Windham Southeast Supervisory School Board
Minutes of Reorganization Meeting—March 29, 2023
Directors present: Kerry Amidon, Anne Beekman, Deborah Stanford
Via zoom: Tim Maciel, Kelly Young
Also present: Mark Speno, Frank Rucker, Susan Grabowski
List of Zoom Attendees as of 6:15 pm follows at the end of these minutes
CALL TO ORDER—6:02 p.m. – Meeting called to order by Superintendent Speno.
A. Nominations/Election of Board Chair Anne Beekman
The Chair continued the meeting from this point.
B. Nominations/Election of Board Vice–Chair Kerry Amidon
C. Nominations/Election of Board Clerk Kerry Amidon
D. Establish Meeting Days/Time 2nd Wednesday of month, 6:00 p.m.
E. Board Committees N/A
On a motion by Deborah Stanford, the board voted to adopt Robert’s Rules for Small boards.
On a motion by Kelly Young, the board voted to accept the Consent Agenda as presented.
On a motion by Tim Maciel, the board voted to accept the minutes of February 8, 2023.
On a motion by Anne Beekman, the board voted to approve the Warrants and Payroll as presented,
including:
Warrants of February 1, 2023
Payroll of January 27, 2023
Warrants of February 15, 2023
Payroll of February 10, 2023
Warrants of March 1, 2023
Payroll of February 24, 2023
Warrants of March 15, 2023
Payroll of March 10, 2023
There were no comments from the public.
NEW BUSINESS
Food Service Bid Renewal
Frank gave an overview of the timeline of the decision required – working backwards:
July 1, 2023 – start date of the new contract
May 10, 2023 – 40 days prior to start of contract allows time for supplies and staffing
May 1, 2023 – Bid opening
April 13th – pre–bid conference
The process began last August with discussions with the Vermont Child Nutrition Program in concert
with the USDA. The WSESU also has a Wellness Committee that works with various stakeholders (all
school nurses, principals, Fresh Picks, Food Connects) on our Wellness Policy (currently in draft form).
The RFP (which had been previously circulated to all VES and WSESD board members prior to board
reorganizations) was discussed. Namely, the Minimum Food Specifications which are on page 82 but
the modifications made locally are on pages 82–87, which increase the standards to a higher quality
program.
The financials and revenue sources of the $2.4 million program were detailed and possible changes
for funding at the state level discussed.
On a motion by Deborah Stanford, the RFP as presented was approved.
At the request of a board member, the board took a break at 7:17 pm and was called back to order at
7:23 pm.
Transportation Bid Request
Frank discussed the end of our 5 year bid for transportation services. Frank proposes a 1 year
extension allowed under state law if accepted by the current contractor (F.M. Kusmeskus/Beacon) if
the cost is within the current New England Economic cumulative price increase (currently at 3%).
Frank and Mark are currently working on such an arrangement and will come back to the board with
either acceptance or the need for a new 5 year RFP.
Resignations and New Hires
On a motion by Deborah Stanford, the board accepted the resignations of Tine Biolsi (district math
coach), Carrie Dix (special educator) and Ethan Jackson (special educator).
On a motion by Deborah Stanford, the board accepted the recommendation of administration to
hire Tine Biolsi as a special education teacher at Putney Central School.
On a motion by Kerry Amidon, the board voted to adjourn at 7:41 pm.
Notes respectively submitted by Kerry Amidon, Clerk
