WSESD Independent Budget Review Committee Meeting Minutes

The committee discussed the pending legislative changes to Act 127, and the challenges for the district with the removal of the 5% cap.

The committee reviewed the Guilford tax rate, and on a motion by Laura and seconded by Jaci, the committee unanimously agreed to have Maggie contact Chloe Wexford to try and understand how the reappraisal affects the upcoming tax rate.


Arts & Humanities Curators Speak at Next Stage Arts in March and April

Next Stage Arts announces the return of the NXT Curators Series, offering an opportunity for audiences to hear from curators in various arts/humanities fields. The intent is to shine a light on less known styles and genres, providing a behind-the-scenes look at what curators need to consider when working with their medium.

“Three curators, all speaking on a different facet of what it means to present, collect, and preserve various objects, will be a part of our yearly Curator Series,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “The series highlights a diverse lineup of topics – Art Deco, the environmental movement, and a historian committed to preserving music recorded on shellac. The range of topics gives the audiences a broad range of perspectives to consider.”


Next Stage Arts Presents Vermont Premier of Works From Grammy-Nominated Album by Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar

Next Stage Arts presents the Vermont premier of works from Tasha Warren & Dave Eggar’s Grammy-Nominated album “Ourself, Behind Ourself Concealed,” on Sunday, March 17th, at 7:00 pm. The performance will be held at Next Stage Arts, located at 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT. Tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar. Advance tickets are available at nextstagearts.org. For information, call 802-387-0102 or visit nextstagearts.org.

Introducing to the Vermont area, for the very first time, the music from their Grammy-nominated record “Ourself, Behind Ourself Concealed,” classical virtuosos Tasha Warren (clarinet and bass clarinet) and Dave Eggar (cello) invite the audience on a captivating musical odyssey through the realms of classical, jazz, tango, and beyond. Joining forces with the duo is the exceptional Martha Redbone, who brings her distinctive blend of folk, gospel, and blues, accompanied by the masterful guitar virtuoso Phil Faconti. Together, they create an unforgettable evening, weaving an immersive tapestry of musical storytelling that promises to be a unique and enriching experience.


Windham Southeast School District Finance Committee Meeting Minutes – Feb 13, 2024

2. VT Legislative developments affecting FY25 Budget; Review State Funding Formula updates

Shaun Murphy started off saying that in this time of uncertainty, his suggestion is that this committee is “Steady at the helm through these rocky waters”. The budget development started on 10/6/23. The work done by Frank Rucker and his team along with the Finance Committee has been thoughtfully and carefully developed, been through a process of presenting to the Board three times as well as to the finance committee an additional three times. This FY25 budget proposal has increased by 3%, which is in alignment with previous budget increases. Frank Rucker spoke about the lack of information from the legislature that would be needed to make assumptions on how this budget could be adjusted to affect the CLA equalized tax rate.


Soaring: An Evening of Circus and Song Takes Center Stage at Next Stage Arts

Next Stage Arts is thrilled to present “Soaring: An Evening of Circus and Song” featuring soprano-aerialist Elizabeth Wohl, pianist Ivan Tan, and special guest artists on Saturday, March 16th at 4:00 and 7:30 pm. The performances will be held at Next Stage Arts, located at 15 Kimball Hill, Putney, VT.

Prepare to be enchanted as Elizabeth Wohl, a professional classically-trained opera singer, combines her vocal prowess with breathtaking aerial acrobatics. Wohl, known for her innovative interpretations of classical music, will perform a repertoire that includes works by Mozart, Gounod, Bizet, and Vermont composer Gwyneth Walker, accompanied by the skilled pianist Ivan Tan.


BCTV Schedules – Week of February 19, 2024

Monday, February 19, 2024

6:00 am Brattleboro Reformer Presents – Windham County’s Got Talent 1/25/24

7:55 am Video Announcement – Winter Driving

8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast

9:00 am Energy Week with George Harvey – Energy Week #559 – 2/8/2024

10:00 am At BMAC – Artist Conversation: Fawn Krieger, David B. Smith with Wendy Vogel


Evie Kiehle on “Here We Are”

“Where Are the Women?” is a new book just published by EVIE KIEHLE, a BUHS senior. She looks at the lack of women in American Politics and has written a guide to the ways we can change this. Evie also talks about growing up in Brattleboro, and the people and activities that influence her.


WSESD Special Board Meeting Agenda

AGENDA
I. Call to Order [5:00 to 5:05]
II. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items [5:05 to 5:15]
III. Board Retreat for the Purpose of Training in Order to Effectively Plan for the Upcoming Year [5:15 to 8:45]
IV. Public Discussion [8:45 to 9:00]


The Christine Correa Ensemble Highlights Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite and Percussion Bitter Sweet at Next Stage Arts

The Christine Correa Ensemble will highlight Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite and Percussion Bitter Sweet at Next Stage Arts on Sunday, March 10th, at 7:00 pm, at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney, VT. Tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream, and may be purchased at nextstagearts.org.

“Max Roach broke the mold with his ‘We Insist!’ record in 1960, being one of the first jazz records that publicly proclaimed racial injustice. Christine Correa is bringing an all-star lineup of New York-based Jazz musicians to play Roach’s album live, allowing the audience to hear its ferocity and message live,” says Keith Marks, Executive Director of Next Stage Arts. “Through the generosity of Chamber Music America, we’re able to bring this to our region.”

The Christine Correa Ensemble will highlight Max Roach’s Freedom Now Suite and Percussion Bitter Sweet in order to celebrate the creative and activist legacy of Max Roach, a high-profile artist who was an outspoken civil rights advocate and who used the arts as a catalyst for change.


Windham Southeast School District Annual Meeting Mar 19, 2024

The legal voters of the Windham Southeast School District (the “District”), comprising the voters of the Towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, and Putney are hereby notified and warned to meet at Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, Vermont on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in the gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. to conduct the following business: 

Article 1.  To act on reports of Officers. 

Article 2.  To elect the following officers of the District, which officers shall assume office upon election and serve for a term of one year: 


Vote for Brian Remer for WSESD School Board

I am Brian Remer, I live in Guilford and I am asking for your vote for the WSESD School Board.  As an educator and facilitator, I am able to listen to many viewpoints, and find the common thread that leads to collaborative action.  I want to bring that ability to our school system.

The way people learn has been at the core of my professional life.  Whether teaching adults in non-profit organizations, children in middle school, or staff of the state of Vermont, I know that education needs to be engaging – especially for young people today.  I care deeply that we provide the opportunities for students and prepare them for the world. Our daughter Tilden graduated from BUHS so I’ve always had a stake in our local public-school system. Well-educated young people energize our communities with passion, optimism, and creativity.


WSESD Policy and Amendment Committee Meeting Agenda

AGENDA – 2/14/2024
I. Approval of Minutes from 1/31/24
Update: G8 Continuous Improvement Plan – presented for second reading on 2/13
II. Evaluate (50 minutes)
F1 Student Conduct and Discipline in conjunction with model policy
G1 Curriculum Development and Coordination
F22 Student Assessment
H2 Parental Involvement Policy
H6 Annual School Reports


BCTV Schedules – Week of February 12, 2024

BCTV Channel 1078 Weekly Listing for 2/12/24

Monday, February 12, 2024

5:00 am All Things LGBTQ – Interview Show: Richard Schneider

6:00 am Brattleboro Reformer Presents – Windham County’s Got Talent 1/25/24

8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast

9:00 am Energy Week with George Harvey – This Week’s Energy News


Biribá Union to Perform at Next Stage Arts in March

Next Stage Arts presents Biribá Union, a dynamic musical trio featuring Grammy Award-winning cellist Mike Block, Progressive Hip-Hop artist Christylez Bacon, and electric bass player Patricia Ligia, at Next Stage Arts on Sunday, March 3rd, at 7:00 pm, at 15 Kimball Hill in downtown Putney, VT. Tickets are $20 in advance / $25 at the door / $10 livestream, and may be purchased at nextstagearts.org.

Mike Block (Cello, Vocals), Christylez Bacon (Beatbox, Guitar, Rhymes), and Patricia Ligia (Electric Bass, Pandeiro, Vocals) form a dynamic trio, blending original music with global influences to form a fresh and accessible sound. Each member of the collective brings influences and repertoire from their diverse backgrounds, such as Brazilian, Hip-Hop, Classical, Jazz, Bluegrass, Funk, and Pop styles, synthesizing them through original compositions and songs that highlights their improvisational spontaneity and high energy stage presentation.


Windham Southeast School District Board Meeting Agenda + Annual Meeting Warning

The legal voters of the Windham Southeast School District (the “District”), comprising the voters of the Towns of Brattleboro, Dummerston, Guilford, and Putney are hereby notified and warned to meet at Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, Vermont on Tuesday, March 19, 2024 in the gymnasium at 7:00 p.m. to conduct the following business:


BCTV Schedules – Week of February 5, 2024

BCTV Channel 1078 Weekly Listing for 2/5/24

Monday, February 5, 2024

5:30 am Red Newt Productions – Whimsical Tour of Artful Ice Shanties 2022

6:00 am At BMAC – Artist Talk: Aurora Robson

7:15 am Stained Glass Windows of St. Michaels – Week 10: St. Raphael

7:50 am Juno Orchestra – Heaven’s Border – Organum Light

8:00 am Democracy Now! – Democracy Now! Daily Broadcast