IV. Board Matters: Part 1
A. Leadership Council Updates [10 Minutes]
B. Board Sub-Committees and SU Updates [10 minutes]
C. Board Retreat 1/13/24
D. Early Education Services: Application for Head Start and Early Head Start services
E. Value of a common read – potential recommendations
Martha Noyes, Brattleboro Resident, asked that the committee to keep in mind the public and engage them as you work through this process. Ms. Noyes encouraged finding ways to offer meeting times to allow the public to be involved considering location to make it more accessible to all. Also Ms. Noyes asked for the budget information be presented in a user friendly format for the public consumption. She feels that all of these efforts could assist in the adoption of the budget when presented at the Annual Meeting
Summary
● The Board reviewed and established the meeting dates between now and the end of the calendar year, making changes to the standard schedule as needed due to the holidays.
● The Board voted to include a report from the WSESU Board on the WSESD Board meeting agendas.
● Issues with the food service company was touched upon. As the food services falls under that WSESU jurisdiction, it will be discussed more at their meeting 11/13/24.
● The meeting dates for the Finance Committee were altered slightly as related to the budget development. They will occur at 5 pm on Tuesday 11/19/24, Monday 11/25/24 and Monday 12/2/24.
● The Board accepted, with regret, the resignation presented.
The Budget Planning Timeline is a document used to help guide the building of the budgets. Previously, the document held the timeline for the three entities (WSESU, WSESD and VSD), but has been changed to outline the budget timeline for each entity independently. Dates are outlined, but are able to be changed as needed.
The Budget timeline gets developed starting with the Annual Meeting date (3/18/25). Dates are populated by working backwards from that date. Mr. Rucker reviewed the timeline, explaining how dates were determined for each of the steps along this process.
Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
2. FY26 Budget Planning – Elementary & District Wide Draft Proposal
Agenda
I. Attend WSESD Finance meeting
II. Other business
III. Public comment
Agenda
1. Approval of Minutes
2. FY26 Budget Planning Timeline Discussion
Summary
● The Board voted to have Superintendent Speno to engage in a process to review the notation of class rank on student transcripts.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
DS called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm
DS read the hybrid meeting statement
DS amended the agenda to transition this meeting from an Executive Session to an Open Public Meeting.
DS requested acknowledgement of community parents that they recognize that their anonymity cannot be protected as this is an open public meeting.
Parents acknowledged verbally.
Summary
● Updates were presented from the Leadership Councils now that the school year is well underway.
● Discussed maintaining the privacy of students related to the review of district-wide and individual school data related to behavioral incidences, use of restraint, health and safety.
● Presentation was given regarding Family Engagement efforts across the district.
The Windham Southeast School District Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the WRCC Cusick Conference Room, Brattleboro, and remotely via Zoom.
Summary
● English Language Learners Program: A new program was proposed by student rep to support TOFEL practice and cultural immersion, which could also benefit introverted students.
● Safety Concerns: The Board discussed traffic safety issues on Atwood Dr., near the high school
● Budget and Finance: The Finance Committee reviewed the first quarter of FY25 and the board explored alternative ways to engage with the budgetary process and communication.
● Cell Phone Usage: Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones in schools, particularly at BUHS, with discussions about limiting usage and teaching responsible technology use.
● Approval of Funds: The Board approved the carryover of $223,577.49 in excess Head Start funds, with considerations for environmentally friendly spending on items like playground materials and hybrid vehicles.
● Policy FI, Student Conduct and Discipline was approved by the Board.
New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.
The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.
1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.
2. Election of chair and secretary.
Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.
3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.
I. Call to Order at 5:31
DS called meeting to order and read the hybrid meeting statement
II. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
None Noted
A. Leadership Council Updates
B. Board Sub-Committees
C. Discussion of possible requests to Finance Director and Supt for budget presentation formats.
D. Impact of Cell phones at BUHS and other school sites
I. Call to order: 5:00 PM
II. Committee Structure: Needs further discussion but possibly rotating the chair and clerk positions.
III. Committee Focus / Items for Discussion
A. Food service in the district
AGENDA – 10/9/2024
I. Approval of Minutes from 9/25/24
II. Review of F21 Policy on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion (2:00)
Invited Attendees: Tate Erickson, Matt Schibley, Liz Adams, Seth O’Connor
Review of F29 English Learners / Multilingual Learners (2:20)
Invited Attendees: Deb Coombs, Jen Course
Summary
● Policy Review and Accountability: The Board discussed the requests for self-reflection and accountability regarding response to comments from the Dummerston Leadership Council, but an amended motion to direct the Policy and Amendment Committee for review did not pass. Original motion tabled.
● Leadership Council Updates: Leadership Councils provided updates on community engagement efforts and the importance of tools and support for effective communication and collaboration, including recording meetings for accuracy.
● Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP): The Board adopted the district’s proposed CIP goals.
● Panorama Survey Process: The Panorama Task Force outlined a new approach to administering climate surveys in both Fall and Spring, emphasizing student input to enhance school safety and support.
● Budget Considerations: The board reviewed budget reduction strategies presented at the Annual Meeting and their implications for student support services
The committee decided to incorporate the following changes:
● Add to section 3: “The use of prone or supine restraint is strictly prohibited.”
o The definitions for prone and supine restraint were already in the policy, but there was no statement that their use was prohibited. The district does not use prone or supine restraint, and this edit will highlight that fact, stating it clearly in the policy.
1. Were appropriate reporting channels followed? Complaints bypassed process and went directly to the boardroom.
2. Was the need to maintain a distinction between the administrative role of the administrators and the policy making role of the board adhered? Board members inserted their personal stance and directly requested change at a school level.
