Note: These proposed minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved as
reflected in the minutes of the next board meeting.
WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT (WSESD) BOARD
TUESDAY APRIL 8, 2025
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 5:15 PM
GUILFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM
DRAFT MINUTES
Present
Deborah Stanford (DS), Kim Price (KP), Anne Beekman (AB) remote, Jessica Everlith (JE), Jocelyn
Fritts (JF), Tim Maciel (TM), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Brian Remer (BR), Colleen Savage (CS) remote,
Matt Schibley (MS),
WSESD staff and administration present (includes remote attendance) and
BCTV, Mark Speno, Frank Rucker, Whitney Lynde, Tate Erickson, Kate Margaitis, Keith Lyman, John
Gagnon, Mary Kaufmann, Julianne Eagan, Kerri Beebe, Nancy Wiese, Hannah Parker,
Others present
Bob Audette – Brattleboro Reformer, George Carvill, Jim Olivier, Carolyn Olivier, Anna Olivier.
Ahmad Esfahani, Lorraine Kane, Wendy Wallas, Elizabeth Crawford, Andrew Morrison, Kathy
Richardson, Curtiss Reed, D Fuhrman, Elizabethchristie, Ann Schroeder, Emily’s iPad, Karen
Murphy, Katie Morrison, Leslie Kinney, Linda Robeck Fihrman, Liz Adams, Lynne, Mary Gannon,
May Lillie, Micheelle Green, Sarah Landers, Spark Teacher Ed, Evie Lovett, Sean Murphy, Maria,
Kathryn, Ali, Ann Schroder, Jen Jacobs
Absences
Laiba Eager (LA), Theia Wepaolki (TW)
Summary
● 3 Executive Sessions were held regarding student academic records and disciplinary matters, and labor relations. Board motioned to ratify the contract for certified employes as negotiated
● Significant public comment and board discussion occurred concerning Title VI and recent
federal DEI-related directives from the state; a special board meeting was scheduled for April 10 to continue the conversation.
● Board subcommittees and leadership councils shared updates, including ongoing work in social justice, goal setting, and community engagement through the Rural School Alliance.
● Personnel updates included multiple hires, two resignations, and one retirement, all accepted with appreciation.
● Board voted to ratify the contract for certified staff.
Agenda
I. Call to Order
DS called the meeting of the WSESD Board to order at 5:15 pm
Hybrid Statement was read
Executive Session
1 V.S.A. §313 (a)(7) the academic records or suspension or discipline of students. [No Action Anticipated]
KP CALLED FOR A MOTION TO FIND THAT THE PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
WOULD CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED AT A SUBSTANTIAL
DISADVANTAGE.
JE MOTIONED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(7) – ACADEMIC
OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS INVITING IN SUPERINTENDENT MARK SPENO,
WHITNEY LYNDE, TATE ERICKSON, JOHN GAGNON, MARY KAUFMANN, KATE MARGAITIS, KEITH
LYMAN AND JULIANNE EAGAN. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 5:19 pm
The Board rose from Executive Session at 6:06 pm
● If appropriate, agenda items are subject to Potential Action.
● If any Board Member feels that an item on the Consent Agenda warrants discussion, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be set aside for discussion. In this way the Consent Agenda will be approved in one motion. That request should be made now – or before the vote on the Consent Agenda.
Amendments to the Agenda
● Amendment to the minutes of 3/25/25 page 2 – Tim Maciel is incorrectly noted as the rep on the WSESU Board, it should be Kim Price.
● Add to the agenda an update to the Board Goals.
● Add consideration of Title VI to the agenda this evening
● Strike Section D under board matters to be considered at a later date.
● Add a second Executive Session 313 A 7 Academic Suspension
To begin this meeting, KP read the WSESD Board Meeting Norms.
II. Student Matters
None were presented at this time.
III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
This is a time for the Board to listen and to take notes. It is not a time for the Board to respond to comments or to engage in dialogue with the public. If appropriate, the Board and Administration will work on next steps.
Multiple people spoke up about their thoughts about Zoie Saunders and Title VI, DEI. As these comments were shared, the Board Chair determined to move forward with this topic as an agenda item.
Sean Murphy shared a statement (found here) regarding the mandate from Zoie Saunders at the end of last week.
Ahmad Esfahani, resident of Greenfield MA, parent of children who attends a Putney School expressed concerns regarding implementation of DEI in VT schools.
Ann Schroeder, Dummerston resident, spoke about her wish from the AOE for a strong statement regarding educational justice and equity in the State.
DS determined to end public comment on non-agenda items and move into this topic being addressed as an active agenda item.
IV. Implications of Title VI
Multiple people (community and Board members) commented on the Title VI directive from Secretary of Education, Zoie Saunders, and Governor Scott. To view this discussion in its entirety, please view the BCTV recording found here. Appreciation for the quick response Superintendent Speno took in communicating with our community was expressed.
MS parliamentary inquiry to inquire about the board ability to vote for a special meeting.
MS MOTONED THAT THE WSESD BOARD HAVE A SPECIAL MEETING ON THURSDAY 4/10/25 AT 6
PM AT CUSICK. SECONDED.
Several more comments were shared.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Break entered at 7:15 pm
Rose from Break at 7:23 pm
V. Board Matters
A. Leadership Council Updates
DS shared that the Dummerston LC met on 2/27/25 held a family forum focused on LGBTQ+. It was well attended. They are committed to offering more opportunities for future events.
TM shared about the engaging BAMS LC meeting. The activity they engaged in was invigorating.
B. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates
Policy meeting 2pm tomorrow has been canceled.
The Communications Council met yesterday and discussed opportunities to engage more with the community. Some ideas are to do a press release related to the involvement in the Rural School Alliance and the donation the board is making to this organization.
The work of the Rural School Alliance steering committee will be issuing a statement every Monday.
C. Update on legislative issues related to potential education reforms
DS suggested that a few board members keep up on the activities occurring Statewide. JF and TM will stay abreast of the information coming down from the State and assist with sharing it out.
D. Consider Education Quality Standards (EQS) and District Quality
Standards (DQS) Effective July 1, 2025
– Education Quality Standards (EQS)
– District Quality Standards (DQS)
E. Consider annual review as per WSESD Ongoing Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment
JF and MS will review this along with Mikaela Simms. Mark Speno and Mikaela Simms have been visiting each of the schools, attending staff meetings and talking about the district’s commitment to the Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment.
F. Reminder that board members are allocated $100 annually for relevant publications
DS reminded the board that they are
TM MOTIONED TO RESCIND THE MOTION FROM NOVEMBER 14, 2023 TO USE THE $100 ON ONE
OF FOUR PUBLICATIONS.
Discussion was held regarding the need to rescind the former motion.
TM MOTION TO AMEND THE MOTION OF NOVEMBER 14, 2023 TO ALLOW BOARD MEMBERS TO
USE THE ALLOCATED $100 ANNUALLY AS THEY DEEM APPROPRIATE.
A discussion ensued.
In light of the value of the conversation and the awareness of the need to still have two Executive Sessions, it was determined to hold this until a future meeting. As this motion was not seconded, it was decided that this was an appropriate course of action.
G. Agenda taskforce regarding Goal Setting update
This taskforce met and discussed goal setting, thinking about how board goals are different than district goals, considering goals set by other districts, and the desire to be more involved in the setting of the CIP goals moving forward.
The focus for our discussion next meeting with be focusing on the CIP goal setting
VI. Administrative Report
● Hires, Resignations, Retirements
Resignation:
Zac Ezzell, BUHS Academic Support Teacher
Sarah Landers, Guilford Grade 6 Teacher
AB MOTIONED TO ACCEPT, WITH REGRET, THE RESIGNATION OF ZAC EZZELL AS ACADEMIC
SUPPORT TEACHER AT BUHS. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Retirement:
Kathryn Mason, Oak Grove School Social Worker
JF MOTIONED TO ACCEPT, WITH REGRET, THE RETIREMENT OF KATHRYN MASON AS SOCIAL
WORKER AT OAK GROVE SCHOOL. SECONDED.
Appreciation for the work done for the district by Kathryn Mason was shared.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Presented for new hires
Jonah Moos, BUHS math teacher
Sarah Landers, BUHS Academic Support assigned to the HUB
Sean McLoughlin, BUHS Technology Specialist
Logan Snow, Dummerston School, Grade 3
Luke McCullock, Dummerston School, Grade 4
AB MOTIONED TO ACCEPT JONAH MOOS, SARAH LANDERS, SEAN MCLOUGHLIN, LOGAN SNOW
AND LUKE MCCULLOCK FOR EMPLOYMENT AS PRESENTED BY SUPERINTENDENT MARK SPENO.
SECONDED.
VOTE CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
● Update from BUHS regarding accreditation as per NEASC (New England Association of School and Colleges)
Hannah Parker shared about the four priority areas identified from last year that have been the focus of the work at BUHS:
❖ Encouraging student capacity for social and academic resilience through the use of themed daily advisories
❖ Portrait of a Graduate
❖ Develop written curriculum for all classes offered at BUHS
❖ Providing time resources and structures for educators to engage in ongoing reflection which is being met through newly instituted common planning time for core departments
● Update on Act 1 (Erin’s Law) training District-wide
This is a mandated training. It occurred at every school site in August and September this year. Materials can be found on the district’s website under the “Reports to the Board”.
● Student comments from Panorama Survey
Student comments have been organized and tools such as AI have been utilized to compile the feedback received. The information is being shared with the board to review.
VII. Fiscal Report
Frank Rucker shared that the year to date quarter end statements are posted on the WSESU website (listed on the Finance page). The cash flow is healthy. Mr. Rucker also noted that the funds allocated for Capital Plan projects are being utilized efficiently.
VIII. Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes for March 25, 2025 with clerical amendment and the following warrants
Warrant of March 10, 2025
WSESD ARBITER SPORTS PYMT
3/04/2025
in the amount of $510.50
WSESD FAST 1334 in the amount of $3,120.69
WSESD FAST 1336 in the amount of $7,795.29
SAF 1338 in the amount of $2,016.74
WSESD REGULAR 1339 in the amount of $79,301.29
Total Accounts Payable $92,744.51
Payroll #18 of 3/07/25 in the amount of $1,674,674.46
Warrant of March 17, 2025
WSESD ARBITER SPORTS PYMT 3/14/25 in the amount of $592.50
WSESD FAST 1340 in the amount of $1,131.29
SAF FAST 1342 in the amount of $555.68
WSESD FAST 1343 in the amount of $243.06
SAF 1344 in the amount of $389.72
WSESD REGULAR 1345 in the amount of $1,044,339.31
Total Accounts Payable $1,047,251.56
Warrant of March 24, 2025
SAF FAST 1346 in the amount of $1,075.00
WSESD FAST 1347 in the amount of $23,118.10
SAF FAST 1353 in the amount of $250.00
WSESD FAST 1354 in the amount of $2,855.22
SAF 1357 in the amount of $5,054.00
WSESD REGULAR 1358 in the amount of $111,029.97
Total Accounts Payable $143,382.29
Payroll #19 of 3/21/25 in the amount of $1,721,483.98
Warrant of March 31, 2025
WSESD PURCHASING CARD PYMT
3/05/25 in the amount of $38,078.43
SAF FAST 1359 in the amount of $3,058.10
WSESD FAST 1360 in the amount of $324.96
SAF FAST 1362 in the amount of $208.65
WSESD FAST 1363 in the amount of $2,316.89
SAF 1364 in the amount of $150.00
WSESD REGULAR 1365 in the amount of $90,698.11
Total Accounts Payable $134,835.14
MS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
IX. Unfinished Business
None noted at this time.
X. New Business
DS noted that items have been recorded and will be prioritized for future meetings
XI. Executive Session
1 V.S.A. §313(a)(1)(B) labor relations agreements with employees
[Action Anticipated]
CALLED FOR A MOTION TO FIND THAT THE PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE WOULD
CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED AT A SUBSTANTIAL DISADVANTAGE.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
JE MOTIONED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)1B – LABOR
RELATION AGREEMENTS WITH EMPLOYEES INVITING IN MARK SPENO AND FRANK RUCKER.
SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Entered executive session at 8:14
Exited executive session at 8:29
KP MOTIONED TO RATIFY THE CONTRACT FOR CERTIFIED EMPLOYEES AS NEGOTIATED.
SECONDED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MS CALLED FOR A MOTION TO FIND THAT THE PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
WOULD CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED AT A SUBSTANTIAL
DISADVANTAGE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
UNDER 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7) REVIEWING THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS.
MS MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. § 313 (A)(7) THE ACADEMIC
RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS, INVITING MARK SPENO. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:31 pm
The Board rose from Executive Session at 8:51 pm
AB MOTIONED TO UPHOLD THE RECOMMENDATION OF ADMINISTRATION. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
AB MOTIONED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. SECONDED.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Meeting was adjourned at 8:52 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted on 4/13/25 by Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey
Drotts, Board Recorder.
A recording of this meeting is available on the WSESU website
