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Fairfax Board of School Directors
Monday, October 23, 2006
Regular Board Meeting at 6:30pm
Fairfax Community Library
Present: Peg Stewart, Jeff Loller, Greg Beeman, Dustin Howard, Rachelle Howard, Armando Vilaseca, Scott Lang, Thomas Walsh, Chris Sumner.
I. Call to Order
Peg Stewart called the meeting to order at 6:32 PM.
II. Approval of Minutes
Action: Jeff Loller moved to approve the minutes of the October 9, 2006 meeting with a change, seconded by Greg Beeman.
III. Public Comments
None
IV. Correspondence
None
V. Reports
a. Principals Report
Scott Lang reported on the tragic death of a ninth grader in a car accident. He announced various upcoming events at the High School. Thomas Walsh reported out on the Middle School. Scott noted that BFA hosted the VT Association of Education Office Professionals (VAEOP) Fall Conference and thanked Sally Billado for coordinating the day.
b. Financial Report
Chris Sumner gave a financial report and presented the proposed budget for buildings and grounds. She presented an analysis of “big ticket” expenditures over the last three years.
c. Board Reports
Dustin Howard reported his involvement with NHS and Student Council who served meals for the VAEOP Conference. Rachelle Howard reported on open house. She suggested polling parents to see if it should continue. Armando Vilaseca recommended using a web-based tool such as SurveyMonkey to survey parents. Armando also added that the issue needs to be evaluated very carefully. Rachelle replied that parents could also be “surveyed” at Teacher-Parent Conferences. Greg Beeman reported that the “Welcome to Fairfax” meeting was an astounding success. It was very positive. Next year letters and info for the spring meeting will go directly to all new residents. Jeff Loller reported that he attended the VSBA Budgeting Workshop which was very informative. He added that beginning next year, all property tax rebate and prebate monies will be applied directly to taxpayers’ bills for tax reduction rather than issuing a check to taxpayers as in the past. The new tax bills will list this deduction from the total amount.
VI. New Business
a. Act 158 Presentation
Armando Vilaseca distributed copies of the new Act 158 statutory legislation designed to provide a healthy environment for students with life-threatening allergies and medical conditions. He included recommended protocols from Doug Dows of VT Department of Education as well as procedures written by our legal counsel. The district’s interpretation is fairly strict and straightforward. The law is very general, but our policy and procedures are very specific. Thomas Walsh gave background information on questions and scenarios received from the PTA. Those questions were then directed to legal counsel for clarification. They responded with their recommendations. Rachelle Howard noted that she was uncomfortable with discrepancies in protocols, which places the burden of a tree nut allergy on the school, but the burden of a peanut allergy on the child. Discussion followed. Thomas will ask legal why there was a differentiation between peanut and tree nut allergies. Rachelle asked that the administrators provide an update to the staff. Peg noted that food and drink in the gym during basketball games can create an unsafe situation. Scott replied that the rules will be enforced.
VII. Other
Dustin Howard noted that he and four other students wrote a grant for Project Grad for $1500 and Wednesday is the fall band concert.
VIII. Policies
a. Graduation Policy – 2nd Reading
Armando presented the revised Graduation Policy which will appear for action at the next meeting. Scott Lang noted that he is forming a committee to re-evaluate graduation requirements, to be implemented for the Class of 2011. Armando added that he has requested data from Guidance about how many graduates did not attend college or enroll in a technical program.
b. Pupil Privacy Policy – Updates
Armando Vilaseca presented the changes to the Pupil Privacy Policy which will be brought for action at the next meeting,
c. Grade Advancement Policy – Updates
Armando presented the changes to the Grade Advancement Policy which will move forward for action at the next meeting.
IX. Other
Rachelle Howard volunteered to help generate a community demographic report.
X. Adjourned
The meeting adjourned at 8:30pm.
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