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Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes August 12, 2010    5:00 p.m.                     UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Ginger Roper,  Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal    Mike Ripley - Associate Principal Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Consent Agenda: Approval of Minutes of July 6, 2010:  Alison made motion to approve minutes but to add location of NewsBank as location of Retreat meeting.  Minutes approved as amended.  Geralyn abstained.                Apple Lease Agreement - Action Requested: David said this agreement is to lease hardware from Apple in the amount of $29,994.00 for laptops.  Alison made motion to approve the Apple Lease Agreement as presented.  David said the special education department has new I Macs that were purchased with AARA money and they were delivered to Green Mountain in June.  Board approved Lease.            Draft Board Goals - Discussion:  Bill said the 2010-2011 goals were discussed at the July Board Retreat.  He read the goals aloud.  Discussion and questions ensued.  Tom gave an explanation of how the goals were chosen and how they overlap.  He said the school action plan followed the curriculum audit and they hope to have it finished soon for board review.  He said the action plan is attached to the goals.                                                                                             Curriculum Audit Review of Recommendations - Discussion: Geralyn said the Executive Board met on Tuesday and were given a presentation by the Supervisory Union Policy Committee of their recommendations for the five curriculum audit recommendations.  The Committee recommended adopting a single set of policies, procedures and job descriptions for the entire Supervisory Union.  This will be the first recommendation that they as a committee will be working on.  The first policies they plan to work on are Curriculum Management and Professional Development, and this will be a huge project.  Geralyn continued to review the recommendations and the impact areas. David then spoke of the changes and added responsibilities that are going to be required of the Supervisory Union by 2012.  He said they expect the State Board to adopt the Common Core Standards next week.  Discussion ensued.  The Executive Board adopted these recommendations at their meeting on August 10, 2010. Academic Mentor Grant Announcement - Tom Ferenc:  Tom introduced Mike Ripley from Cavendish who has  been hired as the new Associate Principal.  The board Green Mountain Board Minutes                  8/12/2010             Page 2 welcomed Mike to Green Mountain. Tom said he applied for a $50,000.00 grant and he found out about 3 weeks ago that we will receive it.  The grant will run through March 2012.  It is to be used for an Academic Mentor which is a tutor to assist the students.  The Board thanked Tom for this work in acquiring this grant. Nominations - Action Requested: Academic Mentor - Tom recommended hiring Karli King to work in this position at $15.00/hour. Administrative Assistant - Tom recommended hiring Brendan McNamara as Administrative Assistant for 204 days/year at salary of $27,369.00. Social Emotional Program Coordinator - Tom recommended hiring Claire Schroeder for this position that would be paid for with Medicaid monies. Alison made motion to hire Karli King at $15.00/hour to be paid for with the Academic Mentor grant; to hire Brendan McNamara as the Administrative Assistant for 204 days/year at salary of $27,369.00; and to hire Claire Schroeder as the Social Emotional program Coordinator to be paid with Medicaid money.  Board approved all three hires.   Reports: Superintendent:  David said according to Act 153, by December 15th the boards have to have a discussion regarding consolidation of supervisory unions. He said that the Commissioner has set an amount of 2.2% that Green Mountain must reduce their 2012 budget by.  This is an amount of $99,868.00.  He explained how the reduction has to be made and he said that Meredith would meet with the Board finance people to explain the Challenges for Change requirements.  If this reduction can not be met then we have to let the Commissioner know by December 15, 2010 so he can notify the Legislature.   David told the Board that there will be an Administrative Team Retreat on Monday and then the Administrative Team will be doing a Curriculum Management Training for 4 days. Principal's Report: - Tom Ferenc: Tom gave the Board a copy of a letter from Robert Appel stating that Green Mountain has successfully met the State's requirement with regard to the civil rights case that was filed against Green Mountain a few years ago before Tom arrived.  Tom told the Board of the things that are already plugged in for the upcoming school year and said they are going to continue teaching these things of how we want to live to the students.  Bill Bourque read the letter aloud.  The Superintendent and Board said 'well done' to Tom and the Green Mountain staff. Tom told the board about the 7th grade first day and tours of the school for the 7th graders.  The school and grounds are coming together nicely.  He said the calendar is being worked on for next year.  He gave an overview of what is going on with the staff and said that he is still looking for a Health Teacher and a long-term sub but they are getting close.  The School Action Plan Team have been meeting this summer.  August 27th will be opening day and they are going back to a model used 30 years ago.  Tom talked about Green Mountain Board Minutes                   8/12/2010                   Page 3 other activities planned for the 27th and changes for the year as well.  School starts at 8:00 a.m. for grades 9 through 12 and at 7:50 a.m. for the 7th and 8th grade middle school students. Tom said that personnel-wise, Opportunities In Learning has everything in place for the start of school.  The space is being organized.    Board Report:  Arne said that they are at the point of awarding the contract for the GM Lighting Project.  Lawrence & Lobber's bid was in the range of $45 - $46,000.00 and the others were in the $60,000.00 range.  Lawrence & Lober is the company that is being recommended to do the project.  The grant was for $50,000.00 and GM was to add $10,000 to the grant.  Arne made motion to expend the $50,000.00 Lighting Grant and add the required $10,000.00 of Green Mountain money to begin the Lighting upgrade Project.  The Board gave their thanks to Tom Burke for his efforts for Green Mountain. Board approved. Committee Reports - Policy - First Read - D-21 - Family Medical Leave:  Geralyn said that this is not a new policy but has been changed from the original policy.  She reviewed the changes.  Ginger Roper questioned the wording of the policy.  Discussion ensued regarding accrued leave and short-term disability benefits.  This will be researched before the next board meeting. Other Business: Bill thanked Janet for all her help over the years. This is her last GM board meeting as she is retiring.  The Board all thanked Janet and said they would miss her. Alison said the Board needs to discuss holding the supervisory union meeting to meet with Rutland Windsor and Rutland South supervisory unions.  Windsor Southwest will be the host.  She said September 14th is the date they are looking at and it will be held at Jackson Gore. Executive Session - Personnel and Negotiations:  Alison made motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel and negotiations at 6:30 p.m.  Board approved. Geralyn made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:05 p.m.  Board approved. Alison made motion to hire Mike Ripley at a salary of $60,400.00 for 220 days. The total salary will be offset by Medicaid funds.  Board voted unanimously to hire Mike Ripley. Adjournment:  Alison made motion to adjourn at 7:07 p.m.   Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Retreat Meeting Minutes July 6, 2010    12:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Ginger Roper Administration Present: David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present:  Pam O'Neil - GMUHS Guidance, Janet Currier -Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 12:29 p.m.       Public Comment - None. Approval of Minutes of June 10, 2010 - Ginger moved approval of minutes as presented.  Board approved unanimously.    Nominations and Resignations:       David said that Allan Garvin should be appointed as Outdoor Leadership Program Teacher to be paid with Medicaid monies.  Alison made motion appoint Allan Garvin and to approve $1,000.00 in Medicaid monies to fund the Outdoor Leadership Program.  Board approved.  Tom Ferenc reported that the trip has already been taken and 7 Green Mountain students participated along with three chaperones. Tom then reviewed the requirements of the students during and after the trip. David then asked for approval to hire Lora Kasten as a para professional to work as an individual aide with a student from a sending school.  He also asked the board to approve Sue Willis and Bruce McEnaney as para-professionals at Green Mountain as well.  Alison made motion to hire Lora Kasten, Sue Willis and Bruce McEnaney as GM para-professionals with salary placement to be determined by the superintendent.  Board approved. David then presented Rachel Root's nomination as a full time Special Education Teacher to take over Mary Barton's position and to be Department Chair for the Special Ed Department as well. Ginger made motion to approve Rachel Root as full time Special Education Teacher at a salary of $47,106.00.  Board approved. David requested approval to increase Deb Franks position from .5 FTE to a .83 FTE and to recall her at a .17% increase to teach grades 7/8 reading labs.  Alison made motion to hire Deb Franks as an English Teacher at .83FTE with salary to be designated by Superintendent.  Board approved. Assistant Principal - Tom said that the administration is recommending that Mike Ripley be hired as the Assistant Principal pending a background check.  Alison made motion to hire Mike Ripley as Assistant Principal with salary to be determined but not to be more than budgeted amount.  Board approved. Update on Bridge Construction: David said he has an update on the two bridges, #8 and #9 and that they will be done in the same construction period.  There will be detours through Springfield and also on the Green Mountain Turnpike and River Street.  Chris Williams of the State of Vermont Dept. of Transportation said they can only go into the rivers to do work after June 1st and must be out by mid October.  Pre-Construction work will begin on May 16th, 2011 on bridge #9 and they plan to be done in June.  They anticipate that by July 16th, 2011 all work on both bridges will be done.  Bill suggested doing the small bridge last to not make such an impact with Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes                      July 6, 2010                                 Page 2 detours for the school buses and school traffic.  David said by supporting the current plan we would be supporting the local merchants. Other Business:  Tom Ferenc had a letter from Roberta O'Donnell who teaches Yoga.  She thanked Green Mountain for letting her class use the GM space for free.  She said she took donations and gave $1,000.00 to the Chester-Andover Family Center in appreciation. Tom reported that the Green Mountain Graduation ceremonies were wonderful. Ginger Roper said she has been approached about bringing a Cuban band to Green Mountain to perform and work with the students for $500.00.  Alison told Ginger that teachers could write a mini-grant to request the money.  Ginger will have Mariselle Lucerno contact Tom Ferenc about this. David shared a note of thanks from Tom Ferenc's family regarding the board gift in memory of  his Dad.  He also had a note of thanks from Arlene Rallis for her marble clock. Executive Session- Personnel: Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 12:54 p.m. to discuss personnel issue and requested that the Administration stay.  Board approved.    Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 1:24 p.m. Alison made motion to release Jane Mitchell from her contract with regrets and to wish her well. Board approved.         Adjournment - Board meeting adjourned at 1:25 p.m. to begin working session of the Board Retreat. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                           UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes April 8, 2010           5:00 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Ginger Roper, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Mark Huntley, Kuniko Hunter Administration Present: Linda Waite - Assistant Superintendent, Tom Ferenc –Principal, Tom Burke – Assistant Principal Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Karen Surma, Charles Johnson – VT DOE, Rachel Root, Lucy Peters, Sheila McDonald, Jackie Peck, Mary Barton, Mary-lynn Wright, Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Peggy Svec, Pam Laffaye, Claire Schroeder, Abby Mnookin, Marilyn Mahusky, Dorothy Therien, Mary Pelkey, Kelly Brennan, George Haines, Kelly Arrison, Jane Mitchell, Janet Currier –Recording Secretary   Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at5:00 p.m.              Approval of Minutes of March 18 and 25, 2010: Geralyn made motion to approve minutes. She had some corrections to the minutes.  In the 3/25 minutes under Review ofFY09 GMUHS Audit, in the third paragraph, third line it should say “first” not“fist”.  The 3/18 minutes had the following corrections:  Under Green Mountain Transformation: page two, first paragraph, Geralyn also talked about raising the passing grade as well as having the grading show soft and hard content.  Under Committee Reports –Policy Committee – Geralyn said with regard to policy D-21 – Family Medical Leave – discussion ensued with no action recommended.  Minutes passed as corrected.       Presentation: SHOUT IT OUT: Tom Ferenc introduced Dr. Charles Johnson of the Vermont Department of Education, Safe Schools Coordinator for the State of Vermont.  Dr. Johnson said he has been in this job for over a decade. Governor Howard Dean asked him to be part of a volunteer committee to look at changing issues in the State of Vermont and this evolved into his current job.  He said a significant change has taken place at Green Mountain since Tom Ferenc has been here as Principal.  Dr. Johnson said his job is to meld academics with social interactions in the schools.  Dr. Johnson said that Claire Schroeder was hired to deal with social issues/bullying at Green Mountain.  He said SHOUT IT OUT is based on a suicide of a student in Vermont. Claire Schroeder introduced the film SHOUT IT OUT and said it was written by students in Vermont and all the stories are true.  Claire then talked about the process that they did at GM, training and screening for the teachers to help them know how to deal with different issues.  They watched the movie with students and then had break-out groups with students and teachers to discuss questions and concerns.  They also met with parents and got input from them.  Parents asked fora time for family fun at Green Mountain. She said on April 27th Rob Gonzalas is coming to Green Mountain to continue with these issues and on April 30th there will be a family fun night at Green Mountain with games, bingo, etc.  Claire then read comments from GM students in different grades regarding the film and social-emotional issues. The Board thanked Claire.  Tom Ferenc said they are going to continue the social-emotional training and will incorporate it into the academics.   Personnel:   Request for Bargaining Unit Recognition– non-teaching staff:  Linda Waite – Assistant Green Mountain Board Minutes            April8, 2010                                              Page 2   Superintendent, attending for David Adams –Superintendent, said she has a request from the WSWSU Staff Association for recognition from the GM Board as a bargaining agent.  Alison made the motion to recognize the Support Staff Association as a bargaining agent. Board approved.  Linda shared the article Education – Challenges for Change from the Legislature. There are some incentives for supervisory unions to combine into one supervisory union to downsize the number of supervisory unions in the State. The Legislature is calling for a 23 million dollar cut in the 2011-2012area of education and they are working to achieve this.  This will cause huge pressure with regard to developing budgets for next year.  Alison said that a 2% cut in education state-wide is being looked at.  She said that Green Mountain has been in the budget cutting mode for the past couple of years and this cut is going to make setting a budget difficult.   Energy Grant Announcement – Tom Burke – Tom said that GM has looked at retrofitting the lights in the school building for more efficiency.   It will cost $50,000.00 for the retrofit, and they have received the Energy Efficiency Block Grant to do this but in order to receive the $50,000.00 grant GM has to put up$10,000.00 of their own money.  He said this can come from the Capital Improvement Fund.  Tom said it will only take 1 1/3 years to show savings of about $8,000.00 year.  Tom then said he has more good news.  He invited himself to a conference in Rutland yesterday and learned that between now and December 31, 2010 we can receive 50 to 90% of the upgrade costs from Efficiency Vermont and he wants to look into this right away.  Tom then said that regarding the boiler replacement done earlier this year they installed a boiler that was more efficient and a little more expensive. This has earned GM a $7,900.00 rebate from Efficiency Vermont.  Tom said the new lighting will provide almost 50% brighter lighting than what we have now in the gym.  The classrooms and other rooms will be brighter as well. Bill Bourque thanked Tom for all the time and effort he has put into this project.   Reports:   Principal: Truancy Status Report- Tom Ferenc said that he is looking to have the board appoint two truancy officers before July as required to have Green Mountain in compliance.    Policies: No action.   Board Report: Alison said the Negotiations Team met and an update will be given to the board in May.   Student Representative Report – Kuniko said that the GM Baseball team is selling raffle tickets to get a new baseball fence.  The prize is 4 hours of work to be done by the baseball team. The play Anything Goes is being presented tonight and Friday and Saturday nights as well.     Committee Reports – Arne (Facilities and Transportation Committee)said that Tom Burke covered this earlier. Gene Bont said the Education Committee met and he asked Tom Ferenc to report on what was discussed.  Tom said there were 3 items discussed at the meeting; 1) Technology Integration Specialist; 2) Grading and 3) Carnegie units.  He said these will be on the next agenda.  Geralyn spoke about a conference/training she attended on Collaborative Problem Solving and she asked if the Board would be interested in having this group present to the Board.  The group is called THINK:KIDS.  The Board seemed interested. Green Mountain Board Minutes            April8, 2010                                          Page 3   Public Comment:  Carol Gilbert said she has issues with the Board RIF’ing the most senior member of the GM staff the day after the budget was passed.  She said she is disgusted. Jackie Peck – the teacher who was RIF’d, spoke and said she would have liked it if someone had come to her and said Jackie, we are going to do away with your program, would you like to retire?   She said she loves this school, that having someone ask her about retiring would have made it much easier, she would have felt she could come back to sub in the school then. Lucy Peters asked questions about the Transformation of Green Mountain and if this was mandatory. She was told no.  She then asked about reinstating Jackie for one year while the transformation is being worked on.  Linda Waite explained the grants that have to be spent by September 2010 for technology. Sheila McDonald said she feels the Board is being hypocritical, they are not treating the teachers like we are asking the students to treat each other. Rachel Root said they have worked very hard in the last 2 years to develop a professional learning community at Green Mountain, and the staff needs to be whole physically and mentally to deliver the sources. Pam Laffaye said she understood that there is not a plan in place to use this money for technology.   She thinks they could spend the money and keep Jackie for another year and then use this time to make a plan.  Bill Bourque said the plans are being worked on now. Marilyn Mahusky asked of the Board plans to reconsider their decision regarding this teacher. Bill said no.  Bill then explained that the RIF’s (Reduction in Force) notices had to be done before March 15th, and that is why it was brought to the Board when it was. Kelley Brennan asked if all students before 7th grade have keyboarding skills.  She said she talked to several students and they all said the skills taught by Mrs.Peck helped them. Bill said the Board directed the administration to start moving the school to this next level of technology. Linda Waite said a needs assessment was done to decide what the high priority technology items are that are needed.  Laptops with mobile carts, projection equipment to be used from room to room, I-Pads and I-Touches are being applied for.   Executive Session:  Alison made motion, Gene seconded to enter Executive Session at 6:15p.m. to discuss personnel and a legal issue. Board approved.  Alison asked the administrators to stay for the legal issue.  Arne made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:42 p.m.  No further motions were made.   Other Business:  None.    Adjournment – Arne made motion to adjourn at 6:42 p.m.  Board approved.   Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier  Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                           UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes March 25, 2010       5:30 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair,Geralyn Donohue, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont Administration Present: David Adams – Superintendent, Meredith Austin – WSWSU Business Manager Public Present:  Don Murray – Auditor –Fothergill Segale & Valley – Certified Public Accountants,  Janet Currier –Recording Secretary   Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 5:35 p.m.              Review of FY09 GMUHS Audit – Presentation by Don Murray – Mr. Murray reviewed the Audit and discussed the highlights and differences from the audit done last year.  He said this was an unqualified audit which is the best kind of audit to have.  If you have a qualified audit it means there are problems with the accounting procedures being used.  Mr. Murray said this is the first year Green Mountain has reported their assets as required by GASB.   He discussed the management summary that explains what is going on in the financial statements and reviewed the financial highlights.  He then reviewed the Capital Assets page which is now in compliance.  The page that compared the budget to the audit and the variances in the audit was reviewed.  Mr. Murray then talked about the financial statements and gave an explanation of what they cover, i.e., pre-paid assets and accounts receivables.    He said the different categories in the financial statement really show how each one is doing financially.  He explained the reconciliation pages of the financial statements and he walked the board through the Capital Project Fund section.   Mr.Murray explained that the state money is grouped together and federal money is grouped together.  He then moved onto the notes regarding the Financial Statements and the summary of the Capital Assets.  The management letter, that talks about the levels of internal control and the three levels of deficiencies were explained.  He said they made recommendations on these but they did not feel this fist level is anything that wouldn’t be caught by management. There is a second level that is more serious and the third level is a higher lever of seriousness.  He said the auditors did not find any material weaknesses.  There were a few control management items that should have something put in writing for procedures to be followed though.  At this point David Adams said that he and Meredith intend to respond to each of the recommendations with a plan.  Mr. Murray said there was segregation of duties in the office but that is not unusual in a small office.  He said that they recommended that a board member stop in occasionally and look at the bank statements, and that just the fact that things are being looked at by someone else helps keep things honest. Expenditure Authorization –receiving bills that get paid every month, he said we should make sure the invoices are authorized prior to paying them by someone in management.  Journal Entry Authorization –Journal entries are made but don’t have to do with actual transactions,non-recurring re-classification to correct account is an example, but someone should sign off on these. He talked about how they plan to do an audit and said the next GM audit would be scheduled much earlier than this one was.  Next year’s audit should be a quicker process as they have a template in place now.   Alison made motion to accept the FY09 Audit as presented.  Board approved.    Green Mountain Board Minutes            March 25, 2010                                              Page 2   Alison made motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel at 6:16 p.m. and to invite the Superintendent to stay.  Board approved.   Arne made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. Board approved.   Gene made motion to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.  Board approved.       Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier  Recording Secretary   Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes March 18, 2010    5:00p.m.                    UNAPPROVED MINUTES   Board Present:Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont,Ginger Roper, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Kuniko Hunter   Administration Present: David Adams – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal   Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant- SAPA-TV, Mary Pelkey,Peggy Svec, Richard Svec, Jennifer Harper, Tracy Churchill, Lauren Baker, Rick King, Pam Laffaye, Joseph Dexter, Bruce Chase, Pam O’Neil, Ben Hertford, Bryan Schofield, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary   Call to Order:Chair called meeting to order at 5:04  p.m.   Approval of Minutes of March 4, 2010:  Geralyn moved approval of minutes.  She had a correction under DOT Bridge #8 Right of Way Agreement.  She asked that the minutes show that she voted no because she felt David should ask for more money.  Ginger asked to have a couple of typos corrected both under Executive Session – Personnel.  In line 18 it should say they not thy and in line 28 it should state we see, not we wee. Minutes were approved as corrected.   Presentation – SmartBoard Technology – Bryan Schofield: Tom Ferenc explained what the smartboards are and that they are a great tool for engaging the students.  Bryan Schofield of Smart Board Technologies was the presenter using Smart Classroom and interaction board.  Smart boards have been in classrooms globally for over 19 years. Bryan gave an explanation and demonstration of the smart board.  Everyone at the meeting was given a“clicker” so they could take a smart board test.  Bryan was thanked for his interesting presentation.  Jenn Harper of Cavendish Town Elementary School is also a certified smart board trainer and she talked about how the smart boards are being used at Cavendish.   Green Mountain Transformation:  Tom Ferenc –He said there are 3 items that will go to the Green Mountain Board Education Committee on March 25th for consideration.  He explained formative and summative assessment and how the teachers can use technology for this. He explained the qualities a person will need to be able to work with transformation and technology for the Technology Integration Specialist position. Tom then reviewed handouts that were given to the board regarding technology to show what a large area it covers.  Tom asked the board to review and consider the handouts and this issue will come back to the board at a later meeting. Tom Burke talked about Carnegie units.  A handout was given to the board.  Tom said this involves developing individual education plans for every student.  Green Mountain currently requires 28 Carnegie Units or credits for a student to graduate. Tom said he is concerned with meeting the needs of every single student.  The Carnegie Units subject Green Mountain Board Minutes                  3/18/10                     Page 2   will also go to the Board Education Committee for consideration.  Tom said he is not convinced that the current Green Mountain program meets the needs of every single student.  Tom Burke was thanked for his presentation. Pam O’Neil spoke about the grading system and gave out some charts to the board.  She talked about the GPA and the passing grades and explained the GPA chart.  Students are encouraged to take courses they are interested in.  She said they are looking at raising the passing grade form 60 to 65.  Geralyn talked about how she would like to see grading changed to show soft and hard content.  Pam said this will also be brought to the Education Committee for consideration.  Pam discussed the various classes and how they fall on the GPA scale.  Pam was thanked.  David thanked all the staff that came to help with the smart boards presentation – Rick King, Lauren Baker and Jenn Harper.   Journey’s East Recommendation: David said he regrets having to make the recommendation to not support the Journey’s East request. The Green Mountain budget is under a current budget freeze, and the decision is strictly financial and has nothing to do with the Journey’s East Program.  Green Mountain is possibly looking at a financial shortfall this year as well.  Alison gave a further explanation of the budget shortfall.  She said the Green Mountain bookkeeper expects Green Mountain to be in a $60,000.00 plus shortfall/deficit for this year.   Student Representative Report: Kuniko said the Student Government is selling shamrocks to raise money for tuberculosis research charity.  There will be a Dodge Ball Tournament on March 23rd and a Talent Show on March 31st.ly from Vermont and she has seven years experience.    Reports: Superintendent:  David said he participated in a Legislative Drive-In last week in Montpelier. He testified of the hardships put on Green mountain education because of hardships on the taxpayers.  He also testified on School Choice.  The House will start work on voluntary merger of school districts and monetary bonuses for those that do this.  This would take 4 to 5 years to happen.  David talked about the Reauthorization Plan called Blue Print regarding changes in No Child Left Behind.  There will be some changes in Vermont and Vermont will apply for bout two of the Race to the Top.  One of the changes in No Child Left Behind is that by having the states monitor the standards they may have been watered down so maybe this would work better to have it be a National Standard.   Board Report: – None.   Committee Reports – Policies - Geralyn made motion to adopt Policy D-7 – Volunteers and Work Study Students.  The screening process will be reviewed by the Principals.  Board approved Policy D-7.  Policy D-13 Proposed Hiring Procedure for Teaching/Paraprofessional Staff–Rescind - Geralyn said this is a procedure nota policy and she is recommending that the board rescind it.  She said the number also collides with Policy D-13 HIPAA that was adopted at the last meeting.   Board approved Green Mountain Board Minutes                  3/18/10                     Page 3     rescinding Procedure D-13.   First Read Policy D-21– Family Medical Leave – Geralyn reviewed the change of wording in the policy.  This will come to the next meeting for approval.   Public Discussion: Ben Hertford a Green Mountain student said he has been in Mary Pelkey’s Spanish class for three years and he and all the other students think she is a fantastic teacher.  He asked the board to reconsider cutting her position.     Executive Session – Personnel– Alison made motion at 7:37 p.m.to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel issue and to have the Superintendent stay.   Other Business:.   Adjournment:  moved to adjourn meeting at  p.m.  Board approved.     Respectfully submitted,   Janet Currier Recording Secretary   Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes March 4, 2010     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Ginger Roper, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Kuniko Hunter Administration Present: David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Pam O'Neil - Director of Guidance Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Olivia Gould, Krystal Pelkey, Kevin Surma, Mary Pelkey, Marilyn Mahusky, Kelly Arrison, Christa Valente, Jane Mitchell, Rachel Root, Julie Walton, Charlie Record, George Haines, Jonathan Rice, Karen Surma, Kelly Goodrich, Debbie Franks, Sheila McDonald, Mary Barton, Dottie Therien, Pam Laffaye, Ed Laffaye, Mary-lynn Wright, Lucy Peters, Jon Peters, Mike Kelly, Barbara Crawford, Janet Currier -Recording Secretary Call to Order - Superintendent David Adams called meeting to order at to order at 5:02 p.m.             Re-Organization of Board: Election of Officers Elect Chair - Superintendent David Adams asked for nominations for Board Chair. Alison nominated Bill Bourque.  Alison moved that nominations cease and the clerk cast one vote for Bill Bourque as Board Chair.  Bill was elected Board Chair. Elect Vice Chair - Bill Bourque asked for nominations for Vice-Chair.  Ginger nominated Alison DesLauriers as Vice-Chair.  Board voted in the affirmative. Elect Clerk - Bill asked for nominations for Board Clerk.  Ginger nominated Geralyn Donohue.  Board voted in the affirmative. Set Date and Time of Meetings - Alison made motion to continue once a month board meeting schedule on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.   Approved. Approval of Minutes of February 11, 2010: Alison had an addition to minutes under Presentation - Social and Emotional Curriculum with Clair Schroeder.  She asked Clair about the survey that showed only 15 out of 120 middle school students participated in the groups.  Geralyn said she felt that a line should be added to the minutes stating more detailed information can be acquired through SAPA-TV.  Minutes were approved with corrections. Budget Vote Review: Bill said the board is very pleased with the results of the budget vote. Sheila McDonald said she is a taxpayer in Chester and she supported the budget with all the cuts, but now tonight another cut will be made for another course.  Lucy Peters said she voted for the budget as presented, not for a budget that cut another teacher.  A former student also spoke in favor of keeping this teacher's position. Executive Session - Personnel: Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:12 p.m. to discuss personnel and to ask the administration to stay.  Board approved. Gene made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:56 p.m.  Board approved. Superintendent David Adams said he wanted to focus his remarks on process and then answer some concerns.  He and Tom Ferenc have been discussing several proposals to bring to the board, these were discussed without the board.  Because of the March 15th deadline to inform employees of proposed changes the proposals will be presented this evening.  David does not Green Mountain Board Minutes             March 4, 2010                                               Page 2 want these proposals to show any disrespect to the teaching services of any employees.  He discussed some of the changes that have been looked at.  He asked Tom Ferenc to talk about transformation and some of the areas he was asked by the board to make changes in.  Tom spoke about the declining enrollment and the fact that this trend is going to continue for the next few years.  He said this is going to cause spaces in the school and they want to backfill these spaces with technology.  Tom wants all staff to be trained on how to use and teach technology to all students.  He explained some of the areas the students are using technology for.  Tom said he has been asked to move the school forward and technology is the way to do this.  He is proposing to begin to expand the teaching of technology to the students with the help of a new position, a technology integration specialist who would work with the teachers to help them learn to use all the technology available to them at Green Mountain.  Discussion ensued. Kevin Surma asked why this was not part of the budget.  Arne said he likes the direction the board is taking but not that it is going to affect a person.  Mary-lynn Wright said as a teacher, parent and taxpayer, she feels blindsided by this action.  Bill said discussion regarding this issue will continue for the next several months.  Geralyn said she feels that there should be more collaboration as well and would like to have more input into the board committee meetings as well, i.e., the policy and education committees. Peggy Svec said she feels as a taxpayer she is a victim of a 'bait and switch'. Gene Bont said he is on the Education Committee and thy have been looking at where we want to go with our education.  He said we have to figure out where we are going and then how to get there.  He said the budget is a great wish list and we try to follow the budget as much as possible but sometimes we can't follow the budget because things change.  Geralyn asked if the board could wait another year to make this decision.  Bill said a decision has to be made by March 15th.  Pam Laffaye asked about what technology tools would be used for this new position.  David said that there are new tools in the budget, i.e., Smart Boards.  David said the consequences of waiting a year is to not have kids engaged and fully using the resources we have.  He wants to do what is in the best interest of the students.  David said there is a spending deadline for the ARRA funds or we lose the money. Alison asked if after a couple of months we wee this is not going to happen could the board issue the teacher contract.  She was told yes.  Rachel asked the board to look at the current employees to use their technology talents for this proposal.  Mary Pelkey said this person has given 45 years to the kids and she feels this is a bad way for this teacher to go out.  She also wants her kids taught by a teacher, not a computer.  Peggy said this is a wonderful direction to go in but with the way this has been done the staff is going to be looking over their shoulders.  Jon Rice asked about the remarks about the NECAP results in Science.  Alison said the March 15th date comes up too quick and she said if a job description can not be developed for this position, this teacher's contract should be issued.   Ginger Roper made motion in accordance with Article 14 Section1 a, b, and c of the Collective bargaining Agreement to reduce the teaching staff in the following categories by the following amounts: Special Education Teacher - reduce by 0.5 FTE Family and Consumer Science Teacher - reduce by .33 FTE Foreign Language Teacher - reduce by .33 FTE Title 1 Teacher - Reduce by .33 FTE Business Department Teacher - Reduce by .83 FTE Board voted yes with Geralyn voting no.  Motion passed. Green Mountain Board Minutes             March 4, 2010                                               Page 3 DOT Bridge #8 Right of Way Agreement - Action Requested:  David said that Green Mountain owns property all the way up to the bridge. The DOT has prepared a permanent easement to use the Green Mountain property on the riverbank in the amount of $500.00 to use this property during construction of the bridge.  This will not affect any operations of the school and would give the State right away.  David recommended approving this agreement so the bridge construction can proceed. Alison asked about the increase in the transportation costs while the bridge is under construction.  Mr. Johnston of the DOE said he is not aware of any money to help with this according to what he told David.  Alison made the motion to approve the agreement in the amount of $500.00, Gene seconded.  Alison asked David to see if there will be a walking access for students during construction.  Board approved motion with Geralyn voting no. Alison made motion to approve the rest of the 35 Green Mountain teacher contracts as presented on the contract list.  Board approved the list of contracts. Other Business: Bruce Chase spoke about his daughter Ann Chase who stood up in front of the board to ask for financial help with her Journey's East Program she takes at Leland and Gray.  She has gone from loving Green Mountain to hating it and has been in tears.  David said that he has not had a chance to tell the board his recommendation and information yet.  Bruce said he would like to have the board consider funding it even if only partially to support the student.  He hopes the board feels this is important.  To not support the student sends the wrong message and he feels that the board needs to consider this program and the impact it will have on the student. Executive Session - Personnel - Alison made the motion to enter Executive Session at 8:04 p.m. and to include the Superintendent.  Board approved. Gene made motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:45 p.m.  No further motions were made. Adjournment:  Board adjourned at 8:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes February 11, 2010  5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Kuniko Hunter - Student Representative Administration Present: David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal, Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Ally Oswald, Brian LoPrinzi, Bruce Chase, Ann Chase, Heather Chase, Daryl Houk, Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Ginger Roper, Claire Schroeder, Meredith Austin, Marilyn Mahusky, Mary Pelkey, Janet Currier -Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:03 p.m.             Bill acknowledged that this would be Jack Colemanís next to last board meeting and he thanked Jack for his years of service.  Jack received a standing ovation. Approval of Minutes of January 14, 2010:  Alison moved approval, Gene seconded.  Geralyn had one correction under School Choice; she wanted to have good standing defined, she did not want to close students off from getting a fresh start at a new school.  Board approved minutes as amended. Presentation - Social and Emotional Curriculum - Clair Schroeder:  Tom Ferenc introduced Clair and turned the presentation over to her.  Clair said she started at Green Mountain about three months ago.  She said she began her job by listening to students at Green Mountain to be able to learn the school culture and environment.  She said the studentís sense of safety has improved in the past two years.  She then reviewed social emotional learning skills as 1) Social Awareness; 2) Self Awareness; 3) Self-Management.  She said the survey results show that 80% of our students have anger issues.  She reviewed the goals they have established and talked about the student groups she has started and what they do in these groups.  All groups are voluntary.  She then introduced student Brian LoPrinzi and he talked about changes and challenges students have at Green Mountain and things the groups have accomplished.  He said it is really a fun program.  Clair works with the 7th and 8th graders.  Bill thanked Clair for her interesting presentation. River Valley Technical Center Pilot Project: Tom Burke explained that this project is really about personalized graduation plans.  The program explained challenges with regard to graduation for individual students.  The administration is hoping to use technology to challenge and inspire students to do better in school.  The program options were discussed.  A timeline for this to happen was reviewed.  Tom said that they are hoping to begin recruiting some students they think this program might work for.  The hope is to launch the pilot program next fall and to be able to connect every student with what works best for them. Financial:  A) Budget Status Report:  Alison said she, David and Meredith met today to review the budget.  The budget freeze seems to be working.  She said that our special education costs have increased and tuition revenues and Fuel Oil costs are under as is snow plowing.  She said by May they can begin doing some projections to see what year end looks like. Green Mountain Board Minutes             February 11, 2010                                               Page 2 Tom Ferenc introduced Kuniko Hunter our new student representative to the board.  She was welcomed to her first meeting. Resignation:  Tom Ferenc read a letter of resignation from school nurse Arlene Rallis.  She has been at Green Mountain for 12 years.  Tom said she is wonderful and he will miss her.  Jack moved that the board express their gratitude to Arlene Rallis.  Alison made motion to accept resignation with much regret.  Board approved. Reports: Principal - Tom Ferenc:  Tom said once the budget passes they will have a report on an updated schedule.  He also would like to do a presentation on data and one on college gender gaps.  He would like to look specifically at Green Mountain.  Physical Education and High School Transformation; Smartboards; Vermont Virtual Learning Consortium are just some of the topics for presentations.   Tom talked about Foreign Language and what other nearby schools are doing in 7th and 8th grades.  Green Mountain is also planning on going to an exploratory program for French and Spanish in 8th grade.  He hopes to restore these classes down the road.  He talked about Clair Schroederís job at Green Mountain.  He said when he came to Green Mountain there was a Human Rights Case at Green Mountain that was not handled properly and there was a Climate Study done that showed that Green Mountain was a school of mediocrity throughout the school.  He talked about student surveys and parent surveys regarding feelings about the school.  Tom said we are on the right path and are moving forward in the right direction.  He said when he came to Green Mountain he wanted to bring the social emotional curriculum to the school.  They are teaching the kids to be self-aware here at Green Mountain and this will continue.  They are making Green Mountain a safer building as well.  David said he has seen real teacher quality at Green Mountain.  There was discussion about the benefits of having kids start Foreign Languages in the elementary school years. Superintendent Report:  A)  Curriculum Management Audit Schedules: David said that on February 22nd, 23rd and 24th, an audit team will be in the Supervisory Union to do a curriculum management audit.  He said if community members would like to meet with the auditors they can contact Janet Currier to set up a meeting time.  Schedules were given out for board members meeting times.   David then talked about NECAP scores and said Science scores rose considerably this year at Green Mountain.   He would like to put an item on the next agenda for easement rights for Green Mountain with the State of Vermont during the time that the bridge work will be taking place. Carol Gilbert then talked about her concerns with the NECAP test results and the number of non-proficient students in various areas at Green Mountain.  David said that he has not had a chance to look at the scores and that we need to give Tom and his data team time to look at the data.  Last yearís 11th grade students had outstanding results.  Alison would like to talk to kids to see how they can make this test more serious for the kids.  There was discussion about making the NECAP test count towards graduation.  The NECAP results will be presented at a future meeting. Board Report: Alison talked about the Board Room Newsletter and an article regarding virtual learning in high schools.   Jack said he has been on the Board for 12 years and this is the best board Green Mountain has had. He wants to come back in 10 years and find a sincere Principal and Superintendent who will Green Mountain Board Minutes            February 11, 2010                                            Page 3 challenge the Board.  He talked about other hopes of his for the board and school and for our sights to keep being set higher.  He hopes that merit pay for teachers and teacher evaluation will be on future agendas.  He leaves the board with the satisfaction of not having to hear many words common to education, beginning with Rubrics, etc.  Bill told Jack that he will be missed. Student Representative Report - None.         Committee Reports -A) Education - This will be on the next agenda.  B)  Policy -D-13 Helath Insurance Portability and Accessibility Act for adoption.  Geralyn made a motion to adopt this policy that is mandatory.  Board approved.  Two First Read policies are: F-21 Firearms - Geralyn said these policies are drafts of school safety issues and the Firearms policy has been reconfigured for students.  There is a separate Weapons policy already in place.  D-7 - Volunteers and Work Study Students - This is an update of a current Green Mountain policy, but is just for volunteers and work study students.  These policies will be on the next agenda.  Bill said all our committee meetings have to be warned through Janet.  C)  Public Relations: 1) Get the Vote Out - Bill said he has lists for the board.  One thing he would like to have done is to have parents of college students request an absentee ballot for the college students to be able to vote on the budgets.  He had a list for members to call about 50 names per list to remind people to get out and vote.  He has a flyer as well to be posted around town and maybe sent home to parents.  AlertNow calls will be made on March 2nd.  Letters will be in the newspapers.  Green Mountain students who are 18 will be registered to vote.  A reminder will be on the website.  A SAPA-TV presentation on the budget will be done as well.  Bill said we need to get people out to vote.  It was suggested having the Annual Meeting in the conference Room instead of the Auditorium.  D) Facilities: Arne said work has begun on the boilers and the new ones will be installed next week.  The Fire Marshall request for vents in the auditorium is in process.  He said we made it to the second round of the grant for a lighting update so that looks good. Preparation for Annual Meeting: David was told it would be a good opportunity for him to address the public Discussion with Public:  Ann Chase - student- said she is in the Journey East Program at Leland and Gray.  She asked the board to support her to help with the Leland and Gray tuition.  She loves Chinese and wants to continue studying it.  She was chosen out of 7 students to represent Green Mountain, Leland and Gray, Vermont and the United States in China.  She will go to China for a month from March 24th through April 21st, 2010.  This program has been supported in the past by the board.  Carol Gilbert said she can not think of a reason not to support this once in a lifetime opportunity for Ann.  She hopes that more Green Mountain students can learn about this culture immersion program.  Annís Mother said Green Mountain has had four students participate in this program.  The tuition amount would be $6,425.00 to be sent to Leland and Gray.  A suggestion was made to build this into the budgets in the future.  Alison said we need to get a recommendation from the Administration after they have a chance to look at the Budget, grants, etc.  David said he would be willing to look at grants for her but Green Mountain has a Budget freeze going on now.  David will meet with Tom Ferenc to look at possibilities.   Townsend Gilbert asked to have the executive Session at the beginning of the meetings.  He talked about consolidations and asked when the board last had a conversation with another board. Green Mountain Board Minutes            February 11, 2010                                            Page 4 Alison said they have an email conversation going on now.   Townsend said that 25% of adolescents are obese and he would like to see middle school students increase Physical Education time. Tom Ferenc told him that middle school students P.E. time has been increased to three times a week for all year. Townsend asked about the Race to the Top Federal Program and where we are going with it.  David said there are two stages in the Race tot the Top.  The State of Vermont decided not to enter the first stage.  The State is considering entering the second stage.  The State is applying for a 35 million dollar grant to get a state-wide assessment in place. Jack and Bill said there are a number of reasons why the executive Session is where it is on the agenda and that it works best this way. Geralyn said that WSWSU is the first district in Vermont to do a Curriculum Audit. Executive Session:  Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 7:21 p.m. and to include the Superintendent and Principal.  Board approved.  The board came out of Executive Session at 7:45 p.m.  No further action was taken. Other Business:  Bill answered a question about the voter call lists he had handed out. Adjournment - Gene made motion to adjourn meeting at 7:48 p.m. Alison seconded.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes January 14, 2010    5:00 p.m.                     UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Jack Coleman, Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: David Adams - Superintendent - Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal     Public Present:  Christopher Rosengrant - SAPA-TV, Mary-lynn Wright, Kurtis Dostal, Amanda Barry, Joe Galimi, Patrick Wilson, Nate Blanchard, Ryan Bartley, William Cook, Kyle Tyrrell, Ginger Roper, Rachel Root, Julie Walton, Leo Graham, Adam Bryant, Betsy Hart, Abby Hart, Marilyn Mahusky, Mary Pelkey, Nicole Cormier, Lisa Cormier, Michael Ripley, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Approval of Minutes of January 5, 2010:  Alison moved approval of minutes.  Alison had an amendment under 2010-2011 Budget Adoption under discussion of Foreign Language.  It should state: The 8th grade year will be a full year of Foreign Language and the students will earn a high school credit for this.  Minutes were approved as amended. Tom Ferenc introduced Adam Bryant, a GM student who is video taping this meeting as part of the Math class presentation.  Tom gave an explanation about the first presentation: Using the Data Process and he talked about some of the sources of information that he has read and used.  Handouts titled Principals Research Review were given to the board. He invited the board to come to GM on Tuesday at 2:35 p.m. for an electronic presentation by the GM Data Teams.  He then turned the presentation over to Rachel Root a GM teacher.  She distributed a handout to the board for them to read at a later time.  She explained the using data process and explained the 6 core values and 5 components of this process that will take 3 to 5 years to complete.  Julie Walton - GM Math Teacher then spoke about a handout showing data from GM.  She explained the charts and graphs on the handout.  Tom said this using data process is a huge undertaking for the GM teachers Presentation by Math Students on GM Energy Audit: Mary-lynn Wright said her math students did an energy audit of Green Mountain.  Kyle Tyrrell gave a talk on how they did their research and about insulation and ìRî value.  Amanda Barry talked about windows and cling film products to reduce loss of heat in winter and gain of heat in summer.  Joe Galimi talked about motion sensor light switches for rooms.  He said that GM is replacing light bulbs as they burn out with newer more efficient light bulbs.  Kyle Tyrrell  told of his research results regarding the 10 water fountains at GM and how new models would save about 5.5 gallons of water a day.  He then talked about toilets and water savings possible with new toilets.  He also gave a report on the thermostats in the school. Patrick Wilson talked about the 5 vending machines in GM. If the light bulbs were replaced in the machines it would save money.  Amanda Barry gave the results of her research on the computers at GM.  She also said not all of the appliances in the home-ed room are energy star appliances and that they would save money if they were.  Nicole Cormier gave a report on water usage at GM.  She reviewed the studentís recommendations for ways to save money at GM.  The Board was very impressed with this audit.  Mary-lynn said that Adam Bryant did posters to hang in the GM building to remind people how to save energy.  Arne Jonynas said this was a very impressive energy audit.  The kids told how they got their information for Green Mountain Board Minutes                   01/14/10                      Page 2 this audit.  Tom Ferenc congratulated the students on their presentation.  One of the students said he likes project based learning better than just learning from books as it helps him remember better.   Superintendent Report - David extended the invitation to everyone to come to the data presentation and to come for the whole day on Tuesday and he reviewed some of the topics that will be covered during the in-service that day.  He also talked about NECAP and MAP testing.  David then asked the board to approve a contract for Kelly Goodrich as winter sports director.  Alison made motion, Jack seconded to approve Kelly Goodrich as winter sports director.  Board approved. David asked the board to approve signing the School Choice Agreement.  He said the Southeast Superintendents Association are asking for only students who are in good standing with their sending school to apply for school choice.  Geralyn asked to have ìgood standingî better defined.  David asked the board to consider it as it is written and he will get more clarity from the Superintendents Association.  Geralyn made motion to table this.  No second.  Alison moved that this agreement be adopted but she asked David to go back to the S.E. Superintendents to get more clarity on the ìgray areasî of the new wording.  Gene seconded.  Board approved with Geralyn voting no. The Superintendent left the meeting at this time to attend another meeting. Principal Report - Tom asked for the board to approve $4,500.00 for the last part of the auditorium renovation - voice evacuation system.  He said this is in place and working.  Arne said that the hatches above the stage still have to be completed.  Jack moved approval to spend $4,500.00 for the voice evacuation system.  Board approved. Arne made motion to request $58,500.00 total for the boiler replacement and the voice evacuation system is to come out of the capital improvement fund monies.  Board approved. Tom asked the board to approve Dr. Riceís trip to the Grand Canyon - called the Grand Classroom.  This will take place April 18th through the 23rd.  There will be 9 students and 2 adults going on this trip.  The students are fund-raising as it will be $1,797.00/student this year.  Gene made motion to approve the Grand Canyon trip.  Board approved. Tom asked for approval for a Wilderness Camping trip for Allan Garvin and students to snowshoe three miles on January 30th and return on January 31st.  They will stay in a camp overnight.  Jack made motion to approve, Gene seconded.   Board approved. Tom reported that we are close to having a substance abuse person at GM through HCRS.  Hopefully this person will be on board by February. Board Report - Alison talked about the pilot project the River Valley Technical Center is doing and gave the board a handout with information and she discussed the project.   This is an attempt to make learning more meaningful for more students.  There will be a meeting on January 26th at 4:00 p.m. at the RTC for board members and administrators. Alison said they are still working on the Director search for the Technical Center.  She reported that the Legislative Breakfast on Monday, January 11th was very interesting. Jack Coleman spoke about a handout: A Serious Proposal and said that a better evaluation system for the teachers is being called for.  He asked the board to follow up on this issue and to also consider outstanding teacherís merit pay for the future.  Bill said this will be on the agenda in the coming year.   Student Representative - Tom Ferenc said the Student Government has this in process and hopefully this will be ready for the next meeting. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   01/14/10                   Page 3 Committees- Alison talked about the Revenue page of the budget and said that GM has two additional tuition students coming from Baltimore to increase our tuition revenue.  Bill said that he, Alison and Geralyn are part of the Public Relations Committee.  He said they made a list of things that need to be done to try to get the budget passed.  He reviewed the list.  His biggest concern is making phone calls.  Tom will talk to the Student Government to see if the students would be willing to help out by supporting the budget in some way.  Marilyn Mahusky said she is not supporting the budget because she is not happy with the cuts that have been made, especially the cut to the Foreign Language department. Policy Committee - Geralyn Donohue said the policy for first read is D-13 - Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act Compliance (HIPAA).  She said the Policy Committee is meeting on Tuesday, January 19th at 4:00 p.m. at GM and they will look at the Firearms policy and the Volunteers and Work Study Students policy.  Bill thanked Geralyn for all her work on the policies. Public Discussion:  Marilyn Mahusky asked if as a member of the community she could get information about what happens in the case of a lock down at the school.  Tom Ferenc gave an explanation of how the school has developed relationships with the State and local police.  They do lock down drills regularly and also sweeps with dogs.  Tom explained the reasons that they do these drills are to keep kids safe and so the kids know what to expect if a real lock down should have to happen.  Tom Burke said they are required by the DOE to do these drills.  He explained the procedures taken during a lock down.  Discussion ensued.   Executive Session - None.   Other Business: None. Adjournment:  Jack moved to adjourn meeting at 7:18 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes Tuesday, January 5, 2010   5:00 p.m.     Board Present -Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas Administration Present - David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal Public - Rachel Root, Jane Mitchell, Mary Pelkey, Mark Curran, Gary Baker, Carol Gilbert, Mark Bodin, Meredith Austin, Michael Ripley, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call To Order -  Bill Bourque called the meeting to order at 5:08 p.m. Approval of Minutes of 12/10/09 - Alison moved approval of minutes as presented.  Board approved unanimously.                        2010-2011 Budget Adoption - Alison said that everyone should have received the memo regarding the budget changes.  She said there is a 1.53% increase in the budget.  Tom Ferenc  talked about maintaining Foreign Language in the Middle School as an exploratory course and then students can make a choice in 8th grade as to what language they want to take.  Discussion about Foreign Languages ensued. David informed those present that on Monday January 11th, 2010, there will be a Legislative Breakfast at the Newsbank Conference Center.  He invited everyone to come and talk to the Legislators. A discussion of 21st Century learning trends and getting them into Green Mountain took place.  David said ARRA funding is being pursued for purchasing smart boards for Green Mountain. Meredith said there is an additional $11,500.00 revenue coming from the River Valley Technical Center to Green Mountain for the Health Career Center that was held at Green Mountain.  Meredith said this would change the RVTC budget bottom line to $5,862,574.00. Meredith said they are trying to check on a couple of tuition students to see if they are going to attend Green Mountain next year, and if so the amounts in the budget for tuition would be changed. Carol Gilbert had several questions and issues with the budget and she voiced them to the board.  She talked about changes that were made in the budget and her concerns with these changes and cuts. GM Board Minutes                          01/05/10                                Page 2 Jane Mitchell said that kids really want to take the culinary classes and now these classes are being discontinued.  These kids will miss out on something that they might make a career out of. Some kids don't want to go to the Technical Center and be out of the Green Mountain building. Geralyn reviewed some ideas that could be used for programs at Green Mountain to improve the learning atmosphere. Mary Pelkey, Green Mountain Spanish Teacher, said she would like to keep the culinary program at Green Mountain and she also would like to see the middle school Spanish classes kept at the 7th grade level. She said the earlier the kids get Foreign Languages the easier it is for them to learn the language. Jack Coleman moved adoption of the 2010-2011 Budget as it now stands in the amount of $5,592,230.00.  The board approved adoption of the Budget unanimously. Jack then asked how the board is going to get the information about the Budget out to the public to get the Budget passed.  Jack said the people who worked on this Budget have done a really good job even though no one likes the results. Alison said letters will be written and put in the papers, the Internet will be used, television and phone calls are some of the ways they can get the information out and also to involve the students more.  Bill said a Public Relations Committee meeting will be held. At 6:12 p.m. the Budget Committee left the meeting to caucus.   Adoption of Tuition Rate for 2010-2011 - Meredith said she will have to make an announcement for a tuition rate and the board will need to approve up to three tuition rates.  Alison made motion to approve the tuition rate for middle school at $10,200.00; the high school tuition rate at $12,000.00.  Board approved. A discussion was held regarding setting a tuition rate of $30,000.00 for Opportunities In Learning with the hope that it would be less.  Meredith said this should be a Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union Board decision as it is a Supervisory Union Program. Annual Meeting Warnings - Approve and Sign - David said some of the language has been changed by Attorney Chris Leopold, and David explained the wording changes.  Bill read the Annual Meeting Warning.  Alison moved approval of this Warning.  Board approved.  Bill read the Budget Warning.  Jack moved approval of this Warning.  Board approved.  Bill read the Annual Public Information Meeting Warning.  Jack made motion to approve this Warning.  Board approved.  The board members then signed the Warnings. GM Board Minutes                          01/05/10                                Page 3 FY10 Budget Freeze Action Requested - David said that a lot of work has been done to control the budget and that the board needs to curtail spending to be prudent in this economic situation.  Geralyn made motion to approve a budget freeze for the FY10 budget.  Tom Ferenc said that a budget freeze was implemented in January of 2009 and they saw good results because of it.  Board approved the budget freeze. Other Business - Bill said he would like to take over the Public Relations Committee to get the budget passed.  Geralyn said she would help with this.   The board will keep their regular board meeting on Thursday, January 14th at 5:00 p.m. Tom Ferenc said there would be an educational presentation on using data. Executive Session - Personnel - Geralyn made motion to enter Executive Session to discuss personnel and to invite the administration to stay for it at 6:57 p.m.  Board approved. Jack made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:06 p.m.  Board approved. No further motions were made. Adjournment -  Geralyn made motion to adjourn at 7:06 p.m.    Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes                                                                               Unapproved Minutes December 10, 2009   5:00 p.m.      Board Present -Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gene Bont, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Christina Sabo   Administration Present – David Adams –Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal, Pam O’Neil – Guidance Director, Meredith Austin – WSWSU Business Manager, Jackie McCuin – WSWSU Coordinator of Special Services   Public – Christopher Rosengrant – SAPA-TV, Rachel Root, Peggy Svec, Abbie Mnookin, Ashley Newman, Dylan Bate, Mark Bodin, Karen Surma, Mary Barton, Sheila McDonald, Karen Surma, Norm Merrill, Jane Mitchell, Mary Pelkey, Dotti Therien, Leo Graham, Debbie Franks, Jon Rice, Scott McNally, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary   Call To Order - Bill Bourque called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.   Approval of Minutes of November 12, 2009 -  Alison moved approval of minutes.  Board approved minutes as presented.     Bill asked to move to Item # 5 next – Special Education Report – Jackie McCuin – David said at the last meeting it was decided to invite Jackie McCuin to the next meeting to give the board and public information on special education.  Jackie said she would give a 5- minute crash course on special education.  She gave out handouts with special education information on it. Jackie reviewed a list of types of disabilities that are most prevalent in our schools and said there are 54 special education eligible students at Green Mountain this year.  The total for the entire supervisory union is 172 students.  She continued to talk about special education requirements and explained special education terms.  She also told about transition skills that must be done when a special education student turns 16.  Jackie then answered questions from the board.  Tom Ferenc gave examples of how special education earned Medicaid money is spent and said it is used to benefit all students, not just special education students.   #7. Principal Report – a) 2010-2011 Budget Review (2ndDraft) – Tom said at the last meeting the administration were charged with coming back with a budget around 2% for an increase.  This second draft budget is a 1.71% increase.  Tom reviewed several staff reductions that have been made in this budget to get to the 1.71% number.  Alison said the Community Budget Committee said they would not approve a budget that was not level funded.  Tom said this budget is going to require restructuring the way Green Mountain provides services and if it is level funded it will absolutely require major changes, including scheduling. Line #386 in the budget was explained by Alison, who said that Opportunities In Learning has been experiencing a decline in enrollment numbers.  The recommendation is to move this program from the Fletcher Farms in Proctorsville to Green Mountain as a money saver.  David gave an explanation of the purpose of the Opportunities In Learning Green Mountain Board Minutes                12/10/09                                   Page 2   Program.  He said the Windsor Southwest Supervisory Union Executive Board is in favor of relocating the program to Green Mountain and they hope the Green Mountain board will agree as well.  The move to Green Mountain and restructuring of the program will allow for special education reimbursement from the State and the cost to operate the program at Green Mountain will be $100,000.00 less. The student’s needs would still be met at Green Mountain.  Jackie said tuition per student ranges from $61,000 to $96,000.00 if we have to send students to out of district programs.  Opportunities In Learning has been a very successful program with many students graduating from this program that might not have completed high school otherwise.  There would be one professional teacher released and one Para-professional added if the program moves to Green Mountain.  If the program is in Green Mountain we can request reimbursement on the entire program and we can’t do that now.  Alison said this is a bonus to have it here in the building and it will help us control costs.  Discussion of the Opportunities Program followed.  Tom said the former Health Career Academy space would be used for the high school students and a former art room would be used for the middle school program.  Tom said they honestly believe that they can successfully house the program here. The transportation savings will be big as well.  Discussion of the budget continued. Norm Merrill and Mary Pelkey both spoke in favor of not reducing the Foreign Language position by .5%.  Mark Bodin – GM Budget Committee Chair spoke about the committee meetings and the committee’s feeling about the budget.  He talked about reduction of staff and no salary increases for next year as very important in these economic times.  He feels the administration and finance committee have done a very thorough job and the budget committee members do not want the students to lose more. Abbie Mnookin said people should know that the cuts that have been made would mean services would not be as good quality as they are now.  Jane Mitchell spoke about the effects of cutting the Family Consumer Science Program.  She talked about teaching nutrition to kids so they can learn to overcome obesity and that obesity is a major problem for our students.  Alison said Green Mountain is expecting 24 fewer students next year.  She said the choices that have been made in this budget are economic realities. Alison said the supervisory union salaries and administration salaries have all been level funded as well.  Norm Merrill asked about putting the GM budget on the GM website.  The board thought this was a good idea and to include some of the information regarding the cuts that have been made. Bill said hopefully there would be a budget ready for approval in early January.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 5th, 2010 at 5:00 p.m.   #4 – Approval of Boiler Bids – Arne Jonynas said the boiler bids were opened on December 3rd and that the bids ranged from $46,000 to $58,000.  He is waiting for some more information on some of the bids. Tom Ferenc asked Tom Burke to tell the board about a grant for Energy Efficiency that Tom Burke applied for last weekend.  Tom Burke said this is a block grant for schools to apply for to be able to put in more efficient lighting and boiler systems.  Tom said he was able to apply for up to $50,000.00 of ARRA monies and that he is working with Green Mountain Board Minutes                 12/10/09                                   Page 3   Efficiency Vermont. If they like the grant application then we could get up to $50,000 to upgrade the lighting system.  He could not apply for any project that was already being worked on so he couldn’t apply for the boiler upgrade.  He said if we upgrade the lighting system we should see payback within 6years.  Arne said the boiler replacement should show a savings in oil usage too and if additional work on the controls can be done, it will mean even more in savings.   Superintendent Report – David reported on the Curriculum Management Audit and said that the dates of the audit are scheduled for February 22nd – 24th.  Dr. Roseanne Stripling, Ed.D. would be in the supervisory union on January 25th for a pre-audit visit.  David asked Bill to appoint someone on the GM Board to be part of the Curriculum Management Audit Committee.  Geralyn Donohue volunteered to be on this committee. David said we are expecting to receive the audit finance information around December 17th. He informed the board of a Legislative breakfast to be held at the Newsbank Conference Center on January 11, 2010 at 8:30 a.m. and invited all board members to attend. Co-Curricular Contracts – David reviewed the co-curricular coaching contracts and asked for approval.  Jack moved approval, board voted in the affirmative. Robert Gillam, Varsity Boy’s Basketball - $3,455.00 Michael Hyjek – JV Boy’s Basketball - $2,590.00 Terry Farrell – Varsity Girl’s Basketball - $3,455.00 Gary Pelton – JV Girl’s Basketball - $2,590.00 Jessica Clay – Cheerleading - $2,246.00 Scott Renfro – 7th and 8th Gradegirl’s Basketball - $2,418.00 Eric Anderson – 7th and 8th Grade Boy’s Basketball - $2,418.00 David then asked the board for approval of a new after school program and a new director of this program that is to be paid with EPSDT monies (Early Prevention Screening Diagnosis and Treatment).  Leslie Reed would be the director and would supervise this after school healthy choices program.  The EPSDT money is earned by nurses and the services they provide for students. Alison made the motion to create the new after school program and to hire Leslie Reed as the Director of such program.  Board approved.   Student Representative Report – Christina Sabo said the Student Government is now holding the Feed the Thousands Program.  The yearbook is in process.  She said plans are being made to go to David’s House for the 5K Race to raise money for David’s House.  Next Wednesday the Green Mountain band and chorus will hold their winter program.  She said their Circle group has been very active and have put out a comments box and they plan to type up and post the comments they have received.   Board Report – Alison said that the River Valley Technical Center just received money to have a virtual learning community program and that this is very exciting.     Green Mountain Board Minutes                12/10/09                                   Page 4   Committees – Policy Committee – Geralyn reported that the Policy Committee met on December 4th and will meet again on December 15th.  They have reviewed all of the mandated policies and will go over these policies at their meeting on the 15th. Geralyn made the motion to approve the three policies as printed: 1)    D-2Professional Development 2)    F-1Student Conduct and Discipline 3)    F-27Pupil Privacy Rights The procedures will be filed with the F-1 policy and does not have to be approved by the board.    Board approved policies as presented.   Public Comments – None.   Other Business – Bill asked for a motion from the board regarding the Opportunities In Learning Program and moving it to Green Mountain.  Gene made motion to endorse the administration’s recommendation and to proceed with moving the Opportunities In Learning Program to Green Mountain for the 2010-2011 school year.  Board approved motion with Geralyn voting no.  Motion passed.   Executive Session – Jack moved going into Executive session at 7:17 pm to discuss Negotiations and to invite the Superintendent and Principal’s to stay.  Board approved.   Alison moved to come out of Executive Session (negotiations) at 7:38 p.m.  Jack made motion to enter Executive session to discuss personnel at 7:38 p.m.  Jack moved to come out of Executive Session at 7:40 p.m.   Adjournment – Jack made motion to adjourn at 7:40p.m.     Respectfully submitted,   Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes Green Mountain Union High School Thursday, November 12, 2009   5:00 p.m. Board Present -Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Gene Bont, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Christina Sabo Administration Present - David Adams - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal, Pam O'Neil - Guidance Public - Christopher Rosengrant - SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Michael Ripley, Gary Baker, Scott McNally, Norm Merrill, Karen Surma, Ginger Roper, Meredith Austin, Abigail Mnookin, Mark Curran, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call To Order - Bill Bourque called the meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Approval of Minutes of 10/08/09 and 10/21/09 - Alison made motion to approve minutes of 10/08/09 and 10/21/09.   Board approved minutes as presented.   Superintendent's Report - David reported that the Auditors have begun work on the audits, thanks to Meredith and the business department.  A new document came out from the Department of Education called "Roots of Success", it is a worthwhile article to read.  The Administrative Team met today at Green Mountain, it was a very nice meeting with no interruptions.  There is now a vacancy in the Green Mountain maintenance department.  David asked for approval of this position on an interim basis to expire June  30, 2010.  Jack asked if this position could be half-time for the new budget.  Tom said the person they have in mind is also to continue their custodial duties as well as doing the supervisor's job.  The department will still be down by half a custodian position.  The job description was distributed.  Jack moved approval of the job description.  Geralyn seconded.  Board approved.  David then said he had a letter of interest and request of leave of absence for his custodial position from Wayne Mack to be able to do the facilities manager position.  Arne made motion for candidate to take a leave of absence and to appoint Wayne Mack as the interim facilities manager until June 30, 2010.  Board approved. Tom Ferenc then made a request to restore a 50% custodian to a 100% position.  Arne made motion to move Angela Harold from a 50% position to a full-time position for remainder of this school year. Board approved. Principal Report - 2010-2011 Draft Budget Presentation - Alison said a budget timeline has been developed.  The Administration have been working hard for the last month on this budget.  The Finance Committee will meet a couple more times with the Administration.  Alison is hoping to approve this budget in December.  Health Insurance is a 4.5% increase in this budget. Tom Ferenc then reviewed the 2010-2011 Green Mountain draft budget line by line and reminded everyone that this in just a working draft.  He talked about the school and said they use NECAP and MAPS testing for continuous improvement and he talked about Green Mountain Board Minutes         11/12/09                                         Page 2 many other ways they are working to make Green Mountain a better school.  He reported that they have 43% Free and Reduced lunches at GM.  After a thorough review of the budget Tom noted that the total operational increase in this budget is $250,000.00, and the total of this draft budget is $5,759,986.00 a 4.57% increase.  The Technical Center budget is $6,033,866.00 a 4.36% increase.  David said this is a very tight budget but it does allow for some growth in technology. Jack asked for an explanation of special education services and the increases for special education in this budget.  David gave an overview of the special education program, services and increases. Bill suggested having a presentation on the special education program and services and have the person doing the presentation explain what I.E.P.'s and 504ís are.  David said he will ask the Special Education Coordinator to come to a meeting to explain these things. Norm Merrill, Green Mountain teacher asked about the fact there are no increases in salary in this budget and the fact that it is a negotiations year.  Alison said that salaries would have to be discussed in executive session because it is a negotiations year. Gary Baker - Budget Committee member said he thought it was going to be an uphill climb and he thought an explanation of the special education requirements would be a positive thing to do. Alison then talked about a letter than came down from Montpelier regarding setting school budgets.  She then handed out enrollment sheets to the board, budget committee and public showing a 7-year projection for Green Mountain and she thanked Janet for doing these. Board Report - Bill said a letter was received from the WSWSU Education Association with a petition for recognition of the Windsor Southwest Education Association as a Bargaining Agent for negotiations.  The Deportment of Education is requesting that a supervisory union wide contract be negotiated rather than individual school district contracts.  Alison made motion; "Based on the Petition for Recognition and the November 2, 2009 letter to the Board establishing that a majority of the teachers employed by the Green Mountain Union High School District #35 wish to be represented by the Windsor Southwest Education Association, the School Board recognized the Windsor Southwest Education Association as the exclusive bargaining agent for our teacher.". David said the schools have formed a regional bargaining council.  The individual Teachers Education Associations have dissolved their old associations and have formed a new joint association as a bargaining agent.  Our attorneys have said this is the process to follow.   Board approved motion. Student Representative Report - Christina Sabo said that Green Mountain is very active this year with clubs.  They hosted their first pep rally two weeks ago.  The Student Government is starting the Feed The Thousands Program.  She has been talking to a lot of students about A.P classes and found that many students are taking 2-3 A.P. classes this year, they said it is a lot of work but worth it.  She has been getting a lot of good feed Green Mountain Board Minutes         11/12/09                                         Page 3 back about the teachers and staff.  Tomorrow night and Saturday night they will present their first play "30 Reasons not to be in a Play".  She said there are a lot of students who are interested in the GM budget and they have some very good ideas. Committees -Policy Committee - Policy First Reads:        F-1 -Student Conduct and Discipline - Geralyn said this is being revised and updated because VSBA put out a new version of this policy.     F-27 - Pupil Privacy Rights -Geralyn explained this is a brand new Mandatory Policy.     D-2 - Professional Development - Geralyn said this policy puts the responsibility of professional development back at the supervisory union instead of with the Principal.   These policies will come back to the next meeting for adoption. Facilities Committee - Arne said that bids for boiler replacement are due on December 3rd.  Once these are back they are going to start looking at energy efficiency items.  Arne feels that leaving the $30,000.00 in the budget is really important in case of large unexpected expenditures. Education Committee - Gene asked the Education Committee if they would rather meet an hour prior to the board meeting or to use the second Thursday of the month to meet and not have to keep the meeting to one hour.  Meeting on the second Thursday at 5:00 p.m. was discussed. Alison said as the River Valley Technical Center representative she had some sad news.  The RVTC Director, Carl Mock,  is retiring and moving out of State so they have begun a search. Public Comments - None.   Other Business - David told the board that there was a revised nomination form from the last meeting as an FYI in their agenda packets. Executive Session - Negotiations - Personnel - Alison made motion to enter Executive Session to discuss negotiations and personnel at 6:47 p.m. and to invite the administration to attend.  Board approved. Geralyn moved to leave Executive Session at 7:30 p.m.  Approved. Alison asked the board to give specific direction to the Administration regarding a budget figure they would be willing to support bringing to the public for a vote in March.  The entire Board expressed their appreciation for the work done so far by administration, but felt it may not be enough.  The Board agreed to ask the administration to produce a budget with no more than a two percent increase for their consideration in December and to be specific about the impact. Adjournment - Geralyn made motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.   Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier, Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes September 10, 2009       7:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Christina Sabo - Student Representative Administration Present: Linda Waite - Assistant Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal Public Present:  Jared Gunnell -SAPA-TV, Leo Graham, Peggy  Svec, Karen Surma, Janet Currier -Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:01 p.m.    Bill turned meeting over to Tom Ferenc who welcomed Christina Sabo the new student board representative and said that she is a senior this year.         Approval of Minutes of August 18, 2009: Alison made motion to approve minutes as presented. Geralyn had three corrections: Under correction to Minutes of June 11, 2009 : it should state teaching not tracking;  last paragraph on page 2 of August 18th minutes the statement "these increases did not happen" should be removed as Geralyn said the new prices were initiated; under Principal Report in line 3 it should state: "Parent's Night will be held on the evening of September 17th".  Minutes were approved as corrected. Budget Re-Vote:  Bill thanked the public for passing the Green Mountain budget on Tuesday and he thanked everyone who worked on the budget.  Jack said that Bill, Alison, Joan and Tom deserve a ton of support for the work they did on the budget.  He said given the majority of the win he would like to think we could have presented the original budget and it would have passed. Presentation: Technology Integration and Project-Based Learning: Linda Waite explained that this is our district initiative and over the summer there were 28 of our teachers who participated in project-based learning training.  This presentation will show the beginning of what the 7th grade teachers at Green Mountain have done to date.  Tom gave handouts to the board and then explained what Project-Based Learning and Technology Integration is.  Rick King - Technology Coordinator presented a Power Point presentation.  Both the 7th and 8th grades are involved in a P.B.L. project.  Rick said they are quite far along in the planning of these projects.  Linda said the students will be able to look at these projects as a real world experience.  Tom said they are looking at eventually involving the high school grades in Project-Based Learning. Student Representative Policy Amendment Review and Approval: Bill said this will be tabled until the next meeting as it is not ready for review. Reports:    Superintendent: David Adams is not present.   Principal -Tom Ferenc -Co-Curricular Contracts - Tom gave the board a list of co-curricular contracts for approval to review.  Alison made motion to approve list of co-curricular contracts as presented.  Geralyn asked Tom if there were any requirements for a person to be a Department Chair and he said no, that he chooses the person he feels is best for the position.  Board approved list of co-curricular contract as presented. (see attached list)  Approval of Field Trip - Tom said Green Mountain Board Minutes           September 10, 2009                                 Page 2 that Allan Garvin has requested to take 10 students and 4 chaperones on two field trips on October 2nd and 3rd, and October 16th and 17th to hike the Appalachian trail.  Tom asked the board to support the Wilderness Class field trip.  Tom told the board that Mr. Garvin has completed a wilderness EMT course.  Geralyn made motion to approve the wilderness class field trips.  Board approved. Bill reported that Allan Garvin is the head of the Trails Committee and he just received a $500 grant and they are going to use it to put signs on the GM trails.  Hiring of a Math Long-Term Substitute - Tom said they have done interviews and have a candidate they would like board approval for hiring.  She is certified and licensed in Vermont.  Her name is Patricia Ryan and she lives in Rutland.  Tom would like to have her start on Monday, September 14th.  She is an experienced teacher.  The long-term sub position is probably going to be for six weeks.  Alison made motion to hire Patricia Ryan as the long-term Math substitute for middle school and high school.  Board approved unanimously.  Monthly Presentation Topics - Tom said he would like the educational presentation for October to be school safety; November - using data process; December and January - English and Math departments, he said they have several presentations that can be given.  In February he and Linda Waite will probably do NECAP results.  He asked the board for suggestions on what they would like to hear about.  Geralyn said Physical Education.  Jack asked for a presentation on the evaluation of staff. Tom said there will be a presentation on Project-Based Learning.  Alison suggested facilities.  School Opening Update - Tom said it was a good opening and uneventful.  He talked about what they are planning for Parent's Night on September 17th.  There will be a survey on line for parents to do. Board Report - Union Contract Negotiations Representatives -Bill said the bargaining council would be made up of two board members from each of the boards.  He would like to ask Alison to be one of the members and he would like to be the second member if the board is in agreement. Alison reported that the bargaining council would meet with our attorney on September 23rd to ask questions and get information on this new way of negotiating.  She asked if Green Mountain could hold executive sessions for negotiations each month from 5:00 to 5:15 to keep the board updated.  Jack said he wants to get teacher evaluation into the salary schedule with these negotiations for merit pay.  Bill asked the board to review the Master Contract and give feedback to either him or Alison. Superintendent Job Description - Bill explained that David Adams has asked the WSWSU Executive Board to review his job description and then get input from their individual boards on updating this document.  Bill asked the board to get their comments to him. Student Representative Report - Christina Sabo said that school is off to a good start and the students are really being motivated.  She asked the board what type of information they would like to hear from her.  Geralyn said she would like to hear from the Student Government.  Christina said officers have been selected and they are rolling already.  Christina was asked to speak up during board discussions if she had input.  Arne said he would like to hear about negative things as well as positive. Committee Reports - Policy -Geralyn said that the Policy Committee will need to hold a meeting.  Facilities - Arne said the school looks great and a new Genie lift has been purchased. Work on the alarm system is on-going with the Fire Marshall.  He said that a boiler is down and Green Mountain Board Minutes             September 10, 2009                                        Page 3 GM may be able to get insurance money to get it fixed and running again.  Jack said he has heard several times, wonderful praise for the people who take care of this building.  Finance - Alison said it looks like we will end up with a $30,000.00 surplus to help retire some of last year's deficit.  We still do not have any auditors yet.  She said that the education tax in Chester went up 10 cents and Green Mountain level funded its budget.  She said the way the Chester tax rate if figured is on a per student cost.  Green Mountain went up 1? cents and Chester-Andover went down 4 cents last year.  The increase is attributed to the Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) in the town of Chester and the way the state funding works.  She said the board really must take this on.  The Chester CLA went from 111% to 100% causing the increase. Public Comment:  None.   Executive Session:  None.   Other Business:  None.   Adjournment - Jack made motion to adjourn at 6:30 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School          Unapproved Minutes Special Meeting Board Minutes August 26, 2009       5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Jack Coleman, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Mark Huntley Administration Present: David Adams – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal   Public Present:  Bruce Johnson – SAPA-TV, Leo Graham, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Hiring – Tom Ferenc said he would like to have the board approve his recommendation to hire Eric Anderson as a .33 FTE Physical Education teacher at a salary of                                                            $12,995.00 and full time Athletic Director which is a stipend position of $13,000.00.  Eric will be teaching both middle school and high school classes.  Eric has subbed for Green Mountain and has served as a coach for our sports teams as well.  Eric is a Green Mountain graduate.  There were 11 applicants.   Jack made motion “To approve hiring of Eric Anderson as part-time Physical Education Teacher and Athletic Director for the upcoming school year and to authorize the Chair to sign the contract.   Board approved. Other Business – Geralyn said that Green Mountain does have a policy (B-5) regarding student board representatives.  The policy states that we will have two non-voting representatives whose terms will overlap.  Discussion ensued regarding number of student representatives that should be on the board.  The policy will be reviewed to see if an amendment is needed.  Jack said he thinks the board should give the representatives a little more support and direction.   Tom Ferenc talked about the documents that he gave to the board for review. Tom put together the one he calls School Facts and the other one shows Vermont AP, SAT, ACT Exam results.  Gene Bont talked a little about the article he brought to the board as well.  It discussed teachers who teach AP to consider teacher reimbursement for extra effort before negotiations begin.  Jack said he is in favor of this as well.                                                                          Adjournment:  Geralyn made motion to adjourn at 5:25 p.m.   Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary. Green Mountain Union High School                           Unapproved Minutes Board Minutes August 13, 2009     5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont Administration Present: David Adams – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal   Public Present:  Bruce Johnson – SAPA-TV, Janet Podnecky, Anne Kipp, Richard King, Pam O’Neil, Peggy Svec, Norman Bartlett – NEA-VT,  Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:04 p.m. Approval of Minutes of July 9, 2009 – Alison moved approval.  Geralyn had a correction to page one under Hiring on the June 11, 2009 minutes. “Geralyn asked if the candidate had any professional development specific to tracking middle school”.  On page 2 of the July 9th minutes under Focused Monitoring it should state “this is a study of our special education program by the Vermont Department of Education”.  Board approved as amended. Executive Session – Jack made motion to enter executive session for a personnel issue. Board approved.  Administration was invited to stay. Jack made motion to come out of executive session at 6:31 p.m.  Board approved. Alison made motion in the matter of the grievance brought forth today by the Association, for the board to deny the grievance.  Board voted in the affirmative with Geralyn and Arne abstaining. Presentation and Approval of Technology Plan and Apple Lease – Rick King – Technology coordinator for Green Mountain and the Windsor Southwest S.U. central office was present to give the board information about the Technology Plan and the 3-year Apple lease.  David said the board needs to approve the Technology Plan and the Apple Lease at this meeting.  Rick said the intent of the lease is to keep us as current as possible and put computers in as many student hands as possible.  Twenty-five MAC Books are being purchased in packs of 5 - this helps us to be more green than packaging individually.  There are 9 laptops for teachers and 16 for student use. Rick said he became a grandfather to identical twin girls this morning, the board congratulated him.  Rick said all teachers are using computers.  He explained Skype using computers.  The DOE required a supervisory union wide technology plan.  Gene made the motion to approve the Technology Plan, board approved.   Rick said the Apple lease will be $18,494.43/year for 3 years and this amount is within the Green Mountain budget.  Rick asked the board to think about long-term of skipping a year every 3rd year on the lease or keep a lease going to keep our technology vibrant.   Green Mountain Board Minutes                   8/13/09                        Page 2 David said Jim Moulton – Technology presenter will be coming to Green Mountain on August 26th at 5:30 p.m. to present technology to staff and the community.   Rick said the lease is a “lease to buy” the equipment.  Alison made the motion to approve the Apple lease in the amount of $18,494.43 for three years.  Board approved. Review and Adoption of 2009-2010 Goals – Tom welcomed David Adams as the new Superintendent of WSWSU.  Tom then thanked Bruce Johnson and SAPA-TV for helping GM achieve one of our goals.  Tom reviewed the goals beginning with one for Green Mountain to become a professional learning community.  Tom said they are going to collect data on what our students are being taught.  There are data teams working on this.  Tom then talked about a goal to begin Project Based Learning with a focus on technology and this will start in the middle school and will also go into the high school. A third goal is to continue to improve the culture and climate and communication in the school and with the public.  The fourth goal is to develop a 3-5 year Strategic Plan and to analyze the mission, vision and values, and to set goals to address strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats at Green Mountain.   Tom said this Strategic Plan should be district wide.  Gene asked Tom to provide the board with literature and information to help them understand what the school is trying to accomplish. Tom said he has been calling the incoming 7th graders to find out what their concerns are about coming to Green Mountain.  Jack asked if our students are going to be taught to question everything they are told and to be challenging but polite, he feels this is important in education.  Tom said yes the students will be taught this. Alison said she would like to see green Mountain student’s art work on the website the next time an art show is held. Tom said he just learned that GM got the $50,000 grant he applied for last October so we will be able to hire a couple of academic mentors to work with the kids.  He will put this on a future agenda. Municipal Bond Refinancing - David said this means Municipal Bond Bank Refunding.  The Municipal Bank has sold off some of the bonds.  After a $30,000.00 payment Green Mountain will get money back because of the refunding.  Jack made a motion to accept the Municipal Bond Refunding.  Board approved. Snow Removal Contract Approval – David said there was some confusion regarding the snowplowing bid.  The new recommendation is to accept the bid from Butch Wilson at $375.00 for plowing and $225.00 for sanding per snow event.  Geralyn made motion to approve the bid to pay on a per storm basis for plowing and sanding.  Board approved. David said last year the Green Mountain board approved increasing the lunch prices to $2.50 per lunch and $1.00 for breakfast beginning with the second semester.  These increases did not happen.  These will be the prices for the new 2009/2010 school year though. Green Mountain Board Minutes                  8/13/09                        Page 3 Superintendent Report – David said he is happy to be here to work with everyone and he is looking forward to a long-term relationship. Para-Educator - Reduction In Force – David asked for board permission to send a RIF letter to the least senior para staff member.  Jack moved to allow the Superintendent to send a RIF letter to the least senior para staff member.  Board approved. Relocation of Early Education Offices – David said there are real space crunches at the barn office at the central office location.  He would like to request a re-location for some of the early education staff to Green Mountain.  Tom has offered some space to house some of our people.  It will also put the early ed staff closer to the Early Education/Head Start Program.  David will recommend to the Supervisory Union board to budget for expense money to use space at Green Mountain in next year’s budget.  He asked the board not to set a rent cost for this year but to approve the move for this year.  The S.U. central office has acquired some large unexpected expenses because of the mold situation in the basement at the central office.  The S.U. paid for having mold removed from files and also legal expenses.  The landlord has put in a cement floor in the basement and put in drainage and a cement apron outside to control the water problem. Tom talked about the affect on Green Mountain by having the four early ed staff in the building, he does not feel there will be a big impact on the school and no students well be displaced. Gene made motion to approve moving the four early ed staff to Green Mountain at no additional cost for this year.  Board approved. Title I School Status – What it Means for Green Mountain – David explained that Title I is a poverty grant.  He said the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) is providing monies and a calculation was done using numbers of GM students getting Medicaid services to allow GM to get Title I funds.  He explained requirements GM would have to meet to get these monies.  His recommendation is for the high school to participate in the Title I grant, he thinks this is a good thing for G.M., we should take advantage of this program in the best interest of the school.  David said the board needs to endorse and understand what this means for the school.  Discussion ensued and David said it will require us to do business a little differently. Upcoming Teacher Contract Negotiations Update - David said there have been some changes by the State regarding contract negotiations. The Executive Board will meet and members of each school board will be appointed to be part of the collective bargaining unit with the teachers of the full supervisory union.  This should begin in September and we will work with Attorney Dennis Wells on this.  It is now law to have a district-wide teacher’s contract. Principal Report – Start of School Year Activities – Tom reported that letters and schedules have been mailed out.  Fall sports start on August 17th.  Parent’s night will be on the evening of the 17th.  The 7th grade orientation will be Monday August 31st.   Pam O’Neil said that the schedules are done and we are good to go.  Tom said the building is getting a lot of work done to it.  Alison said the building is looking great and kudos to the maintenance staff. Green Mountain Board Minutes                  8/13/09                        Page 4 Fall Schedule Update – Pam said we are enrolling 10 to 12 new students in grades 7 – 12.  The middle school students will have Physical Education two to three times/week by implementing a rotating schedule.  A copy of the middle school schedule was distributed to the board.  The high school schedule is going to remain the same with three blocks and one split block. Student Representative Report – Tom Ferenc reported that Christina Sabo will be the new board representative.  The policy will be checked on for student representatives. Policy Adoptions – Geralyn made motion to adopt F-44 – Senior Student Privileges and D-6 – Substitute Teachers.  Board approved as presented.                                                Gene made motion to accept the Green Mountain Goals.  Board approved unanimously.      Committee Reports – None. Public Comment: None Executive Session – If Necessary – None Other Business – Tom received a resignation letter from Ausra Brooks – P.E. teacher and A.D.  Alison made motion to approve accepting Ausra’s resignation with much regret and thanks.  Board approved.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Adjournment:  Gene moved to adjourn, board approved. Adjournment at 8:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary. Green Mountain Union High School Board Retreat Minutes July 9, 2009 Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Mark Huntley   Administration Present: David Adams – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal,Tom Burke- Associate Principal, Pam O’Neil -  Director of Guidance    Public Present:  Norm Bartlett – VT NEA, Charlene Albee, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary   Call to Order:Chair called meeting to order at 3:01 p.m.   Executive Session: Jack Coleman made motion to enter Executive Session at 3:02 p.m.  Board approved.  Geralyn Donohue made motion to come out of Executive Session at 3:46 p.m. Jack Coleman made motion to deny grievance as presented to the Board on July 9, 2009. Board voted in the affirmative.   Approval of Minutes of June 11, 2009 – Jack moved approval of minutes.  Geralyn had a correction under hiring.  “Geralyn asked if Ashley Newton had experience teaching middle school.  Joan said Ashley had taken a class in Adolescent Development”.  Geralyn had a second correction under Policies: Under the Senior Student Privileges Policy it should state that “seniors can arrive at the time of their first class and leave at the end of their last class”.  Board approved minutes as amended.   Administrative: Tom Ferenc – Green Mountain Principal reviewed the following items: Year End Review: He and Pam O’Neil talked about this and said they offered six additional AP classes this past year. Pam said 28 students took 58 exams for 11 AP classes.  Five of the AP classes were virtual classes and six were Green Mountain classes. Pam then gave a review of the AP classes offered. NECAP Scores: Tom reported that the juniors had a 33% increase in their writing scores and it was the largest in the State.  He talked about what they are going to do with the upcoming juniors to get them geared up for the test. Virtual High School: Pam said that 24 students took 30 blocks for virtual high school.  She had to buy seats from another school to get all of the students into virtual high school.  She said that virtual high school is for juniors and seniors and she feels this program has been a great success. Senior Highlights: Tom said that 56 seniors graduated and that 72% are going on to a 2 or 4 year college.  Two students did not graduate.  Student Survey: This is the second year the Student Government has done this survey.  It gives the administration a pulse on the school climate and they plan to continue using this survey. Student Advisories: The advisories are being used as a way to make connections with kids outside of academic areas.  Staff and kids were asked their preferences in several areas and then matches were made between the staff and students.   This is a good way to help kids have an adult they can talk to and connect with outside of the classroom.  Diversity and Equity Committee:  Tom explained that this is a district initiative and the committee meets all year with the Vermont Partnership Group out of Brattleboro.  He talked about the different things they do to prepare our kids to go out into a diverse world that is much different than Vermont. Living Greener:  Tom Burke said they looked at things from last year that they did to help the ecosystem.  Milk cartons were emptied and recycled, Styrofoam use was decreased, they did a Green Mountain Board Minutes                  7/9/09                       Page 2   trash on the lawn initiative for recycling, there were curriculum infusions in the classrooms, the school purchased greener products, idling of buses was stopped.  There were several notable things that happened at Green Mountain.  Tom Ferenc said they are consciously making an effort to be greener in what is done at the school.  Alison asked if the copier copy numbers can be reduced.  This will be looked into. Critical Friends Group – Professional Learning Community: – Tom said this is a formal program Green Mountain uses to create a professional learning community to improve student learning.  The teachers can look at it and tie it back to instruction.  Outdoor Education: Tom Ferenc said he and Shawn Lambert went on the Green Mountain trails yesterday. He said the trail system is beautiful.  They are developing a wilderness course for students that will be taught by Allan Garvin.  A Leadership Course will be held this summer and 8 or 9 students have signed up to participate.  A part of the course will be to walk 80 – 90 miles of the Long Trail and there will be a writing assignment for the students as well.  Gene Bont said he is so excited that this trail system has finally happened and that he wanted it to happen when he was on the school board 30 years ago but it never did. Focused Monitoring: This is a special education program.  Tom said Green Mountain is on a 3 year improvement program as 79% of our special education students are not mainstreamed and this number is very high in comparison to the rest of the state.  Special education students need to be in the classrooms.  The Green Mountain special education program is being re-vamped for the new school year.  Gene Bont asked about an IEP(Individual Education Plan) for every student.  Tom Ferenc said they are working on this.   2008-2009 Budget Status: Alison said she and Ruth walked through the budget today and it looks good. Maintenance is over but only because of the cost of heating oil.  Right now it looks like a surplus of$40,000.00 so more of the deficit can be retired.  Alison said this past year the board put $5,000.00 in the Capital Improvement Fund and she asked the board if they wanted to move$5,000.00 into the Capital Improvement Fund which is a line item in the budget.  The Board put $5,000.00towards the trail system last August. Gene agreed that it would be a good idea to transfer $5,000.00 to the Capital Improvement Fund.  Alison said the will reduce the surplus to $35,000.00. Board agreed.   Approval of use of Medicaid Funds: Tom Ferenc asked for permission to send contracts to the two summer school program teachers.  He would also like to send a contract to Allan Garvin for the Wilderness Program and this one would be paid with Medicaid funds. Geralyn asked why  summer school program students failing the program are dropped after just 2weeks.  Tom said this is the half-way point of the program.  He agreed to look into why this is happening. Gene said he did not think this was a radical procedure.  Jack moved,Alison seconded to approve contracts. Board approved with Geralyn voting no.  Motion passed. Alison then made motion to use Medicaid funds in the amount of $2,750.00 to support the detention monitor for the 2009-2010 school year; the Education Support Program in the amount of$14,500.00; the Associate Principal salary in the amount of $25,000.00 and the substance abuse counselor in amount of $7,000.00.  Arne seconded. Board approved motion with Geralyn objecting to the detention monitor and the Educational Support Program. Tom Ferenc then asked the board to approve additional Medicaid money in the amount of $560.65 for the detention monitor and$2,142.89 for the after school program for the 2008-2009 school year as costs were more than expected.  Alison made motion to approve the expenditure of Medicaid funds to cover costs for the2008-2009 school year.  Mark seconded.  Board approved. Tom Ference then asked for permission to fund an additional person to work as a counselor along with the HCRS drug counselor in a full-time position for $40,000.00 to be paid with Medicaid Green Mountain Board Minutes                 7/9/09                       Page 3   funds.  Bill suggested trying this for one year and if it doesn’t work go to a part-time position.  Geralyn made the motion to fund a school counselor for the2009-2010 school-year in the amount of $40,000.00.  Arne seconded. Board approved the new position unanimously.  David said a job description should be put together for this position.  Green Mountain now has a3 day/week HCRS person and a 3 day/week substance abuse counselor.  The new position will give Green Mountain a third full-time person.   Approval of Technology Plan: The board was told that this plan was due at the state on June 30th.  The board has not received this plan to review it.  It was decided to have Rick King come to the next board meeting to give a presentation on this plan.  This agenda item was tabled until the August meeting.   Approval of Banking Agreement:  At the June board meeting the board approved having Bill, Alison and Meredith meet and decide on the bank bids.  Alison said this year the bids are different than in the past.  They reviewed the bids and it is recommended that we borrow from Chittenden with a line of credit, we will only borrow what we need, at 1.95% through December 15th when taxes are due and the influx of money comes in. Alison made motion to borrow money from Chittenden Bank, Gene seconded.  Board approved resolution unanimously.   5:30 p.m. – Dinner break was taken. 6:15 p.m. – Board reconvened.(Jack Coleman left after dinner for another commitment)   Transformation of Education: What is it? What might it mean for Green Mountain? – Tom Ferenc said the administration has set their goals for the 2009-2010 school year using the state information on this program. He reviewed the goals that he, Tom Burke and Pam O’Neil have set for Green Mountain.  Tom said he has asked Linda Waite and Lauren Baker to develop a survey regarding technology for WSWSU teachers to help the administration see what areas they need to have professional development in.  Tom said they want to develop a 3-5 year strategic plan for Green Mountain. The goals they set are: #1 –Professional Learning Community  #2– Project Based Learning  #3 –Culture and Climate  #4 – Develop a3-5 year Strategic Plan. A lengthy discussion of Carnegie credits and ways for students to acquire them for graduation requirements took place. Pam said they were charged with putting physical education in the middle school two to three times/week.  She explained that they will work on a rotating A-B-C day schedule for period six doing PE –Band/Tutorial – Chorus/Tutorial on these days.  The board thanked her for accomplishing this.   Upcoming Contract Negotiations: Concern/Topics to be Addressed – Bill said the board needs to start thinking about negotiations and that there are several serious areas to be looked at.  Alison said that we have to start thinking about negotiating a supervisory union wide contract this time.  Dennis Wells, our Attorney, said that we really should start from scratch with this new contract.  She said a negotiating team would be formed to bargain with all the schools. The Cavendish contract does not run out until 2012 but they should still be involved in the negotiations. David said the three Education Association’s in Windsor Southwest have already re-formed, reorganized and have new by-laws.  Alison feels that this new contract will also include all the WSWSU teacher employees who are now not covered by a contract.  Bill asked all the board members to read the current contract to be aware of what it contains.     Green Mountain Board Minutes                 7/9/09                       Page 4   First Read of Policies: F-44 – Senior Student Privileges- Geralyn reviewed the policy. Discussion ensued and changes were made for adoption at the next meeting. D-6 Substitute Teachers – Geralyn explained the changes, additions and deletions to this policy.  An orientation for all new substitute teachers will now be required.  This will be presented for adoption at the next meeting.   Review of Last year’s Goals: The board reviewed and talked about goals at an earlier meeting.    Goals for Next year: This item will be brought to the next meeting.   Public Comment:None.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         Executive Session – If Necessary - None.   Other Business - Alison said that three River Valley Technical Center students from manufacturing and engineering went to Michigan to compete with their projects and walked away with the National Championship.  Alison said the board needs to understand more about what it means for Green Mountain to become a Title I school, this should be on a future agenda.   Adjournment:  Mark moved to adjourn, board approved.  Adjournment at 8:35p.m. . Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary.   Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes June 11, 2009         5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Gene Bont Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal, Pam OíNeil - Director of Guidance Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Janet Currier -Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 5:02 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of May 7th and 19th 2009:  Alison moved approval, Gene seconded.  Alison said under on the May 7th minutes under Superintendentís Report - line 2 - it should state .875 for Mike Kelly and .873 for Jane Mitchell as their previous FTEís that they are being reinstated to full-time from.  Board approve as amended. Reports: Superintendent Report - Joan Paustian:  a) Approve Snow Removal Bid- Joan said that 3 out of 4 companies submitted bids.  Meredith is recommending hiring Butch Wilson to do the snow removal for Green Mountain and to hire Mike Waysville to shovel the roof as necessary.  Discussion of price increases ensued.  Alison said that $7,500.00 has been budgeted for the 2009-2010 school year.  Joan said the $10,000 bid would be good for the next 3 years at that price each year.  If we approve the per storm price it will have to be renegotiated each year.  Gene made motion to go with recommendation of $10,000.00 for the upcoming year.  Board approved with Geralyn voting no.  b)  Bank Bids - Joan told the board that Meredith has not yet received the information necessary for bidding approval.  Joan said the board can meet again this month or the board can approve having Bill, Alison and Meredith meet to make the approval.  Gene made motion to approve having Bill, Alison and Meredith meet and make this decision.  Board approved.  c) Hiring - Social Studies Position - Joan said the administration is recommending that the board approve hiring Ashley Newton as the new Social Studies teacher.  She has a Bachelors degree in Social Studies and has taught four years in Randolph and South Royalton, Vermont at the middle school level and she is a highly qualified teacher.  Tom explained the process that is followed by having the candidates come into Green Mountain and teach a lesson as part of the interview process.  The administration observes the class being taught.  Tom and Arne said there was a good pool of candidates to draw from.  Arne made motion to hire Ashley Newton as the new Social Studies teacher for the middle school.  Board approved unanimously.  d) International Wood Fuels (IWF) Update - Joan said she brought the two vice presidents of IWF for a meeting at Green Mountain.  They typically do not do a system as small as GM but they did come and talk to us.  Arne said it looks promising and he explained what would happen if things work out so that we can use them for a new wood pellet heating system at Green Mountain. Joan reported that she had received end of activity letters from Cynthia Austin, Scott Renfro, Fritz Wendlandt, Howard Paul and Sharon Jonynas and they will receive their pay.  She then asked the board to approve letting Ruth pay the people who have not yet turned in their reports in order to be paid.  Board approved. Joan said the Opportunities In Learning students were not attending school long enough each day and this was noted in the Focus Monitoring.  She explained the new busing procedure that will Green Mountain Board Minutes             June 11, 2009                                               Page 2 give these students a longer school day - from 4 hours and 50 minutes to 6 hours and 20 minutes per day. Joan reviewed the Legislative Education Report and said she will forward this to the board members.  She reviewed several areas and said that the Medicaid grant was reinstated and that this is really good for the schools. Joan then said this would be her last Green Mountain Board meeting and she thanked the Green Mountain board and the three communities for allowing her to work with them.  Bill said everyone has enjoyed working with her and wished her good luck in her new position. Principal - Tom Ferenc - a) End of Year School Year Activities Update - Tom said he attended the River Valley Technical Center end of year awards ceremony and several of our students received awards.  The Green Mountain move up day was a success.  Tomorrow night (Friday, June 12th) is Senior Awards night and last night (Wednesday, June 10th) the Sports Banquet was held.  Alaina Savage is a State Champion in Track.  Green Mountain Graduation will be held on Friday, June 19th.  The 7th grade will be at Echo Lake tomorrow for their end of year trip.  b) Outdoor Leadership Program - Medicaid Funds - Tom asked the board to approve the use of Medicaid funds in the amount of $5,510.00 for an Outdoor Leadership Program this summer.  Information hand-outs were given to the board.  Tom said Allan Garvin, Green Mountain Wilderness Teacher will run the program and his wife Allie Oswald will also be involved.  The program is for upcoming seniors.  There are folks who will stand by to be instructors.  The program will include a hike of approximately 60 to 80 miles on the Long Trail.  A writing assignment will be required.  So far six students have signed up.  The program will take place the week of August 9th through the 14th.  Jack made the motion to approve this program and the use of Medicaid Funds.  Gene seconded.  Board approved.   c)  Title II - A Funds - Middle School Curriculum - Tom said they are looking to do project based learning with the middle school students in the mornings next year.  A hand out was given to the board to be read as homework.  Tom said they hope to be able to move this forward to 9th grade in the future.  Jim Moulton will work with the teachers to set up projects to be done with the students.  Tom thanked Joan for her time and energy the past two years and he wished her well. Student Representative Report - None.         Committee Reports - Facilities - Arne said they are working on voice evacuation for the cafeteria and the gym, roof vents, the parking lot was painted by the GM crew, new backboards in the gym.  He said GM was visited by a member of the Vermont Superintendentís Association for the area of energy use.  Sandy LaFlamme stopped by GM and will give us a report on how we can upgrade the lighting.  Arne said Joan hooked GM up with IWF (International Wood Fuels) and there is a chance we might qualify for a wood pellet boiler system.  The company would provide all equipment and do all the maintenance, etc.  We would have to enter a 10 year contract with them to buy wood pellets from them exclusively.  Arne said this is just the beginning but it looks pretty promising.  This would be sustainable energy from the New England area and it would be much cleaner than what we are doing now.  If it works out it would be of little or no expense to Green Mountain to get everything changed over and set up.  Tom said that an engineer will come into Green Mountain and count the lights in the school as per Sandy LaFlamme regarding the lighting study.  Arne said there is now a 0% interest program for school projects.   Policy Committee - Geralyn said she would like to have the Senior Student Privileges Policy Green Mountain Board Minutes             June 11, 2009                                               Page 3 reviewed.  She read the changes in the disciplinary and consequences area.  She said another change is that seniors can come in late during the day when they have a class late in the day but they can not come and go during the day.  It was decided with all the changes this policy should be warned on the next agenda. Finance - Alison said that Meredith put $60,000.00 in the pay down of the deficit for this year.  So far Ruth thinks we are going to break even with no deficit in the budget.  Tom said that Green Mountain has to buy a Genie Lift for the school.  He thinks the maintenance staff will only refurbish one classroom this summer instead of three. Discussion with Public:  None. Executive Session:  Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:04 p.m. to discuss a contract issue and included Tom Ferenc, Joan Paustian, Tom Burke and Pam OíNeil in the Executive Session. Gene made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:10 p.m.  Board approved. No further action was taken. Other Business:  Jack gave the board an article for News Week entitled ìPeanut-Butter Politics - Education Funding is a Sticky Issueî.  Jack said he feels that Green Mountain has a really good board now but that we are not using the board.  He feels questions are not being asked about the progress of the school in order to make it a stronger school.  He wants to have a serious discussion with the board about the concept of merit pay.  He feels that assuming all our teachers are satisfactory is dangerous.  He wants the board to be aiming higher.  Bill said next year we will be entering negotiations and merit pay can be discussed further.  Gene said there has been discussion about a board retreat and he thinks this is a good issue for the retreat.  Bill said he wants the board to review the board goals and how they feel the board has done with regard to these goals as a homework item for the next meeting.  Gene said he feels if the board has materials and information to read they can do as well as having a person come in to present to the board.  Bill asked if the board members would like to have a retreat.  The consensus was yes.  It was decided to have the retreat start in the afternoon and go into the evening.  It was decided to hold it July 9th to begin at 3:00 p.m. and to have dinner.  It will be held at the News Bank Conference Center.  Alison said she would notify the incoming Superintendent - David Adams. Alison said she would like to have the administration and board look at keeping the middle school in school when the high school students are taking exams next year. Items for the retreat are: Merit Pay; Goals; Personal Learning Plans; Transformation of Education. Adjournment - Gene made motion to adjourn meeting at 6:40 p.m. Alison seconded.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                           UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes April 9, 2009         5:00 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Gene Bont, Marlee O’Neil  Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc –Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Scott McNally, Henry Dent, Andrew Dent, Dottie Therien, Mary Barton, Sheila McDonald, Mark Bodin, Josh O’Gormaner – Rutland Herald, Leo Graham, Michael Ripley, Charlene Albee,Karen Surma, Pam O’Neil, Anne Kipp, Abby Mnookin, Peggy Svec, Joseph Dexter,Mark Curran, Townsend and Carol Gilbert, Jane Mitchell, Janet Currier–Recording Secretary   Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at5:02 p.m.              Approval of Minutes of March 26, 2009:Alison made motion to approve minutes as presented.  Gene seconded. Board approved.               Executive Session -Personnel:  Alison made motion at 5:03 p.m. to enter Executive Session.  Board approved.  Alison made motion to come out of Executive session at 5:16 p.m. Gene seconded.  Board approved.  Tom Ferenc recommended that the board to restore Abby Mnookin’s contract to teach Science to a full-time contract and he explained the reasons, another section of math is needed and Jon Rice will be moved from science to math to cover that section. Gene made motion to restore Abby’s contract to a full-time contract.  Alison said that they are expecting a savings in fuel oil to cover this contract cost increase.  Board approved unanimously.   Approval of Warning for Budget Re-Vote: Bill talked about things that have been done to prepare for the budget re-vote.  Alison said some people that she talked to wanted a level funded budget and some just wanted it to go down some.  Jack said he heard from some taxpayers who thought the budget should stay with the original one presented.  Mark Bodin – Budget Committee Chair said he felt their letter in the Annual Report was pretty clear.  Their goal was to look at a low increase budget.  Carol Gilbert asked if any of the suggestions that were made by the Budget Committee had been looked at by the board for making possible cuts in the budget.  She felt taking several pieces of several positions was more harmful than taking a single whole position.  Alison responded that there was no single whole position that could be eliminated.  Alison said they hope to do re-vote on May 5thand hold the Budget Information Meeting on Monday, May 4th.  Jack said the Board is organizing a process to try to get a better turn out for the vote.  Bill asked the board for comments on the budget amount.  Mark Bodin said there is a misperception about Green Mountain by the voters and the Board needs to get ahead of it.  He said there are a lot of myths about Green Mountain out there that are not true.  Abby Mnookin said she has been talking to Green Mountain staff that would be willing to make phone calls to get voters out.  She asked what happens if the budget is level funded and there is another no vote, then what will the board do?  She feels the budget should be between level-funded and 1.5%.  Jack asked what happens next year if they level fund the budget this year.  Arne said there is “poisoned”information being spread in the community about Green Mountain.  Alison said if a Green Mountain Board Minutes            April 9, 2009                                              Page 2   level-funded budget goes down she would want to put that same budget out there again for re- vote. Arne made motion to level fund the budget at $5,508,073.00 and to vote on Tuesday May 5, 2009 and hold the Informational Meeting on Monday, May 4, 2 009.  Board approved motion. Alison made motion to approve the Warnings for the re-vote and the Public Informational Meeting.   Jack seconded.  Gene asked if it would be better to hold Informational meetings in Andover, Cavendish and Chester.  He was told that in the past this had been tried and very few people turned out.  Board approved motion unanimously. Alison talked about some of the Public Relations things that can be done to get the information out to the public.  This budget being level funded also level funds the Green Mountain tax rate. Mark Huntley felt sending a postcard is the best idea.  Carol Gilbert said she feels that a piece should be put in the paper explaining the new amount and the changes made to get to this new amount.  Mark Bodin suggested getting the kids involved in getting their parents out to vote.  Christina Sabo said as a junior at Green Mountain she is speaking to represent the students at Green Mountain who want to keep their education and futures safe.  The students will be available to help with getting the budget passed.  Abby Mnookin said she feels the public should know what was lost to get this budget passed.   Reports:   Superintendent: Joan said that Tom has recommended Deb Franks and Ausra Brooks to work in the E.S.P. (Educational Support Program) and to be paid at the same rate as others working in the program funded by Medicaid money.  Geralyn made motion to approve Deb and Ausra to work in the Education Support Program and to be paid with Medicaid funds.  Board approved.    Joan said she has received end of season letters from Terry Farrell, Amanda Bourque, Coach Gillam, Eric Anderson and Michael Hyjeck and they will receive their pay. Joan talked about MAPS testing that is taking place now.  Green Mountain and Cavendish have each received an additional $5,000.00 in MicroSoft money.  Joan said that because of the Focus Monitoring for Special Education in Windsor Southwest, the teaching day at Opportunities will have to be extended so busing is being looked at to see how we can make a longer day happen.  Geralyn asked if the board could receive a report on how the MicroSoft money will be spent.   Principal –Tom Ferenc –Tom welcomed Marlee O’Neil back. Student Survey- Tom said the student survey was given again and the students would like to come to present the results to the board at the next meeting.  Update on Hiring – Social Studies Teacher – Tom reported that they are half way through the Social Studies interviews.  Other -Tom said that Green Mountain received a check from Intel Science for $1,000.00 because of Joseph Dexter winning in their competition.  Joseph also won the National Merit Scholarship in the amount of $2,500.00.  Tom said that he received a nice letter from Chester Fire Chief – Jeff Holden thanking Green Mountain for allowing the use of the building for Aaron Douglas’ funeral.  Tom said that Scott Adams the Vermont Fire Marshall and he have been talking and Scott is going to be prioritizing Green Mountain projects.  Tom said that the Genie lift that is used to get up to the ceiling lights has quit working and they are looking at prices for another one to replace it.  Tom said that they are looking at having a parent support room in the school and they want to get surveys into the community to see what the perception of Green Mountain is.  Report cards for the third quarter are being stuffed into envelopes and will be going out in the mail.  Tom sent information on our NECAP scores and his bet with the students and eventual haircut to the Principal Leadership Green Mountain Board Minutes            April 9, 2009                                      Page 3   Magazine and the article was run.  Andrew Dent a GM 7thgrader recently placed 4th in the State GEO-BEE and he was on television being interviewed. Andrew was present at the meeting and received a round of applause.   Student Representative Report – Marlee said they are going to do a “Trash on the Lawn” day next Friday to see how much they are saving by recycling.    Committee Reports – Arne (Facilities and Transportation Committee) said they have another version of the bus lease and will be looking at it.  They are looking at a $12,000 grant to help with replacing doors, risers, the stage backing and seating in the gym.  He said that they are looking at trees around the school grounds that are dead or dying that need to come down.  He said they are going to go through Efficiency Vermont to see what we can do about new lighting and see if we can get financial help.  Public Comment:  Townsend Gilbert asked if anything has been done with school choice and having the money follow the students.  Joan said the Legislature has passed the bill to keep the pilot program as it is and no money will follow the students.  He asked about the meetings with Ludlow and what has been happening with this. Alison said with budget season they have not met.  Townsend asked about all the land that GM owns and if anything as been looked at to get revenues from this land.  Bill said the voters turned down taking gravel off the property and a forester came and looked at the trees but said we didn’t have much there worth harvesting. Townsend then asked what the backgrounds of the two new people who were recommended for the Education Support Program are and how will they benefit the students?  Tom said they are both certified teachers.  Townsend asked if kids in the after school program are tested to see why they are having difficulty in certain classes.  Tom said they do look at what is going on in the student’s lives and try to figure out why they are having problems. There is individualized instruction going on in this program; it is not a homework club although there is a homework club at GM.  More discussion followed. Alison said the school choice in/out of students is pretty even now.  Townsend asked if the kids in the after school program are mostly athletes and Tom said no.  Tom said they are working to teach the kids organization and to focus on getting their work done as well as keep their grades up.   Executive Session:  None.     Other Business:  None.    Adjournment – Mark made motion to adjourn meeting at 6:37 p.m.Alison seconded.  Board approved.   Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier  Recording Secretary   Green Mountain Union High School Thursday, March 26, 2009 – 5:00p.m.                                                                                            Unapproved Minutes Present Board:  Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Dr. Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donahue, and Marjorie Munroe          Administration:  Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal, Joan Paustian – Superintendent, and Meredith Austin-Business Manager   Public/Staff:  SAPA-TV, Virginia Walsh Mack-Recording Secretary, Pam and Ed Laffaye, Leo Graham, Mary Barton, Charlene Albee, Dottie Therien, Gary Baker, Allan Garvin, Derek Baker, Rachel Root, Karen Surma, Peggy Svec, Abbie Mnookin Call to Order Bill called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Approval of Minutes for March 12, 2009 Alison made a motion to approve the minutes of March 12, 2009 as presented.  Correction under education:  Bottom paragraph: add a decimal point to read .5 FTE. Motion approved as amended. Approval of Revised 2009-2010 Budget Amount Alison said the finance committee met last week and looked at the prospective from the community and staff.  The recommendation is to level fund the budget for next year.  The reduction amount is $88,120.  The budget must be warned 7 days prior to the vote; the recommendation is for the vote to be May 5th.  Arne made a motion to level fund the budget for the 2009-2010 school year as presented.  Mark seconded.  Discussion ensued.  Jack said he approves this sadly; he thought we should have tried to go back to the voters with the same budget.  Bill said they have difficult decisions to make.  Alison said community members indicated they did not want the board to come back with the same vote.  Abbie Mnookin said she appreciates the board working on this budget.  She indicated that the board said they would try to go between level funding and 1.5%.  She said there has been no P.R. work done and she doesn’t think 94 votes are too many to turn around.  Leo said the town has been level funding for years and now they are trying to catch up.  Mark asked what has to be done now.  Alison said they could table the motion until the next meeting.  Dr. Bont said he thinks that is a good idea.  Discussion ensued.  Geralyn said the CAES budget passed by a small margin.   Geralyn asked Joan about the stimulus monies that are coming.  Joan said none of the monies can be used for existing programs or staff.  She said there are a lot of tags on this money; the federal government has put the restrictions on the money.  Leo suggested the Board run a campaign with the same budget.  Discussion ensued. Pam Laffaye said she thinks they can come back with the same budget.  Alison said the budget committee is not here and maybe they can come back to discuss this; they could table the motion.  Mark said if there is a support group that could help which would be great.  Arne withdrew his motion to approve the proposed budget.  Discussion ensued.  Bill asked all board members to talk to the people in their communities to get input.             Superintendent Report Joan said she has the warrants for signatures.  Joan presented the board with the spring coaching contracts.  Alison made a motion to approve the coaching contracts as presented.  Motion approved. Joan said the department of education has a huge list of schools doing construction projects and she would like our projects on the list. Tom said he has the information and he is working on it.  The code issues are priority. Joan presented the board with a draft of the 2009-2010 school calendar.  The commissioner upheld the ruling to abide by the regional calendar (tech center).  Joan is filing a formal letter to the commissioner requesting a small change in our calendar because our master contract does not allow parent/teacher conferences on Fridays.    Principal Report Tom asked for approval of the Grand Canyon trip for next year.  Tom read Dr. Rice’s request. Dr. Bont made a motion to approve the Grand Canyon trip.  Motion approved. Tom sent a letter to the Secretary of Education regarding our test scores.  He asked the secretary to measure student’s progress individually.   Update on 2008-2009 Goals Tom gave the board a handout of the GMUHS Administration’s goals.  He said everything on the list is a talking point.  He highlighted these points.  Discussion ensued. Geralyn said Tom F and Tom B have been very gracious with meeting with the parents group and listening to their concerns.        Art Show Recognition Tom introduced Derek Baker, winner of a prestigious art competition that was held in Lebanon NH.  Tom said Acadia Cutschall won honorable mention.  Derek shared some of his work with the board.  He entered three pieces and sold one of them.  He said 16 schools and 100 students participated.  Derek explained his pieces.  Tom said they are very proud of the students and Ethan Lima, the student’s art teacher. Student Representative Report Marjorie congratulated fellow students on their accomplishments. The school musical “Into the Woods” is April 9th, 10th and 11th. The Washington D.C. trip is coming up. Committees The bus draft has been given to the facilities committee. Other Business Jack said he hopes for a discussion on faculty development, he would like to know the criteria for support.  This will go on the next agenda. Jack would like in depth reports in art and music relative to testing. Executive Session Alison made a motion to go into executive session to discuss negotiations at 7:02 p.m.  Motion approved.  Alison made a motion to come out of executive session at 6:35 p.m.  Motion approved. No action taken. Adjournment Alison made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh Mack Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes March 12, 2009    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present: Kevin Forrest -SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Katie Beth Ryan – Eagle Times, Paul Dexter, Paul Boyle, Barbara Crawford, Michelle Robidoux, Robin and Nick Trask, Keith Hill, Michael Kelly, Kelly Goodrich, Ausra Brooks, Abigail Mnookin, Theresa Buskey, Allan Garvin, Jon Peters, Meredith Austin – WSWSU, Jackie McCuin – WSWSU, Jon Rice, Kelley Brennan, Karen Surma, Cindi Austin, Christa Valente, Ethan Lima, Carley Stauffer, Shelby Glover, Christian Sabo, Sara Groshens, Jade Lily, Brianna Hertford, Fritz Wendlandt, Anne Kipp, Julie Walton, Charlene Albee, Joseph Dexter, Jane Mitchell, Debbie Franks, Norm Merrill, Jacqueline Peck, Ed Laffaye, Pam Laffaye, Sheila McDonald, Mary Barton, Mary-lynn Wright,  Janet Currier- Recording Secretary Call to Order – Joan Paustian called meeting to order at 5:02 p.m. Re-Organization of Board: Election of Officers:  Chair   Joan Paustian asked for nominations for Chair.  Alison nominated Bill Bourque.      Mark seconded.  Board voted unanimously in the affirmative.                   B)   Vice-Chair   Bill Bourque asked for nominations for Vice-Chair.  Jack nominated Alison DesLauriers.  Mark seconded.  Board voted unanimously in the affirmative.                   C)   Clerk    Bill Bourque asked for nominations for Clerk.  Mark nominated Arne Jonynas.  Alison seconded.  Board voted unanimously in the affirmative. Set Meeting Times and Dates:                        Alison made motion to meet on the second Thursday of each month at 5:00 p.m.  She                         said the fourth Thursday of each month could be for Board Committee Meetings.                        Board voted unanimously in the affirmative. Approval of Minutes of February 12, 2009 – Mark moved to approve minutes as presented.  Alison seconded.  Board approved. Executive Session – Personnel – Alison made motion to enter Executive Session to discuss contracts and personnel at 5:05 p.m. and to include Joan Paustian, Tom Ferenc, Tom Burke and Pam O’Neil.  Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 5:45 p.m.  Bill seconded.  Board approved. Review of Budget Vote – Bill Bourque explained that because the Green Mountain budget was voted down the Green Mountain Finance Committee and the Administration have been looking at the budget to find ways to make cuts to further reduce the budget.  He said the board did not want to make cuts but they feel the public has let them know how they feel. Teacher Contracts/Reductions in Force – Joan Paustian read the list of RIF’s (Reduction In Force) and said these have been done to keep flexibility in areas that may need to be cut in the budget.  The following departments have been selected to have a position RIF’ed: Physical Education - .17 FTE; Special Education – 50 FTE; Business - .17 FTE; Music - .17 FTE; Library.125 FTE; Science - .17 FTE; Technical Education - .17 FTE; Language Arts - .17 FTE; Consumer Family Science - .17 FTE.  Arne made motion to approve the RIF’s as read.  Mark seconded.   Green Mountain Board Minutes            March 12, 2009                                                   Page 2 Brianna Hertford (a GM student) said she has had 2 classes with Ms. Mnookin, Biology and Anatomy, and she feels that Ms. Mnookin is a very good individual and teacher and it would be a huge loss to the school and the kids to cut her position.  Bill said when a position is cut it is the position that is being cut not the individual being cut. Anne Kipp – Chester Education Association President talked about the RIF’s and spoke about saving these positions.  She gave numbers of students and the number of teachers in several areas.  Anne said many of the students want to stay at Green Mountain with their friends and she does not feel that the kids should have to go to the Technical Center to take some of the courses that are being eliminated at Green Mountain.  Anne said we need to have an informed idea of what the voters want before cuts are made in the staff.  She reviewed several areas where the staff felt reductions could be made and said she hoped that the Board would consider these ideas and suggestions.  Jack Coleman said he wants to persuade the board to take the same budget back to the voters but everyone in this room will have to help get the word out to the voters to get out and vote to support the budget. Jon Peters asked how much the RIF’s came to in money and Bill said $96,000.00 or almost 1-1/2 teachers in terms of FTE.  Jon feels the board should listen to the teachers and the ideas they have for making cuts in the budget.  He said to include the students and the public in these discussions as well.  Jon said he feels more P.R. is needed to get the word out to the public. Pam Laffaye said she agrees with Jack about people not knowing the impact of the budget going down.  She feels that people should know how much the budget would increase their taxes.   Paul Dexter asked what the budget increase would be if these RIF’s are done and Bill replied just under 0% in the budget. Board approved motion to approve the RIF’s as presented. Joan Paustian then read the list of teachers, what they teach and the FTE of each position for contract approval.  Gene made motion to accept contracts as presented, Mark seconded.  Geralyn made motion to table approval of contracts until after Executive Session. Alison then asked the board what direction they want the Finance Committee to take and what they want for a number for the budget.  Arne said if we could get to 0% without cutting teachers he would be happy. Bill said he agrees with Jack’s idea of taking the same budget back to the voters and have more discussion with the public that the board members feel this is a good budget.  Mark thinks that some reduction in the budget has to be made before it is taken back to the voters.  Geralyn said we have to keep the quality of the school but let the voters know the board heard them.  Gene said we have heard from the students that they want to be here to learn.  Alison said her preference is to not have to make any cuts. Superintendent Report – Joan said she has end of activity reports from Elise Lisle and Jessica Clay and they will be paid for their extra curricular winter activities.  She reported that we have received a grant for $3,199.00 for food service equipment that is already in the building.  She said the VSBA is offering C.D.’s and Resource Directories for a fee for new board members and any other board members that are interested rather than holding a workshop this year.  Joan said she had an item that had to be approved and said that Green Mountain has received a bill for $3,965.70 for work done by Country Locks and Alarms and she would like approval from the board to pay for it out of the Capital Improvement Fund.  Arne said we are required to bring the Green Mountain alarm system up to code and this might be up to $50,000.00. Gene made motion to have this bill paid out of the Capital Improvement Fund, Alison seconded. Board approved unanimously. Joan said that Melissa Palmer a Green Mountain teacher is asking for maternity leave from the week of June 16, 2009 and for leave until September 21, 2009.  Jack moved approval, Alison seconded.  Board approved unanimously. Principal Report – Tom said they held a beautiful funeral service last Saturday for Green Mountain student Aaron Douglas, approximately 400 people attended.  It was an official Fire Department Ceremony. Tom said that Marjorie has a previous commitment and could not be here tonight. Green Mountain Board Minutes            March 12, 2009                                                   Page 3 Committees – None.     Public Comments – None.   Executive Session – Geralyn made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:52 p.m. to discuss a contract issue.  Board approved.  Mark made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:10 p.m.  Alison seconded.  Board approved.  No further motions were made. Other Business:  Joan reported that Tom has received a letter of resignation from Social Studies teacher, Mindybeth Gutzwiller.  Board approved resignation letter with regret and thanked her for her service to Green Mountain. Mark made motion to approve teacher contracts as presented and to authorize the Chair to sign the contracts, Arne seconded.  Board approved. Adjournment: Mark made motion to adjourn at 7:12 p.m.      Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                           APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes February 12, 2009    5:00 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair,Geralyn Donohue, Jack Coleman, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Gene Bont, Marjorie Munroe Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc –Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal, Linda Waite – Assistant Superintendent, Meredith Austin  -Business Manager   Public Present:  Chris Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Carmen Bodi, Michael Bodi, Paul Dexter, Leo Graham, Cameron Gray, Ed Brown – American Legion Commander, Peggy Svec, Keith Hill, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary   Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 5:04 p.m.               Approval of Minutes of January 22, 2009:Alison made motion to approve minutes as presented. Board approved.               Presentation of Diploma to Mr. Michael Bodi by Legion Commander Ed Brown and Superintendent Joan Paustian: Joan said that we are pleased to have Mr. Bodi present to receive his honorary diploma.  Ed Brown said Mike quit school at 15 to help his family and at 17 he joined the Navy.  Ed gave a brief review of Mike’s history and service background.  Ed said he was honored to represent the American Legion in this presentation.  Joan said she was proud to represent Green Mountain Union High School in the presentation of Mr. Bodi’s diploma.  Congratulations and a standing ovation was given by all present for Mr. Bodi.   Sociology Field Trip: Keith Hill is a first year teacher at Green Mountain.  He told the board that he would like to use a trip to New York City as the culmination of his Sociology class.  There are 15juniors and seniors going and 3 chaperones and he would like one more chaperone.  He said this class has been fund raising already.  Some of the things they want to see are: A Broadway Show; The Met; and the kids are to come up with a research question on social situations that they will make a decision from on what else to see while they are there.  Jack Coleman said they should most certainly visit China Town.  The trip will take place April 29th through May 1st and they will be gone for 2 nights.  Jack made motion to approve the Sociology Class going to New York City, Gene seconded.  Board approved unanimously.  Gene asked Keith if he would have the kids come to the board and report on their trip afterwards.  Keith said yes. Tom Ferenc said the Music and Drama Department are asking to take 50 kids from all grades to New York City to Broadway in March of 2010.  They would like to begin fund raising now if the board approves the trip.  Alison made the motion to approve the Music/Drama Department trip to New York City in March 2010 to visit Broadway.   Board approved unanimously.   Approve Maximum Announced Tuition per State Requirement: Joan said that $13,199.00 is the maximum allowed tuition that we can charge once our tuition amount is announced.  What is actually charged is up to the Board’s discretion.  Discussion followed.  Alison made motion to approved the maximum allowed tuition in the amount of $13,199.00.  Gene seconded. Board approved.     Green Mountain Board Minutes            February 12, 2009                                              Page 2   Proposal/Approval to set Tuition Amounts: Bill said the board would like to have a discussion on what is best for the school.  A change has been made by the State to include grades 7-8 at the same rate as grades 9-12.  Meredith explained more about the requirements.  Joan talked about the costs that makeup the tuition rates.  Alison said the amount that was discussed is $11,500.00 for a tuition rate.  Alison made motion to set the 2009-2010tuition rate as a fixed rate at $10,200.00 for grades 7 and 8 and $12,000.00for grades 9-12.  Board approved rates as set.   Proposal/Approval on Authorized Signatories for Warrants: Bill said that now we have to have four (4) signatures on the Warrants.  There is a State law that allows for one or two people to be designated to sign the Warrants.  Bill said this would make it much easier for the bookkeepers to get the Warrants signed.  Anyone on the board who wishes to still go in and review the back up paperwork and sign the Warrants can still do so.  Mark made motion to have the Chair and/or Vice Chair sign the Warrants.  Board approved.   Policy Revisions/Approvals: Geralyn made a motion to approve the three policies that were included in the board packets:F-19 Prevention of Harassment of Students; D-9 Alcohol and Drug-Free Workplace;F-38 Limited English Proficiency Students.   She reviewed the changes that were made to the Harassment Policy.  She explained that the procedures for the Limited English Proficiency Students are not part of the policy but she attached them so they don’t fall through the cracks.  Board approved policies as presented.  Geralyn said that once the policies are approved she would like to get them on the Green Mountain website.   Reports:   Superintendent: Joan reported that the Administrative Team met and discussed the snow days that have been used.  They decided to add a half-day of school on March 19th as a student day.  It was supposed to be a parent/teacher conference day or an in-service day.  This will take place at Chester-Andover, Flood Brook and Green Mountain.  Joan said that Steve Nelligan has submitted his letter at the end of the Middle School Girl’s basketball season so he will receive his check.  Joan said that Linda Waite worked with the State to get the numbers showing that we only have 1% of our classes at Green Mountain that are not taught by highly qualified teachers. Linda said it is actually under 1% but the State doesn’t break it down any further.  These numbers are for the 2007-2008 school year.  Joan then reported that on January 7th she received a document about background checks from Jeff Francis of the Vermont Superintendents Association in conjunction with John Nelson of the V.S.B.A..  She read the letter regarding volunteers in the school. Tom has put into place that all volunteers must go through the Volunteer background check.  Joan said it is her responsibility to make sure that volunteers are required to go through background checks.  She will recommend that the policy committee look at this issue.  Joan said that on November 20thshe, Pam O’Neil, Tom Ferenc, Linda Waite and Rick King attended a conference on Transformation of Education at Lake Morey.  She distributed packets of information from the conference and talked about some of the changes that are being looked at through project-based learning.  Joan said that she received a call from Johanna Harpster, Superintendent at Bellows Falls regarding concerns Johanna has about the new school choice policy that Green Mountain has approved.  Joan said she will look at the policy and the wording changes and will get back to the board on this.   Green Mountain Board Minutes            February 12, 2009                                              Page 3   Principal –Tom Ferenc – NECAP Test Report - Tom said that Linda Waite is present and will give an in-depth report on the NECAP test scores.  Linda distributed handouts and then reviewed the handouts and scores in her report.  She said the Green Mountain students increased their NECAP scores greatly and that is why Mr. Ferenc is shorn tonight.  He challenged the junior class to bring up their NECAP scores by 10% and he would allow one of the juniors to shave his head.  The junior class surpassed his challenge in all areas.  Linda also discussed Annual Yearly Progress (AYP).    The Board thanked Linda for her report.  Website- Tom said that they have allowed for professional development time on ski Tuesdays and they have been working on the Green Mountain website. He encouraged everyone to go to the website and check out courses, teachers,etc.  Science Fair – Tom reported that the 7th grade Science Fair was held last night and it was very well attended.   Tom then congratulated on or our students – Joseph Dexter.  Joseph is the sole semi-finalist from Vermont in the Intel Science Talent Search and that he is also a finalist for the National Merit Scholarship. Tom said that everyone is very proud of Joseph.  Tom then talked about the handouts he gave the board and said they were for their homework reading.   Student Representative Report – Marjorie said that the Student Government is still tallying the student survey.  The kids are excited about second semester and especially vacation.  Class meetings are being held to plan activities for the rest of the year. Katie Bourque talked about the recycling program and said it is still going strong.    Committee Reports – Public Relations – Mark said they are working on some things to get out to the public soon with information about the budget.  Bill asked if AlertNow could be used to get a message out to parents to remind them it is voting day.  Bill asked for ideas of ways to get information out to the public. Mark thought about asking the Student Government to give positive comments about Green Mountain to put on the back of the flyers they are putting together.  Marjorie said she would take care of this.  Geralyn asked if a reminder to vote can be put on the Green Mountain sandwich board at the end of the driveway.  Joan said the Green Mountain Annual Meeting is on Tuesday, February 24thand the Chester-Andover Annual Meeting is on Thursday, February 26th.  She asked if the Green Mountain board would consider meeting early on Thursday or maybe prior to the Annual Meeting on Tuesday. Bill said if they find they do need to meet then the board would meet at 6:00 p.m. prior to the Green Mountain Annual Meeting scheduled for 7:00p.m.  Alison and Geralyn both said they will write letters supporting the budget to run in the papers.   Other – Geralyn reported that the Policy Committee met today and they are working on four more policies.    Arne said they are getting more information from Mount Holly Lock and Alarm Company because we now have to have the alarm system meet State system requirements.  He said the bus lease came in and it looks pretty straightforward.  Joan reminded the board that a Chester-Andover board member must be included in the bus lease meeting.  Gene said he has not been able to get the Education Committee together for a meeting.  They will meet on March 12that 4:00 p.m. at Green Mountain.   Discussion with Public:  None.   Executive Session:  Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at6:42 p.m. to discuss a student issue and included Tom Ferenc, Joan Paustian and Tom Burke in the Executive Session. Green Mountain Board Minutes            February 12, 2009                                              Page 4   Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:14 p.m.  Board approved.   Other Business:  Reminder that the Annual Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday,February 24th at 7:00 p.m. No further motions were made.   Adjournment – Arne made motion to adjourn meeting at 7:15 p.m. Alison seconded.  Board approved.   Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier  Recording Secretary   Green Mountain Union High School                           APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes January 22, 2009    5:00 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley Administration Present: Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present: Christopher Rosengrant – SAPA-TV, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Jack Carroll, Katie Beth Ryan– Eagle Times, Janet Currier- Recording Secretary   Call to Order –Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:09 p.m.   Approval of Minutes of January 8, 2009– Mark moved approval of minutes.  Gene seconded. Bill had a question under the Math Department Presentation – In line 14 it should state: Mary-lynn said yes the block schedule and their continuum are a problem.  Alison said under Budget the third sentence should read: We got a great offer from the Town of Chester for the purchase of diesel fuel and we hope for a better price on heating fuel as well.   Minutes were approved as amended.   Food Service Update – Jack Carroll – Tom Ferenc said the lunch prices would go up on February 2nd.  Jack said he has been at Green Mountain for 10 years and he has been involved in safety for handling foods.  He and his head cooks take a two-day very intensive course based on food handling and serving.  Jack currently manages food services at Green Mountain, Chester-Andover, Opportunities and Head Start. He is responsible for the free and reduced meals applications.  He talked about the changes they have made with their salads and now the kids are eating more salads.  He is always looking for ways to save money when he orders food supplies. The kitchen staff recycle everything they can and are looking at ways to recycle the milk cartons as well.  He has applied for equipment grants, a 50/50 matching grant and he hopes to get the grant for Green Mountain approved in order to get some new equipment.  Green Mountain belongs to a food-buying co-op in Vermont and this has saved a lot of money.  Jack explained the commodity program where we are reimbursed a percentage for every meal sold.  He said just in Green Mountain they are doing over 100 breakfasts each day.   All students who qualify for reduced lunch get a free breakfast this year and he hopes this will be carried into next year.  For the month of November 2006  there were 1746 paid lunches and month of November 2008 there were 1279 paid lunches so we are down some.  Jack said he tracks these numbers each month.  They are offering more options to keep the participation in the meals program up.  He is looking at ways to save money in labor costs next year and feels he can do this.  Jack Coleman asked if kids know who receives free and reduced meals and Jack Carroll told him there is no way the other kids know that information.  The students put their account number in and only their name comes up on the screen.  Discussion of obesity rates at Green Mountain took place.  Jack said they don’t offer desserts anymore. Jack teaches a course called A Healthy Cuisine for Kids to day care and Head Start people.  On the first Wednesday of each month Jack sponsors a Senior Citizens meal for Seniors in town.  The board thanked Jack and told him to keep up the good work.   Reports- Superintendent:  No report as the Superintendent was not present.   Principal Report –Co-Curricular Contracts Approval –Tom had the following co-curricular contracts for board approval: Steve Nelligan – Middle School Girl’s Basketball - $1,185.00; Betsy  Verillo – Snowboard Coach - $1,335.00;and Michael Hyjek – Middle School Boy’s Basketball - $1,185.00.  Alison moved approval of contracts as presented.  Board approved unanimously. Tom informed the board that a new HCRS Clinician has been hired to begin work on Monday and her name is Abbie Warren. NECAPS – The NECAP scores were released on January 20,2009 but they are embargoed until January 28, 2009.  Auditorium Update –On Inauguration Day Rick King set up the auditorium and they streamed the Inauguration Day Ceremonies for the students, Tom said it was a nice celebration.   Semester End Update – Tom said that Final Exams begin tomorrow through Tuesday.  The new semester begins next week.  Other – Tom has received a letter from INTELCo. and Society for  Green Mountain Board Minutes            January 22,2009                                         Page 2   Science, stating Joseph Dexter will go on to a National level competition.  Joseph will receive $1,000.00 for himself and $1,000.00 for Green Mountain.   Diversity and Equity Committee – Tom said this committee has been meeting and will be doing an inventory on diversity and equity materials in the school, i.e. Library, Curriculum,etc.  Survey – The students have completed this week a survey like the one the Student Government did last year.  The staff compiled a list of interests and the students were asked to do the same.  One hundred eighty students said they would like to spend 30 minutes/week with an adult in the building doing something special.  Bus Lease– Tom is waiting for final information on the lease.  He said on Saturday, January 24th the Taiko Drummers will be here for the Green Mountain Festival Series and will be the first group to perform in the newly renovated auditorium.  Tom then welcomed Tom Burke back to school, as Mr. Burke has been out for awhile.   Student Representative Report – Not present.    Public Relations – Budget Information – Bill said he would like to have ideas from the board for ways to get information out to the public regarding the budget.  He asked for ideas to be given to Mark Huntley, Chair of the Public Relations Committee.  Discussion ensued of different possibilities to be worked on.  Mark asked about putting information about the budget on the GM website.   Bill said by February 12th he will need to know what everyone’s plans are with regard to what their ideas are for getting information to the public regarding the budget.   Committees–Alison said she, Tom Ferenc, Bill Bourque, Meredith Austin and Ruth Titus met to go over they FY09 budget.  Ruth and Meredith were asked to do some estimating on the budget.  The feeling is to recommend freezing the budget for the remainder of the FY09 year.  Alison made a motion to freeze the Green Mountain FY09 budget for the remainder of the year with the Principal being able to use his  discretion on money to be spent.  Gene seconded.  The board voted in the affirmative to freeze the GM budget for the rest of this year giving the Principal the discretion to spend money if necessary.   Public Comments– Leo Graham asked about a budget freeze. Bill said anything that is not contractual will have to pass Tom’s desk for approval.   Executive Session – Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 6:00p.m. for personnel issue.  Board approved.     Arne made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:45p.m.  Board approved. No further motions were made.   Other Business:  None.   Adjournment: Jack made motion to adjourn at 6:45 p.m.      Board approved.   Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier, Recording Secretary       Green Mountain Union High School                           UNAPPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes January 8, 2009    5:00 p.m.   Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Geralyn Donohue, Mark Huntley Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal Public Present: Christopher Rosengrant – SAPA-TV, Mary-lynn Wright, Karli King, Julie Walton, Theresa Buskey, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Joseph Dexter, Janet Currier- Recording Secretary   Call to Order –Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.   Approval of Minutes of December 18, 2008 –Alison made motion for approval of minutes.  Gene seconded. Minutes approved as written.   Math Department Presentation – Tom Ferenc said the Math Department is present and they are going to talk about local and national assessments and pedagogy.  Mary-lynn Wright – Math Department Chairperson introduced the department members and told what each of them teach;Dr. Jonathan Rice; Theresa Buskey; Julie Ladieu-Walton; Karli King (academic mentor) and said that Linda Ewens another math teacher is not present as she is taking her Masters program and is at class.  Mary-lynn gave handouts to the board regarding teachers and accountability.  She talked about different types of learning and teaching and standardized testing.  She discussed different types of assessment.  She then gave papers to the board on NECAP scores and she reviewed the scores for the 7th,8th and 11th grades.  She explained how the NECAP scores are used to improve what and how they teach.  Mary-lynn then gave more handouts on M.A.P. (Measures of Academic Progress). She said standardized testing is a way to find out what our kids are doing but more could and should be done to track this.  Jack Coleman asked Mary-lynn how teachers learn what way students learn best.  She said there are quizzes they give the students that will show what their learning style is. Bill asked if block scheduling entered into the fact that some students had not yet had certain math courses that are on the NECAP exams.  She said yes the block schedule and their continuum.  She talked about ways they try to encourage students to do well on the tests and about things they are talking about to make the kids be more serious when taking the tests, like adding the scores to their G.P.A. and transcripts. Tom Ferenc said they are holding advisories to help build better relationships with the kids to find out what their interests are and to hopefully help them to succeed.  Geralyn asked about using thinking puzzles as a reward for kids in math, ones they have to sit and figure out.  Mary-lynn said she has those types of things in her room for math students.   Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget Revisions and Adoption – Alison said Health Insurance came in at a 0% increase.  The bus lease price came in at  $15,000 less.  We got a better offer from the Town of Chester for the purchase of diesel fuel and a better price on heating fuel as well.  The high jump mats will be out of the budget and a fundraiser will be held for their purchase.  The Supervisory Union Assessment went down as well because the S.U. had a surplus.  The River Valley Technical Center Assessment is also down.  The budget is now up by 1.52% at $5,596,902.00 for the amount to be voted.  The amount is $5,870,083.00 with the RVTC Assessment included.  Tom said the budget reflects $160,000.00 for 8 new buses.    Approval of Warnings – 2009-2010 Budget Warning – Alison read this Warning for board approval.  Alison made motion to approve the Warning as written. Board approved.   Informational Meeting Warning – Bill read this Warning for board approval.  Alison moved approval of Warning as read.  Board approved.  Green Mountain Deficit Warning -Bill read this Warning for board approval.  Alison explained the deficit and that if this Article does not pass then the tax rate will go up by 8 cents and the deficit will have to be made up in one year.  Alison moved approval.  Board approved.   Annual Meeting Warning - Joan read this Warning and the Articles for board approval.  Jack moved approval of Warning.  Board approved.     Green Mountain Board Minutes           January 8, 2009                                         Page 2   Policy Adoptions– B-3 Board Member Conflict of Interest – Geralyn said this policy has two policies included in it and must be corrected.  The other policies the board received are for board policy books.     Approval of partial Payment on Tax Anticipation Note – Alison explained that if Green Mountain pays down $900,000.00 early it will save Green Mountain around$1,200.00.  Alison made motion to have Meredith pay down the $900,000.00 early.  Board approved.                        Reports- Superintendent:  Joan said that Tom Ferenc would like to hire Karli King for 19 hours/week for the remainder of the year as an Academic Mentor/Tutor at $12.07/hour to be paid with Medicaid funds. Geralyn made motion to hire Karli King at $12.07/hour for the second semester.  Board approved. Joan reported that Ginger sent letters out to Green Mountain teachers asking for interest in the early retirement incentive but there were no responses.    Joan said that Bill Talbot– acting Commissioner mailed letters out because the Tax Commissioner did not set a tax rate as required.  When he did give a tax rate to the Legislature he asked them not to approve it.  Bill Talbot said the schools would use this tax rate to set our tax rates.  She said that Maine has just moved to accept the NECAP test as their measure of student progress so they have joined Vermont and New Hampshire and Rhode Island in using NECAP tests.  Alison said people need to contact their Legislators to have the 2 cents in the tax rate returned to the tax-payers.   Principal Report –Tom reported that the auditorium has 492 seats installed and the carpet is also in.  The curtains well be installed tomorrow and Monday.  Tom told how the students and parents helped tear the old auditorium apart and then haul everything to the dumpster.  He said that on January 28th the NECAP scores are to be released.  Tom said that an Alumni Breakfast was held at Green Mountain this morning and there were 5 Alumni that attended with the seniors.  A lot of questions about college were asked. He said the Alumni students felt they were very well prepared by Green Mountain for college.  Tom said there are two new middle school Social Studies teachers this year, Keith Hill and Mindybeth Gutzwiller and they decided to take on holding the Geo Bee.  He said it was held this morning and Andrew Dent won for his 4th year.  He now has to prepare for the State level Geo-Bee with 100 students from around the State.  Gene brought up the fact that the Tech Center students made robots and entered them in the Science Fair in Burlington and took second place overall with them.    Student Representative Report – Not present.    Committees– None.   Public Comments– None.     Executive Session – Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 6:16p.m.  Board approved. Geralyn made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:36 p.m.  Board approved. No further motions were made.   Other Business:  None. Adjournment: Jack made motion to adjourn at 6:37 p.m.  Board approved.   Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary   Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes December 18, 2008   5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Geralyn Donohue, Mark Huntley, Marjorie Munroe, Marlee O’Neil Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal Public Present: Christopher Rosengrant – SAPA-TV, Jane Mitchell, Anne Kipp, Katie Beth Ryan – Eagle Times, Jill McNally, Meredith Austin, Mark Bodin, Gary Baker, Henry Dent, Christa Valente, Pam O’Neil, Don Robinson, Townsend and Carol Gilbert, Janet Currier- Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:06 p.m. Approval of Minutes of November 20, 2008 –Alison made motion for approval of minutes.  Jack had a change on page 3, Jack said he was on the committee that interviewed Tom Ferenc and recommended him to the Board, but the Board hired him.  Minutes approved as corrected. Executive Session –Personnel – Alison made motion to enter Executive Session for a personnel issue at 5:07 p.m.  Board approved.   Jack made motion to come out of Executive Session at 5:59 p.m.   Board approved.  No further motions were made.  Board went back into Open Session at 6:03 p.m. Fiscal Year 2009-2010 Budget – Final Review and Adoption – Alison said she met with the Budget Committee last week and a final version of the budget with a memo was sent out earlier this week.  She said Chester Andover Elementary School has an upswing in enrollment numbers and that will hit Green Mountain in future years and that after next year the Green Mountain enrollment will stabilize.  Alison reviewed changes on the Revenue page and said Meredith is present to answer questions.  Discussion of budget changes took place.  Meredith reviewed several budget lines starting on the Revenue pages.  Meredith said the Education Spending Revenue amount of $4,643,194.00 is what is needed to run this school for revenues.  The board then moved to the Expenditures part of the budget.  Alison said 70% of the budget is salary and benefits.  She reviewed other lines in the budget and said that there is a 2.76% increase in the budget.  A discussion of the budget deficit took place.  Meredith explained that they are hoping to make-up part of it this year and to spread the deficit over two years.  She said they undercharged last year and had recouped $67,000.00 and hope to hold onto it to put towards the deficit.  Carol Gilbert asked about declining enrollment and staffing remaining static.  Alison said that there are two sections cut in this budget for staff and that the board has been addressing staff reductions over the past years and there are reductions in this budget as well.  The budget increase is only 2.76%.  Bill said he feels the public will support this budget.  Tom said he, Pam O’Neil and Tom Burke have spent some agonizing times on this budget and they have been very sensitive to the community and what they can afford.  He said it is expensive to educate our students. Jack said he had one strong objection to the budget in line 357 – Equipment and Uniforms in the amount of $7,900.00.  Bill said that the high jump mats are disintegrating to the point that they must be replaced.  Without new mats Green Mountain will be unable to host the State track meets.  Geralyn suggested having this be a fund-raiser project. Alison made the motion to approve the Green Mountain budget in the amount of $5,659,842.00 a 2.76% increase.  Board voted yes with Jack Coleman voting no.  Budget approval passed.   Jack said he would like the $7,900.00 left in the budget but spent in an academic area, then he would be in favor of the total budget amount. School Lunch Price Adjustment – Bill said that in the past the school lunch prices have not kept up with actual costs.  Tom would like to propose going from $2.25 to $2.50 starting at the beginning of the second semester so he can send letters home to parents.  Discussion of what State reimbursements for breakfast and lunches took place.  Geralyn made motion to approve raising the cost of school lunches to $2.50 at the Green Mountain Board Minutes            December 18, 2008                                           Page 2 start of the second semester.  Board approved. Policy Adoptions – G-13 – Animal Dissection – Geralyn made motion to policy G-13 Animal Dissection with recommended changes.  Board approved.    B-3 – Board Member Conflict of Interest Policy – Geralyn recommended leaving the Code of Ethics in the policy.  This will be adopted at the next meeting. D-9.1 - Drug and Alcohol Testing: Transportation Employees Policy – Geralyn made motion to adopt this policy with recommended changes.  Board approved. Reports - Superintendent:  Joan said that Stephen Morgan has once again sent her a check for $5,000.00 to be distributed to the schools for enrichment.  Last year each school received $1,000.00. G.M. middle school received $750.00 and Opportunities received $250.00 to be used for Enrichment activities.  Joan said she checked into having weapons on school property with hunting season going on.  She read the State law regarding this issue.  A person carrying a deadly weapon on school property shall be fined or imprisoned.  Only law enforcement personnel can carry weapons on school property legally.   Principal Report –Tom reported that the auditorium is torn apart.  The parents group will be here to help on Saturday.   He said that Progress Reports are going out to parents.  Tom said he just completed a $50,000.00 grant application from Bernie Sanders office.  Sheila McDonald applied for a Rowland Fellowship grant and if she receives it, she will take a sabbatical and Green Mountain will get $50,000.00 as well.  He said it would be nice if we could get at least one of these grants.     Student Representative Report – Marlee said she is going to be going to Florida to train with her horse and she will not be back at another board meeting until Apr.  The Board wished her well. Jack asked Marlee about the attendance being low at the school play.  Marlee said there were several things going on that weekend as well as the play and she did not feel that the low attendance was unusual from past years for the fall performance.   Committees – Alison said the Technical Center sent students and their Science projects to Burlington and the kids came in second overall.  They built robots and wind powered vehicles to enter. Public Comments – Townsend Gilbert is irritated that the public comment item has been limited to two (2) minutes per person.  Bill said this was done to allow everyone a chance to speak.   Townsend said he feels that the board is going to have to start looking at where the Government money is going to come from in the next few years.  He said board members should write letters to their legislators to make sure the money follows the kids.  Alison said she has been meeting with Kathy Pellett. Executive Session – Jack moved to go into Executive Session at 7:07 p.m.  Board approved. Geralyn made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:12 p.m.  Board approved.  No further motions were made. Other Business:  Pam O’Neil said she took a group of seven kids to Lyndon State College today. Adjournment: Jack made motion to adjourn at 7:14 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes November 20, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Geralyn Donohue, Marjorie Munroe Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present: Jeff Barcome - SAPA-TV, Doreen Robinson, Don Robinson, Leo Graham, Mark Bodin, Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Allan Garvin, Ally Oswald, Mike Ripley, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Approval of Minutes of November 13, 2008 - Jack moved approval of minutes.  Don Robinson had a correction on page 3 under JV Boyís Basketball the salary should be $2,540.00.  Board approved minutes as corrected.      Revision of Policy F-17 School Choice -Geralyn reviewed the changes made in this policy.  She made motion to approve the policy with addition of memo of agreement with Southeast Superintendents Association Collaborative under legal references.  Alison said there was discussion of adding an addendum to the application asking for information as to why students would like to attend Green Mountain.  This will be done at a later time.  Board approved Policy F-17 - School Choice. Warning of Policy G-13 - Animal Dissection - Geralyn said this is a new mandatory policy under Act 154.  Joan said that videos could be borrowed for students who do not choose to participate in animal dissection.  This will be approved at a future meeting. Revision of Policy D-9.1 - Drug and Alcohol Testing: Transportation Employees - (Mandatory) - this will replace the current policy.   Rescind Policy D-2 - Professional Development - Geralyn explained that this should be a Supervisory Union policy not a Green Mountain policy.  After much discussion it was decided to revisit this policy at a later date. Transportation Update - Tom said we are in the process of receiving two bids on leasing of buses, one from First Student and one from DATCO.  He reviewed what he has asked to have bids on.  Discussion of purchasing fuel for the buses took place, Tom said they are looking at Irving and Sunoco.  Tom said Frank Balch is looking at routes and using smaller buses wherever possible.   Reports - Superintendent:  Joan explained the Supervisory Union Policy Committee makeup to those present.  The committee is made up of one member from each of the boards and these include a Doctor, a Lawyer, a Special Education Teacher and a parent/local business person.  Joan said she is on the Legislative Committee for the Superintendents Association and they held a lengthy meeting in Montpelier yesterday.  The issues discussed were; trying to get the caps on pre-schools lifted and allowing Supervisory Union ís to own property.  She said she, Tom Ferenc, Rick King and Linda Waite all attended a conference on Secondary Transformation.  There were two keynote speakers that were very good, one from California and one from Georgia.  They both agreed that school is relevant and failure is not an option.  She attended a workshop where kids take courses for graduate credits in areas they are interested in.  Joan received a letter from Fritz Wendlandt following the drama production so he will be receiving his pay for the drama club.  She told the board that Tom has recommended Katherine Poston as a tutor for three hours/week for the  after school program to be paid with Medicaid monies.   Alison made motion to approve Katherine Poston for three hours/week for the after school program.  Motion approved. Principal Report -Tom reported that the staff is looking at using a 30-minute block of time on Friday ís to connect with the students.  Green Mountain Board Minutes            November 20, 2008                                           Page 2 Student Representative Report - Margorie reported that the students held their play Up The Down Staircase last week.   She said the student government is trying to have student assemblies be more structured by having a 30-minute block of time on Fridays to hold the assemblies.  The ninth grade is holding a movie night as a fund-raiser on Friday night.  She said that basketball season has begun. Board Report - Bill said that the board should think about an increase in the lunch costs for the second semester to avoid another deficit. Joan will get the pricing information from our schools for the next meeting.  Joan read what the federal government subsidizes on paid, reduced and free breakfasts and lunches.  Tom said Jack is working on this issue as well. Education Committee - Gene said they received several suggestions from people on their thoughts regarding Excellence in Education.  These will be prioritized at the next meeting.  He said they will still accept more ideas from people if anyone would like to submit their thoughts.                    Policy Committee - Geralyn said they are meeting on December 5th and will be looking at several policies to be brought to the board for review.  She said she would like to have the Green Mountain policy committee meet prior to the next meeting. The meeting moved to Public Comments on the agenda at this time - Carol Gilbert asked if some of the information she asked for is ready yet.  She thanked Tom and Joan for the information they sent to her and the budget committee.  Carol asked about Medicaid money that was set aside for the associate principal's salary.  She was told his total salary is $60,000.00 and the $20,000.00 of Medicaid money is an off-setting revenue not in addition to the $60,000.00 salary.  Tom Ferenc then handed out the information Carol had requested to the board and public.  Joan said that Heather Thomas Lynn - our special education lawyer told us that this is the way special education  information requested must be presented.  Bill said the board has released information in the way legal counsel has said they are allowed to provide. The board took a 10-minute break at 6:47 p.m. prior to beginning the budget review. Board back in public session at 6:01 p.m. Preliminary Budget Review - Bill said that Alison is Chair of the GM Finance Committee and has met with the Budget Committee.  She will make some comments and then Tom Ferenc will walk through the budget.  Alison discussed the memo she wrote to go with the budget.  She does not expect the budget to come in at over 5% once they are through with it. She said that this year the health insurance is not to exceed a 2% increase.  The teachers and staff will be paying 17.5% towards their health insurance.  Tom said this is version number 5 of the budget and it is still a work in progress.  Tom said he and Pam are looking at every position in the building.  Tom said when he arrived at Green Mountain last year he received two documents 1) a Climate Study and 2) a Civil Rights Directive.  Tom talked about being a good leader and that is the tone he is trying to set at GM.  He said it is going to take a little time to get where we want to be as a vibrant education community and it will take everyone working together to get there. Tom then reviewed the budget by department.  Don Robinson said the school has to pay attention to A.P. classes with only 4 students.  Discussion took place of A.P. classes and the fact that A.P. classes have to be audited as of last year.   Tom said they are looking at increasing Physical Education time to 2 to 3 days a week for middle school students for a full year.  Alison asked Pam O'Neil for a list of students and their classes once second semester begins. Don Robinson said he feels our special education program is not working as it keeps increasing each year.  Tom said the Focus Monitoring is going to look at the community profile with regards to special education. Discussion of remedial education at GM took place.  Alison explained the supervisory union assessment is a work in progress.  They are trying to figure out how to charge Chester-Andover and Green Mountain for their bookkeeping services.  She said once the equalized student data is received the supervisory union assessment may drop down.   Don Robinson said the Principals salary increase of 4.4% is too much and it needs to be looked at.  Carol made comments about the Principals salary and retirement plan costs.  She questioned whether Green Green Mountain Board Minutes            November 20, 2008                                         Page 3 Mountain really needs an Associate Principal with the declining enrollment.  Jack Coleman said he was on the interview committee that hired Tom, and they wanted quality in the new Principal and the salary is what we have to pay for quality of the person.   Townsend Gilbert asked about the over expenditure of funds and Alison explained why those costs incurred i.e., long term substitutes for maternity leaves; a special education student with out of district tuition and transportation for last year; contracted special education and psych services that were not budgeted for; salaries, snow plowing, fuel.  She said there will be a negative deficit carried over into the next budget but there will be offsetting revenues to bring it down. Alison said the Green Mountain Finance Committee would meet on December 2nd at 10:30 a.m. at the central office. The next board meeting will be December 11th at 5:00 p.m. Executive Session - None. Other Business: Townsend Gilbert asked Joan if the Superintendents are pushing to have the money follow the child and Joan said they are pushing for the ADM to follow the child. Alison then gave an explanation of why the deficits are not in the Annual Reports.    She said a lot of times we do not have the Auditor's reports when the Annual Reports are sent to print.  Also in the past adjusting entries have not been made to show the deficits.  Alison has asked that the deficits be shown in the future. Adjournment: Jack made motion to adjourn at 8:16 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes November 13, 2008    5:00 p.m.                     APPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Marlee O'Neil Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent - Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Associate Principal     Public Present:  Peggy Svec, Jeff Barcome -SAPA-TV, Doreen Robinson, Daryl Houk, Allan Garvin, Ginger Roper, Kevin Surma, Karen Surma, Jon Rice, Abby Mnookin, Paulette Martel, Alli Oswald, Katie Beth Ryan - Eagle Times, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:01 p.m. Approval of Minutes of October 23, 2008:  Alison moved approval of minutes with the following corrections: On page 2 under Update on Diversity and Equity Committee the next to last sentence should say "Alison said the GM Harassment policy would have to be updated to include transgender as a protected class of citizens."  On page 3 at the end of Public Discussion it should state years 2001 to 2007 and insert the following: Fund Balance year ending June 30; 2001 - minus $62,176.00; 2002 - minus $174,678.00; 2003 - minus $86,607.00; 2004 - minus $28,388.00; 2005 - surplus $64,099.00; 2006 - surplus $154,058.00; 2007 - minus $32,203.00.  On page 4 under Other Business the end of the last sentence should state Acts 117 and 91.  Abby Mnookin stated that the C.I.R.C.L.E. group has already begun to meet and she would like to bring the students to the board to do a presentation.  Board approved the minutes as amended. Science Dept. Presentation for Improvement of NECAP Scores:  Principal Tom Ferenc said the Science Department was present to give a presentation to the board on curriculum, assessment and practices and he then turned the meeting over to Dr. Jonathan Rice, Science Department Chair person.  Dr. Rice told the board that they want to discuss improving the student's learning but not just with regard to NECAP.  He gave handouts to the board with information on ways they continuously seek to improve opportunities offered to students.  He said they are working collaboratively between grades to encourage students to take a more challenging course.  Our NECAP scores are low but we are in line with State scores.  Both 8th and 11th grades took the NECAP Science exam for the first time this year.  Dr. Rice talked about the Action Plan and what the department's intentions are and the steps they are going to take to improve student learning in order to show improved NECAP scores.  More discussion ensued concerning test results and new ways of addressing Science to the students.  He talked about having a list of items they want to look at for improvement.  Dr. Rice said they have a concern about the State NECAP scores being so low, he said they are interested in looking at individualized MAPS testing in Science to help them assess ways to work toward improvement.  He said they just received the NECAP data.  Dr. Rice said the NECAP is a broad assessment that tests on more content than they have the time to teach.  Kevin Surma said as Science teachers they are not sure they agree with the way the State is presenting the test.  Abby Mnookin feels this test sets standards for students that are so high it sets the students up to fail.  The Science Department teachers introduced themselves and told what they teach.  More discussion regarding testing took place.  Dr. Rice said the Science Department is very happy the Green Mountain scores are very close to the State scores.  He thanked the board for having the Science Department come and do a presentation. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   11/13/2008                      Page 2 Bill Bourque thanked Science teachers Karen Surma and Allan Garvin who are both members of the Green Mountain Trails Committee and said the trails are now open for use. Policy on School Choice - Warning - Geralyn read the policy aloud.  The School Choice application was also attached to the policy.  Alison said legal references should be added at the end of the policy.  Discussion of the working took place.  Joan will check on the random selection process and will bring this information back to the board.  Discussion of wording regarding the number of students to be accepted followed.  Gene would like information from students as to why they want to attend Green Mountain and this could be an attachment to the application.  Geralyn said she would look at the policy wording to have it ready for adoption at the next meeting.  Geralyn said that a Student Attendance policy that was adopted in June but never handed out to the board was given to the board tonight. Transportation Discussion - Bus Lease Contract - Tom said they have met with the First Student representative to look at the lease and to ask them to quote on one less bus and also the option to rotate a 2 year old and 4 year old bus along with new buses so we constantly have a rotation in the fleet.  This might stabilize the yearly cost. Tom said he called several bus companies but none of them could service us.  He hopes to have figures from First Student by Tuesday.  Arne said we have eight buses that are 6 years old and that is why they asked to have a rotation every 2 years.  They have also asked for 1 spare bus. We will keep our GM 1997 bus.  Routes -Alison asked Arne to look at student number spread sheets to see if some routes can be handled with a 15 passenger van instead of a full size bus.  Arne will look at this.  Bill asked if any routes could be collapsed and Arne said the ones they have looked at collapsing have made the rides too long for the students.  Tom said they are still looking at routes to see what can be done.  Geralyn asked about evacuation plans and if there are enough buses to handle an evacuation.  Tom Burke said there are 4 evacuation plans and explained them as follows: 1) get away from the building; 2) get away from the campus but not too far away; 3) get students across the road to maybe the Legion building; 4) get students a long distance away from campus.  Tom Ferenc said that they are also looking at bio-diesel buses as well.  Arne said there are a lot of incentives out there for bio-diesel use.  Ginger Roper asked to have a member of the Chester-Andover board present when another transportation meeting is held and she was told that Jeff Hance would be invited to the next meeting. Reports:   Superintendent -Joan congratulated Janet Currier for receiving the VAEOP (Vermont Association of Education Office Professionals) Apple Award at the recent VAEOP Conference held here at Green Mountain.  She talked some about the conference and said that the Governor was here to speak.  Joan said she was an evaluator for the workshops offered.  Joan said she and Dr. Bont attended the VSBA Conference and that the presenter talked about aspirations and he brought the audience alive.  He said that kids that drop out of school know by 3rd grade that they are going to drop out of school.  Dr. Bont said that Russ Quaglia the presenter was doing research to find out why kids aren't motivated and he has done surveys of over a million students.  He also did a research project of teachers.  He found there are kids who hate to go to school and teachers who love their work and he wanted to find a way to pull these two mind-sets together.  He has done this research all across the country and in many schools in New Hampshire.  Gene feels this might be a tool we could use and it costs about $2,000.00 per school.  Gene feels maybe we could make our school more effective.  He offered to pursue this if the board would like him to.  Joan reported that the other keynote presenter talked about the crisis in education in the United States.  She reviewed the process that started the crisis in education and said the U.S. is constantly compared against other countries and the U.S. came in 18th in a reading assessment.  The Green Mountain Board Minutes                   11/13/2008                    Page 3 presenter took the test in German and found the German test was not as difficult in vocabulary, language and content as the one taken in the United States. Photocopier Lease - Joan said the lease for the GM copier is in the 55th month of its 60month lease.  Is is struggling and is not efficient.  Meredith is recommending a lease for $612.51/month for 48 months with a yearly service contract of $4,125.00.  Alison moved to accept the lease as presented.  Board approved the new copier lease contract. Joan then passed out a letter written by Bill Mathis - Superintendent in Brandon, Vermont.  He writes about special education and how we are spending more and more time researching information and doing monitoring, and that we need to go back to more time teaching.  The Superintendents Association has backed this letter and have asked the Vermont Principal's Association and the Vermont School Boards Association to back it as well.  Joan reported that there are three finalists for the position of Commission of Education in Vermont and all three are educators.  Joan said she has received three end of season letters from coaches Ed Laffaye, John Pawlak and Julie Walton and that they will receive their pay tomorrow.  Joan then read a list of contracts for winter sports for board approval as follows:  Robert Gilliam - Boy's Varsity Basketball - $3,388.00; Eric Anderson - Boy's JV Basketball - 42,540.00; Amanda Bourque - Winter Sports Program Director - $1,355.00; Terry Farrell - Girl's Varsity Basketball - $3,388.00; Gary Pelton - Girl's JV Basketball - $2,540.00; Elise Lisle - Middle SCHOOL Girl's Basketball A team - $1,185.00; Michael Morse - Middle School Boy's Basketball - A team - $1,185.00; Karli King,- Middle School Girl's Basketball - B team - $1,185.00; Jessica Clay - Varsity Cheering - $2,201.00.  Alison moved approval of the contracts as read.  Board approved. Tom Ferenc asked that John Yake be hired as a tutor for the after school program at $82.09/week for 6 hours/week to be paid with Medicaid monies.  Gene move approval, Board voted in the affirmative.  Tom then asked to have Tracey Kerr of HCRS be at GM one additional day each week for a total of three days/week to be paid with Medicaid money.  She will concentrate on drug free issues with students and getting the students to do positive things as well.  Jack moved approval, board voted in the affirmative. Principal's Report - Parent-teacher Conferences Update - Tom reported that parent/teacher conferences were held last Monday and again on Tuesday morning.  Over 400 conferences were held and he said that play practice was going on and the Honor Society was here helping out as well so the school was a very busy place.  Focus Monitoring Explanation and Update - Tom said we were picked by the State for this monitoring and that 4 focus teams have been developed in our Supervisory Union.  He said we might have been chosen because we have a high number of services offered outside the normal classroom environments  like in our Alternative Program.  Geralyn said the DOE wants the Focus teams to come with questions they can ask when the State people are here for the monitoring. Tom said the auditorium renovations are still on track to begin on December 22nd but removal of seats will start prior to that.  Tom said that Fritz Wendlandt found someone to take several seats, maybe up to 200.  The carpet, drapes, and lighting are still on track as well.   Tom said that Theresa Buskey and Dr. Rice are in The Message this week for their Teacher of the Year nominations.  Report cards have gone out and AlertNow messages were sent to homes as well.  Tom said that an Awards Assembly was held today for the middle school for Academics and Sports.  It was mentioned that parents should be notified of this so they can attend next time.  Tom said that on the 14th and 15th the play Up the Down Staircase will be presented.  Tom said he and Allie Oswald (Guidance) went to Grafton last night to meet with 5th and 6th grade students and they will go to Flood Brook next.  This is to promote Green Mountain and try to get kids to come here. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   11/23/2008                    Page 4 Ginger Roper said that the Parent/Teacher Conference Day was very positive and she thanked Tom for this. Student Representative Report - Marlee said the Feed the Thousands is well under way.  Basketball has started and the Yearbook group just had their senior meeting.  The board should be seeing the seniors soon with their senior trip plans.  She said that December 5th is the deadline for senior pictures but it may get pushed back some. Board - Finance Committee - Alison said the Finance Committee met again this morning to sort things out and Tom is working hard on the budget.  Alison said a packet with budget information would be mailed out to the board and budget committee.  Education Committee - Gene said the Education Committee would meet next week at 4:00 prior to the board meeting on the 20th.  He said the committee is still looking for ideas on excellence in education from people. Public Discussion:  None.   Executive Session - None.   Other Business: Alison said the board meeting next week would be the first walk through of the budget. Adjournment:  Gene moved to adjourn meeting at 6:37 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes October 23, 2008    5:00 p.m.                     APPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Marjorie Munroe Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent - Tom Ferenc – Principal     Public Present:  Peggy Svec, Christopher Rosengrant -SAPA-TV, Leo Graham – Pam O’Neil, Katie Beth Ryan - Eagle Times, Townsend Gilbert, Carol Gilbert, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes of October 9, 2008:  Jack moved approval of minutes as presented.  Board approved.  Joan had an amendment for minutes of September 25, 2008.   Joan said under contract approval, add Medicaid funds approval: Associate Principal $20,000.00; Detention Monitor, $2,000.00; After School Program, $7,500.00. Alison made motion to amend September 25th minutes with correct information regarding Medicaid funds. Reports:   Superintendent – Hiring–Kitchen Staff - Joan said that a new kitchen staff person has to be hired.  Greg Wyman has been working to cover for a kitchen staff member who is out on workman’s compensation and Jack asked to hire Greg to fill the vacancy.  Board approved hiring Greg Wyman to work in the G.M. kitchen. Medicaid Funds for Assistant Principal Position – Joan reported that there is approximately $100,000.00 in Medicaid funds for GM use.  Bill asked to hold off on making a decision on use of additional money for the Assistant Principal until the end of this school year.  Board agreed. Joan said that she attended the UVM Vermont Teacher of the Year celebration in Burlington Wednesday evening.  WSWSU had two teachers recognized; Theresa Buskey, a GM math teacher and Victoria Winokur a Flood Brook teacher.  Approximately 80 teachers were recognized and were given certificates.  Joan told the board that three GM coaches have turned in their end of year summaries so they will be paid.  She said that $4,301.84 is the total amount for glass and Plexiglas for the new doors.  Arne made motion to pay the $4301.84 out of the Capital Improvement funds.  Board approved. Principal’s Report – Expansion  of Tutoring Program – Tom said they are going to expand the after school tutoring program and this will require moving some Medicaid money for educational support in the amount of $4,500.00.  Karli King, will be the tutor, she is a math major.  Geralyn made motion to approve expansion of tutoring program for high school and middle school to be compensated with Medicaid money in amount of $4,500.00. Board approved.  Tom said Green Mountain is going to write a grant to try to fund our tutoring program.  The grant is through Bernie Sanders.  Tom was invited to Mt. Anthony Union High Schoo to see their tutoring program funded through this grant. Update on Diversity and Equity Committee – Tom discussed the handouts he had given to the board at the beginning of the meeting.  These were for the Action Plan and also ALANA diversity information presentation that was done on SAPA-TV last evening.  Tom, Alison and Curtis Reed of ALANA gave this presentation.  Tom said that teachers from each of our schools are doing an inventory of the books and curriculum regarding diversity.  He also talked about a new group that wants to begin at Green Mountain.  It is called C.I.R.C.L.E.  (Conscious Involvement for Real Change in Learning Environments).  Alison said the GM Harassment policy would have to be updated to include transgender issues.  The policy committee will review this. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   10/23/2008                                              Page 2 Tom told the board about Allan Garvin’s Wilderness Club 23 mile hiking trip in the White Mountains.  Tom Burke who participated in the hike became ill and had to be taken off the mountain.  The kids who participated said it was one of the hardest things they have ever done and the most fun.  Pam O’Neil said it was awesome to see the kids come back from this adventure and to see what they had gained.  Tom said he thinks there were about 18 kids that were involved.  Allan’s was at the front of the group and his wife Ali brought up the end of the line on the hike and Tom Burke was in between the two of them.   School Choice and Placement of Students – Tom gave the board an assignment regarding this and said he would like them to consider the policy attached.  He wants to have the policy reviewed to see how to move forward with this.  Pam said families have asked for clarification of the policy as well.  The policy committee will look at the policy.  Jack asked about having a hardship case in the policy for flexibility in case a student’s family moves and the student wishes to continue at Green Mountain.  Discussion ensued.  This will be on a future agenda. Other – Tom asked Janet to talk about the VAEOP (Vermont Association of Educational Office Professionals) Conference that would be taking place at Green Mountain on Friday.  Janet said this is the first time this conference has ever been held in Chester, and that she and the committee are looking forward to showing off Green Mountain and Chester to the members of this group.  She said that approximately 76 registrations have been received.  The Executive Board of VAEOP would be attending and Governor Douglas would be here in the morning to speak during the opening of the meeting.  Both Joan and Tom are going to speak as well.  She said there are five very interesting workshops planned for the day and people attending would be able to choose three of the five to attend.  Jack Carroll will provide lunch for everyone and the Heritage Deli is going to provide the birthday cake as VAEOP is celebrating its 70th birthday/anniversary this year.  Janet said that the committee had collected some awesome raffle prizes and would be selling raffle tickets to help raise money for VAEOP.  She said she was very excited about hosting this organization at Green Mountain and that she had been fortunate to have such a great committee to work with.  Diana Jencks, Pat Cahill, Wanda Mauti, Brenda Blodgett and Irene Saulnier made up her committee.  Brenda and Irene are from the Springfield School District. Student Representative Report – Marjorie Munroe said that a held a large pep rally the other day and the kids had fun throwing whipped cream pies at some of the teachers and administration.   Board – Finalize Board Meeting Dates – November &  December – Because the regular meeting dates fall on Thanksgiving and Christmas this year the board will meet on November 13th, and 20th, and December 11th, and 18th, and if necessary, December 4th as well.  Alison said that December 10th the WSWSU full board semi-annual meeting will be held at Green Mountain at 7:00.   Budget Committee Appointments – Alison said she has a name for a representative from Cavendish, Mike Ripley, who is interested in serving on the Budget Committee.  Alison made motion to appoint Mike Ripley to serve on the Budget Committee until March.  Board approved. Alison reported that the 403-B plan for the WSWSU district has been implemented and we should be ready for January 1st and people’s investments should not be interrupted.  Joan said the third party administrator will be here on November  11th to talk to the WSWSU employees. Joan reported to the board that Meredith had locked in at $3.28/gallon for fuel oil for Green Mountain for this year. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   10/23/2008                                            Page 3 Committees – Education Committee – Gene said the Education Committee had asked people to submit ideas about education excellence and they are collection the information.  Policy Committee – Geralyn said that Joseph Dexter was on the Policy Committee when he was a student representative and she asked Marjorie to step into that position now. Armory Committee – Bill said we have been trying to get the Armory building and the Department of Education approved us getting it.  The Chester Local Redevelopment Authority Board has now decided not to support the use of the building by us.  The central office, Opportunities In Learning, Early Education and EEE Programs would have been housed there.  The LRA didn’t seem to think our figures showing the savings to the taxpayers and thought it would cost too much.  Now the building will go on the market.  Bill said they have to have one more public meeting and the Armory Committee is planning on attending this meeting.  Bill said he has asked for the vote and for the minutes but he has not received them yet.  Arne said he feels the LRA is over-stepping their bounds, this decision should be left up to the taxpayers to vote on the issue. Gene asked if an appeal could be made to the select board.  He thinks this should be pursued.  The meeting was held without notifying anyone on the Armory Committee.  Alison said the committee showed that this project could save some good tax dollars. Public Discussion:  Townsend Gilbert said he would like to have the board move their Executive Sessions to the beginning of the meeting.  Alison said when the agenda is compiled if there is an Executive Session where there will be a decision of interest to the public, then maybe it could be done at the beginning of the meeting.  The board decided to take this on a case-by-case basis.          Townsend said that Alison had reported that there were heavy deficits in the past few years but he said the Annual reports show surpluses.  She reviewed the auditor’s balances from 2000 to 2007.  The balance for FY08 is not yet audited. Carol Gilbert asked Tom for information a few weeks ago regarding class sizes and numbers.  She still has not received this information and would like it for the Budget Committee.  Alison said that when the first budget is mailed out all this information will be mailed to the Budget Committee members. She said Joan is working on the enrollment figures now.  Alison said all the information will be coming and that the Chair of the Budget Committee is in agreement with this plan. Carol said that she asked for numbers for the A.P. classes from Tom and he gave her averages.  She asked him to give her the numbers she asked for over a three-year period. She said she thinks this would be helpful information for the Board and Budget Committee.  Joan said the State does not allow the administration to report any group numbers under 40 for NECAPS and any number under 10 for other data as it allows for identities to be determined.  Alison said they would get a legal opinion on whether or not we can release this information.  Gene made motion to get a legal opinion.  Joan will take care of doing so. Carol asked about the tutorial classes that are being held.  She asked how many days a week this happens and Tom said it varies.  The teachers get $28.00/hour between 2:30 and 3:30 p.m.  The aides get $12.50/hour to do this program.  Carol had a suggestion and said this sounds like a homework club so the students will get their homework done and not fail.  She said to take these youngsters and have a separate room and use a teacher and aide who are already on the clock during the day.  This way the kids would get the instruction and also be able to participate in extra-curricular activities.  Tom thanked her and said they would take it under consideration.  Geralyn made the point that if her child was failing she would not allow that child to participate in sports as academics are more important. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   10/23/2008                                            Page 4 Carol asked Tom to speak about the compensatory education position at Green Mountain. She talked about the Reading Teacher receiving a 3rd year provisional extension on her license.  Carol feels that the board should know why this was done.  She would like to have this teacher come and speak about how she is helping students to become better readers.   Carol asked Tom if there were any students who graduated last year that did not have two P.E. credits.  Tom said no. Executive Session – Jack moved to enter Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.  Board approved. Jack made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:36 p.m.  Board approved. Jack Coleman made motion and Gene Bont seconded, to accept Cheryl Farrar’s resignation in accordance with the terms discussed in Executive Session and authorize the Chair to sign the agreement.  Board voted in the affirmative. Other Business: Katie Beth Ryan (Eagle Times) asked Tom Ferenc about the Diversity/Equity committee, and was there an incident?  Tom said yes but it was before he came to Green Mountain; adding the required follow-up steps were the right thing to do.  Alison noted the response is district-wide based on 2004 Legislative Act 117-91. Adjournment:  Jack Coleman moved to adjourn meeting at 6:40 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes October 9, 2008    6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Marlee O'Neil and Marjorie Munroe Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Tom Burke - Assistant Principal Public Present: Jeff Barcome - SAPA-TV, Don Robinson, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Mark Curran,  Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Keith Hill II, Norm Merrill, Sharon Jonynas, Debbie Franks, Rachel Root, Anne Kipp, Linda Waite, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 6:24 p.m. Educational Presentation - English Department - Tom Ferenc said this year the presentations from departments will be to tell the board how the department plans to attack the action plan in the core subject areas in order to improve performance on NECAP tests and to get the kids to write better.  Norm Merrill explained that the NECAP is an assessment of the Green Mountain curriculum and the skills the teachers are supposed to be teaching to.  They are trying to get the kids to realize the importance of this test.  Norm gave an overview of requirements of the test.  He said they are looking at possibly putting NECAP scores on student transcripts.  He reviewed a list of ways to improve student reading and writing and said the test assesses the curriculum that they teach everyday in the classroom.  Norm said Vermont is in the top 5 in the country in the NAPE test results.  He said they are going to focus on getting the other content area  teachers involved in getting the students to be better writers. Carol Gilbert asked what is being done to get the students in 8th grade that are not proficient readers up to proficient levels.  Tom said a mandatory educational support system has been implemented to assist students who are failing that ends at 4:00 each day and lasts for five weeks.  Bill said this has been a huge success.  Rachel Root explained the after school program and how it works.  She said it helps the students get caught up and has been very successful.  Grades 7,8 and 11 take NECAP exams but 7th grade does not take the writing portion of the exam.  Anne Kipp looked at last year's 11th grade scores and she could see in the break down areas exactly where the kids fall down, and some of them are just because of the style of the student and their personality.   The board thanked the English Department teachers for coming to the meeting and for their presentation. Discussion of Budget Timeline - Alison reported that budget work has been passed on to Tom.  It will be 5 to 6 weeks before the Budget Committee will be involved.  She talked about other things going on to get ready to start budget work.  The first draft of the budget will be mailed out the second week of November and the first look at it will be November 20th.  Thanksgiving and Christmas are on 4th Thursdays so the board will most likely meet off the regular schedule as necessary.  Mark Bodin said the Budget Committee met four times separately last year and Alison also met with them.  He hopes to do the same thing this year.  He would like to get two more Budget Committee members to fill the two vacancies on the Board, one from Chester and one from Cavendish.  Alison said that anyone interested in serving on the Budget Committee should call the Superintendent's office and leave their name with Janet Currier by Wednesday, October 22nd.   Approval of Minutes of September 25, 2008 - Alison moved approval of minutes.  She had a correction on page 3, the last sentence of the fourth paragraph should state: GMUHS and CAES will not meet the 2 vote requirements of Act 82, therefore, the 2 vote scenario does not apply for the upcoming budget. Geralyn had a correction on page 3 as well, sixth line in the fourth paragraph should state: accountability of the students and teachers for testing that doesn't count towards grades. Board approved minutes as amended. Green Mountain Board Minutes            October 9, 2008                                            Page 2 Reports - Superintendent:  a) Approval of After School Intervention Contracts - Joan read the list of contracts for approval.  Keith Hill - 7th grade Social Studies; Sonja Paulsen - SPED paraprofessional; Deb Franks - 9th grade English; Karli King - Castleton State Math student; Kristie Flack - SPED Paraprofessional; Theresa Buskey - Math; Rachel Root - Teading; Allan Garvin - Science; Julie Walton - Math; Linda Ewens - Math.  These positions will be paid for with Medicaid monies.  Co-curricular contracts for Ausra Brooks and Ethan Lima both as co-advisors for the 10th grade at $263.50 each.  Jack made motion to approve the contracts as read, board approved.  Joan said that Meredith has locked in at $3.28/gallon for Chester-Andover and Green Mountain with transport delivery and $3.36 for Flood Brook and Cavendish with truck delivery.  Opportunities in Learning has moved into the recently renovated farmhouse at Fletcher Farms.  Joan said the kids feel very valued being in such a wonderful building.  Fletcher Farms will rent to us this year for the same price we were renting the other building in Cavendish.  Joan reported that Meredith is in the process of preparing budgets and Jackie is working on the Special Education Service Plan.  She said the WSWSU Policy Committee made up of one member from each of the school boards are going to begin to go through all the required and mandated policies this year.  Geralyn is the Green Mountain board representative on this committee.  b) Licensing changes for Highly Qualified Teachers in Special Education -Joan said she has reviewed licensing and endorsements for all the GM teachers and all are licensed in what they are teaching and are highly qualified in the area they are teaching as well.  Special Education teachers have new regulations for being highly qualified and Joan and Jackie are going to follow up on this.  Carol Gilbert asked about GM having a specialized reading teacher to teach reading.  Joan said our teacher is highly qualified and is on a third year provisional license.  Alison said the board and administration is comfortable with what the State Department has told them regarding this teacher and they are very happy to have her at G.M. Principal Report -Tom reported on several different areas and said that there are 56 special education students at Green Mountain.  He reported on AP students and numbers in each AP class for this year and last year and he gave average scores. The scores have gone from 2.4 three years ago to 3.0 last year and he gave numbers for the virtual learning classes as well.  Marlee explained why the AP English numbers are smaller this year.  Many of the seniors took AP English in their junior year.  Tom reviewed a list of materials that are used in the middle school reading program.  He reported that all the students who graduated last year met graduation requirements.  Dr. Bont asked if GM has ever taught speed reading courses.  No one thought this has been taught.  Dr. Bont said this is very helpful in college because of the required reading load. Student Representative Report - Marlee said the recycling club has four members now.  She said the NECAP awards were well received.  Marjorie said the students look forward to the rewards.  Tom Ferenc said a student will shave his head up on stage if the kids make a 10% improvement in the NECAP results. Board Report - No report.                     Committees: Education -  Gene asked if we cited Jonathan Rice for getting third place Science Teacher in the State of Vermont.  The ceremony for UVM Teacher of the year will be held in Burlington on October 22nd and Theresa Buskey of Green Mountain has been nominated.  Gene said he gave the board the transcript for his speech he gave to the Legislative Committee on Child Sexual Abuse on September 16th, 2008.  Gene said the Education Committee talked about having a shelf in the Library for school board members, now they need to figure out how to pay for the books.  Gene shared an article by Edward Glaiser and asked the board members to read it.  He asked the board to give him their input and thoughts on ìWhat is Excellence in Educationî by the 23rd of October.  The Education Committee will meet again on October 23rd at 4:00 p.m. Transportation and Facilities Committee - Arne reported that they are going to look into the bus routes to see if consolidation can be done to save money.  The share that Chester-Andover Elementary School gives towards transportation is $75,000.00, but after miles were broken down it ends up being 290,000 for Green Green Mountain Board Minutes            October 9, 2008                                           Page 3 Mountain and 140,000 for Chester-Andover so the transportation cost will be looked at as well.  Arne said they would look at changes and adjustments in bus routes for next year.  Jack said he feels that parents should be notified now that there might be changes in the bus routes for next year.  Arne said most kids are picked up in groups but there are door-to-door pick-ups in some situations.  Joan said that Jeff Hance who is on the Transportation Committee for Chester-Andover should be involved in looking at the bus routes for changes.  Arne said they also looked at hours of employees and they are going to see if anything can be done in that area.   Policy - Geralyn said they had a Policy meeting and 3 or 4 policies will come to the board. Public Comment - Carol Gilbert thanked Tom for the information he got for her.  She asked how many of the special education students are at Opportunities and their classes.  Bill said as a board they are uncomfortable sharing that information broken down like that.  Joan said they have 23 kids at Opportunities and one is not special education and Alison thinks there are 15 from Green Mountain.  Carol asked for a better breakdown of scores for AP courses.  Tom said he is uncomfortable with giving this information out.  Carol feels this is important information for future planning.  Discussion ensued.  Tom will share the averages but not individual scores.  All AP students are mandated to take the test now.  Joan said AP classes are college level courses.  Marlee said many students take AP courses to prove to themselves they can do it and not for the scores.  Carol asked how many Physical Education credits are needed to graduate and Tom told her two.  Carol asked several other questions as well.  She feels that enrollment for three years should be done. Alison reviewed the scores of the 8th graders survey about Green Mountain.  She read the survey questions and scores.  She feels it was a great survey and reflected well on Green Mountain. Executive Session to discuss Personnel Issue - Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 8:20 p.m.  Board approved.  No further motions were made. Other Business: None. Adjournment: Gene made motion to adjourn at 8:20 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Meeting Minutes Thursday, September 25, 2008 5:00 p.m. Board Present:  Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Dr. Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Joseph Dexter and Marlee O'Neil Administration Present:  Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal and Tom Burke- Assistant Principal Public Present:  Jared Gunnell - SAPA-TV, Leo Graham, Julie Ladieu-Walton, Paul Dexter, Peggy Svec, Carol and Townsend Gilbert, Jill McNally, Meredith Austin-Business Manager, Katie Beth Ryan- Eagle Times Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Bill said he wanted to acknowledge the work of Joseph Dexter and the board wanted him to know how much they appreciate his contributions to the board and the school.  Joseph thanked the board.   Joseph reported to the board that the Student Council had a vote and Marjorie Munroe was elected to a two year term as the student representative on the board.  The board welcomed Marjorie, who joined the Board. Approval of Minutes of September 4th, 2008 - Bill asked for a motion to approve the minutes of September 4, 2008.  Alison said the motion for the 403 b plan should read Planned Solutions on the 4th line and the next to last line.  Alison made a motion to approve the minutes as amended.   Motion approved. Reports - Superintendent - Approval of Coaching, Co-curricular, Community- Joan read the contracts to be approved.  Hannah Parker, MS Girl's Soccer Coach, $1,185.00; John Pawlak, MS Boy's Soccer Coach, $1,185.00; Erin Rush, JV Girl's Soccer Coach, $2,201.00; Stephen Nelligan, JV Boy's Soccer Coach, $2,201.00; Julie Ladieu-Walton, Varsity Girl's Soccer Coach, $2,709.00; Edward Laffaye, Varsity Boy's Soccer Coach, $2,709.00; Laurie Greenberg, Varsity Cross-Country Coach, $2,709.00; Jacqueline Peck, Electives Department Chair, $2,000.00; Norman Merrill, Language Arts Department Chair, $2,000.00; Kelley Brennan, Social Studies Chair; $2,000.00, Jonathan Rice, Science Department Chair, $2,000.00; Deborah Franks, Yearbook Advisor, $2,878.00, Mary-lynn Wright, Mathematics Department Chair, $2,000.00; Sharon Jonynas, Newspaper Advisor, $1,355.00; Frederick Wendlandt, Band Director, $1,693.00, Director of 3 Act Musical, $1,693.00, Drama Director, $1,693.00, MS Drama Director, $338.00;  Cynthia Austin, MS Student Government Advisor, $338.00, Music Director of Musical, $1,016.00; Dylan Bate, 12th Grade Class Advisor, $1,530.00, Theresa Buskey, 11th Grade Class Advisor, $1,530.00; Deborah Franks, 9th Grade Class Advisor, $472.00; Norman Merrill, 8th Grade Class Advisor, $338.00; Karen Surma, 7th Grade Class Advisor, $338.00; Anne Kipp, Student Government Advisor, $1,355.00; Mary Barton, Special Education Department Chair, $2,000.00, National Honor Society Advisor, $847.00; Anne Lamb, GMUHS Community Outreach Coordinator at an hourly rate of $26.74, 18 hours per week, not to exceed 685 hours.  Geralyn asked why the coaching contracts come in towards the end of the sports season.  Tom F. said he ìbundledî all of the contracts.  Alison made a motion to approve the contracts as presented.  Discussion ensued.  Mark seconded.  Motion approved.                            Outreach Positions - Jack asked what an Outreach Coordinator is.  Tom F. gave a brief overview of the position. Scholarship Gift - $100,000 - Joan said they received a $100,000 donation from Henry Haber for scholarships. The scholarships are to be strictly awarded for sports to students who participate on a varsity team for at least three years.  Discussion ensued. Armory Update - Joan said they received word that the DOE has approved the application for the Armory.  The committee is still waiting for HUD approval.  Joan thanked all of those involved. The VSBA is giving a presentation this evening at Green Mountain on Act 82.  Joan attended the NE superintendents meeting which focused on safety.  She said she learned a great deal and she is happy that we have a lot of the pieces already in place.  The administrative team is meeting with the state police on November 6th and the new state police commander visited all of the schools recently.   On the morning of December 17th the South East Superintendents will meet with state representatives and legislators at the Newsbank Building. Principal Report - Open House -   Tom said the open house was on the 11th and it was well attended. Progress Reports - Tom said the quarter will be closed on the 3rd.  They will have nets in place to catch the students who are at risk of failing.  Discussion ensued. Field Trip Request - The Wilderness Class - Tom said Allan Garvin is planning a trip to hike the Appalachian Trail on October 18th and they will be returning on the 20th.  A middle school trip to Washington D.C. is planned for April.  Dr. Rice is planning this.  Geralyn made a motion to approve the field trips as presented.  Dr. Bont seconded.  Motion approved. Alert Now Test - Tom B. said they put together a test Alert Now message to make sure it is working and to promote the Open House.  Alert Now reported back within 4 minutes of who they were able to reach.  He gave an overview of some of the issues they had.  They updated some of the numbers.  Discussion ensued. Tom said they have received a letter from the University of Vermont naming Theresa Buskey as Green Mountain's outstanding teacher for 2008.  The board congratulated Theresa. MTV will be returning to Green Mountain to provide the MADE program. The October news letter will be mailed tomorrow. School Action Plan - Tom said they are addressing ways to improve Green Mountain's test scores.  They are going to recognize the students that received a 3 or 4 on the tests.  Discussion ensued.   Student Representative Report - Marlee said the recycling club would like to be recognized as a school supported club.   They are also looking into composting.  Dr. Bont moved to approve the recycling club as a school recognized club.  Motion approved.   Board Report- Bill recommended that the doors installed in FY'08 be paid for from the capital improvements fund.  The total cost of all metal doors hardware and installation was $7,106.00. Alison made a motion to approve the total expenditure of $7,106.00 to be taken out of the capital improvement fund for the metal doors, hardware, and installation rather than from the maintenance budget.  Motion approved. Goals for administration:  Bill said it is time to adopt them.  Alison read the administration goals for the 2008 2009 school year.  Bill said the board wants to try and keep expenditures down so there isn't a deficit.  Alison said the maintenance department went over budget and she would like to see the administration at the school have some more oversight over this.  Tom said he is on top of it.  Discussion ensued regarding the accountability on the students and teachers for testing that doesn't count towards grades.  Dr. Bont made a motion to approve the adoption of the goals with the word science included.  Motion approved. GMUHS and CAES will not meet the requirements of Act 82, therefore, the 2 vote scenario does not apply for the upcoming budget.       Committees: Education - Dr. Bont said they are trying to come up with a vision on where the school is going.  He would like the board, administration and student government to give their vision of how they want the school to go from a ìgood schoolî to an ìexcellent schoolî.  He would like them turned in before the next meeting.  Dr. Bont said there needs to be a shelf in the library with literature for board members.    Facilities & Transportation - Arne said they have a schedule for the auditorium.  The bus leases are coming up and Arne will meet with Meredith to discuss it.  Discussion ensued. Athletics & Co-Curricular - None Policy - There is a district wide policy committee meeting tomorrow. Finance - They will put a budget time line together for the next meeting. Public Relations - Geralyn said it would be nice to have an article in the Message regarding the $100,000.00              scholarship grant.  Discussion ensued. Forest Trails - Bill said the revised trails are open.  He gave the board a map of the trails.  There are almost 2 miles of improved trails.  Dan Petraska asked about the maintenance of the trails.  Bill said the committee would handle it.  Dan said he would like to volunteer.  The board thanked him.     Armory - The next step is the LRA approval, which asks if this is the best use of the building.  Discussion ensued. Public Comment - Townshend Gilbert asked what the deficit for last year is.  The board said they don't have the audited numbers yet.  Bill and Alison said they had unexpected expenditures such as two maternity leaves and the increase in fuel.   He asked when the last time Green Mountain ran a deficit.  Alison said they have had some hefty deficits in the recent past. Townshend said it is difficult to hear the board.  Bill said there are seats in the front.  He also said he had asked last spring about executive session being first on the agenda.  Bill said they will look into that. Carol Gilbert said she applauded the board for setting goals.  She said they worked on a literacy lab a number of years ago and she would like to know where they are with it; who is teaching it and what are their credentials.  Tom said Rachel Root is teaching the literacy lab.  Carol said she called the department of education and they said Rachel Root was not licensed.  Joan said they will not respond at this time. Executive Session - Alison made a motion to go into executive session at 6:17 pm to discuss personnel.  Motion approved. Alison made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:45 p.m.  Motion approved. No action taken.   Other Business - None Adjourn - Arne made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 7:46 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh Mack Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes September 4, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Marlee O'Neil and Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present: Jared Gunnell - SAPA-TV, Paul Dexter, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Amy O'Neil, Katie-Beth Ryan - Eagle Times, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary, Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes of July 17 and August 14, 2008 - Geralyn moved approval.  Bill had corrections on Page 1 of August 14th minutes: under Armory Update; In Line 10 it should state: ìAlison said as long as 50% or more of the building is used for educationî. The last word in the last line on page 1 - Green should be at the top of page 2 in the Green Mountain Minutes heading.  On page 2 under Hiring Committees it should state: ìGeralyn did a draft on what the committees for hiring should look likeî.  Board approved minutes as amended. Reports - Superintendent: Joan reported that the Armory application has been submitted.  We are just waiting on a letter from our Attorney stating that Green Mountain can own property.  The opening of school was wonderful and Jim Moulton gave an awesome technology application presentation to the teachers.  She feels it was very well received.  The grades 5 and 6 teachers have completed the Power Standards that they worked on all last year.  They have determined common assessments to be used across the S.U. to determine if students have achieved expected outcomes.  The 7th and 8th grade teachers will do the same project this year.  Joan said that we participate in the Federal Food Subsidy Program.  We get reimbursement money from the Government for every meal that is purchased by students.  For Breakfasts we receive $1.10 for reduced meals and $1.40 for free meals and .25 for paid.  For lunches we get $2.17 for reduced, $2.57 for free and .24 for paid. Principal Report - Opening of School - Tom said it was uneventful and that is the way they like it!  There was a good half-day orientationsfor the 7th graders on August 26th.  Green Mountain will hold an Open House on September 11th from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. and it is going to be a meet and greet evening.   Tom said he passed out a lot of paperwork to the board for their perusal. He reviewed some of the data on enrollment.  Tom gave each of the board members a GM Student Handbook and a GM School Calendar.  A harassment brochure was distributed to the board as well.  Tom said that a training on Harassment/Bullying was held at Green Mountain on Wednesday, September 3rd. School Action Plan - Tom informed the board that the revised Action Plan is almost done and will be brought to the board once the final steps are completed. Schedule for Department Presentations to the Board - Tom said he is planning to meet with the Department Heads on Monday and he will put together a schedule for presentations to be brought to the board. Medicaid Funds - Tom told the board they would like to use the Medicaid funds for a percentage of the Associate Principal salary, a Detention Monitor and After School Programs. Tom told the board that an abbreviated newsletter for September will be put out just to cover the high spots and it should be ready soon. Green Mountain Board Minutes             September 4, 2008                                            Page 2 AlertNow - Tom Burke said they will test the system tomorrow (Friday) at about 5:30 or so and will do a dry run.  It will be a reminder of next Thursday's Open house.  Mostly the system will be used for urgent or emergency situation messages.  He told the Board of all the information the system will give him and how it works. Student Representative Report - Joseph said that tonight is his final board meeting.  The next meeting will see a new student representative on the board for the next 2 years.  He said the 2008-2009 Student Government met yesterday for the first time this year and he thinks they will plan to come to a board meeting to meet everyone sometime soon.  Marlee said the recycling program is going to have club status and they are looking for new members.  She said the teachers are very excited about having the recycling program up and running. Board Report - Review of Hiring Procedures - Geralyn said she made the revisions that were discussed at the last meeting.  She explained an additional change that she made as well.  The Hiring Procedures are only to be used as guidelines.  Bill thanked Geralyn for the work she did on these procedures. Committees: 403-B Update - Alison said the 403-B Committee for the Supervisory Union has been meeting.  They need a motion tonight to approve the 403-B plan and to give Meredith Austin the authority to sign the paperwork.  Alison explained the benefits as there will be a third party administrator for this plan; Security Benefits Financial Services, of Texas will serve as the administrator for the Supervisory Union's teacher retirement package.  Alison said there would be a one-time $500.00 charge for administration of 5 entities within the Supervisory Union. This has to be in place by January 1, 2009.  Alison made the motion to ìApprove the 403-B plan and benefits package and to authorize Meredith Austin to sign the adoption agreement paperwork with Security Benefits Financial Services.  Board approved motion. Education Committee - Gene reported that the Education Committee met prior to the meeting today and one of their goals is to look at how we are teaching and ways that methods can be improved on. Facilities and Transportation Committee - Arne reported that the Facilities and Transportation Committee met earlier today.  The auditorium work will begin in January 2009.  They are looking for ways to get the community involved in the demolition and removal of seats.  Arne said they are also going to try to see if they can recycle the metal.  The hope is to be ready for the Green Mountain Festival Series performance in January.  Arne gave a brief overview regarding the stage curtains and that they now have three bids.  He said they are looking at possibly having an energy audit done by Efficiency Vermont to look at ways to save energy. Gene asked if students were picked up at their doorsteps by the buses.  Arne said we do not pick up at doorsteps but at bus stops.  Bill said the Transportation Committee should look at what Chester-Andover pays for transportation, he thinks they pay a fixed amount now and have done so for several years.  Discussion of field trips took place.  Arne said that thermostats are set room by room at GM and there is no nighttime set back.  This will be looked into. Joan said that the Executive Board asked for the schools to keep the thermostats set at 68 degrees during school days.  Tom said the double doors by the gym are being replaced and Styrofoam insulation is being put in some areas to help with heating.   Green Mountain Board Minutes            September 4, 2008                                           Page 3 Joan said while Meredith was away she and Alison were watching the fuel oil prices and they have not locked in to a price yet.  We may be able to lock in with another group to save even more money. Athletics & Co-Curricular - No report. Policy - Geralyn said she would come to the central office to meet with Joan on policies.  She said the GM policies are on the website. Public Relations - Gene asked if there has been any reaction to Bill's article on the Armory.  Bill said no. Forest Trails - A community workday will be held on Saturday September 6th in the morning to trim roots on the trail.  On September 10th the Student Conservation Association of New Hampshire will come to Green Mountain to install a bridge.  The trail should open up for use the end of September. Armory - This was covered earlier. Public Comment - None. Executive Session to discuss Personnel Issue - Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 5:52 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:40 p.m.  Board approved.  No further motions were made. Other Business: Bill said the board already approved having a noise analysis and assessment done regarding the quarry.  He said the first phase will cost $1,750.00 and the second phase will be $600 to $750.00.  This has not been done to date.  The board approved spending the above amount for the noise analysis and assessment.                       Adjournment: Gene made motion to adjourn at 6:45 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes August 14, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Marlee O'Neil and Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian - Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present: Kaitlyn Merritt - SAPA-TV, Paul Dexter, Leo Graham, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary, Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes of June26 and July 14, 2008 - Jack moved approval.  Board approved minutes as presented. Approval of Medicaid Funding for Associate Principal - Joan said the amount of Medicaid money was $15,000.00 used last year to cover the part of the Associate Principal's job that dealt with bullying and harassment.  Alison made motion to designate $15,000.00 of Green Mountain Medicaid money to be used towards the salary of the Assistant Principal.   Discussion ensued.  Alison withdrew motion for $15,000.00 to be used and made motion that $20,000.00 be used for the salary for the Assistant Principal.  Board approved. 2007-2008 Year-End Financial Update - Bill said this item will be carried over since Meredith is not able to be at this meeting and we also don't have the audit results.  Discussion of transportation routes and costs took place.  Gene suggested looking at possibly converting buses to use natural gas as fuel. Reports - Superintendent: Joan reported that the opening day of school for teachers will be Monday, August 25th at Green Mountain.  There will be a Continental breakfast and the board members are invited.  She said that Jim Moulton will be the presenter from 8:30 - 11:30 on the subject of integrating technology. She said all hiring at Green Mountain is done except for one para-professional, this position will be filled with a substitute at start of the year.  Joan said that and agreement has been reached to allow the Opportunities In Learning Program to move to a Fletcher Farms building on October 1st. Armory Update - The Armory application was submitted and a response was received asking for additional information.  These have been almost completed and the application will be resubmitted. The resolution which is part of the application has to have Alison's name added to it.  Gene made motion to add Alison's name to the resolution.  Board approved.  Jack attended the Monday night meeting on the Armory at the Town Hall.  He said Alison and Arne gave a wonderful presentation.  Bill put together a list of questions and answers regarding the Armory acquisition and cost savings, which will go to the public to give more information on this project.  Bill hopes this will answer questions so people will be able to answer the poll that the Town is going to send to the public to complete.  Geralyn asked if Alison and Bill found out what the process would be if the programs are changed.  Alison said as long as the building is used for education then we would not have to go back and ask for permission to change.  Alison said the Local Redevelopment Authority Board might not approve this building to be used for education.  Gene asked if the  Cavendish Board members would be able to see the Armory.  Bill Green Mountain Board Minutes             August 14, 2008                                            Page 2 will try to set up a visitation time. Joan reported that Meredith has been working on the Statistical Reports and all but one are done and submitted to the State and the State is aware that the 12th report will be done when Meredith returns from vacation.   Joan said that Green Mountain has $155,000.00 in Medicaid monies available. These monies are used for summer programs and after school programs. Joan said that the central office has been watching the fuel prices and will try to lock in at the lowest price for the supervisory union. Quarry Update - Bill said we are supposed to have an update by a sound expert but this has not been done as of this date. Principal Report - School Action Plan - Tom asked for permission to amend the school action plan, they want to include mathematics and dropout rates.  He will get this together once he gets input from the Department Chairs and the Action Planning Committee.  It will be brought to the Board once it is amended for approval.  Gene said the Cavendish students have done very well in Math and asked if there is a way that Cavendish students can be tracked to see how they do in math once they get to Green Mountain.  Discussion followed. School Opening Overview - Tom said we are in good shape with regards to staffing and the building is in great shape.  The sports teams are up and running, and orientation for the new students is planned.  He said some new students are coming in early to do a walk through the school.  All in all we are in good shape for the new school year to begin.  Gene Bont asked for a number of tuition students for the next meeting and school choice numbers as well.  Geralyn asked why the schedules for students were not sent out early.  Tom said Pam is going to hand them out on the first day of school.  Joseph said the schedules are accessible on Power School.  Tom said AlertNow will be tested on August 18th by Tom Burke. Student Representative Report - Marlee said that once school starts they will have recycling in the halls, cafeteria and classrooms. Board Report - Board Retreat Update - Bill said the board retreat went well and he will make sure that materials from the presenter are given to the board members. Hiring Committees: Structure and Process - Bill said that Geralyn did a draft on how the committees for hiring should look like.  Geralyn said this guideline is used at Chester-Andover and it works very well.  Joan asked if this is to be used for teachers only or all staff.  She was told it would be for teachers and administration only.  Joan said it should state that candidates should be licensable in Vermont, not licensed in Vermont.  She felt that it should also state that student behavior would be observed during the teaching demonstration.  Discussion ensued regarding changes.  Jack had thoughts regarding the questions to be asked of candidates.  Geralyn will make changes and will bring to next meeting.   Committee Reports - Facilities/Transportation - Tom said they have three quotes on the stage curtains.  There is a proposed schedule for demolition of the seats to be done in January.  They are hoping for installation on January 5,6,7,8,and 9th. Forest Land - A community workday will be held on August 23rd at 9:00 a.m.  Bill said the trails are really looking good. Green Mountain Board Minutes            August 14, 2008                                           Page 3 Geralyn said the policy committee will need to meet soon because of a couple of mandatory Policies. Public Comment - None. Executive Session to discuss Personnel Issue - Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 5:55 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:10 p.m.  Board approved Other Business: Tom Ferenc said he appreciates the board's support and he has ideas about personnel for next year.  Tom said he wants to improve student learning by using data.  He asked the Board what Departments they want to hear from for educational presentations.  Tom will set up meet with the Math Department for the first presentation to be given. Adjournment: Alison made motion to adjourn at 6:12 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes July 14, 2008 Jackson Gore, Ludlow, Vermont            APPROVED MINUTES Board Present:  Bill Bourque, Alison DesLauriers, Jack Coleman, Arnie Jonynas, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Mark Huntley Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal, Pam O’Neil – Guidance Director Call to Order: Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 4:06 p.m. Approval of Minutes of June 26, 2008: Geralyn moved acceptance of minutes as presented.  Board approved unanimously. Housekeeping Issues – Dinner Laura Soares – VSBA Board Presenter – Randolph School Board – Introductions. A review of what we want to accomplish as a board: Identify goals for school Look at how the board works to help it accomplish its goals Determine next steps Laura shared her expectations of how group is going to work. Bill shared three goals for FY 2008 Improve climate in school (Administration, teachers, staff, board) Revamp communications with community, parents and within school Strategy to deal with declining enrollment Laura passed out information sheet for VSBA database update.  She also passed out a sheet for board members to complete. One side of sheet – what actually was done –actual work Most valuable work Most meaningful work Other side had questions for responses Board members worked individually answering questions for 15 minutes *Laura Soares notes for meeting elements are attached at the end of these minutes. Book:  A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink.  It is good because it shows us how to develop the other side of our brain to keep up with the changing world.  Two other valuable books to read are: The Wikinomics and The World is Flat. Look also at Alan November’s work in Technology in the 21st Century.         Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes              July 14, 2008                   Page 2 What do we want for kids? Lead > Make decisions as a board intentional and in writing                            Set vision Make decisions Listen > to community Represent them and values To students and parents Learn > From outside experts From staff What are the dreams Board needs to know big questions to ask: What does it mean to be well educated? What does this mean for Green Mountain students? So how do we know Green Mountain is achieving excellence? What does that look like How do we know What would convince us Have a series of conversations What do we want to track Give administrators charge: These are what we want Here are the resources Here is what we will track Board needs most to be concerned about where we want to be (results for students). 1.        Vision – Results for students (most important thing they do) Structure – Policy, Budget, hiring (board has responsibility to ensure school is run the way it is supposed to be).  Required policy is state and feds way of micromanaging system – hazing, harassment, drugs, weapons.  Important -other policies- are they at right level.  * What is the board’s goal?  Policy – think about what kind of policy is in place.  What are state of policies? What are important goals to look at?             Required?                                                      Too old, or too detailed.                                                     Need blanket statement to recind outdated                                                                      Policies.  Nothing is policy unless in the                                                                                                                                                             Manual. Boards sometimes spend too much time on details. Focus is best Clear about results you want Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes              July 14, 2008                   Page 3 Know what will pass muster with voters, decide 3% or 6% budget increase Have to look at perimeters Size of budget community can absorb and school’s need to have what resources to reach goals Key statement – Here are results you want and here is how we support that. Accountability                                 Own conduct – board sets tone for whole district Student results                                 Superintendent and staff Policies (how do you know they are being                                                                                                                           followed).           IV.      Conduct and Ethics                                   Operates in a way board is proud Advocacy (in two directions) State: Impacts and limits us – can positively and negatively impact school                         Back to community – reach back and give community information. Boards: (3 kinds): People who make things happen People who watch things happen People who say what happened Community wants a school they can be proud of. To be accountable the boards need to tell communities when things are gong well and when things aren’t going well. Need from Department Chairs: This is what we could do better What the Chair’s vision is for students – achievement What are their dreams This is an area we are not doing well in and want to improve. These are the kinds of things board need to get to: So, how are we doing? What do we need to accomplish? Student Results: Targets over time Hold Administrators accountable Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes              July 14, 2008                   Page 4 Administrators compelled to find ways What do we have to change to make it different? Laura asked board members to look at Self-assessment survey and pick one or 2 key characteristics Can get survey electronically to board so it can be changed to meet needs of board Discussed each element in survey Board should have no more than 3 to 5 goals. State student results – indicators for measuring results. Board should re-organize the agenda – reverse agenda so things that are not substantial or are at the end and things that need discussion are at the beginning i.e., Superintendent’s Report and Minutes should be at the end.  Put new items first with substantial discussion issues on first. Board could have small committee that has prior discussion and frames questions or discussion. Think about what is role of committee What is realistic Pros Cons What are options What are questions board needs to debate Who needs to debate Frame discussion How do we grapple with declining enrollment? Do we want kids that achieve excellence and what does that look like? The board has accomplished much over the past years. Did a lot with improving climate – Administration and board Did work on improving communication with community No direct time on declining enrollment.  Board did do some things like Virtual High School Big issues are what you have to grapple with and determine priorities.  Board needs to say we’ve come to a good place. From School Board Self-Assessment Survey: One member should take responsibility for each of 5 major areas Make these board goals and establish a plan for whole year Plan for whole year What to do in September (example: have a discussion with faculty about what does excellence look like or dreams for your department). Green Mountain Board Retreat Minutes              July 14, 2008                   Page 5 1.  Setting the Vision:       #4 – The vision is written in terms of expected results for students rather than activities the district will engage in.  Gene, Tom, Education Committee. 2.  Establishing Structure:       #10 – There is a process for soliciting and responding to input from staff and community.   Geralyn.       #8  - The Budget reflects the district vision and mission.   Alison. 3.   Operating with Appropriate Conduct and Ethics:       #14 – Board members have information needed to make informed decisions and understand their potential impact.   Bill. 4.    Ensuring Accountability:       #23 – The board regularly evaluates student progress toward meeting established school goals (what other types of data and information do we pull to analyze?).  Education Committee.           #27 – The board keeps the community informed of district performance. 5.     Advocating for Public Education:  #29 – The board keeps the community informed on educational issues and the needs of the district.  (Public relations).                                                            Other Business – Alison talked about board readings – a piece of what Tom Burke wrote – Strategies and Implications for a High School in Vermont. Gene Bont shared Three Cups of Tea and handed out a couple of pages from an article referring to the book; How Kids in School can Support the Building of Schools.          Adjourned:  Meeting adjourned at 8:15 p.m.   * Laura Soares notes attached.                               Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes July 17, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque - Chair, Alison DesLauriers - Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present:  Amy O'Neil, Mike O'Neil, Larry Slayson, David Grayek, Cynthia Collins, Rachel Root, Thomas Hildreth, Mary Hildreth, Michael Caduto, Heather Chase, Suzy Forlie, Larry Reed, Diantha Schierloh, Fred Baldwin, John Holme, Lynn Baldwin, Andy Baldwin, Jonathan Otto, Robin Timko, Hilda de Perez, Jose Alimair, Leo Graham, Don Robinson, Lew Watters, Dan Bustard - Eagle Times, Paul Dexter, Janet Currier - Recording Secretary, Call to Order - Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. GMUHS Involvement with Proposed Quarry Permit Process: Attorney Jeff Hand gave an update on what is going on with this project.  He said the O'Neil's got a permit in 2001 to extract gravel and in 2006 they applied for an Act 250 permit to extract 100.000 yards of gravel.  The Act 250 permit was denied because of noise, blasting, etc., and it was stated that revisions to the application would have to be made.  It was decided that there could be no noise louder than background noise.  The new application did not meet requirements and it was denied in 2007.  Jeff said the proceeding has been in Environmental Court for a couple of months and the O'Neil's are seeking to have the denial of their application overturned.  He said the GMUHS school board filed an involved party statement because of concerns for the school.   Public Comment:  Bill Bourque asked if there were any people in the audience who would like to comment and for them to keep their comments to 3 minutes. Jose Alimair, a Proctorsville resident and a Teacher at Woodstock High School thanked the board for all they have done.  He said what is best for the school is best for the community.  He said the school should be safe from the effects of the quarry process.  He asked the board to consider the money spent to keep the school, students, educators and the school environment safe.  Robin Timco of Cavendish spoke to many of her community residents who could not be here today.  They all have concerns of having a quarry so close to the school.  She said background noise is a hard thing to understand and it goes up and down.  Jonathan Otto of Chester said the question of whether the board would be working at cross-purposes with the Town who authorized the initial permit has come up.  He said the learning environment for children is what is important here.  Jeff Kibbe of Chester said two times the people of Chester have voted to approve the gravel pit.  He hopes the board thinks about this before spending thousands of taxpayer's dollars.  John Holme of Chester who is an Attorney urged the board to continue the litigation.  Diantha Schierloh said she feels the community uses this board to fight the quarry and they should be ashamed.  Cynthia Collins of Chester is a former educator and she feels the quarry is a bad idea for the school and she thinks that GM will not continue to get the important tuition students if the quarry goes through.  Rachel Root a GM  teacher asked the board to continue legal representation in this matter. Tom Hildreth of Chester and a neighbor of GMUHS said his problem with the quarry is only the location, it doesn't seem logical to have it so close to the school.  Mary Hildreth of Chester said she worked at GM when the kindergarten was housed at GM and she cannot imagine trying to teach with the noise and fumes from the quarry.  Paul Dexter of Chester spoke about the Selectmen's decision to change the zoning, it did Green Mountain Board Minutes             July 17, 2008                                               Page 2 not mean that the quarry had been approved by the taxpayers.  He sees no benefits to GM in allowing the quarry to be active.  He thinks the board should allow their Attorney, Mr. Hand, to file the paperwork necessary for this case stating the opinions of the board.  Michael Caduto of Chester said that two years ago Superintendent Ed Brown appointed a Trail's Committee to make use of the Green Mountain land.  The trails will be available to students and the public for many different activities including outdoor classrooms.  Michael said he did measurements and the existing trail is less than 400 feet from the quarry.  He appreciates all the board has done to oppose the quarry.  Kathy Pellett said she is Chester's Representative.  She said the children are our future and providing our children with the best educational environment is money well spent. Providing a good learning environment is conducive to having children want to come to school. Amy O'Neil said no one has any education as to what aggregate is and how it affects all of us.  She said a field trip was done with her son's elementary class and she explained the product and that it is environmentally safe.  She said when they filed the appeal it was because the decision was against the law.  They were not trying to change the requirements of their application.  She said they want a hearing on the merits of this project.  The O'Neil's lawyer, Larry Slayson spoke and said he hopes the board will keep in mind due process and diversity.  He said we need projects here in Vermont like the O'Neil's.  The O'Neil's do not want to do anything with this project that would hurt the school, they have worked hard to protect the Green Mountain facility. He said if the O'Neil's would be allowed to state their facts to the district commission they would be able to show the merits of the project.  He asked that the board not deny the project before they have a chance to have their hearing.   A parent asked everyone to get as much information as possible before making a decision. David Grayek a lawyer representing some of the community members said the district commission did not felt his project was going to meet the requirements therefore it was denied. He then said that 98% of all Act 250 applications are approved and having this one denied is very unusual.  He asked the board to continue their involvement.  David Thomas a para- educator at a Springfield School said he saw the distractions in the classrooms because of construction noise around the school.    Don Robinson of Chester asked the board to allow the process to go on.  He said we have not heard the facts only potential facts.  He said we have not allowed the process to continue so we can get facts.  Heather Chase feels this process has been fair.  She feels if we let the process continue the costs will be exorbitant.   Fred Baldwin of Chester said he did not feel the meeting was warned and the time of the meeting disallows the public to attend.  He also asked how this will be funded.   Mike O'Neil asked the board to let him prove his project.  He grew up in Chester and went to school at Green Mountain.  He does not want to do anything to harm the school. Executive Session: Alison made motion to go into Executive Session to discuss a legal matter at 5:47 p.m.  Gene approved, Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:26 p.m.  Board approved. Geralyn made motion to authorize legal representative to file response to OSG's motion in order to protect the school-learning environment to the maximum extent and to retain a noise expert to evaluate the material presented by the applicant.  Gene seconded. Jack Coleman said he feels that much of what was discussed in Executive Session did not belong in Executive Session.  He said what he is gong to say will be harsh.  Many of the people who are Green Mountain Board Minutes            July 17,  2008                                               Page 3 speaking for the sake of the children are hypocritical.  If they were really concerned for the children they would be at more board meetings as well as the Annual Meetings.  He feels the salaries of the teachers and their length of tenure, are more important than the quarry.  He objects strongly to the people who are anti-quarry and their statements that they care more for the children than the board does.  Jack expressed many more feelings regarding the people who feel we should go against the O'Neil's.  He said no one feels stronger about the environment than he does.  He yields to no one on this and he thinks the O'Neil's feel concern for the environmental issues.  Jack thinks respect should be shown for people who support this project.  He also feels strongly against the use of taxpayer money to fight this, because if money is used from the budget, the children will be the losers.  Jack said the people who want to fight the O'Neil's should have to put the money up to fight it, the cost should not be passed on to the taxpayers. Arne said he takes offense that Jack said we are not doing the process correctly as he feels we are doing the process correctly.  Arne said we are not here for the community people, we are here for the children. Board approved the motion with Jack Coleman voting no. Other Business: Tom Ference told the board that the amount for the new auditorium chairs is $79,404.00 from the Robert H. Lord Company.  Arne said that a decision has been made for the carpeting through Sherwin Williams Company at a cost of $16,736.54. Arne made motion to accept the bids from the Robert h. Lord Company for auditorium seats at $79,404.00 and for the carpet through Sherwin Williams at a cost of $16,736.54.  Board approved both bids unanimously. Alison asked Tom if the project would happen between the first and second Green Mountain Festival Series.  He said they are keeping that in mind.  Alison thanked the board for taking this project on and said the Green Mountain Festival Series Committee is very excited about the project. Tom said he had with him the $5,000.00 grant check for the trails project.  Alison said she thinks we can do a fund raiser to help with this project.  Michael Caduto said that Mike Erskine gave us a great break on the culverts and a thank you letter should be sent to him.  Michael said that about $2,000.00 has been saved by building stone bridges. Tom said that the graduate survey has been crafted and he explained what will be in the survey.  This will be given to the 2008 Green Mountain graduates. Tom then spoke about the GM board retreat and asked the board to give him questions on the following three areas: 1) Academic   2) Social   3) Civic.   Bill told the board that a conference call is scheduled for next week regarding the Armory application. Michael Caduto said that Shawn Lambert and his crew have been very helpful with the trails work. Adjournment: Alison made motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes July14, 2008    2:30 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Assistant Principal        Public Present:  Norman Bartlett - VT-NEA, Cheryl  Farrar, Mary Barton, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 2:34 p.m. Executive Session:  Alison made motion to go into Executive Session at 2:34 p.m. to discuss a personnel issue.  Board approved.   Jack made motion to come out of Executive Session at 3:12 p.m.  Board approved. Arne made motion to deny Grievance, Alison seconded.  Board approved unanimously. Other Business:  Joan will draft a letter tomorrow for Bill to sign. Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 3:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes June 26, 2008    5:00 p.m.                     APPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Arne Jonynas, Gene Bont, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue Administration Present: Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Peggy Svec, Bruce Johnson -SAPA-TV, Diane Reynolds – Vermont Journal, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 5:04  p.m. Approval of Minutes of June 12, 2008:  Jack moved approval of minutes as presented.  Board approved.   Review of Student Attendance Procedures:  Tom explained that the changes are under definitions and are italicized.  He read the different valid causes for absences.  Bill said he feels that better wording is needed for classes taken at outside institutions.  He feels it should state “school approved” classes.  Arne made motion to accept the Student Attendance Procedures with changes as noted.  Board approved.   Bank Borrowing Approval:  Bill said that money must be borrowed to run the school until tax money comes in.  The amount to be borrowed is $1,804,592.00.  TD BankNorth rates are 2.95% borrowing rate, Money Market will earn 2.6% and the interest for money in the C.D. will be 3.5%.  Meredith recommends staying with T.D. BankNorth for another year.  Gene made motion to approve the contract for borrowing money with T.D. BankNorth for the 2008/2009 school year.  Board approved unanimously. Bill then presented a contract for the computer lease and said it is a little more money than was budgeted.  The three year contract is for $17,845.32.  Mark made motion to approve the contract.  Bill said we have a deal with Apple and the Tech Coordinator, Rick King takes care of this.  Our current contract expires, the end of June, 2008.  Board approved the computer contract. Hiring: Tom Ferenc said he has four applicants for board approval.  He said Deborah Franks is the recommended candidate for the English Teacher.  She will be a 2/3 FTE 9th grade English teacher.  Deb is originally from Vermont and she has seven years experience.  Geralyn made motion to hire Deborah Franks as a .66 FTE 9th grade English teacher in the amount of $29,262.00.  Board approved. Tom then presented information on the Technical Support person – Greg Styles.  This position is a not more than 20 hours per week for 38 weeks at $17.00/hour.    Greg has been a technology teacher for 12 years at Dorset, Vermont and he is also certified as an Apple repairman.  Jack made motion to hire Greg Styles for the Technical Support position.  Board approved. Green Mountain Board Minutes                   6/26/2008                      Page 2 Tom then recommended Frank Balch for the Transportation Supervisor.  Frank is a current Green Mountain bus driver and was the Transportation Supervisor in Ludlow, Vermont.  Arne made the motion to hire Frank Balch for the position of Transportation Supervisor.  Board approved. Tom said that he would like to hire Ausra Brooks for the Athletic Director.  She is now a half-time Physical Education teacher at Green Mountain.  He asked to hold a decision on this position until after an Executive Session discussion.   Reports: Superintendent:  Joan Paustian is away on a few days vacation. Principal’s Report: – Staffing Update: Tom said he does not expect to hire anyone else for the professional staff. D&E Committee: Tom said this is the Diversity and Equity Committee.  He asked the board to review the information he dispersed and to come back with questions at the next meeting.  He said this committee was started because when he came on board, there was a pending civil rights case.  This committee will explore different social learning methods to take place within the school.  Tom said the students will learn “We are different but we are similar as well”.  This is to help kids learn how to treat others and to talk about how they want to be treated.  These changes were mandated by the Civil Rights Commission and he said that here at GM they have put together a three to five year plan to cover the mandated requirements.  Guidance Functions: Tom asked the board to read these items in their packets and it will be discussed at the next meeting.  AlertNow Test: Tom Burke said a brief announcement test was done about 10 days ago and it was sent to the entire staff.  The system told him who had received the test and who was not reached and why they weren’t reached.  He said they then contacted the staff members that the test did not reach.  He said that during the week of August 18th a test run will be done for all GM students.  This will let them know what phone numbers are correct and which ones aren’t so these can be corrected.  In the first test there were only two numbers that were incorrect.  End of Year Report: Tom Ferenc reviewed the summer newsletter and the items covered in the newsletter.  HCRS Grant Position: Tom said he has a confirmation letter that GM received a grant for about $18,000.00 to hire Tracy Kerr a drug and alcohol counselor for the GM students.   Student Representative Report: Tom said that if Joseph was present he would be doing this part of the report.  Tom asked the board to read the GM Academic Honor Principle and said this will be in the new Student Handbook.  He asked the board to let him know what they think of it after they have a chance to read it.   Board – Board Retreat: Bill said this is all set for July 14th at 4:00 p.m. at Jackson Gore.  Part way through the Retreat there will be a working dinner.  Hiring Committees; Structure and Process: Geralyn said she will email this to all the board members for the August 14th meeting. Committee Reports – Facilities Committee:  Arne said the vendor for the auditorium chairs has been narrowed down and it is the Lord Company.  Arne said they chose this company for the service and their reputation.  They will need about 2 weeks to install the Green Mountain Board Minutes                   1/10/08                      Page 3 chairs.  He would like to get a group of parents together to take the old chairs out to save $8,000.00 to $10,000.00 on the project.  Tom said they need a motion and approval to send a letter of intent and a Purchase Order number.  The company needs 16 weeks to turn our order around.  Tom said changes have to be made in the seating to meet the Disabilities Act and we will probably have to give up about six seats.  Arne said in the middle of July there will be a substantial percentage price increase.  Gene moved, Geralyn seconded to approve that a letter of intent be sent to the Lord Company for the auditorium chairs to be ordered.  Board approved.  Arne said the carpet vendor is about ready to be pinned down as well.  Tom Ferenc said the stage curtains made of flame retardant materials is one of the pieces still to be done and the last piece will be the lighting, to update and improve lighting to be efficient in costs.  Education Committee: Gene said this committee met today and they are in the process of reviewing some reports but there is nothing to report on at this time. Public Discussion: Tom thanked Bruce Johnson of SAPA-TV for recording the Graduation this year.  Bruce commented on what a wonderful ceremony it was.  Diane Reynolds suggested putting the auditorium chairs and curtains on Craigslist.com to see if there might be some buyers out there looking for these items.  Tom said they will be trying to find someone interested in them and won’t just be throwing them away. Executive Session – Jack moved to enter Executive Session at 5:57 p.m. to discuss personnel issues.  Board approved. Geralyn made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:12 p.m.  Board approved. Arne made motion to hire Ausra Brooks as Athletic Director for the 2008-2009 school year at a salary of $12,500.00.  Board approved. Other Business: Gene said he is worried about the Governor of Vermont stating he is going to get rid of the State Board of Education and that he is also looking to do away with the Commissioner of Education position. Adjournment:  Jack moved to adjourn meeting at 6:17 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes June 12, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Arne Jonynas, Mark Huntley, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Linda Waite – Assistant Superintendent Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt-SAPA-TV, Janet Podnecky, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Michael Caduto, Diane Reynolds – Vermont Journal, Paul Dexter, Daryl Houk, Brad Houk, Allan Garvin, Mrs. Merrill, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes of May 22, 2008:  Jack made motion to approve minutes as presented. Board approved as written.    NECAP Results – Linda Waite:  WSWSU Assistant Superintendent – Linda Waite distributed hand outs and reviewed AYP (Annual Yearly Progress).  She said that Green Mountain grades 8 and 11 were given NECAP tests in October 2007 in reading, math and writing.  She reviewed the results and talked about how scoring levels 3 and 4 are combined for proficiency results.  Linda said these scores are just a snapshot of the student’s abilities.  She said we need to set priorities based on the scores.  Tom has been working with the Department Chairs and the teachers will all look at these scores during their in-services.  Linda explained how they are going to start looking at and working on improvement of scores.  Alison asked if anyone has looked at the data of places where math is a yearlong course.  Does block scheduling hurt our students?  Linda said that some areas, i.e., algebra, and geometry have been looked at and considered for yearlong courses. Jack asked what the administration and faculty responses were to these scores.  Linda said it was alarming to see the results but they also looked at the State data and they feel this needs to be addressed at the State level.  Linda said we are going to look at ways for improvement of scores. Students need four math courses to graduate.  Paul Dexter asked what the consequences are for not making AYP.  Linda said the first year is a checkmark, two consecutive years of checkmarks and the school is put on an improvement plan overseen by the State.  She talked about other things that happen if the school doesn’t meet AYP.  She then explained the benefits to the school when they do make AYP. Bill  said that because several people had to leave the meeting at 6:00 we would be dealing with the most important items on the agenda and not following the items as they appear on the agenda. Approval of Policy F-35 – Enrollment of Children of Non-Resident Teachers: Alison made the motion to approve policy F-35 – Enrollment of Children of Non-resident Teachers.  Board approved the policy.                                                                                                                                                         Reports:    Superintendent: Teacher Contracts – Joan said that resumes and hiring appointment forms are in front of each board member.  Mindybeth Gutzwiller has a BA in History and a Masters in secondary education has been hired as a Social Studies teacher.  Her salary is $42,036.00 and Green Mountain Board Minutes             June 12, 2008                                               Page 2 Tom said he feels very lucky to have her as a new teacher at Green Mountain and he is very impressed by her.   Keith Hill II, has a Bachelor’s degree and no experience.  He went through five years of rigorous courses at Clark University.  He has a great way with the students and did an awesome job teaching a class.  Keith is a Green Mountain 1999 graduate and grew up in Chester.  His salary is $38,101.00.  Gene made motion to approve contracts for Mindybeth and Keith at the aforementioned salaries.  Board approved.  Alison noted that Mr. Willis would be greatly missed. French Club Trip 2009: Janet Podnecky told those present that there are about 20 students who want to go on this trip, they have 3 or 4 adults who will chaperone and about 5 adults who are willing to work on fund raising.  She said this would be for upper level French students and they must be in good standing in their classes.  She said the estimated cost per student at this time is $2,300.00 but the final cost will depend on the number going and the actual dates of the trip.   She said they would be exploring Paris and Loire Valley.  Janet said that Explorica is the same organization they used last time and everyone had a very enjoyable trip.  Alison made the motion to approve the French trip for the 2009 school year.  Board approved trip. Committee Reports: Forest Trails Project:   Bill said they received one $5,000.00 grant but this grant has to have matching funds.  They are hoping to get the trail work done this year and then go back and put in kiosks and signs next year.  Bill distributed handouts showing different phases of the projects and the budget they have developed. He said Phase I is completed.  This project is to be used as an outdoor classroom for environmental studies, track and also for the public enjoyment to use the trails.  Allan Garvin, a committee member and GM teacher, said they have spent many hours on this project.  Bill explained the budget that was included in the handout.  The Chester Conservation Committee has volunteered their services saving us a lot of money. Michael Caduto, a committee member said about 2/3 of the project is marked and laid out, but there is still some areas that have to have some “from scratch” work to be done.  Michael told about some of the classes that are already using the area and some of the ways the area will be used in the future.  Bill asked if the GM Board would be willing to donate matching funds to this project to match the $5,000.00 grant.  He said they would continue to apply for grants.  Arne made motion to have GM match the $5,000.00 grant funds with an additional $5,000.00.  Board approved.   Superintendent: Joan said we have all of our sports contracts and extra-curricular activities reports except for two so these people will be receiving their pay for their services.  She read a list of people who have met the requirements to receive their pay. Joan will also have the last two extra-curricular advisors paid as soon as their reports are received. David Farrar – Varsity Baseball - $2,656.00 Howard Paul – Varsity Softball - $2,656.00 Jon Peters – Varsity Track - $2,656.00 Kristine Levefre – Track Assistant - $1,660.00 Jonathan Rice – Track Assistant - $1,660.00 Gerald Cassels – Varsity Golf - $2,656.00 Michael LeClair – J.V. Softball - $2,158.00 Theresa Buskey – M.S. Softball - $1,162.00 Paul Dexter – M.S. Baseball - $1,162.00 Green Mountain Board Minutes            June 12,  2008                                               Page 3 Sharon Jonynas – 9th Grade Advisor - $463.00 Mary Barton – National Honor Society - $830.00 Cynthia Austin – M.S. Student Government Advisor - $332.00 Frederick Wendlandt – M.S..Drama Director - $332.00 Frederick Wendlandt – Band Director - $1,660.00 Karen Surma  - 7th Grade Advisor - $332.00 Norman Merrill – 8th Grade Advisor - $332.00 Stephanie Smith – 10th Grade Advisor - $463.00 Dylan Bate – 11th Grade Advisor - $1,500.00 Allyson Oswald – Yearbook Advisor - $2,821.00 Janet Pringle – Newspaper Advisor - $1,328.00 Norman Merrill – Middle School Coordinator - $2,000.00 Joan reported that Linda Waite has been working hard on the CFP (Consolidated Federal Program) Grants.  Jackie McCuin has been working to pull together the IDEA-B Grant.  She said that Tom and the teachers have been doing a great job.  Joan said she has read all of the teacher observations that Tom has written this year. Joan then read a resignation letter from Greg Harrington effective as of June 30, 2008.  She said he has accepted a job as Supervisor of Transportation and Grounds at Flood Brook Union School.  Board approved Greg’s letter with regrets and said he leaves big shoes that will be hard to fill. Joan said that at the last board meeting in June the board would have to vote on borrowing.  Joan will not be at that meeting as she will be on vacation.  She talked a little about Tom’s evaluation and said she will create two formats for board members and will bring them to the board retreat. Joan will also write an evaluation for Tom. Joan said we are required by Federal law to archive our emails and we are not in compliance with this law.  The Tech people and Linda Waite are working on this and are also looking at a policy that determines the length of time the emails must be archived.  The total cost of all the schools will be $5,035.00.  Flood Brook is already using Learning Networks to archive their emails and the rest of the S.U. will be changed over to Learning Networks over the summer as well.  Each school will pay for their share of archiving costs. Joan, Gene, Mark, Alison and Janet had to leave at 6:00 p.m. so the meeting was adjourned at that time, as there was no longer a quorum present. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                           APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes May 22, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt-SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Jonathan Rice, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Diane Reynolds – Vermont Journal, Stacia Spaulding, Julie Walton, Maddie Bourque, Taylor White, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:05 p.m. Approval of Minutes of May 8, 2008:  Jack made motion to approve minutes as presented. Geralyn had an addition – when Linda Waite was reporting on AYP, Geralyn asked if they were looking into the effect of block scheduling with regard to math testing.  Minutes were approved as amended. Approval  of Exchange Student Policy: The board did not have any changes so Gene Bont made motion to approve policy as presented.  Board approved.   First Read of Policy F-35 – Enrollment of Children of Non-Resident Teachers: Gene Bont noted that the policy mentions both Green Mountain and Chester-Andover and he asked if this would cover Cavendish Elementary as well.  Alison said it could be brought to the board if it should come up.  This will appear on next agenda for approval. Reports:    Superintendent: Joan is attending the Vermont Superintendent’s Conference at Lake Morey.    Principal –Tom Ferenc – Tom reported that Jon Rice and Joan Paustian attended a dinner in Montpelier last night for the four Teacher of the Year finalists.  He and the board wished Jon good luck.  Tom said he received a letter from the University of Vermont and the Department of Math and Science recognizing Kevin Surma.  A dinner will be held on July 3rd in Montpelier to recognize Kevin and others.  Tom had contracts for Robert Speers (student teacher at GM) and Norm Merrill to teach Math and English at the middle school summer school at GM.  He asked the board to approve these contracts in the amount of $1,700 for each teacher.  Tom said the after school program has had positive results.  The students in this program cannot play sports until they complete the program and have brought their grades up.  He said he hopes to include the 9th grade in this program and eventually all the upper grades as well.  Alison moved approval of the summer school contracts for Robert Speers and Norm Merrill to teach summer school.  Board approved. Drama Co-Curricular Contracts – Tom said Fritz Wendlandt and Cindy Austin who served as Drama Club advisors had submitted their reports so they can receive their stipend.  Interview Update – Tom said they have moved 3 Social Studies candidates to the step where they will teach a lesson and hope to have a candidate for next week.  They are interviewing English/Language Arts candidates now for the part-time position.  Presentation on Grand Canyon – Dr. Rice, Julie Walton, Maddie Bourque and Taylor White were present to give a short Green Mountain Board Minutes             May 22, 2008                                               Page 2 talk on the trip.  Jon Rice gave an overview of the many activities that they participated in while at the Grand Canyon.  He said it was definitely a vacation but they included a lot of educational activities as well.  Dr. Rice thanked the board for approving this trip as it was absolutely awesome.  Maddie Bourque said her favorite part of the trip was going through the Grand Canyon via the Colorado River, a 3-hour trip.  They went to a ghost town and they asked local people about ghost stories.   Dr. Rice reported that Joseph Dexter went to ISEF in Atlanta, Georgia for a week and Dr. Rice went as a mentor.  Joseph was awarded a medal for his entry.  The board congratulated Joseph for his accomplishments. Student Representative Report – Joseph said the Booster Club sponsored a luncheon for students who made Principal’s List.  The national honor Society students were inducted last night.  The Student Government has reviewed polices and made improvements for the student handbook.  The Student Government elections will be held next week.  The Chester Police and Fire Department and the Interact Club held a mock crash reenactment the week before the Prom.  This was followed by a student assembly.  Joseph said they would like to make this a yearly event prior to the Prom.  The Junior Prom was held on May 17th and everyone had a wonderful time and he congratulated everyone for the Prom and thanked everyone that worked on the Prom for the hours they put getting the decorations, etc. done. Tom Ference thanked Jeff Holden – Chester Fire Chief for all he did working on the mock crash event.  Geralyn added that an Arts night was held on May 14th. Joseph explained that about 4 months ago the Student Government started reviewing the student handbook.  They went through current policies on attendance and made some possible changes and came up with a working draft.  It has been given to the Department Chairs and the faculty.  When they have come up with a final recommendation he will bring copies to a board meeting and review the changes.  Joseph wants the Policy Committee to review one passage in particular.  He summarized the major changes and said they looked at areas of the policy that are not being enforced, but Mr. Ference is going to make sure they are covered next year.  They reviewed reasons for absence excuses and broadened  the excused absence reasons.  The board thanked Joseph for all the work. Board Report – Board Retreat Date – Janet reported that Okemo is available for July 14th and she is waiting for the information to be emailed to her.  Bill is going to follow up with a possible speaker and will give more information at the next meeting. Committee Updates –Forest Land – Trails – Bill reported that three grants have been submitted.  One has been approved already.   He said if anyone would like a copy he would get one for them.  They hope to get money to begin the project this summer.  The grant from the State was turned down.   Facilities: Auditorium – Tom reported that he, Shawn and Arne met last week and they are looking at carpeting, seats and curtains and they hope to have all three bids in next week.  The turn around time will be 16 to 18 weeks so school may be in session before project is finished. Tom said that tomorrow is Senior Community Service Day and some seniors will be in the community but some will be working at the school.  The Interact Club will also be involved.   Education Committee – Gene said this committee met at 4:00 today and two subjects discussed were: 1) Virtual Classrooms and how they will be handled regarding grading for students as they Green Mountain Board Minutes            May 22, 2008                                               Page 3 do not currently count towards GPA as these classes are harder to evaluate.  The Committee and Administration will  work on this issue.  2)  Schools on the Move and Individual Learning Plans as recommended by the DOE and State School Board were also discussed.  This committee will be meeting on a monthly basis.  Alison said they will research what other schools do and what their practices are regarding Virtual Classroom courses and will try to come to a decision. These courses are electives, not core classes.   Others -  Alison said the Finance Committee is still hoping to break even on the budget for this year. Discussion with Public:  None. Other Business:  Alison said the board must approve use of Medicaid funds in the amount of $1,588.00 to pay for additional camera equipment.  Gene made motion and board approved.     Jack distributed an article regarding how bad situations are in our high schools in the U.S. He wants the board to spend time looking at how we can get our high schools to shoot higher.  He wants to find out how we can create more enthusiasm with our students.  He would like to have the Educational Committee discuss this item.   Executive Session- Personnel – Geralyn made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:07 p.m.  Board approved.         Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:20 p.m.  Board approved. Alison made motion to hire Tom Burke as Assistant Principal for the 2008-2009 school year for a total of 210 working days with a total compensation package not to exceed $60,000.00.  Board voted in the affirmative. Adjournment – Gene made motion to adjourn at 6:23 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes May 8, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Joseph Dexter, Marlee O’Neil Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt-SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Paul Dexter, Linda Waite, Diane Reynolds, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes of April 10, 2008:  Jack made motion to approve minutes as presented. Gene seconded.  Board approved.                                                      Reports:    Superintendent: Joan said Linda Waite is present and is going to talk about AYP (Annual Yearly Progress).  Joan reported that Karla Waite a GM Para is out on FLMA due to illness. Janet Pringle GM English teacher is not returning as she has been hired by one of the Rutland Schools.  Janet’s letter of resignation must be accepted.  Alison made motion to accept Janet Pringle’s letter of resignation. Gene seconded.  Board approved with regrets.  Joan said that Sharon Jonynas would be moving to middle school English as a full time teacher. Joan said this is Teacher Appreciation Week and she wants the teachers to know that we are very proud of them and she hopes they know how much they are appreciated.   Linda Waite then gave her presentation on data regarding AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) and information handouts were given to the board.  Linda explained how a determination is made as to whether schools meet AYP or not.  Grades 8 and 11 scores in Reading and Math were discussed.  Linda explained that the 7th grade scores are included in the elementary scores because the teaching year testing was done when the 7th graders were in the 6th grade.  There were 119 grades 8 and 11 students tested at Green Mountain in Reading and 120 students were tested in Math.  Linda talked about the target scores schools are expected to meet and every three years the target scores are increased.  She explained the indicator of the graduation rate and how it affects the AYP.  Alison said she thought a drop out rate should be figured into the AYP as well.  Linda said she would come to another meeting to talk more about this and about NECAP testing results. Jack asked the Superintendent and Principal if anything can be learned from these tests that reflect on the individual teacher.  Joan said yes and gave an explanation how this is done.  Linda said next time she will show how these tests would be teacher specific over a three year testing span. Linda will return for the first meeting in June. Approval of Exchange Student Policy Revision – Geralyn said the Policy Committee is not recommending any changes at this time.  This will be on next agenda for approval. Policy – First Read – F-35 – Enrollment of Children of Non-Resident Teachers – Geralyn explained the changes they would like to make and then bring it back to the next board meeting for a first read.  Discussion ensued. Green Mountain Board Minutes             May 8, 2008                                               Page 2 Principal –Tom Ferenc –Programming and Personnel Update for H/S and M/S – Tom talked about the positions that are open and the 4-step interview process.   Grand Canyon Trip Update – Tom agreed at the last minute to accompany the students on this trip as a chaperone.  He said they took 23 students to the Grand Canyon during the April vacation. They had a wonderful time and the students would like to come to a board meeting and give a presentation.  He thanked Dr. Rice for setting this trip up.  Tom said regarding Dr. Rice, there were people at Green Mountain today to visit and get information regarding Dr. Rice’s nomination for Teacher of the Year.   He is one of the top three finalists.   Alert Now - Tom reported that Rick King is in the process of doing the computer work for this system.  He thinks by the middle of June they will be able to do a test.  Alison asked if the tiers would be explained for people to choose from and Tom said he thinks people are either on the Alert Now system or off.  They can’t have just certain information tiers, it will be all or nothing. Brief Review of the Year – Tom said he has worked on the culture and the climate at school and there is still more work to do but all in all he feels the year has gone smoothly.                End of Year Dates – Tom passed out a list of upcoming events for Green Mountain.  Joan asked Tom to give the Elementary Principals a copy as well.   Copies of the Green Mountain Gazette were also made available to the board and public.   Joseph gave an explanation of the Academic Reception that is scheduled for May 14th.  He said the Booster Club used to sponsor this activity but Guidance sponsors it now. Student Representative Report – Marlee invited all the school board members to the Grand March at the Jr. Prom on May 17th.  Joseph reported that this is AP exam week and that this has expanded over the years.  Joseph said the Student Government has been reviewing the student attendance policy for the student handbook.  The faculty is in the process of reviewing it now.  He told the board that the Student Government is in the process of elections for Student Government officers and for a replacement to take his position on the board for next year.         Board Report – Board Retreat Date –Arne said he feels a retreat would be a good thing especially with all the new board members.  The board opted for a weekday retreat and Monday July 14th was chosen.  Janet will contact Okemo to schedule this. Committee Updates –Alison said the Education Committee needed to schedule a meeting.  Gene suggested meeting prior to a GM board meeting.  Gene would like to have Tom Ferenc on this committee as well.  Education Committee will meet prior to the next board meeting at 4:00 p.m. Gene made motion to change all future Green Mountain board meetings to 5:00 p.m.  Alison seconded.  Board approved.  The August Green Mountain board meeting will be on August 14th at 5:00 p.m. Gene said we should be very proud of our GM students who won Math and Science awards and scholarships.   Green Mountain Board Minutes            April 10, 2008                                               Page 3 Facilities – Arne said they held a meeting and there are three bids in for the flooring in the Auditorium at this time but there might only be one bid for the seating.  Joan will check for State requirements on bidding.  The work will have to be done over the summer.  Arne said they had questions about the Capital Fund five-year requirements.  Arne said the Facilities Committee will review the list of things in the school that need attention and try to prioritize these items.  He said they might update the PA system and front doors and acoustic tiles in the Auditorium as well. Discussion with Public:  None. Other Business:  Alison informed those present that students entering 7th grade will have to have a second chicken pox inoculation if they have not had the chicken pox. Jack asked to have a discussion regarding the process of evaluating the superintendent and principal.  He wants to be able to tell these positions what the boards are expecting of the administrators.  Alison said a new evaluation form is being developed by the Executive Board to make it a better process than in the past.  Joan explained the principal evaluation. Executive Session-  Geralyn made motion to go into Executive Session for personnel issues at 6:15 p.m.  Board approved.                                    Geralyn made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:25 p.m.  Board approved. Adjournment – Geralyn made motion to adjourn at 6:25 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes April 10, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Joseph Dexter, Marlee O’Neil Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt-SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Paulette Martel, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times – Paul Dexter, Patricia Dexter, Mrs. Merritt, Linda Waite, Leo Graham, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at 5:03 p.m. Approval of Minutes of March 20, 2008:  Jack made motion to approve minutes as presented. Board approved.                                                      Reports:    Superintendent: Joan reported that the administrators have received AYP (Annual Yearly Progress) information but the Commissioner has embargoed it until April 28th.  Linda Waite will come in May to present information on the NECAP exams and on AYP as well.  Joan passed around Quality Counts information to the board and reviewed how Vermont did on different indicators.  A paper on Successes in Vermont Schools was also shared with the board.  This shows good things that have happened in Vermont and survey results as well. Joan said the River Valley Technical Center attended a Vermont Skills Conference and Green Mountain had a number of students attending and 4 Green Mountain students won medals.  RVTC had 21 students attending this conference.  The last day of school for Green Mountain students will be June 17th (a half day) and teachers will go through June 19th.  Approval of Exchange Student Policy Revision – This was tabled until the next meeting.Policy – First Read – F-35 – Enrollment of Children of Non-Resident Teachers – Joan said this policy will be sent to the policy committee and will then come back to the board.Co-Curricular Contracts – Joan read the following co-curricular contracts and asked the board for approval: David Farrar – Varsity Boys Baseball - $2,656.00 Howie Paul – Varsity Girls Softball - $2,656.00 Jon Peters – Varsity Track - $2,656.00 Jon Rice – Track Assistant - $ Chris Lefevre – Track Assistant - $ Mike LeClair – Girls J.V. Softball - $2,158.00 Paul Dexter – M.S. Boys Baseball - $1,162.00 Theresa Buskey – M.S. Girls Softball - $1,162.00 Gerald Cassels – Golf Coach - $2.656.00 Arne made motion to approve contracts as presented but to have track assistant contract salaries double-checked.  Board approved. Joan distributed lists of all Green Mountain faculty and staff with salaries.  An Executive Session will be needed to set salaries for those not covered by a master agreement. Green Mountain Board Minutes             April 10, 2008                                               Page 2 Discussion of Local Assessment Plan – Joan said the last one done was in the year 2006-2007.  A new plan does not have to be done every year; we just have to have one in place.  Joan explained the Assessment Plan.  Tom said he and the Department Chairs have met and they reviewed the plan and there is an updated plan to be reviewed by the board.  Copies were distributed.  Tom reviewed the new Assessment Plan which shows the test given, the areas tested and the schedule for when the test is given.  Discussion of testing ensued. Principal –Tom Ferenc –AlertNow System – Tom explained that system works by telephone and it calls up to 6000 homes in about 5 seconds and leaves a message.  He feels this a good tool to improve Green Mountain communications with parents.  He is asking the board to approve $279.00 for the remainder of this year and $1,161.00 for FY 2009 in July when the new contract takes effect.  Joan talked about the different levels of service that can be purchased.  This will be great for emergencies – i.e., early school closings; games canceled: and reminders for events such as parent/teacher conferences.  Geralyn asked about parents who might not want to be on the list to receive these calls, discussion ensued.  Alison made a motion to the request as stated but to have concerns that have been stated looked into.  Joan said the company administers the entire program.  Board approved.Staffing Update – Tom said Mr. Willis is retiring as Social Studies teacher after 39 years.  There are 53 applications to date and the first interviews will be held Tuesday.  Tom said he nominated Dr. Rice for Teacher of the Year and Jonathan is in the top three finalists in the state.Professional Learning Community Staff Development Update – Tom said the staff just finished a 37-hour course on working as a Learning Community. Failure is Not an Option  - Update – Tom said the students did not like the name so a new name is now attached to the program: E.S.P. – Educational Support Program.  Tom reported that students that have completed the program would have exit interviews.  Some students who completed the program have requested to remain in the program.  He passed out a packet showing numbers and student comments.  Tom said they have found that teacher to student ratio is a very important part of this program.  Students are working with both teachers and aides.   Student Representative Report – Tom told the board that Joseph Dexter won the State Science Project and will be going to the National Science Fair in Atlanta, Georgia.  The board congratulated Joseph.  Joseph then gave a presentation on the independent science research he has done as a GM student.  He did research on plant growth hormones in the 8th grade.  He worked on Vermont/New England orchids.  Last fall he did an ecology and conservation study on the Lady Slipper Orchid.  Joseph talked about articles he has written and had published in horticultural magazines and he passed them around for the board to review.  Joseph gave thanks to Dr. Rice who got him started on the independent research and for letting Joseph use his closet in his classroom as a laboratory.  Joseph also talked about his current study with a photo lab and the process he is using for analysis.Marlee said she is one of the co-founders of the recycling club at Green Mountain and they have been doing the recycling since January.  Shawn Lambert said there has been between $1,000 and $1,500/month savings in dumpster charges.  The board thanked Marlee for doing this project. Joseph said the Student Government is reviewing the student handbook and policies and they are looking at the attendance policy currently. Green Mountain Board Minutes            April 10, 2008                                               Page 3 Board Report – Committee Organization –Bill handed out the board committee’s list and asked for input at the next meeting.   Retreat Date – Bill would like to schedule another Retreat at the next board meeting hopefully to schedule it for July and maybe at Okemo again.  He asked the board members to bring their calendars to the next meeting so a date can be chosen.   Committee Reports – Finance – Alison spoke with Ruth regarding the budget and Ruth feels that Green Mountain will be in at least a break-even situation this year Discussion with Public:  None. Other Business:  Joan asked about holding a meeting on April 24th, it will be vacation week and Tom will be on the Grand Canyon trip.  The board decided to hold the next meeting on May 8th at 5:00 p.m.   Executive Session- Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:25 p.m. to discuss  contracts.  Arne seconded.  Board approved. Mark made motion to come out of Executive Session at 6:47 p.m.  Board approved.   Jack moved, Gene seconded to approve the increases of 4% for staff not covered by master agreements with the exception of the Assistant Principal which was tabled until the next meeting. Adjournment – Mark made motion to adjourn at 6:50 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes March 20, 2008    5:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Arne Jonynas, Jack Coleman, Mark Huntley, Geralyn Donohue, Gene Bont, Joseph Dexter, Marlee O’NeilAdministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Bruce Johnson -SAPA-TV, Peggy Svec, Katherine Svec, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Leo Graham, Anne Kipp, Shane Putnam, Paul Dexter, Katie Karkowski, Jeff Hand – Attorney, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Joan Paustian – Superintendent called meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Re-Organization of Board   1) Election of OfficersChair –Joan asked for nominations for Board Chair.  Alison nominated Bill Bourque, Arne seconded.  Voted in the affirmative. Vice Chair – Bill asked for nominations for Vice Chair.  Jack Coleman nominated Alison DesLauriers.  Arne seconded.  Board voted in the affirmative. Board Clerk – Bill asked for nominations for Board Clerk.  Alison nominated Jack Coleman, Jack declined.  Arne nominated Mark Huntley.  Alison seconded.  Board voted in the affirmative. 2) Set Meeting Date and Time – Alison made motion to set date and time of meetings for the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at 6:00 p.m.  Arne seconded.  Board voted in the affirmative. Joan read letter of resignation from Alonzo Neff to not continue on the GM Board because of his job requirements.  Alison made motion “To accept Alonzo’s letter of resignation with regret and thanks for all the time he put in as a board member”.  Board approved. Bill asked for nominations to fill Alonzo’s position on the board.  Alison made motion to nominate Geralyn Donohue to fill open Chester position.  Board approved unanimously.  Geralyn was asked to join the board at the table. Executive Session – Alison made motion to enter Executive Session “To discuss a pending legal matter where public disclosure of the school’s position would substantially prejudice a decision.” Arne seconded.  Board approved.  Board entered Executive Session at 5:20 p.m. Jack moved to come out of Executive Session at 6:15 p.m.  Board approved. Call to Order – Bill Bourque called open session meeting to order at to order at 6:22 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of February 26, 2008:  Jack made motion to approve minutes as presented. Board approved.                                                      Reports:    Superintendent: Joan said that Fred Willis, retiring teacher has asked if his retirement stipends can be made in January of 2009-2010-2011 instead of the month of July.  Alison made motion to Green Mountain Board Minutes             March 20, 2008                                               Page 2 pay his stipends in January instead of July.  Board approved.                                                        Joan said the NECAP scores are reported in two ways, the teaching year and the testing year.  Linda Waite will break down the NECAP information and it will be presented by grade level to the board at a future date.  She said that Professional Development was held last Friday at two schools and the GM teachers did assessment.  Linda Waite reviewed the NECAP released tasks testing items with teachers to see how the teachers can use the information.  Joan, Jackie McCuin and Linda have been meeting since the first of the year to talk about Strategic Planning.  Grades 4-8 curriculum and transition curriculum between 6th and 7th grades are some of the areas they have targeted and they are also looking at differentiated instruction.  Joan gave the board members a list of GM teacher salaries for their information.  Joan asked the board to approve payment for extra curricular events for the coaches who have turned in their end of season reports.  Alison said as long as requirements have been met they can be paid.  The coaches who will receive their stipends are: Eric Anderson, George (Terry) Farrell, Robert Gilliam, Elise Lisle, Michael Morse, Steve Nelligan, Gary Pelton and Jennie Suydam.   Bill welcomed the three new board members; Arne Jonynas, representing Chester, Mark Huntley, representing Cavendish and Geralyn Donohue (replacing Alonzo Neff who resigned because of job commitments) representing Chester. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Tom welcomed the new board members and then turned the meeting over to students Shane Putnam and Katie Karkowski for: Student Government Presentation – The students reviewed the student climate study survey results with the board.  Shane reported that in January of 2008 the Student Government conducted this student climate study with grades 9-12.  Two-thirds of the student body took the survey.  Katie reviewed items on the survey.  The results of this survey will be shared with the faculty and student body.  Jack Coleman requested  a copy of the survey and said he would like the actual numbers for the answers as well.  Tom said the next step is for the students to give their “stories” of why they do or do not feel safe at school. The board thanked the students for all their work.  Further questions regarding the survey were asked.  Joseph Dexter said the Student Government is in the process of putting together an honor code for students for academic integrity.  They would like to do a survey on this as well.  He feels this is not a major issue at GM but more of a preventative measure.  Tom said the Student Government is also going to go through the student handbook to look for possible changes.Teacher of the Year Nomination – Tom told the board that Dr. Jonathan Rice has been nominated to the Vermont State Teacher of the Year and he hopes that he wins. Student Representative Report – Joseph Dexter congratulated the GM Drama Club saying they competed at Harwood High School at the Vermont District Drama Festival and they were picked as one of the top two high schools.  April 4 and 5 will be the Vermont State Drama Festival and he hopes that GM wins. Board Report – Budget Vote- Bill thanked the voters for their support and passing of the GM budget.  Jack thanked Alison and Bill for their work on the budget and getting the information out to the public.  TOLIV – Bill said the person that ran this program left to go into private practice and he would like to see if the board wants to talk about this and maybe start the program up again.  At the time the program was paid for with Medicaid funds.  Alison said she thinks the former director of this program would come in and talk to Tom Ferenc about the Green Mountain Board Minutes             March 20, 2008                                               Page 3 program.  Bill will try to get more information to share with the board for the next meeting.Graduate Follow-up – The board has discussed this in the past and Bill wanted to follow up on what is being done.  Tom explained the plan for putting this in place over the next several years.  This will be brought up again in May or June.  Committee Assignments – Bill asked the board members to let him know what committees they will be interested in serving on.  Bill will email the board members a list of committees and descriptions.  Meeting Schedule -  Bill said he did not think another meeting would be needed on the 27th.  He asked if the board could meet on April 10th at 5:00 p.m.  Board agreed to meet at that time. Committee Reports – Finance – Alison spoke with Meredith and Ruth regarding the budget and they will meet again in April.  They feel right now we might have a “hopefully break even year”. Armory Committee – Bill and Arne Jonynas toured the Armory today and measured the areas. Joan is working on the application.  Bill said they are looking at areas to put the central office, Opportunities In Learning and Early Education/EEE Programs.  The building will be basically free from the government if the criteria’s are met and Green Mountain will be applying for ownership.  Trails Committee – Bill said this committee is in the process of applying for grants for the trails/ outdoor classrooms project.   Other Business:  Joseph Dexter said he would like to bring a revision to the Exchange Student Policy to the next meeting.  Jack wants a serious discussion regarding testing.  Jack asked if these tests show the effectiveness of an individual teacher.  Joan said we do not get teacher effectiveness break down from test scores. Further discussion of testing took place.  Discussion of High Schools On The Move and Carnegie Credits will be on a future agenda. Discussion with Public:  Leo Graham and Paul Dexter both had comments on the NECAP exams.  They both feel a lot of time needs to be spent discussing the tests and assessment data.  Joan said there are some good things about state assessments and some difficult things as well.  She explained how we are using the standards and data gained from these tests to improve learning outcomes.  She talked about what the administration and leadership Teams have been working on to try and get our results up. Executive Session- Alison made motion to enter Executive Session at 7:17 p.m. to discuss  personnel and student issues.  Arne seconded.  Board approved. Alison made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:56 p.m.  Board approved.  No further motions were made. Adjournment – Jack made motion to adjourn at 7:56 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Board Meeting Minutes February 28, 2008     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gert Bennett, Jack Coleman, John Surething, Joseph DexterAdministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Bruce Johnson -SAPA-TV, Brenda Surething, Cassandra Ellison, Arne Jonynas, Meredith Austin, Joe Fromberger, Paul Dexter, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:00 p.m.             Bill said the first order of business is to honor Gert Bennett and John Surething as this will be their last board meeting.  Bill presented gifts to Gert and John, each received a red marble apple with their names and years of service on the board engraved on it, Gert received a bouquet of flowers and John was given a Green Mountain sweatshirt with his name and years of service  embroidered on the front. Bill thanked John for his dedication to the Green Mountain sports teams. A cake was presented with decorations in green and gold on white, with their names and appreciation for a combined 23 years of service to GMUHS and its students. Approval of Minutes of February 14, 2008: Alison made motion to approve minutes as presented. Board approved.                                                       Reports:    Superintendent: Joan gave the board members copies of the NECAP exams minus the eleventh grade results.  She explained that the eleventh grade scores are still embargoed by the Commissioner of Education.  These scores cover the past 3 years.  Writing scores have gone up and the others are static.  Joan reported that the school calendar for next year is being circulated through the superintendents now.  The results will be brought back to Carl Mock at the River Valley Technical Center.  Joan thinks the statewide calendar may be a dead issue at this time.  She talked about some of the concerns and issues regarding having a statewide calendar.Approval of Contracts – Joan had the list of teacher contracts and said they need to be approved and signed for March 15th delivery to the teachers.  Jack moved and John seconded approval of the teacher contracts pending Bill’s approval of the list and salaries and the approval of the Green Mountain budget.  Board approved.Principal –Tom Ferenc – Approval of Action Plan – Tom said that the Action Plan was given to the board at the last meeting for their review and now it needs to be approved.  Tom reviewed the Action Plan for the public.  The goals were written to encompass a 3 year timeline.  Tom explained the goals for student achievement as well as other areas.  Gert Bennett said she feels the Action Plan deadlines should have updates to show progress.  Alison made motion to approve the Action Plan as presented, Gert seconded motion.  Alison thanked the committee for working on this plan.  Jack asked for a verbal report on the Action Plan so it can be better understood.  He would like to have information on what is being done regarding school drop outs, as that is a serious concern.  Gert complimented Tom Ferenc on the Action Plan and how well it is done.  Board approved Action Plan.  Student Representative Report – Joseph Dexter said that C.B. Beehler is going to start his Green Mountain Board Minutes              February 28, 2008                                               Page 2 Eagle Scout Program and he wants to renovate the concession stand on the athletic field.  The board said they feel that he can work through Tom Ferenc on this project.     Board Report – John reported that the boys and girls basketball teams made the play-offs.  Alison said that the River Valley Technical Center held their budget hearing last night and it can be watched on SAPA-TV.    Committee Reports – Education – Gert said the Education Committee did not meet this morning as Gene Bont could not make the meeting.  She had articles for the Education Committee to read.  Bill thanked Gert for chairing this committee.  Gert commended Joseph Dexter for his contributions and patience with the committee and said it was a pleasure to work with him.   Other Business:  None. Discussion with Public:  Paul Dexter asked if he could have a copy of the NECAP scores.  He asked why the eleventh grade scores were embargoed.  Joan explained why the Commissioner has an embargo on these scores in order for schools to verify class lists and that as soon as it is lifted they will be made public. Grades 3-8 and 11th are tested.  Joan will find out why grade 7 scores were not reported. Executive Session:  None. Adjournment – John made motion to adjourn meeting to enjoy cake at 6:40 p.m. Alison seconded.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier   Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes February 14, 2008     6:00 p.m.                                         Approved Minutes Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gert Bennett, Jack Coleman, Alonzo Neff, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Tom Ferenc – Principal   Public Present:  Dan Bustard- Eagle Times, Anne Kipp, Norm Merrill, Dylan Bate, Sharon Jonynas, Arne Jonynas, Sam Jonynas, Jean Merritt, Kaitlyn Merritt – SAPA-TV, Ian Martel, G.R. Martel, Leo Graham, Paul Dexter, Christina Sabo, Patrica Dexter, Anna Martel, Juanita Sabo, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 6:03 p.m. Approval of Minutes of January 24, 2008 – Gert Bennett moved approval.  Board approved as presented. Superintendent Report – Superintendent Joan Paustian not present. Principal Report – Presentation – English Department – Tom turned presentation over to Norm Merrill – English Department Chair person.  Norm explained there will be a video presentation and a live presentation.  He gave out packets with grade 7 Reading and Writing expectations.  Dylan Bate gave a filmed video presentation from his AP English class.  The class read Crime and Punishment and acted out a trial with a jury.  Dylan talked about how impressed he was with his students with the extent they went to research information for this trial.  Sharon Jonynas said her class read Romeo and Juliet.  Sharon and Anna Martel acted out two parts from this story.  It was a very moving presentation given by Anna Martel.  Fire Extinguisher Training – Tom reported this was completed and the staff had a good time.  He passed around pictures of the training session.Personnel Update/Hiring – Tom asked the board for approval to hire an additional teacher assistant for the special education department.  He recommended hiring Mona DiStefano for this position with her start date of February 25th for 7 hours/day through the end of the school year.  Alison made motion to approve hiring Mona DiStefano.  Board approved.  After School Program – “Failure is Not an Option” - This program has been running for 5 weeks now, most students have improved, some are almost out of the program and some are not.  Norm Merrill said there has been a lot of positive feedback from the students regarding this program. Tom told the board about his January issue of Principal Leadership magazine and that there is an article in it thanking Linda Waite for her contribution of a mentoring article.   Green Mountain Board Minutes                   2/14/08                        Page  2 He was pleased to know that someone from our S.U. central office is recognized in one of the articles. Action Plan Review and Approval – Tom asked the board to review this packet and he would like to have it approved at the next meeting.Student Rep Report – Joseph congratulated the 7th and 8th grades for their wonderful Science Fair, they did a great job.  The Student Government will do a presentation at the next board meeting on the student climate study results.  Joseph said they had almost 100% student participation and only about 10 surveys that were incomplete.  The Student Government is in the process of reviewing academic ethics and a student honor code.  They are doing this as a preventative measure to avoid what happened at Hanover High School.  An Academic Honor Statement is one thing they still need and they also need some back up materials to support their policies.  They are coming up with a student handbook to show students how to use materials without plagiarism or cheating.  Marlee reported that the boys finished up their senior basketball season week with a win over Black River and it was quite an exciting game. The girls are going to playoffs, and will hopefully come with a division trophy.  Michael Durgin went to the State Music Finals.  Christina Sabo arrived late for the English Department Presentation – Anne Kipp explained that her class has been studying Julius Caesar and Brutus and talked about the sequence of events that happened in Rome during their times.  Christina did a wonderful reading taken from these studies for those present.   Bill informed everyone that on February 26th the Green Mountain Adult Education Parenting series will begin and gave the information of whom to contact if anyone is interested.   Board Report – Armory Building – Bill said the Town of Chester has asked for a 3- month extension on the deadline to get all our paperwork in for the Armory.  He said Alonzo Neff, Arne Jonynas, Joe Fromberger, Duane Hart, Gert Bennett, Alison DesLauriers, Joan Paustian and himself will make up the Armory Committee.  He will send out information and application to the Committee for them to review and he will be scheduling a meeting.Graduate Follow-Up – Bill said he feels we need more feed back from graduates to see what kind of a job the school is doing.  He asked for a volunteer to work with Tom on this project.  Gert said the Alumni Association has activated their website and they said they will be happy to work with us on this project.  Alonzo would like to see a 4-year follow-up done to follow the classes.  Alison said VSAC does a survey but the response is not that great.  Alison said she would work on this with Tom.  Jack wants to know how the students feel they were prepared by GM to go to college.  Alonzo said his daughter is doing very well, Green Mountain really helped her a lot and the AP classes she took were a big help too.Annual Meeting – 2/26/08 – Bill said this is just a reminder that the Annual Meeting is February 26th at 7:00 p.m.  The board will meet at 6:00 with a limited agenda meeting. Green Mountain Board Minutes                  2/14/08                        Page 3 Alison said she listened to VPR today and Commissioner Richard Cate was talking about the box that education has to fit into and how we have to find ways to educate outside of the box.  She would like to start looking at personal learning plans for students in April.  Tom said a presentation would be done on this. Bill asked that the first meeting in March be on March 20th as not all of the board can be here for the regular meeting on the 13th.  The board has to re-organize and everyone should be present for that.  The board agreed to meet on March 20th. Committee Reports – Facilities: Capital Improvement Projects – Tom said he has met with Shawn Lambert and a meeting of the Committee will be held.  They want to bid out work on the auditorium.Public Relations: Getting Out The Vote – Gert went to the Senior Citizen luncheon and talked to them and told them there will be a bus to provide transportation for voters.  She is also hoping to have the GM students who are 18 and can vote, bused over to the polls as well.  Tom said the students are working on a video to be aired on SAPA-TV for support of the budget and this should be done by next week.  Tom said they have done envelope stuffers to remind parents to vote.  Joseph will write a letter of support to The Message supporting the budget for the Student Government.  Finance – Alison said a meeting was held on Monday and they talked about the current year budget with revenues and expenses.  This will be tracked closely to see if they need to tighten up expenditures.  She said everyone will be getting a flyer in the mail from the River Valley Technical Center with information on their budget and the Center.  Monday February 25th is the RVTC Informational meeting on their budget.Athletics – Marlee already gave an update on this.Education – Gert asked to change the meeting on the 19th, during vacation week to the 26th.Trail Committee: Approval of Plan – Bill said work is being done on trails behind the school.  Grants have been applied for.  He read a letter for the board to approve showing their support of the plan for the grant applications.  Alison moved to support the plan for trail improvement for educational and recreational uses.  She thanked all the volunteers working on this project.  Board approved motion.Policy - Joseph said he would have an amendment on the exchange student policy for the next meeting. Other Business - Alison said she heard what a great day the staff had at Okemo on Tuesday.  About 25 teachers went skiing with the students. Public Comment: None.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        Executive Session – If Necessary - None.Adjournment:  Alison moved to adjourn, board approved.  Adjournment at 7:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary. Green Mountain Union High School                            APPROVED MINUTES Special Board Meeting Minutes January 24, 2008     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gert Bennett, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Alonzo Neff, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt -SAPA-TV, Mary-lynn Wright, Tara LeFevre, Jonathan Wilkins, Julie Walton, Megan Blake, Jean Merritt, Arne Jonynas, Meredith Austin, Leo Graham, Peggy Svec, Theresa Busky, Sean Murphy, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Lynne Beehler, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:00 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of January 10, 2008: Jack moved approval of January 10, 2008 minutes.  Board approved minutes as presented.              Educational Presentation – Math Department – Mary-lynn Wright – Math Department Chair person introduced Sean Murphy, GM’s new part-time math teacher and Julie Walton and Theresa Buskey, math teachers.  Julie Walton then introduced students present who are involved in Math Counts Competitions: the students present are as follows:  Tara LeFevre, Jonathan Wilkins and Megan Blake.  Students involved but not present are: Morgan Douglas, Anna Brown, Orrin Amsden and Mark Harwood.  Julie said they all meet on Fridays and practice math. The students then held a math competition with board members who wanted to participate.   Next Theresa Buskey gave handouts showing some content that the math department is teaching.  Mary-lynn talked about the types of math classes they offer.  The board thanked  the math teachers and students for their presentation.                                            Reports:    Superintendent: Joan said she visited Green Mountain classrooms this morning and it was great to see such a wonderful learning atmosphere in each classroom.  She talked about the things she looks for when she is in a classroom.  Southeast Vermont School Choice Collaborative Agreement – Joan presented this agreement for the board to approve and sign saying the agreement has not changed from last year. The contract is a grades 9-12 contract with no more than 4 students per grade accepted per year.  Gert moved, Gene seconded: “To have the Green Mountain Board approve and sign the Southeast Vermont School Choice Collaborative Agreement.  Jack asked for a report at the end of this school year as to why students choose to come to Green Mountain and why some Green Mountain students choose to go elsewhere.  Board voted unanimously to approve and sign the agreement.  Joan stated that the public has to be informed of the school choice option and she will have Janet put a public notice in the newspaper.  Contract - Joan presented Sean Murphy’s contract for the Board Chair’s signature. Contract is for 50% position and $9,315.00 for the remainder of the school year.  Contract was approved at previous meeting.  Joan then presented letters of agreement for Green Mountain staff who will be teaching the Academic Intervention Program.  Board agreed to table this until later in the meeting.  Tom said there are about 25 students that will be in this program.  Joan said that four students at Opportunities In Learning Program are being served by HCRS.  She received a Green Mountain Board Minutes              January 24, 2008                                                 Page 2 notice from the DOE saying our tuition rates must be set by February 1, 2008.  Meredith will be setting these rates. Principal –Tom Ferenc – New Staff Update – Tom said that new teacher Sean Murphy who was introduced earlier is doing well.  Tom is still looking for a long-term substitute for Spanish.  Academic Intervention Program – Tom said that he met with the middle school students to inform them of this program.  Letters have been drafted to go to parents. Attendance Committee-Tom explained that the Committee will be trying to improve learning time for students.  Student absences will be looked at and students near their limit of allowed missed days will be notified of the concerns.  Lock Down Drill – This was held and everything went well.  They will be holding another one with the local and state police in attendance to observe.  New Doors – New exterior doors have been installed near George Haines classroom.  Fire Extinguisher Training - The first date was canceled but training is scheduled to take place next week.  At this time Tom turned it over to Marlee and Joseph.  Marlee said there is a spaghetti dinner planned for tomorrow night by the Earth Science Club to earn money for their Grand Canyon trip in April.  A talent show will follow.  She said Meghan Farrell reached her 1000th point in the basketball game against Arlington.  Joseph also congratulated Meghan, and said that was quite an accomplishment.  He talked about the GM students who participated in the Connecticut Valley Music festival Association and the ones chosen to participate in the District #6 competitions.  He said the student climate study survey was given to students last Thursday.  The Student Government is now collating them and results will come to the board on February 26th.  A review of the student handbook and policies is also in process by the Student Council.  Tom said he has asked the student Government to craft a policy on integrity as well to be a kind of honor code for students.  Jack said that he, Gert and Gene have seen the student climate study survey and he was very impressed as it was well done.  Joseph said that Katie Karkowski was the main contributor and she should be credited with a job well done.At this time Alison made a motion to approve the letters of agreement with Green Mountain staff for the Academic Intervention Program.  This program will be paid for with Medicaid funds as previously approved by the Board.  Board approved having the letters signed.  Board Report – Bill reported that he has spoken to someone from the Armory and received information.  We are waiting for packet of information from Susan Spaulding.  A letter of intent has been drafted and we are just waiting for the information of whom to mail it to.  Bill said we need to get someone from the Department of Education to support us in this effort.  We have to work with the Local Redevelopment Committee as well.  Joan reported that the Flood Brook Union School Board is very pleased that GM is looking at acquiring the Armory and the fact that if this happens the Flood Brook Opportunity students will not have to be transported so far each day.  They would also like to have their board vice-chair Duane Hart be a part of the committee to pursue acquiring the Armory.   Committee Reports – Facilities – Capital Improvement Projects – Bill would like to start a discussion for capital improvement projects at Green Mountain.  There is a deadline of 5 years to use capital improvement funds.  He would like to put a list together for things that need to be done.  Forest Land: Grant Application for Trail Construction – Bill said that the Forest Committee has submitted a grant for $20,000 to start improvements and two more grants will be submitted to different places; Windham Foundation will receive one of the grant requests.  Green Mountain Board Minutes              January 24, 2008                                                   Page3 Finance and PR: Getting Budget Information to the Public – Bill said the board should start working on this to get our budget passed.  Jack feels the board needs to work to get people who support the budget to come to the Annual Meeting and that maybe the Booster Club can help.  Alison said she plans to write a letter to go in the paper and she mentioned doing a power point presentation to be aired on SAPA-TV.  Bill said that an effort needs to be made to get Green Mountain teachers and students who are old enough to vote to get out and vote.  Alison said this will also be the Presidential Primary Voting Day and she feels a lot of voters will be going to the polls.  Joseph will ask the Student Government to help with trying to encourage 18 year-old students to vote.  A PR/Finance meeting will be held.  Gert reported that the Education Committee had a good meeting.  She wanted to commend our student representative, Joseph Dexter for being so patient.  She said he is an intelligent and sharing young man.  She shared  information regarding the Education Committee meeting.  Gert spoke about a book Curriculum on the Edge of Survival that was reported on in the Rutland Herald.  She has a copy of this book ordered and when it comes in she will donate it to the Green Mountain Library.  She had Rutland Herald articles about this book for the Education Committee members. Discussion with Public:  Lynne Beehler said she is a Chester Justice of the Peace and will be glad to come to the school and swear 18 year-old students in so they can vote.  She talked about putting a sign at the end of the GM driveway to announce games, votes, etc.  She has permission from the Alumni Association to put a sign up.  Lynne handed out brochures on the Green Mountain Adult Education Program to the board and she thanked them for their support of this program.     Other Business:  Gene asked if anyone knew approximately how many people watch SAPA-TV and the Green Mountain Board meetings.  No one had that information.  Gene then talked about a report he read and the fact that girls are taken advantage of in many ways.  He talked about self-defense skills and asked if the girls at GM are taught these skills.  He asked the administration and board members to think about this issue.  Bill suggested finding out what other schools are doing in this area.  Joan said when she was a Physical Education Teacher she did offer a self-defense course to girls.  Gene then said he is very concerned about the high rate of suicide and attempted suicides among teens.  He asked the board and administration to think about this as well and a way to handle these issues.  Tom said he will start with the staff to see what can be done regarding adult awareness regarding student behavior.  Jack distributed an article from the Atlantic Magazine regarding what can be done to improve schools and the answer was first to kill the school boards!  Alison said she wanted to establish who on the board does and does not have email access to get information from VSBA and also from other school boards.  Alison then asked the board how much more discussion they want to have concerning the budget.  Meredith said the board should focus on what is happening at the school and what it takes to support these things. Executive Session: Alison made motion to enter executive session to discuss a legal issue at 7:25 p.m.  Board approved.  Alison made motion to come out of executive session at 7:50 p.m.  No further motions were made.Adjournment – Gert made motion to adjourn meeting at 7:50 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier, Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Minutes January 10, 2008  6:00 p.m.                     APPROVED MINUTES Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gert Bennett, Gene Bont, Jack Coleman, John Surething, Joseph Dexter, Marlee O’Neil Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent of Schools, Tom Ferenc - Principal Public Present:  Peggy Svec, SAPA-TV, Christa Valente, Ethan Lima, Evon Calabrese, Thomas Burke, Jean Merritt, Peggy Svec, Leo Graham, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order: Chair called meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Approval of Minutes of 12/20/2007: Alison made motion to approve minutes with the following changes:  On page one under Budget Review and Approval by Board, second sentence – add the word “initially” budgeted for 8%.   In the next to last sentence, same paragraph it should state: sit down and look at “class size” numbers.  Bill said that the name Hinkley should be corrected to be “Hinckley”.  Joan asked that under Board Report on page 2, the Policy should state: “Policy on Academic Intervention”.  Under Discussion with Public, in the 8th line it should read July 8th, “2006”.  On last page the following is added: “Green Mountain’s obligation to the Technical Center will be $274,273.00.” Alison requested that UNAPPROVED MINUTES be typed at the top of the minutes and then changed to APPROVED once the board approves them.  Minutes were approved as amended. Second read/Approval: Policy on Academic Intervention Program:  Joan reviewed the changes.  Alison moved to approve policy as presented.  Jack asked for a follow up on this program in June and to have it be on the agenda at that time.  Board approved policy.  Tom said they are looking to start this program at the beginning of Semester 2. Reports: Superintendent:  Joan said that Bill Bourque is the coordinator of the school ski program and he has asked that his stipend be donated back to the drama program for purchase of microphones.  She has approved payment of this stipend.  Meredith has been working on budgets and will have revenue and tax information soon.  Janet is working on school and town annual reports to go to print next week.  The Supervisory Union has been looking at the S.U. Lease Contract for the central office and the central office will be at the same location for another 3 and possibly 4 years.  Alison explained that the Armory has been offered as an educational facility for practically free, she would like Green Mountain to look at taking ownership of this building when it comes available.  A bond will have to be voted on for capital improvements but this would be less than what all our programs are now paying for rent.  The central office, Opportunities In Learning Program, and the Early Childhood Program could all be housed in the same building.  Green Mountain Board Minutes                   1/10/08                        Page 2 The Armory will not be available until 2011.  The Supervisory Union cannot own property but one of the schools can take ownership and lease it back to the S.U.  Joan said it would be a huge improvement on time and savings on transportation for the Opportunities students.  Bill reviewed the process that will have to be followed to acquire the Armory, starting with a letter of intent to the Government and then a plan will have to be developed for the use of the building.  Gert made motion that the GM Board look into pursuing the Armory building to house the central office and S.U. programs.  Bill asked for a Committee to work on this.  Gert volunteered, Joe Fromberger will be asked as well as Alonzo Neff and Bill Bourque will also be on the Committee. Joan reported that for the February 14th board meeting she will be in Florida at the National Superintendent’s Conference.  On the 28th of February which is a GM Board meeting night, the Chester-Andover Elementary School will hold its Annual Meeting.  It was decided that the GM Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, the 26th of February prior to the GM Annual Meeting. Principal’s Report: – Tom informed the board that the math position has been offered to a young teacher just out of Plymouth State College.  Joseph reported that the student climate study has been finalized and will be given to students next Thursday.  The Harlem Rockets played at GM yesterday thanks to the Booster Club.  Last Thursday the Alumni Breakfast was held and 8 or 9 GM graduates came back for the breakfast and talked to the students.  Marlee reported that next Wednesday a Dodge Ball Tournament will be held with both student and faculty teams.  The Varsity girls have a basketball game at Arlington tomorrow.  Katie Karkowski is trying to start a GM school recycling program.  Alison told Marlee to contact Jason Morse at Chester-Andover regarding their recycling program and for information about getting a dumpster for the recycled goods. Presentation – Fine Arts Department – Ethan Lima and Christa Valente, GM Art Teachers displayed three different creative art projects that were all made from recycled chairs/stools.  Derek Baker, Britta Kilgus and Melissa Suursoo, are the three student artists.  The chairs and stools were retrieved from the dumpster.  Ethan also talked about stained glass art projects made with recycled glass.  Senior Class President – Evon Calabrese spoke to those present about the fact that she wants to pursue Art in college.  She has met with professors at colleges and they have reviewed her portfolio.  She shared several pieces of her artwork with those present.  She said the great thing about Green Mountain is the variety of mediums they work with.  Christa thanked the Booster Club; they have given several new digital cameras for the digital photography class.  Christa said that Marlee had brought art- work from the digital photography class and these were passed around for the board to see.  Marlee said she feels this is a very informative class involving technology and photography.  Jack said everyone should be very proud of the staff and students and the wonderful presentations. Board – None.   Green Mountain Board Minutes                   1/10/08                      Page 3 Committee Reports – Alison said she met with Meredith and Joan to look at the GM Budget and Meredith feels we are in a good place right now in terms of expenditures.  Gert said the Education Committee will meet next week.  Bill said the Forrest Committee is about ready to submit grants to get money to start improvements.  Gene will bring pictures next time of the Cavendish out-door educational project.                                                                             Public Discussion: None.   Other Business: Jack said the VSBA (Vermont School Boards Association) newsletter makes a strong plea for a board member to meet with local legislators.  He was told that Alison is the GM board member doing this.  Bill said he received a letter from Patrick Leahy regarding the No Child Left Behind, (NCLB) letter that Gene wrote and the board signed.  Gene said Peter Welch also responded the letter. Executive Session – Gert made motion to enter Executive Session at 6:50 p.m., board approved.Jack made motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:00 p.m.  Board approved. Gene made motion to hire Shawn Murphy as the half-time math position teacher for the remainder of the school year pending final interview with Superintendent, Joan Paustian and Board Member, Gert Bennett.  Board  approved. Adjournment:  Board adjourned at 7:03 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Special Board Meeting Minutes December 20, 2007     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Gert Bennett, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, John Surething, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph DexterAdministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz – Vermont Journal, Arne Jonynas, Meredith Austin, Amy O’Neil, Mark Bodin, Brenda Surething, Don Robinson, Mark Curran, Barbara Hinkley, Don Hinkley, avid Hinkley, Angela Hinkley, Jackie Peck, Dan Bustard - Eagle Times, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:05 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of November 29, 2007: Alison moved approval of November 29, 2007 minutes.  Board approved minutes as presented.              Educational Presentation – Tech Integration in the Classroom – Tom introduced Jackie Peck – Business Teacher and Angela Hinkley, student, who are going to demonstrate the Smart Board technology.  Jackie said that Rick King is wonderful in the classrooms and she wanted to give him a lot of credit for the work he does.  Jackie explained what a great tool the Smart Board is in the classroom.  Angela then gave a presentation on her Dad’s business; NBC Solid Surfaces.  Angela was thanked for a wonderful and interesting presentation.   There are three Smart Boards at Green Mountain, one in the Business Department, one in the Math Department and one in Science Department.   Budget Review and Approval by Board - Alison said the new budget has a 4.20% increase.  Health Insurance will not be more than a 7% increase for next year and it was budgeted for 8% this makes a $10,000 savings in the budget.  A member of the staff is going to retire at the end of this school year causing a further reduction.  Alison reviewed the staff changes that will cause a 2/3 FTE change.   The total budget increase is $233,179.00.  Jack said this is the best presentation of the GM budget in all the years he has been on the Board.  Alison was thanked for all her work.  Dylan Bate a GM teacher asked about staff changes and expressed concerns about the class sizes of 25 students because there is such a diversity with the students and their skills.  Alison explained why the decisions were made to make the changes Dylan is concerned about.  Dylan feels that more electives for the students are needed.  Tom Ferenc said they have never considered 25 students to a class and that he and Pam O’Neil – Guidance Director are going to sit down and look at enrollment numbers.  Joan said that Guidance people at GM and at Black River are going to look into offering more AP courses in a combined effort for the students.  At 6:37 p.m. the Budget Committee members left the meeting to caucus.                                            Reports:    Superintendent: Teacher Retirement – Joan reported that Fred Willis a long time teacher at GM wants to accept the retirement package the board is offering.  Jack moved to accept his retirement request and Gert seconded with regrets.  Fred has taught for 39 years with 38 years being at GM.  Joseph said he has had Mr. Willis and he agrees with all the nice sentiments the board has shared about Mr. Willis. Green Mountain Board Minutes              December 20, 2007                                                  Page 2 Board retirement package being offered is: $10,000 for first year, $9,000 second year and $8,000 for the third year.  The teacher forfeits any unused sick days pay.  Alison explained the savings for the school for the next four years.  Board accepted Fred Willis’ retirement with great regrets and many thanks for his service.  Tom said Fred will be greatly missed as he is the school Historian. Co-Curricular Contracts - Joan presented the following contracts for board approval: Elise Lisle – 8th Grade Girl’s Basketball – $1,162.00 Steve Nelligan – 7th Grade Girl’s Basketball – $1,162.00 Michael Morse – 8th Grade Boy’s Basketball - $1,162.00John made motion to accept the co-curricular contracts as presented.  Board approved.              Review of Comparative Data – Vermont High Schools – Joan distributed materials put together by Brad James of the Department of Education. This report shows that GM is right in the average range for teacher to student ratio, student/administration ratio and teacher/administration ratio.  She explained the Equalized Pupil information and how it relates to the Common Level of Appraisal and taxes.  Joan wants people to see that GM is working hard to be frugal but still giving the kids a good education.Approval of 2007 Summer Enrichment and Language Arts Program – Joan said this program has already happened and somehow it fell through the cracks for board approval.  Pam O’Neil set up this program for students who needed extra summer services.  The total salary for the teacher hired is $450.00.  No contract was drawn up for Anne Kipp to teach this program.  Gert moved approval, Gene seconded.  Board approved payment for this summer program.Approval of Annual Meeting Warnings – Joan read the GM Annual Meeting Warning aloud.   Alison moved to approved Warning for the GM Annual Meeting.  Board approved unanimously. Joan read the Public Information Meeting Warning.  Alison moved approval and Gert seconded approval of Public Information Meeting Warning.  Board approved unanimously.  Joan read the GM Budget Warning.  Board moved to approve this Warning once the budget amount is approved. Joan reported that Thomas Barth, part-time Math teacher gave his notice as of December 12, 2007 because of medical reasons.  Tom is trying to find a replacement, and ads have been placed. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Teacher Leave Request – Tom said a teacher is requesting a maternity leave beginning around March 23, 2008.  Joan said the GM policy allows the teachers to use their unused sick days and this teacher has 51 sick days she can use.  Alison moved to accept Mary Pelkey’s maternity leave request.  Board approved unanimously.                              Math Position Update - Tom said interviews are planned to be held after the Holidays to find a Math teacher and a Spanish teacher.                                                                                 Fire Extinguisher Training – Tom said he has spoken with Jeff Holden, Chester Fire Chief about training and this is going to be scheduled to instruct staff on use of fire extinguishers.  Board Report – First Read: Policy on After School Program – Joseph Dexter read the policy that states failure at GM is not an option.  Students identified as failing will be required to attend an after school program for additional help.  The program will be 80 minutes/day, Monday through Thursday for a 5-week session.  Joan said the specifics of the program need to be in the policy because failing students are going to be required to extend their school day.  There will be a contract that the parent must sign.  Discussion of wording of policy ensued.  GM teachers will be teaching this program.  A revised policy will be brought back to the next meeting.Green Mountain Board Minutes              December 20, 2007                                                  Page3 Budget Committee returned to the Board meeting at 7:15 p.m. Bill Bourque informed those present that SAPA-TV presented the GM Board with an award and he thanked SAPA-TV. Jack Coleman reported on a meeting held yesterday and sponsored by the SE Superintendents with board members and Legislators.  He felt the attendance was remarkable and it was a very informative meeting. Student Representative Report – Marlee read a report written by Megan Farrell, the Varsity Girl’s Basketball Captain highlighting their wins.  On December 4th the junior class held a ping-pong tournament and raised $304.00 toward the Prom and had a lot of fun doing it.  Joseph said today was the last day for food collection for the Feed The Thousands campaign.  He will report on this at the next meeting.  The Student Government is starting to evaluate the student handbook and they are doing a student climate survey.  The Holiday Concert was held last week and close to 100 students participated.  They have an Alumni Breakfast scheduled on January 3rd from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m.  This will be the 3rd Annual Breakfast held.  The Harlem Rockets will come to GM on January 9th and will play the GM Boy’s Basketball Team.  Gert asked Joseph to convey thanks to all the students who helped collect food and worked to get the food moved up to the shelves at the Chester-Andover Family Center. Alison talked about a document that was put out by VSBA for board members regarding Act 82 and Act 130.  She explained changes in what will be voted on under these new bills. Committee Reports – Gert reported that the Education Committee had been invited to the Parent’s Group meeting this month and they each gave the other group things to think about. Discussion with Public:  Amy O’Neil said the board was in violation of Tilte 1 and Title 16, with the November 14th board meeting.  She read the reasons the board meeting was in violation one reason being that public comment was not allowed.  Bill said that not having public comment on agenda was a mistake but he did not know at the time that this was in error.  The board agreed to ask for an attorney to review the board’s response before they submitted it.  More discussion of the board’s motions regarding O’Neil Sand and Gravel ensued.  Bill explained what has happened with the process with the board’s attorney and their response.  Amy feels the board should rescind their motion to hire an attorney.  She also feels the July 8th meeting should be reviewed because of the vote and the fact the O’Neil Sand and Gravel issue was not warned on the agenda.  Bill asked if the board felt the need to reaffirm the need for an attorney.  Bill said hiring an attorney was voted on and the vote stands.  Don Robinson said the board has to be more diligent in the future.  Alison said public discussion would not have affected the board’s decision to hire an attorney.  All the attorney that was hired has done is to file an appearance to let the court know he is representing the board.Budget Committee – Mark Bodin – Budget Committee Chair said the Budget Committee has met 5 times and Alison has met with them and she met with him individually on the budget.  He said the Budget Committee supports this budget.  They do feel that if the budget can be in the 3% range it will have a better chance of approval, but this is just advice.  The budget presentation has been a great improvement this year.  Mark said the budget should be looked at for future years, not just as a one-year process.  The five Budget Committee members present support the budget.Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 29, 2007                          Page 4 Alison said in order to get the budget below 4% a staff cut will be required. She feels GM will project itself into a deficit position to take it below 4%.   Alison made motion to approve GM 2008-2009 Budget in the amount of $5,508.073.00.  Gert seconded motion.  Alison said the Technical Center Budget of $87,849.00 will be voted separately.  Board voted unanimously to approve GM Budget. Other Business: Jack Coleman said he is repeating himself but he would like to get the story of the Opportunities In Learning Program in the local newspapers.  It should also be in the Annual Report.   Joan reported that Dennis Wells, Attorney said if a person is hired part-time during the school year our contract states we do not have to keep them on in that position the following year. Executive Session: If Necessary – None   Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier, Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Special Board Meeting Minutes November 29, 2007     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Alonzo Neff, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, John Surething, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph DexterAdministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc – Principal, Tom Burke – Associate Principal Public Present:  Bruce Johnson - SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz – Vermont Journal, Leo Graham, Meredith  Austin, Amy O’Neil, Arne Jonynas, Mark Bodin, Daryl Houk, Geralyn Donohue, Hank Mauti, Thomas Hildreth, Mary Hildreth, Paul Dexter, Peggy Svec, Ginger Roper, Dan Bustard - Eagle Times, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:01 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of November 8, and 14, 2007: Alison moved approval of November 8 and November 14, 2007 minutes.  Gene asked about the vote on the quarry as he thought there was one no vote and one yes vote.  He was informed that the vote on R-40 zoning both votes passed in the affirmative.  Board approved minutes as approved.  John voted no on the November 14th minutes. Educational Presentation – Technology Director: Richard King is the GMUHS and WSWSU central office tech person.  Rick said he has been at this job for about 1 1/2 years and he hopes he has brought stability to the district.  He pushed to move into Power School quickly and they managed to do it.  He said there and 6 servers, 175 network systems, 400 users, 3 wireless access points and a new security system with 8 cameras at Green Mountain.  He explained that Power School is a student information center and he talked about what information parents and students can get off the GM website.  The system at Green Mountain is a managed system and this keeps kids off sites they are not supposed to be on.  Rick has set up a system so that every night there are daily back ups of all the data.  This back-up system was on site but not set up and operating when he arrived.  There are 6 classroom labs in the school with high usage.  There are 5 computers set up for virtual high school courses.  These 5 computers were very expensive computers and we purchased them from the River Valley Tech Center when the Health Career Academy was moved back to RVTC for $100.00 each.  We were very pleased to be able to get these computers at that price.  There is one new mobile lab that will be wireless and will travel from classroom to classroom.  With Power School, administrators, teachers, students and parents can have access to information on it 24/7 from any computer with Internet access for grades, homework assignments, etc.  Last year 8 staff members were sent to Power School University for a week in St. Louis, Missouri.  Rick thanked Linda Waite for finding the grant money to allow this to happen.  Rick explained how the new security camera system works and showed on his Power Point presentation what the administration could see in the halls the cameras cover.  He said he thinks next year there should be a discussion to upgrade the network infrastructure.  Rick reviewed his budget proposal for the 2008-2009 school year.  One item is for a 50% Technical Assistant person to work at GM with Rick to give Rick time to move GM forward and work on bigger projects.  Rick encouraged the board to support professional development money especially for training in Power School so the staff can learn to use this program.  Dr. Bont asked about being able to give notification on this system to post things such as having Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 29, 2007                                                  Page 2 to send kids home early because of weather or other reasons.  Alison said some parents sign up with their email addresses to receive notices like this.  Rick said that they are looking at ways to track absenteeism on the system as well.  Tom Hildreth asked how long the system can survive on a power failure.  Rick said about 25 minutes and he hopes to get a better battery back up system. Joan gave an overview of all that Rick’s job encompasses as well as the fact that he works for the WSWSU central office 50% time.   Rick said GM has just paid off 2 Apple leases and that next year they will need to do another lease to replace old machines that are dying and are too expensive to repair. The board thanked Rick for his interesting and informational presentation. Preliminary Budget Review: Alison as Chair of the GM Finance Committee told those present there were extra copies of the budget if anyone wanted one to follow along with.  She reviewed some changes that are not yet on this budget.  One major change is Line 520 on page 14 - Fuel will decrease from $90,000 to $81,800.  The bottom line is now $5,867,184.00 from $5,888,434.00 with the percentage increase being 5.73% instead of 6.11%. Alison reviewed the draft budget analysis spreadsheet and explained the changes.  Alonzo said the analysis page is a big help this year to understand the budget.  Alison then reviewed the budget by sections.  She explained that the salary increases represent a 2-year increase because last year they were still in the middle of negotiations.  Tom talked about how he is proud of the GM Art gallery; as it is a wonderful place to show the students creativity.  Tom said he would like to hire a second full time physical education teacher to serve the middle school students better but he knows that is not going to happen. The middle school students are on a 6 week cycle of P.E. now and once they finish the 6 week cycle they do not have P.E. again for the rest of the year.  They are looking at a way to give the middle school students P.E. all year long with the current number of P.E. staff.Geralyn Donohue asked the administration to consider reinstating a full time dedicated social studies teacher for 9th grade.  Tom said that a meeting was held yesterday with a representative from the D.O.E. to look at GM’s social studies curriculum and this will continue to be looked at. Joseph asked what will happen with AP classes next year.  Tom explained what the plan for AP classes will be, classes will meet for 87 minutes every day for the school year.  Tom talked about what is happening with the GM Life Skills Program and how proud they are of what this department is doing.   Hank said he has a problem with professional development being done during school ‘business hours’ instead of when school is not in session.  Alison said hopefully next year when there is a state-wide calendar the professional development will be on non-school days.  Discussion of professional development ensued. Joan said she will follow up on the middle school Physical Education issue and will try to get a consistent schedule with more P.E. classes, not just 6 weeks per year.  Gene said time has to be blocked so teachers and students can use the outdoor classroom that is being worked on as well.  Joan said more time will be realized with the elimination of the study hall time.  Alison said the administration is working on class sizes and next year’s enrollment looks like it will remain the same.  They will look at sections that might be able to be reduced without reducing learning opportunities for students. Mark Bodin the new Chair of the Green Mountain Budget Committee said they are going to schedule some meetings and would like Alison to attend some of them to answer questions.  Mark said they will give the board advice on their feelings and ideas for the budget.  They want Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 29, 2007                          Page 3 to look at long term budget affects with declining enrollments in future years.  Bill Bourque thanked Alison for all the work she has done on the budget.   Reports:    Superintendent: Joan said that a friend of hers and her husbands has given a check to our supervisory union in the amount of $5,000.00 to be used for enrichment and a stipulation is there must be a matching grant.  Each Elementary School will receive $1,000.00, Opportunities - $250.00, Green Mountain grades 7 & 8 - $750.00 and grades 9-12 - $1,000.00.  The Principal’s will write letters requesting the money to be used on enrichment programs or their choice. She reviewed what board minutes must include: school name, participants of meeting, approval of minutes, and all motions and resolutions made and a record of all members who vote yea or nay.Joan reported that tomorrow, there will be an in-service for staff for MAP’s training and Critical Friends Training.  Joan said she met with Judy Pullinen Ludlow Superintendent and they talked about working together to provide A.P. courses for juniors and seniors and doing the courses over interactive TV.  The teacher, not students would travel and the kids would come together one day for labs.  Guidance in both schools has been directed to work on this.  Co-Curricular Contracts – Joan said that letters from Fritz Wendlandt (Musical) and Julie Walton (soccer) have been received at the end of their activities and they will be receiving their pay.  She presented five new winter sports contracts for approval: Jennie Suydam – Varsity Cheerleading - $2,158.00 Terry Farrell – Varsity Girl’s Basketball - $3,321.00 Eric Anderson – Boy’s J.V. Basketball - $2,490.00 Robert Gillam – Varsity Boy’s Basketball - $3,321.00 Gary Pelton – Girl’s J.V. Basketball - $2,490.00 Alison made motion to approve contracts as presented.  Board approved. Joan said that Janet reported the ADM to the State on November 7th and because of the earlier date we are expecting equalized pupil costs earlier as well. Joan said that Thomas Barth has requested a release from his contract because of medical reasons.  He will work as much as possible until the Christmas break.Sale of Bus to Cavendish – Greg Harrington said the value of the school bus is approximately $5,000.00.  This bus is used as a spare and in the summer for the summer program.  Alonzo said a bus sold for scrap will bring about $2,000.00.  Discussion of the sale and possibility of renting another bus for $100/day took place.  Bill said he is not sure GM should sell at this time as it may cost us more money.  The recommendation of the administration is to keep the bus.  Joan asked that GM allow Cavendish to continue to use this bus until they can get theirs fixed.  Board agreed. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Student Representative Report – Joseph reported that the Drama Club presented their production Little Women and in the spring they are going to present West Side Story.  The Student Government held a pep rally yesterday to kick off the winter sports season.  Students won the student staff basketball game 22 to 19.  The Student Government is sponsoring the Feed the Thousands food project and they are also drafting a survey for a student climate study to get student perception about Green Mountain.   Marlee reported that we have 3 students attending Okemo Mountain School and she talked about other students going to Colorado and how they have placed in competitions.Tom Ferenc talked about the second issue of the school newspaper, a copy of which was given to each board member.  Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 29, 2007                          Page 4 Special Education Copier –Tom said it will cost $130.39/month to get a copier for the special education department as theirs is dying.  He asked the board to approve a new lease for a new copier.  Alison made motion to approve leasing a new copier for the special education department.  Board voted in the affirmative.Proposed After School Program – Tom said that they are looking at intervention for students failing in school.  They are not going to sit by and watch students fail and walk out the door at 2:30 p.m.  Currently middle school is being looked at and staff to man this program until 3:50 p.m. Monday through Thursday.  The program will last for 6 weeks and will be mandatory.  He said Medicaid money can be used and it will cost approximately $10,000 to $11,000 to do this.  They hope to expand this program to high school grades in the future.  A policy will need to be written for this.  Gene made motion to instruct the administration to put together a policy for the next meeting for a first read.  Board approved. The board sent get well wishes to Gert Bennett. Board :  None.   Committee Reports:  None.   Discussion with Public:  Geralyn Donohue said she hopes the board keeps in mind quality of education and impact on students while working on the budget.   Old Business: Hank Mauti asked at an earlier meeting to have training for staff to learn how to use the fire extinguishers in the school.  Tom will meet with the Fire Chief regarding this.  Alison asked for a motion to pay for security cameras with Medicaid money.  Alonzo made motion to use Medicaid money to pay for the security cameras.  Seconded.  Board approved. New Business:  None. Executive Session: Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 8:55 p.m to discuss a personnel issue.  John seconded.  Board approved.   Board came out of executive session at 9:45 p.m.   Alonzo made motion to accept resignation of Thomas Barth effective December 21, 2007.  Board approved. John made motion that an early retirement package will be offered in coordination with Chester-Andover Board to interested parties with details to follow once Chester-Andover Board votes on it.  Board approved. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier, Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Special Board Meeting Minutes November 14, 2007     4:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Alonzo Neff, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Gert Bennett, John Surething, Marlee O’Neil, Joseph DexterAdministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Public Present:  SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz – Vermont Journal, Leo Graham, Suzie Forlie, Mary Hildreth, Margie Straub, Jonathan Rice, Liz Calabrese, Amy O’Neil, Machael Caduto, Lew Watters, Carrie R. King, Paul Dexter, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Janet Colbert, Stephanie Smith, Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Margo Caulfield, Geralyn Donohue, Daryl Houk, Jill McNally, Jay Joseph, Debbie Aldrich, Julie Hance, Angelica Houghton, Leo Graham, Cynthia Collins, Heather Chase, Rachel Root, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 4:07 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of October 25, 2007: Gert moved approval of minutes.  Board approved minutes as presented.   . Reports:  Superintendent – Joan said Alonzo read the VTEL contract and is concerned with the 5-year length of contract.  The contract is a month-to-month contract and either party can get out of it at any time.  VTEL will provide all our services for $800/month.  Joan recommended signing the contract.  Jack moved approval, Gene seconded.  John abstained.  Board approved.Joan and Alison attended the VSA/VSBA conference last Thursday and Friday.  It was a very exciting conference.  Many school districts in other states are looking to capture what we have in Vermont in education.  Joan talked about new perspectives of teaching methods for teachers.  She hopes on Monday afternoon to meet with the Ludlow and Springfield Superintendents, the GM Principal, Guidance Director and Technology Director to look at AP distance courses.  Joan said she has received letters from three of the soccer coaches so they will be getting paid for their services. Bill Talbot – Chief Financial Officer for the Department of Education – School Funding Presentation – Mr. Talbot began his presentation on school funding at 6:16 p.m.  Handouts were given out to those present covering Basics of Act 68; Equalized pupils’ Common Level of Appraisal (CLA); Act 130 – Union School Funding; Act 82 – Two Votes.  Mr. Talbot explained the different areas of new funding rules.  The Board thanked Mr. Talbot for coming to Green Mountain and giving his presentation.Board took a break at 7:44 p.m. Board re-convened at 7:48 pm. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Tom reviewed things that are going on in the school and then introduced Tom Burke the new Green Mountain Associate Principal and told those present about Tom Burke’s background.  The GM Sports Banquet was held Wednesday night, November 7th.  The school play Little Women will be presented Friday and Saturday night, November 9th and 10th.  A Ping-Pong tournament will be held at Green Mountain.  A Climate Study will be done for the students to get their input.  Thirty-three Seniors Citizens attended the Senior’s luncheon Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 8, 2007                                                  Page 2 yesterday.  Tom explained what the new signs in the parking lot are for.  Tom told those present that the Department Chairs and students will be doing presentations at the board meetings.  Report cards will be out next week.  Tom then introduced Dr. Jonathan Rice, GM Science teacher who is going to give a presentation.  Dr. Rice gave an update on the Grand Canyon trip scheduled for April vacation with 24 students and 5 adult chaperones going.  Fund raising has been done and they have raised $3,000 and more fund raising will be done.  He introduced two students who are going on the trip: Maddie Bourque and Kaitlyn Hertford.  The girls told why they want to travel to the Grand Canyon and talked about what they are doing to prepare for the trip.  The thanked the board for allowing them to go.  Dr. Rice explained the many educational things the students will be doing while on the trip.  Tom Ferenc displayed the Grand Canyon Classroom t-shirts they will all be wearing while on the trip. Board :  Dr. Bont suggested having microphones on the tables for the board members so the TV camera can pick up what is being said.  Bill said SAPA-TV will be approached about having microphones if possible.    Committee Reports:  Alonzo said that Green Mountain has two spare buses and Cavendish Town Elementary School is having bus problems and would like to buy one of our spares.  Bill asked Alonzo to find out what the value of the bus is and bring it back to the board.  Alison talked about the VSA/VSBA Conference she attended.  Joan said on December 19th in the morning the Southeast Superintendent’s are inviting Representatives and Legislators to a meeting at the Newsbank Conference Center to talk about current Legislation and express concerns.  She asked the board members to mark this date on their calendars to try to attend.  Gert said the Board Education Committee is scheduled to meet on Monday at 8:30 a.m. at Green Mountain and some issues they will be discussing are grades, testing and homework.  She said these are open meetings and the public is invited to attend if they like.    Discussion with Public:  Carol Gilbert said she had requested information two meetings ago and has not received it yet.  Alison said she thought this would be shared on November 29th.  Carol said said she would like it sooner so the Budget Committee can meet and review this information.  Carol said the items she requested were not in the minutes and she asked if all board meetings could be taped.   Carol brought up the O’Neil sand and gravel issue and said she received al letter showing the GM Board of Directors would oppose the gravel pit and blasting and crushing.  Bill said at the Retreat of July 8, 2006 the board voted to seek party status regarding the Act 250 process.  Bill was directed by the board to follow up on this issue.   Jack said he thought all the board agreed to was to seek party status.  Bill said paperwork was filled out to show opposition.  Jack said two votes have been held on this issue and have come out the same both times in favor of the gravel pit.  Bill said the board took a position opposing crushing and blasting.  Bill reviewed the process of mediation that took place.  Alison said every board member should read all of the documentation on this issue.  This will be on another agenda. Old Business: None. New Business: Janet Currier said she had spoken with both Joan Paustian and Tom Ferenc regarding the possibility of holding a VAEOP (Vermont Association of Educational Office Personnel) conference at Green Mountain during the Teacher VEA days in October of 2008.Green Mountain Board Minutes              November 8, 2007                          Page 3 She said this conference has never been held in Chester and thought it would be a great way to showcase both Green Mountain and Chester.  She said the women who work in the Springfield School District would like to work with us on planning this as they have done a conference at the new River Valley Tech Center.  Janet said it takes about a full year to plan one of these conferences, that a variety of workshops are held, a luncheon is put on and there is a raffle as well.  It is a great way to connect with the other educational office personnel from around the state.  The board expressed their approval of holding a VAEOP Conference held at Green Mountain.  Gert made motion to approve allowing the VAEOP to hold a conference a GM in October of 2008.  Board approved unanimously.Tom requested permission to add a 16hour/per week, 2 days per week position for a drug and alcohol counselor through HCRS.  This position will be funded by a grant through the Department of Health and this position has been in the school in the past.  Tracy Kerr is the person that will fill this position.  Gene moved approval, Gert seconded.  Board approved.  Gene said the Youth At Risk Survey shows that students are smoking less from 22% down to 8% and that this is good news. Executive Session: Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m to discuss a personnel issue.  John seconded.  Board approved.    Alonzo moved, John seconded to come out of Executive Session at 8:17 p.m.  Board approved. Gene made motion to honor the request of Melissa Palmer to extend her Maternity Leave until March 3rd with no interruption of her health insurance.  Board voted unanimously in the affirmative. Board approved hiring Anthony Rzeczycki for the additional time that Melissa will be out. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 8:25 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Meeting Minutes   October 25, 2007     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Alonzo Neff, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont,  Marlee O’Neil Ad ministration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal                           Public Present:  Jeffrey Barcome –SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz – Vermont Journal, Leo Graham, Doreen Robinson, Gary King, Arne Jonynas, Paulette Martel, Peggy Svec,  Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:03 p.m.             Bill welcomed Marlee O’Neil as a new student board representative.  She will serve a two year term. Ap proval of Minutes of October 11, 2007: Alison moved approval of minutes.  Joan noted a correction needed to be made on page 2 under Lunch Accounts – there are three places where it states “Lunch Policy” and it should say “Lunch Procedure”. The minutes were approved as amended. Ratification of New Support Staff Agreement: Alison reported that the Support Staff Contract has been ratified by the support staff and Union.  Jack moved that the contract be approved, Alison seconded, Board approved.  Chester-Andover board will ratify contract at their first meeting in November.    Associate Principal: Tom Burke is the new Associate Principal Candidate the interview committee recommended for hire.  He will begin work at Green Mountain on November 5th.  Jack made motion to approve Tom Burke as new Associate Principal.  Board approved.                                 .5 Physical Education Position: Joan said that Ausra Brook’s resume is in front of each board member for their review.  Ausra is licensed in Illinois in Physical Education and Health.  Janet applied for a Provisional License for her today.  Alison moved to hire Ausra Brooks at $13,720.55 for 137 days.  Board approved. Long Term Social Studies Substitute: Tom said two people were interviewed today and there is one more interview to be done. He will then put forth a recommendation.  This is a substitute for a maternity leave. Medicaid Funding for Resource Position: Alison reported that she attended a Chester Select Board meeting and the Selectmen had questions regarding this position.  Three of the five Selectmen supported this proposal and said it was good community policing.  They feel that within their current schedule there is enough police staff and time to provide this service for the school.  They said they would not support a contract but a majority of the Select Board did support the service for 10 hours a week.  Alison said that Green Mountain should not have to use any of their Medicaid funds to support the program.  Chief Cloud will follow up with Tom to get things set up. Enrollment – Current Overview and Five-Year Outlook: Joan gave out handouts showing the number of students at the Elementary Schools that will be coming to Green Mountain.  The chart also showed tuition students and school choice students at Green Mountain and our students that are going out to other schools as well.  There will be 67 seniors leaving Green Mountain this year and approximately 61 students coming into Green Mountain next year.  Jack asked Joan to find out why the GM students are choosing to go to Springfield and Black River instead of Green Mountain.  The figures look like there won’t be a big change in enrollment next year but the following two years there will be a decrease in student population.  Gene said that Cavendish is doing an affordable housing project to get young families to move into the area.  He said they are hoping to stabilize the Cavendish Town Elementary School population.  Bill said this enrollment chart is a good start for the budgeting process.  Jack suggested that someone go to a Chester Select Board meeting and ask if a project similar to Cavendish is being planned for Chester.  Jack agreed to do this. Reports:  Superintendent – Joan gave a review of the two types of Medicaid funds that we receive.  One type is EPSDT (Early Periodic Screening Diagnosis Treatment).  This money is earned by Nurses and Counselors and the money goes back to this group to buy equipment, etc. The other type is Medicaid IEP monies.  These are earned by services provided to students on IEP’s.  This money must be used for intervention and prevention opportunities to serve all children in the schools.  The money spent must be tied to the school’s Action Plan.  Joan explained ways the money could be spent for intervention and prevention. She said on December 19th at 8:45 a.m. a meeting will be held at the NewsBank Conference Center.  The Southeast Superintendent’s are going to invite board members and Legislators to come to this meeting to discuss recent legislation.  She asked the board to try to save the date and attend. Joan said the contract for Tom Ferenc’s mentor has been signed.  One of our grants will pay for the mentoring and the only cost to Green Mountain will be for the mentor’s travel expenses. Joan said she has a mentor Superintendent – Brenda Needham – whom she meets with about every three weeks and she can call her anytime if she needs to.  All of our new teachers have mentors as well for one to two years and the teachers that are on an improvement plan also have a mentor.  Joan visited Green Mountain classrooms again this month.  She said things are looking very good in the building. She reported that a GM soccer coach has presented his end of season letter so he will be paid for his services. Joan reviewed a contract that we received from VTEL who provided the service of upgrading our systems with fiber optic wiring and two years maintenance for free.  This agreement ran out June 30th but they just now sent a contract for $800/month.  Joan said she thinks we will be eligible for E-rate money for this.  The contract is for telecommunication services for the Internet.  Alonzo was asked to review this contract and give his opinion as to whether we should sign it or not.  Bill said this is a 5-year contract and do we want to sign it for that length of time if we don’t know if there are going to be increases in the cost.  Gene made a motion that if Alonzo approves the contract then the Superintendent can sign it.  Board approved. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Tom welcomed Marlee to the board.  He said the 7th, 8th and 11th grades finished NECAP testing.  The Guidance Department did a wonderful job coordinating the tests.  The Associate Principal and the Physical Education teacher will both start on November 5. Tom reported that the Exit doors are labeled and locked at all times.  There will be visitors signs added in the parking lot.  The Mission sign has been nicely painted and is in the lobby.  A set of doors has been ordered for replacement in the back of the building.  The cameras are in place and monitoring the school.  The girl’s soccer team has had a great season.  Sign up’s for the winter sports season started today.  There is one more New England Cross Country meet left for this year.  Tom was not sure of date or location. This Friday the senior’s are holding a Halloween Dance.  Copies of the school newspaper are on the table for the board members.  Steve Seitz of the Vermont Journal has been helping with the Journalism class and newspaper.  Upcoming events and dates were reviewed and Tom said this information is on line as well. Tom said that a program on bullying and harassment is being introduced to the students.  Positive Behavior Intervention Systems (P.B.I.S.) is probably the program they will go with to implement in the building.  He read an email from Melissa Palmer who had a 5# baby boy several weeks early – Cooper Jeffrey Palmer.  This is who the Social Studies substitute will be covering for. Board :  Bill said at the Retreat the board members felt that presentations by the Department Chairs every other meeting would be a good way to let the board know what is going on in each department.  Tom will schedule these presentations.   Gene Bont drafted a letter to go to our 2 Senators and 1 Representative regarding NCLB (No Child Left Behind).  He read the letter aloud.  The board felt it was a very thoughtful and good letter.  Jack made motion to accept the letter and have the board sign it.  Joan said this letter can be typed and sent to the school boards.  Gene felt it should be sent to the newspapers as well to make a point.  Joan said the letter can also be shared at the VSA/VSBA Conference next week.  The board approved signing the letter.  Jack said he was delighted to read that one area in New York City has introduced merit pay for teachers.  Alison asked if Bill Talbot of the Department of Education is scheduled to be here on November 8th to explain the new funding/budget procedures for union schools.  Alison said all board members should attend this, not just high school boards. Committee Reports:  Alison said she met with Meredith and Ruth at the central office and will meet monthly with them to review budget status and she will report to the board.  There is an un-audited deficit of about $40,000 for the 2007 school year.  She explained there is a deficit because of changes in special education monies we cannot receive any longer.   She said that  only 1/3 of a teacher has been hired over the last year number of staff, about a $9,500 increase.  There is $22,500 in tuition revenue that was unexpected and this is a positive thing.  Alison and Meredith have been looking for ways to pay for the cameras and Meredith found that they can be paid for with Medicaid money.  Alison said all in all we are down 2 F.T.E. in staff from last year. Gene reported that the Forest Committee met to try to decide how to use the Green Mountain land.  He said some of the trails are mapped.  He explained some of the other things they hope to do with the trails, including a public access off the parking lot.  They are going to come up with a prioritized list of things to do as well.  He talked a little about some of the people who are on this committee and their backgrounds that are proving very helpful.  Alison asked to share an article from a parent regarding the Cleveland Indians Mascot.  She will make sure the board gets copies of this article. Discussion with Public:  None.    Old Business:  Alison  said that Bob Reed asked her to bring his resignation from the Green Mountain Budget Committee to the board.  Resignation accepted with regrets.  Jack nominated Arne Jonynas to the Budget Committee.  Arne accepted.  Board approved. New Business: None. Executive Session: Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 7:25 p.m.  Board approved.  Board came out of Executive Session at 7:50 p.m. No further motions were made. Adjournment – Meeting adjourned at 7:50 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Board Meeting Minutes   October 11, 2007     6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gert Bennett, Gene Bont, John Surething, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal                           Public Present:  Deborah Ostrom–SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz, John Holme, Hank Mauti, Leo Graham, Brenda Surething, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Peggy Svec, Shane Putnam, Sara Groshens, Katie Karkowski, Meghan Guerra,  Paul Dexter, Rick Cloud, Anna Martel, Pam O’Neil, Geralyn Donohue, Henry Dent, Jazmin McNeill, Mark Bodin, Carol Gilbert, Townsend Gilbert, Katy Savage, Sonja Skalecki, Don Robinson, Mark Curran, Ginger Roper, Christina Sabo,  Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:02 p.m.              Approval of Minutes of September 27, 2007: Gert moved approval of minutes.  Gert noted that the last sentence under Superintendent’s Report needed to be removed.  It is a redundant statement.  Board approved minutes as corrected, John Surething abstained.    Student Government Introductions: Shane Putnam and Katie Karkowski – Co-Presidents of the Student Government read the names of the other Student Government students.  Tanya Dyson – Treasurer, and Katie Savage all Seniors.  Grade 11 students are: Joseph Dexter – Secretary, Meghan Guerra – Vice President, Sarah Tornquist and Riley Walker.  Grade 10 students are: Sara Groshens, Jenny Kennedy, Christina Sabo and Kathryn Svec.  Grade 9 students are Henry Dent, Anna Martel, Jazmin McNeil and Sonja Skalecki.  Anne Kipp is the Student Government Advisor and she was also present.  The board thanked the students for coming to the meeting.   Virtual High School Presentation: Tom said the board had received information regarding the Virtual High School and that seven students are taking these courses.  Pam O’Neil talked about some of the courses that are being taken i.e., Mandarin Chinese and World Religion. These courses are done as black board courses on the computers.  There are over 100 classes offered and kids have to choose a course that is not offered at Green Mountain.  Pam explained what is expected of the students for discussion during the courses.  Green Mountain joined the Windsor County Consortium and share seats to take these courses.  Each school is allowed 25 seats. Any unused seats can be bought by other schools in the Consortium if they need them.  The kids are thrilled to have access to some of these courses and the courses do take self-motivation.  The cost is $2,700 a year to belong to the Consortium.  No core classes are offered in the Virtual High School courses.  Pam offers assistance to the students taking these courses so they have someone at Green Mountain to help them if necessary. Ratification of Support Staff Contract: Alison said this will be on next agenda as the Union has not yet ratified the contract. Reports:  Superintendent – Capital Fund Status -Joan said she did not have an update at this time. Joan reported that Jackie McCuin has been working on the special education service plan that is due tomorrow.  This report will serve as a basis for our budgets.  Last Wednesday all of the WSWSU administrators met with the State Police, Police Chief Rick Cloud and Windham Sheriffs at the Rockingham Barracks to talk about and review crisis plans.  Concerns regarding safety were discussed.  All the police agencies will coordinate and go through all of our schools.  A meeting like this will be held every year.  The administrators were shown the 911 Center and how it works.  Joan said she felt it was a very valuable meeting and Tom and Rick Cloud agreed. Joan talked about the ways they are making sure the schools are safe.  She attended a training session in Montpelier yesterday to make sure we have accurate information for budgeting.  She will meet with the Ludlow and Springfield Superintendents next week to look at ways of working together.  Contracts – Joan asked the board to approve a contract for Norm Merrill as middle School Coordinator for $2,000.   Board approved.  She asked for approval of School Resource Officer position.  This will put a police officer in the school for a couple of hours a day.  A grant will be written to fund a full-time position.  Gene Bont made motion to approve this position.  Gert seconded.  Rick Cloud gave an overview of different things the resource officers will do in the school.  Board approved position.  Joan presented a contract for Allyson Oswald as Year Book Coordinator for $2,821.00.  Board approved and thanked Ally for taking this position. The board was asked to approve a temporary Dean of Students position until the new Associate Principal can come on board November 5th.  Dick Poston will fill this position.  Alison made motion to approve contract and authorize the Board Chair to sign contract.  Board approved. Principal –Tom Ferenc – Assistant Principal Responsibilities – Tom used the current job description and attached a suggestion sheet to it.  He feels that student responsibility and school climate will be the main responsibilities for the Associate Principal for the first year.  Resource Officer Update – Already covered earlier.  Enrollment – Tom said he and Pam O’Neil will be reviewing proposed schedules and have asked the Department Chairs for input on the budget.  Bill asked for a list of classes and number of students in the classes.  Tom said he has visited the feeder schools and talked to the 6th graders about Green Mountain.  Newsletter Mailing – Tom said the newsletter was mailed home the last time but in the future they will send them with the students because of the cost of postage.  Bill asked if the newsletter could be mailed as a piggyback with other mailings.  Upcoming Events – A list of events for October were given to the board to review.    Board –Student Representative Policy – No update at this time.  Joan said the Board policy  committee needs to review and update this policy.  Lunch Accounts Policy – Joseph said he talked to Jack Carroll who has initiated a new hot lunch policy.  This policy was distributed to the board.  Gene Bont feels the board should give this policy a chance to see if it will work and then the board can adopt it.  Gert said Jack should be thanked for taking care of this.  Board Retreat Review – Bill said some of the issues are already in process.  He reviewed the goals and what is being done with them.  Gert suggested having SAPA-TV cover our Sports Awards Banquets.  Dealing with declining enrollments, Virtual High Schools, Communication with Community, Post graduation surveys,Graduation Requirements/Projects are a few of the goals. A community outreach person has been hired to work with students. Bill said the VSBA Annual Convention will be November 1st and 2nd in Montpelier.  New policy manuals will be given out.  Bill and Joan felt it would be very worthwhile for board members to attend this conference.  Alison reported that a parent said the Green Mountain Union High School Marching Band sounded great in the Columbus Day Parade in Boston.  Bill said he would like to give $25.00 to the Booster Club from the GM Board with a note saying Good Luck.  Alison thanked everyone who took the tour of the River Valley Technical Center at the last meeting.  Dr. Bont said he was very impressed with all the offerings for students.  Alison said the River valley Technical Center has done a post-graduate survey for first 3 years after students leave the Tech Center.  Gert reported that she and Alison attended the Regional School Board meeting on October 4th held at Green Mountain, she said it was a worthwhile meeting but very poorly attended. Committee Reports:  Finance Committee – Alison thanked the Budget Committee members for coming.  She asked if they had any questions regarding the budget timeline and for any input they might have for the budget process. Alison said they are working with Bill Talbot of the Department of Education and she feels that the Budget Committee should hear him so they have a clear understanding of the new per pupil spending rules for budgeting.  Bill Talbot is scheduled to be here on November 8th to discuss Act 68 and Act 130.  Hank feels the new rule of having to vote twice on a budget will mean the State will “jig” the numbers.  He asked the Board to really look at the staff here with the enrollment declining.  Carol Gilbert asked if the Budget Committee has to meet at every meeting and Alison said November 29th will be the first Board/Budget meeting.  Carol read a list of items she felt would be helpful for the Budget Committee to know about.  Mark Bodin said he feels the Board need to start showing the public some planning for the future regarding budgets.  Mark said he thought the Parents Group at Green Mountain should connect with the Board for budget planning.  This will be discussed at the October 16th Parents Group meeting.  Don Robinson said he sees a lot of good things started here at GM and he hopes they are not lost along the way.  Jack Coleman remarked that even with declining enrollment there are still new expenses for running a school.  Don Robinson wants the Board to take their financial responsibility to the public seriously.  Gert reported that the Education Committee met and Linda Waite and Pam O’Neil were present and the assessment process was reviewed.  She feels they had a successful meeting.  The next Education Committee meeting will be the second Tuesday of November at 8:30 a.m. at GM.  Gene Bont said they also discussed No Child Left Behind that will end the last of this month if it is not renewed.  He feels that NCLB interrupts the teaching process, as the implementation is very flawed.  He would like to let our Congressmen know that NCLB should be altered or terminated.  It will continue for one more year if it is terminated.  NCLB involves so much testing it cuts into teaching time.  Gene said none of the teachers he spoke to had favorable impressions of NCLB, many teachers have left the teaching profession because of the changes in the teaching climate caused by NCLB.  Gert said as a Board they need to take a stand on this issue.  Joan said the Vermont Superintendents Association have been asked to take a non-renew stance on NCLB.  Gene said he would be willing to formulate a letter for the Board members to sign at the next board meeting.  The Board agreed to this. Alison said the State released special education figures last week for 2006 and our student population was at 12.01% the State average is 15% and we also spent less per child by 4.3% than the average in the State. D iscussion with Public:  Hank Mauti asked if the police and fire departments have access to the building.  Rick Cloud said the police have had access to the building for quite some time.  Hank thought the police officers that are going to be in the building need to learn the building as the first thing they do.  Hank asked if training on the use of fire extinguishers in the building has been given to employees.  This will be discussed with Jeff Holden, the Chester Fire Chief. Carol Gilbert said she wanted to give a great deal of credit to Geoff Lawrence the former GM Associate Principal for all of his contributions to the GM district.  She wished him well and hoped the Board will do the same.   Carol asked about the current budget to see where increases have been and what the percentage increases are. She feels this update will be very helpful in the budgeting process.  Carol asked where the new positions were advertised and how many candidates applied.  Carol expressed her concerns of having an uncertified staff member as a detention monitor.  She felt this would be putting Green Mountain at risk because this employee does not have training and certificate.  She wished Tom Ferenc good luck. Don Robinson said he felt it was a poor decision to add positions without going to the current staff to do these positions.   Townsend Gilbert asked what decision the Board made regarding allowing the Varsity sports students to have P.E. credits for participation in sports.  Bill said this is not a policy and it was decided to have Guidance handle it on a by student basis.  Pam O’Neil explained how this will work and said they have not given any credits to students at this time. Townsend said he spoke with Susan Spaulding (Town Manager of Chester) and Attorney Bill Dakin who agreed to act as Moderator for a School Board Forum so anyone from Chester who is on the GM school board or running for the school board can answer questions asked by the public.  This will be held two weeks prior to election. Leo Graham said he talked to the Ludlow Principal who told him they spend 10% of the school year preparing for and taking tests or 17.5 days out of a school year.   Executive Session: Alison moved to go into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m.  Board approved.  Board came out of Executive Session at 8:26 p.m.   Old Business – None.   New Business – John Surething made motion to hire Tom Burke as Associate Principal for 155 days for $40,300.00. and authorize the Board Chair to sign contract.  Board approved.  Alision made motion to authorize the Superintendent and Board Chair to sign contract with a half-time P.E. position pending review.  Board approved.                         Adjournment – John moved adjourn, Alison seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 8:28 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School   Board Minutes September 27, 2007, 5:00 p.m. River Valley Tech Center Present Board:  Bill Bourque-Chair, Alison DesLauriers-Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gert Bennett, Alonzo Neff, Dr. Bont, and Joseph Dexter          Administration:  Joan Paustian-Superintendent, and Tom Ferenc-Principal  Public/Staff:  Peggy Svec, Dan Bustard Call to Order:  Bill called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m. Approval of Minutes for September 13, 2007:  Alison made a motion to approve the minutes of September 13, 2007 as presented.  All approved Superintendent Report:  Joan shared a letter from a parent to a teacher about the level of instruction her daughter received at Green Mountain and how it helped her in college.  Discussion ensued.  Joan wanted to recommend a PE teacher but will not be able to.  She will explain to the board in executive session. On October 4th the VSBA will have its regional meeting at Green Mountain Union High School, beginning at 5:00 p.m.  They will talk about act 82.  Act 82 will go into effect in FY’10.  If a budget is higher than a certain percentage there will be one vote for the allowed percent increase then there will be a separate vote for the remainder of the budget.  People will vote twice if the budget has a greater percent increase than allowed. Joan was at the New England Superintendent’s conference in Portsmouth, NH where NCLB was discussed.  If this bill is reauthorized it will be in effect for six more years.  Discussion ensued.  Public discussion was discussed at the last meeting and Joan passed out Green Mountain’s policy regarding public participation.  Joan also brought the student board participation policies.  The policy committee will look at these.  Melissa Palmer has asked for maternity leave from November 12th to March 2nd.  Mrs. Bennett made a motion to approve the leave request as presented.  Dr. Bont seconded.  All approved.  This request was already approved.      Principal Report: As a follow-up to the doors:  There is $5600 from the           general fund and they will use this money to replace some of the doors.  The staff is being trained on the cameras.  They interviewed two assistant principal candidates today and they will interview two more tomorrow.  Tom received 16 applicants for the Assistant Principal position.  Discussion ensued.  They have been administering MAPS testing and when they are completed the NECAP testing will begin.  Discussion ensued regarding the Associate Principal/Assistant Principal position.  Bill asked if the Board could have a copy of the Green Mountain Gazette.  They will be given out at the board meetings.  Dr. Bont asked if there is a student publication.  Tom said there is a school newspaper that is published by the journalism class.  Discussion ensued.  Tom and Joan said they will look into having the Green Mountain Gazette mailed home.       Board: The board provided information about what they got out of the board retreat.  Bill passed out the retreat highlights.  He asked the board to look these over and think about them so they can discuss them at the next meeting. Committee Reports:  Mrs. Bennett said the Education Committee met and discussed 11 points.  She discussed some of them.  They are meeting on the 9th with administration to discuss assessment.  Bill said they met with the forest committee and are meeting again in mid October to go over the trails to identify them.  Mrs. Bennett said it would be nice if it were video taped.  Discussion ensued.  Joseph said the Student Government elections have taken place and now they are going to have officer elections.  The Finance Committee set a time line for the budget.  Negotiations Committee:  The support staff contract should be ready to be voted on at the next meeting.  Tom said the Sale on the Green was a big success for the students and they have been invited back for the Civil War reenactment. Approval of Contracts:  Detention/Late Bus Monitor and Community Outreach Coordinator:  Joan asked the board to approve hiring Karla Waite as Detention/Late Bus Monitor and Ann Lamb as the Community Outreach Coordinator.  Alison made a motion to approve hiring Karla Waite and Anne Lamb as presented.  Discussion ensued regarding Tom’s vision of the Community Outreach Coordinator position.  All approved.    Old Business:  Jack asked about a meeting regarding the teachers giving input on assessments.  Mrs. Bennett said the Education Committee will meet on October 9th at 8:30 a.m. at Green Mountain with administrators first before meeting with teachers.  Discussion ensued regarding NCLB and the focus on specific subjects. New Business: None Discussion with Public:  None Executive Session (if necessary):  Alison made a motion to go into executive session at 7:02 p.m.  All approved.  Alonzo made a motion to come out of executive session at 7:25 p.m. No action taken. Adjourn:  Alison made a motion to adjourn.  Meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh MackRecording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Meeting Minutes September 13, 2007   6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gert Bennett, Alonzo Neff, John Surething, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal                           Public Present:  Deborah Ostrom–SAPA-TV, Leo Graham – Vermont Journal, Daryl Houk,Sander Houk, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Peggy Svec, Lorraine Epler, Joe Epler, Paul Dexter, Rick Cloud, Meredith Austin, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:02 p.m.             Approval of Minutes of July 16 and August 16, 2007: Alison moved approval of July 16th minutes.  Board approved.   Gert moved approval of August 16th minutes.  Joan had one correction under Superintendent’s Report – Status of Playground Expansion Request – the minutes should state Headstart is looking for playground equipment, not Daryl is looking. Board approved minutes as corrected.  Jack Coleman commended Janet on how she handled the minutes for the unpleasant situation at the last meeting. Joe Epler Family Request for Memorial Tree Planting: Joe Epler served as plant supervisor at Green Mountain 1981 until 1996.  His family would like to ask permission to plant a tree in memory of Joe around his birthday, October 20th, behind the school near the lizard that hangs on the side of the school.  Joe’s son Jonathan helped to make that lizard. Joe said his Dad was very proud of Green Mountain.  Gert said she supports this highly, she loved Joe dearly, he not only kept the building well, he kept people in the building happy.  Gert said there were 2 Memorial trees on the GM property and administration had them cut down.  She said respect for Memorial trees must be kept as it hurts those that had them planted in memory of a loved one when they are taken down.  Lorraine will have a plaque made for the tree with Joe’s information on it.  Joe will coordinate with Tom for the planting.  Alison moved approval of the Epler’s request.  Board approved unanimously. Reports:  Superintendent – Capital Fund Status -Joan asked Meredith Austin – Business Manager to begin.  Meredith said that the person she spoke to at the Department of Education misled her with regard to the Capital Improvement Funds as the Board does have the authority to spend the money in this fund.   Meredith recommended not using this money for anything except capital improvements.  She gave the board a list of what is considered to be a capital improvement.  Meredith said the EPSDT monies are going to start to dry up.  This is money that is earned in 2 different ways by the schools through Medicaid billing for services provided for special education students.  The money is then spent to benefit all students.   Joan said that 12.1% of the WSWSU student population is special education.  The State average is 15%.  For special education spending we fall 4.38% below the State average for spending and that is very good news.  Joan said that Title IIA funds will be used to provide a mentor for Tom just because Vermont has its own way of doing some things.  Because we were one of the first ten supervisory union’s to apply for this we will get a 50% discount for the mentor costs which will be $1,500 to $2,000.   Tomorrow a mentor workshop will be held at Green Mountain to teach mentors how to work with their mentees.  Joan read a list of items that will be looked at to continue under No Child Left Behind.  She reported that Tony Stevens resigned his half-time P.E. position the first day of school to take a full time job at Oxbow.  Geoff Lawrence – Assistant Principal will be leaving effective October 5th to teach at Proctor High.  He has family issues that need him to be closer to home.  Alison made motion to accept Geoff’s resignation with regret and thanks for all his good work during a tough year last year.  Board approved.  Alison made motion to accept Tony’s resignation, Gert seconded.  Board approved.Approval of Coaching Contracts – Joan read the names on the contracts for board approval as follows: Stephen Nelligan – Middle School Girl’s Soccer Coach - $1,162.00                                            Lyndsay Howard – J.V. Girl’s Soccer Coach - $2,158.00                                                         Frederick Wendlandt – Middle School Drama Director $332.00                                                     Frederick Wendlandt – Director of 3-Act Musical - $1,660.00                                             Frederick Wendlandt – Band Director - $1,660.00                                                                         Stephanie Smith – 10th Grade Class Advisor - $463.00                                                                   Janet Pringle – Newspaper Advisor - $1,328.00                                                                         Mary-lynn Wright – Department Chair – Mathematics - $2,000.00                                              Norm Merrill – Department Chair – Language Arts/World Language - $2,000.00                          K elly Brennan – Department Chair – Social Studies - $2,000.00                                                     Jonathan Rice – Department Chair – Science - $2,000.00                                                            Mary Barton – Department Chair – Special Education - $2,000.00                                                Jacqueline Peck – Department Chair – Electives - $2,000.00                                                           Mary Barton – National Honor Society Advisor - $830.00         Anne Kipp – Student Government Advisor - $1,328.00 Karen Surma – 7th Grade Class Advisor - $332.00                                                  Norm Merrill – 8th Grade Class Advisor - $332.00                                                                          Sharon Jonynas – 9th Grade Class Advisor - $463.00                                                                     Dylan Bate – 11th Grade Class Advisor - $1,500.00                                                               Ethan Lima – 12th Grade Class Advisor - $1,500.00                      Cynthia Austin – Middle School student Government Advisor - $332.00                                       Cynthia Austin – Music Director of Musical - $997.00                                                              Frederick Wendlandt – Drama Director - $1,660.00   Gert made motion to approve the contracts and authorize the Superintendent to sign them.  Board approved unanimously. Bill recruited board members for interviews:  Gert and Bill for Assistant Principal position and Al Neff for Physical Education position.   Principal –Tom Ferenc -- Security Improvements Update – Tom said that eight cameras have been installed in the school.  They used them during the middle school open house night and they could see all over the school and out front on the computers.  Joseph said he has received negative feed back from students regarding the cameras.  Jack said a community member stopped him and was very upset about the cameras because of the amount of money spent.  Discussion of money followed.  Alison said this is for a safer environment not to create a “big brother” environment.  Tom said they had a fire drill last week with fire trucks present.  He said he was charged with replacing double doors and getting air horns as a carry over from last year.  He said the doors are rotted out and air comes in around them. He received quotes today and will get these to the Superintendent. The doors will be properly labeled and secured.  He said there is a line item in the maintenance budget for replacement of doors.  Tom told how they will be practicing the fire and emergency drills.  Resource Officer – Tom said he and Chief Cloud have talked about putting an officer in the school for an hour three times a week.  Chief Cloud spoke about what a Resource Officer is and how the police officer becomes a community member of the school.  He talked about some of the programs they teach and get involved with in the school.  He said if the kids get to know the officers then it makes it easier to deal with them in the public setting.  Dan Bustard asked about a time line for this and Tom said they are still just talking about it.   Up-Coming Events –Tom listed several events that will be happening at Green Mountain over the next few weeks such as 9/16 – Rotary Penny Auction, 9/14 – Mentoring Meeting, 9/18 – Parents Group meeting, 9/18 – Forest Group meeting, 9/19 – Regional Professional Development Day, 10/2 – Student picture day, 10/4 – VT School Boards meeting, 10/6 – S.A.T.’S will be run, and last Tuesday was an open house.  MAPS testing is taking place now.  Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m. there will be a cross-country meet on the Green Mountain cross-country trails. Teacher Resignation Approval and Position Update –already done. Community Survey Report – Tom gave copies to the board members and said he spoke to 32 people to come up with these results.  He talked about the strengths of the school, i.e., small classes, great kids and good teachers.   Award Program/ Student Recognition – This is something Tom has done for years, he has cards and they try to catch kids doing something nice.  He has given out about 30 cards already and the feedback has been very good.  The cards are mailed home for positive reinforcement.  Approval of Detention Monitor – Tom would like to request this position for four days/week.  It will be a para-educator that already works here and this position will be funded with Medicaid funds.  Alison moved to approve the Detention Monitor position as proposed with money coming from Green Mountain Medicaid funds.  Board approved.  Approval of Middle School Coordinator – This person would over see attendance and staying on task in class and would coordinate MAPS testing.  The salary would be $2,000 from Medicaid funds.  Jack made motion to create the position of middle school coordinator for $2,000/year.  Board approved. Approval of Home School Coordinator Position – This will be paid for with EPSDT monies.  This person will work with students not going on to college to work with them with career choices/options.  Alison made motion to create position for school coordinator.  Board approved. Tom reported that they have created a virtual high school in the Sam Adams Room and he would like to demonstrate this to the board.  There are ten students taking the virtual high school program/courses.  The first meeting in October is the 11th and the board will have the virtual high school demonstrated at that meeting. Board –Bill asked the board to put together ideas from their retreat for the board to focus on during the school year.  Alonzo said he is pleased with the work done on security in the building.  Joseph feels declining enrollment is a priority to deal with to avoid cuts in courses offered.  Jack said to explain to public why education costs keep rising.  Jack would like this looked at to be able to explain it better to the voters.  He is also interested in the inclusion of a senior project in the school.  Jack wants to do a survey of one-year and two-year graduates out of school at Green Mountain to see what they can tell us about how students can be better served.  Alison feels declining enrollment is something that is going to effect the school and the tax rate.  We need to figure out how to combat this issue.  She also is interested in reviewing personal learning plans for students.  Bill wants to focus on communication in the school and with the community. He talked about some ideas he has to accomplish this.  Bill is also concerned about the declining enrollment.  The virtual high school and collaboration with other high schools is also something he is interested in. Joan said that communication is her big concern.  She said she visited most of the classrooms at Green Mountain today.  John is pleased with having action that has been taken regarding security at the school.  He said the declining enrollment is also a worry.  Gert wants GM to move toward a professional learning community and to explain to the public our successes in education.  She said well defined curriculum that is aligned with Vermont Standards is important.  Are all students being provided with what they need to go on to school or into the community with?  Also how do we keep a broad curriculum as the student population declines.  She said the Education Committee will work on these issues as well.  Bill said he will work on this list of items for the next meeting.   Bill told the board that $25,000 has been given to the school for the scholarship fund.  A while ago $100,000 was given to GM for the scholarship fund but it is being contested at this time.  The next meeting will be held at the River Valley Technical Center in Springfield with a tour at 5:00 and the meeting will start at 6:00.  Bill reported that P.E. grades are figured into a students GPA.  This came up at the last meeting and Pam O’Neil gave him this answer.  Joseph reported that Nathan Harwood was elected to serve on the school board as the student representative so he should be at the next meeting.   Discussion with Public:  Jack wanted to discuss public comments at board meetings and he wants the board to agree as to what can be said at a meeting.  Jack said he wrote the following to have the board adopt it as a policy: “The board welcomes comments from the public, either on specific agenda items or in the time provided at each meeting for public comments.  Such comments must be civil and avoid any personal attacks.  The board will support the Chair in cutting off any speaker offending those guidelines.”  Alison would like to review the GM policies to see if there is a policy that can be used for this.  Gert said at a warned board meeting with an agenda the board chair can cut off a discussion at any time.  Alonzo apologized for having to leave the last meeting because of a work emergency. Committee Reports – Alison said the Finance Committee should set up a time to start budget building.  The Forest Committee will meet on September 18th .  The trails have been mapped so the Committee will need to decide what else to do with the trails and to start writing grants. Old Business – None.   New Business – None.                          Executive Session – John made motion at 7:40 p.m. to enter Executive Session for student issue.  The board came out of Executive session at 8:53 p.m.  No further motions were made. Adjournment – John moved adjourn, Alison seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 8:54 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain Union High School Board Meeting Minutes August 16, 2007    6:00 p.m. Board Present: Bill Bourque – Chair, Alison DesLauriers – Vice Chair, Jack Coleman, Gene Bont, Gert Bennett, Alonzo Neff, John Surething, Joseph Dexter Administration Present: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal                           Public Present:  Kaitlyn Merritt–SAPA-TV, Steve Seitz – Vermont Journal, Townsend Gilbert, Daryl Houk, Dan Bustard – Eagle Times, Martha Stretton, Peggy Svec, Margie Straub, Brad Houk, Meredith Austin, Janet Currier – Recording Secretary Call to Order – Bill Bourque called meeting to order at to order at 6:03 p.m.             Bill explained that the Executive Session listed on the agenda would not happen. Approval of Minutes of July 16, 2007: Alison moved approval, Gene seconded.   Board approved minutes as presented.  Alison said she still had minutes to type for the Retreat and she will get them done. Reports:   Superintendent – Joan said she has a maternity request for Melissa Palmer from November to March.  Alison moved, Gene seconded, board approved maternity leave for Melissa Palmer.  Teacher Contract – Joan presented a contract for approval for Polly Henshaw for a .33 French position.  Polly’s resume and hiring recommendation were included in the board member’s packets for their review.  Polly has a Provisional License as she has always taught in private schools.  She is going to apply for Peer Review.  Alison made motion to approve Polly Henshaw’s contract and authorize the Chair to sign the contract.  Board approved.    Coaching Contracts – Joan presented the following coaching contracts for board approval:  Laurie Greenberg – Varsity Cross Country Coach - $2,656.00, Ed Clark – Middle School Boy’s Soccer Coach - $1,162.00, Julie Ladieu Walton – Varsity Girl’s Soccer Coach - $2,656.00, Ed Laffaye – Varsity Boy’s Soccer Coach - $2,656.00.  John made motion to approve contracts as presented.  Board approved.   Joan presented contract for Pam Laffaye as a special education para-professional.  Gert moved approval, Gene seconded.  Board approved.  Status of Playground Expansion Request – Joan said that Early Education wants to put a playground on Green Mountain grounds.  She has asked that this be held up on until a needs assessment for the S.U. office, Early Education and Opportunities Program is completed.  Daryl is looking for playground equipment that is not permanently attached to the ground.  Capital Reserve – Joan explained that the Warning to establish the Capital Improvement Fund does not give the board permission to spend the money.  An article will have to be warned to allow the board to use money for replacement expenses.  A separate line item will have to be in the budget for capital improvement items.  Alison believes authorization to spend this money can be done on the floor at the Annual Meeting.  Joan will check on this to find out how it must be voted on.  Technology Plan – Joan said the Green Mountain Technology Plan has been sent to the State.  Approval is needed  by the board so Green Mountain can access funding from the State, i.e., e-rate, etc.  Gert moved approval of Technology Plan.  Board approved.   Joan reported that we have received a report from the Human Rights Commission and Tom is following up on requirements of this report, staff and students will have to receive training as part of the requirements.   She said that Burr & Burton Academy is planning a Wilderness Academy in Peru, on a 100 acre site.  She does not feel it will impact Green Mountain but wants the board to be aware of this.  She explained some of the possible impact issues for Act 250.   Joan shared an article showing Vermont graduation rate is 4th in the country for students graduating in 4 years, at 86.5%.   She said she was one of two Principal’s who worked on Vermont Standards for No Child Left Behind and Vermont did not lower their standards to make it easier to meet No Child Left Behind requirements. Bill said that what Burr & Burton is planning to offer in Peru at their new site, Green Mountain will be able to offer some of the same opportunities here on Green Mountain land.  Joan said that Cavendish Town Elementary School is developing an outdoor classroom area as well. Joan reported that a very successful Administrative Council Retreat was held August 1st, 2nd and 3rd.  They accomplished a lot working together.  Tom explained some of the areas that Green Mountain is looking forward to improving this school year.  Joan said they looked at assessments and they are going to work on being a cohesive group, they worked hard to develop a strong leadership team for the supervisory union.  Joan said the teachers will return on the 27th and that the day will begin with a breakfast at Green Mountain.  September 19th will be the Regional Professional Development day in the State.  There are 1,300 teachers from Southeast Vermont attending classes that day.  Every teacher must attend at least one session.  Linda Waite is part of the committee working on this.  Meredith has completed the Statistical Reports and they have been sent to the State. Principal –Tom Ferenc -- Security Improvement Update – Tom said he has met with several key people, fire and police personnel.  A request for bids has been in the paper and one bid was received and this bid meets our criteria.  Board approval is necessary as the bid is over the $10,000 amount approved.  He reviewed security items and costs.  There will be staff I.D. badges.  He said the total cost for surveillance cameras will be $17,062.00.  Bill said since there are so many points of access into the building he feels the doors and alarming them are a priority over the cameras.   Tom feels having the ability to monitor the halls and the front of the building is important, we are looking at four cameras.  Only the video system has gone out for bid.  Jack asked to have the Board Building Committee involved in this decision.  Bill said the entire board has discussed this numerous times and he feels we have come to a decision and are past the committee stage.  Tom said the cost to replace four double doors is $16,000.  He recommends putting doors and alarms on hold and going directly to the video surveillance system.  Gert moved to take Tom’s recommendation.  Tom said there will be plans for more cameras in the future.  Joan said on October 3rd, all the supervisory union administrators will meet at the State Police Barracks with State Police, Town Police, etc., to review emergency responses.  She and Tom reached out to the Police and they are excited to be working with us.   Tom said A.P.C. Services will be awarded the bid to install cameras.  Gene seconded the motion.  Board approved.Jack commended the administration for reaching out to Police and said this is new in Green Mountain history.    School Opening Preparations – Tom said a lot of preparations have been made, trees were cut, and the building has a lot of changes as well.  He commended the custodial staff for all their hard work.  He said we are in good shape for school to open.  Staffing Update -  Tom Barth has been hired as a .5 Math teacher and Sharon Jonynas has been hired as middle school Language Arts teacher.   Tom invited the board to an open house on August 29th, 4:00 – 6:00 in the Gallery, this will be a “meet and greet” time.  Tom told everyone what he has done in the community so far to gather input on the school.  He talked about some of the results.  This was a survey to see what the community wants for Green Mountain success.   Board – Retreat Update: Bill said the board held a Retreat on July 16th at Jackson Gore and he described some of what they worked on at this Retreat.  He asked the board to review the Retreat notes and come up with notes for some concrete goals for a future meeting.  Jack said he did not feel having a representative from Vermont School Boards Association was a plus for the Retreat.  Bill said this person did not do more because he has been asked not to.   Administrative Evaluation Plan – Bill said Jack was asked to come up with a plan for evaluating administrators.  Jack said his proposal is simple, no numbers scoring.  He suggested having the Principal fill out a self-evaluation and list his goals in August, then the board would meet in executive session to review in September.  In October board members fill out their assessments and expectations for the year ahead.  Joan said she feels that Tom’s evaluation is her responsibility with board input.  She will then do a formal written evaluation.  Discussion of Supervision and Evaluation Policy/Procedure took place.  Board thanked Jack for his work on this document.John said he just completed his 15th season with Legion baseball.  The Chester Team came back from New York tournament with a trophy.  He told about Chester players and the awards  they received. Committee Reports – Alison said there will be a Negotiations meeting on Tuesday, August 21st at 8:30 a.m. at the central office for the Support Staff Contract.   Meredith said there will not be a Green Mountain surplus because the Opportunities Program is no longer classified as a special education program because we have regular education students and teachers there and we can not bill for special education reimbursements.  The WSWSU Executive Board made the decision to not have the program be a special education program because we were not serving all the students that might need services if it was only for special education students.   Bill said the Public Relations Committee will be meeting with Tom.   Gert said the Education Committee needs to meet since she has new information on graduation requirements. Discussion with Public:  Jack introduced Steve Seitz as the new reporter for the Vermont Journal newspaper.  Townsend Gilbert asked to address the board to hopefully change things that have happened in the past.  He read his concerns to those present. Old Business – Jack asked to have a committee formed to look at what a relationship with Ludlow might be and what they might bring to Green Mountain.  He asked Gene Bont to work on this.  Bill said we do have a goal of setting a committee to meet with a Ludlow Committee to have discussions.  Townsend asked about P.E. not being included in the G.P.A. for students.  This will be looked into and an answer will be ready for next meeting. New Business – Bill asked Tom if the tree stumps will be ground down, Tom said yes.  Alison said the board would like to have educational presentations at board meetings, i.e., High Schools On The Move.  Joan would like to talk about A.P. and virtual courses.  Tom reviewed several items he would like to have presentations on as well and he will put a schedule together.  Jack would like to meet with Principal and Superintendent to define what makes a good educational presentation. Executive Session – None.  . Adjournment – John moved adjourn, Alison seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 7:47 p.m.  Board approved. Respectfully submitted, Janet Currier Recording Secretary Green Mountain UHS Retreat Topics 2007 Attending: Joan Paustian – Superintendent, Tom Ferenc - Principal, Jeff Lawrence Asst. Principal Gert Bennet, Jack Colemen, Gene Bont,  Alison Deslauriers, Bill Bourque, Alonzo Neff, Assistant Superintendent Linda Waite,  Meredith Austin, Joseph Dexter 9:00 – 10:15             Board Dynamics:  Issues to Discuss:         •       Establish priorities for Capital Fund – future agenda         •       What to do with surplus – future agenda•         Decision Making Process: 1.      Robert’s Rules         •       Robert’s Rules for Small Boards 2.      Board Spokesperson         •       Board Chair 3.      Executive Session Protocol         •       Agreement by Board 4.      Consent Agenda/Timed Agenda         •        5.      Board Email Communications         •        6.      Windsor NWSU Board Reps 7.      Board Operations and Decision Making         •       Delegate to Policy Committee for recommendation         •       Evaluate Public Access Cable TV communication         •       Board member sits on teacher interview committee         •        What is the role of our school board and the board’s committees?   1.      What do we think of how the board presently functions?         •        2.      Are there changes we can make to improve the board’s effectiveness?   •       Maintain regular meeting dates         •       Improve communications         •       Establish open, honest, clear dialogue between Board and Superintendent         •       Superintendent and principal create a better school atmosphere         •       Invite educators to present at board meetings         •        3.      What types of issues require our attention?  What types of issues don’t?           •        4.      What does the board need to do to foster a smooth transition to a new principal and superintendent?         •       Create a vision and identify future direction for the district         •       Move GMUHS toward a professional learning community         •       Improve communications         •       Institute consistent systems in all schools         •       Provide leadership in curriculum, instruction and supervision         •       Recognize good work         •       Help people to be positive 5.      What are the Superintendent’s and Principal’s roles?         •       Serve the board, follow laws         •       Remain fiscally responsible         •       Follow chain of command and organization flow chart         •       Receive fair, consistent feedback         •       Welcome board members’ presence in schools         •       Don’t leverage new ideas with ages of experience statements!         •       Follow teacher’s grievance chain of command         •       Follow general chain of command         •       Prepare teacher presentations for the board 6.      What is the Board’s role?         •       Adopting policy         •       Hire and fire administrators and hold them accountable         •       Be open to new ideas         •       Always question whether issues are board role                 a.      Don’t do what administrators are not doing         •       Approve budgets                 a.      Budget Committee should not help write budget                 b.      Board should appoint members                 c.      Look at GMUHS University proactive process 10:15 – 10.30Break 10:30 – 12:00 GM’s Balance Sheet: What should Green Mtn. UHS “Stop-Start-Continue” doing to prepare students to be contributing members of society, life-long learners, skillful workers, and effective family members?         •       Post It Notes         •       Newsprint report out 1.      From our perspectives, where is GM succeeding and where is it failing and how do we define those successes and failures?         •       Work on school discipline, student and staff morale         •       School attendance         •       Explain to public why education costs are increasing when enrollments decrease         •       Looking for more stability in school leadership