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 MAY 28, 2024
REGULAR BOARD MEETING – 6 PM
PUTNEY CENTRAL SCHOOL, PUTNEY
DRAFT MINUTES
Present
Tim Maciel (TM), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Shaun Murphy (SM), Eva Nolan (EN), Kim Price (KP), Brian Remer (BR), Colleen Savage (CS), Matt Schibley (MS), Deborah Stanford (DS),
WSESD staff and administration present
Mark Speno, Paul Smith, John Sessions, Nancy Wiess, Mikaela Simms, Shannon Kelly
Others present
BCTV Kerry Amidon, Caroline Oliver, Mike Mrowicki
Absences
Anne Beekman (AB)
Summary
● Recognized the Unifed Basketball Team for winning the State Championship
● Discussed the idea of holding special meetings during the hiring season to meet the need of approving hires in a timely manner
● The recipient of the Darrow Scholarship was selected during Executive Session, and approved via vote.
● Three resignations were accepted and four new hires were approved for the 2024-2025 school year.
● The Board approved amendments to the meeting notes from 5/14/24, and approved the consent agenda.
● Five policies were presented for a first reading.
● Policy F26 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities was re-adopted by the board.
AGENDA
I. Call to Order
DS called the meeting to order at 6:00 pm.
The statement regarding the hybrid meeting was read.
DS asked if there are any changes to the agenda.
MS request to remove the minutes from 5-14-24 from the consent agenda.
TM Adding two announcements to board matters
DS is adding an item about developing a hiring committee.
DS shared that after researching identifying items on the agenda as “motion required” is not necessary. If it is on the agenda, it is actionable.
II. Student Matters
No student comment
Mark Speno highlighted the artwork on the halls in the Putney Central School, and the atmosphere in the art room was noted as being quite inviting and exciting.
III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Item
DS read the statement regarding the purpose of this portion of this section of the agenda, and the role of the Board Members during this section of the meeting.
Mike Mrowicki, Putney resident. Spoke about a recent trip where the 8th grade students visited the State Capital. During the observation of the work of the politicians, one of the students turned to his teacher and noted how awesome this was. Mr. Mrowicki expressed appreciation for the commitment to opportunities like this for our students.
IV. Board Matters
A. Leadership Council Updates
EN shared about EES and their involvement in the District Wide meeting 5/24/24. Wanting to ensure that EES is included in important work of the district, EN asked if they are invited to the Admin/Board retreat. Mark Speno confirmed that they are.
B. Board Sub-Committees
KP shared that the personnel committee will be rescheduled for the beginning of next week. They were not able to meet today as planned.
C. Update on Admin/Board Retreat on June 18
Through work of a committee comprised of board members and admin, an agenda for 6/18/24 is nearly developed which will be sent out the first week of June. Participants will be asked to do two things in advance of the retreat; create a quick intro of who you are, and a survey with Board input on areas to be discussed. DS highlighted that there have been four hours of work together around a table, but key people have put in many hours outside of the work. Also, the book, The Governance Core, will be discussed during that meeting. Elaine Pinckney will be moderating that portion of the work that day.
D. Consideration of Refreshments during meetings Potential Action
The question of considering if refreshments would be appropriate to offer during Board meetings recognizing that the meetings can be long.
A discussion ensued with some noting that they are opposed as this could be distracting to the work at hand, and others were in support as there can be a positive effect of providing energy andfocus during longer meetings. The discussion resulted in considering having packaged dry snacks(ie. trail mix, goldfish crackers, etc) on hand might be an option, and if there are people who wishto provide snacks, they are welcome to.
Liz Adams, Putney resident, recalled how during COVID, the Board meetings were remote so eating was easy, and she felt the positive impact of having food during the meeting.
Caroline Oliver, Putney resident, shared that the LCs might be willing to step up and provide some food for the Board Meeting when it is located at their school.
E. Use of the occasional Special Meeting to approve last minute hiring decisions
Potential Action
With the times we have had a short notice on potential hires, the idea of considering if there is a way to hold a special meeting for the hiring that has a need for a quick turn around. Logistics for something like this are not clear, but might be worth considering.
RM wanted clarity on what the process would be for holding a special meeting. MS wondering about holding a virtual meeting on the off weeks from Board meetings during this season of hiring as an idea.
Kerry Amidon, Vernon resident, noted that the personnel meeting occurring weekly during the summer might meet that same need.
EN suggested having the first 10 minutes or so before executive session be an option.
F. other business – (TM)
Congratulations to the BUHS Unified Basketball team for winning the State Championship. TM Noted that there were not enough student applicants for the board so the search would be extended for additional applications.
BUHS Student Theia Wepaloki did apply and will fill the first of two seats. Hannah Parker made a suggestion of considering offering the opportunity for this by allowing them to re-apply a second year. This was a consideration to think about, but not sure if this is a course the Board wants to pursue. As compensation, the students can select community service hours or a stipend. The community service hours earned by the student rep is up to 36 hours, and the stipend is $500.00.
DS recognized RM, TM, EN and herself for their part in the work of this program.
The next Board meeting will be next Tuesday (rescheduled to accommodate participation in graduations). DS requested that Board members send issues for the agenda sent to her ASAP.
Some topics for the next agenda might be looking at the Board Norms, and consideration of the location for the meetings.
G. Darrow Scholarship
Executive Session 1 V.S.A. § 313(a)(1)(7) for the purpose of reviewing the academic records or suspension or discipline of students. Action Anticipated
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.
RM MOVED, MOTION WAS SECONDED
VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
This session is to discuss academic records in regards to the Putney Darrow Scholarship inviting in
Mark Speno and Hannah Parker.
DS ASKED IF THERE IS A MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION UNDER 1VSA §313 (a)(1)(7)
REVIEWING THE ACADEMIC RECORDS OR SUSPENSION OR DISCIPLINE OF STUDENTS.
KP MOVED. MOTION WAS SECONDED
VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Rose from executive session at 7:13
KP MOVED TO “ACCEPT THE CANDIDATE RECOMMENDATION FROM THE PUTNEY BOARD
MEMBERS FOR THE DARROW FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP” SECONDED
VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
V. Administrative Report
A. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Resources, Challenges, and Successes
Mikaela Simms and Shannon Kelly, District diversity coordinators shared a presentation highlighting the work of the DEISJ this year. They shared the ways that the students have opportunities to discuss and experience topics of diversity and equity.
Following the presentation, clarification was asked around the work that the diversity committee is undertaking related to “Portrait of a Student or Portrait of a Teacher”. Ms. Simms shared that this work is focused on considering words being used and their impact. This work will be a natural feeder to the highschool work of “Portrait of a Graduate” in the years to come. Additionally Ms Simms noted a “Head, Hearts, Hands” project that could span multiple grade levels.
A discussion about the “Black Lives at School” vs. the “Black Lives Matter” organization. Ms. Simms noted that “Black Lives at School” was a student driven movement started in Seattle.
EN expressed praise for Mikaela Simms and Shannon Kelly and their work on the social justice committee, particularly in regards to para educator input.
B. Hires, Resignations, Retirements
Committee for hiring of assistant principal
Resignations
Amy Johnson, Green Street
Katherine Berelson, Oak Grove
Franchesca Palumbo, Academy Vice-Principal
RM MOVED TO ACCEPT, WITH REGRET, THE RESIGNATIONS OF THESE INDIVIDUALS.
New Hires
Erek Tuma, BAMS Math
Mary Immekus, BUHS English
Alan Blackwell BAMS Art
Kim Morrell, Academy Grade 2
TM MOVED TO ACCEPT THE HIRE OF EREK TUMA, MARY IMMEKUS AND KIM MORRELL.
DS recused herself from voting on the hiring of Alan Blackwell. TM noted the excellence in the responses and application of Mr. Blackwell.
ROLL CALL VOTE WAS TAKEN:
AYE NAY ABST
TM X
RM X
SM X
EN X
KP X
BR X
CS X
MS X
DS X
Total 8 0 1
VOTE PASSED 8-1.
Kelly Dias congratulated Franchesca Palumbo has accepted a position as a principal, so will be leaving Academy School. There are currently 6 candidates for this open position. Ms. Dias is asking for a board member to participate on the committee. They are looking to hold interviews the week of June 3rd. Typically two interviews are held. RM has expressed a willingness to step up if that is needed. MS will volunteer knowing that remote is an option. CS is willing if they are meeting after June 10th due to a vacation. DS can be tapped, and KP can be available June from 6th on. Ms. Dias will set up a doodle poll.
VI. Consent Agenda
Approval of Minutes from, 5/15/24, 5/17/24
SM MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Approval of Minutes from 05/14/24
MS indicated the following changes be made to the minutes
1) Update on Board Retreat 5/3/24 Section – Correct error noting “Guilford
Library” to “Oak Grove Library”
2) Panorama Climate Survey Results Section – “Paul Smith said that the results of the Panorama Family Survey and the Teacher Perception of Students Survey would be forthcoming.”
KP MOVED TO ACCEPT THE AMENDMENTS TO THE MINUTES FROM 5/14/24. MOTION WAS
SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
VII. New Business
A. Policy & Amendment presents the following for 1st Reading:
E14 Environmental Awareness and Responsibility
F4 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by School Personnel
F5 Searches, Seizures, and Interrogation of Students by Law Enforcement Personnel or Other Non-School Personnel
F41 Policy on Section 504 and ADA Grievance Protocol for Students & Staff
G13 Acceptable Use of Electronic Resources and the Internet
DS noted that the first reading enables the community to read these policies and respond.
The policies will be presented for a second reading.
VIII. Unfinished Business
A. Policy & Amendment presents the following for Re-Adoption Action Required
F26 Participation of Home Study Students in School Programs and Activities
TM MOVED TO READOPT THE POLICY F26. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
KP MOVED TO ADJOURN THE MEETING. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Meeting adjourned at 7:59 pm
These notes were submitted on 6/3/24 by the Board Clerk with special recognition to Tracey Drotts, Board Recorder.
