RUTLAND TOWN BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING

Regular Meeting       

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

OPEN:  Chairman Stacy Chapman opened the meeting at 7:08 pm with the Pledge of Allegiance.

PRESENT:  In attendance were Board members; Marc Brierre, Stacy Chapman, Lyn Gallipo, Jim Levins and Jim Wright.  Also in attendance were Superintendant Wendy Savery, Principal Pati Beaumont, Asst. Principal Larry Sims, teachers and twenty-two residents.

Kindergarten Update:  A discussion was held on the Kindergarten class sizes and concerns expressed by teachers and parents.  The two classes currently have 19 students each, with one additional student expected next week.  The parents present discussed the class sizes as the teachers are expressing concerns about not being able to meet curricular expectations.  Wendy spoke on the meeting that was held on Friday.  The teachers and administration were present at this meeting.  The recommendation coming from this meeting is that a full time classroom aide be hired.  This would allow each class to have one full time classroom aide along with the additional support already planned.  Teachers, Lynn Book and Sue Roberts spoke on problems they are experiencing in academics and logistics dealing with the large class sizes.

Executive Session:  Lyn made a motion to go into Executive Session per 1 VSA, Section

313; personnel.  Jim Wright seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously at 7:24 pm.   Executive Session was declared over at 7:53 pm.

Kindergarten Update (cont):  The discussion was opened to the floor.  A petition asking for a third Kindergarten classroom was presented to the board, signed by the parents of Kindergarten students. 

The discussion centered on concerns of students receiving a quality education.  Parental concerns were also expressed on the size of the classroom, emotions some students are feeling, and the noise and activity levels (disruptions) in the classrooms.

Executive Session:  Jim Levins made a motion to go into Executive Session per 1 VSA, Section 313; personnel.  Jim Wright seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously at 9:04 pm.  Executive Session was declared over at 9:33 pm.  Teachers, Lynn Book and Sue Roberts were included.

Motion:  Marc made a motion to hire one full time classroom aide for the Kindergarten.  Lyn seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.  The Board and Administration will continue to monitor the situation.

CONSENT AGENDA:   

Director's Orders:  All Directors’ Orders were signed as presented.

Minutes:  The minutes of September 1^st were adopted as written.

Committee Reports: None

Roof Project - The roof project is on time and almost complete.  Water damage (rotting) to the sheathing was found in some of the valley areas and has been removed and replaced.  The workers from Russell Corporation and Doran Roofing have been doing a great job. 

RUTLAND TOWN BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING              Page 2         September 15, 2009

ADMINISTRATOR'S REPORT: 

• Extra-Curricular Contracts - Marc made a motion to sign contracts for: Josh Edgerton (Boys & Girls Soccer); Kent Smith (Cross Country Skiing) and Sarah Decandio (Field Hockey).  Jim Wright seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously.
• Abbey Group - Jim Wright made a motion to renew the contract with the Abbey Group for the 2009-2010 school year.  Marc seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.
• Asbestos Management - Wendy advised the board that an outside expert will be hired to inspect the schools in the supervisory union.
• Correspondence -  A letter was received from concerned resident about the Adult Men's Softball League.  For discussion at the next meeting.
• Petition -  A petition was received from parents of fourth grade students.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT:  Stacy thanked the staff and Administration for their work with the Kindergarten Classroom.  Stacy also spoke on the passing of Selectman Richard DelBianco.  Dick will be greatly missed by the residents of the Town.

AGENDA ITEMS: 

• Discussion on the starting time (6:30 vs. 7:00) for meetings.
• Kindergarten class
• Roof Project
• Negotiations
• Men’s Softball League - Letter from resident

MEETINGS:            Tuesday - September 29^h - Regular Meeting at 7:00 pm in Library.

                   Tuesday - October 13^th - Regular Meeting

                   Thursday - RCSU Meeting - October 15^th

EXECUTIVE SESSION:   Jim Wright made a motion to go into Executive Session per 1 VSA, Section

313; personnel.  Marc seconded the motion and it was passed unanimously at 9:55 pm.   Executive Session was declared over at 10:14 pm.

OTHER: 

• Administration will begin interviews for the FACS position.
• Board has been advised that Carol Montrone will be on leave through Christmas break.

MOTION:  Lyn made a motion to hire a long term sub to fill the vacancy in the Fourth grade.  Jim Levins seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

ADJOURNMENT:   The meeting was duly adjourned at 10:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynette Gallipo