Fairfax Board of School Directors
Monday, August 28, 2006
Regular Board Meeting at 6:30pm
Fairfax Community Library
Present: Chairperson Peg Stewart, Greg Beeman, Jeff Loller, Rachelle Howard, Lauri Fisher, Dustin Howard, Clara Pedley, Scott Lang, Thomas Walsh, Armando Vilaseca, Chris Sumner
Public: none
1. Call to Order – Peg Stewart called the meeting to order at 6:35PM
2. Approval of Minutes
Action:Jeff Loller moved to accept the minutes of the August 14, 2006 Regular Meeting. Greg Beeman seconded. Passed unanimously.
3. Correspondence –Lisa Delorme had a letter of resignation from Lisa Schukei. Peg Stewart received a thank you from Betty Ide.
4. Public Comment-none
5. Reports
a. Principals’ Report
Lisa Delorme reported that the elementary faculty had two full days of math training on the Bridges math program.
Scott Lang reported the high school new floors look great. On Wednesday the 9th grade students and new transfer students will start to orient them. High school enrollment for this year is up.
Tom Walsh reported the middle school back to school night was successful. He reported that the rekeying of the building has been completed and gave thoughts on how to secure the building at all times.
b. Financial Report – Chris Sumner handed out a financial statement for last year. The year ended with a 2% surplus.
c. Superintendent’s Report – Armando Vilaseca gave described to the Board how he will be sending Board Notes with the along with the agendas.
d. Board Reports
Lauri Fisher was not able to attend the library meeting. She stated that the librarians would like to make some updates to the computer policy. Discussion ensued on whether the library can have one computer that is set aside for adult community use that has the Internet blocks removed.
Peg Stewart reported that the retention pond is not fenced yet nor is it filled in which could be a safety hazard with the students returning. The Safe Routes to School program is now getting underway. Broken windows in the elementary wing were repaired and were immediately rebroken. The Board discussed the feasibility of installing security cameras. The initial estimate is approximately $7000 for installation.
e. Update on Field Project: Phase II – Greg Beeman updated the Board on the field work and the possibility of making another field and practice area.
6. Old Business
a. Approve Co-curricular Activities for 2005-2006 School Year
Action: Armando Vilaseca motioned for the Fairfax School Board to approve the following co-curricular activities for the 2006-2007 school year:
Varsity Football
JV Football
Assistant cross-country coach
Middle School Cross-Country
Varsity Nordic Skiing
Greg Beeman seconded. Passed unanimously.
7. New Business
a. Review Educational Discussion Topics – The Board decided the initial meeting of each month (2nd Monday) will be the educational meeting and the last meeting (4th Monday) will be the business meeting. Educational topics will be as follows:
September – Vermont Strategic Reading Initiative (VSRI)
October – Assessment Data
November – Technology
December – High Schools on the Move
January – Action Plan Status
February – NECAP Data
March – High School Program of Studies
April – Special Education
May/June – Action Plan 07-08
8. Other Business
a. Two Year Progress Report Draft (NEASC) – Scott Lang passed out a copy of the Two Year Progress Report for the NEASC Report. He summarized the Highlighted Recommendations for the Board.
9. Policy Review
a. Computer Network Policy – tabled until next business meeting
b. Tuition Policy – final reading will be next meeting with corrections
c. Transportation Policy – final reading will be next meeting with corrections
10. Other
Lauri Fisher will be sending a sympathy card to John Workman for the loss of his sister.
Rachelle Howard questioned when the Board will be talking about the school’s failure to meet AYP. She also question when they would be working on long range planning. Armando stated that it would fit in as a business meeting.
Jeff Loller questioned the letter that was sent to middle school parents regarding the tree nut/peanut allergies in the middle school. Tom Walsh responded that he will be prepared to share the policy and present the plan at the next meeting.
11. Upcoming Meetings:
Regular Meeting on September 11, 2006 at 6:30pm in the Fairfax Community Library
FWSU Board Meeting on September 27, 2006 at 7:00pm in the Fairfax Community Library
12. Executive Session
Board entered Executive Session at 7:55PM
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Filiberti
