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 MAY 27, 2025
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00 PM
WRCC CUSICK CONFERENCE ROOM AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM
DRAFT MINUTES
Present
Deborah Stanford (DS), Kim Price (KP), Anne Beekman (AB), Laiba Eager (LA), Jessica Everlith (JE), Jocelyn Fritts (JF), Tim Maciel (TM), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Brian Remer (BR), Colleen Savage (CS), Matt Schibley (MS), Theia Wepaolki (TW)
WSESD staff and administration present (includes remote attendance) and BCTV, Mark Speno, Keith Lyman, Nancy Wiese, Stacey Sawyer, Brandy Levesque, Brin Tucker, John Gagnon, Mary Kaufmann, Michael Kelliher, Frank Rucker, Mikaela Simms, Julianne Eagan, Hannah Parker, Kelly Dias, Maggie Foley, Janet Slesinski, Mindy Haskins Rodgers,
Others present
Tosha Tilman, Landers, An, Rhy, John Kersey, mnestel, NGoodhue, students presenting for the Brattleboro Area Youth Council, Cassandra Holloway, Olivia, Diana Whalley, Caitlin Faiola, Kathie,
Absences
None noted
Summary
● The Brattleboro Area Youth Council made a presentation to the Board and shared a statement regarding harassment, hazing and bullying.
● The Board voted to adopt the Ongoing Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment updated in 2025.
● The Board approved sending the Open Letter to the VSBA.
● The Board voted to send the Resolution presented this evening to the VSBA.
● Following a discussion about having meetings in July or taking a break, the Board voted to meet on 7/8/25 and 7/22/25.
● The Board accepted the resignation of five staff members and approved seven new hires.
AGENDA
DS called to order the WSESD meeting at 6:02 pm
I. Call to Order
– Hybrid Statement
– 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
II. Student Matters
Thea Wepaloki, student representative and Putney resident, read a statement regarding Erin’s Law.
Laiba Eager, student representative and Brattleboro resident, expressed appreciation for the ability to be involved in the WSESD Board this year.
Thea Wepaloki also expressed her appreciation for the mentorship and experiences received by being a student representative and part of the SAC this year.
DS expressed appreciation to Thea and Laiba for their involvement and presented them each with a certificate.
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.
None presented.
IV. Elementary, Middle & High School Students from the Brattleboro Area Youth Council (Cassandra Holloway and Dianna Whalley)
Brief presentation with a commitment to revisit this issue in September
Read the following statement (Linked Here)
Members of the Brattleboro Area Youth Council:
BUHS members: Alex Aither, Maeve Bald, Mariam Diallo, Remy Flood, AJ Lalanne, Maddie McKinley, Lizzie Elkins, Jamel Smith and Connor Uffer-Noyes
BAMS members: Declan Sullivan, Elise Denaple-Hiler
Green Street member: Kyle Francis
Putney Central School member: Max Nestel
Compass School member: Raisa Wentworth
Putney School members: Root Rosenberg, Leo Storm, Owen Berland and Xeno Madrone
To view the presentation, refer to the recording of this evening’s meeting, found here.
V. Board Matters
A. Leadership Council Updates
None shared this evening.
B. Update on legislative issues related education (Tim & Jocelyn)
H.454, This bill has been seen by both the House and the Senate. The Conference Committee now has the document to work on. Next it will be presented for a “yes/no” vote. Amendments and revisions are no longer being undertaken.
C. Update regarding Board Goals (Kim, Tim, Jessica, Ruby)
None presented at this time.
D. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates
Mr. Rucker presented that the Finance Committee reviewed H.491, the Yield formula. The result of this bill is favorable for our residents and potentially eliminates the need to use reserves. Related to bill H.454, the last four pages provide information that will be used to create a timeline to address the changes outlined in this bill.
A discussion ensued. To view the conversation and discussion, refer to the recording of this evening’s meeting, found here.
E. Consider annual review as per WSESD Ongoing Social Justice and Anti-Racist Commitment (Matt, Jocelyn, Mikaela)
It was noted that the intro was edited, but beyond that the statement was not altered at this point. There was an intentional decision to protect the historical integrity of this statement. The colors in the document mean:
Yellow – things we have done
Blue – things for consideration
Purple – addition offered by Matt Schibley as a point of accountability
Clarifications to components of the statement were brought forth for further explanation and discussion.
MS MOTIONED THAT THE BOARD ADOPT THE ONGOING SOCIAL JUSTICE AND
ANTI-RACIST COMMITMENT UPDATE OF 2025. SECONDED
The yellow, blue and purple highlighted language included in this adoption was confirmed. Additional notation of the conversation regarding programming, implementation and implications. To view the conversation and discussion, refer to the recording of this evening’s meeting, found here.
VOTE WAS CALLED.
AYE NAY ABST
AB X
JE X
JF X
TM X
RM X
KP X
BR X
CS X
MS X
DS X
Total 10 0 0
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Entered break at 7:21 PM
Rose from break at 7:31 PM
F. Review our annual commitment to the VSBA
DS and AB spoke with Sue Ceglowski, Executive Director, and Flor Diaz Smith, VSBA President.
Summary of information presented by the VSBA:
● annual dues are $12,150.00.
● If you do not pay membership dues, the Board will no longer have access to webinars, anything related to Superintendents or model policies.
● The cost for a conference will be double the cost as a non-member.
No formal action taken at this time
G. Consideration of Open letter to VSBA and VSBA Resolution
TM read a letter different than what is posted above for consideration to send to the VSBA
TM MOTIONED THAT THE BOARD SEND THE FOLLOWING LETTER TO THE VSBA. SECONDED.
It was requested that the letter be shared with all the Board members to review before sending to the
VSBA. Further discussion followed.
Discussion ensued regarding this motion, for full context of the discussion please review recording of the meeting found here.
MS CALLED THE QUESTION.
VOTE WAS CALLED. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ROLL CALL VOTE WAS CALLED.
AYE NAY ABST
AB X
JE X X
JF X
TM X
RM X
KP X
BR X
CS X
MS X
DS X
Total 5 4 1
VOTE PASSED 5-4-1
RM MOTIONED TO SEND THE PRESENTED RESOLUTION TO THE VSBA. SECONDED
A copy of the resolution can be found here.
Discussion ensued. To view the conversation and discussion, refer to the recording of this evening’s meeting, found here.
Liz Adams, Putney resident, encouraged moving forward.
MS CALLED THE QUESTION. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VOTE WAS CALLED ON THE MOTION. MOTION PASSED 8-0-2
H. Update on Education Quality Standards (EQS) reporting requirements
DS indicated that this topic will be tabled to a future meeting
I. July schedule
July typically is a month the Board does not meet. A discussion was held, with the suggestion that a
Board retreat could be held in July.
RM MOTIONED TO MEET ON JULY 8TH AND 22ND. SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
J. Update on Admin/Board Retreat (June 24, 2025)
Facilitation will be done by both Board members and Administration. The retreat is a full day.
VI. Administrative Report
– Hires, Resignations, Retirements
Retirements
None presented at this time
Resignations
Elizabeth Scanlon – BAMS – English Teacher
Jamie Champney – Oak Grove – PreK Paraeducator
Nicole Thomas – Dummerston – School Counselor
Tara McKenna – BUHS – Latin Teacher
Tom Nasiatka – BAMS – Instrumental Music Teacher
AB MOTIONED TO ACCEPT, WITH REGRET, THESE RESIGNATIONS. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Hires
Alexa Curtin – Academy – Grade 1
Jamie Champney – Oak Grove – Grade 2
Jesse Ridgway – Guilford – School Nurse
Johanna McLeod – Guilford – Grade 5
Leanne Souksanh – Guilford – Social Worker
McKenzie Munn – Oak Grove -Grade 3
Michael Circe – Guilford – Grade 5/6
AB MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE HIRING OF THE PRESENTED NEW STAFF. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
– Update on Summit – Monday, June 09, 2025 5 PM at Cusick. The summit will begin at 6 pm following a dinner and hour to talk.
– Update on committee assessing class rank on transcripts
A committee has been formed to make a recommendation about class rank on transcripts. The entire BUHS staff was invited to step up if interested in serving on this committee.
– Update on procedures regarding instances of grief and trauma
This work is ongoing. There is nothing further to report at this time. Prior to the Summit on the 9th it is anticipated that a procedure will be presented.
– Presentation: Support teachers need in order to be effective as educators
Mike Kelliher, Director of HR and Brin Tucker, Director of Curriculum and Assessment spoke about the CIP goal related to staffing. Mr. Kelliher highlighted the ‘Grow Your Own’ program and shared information gathered from exit surveys. Ms. Tucker spoke about the mentorship program designed to support teachers new to the district and/or new to the profession.
VII. Fiscal Report
Nothing further added at this time.
VIII. Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes for May 13, 2025
MS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
IX. Unfinished Business
Policy and Amendment Committee presents for a 2nd reading: F8 Student Medication
X. New Business
None presented
XI. Executive Session
1 V.S.A. §313(a)(4) a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee
[Potential Action Anticipated]
AB 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 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a)(1)(a) CONTRACTS. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AB MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a)(1)(a) CONTRACTS,
INVITING IN MARK SPENO AND MICHAEL KELLIHER. SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Entered Executive Session at 9:05
Rose from Executive Session at 09:12
AB MOTIONED TO APPROVE CONTRACT AS NEGOTIATED SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AB 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)(4) A DISCIPLINARY OR DISMISSAL ACTION AGAINST A PUBLIC OFFICER OR
EMPLOYEE. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AB MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. § 313 (a)(4), A DISCIPLINARY OR
DISMISSAL ACTION AGAINST A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE, INVITING IN MARK SPENO,
MICHAEL KELLIHER AND HANNAH PARKER. SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Entered Executive Session at 9:13
Rose from Executive Session at 09:26
AB 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.. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AB MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7) REVIEWING THE
ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS., INVITING IN MARK SPENO
AND HANNAH PARKER. SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Entered Executive Session at 9:27
Rose from Executive Session at 09:32
AB MOTIONED TO ACCEPT THE BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE RECOMMENDATION, SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
AB INDICATED THAT THE DARROW SCHOLARSHIP IS STILL OPEN TO APPLICANTS
AB MOTIONED TO ADJOURN THE WSESD BOARD MEETING. SECONDED. VOTE
WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Meeting was adjourned at 9:34pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted on 5/31/2025 by Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey Drotts, Board Recorder.
A recording of this meeting is available on the WSESU website
