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 in the WRCC Cusick Conference Room at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 and remotely via Zoom.
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Meeting ID: 899 5426 4859
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AGENDA
I. CALL TO ORDER – 6:00 p.m. – David Schoales, Board Chair
II. CONSENT AGENDA
• CLERK’S REPORT – Approval of Minutes – August 24, 2021
• FINANCES – Ratification
Warrants of August 9, 2021
Warrant No, 1046 in the amount of $ 188.82
Warrant No. 1047 in the amount of 29,679.88
Warrant No. 1048 in the amount of 32,455.17
$62,323.87
Warrants of August 16, 2021
Warrant No. 1053 in the amount of $ 77,320.00
Warrant No. 1056 in the amount of 46,625.00
Warrant No. 1057 in the amount of 890.00
Warrant No. 1058 in the amount of 112,608.80
$237,443.80
Warrants of August 23, 2021
Warrant No. 1059 in the amount of $ 31,594.86
Warrant No. 1060 in the amount of 64,776.49
$96,371.35
Warrants of August 30, 2021
Warrant No. 1061 in the amount of $ 1,545.00
Warrant No. 1066 in the amount of 2,280.00
Warrant No. 1068 in the amount of 35,407.11
Warrant No. 1069 in the amount of 76,472.63
$115,704.74
Payrolls
August 13, 2021 $1,196,228.79
August 27, 2021 $1,325,150.86
III. Public Comment on Non-agenda Items (10 minutes)
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
• Overview of District Recovery Plan and update of ongoing development and
changes; plan for reporting progress at upcoming meetings.
V. FISCAL REPORT
VI. COMMITTEE REPORTS
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS, if any
A. Guilford Leadership Council Appointment
B. Streamlining Meetings
• Potential motion to have Leadership Council board members and Committee Chairs submit written reports on the Thursday before the second meeting of each month for distribution with the meeting warning. These reports may be the minutes of recent meetings.
• Members will inform the Board Chair of actions needed or questions they want the full Board to consider
• LC and Committee Minutes will continue to be posted as required by Open Meeting Law
• All documents and materials relating to agenda items, along with recommended language for motions, will be included with the agenda warning on the Thursday before the next meeting.
• These practices will start immediately and be in place for the September 28, 2021 regular meeting.
C. Invitation from Dottie Morris and Mary Gannon for Board Training – Need to Propose dates:
“As we approach the start of a new school year, we will be faced with several challenges and opportunities. In an effort to enhance our efforts to continue to offer quality educational experiences for young people under our charge as school board members, we are planning a professional development opportunity on ____________________. The goal of this professional development opportunity is to address ways we can continue to create, support, and advance our diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. By achieving this goal, we are able to maximize the potential of all young people as they venture into the world, have an impact on their communities, and embrace the responsibilities of the future.”
D. Report on Progress Around Abuse Issues – Actions under consideration:
• Promote a facilitated structure for support and accountability, in collaboration with area agencies;
• Engage our attorneys to initiate an investigation into all aspects of the Hecker case;
• Engage an investigator to audit our recent (current-10 years ago) records of claims/complaints made and the outcomes;
• Engage area agencies in providing workshops and other services to staff, board, students.
VIII. NEW BUSINESS, if any
A. Early Education Services – Non-Federal Share (In Kind) Waiver Request
B. Early Education Services – FY 2020-21 Carry Over Request
C. PreK Partnership Agreements – Action Needed
D. Superintendent Job Posting Draft / Superintendent Search
E. Executive Session – Title 1 § 313(10)
EXECUTIVE SESSION (If Needed)
…
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, AUGUST 24, 2021
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00PM
HYBRID MEETING: WRCC CUSICK CONFERENCE ROOM/REMOTE LOCATION
DRAFT MINUTES
WSESD Board Members Present:
WSESU Administrators Present: Mark Speno (Interim Superintendent); Frank Rucker (Finance Director)
Media Present: BCTV
Others Present: Wendy M. Levy (Board Recorder), Kerry Amidon (WSESU Board Chair), Nancy Wiese (WRCC Director), Deborah Stanford, Jennifer Jacobs, Brandie Starr, Mindy Haskins-Rogers, Robin Morgan, Steve Perrin (BUHS Principal), Keith Lyman (BAMS Principal), Kate Margaitis (District Non-Discrimination Coordinator and Green Street School Interim Principal)
I. CALL TO ORDER: TRAINING
Chair DS called the meeting to order at 6:00pm.
II. HEAD START GOVERNANCE TRAINING WITH BOARD AND EES POLICY COUNCIL
The Board and the EES Policy Council engaged in the Head Start governance training.
I. CALL TO ORDER: BOARD MEETING
Chair DS called the regular Board meeting to order at 7:00pm.
DS explained the structure and conduct of the hybrid meeting.
DS introduced Mark Speno, the new Interim Superintendent.
DS announced changes to the agenda. He noted he is tabling agenda item VIII. Committee Reports (which includes the Leadership Council reports) until the September 14 meeting.
III. COMMUNICATIONS
None.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
– CLERK’S REPORT – Approval of Minutes – August 10, 2021
– FINANCES – Ratification
Warrants of June 1, 2021
Warrant No, 1359 in the amount of $ 2,058.75
Warrant No. 1360 in the amount of 9,655.00
Warrant No. 1361 in the amount of 840.00
Warrant No. 1362 in the amount of 66,596.37
Warrant No. 1363 in the amount of 360.00
Warrant No. 1364 in the amount of 34,438.26
Warrant No. 1365 in the amount of 1,386.64
Warrant No. 1366 in the amount of 65,129.15
$180,464.17
Warrants of June 7, 2021
Warrant No. 1367 in the amount of $ 715.00
Warrant No. 1368 in the amount of 600.00
Warrant No. 1369 in the amount of 102,027.01
Warrant No. 1370 in the amount of 1,000.00
Warrant No. 1374 in the amount of 5,295.00
Warrant No. 1375 in the amount of 4,072.50
Warrant No. 1376 in the amount of 149.00
Warrant No. 1377 in the amount of 3,106.73
Warrant No. 1378 in the amount of 860,720.82
$977,686.06
Warrants of June 14, 2021
Warrant No. 1380 in the amount of $ 5,314.50
Warrant No. 1381 in the amount of 125.00
Warrant No. 1382 in the amount of 9,258.72
Warrant No. 1384 in the amount of 1,797.44
Warrant No. 1385 in the amount of 185,096.60
Warrant No. 1387 in the amount of 31,728.53
Warrant No. 1388 in the amount of 2,358.99
Warrant No. 1389 in the amount of 46,913.23
$282,593.01
Warrants of June 21, 2021
Warrant No. 1391 in the amount of $12,000.00
Warrant No. 1392 in the amount of 387.00
Warrant No. 1393 in the amount of 12,987.24
Warrant No. 1394 in the amount of 1,345.00
Warrant No. 1395 in the amount of 4,739.00
Warrant No. 1399 in the amount of 1,328.96
Warrant No. 1400 in the amount of 108,493.09
$141,280.29
Warrants of June 28, 2021
Warrant No. 1401 in the amount of $ 141.25
Warrant No. 1402 in the amount of 36,891.07
Warrant No. 1403 in the amount of 5,205.00
Warrant No. 1404 in the amount of 98,671.97
$140,909.29
Warrants of July 6, 2021
Warrant No. 1406 in the amount of $ 4,285.05
Warrant No. 1407 in the amount of 45,620.96
Warrant No. 1408 in the amount of 51,696.88
Warrant No. 1409 in the amount of 396.38
Warrant No. 1410 in the amount of 552.75
Warrant No. 1413 in the amount of 7,574.03
Warrant No. 1414 in the amount of 138,404.47
Warrant No. 1415 in the amount of 1,539.70
Warrant No. 1416 in the amount of 35,400.37
Warrant No. 1417 in the amount of 18.50
Warrant No. 1002 in the amount of 822.00
Warrant No. 1003 in the amount of 12,670.00
Warrant No. 1004 in the amount of 10,680.00
Warrant No. 1005 in the amount of 19,615.25
$329,276.34
Warrants of July 12, 2021
Warrant No. 1008 in the amount of $ 4,955.00
Warrant No. 1009 in the amount of 1,723.00
Warrant No. 1010 in the amount of 223.47
Warrant No. 1011 in the amount of 59,983.47
$66,884.94
Warrants of July 26, 2021
Warrant No. 1012 in the amount of $ 1,200.00
Warrant No. 1013 in the amount of 16,000.00
Warrant No. 1014 in the amount of 62.31
Warrant No. 1015 in the amount of 9,468.73
Warrant No. 1016 in the amount of 1,493.85
Warrant No. 1020 in the amount of 134.12
Warrant No. 1021 in the amount of 10,000.00
Warrant No. 1022 in the amount of 3,000.00
Warrant No. 1023 in the amount of 3,552.00
Warrant No. 1025 in the amount of 6,005.00
Warrant No. 1026 in the amount of 20.22
Warrant No. 1027 in the amount of 2,000.00
Warrant No. 1028 in the amount of 777.72
Warrant No. 1029 in the amount of 421.20
Warrant No. 1030 in the amount of 3,081.36
Warrant No. 1031 in the amount of 149.25
Warrant No. 1032 in the amount of 73,220.37
Warrant No. 1034 in the amount of 16,411.68
Warrant No. 1035 in the amount of 258,628.20
$405,626.01
Warrants of August 2, 2021
Warrant No. 1037 in the amount of $ 2,500.00
Warrant No. 1038 in the amount of 745,360.00
Warrant No. 1043 in the amount of 1,096.90
Warrant No. 1044 in the amount of 796,067.09
$1,545,023.99
Payrolls
June 4, 2021 $1,331,846.62
June 18, 2021 $1,790,679.20
July 2, 2021 $1,110,095.17
July 16, 2021 $1,111,159.33
July 30, 2021 $ 977,326.70
MOTION BY TN TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
V. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
None.
VI. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
– Superintendent Update on Return to School
Interim Superintendent Mark Speno gave a report on the return to school. Highlights included:
• The summer plan’s timeline.
• The announcement on August 7 that the school year would begin with all attendees needing to be masked.
• Mark’s letter on August 23 to staff and families about the coming school year: classes will be held in-person, five days per week, everyone will be masked, and there is a mitigation plan.
• Safety planning meetings were held in July and August.
• On August 20, the District’s mitigation plan was shared with the administrative team. They edited the draft, shared it with school nurses, edited it again, and then sent it to families.
• On August 27 there will be an all-District meeting for the staff.
• September 1 is the first day of school for students.
• On August 31, Mikaela Simms is hosting an event at the Town Common from 3-6pm.
Activities include a screening of the film, “Takeover,” a discussion with the film-maker, food, and music. This is an outdoor event, everyone is invited, and masks are encouraged.
• Summer accomplishments included a staff retreat and summer school.
• If the mitigation plan is not already on the website, Barb Nowakowski will soon post it. TM asked Mark if he will provide a report on the percentage of staff who have been vaccinated for COVID, and if the District will require staff to be vaccinated. Mark replied: he is awaiting state guidance on the requirement, and he is unsure if he is allowed to report the percentage of staff who have been vaccinated.
VII. FISCAL REPORT
Finance Director Frank Rucker gave his report. Highlights included:
• A discussion on the summary financial statement for Fiscal Year 2021. Frank noted it is on the website, and that he reviewed it with the Finance Committee at their last meeting.
• Changes to the budget, the year-end result, fund transfers, revenues, the Academy School project, and planning for FY23.
• The audit is on November 25.
• The summary financial statement’s figures are preliminary.
• Frank is awaiting information from the Agency of Education.
• The year-end fiscal condition is favorable.
• The WRCC received just over $18,000 in a Perkins V Grant. There are New Hampshire assurances the Board should review, but these rules are common-sense and not new. Nancy Wiese described her plans for using the funding.
MOTION BY TN TO ACCEPT THE PERKINS V GRANT AND NEW HAMPSHIRE ASSURANCES AS PRESENTED. TM SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Frank announced that on September 14, the bid opening for the Academy School renovation project would begin. The pre-qualification and bid selection committee will review the bids and make their recommendation.
VIII. COMMITTEE REPORTS
Tabled by the Chair.
IX. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
None.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Guilford Leadership Council Appointment
Tabled by the Chair.
B. WRCC FY 22 VACTED Consortium Agreement
MOTION BY JR TO ACCEPT THE FY22 VACTED CONSORTIUM FUND AGREEMENT ALLOWING THE WINDHAM REGIONAL CAREER CENTER TO PARTICIPATE WITH OTHER VERMONT CTE CENTERS IN THE POOLING OF PERKINS GRANT FUNDS FOR STATEWIDE ACTIVITIES THAT ARE MUTUALLY BENEFICIAL TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE CTE CONSORTIUM. TM SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Windham Regional Advisory Board (RAB) Action to Approve WSESD’s Continued Use of Former “Bank” Space
MOTION BY AB TO ACCEPT THE WINDHAM REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD’S ACTION TO APPROVE THE WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT’S CONTINUED USE OF THE “BANK” SPACE TO PROVIDE FOR THE TRANSITIONS PROGRAM FUNCTIONS DURING THE 2021-22 SCHOOL YEAR WITH THE UNDERSTANDING THAT THE BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION WILL RETURN USE OF THE BANK SPACE TO THE WINDHAM REGIONAL CAREER CENTER IN THE FOLLOWING YEAR. JR SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
D. Windham Regional Advisory Board (RAB) Action to Approve – WRCC Whetstone Village Property Disposition
MOTION BY AB TO ACCEPT THE WINDHAM REGIONAL ADVISORY BOARD’S ACTION TO APPROVE THE SALE OF THREE TOWN OF BRATTLEBORO PARCELS (#00315137.160, .180, .190) ORIGINALLY ACQUIRED IN 2000 BY THE WINDHAM REGIONAL CAREER CENTER WHICH ARE LOCATED IN THE WHETSTONE VILLAGE DEVELOPMENT. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Kerry Amidon asked what will happen to the proceeds of the sale. DS replied: it will go to the WRCC.
E. Response to the OpEd in The Commons, Written By Mindy Haskins-Rogers, About Alleged Child Sexual Abuse Committed By a Former School Employee When He Was Employed By the School
DS announced that it is imperative the Board discuss this matter in open session, not in executive session. He said the Board will take public comment for 25 minutes, and then table the item to a future meeting, if necessary, to allow for additional public comment.
A discussion ensued on the policies the school district has in place, including those mandated by Title IX, that address harassment, hazing, and bullying.
DS noted the Board spoke with their attorney, who recommended the Board hire a law firm to investigate the matter.
Kerry Amidon made the following statement: “I am not an attorney, but I think it’s important to remember that as School board members we have a legally mandated responsibility and that is to conduct quasi-judicial proceedings. It’s not the fun part of being on a school board but it is legally mandated in our role. As such we have to maintain impartiality and that is how we will ensure that the process has integrity and credibility.”
JR read a written statement into the record that addressed the allegations, JR’s hopes for moving forward, how the Board will respond to allegations, where legal counsel comes in, and the need for the Board to hold a public meeting — not during an official Board meeting, and not on the school’s campus — to create a safe space for people to speak that is not populated by a majority of school staff and administrators.
LA and TM said they had children in school when the alleged abuses occurred, and they take this seriously. TM noted these allegations are not about hazing, harassment, or bullying; they are about statutory rape.
DS asked the Board for guidance on facilitating the public meeting that JR recommended. JR replied: the Board should seek the guidance of community professionals who facilitate these types of meetings.
MG recommended transparency about the process for the public, and the opportunity for the Board to learn how to go about the process.
DS asked for the Board’s guidance to extend the current meeting beyond the established two-hour limit.
The consensus was to continue the meeting and take public comment.
MOTION BY TN TO EXTEND THE MEETING TO 8:20PM. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Members of the public, including Deborah Stanford, Jennifer Jacobs, Brandie Starr, Mindy Haskins- Rogers, and Robin Morgan, spoke about the issue, as did Nancy Wiese. Highlights included:
• Experiences they have had working in schools where the sexual abuse of children occurred, and the culture that allowed for this abuse.
• The need for more time for public comment.
• What the Board intends to do to investigate the allegations, and the culture that allowed it.
• The need for the Board’s focus to be less on existing policies — which did not prevent the alleged occurrences — and more about centering the survivors and what they have to say.
• Concerns about statements in BUHS Principal Steve Perrin’s letter to the community.
• This is a moment of reckoning, and an opportunity to prevent child abuse in the District’s schools.
Mark Speno asked if the Board will pursue the investigation as recommended by the attorney. DS replied: yes.
SM spoke of the difference between having policies, and actually following them.
DS noted this subject will be on the agenda of the next regular Board meeting.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION BY TN TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS A PERSONNEL ISSUE. JR SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Board invited Mark Speno and the Green Street School principal to join them in Executive Session.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:24pm.
The Board rose from Executive Session at 8:32pm.
MOTION BY MG TO ACCEPT THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT DURING EXECUTIVE SESSION. AB SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION BY AB TO ADJOURN. TN SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:35pm.
Respectfully 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.
