Bennett Dawson, Damien Boomhower, David Gaudette Unable to
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2
Fairfield School District Minutes October 1o, 2016
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Unable to attend: Michael L’Esperance, Charles Thomas
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Administrators Present: Kevin Dirth, Martha Gagner, Business Manager; Jill Ballou, Principal; Julie Regimbal, Special Ed Director; Kathy Finck, HR Director.
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Others:
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Present for a Quorum: Bennett Dawson, Damien Boomhower, David Gaudette
Call to Order Bennett Dawson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Review Agenda was approved Visitors Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes of August 8, 2016 Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the August 6 minutes; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. B. Supervisory Union Report - Kevin Dirth said that his report was attached so he wouldn’t repeat unless there were questions. He reported that Jim Farr, Martha Gagner and he attended a meeting in Berlin to discuss unification issues and budgeting with other districts. It was a good meeting. A Board member reported that a student told him that he heard there were only 10 spots available for choice next year and he wondered if it was true. Kevin Dirth reported that he is investigating and will let them know if that is correct. C. Principal’s Report - Jill Ballou reported that the eighth grade teachers are opening up an essay for a student representative. She also said she has just left an eighth grade meeting and they set their annual trip in the spring. On Friday she attend a PBiS Leadership Academy where they were recognized as being an outstanding school. SACS and SATEC both had representation there for their schools as well. Laura Hale will be replacing the Outdoor Classroom teacher. She also said that they are in need of a para educator. On her report she pointed out that they have been teaming with SACS on HIKU. SACS provide them support and they are donating 21 older computers that Fairfield can use with their para educators and children. They hosted a spelling bee, where Fairfield students didn’t win but made a great effort. They are gearing up for hay day. This year’s theme will be teaming up with local artists. They will be having their harvest dinner on October 30. D. Student Representative - Quincy Fournier was not present. The teachers are selecting a student representative for this year. 6. Old Business Page 1 of 4
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E. Maple Run Board – Kevin Dirth reported that the meeting hosted by Fairfield was wonderful, with the teachers and community members talking about Fairfield. Board members have reported that they now realize how many quality programs the school has going on. The meetings are moving along. They have now met at all of the schools and are transitioning over to more hands-on more work. F. Building – Jill Ballou reported that they have looked at the plans and prioritized. Accessibility is a high priority. She did report that she just noticed a large crack in a window at the Common School. Martha Gagner and Jill will speak in the morning about it. 7. New Business G. VEHI – Annual Meeting Notice and Certificate of Proxy – Martha Gagner reported that VEHI has an Annual Meeting, and Fairfield is a member in both the health and dental programs so they have two votes. The meeting is October 21st at 8:00 am. They have a few items that are not normal on the agenda, changing the term lengths and a change in bylaws. It is important that Fairfield use their vote. They can authorize someone to attend on the Board’s behalf. Julie Regimbal has volunteered. Dave Gaudette moved to authorize Julie Regimbal to cast an affirmative vote on the Board’s behalf; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion carried unanimously. The Board discussed the items up for vote and agreed to vote for the changes. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the two changes to the bylaws; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. H. VSBIT – Annual Meeting Notice and Certificate of Proxy - Martha Gagner reported that for VSBIT Fairfield Center School has membership because they have unemployment insurance. This vote will be for an election of a Director (no contest) and renewing Board member terms. Dave Gaudette moved to authorize Julie Regimbal to cast an affirmative vote on the Board’s behalf; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. I. Procedures for handling Directors Orders – Bennett Dawson reported that this came about because there has been times that they hold up checks because they can’t get signatures on the warrants in a timely manner. Other schools do it this way: S.U. prepares and reviews warrants 2 times a month; S.U. prepares checks, School Treasurer signs, S.U. mails; At next meeting Full Board reviews, votes to approve, and signs. This provides more time for the Board to look over the warrant and ask questions because they will be attached to the Board packet. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve changing the procedures for handling Directors orders to be: S.U. prepares and reviews warrants twice a month; S.U. prepares checks, School Treasurer signs, S.U. mails. At next meeting Full Board reviews, votes to approve, and signs; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. Page 2 of 4
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
J. *Request for Unpaid Leave – Kathy Finck and Jill Ballou explained the situation and recommended the leave. Damien Boomhower made a motion to approve unpaid leave for Cindy Charbonneau; second by Dave Gaudette. The motion passed unanimously. K. Bargaining Agreement - Master Agreement for approval. Kathy Finck reported that the Bargaining Units have ratified the master contract and now it is now up to the Boards to approve. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the master agreement and for Bennett Dawson to sign; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. i. Retirement Side Letter – Kathy Finck reported that the Board has done this in the past, but there are areas that should be discussed in Executive Session because discussing in open session could put either parties at a substantial disadvantage. ii. Cash Option Side Letter iii. Co-Curricular Side Letter Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the Cash Option Side Letter and the Co-Curricular Side Letter; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. iv. *Side letter for Algebra course offering Dave Gaudette made a motion to move the Retirement side letter and the Algebra course offering to executive session because discussing in open session would put the parties at a substantial disadvantage; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion carried unanimously.
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L. Other Business a. FY17 Financial Report was provided for the Board’s information. M. Communications - Damien Boomhower has had a few people ask about the trophy case being removed. Jill Ballou reported that there is a plan to have them put back up when they put up the new plaques. It will be put up in a new location as it was a safety issue with the young children hitting their heads. Bennett Dawson asked if Jill Ballou would do a presentation at a future meeting on the safe room and how it is used. Damien Boomhower volunteered to replace Michael Malone on the Building Committee. N. Agenda Items for Future Meeting – Safe Room O. Potential Executive Session Dave Gaudette made a motion to enter executive session at 6:45 to discuss the Retirement side letter and Algebra Course offering because doing so in open session would put the parties at a substantial disadvantage, and invited the administration to attend; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. Page 3 of 4
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2 3 4 5
Executive session ended at 7:16 p.m. Dave Gaudette made a motion to do a retirement side letter to include one year, one teacher, notify the Superintendent by December first, the selection will be based on seniority, and the teacher will be paid 35% of their salary; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously.
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Damien Boomhower made a motion to agree with the side letter for Algebra course offering as presented; second by Dave Gaudette. The motion passed unanimously.
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P. Adjourn Adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Comstock
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Fairfield School District Minutes October 1o, 2016
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Unable to attend: Michael L’Esperance, Charles Thomas
4 5
Administrators Present: Kevin Dirth, Martha Gagner, Business Manager; Jill Ballou, Principal; Julie Regimbal, Special Ed Director; Kathy Finck, HR Director.
6
Others:
7
1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36
Present for a Quorum: Bennett Dawson, Damien Boomhower, David Gaudette
Call to Order Bennett Dawson called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance Agenda Review Agenda was approved Visitors Consent Agenda A. Approval of Minutes of August 8, 2016 Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the August 6 minutes; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. B. Supervisory Union Report - Kevin Dirth said that his report was attached so he wouldn’t repeat unless there were questions. He reported that Jim Farr, Martha Gagner and he attended a meeting in Berlin to discuss unification issues and budgeting with other districts. It was a good meeting. A Board member reported that a student told him that he heard there were only 10 spots available for choice next year and he wondered if it was true. Kevin Dirth reported that he is investigating and will let them know if that is correct. C. Principal’s Report - Jill Ballou reported that the eighth grade teachers are opening up an essay for a student representative. She also said she has just left an eighth grade meeting and they set their annual trip in the spring. On Friday she attend a PBiS Leadership Academy where they were recognized as being an outstanding school. SACS and SATEC both had representation there for their schools as well. Laura Hale will be replacing the Outdoor Classroom teacher. She also said that they are in need of a para educator. On her report she pointed out that they have been teaming with SACS on HIKU. SACS provide them support and they are donating 21 older computers that Fairfield can use with their para educators and children. They hosted a spelling bee, where Fairfield students didn’t win but made a great effort. They are gearing up for hay day. This year’s theme will be teaming up with local artists. They will be having their harvest dinner on October 30. D. Student Representative - Quincy Fournier was not present. The teachers are selecting a student representative for this year. 6. Old Business Page 1 of 4
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
E. Maple Run Board – Kevin Dirth reported that the meeting hosted by Fairfield was wonderful, with the teachers and community members talking about Fairfield. Board members have reported that they now realize how many quality programs the school has going on. The meetings are moving along. They have now met at all of the schools and are transitioning over to more hands-on more work. F. Building – Jill Ballou reported that they have looked at the plans and prioritized. Accessibility is a high priority. She did report that she just noticed a large crack in a window at the Common School. Martha Gagner and Jill will speak in the morning about it. 7. New Business G. VEHI – Annual Meeting Notice and Certificate of Proxy – Martha Gagner reported that VEHI has an Annual Meeting, and Fairfield is a member in both the health and dental programs so they have two votes. The meeting is October 21st at 8:00 am. They have a few items that are not normal on the agenda, changing the term lengths and a change in bylaws. It is important that Fairfield use their vote. They can authorize someone to attend on the Board’s behalf. Julie Regimbal has volunteered. Dave Gaudette moved to authorize Julie Regimbal to cast an affirmative vote on the Board’s behalf; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion carried unanimously. The Board discussed the items up for vote and agreed to vote for the changes. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the two changes to the bylaws; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. H. VSBIT – Annual Meeting Notice and Certificate of Proxy - Martha Gagner reported that for VSBIT Fairfield Center School has membership because they have unemployment insurance. This vote will be for an election of a Director (no contest) and renewing Board member terms. Dave Gaudette moved to authorize Julie Regimbal to cast an affirmative vote on the Board’s behalf; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. I. Procedures for handling Directors Orders – Bennett Dawson reported that this came about because there has been times that they hold up checks because they can’t get signatures on the warrants in a timely manner. Other schools do it this way: S.U. prepares and reviews warrants 2 times a month; S.U. prepares checks, School Treasurer signs, S.U. mails; At next meeting Full Board reviews, votes to approve, and signs. This provides more time for the Board to look over the warrant and ask questions because they will be attached to the Board packet. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve changing the procedures for handling Directors orders to be: S.U. prepares and reviews warrants twice a month; S.U. prepares checks, School Treasurer signs, S.U. mails. At next meeting Full Board reviews, votes to approve, and signs; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. Page 2 of 4
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21
J. *Request for Unpaid Leave – Kathy Finck and Jill Ballou explained the situation and recommended the leave. Damien Boomhower made a motion to approve unpaid leave for Cindy Charbonneau; second by Dave Gaudette. The motion passed unanimously. K. Bargaining Agreement - Master Agreement for approval. Kathy Finck reported that the Bargaining Units have ratified the master contract and now it is now up to the Boards to approve. Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the master agreement and for Bennett Dawson to sign; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. i. Retirement Side Letter – Kathy Finck reported that the Board has done this in the past, but there are areas that should be discussed in Executive Session because discussing in open session could put either parties at a substantial disadvantage. ii. Cash Option Side Letter iii. Co-Curricular Side Letter Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the Cash Option Side Letter and the Co-Curricular Side Letter; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. iv. *Side letter for Algebra course offering Dave Gaudette made a motion to move the Retirement side letter and the Algebra course offering to executive session because discussing in open session would put the parties at a substantial disadvantage; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion carried unanimously.
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L. Other Business a. FY17 Financial Report was provided for the Board’s information. M. Communications - Damien Boomhower has had a few people ask about the trophy case being removed. Jill Ballou reported that there is a plan to have them put back up when they put up the new plaques. It will be put up in a new location as it was a safety issue with the young children hitting their heads. Bennett Dawson asked if Jill Ballou would do a presentation at a future meeting on the safe room and how it is used. Damien Boomhower volunteered to replace Michael Malone on the Building Committee. N. Agenda Items for Future Meeting – Safe Room O. Potential Executive Session Dave Gaudette made a motion to enter executive session at 6:45 to discuss the Retirement side letter and Algebra Course offering because doing so in open session would put the parties at a substantial disadvantage, and invited the administration to attend; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. Page 3 of 4
2016.12.12 APPROVED 1 2 3 4 5
Executive session ended at 7:16 p.m. Dave Gaudette made a motion to do a retirement side letter to include one year, one teacher, notify the Superintendent by December first, the selection will be based on seniority, and the teacher will be paid 35% of their salary; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously.
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Damien Boomhower made a motion to agree with the side letter for Algebra course offering as presented; second by Dave Gaudette. The motion passed unanimously.
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P. Adjourn Adjourn at 7:20 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Comstock
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