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 SEPTEMBER 24, 2024
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6 PM
PUTNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL – 182 WESTMINSTER ROAD, PUTNEY, VERMONT
DRAFT MINUTES
Summary
● Policy Review and Accountability: The Board discussed the requests for self-reflection and accountability regarding response to comments from the Dummerston Leadership Council, but an amended motion to direct the Policy and Amendment Committee for review did not pass. Original motion tabled.
● Leadership Council Updates: Leadership Councils provided updates on community engagement efforts and the importance of tools and support for effective communication and collaboration, including recording meetings for accuracy.
● Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP): The Board adopted the district’s proposed CIP goals.
● Panorama Survey Process: The Panorama Task Force outlined a new approach to administering climate surveys in both Fall and Spring, emphasizing student input to enhance school safety and support.
● Budget Considerations: The board reviewed budget reduction strategies presented at the Annual Meeting and their implications for student support services
Present: Shaun Murphy (SM), Anne Beekman (AB), Deborah Stanford (DS), Matt Schibley (MS), Kim
Price (KP), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Tim Maciel (TM), Brian Remer (BR), Eva Nolan (EN), Thea Wepaloki
(TW)
Absent: Colleen Savage (CS)
WSESD staff and administration present: Mark Speno, Frank Rucker, Jon Sessions, Keith Lyman,
Julianne Eagan, Mikaela Simms, Whitney Lynde, Nancy Wiese, Hannah Parker, Brin Tucker, Brady
Levesque, Kate Margaitis, Kelly Dias, Kerri Beebe, Kevin Drury, Tate Ericson, Chris Nesbitt, Olivia
Others present in person or virtually: Kerry Amidon, Laura Chapman, Jody Normandeau, Mary Ganon,
Spoon Agave, Thomas Erinburg, Martha Noyes, Michael Szostak, Cheryl Sprugg, Lynn Barnes, Liz
Adams, Carolyn, Lana Dever, Chris Mays, David S, Frank, Jodi, Katie Keir, Kelly O’Ryan, Lana Denver,
Lynn Barnes, Megan Altshuler, Martha Noyse, Michelle Green, Robin Morgan, Stacey Sawyer, Walter,
Lindsey Glabach Royce, Crista Yagjian, Thomas N, Virgina Ray, Jaime Contois, Janet Slesinski (others
may have been present in person, but we were unable to capture all names)
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
DS called the Board Meeting to order at 6:01 pm.
DS read a statement regarding hosting a remote meeting.
– If appropriate, agenda items are subject to Potential Action.
– If any Board Member feels an item on the Consent Agenda warrants discussion, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be set aside for discussion. In this way the Consent Agenda will be approved in one motion. That request should be made now – or before the vote on the Consent Agenda.
– Amendments to the Agenda:
An Executive Session will be added to the end of the meeting with potential action, inviting Mark Speno and Hannah Parker related to 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7) reviewing the academic records or suspension or discipline of students.
Under Board Matters, DS moved F & G to the meeting on October 8, 2024 so there is ample time. No objection was presented.
DS provided clarification on “Section V. Board Matters, subpoint A”. The intention is to review the proposed reduction of individual school budgets by 2% should this action be necessary.
DS will discuss a conflict that has arisen for the 10/8/24 WSESD Board Meeting during “Section
VII. New Business,”
II. Student Matters
Thea Wepaloki, Putney resident and student representative, shared that the school year has gotten off to a great start and that she appreciates the administration.
No other matters were brought before the board.
III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
This is a time for the Board to listen and to take notes. It is not a time for the Board to respond to comments or to engage in dialogue with the public. If appropriate – the Board and Administration will work on next steps.
*** NOTE FROM CLERK REGARDING SECTIONS “III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items” and “IV Board Matters” OF THE MINUTES ***
The following is not intended to be a full accounting of statements made as there was robust conversation. Minutes will reflect the speakers who made comments or read statements. To observe the discussion in its entirety please view the BCTV recording of this meeting. Any questions or concerns regarding the minutes please reach out directly to the Board Clerk at mschibley@wsesdvt.org.
The following people spoke:
Thomas Erinburg – Putney resident
Michael Szostak – Guilford resident Click here for statement
Jody Normandeau – Dummerston resident
Martha Noyes – Brattleboro resident
Spoon Agave – Brattleboro resident
Laura Chapman – Putney resident, read a statement from Wichie Artu, NAACP click here
Mary Gannon, Winchester, NH resident and former educator in the district
Cheryl Sprugg – Putney resident
Lynn Barnes – Waitsfield resident
Liz Adams – Putney resident
IV. Board Matters
A. Dummerston LC requires evaluation of protocols and procedures as they relate to
– Communications between Board Chair and Superintendent 9/5, 9/6
– Public Comment on Non-Agenda items at 9/10/24 Board Meeting.
– Potential violations of Open Meeting Law (OML) and Code of Ethics/Conduct The following links refer to policies that may apply or may be tangential
• B3 Board Member Conflict of Interest
• C3 Public Participation at Board Meetings
• C7 Board Relations with the Administrators
• C8 Board Relations with School Personnel
• D11 Public Complaints About Personnel
• G6 Complaints about Instructional Materials
• H4 Distribution of Non-School Sponsored Literature in the Schools
DS opened with a statement expressing that her comments on the issue in Dummerston have been about the safety of students and staff.
DS recited the following letter from the Dummerston Leadership Council
The Dummerston Leadership Council cover email:
From: Michelle Green <mluetjengreen@gmail.com>
Hello Deborah,
Thank you for this information and your ongoing commitment to policy and procedure. Attached you will find a letter representing a consensus of the Dummerston Leadership Council for the Board’s consideration. The DLC will not represent the letter at the WSESD Board meeting and understands it will be public when the Board so chooses to take it up for discussion.
With appreciation,
Michelle
Attached letter to the email reads as follows:
Dummerston School Leadership Council
52 Schoolhouse Road
Dummerston, Vermont
The Dummerston Leadership Council believes that all parties involved regarding the topic of the political flags hung in the windows of Dummerston School had good intentions and were acting based on what they thought was best for the students in our school. However, we feel that policy and procedure are important in ensuring equity and democratic process. As such, we met to examine WSESD School Board policies, code of ethics, school district policies, and open meeting law as they pertain to the actions of the WSESD school board and the discussion held under the topic of “public comment” at the September 10th WSESD Board meeting, regarding a political flag display at Dummerston school. We determined that there is evidence of policy and procedure violations and that the violations caused harm to the Dummerston School community – students, families, and staff. We would like the board to complete a similar examination internally and create a plan of accountability and to restore trust. This will allow us to move forward together to continue the important work on behalf of our students and our school.
At the conclusion of the letter, DS made a few comments and then requested that any motion be held until after the discussion at which time she will put forth a motion.
Lana Dever – Brattleboro resident commented on the intersectional impact of this situation on many marginalized members of this community and expressed ongoing concerns in regards to racially motivated comments regarding open meeting law.
Mark Speno expressed appreciation for the conversation. Mr. Speno noted that children are exposed to current events, social media, and discussions with peers. It is our role to help children become critical thinkers, and for our educators to have the ability to teach. Teachers and students need to feel safe in order to have these conversations and ask questions to help navigate this complex world.
Mikaela Simms – DEISJ coordinator for WSESU remarked that we have very few opportunities to model disagreement and how to do it respectfully. How we conduct ourselves really matters. Providing tools for how to analyze and discuss issues that are difficult and challenging is our job. She also cautioned that issues like this have drawn National attention in the past, which can draw negative and dangerous situations to our little corner of the world.
Nancy Wiese – Director of the Windham Regional Career Center (WRCC) Stated support for Mikaela’s statement and expressed support for teaching skills to engage in civil discourse. She encouraged the board to follow the advice from Dummerston Leadership council as well as encouraging us to be role models for the children.
Kristina Naylor – Dummerston Resident shared how political signage has caused concerning actions in their community in past years. She noted that the discussion that has ensued has wandered off from the issue as it was presented. Ms. Naylor also expressed concern about Leadership Councils following Open Meeting Law and all of the requirements.
RM – requested that the Board center on how to offer opportunities for community members to express concerns, hold space and engage the community in discussions. Acknowledging the harm experienced is found in many different ways. The work that would be fruitful now is moving this issue to the Policy and Amendment committee.
Jody Normandeau Dummerston Resident – asked that there be a review of procedures that have been brought to light through this conversation.
DS commented on consultation with Attorney Peitro Lynn and remarked that there were no violations of OML or ethical guidelines.
DS ASKED IF THERE IS A MOTION TO ASK THE SUPERINTENDENT SPENO TO ADDRESS THE
ISSUES RAISED BY THE DUMMERSTON LEADERSHIP COUNCIL AS WELL AS TAKE ANY
NECESSARY ACTIONS THAT MAY BE NEEDED
SM asked for clarification on “the issue” from the motion so it is not so nebulous for the Superintendent.
A discussion followed considering ideas of the work to be undertaken as related to the comments, suggestions and considerations brought forth by the Public, Board Members, Staff Members and the Superintendent. Specifically, it was suggested by RM that the work at this point may best fall under the Policy and Amendment Committee. To that end, a friendly amendment to the motion was suggested.
Amended Motion:
DS ASKED IF THERE IS A MOTION TO ASK THE POLICY AND AMENDMENT COMMITTEE TO
ADDRESS THE ISSUES RAISED BY THE DUMMERSTON LEADERSHIP COUNCIL AS WELL AS MAKE
RECOMMENDATIONS TO THE BOARD AS NEEDED.
TM expressed concern that this amended motion puts the purview on the Policy and Amendment Committee, where it does not belong. SM suggests that this motion be tabled for the moment.
DS asked for clarification and MS called a point of order on the correct next steps on the motion and subsequent friendly motion.
DS QUERIED BOARD MEMBERS FOR A SECOND TO THE AMENDED MOTION, NO SECOND WAS
FORTHCOMING. MOTION FAILED.
AB noted that it is possible to table a motion, keeping the motion available, but does not require a vote at this time.
AB MOTIONED TO TABLE THE INITIAL MOTION. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. DID NOT PASS UNANIMOUSLY.
ROLL CALL VOTE WAS CALLED.
AYE NAY ABST
AB X
TM X
RM X
SM X
EN X
KP X
BR X
MS X
DS x
Total 6 1 2
MOTION TO TABLE DISCUSSION PASSED 6-1-2
Thomas Erinburg – Putney Resident queried the Board as to if there is a mechanism for self reflection, and acknowledged the difficulty of these sorts of issues. DS noted that the mechanism in place is policy B2.
Break started at 7:38
Rose from break at 7:48
B. Leadership Council Updates
DS shared that our district is the only one in the State of Vermont that has Leadership Councils. Several people from the public shared concerns about following Open Meeting Law requirements related to Leadership Councils. In order to accurately share the work of the Leadership Councils, it was requested that consideration be given to recording meetings utilizing Zoom. District support would need to be considered to make Zoom available to all Leadership Councils.
TM spoke about the positive start to the BAMS LC. The results of the family Panorama survey were dissected and discussed, which was very informative.
EN gave an update about the EES LC. She shared that the LC is doing a lot of work with the BIPOC community. EN spoke about the inspiring way EES approaches their work with creativity.
She highlighted issues related to staff compensation and staff schedules (they do not have the summers off), and that both are not commensurate with other district employees’ compensation or schedules.
RM highlighted the Putney LC community engagement event. Jon Sessions spoke to the community at large about the work of the school and how it interfaces with the community.
With the budget development season on the horizon, this event was timely in engaging the community in the work the school is involved in.
C. Board Sub-Committees
DS stated that if you are volunteering or driving students, fingerprinting is required. Those in need of fingerprinting need to reach out to the Central Office.
RM Noted potential need for rescreening of background checks.
Mark Speno indicated that only background checks need to be done annually, not fingerprinting.
Hannah Parker suggested that information about volunteers and the requirements related to fingerprinting and background checks be provided to all Leadership Councils.
D. Review of Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) as presented at 9/10/24 Summit
● The discussion covered several key topics, including the Board’s role in developing and reviewing CIP goals, the balance between overarching Board- approved goals and school-specific goals, and the importance of focusing on priorities. Effective data collection towards these goals was emphasized, especially in relation to special education and graduation rates, as referenced by Whitney Lynde. The February Summit will focus on data review and progress towards CIP goals.
Additionally, BUHS is working on both school-set and strategic goals through the NEASC Self-Study. The DEI committee aims to share its work, addressing challenges in measuring outcomes related to bullying and anti-racism, with a review of the 2020 DEI goals.
MS MOVED THAT WE ADOPT THE CIP GOALS AS PUT FORTH BY THE SUPERINTENDENT.
MOTION WAS SECONDED.
DS asked that the discussion held this evening be kept in the forefront of the goals for this year.
TM expressed that he does not feel we are ready for adopting the CIP goals as they currently stand. RM stated her understanding that this is a living document, not a static document. SM acknowledged the work that was put into these goals by the Administration. AB asked if there is a deadline for the CIP goals to be submitted.
Brin Tucker shared that the goals that were presented were submitted to the State of VT in June. The CIP goals were accepted by the State.
DS called for a Roll Call vote:
AYE NAY ABST
AB X
TM X
RM X
SM X
EN X
KP X
BR X
MS X
DS X
Total 8 1 0
MOTION PASSED 8-1
E. Update from the Panorama Task Force
Brin Tucker shared about the process undertaken to review the Panorama Survey, both the questions and the results. The committee decided that the survey will be administered both in the Fall and in the Spring as well as open-ended questions to ask students for their input on what the school can be offering to make the school a safe place for them.
Additionally, a survey will be given Teacher Perception of Student Survey in the Fall.
Other surveys that the committee discussed Family Survey in Winter/Spring and Teacher Retention survey.
RM shared her appreciation for the work this Board has taken to move from administering the climate survey from once a year to twice a year. It is a meaningful shift.
RM MOVED THAT THE WSESD BOARD ACKNOWLEDGE THE ADJUSTMENTS TO THE LOCAL
ASSESSMENT PLAN AS OUTLINED BY BRIN TUCKER INCLUDING THE DECISION TO ADMINISTER
THE STUDENT CLIMATE SURVEY IN THE FALL AND SPRING. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
SM asked for clarification about the climate survey and the Panorama Survey.
Ms. Tucker shared they are the same survey. Her understanding from the committee was that there is a commitment to try offering the survey twice this year. She cautioned that the data the Panorama Survey uses to norm their results will be the same from the beginning of the year to later in the year so the results will not show growth in the way we are used to receiving it with other data gathering tools..
VOTE WAS CALLED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
F .Impact of Cell phones at BUHS and other school sites moved to October 8th meeting
G. Student Advisory Committee in relation to other student groups at BUHS moved to October 8th meeting
H. Other Business
Nothing was brought before the Board.
Administrative Report
A. Principal Reports regarding proposals to reduce budget by 2% by school site Frank Rucker presented the Spending Freeze Assumptions FY25. This document outlines the proposed 2% reductions in budgets by school related to the implications of the assumptions around Act 127 removing the tax ceiling two weeks prior to the budget presentation to the electorate back in March at the Annual Meeting.
MS asked for information related to building the budget for FY26 and the outcome it would have on the tax rates. Mr. Rucker indicated that there is a direct correlation between the spending proposal and the tax rates. The State’s indices have been volatile, resulting in uncertainty in the impact of the budget and the implication on taxes to the community.
SM noted that in the Annual report, the tax rate was noted to be 1.594%. After the work that was done to reduce the budget, the tax rate reduced to 1.502%. The implication of this reduction would be, for example for a $100,000 home, the taxes paid would be $1,594 to $1,052. The School Board does not have the ability to control the tax rate, but they do have a responsibility to be fiscally responsible.
A discussion was held related to the reductions that were made this year, and what impact or areas that could be considered to reduce the budget in the coming year. The cost-per-student spending formula is important to monitor and use when developing the budget.
RS noted concern that cuts seem to impact SEL and mental health supports that may still be needed. MS encouraged administrators to consider utilizing the Success Beyond Six funding mechanism with community mental health providers.
B. Update on safety measures in place at BAMS and BUHS – hallways, locker rooms, and bathrooms.
MS asked to have an update on the safety concerns from previous years. Hannah Parker reported that the number of incidents is low from the start of the school year. Keith Lyman shared that the vaping detection system they use in the bathrooms is effective and manageable because of the policy of one student at a time in the bathroom. Reduction of hallways incidents has been addressed by requiring the teachers to escort the kids to multiple places in the building.
RM asked to hear more about the ways that the school is addressing the concept of kindness.
Mr. Speno talked about the approach of keeping the kids engaged helps them to feel they belong.
V. Fiscal Report
A. Final ESSER Report
FY24 – $2.3 million was disbursed- 40% was capital improvement and 60% was salary and benefits. 25% of the 2.3 million was on direct instruction. 23% were student support services (nursing, additional direct student support), 12% were staff support services.
FY25 – The ESSER deadline is 9/30/24. As of today, the district has disbursed $523,000 this year, which was the total that was allotted to us for this fiscal year. This primarily was put towards the Oak Grove School Heat Pump project.
Overall, WSESU was awarded $9.3 million in total for all WSESU, WSESD and VSD. 100% has been disbursed.
B. Tuition Forecast with Enrollment
It is a bit early to be able to forecast this, but as of right now, we are on track for the anticipated tuition enrolled students. The number of students overall is down about 50 students from last year. Between the work of Paul Smith, Gary Parzych and Bob Wickberg, there is a collective effort to have all students enrolled in Powerschool which assists with correctly reporting our enrollment to the State.
C. Consideration of development of annual budget that reflects multiple scenarios
This agenda item is on the agenda tonight as a placeholder, with a recognition that this falls under the domain of the Finance Committee.
VI. Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes from August 27, 2024, September 10, 2024
MS MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VII. New Business
Any Other Topic for New Business
On 10/8/24, DS and AB, will participate in a meeting with Zoie Saunders, Secretary of the Agency Education for VT to hear her vision and provide feedback. As this occurs on the next scheduled meeting for the WSESD Board, DS queried the Board about holding the WSESD School Board Meeting that evening in their absence. The Board agreed it was important to proceed with their regularly scheduled meeting on 10/8/24 led by Vice Chair, Kim Price.
VIII. Unfinished Business
Policy and Amendment presents the following for a 2nd Reading:
• F1 Student Conduct and Discipline
IX. Executive Session
DS CALLED FOR A MOTION TO FIND THAT THE PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE
WOULD CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED AT A SUBSTANTIAL
DISADVANTAGE WITH THE EXPECTATION THAT A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
UNDER 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7) REVIEWING THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR
DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED AND MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
DS CALLED FOR A MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7)
REVIEWING THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS. MOTION
WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED AND MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Executive session initiated at 9:43
Rose from executive session at 9:58
KP MOVED THE WSESD BOARD ACCEPTS THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE INTERVIEW
COMMITTEE TO NOMINATE ONE ADDITIONAL STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE TO THE SCHOOL
BOARD FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2024-25 SECONDED
VOTE WAS CALLED AND MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
AB MOVED TO ADJOURN THE WSESD BOARD MEETING. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED AND MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Board adjourned at 9:59 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey Drotts Board
Recorder on 09/29/2024.
A recording of this meeting is available on the WSESU website.
