Archive for 'School Board'

Minutes – School board meeting 3/8/10 DRAFT

Attending: Lauren Poster – Chair, Gussie Bartlett – Vice Chair, Jen Carr – Clerk, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent, Andy Reichsman – member of the public

The meeting was called to order by Steven John at 6:10pm.

Reorganization of the board
Nominated and elected Chair – Lauren Poster
Nominated and elected Vice Chair – Gussie Bartlett
Nominated and elected Clerk – Jen Carr
Nominated and elected Treasurer for the school district – Linda Peters
Designated WCSU Representatives – Lauren Poster/main representative, Gussie Bartlett/first back-up, Jen Carr/second back-up
Designated WCSU Policy Committee Member – Gussie Bartlett
Designated a Paper of Record – Brattleboro Reformer
Designated Truant Officer – Marlboro Constable

Chose regular meeting date/time – 1st Monday of every month at 6pm.

Francie said she will not be here on the 1st Monday in May as she will be on the Costa Rica trip with the Junior High class.

Please note that the meeting time in the Implementation section of the Guiding Principles needs to be changed to reflect the new time. It is changed in the copy included below.

Jen will post new time to Select Board, Marlboro Mixer.

Superintendent’s report.

Steven John recommends that Francie’s contract be renewed.

Lauren will be in touch with Steven, contract needs to be offered by April 15.

Steven John left the meeting at 7pm.

Meeting was handed over meeting to Board Chair.

We reviewed the minutes of 2/8/10. Lauren moved that we approve them as submitted. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Jen will post these minutes as well as minutes from 2/2/10 that will be sent by Andy.

We adopted Policy E9 Comprehensive HIV Policy.
We also adopted policy F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys.

Andy Reichsman left the meeting at 7:30pm.

Principal’s report.

Upcoming Meetings:
March 31st 7pm at L&G. WCSU Reorganization Meeting
April 5th, 6 pm next MES Board Meeting

Jen will warn the School Board meeting for April 5th at 6pm. Gussie will forward last warning for Jen to modify. Lauren will send wording for the school lunch vote and will note other people to whom the warning should be sent.

Note pay orders 15, 16, 16a at bottom of minutes.

For now Jen will keep box of pay orders. Lauren will ask if we can keep space in Town Office. We will also ask Steven how long these documents need to be held.

Meeting adjourned at 8:30pm. Jen, Lauren, Gussie stayed on to do the pay order.

Respectfully submitted,

Jen Carr

Pay Orders:        #15       1/15/10       $49,694.06
#16       1/29/10       $47,000.57
#16a       1/29/10       $900.00

Our Guiding Principles:
Students will be at the center of our decision-making.
We will keep to the agenda.
The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item
and act as timekeeper during the meeting.
Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.
Decisions will not be made hastily.
We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need
in order to make a thoughtful decision?”
Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.
Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.
Follow through will occur before the next meeting.
We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.
Implementation Guidelines:
Meetings will be held on the first Monday of each month with the fourth Monday
kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.
The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.
The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm.

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board
Monday, March 8, 2010
Note: I am obliged to attend the Townshend Board Meeting as soon after 7 P.M. as possible. I hope I can persuade one of you to switch to the second Monday of each month. If so, I could give you my full attention without being compromised by conflicting time commitments to another school board.

Student/Staff Learning  1.   On Monday, March 1st, all professional staff in the WCSU met at L&G for a day-long
professional development workshop to support professional learning communities in every school to improve teaching effectiveness. The day also included a wellness lunch with aerobic activities.
2.   I enjoyed visiting Marlboro for Friday sing, and especially helping to lead a round of “Three Blind Mice”. I also had fun surviving the Mexican Hat Dance. Immediately following I joined a small group of parents for coffee with Francie. I commend Francie for this weekly opportunity to informally chat with parents.
Policy/Regulation
1.   Marlboro now has a complete set of properly warned and adopted school district policies that meet the state’s requirements. Seven school boards have also completed this task with the remaining four hoping to do so by next month.
2.   On February 18, 2010, the newly appointed WCSU Governance Committee discussed what steps may be taken to improve the efficiency, effectiveness and centralization (not consolidation) of our 11 school districts and 13 boards. Thank you Gussie for representing Marlboro’s views at this meeting.
3.   I have sent the latest news on the legislature to all WCSU Board Members separately via email. A joint Senate and House Education Committees public hearing on at least two bills related to governance reform is scheduled for Wed., March 10 at 5 P.M. in Room 11 at the Statehouse in Montpelier. I plan to attend.
Finance/Accounting/Operations
1.   My compliments to the Board on your presentation of the budget and responses to public questioning at “Town Meeting”. I am pleased to report that all school budgets in the WCSU passed and that most were approved by unanimous voice votes. This is a credit to all the boards and a clear vote of confidence in your leadership as Marlboro’s School Board.
2.   Later this month, Matt will begin overseeing the implementation of the MAC grant to enter emergency and medical information for all students in our school information system (PowerSchool).
WCSU will …place students at the center of our 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.

Enrollment/Staffing
resources to ensure a strong education system for all students.
1.   David Patterson, Accounts Clerk, resigned his position effective last Friday. We will fill this position as soon as possible, but for the time being, Dana Ladd will cover David’s accounts. She is familiar with his work.
2.   An article in the weekend Reformer quoted Windham County and state-wide student enrollment figures that are even lower than those I’ve been quoting (91k vs. 93k). These numbers are not good news, but they do reflect the most recent enrollment reports from Vermont’s public schools last October.
Informational Items
1.   I plan to participate in the Education Committees’ Joint Public Hearing on Wed., March 10 in Montpelier.
2.   I will attend the SE VT Superintendents Association Meeting on Wed., March 17th. 3.   I will attend the VSA Orientation Meeting for new superintendents in Montpelier on
March 25th. 4.   The new WCSU Governance Committee will meet at L&G on Wed., March 16th and
25th at 7 P.M. 5.   The annual reorganizational WCSU Board Meeting at L&G on Wed., March 31 at 7
P.M.
sbj-3/7/10

Marlboro School Board
Principal’s Report
Monday, March 8, 2010
Student Learning
Student Led Conferences
Preschool
Mythic Shadow Puppet Plays, 6:30
School Social Climate

Policy or Regulation Implementation
Tuition policy

Buildings and Grounds
Waiting to hear about Energy Efficiency Grant
Kitchen upgrade (summer work)

Finance/Accounting
Requesting restraint for the rest of the year

Enrollment/Staffing
Student enrollment – 84
Two new 5th graders expected in the next week or so

Informational items
Learning Fair – Tuesday, April 13, 6:30-8:30

Posted: March 10th, 2010 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 2/8/10 APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John. Members of the public: Julianne Mills, Jen Carr, Cathy Pell.

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 pm.

We had a discussion with the Meetinghouse staff about the future of pre-school in Marlboro. It is a likelihood that Meetinghouse will not continue next year. The numbers and research conducted by the Meetinghouse staff seem to suggest that at this time a Marlboro pre-school is not viable, even if housed at MES.

Cathy Pell and Julianne Mills left at 6:50pm.

We discussed the report from the WCSU Governance Committee, which brings up the idea of disbanding local School Boards, creating a unified School Board across the SU’s districts. A number of plusses and minuses were brought up by Steven and Lauren.

We reviewed the minutes of 1/11/09. Lauren moved that we approve them as updated. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We reviewed the minutes of 1/28/10. Lauren moved that we approve them as updated. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We reviewed the minutes of 2/2/10. Gussie moved that we approve them as submitted. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Gussie is going to send out letters to current tuition-paying students, informing them of the increase in tuition as voted on in the January meeting.

Lauren moved that we allow a preschooler to ride the bus with their Junior High sibling to attend Meetinghouse School, contingent on receiving a waver from the parents holding Marlboro harmless from any liability.

We adopted Policy F5 Student Records.

Lauren moved that we approve Policy E9 Comprehensive HIV Policy. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted and adopted at the next meeting.

Lauren moved that we approve Policy F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted and adopted at the next meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 9:03 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #15 1/15/19 $ 49,694.06

#16 1/29/10 $ 47,000.57

Next meetings:

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board

Principal’s Report

Monday, February 8, 2010

Student Learning

NECAP scores – see Principal’s Report to Town below

Winter Workshops and Workshop Showcase

Professional Development

School Reform Initiative conference, Jan14-16

Courage and Renewal for School Leaders, Feb 5-6

MES development of continuum re writing expectations

Margaret Maclean here March 15, April 16

Policy or Regulation Implementation

F27, E9 approve

F5 adopt

Preschooler on bus

Buildings and Grounds

Applying for round 2 of Energy Efficiency Grant

Kitchen upgrade (summer work)

Finance/Accounting

Enrollment/Staffing

Student enrollment – 86

New student in Primary (next year’s enrollment will be 24)

Informational items

Articles presented by Steven and Gussie

My report to town

MARLBORO SCHOOL PRINCIPAL’S

2009 ANNUAL REPORT

Marlboro School District enrollment as of January 15, 2010:

Kindergarten 9 1^st Grade 12 3^rd Grade 10 5^th Grade 5 7^th Grade 9

2^nd Grade 8 4^th Grade 12 6^th Grade 11 8^th Grade 6

High School students:

9^th Grade 9 10^th Grade 10 11^th Grade 10 12^th Grade 11 Ungraded 3

Marlboro Realms of Learning

Communication

Problem Solving

Personal Development

Civic and Social Responsibility

Knowledge

The state of MES is good. In the past year our student numbers have held steady when many schools are experiencing a decline in enrollment. Despite challenging financial times, we have been able to offer a strong and varied program focused on developing the Realms of Learning listed above.

Because we have a talented and dedicated teaching staff, because we are small, because we have a well-informed and supportive school board, and because we have a community that takes pride in its school and volunteers many hours of help, we are able to meet the needs of students with flexibility and creativity. Last spring, when it became evident that the 3^rd-4^th grade would be quite large, Emma Hallowell was hired as a co-teacher for one year. This allows for more small group and individualized instruction as well as the opportunity to expose students to the passion and enthusiasm of this fine young teacher.

Elissa Maclean has joined us as the Spanish teacher and we have been able to expand Spanish instruction to the youngest students. This makes a great deal of sense based on what we know about young children’s ability to learn languages. Elissa brings both a great deal of teaching experience and a desire to continually improve her instruction. She is using an approach know as TPRS, which involves students in generating stories with specific vocabulary and working with these stories in a variety of ways that require listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Our current Junior High will be well prepared for their field research in Costa Rica this spring.

Last year the Hogback Conservation Committee reached out to MES to explore ways to use the Hogback property as an educational resource and to nurture our students’ sense of stewardship for the environment and especially for this special piece of land. In June, the entire school spent a day exploring Hogback with the generous help of talented community members who led activities such as cellar hole exploration, trail building, kite flying, tracking, and poetry. As the teachers have become more familiar with the area and the many resources available, they are incorporating Hogback studies in their curriculums. Many thanks to Bob and Nancy Anderson and Carol Berner for making this happen.

Another focus this year is on creating a culture of kindness through the development of social and civic responsibility. We have worked with Kim John Payne, a consultant whose “social inclusion” approach has helped us to implement new strategies for positive behavior as well as reviewing and refining what we have found to be successful. Parents are an integral part of this work as they have expressed concerns about teasing and put-downs and are reinforcing the work being done at school in their homes.

We also know that when children have useful, authentic work and when they have the opportunity to help others in a way that makes a difference for their community, they have a sense of purpose for their schoolwork and they feel better about themselves and treat each other better, too. Here are some highlights from the classes.

Last Town Meeting the Junior High brought a proposal for writing a grant for photovoltaic panels. They received the grant and Gary MacArthur installed the panels over the summer. These same students took their concern for green power to Washington, D.C. in May, speaking with Representative Peter Welch and staging a small demonstration on the Mall. This year they are working with students from Marlboro College to learn about the ecosystems at Hogback. They are also visiting area nursing homes where they interview residents, including Marlboro homeowner Fran Nevins, and recognize the rich stories each of these elders has.

The 5^th/6^th grade continues their community history project having now interviewed over forty citizens of Marlboro about work in our town. These interviews will be archived at the Marlboro Historical Society. Cape Cod was the destination for this year’s field research and parents, school board members, and teachers were impressed with the high quality of the students’ reports afterwards. At this writing they are studying light, a unit which engages them in the scientific process as they make hypotheses and design experiments to test them, and creating shadow puppet plays of myths, which our new art teacher, Linda Whelihan, is helping with.

The 3^rd/4^th grade is studying the waste system and surveyed the school to find out where our recycling program was not up to snuff. They then wrote a proposal to rectify the situation and presented it to me. They are also visiting Hogback regularly. Each student has adopted a tree and is learning about it from all angles – painting and writing a poem, as well as learning botanical characteristics.

The Primary class organized a food drive to resupply the Deerfield Valley Food Pantry shelves. They are also studying about birds and flight and have visited Hogback to take a birding walk with Marlboro resident, Bob Engel. This time of year is especially exciting for the youngest Primary students as their reading is improving by leaps and bounds. If you stop by school, we’ll find a student to read a book to you!

The kindergarten provides many opportunities for all of us to help them become happy and contributing members of the school community. Older students come down as interns and helpers. Now these youngest students are in the midst of studying the human body. By creating bodies with all the important systems, playing in the fantasy area set up as a hospital, and reading and discussing books, they are developing quite an in-depth knowledge of the body. Just ask the Junior High students what they remember from this study!

As we move into the second half of the year, we are pleased to be making progress on our Action Plans goals of 1) improving math learning (see Test Scores) and 2) supporting our learning as educators and 3) improving instruction in writing by participating in a Critical Friends Group where we learn from sharing our collective expertise.

We invite you to stop by and see us in action. Friday morning All School Sing is a great time to visit.

MARLBORO SCHOOL TEST SCORES

Below are the 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009 results from the NECAP (New England Common Assessment Program), a standardized assessment which measures student learning in reading, writing, and math. Students in 3^rd-8^th grade take these tests every October. In October, 2009 fifty-four students participated in the assessment. Writing scores were not available as of this writing. The improvement in math scores is notable.

Our second graders take the Developmental Reading Assessment in May. The number of students taking the test is too small to allow for confidential reporting of school achievement. Individual student scores are available to parents in the office.

We are required by law to report these scores as a measure of how well our students are doing. We invite you to attend other demonstrations of student learning that are held throughout the year.

NECAP Reading

	Level 4 Proficient with distinction	Level 3 Proficient	Level 2 Partially proficient	Level 1 Substantially below proficient
2006	25%	59%	15%	15%
2007	15%	62%	9%	15%
2008	12%	58%	12%	17%
2009	15%	59%	15%	11%

NECAP Math

	Level 4 Proficient with distinction	Level 3 Proficient	Level 2 Partially proficient	Level 1 Substantially below proficient
2006	16%	43%	23%	18%
2007	23%	51%	16%	9%
2008	17%	38%	23%	21%
2009	21%	50%	10%	19%

NECAP Writing

Level 1

Substantially below proficient

Level 3

Proficient

Level 2

Partially

proficient

Level 1

Substantially below proficient

2007

12%

44%

19%

25%

2008

19%

31%

19%

31%

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board

Monday, February 8, 2010

Note: I am obliged to attend the Townshend Board Meeting as soon after 7 P.M. as possible.

Student/Staff Learning

On January 28th, the WCSU Admin. Team met at Dover’s school all day. We appreciate the welcoming staff and excellent facilities. I hope Francie will share copies of the article by Dr. Yong Zhao that was the focus of our professional learning community (PLC) practice.
Commissioner Vilaseca released student performance results on New England Comprehensive Assessment Program (NECAP) exams taken last fall. I heard his interview on VPR that day which may be available to download. You may review these statistical summaries by school on the VT DOE website.
Francie may provide the Board with some preliminary findings for Marlboro’s students. My compliments to you and your principal, staff and parents for supporting your students’ learning and achievement.

Policy/Regulation

Please take action on policies F27: Pupil Privacy Rights – Student Surveys, and G13 as you deem appropriate. These are the only two mandatory policies that remain to be adopted for Marlboro. (Gussie may have the latest information to correct me on this.)
I assume you completed this task, but a reminder just in case: Each school board, administrator, and certified office staff member will complete the WCSU Superintendent Evaluation form. All evaluations must be returned to Rich Werner by Feb.1, 2010.
On January 2^7th, The WCSU Governance Committee recommended a “voluntary” K-12 unified union school district to the WCSU Board. Please review the committee’s report as previously emailed to all board members. My compliments to Allison Trowbridge, a member of the Windham School Board, on her summary of the Committee’s work. Thank your Gussie for your dedicated work on this committee. The Board’s discussion was lively and engaging with Lauren and Gussie ably representing your district’s views. The Reformer published an article 1/29/10 on the meeting and draft minutes will soon be available. Rich Werner will appoint a new ad hoc committee including representation of all the WCSU school districts to further consider the issues raised by this proposal.
Pertaining to the issue of WCSU governance, the following bill is being considered: S.252 An act relating to creating regional school districts and no more than 16 supervisory unions

Introduced by Senator Hartwell

Statement of purpose: This bill proposes to replace existing supervisory unions with no more than 16 supervisory unions to be established by the commissioner of education and to require the merger of existing school districts into larger regional districts. It would require the commissioner to develop a governance structure for the supervisory unions and regional school districts.

5. As all WCSU schools now have school-wide Title I programs, each principal must report to parents the percentage of classes taught by highly qualified teachers (HQT). I am pleased to report that with the exception of L&G (90+%) all WCSU schools meet 100% HQT status. L&G’s lower rating is entirely due to offering Chinese classes. While I have some concerns regarding HQT requirements, my administration will continue to make every effort to see that all our teachers meet the HQT standards.

Finance/Accounting/Operations

Let Frank and me know if you need any additional information as you prepare for your Marlboro School District Annual Meeting on Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

Enrollment/Staffing

I am pleased to note that Marlboro students are now listed by name and grade level in PowerSchool. Thank you Gail. This will improve my state reporting capability and accuracy.
Every school in the WCSU is reducing staff to some degree for FY11.

Informational Items

The new governance WCSU ad hoc Committee tentatively meets at the WCSU Office on Wed., Feb. 10 at 7 P.M.
The first and historic Brookline-Newfane Joint School District Annual Meeting will vote on the FY11 Budget at the Newbrook Firehouse on Tues., Feb. 16 at 7 P.M.
I will attend the Moderators’ Town Meeting Warm-up in Montpelier on Wed., February 17^th.
WCSU In-service Day for all teachers at Leland and Gray on March 1^st.
WCSU Board Meeting on Wed., March 31 at 7 P.M.

Posted: March 10th, 2010 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 2/2/10 APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal,

The meeting was called to order at 6:05 pm.

We reviewed and finalized our submissions to the Town Report.

Francie Marbury left at 6:45pm.

Pre-Town meeting is February 23^rd at 7:00pm at the Town Office.

The meeting adjourned at 7:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Next meetings: February 8^th at 6:00pm, March 8^th at 6:00pm

Our Guiding Principles:

Students will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Posted: March 10th, 2010 under School Board.

School board meeting 1/4/10 Minutes Approved

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – Superintendent, Gail MacArthur – Bus Coordinator

The meeting was called to order at 5:01 pm.

Gail MacArthur reported about her work on obtaining a bus in conjunction with the bus grant we received from the State. Gail solicited a few bids, which included a 2011 International with a 2010 engine at $83,734.56, a 2011 International with a 2007 engine at $77,734.56, a Freightliner at $75,933.00 and she is waiting on bid on a Bluebird. The Freightliner and the Bluebird buses use a technology to meet EPA requirements that Gail researched and found several concerns that strongly suggest avoiding that methodology. The board thanked Gail for all the hard work in finding quotes and researching the various competing technologies.

Andy moved that we arrange to purchase either the 2011 International with a 2007 engine at $77,734.56 or the 2011 International with a 2010 engine at $83,734.56. We would prefer the less expensive bus if that model is available. We are acting on a bus purchase at this time because of a substantial grant we received from the State. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Gail MacArthur left at 5:30pm.

We then turned to the MES 2011 budget. We reviewed the overall budget picture and plan to continue looking at the budget at the January 11th meeting.

The meeting adjourned at 6:32 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Board Meetings: Monday, January 11th at 6:00 pm.

Our Guiding Principles:
Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making
We will keep to the agenda.
The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item
and act as timekeeper during the meeting.
Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.
Decisions will not be made hastily.
We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need
in order to make a thoughtful decision?”
Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.
Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.
Follow through will occur before the next meeting.
We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.
Implementation Guidelines:
Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday
kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.
The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.
The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm
Page PAGE 1

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under School Board.

School board meeting 12/14/09 Minutes Approved

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal.

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm.

We reviewed the minutes from four meetings, November 9th, November 23rd, November 30th and December 4th.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of November 9th. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of November 23rd. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of November 30th. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of December 4th. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We adopted Policy F9 Transportation.
We adopted Policy F19 Limited English Proficiency Students.
Principal’s Report (see below).
We approved a request by a High School student to attend the Kroka Semester Program.
Lauren moved that we approve Policy F23 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.
Lauren moved that we approve Policy F24 Hazing. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.
Lauren moved that we approve Policy F5 Student Records. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.
We agreed that all of us would read Policy E9 Comprehensive HIV Policy for next meeting. Gussie will send it to us.
We will consider Policy F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys at the next meeting. Gussie will talk to Steven John about paragraph (5) in Policy F27.

ANDY call Abby/Frank about weighting of our ADM considering the great increase in IEPs.

Superintendent’s Report (see below).

The meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #12 12/4/09 $59,167.07

Next meeting: January 11th, 2010 at 6:00pm.

Marlboro School Board
Principal’s Report
Monday, December 14, 2009

Student Learning
Parent conferences finishing up
Social Inclusion work continues – invite Board to staff meeting for discussion of what we mean by Social Inclusion
Integration with art – Kindergarten, 5/6
3/4 Clay boats as math/science activity
JH – Evolution and Africa
Mixer for samples of student work
Winter Workshops
K-3 Art Lab, Pottery, Capoeira
4-8 Sculpture, Drumming, Puppetry

Policy or Regulation Implementation
F23, F24, F27?

Buildings and Grounds
Repair of 3rd-4th grade heating unit/temporary unit in place
Grant submitted by Energy Committee – thanks to Bob Anderson

Finance/Accounting
HS tuition for Kroka program
Work on FY11 budget

Enrollment/Staffing
Enrollment 85 new student in Primary
Staffing – substitute for Debbie Allen

Informational items
Holiday Concert, Wednesday, 6:30

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board
December 14, 2009
Note: Consideration of the FY11 Budget by the Townshend School Board including a reduction of force obliges me to attend their meeting tonight. If Francie or Lauren lets me know that you would like me to assist with any agenda items, I will join you from 6:00 – 6:30. These conflicts among board meeting schedules are unavoidable for the present, but I look forward to recommendations from the WCSU Governance Committee meeting on the 15th.

Student/Staff Learning
Last Friday, the principals met to discuss Critical Friends Groups (PLCs), teacher evaluation, the WCSU FY11 Superintendent’s Budget and school calendar.

Policy/Regulation
Your minutes indicate no action on policy warning and adoption. I will attach my spreadsheet on school policy status throughout the WCSU for your information.
Last Wednesday, the WCSU Board approved the WCSU Strategic Plan with Action Steps.
The Board also confirmed the timeline for the superintendent’s evaluation. Each school board, administrator, and certified office staff member will complete the WCSU Superintendent Evaluation form. All evaluations must be returned to Rich Werner by Feb.1, 2010. The WCSU Board will review the results in executive session at their March meeting. The WCSU Board will appoint a committee to discuss the finding and results with the Superintendent at a later date.
The WCSU Governance Committee will present recommendation(s) to the full Board on January 28th. The Committee continues to weigh a variety of approaches to improving governance.

Finance/Accounting/Operations
On December 9, 2009 the WCSU Board approved the Superintendent’s Budget, $1,267,971 for FY11. You received hardcopies at the meeting. Thank you for representing Marlboro’s views.

Enrollment/Staffing
The state’s equalized pupil count for Marlboro is relatively stable:
FY10 – 121.07 students
FY11 – 121.61 students.

Informational Items
Next WCSU Governance Committee meeting will be December 15th at 5 P.M. at Brookline.
Next WCSU Board Meetings are:
January 27, 2010 at 7PM in Wardsboro
March 24, 2010 at 7PM in Newfane

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under School Board.

School board meeting 1/28/10 – Minutes Approved

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal. Members of the public: Saint Rosner, Suzanna Shapiro, Nate Harvey, Jen Carr, Dan MacArthur, Keeley Eastley*, Rose Watson*, Andrea McAuslan*. * = Auditors

The meeting was called to order at 6:07 pm.

Saint Rosner read a petition in support of the Poetry Program, signed by 55 people, mostly Marlboro residents. Various people also spoke in support of the program. We thanked those attending for their interest and involvement.

Andrea McAuslan and Dan MacArthur at 6:30pm.

The members of the public left at 6:40pm.

We had a discussion with the Town Auditors regarding what information to include in the town report. We devised a plan that seemed to work for all parties.

The auditors left at 8:12 pm. Dan MacArthur left at 8:30.

Gussie moved that we authorize an amount up to $1500 for an energy audit, which will enhance our chances of getting an Energy Efficiency Grant. The funds for this expenditure will come from the Capital Reserve. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Gussie made a motion to approve the Warning. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed. Gussie is going to post the warning and give the original to Town Clerk Nora Wilson.

We reviewed the budget and made some changes. Lauren moved that we present to the town a budget with total expenditures of $2,048,172.99. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #15 1/15/10 $ 49,694.06

Next meetings: February 8th at 6:00pm

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under School Board.

School board meeting 1/11/10 Minutes

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm.

We reviewed the minutes of 12/14/09. Lauren moved that we approve them as submitted. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We reviewed the minutes of 1/4/10. Lauren moved that we approve them as submitted. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We adopted Policy F23 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities. We also adopted Policy F24 Hazing.

Policy F5 Student Records will be posted tomorrow and we will adopt at the next regular board meeting.

Review of Policies E9 Comprehensive HIV Policy and F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys were postponed to next meeting.

Superintendent’s Report (see below).

Steven John left the meeting at 7: 12pm.

We set MES tuitions as follows: Elementary: $9,113.00 Junior High: $10,321.00
Kindergarten: $6,379.00

The board asked that there be a Junior High basketball fee for participants to cover uniforms and referee fees ($35 was suggested, which matches the Deerfield Youth Sports fee paid by players at the other grade levels).

We plan to invite Meetinghouse board members and Ellen Martyn to our next regular meeting to discuss pre-school options.

We spent several hours going through the budget line by line. We decided to have a special budget meeting Wednesday January 13th at 9:00am, in order to include Gail Chaine in the meeting.

Principal’s Report (see below).

We received a letter from the Marlboro Auditors requesting information for the town report in addition to what the board typically provides. Lauren will contact Auditor Andrea McAuslan to invite the auditors to our next regular meeting to discuss the request.

The meeting adjourned at 10:25 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #13 12/18/09 $ 54,930.39
#14a 1/1/10 $110,363.26

Next meetings: special budget meeting January 13th, 2010 at 9:00am, January 27th at 5:00pm, February 8th at 6:00pm

Our Guiding Principles:
Students will be at the center of our decision-making
We will keep to the agenda.
The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item
and act as timekeeper during the meeting.
Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.
Decisions will not be made hastily.
We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need
in order to make a thoughtful decision?”
Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.
Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.
Follow through will occur before the next meeting.
We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.
Implementation Guidelines:
Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday
kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.
The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.
The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board
Principal’s Report
Monday, January 11, 2010

Student Learning
Winter Workshops
Beginning mid-year assessments of reading in the Primary and 3/4
Use of EST process for Social Inclusion work
SU ARRA funds for assistive technology
Professional Development
School Reform Initiative conference, Jan14-16
Courage and Renewal for School Leaders, Feb 5-6
MES development of continuum re writing expectations
Planning PD for remainder of year

Policy or Regulation Implementation
F23 and F24
From December minutes – We agreed that all of us would read Policy E9 Comprehensive HIV Policy for next meeting. Gussie will send it to us. We will consider Policy F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys at the next meeting. Gussie will talk to Steven John about paragraph (5) in Policy F27
Buildings and Grounds
Applying for round 2 of Energy Efficiency Grant
Kitchen upgrade

Finance/Accounting
Budget work
YTD High School tuition is about where we budgeted
Overruns will be in SpEd with unanticipated one-on-one
and 3/4 co-teacher instead of .75 FTE assistant

Enrollment/Staffing
Student enrollment – 85
One student withdrawn to homeschooling
New student in 5/6
Contract to sign
Jen O’Donnell here as long term sub for one-on-one

Informational items

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board
Monday, January 11, 2010 Happy New Year to All!
Note: I am obliged to attend the Townshend Board Meeting as soon after 7 P.M. as possible.

Student/Staff Learning
1. On January11th, the WCSU Professional Development Team will attend the concluding day of a five-day training to lead and facilitate professional learning communities (PLCs) in each school. One goal for the WCSU is to have all teachers trained in this professional practice by June 2011.
2. Abby Dillon continues to host a continuing series of all day professional development sessions for special educators to improve the WCSU’s capacity to meet the needs of our students.
3. We can expect the results of our students’ performances on the NECAPs to be release next month.

Policy/Regulation
1. See the reprinted piece on Educational Transformation and recommendations before the legislature that I have added below.
2. Please take action on policies F23 and F24 as previously posted.
3. Reminder: The Board also confirmed the timeline for the superintendent’s evaluation. Each school board, administrator, and certified office staff member will complete the WCSU Superintendent Evaluation form. All evaluations must be returned to Rich Werner by Feb.1, 2010. The WCSU Board will review the results in executive session at their March meeting. The WCSU Board will appoint a committee to discuss the finding and results with the Superintendent at a later date.
4. The WCSU Governance Committee will present a recommendation to the full Board on January 27th. This long anticipated work will challenge our thinking beyond town lines.

Finance/Accounting/Operations
Once you approve a proposed FY11 Budget, the next challenge will be gaining the vote the school district meeting in March. Most people find it hard to believe that the severe cuts in proposed budgets for FY11 still result in tax rate increases.

Enrollment/Staffing
At this time many teachers and staff throughout the WCSU are anxious about their job security for the foreseeable future. This can negatively affect our school’s morale and we must take care in our public and private conversations to be sensitive to our employees’ personal feelings of insecurity and potential loss.

Informational Items
1. I attended the SE VT Regional Superintendents’ Legislative Breakfast on Monday, January 11th in Chester.
2. The WCSU Governance Committee Meeting will be January 14th at 5 P.M. at Newfane.
3. Full WCSU Board Meeting on Wed., January 27 at 7 P.M. at Wardsboro to discuss the recommendation from the WCSU Governance Committee.

Education Transformation Policy Commission Issues Report

The Education Transformation Policy Commission submitted its final report to the State Board of
Education last month. The Commission was comprised of school board members, superintendents,
principals, elected and appointed state-level education policymakers, teachers, higher education
administrators, parents and parent-advocates, one business representative, and a high school student.
The Commission’s charge was as follows:
Recommend a state policy framework that will build and enhance the capacity of schools and communities to reinvent Vermont public education so all students acquire the knowledge and skills needed for college, careers, and citizenship in the 21st century.

Notably, the Commission was not asked to frame its recommendations within any particular budgetary constraints, nor did it do so. The Commission made recommendations under the framework of “education transformation” as opposed to confining its work to school improvement. The Commission divided its recommendations into five “interdependent” sections, and what follows is a brief description of each. The Commission’s recommendations were presented to the State Board of Education at its December meeting. The full report, including expansive details and rationales for each recommendation, can be viewed here:

http://education.vermont.gov/new/pdfdoc/dept/transformation/commission/transformation_policy_commission_report_1209.pdf

Education Quality Standards
• Supplement and replace the current School Quality Standards with “Education Quality Standards” that focus on learning outcomes and processes, to be developed by an EQS commission.
• Enhance accountability via long-range education quality assessments in each public school, and utilize data to continually develop more effective practice.

Learning Expectations for a New Generation
• Personal learning plans for each student.
• Three stages of learning progression (to replace PK-12 grades), and proficiency-based advancement and graduation requirements.
• Transition from grade-level groupings to multi-age small learning communities with differentiated learning opportunities.

State-level PK-16 Partnerships
PK-16 means prekindergarten through a four-year college.
• Establish ambitious state-level educational attainment targets and strategies to achieve these targets.
• Establish state-level standards for college readiness.
• Expand access and ensuring funding for dual enrollment and other college-level learning opportunities for high school students.

Educator Quality
• Expand clinically-based learning ortunities for aspiring educators.
• Adopt a four-tier career ladder and proficiency-based licensing standards for educators.
• Expand professional development and collaborative planning time for educators.

Formation of Regional Education Districts
• Education Redistricting Commission to facilitate consolidation of all public school districts (including all public schools and technical centers) into 12 – 24 education districts, each governed by a single board of directors.
• Multi-year transition process to fully implement consolidation by 2015.
• Each public school would have a “Community School Council,” with advisory functions.

Posted: February 9th, 2010 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 12/4/09 -approved

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal.

The meeting was called to order at 6:00 pm.

Gussie moved that we approve an application for an Energy Efficiency Retrofit Grant ($50,000.00) to upgrade the MES heating system. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 6:05 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #12 12/4/09 $59,167.07

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Posted: December 15th, 2009 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 11/30/09 – Approved

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y arrived at 4:00pm , David Holzapfel and Judy Lang.

The meeting was called to order at 3:30 pm.

We went into executive session to discuss staff contracts.

We left executive session at 4:00pm. No action was taken. The staff left.

Gussie entered the meeting to discuss the Energy Committee’s recommendation to apply for a grant to improve the heating and ventilation in the school building. The board agreed to forward with the application.

The meeting adjourned at 4:20 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board

Principal’s Report

Monday, December 14, 2009

Student Learning

Parent conferences finishing up

Social Inclusion work continues – invite Board to staff meeting for discussion of what we mean by Social Inclusion

Integration with art – Kindergarten, 5/6

3/4 Clay boats as math/science activity

JH – Evolution and Africa

Mixer for samples of student work

Winter Workshops

K-3 Art Lab, Pottery, Capoeira

4-8 Sculpture, Drumming, Puppetry

Policy or Regulation Implementation

F23, F24, F27?

Buildings and Grounds

Repair of 3^rd-4^th grade heating unit/temporary unit in place

Grant submitted by Energy Committee – thanks to Bob Anderson

Finance/Accounting

HS tuition for Kroka program

Work on FY11 budget

Enrollment/Staffing

Enrollment 85 new student in Primary

Staffing – substitute for Debbie Allen

Informational items

Holiday Concert, Wednesday, 6:30

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board

December 14, 2009

Note: Consideration of the FY11 Budget by the Townshend School Board including a reduction of force obliges me to attend their meeting tonight. If Francie or Lauren lets me know that you would like me to assist with any agenda items, I will join you from 6:00 – 6:30. These conflicts among board meeting schedules are unavoidable for the present, but I look forward to recommendations from the WCSU Governance Committee meeting on the 15^th.

Student/Staff Learning

Last Friday, the principals met to discuss Critical Friends Groups (PLCs), teacher evaluation, the WCSU FY11 Superintendent’s Budget and school calendar.
1. Your minutes indicate no action on policy warning and adoption. I will attach my spreadsheet on school policy status throughout the WCSU for your information.
2. Last Wednesday, the WCSU Board approved the WCSU Strategic Plan with Action Steps.
3. The Board also confirmed the timeline for the superintendent’s evaluation. Each school board, administrator, and certified office staff member will complete the WCSU Superintendent Evaluation form. All evaluations must be returned to Rich Werner by Feb.1, 2010. The WCSU Board will review the results in executive session at their March meeting. The WCSU Board will appoint a committee to discuss the finding and results with the Superintendent at a later date.
4. The WCSU Governance Committee will present recommendation(s) to the full Board on January 28^th. The Committee continues to weigh a variety of approaches to improving governance.

Policy/Regulation

Finance/Accounting/Operations

On December 9, 2009 the WCSU Board approved the Superintendent’s Budget, $1,267,971 for FY11. You received hardcopies at the meeting. Thank you for representing Marlboro’s views.

Enrollment/Staffing

The state’s equalized pupil count for Marlboro is relatively stable:

FY10 – 121.07 students

FY11 – 121.61 students.

Informational Items

Next WCSU Governance Committee meeting will be December 15^th at 5 P.M. at Brookline.
Next WCSU Board Meetings are:

January 27, 2010 at 7PM in Wardsboro

March 24, 2010 at 7PM in Newfane

Posted: December 15th, 2009 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 11/23/09 approved

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent,

The meeting was called to order at 3:37 pm.

The purpose of the meeting was to review the Supervisory Union budget as it affects the Marlboro School District. Superintendent Steven John went through the budget to clarify changes and explain the rationale behind the budget.

The big change is that the Special Education assessment is now pro-rated by IEP caseload versus head count in the school building.

We came up with two questions for Frank Rucker:

1. Would there be any adjustment in Sp Ed numbers (IEP head count) based on actual (after the fact) IEP’s or does the SU budget estimate stand? (If 4 kids moved out of town, do we stick with estimate?)

2. This year, did all districts count their pre-K’s in the prorating of the Supervisor’s assessment? What about last year?

The meeting adjourned at 5:03 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #11 11/20/09 $262,538.40

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Posted: December 15th, 2009 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 11/9/09 approved

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent, Tom Simon, Marlboro Energy Committee arrived at 7:00pm.

The meeting was called to order at 6:08 pm.

Superintendent’s Report (see below).

We attended a couple of presentations in David’s room about the class’s Cape Cod trip. They were very well presented and highly informative.

We reviewed minutes. 9/14/09. Lauren moved that we accept them as submitted. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We reviewed minutes. 10/12/09. Lauren moved that we accept them as submitted. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Tom Simon gave a report regarding developments with the engineers who attended last month’s meeting. Each had a plan to offer services at a reduced rate to help us take action. Lauren asked Tom if the Energy Committee could review the various proposals and make a recommendation for the Board to consider. It would also be helpful to get more information about potential grants to help finance either the studies or the work. Tom agreed to motivate the energy committee to take on these tasks. Gussie agreed to be the liaison between the Board and the Committee.

Lauren reminded us that we had wanted to ask the Junior High School students about the idea of dedicating the solar panels in someone’s name.

Principal’s Report (see below).

Andy moved that we approve Policy F9 Transportation as modified. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.

Gussie moved that we approve Policy F19 Limited English Proficiency Students. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.

We will consider Policies F23, F24 and F27 Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys at the next meeting. Gussie will talk to Steven John about paragraph (5) in Policy F27.

There will be an H1N1 flu clinic for students at MES on November 30^th.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #9 10/23/09 $87,450.61

Pay Orders: #10 11/6/09 $41,087.73

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board

Principal’s Report

Monday, November 9, 2009

Student Learning

Cape Cod presentations

Social Inclusion work

Poetry reading

End of trimester – report cards

Winter Workshops

Policy or Regulation Implementation

On Lauren’s agenda

Buildings and Grounds

Repair of 3^rd-4^th grade heating unit

Finance/Accounting

Enrollment/Staffing

Enrollment 84

Staffing – Spanish teacher update – health insurance request

Informational items

Kim John Payne speaks at 7pm on November 12

Coalition of Essential Schools Fall Forum – Tim and David

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board

November 9, 2009

Note: Consideration of the FY11 Budget by the Townshend School Board obliges me to attend their meeting tonight. If Francie lets me know that you would like me to assist with any agenda items, I will join you from 6:00 – 6:30. These conflicts among board meeting schedules are unavoidable for the present, but I look forward to recommendations from the WCSU Governance Committee.

Student/Staff Learning

The administrative team of the WCSU, including all principals, met at Dover School last month. We learned about obtaining and interpreting the Measures of Academic Progress (MAPs) student results. Students take the MAPs tests via computer and the individual scores are available almost immediately. Developing our principals’ and teachers’ capacity to interpret and use these assessment data effectively will be a primary goal of our professional development this year.
At this same meeting, we read and discussed an article on efficiency as it relates to the political process of gaining public approval for annual school budgets. This followed on last month’s consideration of equity. The meaning these two social ideals and our appreciation of the complexity of realizing them are critically important to school budget development, approval, and implementation.
The WCSU Strategic Plan, including the action steps or means to reach our goals, will be on the WCSU Board Agenda for approval Dec. 9^th. This plan now includes suggestions from principals, teachers, and board members to clarify some details. Although yet to be formally approved by the full WCSU Board, this Strategic Plan will continue to direct the work of my administration and all school staff.
The WCSU Professional Development Committee met last week at Townshend. The committee developed a plan for the effective use of our in-service days to support the goals of the WCSU Strategic Plan. The details will be discussed and developed further by the principals at the Admin Team Meeting (ATM) November 17^th.
The following mandatory policies may warrant your attention. Gussie may be able to update and revise my records. I have not been able to locate your draft minutes from your last meeting on 10/12/09. D06-Substitute Teachers was warned 10/13/08. I have no dates for warning or approving: F09-Transportation, F19-ELL, F23-Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs & Activities, F24-Hazing, F27-Pupil Privacy Rights: Student Surveys, and G13-Animal Dissection.
When you receive your draft copy of the minutes of the WCSU Board Meeting last month, you will note that no business was concluded because we did not have a quorum. A sufficient number of school districts were represented, but we lacked one voting member (14 instead of the required 15 minimum). The Executive Committee did have a quorum and approved the WCSU compensation plan for FY11. I understand that WCSU Board meetings that fail to make a quorum are not a new problem, however this issue should be addressed. The eleven school district boards and WCSU Board must meet their legal obligation to govern. As elected school district officials, all board members share this responsibility.
At the America’s Promise Conference on high school completion in Vermont I attended last Thursday, participants were reminded of the importance of the middle grade years (grades 5-8). Next fall, Vermont Act 44 will require all superintendents to report the number of 6^th graders who are at risk of not graduating.

Policy/Regulation

Finance/Accounting/Operations

Laurie Garland has prepared a summary of the WCSU activities, initiatives and strategies funded by all the federal grants approved to date. This information was shared at the WCSU Board Meeting October 21^st. See email attachment.
Brad James from the DOE advised business managers (Frank) to budget 2/3’s of the previous small school grants and only 40% reimbursement for transportation (down from 47%). This advice was based on preliminary discussions with legislative committees. Brad noted that this is subject to change and would be a conservative approach to estimating tax impact. A recent article from the Caledonian Record, 10/23/09, quotes Commissioner Vilaseca as recommending the elimination of the small schools grant for next year. The headline for this same article is “Supervisory Unions Not Sustainable”.

Enrollment/Staffing

Enrollment projections for FY11 are remaining fairly steady throughout the WCSU.
I obtained provisional licenses for five teachers in the WCSU who are well qualified. The application process continues for two additional teachers who are licensed, but are teaching some courses outside their field of licensure.

Informational Items

Last Thursday night at Wardsboro Town Hall, we honored the Journey East Chinese delegation. Thanks to Kim Soule and the many parent and community members who made this banquet possible. This year’s exchange performances demonstrated a high degree of creativity, the clear result of our ten-year collaboration with the Arts College of Inner Mongolia University. They departed from L&G this Monday morning at 7:30 A.M. Thank you Peter VanLoon, Rachel Boyden, and Kate Fleming for hosting our Chinese guests.
The WCSU Governance Committee Meeting will be Thurs., Nov. 19at 5:00 P.M. at Brookline School.
Full WCSU Board Meeting on Wed., December 9 at 7 P.M. at Leland and Gray.
Public Transportation Forum on Monday, November 16 at 7 P.M. at Brattleboro Savings and Loan.

sbj-11/8/09

Grant	Focus Area	Summary

Title 1	Administration	Grant Administration
	After School Program	After School Program
	Independent School	Title 1 Services
	Literacy/Math	Title 1 Teachers and Para professionals
	Mentoring	Contracted service -mentor for new principles and new teachers
	Positive Learning	Program Coordinator -HEY Program
	Professional Development	Contracted Coordinator


Title 1 ARRA	Leadership and Planning	Contracted Service- Consultant to organize and analyze MAPS data
	Literacy/Materials	MAPS Purchases
	Other	Contracted Service-Data Entry MAPS data
	Professional Development	Differentiation Coach-PLC’s High School
	Professional Development	Differentiation Coach-PLC’s Elementary
	Remediation	Fiction and Non Fiction books


Title IIA	Administration	Grant Administration
	Leadership and Planning	Administrative Retreat and on-going leadership meetings
	Literacy , Math, Science	Stipends for teachers to work with facilitators to improve curriculum/instruction
	Literacy	Contracted Professional Development
	Literacy	Fountas and Pinnell Conference
	Math	Trailblazers Workshop
	Math	National Council of Teachers of Mathematics Conference
	Math	NSF funded “investigations” math program consultants
	Memberships	Southeast Vermont Learning Collaborative
	Technology Integration Specialist	Professional Development and Support for staff


Title IID	Administration	Grant Administration
	Technology Integration Specialist	Professional Development and Support for staff


Title IID ARRA	Informing Curriculum with Data	Technology Specialist to provide training to analyze student data
	Leadership and Planning	Technology Integration Academy-Equip and Materials


Title IV	Administration	Grant Administration
	Positive Learning Environment	Student Assistance Program Counselor



IDEAb-Base	Special Education Director	Program costs
	Special Education Admin	Salary and benefits .5
	School Psychologist	Program costs
	School Psychologist Summer	Salary and benefits .06
	Speech and Language Pathologist	Salary and benefits .5
	SLP Summer Services	Salary and benefits .05
	Professional Development	Staff conferences and Trainings
	Special Ed Explorers Camp	Staff and Activities related to Special Ed
	Technology Specialist	Support for Special Ed activities
	Sped Doc Support and Costs	Filemaker Pro, Sped Doc collaborative
	Child Find	Advertising for Special Ed
	Parentally Placed Students	Contracted Special Ed Services


IDEAb-ARRA	Special Ed Data Management	Salary and Benefits .20
	Assistive Technology Hardware	Subgranted to Schools based on Special Ed needs
	Assistive Technology Software	Subgranted to Schools based on Special Ed needs
	Assistive Technician	To assist Special Educators with programs and equipment purchases
	Assistive Tech Demo	Equip and software demos
	Professional Development (PD)	Staff conferences and Trainings includes individual PD
	Professional Development Substitutes	Substitutes to cover for Special Ed PD
	Behaviorist Licensed Social Worker	Functional Behavior Assessments


IDEAb-Preschool	Early Essential Education Coordinator	Salary and Benefits .08

Posted: December 15th, 2009 under School Board.

School board meeting 9/14/09 Approved

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal,

The meeting was called to order at 6:10 pm.

We reviewed the minutes from August 10th. Gussie made a motion to accept them as written. Lauren seconded. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we transfer $48,963 from the future tuition fund to the general fund to cover unanticipated High School tuition costs that resulted in a deficit for the 2008 – 2009 fiscal year. Gussie seconded. The motion passed.

We discussed the MASP debt. Francie informed us that it looks possible that MASP will record a surplus this year. For that reason, we determined not to forgive the debt at this time and continue to monitor their financials as the year progresses.

Francie presented her Principal’s report (see below).

We had an interesting discussion about Kim John Payne’s social inclusion work at MES. Francie felt that by providing a methodology for dealing with incidents with consistent language and consistent responses, this work will have a lasting impact on the school’s atmosphere. This is the first year of a three-year process.

Lauren moved that we re-approve Policy F1 Student Conduct and Discipline. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.

Lauren moved that we approve Policy F7 Alcohol And Drugs. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. It will be posted for 30 days and we will adopt it at our next meeting.

Lauren moved that we authorize Tony Gordon to expend $1,040.00 eliminate the 6 inch step at the bottom of the ramp to the Library by adding 6 feet of asphalt. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Francie informed us that MES received stimulus money toward the purchase of a new bus, 50% of the cost of the bus up to $40,000.00. It requires the purchase of the new bus with some requirements regarding mileage and pollution controls.

We discussed how to provide reimbursements for pre-K. It was suggested that we look at the formula for private h.s. tuition. Francie will consult with Frank Rucker and bring us a recommendation at our next meeting.

Francie brought us up to date on the Spanish teacher situation. Over the summer, Peter Gould had a medical problem and he informed Francie that he would not be able to fulfill his teaching duties for this year. He offered six weeks of teaching to tide us over, but classroom teachers felt there would be disruption in a changeover of teachers during the year. Francie proposed that we hire Peter to conduct two residencies during the school year. The board endorsed that idea.

In order to correct an oversight, Lauren moved that we increase Celena Lunstead’s pay by the COLA received by the rest of the staff, retroactive from the beginning of the school year. Gussie seconded. The motion passed.

Gussie reported on the Vermont School Governance Study and Collaboration Initiatives meeting held by The Vermont School Boards Association.

We reviewed the minutes from August 26th. Gussie made a motion to accept them as written. Lauren seconded. The motion passed.

The meeting adjourned at 9:18 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #4 8/14/09 $ 28,537.24

Pay Orders: #5 8/28/09 $ 61,718.28

Pay Orders: #6 9/11/09 $104,375.71

Future Board Meetings: Monday October 12, 2009 at 6:00pm.

Our Guiding Principals:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board

Monday, September 14, 2009

Principal’s Report

Student Learning

Continuing to develop our professional learning community (PLC) through Critical Friends Group work – 1xmonth with focus on communication (writing)

Social Inclusion work

JH and 3/4 have already taken trips to Hogback

5/6 to Cape Cod, Oct 11-16

Beginning of year reading and math assessments will take place the end of September-beginning of October

NECAP’s Oct 1-22

Policy or Regulation Implementation

F1 Student Conduct and Discipline is identical to the policy adopted on 12/7/04

Recommend review and re-adoption

F7 Alcohol and Drugs – Recommend replacing Alcohol and Drug Abuse Policy which was approved on 4/25/94

Buildings and Grounds

Sunroom completion

PV panels

Monthly Contra Dance

Finance and Budget

Awarded Vermont Arts Council grant $4000

Enrollment/Staffing

Student enrollment as of 9-21-09 82

Spanish teacher – related issues

Informational items

Healthy Snack has increased enrollment 47 to 69 students (raise for CL?)

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board

September 14, 2009
Note: Tonight I will be in Randolph observing and learning from a school board using policy governance to conduct the public’s business. A group from the WCSU Governance Committee will join me there.
Student Learning

1. The goals of the recently adopted WCSU Strategic Plan focus on three essential functions of all school systems: Curriculum and Instruction, Human Resources, and Operations. The details of the administrators’ action plans for achieving the goals are being edited and formatted for their review and should be ready for comment and review by board members towards the end of September. All principals received a draft 9/1/09. Pending revision, this document will be shared with all staff for further review and comment. I will share the results of this process with the boards in late September.
2. I observed a very casual and welcoming atmosphere at the school on opening day. It was wonderful to see so many parents talking with staff as the students met old friends and made new ones on the playground.
3. FYI: This month, MAPs tests are being used by eight schools in the WCSU to measure individual student progress in reading, mathematics and science. I encourage board members, teachers, and parents to consider these formative assessments as part of Marlboro’s local assessment plan in the future.

Policy/Regulation
1. FYI: The Brookline and Newfane School Boards approved a Joint-School Boards Contract last Thursday. Their first meeting under the terms of this contract will be October 1st at the Newbrook Firehouse. The two boards will meet separately prior to their joint-board meeting. An article appeared in the weekend edition of the Brattleboro Reformer. See http://www.reformer.com/localnews/ci_13228085.
2. Frank and I attended a public forum at Brooks Memorial Library last Thursday re: Funding Public Education in Vermont. Paul Cillo, a former VT legislator from the Public Assets Institute, presented some statistics and proposals that I hope to share with you. You may want to contact the institute (802-472-6222) for additional copies of A Citizen’s Guide to the CLA.

3. The latest edition of From the Boardroom has some good suggestions for asking effective questions of your administrators, and tips for saving time at board meetings.

Finance/Accounting

1. As of 9/10/09, The Consolidated Federal and American Recovery and Reinvestment Act Grants have not received final approval. Following the redirection and suggestions provided by the DOE, Frank and I resubmitted the FY10 Consolidated Federal Grant and ARRA Funds applications on 8/15/09. The IDEA Grant was approved as previously submitted. On 8/21 we received notice that a number of my proposals have not been approved and require correction. After re-submittal with revisions, a letter received late last week called for additional changes. Frank advises me that this is typical of the electronic review and approval process and that we can expect numerous delays and issues to clarify or correct. I last submitted corrections and revisions on 9/1/09. DOE data collection has been completed as of 8/1/09. This will secure final reimbursements to all WCSU school districts for FY09.
2. Your bus replacement grant was approved. Congratulations!

Enrollment/Staffing

1. To comply with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Act I submitted a report to the VT DOE for the 2008-2009 school year. I canvassed all nine schools and found two homeless children. We are advised to expect an increase in the number of homeless students this year. I am serving as Homeless Liaison for the time being and will receive training on full implementation of the law.
2. The WCSU Professional Development Team, a committee of teachers and principals representing all schools met 9/3 to review the WCSU Strategic Plan. At the meeting facilitated by Matt Martyn, the committee agreed to interview consultants to “coordinate professional development for improved student learning” and make their recommendation to me. This contracted service will be a part-time responsibility, and not a WCSU employee position. Prior to Jan 1, 2010, we will review the results of this approach to coordinating professional development based on student performance and teacher feedback. Since all schools in the WCSU now have Title I School-wide programs, our professional development resources can be better coordinated and focused to improve student learning across the supervisory union.

Informational Items

1. The WCSU Governance Committee has scheduled two meetings, Sept.10th and Sept. 23rd both at Newfane School at 6:30. Winton Goodrich from VSBA will provide some perspective on governance 9/10. A smaller group from this committee will visit Brent Kaye’s supervisory union board in Randolph (OSSU) on September 14th.
2. I will attend the New Superintendents’ Orientation at the VSA Office in Montpelier on September 24th.
3. I will meet with the SE VT Superintendents meet on September 23rd in Putney.
4. The WCSU Policy Committee will meet late September TBA.
5. The Reformer’s article on your new superintendent gave some attention to the importance of the WCSU Strategic Plan as we work to improve student learning.
6. The VSBA Regional Meeting will be September 30th at Green Mountain HS 5:00-8:30 with a light meal provided. Let me know if you are attending and would like to carpool.

Sbj-9/10/09

Posted: November 12th, 2009 under School Board.

School board meeting 10/12/09 Approved

School board meeting 10/12/09 APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent, Tom Simon from the Marlboro Energy Committee, Elizabeth Stead and Craig Stead of Stead Energy Services, Keith Abbott of Thermal House, Theo Anagnostaras from the Marlboro Energy Committee.

The meeting was called to order at 6:07 pm.

Tom introduced Keith Abbott, who talked about his experience. He described some of his work and the benefits of using infrared cameras and blower doors to detect draft leaks in the building and to establish an air quality baseline. He advocated a holistic approach to diagnostics: mechanical systems, delivery system, envelope. He would create a heat-load spread sheet to determine current BTU load; then he would do diagnostic analysis, make recommendations and create a spreadsheet to show savings for various actions compared to the costs. He referred to his work at the Jamaica School, how it made a tremendous difference to their environment.

Then Craig Stead spoke. He takes a different approach. He uses data loggers, as opposed to using blower doors or infrared cameras. He uses data from the loggers to see what exactly is going on in building, which mechanical systems are on, when and for how long. He encouraged us to look at the Vermont Energy Education Program web site for thoughts about using the process as an educational opportunity. He spoke about his work at the Bellows Falls School.

At that point, the contractors left and the board had a discussion with the Marlboro Energy Committee. The board related their experience with several previous studies that were helpful but not to the extent that the board had hoped. Andy pointed out that financially, the district is probably not in a position to spend any substantial monies on capital expenditures, but that if there was grant money available we’d likely be interested in pursuing a better understanding of our buildings’ envelopes.

Andy moved that the board authorize the Marlboro Energy Committee to research potential funding for energy analysis along the lines of Thermal House’s approach and that the board would consider proceeding with the analysis and recommended work, depending on the additional cost to the district beyond the grant money available.

Tom Simon suggested that the solar panel be dedicated to some worthy individual. Lauren suggested that we consult with the Junior High School about this.

Lauren moved that we adopt Policy F-1 Student Conduct and Discipline. Andy seconded. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we adopt Policy F7 Alcohol And Drugs. Andy seconded. The motion passed.

Principal’s report (see attached below).

Superintendent’s report (see attached below).

Andy will contact Frank Rucker to get his perspective on the MASP situation: debt vs. loan.

The meeting adjourned at 9:07 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #7 9/25/09 $56,829.48

Pay Orders: #8 10/9/09 $62,236.94

Our Guiding Principles:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Marlboro School Board

Principal’s Report

Monday, October 12, 2009

Student Learning

Teacher supervision and evaluation in process

Science NECAP

4^th grade 3 students: 2 partially prof, 1 not tested

8^th grade 9 students: 1 prof, 5 partially prof, 3 did not complete

Beginning of year assessment in reading and math

CFG (PLC) to focus on writing/communication – ask for Margaret MacLean’s support

Math consultant

Policy or Regulation Implementation

Policy spreadsheet

Buildings and Grounds

Shift to heating season

Finance/Accounting

Budget development timeline

MSA contribution to tech, field research, and Social Inclusion

Enrollment/Staffing

Enrollment 87

Staffing – Spanish teacher update

Informational items

Julie Diamond here October 29, 2009

Kim John Payne speaks at 7pm on November 12

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board

October 12, 2009

Student/Staff Learning

Principals received last spring’s NECAP Item Analysis Reports for science in grades 4, 8, and 11. Following an embargo that allows administrators to correct any errors in the student rosters, these test results have been released to the public and available to parents. Principals will provide a summary of their students’ performance.
I previously emailed copies of the WCSU Strategic Plan including the action steps and means to reach our goals to all board members. I included revisions based on suggestions from principals and teachers to clarify some details. Please review this document and email your questions, comments and suggestions to me by Oct. 15^th. I want to have a final draft for the full WCSU Board’s consideration on Oct. 21^st.
PLC Facilitators’ Training for lead teachers and members of the WCSU Professional Development Team began with two all day sessions Monday and Tuesday, 9/21-22. Diana Watson and Margaret Maclean, members of the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF), are our coaches for this workshop and coursework continuing for five days over this school year. This training includes principals and teachers who will collaborate to form Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) within and among their schools. Marlboro’s staff will work as a single PLC to reflect on their practice and revise their instruction to improve student learning.
The Professional Development Team met at Dover School last Thursday morning for two hours to begin planning activities and courses for this year. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) will continue to be the universal and major emphasis of our professional learning. All staff will receive a professional development newsletter periodically via email.
Teachers and principals will be setting their professional goals for this school year in keeping with the WCSU guidelines for supervision and evaluation adopted last year.
On September 11^th, I met with the Local Standards Board (LSB) to review the licenses of all certified employees in the WCSU. The LSB includes a number of experienced educators and one board member, Emily Long. They meet monthly to review teacher progress on Independent Professional Development Plans and act on applications for license renewal. I commend this group for their commitment and dedication to improving our profession.
I attended the New Superintendents’ Orientation at the VSA Office in Montpelier on Thursday, September 24^th and met with Commissioner Vilaseca for a lengthy discussion of current fiscal and demographic realities in our state.
On Friday, 9/25, I enjoyed greeting students and introduced them to Johnny Appleseed, a.k.a. John Chapman who was born September 26, 1774 in Leominster, MA. I challenge grades K-1 with a riddle and shared some fine apples and seeds for planting.
Three weeks ago, I attended a board meeting of the Orange South Supervisory Union in Randolph VT. Three members of the WCSU Governance Committee joined me for this field trip to see policy governance in action. The full committee met on September 23^rd at Newfane School to share the findings of the three sub-committee research groups. We look forward to the recommendations of the Governance Committee for the WCSU’s consideration.
I have completed my review of all school district and WCSU policies. A summary of the status of all policies in all our school districts has been emailed to the board chairs for review prior to the full WCSU Board Meeting on Oct. 21^st at 7 P.M. in Wardsboro.
At the VSBA Regional Meeting on September 30^th, the board members elected Emily Long, President, and Lauren Poster, Alternate to the Resolutions Committee. They will help represent Windham County school boards at the state level of the VSBA.
On Friday, 9/18/09, the DOE approved our Consolidated Federal Programs (CFP) and American Recovery and Restitution Act (ARRA) grants. Laurie Garland’s patience and persistence with the electronic application process was critical in gaining this approval. This, coupled with the prior approval of the IDEA/ARRA grant, enables the WCSU to issue contracts for the professional services specified in our proposals.
On October 6^th Laurie and I attended the full day training, “CFP 101”, sponsored by the DOE in Montpelier. This workshop covered all the requirements and recommended strategies for us to take full advantage of the Consolidated Federal Grants Program, including Titles I, II-A, II-D, and IV.
Frank is preparing timelines to guide the budgeting process for all school districts in the WCSU. Leland and Gray is the first in line with Brookline-Newfane preceding the other elementary districts.
The heating fuel bid was awarded to the low bidder, Irving Oil. We are contracting for oil at the market rate this season. The first delivery came in at $2.089 per gallon.

Policy/Regulation

Finance/Accounting/Operations

Enrollment/Staffing

I urge the board to support the use of PowerSchool, the WCSU’s school in formation system. I was quite chagrined to find that Marlboro had only 22 students enrolled according to my records. I became aware of this problem when I had to report enrollments to Peerless Insurance for our WCSU workman’s compensation policy.
In addition to being part-time principal of Windham School, John Doty is now serving as the WCSU Professional Development Coordinator for Improved Student Learning. He is contracted for this work as a consultant for up to 16 hours per week. His contract expires December 31st, and may be extended or revised through June 30, 2010 based on my evaluation and feedback from members of the WCSU Professional Development Team. His charge is to coordinate all professional development workshops, courses and activities supported by the WCSU. He will work with the WCSU Professional Development Team to focus our professional development resources to improve student learning across the supervisory union.
Susan Daigneault or Lucy Sprung will substitute as receptionist to cover the phones when Becky Paroli is absent or unavailable. You may know Lucy from her work as a substitute administrative assistant at Newfane School. Susan also works as a para-professional at Leland and Gray.

Informational Items

The next Governance Committee Meeting will be October 14^th at 6:30 in Newfane.
Full WCSU Board Meeting on Oct. 21^st at 7 P.M. in Wardsboro.
I will attend the VSBA and VSA Annual Fall Conference on October 15-16.

Sbj-10/10/09

Posted: October 13th, 2009 under School Board.

School board meeting 8/26/09 Minutes

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal,

The meeting was called to order at 9:00 am.

The board met to consider whether to apply for stimulus funds available for the purchase of a new bus. It was deemed that there was sufficient need for a bus to justify applying. We directed Francie to submit an application for the grant.

The meeting adjourned at 9:30 am.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Board Meetings: Monday September 14th, 2009 at 6:00pm.

Our Guiding Principals:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Posted: September 15th, 2009 under School Board.

School board meeting 8/10/09 Minutes

APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Steven John – WCSU Superintendent arrived at 12:20pm,

The meeting was called to order at 10:11 am at South Pond.

We reviewed the minutes from June 8^th. Lauren made a motion to accept them as written. Gussie seconded. The motion passed.

We reviewed our guiding principles (see below). We added a principle: “Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making.”

Gussie reported on the Supervisory Union Governance committee. This segued nicely into a board discussion covering a variety of “big picture” issues, including student testing, consolidation of districts, school atmosphere and others.

Francie presented us with an article, “The Schools We Mean To Be” by Richard Weissbound, from the May 2009 edition of Educational Leadership. We all read it and selected paragraphs to discuss. Among other things, it talked about the importance of parents’ participation for schools to be successful and that there are under-involved parents and over-involved parents. We talked about these issues in relation to our own experiences at MES and elsewhere.

Steven John, WCSU Superintendent, arrived and joined in the discussion.

Principal’s report. We talked about progress on the addition. Francie gave us an overview of the coming school year and talked about the Action Plan.

Lauren moved that we approve the benefits procedure that was reviewed and revised by the board in the fall of 2008. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

We reviewed the end of the year financial picture, with information provided by Gail Chaine. This included figures on the After-school program and the Healthy Snacks Program, both of which are pretty much breaking even at this point.

We discussed the 08 – 09 deficit.

We discussed the carried over MASP debt.

Andy will work with Gail to make the financial reporting submitted to the board more clear for lay-people’s understanding.

Lauren moved that we allow staff members attending the Coalition of Essential Schools meeting this fall to use their some of their professional development benefit towards transportation, lodging and registration for that event. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Steven presented his Supervisory Union report (see below).

The meeting adjourned at 2:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #26 6/19/09 $ 71,329.14

Pay Orders: #1 7/3/09 $ 10,696.68

Pay Orders: #2 7/17/09 $ 20,658.12

Pay Orders: #3 7/31/09 $ 31,492.22

Future Board Meetings: Monday September 14^th, 2009 at 6:00pm.

Our Guiding Principals:

Students’ will be at the center of our decision-making

We will keep to the agenda.

The chair will estimate the amount of time necessary for each item

and act as timekeeper during the meeting.

Every voice is heard as discussion goes back and forth.

Decisions will not be made hastily.

We will ask ourselves, “What other information do we need

in order to make a thoughtful decision?”

Decisions/discussion will be recapped before moving on to a new item.

Items requiring action will be identified and we will note who is responsible for each action item.

Follow through will occur before the next meeting.

We will use e-mail judiciously to communicate between meetings.

Implementation Guidelines:

Meetings will be held on the second Monday of each month with the fourth Monday

kept in reserve, if an additional meeting is needed.

The chair will send out the agenda the Thursday before the meeting.

The meetings will start at 6 pm and go no later than 9 pm

Superintendent’s Report for the Marlboro School Board
August 10, 2009

Student Learning
1.   Summer School at L&G is being taught by Mr. Parker-Jennings and includes nineteen 7th and 8th graders. This is mostly funded by Title I ($2500). Mr. P-J will report on individual student progress vis a vis the VT Grade Expectations for Learning in mathematics and language arts after classes end July 31st.
2.   The WCSU Summer Explorers’ Camp for elementary school students is in session at Newfane Elementary. Ms. Van Pamelen is the director of the camp working with 40-50 students weekly. A number of L&G seniors and graduates mentor the campers. Explorers’ Camp is funded by tuition fees and private donations. Photos and an article about the camp appeared in last weekend’s Reformer.
3.   A summer session for drivers’ education recently concluded at L&G. Fifteen students successfully completed this class.

Policy/Regulation
1.   A draft of the Support Staff Handbook is available for review, comment and revision to meet each school’s needs. I recommend that every school have a Support Staff Handbook.
2.   Administrative procedures for screening school volunteers is in draft form and available for review, questions and comment. This procedure clarifies our implementation of the “Criminal Background Checks” policy required by the state. I will direct principals to follow the final copy of this administrative procedure on or before the first day of school.
3.   The Course Credit Approval and Reimbursement form has been revised to implement the teachers’ Master Agreement. The new forms now require the principal’s approval as well as mine. To be approved the course content and learning must support the goals of the school’s Action Plan and the Individual Professional Development Plan (IPDP).

Finance/Accounting
1.   The audit team from Sullivan and Powers completed their on site examination the week of July 20-24th. The head of the eight-person team briefed Frank and me on their preliminary findings. We await their final audit report, but I am pleased to commend the entire staff for responding to all inquiries in a professional and open manner.
2.   The Special Education Funding DOE data collection has been completed as of 8/1/09. This will secure final reimbursements to all WCSU school districts for FY09.
3.   The Fiscal Year End FY09 Statistical Report DOE Data Collection is being prepared this week and next for the eleven districts in the WCSU districts. This report secures operating funds for next year, FY10.
4.   Following the redirection and correction provided by the DOE, Frank and I resubmitted the Consolidated Federal Grant and ARRA Funds application for FY10. The IDEA Grant was approved as previously submitted.

Enrollment/Staffing
1.   The WCSU Administrative Team is examining the job description and work of the two Curriculum Coordinator positions. We are exploring ways to provide professional development, coaching, and mentoring for teachers more cost effectively. The review of staffing in my office includes the WCSU’s proposed uses of the Consolidated Federal Grants and ARRA funds for FY10. Since all schools in the WCSU now have Title I School-wide programs, our professional development resources can be better coordinated and focused to improve student learning.
2.   Using FY10 funds available, I have contracted some additional clerical help to clean and better organize our personnel files. The improved system will make it much easier to locate employee documents, while maintaining the confidentiality and security of these records. This work is being supervised by John Doty, a semi-retired educator with more than 25 years of administrative experience in Vermont. We expect to complete this work by August 14th.
3.   Mr. John Doty will be appointed as Windham School Principal (.2 FTE) on August 10th.

Informational Items
1.   A committee appointed by the Brookline and Newfane School Boards has submitted a draft Joint School Board Contract to legal counsel for review.
2.   The WCSU Board Retreat will be held Thursday, Aug. 13 from 4 to 8 PM. at the Three Mountain Inn on Route 30 in Jamaica village. This meeting has a single item agenda: Write a Strategic Plan for the WCSU.
3.   The WCSU Administrative Team including all principals will retreat for two days, August 17 -18. The primary purpose of this retreat is to consider action steps to reach the goals of the WCSU Board’s Strategic Plan.
4.   The WCSU Office and staff will host an Open House on Thursday, August 20th from 4:00 – 7:00 PM and the next morning from 8:00 – 10:00 on Friday, August 21st. All members of the public are invited. Bring your children, family and friends.

Sbj-8/9/09

Posted: September 15th, 2009 under School Board.

Minutes – School board meeting 5/22/09

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Gail Chaine – MES Business Manager.

The meeting was called to order at 12:15 pm.

The purpose of this meeting is to review and act on bids for the sunroom renovation. There were two bids:

Construction Alchemy: $37,148.
Wright Construction: $42,404.

Andy moved that we award the bid for the sunroom renovation to Construction Alchemy, contingent upon renegotiating the scope of the work so that it is within budgeted resources. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Gussie moved that Gail Chaine be authorized to act as our agent as regards the Marlboro town permit for the sunroom renovation project and any other permitting for the project. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed.

The board decided to invite Tony Gordon of Construction Alchemy and Donald Sherefkin, who has been serving as designer and architect on the project, to our June 8th meeting to discuss the project.

The meeting adjourned at 1:20pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Posted: June 9th, 2009 under School Board.

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.

School board meeting 4/13/09 Minutes

Attending: Lauren Poster – chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, WCSU Superintendent Wendy Houlihan, Gail MacArthur – bus coordinator

The meeting was called to order at 6:15 pm.

We discussed with Gail MacArthur the logistics of changing the High School bus run and the possibility of using the Moover to get Marlboro students to BUHS.

It was agreed that Andy will talk to the Moover about logistics; Lauren will talk to Rich Werner, School Board chair from Dover, about their experience with using the Mover.

We reviewed minutes:
Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of 3/9/09. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of 3/25/09. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Gussie moved that we accept the minutes of 3/30/09. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Principal’s Report (see below)

Also, Francie informed us that it appears that Meetinghouse School’s enrollment may be down substantially for next year. Gussie wondered if the class was small enough, might it be possible for them to be housed in the unoccupied room at MES.

There was discussion about building projects and procedures and what the board’s role should be in making such decisions. We determined that since the proposed replacement of the old greenhouse was filling a curriculum need, it was appropriate for the initiation of the project to have come as a result of administration and the staff discussions. The board was given opportunities to review and propose revisions to the plans, which is an appropriate role for the board to play. Hence, when Donald Sherefkin completes the plans this week, they will be put out to bid. Thank you Donald!

Superintendent’s Report (see below)

We discussed E-mail protocol. We reviewed some School Board Association members’ discussions about the use of e-mails in relation to Vermont’s open meeting policy. It is important that we not use e-mail in a way that involves discussions about issues that would normally be taken up in a meeting. Lauren suggested that the main purpose of e-mail amongst board members is to keep us on track regarding items that need to be discussed at meetings.

We reviewed policies. Andy moved that we warn Code H2 Parent Guardian Involvement Policy Title One. Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. The policy will be posted. We will adopt this policy at the May 11th meeting.

Gussie moved that we warn Code D7 Volunteers and Work-Study Students Policy. Lauren seconded the motion. The motion passed. The policy will be posted. We will adopt this policy at the May 11th meeting

The meeting was adjourned at 8:35 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders: #21 4/10/09 $ 48,200.80

Future Board Meetings: May 11th at 6:00pm, June 8th at 6:00pm

Marlboro School Board
Monday, April 13, 2009

Principal’s Report

Student Learning
Kindergarten Post Office – over 1000 stamps sold!
Primary – Fraction Fridays and Measurement Mondays
3/4 – Math groups
5/6 – preparation for NYC trip, 4/28-5/1
7/8 – battery power – experiments and rebuilding
Early Education Collaborative

Buildings and Grounds
Sunroom project

Finance/Accounting
Afterschool (Volunteer Coordinator)
Healthy Snack
Budget revision for new computer

Enrollment/Staffing
Enrollment – 79
Staffing – Rachel and Janie in China with Journey East program

Informational items
Girls on the Run
Baseball Skills
Hogback
End of year calendar
Learning Fair, Tues, May 12
Spring Concert and Art Show, Wed, May 27
8th grade Graduation Portfolios – week of June 8
Consortium, Tues, June 9
Graduation, Thurs, June 11
Last day of school, Mon, June 15

Student Learning                                                                                                                                      As you might know, Title I is a Federal grant provided to Supervisory Unions for supplemental instruction for students who are at risk of not meeting proficiency in the grade expectations.   The SU either subgrants portions of this money to schools who are implementing what’s called a Schoolwide program, or hires staff to provide supplemental instruction in Targeted Assistance schools. The money is tightly regulated, and WCSU’s audit each year includes a Title I audit.
We were scheduled for Title I monitoring this week, but the switch to a new electronic reporting system at the state has put that on hold for now. Because I had already sent materials to them, the Title I folks will likely complete the first half of the monitoring this spring (called the “desk audit”) and finish the process with a visit next fall. Today we did host two people from the Federal Fiscal Services department at the DOE for monitoring of fiscal compliance with all Federal and state grants. The new business office structure has allowed us to make considerable improvements from the last fiscal monitoring visit four years ago.
We recently hosted a very large team from the special education arm of the DOE. They were carrying out focused monitoring of the practices across the SU because too many of our students with disabilities are educated outside the regular classroom too much of the time. We will share that report at our annual WCSU meeting. Abby and I regard the visit and report as an opportunity to leverage some changes in practice in the best interest of students.
Finance:                                                                                                                                                                                                                            I also spent time today as part of a conference call with the Federal Grant administrators, learning what I can about the Title I and Title IID stimulus money. They are still awaiting more guidance that will determine just how we can use the Title I money. Meanwhile, the principals have met with Abby and me to brainstorm strategic ways to use both Title I and IDEA stimulus money that will only be available for two years.
Policy:                                                                                                                                                        The WCSU Policy Committee met on March 30 to discuss revisions to Policy D7: Volunteers and Work Study Students, and to discuss H2 Parent Involvement in Title I.   The Parent Involvement policy should be adopted as is so we have a common policy across the SU. The revisions to D7 stem from the new sex abuse/offender legislation.
At a joint meeting of the Newfane School Board and the Brookline School Board on Tuesday night, March 30, both boards unanimously voted to ask their towns to approve the formation of a joint school board that would oversee both schools. They hope to warn a special meeting in June.
At the March 25 meeting of the WCSU Board, the membership voted to form a subcommittee to study supervisory union governance options and report back to the WCSU board with its findings. Alison Trowbridge, Windham, and Kim Friedman, Newfane, had requested that the topic be studied and discussed due to concerns about leadership sustainability, including the recent turnover in superintendents and challenges in recruiting board members. The organizational meeting will take place on May 20 at Newfane Elementary School from 6:30-8:30.
Human Resources: Brian Crego has been named the new Associate Principal at Leland and Gray for the 2010 school year.
Meetings upcoming:
April 29 at Townshend Elementary School 7:00 p.m. WCSU Executive Committee/Board of Directors – to continue strategic planning
May 20, 6:30-8:30 at Newfane Elementary School: WCSU governance committee
WCSU Annual Meeting May 27 at Windham 7:00 p.m. At this time, the Commissioner of Education plans to attend.

Posted: May 15th, 2009 under School Board.

Main menu:

Site search

Gallery

Other Sites

Archive for 'School Board'

Student Learning

Policy or Regulation Implementation

Finance/Accounting

Informational items

Note: I am obliged to attend the Townshend Board Meeting as soon after 7 P.M. as possible.

Student/Staff Learning

Policy/Regulation

Finance/Accounting/Operations

Informational Items

Student Learning

Policy or Regulation Implementation

Finance/Accounting

Informational items

Student/Staff Learning

Policy/Regulation

Finance/Accounting/Operations

Informational Items