Present: Chris Tormey, Gemma Yamamoto, Niall McCallum, Tim Gochey, Roman Kokodyniak, George Burlison, Sue Polen
1. The meeting was called to order by Chris Tormey, Chair at 6:05 p.m.
2. Approval of Minutes
a. The minutes of November 17, 2008 were approved with a minor correction on a motion by Niall McCallum, second by Chris Tormey. So voted.
3. Public Comment
There was no public comment this evening.
4. Student Report: Lillian Alexander & Jese Feltus
There was no student report this evening.
5. Principal's Report: Regina Quinn
The Principal was not present this evening.
6. Superintendent's Report: George Burlison
a. Woodchip Facility Update – George gave an update on the woodchip facility. There was nothing much new. We are going along very well at this time. They hope to still have the first test firing this week. George will make sure the woodchips are here in time for the firing.
b. Elementary Guidance – George told the Board that there is $5,300 in the budget under elementary guidance that is available to be spent. This can be spent for a consultant, resources, etc., as needed. George looked up what the state recommended guidance counselor ratio was and it was 400 students to 1 counselor. So we are in good shape.
They also discussed Health Education and whether it was needed or not. There was much discussion about it. George will research it further.
c. Budget Presentation to the Board – George said the original date of December 8th for presenting the FY2010 budget to the Board has been changed. The budget will now be presented on Monday, December 15th. On Monday, December 8th we will have a regular Board meeting.
7. Board Discussion
a. Budget FY2010 – The Board discussed some aspects of the upcoming budget, such as the input from the staff and faculty. Chris suggested we do a budget incorporating the staff and faculty requests and do one without their requests for cost comparison. They also discussed education spending, their total projected budget, equalized cost per pupil, etc. trying to set a percentage rate for the budget. After much discussion, the Board decided to use a 7% increase in equalized cost per pupil.
b. Performing Arts Building Update – Chris gave a brief update on the Performing Arts Building. Things are going along well at this time.
c. Laura Soares, VSBA – Laura Soares from the VSBA has been working with the Superintendent Search Committee. She will be meeting with the School Boards to get their input. The Board would like Laura to come and meet with the Cabot School Board on Monday, February 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Information Center. Roman will confirm with her and get back to the Board. Brian OĠRegan will be making appointments with the administration and Central Office to get their input, as well.
8. Board Action
a. On a motion by Chris Tormey, second by Roman Kokodyniak the Board approved Kelly Tisdale as a Paraeducator for 2008-2009. So voted.
b. On a motion by Gemma Yamamoto, second by Roman Kokodyniak the Board approved the snowplow bid from Brian Talbert (plowing = $55 per hr/salting = $40 per hr) for 2008-2009. Yes = 2, No = 1, Abstention = 1
Executive Session
On a motion by Tim Gochey, second by Gemma Yamamoto the Board entered Executive Session at 7:55 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter. The Board returned to open session at 8:03 p.m. on a motion by Chris Tormey, second by Tim Gochey. So voted.
9. Adjournment
On a motion by Chris Tormey, the Board adjourned the meeting at 8:05 p.m. So voted.
Respectfully Submitted,
Joanna Brickey
Transcriber