Alburgh Board of School Directors
Minutes of April 11, 2012
Alburgh Community Education Center

Present:  For the Administration, Mr. Robert Phillips, Superintendent, and Ms. Barbara Burrington, Principal, Alburgh School;  for the Board, Mr. Michael Savage, Chair, Mr. Rene, “Skip” Prairie, Ms. Renee Patterson, Mr. Alton Bruso; John Goodrich (recording).

Meeting was called to order at 5:10 by Mr. Savage.  At 5:11, Mr. Goodrich moved (Ms. Patterson 2nd) “to enter Executive Session to discuss 2012-2013 Contracts for Teachers.” (Unan.)  Executive Session concluded at 6:30, with the Board taking no action.

Mr. Prairie moved (Mr. Bruso 2nd) “to approve the Minutes of March 28 as presented.” (Unan.)

Superintendent’s Report:  Mr. Phillips updated the Board on several local and state developments:  The Legislature appears poised to pass a measure(s) that would move the Vermont Education Commissioner’s Office to the Governor’s Administration.  -  Act 153 (and Acts 173 and 194) were briefed for the Board and the Vermont “No Child Left Behind Waiver” may be denied. - Our process for hiring a Director of Finance and Operations has been narrowed “from 17 to 6 to 3 (plus 1)”. - In conjunction with the Picus review process, Montgomery’s Elementary School Principal, Beth O’Brien visited our staff and reported, among other things, that the Alburgh School’s teaming structure is exemplary in Vermont. - Last Friday’s (April 6) GISU Inservice was very successful;  Administration did alert the Board that attendance seems to be an issue at Inservice Days for some teachers in particular. - The first new teachers’ negotiations meeting was yesterday (4/10/12). - The Principal Search Committee is active and the Personnel Committee is attempting to convene to address salaries and benefits for GISU (Central Office) personnel.

Principal’s Report:  Mr. Phillips and Ms. Burrington met with Vermont’s DOE School Improvement Coordinator, Debbie Lesure, to review our current Local Action Plan. - Vandals broke our baseball field bleachers;  the backstop installation group might want to consider repair or disposition of bleachers;  July 4 (2011) trash remains, jeopardizing safety. (Mr. Bruso and Mr. Savage have contacts to remedy the debris problem and attend to bleachers and backstop.)  - The kitchen “grease trap” is old and failing; a vocal citizen wants an “H” on “Alburg”;  the gym “Alburg” and west entrance “Alburg” were discussed. - The cottage door needs to be replaced (Mr. Prairie will attend) and the kitchen freezer threshold needs replacement. -  Except for one severely dramatic episode, the new bus driver seems to be successful in performing her duties. 

Board Discussion:  Mr. Prairie presented comprehensive plans for the new, south-side concrete construction project. - On Friday, April 13, the Principal Search Committee will convene to view resumes. - New directions for the clerk’s presentation of Board Minutes were discussed. - Mr. Bruso detailed all current accounts payable to the Board.

Board Action:  Ms. Patterson moved (Mr. Goodrich 2nd) “to pay current bills as presented by Mr. Bruso.” (Unan.)  Mr. Goodrich moved (Ms. Patterson 2nd) “to compensate Ms. Mitchell for the unanticipated expenses for the recent professional trip taken by our librarian.” (Unan.) Mr. Bruso moved (Mr. Goodrich 2nd) “to sign approved 2012-2013 Teacher Contracts.” (Unan.)

Agenda Building:  Graduation Ceremonies, Summer School Activities, Concrete Project, Backstop and Bleacher plans, Principal Search, Other.

At 8:15, Mr. Goodrich (Mr. Prairie 2nd) moved to adjourn. (Unan.)

Respectfully submitted,

Mr. Goodrich (Clerk)