Bennett Dawson
UNAPPROVED 1
June 12, 2017 6:00 p.m. Fairfield Center School Library 57 Park St., Fairfield
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Present for a Quorum: Bennett Dawson, Damien Boomhower, Charles Thomas, Mike L’Esperance, Dave Gaudette
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Unable to attend:
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Administrators Present: Kevin Dirth, Superintendent; Julie Regimbal, Special Education Director
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Others: James Farr, Chair MRUSD Board; Michael Malone, MRUSD Board Vice-Chair; Denise Smith MRUSD Board Member; Steven LaRosa, MRUSD Board Member. Also see attached List
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1. Call to Order – Bennett Dawson called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Agenda Review – Bennett Dawson asked to add (under 1 V.S.A. § 313 A.3.) an employee personal improvement plan. Mike L’Esperance made a motion to approve the modified agenda; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Visitors A. Q & A with Maple Run Board Members – James Farr, Chair of MRUSD Board introduced Denise Smith, Michael Malone, Steven LaRosa, and Mike L’Esperance as MRUSD Board members and said that he watched the May Board meeting when visitors requested that MRUSD Board members attend the June meeting, so they were here to answer any questions. • Parents, teachers and community members spoke to the Board of their concerns including: • It was asked if there isn’t enough evidence to terminate the Principal, what are the qualities that are keeping her here in the school setting? Kevin Dirth said she has a passion for students, a passion for education, she is very good with the students. She has a lot of potential. As was seen in the summary of the investigation, there are things that need to be worked on that don’t rise to a level of termination. Ms. Smith remarked that parents and community members didn’t get the chance to participate in the investigation. • A parent related information about his child’s two bus incidents. • Concerns about violations of FERPA and confidentiality, and that many have received no responses to their inquiries from Board members or Superintendent. • A playground incident with her child. Lack of response. Finally, was told that no bullying, but a culture of meanness. Lack of thorough investigation. Lack of confidence. • Bullying and lack of follow-up after the behavior specialist went on maternity leave. • Kids have had a great experience in school. More excited than ever to go to school. This started changing in April. Her son was injured by another student. After calling the
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Principal, there was never a response. Principal was a no show for a behavior specialist interview with no heads up or cancellation. A resident, spoke to the teachers that she has worked with for many years. She is very concerned with the climate. She, as a teacher in another school, gets the respect of her administrators, leadership, return calls, and parents would get that too. The Board needs to care about the students, staff and community. An incident on the bus about her child, she heard from teachers but not from the Principal. Her son was afraid to come in to school to meet with the Principal so she came with him, but the Principal was not there. She never heard back from the Principal. The second incident she never heard from the Principal. Eventually she was told by by the Principal that the school just got funding for another adult on the bus. But there is still not another adult on the bus. Her son was hit again. There is no fixing this, the people are soured of her. You cannot fix the trust. Not by bringing in another person or by bringing in someone to bridge the issue. There was a complaint about the behavior of a child in a specific class. The behavior is out-of-control. There needs to be trust for the professionals in the school. The testimonials are enough for me. If these teachers say there is a problem there is a problem. Last week at the VT Scholar Leadership two children from Fairfield were being recognized, with no Fairfield Administrator present. Charlie Thomas added that former Principal Jen Wood called and thanked the students for their achievement. It was asked why the investigation did not meet with community members, and was the information sent to the Board chair shared with the investigator. Bennett Dawson said he did forward that along. There was discussion about reopening the investigation. Dave Gaudette explained that during their discussion with their attorney, it was suggested to restrict the scope to educators because that is where the complaint originated. A visitor spoke to taking a village to raise a child, and the lack of moral in this district. Need follow up and teamwork, and on attendance, where is the Principal tonight? Based on the performance management section of the contract discharge is at the will of the Superintendent and Board Chair. A Warren resident said that this Principal ripped our community apart and she has upped her game. She asked about looking at a buyout- it doesn’t get better, it is not healable. They asked how did she get this job. A Fairfield resident asked how did she get the job. Dave Gaudette responded that he was new to the Board and took the advice of the Superintendent. When we asked about Warren, we were told it was a thirty-year battle. We were also told it could be a one-year contract. Page 2 of 6
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A resident spoke to the unification and questions that she had asked. She credits her children’s BFA experience to the good education they got in Fairfield. There were questions about this new position and how it would be funded. Kevin Dirth said that this will be a district position – a Behavior Specialist Coordinator -- to improve from a systemic point of view. Damien Boomhower asked Dr. Dirth if this position was already under works before the Fairfield issues. The response was that there has been general discussion for quite a while, but it is becoming more concrete in recent months. Charlie Thomas asked Kevin Dirth and the MRUSD Board members about the corrective action plan but there is damage that has been done here that is irreparable. Please reassign the Principal to either SATEC or SACS, preferable SACS where Ms. Cavallo is going to be her mentor. After a year there, if you feel she is doing well, we will welcome her back. A new Fairfield resident, lived in St. Albans City has concerns of that atmosphere at the school. Who is in charge when the Principal isn’t here? Kevin Dirth explained that there is no second in-charge, but there is a process in place for coverage. A teacher explained that in the past when the principal was out they would appoint someone in charge. A resident shared that children educated in Fairfield that go to Enosburg are very successful. She is sad for future of the school. Google survey can be done with everyone when a principal evaluation is being done. She expressed that not only is there zero faith in this Principal, but also in the Superintendent. It was asked of the Board what information was shared for the Principal’s renewal and who recommended this. Jim Farr said we renewed them all with the recommendation of the Superintendent. It was asked that the Board please discuss moving her to a different school at the next MRUSD Board meeting. How will you win the support of the Fairfield community? Jim Farr said that they will reach out; he will be at Graduation, they will reconsider decision to retain Principal. Dave Gaudette asked if the MRUSD Board saw an evaluation before renewing the contracts, or do you rubber stamp the Superintendent’s decision. Charlie Thomas asked who would protect the teachers from retribution. There is a substitute who hasn’t been called back,He does not want the same thing happening to the teachers. It was asked how the Principal was evaluated. The principal spoke very little at the MRUSD meetings, other administrators had more to say. What could the MRUSD Board possibly know about her. There are a lot of people here with a lot of emotions here tonight. People are not getting answers. They don’t feel heard. Building relationships is important. There is disrespect, disregard, and lack of transparency. Page 3 of 6
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A teacher read a statement from the Fairfield EA. A community member spoke to her concern about the culture of the school now. She also stated that she was concerned that a teacher who spoke out and later was put on administrative leave. That is not an impression that you want to leave. The hiring process had some conflicts in it, she was told that Dr. Dirth was friends with the applicants that were brought to the hiring committee. • Rep. Dan Connor spoke to the fact that he is a taxpayer, and the dedicated staff and students of Fairfield. He didn’t support Act 46 in the House, but wrote a letter to the community asking them to support the unification. There is a huge trust issue here. Between the school administration, including the superintendent. The trust has been damaged. He applauded the Fairfield School Board and MRUSD Board members because it is a thankless job. But Dr. Dirth, we have a problem with your leadership. Who evaluates you? Bennett Dawson explained that all board members have input to the evaluation. Bennett Dawson left the room. Dave Gauthier made a motion to allow everyone who wants to to speak; second by Charlie Thomas. The motion passed. 4-0 • It was asked who limited the scope of the investigation. Mike L’Esperance responded that the district’s attorney suggested that since the complaints came from all of the teachers that is where we should go. It was stated that the the attorney used is the Superintendent’s attorney. That was corrected by Board members that it is the School District’s attorney as well. • It was stated that it is uncomfortable for all of us. To Bennett Dawson, it is not hate, it is frustration. Take this seriously. Ask the Principal to resign, she has lost confidence of teachers and community. Dr. Dirth, we don’t feel you listen, you are dismissive to parents and community. Please hear this and make changes. How can you be so disconnected with an evaluation that was good in the midst of all of this. Maple Run Board, thank you for coming. It is appreciated. Unification can go well, but it hasn’t started well. We are not a small group of hysterical parents and teachers. This is much more than that. Bennett Dawson returned • A community member shared the incredible work that the MRUSD Board has done to get ready for the unification. She asked the audience to please don’t dismiss the Maple Run Board, they have done good work and I hope they can repair this relationship. • A teacher shared concerns about FERPA violations when report cards went to all teachers. All teachers know FERPA because they sign every year. Every teacher here knows of a violation that has been made.
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A parent shared concerns that her 4th graders already has disrespect for the principal. This is a good school and should not have a bad reputation. A Berkshire teacher reported that young teachers don’t want to come here because of the negative publicity. A resident stated she has great respect for the Board members. The people in the room are stand up people and she is sad to hear all that has gone on. Corrective Action Plan - can it be shared? No, as it is part of an evaluation. The Board will see a draft tonight. The timeline was asked about, and can people share what they would like to see on an improvement plan. Dr. Dirth reported that the timeline is very short, with final evaluation Feb 1, assessment up to that time. MRUSD Board was asked to be involved in the corrective action plan. Investigation was done improperly, redo it including all of the players; find a way to get rid of her. The Board was thanked for letting them come. Bennett Dawson thanked everyone for coming in and apologized for getting upset earlier in the meeting.
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B. Other Visitors 5. Consent Agenda C. Approval of Minutes – May 8, May 16, June 7, 2017 D. FY17 Financial Report E. Supervisory Union Report F. Principal’s Report Charlie Thomas made a motion to approve the consent agenda; second by Mike L’Esperance. The motion passed unanimously. 6. Old Business G. Student Representative – Bennett Dawson thought it was inappropriate for her to attend tonight but reported that she is a stand-up student and she has been wonderful. H. Maple Run Board – The next Maple Run Board meeting is June 21 at Fairfield. I. Retirements/Resignations – This was an FYI to the Board. 7. Other Business J. Warrants Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the warrants; second by Charlie Thomas. The motion passed unanimously. K. Approval process for all warrants through June 30. Charlie Thomas made a motion authorizing the Board Chair and Board Clerk to sign warrants through June 30; second by Mike L’Esperance. The motion passed unanimously. 8. Communications 9. Potential Executive Session Page 5 of 6
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Mike L’Esperance made a motion to go into executive session at 8:25 to discuss an employee evaluation; second by Charlie Thomas. The Superintendent and Maple Run Board Members were invited to attend.
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Executive Session ended at 10:45 p.m. 10. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Comstock
Page 6 of 6
June 12, 2017 6:00 p.m. Fairfield Center School Library 57 Park St., Fairfield
2 3
Present for a Quorum: Bennett Dawson, Damien Boomhower, Charles Thomas, Mike L’Esperance, Dave Gaudette
4
Unable to attend:
5
Administrators Present: Kevin Dirth, Superintendent; Julie Regimbal, Special Education Director
6 7
Others: James Farr, Chair MRUSD Board; Michael Malone, MRUSD Board Vice-Chair; Denise Smith MRUSD Board Member; Steven LaRosa, MRUSD Board Member. Also see attached List
8
1. Call to Order – Bennett Dawson called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m. 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Agenda Review – Bennett Dawson asked to add (under 1 V.S.A. § 313 A.3.) an employee personal improvement plan. Mike L’Esperance made a motion to approve the modified agenda; second by Damien Boomhower. The motion passed unanimously. 4. Visitors A. Q & A with Maple Run Board Members – James Farr, Chair of MRUSD Board introduced Denise Smith, Michael Malone, Steven LaRosa, and Mike L’Esperance as MRUSD Board members and said that he watched the May Board meeting when visitors requested that MRUSD Board members attend the June meeting, so they were here to answer any questions. • Parents, teachers and community members spoke to the Board of their concerns including: • It was asked if there isn’t enough evidence to terminate the Principal, what are the qualities that are keeping her here in the school setting? Kevin Dirth said she has a passion for students, a passion for education, she is very good with the students. She has a lot of potential. As was seen in the summary of the investigation, there are things that need to be worked on that don’t rise to a level of termination. Ms. Smith remarked that parents and community members didn’t get the chance to participate in the investigation. • A parent related information about his child’s two bus incidents. • Concerns about violations of FERPA and confidentiality, and that many have received no responses to their inquiries from Board members or Superintendent. • A playground incident with her child. Lack of response. Finally, was told that no bullying, but a culture of meanness. Lack of thorough investigation. Lack of confidence. • Bullying and lack of follow-up after the behavior specialist went on maternity leave. • Kids have had a great experience in school. More excited than ever to go to school. This started changing in April. Her son was injured by another student. After calling the
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
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UNAPPROVED 37 38 39
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44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51
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52 53
•
54 55 56 57 58
•
59 60 61
•
62 63 64
•
65 66 67 68
•
69 70 71 72 73 74
•
Principal, there was never a response. Principal was a no show for a behavior specialist interview with no heads up or cancellation. A resident, spoke to the teachers that she has worked with for many years. She is very concerned with the climate. She, as a teacher in another school, gets the respect of her administrators, leadership, return calls, and parents would get that too. The Board needs to care about the students, staff and community. An incident on the bus about her child, she heard from teachers but not from the Principal. Her son was afraid to come in to school to meet with the Principal so she came with him, but the Principal was not there. She never heard back from the Principal. The second incident she never heard from the Principal. Eventually she was told by by the Principal that the school just got funding for another adult on the bus. But there is still not another adult on the bus. Her son was hit again. There is no fixing this, the people are soured of her. You cannot fix the trust. Not by bringing in another person or by bringing in someone to bridge the issue. There was a complaint about the behavior of a child in a specific class. The behavior is out-of-control. There needs to be trust for the professionals in the school. The testimonials are enough for me. If these teachers say there is a problem there is a problem. Last week at the VT Scholar Leadership two children from Fairfield were being recognized, with no Fairfield Administrator present. Charlie Thomas added that former Principal Jen Wood called and thanked the students for their achievement. It was asked why the investigation did not meet with community members, and was the information sent to the Board chair shared with the investigator. Bennett Dawson said he did forward that along. There was discussion about reopening the investigation. Dave Gaudette explained that during their discussion with their attorney, it was suggested to restrict the scope to educators because that is where the complaint originated. A visitor spoke to taking a village to raise a child, and the lack of moral in this district. Need follow up and teamwork, and on attendance, where is the Principal tonight? Based on the performance management section of the contract discharge is at the will of the Superintendent and Board Chair. A Warren resident said that this Principal ripped our community apart and she has upped her game. She asked about looking at a buyout- it doesn’t get better, it is not healable. They asked how did she get this job. A Fairfield resident asked how did she get the job. Dave Gaudette responded that he was new to the Board and took the advice of the Superintendent. When we asked about Warren, we were told it was a thirty-year battle. We were also told it could be a one-year contract. Page 2 of 6
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106 107 108 109 110 111 112
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A resident spoke to the unification and questions that she had asked. She credits her children’s BFA experience to the good education they got in Fairfield. There were questions about this new position and how it would be funded. Kevin Dirth said that this will be a district position – a Behavior Specialist Coordinator -- to improve from a systemic point of view. Damien Boomhower asked Dr. Dirth if this position was already under works before the Fairfield issues. The response was that there has been general discussion for quite a while, but it is becoming more concrete in recent months. Charlie Thomas asked Kevin Dirth and the MRUSD Board members about the corrective action plan but there is damage that has been done here that is irreparable. Please reassign the Principal to either SATEC or SACS, preferable SACS where Ms. Cavallo is going to be her mentor. After a year there, if you feel she is doing well, we will welcome her back. A new Fairfield resident, lived in St. Albans City has concerns of that atmosphere at the school. Who is in charge when the Principal isn’t here? Kevin Dirth explained that there is no second in-charge, but there is a process in place for coverage. A teacher explained that in the past when the principal was out they would appoint someone in charge. A resident shared that children educated in Fairfield that go to Enosburg are very successful. She is sad for future of the school. Google survey can be done with everyone when a principal evaluation is being done. She expressed that not only is there zero faith in this Principal, but also in the Superintendent. It was asked of the Board what information was shared for the Principal’s renewal and who recommended this. Jim Farr said we renewed them all with the recommendation of the Superintendent. It was asked that the Board please discuss moving her to a different school at the next MRUSD Board meeting. How will you win the support of the Fairfield community? Jim Farr said that they will reach out; he will be at Graduation, they will reconsider decision to retain Principal. Dave Gaudette asked if the MRUSD Board saw an evaluation before renewing the contracts, or do you rubber stamp the Superintendent’s decision. Charlie Thomas asked who would protect the teachers from retribution. There is a substitute who hasn’t been called back,He does not want the same thing happening to the teachers. It was asked how the Principal was evaluated. The principal spoke very little at the MRUSD meetings, other administrators had more to say. What could the MRUSD Board possibly know about her. There are a lot of people here with a lot of emotions here tonight. People are not getting answers. They don’t feel heard. Building relationships is important. There is disrespect, disregard, and lack of transparency. Page 3 of 6
UNAPPROVED 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130 131 132 133 134 135 136 137 138 139 140 141 142 143 144 145 146 147 148 149
• •
A teacher read a statement from the Fairfield EA. A community member spoke to her concern about the culture of the school now. She also stated that she was concerned that a teacher who spoke out and later was put on administrative leave. That is not an impression that you want to leave. The hiring process had some conflicts in it, she was told that Dr. Dirth was friends with the applicants that were brought to the hiring committee. • Rep. Dan Connor spoke to the fact that he is a taxpayer, and the dedicated staff and students of Fairfield. He didn’t support Act 46 in the House, but wrote a letter to the community asking them to support the unification. There is a huge trust issue here. Between the school administration, including the superintendent. The trust has been damaged. He applauded the Fairfield School Board and MRUSD Board members because it is a thankless job. But Dr. Dirth, we have a problem with your leadership. Who evaluates you? Bennett Dawson explained that all board members have input to the evaluation. Bennett Dawson left the room. Dave Gauthier made a motion to allow everyone who wants to to speak; second by Charlie Thomas. The motion passed. 4-0 • It was asked who limited the scope of the investigation. Mike L’Esperance responded that the district’s attorney suggested that since the complaints came from all of the teachers that is where we should go. It was stated that the the attorney used is the Superintendent’s attorney. That was corrected by Board members that it is the School District’s attorney as well. • It was stated that it is uncomfortable for all of us. To Bennett Dawson, it is not hate, it is frustration. Take this seriously. Ask the Principal to resign, she has lost confidence of teachers and community. Dr. Dirth, we don’t feel you listen, you are dismissive to parents and community. Please hear this and make changes. How can you be so disconnected with an evaluation that was good in the midst of all of this. Maple Run Board, thank you for coming. It is appreciated. Unification can go well, but it hasn’t started well. We are not a small group of hysterical parents and teachers. This is much more than that. Bennett Dawson returned • A community member shared the incredible work that the MRUSD Board has done to get ready for the unification. She asked the audience to please don’t dismiss the Maple Run Board, they have done good work and I hope they can repair this relationship. • A teacher shared concerns about FERPA violations when report cards went to all teachers. All teachers know FERPA because they sign every year. Every teacher here knows of a violation that has been made.
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151 152
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153 154
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155 156
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157 158 159 160 161
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162 163 164
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A parent shared concerns that her 4th graders already has disrespect for the principal. This is a good school and should not have a bad reputation. A Berkshire teacher reported that young teachers don’t want to come here because of the negative publicity. A resident stated she has great respect for the Board members. The people in the room are stand up people and she is sad to hear all that has gone on. Corrective Action Plan - can it be shared? No, as it is part of an evaluation. The Board will see a draft tonight. The timeline was asked about, and can people share what they would like to see on an improvement plan. Dr. Dirth reported that the timeline is very short, with final evaluation Feb 1, assessment up to that time. MRUSD Board was asked to be involved in the corrective action plan. Investigation was done improperly, redo it including all of the players; find a way to get rid of her. The Board was thanked for letting them come. Bennett Dawson thanked everyone for coming in and apologized for getting upset earlier in the meeting.
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B. Other Visitors 5. Consent Agenda C. Approval of Minutes – May 8, May 16, June 7, 2017 D. FY17 Financial Report E. Supervisory Union Report F. Principal’s Report Charlie Thomas made a motion to approve the consent agenda; second by Mike L’Esperance. The motion passed unanimously. 6. Old Business G. Student Representative – Bennett Dawson thought it was inappropriate for her to attend tonight but reported that she is a stand-up student and she has been wonderful. H. Maple Run Board – The next Maple Run Board meeting is June 21 at Fairfield. I. Retirements/Resignations – This was an FYI to the Board. 7. Other Business J. Warrants Dave Gaudette made a motion to approve the warrants; second by Charlie Thomas. The motion passed unanimously. K. Approval process for all warrants through June 30. Charlie Thomas made a motion authorizing the Board Chair and Board Clerk to sign warrants through June 30; second by Mike L’Esperance. The motion passed unanimously. 8. Communications 9. Potential Executive Session Page 5 of 6
UNAPPROVED 188 189 190
Mike L’Esperance made a motion to go into executive session at 8:25 to discuss an employee evaluation; second by Charlie Thomas. The Superintendent and Maple Run Board Members were invited to attend.
191 192 193 194 195 196 197
Executive Session ended at 10:45 p.m. 10. Adjourn The meeting adjourned at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully Submitted, Brenda Comstock
Page 6 of 6
