WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT (WSESD) BOARD
MONDAY, MARCH 20, 2023
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6:00PM
RESCHEDULED FROM 3/14/23 BECAUSE OF STORMS AND POWER OUTAGES
HYBRID MEETING: WRCC CUSICK CONFERENCE ROOM,
BRATTLEBORO, AND REMOTELY VIA ZOOM
WSESD Board Members Present: Chair Kelly Young (KY), Liz Adams (LA), Anne Beekman (AB), Lana Dever (LD), Michelle Green (MG), Tim Maciel (TM), Shaun Murphy (SM), Deborah Stanford (DS). non-voting members: Benjamin Berg (BB)
WSESD Board Members Absent: Emily Murphy Kaur
WSESU/SD Staff and Administrators Present: Mark Speno, Cassie Damkoehler, Paul Smith, Frank Rucker, Julianne Eagan, Keith Lyman, Jon Sessions, Mikaela Simms, Aidy Holding, Carey Fay Horowitz, Anne Koplinka-Loehr
Media Present:
Others Present: Jody Normandeau of Dummerston, Mindy Haskins Rogers of Northampton, Massachusetts, Jaci Reynolds of Brattleboro, Lisa Ford of Guilford, Crista Yagjian of Guilford, Board Member-elect Kimberly Price, Ruby McAdoo
Please note: attendance may be incomplete.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Chair KY called the meeting to order at 6:07pm.
KY read the hybrid meeting statement.
KY changed the agenda to move “IX. Fiscal Report” to right after “IV. Administrative Report.”
MOTION BY DS TO AMEND THE AGENDA. UNDER “UNFINISHED BUSINESS, F35 – SCHOOL ANIMAL POLICY,” [IT] IS LISTED AS A 3RD READING; IT IS ACTUALLY A 4TH READING. TM SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
II. PUBLIC INFORMATION MEETING ON THE PROPOSED FY ’24 BUDGET
SM gave a summary of the budget and what will be presented at the Annual Meeting. He requested comments and critiques be shared after he is finished reading the summary. SM shared and reviewed a document, “WSESD Annual Budget Meeting Overview.” Highlights included:
∙ FY24 is the final ESSER year.
∙ The goals of the projects funded by ESSER, and state and federal guidance and Acts that guided the use of these funds.
∙ Enrollment is stable at approximately 2,400 students.
∙ The projected Education Tax Rate is down by 6.5%, at $1.51.
∙ Because of the real estate market, the CLA rates should vary.
∙ Proposed spending is up 2.7% because of additional student supports, insurance, and special education service costs.
∙ There are 38 projects in the Capital Plan.
∙ Find additional information in the Annual Report, which is on the WSESU website, and in the Independent Budget Review Committee’s (IBRC) report.
∙ SM considers the IBRC’s report to be excellent.
∙ The Board has unanimously indicated they support this plan.
WSESU Business Administrator Frank Rucker noted this summary is consistent with discussions at Finance Committee meetings, and he has nothing to add.
SM said this summary is the result of a collaborative effort at the Finance Committee meetings. Superintendent Mark Speno commended the Finance Committee on this summary.
Jody Normandeau of Dummerston asked two questions, with responses as given: 1. Why is the BAMS athletics budget connected to the BUHS budget, and that is not so for the Middle School athletics budgets for the Dummerston School and Putney Central School? And does this reflect equity in athletics for students in the different schools?
Mr. Rucker responded: the BAMS and BUHS athletic budgets are connected in the budget document because they share a facility, so it is logical to put all items associated with athletics (grounds, coaching, transportation, etc.) at the two schools in the same budget.
BAMS Principal Keith Lyman agreed, and noted it is part of District-wide costs. Mr. Rucker said one can read the budget line items at different schools and compare them to assess equity.
Putney Central School Principal Jon Sessions and Dummerston School Principal Julianne Eagan both said that middle-school students from their schools use athletic resources in other District schools, and other students likewise come to their schools for athletic events and programs.
2. How many of the new hires funded by ESSER will remain in the FY24 budget?
Mr. Rucker responded: In FY23, there were approximately 30 ESSER-funded positions. In FY24, there are approximately 24. Many of these positions were created to address learning loss, engagement, and social-emotional learning, and funding is available this fiscal year. The administration is actively discussing what to do in the FY25 transition, and there are no easy answers.
KY reported on her recent work recruiting members to the new year’s IBRC.
SM noted pages 5 and 6 in the Annual Report include important items such as cost increases and the Homestead Tax Rate information.
Lisa Ford of Guilford reminded the Board that when David Schoales was a Board member, he mentioned the need to increase insurance to protect the District against lawsuits related to the sexual abuse investigation. She asked if this is in the budget.
Mr. Speno responded: There is no way to predict what may come in the future, but the administration is reviewing their insurance policies from years ago and the present, and this work is ongoing.
Mr. Rucker responded: The District has increased its liability insurance, but this does not address past claims. The Board increased their legal line item in the budget.
A discussion ensued on protecting the WSESD against legal costs to avoid bankruptcy or financial disaster. Mr. Speno noted the District is in fiscally-sound condition and there is a financial cushion.
III. STUDENT MATTERS
BB reported on the recent professional development workshop the Student Advisory Committee presented to BUHS staff. He thanked BUHS Interim Principal Cassie Damkoehler, all of the BUHS administration, and the Council’s advisors. The Council is happy with the workshop, and they continue working on matters related to student climate. Ms. Damkoehler noted everyone was impressed by the workshop. TM noted he and DS attended the workshop, and he is thankful for the opportunity.
IV. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT – DIVERSITY & EQUITY PRESENTATION
Mr. Speno thanked the community for its response and assistance in helping schools reopen after the previous week’s major storms, which closed schools for a day, and Guilford Central School for two days.
Mr. Speno gave an update on the search for a BUHS Principal. There is a screening committee, which has 20 members and includes students, staff, Board members, and administrators. Last week they conducted the first round of interviews; additional rounds will occur with focus groups containing more community members. He noted this search is similar to that used to hire the Putney Central School Principal. TM asked how students are selected to participate in this process. Mr. Speno responded: The administration helps connect students to this process.
∙ Diversity & Equity Presentation
WSESU Diversity Coordinator Mikaela Simms presented a slideshow, “WSESU Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice, 14 March 2023.” This was the introduction to the presentation, which included Teacher Leaders from some District schools speaking about the Diversity and Equity work they are doing in their schools. Highlights from Ms. Simms’s introduction included:
∙ The focus of this presentation is on the individual schools.
∙ All schools have Diversity & Equity committees.
∙ Major improvements are indicated, including more participation.
∙ The committees are part of the schools’ culture, and part of staff’s responsibilities; they are not “extra work.”
Teacher-Leaders then gave their presentations as follows:
Putney Central School: Aidy Holding and Carey Fay-Horowitz presented on their school’s “Black Lives Matter at School” week. Highlights included:
∙ Activities, discussions, projects, and community participation for each grade.
∙ What is different in the projects’ focus for younger children from those in higher grades.
∙ The Reformer covered the projects and events.
AB reported she visited the school and saw the projects, and they were beautiful.
BAMS: Anne Koplinka-Loehr presented on her school’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee’s work. Highlights included:
∙ An update on the committee and its projects.
∙ This year, BAMS is focusing its diversity and inclusion work on identity and diversity.
∙ This year’s theme is “Your Story Matters,” and related student projects.
∙ Activities at BAMS for “Black Lives Matter in Schools” week.
∙ Upcoming events.
BUHS: Because the BUHS Teacher-Leader was absent, Ms. Simms shared the BUHS Diversity & Equity Committee’s slideshow. She and Ms. Damkoehler reported on the committee’s projects, events, and activities. Ms. Damkoehler spoke about collecting relevant data and how to go about it now that most families are no longer filling out free-and-reduced meals forms which request demographic data.
An announcement was made that on April 10, there is a Trans Visibility event with a presentation at the BAMS/BUHS basketball game, and all team members who want to will participate.
Ms. Simms spoke about challenges and complications with diversity and equity work in the District’s schools. A goal is to make diversity and equity part of the school culture.
DS asked if future presentations can be distributed to Board members before the meeting, and she requested Ms. Simms send the slideshow to Board members.
DS asked about the status of restorative justice practices at the schools. Ms. Damkoehler, Mr. Sessions, Ms. Eagan, Ms. Simms, and Mr. Speno all spoke about restorative practices, and trauma- informed practices, in their schools, and with community members. Mr. Speno noted a new staff- person to lead restorative practices will soon begin working for the District.
MG, RM, and KY thanked all participants for their work.
The presentation ended.
BUHS student Django Grace had two budget-related questions for the Board. They, and the responses, are as follows:
1. What is the status of Natowich Field? Mr. Grace advocated for using natural turf.
SM and Mr. Rucker responded: There is money in the Capital Plan budget for this project. They also gave a brief summary of the project’s history, the repair needs, the process for repairing it, information on the grandstand and Tenney Field, and how gender equity informs this project.
Mr. Rucker noted the Board still has to decide what to do with the Gale & Associates report on the field’s repairs. He added the administration is aware of the need to resume this project and they are discussing it.
LA expressed her concerns with the Gale & Associates report.
2. Can BUHS have a community garden? If so, he requested $4,000 be added to the budget to fund it.
KY responded: At the Annual Meeting, voters can make a motion from the floor to add the amount, but it will be non-binding, and the Board will decide what to do with that money if it is approved.
LD and Ms. Damkoehler discussed mitigating factors that present difficulties in siting the garden. Mr. Grace noted that funding helps move a project along, so he reiterated his request.
BB asked who decides what to do with the funding in specific line items once the budget is approved. He is specifically concerned with the funding for Natowich Field.
Mr. Rucker responded: The electorate gives the authorization for expending public funds at the Annual Meeting. This authorizes the School Board to spend the total budget amount. There are many rules and regulations that dictate how that money is spent.
TM noted the Board established a Citizen’s Advisory Group (CAG) for Natowich Field, but the Board never requested them to present their report or recommendations. KY said she can warn this at a future meeting. SM noted it was the District 6 Board that made a decision, but then the merger happened and that board was dissolved.
A discussion ensued on the funding for Natowich Field that is in the budget.
A discussion ensued on allocating funding for the BUHS community garden and how to make motions about it at meetings. KY will put this on a future agenda.
KY called for a break at 7:35pm.
KY ended the break and resumed the meeting at 7:40pm.
IX. FISCAL REPORT
Mr. Rucker reminded the Board he previously sent them information about these items.
B. Oak Grove School Yard / Ramp Improvement Project – Action Needed
Mr. Rucker reported this project’s winning bid is for $92,778 to All-Seasons Construction. It will reorganize the school’s south entrance to install a ramp and improve access to the basketball area.
MOTION BY SM TO APPROVE THIS BID. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Rucker reported DMI is resurfacing the schoolyard; he gave an update on the project.
A. BAMS Locker Room Improvement Project – Action Needed
Mr. Rucker reported this project’s winning bid is for $328,873 to renovate the BAMS locker rooms, which are located on the BUHS campus. Nearly all of this project is ESSER-funded. The project will begin in April.
MOTION BY SM TO ACCEPT THIS BID. DS SECONDED.
A discussion ensued. SM noted the bid documents are extensive. He and Mr. Lyman spoke about the need for this project, that this area has never been renovated, and it will provide privacy for students when changing in and out of athletic apparel. Now, the area offers no privacy for this, and it makes students uncomfortable. MG thanked the Finance Committee for its work, especially on this project.
VOTE ON THE SM MOTION: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Rucker noted the vendors for the following two projects requested an extension, and those bids should be ready for the March 28 Board meeting. These projects, Mr. Rucker added, are very time sensitive, and are likely to be extensively grant-funded.
C. Oak Grove Window Replacement project bid award – Action Needed
Tabled (see above.)
D. Oak Grove PCB Abatement project bid award – Action Needed
Tabled (see above.)
Mr. Rucker asked the Board to hold a meeting to closely review and discuss the Capital Plan.
Mr. Rucker noted the WSESU Board, at their March 29 meeting, has to take important and time sensitive action on two items: bids for food service and transportation. He requested the WSESD Board complete their reorganization at the March 28 meeting so they can appoint SD representatives to the SU Board.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
∙ CLERK’S REPORT – APPROVAL OF MINUTES – FEBRUARY 28
TM announced three amendments to the minutes; one, in two parts, came from Mindy Haskins Rogers, which he supports adding. Two are his requests.
Ms. Haskins Rogers’s requests are as follows:
∙ To add to the Pietro Lynn’s discussion on minutes: “In addition to a question about the amendment of the meeting’s agenda, Ms. Haskins Rogers asked about the amendment of the agenda at the beginning of the meeting on January 30th to add an executive session that was referenced at the end of the minutes from the January 26th executive session/meeting. When KY said she did not know without the minutes in front of her, Ms. Haskins Rogers read this statement from the 1/26 minutes ‘Meeting adjourned at 8:24 pm until next ES on 01.30.23 at 6:00 pm’ and asked why the executive session was not added to the agenda at that time. She asked Pietro Lynn whether that meant the ES was not properly warned.”
∙ To add this comment in its entirety:
“I am very concerned about the ongoing lack of information, even data. I have a brief thing I’d like to read. It just takes a couple of minutes. This is the information that I have, just based on people who have come to me.
Over the year and a half since I published my article, I have heard from more people who were affected by Zeke Hecker’s behavior, but also from people who say that they were subjected to sexual misconduct by seven other educators in the district. For almost all of the educators who have been named to me, more than one person has come forward, and most of them did not know about each other. The accounts span decades.
These accounts are in addition to the high-profile cases of Eric Achenbach, Robert Dykes, and David Runnion, who were all apprehended and charged while teaching at the schools between 2008-2011. The only one of those who was reported by an employee was Dykes. And David Runnion, who was a BUHS student in the late 1970s, lured kids online in 2008 using the handle ‘thepurpleandthewhite.’ During his court case, Zeke and Linda Hecker submitted a character reference on his behalf. This is not ancient history – that’s one thing I’ve heard a lot, of course – and they weren’t just ‘different times.’ In July 1979, the Brattleboro Reformer ran a syndicated article titled, ‘Sexual Abuse of Students by Teachers Outlined,’ which raised alarms about high school girls being harassed and abused by their educators and coaches. And beginning in the early 1980s, Prevent Child Abuse Vermont and the Women’s Crisis Center launched endless educational campaigns about sexual abuse of children and teens in local newspapers and schools. One two-part session in 1983 was attended by more than 100 people, including all the WSESD principals.
So there was awareness of this as a problem and it wasn’t accepted behavior.
When I ask the district for disclosure, I am not asking them to reveal survivors, or to tell abuse stories survivors do not want retold. I am asking them to explain the nature and scope of what has happened in their schools, and to release the names of educators who have been “credibly accused.” This kind of disclosure could help survivors gain context for what was done to them, and may help protect kids now. I have researched and found more than one named perpetrator working in other schools, or with organizations that serve youth even when they have surrendered their licenses. I do believe the district is trying to establish new norms. But relying on the kids to report their own abuse after it has occurred is not enough, and identifying ‘trusted adults’ is a questionable tactic, given that perpetrators are so adept at ingratiating themselves to their victims. For example, I believed Zeke Hecker cared more about me than other teachers did, because of the extra attention he gave to me. So, not a single person came to me with their story and told me they wanted the secrecy to continue. Secrecy protects only the institution and the perpetrators, it doesn’t protect students or survivors. As we approach another election. I hope all stakeholders will join me in calling for real disclosure and accountability, and hopefully this will change this pattern.”
TM’s amendments:
1. On page 7, remove his motion that he withdrew. TM cited Robert’s Rules of Order to support his request.
2. On page 7, correct a typo. It should read: “MG said this is a lot of info and that’s a good thing.”
MOTION BY TM TO AMEND THE FEBRUARY 28 MINUTES IN ACCORDANCE WITH MINDY’S REQUEST, AND THE TWO CORRECTIONS. RM SECONDED.
A discussion ensued. SM said Board Recorder Wendy M. Levy should be included to implement this change because she took a lot of time preparing these minutes. KY and Ms. Haskins Rogers confirmed Ms. Levy has received Ms. Haskins Rogers’s requests.
MG reviewed the process for amending meeting minutes, as per Pietro Lynn’s guidance.
VOTE ON THE TM MOTION: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. ∙
FINANCES
Warrant of February 21, 2023
Warrant No. 1255 in the amount of $21,834.76
Warrant No. 1257 in the amount of 695.00
Warrant No. 1258 in the amount of 278.00
Warrant No. 1259 in the amount of 35,667.00
Warrant No. 1262 in the amount of 4,768.29
Warrant No. 1263 in the amount of 967,171.75
Warrant No. 1264 in the amount of 190.00
$1,030,604.80
Warrant of February 27, 2023
Warrant No. 1267 in the amount of $50.00
Warrant No. 1268 in the amount of 11,918.00
Warrant No. 1270 in the amount of 1,669.79
Warrant No. 1271 in the amount of 25,591.88
Warrant No. 1272 in the amount of 116,964.60
$133,194.27
Warrant of March 6, 2023
Warrant No. 1273 in the amount of $67.50
Warrant No. 1275 in the amount of 138,038.08
Warrant No. 1277 in the amount of 455.00
Warrant No. 1278 in the amount of 22,488.63
Warrant No. 1279 in the amount of 142.02
Warrant No. 1280 in the amount of 126,153.47
$287,344.70
Payrolls
February 24, 2023 $1,545,636.05
MOTION BY AB TO APPROVE THE WARRANTS OF FEBRUARY 21, 2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,030,604.80; OF FEBRUARY 27, 2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $133,194.27; OF MARCH 6, 2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $287,344.70; AND THE PAYROLLS OF FEBRUARY 24, 2023 IN THE AMOUNT OF $1,545,636.05. LA SECONDED.
A discussion ensued. SM encouraged Board members to review the warrants to see where the money is spent in a school district of this size.
VOTE ON THE AB MOTION: MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VI. PUBLIC COMMENT ON NON-AGENDA ITEMS
Ms. Normandeau thanked Mr. Rucker and Chris Sawyer for answering her budget questions.
Ms. Haskins Rogers thanked the Board for including her amendments to the February 28 meeting minutes. She asked if this was the last meeting with the current Board members. KY responded: Yes; except for the Annual Meeting, this is the last regular meeting. Ms. Haskins Rogers thanked MG for her work and her commitment.
Crista Yagjian of Guilford, who has a child in the District’s schools, gave an update on SEPAC, which is the Special Education Parent Advisory Council. She said SEPAC was developed with the SU Board and with Tate Erickson. She reviewed their recent meetings, goals, action-steps, and what the Council is and is not. They are working on an inclusion statement. Ms. Yagjian invited all interested parties to their meetings.
VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
A. Sexual Abuse Investigation Update
KY gave an update. Attorney Goddard is still conducting the investigation, including interviews. This is the first phase, and the next phase is coming soon. KY invited interested parties to contact the Board, or Attorney Goddard, as needed.
Ms. Haskins Rogers expressed concerns with the Board’s choice of Attorney Goddard, a criminal defense lawyer, as the person conducting this investigation.
KY responded to Ms. Haskins Rogers’s questions and concerns. She does not know details on the burden-of-proof; she sent this question, and others Ms. Haskins Rogers posed, to Attorney Goddard and awaits a response. KY said it is not appropriate for the Board to comment on Attorney Goddard’s other clients.
Ms. Haskins Rogers asked a follow-up question: Why did the Board choose a criminal defense attorney for this investigation? KY responded: She has experience with this. TM responded: This was decided in Executive Session and the Board cannot disclose anything.
MG dissented. She said the answer to this question is not covered under Executive Session, and the Board should do a better job understanding what exactly is contained by Executive Session. MG said she does not remember Ms. Haskins Rogers’s question — Why choose a criminal defense attorney? — as being part of the process. MG said she remembers receiving a selection of attorneys with criteria such as being local, female, and affordable, but not with any information on the type of law they practice. MG disputed this as being confidential.
KY responded: The Board looked at the lawyers’ experience and skills, and determined Attorney Goddard could do this job.
Jaci Reynolds of Brattleboro asked if the Board had any meta-data to share about the investigation, as has been requested numerous times. KY responded: No, but the next step is coming soon. The professionals will guide the Board through this process, because Board members are not experts in this.
BB asked a clarifying question: Is it true the Board cannot speak to any findings, an overview of the process, and possible next steps of the investigation? KY confirmed this is so.
BB followed up: Why? For legal reasons?
KY: Yes.
BB: Why? Who does it jeopardize?
KY: The investigation is on-going. The Board is following legal advice about what Board members can and cannot say.
B. Entire WSESD Board to Attend BUHS Graduation
MOTION BY DS THAT THE WSESD SCHOOL BOARD COMMIT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL. AB SECONDED.
A discussion ensued.
SM said it is a commendable idea, but in the past, when the ceremony was indoors, families of graduates were restricted in how many tickets they could have. If 10 Board members attend, that is 10 family members who cannot attend. He recommended amending the motion to include, “if it’s an outdoor graduation.” MG agreed.
Board Member-elect Kimberly Price requested tabling this issue until the next meeting, when newly- elected Board members are part of the Board. She noted Board members usually sit with the administration, so it may not affect how many family members can attend.
DS recommended adding folding chairs for Board members who attend. SM dissented, and noted the Fire Marshal sets the capacity for rooms, and we cannot violate that.
Ms. Damkoehler said the administration experiences a great deal of anxiety up until the morning of graduation about what to do if it rains. She said this is a nice idea, but there are considerations.
DS amended her motion as follows:
MOTION BY DS THAT THE WSESD SCHOOL BOARD COMMIT TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL IF SEATING CAN BE ACCOMMODATED.
A discussion ensued.
SM asked if the intention of this motion is for it to be compulsory. DS responded: No.
DS amended her motion as follows:
MOTION BY DS THAT THE WSESD SCHOOL BOARD COMMIT, IF PERSONALLY POSSIBLE, TO ATTEND THE ANNUAL GRADUATION CEREMONY OF THE BRATTLEBORO UNION HIGH SCHOOL IF SEATING CAN BE ACCOMMODATED. MG SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
C. Policy & Amendment Committee – Policies to be presented to the SD Board
DS thanked everyone who participated, including community members, while the Committee reviewed the policies. She specifically thanked LA for her honest and forthright participation, and welcomed her to continue.
DS announced the next Committee meeting is on April 3, and there is a large backlog. She asked all Board members to decide on which committees they want to join before the March 28 reorganization meeting.
∙ F35 School Animal Policy – 4th Reading
DS read the opening paragraph, which contains an edited sentence. She noted that on the second page, under the heading about non-therapy / non-service animals, this section was recently edited. She read the edited section.
∙ D17 Policy of Nondiscriminatory Mascots and School Branding – 2nd Reading
DS read the first paragraph. She noted this policy is mandatory and is addressed in state statute. This policy is now in its 10-day waiting period, and she invited interested parties to submit comments to the Board or Committee members.
VIII. BOARD MATTERS / TRAINING:
A. Determine Assignments for Presentation of Articles at Annual Meeting
KY read the five articles to be read at the Annual Meeting. Assignments were as follows:
∙
Article I: KY
∙ Article II: The Superintendent reads this one.
∙ Article III: LD
∙ Article IV: SM
∙ Article V: RM
MOTION BY DS TO READ THE ARTICLES AS ASSIGNED. AB SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
X. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval to pay shared contribution toward cost of Candidate Forum – Action Needed
KY noted the cost is $150, and The Commons and The Reformer each paid $50. The Board is legally allowed to pay for this.
MOTION BY LD FOR THE BOARD TO PAY THE SHARED CONTRIBUTION FOR THE COST OF THE CANDIDATE FORUM. LA SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Speno announced two resignations — Carrie Dix, Elementary Special Education instructor and Erin Robinson, BUHS — and one retirement: Michael Hatt of BUHS. All of their employment will end at the end of the school year.
MOTION BY MG TO APPROVE WITH REGRET THE RESIGNATIONS AND RETIRMENT AS PRESENTED. DS SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Speno announced Leadership Councils’ requests to remove and add members as follows: BUHS: Add Stephanie Bonin.
Putney Central School: Add Shannon Cheney and Liz Adams; remove Ruby McAdoo. Green Street School: Remove Mo Hart; add Amanda Frey. Dummerston School: Add Michelle Green.
MOTION BY LD TO ADD AND SUBTRACT LEADERSHIP COUNCIL MEMBERS AS
HAS BEEN INDICATED BY THE SUPERINTENDENT. AB SECONDED. MOTION
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
B. EXECUTIVE SESSION under 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(A) – Contracts.
MG asked if this refers to a contract for an employee. KY responded: Yes.
MOTION BY MG TO FIND THAT PREMATURE GENERAL PUBLIC KNOWLEDGE WOULD CLEARLY PLACE THE PUBLIC BODY OR PERSON INVOLVED IN SUBSTANTIAL DISADVANTAGE, REGARDING CONTRACTS. DS SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
MOTION BY MG FOR THE BOARD TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1 VSA §313(a)(1)(A), REGARDING CONTRACTS, INVITING MARK SPENO . AB SECONDED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
KY noted action is expected.
The Board entered into Executive Session at 8:41pm.
The Board rose form Executive Session at approximately 9:10 pm
MOTION TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Motion to adjourn (unknown). Seconded. The meeting ended at approximately 9:11 pm.
Documents presented:
∙ “WSESD Annual Budget Meeting Overview.”
∙ A slideshow: “WSESU Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice, 14 March 2023.”
∙ BUHS Diversity & Equity Committee slideshow.
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.
