APPROVED 06/08/09 Fairfield School District
BOARD MEETING May 21, 2009 Minutes Present for a Quorum: Michael Malone, Barry Fauteux, Mike L’Esperance Absent: David Howe, Kenderlyn Phelps Administrators: Bob Rosane, Superintendent; Jason Therrien, Principal Visitors: John Sharrow, Susan Callan, Betty Trivento, Bradley Callan, Real Therrien, Teresa Hale, Jean Fairchild, John Baxter, Faith Cassidy
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Call to Order – Michael Malone called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Agenda It was agreed to make the following changes to the agenda: table 6.1 Policies (Policies were originally warned for the meeting on the 18th and will need to be rewarned); add 11.3 Contract; add 11.4 Real Estate. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve the agenda, as amended; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
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Visitors – John Sharrow with Mountain Transit stated that he was there to answer any questions concerning what Mountain Transit would offer bus drivers. Consent Agenda: 5.1 Approval of Minutes of April 13, 2009 5.2 Principal’s Report The Principal’s Report was included in the packet. Principal Therrien has spoken to faculty who will be affected by next year’s classroom configurations. At this point, there will be one classroom for kindergarten, 1st, and 2nd grades; two classrooms for 3rd and 4th grades, three multi-age classrooms for 5th/6th, and four subject area teachers for 7th and 8th. A long look has been taken at curriculum, resources, and schedules – much predicated on declining enrollment – and how to best structure ourselves and deliver curriculum preparing for the next four or five years. They are also working on summer school, and hope to have that finalized in the next week. When asked if summer school is limited to children with IEPs, Principal Therrien responded that they are looking at all students who are in risk of regressing over the summer. During May, students will be taking assessments. Grades 4 and 8 are taking the NECAP; completed results will be available in the fall. Grades 3 through 8 will take the Gates reading assessment, which is a screening tool to determine who might need title services. Over the summer, they will be looking at a plan for technology. They will be re-imaging computers, updating software, building a backup server, and making sure we have data integrity. Regarding facilities, over the April break they worked on the drainage to get the water off the ball fields. This benefits the athletic fields and it is space that is used for
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Fairfield Center School - Mission Statement
To all individuals, the Fairfield School Community will provide a safe environment and the opportunities to develop the skills necessary to become independent thinkers, lifelong learners, and responsible citizens.
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physical education. His report included a list of upcoming events. The Jeh Kulu Workshops coming next week are an African drumming and dance group. There will be drumming and dance workshops, and they will perform for the entire school on Thursday. The week of June 3rd, we have concerts. June 5th there is a spring barbeque and a playground opening. The community has done a great job raising over $40,000 to help finish off this project. Demolition was done last weekend. The Grand Opening is June 5th. Middle school awards night is June 8th, and graduation is right around the corner. Theresa Hale had a question concerning restructuring: If enrollment continues to decline, does the long-range plan include looking at licensure? She stated that next year in 7th and 8th grade, there are 60 students, four core students plus a special; we have 20 in 1st grade, and 18 for kindergarten. How can we keep having low numbers in 7th and 8th grades when we have high numbers in the primary levels? Jason Therrien assured her that licensure is being considered. He spoke with administrators last year at Sheldon on how they were handling this. Sheldon was similar in size. He stated that they are looking at licensure, class loads, making sure students are getting enough math language, etc. The most immediate need based on those numbers is in grades 5 through 8. Looking forward in June, July, and August, they are looking at K-4. It is a phased process. Over time, the information will be shared with everyone. They are looking at placement meetings, and will then roll the information out to a larger group. Ms. Hale stated that teachers have requested to be able to give some input. Superintendent Rosane stated that it appeared there had been no prior communication on this issue between the teacher and the principal. Rather than this being an open discussion with the Board, it should be a discussion with the administration. He further stated that, if there is a problem and not adequate communication, he would expect it to be addressed with Jason, and then with him prior to going to the Board. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve the Consent Agenda; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 6. Old Business: 6.1 Policies – Tabled 6.2 Strategic Planning – Principal Therrien covered information on strategic planning earlier in the meeting in his Principal’s Report. There was nothing further to add. New Business: 7.1 Technology Plan – Jason Therrien distributed copies of the FCSU Technology Plan for 2009-2012. The plan gives us a little more structure from the State. One of the first goals is student center learning, and how we are going to utilize technology to support 21st century students and 21st century teachers. We are already doing many of the items. We have Power School and VCAT, which will allow us to look at student data and make decisions around that. This will help us to move forward. We want students and teachers to become familiar with the standards and skills of the 21st century. How do we include that in our plans? How do we provide professional development for staff? What learning opportunities can we give to students and staff so they learn how to utilize skills? Jason asked the Board to approve the plan. It does not have additional funding tied to it; items that have dollar amounts to them are already funded. We are looking at the world that students will inherit and trying to move them toward that. We are also talking about engaging community partners as a goal. Power School has a parent portal where parents will be able to access everything from assignments to attendance. The calendar can be synced so teacher assignments go to the parent’s calendar. We also want to get students involved in maintaining websites and looking at collaborative projects. A discussion ensued. One of the teachers stated that they have not had a chance to look at the plan, so they are not familiar with it. One visitor stated
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that she hoped the plan included an equal opportunity for students to work on interpersonal skills. Barr Fauteux made the motion to approve the Technology Plan; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 7.2 Policy for Consideration: a. 1st Reading English Language Learner Policy (F19) Superintendent Rosane explained that this is a mandated policy. The only issue that came up in discussion at the St. Albans Town Board meeting was the idea that a dominant language could be English and yet your parents could be non-English speakers. This policy could be interpreted that in that instance, you would not get support. That is not the intent of the policy. If you need support as an English speaker, you would get that support. Mike L’Esperance made the motion to warn the English Language Learner Policy (F19); Barry Fauteux seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 7.3 Busing Bids Jason Therrien addressed the Board. He stated that last April there was a preliminary discussion around the busing bids that had come in. Initial analysis showed that there is a financial savings over the course of the contract. Looking at the history, they were grappling between the financial side and having control of the busing and control of who will be hired as bus drivers. In the past, it was not clear cut that there was a financial benefit. Principal Therrien stated that we are being mandated; going forward into next year, there is no more money. If we continue to own the buses, we would need to purchase a new bus every two years. Michael Malone asked if the companies would hire our current drivers. Jason stated that he could not speak for the companies, but in most situations companies look to hire the drivers who are currently on staff. John Sharrow from Mountain Transit stated that his company would aggressively look at hiring the current drivers. He further stated that the school district would not lose control in outsourcing. The administration would tell the bus company who they can and cannot have as drivers. In the end, Mr. Sharrow believes the school would have more control because Mountain Transit would work for the school district. He felt drivers would make more money in the overall picture. He said he saw no real big problems with hiring the drivers Fairfield has now, and he believes it would be a seamless transition. One of the visitors who is a Fairfield bus driver stated that no one goes into a job without knowing how much they would be making and what is ahead of them. Mr. Sharrow responded that existing drivers would have priority on their own runs, they would be guaranteed at least four hours a day, and their pay rate would be $13 per hour. He shared other benefits of working for Mountain Transit, and offered to provide a company roster so that current employees could be contacted. Michael Malone reminded the visitors that Mountain Transit was just one of the companies that are being considered. There was a question about after school or summer programs. Principal Therrien stated that the administration was looking at that. Funds are already in the budget for busing for those types of things. Jason said they have looked at the long-term financial gain. Michael Malone stated that the Board would discuss the matter in Executive Session. In response to a question as to when this would take effect, Jason stated that he was asking the Board for a motion tonight. It was further explained that the bid process was separate from this meeting. Mountain Transit was not invited to attend, but came on their own as this is a public meeting. Superintendent Rosane added that whenever a contract is negotiated with an outside provider, the Board has the ability to put in certain conditions. He believes the Board will take the drivers into consideration. Michael Malone stated that he appreciated the
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Fairfield School District
bus drivers, teachers, and bus company’s input, and that the Board would try to take care of the drivers. The taxpayers are concerned that too much money is being spent on buses. The decision will not just be on the backs of the drivers. It’s about dropping significant funds for buying new buses. The payroll piece is small and is less significant when it comes to budgeting. There was a brief discussion on whether this should have been done or has been done in the past at Town Meeting Day. It was explained that the Town votes to appropriate whatever funds are not in the bus fund. 7.4 7.5 Fairfield Board Retreat – It was agreed to table this discussion until the June meeting. Architectural Fees – Superintendent Rosane updated the Board. He distributed a chart created by Martha Gagner. The total according to all available data was $40,000. Food Service Contract – Superintendent Rosane asked the Board to approve renewing the current food service contract. This will be the fourth year of a five-year annual renewal contract. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve renewing the current food service contract; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion passed 3-0. 7.7 Fuel Bids – A colloquium of people are included in the fuel bid. The quantity may change depending on the busing contract decision. The Board will be receiving more information. Tax Anticipation Notes – Superintendent Rosane stated that the Board was aware that they need to borrow money every year. He distributed an informational sheet. If you look at the sheet, you can see a bigger number at Community National Bank in terms of the loan number and the investment rate. An asterisk shows that there is a sliding interest rate and as you go up, interest is adjusted. As you go up, there is a total savings of about $200 to $300 in additional funds. To switch it over for $300 is not worthwhile. Staying with Chittenden Bank makes sense. Mike L’Esperance made the motion to approve that the Fairfield School take out a tax anticipation loan for FY10 for the maximum amount allowable by law with the Chittenden Bank and that the School Treasurer and a majority of the Fairfield School Board members sign the necessary documents; Barry Fauteux seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 7.9 Banking Resolution – The People’s Trust Bank is requiring an update to our banking resolution that says who has which powers. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve and execute the resolution; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 8. Other Business: 8.1 2009-2010 Board Member List – The list was included in the Board’s packet for their information. Superintendent Rosane explained that this is not a public document, as it contains work phone numbers, cell phone numbers, etc. Communications – Michael Malone shared that the district has a website at franklincsu.org. It is being updated and we are working on getting access to the server. It will be interactive and, hopefully, people in the school and town will use it. Agenda Items for Future Meetings:
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10.1 Policies: a. 2nd Reading Volunteers and Work-Study Students (D7) b. 2nd Reading Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace (D8) c. 2nd Reading Harassment Policy for Employees and Members of the School Community (D12) d. Wellness Policy (F28) a. Education Records (F5) e. Student Attendance (F25) 10.2 Board Retreat 10.3 AYP Update (June) 11. Executive Session: 11.1 11.2 11.3 11.4 Negotiations Personnel Contract Real Estate
Barry Fauteux made the motion to enter into Executive Session for negotiations, personnel, contract, and real estate at 7:20 p.m.; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:10 p.m. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve the Non-Union, Non-Certified Employees’ salary table and benefits, as negotiated; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 30. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve the Administrator salary and benefits, as negotiated; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Barry Fauteux made the motion to authorize the Board Chair to negotiate and execute a temporary agreement with the support staff; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve contracting out the busing services, subject to verification of hiring current drivers, minimum hours, and unemployment; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. Barry Fauteux made the motion to approve the request from the minute taker, as negotiated; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0. 12. Adjournment
Barry Fauteux made the motion to adjourn at 8:15 p.m.; Mike L’Esperance seconded the motion. Motion carried 3-0.
F:\Admin-ASST files\Fairfield\Board\FY09\FY09 Agendas\052109 FF Agenda.doc
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