marlboroschool.net

Attending: Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair (arrived at 4:10 pm), Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal,

Lauren called the meeting to order at 3:18 pm.

Discussed the financing of MASP. Linda has told Gail that she would like to get the board’s support for Gail’s recommendations. Gail recommends, for ease in bookkeeping, that six checks that have been written to MES from MASP, but have not been deposited due to lack of funds, be voided and the debt to MES be addressed at the end of the school year. The six checks payable to MES from October through January total $8,990.56. As of the Feb 4th board meeting the debt to the school was $10,223. Since Lisa’s resignation the directorship of the program has now been taken over by Francie. The board decided in February that if MASP were to continue next year it would become a school program in the Fall, but by default it is so now. With the reduction in payroll it would be reasonable to expect that the debt will not grow substantially between now and the end of the school year. Lauren recommends authorizing Linda to void the six checks she is holding that are payable to MES and the board will discuss how the debt will be addressed at the June board meeting.

This decision was tabled until the April 7th board meeting when both Andy and Linda will be available to participate in the conversation.

At 3:51 Lauren made a motion to go into Executive Session to discuss an anonymous donation to MES. Gussie seconded.

At 4:01, we left Executive Session. It was decided to accept an anonymous donation of $500 that was given to MES to provide scholarships to families in need that may like to make use of the Marlboro After School Program. Francie will work out the best method to distribute the scholarships.

Andy arrived at 4:10 pm and took over minutes from Lauren.
Gail Chaine left at 4:10 pm.

We then had a discussion about advertising the MASP director position. It was recommended that we describe it as being up to 20 hours per week, $15 - $17 per hour. Lauren felt we should advertise without offering benefits and see what the preferred candidate’s situation was.

Francie is asking that the Special Education para-professional position for next year be increased to full time (in the budget we proposed, it was budgeted at ½ time). In addition to academic support for students that need it this person would also be involved in behavior intervention. We would provide some training in behavior intervention for this employee.

Lauren moved that we advertise for a full time Special Education asst/Behavior Interventionist. Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed.

Search committee for 3rd/4th teacher position. Among others, the committee will include two teachers (one classroom, one support), a parent, Lauren from the board, Francie.

Lauren moved that we set our tuition rate at 80% of the announced State tuition rate. Gussie seconded. The motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 5:13 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Meetings: April 7th at 7:00pm, May 12th at 7:00pm, June 9th at 7:00pm.

Pay Orders: 3/14/08 $63,574.60

Attending: Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Wendy Houlihan – Superintendent (arrived at 7:55pm). Members of the public: Tom Toleno

Francie called the meeting to order at 7:06 pm. This is a re-organizational meeting. Andy nominated Lauren Poster to be Chairperson. Gussie seconded. The motion passed unanimously. Lauren nominated Andy Reichsman to be vice-chairman. Gussie seconded. The motion passed. Lauren nominated Gussie to be secretary. Andy seconded. The motion passed.

We established The Brattleboro Reformer as our paper of record. We established our regular meeting time as the second Monday of each month at 7:00 pm unless otherwise posted. We delegated Lauren to be our WCSU representative , and Andy and Gussie to be Alternates. We assigned the Constable to be Truant officer.

We reviewed the minutes of January 14th. Lauren moved that we accept the minutes; Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. We reviewed the minutes of Feb 4th. Lauren moved that we accept the minutes; Gussie seconded the motion. The motion passed. We reviewed the minutes of Feb 14. Lauren moved that we accept the minutes as corrected; Andy seconded the motion. The motion passed. Gussie abstained.

Tom Toleno came to inform us that he has legally taken guardianship of a child. The child attends BUHS and so we will be responsible for her tuition.

Tom Toleno left at 7:43pm.

Principal’s report (see bottom).

Regarding the flag issue discussed at Town Meeting. Francie told us it was decided to have a two-person crew to raise and lower the flag, consisting of a Junior High School student and a younger student.

Francie talked to us about possible staffing changes for next year, saying it may be necessary to make the Special Education assistant a full time position.

Lauren confirmed with Frank that if MASP is included in our budget, it impacts our cost per pupil. He also said “MASP employees serve at ‘the pleasure of the board.’”

Francie presented an outline of MASP structure for the remainder of the school year (see attached). It clarifies the responsibilities of the principal, the program director, the MASP bookkeeper and the MES bookkeeper. Next year, the program will start fresh under MES’s oversight. Lauren feels proposals regarding the program should come from Francie, and that the Board should oversee the MASP budget in the same way we oversee the MES budget.

The board approved Francie’s proposal. Lauren expressed gratitude for all the work Francie put in toward meeting our requirement to have MASP not incur any further debt.

Francie described to us the Junior High I-projects. The students all used technology seamlessly to present their reports and showed tremendous passion toward their areas of study.

Costa Rica trip is progressing well. Like the travelers before them, the kids are writing a play to be performed in Costa Rica and at Cabaret. Fundraising for the trip is almost complete.

Winter Workshops are complete. The performances and displays showing the accomplishments of the workshops were quite impressive.

We had a discussion about tuition issues in anticipation of the April meeting. Lauren posed the question, “Is there anything further we can do to be prepared for this meeting?” Wendy suggested we get an “official” legal opinion from Patti Page to present at the meeting. Francie will contact Patti about this.

It was reported that Mary Coogan (a resident with extensive Special Education background) felt that if a child developed an IEP, the resident town would be responsible for the special education services. She says this is how it works with Hilltop and other private schools.

Wendy informed us that according to Brad James (Board of Education) “the money does not follow the child”, ie the sending town cannot add the child on their ADM.

Our new understanding of 16VSA subsection 821c is that the sending town WOULD pay tuition and be able to count the child on their ADM (this contradicts Winton Goodrich’s understanding which was that the town would not pay tuition).

Francie informed us that we may be over budget this year in High School tuitions.

Healthy snacks is already running in the black.

Supervisory Union report:
Bruce Wellman, an award winning author and educational consultant, spent time on February 21st with the combined administrator and teacher professional development teams. They worked on developing skills in facilitating professional learning conversations. He will visit again. Funding for this effort comes from Title IIA monies.

Wendy is going to provide Gussie, who missed a policy meeting while in North Korea, with the material from that meeting.

The Statewide calendar idea has been discarded, but the State is requiring a regional calendar. This calendar is supposed to be based on the career center calendar, but that is apparently not feasible in WCSU. The SU districts’ schedules will be very close, but not exactly the same.

Meeting adjourned 9:55 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Meetings: April 7th at 7:00pm, May 12th at 7:00pm, June 9th at 7:00pm.

Pay Orders: 2/15/08 $57,380.57
2/29/08 $44,779.38

Principal’s Report
March 10, 2008

How do we follow up with high school students?
How to gather info
Cards followed by phone call
Number of classes taken in last year – who should get that info?
When do we do this?

Outline of MASP Structure
(for the remainder of the school year)

MES principal will support MASP and the MASP director through more direct oversight
• meet weekly with the director
• assist with any hiring of assistant teachers
• monitor budget
• and as detailed below

MASP director responsibilities
• plan curriculum for each program day
• post an activity calendar at least one week in advance
• supervise and mentor the Program Assistant
• supervise and coordinate the efforts of any volunteers and collaborators
• maintain records in accordance with state licensing guidelines
• provide time sheets to MES for payroll
• provide weekly attendance information to MASP bookkeeper
• ensure safe, loving and nurturing care for all students at all times they are in our care
• communicate with appropriate school staff regarding issues of safety, behavioral problems and other concerns
• communicate with parents on a regular basis on each child’s accomplishments, behavior and development ensure that the spaces used for the program are left as they were when the group entered them
• and as detailed below

MASP finances will be handled as followed
• All finances will go though the school bookkeeper
• The MES bookkeeper will hold the MASP checkbook
• All purchases for MASP will require a purchase order signed by the principal
• All MASP bills, including telephone, will be processed through the school bookkeeper in the same manner as school business
• Food and beverage for the MASP snack will be planned and purchased with the help of the coordinator of the school’s Healthy Snack program. She will be paid for an additional one hour per week ($15) for this service.
• The MASP director and bookkeeper will send out tuition bills and statements and submit all revenue to the MES bookkeeper; she will create a deposit statement and submit it to the town treasurer
• The MASP director will sign off on assistant teacher time sheets and submit them to the MES bookkeeper
• The MES bookkeeper will prepare the payroll based on these time slips and the director salary specified in the 2/22/08 agreement with the director
• The MASP bookkeeper will provide the MES bookkeeper with information needed to update the monthly cash flow sheet (which will become an actual at the end of each month)

Long term issues to be resolved
• Determination of costs such as administrative time, custodial services, supplies shared with school (Gail will discuss with Frank Rucker)
• Role of the steering committee
• Budget development for next year (revision of fee structure)
• Clarify job description, salary, and benefits for program director

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Francie Marbury – Principal, Gail Chaine, Winton Goodrich – Associate Director of the Vermont School Board Association.

Meeting called to order at 8:45 am.

We discussed MASP to ensure that the pay order items for MASP were covered by revenue.  That led to a discussion  of MASP’s current financial situation.  We postponed this discussion to move to the topic of tuitioning in students.

Winton Goodrich arrived at 8:57 am to discuss tuition issues.  We filled Winton in on the history.  The risk we run is that there is no precedent for legal action.  There is a statute that gives us a different option.

He described a school choice High School option in the State of Vermont.

In Winton’s opinion, based on 16VSA subsection 821c,  Halifax could allow the student to attend MES.  They would keep the student on their ADM, we would get no tuition but Halifax would be responsible for any Special Education costs. This is not a legal opinion; we need to confer with Patti Page (education legal consultant) on this.

Rutland South (Walter Goetz) has a policy related to 821c.  Precedent: Tunbridge and Randolph do this across SU.

Lauren brought up the petition signed by 40 residents supporting tuitioning in for kids from nearby towns or who have attended Meetinghouse School.

Also for Patty to explore:  Historical precedent:  Parents were paying tuition to a Parochial School, but the LEA was still responsible for Special Ed costs.  That seems to have been superceded over the course of time.

Winton quoted16VSA subsection 826 – school Board or Board of Trustees of an independent school which proposes to increase tuition charges may establish tuition rates for special education programs..  Could that apply to us?  A Patti question.

The best way to go is to have a policy that clearly delineates differences – ”if a student lives within 5 miles of the town…..” that has been discussed and warned (hence a policy) so that there has been public input, then we couldn’t be questioned on capriciousness in selecting pupils.   Policy could include considerations such as diversity and numbers in the classroom.  A question as to whether attending Meetinghouse could be a consideration.  Winton strongly recommended that we get legal opinion from Patti Page.

After setting the policy, we would develop a procedure that would address how administrators would proceed.

The fact that we have other Halifax kids tuitioning in complicates the picture.

Lauren mentioned a new ruling in our area about a family that sent their child to private school and the town was still responsible for the Special Ed costs (Wendy had referred to this ruling); Winton was unaware of it.

It is important to keep in mind the distinction between the individual case of a Town sending a student to us vs. tuitioning in.

We decided to use our April meeting to have a discussion on tuition and get a sense of the town.  We will use the discussion to inform our actions on setting a policy. We will make efforts to publicize the tuition discussion at the April 7th meeting.  Winton left the meeting at 9:45 am.

We returned to our MASP discussion. Because the current two-week pay order began prior to the vote the Board took on February 4th - regarding no deficit spending - we decided the $80 shortfall does not fall under our directive.

Francie is recommending that we have a monthly projection of income for MASP that will then become the budget for the program for that month.

Gail told us that MASP’s expenses are in a special revenue account, distinct from MES’s accounts, so it won’t affect out cost per pupil.

It was noted there is a MASP Steering Com meeting on Wednesday Feb. 20th to get all parties together and get an accurate picture of the situation and determine how to present this info at Town Meeting. Lauren will attend.

Meeting adjourned 10:58am.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Meetings:  March 10th at 7:00pm, April 7th at 7:00pm.

Pay Orders:            None

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Wendy Houlihan – WCSU Superintendent, Andy Hauty

Meeting called to order at 7:10pm.

Andy Hauty came to talk about Marlboro’s basketball situation.   One issue has to do with girls’ participation on the team.  He brought up the issue that PE is only scheduled one day per week, which doesn’t allow skills to be taught.  He’s wondering what avenue to take to support the idea of expanding MES’s PE program.

Postponed approving minutes for 1/14/08 for a rewrite.  Approved minutes for 1/29/08.

We raised a question for Gail Chaine as to where MASP’s indebtedness to MES was allocated in the 2007 actual.

In a related but separate issue, it was decided that we should create a new line item for the $2000 for MASP and zero out the volunteer coordinator line.

Francie recommended that we assume MASP’s debt., which, as of January 28th, is at $8,910.30.  We were all a bit blindsided by this figure.  Figuring in account receivables, we were under the impression that at the end of last year the debt was more like $2,500.00.  And we thought there was only a small shortfall in operating costs this year.

It is apparent that we supported the proposal for the program without understanding the complexities and complications it would entail.

Francie said that, in her research, she found it was not uncommon that such programs end up running in the red for the first few years.  The survey that was sent out to families indicated strong interest in the program.  The decision this year to raise tuition rates (to try to make the program self sufficient) affected enrollment downward.  It has been recommended by the steering committee to lower tuition so as to increase the number of participants. Steve Cohen, who, with our support, has taken on the role of MASP’s accountant, has created some projections based on a few scenarios (tuition changes/enrollment changes) and, given financial support by the town, it is possible that the program could break even.  Francie doesn’t see any way for the program to survive without our forgiving the debt.

Lauren misses the enrichment program that used to exist at MES, and that MASP - to some degree - supplanted.  Francie pointed out that the enrichment program was funded to a great extent by Medicaid reimbursement money, which is significantly diminished these days.

Lauren feels we cannot accept the debt.  She said that since this program was never set up to be a school program, and was not listed in our budget, she doesn’t find it acceptable to assume the debt.  She then stated that she was willing to assist in fundraising for MASP so that the debt does not affect our per-pupil spending.

Lauren moved that no expenses for MASP will be paid that exceed its income. No further debt will be incurred by MES.  Andy seconded.  The motion passed.

Lauren moved that for the 2008 -2009 school year any after school program that takes place on the Marlboro School grounds will be administered by the Marlboro School District.  Gussie seconded.  The motion passed.

Principal’s Report (see attachment)

Tom Simon formed a group who toured the building.  Brooks Mitchell is going to research issues around the replacement of the school’s heating units.  Thank you Brooks!

Wendy indicated that it would not be a conflict of interest to hire Pam’s husband, Matt Dricker, as a computer consultant for 2 hours at $50/hr.

Tuition discussion. Lauren has asked Winton Goodrich to advise us on our tuition discussion. Wendy may be getting some tuition related information via the Vermont Supt Association and will pass it along to us.

WCSU report

Wendy gave us an update on her perspective of the grade level professional development meetings.  We had received some concern from MES’s teachers about the value of the meetings.  Wendy expressed her opinion that the meetings should primarily be an opportunity for teachers to exchange ideas, which would be more in line with the expectations of our teachers.

The meeting adjourned at 10:13pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Future Meetings:  February 14th at 9:00am, March 10th at 7:00pm, April 7th at 7:00pm.

Pay Orders:

#16:    2/1/08        $233,741.41

Marlboro School Board
February 4, 2008

Principal’s Report

Student Learning
Winter Workshops and Winter Sports
Kindergarten – Post Office
Primary – Doubles Rap
3rd-4th – work with Paul Hoak and No Fault Zone
5th-6th – Shadow puppet plays of Greek myths with Peter
7th-8th – Costa Rica curriculum, dates for I projects

Policy or Regulation Implementation
Revisit tuition policy

Buildings and Grounds
Follow up with Tom Simon and committee;  Brooks Mitchell to research heating units

Finance/Accounting
MASP debt

Enrollment/Staffing
78 students
Network specialist - $80/hr approved;  need ~ 2hr @ $50/hr (Putney library)

Continuing items
Healthy Snack program update

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Michelle Holzapfel arrived at 7:20pm. Frank Rucker  - WCSU Business Manager arrived at 7:30pm.  Tom Simon arrived at 8:12pm.

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 pm.

Lauren moved that we approve the Minutes of 12/10 and 12/17/07.  Gussie seconded.  The motion passed.

See attached Principal’s Report.

Winter Workshops started last week.  Junior High is working on their I-projects already, to avoid end of the year crunch.

Ellen and Judy are doing a mid year literacy assessment of kindergarten and primary students, because their skills develop so rapidly.  They use the results to regroup the kids into their proper level.

Enrollment:  78 students.  A home school student will be participating in some specials at the school.

Ellen will be beginning her cross country fund raising bicycle trip immediately after the winter break.  Good luck Ellen!

Healthy Snack Program is off to a great start.  Over 40 kids are participating in the program.

A MASP survey went out with Friday notes.

Francie proposed making the Monday before Town Meeting a school day.  The Board endorsed the idea.

School as a Community space.  Michelle Holzapfel presented a brief review of the history of MAAC.  As mentioned in last month’s minutes, the All Abilities Program room is becoming available.  What activities are waiting in the wings for a space at the school?  Marlboro Cares may want to have a monthly Senior lunch. Paid coordinator?  Paid through fees?  Townsfolk feel like they have paid for the school space already, so charging a fee for usage feels like double billing.  We decided that it would be prudent to move slowly on allocating the available space at MES, see what groups are interested in using the space – a sign-up system, perhaps – and monitor how such use impacts students and teachers.

Energy discussion with Tom Simon.  Tom here as a member of the Marlboro Energy Committee and the Windham Egergy Group.   Interested in getting kids involved with energy conservation and energy awareness.  Basically offering help for any energy related curriculum.  Additionally, regarding the building, Tom is offering to be a liaison between S.B. and Marlboro Energy Committee.
Francie felt that recommendations of people to provide services that we are ready to implement would be very helpful.

In a budget discussion, we reviewed our proposed 2008 – 2009 budget and  finalized it in preparation for Town Meeting.

We were hoping for an update on MASP’s debt to MES, but it wasn’t prepared in time for this meeting.  We will expect an update at our February meeting to be able to prepare for Town meeting.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 pm.

Future meetings: Feb 4th at 7:00pm, March 10th at 7:00pm,

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:
#13:    12/21/07            $122,993.54
#14:    1/4/08            $  45,612.93

Marlboro School Board
January 14, 2008

Principal’s Report

Student Learning
Winter Workshops
Junior High I Projects (independent study)
Primary presentation of insect reports
Mid year assessment of kindergarten and Primary literacy skills

Policy or Regulation Implementation
New policies to consider?
Revisit tuition policy?

Buildings and Grounds
Playground safety – sledding run and hay bales
StanTech Report – progress re recommendations

Finance/Accounting

Enrollment/Staffing
78 students
Home school student attending specials
No changes in staffing – Ellen starts leave after Winter Vacation

Continuing items
Healthy Snack program update
MASP update – survey, current balance sheet
New – calendar question

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury – Principal, Wendy Houlihan  - WCSU Superintendent (arrived 8:15pm), Tom Toleno

The meeting was called to order at 7:06 pm.

Tom Toleno spoke to us about the fact that he is becoming the legal guardian to a student who will be attending BUHS.

We went into Executive Session at 7:33pm to discuss matters related to the Supervisory Union budget and SU restructuring.  We left Executive Session at 7:50pm. No action was taken.

The minutes for 9/24/07 were approved.  Lauren moved that we approve the minutes for 10/1/07 with one correction.  Andy seconded.  The motion passed.

We discussed MASP and are concerned about the cost and enrollment of MASP.  We will ask MASP for an update for one of our December meetings.

The meeting with the teachers regarding negotiations has been changed to Monday December 10th at 1:30 pm.

Discussion about SU budget and restructuring.  Lauren asked about how Special Education reimbursements would work.  Wendy said that she would get that information for us.  We expressed concern about Special Education staff being shared between schools.  Wendy pointed out that we have only 2 or 4 I.E.P.s projected for next year, which is well short of a full time position.  Francie expressed confidence that we actually had a higher number of I.E.P.s  (note:  Supervisory Union documentation lists MES as having 7 I.E.P.s).  We asked about the possibility of having our Special Education person fulfill other responsibilities within the school.  Francie said that she understands and accepts the need to reduce staff but that there are a lot of issues as to how to do it in a way that will satisfy all the interested parties.  We had a question as to how MES is considered such a high spending Special Education school.  Francie asked what would be the process for administrators to have input in the restructuring and restaffing.  Wendy said that would be worked out after the staffing end of it was resolved.

Lauren raised issues about the System Administrator position being part of the Supervisory Union Assessment as opposed to the Agency Fund, where we could opt out.  We hired Pam specifically because of her computer skills.  She has created a simple and effective website for MES.  There were also concerned about student confidentiality (Power School).  We asked if we could either be zeroed out of that cost sharing or have that expense put it in Agency Fund.

CFO position would allow that person to be able to have big picture perspective and not be dragged down by blizzard of reporting and required paperwork.  SU accountant and AP/Payroll Clerk positions reporting to CFO.  What does this mean for Gail?

There was a discussion of pre-kindergarten funding and rule changes in the legislature.  Status quo for the next year but things are in flux and we need to keep an eye on changes.

We discussed the tuition student issues.  There may be many ramifications of a recent Supreme Court ruling.  The Board of Education will be sorting this out.  Apparently currently it is felt that Federal funding would follow student but State funding would not.  The State funding is the bulk of Special Education reimbursement.

Francie:  “As we look at maintaining or honoring uniqueness, how do we proceed regarding assessment and other issues?”  Wendy replied “Evidence of learning”.

Further discussion on student tuition issues.  There have been three new inquiries about tuitioning-in.  Lauren feels that the risk involved with Junior High students is low enough to consider allowing them.  The risk is much greater with elementary students.

Lauren moved that we allow students to tuition into the Junior High, dependent on the Junior High teachers assessment of classroom capacity.  Gussie seconded.  The motion passed.  It was decided to hold off on making any decision about our position regarding other tuition students until the state has resolved the Special Education ramifications.

Lauren moved that we approve warning The Prevention of Harassment of Students Policy. Gussie seconded.   The motion passed.  Gussie will post the Policy.

Francie updated us on the Healthy Snack program.

In reference to the Oct 1st minutes, as regards Andy’s motion to direct the budget line “Volunteer Coordinator” to MASP, we have slightly altered how that transaction will be carried out.  We will pay MASP $2000 and MASP will pay Steve Cohen $1800 as financial manager of MASP.  Steve Cohen will pay full tuition.  MASP will pay MES the remaining $200 to further reduce their debt.

We reviewed what information would be helpful at this stage in our budgeting: Special Education figures, tuition students K – 8.

Future meetings:  Regular meeting Monday December 10th 7:00pm, budget meeting:  Monday December 17th at 4:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:

#8:    10/12/07    $40,034.24
#9:    10/26/07    $96,053.38
#10    11/9/07    $61,789.75

Marlboro School Board
November 19, 2007

Principal’s Report

Student Learning
David’s Cape Cod Night
3/4 literature group presentations
Primary Young Authors Celebration
JH Learning about Learning

Policy or Regulation Implementation
Tuition Policy revisited (decision)
Benefits Procedures (decision)
Policies to warn

Buildings and Grounds
Playground work
Meeting with Dan MacArthur and Michelle Holzapfel to begin long range thinking about community center in school and what that means for greenhouse renovation

Finance/Accounting
Staff negotiations – Pam and Rachel – request that meeting be at 1:30 instead of 3pm

Enrollment/Staffing
79 students
No changes in staffing

Follow-up items
School Breakfast program update
MASP update

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

The meeting was called to order at 10:40am.

Lauren moved that we go into Executive Session to discuss tuition issues.  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  We entered Executive Session at 10:40am.

Coming out of Executive Session, we decided to inform two families building houses in Marlboro that based on our understanding of their intent to take occupancy this fall, we will postpone our request for tuition until the end of October.  If they are not residing in Marlboro at that time, we would require them to pay retroactively (as of the beginning of the academic year) tuition up until the time of true residency in Marlboro, pro-rated based on the actual date of occupancy.

We will review our tuition policy early in the fall and make any necessary changes at that time.

We reviewed the minutes from our June 6th and June 20th meetings.  Lauren moved that we accept the minutes with small revisions.  Gussie seconded.  The motion passed.

We are asking Francie and Gussie as members of the MASP steering committee to inform that committee that the school board is anticipating the debt incurred by MASP to be paid by September 20th, 2007.  We would also like an update about fundraising efforts and the status of the debt at our September meeting.

Lauren moved that we approve Gussie’s mission statement, with Andy’s revision, to be presented to the staff for discussion and feedback.  It reads as follows:  “The goal of the Marlboro Elementary School is to provide firm foundations in the skill sets required to pursue academics and citizenship, in a safe and structured environment.”  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

A discussion of how to best get feedback from recent Marlboro graduates.  A congratulations letter to graduating High School seniors, which included a survey, was fairly successful in its initial run, so we will continue that practice.  We decided to incorporate a time for graduates to talk to the board as a part of the High School evening in the Junior High, where graduates speak to MES students about area High Schools.

School lunch program.  Francie has been talking to people at the State Board of Ed about the requirements we would need to fulfill and about grants that are available to set up such a program.  We need a larger refrigerator, more sink capacity and some renovation of cabinets …….Francie will talk to Leland & Gray abut how they manage their program.  She will find out how long a commitment it is to initiate a State supported program.

Among the concerns about the program are escalating costs, lack of sufficient participation and finding the right person to coordinate the program.

We will hold off on action until we get some more information.

Future meetings:  September 4th at 7:00pm

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:

#1      7/6/07    $36,588.09
#2    7/20/07    $25,091.71
#3      8/3/07    $32,259.71

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Augusta Bartlett – Sec’y

The meeting was called to order at 9:10am.

Lauren said that she and Francie are planning to have a discussion about school breakfast and school lunch programs prior to the Marlboro School Board’s summer retreat so the Board can make progress in setting up such a program at the school.  However, because the school’s kitchen is insufficient for the operation of a school meal program, Lauren moved that we exempt The Marlboro School District from the requirement of 16 VSA section 1264 that it operate school breakfast and school lunch programs for the 20007 -2008 school year.  Gussie seconded.

Further discussion:

Gussie expressed the feeling that she believed we could trust our teachers to observe kids in their class who might need nutritional support and discreetly address the issue.

Lauren’s motion passed with all in favor.

Andy reported on Frank Rucker’s answer to questions about our reserve funds.  He indicated that we must make decisions prior to June 30th.  He also informed us that any debt should not be carried for more than 90 days.

Lauren moved that we follow Frank Rucker’s recommendation that we require debts to the school district to be paid within 90 days.   As Regards the Enterprise Program, Gussie will inform Lisa of this decision and find out her plans for complying with this procedure.  Gussie seconded the motion.  The motion passed with all in favor.

Motion to adjourn at 9:40am.  The motion passed.

Future meetings:    August 7th at 10:00am at South Pond, September 4th at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:    None

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury - Principal, general public:  David Ahern

The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm.

We signed teacher and staff contracts for the 2007-2008 year.

Lauren moved that we enter Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.  The motion passed.  We entered Executive Session at 7:16.  David Ahern left the room for the duration of Executive Session, as Executive Session requires.

We left Executive Session at 7:20.

Lauren moved that we change the wording regarding Francie’s professional development from “not to exceed $600” such that her benefit would match the benefit we offer our teachers, ie, up to the cost of 3 UVM credits.  Gussie seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.

David Ahern left at 7:25pm.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of May 1st, 2007.   Andy seconded. The motion passed.

The board decided to support Francie in presenting to administrators the suggestion that they offer to form a transition team to support the new WCSU Superintendent.

In discussing the request from the WCSU to appoint a member to the Policy Committee, the board felt that we would be more comfortable in establishing that committee after the new Superintendent is in place.

Prinicpal’s report.   Enrollment is 83.  No staffing changes.

We had a further discussion of tuitioning-in students.  Francie put forth some ideas about exceptions to our policy.  One thought concerned Junior High students, the other related to students who had attended the Meetinghouse School.  We decided to table the discussion and possibly seek a second legal opinion about our tuition policy.

Francie updated us about the All Abilities program.  Next year there will be only 2 students, so the staffing for the program will change.

We discussed our potential budget surplus.  The projection is that we will have a $56,000 surplus in 2007.  Andy moved to put $21,297 into the capital reserve fund, $10,000 into the bus reserve fund and $14,703 into our Reserve fund.  That totals $46,000.  Any additional surplus will be put into our Reserve fund.  Lauren seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The motion passed.  We entered Executive Session at 8:55 pm.  We left Executive Session at 9:47pm.

Lauren moved to allow Jody to take a 7-week sabbatical (unpaid leave) and to offer Brenda a .75 assistantship through town meeting day, a .5FTE teaching position thru the April vacation and Full time teaching position from that point through the end of the year.   If Brenda declines, Francie would then advertise for a .75 assistant and a long term sub.  Gussie seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

The decision was made to not alter our benefits procedure, which would have been necessary to meet the request of an employee.

Andy moved to hire Liz Vick for one additional hour per week.  Lauren seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

Early Ed update.  The new law goes into effect in the 2008-2009 school year.  The big question is how to count students.  Option #1: flat 10 children, Option #2:  “the number resulting from 1 plus the 5-year annual percentage increase or decrease in the number of first graders in the district multiplied by the number of first graders from the previous year.”  Option #3:  number of four year olds in the district.  Lauren will contact Ellen to get names of new kids in town to send a letter about early ed opportunities.

Francie has joined the Elementary School Task Force.

Gussie moved that we approve the Action Plan as created by the Action Plan committee.  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

The Marlboro After School Program submitted budgetary information and other materials to the Board.

Kelly Salasin asked to use the outback to offer weekly classes.  We approved her request and left it to Francie to work out the fee and other details.

Lauren moved that we adjourn.  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  We adjourned at 11:10pm.

Future meetings:  June 20th at 9:00am, August 7th at 10:00am at South Pond, September 4th at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:

#23a    5/11/07    $133,065.95
#24      5/25/07    $168,540.82
#25    6/8/08    $115,827.58

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Francie Marbury - Principal, Tina Shakespeare, interim Assistant Superintendent

The meeting was called to order at 7:06pm.

Review of April 5th Minutes.  Lauren moved that we accept the minutes with minor changes.  Andy seconded.  The motion passed.

We discussed the High School bus run situation and decided to leave things as they are.

Legislative discussion.  The Early Ed bill is moving through the legislature.  It is currently unclear how it will affect us.  Regarding the Education Spending Cap Bill, Lauren contacted Peter Shumlin, Richard Merek and Jeanette White to express her concern about capping school budgets to a 3.5% increase annually.  Andy responded to an op-ed piece in the Times-Argus about the caps.

Principal’s Report, enrollment 82, no changes.

There is a Progressive Educators Gathering on May 12th at Greenfield Center School.

Junior High Graduation Portfolio Presentations are scheduled for June 6th, 7th 8th and 11th from 3:30 – 5:30pm.   Board members are encouraged to attend at least one of these sessions to see first hand the progress being made in authentic assessment.

Afterschool program.  There was a discussion about the fiscal management of the program.  Steve Cohen has offered to take on the role of business manager for MASP.  We decided that we would authorize Steve to spend up to 30 hours to get the financials in order and produce a year end report.  If the program is running a surplus and has funds available, Steve would barter and/or be paid by MASP.  If the program is in the red, MES will reduce tuition for the Cohen family along the lines of Steve’s proposal.  In either case, it is likely that this arrangement will be extended into the next school year.

Lauren moved that we go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.  Andy seconded the motion.  We entered Executive Session at 8:18pm.

We left Executive Session at 9:02pm

As a result of our discussions in Executive Session, a decision was made to hire Tim Burns as Custodian.  Then, due to the need for a long term sub in a classroom, we agreed to pay the assistant in that classroom as a long term sub for the week that she replaced the classroom teacher.  Finally, we agreed to staff the Junior High at 1.8 teachers for next year.

The School Board would like to acknowledge Wayne Powling’s long and dedicated service to MES.  We wish him the best for the future.  Stay tuned for information about a retirement party for Wayne.

In consideration of educational and community continuity, it was decided that we will extend our grandfathering as regards tuition students to families who already have students in the school and relocate out of town.  They will be eligible to tuition in to MES.

Lauren moved to adjourn at 10:13pm.  Andy seconded.  The motion passed.

Next regular board meeting:  June 5th at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:

#21    4/13/07    $78,423.22
#22     4/27/07    $69,042.61

School board meeting 6/7/07 FINAL

Attending:  Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett – Sec’y, Francie Marbury - Principal, general public:  David Ahern

The meeting was called to order at 7:10pm.

We signed teacher and staff contracts for the 2007-2008 year.

Lauren moved that we enter Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.  The motion passed.  We entered Executive Session at 7:16.  David Ahern left the room for the duration of Executive Session, as Executive Session requires.

We left Executive Session at 7:20.

Lauren moved that we change the wording regarding Francie’s professional development from “not to exceed $600” such that her benefit would match the benefit we offer our teachers, ie, up to the cost of 3 UVM credits.  Gussie seconded the motion.  The motion was approved.

David Ahern left at 7:25pm.

Lauren moved that we accept the minutes of May 1st, 2007.   Andy seconded. The motion passed.

The board decided to support Francie in presenting to administrators the suggestion that they offer to form a transition team to support the new WCSU Superintendent.

In discussing the request from the WCSU to appoint a member to the Policy Committee, the board felt that we would be more comfortable in establishing that committee after the new Superintendent is in place.

Principal’s report.   Enrollment is 83.  No staffing changes.

We had a further discussion of tuitioning-in students.  Francie put forth some ideas about exceptions to our policy.  One thought concerned Junior High students, the other related to students who had attended the Meetinghouse School.  We decided to table the discussion and possibly seek a second legal opinion about our tuition policy.

Francie updated us about the All Abilities program.  Next year there will be only 2 students, so the staffing for the program will change.

We discussed our potential budget surplus.  The projection is that we will have a $56,000 surplus in 2007.  Andy moved to put $21,297 into the capital reserve fund, $10,000 into the bus reserve fund and $14,703 into our Reserve fund.  That totals $46,000.  Any additional surplus will be put into our Reserve fund.  Lauren seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

Lauren moved that we go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter. The motion passed.  We entered Executive Session at 8:55 pm.  We left Executive Session at 9:47pm.

Lauren moved to allow Jody to take a 7-week sabbatical (unpaid leave) and to offer Brenda a .75 assistantship through town meeting day, a .5FTE teaching position thru the April vacation and Full time teaching position from that point through the end of the year.   If Brenda declines, Francie would then advertise for a .75 assistant and a long term sub.  Gussie seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

The decision was made to not alter our benefits procedure, which would have been necessary to meet the request of an employee.

Andy moved to hire Liz Vick for one additional hour per week.  Lauren seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

Early Ed update.  The new law goes into effect in the 2008-2009 school year.  The big question is how to count students.  Option #1: flat 10 children, Option #2:  “the number resulting from 1 plus the 5-year annual percentage increase or decrease in the number of first graders in the district multiplied by the number of first graders from the previous year.”  Option #3:  number of four year olds in the district.  Lauren will contact Ellen to get names of new kids in town to send a letter about early ed opportunities.

Francie has joined the Elementary School Task Force.

Gussie moved that we approve the Action Plan as created by the Action Plan committee.  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.

The Marlboro After School Program submitted budgetary information and other materials to the Board.

Kelly Salasin asked to use the outback to offer weekly classes.  We approved her request and left it to Francie to work out the fee and other details.

Lauren moved that we adjourn.  Andy seconded the motion.  The motion passed.  We adjourned at 11:10pm.

Future meetings:  June 20th at 9:00am, August 7th at 10:00am at South Pond, September 4th at 7:00pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Andy Reichsman

Pay Orders:

#23a    5/11/07    $133,065.95
#24      5/25/07    $168,540.82
#25    6/8/08    $115,827.58

Attending: Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett - clerk, Francie Marbury - Principal, Tina Shakespeare - interim WCSU Assistant Superintendent

The meeting was called to order at 7:12 pm.

This being a reorganizational meeting, Tina initiated the proceedings.

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School board meeting 1/16/07 APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett, clerk, Francie Marbury, Principal.

The meeting was called to order at 4:05 pm.

We conducted a final review of the 2008 budget.

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School board meeting 1/3/07 APPROVED

Attending: Lauren Poster - chair, Andy Reichsman – vice chair, Gussie Bartlett, clerk, Francie Marbury, Principal, Tina Shakespeare – interim Assistant Superintendent, David Dezendorf, Chair of the WCSU Technology Committee

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 pm.

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