Note: These proposed minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved as reflected in
the minutes of the next board meeting.
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING
THE WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD
TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4, 2025
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00 PM
PUTNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM
DRAFT MINUTES
Present
Deborah Stanford (DS), Kim Price (KP), Anne Beekman (AB), Riley Bristol (RB). Jocelyn Fritts (JF), Tim Maciel (TM), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Colleen Savage (CS) Matt Schibley (MS), Willow Sharma (WS), Jessica Everlith (JE), Brian Remer (BR)
WSESD staff and administration present (includes remote attendance) Mark Speno, Frank Rucker, Brin Tucker, Jon Sessions, Ben Coppolo, Brandy Levesque, Julianne Eagan, Kerry Amidon, Kerri Beebe, Jodi Nutting, Kelly Dias, Shannon Kelly, Mary Kaufmann, Kate Margaitis, John Gagnon, Hannah Parker
Others present BCTV, Martha Noyes, David Schoales, Aidy Holding, Ada Johnson
Absences
None noted
Summary
● The Board approved a new Universal PreK partner, The Pumpkin Patch.
● The Board committed to a $2,000 donation from their professional development line to support the continued advocacy work of the RSCA.
● The Member Slate for this year’s LCs was approved as is.
● Policy E19, Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams, was adopted, and policies D12, Prevention of Harassment of Employees Policy, F37 District Equity Policy, and G13, Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use Policy, were re-adopted.
I. Call to Order
DS called the meeting of the WSESD Board to order at 6:00 pm and read a statement identifying that this evening we are hosting a hybrid meeting.
– 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
DS requested the Approval of a new Universal PreK Partner be added to this evening’s agenda.
TS asked if there would be an opportunity to discuss the Summit last week. DS confirmed that this would be included this evening.
II. Student Matters
Update: Student voices on the process of transitioning from elementary to middle to high school (Riley Bristol and Willow Sharma)
WS expressed the excitement both he and RB are feeling about the exploration phase related to student engagement that they are in. An advisor has been secured, a BUHS Social Studies teacher. The schedule for regular meetings is in the process of being developed. They also are meeting on a regular basis with principal Hannah Parker.
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.
Martha Noyes, Brattleboro resident, expressed appreciation for committees focusing on public engagement. Asked who will be addressing the data numbers and their connection to the CIP goals of 10% growth. Finally, asked that as the district is entering into budget development for next year that staffing be carefully considered.
IV. Board Matters
A. Approval of new Universal PreK Partner, Pumpkin Patch
DP MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE UNIVERSAL PREK PARTNER, PUMPKIN PATCH AS A NEW PARTNER.
SECONDED.
VOTE CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. Leadership Council Updates
CS spoke about the successful orientation for the LC chairs held recently. During that meeting there was a discussion about the importance of communication between Board members and LCs. A reminder was offered that if a Board member is unable to attend their LC’s meeting, they should look for a substitute Board member to attend in their place.
DS inquired about future orientation dates and times with the LC chairs. Mr Speno indicated that a mid year LC Chair meeting is in the works.
C. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates
RM gave an update on the communications council. In an effort to provide information regarding the budgetary planning process as well as board openings/positions up for election, graphics are being reworked and developed so it is more accessible to all.
A discussion followed regarding graphics and ways to make the information welcoming to all. The Board expressed confidence in RM moving forward.
RM provided an update on potential listening sessions. For a full account of the update see the recording here.
TM shared that on 11/20/25 from 5-6:30 at Oak Grove School there will be a meeting discussing Special Education, included in this meeting will be a listening session. Childcare will be provided.
D. Update on legislative issues related to education (Tim & Jocelyn)
Legislative Update and Webinar.
TM introduced David Schoales, who then gave an update on legislative matters.
TM highlighted potential changes that could occur through this restructuring. JF inquired about discussions
regarding Supervisory/School? Districts and Supervisory Union differences.
For full accounting please see the recording of this meeting from BCTV linked here.
JF MOTIONED THAT THE WSESD BOARD ALLOCATE A $2,000 FROM THE BOARD BUDGET FOR THE RSCA
TO SUPPORT ITS ADVOCACY ON BEHALF OF PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN VERMONT. SECONDED
A discussion was held related to the availability of funds in the Board’s budget. Frank Rucker confirmed that
there are sufficient funds available in the Board’s professional development line.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
David Schoales encouraged continuing to communicate directly with local legislators.
AB Noted communications between Representative Hashim and Kornheiser regarding potential public forums.
To hear the full discussion, view the BCTV recording of this meeting, found here.
E. Update concerning Board Goals (Jessica, Ruby, Kim, Tim)
JE shared that the work regarding board goals has been parsed out to committees and groups. No meeting was held with the taskforce since the last Board meeting.
F. Board/Admin Collaboration in creating Continuous Improvement Goals (CIP)
To be held for another Board meeting.
G. Approval of Slate of Leadership Council Members Member Slate
KP MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBER SLATE AS IS. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
H. Summit – follow up discussion opportunity
TM requested data related to chronic absenteeism, academic performance, and sense of belonging for the high school students to better discuss graduation rates.
Mr Speno indicated that the presentation at the Summit 10/28/25 provided data, but also noted that there is a presentation on these topics at the next Summit in February.
The full discussion is available on the recording of the Board meeting, found here.
Entered break at 7:37 pm
Rose from break at 7:47 pm
V. Administrative Report
– Hires, Resignations, Retirements
No hires, resignations or retirements brought forth this evening.
VSBA conference was attended recently. The meetings were valuable. DS and CS shared that the keynote speakers were incredible. RM shared her appreciation of opportunities to speak with people from other districts, especially in this time of upcoming potential mergers.
Another conference was attended today in Killington, organized by the AOE. Most of VT was represented at this meeting. Mr. Speno highlighted the proficiency of our systems that could be seen through the information presented and the discussions held, and the good work that is happening here in our district.
– As per Policy C7, #3 – Follow-up on goals and objectives for administrators for the 2025-26 academic year
Administrator goals have been collated, the names of the individuals have been redacted. The document has been shared with the Board.
– Update from the committee charged with evaluating class ranking on transcripts
Hannah Parker shared that at a recent meeting, it was determined that gathering samples from other districts related to high school transcripts would be valuable. Time will be needed to review and assess these samples in advance of proposing next steps for BUHS.
VI. Fiscal Report
Mr. Rucker spoke about the budget process and the timeline. Upcoming important dates:
11/17/25 – 5 pm, Finance committee will review the Elementary School Budget
11/24/25 – Finance committee will review the Secondary School budget
12/1/25 – Finance committee will review the Revenues budget
1/27/26 – 3rd iteration of budget presented to the WSESD Board for approval
3/10/26 – Public Budget Information Meeting
3/17/26 – Annual Meeting
For full accounting of the report please see the BCTV recording here.
VII. Consent Agenda
– Approval of Minutes for October 14, 2025, October 28, 2025
MS MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE OCTOBER 14, 2025 MINUTES. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VIII. Unfinished Business
Policy and Amendment Committee presents for Re-Adoption [Action Required]
– D12 Prevention of Harassment of Employees
– E19 Behavioral Threat Assessment Teams
– F37 District Equity Policy
– G13 Responsible Computer, Network & Internet Use
MS MOTIONED TO ADOPT POLICY E19, AND RE-ADOPT POLICIES D12, F37 AND G13. SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Policy and Amendment Committee presents for a 2nd Reading
– F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students By Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
IX. New Business
Policy and Amendment Committee presents for a 1st Reading
– D15 Travel Reimbursement
– F43 Gender Freedom In Schools
– G17 Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements
X. Proposed Executive Session
1 V.S.A. §313 (a)(7) the academic records or suspension or discipline of students
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)(7) THE
ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS. SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
KP MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 V.S.A. §313 (a)(7) THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR
SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS. INVITING IN MR SPENO AND NUMEROUS PRINCIPALS AND
ADMINISTRATORS MR SPENO AND NUMEROUS PRINCIPALS AND ADMINISTRATORS, NO ACTION
ANTICIPATED . SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
ENTERED EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 8:17
EXITED EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:09
AB MOVED TO AJOURN. SECONDED
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
AJOURNED AT 9:09 pm.
Minutes respectfully submitted on 11/08/25 by Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey Drotts, Board Recorder.
A recording of this meeting can be found here as well as on the WSESU website.
WSESD PARKING LOT
Date put in parking lot Key People Parking lot item
09/23/2025 Tim Panorama Student Climate data
09/23/2025 Tim/Deb/Mark Policy C7 Report to the board in October
09/09/2025 Mark/Deb Board Members attending VSBA Annual conference
Resolved – No longer accepting enrollment
