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Fairfax Board of School Directors
Monday, May 8, 2006
Regular Board Meeting at 6:30pm
Fairfax Community Library
Present: Chairperson Peg Stewart, Greg Beeman, Jeff Loller, Rachelle Howard, Lauri Fisher, Kelsey Peterson, Dustin Howard, Phil Higgins, Scott Lang, Thomas Walsh, Lisa Delorme, Chris Sumner
Public: Jake Campbell, Mallory Bushey, Chris Wells
1. Call to Order – Peg Stewart called the meeting to order at 6:30PM.
2. Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting:April 10, 2006 – Jeff Loller moved to accept the minutes. Lauri Fisher seconded. Passed unanimously.
Special Meeting: April 20th ,2006 - Lauri Fisher moved to accept the minutes. Jeff Loller seconded. Passed unanimously.
3. Correspondence- Peg Stewart received copies of the letters that were sent to the parents of Genevieve St. Hilaire, Class of 2006 Valedictorian, and Kelsey Peterson, Class of 2006 Salutatorian.
4. Public Comment - none
5. Reports
a. Principals’ Report –
Lisa Delorme presented a financial report from the Enrichment Committee documenting how the funds were spent this year. The elementary spring concert and art show on will take place on May 25th at 6:30PM. The kindergarten information night will be held this Thursday. The Steering Committee will be meeting on May18th from 8:30AM to 11:30Am.
Scott Lang brought a copy of a letter sent to high school parents about the enrichment program, The Voices Project, which will be viewed this Friday in the high school. They will be holding a town meeting style meeting following the viewing to discuss the issues. Graduation will be held on Sunday June 18th under a tent outside. Class day will be Friday June 9th. Scott commended the work of the students who were featured in the Franklin County Art show. There were over100 pieces on display from BFA students in grades K through 12.
Tom Walsh explained the process of transitioning the Fletcher students into BFA. Tom, Dave Buckingham and Jeff Teitelbaum have been working together to make the transition easier for students and parents.
b. Financial Report – Chris Sumner distributed an updated budget report. The year will finish with a surplus. The administration is looking to purchase some of the materials needed for the new math curriculum using this extra money. The middle school would also like to purchase new social studies texts. Discussion ensued on the spending of this left over money versus ending the year with a surplus and giving it all back to the taxpayers. The Board agreed to try to spend the $58,000 that wasn’t spent through the budget but not to spend the extra revenues that came in and put that money out to the voters. Both the electrical and the roof projects may be eligible for a construction reimbursement of 30%. Voter approval would be needed to apply for this reimbursement from the state and the money wouldn’t show in this year’s budget
c. Superintendent’s Report – Phil Higgins met with the incoming superintendent and reported that he will come to a meeting in June to transition. The social studies and science curriculums are wrapped up. The in-service day at Essex Cinemas was well received. He reported that the Fletcher parents and Fletcher School Board are both appreciative for the ongoing efforts to transition their students to BFA.
d. Board Reports – Kelsey Peterson reported that most seniors have made their after-graduation college choices. This year’s graduation announcements were distributed today. AP tests were last week. Student Council elections will be upcoming and a new School Board student representative will be elected.
Dustin Howard reported on All-State Band march in Bennington this Wednesday. The prom is this Saturday from 8PM until midnight.
Rachelle Howard attended the elementary drama performances. She also attended street dancing performance. She gave thanks to Al Daniels for organizing Green-Up Day and getting the students involved.
Lauri Fisher reported that Greg Beeman is the new chair of the library committee. There will be an open house for Joy LeBaron on Sunday, June 4th at the library.
Greg Beeman gave a report on the ongoing field improvements. Weather permitting, the two fields will be completed by next week. It will require $24-25K to complete the two phases. He is working with Boomer and contacting local contractors to put in bids on the work.
Jeff Loller reported on the Jr. High music festival at MVU. The technology committee will be meeting on the 18th at 3:00PM.
Peg Stewart reported on the Middle School Talent Show. The Safe Routes to School application has been submitted and the town should know if Fairfax has been accepted by May 20th. Peg is looking into having the memorial stones replaced in the playground area.
6. Old Business
a. Buildings & Grounds –Tom Walsh gave an update on the spring and summer’s upcoming building repairs including the roof replacement, asbestos abatement, sidewalk repairs, ventilator replacement, and re-keying of the building. He informed the board of the increase in electricity costs due to the building’s second electricity source and told of how they are pursuing the issue. Peg feels the Board needs to do some long range planning for building repairs and have a large contingency fund on hand to deal with building needs.
7. New Business
a. Field “Repairs” – Update – Greg Beeman elaborated on the field work being done. They are getting 3 bids on the work. $10K of the needed money is on hand. If the other $15K can be used from the surplus from the budget, it will be enough to complete the entire project by the end of June.
b. Summer Retreat Topics – The Board listed some topics for discussion during their summer retreat: long range planning for the building and grounds and exit interviews for the exiting students. Board members will add to this list as ideas come up.
8. Policy Review
a. Student Conduct & Discipline Policy– Jeff Loller motioned to approve the Student Conduct & Discipline Policy (with the correction of the paragraph numbers). Lauri Fisher seconded. Passed unanimously.
b. Student Attendance Policy– will be brought for action next meeting
c. Selection of Instructional Materials Policy – will be brought for action next meeting
d. Interrogation & Searches of Students Policy– 2nd reading at next meeting
e. School Visits Policy - 2nd reading at next meeting
9. Other
Greg Beeman motioned to approve the hiring of Genevive LePeltier for a full time French teacher. Jeff Loller seconded. Passed unanimously.
Greg Beeman motioned to approve the hiring of Katherine Mack for a full time social studies position. Jeff Loller seconded. Passed unanimously.
Lauri Fisher motioned to accept Jessica Redmond’s letter of resignation. Jeff Loller seconded. Passed unanimously.
Chris Sumner is requesting the Board’s recommendation on continuing the school’s banking with BankNorth or changing banks. The Board recommended that Chris shop around.
Lauri Fisher questioned the verbal agreement between the Boosters and the school and is urging for a written agreement.
Peg Stewart has received a letter from the Fairfax Education Association. They would like to meet with representatives of the board to discuss pays that were recommended for the coaching positions. Jeff Loller and Greg Beeman volunteered for this meeting and they will meet with the administrators prior to it.
10. Executive Session (Personnel)
Respectfully submitted,
Julie Filiberti
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