Summary
● Updates were presented from the Leadership Councils now that the school year is well underway.
● Discussed maintaining the privacy of students related to the review of district-wide and individual school data related to behavioral incidences, use of restraint, health and safety.
● Presentation was given regarding Family Engagement efforts across the district.
The Windham Southeast School District Board will meet at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 22, 2024 at the WRCC Cusick Conference Room, Brattleboro, and remotely via Zoom.
Summary
● English Language Learners Program: A new program was proposed by student rep to support TOFEL practice and cultural immersion, which could also benefit introverted students.
● Safety Concerns: The Board discussed traffic safety issues on Atwood Dr., near the high school
● Budget and Finance: The Finance Committee reviewed the first quarter of FY25 and the board explored alternative ways to engage with the budgetary process and communication.
● Cell Phone Usage: Concerns were raised about the impact of cell phones in schools, particularly at BUHS, with discussions about limiting usage and teaching responsible technology use.
● Approval of Funds: The Board approved the carryover of $223,577.49 in excess Head Start funds, with considerations for environmentally friendly spending on items like playground materials and hybrid vehicles.
● Policy FI, Student Conduct and Discipline was approved by the Board.
New Business – The Chair read the following statement regarding the Superintendent’s contract.
“On February 16, 2024, I negotiated and signed a new three year contract with our Superintendent, Mark Speno, at the direction of the WSESU Board. The Board voted unanimously to authorize me to do this at a regularly scheduled and duly warned meeting on February 14, 2024.
The contract began on July 1, 2024 and expires on June 30.2027. It contains provision for an annual raise for each of those years. This is a usual and customary contract in the state of Vermont. Annual raises are a standard component of educational contracts, which protect school personnel from the prevailing winds of politics.
1. Introduction of members. Members introduced themselves and their backgrounds.
2. Election of chair and secretary.
Maggie nominated Kristina for Chair, motion was seconded by Ellie. The vote was unanimous. On a motion by Ellie seconded Kristina, Maggie was unanimously elected secretary.
3. Training -committee discussed Training with Frank on the chart of accounts. The IBRC committee will plan a funding formula training in the upcoming weeks.
I. Call to Order at 5:31
DS called meeting to order and read the hybrid meeting statement
II. Public Comment on Non-Agenda Items
None Noted
A. Leadership Council Updates
B. Board Sub-Committees
C. Discussion of possible requests to Finance Director and Supt for budget presentation formats.
D. Impact of Cell phones at BUHS and other school sites
I. Call to order: 5:00 PM
II. Committee Structure: Needs further discussion but possibly rotating the chair and clerk positions.
III. Committee Focus / Items for Discussion
A. Food service in the district
AGENDA – 10/9/2024
I. Approval of Minutes from 9/25/24
II. Review of F21 Policy on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion (2:00)
Invited Attendees: Tate Erickson, Matt Schibley, Liz Adams, Seth O’Connor
Review of F29 English Learners / Multilingual Learners (2:20)
Invited Attendees: Deb Coombs, Jen Course
Summary
● Policy Review and Accountability: The Board discussed the requests for self-reflection and accountability regarding response to comments from the Dummerston Leadership Council, but an amended motion to direct the Policy and Amendment Committee for review did not pass. Original motion tabled.
● Leadership Council Updates: Leadership Councils provided updates on community engagement efforts and the importance of tools and support for effective communication and collaboration, including recording meetings for accuracy.
● Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP): The Board adopted the district’s proposed CIP goals.
● Panorama Survey Process: The Panorama Task Force outlined a new approach to administering climate surveys in both Fall and Spring, emphasizing student input to enhance school safety and support.
● Budget Considerations: The board reviewed budget reduction strategies presented at the Annual Meeting and their implications for student support services
The committee decided to incorporate the following changes:
● Add to section 3: “The use of prone or supine restraint is strictly prohibited.”
o The definitions for prone and supine restraint were already in the policy, but there was no statement that their use was prohibited. The district does not use prone or supine restraint, and this edit will highlight that fact, stating it clearly in the policy.
1. Were appropriate reporting channels followed? Complaints bypassed process and went directly to the boardroom.
2. Was the need to maintain a distinction between the administrative role of the administrators and the policy making role of the board adhered? Board members inserted their personal stance and directly requested change at a school level.
I. Approval of Minutes from 9/11/24
II. Review of F21 Policy on Restraint and Seclusion (2:00)
1) Communications between Board Chair and Superintendent 9/5, 9/6
2) Public Comment on Non-Agenda items at 9/10/24 Board Meeting.
3) Potential violations of Open Meeting Law (OML) and Code of Ethics/Conduct
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
I. Approval of Minutes from 8/28/24
II. Review of F21 Policy on Restraint and Seclusion (2:00)
Invited Attendees: Tate Erickson, Matt Schibley, Liz Adams
Summary
● Two Board members will join the Collective Bargaining team for the upcoming negotiations this year.
● The Board will review the policies to formally identify those that require a report to the Board.
● The Board voted to approve the 24-25 Calendar of Presentations to the Board.
● The Board will review and discuss the CIP goals following the Summit on (sic)
DS amended the agenda to include a discussion about identifying policies that require regular reports to the Board.
DS also noted that there has been a request to re-evaluate F21 (Policy on the Use of Restraint and Seclusion). AB will reach out to Harwood, a district that does not use restraint or seclusion.
– If appropriate, every agenda item is subject to Potential Action.
– If any Board Member feels that an item on the Consent Agenda warrants discussion, that item will be removed from the Consent Agenda and will be set aside for discussion. In this way the Consent Agenda will be approved in one motion. That request should be made now, or before the vote on the Consent Agenda.
– Amendments to the Agenda
Panorama retention survey, school climate, well-being, and teacher feedback should be included in the annual report. The report will address the need for equity support and emphasize the importance of continuous improvement. Specific attention will be given to marginalized students in the continuous improvement plan to ensure that goals are met.
Upon reviewing the data, it is evident that students with individualized education programs (IEP) and those from low-income backgrounds are not performing well. This called for specific attention in the CIP plan for math and literacy. Deborah will speak to Mark about drafting the necessary goals that were presented at the June administration retreat.
