CALL TO ORDER: 4:50 PM – Anne Beekman, Chair

On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept a single application for 1% funds from Dummerston in the amount of $1,983.59.

On a motion by Kim Price the committee moved to accept a single application for 1% funds from Oak Grove School in the amount of $1,355.30.

Summary:

● A student representative spoke about a lack of respect between teachers and students at BUHS.

● District administrators and staff gave a presentation about Social Emotional Learning in WSESD schools.

● Representative Emilie Kornheiser (Windham-7) discussed the Commisioner of Taxes’ FY2025 Education Tax Rate Letter and how school districts and legislators can work together to mitigate the tax impact of education spending.

● Superintendent Speno provided an update on the food services issues at BUHS and other district schools.

● Mr. Speno announced changes to the structure of the Curriculum Department that will take place after Curriculum Coordinator Paul Smith retires at the end of the school year.

● The board voted to re-adopt an updated version of Policy D1 – Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment, and Background Checks.

● Three more policies are under consideration for re-adoption: F32 – Student Distribution of Literature, D7 Volunteers and Work Study Students, and F36 Student Freedom of Expression in School Sponsored Media

● Board Chair Kelly Young asked board members to consider the idea of establishing a part-time position to serve as an administrative assistant to the Board.

AGENDA
I. Call to Order [6:00 to 6:05]
II. Student Issues [6:05 to 6:15]
III. Administrative Report [6:15 to 6:40]
– Follow up on MLSS & Social Emotional Learning [20 Minutes]
– WRCC New Hire [5 Minutes]

I. Call to Order / Introductions / Recognition of Visitors

II. Review of minutes

III. Focus item for discussion:
a. Food Services in the district: how can the board assess equity in food access across schools in the district? (Consider info to request from Frank after budget is finalized)

• The following policy was presented for a first reading on 11/28/23 and will go for a second reading on 12/12/23:
o F32 Student Distribution of Literature
• The following policy went for a second reading on 11/28/23 and will be presented for adoption on 12/12/23:
o D1 (Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Background Checks)

Tate introduced the team who discussed their areas of focus for improvement and the work they continue to do to meet the Continuous Improvement Plan goals. Brandy discussed the pre-school area and the new classroom being added at the Canal Street facility. Whitney spoke of her elementary groups focus on literacy and how changes in the law allow special educators to spend more time on teaching reading. According to a recent survey, the new case management model is working very well. Kevin also discussed how the case management model is working at BAMS and their desire to expand it to BUHS. They will use a vacancy to add a case manager, without adding to the budget, to build more capacity to keep kids in classrooms and work toward the CIP goal of 80% of students spending 80% of their time in core classes.