Windham Southeast School District Board Meeting Agenda and Minutes

WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT

53 Green Street

Brattleboro, VT 05301

www.wsesu.org

NOTICE OF BOARD MEETING

The Windham Southeast School District Board will meet remotely at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2020 via Zoom:

https://zoom.us/j/95797199109?pwd=bXUrcGpwem4xdHhDQ083Ym15UVYyZz09

Meeting ID: 957 9719 9109

Passcode: XB51ey

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AGENDA

I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m. – David Schoales, Board Chair

II. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

III. CLERK’S REPORT – Approval of Minutes – July 15, July 27, August 5, August 6,

2020

IV. COMMUNICATIONS

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Finance Committee

• Personnel Committee

• Policy and Amendment Committee

• Programmatic and Performance Equity Committee

• Climate Crisis Task Force

• Communications Council

• Diversity and Equity Committee

• WSESU Board

• Council Reports

VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

VII. FINANCIAL STABILITY

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Leadership Council Policy Review

IX. NEW BUSINESS

IX. NEW BUSINESS

A. PreK Partnership Agreements – Action Needed

B. Establishment of the Ruth Barton Vermont Citizenship Award – Action

C. Ventilation Upgrade Projects

D. Dummerston Backup Boiler Replacement Project

E. Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice Committee Report – Possible Action

F. Legislative Testimony Encouraging Reduction of Student Days in FY 21 Calendar to Enable More PD Days

X. Public Comment on Non-agenda Items

EXECUTIVE SESSION (If Needed)

Agenda Content Brief

Committee Reports

Climate Crisis Task Force will bring its policy proposal for full board review and possible adoption (attached). This document culminates months of research into the best ways to prevent or mitigate climate change at our local level.

Communication Council seeks support and approval, if needed, for new communication strategies with stakeholders including:

– Social Media representation

– Developing and implementing a voluntary notification system of Board, Committee, and Leadership Council meetings

– Developing an anonymous platform for stakeholders to communicate needs and concerns

(Report attached).

Diversity-Equity Committee will present questions to be considered with each new hire, and a proposal for board/admin training opportunities.

Administrative Reports will include updates on reopening plans; a report on staff Leave Requests: Fall Sports Guidance; report on ventilation compliance with ASHRAE standards by building.

Financial Stability– status of COVID/CRF reimbursement application

….

Note: These proposed minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved by the

board at a future meeting.

WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT (WSESD) BOARD

MONDAY, JULY 27, 2020

RECONVENED BOARD MEETING – 6:00PM

REMOTE LOCATION

DRAFT MINUTES

WSESD Board Members Present: David Schoales, Chair (DS); Elizabeth Adams (EA); Anne Beekman (AB); Michelle Green (MG); Tim Maciel (TM); Emily Murphy Kaur (EMK); Thomas Nolan (TN); Jaci Reynolds (JR); Kelly Young (KY)

WSESU Administrators Present: Andrew Skarzynski (Superintendent), Frank Rucker (Finance Director)

Media Present: Rich Melanson (BCTV)

Others Present: Ali West, Abby Wicker, Ali Cornellier, Ali West, Amber Rose, Ashley Nadeau, Allegra Carignan, Allison Paquette, Amy Skolnick, Anne Moore Odell, Beth Bristoll, Bethany Ranquist, Brandy Speno, Bri Davenport, Brin Tucker, Brian Buettner, Chelsea Wiehl, Chris Sawyer, Chris Szpila, Clark Glennon, Crista Yagjian, Dan Brown, Deb Coombs, Deb Kardane, Deb Schiller, Debra Glass, Dora Levinson, Eli Gould, Ellen Tumavicus, Emily Bristol, Emily Marker, Erin Tkaczyk, Gina Dyer, Hannah Parker, Heidi Bristol, Henny Walsh, Hugh Keelan and Jenna Rae, Jamie Scanlon, Jane Geidel, Janice Stockman, Jen Oliver, Jenn Germain, Jen Wilcox, Jessica Montenieri, Jodi Nutting, Joni Bonello, Joyana Damon, Julia Chase, John DiMatteo, Jon Sessions, Jenn Tourville, Jess Earp, Jody Normandeau, Joni Bonello, Julianne Eagan, Julie Ackerman-Hovis, Junie Pereira, Kaitlin Ford, Karen Duggan, Kate O’Connor, Karyn Tyler, Kate Maragaitis, Kate O’Connor, Kathy Smith, Kathy Thielen, Keith Lyman, Kierstan McKenney, Kelly Dias, Kitsie Larock, Laurie Greenleaf, Lisa Munos, Liz Casarella, Liz Dimick, Lorraine Bramble, Maggie Foley, Maribeth Cornell, Maria L. Carreno, Mary Anne Runge, Mary Kaufmann, Mary Linney, Mary Rodriguez, Maureen Parzych, Megan Altshuler, Melissa Lowe, Michael Lonergan, Mo Meyer, Mo Hart, Paul Smith, Raquel Moreno, Rebecca Olmstead, Regina Stefanelli, Rita Corey, Robin Macy, Rosie Wojcik, Ruby McAdoo, Sarah Cassidy, Sarah Coughlin, Sarah Simon, Scott Noren, Shannon Ward, Shelley Wilson, Sondra Haskins, Stacey Frazer, Steve Perrin, Summer Burch, Susanna Cassidy Friedman, Tammy McNamara, Tessa Anders, Tara Castine, Wendy M. Levy, Wendy Windle, John Callahan, Jonathan Wolfman, Mickey Herbst, Mike Szostak, Molly Stoner, Moriah Carney, Nancy Wiese, Rebecca Speisman, Robin Morgan, Zara DiZoglio

[Partial names] Ellen, Milo and William; Orly, Rebecca, Tosha, Tom, Tevanson, Roger, Matt, Mauerbach, Mary, KSK, Laureen, Kevin, Kathleen, K, John G, JMcDermott, JKelley, Joann, Jennifer, Jen, Jessica, Henry Z, Gallagher, Emily, Ezra, EErago, Counselor Marisa

I. CALL TO ORDER/RECONVENE 7-15-20 MEETING

Chair DS called the meeting to order at 6:01pm and announced changes to the 7/15/20 meeting agenda.

II. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS

Andy Skarzynski gave a detailed presentation of the reopening of the district’s schools. He shared a document, “Reopening & Reentry Progress.”

Highlights from Andy’s presentation included:

• the process, participants, and ethos of this project

• critical points of the project

• different scenarios and considerations

• guidance the district has received from the Agency of Education and Department of Health

• the proposed school start-date

• the timeline for developing the process

• ways in which staff participated, including via WSEA

• ways in which families participated

• COVID-related expenditures

• additional COVID-related staffing

• PPE purchases and distribution plans

• the reopening framework and what it includes and entails

• protocols for health screenings

• transportation plans

• in-person instruction frameworks for elementary and secondary schools

• guidance for remote and hybrid modes of learning

• results of the parents/families survey

• plans for outreach and communications

Andy noted the school leadership team has been working diligently and consistently on this plan, and they have given up family vacations and other personal time.

The board and visitors had questions and comments, including:

• whether the district is legally obligated to open on any specific date, and with in-person learning

• loosening restrictions on home-based childcare

• childcare for staff’s children

• how to serve families with no internet or computers

• providing more information and connection to families with IEPs and 504 plans

• will the survey results change staffing plans in specific schools

• COVID testing on-site

• utilizing the anti-racism policy in hiring

• increasing outdoor learning and partnering with local and regional outdoor learning groups

• plans for remote learning, and how students’ social-emotional needs will be met

• whether and how to share the results of the staff survey, and the implications of sharing the results or not

• access to outdoor education programs for remote learners, and funding for new outdoor structures

• safety considerations for youth who remain at home

• information about the difference in curriculum between online learning and remote learning, and providing this to help parents decide which option they will choose for their children

• how many online hours per day for remote-learning students

• plans for online social time for remote-learning students

• plans for students changing to all-remote learning part-way through the school year

• staffing policies for when teachers are out on FMLA

• supporting students with disabilities, communicating with their families, and creating a survey specifically for this population

• plans for releasing next year’s class lists

• fully-remote AP classes at BUHS

• mixed-grade in-person classrooms

• family groups for transportation

• school meals for kids doing hybrid or remote learning

• hazard pay for teachers

• supporting staff and families’ tech needs

• details on arranging the high school in-person schedule

• social and childcare concerns for high-schoolers

• the Smith family’s land donation and what will happen to it

• the deadline for families to decide if they want in-person, hybrid, or remote learning

III. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT

MOTION BY KY TO APPROVE KITSIE LAROCK AND ALEXIS MOSHOVETIS TO THE GUILFORD LEADERSHIP COUNCIL. LA SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

MOTION BY JR TO APPROVE MATTHEW GREEN AS A NEW HIRE TO BUHS. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

DS noted the district is still hiring, and it’s important to hire people of color.

IV. FINANCIAL STABILITY

Frank Rucker announced the receipt of a message from the Agency of Education, and it’s on the website within the COVID banner. He discussed the many things federal funding will support, and noted there are two categories of funding. WSESD, he said, is mostly interested in CRF, and from it the state will receive about $28 million, which will soon be released. The district will apply for reimbursement from this source for the dates 3/9-12/31/2020. If the district needs more money beyond this, the Legislature has reserved additional funding. Unbudgeted expenses will be covered through 12/31/2020, and CRF can be used for payroll and transportation expenses.

A discussion ensued on tracking CRF allocations across the district to ensure equity.

V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS

A. Attracting BIPOC to Join Leadership Councils

DS tabled this until the 8/5/20 board retreat.

VI. NEW BUSINESS

A. One Percent Application

Julianne Eagan, Dummerston School Principal, discussed her school’s application and the associated activities it will cover. DS asked if she had the ability to identify COVID-related costs so the district can apply for reimbursement. Julianne said yes.

MOTION BY TN TO APPROVE THE DUMMERSTON SCHOOL’S ONE-PERCENT APPLICATION. TM SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

B. 8/5/2020 BOARD RETREAT — FINALIZE PLANS

DS discussed details, including the proposed location: Living Memorial Park’s Kiwanis Shelter, which would allow for physical distancing. Three board members announced they would not attend in-person because of health reasons. A discussion ensued on whether to hold the retreat completely remotely, or to have a hybrid model.

Brin Tucker raised the issue that the board doesn’t feel confident meeting in-person, but they’re asking teachers and staff to do that, and this is difficult to reconcile. MG agreed. Molly Stoner, a teacher in the district, also agreed, and said the meeting left her feeling unsettled because of the rush to action.

She encouraged the board and administrators to not forget their values, and consider the depth of what they’re asking the staff and families to do in calling them back to school.

DS assured Molly that if they can’t reopen schools safely, they won’t do it.

Ellen Tumavicus urged the board and administrators to be courageous, even if it defies the national administration, and noted, “we can do it differently.” She asked how many teachers indicated on the survey that they are afraid to return to school.

Wendy M. Levy, Board Recorder, asked if she was needed to record the retreat’s proceedings. DS said no.

Beth Bristol said the board should lead by example. She asked if the retreat was guided by Open Meeting Law. DS said no, the retreat isn’t warned, and the board takes no action there, but they do set their yearly goals. Beth urged DS to look into it, especially because of the goal-setting. DS said he would, and if the retreat can be open, then he will open it, and have it recorded.

EMK said she wants the board to see the results of the teachers’ survey, even if it has to happen in executive session, because the board must consider their needs when making decisions. Andy noted that in many realms, people are vilifying teachers for not wanting to return to school, and the district owes it to its staff to protect them from being pilloried. But, he said, it is possible to share this information in executive session as an employee item. MG noted the community wants the board to be accountable to teachers’ needs.

TN noted this is hard for Andy, and it’s his first year with the district. TN blamed the situation on a failure of the federal government — and the difficulties get passed down to individual schools. “We’ve been put into this dilemma shamefully, and there’s no good outcome,” he added.

VII. EXECUTIVE SESSION

THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:05PM TO DISCUSS THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OF A STUDENT. MOTION TO ENTER MADE BY AB. TN SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

The board invited Andy Skarzynski to join.

The board rose from Executive Session at 9:20pm.

MOTION BY AB TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE ADMINISTRATION AS PRESENTED IN EXECUTIVE SESSION. EMK SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

THE BOARD ENTERED INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION AT 9:22PM TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL MATTER. MOTION TO ENTER MADE BY TN. AB SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 9-0.

The board rose from Executive Session at 10:08pm. They made no decisions.

MOTION BY TN TO ADJOURN AT 10:09PM. LA SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED 8-0.

Submitted by Wendy M. Levy from minutes taken by Wendy M. Levy

This represents my understanding of the above dated meeting. If you have any changes, please submit them at the next board meeting.

….

WSESD Board retreat

Wednesday, August 5th, 2020

Present:

David Schoales

Thomas Nolan

Anne Beekman

Emily Murphy-Kaur

Kelly Young

Liz Adams

Michelle Green

Shawn Murphy

Tim Maciel

Molly Stoner

Rich Melanson

Ruby McAdoo

Tara Castine

Jody Normandeau

Joyana and Steve Damon

Andy Skarzynski

Erin Tkaczyk

Maggie Foley

No full name provided:

Bakers

Joann

• Called to order: 6:03pm

• Discussed goals for years and points to focus on

• Adjourned: 7:35pm – Moved by AB, Seconded by LA – 9-0 yes

…..

8/6/2020 WSESD special meeting

Called to order: 5:05pm

PRESENT:

David Schoales

Thomas Nolan

Kerry Amidon

Anne Beekman

Kelly Young

Liz Adams

Michelle Green

Tim Maciel

Emily Murphy-Kaur

Shawn Murphy

Amy Skolnick

Andrew Speno

Andy Skarzinski

Anne Moore Odell

Bethany Ranquist

Caitlin Campbell

Carel Fay-Horowitz

Cate

Chad Mulverhill

Chris

Chelsea Wiehl

Chris Mays

Christine Kierstead

Cory Sorensen

Cristina New

Debra Gass

Debra Heller

Eileen Parks

Eileen Roach

Ellen

Ellen Tumavicus

Erin Tkaczyk

Eva Lord

Gina Onorato

Hanna Rosinski

Herve Pelletier

Jaclyn

Jacqueline LaFlam

Jen Wilcox

Jenn Germain

Jennifer Brown

Jess Earp

Jgagnon

Joann

Joe Grutta

Joe Rivers

John Callahan

John DiMatteo

Jon Sessions

Joni Bonello

Joyanadamon

Julianne Eagan

Karen Duggan

Kari Sparks

Karyn Tyler

Keith Lyman

Kelly

Kelly Frost

Kelly Shifflette

Kim

Liz Dimick

Lorraine Bramble

Martha

Mary Ann Runge

Mary Kaufmann

Mary Linney

Mary Ross

Meg McGrath

Megan Altshuler

Melissa Lowe

Melissa Petroski

Mickie Herbst

Mike Szostak

Miranda Bohl

Molly Stoner

Moriah Carney

Nancy Gagnon

Paul

Peach

Paul Smith

Raquel Moreno

Rebecca Olmstead

Rich Melanson

Robin Macy

Robin Morgan

Ruby McAdoo

Sandra Cortes

Sandy Draper

Sarah Deyo

Scott Noren

Shannon Kelly

Shelley Wilson

Stacey Frazer

Steve

Susan Fortier

Susannah Cassidy Friedman

Tara Castine

Tessa Carpenter

tevanson

Tom

Tosha Tillman

Trish Coyne

Walter Breau

Wendy Windle

Connie Simonds

Steve Perrin

MOTION: Declare COVID-19 an emergency

Moved: DS

Seconded: LA

9-0: Yes

MOTION: We will review leaves of absence within 5 days.

Moved: DS

Seconded: LA

9-0: Yes

MOTION: Authorize the superintendent to work with the teachers union to create a memorandum of understanding related to doctor’s note

Moved: DS

Seconded: MG

9-0: Yes

MOTION: Administration and Board will encourage remote learning in all outreach to families when remote learning is in the best interests of the family.

Moved: EMK

Seconded: LA

9-0: Yes

MOTION: Adjourn

Moved: AB

Seconded: MG

9-0: Yes

Adjourned at 8:59PM

…

Note: These proposed minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved by the board at a future meeting.

WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT (WSESD) BOARD

WEDNESDAY, JULY 15, 2020

REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00PM

REMOTE LOCATION

DRAFT MINUTES

WSESD Board Members Present: David Schoales, Chair (DS); Liz Adams (LA); Anne Beekman (AB); Michelle Green (MG); Tim Maciel (TM); Shaun Murphy (SM); Emily Murphy Kaur (EMK); Thomas Nolan (TN); Jaci Reynolds (JR); Kelly Young (KY)

WSESU Administrators Present: Andrew Skarzynski (Superintendent)

Media Present: Rich Melanson (BCTV)

Others Present: [note: Zoom allows attendees to log in without providing their last names.] Kerry Amidon (WSESU Chair; Vernon), Matt Betz, Emily Bristol, Allegra Carignan, Maria Carreno, Sarah Cassidy, Tara Castine, Ali Cornellier, Sandra Cortes, Trish Coyne, Zara DiZoglio, Karen Duggan, Julianne Eagan (Dummerston School Principal), Sarah Emmons, Carey Fay-Horowitz, Susan Fortier, Eli Gould, Michele Hood, Joanne [?], Deb Kardane (WSESU Curriculum Coordinator), Mary Kaufmann (Oak Grove School Principal), Ann Knapp, Wendy M. Levy (WSESD Board Recorder), Melissa Lowe, Whitney Lynde, Mary [?], Matt [?], Ruby McAdoo, Kiersten McKenney, Mickie [?], Anne Moore Odell, Scott Noren, Jody Normandeau, Rebecca Olmstead, Eileen Parks, Maureen Parzych, Herve Pelletier (Putney Central School Principal), Steve Perrin (BUHS Principal), Mary Beth Porter, Bethany Ranquist, Joe Rivers, Eileen Roach, Amber Rose, Mary Ann Runge, Jon Sessions (Academy School Vice-Principal), Amy Skolnick, Paul Smith (WSESU Curriculum Coordinator), Regina Stefanelli, Molly Stoner, Lisa Thompson, Nancy Wiese (WRCC Director), Carmen Winchester, Wendy Windle, Crista Yagjian, Tom Yahner.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chair DS called the meeting to order at 6:00pm, reviewed online meeting etiquette, and announced changes to the agenda.

II. RECOGNITION OF VISITORS

There were none.

III. CLERK’S REPORT: APPROVE MINUTES

DS asked the Board to approve the minutes from the July 1, 2020 meeting. There were no amendments and no discussion.

MOTION BY TN TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JULY 1, 2020. LA SECONDED.

MOTION CARRIED 10-0.

V. COMMITTEE REPORTS

FINANCE

SM reported this committee has not met, and is still organizing its members. They hope to meet in August. SM said he is in contact with Frank Rucker, WSESD Finance Director.

PERSONNEL

KY reported this committee met on June 23. They have not met since then because it was not needed.

POLICY AND AMENDMENTS

AB reported this committee met on July 7. They discussed numerous subjects, including policies on sexual harassment, flags, and retirement. They are considering working on a social media policy.

PROGRAMMATIC AND PERFORMANCE EQUITY COMMITTEE

EMK reported this committee met the previous week. Their intention was to present a report on gender equity in sports, but they are not yet ready—they are still reviewing data. They discussed after-school programming, with a focus on Y-Aspire, but they are challenged to anticipate these needs until the fall.

They alerted school administrators that they will need to revisit the subject later when school reopens.

CLIMATE CRISIS TASK FORCE

TN announced this committee will meet on July 21.

COMMUNICATIONS COUNCIL

DS reported no progress has been made since the last meeting, and a further discussion will come in a few weeks at the board’s retreat. MG noted the council has received a great deal of feedback from families that communications are important, and they want a FAQ page, which is necessary because many families have the same questions.

DIVERSITY AND EQUITY COMMITTEE

TN announced this committee will meet on July 27.

WSESU

Kerry Amidon, WSESU Board Chair, reported the board had a busy and productive meeting recently. They reviewed warrants, payroll, minutes, and they approved an audit bid and the social & racial justice commitment. Paul Smith and Deb Kardane gave a presentation. The board is planning to have a mentor for Andy Skarzynski.

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL REPORTS

MG reported the Dummerston Leadership Council met. She announced the meeting time has changed to alternate Thursdays at 8:30am. Julianne Eagan reported that at the last meeting, they discussed the Agency of Education and Department of Health guidelines for reopening schools, and the design for the outdoor learning space, which includes plans for extensive trails.

KY reported the BUHS Leadership Council met on July 13. They discussed the surveys that went to parents, teachers, and students; forming a PTA-type organization to share information; ways to convene to share information and ask questions; the contract for remote learning; how to increase diversity in the council; and creating support groups for the fall. Steve Perrin added the council wants to create opportunities for students and parents to work together.

JR reported the Green Street School Leadership Council met recently. They celebrated the recent successful budget vote. They discussed how the PTO is keeping the school’s culture alive, plans to recruit more people of color to the leadership council and the PTO, the social & racial justice commitment, and engaging with Andy Skarzynski. They held a Sixth Grade parade, which was fun. Their meetings are Mondays at 6pm.

SM reported the Guilford Leadership Council met on July 10. There were 12 attendees. They reviewed the school board report and celebrated the recent school budget vote. Andy Skarzynski was at the meeting, and he and John Gagnon gave a reopening report. They discussed the school’s construction of an outdoor learning space, which includes a lot of input from many people. The SD’s website includes agendas and minutes for the council, which the public can review.

TM reported the Oak Grove School Leadership Council met on July 7. The meeting had over 20 parents attending. They discussed the continuous improvement plan and its goals, reopening the schools, and the diversity and equity plan and how to address it in the next 90 days.

LA alerted DS that the Zoom meeting was full at 100 attendees, and people who want to access the meeting are unable to do so.

DS said he was unwilling to adjourn the meeting. He said he is awaiting guidance from the Secretary of State’s office on the subject. He noted the meeting is being recorded, and people can review the recording later. He said if the board is found to be in violation, then they will revote their motions at a later meeting.

Ruby McAdoo reported the Putney Leadership Council recently met, it was a robust and well-attended meeting, and she sent a written report on the meeting to the board. At the meeting, they discussed reopening schools, forming a parent-led racial justice discussion group to run parallel with the staff group, a mission statement, and procedures for recruiting and appointing new members.

A discussion ensued on strategies for enabling the shut-out individuals to attend the current school board meeting. Ideas included immediately upgrading the district’s account to allow for more attendees, and setting up a relay meeting on another account.

IV. COMMUNICATIONS

DS said he received many email messages about reopening the schools. He removed the names, compiled the comments, and presented the document. He read through some of his highlights.

Robin Morgan reminded DS that people are locked out of the meeting. DS said he knows and can’t do anything about it.

Robin said that under Open Meeting Law, the board has to either immediately upgrade the account to allow full access, or immediately end the meeting. Otherwise, this violates Open Meeting Law. She noted that many people want to attend this meeting and cannot.

DS refused to end the meeting. He said, “We can talk about it all night and not have a meeting.” He then ended the discussion.

A discussion ensued on strategies for upgrading or relaying the meeting through another account. DS noted that the members of the public who are locked out of the meeting won’t be able to see the notice of the relay meeting.

Bethany Ranquist asked to comment. DS told her the board is on the “Communications” agenda item now.

Bethany Ranquist expressed frustration that the public cannot attend this meeting. She said it is “absolutely unacceptable for us not to be able to participate.”

DS said he wanted to check with the board. He said the board has “a lot of business to go over,” and the board won’t meet again until August 19, and, “we can’t recreate this meeting.”

TN said it’s obvious the public wants to attend this meeting. Even though it’s inconvenient, the board cannot continue to meet. The board must schedule a special meeting as soon as possible.

LA, SM, JR, AB, EMK, and TM agreed. Andy Skarzynski agreed, and said the meeting could continue with information and non-actionable agenda items, and then repeat this information at the special meeting. AB added it’s “an affront to democracy to not allow everyone to attend.” LA noted “it’s crucial for everyone to hear about schools reopening.” TN said the board should not discuss anything if everyone can’t be here, even if the same information is repeated at a later meeting.

SM attempted to make a motion that the WSESD terminate the July 15 meeting to reconvene at the earliest available time. This motion was not seconded. DS said SM’s motion was out-of-order. DS expressed empathy with frustrated people who cannot attend the meeting, and acknowledged that he can’t make a motion because this is no longer a legal meeting.

KY asked the board to consider what is “right and just,” and read some of the comments from the “Chat” section of Zoom, which supported ending the meeting or upgrading the district’s account immediately to allow more attendees. She asked if this meeting was being recorded, and if it would be available on the district’s website for later viewing. DS said he didn’t know, there was no precedent for this, and he hopes BCTV will upload the recording.

TM reinstated his position: end the meeting now.

Deb Kardane agreed with TM. She noted the board’s opportunity to learn from this experience, and reminded them that it’s important to use the available technology to accommodate large groups.

JR reinstated her position: end the meeting now.

LA asked if the board could schedule the special meeting now. DS said no. LA expressed her concern with “lots of back-and-forth” with the scheduling, and noted the high levels of anxiety in the school community about reopening.

A discussion ensued on scheduling the special meeting.

Mary Beth Porter recommended the district purchase a package with a very large capacity so this doesn’t happen again. She noted the subject of reopening schools will draw a very large crowd.

MOTION BY AB TO ADJOURN DUE TO ZOOM LIMITS BEING EXCEEDED, AND NO FURTHER LEGAL BUSINESS TO CONDUCT, AT 6:57PM. LA SECONDED. MOTIONCARRIED 10-0.

Submitted by Wendy M. Levy from minutes taken by Wendy M. Levy

This represents my understanding of the above dated meeting. If you have any changes, please submit them at the next board meeting.