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Fairfax Board of School Directors
Monday, October 8, 2007
Regular Meeting at 6:30pm
Fairfax Community Library
Present: Chairperson Peg Stewart, Jeff Loller, Angela Baker, Adam Benay, Armando Vilaseca, Scott Lang, Thomas Walsh, Lisa Delorme
Public: Nancy Mead, Mary Schraven, Mary Fitzgerald, Lindy Carpenter, Christel Michaud, Rachelle Howard, Karen Seaman, Susie Jones, Robin Freeman, Patricia Hendee, Carolyn Branigan, Glenn McNall
1. Call to Order - Peg Stewart called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
2. Consent Agenda
Minutes
- Regular Meeting: September 10, 2007
- Special Meeting: September 24, 2007
Correspondence – Peg Stewart received a letter on September 25th stating Rachelle Howard’s resignation.
Action: The Board unanimously voted to accept the resignation of Rachelle Howard.
- Elementary Math Presentation – Mary Fitzgerald, Mary Schraven, and Lindy Carpenter were present to talk about the Bridges math program in the elementary. The program is now in its second year of implementation. They discussed the different aspects of the program as well as demonstrated some examples of the lessons, Number Corner, and Workplace stations and games that they use in the classroom. They stated that the students are enjoying the program. The teachers are very comfortable with the program and are encouraged by the results they are seeing. Lisa Delorme added that the teachers will all have some Workplace stations set up at Open House for the parents to try out. Rachelle Howard questioned how the program connects to the middle school math program. Tom Walsh responded that the Connected Math program that the middle school uses matches well. Rachelle also questioned how the program addresses the Differentiated Instruction method that the teachers are implementing. The teachers responded and spoke of the various activities that are built into the program that address DI. Adam Benay stated a concern that perhaps the high school needs to make some aggressive gains in their program so that they aren’t doing some of the same work as the 5th graders.
- Public Comment – Carolyn Branigan was present to remind the Board that the legislature is in session and she is available if there is any input that the Board would like to give. The legislature is still working on looking at the Income Tax for school funding. Armando commented to Carolyn about the ambiguity of the insert that was included in the tax bill this year.
Karen Seaman expressed her concerns about the length of time that spanned before getting a letter from the school addressing the recent arraignment of a former BFA bus driver. She wished that the letter would have come sooner. Peg stated that the Board is not in a position to comment on the case.
5. Reports
a. Principals – Lisa Delorme reported that she received a lot of the responses back from the parent survey about full/half day kindergarten. She reviewed the results and noted that parents are concerned about the large class sizes. She will be meeting with the kindergarten teachers to come up with a proposal to present to the Board.
Scott Lang reported the 11th grade will be participating in the NECAP for the first time. The PLAN, an ACT test will be given to the 10th grade at the same time. A pep rally was held last week and all students had a great time. Thanks to the cross country family for hosting the Fairfax Relays, another very successful event.
Tom Walsh gave his updates on the middle school happenings in his parent letter that was also sent the Board. The middle school faculty and students will be getting ready for the student led parent conferences.
b. Business Manager – No report was given as they are in the middle of audits right now.
c. Superintendent – Armando Vilaseca stated that budgets are beginning to become the focus. The Georgia Board is looking into the feasibility of leaving the FWSU and moving to the Franklin Central. Westford is possibly looking into moving into FWSU as an option if Essex combines.
d. School Board Members – Adam Benay reported that students aren’t very nervous about the NECAP tests, Student Council helped with the pep rally, the band has concert next Wednesday, and Helping Hands will be giving breakfast to the seniors next week.
Angela Baker handed out a draft flyer for a family dinner and health fair for the community. Youth Risk Behavior survey of February 07 is ready and she will bring to the Board for presentation when they are ready.
Jeff Loller commented on the band and choral programs.
Peg Stewart stated that she was pleased to see that BFA had 3 AP scholars, David Hamilton, Marilyn Mead and Pat Fitzgerald. She has also heard many positive comments regarding our great fields and grounds.
6. New Business
a. Overnight Field Trip Request –The 6th grade teachers are looking to take the 6th grade students to the Vermont Outdoor Discovery Center at Lotus Lake in Williamstown. They are looking to replace the Montreal trip with this overnight learning experience. The class would leave Thursday morning and have a day of activities, spend the night, have a morning of activities the next day and leave by lunchtime. Cost would be $3300.
Action – Angela Baker motioned to approve an overnight trip for the 6th grade class to the Vermont Outdoor Discovery Center at Lotus Lake in Williamstown. Jeff Loller seconded. Passed.
b. Appoint New School Board Members –Four letters of intent were received from the community in regards to filling the open seats on the Board. The Board opted to choose people that were knowledgeable of the school and its policies and decided to appoint two previous board members, Glenn McNall and Greg Beeman. They will serve only the remaining terms.
Action: Peg Stewart motioned to appoint Glenn McNall and Greg Beeman to the two vacant Board positions. Angela Baker seconded. Passed.
c. Supervisory Union Committee Assignments –– Angela Baker will take the place on the Supervisory Union Board.
d. White House Discussion – Armando and Peg met with the Selectboard regarding the Town’s use of the White House. The Town would like to continue where they are. The school has determined that the White House is not feasible for educational purposes in its current state but the Board will withhold making any decisions at this time.
e. FY2009 Budget – Chris Sumner drafted a timeline to start planning the budget sessions. The Board and administration reviewed and adjusted the proposed dates on the timeline.
5. Policies
a. Nutrition Policy – Action: Jeff Loller motioned to approve the Nutrition Policy (with the nuts and seeds portion removed on page #7). Angela Baker seconded. Passed.
b. Use of School Facilities Policy/Procedures –The room/field usage application has been redone. Patricia Hendee commented on some things that were talked about in previous meetings that were not included in the latest revision of the policy. Christel Michaud also noted that there is nothing added in the policy for conflict resolution as was discussed. She was also confused as why the policy was up for action and it didn’t go through a second reading. Armando responded that if policies are reviewed they don’t need to have a second reading for approval. Jeff asked the public what they would recommend for a conflict resolution component in the procedure. Christel gave an example of a resolution that takes into account the factors that can come into play. Much discussion came from the public about how conflicts are going to come up in the future and how the need for ways to deal with the conflicts need to be addressed in the procedure. Armando will work with the administration to come up with something. The policy will be brought for action at the next meeting.
6. Executive Session (Personnel/Contract) – No action was taken.
7. Adjourn –Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM.
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