Rutland Town Board of School Directors Meeting

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

 

Open: Chairman Stacy Chapman opened the meeting at 7:09pm with the Pledge of Allegiance

 

Present: In attendance: Board members Marc Brierre, Stacy Chapman, Jim Levins, Jim Wright; Principal Pati Beaumont; Assistant Principal Larry Sims; Superintendent Wendy Savery, and 10 residents

 

Director's Orders: All orders signed

 

Board Chair suggested to go to public questions/comments

 

Public Questions/Comments (interspersed with parts of Administrator's Reports):

 

A parent expressed concern about the 4th grade class where the regular classroom teacher has been out and a series of substitutes have been in the class.  The Board Chair suggested that the principal give an update.  Principal Beaumont explained that a search has commenced for a long-term substitute (certified teacher), as the regular teacher is on sick leave until January 2010.  Applications have been reviewed and interviews will hopefully take place later in the week.  Parents expressed concern about another disruption in January.  Participation by a parent or two was suggested by the administration, on the search committee.  The Board Chair suggested that there be time set aside a future meeting (Late Oct, early November) to provide update about the 4th grade situation.

 

Principal Beaumont moved on to give an update on the Kindergarten situation.  The administration is bringing a candidate forward a candidate for the full time aide position in kindergarten.  The aide is highly qualified (HQ) for the position which means either a college degree (2 or 4 year), specific online course work, or equivalent of 60 credit hours of college work.  Hopefully the aide will start no later than this coming Monday.  The committee consisted of the Principal, Assistant Principal, superintendent, and the 2 kindergarten teachers; and they were unanimous in their recommendation of the candidate.

 

Principal Beaumont informed the Board that a candidate has been interviewed for the Family and Consumer Science (FACS) vacancy. 

 

Minutes of September 15, 2009 meeting: Accepted as written

 

Committee Reports: none

 

Teacher/Staff Comments:  None

 

Administrator's Reports:

Principal:

Roof update, change order put through ($577.21), electrical line damaged by mason drilling and off set by unexpected sheathing replacement.  Possible amendment, exterior attic doors need to be replaced, replacement with metal doors and maintenance free trim is about $9354.  Board requested John Berryhill explore other options and submit report back to Board or attend next meeting.  Appears completion of project in 3 to 4 weeks.

 

NECAP testing during October

 

Superintendent:

The business manager is preparing the audit-report and the superintendent gave the Board a  handout providing an overview of the audit process. 

 

Tuition amount set by state for high school is $11576 for the 2009/2010 academic year

 

Update on the ADS student activity tracker (SAT) software.  Makes it easier to oversee the various accounts (clubs, activities, student accounts, etc).  This gets towards best accounting practices and sound internal controls.

 

Activity agreement for Glendon Ingalls ($2000 stipend for Jazz Band and $2000 stipend for Marching Band).  Motion by Marc Brierre, seconded by Jim Levins.  Jim L mentioned the proud history of the music program and made note of the various events: Halloween parade, Burlington Jazz, Great Escape.  Motion passes 3-0.

 

Chair Report:

 

Nothing new to report on negotiations as the process in the fact-finding stage.  There is a need for Executive Session for personnel.

 

Other:

Jim Levins brought to the Board’s attention that this Veteran's Day there is the possibility of a National Guard Blackhawk helicopter landing on school property as part of a program that the National Guard has developed.  The pilot is the son of one of the Rutland Town Teachers.  The board was unanimous in support of the event, making clear that the event is part of the celebration of Veteran’s Day and would want to also make sure that Rutland Town residents are aware of the event.

 

The letter received at the last meeting about the softball league that was granted permission to play at Northwood was forwarded to the Town Select Board, but no response has been forthcoming from the Select Board.  A copy will be sent to the people who are in charge of the league

 

            Thanks given for the School Notices (emailed to parents) that now include a section on Board meetings.

 

A parent requested time to make very positive comments about the new 7th grade hire.  The parent's child has been forthcoming, at home, with praise for the new teacher.

 

 

Executive Session:  Motion made by Marc Brierre to go into Executive Session (Title 1, Section 313) for issues related to personnel, seconded by Jim Levins; passed unanimously at 8:05pm.  Motion made and seconded to end Executive Session, passed unanimously at 8:40pm

 

Action:  Lim Levins made a motion to hire Deb Wright as the full-time Aide for Kindergarten and Marc Brierre seconded, motion passed 2-0 with Jim Wright abstaining from the discussion and vote.

 

Adjournment:  Jim Levins made a motion to adjourn, Marc Brierre seconded, passed unanimously at 8:44pm