Windham Southeast School District Board (WSESD) Meeting Minutes – Jan 23, 2024

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
TUESDAY, JANUARY 23, 2024
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6 PM
GREEN STREET SCHOOL
DRAFT MINUTES

SUMMARY:

● Student representatives expressed concern about a lack of positive student attitudes at the high school and asked for students and staff to show greater sensitivity and inclusivity, particularly to English Language Learners.
● Administrators provided an update on the implementation of two new curricula, EL (a literacy curriculum) and Illustrative Math.
● The board awarded the bid for roof repairs at Green Street School to Triumph Roofing in the amount of $322,000.
● The board awarded the bid for window replacement at The Guilford Central School to Monadnock Commercial Building Company in the amount of $362,949.
● The board approved the proposed FY2025 WSESD budget of $65,846,891. This budget will be presented for a public vote at the district annual meeting on March 19, 2024.
● The board voted to approve the proposed FY2025 Capital Plan.
● The board issued a statement regarding the Sexual Abuse Investigation.
● The board re-adopted two updated policies: D7 Volunteers and Work Study Students and F36 Student Freedom of Expression – School Media
● The Social Justice Committee collaborated with the Superintendent to write a statement expressing support for teachers to discuss the situation in Gaza and Israel in their classrooms. The board will vote whether to approve this statement at their next meeting on January 30, 2024.

Board Members Present: Chair Kelly Young (KY), Anne Beekman (AB), Tim Maciel (TM), Ruby McAdoo (RMC), Robin Morgan (RMO), Shaun Murphy (SM), Eva Nolan (EN), Kimberly Price (KP), Matt Schibley (MS), Deborah Stanford (DS), Student Representatives Alora Lawyer (AL), Jayden Gonzalez (JG)
WSESU/SD staff and Administrators Present: Mark Speno, Frank Rucker, Paul Smith, Brin Tucker, Stacey Sawyer, Keith Lyman, Traci Lane, Kate Margaiitis, Julianne Eagen, Tracey Drotts, Jane Geidel, Mary Kaufmann, John Gagnon, Cassie Damkoehler, Kelly Dias, Hannah Parker, Amy Majer, Jon Sessions, Whitney Lynde, Flo Levin, Jodi Nutting, Chris Nesbitt,
Media Present: BCTV, Chris Mays (Brattleboro Reformer)
Others Present:
Jody Nomandeau, Sherri Keefe, Kristina Naylor, Kerry Amidon, Laura Chapman, Anne Rider, LIz Adams, Susan Schmitt, Mindy Haskins Rogers, Martha Carol, Mary Garland, Sarah Maceda-Maciel, Kelly Guagenty, Kate O’Connor.
Board Members Absent: all present
Please note: attendance may be incomplete

Call To Order, Kelly Young, Board Chair

KY call the WSESD Board Meeting to order 6.02

KY read the remote meeting statement.

Chair Remarks

KY made the following announcements:
● KY added a retirement to the Administrative Report section of the agenda and an executive session at the end of the meeting.
● She reminded board members of two documents that all board members need to sign. If any board members have not signed them, this needs to be done by 1/31/24. Board members can arrange this with Maureen Hart.
● KY read a statement regarding the word “begrudge” as it was used in the previous meeting. She noted that there was harsh criticism levied against the board for considering allocating funds for additional board support and felt this was unwarranted. She asked that all involved work together toward common goals.

Student Matters

Jayden Gonzalez expressed concern regarding the lack of positive attitudes among the high school population. He requested that the administration be more attuned to students’ emotional state and be invested in following up with individuals. Traci Lane thanked him for the feedback and said she would discuss this with the student support team.

Alora Lawyer asked for more sensitivity towards inclusiveness in both staff and students. She noted that both students and staff should be making efforts to communicate inclusively with students and staff members for whom English is a second language. She suggested there be more opportunities such as house meetings and other forums for addressing these types of issues. Comments and acknowledgement of these issues ensued. KY invited others to share before moving on.

There was a discussion about inviting feedback from students representing the elementary and middle schools.

Admin Report

EL Literacy & IM Math K-8

Brin Tucker, Curriculum and Assessment Coordinator, and Stacy Sawyer, District Reading Coach, delivered a presentation on the implementation of two new curricula for the district, IM and EL. A primary goal of both curricula is to create a culture where challenge or struggle is a way to learn, not a barrier.

Ms. Sawyer presented about EL (formerly known as Expeditionary Learning). An overview of the program was shared as well as data from recent learning walks conducted in all of the elementary schools. Those present were given the opportunity to experience an EL protocol (back to back/face to face).

Ms. Tucker presented information and data on IM (Illustrative Math), which is now being taught in all K-8 classrooms. The five core practices were introduced and she presented research from EdReports about why this program was selected. Both programs’ curricula have a spiral effect, so students will see concepts at multiple grade levels.

Discussion and comments followed these presentations. A theme that emerged was an interest in how these curricula, or ones with aligned concepts for grades 9-12, can be implemented at the high school.

Retirement (added during Chair remarks)

Superintendent Mark Speno announced that Sue Vincent, Academic Support Teacher at Putney Central School, will be retiring at the end of the school year.

MOTION BY DS TO ACCEPT THE RETIREMENT OF SUE VINCENT WITH APPRECIATION. MOTION PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY.

Board Recorder position

Mr. Speno reported that there were 7 applications for the position submitted and he will be reviewing them with DS and KY.

Fiscal Report

Green Street Roof Bid Award – Action Required

Business Administrator Frank Rucker announced that the district received three bids for this project and the recommendation is to award the bid to Triumph Roofing in the amount of $322,000. Guilford ESSER-funded Window Replacement Bid Award – Action Required

For the ESSER funded Guilford Window Replacement project, the recommendation is to award the bid to Monadnock Commercial Building Company in the amount of $362,949. Both projects are in the FY24 Capital Plan that was approved by the board last May. The ESSER projects must be completed by the end of August in order to access those funds.

Mr. Rucker outlined the process of gathering bids for the Green Street Roof Replacement and the Guilford Window Replacement projects. Requests for Proposals (RFP) were shared via notice in the newspaper, direct invitations to companies, and in some cases advertised in online construction opportunity forums.

This was a sealed bid process.

SM MOVED TO AWARD THE GREEN STREET ROOF BID IN THE AMOUNT OF $322,000 TO TRIUMPH
ROOFING AND THE GUILFORD ESSER WINDOW REPLACEMENT BID AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF
$362,949 TO MONADNOCK COMMERCIAL BUILDING COMPANY.

Discussion ensued. Mr. Rucker shared information regarding the sealed bid process and how the situation was dealt with when fewer than the required three bids (required) were received for a project. An application to the AOE to proceed with the single bidder was submitted and approved prior to proceeding with the award bid.

THE BID AWARD MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Public Information Meeting – FY ’25 Budget Discussion – Action Anticipated

Mr. Rucker gave an overview of the proposed budget of $65,846,891 for FY25 (July 24-June 25). The budget is 3% ($1.9 million) over the current year. Mr. Rucker reviewed where to find the budget planning timeline (page 2). He also highlighted that there was a letter from Legislative Representatives to the School Boards regarding the significant pressures on the State Education Fund. The substantial changes to the way in which the funding formula incorporates student weighting statistics and the provision under Act 127 that caps the tax rate increase at 5% as long as the proposed budget results in an increase of less than 10% may have created unintended impacts on schools’ budget proposals for FY25 on a statewide basis. He reviewed changes in this proposed budget, the budget summary sheet, and how the “Education Spending” amount is determined.

Fluctuations in the CLA (Common Level Appraisal), used by the VT Tax department to account for variations in actual real estate values vs town-assessed property values, has created volatility in the property taxe rates. Our real estate values have increased precipitously and that is impacting the tax rate even though our spending and student needs are remaining consistent. The governor and legislature will need to work to address this problem. Mr. Rucker recommended separating the volatile second home market from the homestead grand list. He also noted that there is an income-sensitivity provision that limits the tax rate for households making less than $140,000. About 70% of Vermonters are eligible for some kind of income-sensitive tax reduction.

SM MOTION THAT THE WSESD APPROVE THE FY25 BUDGET IN THE AMOUNT OF $65,846,891.

Discussion ensued giving further information regarding the implications of the school budget and the tax rates.

MOTION TO APPROVE THE BUDGET PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Capital Plan FY25 Review

Mr. Rucker provided an overview of the Capital Plan. Guiding principles of this plan include the state’s climate mitigation goals and the WSESD school board policy. A detailed review of the types of improvements by building component, age of installation, useful life of the asset and projected year of replacement was covered. Due to the maturing of the 2003 BUHS bond and the related useful life of many of the assets constructed over 20 years ago, a higher level of capital spending is warranted in FY25.

He reported that the major investments in FY25 would be the $2.5m project to replace the 1920’s-era oil- fired heating system at Oak Grove with highly efficient heat pump technology and new HVAC controls. He noted that with the completion of this project, there will no longer be any WSESD schools relying on fossil fuel as a primary heat source.

He introduced the opportunity to partner with Beacon Mobility to be involved in the EPA-sponsored grant process for electric buses, which would further reduce our carbon footprint.

SM MADE A MOTION THAT THE WSESD APPROVE THE CAPITAL PLAN AS OUTLINED IN THE AMOUNT OF
$6,239,340.

A brief discussion ensued.

THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FY25 CAPITAL PLAN PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

KY called for a break at 8:09 pm.

The meeting resumed at 8:20 pm.

Clean School Bus Rebate program

Mr. Rucker outlined the process for the electric bus grant opportunity. Green Mountain Power is assessing whether there is capacity to charge a fleet of electric buses. WSESU is applying for a federal EPA grant to purchase electric buses for use in the supervisory union. Beacon Mobility would own the buses and we would work through a contract/bid process that would determine how we would engage them to provide transportation for our students using electric buses.

KY indicated that the action required for a vote regarding the Beacon Mobility application will be added to the agenda for the 1/30/24 meeting.

Consent Agenda

Approve Minutes of 1/9/24

SM MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE 1/9/24 MEETING. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

SM noted that these were the last minutes supported by the work of Wendy M. Levy as the Board Recorder, and expressed appreciation for her work.

Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items

KY read the statement regarding public comment.

Jody Normandeau of Dummerston inquired about the board and administrative retreats. She expressed concern about funds being channeled away from the students. She asked that those planning these events keep local options in mind. SM shared that the total for the retreats this year is just shy of $26,000. Mr. Speno commented on the value of the professional development provided via retreats.

New Business

Policy & Amendment presents the following for 1 st Reading

G8 – Continuous Improvement Plan

DS stated that the Policy and Amendment Committee presents for a 10 day reading period G8 – Continuous Improvement Plan. There are many edits that can be viewed on the document online.

Unfinished Business

Sexual Abuse Investigation Statement

KY read a statement:

“This Board engaged Aimee Goddard, Esq. to conduct a privileged and confidential investigation. Attorney Goddard analyzed allegations of sexual assault, sexual abuse, sexual harassment, and retaliation. Attorney Goddard has made confidential factual findings. The Board has relied on Attorney Goddard’s findings and other information to improve District policies and practices, and to take other action necessary to protect students, employees, and other members of the educational community. While we anticipate that this statement may be a disappointment to some, we do not expect to make any further comment on the investigation. Thank you to those of you who participated in the investigation.”

Mr. Speno recognized the board’s steadfastness and commitment to this issue. He expressed appreciation for the board’s guidance, which has led to an increased focus on student safety and communication around reporting abuse. He reviewed some of the improvements undertaken by the district and emphasized that this is an ongoing commitment to continue professional development and improvement in this area.

Martha Carol of Justice Law Collaborative said that it is an injustice to survivors to not release more information. She said that the community needs accountability to heal. She said that this is a disappointing outcome that allows secrecy and injustice to continue.

Mindy Haskins Rogers of Northampton said that it was deceptive to invite survivors to report to an “independent” investigator, repeatedly promise transparency, and then keep the results of the investigation as privileged information. She noted that the board has not met the demands in the letter that 188 community members signed in December 2022, nor have they lived up to the commitments in the board’s own statement made that same month. She noted that there is no evidence that the board has worked with law enforcement to address allegations disclosed in the investigation, as was promised. unless that has happened outside public meetings. She expressed concern that there are people who have been reported by a number of former students to have engaged in abuse still engaging with children in this community due to the board’s refusal to disclose this information.

KY encouraged anyone who has information on anyone currently employed by the school system to reach out to the superintendent, and encouraged people who have concerns about other community members to reach out to law enforcement.

Ms. Haskins Rogers noted that Justice Law Collaborative is representing people who have reported harm by these schools and that is an option for anyone who does not feel served by this process.

Sherri Keefe of Brattleboro expressed dismay that the board has not addressed the harm experienced by survivors by refusing to release information.

KY invited the community to review Mr. Speno’s comments of all the things that have been done in order to improve student safety in our schools. Mr. Speno added that there have been several presentations on this over the past couple of years and they are posted on the website. [Act I Training Presentation] [Leadership and Board Abuse Prevention Efforts 2022-2023]

Ms. Keefe said that these improvements do not provide consolation to those who have already been harmed, reminding the board and administration of the district’s responsibility to all present and past students.

Continuation of Food Accessibility at District Schools [10 Minutes]

Mr. Rucker indicated that monitoring of the food service program is currently underway at each of the school sites and the renewal process of the FY25 contract will begin in the spring. This evaluation process will be shared with the Boards.

TM noted that during the last board meeting he had asked Susan Grabowski to report to the board at the end of February. RMC reminded the board that they had directed Programmatic and Performance Equity Committee to focus on this issue.

Mr. Rucker reminded the board that when communicating with employees, their code of conduct requires communicating through the board chair to the superintendent, who can then direct the employee.

Policy & Amendment presents the following for Re-Adoption:

D7 Volunteers and Work Study Students

DS MADE A MOTION THAT THE WSESD READOPT POLICY D7, VOLUNTEERS AND WORK STUDY
STUDENTS. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

F36 Student Freedom of Expression – School Media

DS MADE A MOTION THAT THE WSESD READOPT POLICY F36, STUDENT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IN
SCHOOL SPONSORED MEDIA. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Board Matters/Training

Leadership Council Updates

Mr. Speno stated that a survey developed by the Communications Council has been sent to the Leadership Council chairs to disseminate. Once the results are collected, they will be shared with the board.

Board Sub-Committees
Social Justice Committee

The Social Justice Committee met on January 4 and talked about how to support teachers in discussing the situation in Gaza and Israel in the classroom. As was shared at the last board meeting, committee members wanted to create a collaborative statement together with the administration. Some of the committee members met with Mr. Speno and Human Resources Director Mike Kelliher to discuss a draft statement. Mr. Speno brought the statement for administrators to review and also shared it with the teachers’ association. The language that has been agreed on by all parties was read by TM:

“The events that have unfolded in Israel and Gaza since October 7, 2023, have been heartbreaking to witness. We are acutely mindful of the horrors described by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterrez as “appalling human suffering, physical destruction and collective trauma across Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory” (UN News, Dec. 22, 2023). This is just one of many violent conflicts going on around the world.

As our young people view these images and stories on television or the internet, they need the support of caregivers and teachers to make sense of these events and process their emotions. This can be especially difficult for children who have lived through war and conflict or who have connections to the region. The recent increase in Islamophobic and anti-semitic hate crimes in this country adds even more urgency to the need for education around these issues.

Across the nation, teachers and administrators struggle with how to tackle this sensitive, hot button matter with their students. Many may fear backlash or reprisals for even raising the topic or for presenting basic information about the horrific tragedy that continues to unfold.

Our school district is committed to creating intentional learning spaces that allow our students to grow into critical thinkers. The Board and Administration of the Windham Southeast School District offer our support to those administrators and teaching staff who choose to discuss Palestine and Israel or any other conflicts with students in age-appropriate ways, explore the historical contexts that have led to this crisis and imbue our students with a sense of shared humanity with people across the globe.

The Office of Diversity, Equity and Social Justice is well-prepared to provide educators with resources to help learn about and facilitate these conversations and support the collaboration of our teaching staff who would like to work together to develop appropriate resources and materials.”

KY indicated that the action required to vote to proceed with the Gaza/Israel statement will be added to the agenda for the 1/30/24 meeting.

AL shared that there is not a lot of conversation going on around this topic in her classes. She agreed that students need support to process and understand traumatic events.

TM shared that bullying and racial slurs will be the next topic addressed on the Social Justice Committee.

He encouraged anyone who is interested to join this discussion at the next meeting on 2/1/24 at 10 am.

KY asked if other committees wanted to share.

SM expressed appreciation to Mr. Rucker and the Finance Committee for their work on the FY25 budget and capital plans. Mr. Rucker acknowledged the team effort from the dedicated and capable Central Office staff as well as leadership in this work by district principals.

DS announced that the Policy Committee has shifted their meeting time to the 2nd and 4 th Wednesday of each month from 2pm – 4 pm.

Executive Session

KY read a statement regarding the call for the Executive Session with under 1 VSA §313 (a)(4) a disciplinary or dismissal action against a public officer or employee.

DS MOVED TO FIND THAT PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE WILL CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC
BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED AT A SUBSTANTIAL DISADVANTAGE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT THERE
WILL BE A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 VSA §313 (a)(4) A DISCIPLINARY OR
DISMISSAL ACTION AGAINST A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

KP MOVED TO ENTER EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 VSA §313 (a)(4) A DISCIPLINARY OR DISMISSAL
ACTION AGAINST A PUBLIC OFFICER OR EMPLOYEE INVITING IN MARK SPENO AND MIKE KELLIHER.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

KY stated the expectation that action will be taken following the executive session.

The board entered executive session at 9:21pm

The board rose from executive session at 9:41 pm.

SM MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF MARK SPENO. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
AB MOTION THAT AS THERE BE NO FURTHER BUSINESS BEFORE THIS BOARD THE MEETING BE
ADJOURNED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:42 pm.

These minutes submitted by Robin Morgan, Board Clerk, from notes taken by Tracey Drotts, Administrative Assistant to the Office of Curriculum and Assessment.

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