to compute the impact of 10 to 15 fewer students on the block grant and tax rate and report back to the Board at this meeting. Mr. Aubin said that the 04-05 block grant is based on the enrollments from the two previous years, and therefore, a change in enrollment in 04-05 would have no impact for the 04-05 school year. However, the impact would be felt in the two following years, which would amount to a one cent (.01) increase for every ten student drop, assuming all other budget items remained unchanged. Since the June meeting, several students have enrolled, making this a moot issue for the time being.

Principal - Principal Edson reviewed his written report, highlighting the new enrollment figure of 310 as of July 22. He said he is expecting to enroll a few more students before the start of school. The Board discussed staffing with Mr. Edson, agreeing that should the need for the additional staff member arise, the Board would consider Mr. Edson's request. Mr. Edson also discussed a scheduling change which will provide all teachers with one hour for lunch/recess. This will allow for more time for grade level and team meetings. The schedule change also effects students extending their lunch and recess by 15 minutes. Mr. Edson felt this additional time would help students learn time management and social skills.

d) Committee reports

Local Action Planning Committee - Mr. Edson gave a brief overview of the draft Local Action Plan for 2004-05, which focuses on four goals, writing, math, climate of respect, and multiage classrooms. After Board review and discussion of the goals, the Board set the September meeting as the date for approval of the LAP goals.

5. Public input

There were no members of the public in attendance.

6. Business requiring discussion

a) Philosophy statement - The Board and Administration reviewed the draft Philosophy statement. Mr. Edson said that more than 100 people offered input into the statement. The committee then identified the common threads throughout the data. He reported that the faculty is very supportive of this draft document. Board members accepted the faculty suggestion that wording referring to class size be added to the statement. Principal Edson will review the additional wording with faculty representatives and then bring a final draft to the September Board meeting for adoption by the Board.

b) Revised Policy BCAB-3, Regular Meetings - The Board reviewed the suggested revision to Policy BCAB-3, Regular Meetings. The revised Policy will be brought back to the Board for approval at the September 1 regular meeting.

c) Marion Cross School Handbook - Principal Edson asked Board members to review the 2003-04 handbook and make suggestions for edits before the September Board meeting, at which time the 2004-05 handbook will be approved by the Board.

7. Future agenda items

A technology presentation will be scheduled for the September Board meeting.

8. Adjournment

Margaret Cheney moved and Linda Gray seconded a motion to adjourn at 8:40 p.m. The motion passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Mary B. Davis
Recording secretary