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 APRIL 30, 2024
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6 PM
CUSICK CONFERENCE ROOM, WRCC, BRATTLEBORO
DRAFT MINUTES
Summary
● Board revisited Meeting Norms and Code of Ethics, Code of Ethics signed by all board members.
● To determine what the best way is to express appreciation to the staff, the LC Board liaisons will work with the principals to determine what would be best for their school.
● The Board voted to move the June 11th Board meeting to June 4th due to scheduling conflicts
● The Board voted to incur the cost of Doodle Pro.
● The Board tabled a vote on dependent care stipend to an upcoming meeting TBD
● The Board voted against recommending administration hold all retreats, meetings and other events be held within the local district.
● Admin presented comprehensive physical plan/capital plans
● Numerous policies approved for adoptions
Present
Shaun Murphy (SM), Anne Beekman (AB), Deborah Stanford (DS), Eva Nolan (EN), Matt Schibley (MS), Kim Price (KP), Colleen Savage (CS), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Tim Maciel (TM), Brian Remer (BR)
WSESD staff and administration present Mark Speno, Paul Smith, Frank Rucker, Brin Tucker, Hannah van Loon, Julianne Eagan, Kristina Naylor, Keith Lyman, Nancy Wiess, Mary Kaufmann, Hannah Parker, Jon Sessions Kelly Dias, John Gagnon, Kate Marigaitis, Kerri Beebe
Others present
BCTV
Other Community Members Present Virtually
Flo Levin, Jody Normandeau, Jodi Nutting, Alvin Coppolo, Kebrina Howard, Kerry Amidon, Stacey Sawyer, Liz Adams, Carmen Winchester, Whitney Lynde, Maureen Parzych, Ali Cornellier
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
DS called the meeting to order at 6:02 pm
Statement was read regarding holding a hybrid meeting.
DS asked that the board review the meeting norms as we enter into this space and these meetings.
II. Student Matters
No matters were brought before the board.
– Announcement from Tim re: Graduate
The Truman Scholarship, a $30,000 scholarship is offered each year. Amelia Glickman, former BUHS student, was a finalist out of several hundred applicants. Congratulations to all who were involved in teaching her, and for her success in this endeavor.
III. Board Matters
A. Update on items on hold from 4/9
Discussion of Annual Meeting and IBRC Report
• pgs. 55-60 impact of poverty on academic proficiency scores
• Details regarding potential 2% freeze per school
DS shared that there is a board retreat on Friday, so instead of discussing this now, it will be a discussion after that retreat.
Kristina Naylor asked to speak about instructional coaching as the public expressed interest in knowing the value of this expenditure. Meta analysis shows that instructional coaching is very effective. It is costly, but shows promising results. Long term studies are not currently available as this is a relatively new method being used in schools.
• site Link to 2024 Annual Report and Proposed FY ’25 Budget
B. Code of Ethics – Signatures required
SM asked that there be a focus on recognizing the Code of Ethics outlined on the document highlighting the following:
avoid lengthy monologues/stay on topic
finish the meeting by 9 pm.
RM suggested that annually there is a review of these as well as the norms to ensure they are effective and realistic.
C. Board Sub-Committees
Appointment of Board Member (Potential Action)
EN would like to join the finance committee. DS approved the appointment of EN to the finance committee as it was determined no vote was needed for appointment to the subcommittee, KP noted that WSESU appointments were voted on.
D. Leadership Council Updates
Mark Speno shared that the Central Office hosted an LC orientation on 4/16/24 facilitated by Mo Hart. The general feedback was that coming together for these orientations has been helpful. The hope is to continue this practice next year, expanding the group to include some Administration.
E. End-of-Year Appreciation (Potential Action)
EN, RM and BR have discussed this. A variety of ideas were presented, some being without cost, some with expense. After robust conversation and a decision that recognition of the staff is incredibly powerful and important, the board decided to have the LC Board representative work with the principal of their school to determine what would be best for their community. BR will also draft a letter of appreciation. MS will work with the Central Office and EN will work with EES.
Jody Normandeau, Dummerston resident, asked about incorporating students/the art department. DS suggested that it may be too late this year, but it is a great idea for next year.
F. Student Advisory Committee (SAC) and Student Reps to the Board (Potential Action) Link to Application
DS and TM have been the representatives for the past two years. There are two student representatives. The committee meets twice a month for approximately 2 hours between 5-7pm, food provided. Those interested in pursuing this opportunity should email DS and/or KP.
G. Graduation and Board Meeting conflict on June 11 and BUHS Graduation (Potential Action)
There is a board meeting on June 11th, preventing the Board members from being in attendance. Most elementary schools are during the week of June 11th and BUHS is June 21st. MS suggested moving the meeting to June 4th. RM also suggested moving it to Monday June 10th.
KP MOVED “TO MOVE THE BOARD MEETING FROM JUNE 11TH TO JUNE 4TH.”
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
H. Board Subscription to Doodle (Action Required)
RM MOVED “THAT THE BOARD MOVE FORWARD WITH A SUBSCRIPTION TO
DOODLE PRO WITH THE EXPENSE OF APPROXIMATELY $100 ANNUALLY.”
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
I. Update on “Wednesday Management” Meetings
Participants are: Mark Speno, Elaine Pinckney (Mark’s mentor), Kim Price, Anne Beekman, Deborah Stanford and Kerry Amidon. This group meets every two weeks.
The conversations and planning for future board meetings has been invaluable. AB indicated that this forum has allowed for rich communication between the Superintendent and the Board.
Kristina Naylor noted appreciation for bringing this in front of the Board thereby removing uncertainty of what was happening in those meetings.
J. Summer Schedule for Board Meetings (Potential Action)
Question about meeting in July, or taking it off for the Board. This will be discussed in a future meeting.
K. Childcare Options (Potential Action)
In 2022, there was a non-binding motion from the floor to offer childcare. This has not been put into action. A possibility would be to use a room at the high school and have students from the Early Childhood program at WRCC assist. CS noted that her child would need in-home coverage due to age and bedtime needs.
SM MOVED THAT “THE WSESD BOARD PROVIDE CHILD/ELDER/DEPENDENT
CARE REIMBURSEMENT FOR BOARD MEMBERS WHO NEED IT, DONE AT A
HOME SITE, ARRANGED BY THE BOARD MEMBER. REIMBURSABLE MAXIMUM
OF $15/HOUR.”
TM indicated that this should also be for elder care. Wondered if there should be a cap of $15. After further discussion, it was determined to be more complicated than anticipated. MS and EN recused themselves as they have children. Kerry Amidon offered to find out how the Brattleboro Select Board has dealt with this issue.
DS INDICATED THE BOARD WILL TABLE THIS MOTION UNTIL FURTHER
INFORMATION CAN BE GATHERED.
L. Other Topics for Discussion
None were brought forward.
Break
7:45 pm a break was called
7:56 pm reconvened
IV. Administrative Report
Update
Currently the HR department is actively recruiting and hiring employees for the upcoming
school year. Highlights of things currently occurring in the district:
Learning Walks are occurring at all elementary school settings to see how the
EL program is being implemented
Benchmark testing is underway.
May 3rd is Diversity Day
Saturday May 4th is the Tulip Trot at Green Street School.
The official last day of school for students is June 13, 2024, which is a half day for the students and a full day for the staff.
Substitute educators
The two weeks prior to break, the take rate was an average 81%, lowest was 77% and the highest was 88%. Every summer the school plans a full day PD workshop for all substitute teachers. This year’s topics will be classroom management, planning, special education, and Pre-K.
Onboarding of substitute teachers involves:
● an interview at Central Office
● one-on-one meeting to review the handbook
● direct instruction on how to use the substitute and absences program is done one- on-on to ensure they know how to navigate the system
Safety as the academic year comes to an end
There is an awareness that for some students the end of the school year brings a loss of structure and a secure setting, which can be unsettling. The schools are mindful of this reality.
● Cost of Retreat Venues and Facilitators/Moderators
● Admin/Board Retreat: Date, Location, Agenda
The Governor Hunt House is being presented as a location to hold the Admin/Board retreat. Agenda is still being developed and the facilitator is still being considered.
TM MOVED “WHEREAS THE WSESD STRIVES TO SUPPORT LOCAL INSTITUTES
AND BUSINESS AND INSTITUTIONS AND BUSINESSES, AND WHEREAS THE
WSESD IS RESPONSIBLE FOR FISCAL OVERSIGHT OF ALL EXPENDITURES, THE
BOARD RECOMMENDS ALL RETREATS, MEETINGS AND OTHER EVENTS THAT
ARE BEST CONDUCTED AT VENUES OUTSIDE THE DISTRICTS OWN FACILITIES
WILL HENCEFORTH BE HELD AT VENUES WITHIN OUR OWN LOCAL DISTRICT.
SM would like to suggest that this be a recommendation as opposed to a motion. TM outlined that if there are extenuating circumstances that you would go outside of local venues it can be brought to the board. Mr. Speno encouraged that there be consideration of the value in stepping outside of your local setting to really disengage from home responsibilities while participating in the retreat. The VPA Conference offers an opportunity to network with other educators and districts, and then use the conference rooms available at the conference for meeting with WSESU/WSESD participants. RM expressed uncertainty that this level of directorate in this motion is necessary. Paul Smith encouraged returning to the code of ethics document just signed and considering if it is the responsibility of the board or the responsibility of the Superintendent. Nancy Wiess encouraged the board to remember that the staff are professionals and trust the decisions made by these professionals. The team building coming out of this retreat experience is invaluable stepping into the new school year.
TM spoke about the intention was not to offend but to move the district ahead in the most efficient way. SM highlighted that the work between the Board and the Superintendent are collaborative in their partnership.
Jody Normandeau, Dummerston resident, spoke from a resident point of view and how the expense of a retreat going to a setting that feels as extravagant in the times is difficult.
RM brought forth that honoring the work being done by the Superintendent and Administration is valuable, having full information about the expenses in advance of seeing it for approval would be helpful. Also, put forth a reminder that the work of the Board is to put forth motions, which will either pass or be voted down.
SM MOTIONSED TO CALL THE QUESTION. MOTION SECONDED.
DS CALLED A VOTE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
TM Motion was reread by board clerk for accuracy.
DS CALLED FOR A ROLL CALL VOTE
AYE NAY ABST
AB X
TM X
RM X
SM X
EN X
KP X
BR X
CS X
MS X
DS X
total 4 6 0
MOTION WAS NOT PASSED.
● Monthly Reports – content
Mark Speno indicated that he had no comment on this at this time but will come prepared to the next meeting to address these concerns.
● Hires, Resignations, and Retirements
Michele Nelson – BUHS, Academic Support Teacher
Erica Salamy – Green Street, Social Worker
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Alison Cornellier – Oak Grove School Kindergarten Teacher
Kebrina Howard – Grade 1 Academy
Heather Sperling – Dummerston School Kindergarten Teacher
Luke McCullock – Dummerston School, Long-Term Sub, 4th grade
KP MOVED TO ACCEPT THE HIRES PRESENTED BY MR. SPENO.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Alvin Coppolo – Assistant Principal candidate at BUHS.
TM requested that resumes of candidates be shared out to the board in a timely manner so there is time to review them.
SM MOVED TO HIRE THE CANDIDATE AS THE ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AT BUHS.
MOTION WAS SECONDED.
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
9:04 pm DS called for a break.
9:08 pm reconvened
V. Fiscal Report
– Specific Agenda topic if needed
None presented
– capital plan summer work update
The district is working towards having all facilities being zero carbon footprint buildings.
There are over 100 capital projects that have been completed or are scheduled to happen between FY24 and FY25. In order to secure contractors for projects to occur in the summer, the work begins in January.
Highlights of current projects;
Roofing projects at: BUHS, Putney, and have completed Green St. & Oak Grove
Tenney Field Grandstand Outdoor Learning and the Field Improvement
Oak Grove Heat Pump project – a $2.4 million dollar project
TM spoke about an opportunity presented by Steven Dodson, Brattleboro’s Sustainability Coordinator. He will share the information with Mr. Speno and Mr. Rucker. warrant – discussion
DS has asked that this topic be held until the next Board meeting. Jody Normandeau, Dummerston residents asked to be certain this is on the agenda. Either SM or Mr. Rucker will forward the warrants to her.
VI. Consent Agenda
Minutes from 4/9/24, 4/15/24, 4/16/24
SM MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM 4/9/24. VOTE WAS CALLED.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
SM MOVED TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES FROM 4/15/24 AND 4/16/24. VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
VII. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
DS read a statement regarding the role of the Board in this portion of the meeting. Sherri Keefe, Brattleboro resident. Expressed concern about the issues being address in the sexual abuse investigation. Shared concern about the district keeping staff on who have failed to report. She feels concern about the response or assurance that the district is holding staff accountable to report.
VIII. New Business
A. Policy & Amendment presents the following for 1st Reading:
• F26 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities
The Policy and Amendment committee presents F26, Participation of Home Study
Students in School Programs and Activities for a first reading.
DS noted that the work of the committee on this policy involved reorganizing the text to have
the policy followed by procedure..
Unfinished Business
B. Policy & Amendment presents the following for 2nd Reading
• B1 Board Member Education
• D1 Personnel Recruitment, Selection, Appointment and Background Checks
• D2 Professional Development
The Policy and Amendment Committee presented the policies listed above for a second reading.
C. Policy & Amendment presents the following for Re-Adoption: Action Required
• E6 Emergency Closings
• E7 Safety and Security of School Facilities
• E8 Tobacco/Nicotine Prohibition
• F12 Transportation
• G14 Animal Dissection
• G15 Title 1 Comparability Policy
Policy and Amendment Committee presented the above listed policies for readoption.
AB MOVED FOR READOPTION OF POLICIES: E6 EMERGENCY CLOSINGS, E7
SAFETY AND SECURITY OF SCHOOL FACILITIES, E8 TOBACCO/NICOTINE
PROHIBITION, F12 TRANSPORTATION, G14 ANIMAL DISSECTION, G15 TITLE1
COMPARABILITY POLICY. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Executive Session if needed.
This evening there is no need for an Executive Session.
AB MOTIONED FOR THE ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING.
DS CALLED FOR A VOTE. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY AT 9:34 PM.
These notes were submitted on 05/03/2024 by the Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey Drotts, Board Recorder.
