Meeting

Date:

11/16/09

Minutes Submitted On:

11/20/06

Board Attendees:

Anne Fines (AF), Virginia Scholl (VS), Peter May (PM), Benjamin Cragin (BC)

Administration Attendees:

Jim Kane, Amelia Stone (AS)

Community Attendees:

 

                       

Location:

PCS Writing Room

Meeting called to order at:

4:31 pm

Meeting called to order by:

PM

Finish time:

7:27 PM

 

NOTE:  These minutes should be considered a draft that awaits approval and possibly amendment by the board at its next scheduled meeting. 

 
AGENDA TOPIC MOTION MOVED BY SECONDED BY DISCUSSION PASSED

PASSED?

Prior Meeting’s Minutes

To approve minutes of Oct.26, 2006

BC

AF

 

yes

Communications

Letter from Concerned Citizens of Guilford about the Dummerston petition re Special Ed funding (see binder)

Committee Reports:  Finance/School Forest/Early Education Outreach Advisory Committee

School Forest: AF reported that certificates of program completion were handed out to 30 students for the fall after school program. Many thanks to the 18 volunteers who helped make the program a success.  On Nov. 4th 5 volunteers spent about 3 hours posting the perimeters of the school property with 83 signs, warning that it is school property and all weapons are forbidden.  15 more still to be posted.  The third fundraiser has begun with letters sent to 30 local businesses and a goal of raising $1000.  AF is pleased to report that so far the School Forest has not required any direct financial support from taxpayers.

 

EEOC: AF reported that there were 15 attendees at the meeting on Nov. 14th to address childcare issues in Putney.  The need and a possible site for a new preschool program in Putney was discussed, including blending in children to the PCS Head Start program, or opening a new classroom.  There is a great need also for an infant/toddler program.  The next meeting will be Dec. 5th.

Warrants

To approve warrants #1036(Fast) 32,218.14; #1037 (Fast) 46.55; #1039 Fast 2,200; #1040 (Reg.) 27,629.  Total $62,093.69

PM

BC

 

yes

Administrators’ Reports

AS reported that the Winter Concerts will be on Dec. 11 for grades 5 – 8, and Dec.12 for grades K - 4.  Both begin at 6 PM

A successful Walk to School Day started at Green Mt. Orchards with apples, cider, and donuts, and then the 80 participants walked through woods and fields to the school.  A map has been created showing where each child in the school lives.  See further minutes under FY 07-08 Budget Discussion

 

Old Business

 

 

To approve 1% funding proposals as amended.

PM

BC

There were more requests than money available, so some cuts had to be made.

yes

Entered Executive Session at 5:20 pm to discuss a personnel issue. Out at 5:25.

To go into Executive session

AM

BC

 

yes

Communication

To accept the letter of retirement from Jan Blanchard, as of July 2007

PM

AF

The board wishes to thank Jan for 30 years of superb teaching at PCS.  Board members expressed interest to AS in attending and/or participating in further celebration of Jan’s retirement and extraordinary contributions to more than a generation of young learners.

Yes

 

New Business

 

Budget for FY2007-2008

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Staffing Plan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pellet-air guns

 

 

 

 

D7 :Volunteers and Work Study Students” –  3rd reading

 

 

Board Goals progress

 

 

 

Support staff negations committee

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The board asked  AS to meet with Middle School staff to review projected enrollment and staffing.  Enrollments.  She will provide an update on Nov. 30th, after the Nov. 29th Open House for the Middle School.

 

 

The board took a first look at the FY07-08 level service budget handed out by Jim Kane. He explained that the preschool contracted services on p.3 will be offset on the revenue side by ADM money, but it was included as a line item expense at the request of EP so we could keep track of it.  New salaries for certified staff are in the budget, but support staff salaries were put in at the current rate as contract negotiations are just beginning.  Health insurance is entered at a 9% increase (teachers are paying 12% of this).

 

Because of declining enrollments, “specials” (music, art, PE, library) will be reviewed carefully with a view towards optimizing service levels and the range of offerings.

 

Jim Kane will prepare a draft #2 for next meeting reflecting a reduction of one certified teacher.

 

AS handed out a chart of current and projected (to’09-‘10) enrollment patterns, showing a possible drop from current 205 to 165, 3 years out.  The charts are available in the school office.  There are many possible ways to address these circumstances – all of which should be discussed.  Flexibility, while continuing to provide a sound educational environment, is key.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The policy will stand as is: pellet-air guns are prohibited in the School Forest because they fall under our weapons policy.  The board would be open to further discussion on this issue if there is interest in the community.

 

 

Adoption to be moved in next meeting.

 

 

 

 

Board goals were reviewed in relation to our current and future meetings.  Enrichment possibilities will be looked at in the joint staff meeting on Dec. 5th.

 

 

BC will be our board representative, if meetings are at a manageable time

Executive session to discuss a personnel issue.  Out a 7:27

To enter Executive session

At 7:00

PM

BC

 

yes

Upcoming Meetings

 

 

Nov. 30:

Second budget discussion

Discussion on volunteerism, report by Sue Kochinskas,

Volunteers and Work Study D7 Policy adoption

 

 

Dec. 5th 4 PM Special Board Meeting

Board/PCS staff session and Q&A

 

 

Dec. 6th , 7 PM Special Board Meeting - All boards (select, school, planning, PFS, zoning, etc.) meeting in PCS Music Room

 

 

Dec. 14 Regular Meeting – Joined by Select Board

 

 

 

 

Respectfully submitted by: VS, acting Board Clerk

This represents my understanding of this meeting.  If you have any changes, please submit them at the next board meeting.