Note: These proposed minutes should be considered preliminary until they are approved by the
respective boards at a future meeting.
WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SUPERVISORY UNION (WSESU) BOARD
WINDHAM SOUTHEAST SCHOOL DISTRICT (WSESD) BOARD
VERNON TOWN SCHOOL DISTRICT (VTSD) BOARD
TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 10, 2024 SUMMIT MEETING – 6 PM
CUSICK CONFERENCE ROOM, WRCC, BRATTLEBORO
DRAFT MINUTES
Summary
● Discussion related to the display of political flags at the Dummerston School was held.
● Consent agenda for WSESD was approved
● Warrants from the Vernon School were approved.
● Pre-K Providers were approved
● The CIP plan was shared to the three Boards
Respective (WSESU, WSESD, VTSD) Board Members Present
Shaun Murphy (SM), Anne Beekman (AB), Deborah Stanford (DS), Matt Schibley (MS), Kim Price
(KP), Colleen Savage (CS), Ruby McAdoo (RM), Tim Maciel (TM), Brian Remer (BR), Eva Nolan
(EN), Walter Breau (WB), Kerry Amidon (KA), Sarah Deyo (SD), Cheryl Brown (CB).
Absent:
None noted at this time.
Staff and administration present
Mark Speno, Julianne Eagan, Brandy Levesque, John Gagnon, Kate Margaitis, Keith Lyman, Mary
Kaufmann, Hannah Parker, Kerri Beebe, Whitney Linde, Brin Tucker, Elieen Aarama, Kevin
Drurey, Kelly Dias, Tate Erickson, Stacey Sawyer, Deb Schiller, “Michelle’s iPhone”, Theia
Wepaloki, Mikaela Simms, Mary Ross
Others present
BCTV, Martha Noyes, Susan Trembley, Melanie Keiser, Chris Mays (Brattleboro Reformer), Lenna,
Olivia, Jody Normadeau, Windham County NAACP – Laura Chapman, Kelly Young, Walter, Seth,
Wendy Wilson. Justice Law Collaborative, Kathleen Sullivan, Janet Slesinski, Christopher H,
NGoodhue
I. Call to Order (Deborah Stanford, WSESD Board Chair; Walter Breau- VSD Board Chair)
DS called the summit meeting at 6 PM of the WSESU, WSESD and VTSD meeting.
A statement was read regarding the hybrid meeting format.
Announcements: 9/13/24 is the deadline for registering for the VSBA meeting. Individuals register themselves, alert Deborah Stanford and Mo Hart to arrange hotel accommodations.
Remember that the next WSESD board meeting will be held on 9/24/24 at Putney Central School.
Regarding the consent agenda, the WSESD handles this with one motion. If this is an issue, please let DS know. No matters were brought forth.
II. Student Matters (Deborah Stanford)
No matters were brought before the board.
III. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items (Walter Breau)
DS the following statement:
As of today, I appreciate that the political campaign banners have been taken down; nevertheless, as the Board Chair of our District, I must acknowledge the harm that has been done to our community.
Six days ago on the morning of Thursday, September 5, it was brought to my attention that Trump and Harris political campaign banners were placed internally against the library windows of the Dummerston School. They were visually evident to anyone driving past the school.
I immediately contacted the Superintendent, expressing my concern that these optics placed this elementary school in potentially a dangerous spotlight.
The Superintendent acknowledged my concern and said he would look into it Immediately, even to go to the school.
On Friday, September 6, the banners were still evident.
At approximately 3:30 Friday afternoon, I was on speaker phone with both the Superintendent and the Principal. I was repeatedly told that this represents an excellent educational opportunity – given that we are engaged in a national election.
My role as an elected board director is not to question curriculum.
Once again I made it clear that my concern was with the optics as individuals drove past the school. My request was simple – that the banners be placed internal to the school and not in the windows of the library, evident to anyone driving past.
I was told that this request would not be honored. Although I was invited to have a conversation with the teacher, I immediately replied that it was inappropriate and unprofessional for any elected Board Director to engage in a conversation about curriculum.
Six days ago the WSESD Board Chair presented these concerns.
I appreciate that today the political campaign banners have been removed from the windows of the library.
EN- Noted she was the member who notified DS
“WC NAACP” Laura Chapman – Putney VT, thanked DS for her statement. Ms. Chapmanthen read into the minutes a letter written by the WC NAACP President Wichie Artu. (attached here)
Eileen Hayes Aarama – read a statement regarding the rise of antisemitism as well as curriculum related to the holocaust and history of antisemitism as well as the development of critical thinking in students. (attached here)
Julianne Eagan, Dummerston School principal. Shared a statement related to the issue at Dummerston School. (attached here)
Matha Noyes, Brattleboro Resident read a follow up statement challenging the Boards to have conversations and consider where budgetary cuts can be made. (attached here)
Laura Chapman – Putney resident, expressed concerns about the response from principal Eagan and the connection between bullying, and issues that arise from political signs being displayed.
AB commented on the safety of students in light of recent events at the school in Georgia and the upcoming election harkening back to challenges that were faced at the Putney Central School in the past.
Jody Normandeau, Dummerston resident, expressed concern about those who could react to the political banners negatively. Additionally Ms. Normandeau commented on the importance of civics and historical considerations.
Mr. Speno noted that with elections creating polarization, we need to recognize that we are at the beginning of this political journey. The flags are on the wall for the instruction in that classroom, which are able to be seen through the windows.. Mr. Speno spoke about the importance of the teachers work as topics like this are addressed in theory and in current events.
TM requested clarification about why the banners were not being blocked from the road. Then commented to support blocking them from public view.
Jody Normendeau – made an additional comment supporting removal of the political flags.
Julianne Eagan noted that principals are often asked to remove things. The focus should be on the vision of our education as the barometer of the work in the schools.
Laura Chapman, Putney resident, expressed frustration about how a banner is so important in the lesson. There are ways to discuss and present information without a banner.
Mr Speno – remarked on comments made this evening and indicated that administration would move forward from here.
TM requested further information about what Mr. Speno meant by “move forward”. Mr. Speno said that further discussion would be had with the administration regarding this issue, keeping this evening’s discussion in mind.
Kathleen Sullivan, Guilford resident, parent and social work student, is present this evening to share how very concerned she is about school shootings. She implores that the teacher and principal reconsider the display of the banners.
EN- Asked if flags were up, Julianne Egan indicated they were. EN asked, “where do we go from here?”
Mr. Speno indicated that upon reflection of this discussion, a decision will be made tomorrow morning.
DS stated again this is day 6 from when this issue was initially brought to the Superintendent.
EN – remarked that even if someone is allowed to do something doesn’t mean they should. She implored administration to “listen”
DS- indicated that it is more than two people who expressed concern Michelle Greene, Dummerston resident and a Co-Chair of the Leadership Council spoke about how this is an opportunity to work with the Leadership Councils to take this on as a topic of discussion involving the community members.
DS noted that this issue can create unsafe spaces for the children and the adults who take care of our children. With six days after this discussion being opened with administration, it is important to see resolution
IV. Approval of Warrants
– Windham Southeast School District (Deborah Stanford)
– Approval of Minutes 8.14.24
– Warrants & Payrolls:
Warrant of August 14, 2024
MV Liaison Purchasing Card Pmnt of 7/15/24 $ 513.41
Warrant No. 1026 in the amount of $ 2,100.43
Warrant No. 1027 in the amount of $ 2075.45
Warrant No. 1028 in the amount of $ 1,032,980.30
Warrant No. 1032 in the amount of $ 20,988.51
Warrant No. 1033 in the amount of $ 1,383.24
Warrant No. 1034 in the amount of $ 214,900.45
Total Accounts Payable $ 1,274,941.39
Payrolls August 9, 2024 $ 622,453.51
Warrant of August 28, 2024
Warrant No. 1035 in the amount of $ 1,154.97
Warrant No. 1036 in the amount of $ 61,738.94
Warrant No. 1043 in the amount of $ 60,313.26
Warrant No. 1044 in the amount of $ 300.00
Warrant No. 1045 in the amount of $ 43,028.76
Total Accounts Payable $ 106,535.93
Payrolls June 28, 2024 $ 586,512.96
Warrant No. 1024 in the amount of $ 170.14
Warrant No. 1025 in the amount of $ 73,359.72
Total Accounts Payable $ 614,885.51
Payrolls July 26, 2024 $ 586,865.90
SM MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT AGENDA AS PRESENTED, SECONDED
TM asked that we review the warrants carefully. It was noted that there was a large purchase.
SM noted a parliamentary procedural practice
RM noted that for the point of order is that when nothing was brought up in the earlier agenda discussion about consent agenda, there is to be no discussion at this time.
VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
– Vernon Town School Board (Walter Breau)
Warrant of August 23, 2024
Vernon Regular Voucher $ 163,224.64
Payrolls August 23, 2024 $ 101,741.70
Warrant of September 6, 2024
Accounts Payable $83,580.18
Payroll Pay Period #5 $110,082.88
WB MOTIONED TO APPROVE THE WARRANTS AND PAYROLLS OF THE VERNON BOARD.
MOTION SECONDED VOTE WAS CALLED. VOTE PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
V. Public PreK Partnership Approvals – Action Needed (Kerri Beebe, PreK Coordinator)
Kerri Beebe shared the information about the WSESD and Vernon partnering with 14 pre-K providers:
Brattleboro Centre for Children, EES at Birge Street, EES at Oak Grove, Hilltop Montessori, Horizon Early Learning, Garland School, Grammar School, Miss Martha’s Creative Extended Learning Center, Mulberry Bush, Neighborhood Schoolhouse, Owl’s Nest, Timson Hill, Vernon Preschool, West Bee Nursery School, Winston Prouty,
KP MOVED TO APPROVE PUBLIC PRE-K PARTNERSHIPS AS PRESENTED, SECONDED
MS expressed appreciation for the diverse and wide range of pre-K partners the district has cultivated for our young children.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
VI. Administrative Report
– Hires, Resignations, Retirements (Mark Speno, Superintendent)
No hires or resignations to present this evening.
– Summit Presentation: Overview of the Continuous Improvement Plan and how we will invest in carrying it out this year.
(SEE ATTACHED SLIDES HERE)
Following words of appreciation to the administration for the presentation, a discussion was held related to: new initiatives impact and the evaluation process CIP goal considerations for this year, and development in the years to come graduation rates and how school choice impacts this graduation, student achievement for students on IEPs, absenteeism and dropout rates.
Mr. Speno expressed a great appreciation for the time, the work, and the discussion that occurred this evening.
AB MOVED TO ADJOURN THE WSESD BOARD MEETING. MOTION WAS SECONDED.
VOTE WAS CALLED. MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
The Board was adjourned at 8:38 pm
Minutes respectfully submitted by VSB, WSESD, WSESU Clerks with special recognition to Tracey Drotts Board Recorder on 09/15/2024.
A recording of this meeting is available on the WSESU website.
Pearls clutched!
Education should not include anything about the current election! : )
…
I bet our elementary school would have been closed by this crew – we had an annual Olympics where each classroom was assigned a country and then we had to do things such as learn songs, do art, learn language, maybe do a dance, figure out clothes and customs, try some food. And some of those countries were “bad” actors. Oh dear.
We also had mock debates about presidential elections.
As kids we had long discussions and debates outside of school about presidential candidates. Our issue was generally “would candidate A make us go to school ore or less?” Nixon wants us to go all summer! “Nah uh… McGovern wants us to stay until 5 pm every day.”
We were quite aware of how adults around us felt about each candidate. Teachers were needed to help put it all together for us. Are the ads true? Are the signs important? How does government work? How do elections work?
Our art teachers used to have us MAKE political signs – for varying issues we felt strongly about or that they wanted to promote. We had fire safety poster making, environmental issue poster making, and so on.
The political sign complaints above seem stem from offended adults, not worried children. Perhaps I’m missing something.
My complaint would be that there are only two signs, and there are others running. Where is the Jill Stein sign? How about Cornell West? And others… : )