Ruby McAdoo noted that the next step in the budget development process will be at the full WSESD Board meeting 12/16/25. Working with the Board Chair, the budget review will be earlier on the agenda to encourage public involvement. The Communications Committee will be spreading the word about this meeting.
A. Leadership Council Updates
B. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates
C. Staff Appreciation: Proposed date
D. Update on legislative issues related to education (Tim & Jocelyn) Legislative Update and Webinar.
Frank Rucker reviewed the proposed budget summary (linked above). The percent change is currently at a 2% change. When developing a budget, meeting student needs as well as inflation rates are heavily considered in order to put forth a fiscally responsible budget.
Nancy Wiese shared information about the budget development for WRCC. She spoke to the challenge specific to WRCC; if a position is reduced, then a program is eliminated. Using carefully designed solutions, this year she is able to present a zero increase budget. This will not be sustainable in the future, but is the case this year. Currently the culinary program is being rebuilt and will be offered again next year.
1. Approval of Minutes
2. FY27 Preliminary Budget Development – WSESD District Revenues and Capital Plan Proposal
The Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meetingwill meet Monday November 24, 2025 at 5:00pm in the WSESU James Kane Conference Room, 53 Green St. Brattleboro, VT, and remotely via Zoom.
The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Board will meet at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 19, 2025 at the Windham Regional Career Center, Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro VT, and remotely via Zoom.
The Windham Southeast School District (WSESD) is currently in the process of developing a budget that will be presented for vote at the WSESD Annual Meeting on March 17, 2026.
Suggestions for Community Engagement in the Budget Development Process:
Engage with School Administrators & Leadership Councils: The budget development process is underway in our district. Each administrator is developing their portion of the WSESD budget to reflect the values of their school and community. The Leadership Councils can be a place to engage with this work.
Attend Finance Committee Meetings: A critical part of the budget development process takes place in the review of the draft WSESD budget by the Finance Committee. Meetings are open to all to attend.
The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Board will meet at 5:00 PM on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the Windham Regional Career Center, Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood St, Brattleboro VT, and remotely via Zoom.
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.
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING
The Windham Southeast School District Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 04, 2025 – in person at the Putney Central School, and remotely via Zoom.
Summary: The committee reviewed three policies during the meeting (Gender Freedom in Schools, D15 Travel Reimbursement, and C7 Board Relations with Administrators). Gender Freedom and D15 will be sent for a first reading at the next full Board meeting on November 4. C7 remains on hold. Rebecca Olmstead was not able to attend the meeting, so Asthma Friendly Schools and E11 Federal Child Nutrition Act Wellness Policy were not reviewed; these policies will be put on the agenda for November 12.
The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union, Windham Southeast School District, and Vernon Town School District Boards will meet at 5:00 PM on Tuesday, October 28, 2025 at the Cusick Conference Room, 80 Atwood Street, Brattleboro, and remotely via Zoom. The boards will convene at 5pm for dinner, during which time no business will be conducted. The agenda begins at 6pm, at which time the Zoom link will open to the public.
Summary
● Committed support for the Student Representatives to the Board on their initiative to explore the process of transitioning from elementary to middle to high school.
● The WSESD Board has been awarded the BCTV Government/Education Partner Award. All are invited to a celebration at the Producer Party on 11/14/25 at 6 pm at the Stone Church.
● Linda Alvarez was recognized by the Board for being awarded the Vermont Teacher of the Year Award.
Policies
Note: The committee did not review two policies that were at the top of the agenda (the proposed Asthma Friendly Schools policy and D15 Travel Reimbursement) as the invited guests were unable to attend the meeting.
Gender Freedom in Schools
The committee reviewed and discussed the final section of the policy, School Activities.
Summary
The Board had an Executive Session to hear a grievance.
NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING
The Windham Southeast School District Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 14,
2025 – in person at Guilford Central School, 374 School Road, Guilford, and remotely via Zoom.
Summary
● The Board engaged in a presentation about the district’s professional development and equity work.
● Suzy’s Little Peanuts Day School was approved as a universal PreK partner.
● The hiring of Elizabeth Rosenberg, WRCC Culinary Instructor & BUHS Family and Consumer Science Teacher was approved.
● Action is being taken towards community engagement as related to the newly adopted Board Goals.
IV. Administrative Report
– Presentation: Professional Development and Social Justice League
Assess how the District supports teachers and staff so that they are empowered to support students.
Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
2. FY26 Fiscal Year 1st quarter Financial Statement review
3. FY27 Preliminary Budget Development Planning Discussion
4. Recommendation to Board to Approve Warrants and Payrolls
Summary
● Amendments to the WSESD Board meeting minutes from 8/26/25 were presented and approved.
● The Board voted to include a ‘parking lot’ on the minutes to capture topics for further discussion that arise during meetings.
● Following a discussion considering the Board’s alignment with the VSBA, a vote passed to remain members at this time.
● The Board reviewed and voted to accept three Board goals,
1. Enhance oversight of the prevention of Hazing, Harassment, and Bullying
2. Understand and implement District Quality Standards and Educational Quality Standards
3. Improve two-way communication and engagement with district Stakeholders
● The Board adopted the Admin/Board Calendar and determined to include alignment of the newly adopted Board Goals to this tool.
