Minutes – School board meeting 5/11/09
Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Wendy Houlihan – WCSU Superintendent, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent-to-be, Members of the public, Celena Colgate, Dave Snyder
The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.
Celena Colgate and Dave Snyder came to the meeting to represent the Meetinghouse School. Celena reported to us regarding Meetinghouse’s plans for next year, considering an enrollment of five children. The school will operate for 3 days (10.5 hours) per week. Beyond the 2009 – 2010 school year, Meetinghouse’s fate is unclear. We discussed various possibilities for pre-school alternatives, including the idea of a Pre-K/Kindergarten classroom at MES. Meetinghouse representatives will keep the board informed about the status of the school.
We reviewed the minutes from April 13th. Gussie moved that we accept the minutes. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Principal’s report (see below).
The board has scheduled a meeting to consider and potentially award the bid for construction of the Sunroom on May 22nd at noon.
Francie recommended that the Spanish teacher’s hours be restructured into four six-week sessions during the year. This will reduce his number of hours, but will work well for his schedule and for classroom teachers as well.
We discussed staffing in the 3rd/4th classroom. Due to the size and composition of that classroom for next year, Francie feels that more support is required. She has proposed eliminating the paraprofessional position in that room and instead hire a more qualified full time assistant teacher. We agreed with her assessment and an ad will be placed in the newspapers regarding the position.
Superintendent’s Report (see below).
We reviewed two policies. Andy moved that we adopt Code H2 Parent Guardian Involvement Policy Title One. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Gussie moved that we adopt Code D7 Volunteers and Work-Study Students Policy. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.
Next meeting we will consider policies F1 Student Conduct and Discipline and F7 Alcohol and Drugs.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:17 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Andy Reichsman
Pay Orders: #22 4/24/09 $ 96,508.99
Pay Orders: #23 5/8/09 $ 42,196.33
Future Board Meetings: May 22nd at 12 noon, June 8th at 6:00pm, August 10th 10:00am at South Pond
Marlboro School Board
Monday, May 11, 2009
Principal’s Report
Student Learning
Learning Fair, Tuesday, May 12, 6:30-8
8th grade graduation portfolio presentations, June 8-12, 3-6pm
Graduation, Friday, June 12, 7pm
Buildings and Grounds
Sunroom project – bids due May 20, make decision on May 22
Plans and bid specs
Enrollment/Staffing
Enrollment – 79
Staffing – 09-10
Spanish – reduce from 61 to 47 days at savings of $3100
3rd-4th 24 students (with an additional 4 inquiries)
Options for class size relief:
Hire another classroom teacher ($30,000 plus benefits)
Hire an assistant teacher who is able to work independently with half the class ($20/hr, $25,000 plus benefits)
Piece together additional time with Pam (one day @ 9200), Tim (math), Rachel (lit group), Janie
Informational items
End of year calendar
Learning Fair, Tues, May 12, 6:30-8
JH to Washington, DC May 17-21
Spring Concert and Art Show, Wed, May 27, 6:30-8
8th grade Graduation Portfolios – week of June 8
Consortium, Tues, June 9, 7pm
Graduation, Fri, June 12, 7pm – change
Last day of school, Tues, June 16 – change
Windham Central Supervisory Union
“WCSU will provide member districts with the leadership and resources to ensure a strong education system for all students”
Marlboro Elementary School
Superintendent’s Report 5-11-09
Student Learning
Wardsboro Elementary School collaborated with Arlington (Battenkill Valley Supervisory Union) to write a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant for after school and summer programming for students. Rosemary FitzSimons learned on the Friday before the break that the grant application was successful. This is a highly competitive multi-year Federal grant that is awarded through the state.
There are two different ways to operate as a Title I school: Targeted Assistance and Schoolwide. Marlboro has been a Schoolwide program, and we have now moved all our schools to that model to ensure all schools across the SU will be in a position to utilize the Title I ARRA funds in the best possible ways.
Meetings upcoming:
May 20, 6:30-8:30 at Newfane Elementary School: WCSU governance committee
WCSU Annual Meeting May 27 at Windham 7:00 p.m. Annual reports from WCSU office administrators will be sent in advance. At this time, the Commissioner of Education plans to
Place students at the center of decision-making Build trust and respect by acting ethically, transparently, and with integrity Operate as a community of learners, committed to developing the skills and capabilities of all Collaborate, share and seek creative solutions
Posted: June 9th, 2009 under School Board.