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WSESD Board Meeting Minutes – December 10, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● Following a discussion about holding or cancelling the Board Retreat, it was determined to proceed with the Board Retreat on 1/13/24 and have a potluck meal to assist with the containment of expenses.
● Approved EES (Early Education Services) to move forward with the preparation and subsequent submission of their application for funding in the amount of $3,483,623.00 (due 1/6/25).
● To settle on a potential ‘shared read’ for the Board to engage in, a group of three to four Board Members have committed to review suggestions in order to select one to bring to the Board.
● A presentation was given by Dr. Rachel Glickman about Community Schools.

Cellist Mike Block & Kora Player Yacouba Sissoko at Next Stage Arts

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents a special duo collaboration between cellist Mike Block and master kora player Yacouba Sissoko on Saturday, January 18 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage.

Mike Block is a Grammy-winning multi-style cello player, composer, singer, and educator, with a passion for cross-cultural collaborations. Hailed as “one of the bravest, most intriguing musicians on the American fusion scene” by Gramophone, he was acclaimed by the New York Times for his “vital rich-hued solo playing”, and “a true artist… a sight to behold” by Salt Lake City Deseret News. In addition to his solo performances and touring bands, since 2005 Mike has been a member of the Silk Road Ensemble, founded by Yo-Yo Ma, with which he has been featured as a cello and vocal soloist, contributed arrangements and compositions, and earned a 2017 Grammy Award for Best Global Music Album.

Christmas Sale of West River Railroad Books

by LarryRobinson | History, West River Valley

The Historical Society of Windham County located in Newfane, Vt is selling West River Railroad Books at a discounted price in time for Christmas.   The West River Railroad ran from Brattleboro to South Londonderry for the period of 1880 to 1936,  the Historical Society has purchased the Newfane Depot which was one of 10 stations along the route.  The depot has been refurbished and is now a museum for the railroad.

The Smack Dabs and Rhythm Future Quartet at Next Stage in the New Year

by hahrenholz | Music

Next Stage Arts presents a double bill of good-time swing blues music from the 1930s from The Smack Dabs, and Gypsy jazz from Rhythm Future Quartet, on Saturday, January 11 at 7:30 pm at Next Stage

The Smack Dabs specialize in good-time Swing Blues music from the 1930s, featuring the songs of Tampa Red, Big Bill Broonzy, The Harlem Hamfats, and many others. This delightful and timeless genre features a rich variety of musical styles, ranging from mournful blues to joyful celebrations, setting the stage for incredible solo and group improvisations and delighting audiences and dancers alike.

They are proud to feature some of Boston’s most compelling improvising musicians in their lineup, bringing a fresh and unique sound to each performance. The core band includes Mark Earley on guitar, vocals, and kazoo; David Sparr on piano; Jim Gray on upright bass Mark Berney on cornet; Kit Buckley on saxophone and clarinet; and Jon Kraus on washboard.

Dear Governor Scott: Protect Our Books and Librarians

by annikee | Books

I just sent this msg to our Governor. We should start this movement.

Dear Governor Scott,

Please consider doing this for Vermont. We cherish our freedom and our libraries.

“PRINCETON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy signed a law Monday to prohibit public and school libraries from banning books in the state and to enshrine protections against civil and criminal charges for librarians who comply with the law.”

WSESU Board Meeting Agendas

by Not Signed In | Education

The Windham Southeast Supervisory Union Board will meet in Executive Session at 4:30 PM on Wednesday, December 11. 2024 in the Windham Regional Career Center, Room #198e, 80 Atwood St., Brattleboro, and remotely via Zoom.

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meeting Minutes — December 4, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Frank gave an overview of the special education budget for our 10 sites including pre-K. The current draft shows an increase of 5.9% driven by student needs (up $1.1 million). The single largest cost driver is associated with tuition costs for students that we are not able to educate in our schools. In the area of salary and benefits, the cost driver is the increase in health insurance costs.

Tate Erickson and his team have been working hard to refine the budget to be lean and efficient but have capacity for new students moving in. He walked through the number of students as well as staff to student ratios. These numbers are expected to be finalized tomorrow and will be posted. Tate discussed both the ratios for both students in our area schools and those requiring out of district placements.

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes – November 26, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Summary
● The Finance Committee reported that they have been meeting to discuss the budget development, specifically reviewing the Elementary and Secondary budget drafts.
● Engaged in a discussion to plan for Teacher Appreciation this school year.
● Discussed the uptick in people reaching out to resources nationwide related to mental health as it relates to injurious language and targeting.
● Began a discussion related to the value of sharing a common read – Board and Administration.

Windham Southeast Supervisory Union School Board Meting Minutes Nov 20, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

Public Comment – Martha Noyse of Brattleboro and Jody Normandeau of Dummerston spoke on the current budget process.

Administrative Report – Mark spoke of the upcoming school break. While there will be no school for students next week, Monday and Tuesday will be in-service days with school based professional development as well as meeting and planning time for staff.

Kate Trzaskos on “Here We Are”

by Wendy O'Connell | Entertainment

Notice how Downtown Events just keep getting better & better? And now Plaid Friday and then Market on Main for 3 weekends in December. We have KATE TRZASKOS and her mighty team at Downtown Brattleboro Alliance to thank ! Check out this show for Kate’s creative ideas, and hear stories of how she got here, how she does it all, and her very cool side hustle – curating vintage clothes just for you!

Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meeting Minutes

by Not Signed In | Education

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

WSESD Board Meeting Minutes November 12, 2024

by Not Signed In | Education

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.