• If the discussion is following a presentation by an administrator, the board members be restricted to asking questions of the administrator regarding aspects of the presentation.
• If the discussion is about an action the board is contemplating, the board members be restricted by time (much as public discussion may be limited by the chair).
• That board members not be allowed to repeat statements made by themselves, administrators, other board members, or members of the public unless it is to seek or offer clarification.

Posted 12/16/09

Posted 12/16/09

1. I'd suggest that the School Board should at least weigh in with the Selectboard. While they may not have direct jurisdiction over the farmer, I¹d reckon that a push from them would be helpful and certainly be appreciated by the concerned parents. Before the Board did this, however, it would be important to make sure that the concern about the proximity issue is reasonable. Any local experts on this?
   

   Posted 12/16/09

2. This is none of the school's business!
   

   Posted 12/16/09

3. I agree that this issue belongs to the Select Board and not the School Board.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

4. I would contact the health department and determine risk. If none, no action.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

5. I have no experience with this type of situation. I do agree it is on the Select Boards plate. However, I think the school board's role should be to be an advocate for the school children. Or support the Supervisory Union or District Office in that role.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

6. One preliminary question would be the source of the school’s water. If Atrazine is getting or could get into the school’s water supply the Board may have jurisdiction to act (just as a homeowner would if a neighbor polluted the homeowner’s well). A consulting hydrologist might be able to advise re underground water flow. Testing the water might be advisable, under the guidance of a professional who knows Atrazine’s half-life, etc. The School Board has at least the power to raise the question with the State, as anyone would. By the way, Atrazine (a herbicide rather than a pesticide) is controversial, especially as regards its effects as an endocrine disruptor. The EU banned it in 2004. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atrazine
   

   Posted 12/16/09

7. I certainly think that the health of the students is school board business. I would start with the Health Dept., the Ag Dept., and the manufacturer of the chemicals applied. Frequently there are setbacks for applications from homes, water sources, etc. I would suggest to the parents that having a single contact with the farmer would be the preferable route. There is nothing that will tick off someone more than a big production/petition, etc. If after you gather your information, there is something to be concerned about, see if someone on the Selectboard or perhaps a parent who is a member of the farming community that can approach the farmer in a non-confrontational way. Friendly is best.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

8. This is an issue, that should be handled at both the Selectboard level, as well as the schoolboard level. I am in hopes, that both the boards work together like in our town, and NOT against each other. You have a safty issue with students, that needs to be addressed by the school board, and an issuse of public safty, that needs to be addressed by the Selectboard. Having said that, I need more information to be able to answer any further.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

9. Before a board, school or select, does anything else it should do it's homework. Atrazine is not a pesticide, it is a herbicide. That doesn't make the chemical any less dangerous, but the argument against using it will be less convincing if the facts aren't accurate right from the beginning.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

10. Stay out of this as it not under the traditional role of a school board in my opinion.
    

    Posted 12/16/09

11. The first thing to do would be to have a discussion with the farmer concerning spraying frequencies, times, etc in a non threatening way. If one was approached in a polite and professional fashion so as to minimize the impact of spraying one would think the farmer would play ball. If one approached the situation in a way that appeared adversarial to the farmer that could develop as a problem. School Boards would have a role in this discussion, in my view point, as the students and faculty are their responsibility. If nothing else the School Board might head off the citizens group and indicate that the Board or a representative of the Board would speak with the farmer. An elected body like the Board that understands the value of orderly participation in affairs and knows the value of establishing a process could be much more effective in the communication than a group of parents that could get very emotional. If the School Board felt the Select Board might be more effective in the communication it is quite likely they would be permitted to have a role.
    

    Posted 12/16/09

12. I believe this should be resolved through Zoning/Select Board. I think the School Board members could voice their opinions as citizens but the School Board should not be involved. I think a bad precedent would be set if the School Board were to try to exercise authority beyond the boundaries of the District's assets (the only exception would be field trips/school functions off premises).
    

    Posted 12/17/09

13. As stated this is an Acceptable Agricultural Practice done by a licensed person. Another point I would like make is anyone of these concerned parents can go to their local hardware store and purchase a can of Round-up (which is a herbicide as well) and spray it around their home without being regulated or licensed.
    

    Posted 12/17/09

14. In my opinion, this type of issue is best dealt with by the school board. The school board has as much authority as a group of parents to deal with a problem such as this and since it has to do with student safety in the school building (or playground), it is definitely the responsibility of the school board to follow up on this. If this happened in our town, I would ask the parents to come to the school board and articulate their concern and position. I would then gather the facts on the chemical and get a government agency such as the State Board of Health to give you a recommendation on how you should proceed. You don't necessarily want the State getting after this farmer, but they should have some guidelines as to the appropriate use of this chemical adjacent to a school. Then with the proper information, the school board should approach the farmer with its concerns. Hopefully, if you have facts to back you up, the farmer will help out, if not then you the route of bringing in a government agency.
    

    Posted 12/17/09

15. I am a school board member and environmental consultant...as to question #1, in my opinion, environmental issues are within the jurisdiction of the board. However the board should rely on sound science (versus emotional responses) in making any decisions or response actions....if I were on this school board I would first look to the state for guidance on this issue, perhaps first by calling the Department of Environmental Conservation in Waterbury. A willing school board member can certainly can get "up to speed" on environmental issues by on-line research (I would suggest using EPA sites or respected sources); here is a good place to start:
    http://www.epa.gov/pesticides/

    Bottom line: environmental exposures are a board concern but let the science dictate your responses...

    Posted 12/18/09

16. It seems wise to first determine if the air and water on school grounds are actually being affected by the activities on the adjacent property. Testing the water should be easy enough. I'm not sure how one actually tests the air. If there is an inexpensive way to test the air on school grounds for the particular chemicals known to be used next door, then that should be done. The school should be careful to consider other possible sources of contamination as well. (For instance, exhaust fumes in the parking lot may be just as detrimental as the fumes coming from next door.) Once a determination has been made, then perhaps the School Board can work with the neighbor and Select Board to create a solution to the problem. Actual risk to students is the first thing that must be determined. If the neighbor can be convinced that the students are actually being affected by their spraying (as opposed to merely having parents up in arms b/c there might be a risk), then that neighbor may be more willing to work cooperatively with the school to solve the problem. Something as simple as a vegetative buffer and considerate spraying times may (or may not) alleviate most of the problems.
    

    Posted 12/18/09

17. I'm more than a little amazed that people who are school board members here -- clearly have not read the laws on responsibilities and duties of school board members. This is not within the school board responsibilities. The Chair should relay the concern to the state. After that, let Vermont Farmers - farm as the law allows.
    

    Posted 12/21/09

18. I will start this response by stating that I am a Certified Pesticide Applicator (and a school board member). I do commercial applications working directly with dairy farmers across the state. I have and will continue to spray herbicide/pesticide on fields that are adjacent to school property. With that said, I/we try to do our best to spray these field after school hours when children are not present. It does not always work out that way, but that is our goal. We are very heavily regulated by the state and the fed. They have imposed rules to protect the people, fish, water and neighboring land. Each and every herbicide/pesticide has a specific and unique label. This label regulates that herbicide specifically. This label is registered with the EPA and they have approved and regulated the use of the herbicide/pesticide. I think all too often people let emotion drive the discussion. I can understand that every parent fears for the safety of there children and as a parent I understand that. I will also tell you I can not count the number of times that I am spraying and or loading my spray truck, when a parent drives over on a 4 wheeler with there child riding with them without a helmet on or they drive over in the family car, low and behold no seat belt or very simply walk over to talk and have there child riding a bicycle without a helmet. The people always want to know what I am doing, what I am applying and if is safe. They apparently do not view there own behavior as risky? I would simply encourage you to call the VT Agency of Ag ask to speak to Jim Leland. He would be the correct person within The Agency to help you with your concerns specific to your situation. He can also tell you what the law states and help you to interpret it. He may also be willing to act as a "friendly" mediator between the board and the farmer. The one thing I think you need to keep in mind is that the farmer is trying only to do his/her part in feeding the world.
    

    Posted 1/01/10

Posted 12/16/09

1. Great idea if the tuition more that covers the cost and the "state" must be kept out of it!
   

   Posted 12/16/09

2. As far as pre-school 10 hour free program....I would need more information.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

3. If offering a day care would be revenue generating, then yes. The idea should be considered if space is available. If there is even the slightest chance it will not generate revenue, then we can not afford that risk at this time.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

4. We looked at this a few years ago as we had the same situation. We approached a high quality local daycare provider to offer space for them to offer a satellite program. It would have been a win/win for us, but we just did not have enough people willing to commit to using the care for it to be worthwhile for the provider. If all you offer is space the money/logistics, etc. are not your headache- just be sure it is a reputable provider -I would always check with your liability insurer first before finalizing any arrangements.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

5. While I have no direct experience with this, I would pursue it with my Superintendent with a serious eye towards offering the full day for two reasons: !) it's good for kids and 2) good for parents.

   Posted 12/16/09

6. Perhaps the easiest solution for the problem of day care could be to arrange with a qualified day care provider a bus or shuttle service, which would be chaperoned with one of the staff members. There is such an arrangement with our elementary school and alleviates the logistical nightmare, with out taking on the additional cost of space requirements or modifications for day care, as well as the administrative costs and potential liabilities. I wouldnt dismiss your idea outright, but I would tend to find an easier solution.

   Posted 12/16/09

7. Regarding pre-school rules, there is a very prescribed process that you will need to go through before you can start counting students as part of your ADM. Here is a link to the statute: http://www.leg.state.vt.us/statutes/fullsection.cfm?Title=16&Chapter=021&Section=00829. The VT Department of Education and DCF have developed rules that will guide your district on starting and/or expanding a program ­ check their website under Œearly education¹ for more information. You should definitley make sure that your superintendent is involved in this process. Good luck!

   Posted 12/16/09

8. Many school's offer before and after school programs that can be subsidized through childcare financial assistance (formerly child care subsidy). Families in Berlin, VT utilize this program and they use the gym for space. If the school has extra classroom space, that would be wonderful. I'd also put a plug in here for Head Start. If a school has about 10 children who qualify for child care financial assistance, the local Head Start program might be able to supply the school system with a staff person to assist. Especially if the hours of the preschool sessions were at least 3 1/2 hours in lenght (the minimum for Head Start regulations).

   Posted 12/16/09

9. Let's not turn our schools into day care facilities any more than they are now.
   

   Posted 12/16/09

10. Although I am in favor of new revenue streams, I have two issues with this. The first would be I am generally not in favor of a government entity competing with private business. This proposal could put many day-care providers out of business (I'm sure some could be used as a vendor of the school system). The second issue would be that I think it possible for the school to get involved into too many scenarios other than the traditional school setting. I realize the question is an example of what would be an natural progression but I am concerned that most (if not all) of our Districts are top heavy at the Adminstration levels (most of it brought on by mandates from the Fed) and I think this scenario might require more supervisory oversight thus potentially adding more expense to the already saddled districts.
    

    Posted 12/17/09

11. You have a Board of Health -- state and/or local -- whose job it is to assure the health and safety of community members (kids). Both the parents' group and other interested groups (town and/or school officials) should begin with the Board of Health and require scientific comment. Avoid "frays". Some folks love them, but Board members should eschew them.

    Posted 12/17/09

12. Most schools are already burdened with too many social-service obligations which detract from teaching-learning missions. Many of our programs accommodate parents who are overwhelmed with parenting. Many institutions may parent better than parents do. But should they? Should schools provide day care at all? It's a social welfare issue. Because schools have accepted responsibilities which once were executed by churches, YMCAs, welfare agencies and others, perhaps we could go go all-out and provide such services on a demand-cost fee scale. An alternative approach would be to require parents to do their jobs instead.

    Posted 12/17/09

13. As far as the feasibility of offering day care, goes, a school would have to be a licensed child care program through the Child Development Division and follow their regulations as to numbers of children per adults, training regulations, etc. Many schools already offer licensed afterschool programs so it would be best to check with the local child care resource development specialist at your county's child care support center (Family Center of Washington County, Lamoille Family Center Child Care Resources, etc.) to learn how to set this up. Revenue for hours past the 10 hours is being collected by schools in different areas of the state already.

    Posted 12/17/09

Posted 11/16/09

1. The agenda is usually set on Tuesday and the packet arrives on Saturday. This allows the Superintendent to develop a set of notes on the items on the agenda to explain those positions to the board.

   Posted 11/30/09

2. VSA T1, C5, §312 require that the draft minutes be available within 5 days. There probably isn't but should be a policy to get the packet out ASAP. The earlier the members get it the better prepared they will be for deliberation. Exceptional clerks will already know this.

   Posted 12/16/09

Posted 11/12/09

1. We area 3 school distrcit - 2 middle schools and a highschool. Until about a year ago, all pricipals and/or assistants attended each meeting and provided a written report to board members; at that time, ina n effort to streamline our meetings to make them more efficient and effective, we forewent the written reports and asked for 5 minute summaries with more information as needed. We rotate meeting sites among the 3 schools and very receintly have asked only the host administrator to attend unless there is a reason for the others to be there - this seems to be working well and alleviates administrators - some of whom leave a distance away (30 +miles) - from having to come out for a meeting unnecessarily.

   Posted 11/16/09

2. MY experience is that they are always welcome and there is an agenda item (report(s) by principal(s) should they have specific information to share. Usually principals forward a written report with the Board's agenda//packet They always attended budget meetings.

   Posted 11/16/09

3. Usually our principals prepare reports for the board. A few years ago we insisted that they prepare these reports enough ahead so that we could see them before the meeting. They typically all attend all the meetings, but it is a loose arrangement. Often they skip a meeting when other issues are pressing either school business or personal. That is fine with the board.

   Posted 11/16/09

4. The building principals do attend and they make formal written reports to the board. They also are available as a resource during board meetings and participate informally. They also attend many of the board's committee meetings.

   Posted 11/16/09

5. We have 3 principals and they all attend our school board meetings. One meeting a month, they each provide a verbal update of events in their building and the other meeting a month, they provide a written calendar of events. We have a great working relationship with our principals so, while their participation is formal in role, it is casual in tone. Personally, I like their perspective on all things and could not imagine having a board meeting without their input and thoughtful comments.

   Posted 11/16/09

6. We operate in a policy governance model and therefore the principals do not come on a regular basis in order to present. They may come from time to time to observe or assist the superintendent if appropriate for the monitoring report. From time to time we may ask them to come if we feel it would be helpful.

   Posted 11/16/09

7. Prior to Policy Governance we did not require attendance by the principals. Under PG we only have one administrator responsible for reporting, the superintendent.

   Posted 11/16/09

8. Whether you are under policy governance or not, the board must not micro manage the principals. Principals should only be present at the request of the superintendent.

   Posted 11/16/09

9. Principals attend, no formal report...they answer questions informally.

   Posted 11/16/09

10. In the Addison Central Supervisory Union, which includes the UD-3 middle and high schools (separate principals) in Middlebury, and seven separate elementary schools and boards, I am pretty sure that principals are NOT required to attend every meeting, but are asked for written reports ahead of a meeting (so as not to take up time with oral reports). Most, however, choose to attend.

    Posted 11/16/09

11. We are a Union school district with two schools - the high school and a regional technical center. We have both principals attend all scheduled meetings. If either one cannot attend, a rep attends.

    I wasn't around when the decision was made to have them attend but I find it very helpful to have them at the meeting. They add value that the superintendent would not be able to duplicate either because he does not know or something might be lost in translation. The principals both provide a report. We get a written report in the org notes then the principal will expand on sections of the report that demand more detail at the meeting. For instance, when NECAP results are available, it is part of the HS principal's report. We know there will be lots of questions so he provides some verbal explanations to go along with the presentation slides in the org notes. He also leaves time for questions on anything in the written report that wasn't covered in the presentation. So I would say that they have a formal role.

    Posted 11/12/09

12. The two building principals do not attend the monthly board meetings. The district leader/principal works directly with the board. He does make a "Principal's Report" each month. This includes information from teachers/grade levels and always art work from some students. At budget time the building principals do attend some meetings if they are presenting their budgets.

    Posted 11/12/09

13. Our principal in our school attends meetings on a regular basis and I believe this happens in other schools also. Our principle gives us a formal report on what is going on within the school, test scores etc. They also give input on hiring of new personnel and upkeep of the school. They pretty much attend all the time. The principals also have their own association that has regular meetings and they attend our larger supervisory union meetings.

    Posted 11/12/09

14. Request one monthly written report, expect one monthly formal report with most being written per principal. Attendance may depend on the agenda items and the frequency of your board meetings. If I were a principal I would want to make sure my lines of communication with my board were open, honest and ongoing.

    Posted 11/12/09

15. Our school is only a PreK to 12 with one principal & one supertendent but.. Our past and present principal does a letter in our board packet prior to the meeting letting us know what is going on. He attends the meetings always and then will report on specific info as needed. The super also writes a little letter to board every time & does his report at the meeting.
    

    Posted 11/12/09

16. When I was the chair I had four principals and I would require one principal a meeting to give a report so they ol yhad to show up once every two months. (meetings bi-monthly) I took the position because of the problems with assults on the staff that the publi not engage with the principals. I made them go through me as chair and as I said only one differnt one showed up every two weeks.

    Posted 11/12/09

17. I would agree with the first answer to this question. The three principals in our district (elementary, middle level, and high school) all have formal roles at our board meetings which include giving regular principal's reports as well as frequent presentations on a variety of topics including curriculum, assessment, budget development, student activities, etc. They often add important perspective for our board on other issues as well. We (the board and the principals) are in agreement that their regular attendance at our meetings is crucial, even if it makes for an extra long work day for them on meeting days.

    Posted 11/12/09

18. We have all of our principals attend all our regular meetings and orally present early in the agenda an update (highlights/lowlights). They stay for questions and collaboration. They also attend most other meetings to be available for questions and collaboration. This is also true of the Director of Early Ed.

    Posted 12/18/09

Posted 11/12/09

1. Under state statute, the Superintendent supervises the principals. I think you should take your comments to the Supt. 16 V.S.A. 244(a).

   Posted 11/16/09

2. This is not a Board duty!! The supt should meet with her/him. This should not be one-sided conversation; maybe a change in culture has some merit.

   Posted 11/16/09

3. I would typically see this as the role of the superintendent, but when it comes to personalities, style, and the established culture, I think that another approach would be acceptable. If a board member has a good personal connection with the principal and a non-threatening discussion can take place, I think that it can be OK for a board member to approach the principal. This person should be authorized by the board to speak on behalf of the board and should not be taken up by a board member on his own innitiative. It hopefully would take place in a relaxed informal setting.

   Posted 11/16/09

4. The superintendent is that principal's supervisor and should address that concern. If the board believes the superintendent needs some prodding to take action, it is appropriate to do so. Otherwise, the new principal is not being given an opportunity to change and the kids and the faculty in his/her school could suffer as a result.

   Posted 11/16/09

5. I don't think a board or member should be dealing with the day to day running of the school. That being said if they do see something they should inform the superintendent and allow him/her to do the job he/she was hired for. Boards have to be careful not to micro manage. They are for oversight not the actual running. The superintendent is the only employee they have direct control over.

   Posted 11/16/09

6. As a policy governance district this is the role of the superintendent.

   Posted 11/16/09

7. I would say give the superintendent the first shot at it and if the situation is not satisfied then the superintendent and board should meet and come up with the next step, Superintendent and Board Chair, single board member and or whole board.

   Posted 11/16/09

8. Whether you are under policy governance or not, the board must not micro manage the principals.

   Posted 11/16/09

9. As a Board, it is your responsibility to make the principal aware of their actions. You can start through the chair and progress from there as necessary (VSBA documentation will help you on this).

   Posted 11/16/09

10. In our district, the superintendent is clear that he supervises principals. Therefore, concerns should probably go through the superintendent. If this is a concern of several board members, they should probably meet with the supt. so it does not appear to be one person's pet peeve.

    Posted 11/16/09

11. We had the exact same problem. Ours was handled discretely by the superintendent as her direct supervisor, and worked out fine. It needs to be addressed asap.

    Posted 11/12/09

12. I think that first you have to determine if this is really a performance issue. If it is, I would definitely go through the superintendent. If the superintendent thinks it is a good idea to speak directly with the principal, then you can approach her directly. However, usually the superintendent will be assigning performance goals and should address any issues if the performance is not meeting expectations. If it is not a performance issue, you might take a more general approach as you first need to make sure if the principal understands the need to maintain the established culture of the school. This may not have ever been stated. Sometimes a principal may think they were hired to make changes. Even if performance is not the issue, I would still go through the superintendent. You need to understand what the super told the principal to do (make changes or maintain culture). The principal may be under different direction than you are assuming.

    Posted 11/12/09

13. By no means should board members approach a principal (or other staff member) as a first step, especially if the issue or concern has the potential to rise to an actionable level. Instead, the board should enter executive session to discuss a personnel matter, and once in session should communicate their concerns to the superintendent. Should the superintendent not be able to obtain satisfactory results, then the board can direct the superintendent in an appropriate direction (formal complaint in personnel file, formal imprivement action plan or termination recommendation). It may seem an overly complicated way of handling it, but as mis-steps can be the basis for wrongful termination or similar suits it is the correct one.

    Posted 11/12/09

14. Don't allow it to fester, don't allow it to become gossip, act directly and expect a direct answer. That being said it can all be done with tact.

    Posted 11/12/09

15. As the immediate supervisor to the principal the superintendant should deliver the constructive criticism or feedback. If needed or desired, the school board can give direction to the superintendant as to the content of the message delivered to the principal.

    Posted 11/12/09

16. If your superintendent has not had any luck addressing your concerns, I would suggest dealing with this issue in an executive session as a personnel matter. It doesn't have to be a reprimand or anything along those lines, but it should probably be somewhat formal in case it turns into a bigger problem down the road.

    Posted 11/12/09

17. You always need to follow policy & procedure when addressing a staff member. If she/he reports to the supertendent it is always appropriate for them to address issue or concern first. It might be called micro managing if a board member gets involved in a personnel matter.

    Posted 11/12/09

18. I would go through the superintendent because he or she evaluations the principals!!

    Posted 11/12/09

Posted 11/12/09

1. Great idea; I have attended many. Be careful with alcohol and driving home.

   Posted 11/16/09

2. We have done this on several occasions. It is our rule not to discuss board business at these meetings as that would be in contradiction of the open meeting law. This is not difficult as the party is our way of connecting as the people we are, other than as board members.

   Posted 11/16/09

3. You have to differentiate between a purely social event and a meeting. Conducting business means you have to abide by the Open Meeting Law. If you want to just gobble burgers and have a good time, that is also OK but it is a different animal.

   Posted 11/16/09

4. Great question! I would think if we followed the rule, ? it would be a Board meeting if there was a quorum in attendanc

   Posted 11/16/09

5. All board meetings should be public, PERIOD!

   Posted 11/16/09

6. I would check with the Secretary of State's office for a clear ruling. I am sure the recommendation is to not hold such a gathering. At a minimum, there should be NO decisions made, and shop talk should be kept to as little as possible.

   Posted 11/16/09

7. I have been on my board for about 10 years and chair for 5 years. Every summer we hold a 'meeting' at my home. I make sure we warn the meeting in the paper and through all the regular official channels. We actually hold a brief meeting, do required business only, and then quickly adjourn to a pot luck dinner and BBQ so Board members, families and friends can enjoy the evening. We certainly don't vote on anything or call the meeting back into session. Our conversation is light, socially focused.

   One year a reporter showed up. I let her in and she quickly got the message that this was a social function. She grabbed a burger, thanked us, and left. I imagine you could get someone hostile that will show up but it would be so out of place that it would destroy their mission, instead of your party. I think the risk of a party crasher is very, very low. Go for it and enjoy! - just make sure if a quorum attends that you warn the meeting.

   Posted 11/12/09

8. I wish to offer the following guidance from past research. I think the person asking the question has very good instincts to question the appropriates of this plan.

   I have long held that retreats and meetings should never be held at private homes because it circumvents the spirit of the open meeting law. Since we are doing the peoples business, we are obligated to hold such meetings at locations that are well known, convenient and comfortable for the public to attend. Holding a public meeting at a private home chills the publics access to such a public meeting and their ability to observe government decision making.

   One of our school districts has in the past held retreats at a board member's private home. I have jokingly threatened to show up at the private home with a bus load of boy scouts interested in observing our democracy in action. I was trying to humorously make the point that the public may not always just be an occasional parent that shows up at a meeting.

   With that said however, according to VT public meeting law experts, a party is not a public meeting unless a quorum is present and "school Business" is discussed. This may be difficult to police but in theory is possible to do without running afoul of the open meeting laws.

   I think that the real question goes to motive. Are you planning a meeting that is disguised as a party and hope to exclude the public from watching you make decisions or are you planning a much needed social activity for relaxation, enjoyment and comradery and would like nothing else to discuss anything but school stuff.

   If it is the later, I think it would be OK with the clear proviso that serious discussion of school business in groups constituting a quorum must be not be permitted and of course absolutely no decisions could be made. It would also be better if more than just school board members were present.

   Ultimately, the integrity of the group will determine if it was a legal or illegal event. Good luck.

   Posted 11/12/09

9. Yes you can but you can not discuss any school business at the party!!!

   Posted 11/12/09

10. The 'Board' cannot hold a party anywhere without inviting the public. If it isn't a warned meeting of the 'Board' you aren't on the 'Board' at the time of the party. Just make sure no discussion takes place that can be construed as taking the place of a meeting. Talk about and invitations to the party should not be conducted or initiated at a board meeting.

    Posted 11/12/09

11. Anytime you have a quorum of Board members together, you need to warn the meeting and allow any interested parties to join the meeting (party). I would personally think twice about going ahead with the party. Even if warned, it places the Board members in an awkward position. I think that normally the Board members' common interest is schools and discussion may drift to schools. Since there is probably not going to be an agenda this really sounds like conducting board business without an open meeting. My opinion is that this is at least a little no, no.

    Posted 11/12/09

Posted 9/14/09

1. PowerSchool. It is still in the process of being fully implemented, soi a critique now would be premature.

   Posted 11/16/09

Posted 9/13/09

1. Bennington does not have a policy on outside business support, but I know Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester has a list of donors that help their school in ALL areas. This list was just published in the local newspaper listing each category and the donor. You may want to check with them.

   Posted 9/28/09

2. I would like to suggest any time there is an investment or partnership in any portion of a school or its programs, there is a clear set of guidelines which are followed.

   Taking a winter sport program, for example, who is ultimately responsible for the costs to the students when that participate in a more costly program like skiing? There should be a clear understanding both to the parents of the students as well as with the organization making the monetary donation which would include exactly what the support is the school is receiving and what the ramifications would be to not have such support from the outside organization / partnership.

   You may also choose to investigate as to whether or not the school board would need to (or should) vote on setting the fee structures which will be set for an athletic program for example. This could be the case for any extra curricular program.

   Posted 11/12/09

Posted 8/28/09

1. The magic words to use are "with the permission of the Board I would like to direct the administration to...." and make sure it is written into the minutes.

   Posted 8/28/09

2. I agree with the "magic words" approach.  It becomes very awkward for the administration if such requests are made outside of a meeting.  Should the full board not want the administration to do the work necessary to fulfill the request, they can say so.

   Posted 9/1/09

3. There are three approaches:
   • Ask the superintendent to provide the information.
   • Ask the board chair to get the information
   • Ask the board to delegate you to ask the question directly (a recorded decision of the board)
   Even if you get the authority of the board to ask questions directly, it is best to go through the superintendent. Going directly to others should only be done by individual members if specifically authorized by the board. This may be necessary when there is a lack of confidence in the superintendent, or when there might be a conflict of interest with the superintendent, and it should be very rare. Individual board memebers bypassing the superintendent undermines the authority of the superintendent and can have a very harmful and divisive effect on the school district as a whole.

   Posted 9/1/09

4. The question seems to imply that getting answers to questions is more difficult for a board member than it is for a member of the taxpaying public.  Is that a fact? This has not been a problem for me in either situation.  The posted answer is very good if the question is something that the board wants to discuss at a future meeting.

   Posted 9/1/09

5. To keep your board meetings effective and your administrators time effectively used, I would suggest that your board and administrator(s) have a discussion around goals, objectives and an effective reporting schedule toward meeting these. Make your case for the reason it is necesary that the board needs the information you want and if it is reasonable it will be on the schedule of reporting.

   Posted 9/14/09



6. If it can wait till your next meeting, ask your board chair to put it on the agenda.

   Posted 9/14/09

Posted 8/28/09

Posted 6/01/09

1. At our middle-high school we have an in-house food service run as a separate enterprise fund. The program consistently runs a profit and even has its own capital fund for equipment replacement. Our award-winning program is very innovative, using farm to school methods, daily salad bars, and a variety of healthy options (sandwich bar, pizza, etc.) in addition to the hot lunch. We were one of the first schools to introduce computerized swipe cards for all students so that payment status is anonymous.
   

   Posted 6/04/09



2. We have had an in house hot lunch program for each of our schools - as it was generating skyrocketing deficits, there was a budgetary "bailout". At that point a nutrition committee was formed, a food service director hired and changes made - both administratively and nutritionaly. Thes changes, in just the past year, have proved vital and viable with far greater participation, a much decreased deficit and promise of the programs being self-sustaining in the near future.

   Posted 6/02/09



3. We provide a hot lunch program for all Winooski students but contract with the Abby for providing this. We use inkind contributions toward our contract such as providing the kitchen, utilities, space and time. They provide food, services, staff, and menu. At the end we get a subsidy from them and for the past couple of years this has worked effectively. All are welcome to come visit and see it in operation. Kids for the most part love it.

   Posted 6/02/09



4. Westminster Schools went to an in house food service a few years ago. I think we subsidize it with $10,000 per year but may have gotten it to a point it is self supporting. It costs us less than when we had an outside provider and the quality is better. Plus, it is somewhat easier to do other food related activities (such as healthy snack program or other food events) with our own in house kitchen. And with the right personnel in the kitchen, you can provide much healthier and local food than usually used by the major food service providers.

   Posted 6/02/09



5. We gave up in-house when the old,quality system was mis-managed and the older,quality employees retired. I do not believe there is any afforable commercial/contract system serving food the customers enjoy. We are regularly looking over the shoulder of the contractor, noticing items not eaten, questioning the students and their parents. We almost feel like we have a lose/lose situation which turns into a partial win since many of our kids need some form of nutrition other than chips and soda found at home.

   Posted 6/02/09



6. We run our own food service program, and expect it to be self-supporting except that we have decided it is fair for school's general fund to subsidize the meal program for the free and reduced meal costs that are above what is reimbursed by the federal government. We felt that it was not fair for meal prices to be set higher than the actual average cost of the meals, so that non-free and reduced meals were subsidizing the free and reduced ones. Asking taxpayers to cover this subsidy through the general fund seemed the fairest solution.

   Posted 6/01/09



7. We had an in house lunch program until three years ago and went with the Abbey Group. When we had our own program we lost between $2,500 and $4,000 per year which we made up in the budget. We are inclined to go back to this system as we are not satisfied with the new provider and would rather spend out of the budget than be at the mercy of an outside contractor.

   Posted 6/01/09

Posted 6/01/09

1. I am a school director for Wilmington. Currently I am the chairman of the facilities committee that has been struggling to find a solution for our aging facility. We currently have a joint contract with the neighboring town of Whitingham to operate the middle school and high school. But the simple fact is with declining enrollment, increased maintenance costs and the cost of repairs for three school buildings we need to look at further collaboration on the k-12 level to lower operating costs and to lose a building.

   Without a doubt it is a struggle to find cooperative engagement between towns and I don't see the supervisory union as the agent or catalyst to mediate or encourage this. I posed this very question to the Commissioner of Education last week and was disappointed with the response. It does not appear that the state is willing to take leadership to foster cooperation and school consolidation beyond the level of financial penalties and the associated fiscal asphyxiation.

   I would like to see districts that are in similar straights to petition the state to take a leadership roll in this matter and to offer financial incentives to do so-after all it would save money in educational funding. But frankly the small towns that are confronted with these problems don't appear to have the political clout in representatives and senators to bring about this change. Perhaps if there were several districts that could present a pattern of cases in which this leadership is necessary they would be more willing to play a stronger role in cross district mergers.

   It is not lost that the previous commissioner attempted to bring about consolidation on the supervisory level and was met with resistance.

   Perhaps the best case that I can make for your neighboring town is the financial future of the federal and state government. We are not feeling it yet, but the reality is that our governments are financially bankrupt and it only waits the time (which is coming) when foreign governments are no longer willing to finance our debt. Keep in mind our President has admitted that the current budgets are unsustainable. When that time comes a lot of federal and state assistance is going to dry up. How is that going to effect our school budgets going forward? The reality is that smaller (and larger) schools are going to need to be more efficient and cost effective than ever before and it makes a lot of sense looking to that future now rather than wait when the money is even tighter.

   6/02/09

2. We do not have any experience here in Winooski with cross-district mergers however I would only venture a guess that if you work the details starting with joint advantages and working down to transportation and special ed you might just come up with a solution. From an economic standpoint as well as efficiencey motive might just work.

   6/02/09

3. It is surprising how many situation's solutions are thwarted by the very rules put in place to alleviate these problems. Perhaps when casting laws in concrete - a slow curing cement should be used. We have allowed too many governmental rules to eliminate clear thinking, flexibility and common sense.

   6/01/09

4. Petition the State to move your School District to another District Supervisory Union. If the State is serious about containing costs this should not take them long to agree.
   

   11/12/09

Posted 5/27/09

1. We have conducted joint negotiations as a group of boards/districts several times in our SU, and have agreed to split the legal costs equally since the process (and hence cost) of negotiations is pretty independent of the size of the school. Although we are very different sized schools, we work as a group of representatives from each district, and each district has equal weight in the decision making, plus we all save costs by working together. This has allowed us to spend more for legal assistance and carry out more informed bargaining for the Boards.

   6/1/09

2. In Washington Central, we pro-rate the costs based on each school's ADM.

   6/1/09

3. The legal fees etc for CESU negotiations are part of the CESU budget and are part of the assessment.

   6/1/09

4. We are actually engaged in negotiations in a setting like that. The negotiations that we are engaged in is 3 members being engaged all at once but the contracts are separate and recognized as such. The costs are borne and distributed in an equal fashion amongst the individual school districts. This is actually the third time we have approached the contracts and for the most part it is working well. The savings to the individual districts are realized thru actual time and monies spent. Rather than have each district met individually, we are meeting in a collective fashion. The individual contracts are discussed individually but in a group setting. Each district has its individual teams.

   In closing the costs are borne in an equal fashion amongst the districts.
   

   6/1/09

5. The legal costs are budgeted at the individual district level. When a legal bill comes in for negotiations, HR codes it to reflect what portion should be pro-rated to which districts. Then, we pay the costs at the SU level and bill the respective districts for their portion.

   5/28/09

6. We pay for these costs in the supervisory union budget and therefore our schools pay their share through their assessment which we base on equalized pupils.

   5/28/09

7. I have been through four different three year contracts and we pay using Supervisory Budget The separate districts pick the cost up the following year.
   

   5/28/09

8. Prorated by student count...same as our costs to support the supervisory union system.

   5/28/09

9. We treat this like any other SU expense - we split the costs using the same formula used for allocating other central office cost. In our case each district pays according to their ADM percentage of the total SU students.

   5/28/09

10. In Winooski's situation we are an independent school district so we pay the entire bill. When I was with another supervisory union we split the legal fees based on the amount of support, in dollars, paid into the supervisory union by each school district within that union. Hope this helps.

    5/28/09

11. In our district these expenses are in the Supervisory Union central office account and so they are shared as all those expense are on at average daily member per pupil cost basis.

    5/27/09

12. SU pays and allocates by ADM

    5/27/09

13. We have 6 schools in our district and we split the cost evenly. We felt like proportional didn't make sense in this case.

    5/27/09

14. All fees and costs should be covered in the SU individual district assessment which depends on what portion of the total SU cost a district pays.

    5/27/09

15. Legal fees and sundry other related expenses arising from the current negotiation debacle at OESU are being paid for using the same method other OESU expenses are divided amongst the SU member schools. We use each school's FTE count to establish what each school owes.

    9/14/09

Posted 3/24/09

1. We have a combined school-community library and the community members use the library during the day along with our students. Community members use the computers for e-mail, research, etc. and follow the school poliicy for usage. The computers in the library have blocked programs. We do have a separate computer in a private area for any community member to use that does not have blocked programs. Since this has been installed it has been used once in four years.

   6/1/09

Posted 3/24/09

1. As a Policy Governance Board, the role of chair is clearly defined IN POLICY. The Board then reviews the chair's performance on a regular basis against the policy. The Board, then, holds the chair and the Board accountable for their own work. May contact me through VSBA for more information.

   Posted 3/30/09

2. At our recent board reorganization meeting, we reviewed and discussed the roles and responsibilities of the chair using the power point that VSBA has on their web site as a guide. In addition, you should reference state statute. It would be a beneficial exercise for all boards to take some time to review it as a group.

   Posted 3/25/09

3. Check the 'Vermont School Board Resource Directory' page 99

   Posted 3/24/09

4. Some versions of RRO offer suggestions but must are mute on the subject. The Chair should primarily be nothing more than a facilitator. However it is advantageous to allow him/her to make motions and vote on the questions. When he chooses to participate in debate he should pass the gavel to the Vice Chair.

   Posted 3/24/09

5. Board chairs have only one clear duty--running board meetings. There is no assignment of other duties to chairs in state law. So the answer to your question is that it depends on whether the board has given authority to act in certain situations. It is not uncommon for boards to delegate certain duties to chairs; working with the administration on agenda preparation, serving as the spokesperson for the board or appointing committee members. But in the absence of a board assignment, through a bylaw, policy or other specific action taken by the board, the chair's only duty is to preside at board meetings through the application of Roberts Rules of Order.

   Posted 3/24/09

6. Must reading for all board chairs.School Board Chair: A Key Leadership Role. Pages 99 & 100 of the Vermont School Board Resource Directory (2008-2011 edition).

   Posted 3/24/09

Posted 3/24/09

1. As a Policy Governance Board, the roles and responsibilities of board members are clearly laid out IN POLICY. It is then up to the entire board to review their work on a regular basis, sometimes at each meeting, to ensure that all members are in compliance with board policies. It is also a good idea to have a well thought out and presented orientation for new board members so that they know from the beginning what is expected in terms of working with other board members, working with the system, and how effective meetings take place. May contact me through VSBA for more information.

   Posted 3/30/09

2. Boards should be in the habit of self-monitoring their interactions. This member's question raises a few clarifying questions: Is there a link between the ethics violation and a board approved policy or state statute? Is the friction board member to board member due to a difference of opinion over an educational issue in the board's purview? I would suggest the board review the roles of the chair in state statute and on the VSBA web site and have a frank discussion about the qualifications of the current chair. It may turn out to be a personality clash. It is important to clear the air and move forward on the important work of the board.

   Posted 3/25/09

3. At one time we too had a rogue board member and he was out of control with the other board members as well as audience members and he was chair. Yikes what a negative image we had. It was recommended to us to have all board members agree to an ethical code of conduct. The majority of the board can approve it and every board member can sign it. It can state what behaviors are acceptable and other guidelines concerning meeting behavior. It should be posted not only for the board members but for the public as well. If done at an open meeting you might be able to shame the rogue into following the better behavior model approved by your board. Good luck and I am glad our member was not reelected. You can only hope the same will happen for you.

   Posted 3/24/09

4. Great answer in the March 'Boardroom' page 14

   Posted 3/24/09

5. Treat him/her as you wish to be treated. Independent thinkers are too often labeled as “Rogues”. If you take the high ground you will always prevail.

   Posted 3/24/09

6. Please see a recent VSBA newsletter article in the March addition of From The Boardroom

   Posted 3/24/09

7. First, Do not vote this person as CHAIR.

   Posted 3/24/09

Posted 3/18/09

1. My thought on this is that kids have their own e-mail accounts. Giving them a school account gives the school the opportunity to teach them about using their e-mail responsibly (and pulling accounts from those who do not). I would think that this is an educational opportunity that the school should not miss. It would be a shame to leave the culture and education around e-mailing to other kids when adults can influence the process in a positive way. As with many things like this, kids want us to lead them with reasoned and reasonable authority that they can trust. They do not want to have powers that they are not prepared to exercise well. They rely on us to set limits as they will do when they are adults.

   Posted 4/9/09

2. Why is this a Board issue? I would think that this is an administrative issue better resolved by the Superintendent and Principal. The Board should have a policy concerning student outcomes of which learning to use email may be appropriate and policies concerning safety of staff and students, bullying, etc., to which the Superintendent is responsible. The Board's job is to hold the Superintendent accountable for the performance of the school. In other words, the Board should see that the school is well run, not run the school.

   Posted 3/30/09

3. I believe that a child with an e-mail account would need CLOSE supervision. There are links that appear, outside of the body of an e-mail, in the most innocent of exchanges. One click, and that child could be directed to inappropriate, harmful information. In addition, I think that the person who posted this question has their answer when they speak to their apprehension due to cyber bullying, hate mail, not to mention sexual predators. I think an e-mail account, for a minor, should be monitored by a parent or guardian. I understand that our children have a right to their privacy. It is up to us, as parents, to ensure there are parameters in place to ensure their safety. Last August, I was, with my son by my side, looking up a candy shop in Maine. I googled the name of the business, was directed to a link for their website, and clicked on it. What came up was a pornographic pic of a woman! I was trying to plan a fun stop where my son could watch salt water taffy being made!!!

   Posted 3/25/09

4. Although there are certainly benefits, it might be that we are already in enough battles without taking on this one?

   Posted 3/24/09

5. It is our responsibility as school board members to consider equity and the perspective of student growth and development.
   • Do all students have equal access to email elsewhere?
   • Do all students have internet access at home?
   • Do all students have the opportunity to learn how to effectively email others?
   • Can email aid students in research? How else might email contribute to students' study?
   • Might school-place email train students in proper protocol for workplace email access?
   • Are we preparing students for this technological global communication?
   • Are we truly assessing the value of email to students' academic development?

   Posted 3/24/09

6. I am doing some work in a Chittenden County high school and decided to ask some faculty members about this, just out of curiosity. At this school students do have email accounts and it appears to cause no significant issues. As a previous responder mentioned, protocols and good IT staff are helpful in making this work.

   Posted 3/24/09

7. Our School policy states that students may be provided e-mail accounts under special circumstances, at the requests of their teachers and with approval of their parents. these accounts will be of limited duration. Students and their parents must sign an e-mail Account Agreement to be granted district provided email accounts on the school's network.

   Posted 3/23/09

8. As much as I would like to give our kids more freedom in becoming responsible adults and allowing the e-mail in school, I think that I must not agree. I believe time in school is to learn and time to interact face to face with people. Maybe we are losing some of our personal touch with all our computer things. I have my work computer and have to wait to get home to my home computer for personal e-mails. I do not expect my employer to pay me for spending personal time on my e-mails, as I would not like kids to spend time on their e-mails at school. After school is a time for that.

   Posted 3/23/09

9. St Johnsbury has been using student e-mail accounts for several years now. We use a provider called Gaggle.net. It can be a free service, but we purchase a subscription to eliminate ads, and we can use our own @stjsd.gaggle.net domain. The service provides a safe email environment for students. We control the kind of access they can have. Currently we only allow our students to email to other students in our district or to our teachers. All other emails incoming and outgoing get blocked by Gaggle. We can add specific outside domains or specific email accounts to allow for periods of time for student projects. There is also a content filter that blocks inappropriate language or images from being exchanged. If an email is blocked, it is instead to the e-mail administrator. They view the email, and can unblock it for release or delete it. If it looks like bullying or other significant language they pass it along to the student support team to deal with the student. They can also disable accounts if needed. Students cannot permanently delete their messages, sent or received. They appear deleted to the student but actually are archived by Gaggle and can be viewed by the administrator. As a result student accounts don't get spammed from the outside. Only each other, but that too is restricted.

   We use student e-mail for students in grades 3-8, but we are finding that the grade 3 students are not mature enough yet. The VT Tech Standards set by the Dept of Education recommend that students have email and learn the associated skills.

   The accounts also allow students to upload files to an on-line storage space that they can then access from home or the library. So we are eliminating floppy disks and thumb drive hassles.

   All that being said, and I will still endorse Gaggle net and their services, we are moving everything next year to SharpShool, which provides similar services but is more integrated into their web hosting services. How that turns out has yet to be determined.

   Posted 3/20/09

10. Browns River Middle School in Jericho has student email accounts. I believe they have protocols which heavily filter the emails or restrict senders to those selected by the student. Member might get in touch with administration there to find out more.

    Posted 3/18/09

11. Mount Mansfield Union High School as well as middle schools in Chittenden East all have student email accounts. I know Essex High school and probably most other middle and high schools in Chittenden County have student email accounts. A good IT department and Administrative leaders will educate students about rights and responsibilities and can often trace/see all emails. I think on one hand the students are so savvy about it that they use other technology for those negative purposes.

    Posted 3/18/09

12. You should be apprehensive about this. Why should schools get involved with student e-mail accounts? Your concerns listed in 1. below, are real and merely the tip of the iceberg. Are the high schools willing to be responsible for the students e-mail activity? What sort of "oversight" or "control" would the schools have. Could there be now unforeseen liabilities? Once again SCHOOLS are usurping parents domain.

    Will parental consent be necessary? What guarantees will you promise if such approval is given? What is the financial cost?

    I have been watching a teenager who is entering High School next year. Not an easy task. I can not see why the School Community should volunteer for such responsibility.

    Posted 3/18/09

13. We tried student e-mail accounts two years ago at our Middle School. We offered close to 600 students email accounts that are filtered for content in area of language and attachments. We offered this through a website service called SchoolCenter. Classroom teachers were assigned as administrators of their classes and would get an email message from SchoolCenter when one of their students sent inappropriate information.

    At most, 40 students who participated, and usage dropped off to practically none over the course of a few months.

    When we inquired as to why we found several reasons:

    • Student don't use email, they prefer to text message
    • Those that do, use email accounts through Google, Yahoo Mail or Hot Mail (even though we block these on our network)
    • They prefer to email from home
    • Teachers were reluctant to setup accounts because of managing the issues
    • Students were not pleased with the filtering

    Posted 3/18/09

14. While we don't have a high school in our district, I think offering school e-mail accounts may give you more 'control' over cyberbullying and hate mail. As with any privilege, if abused can be taken away. One solution may be; If a student wishes to have a school email they must agree to not participate in cyber-bulling/hate mail and if found to report it.

    Posted 3/18/09

15. This answer is based on my experience as a parent more than as a board member. My kids have attended two schools that allow students to have school email accounts: Hinesburg Community School (K-8) and Vermont Commons School (7-9). I have been very satisfied with my children's experiences with the school email systems which they could access from home or campus.

    Considering the ready availability of free email accounts such as gmail or yahoo, I believe concerns about cyberbullying and other abuse are already present, and that a school-based system offers more supervision and control. I am aware of one situation where one of my child's classmates was misusing the school email and was shut down. That likely would not have happened had the child been using a free email account unattached to the school.

    Posted 3/18/09

16. I am not on the high school board, but with the examples of bullying in the schools as a result of things being posted on the internet (Facebook, YouTube) and lawyers/advocates trying to push responsibility of these incidents onto the schools, I feel it is asking for trouble to have a school provided email for students. There would be clear cut responsibility for what takes place in those accounts and the schools would certainly been seen as the responsible party for any adverse incidents resulting from the use of the email. I guess I am just cautious, but I would fall on the side of not expanding exposure for the school in this way.

    If the argument for giving email accounts is that teachers/the school can communicate easier with students (homework assignments or other such things) I again fall on the conservative side of this. Human, face to face, contact is more effective than email.

    Posted 3/18/09

17. I think that allowing students to have school e-mail accounts is a very bad idea. It will only interfere with study time and do nothing to improve NECAP and SAT scores. Let's get back to basics.

    Posted 3/18/09

18. I am a board member at Otter Valley Union High School in Brandon. Since student can set up their own free email accounts (Yahoo, etc) and can access them at school I really don't see the reason for the school to be in the position of having these account on the school's account.

    Posted 3/18/09

19. I know Woodsville High School in New Hampshire has email accounts for students.

    Posted 3/18/09

20. I do not agree with email in the schools as I believe this is one more distraction to the students and teachers. We already give the students to many options with fun in school they are there to learn not to play!!

    Posted 3/19/09

Posted 1/08/09

1. We are a "peanut aware" school. It is in our handbook and we send the information home to parents at the beginning of the year.

   Posted 1/12/09

2. There are no policies or procedures of which I am aware or that I can locate about nut allergies.

   Posted 1/12/09

3. For allergies in schools see Vermont act 158. there should be broad policies and individual plans based on age and type of school. High schools would need less intervention/supervision of the allergy as those students are expected to have the knowledge and ability to self regulate. Of course by law any parent can ASK for a 504 based on food allergies.

   Posted 1/12/09

4. We have a new policy in place regarding food allergies which was really important since we had a student entering this year with a severe nut allergy.

   Posted 1/12/09

5. We have a general "Allergy Accommodation Policy" that states that the school shall make every reasonable effort to accommodate children with allergies. Then we have procedures that remain in effect as long as the child with the allergy is in the school. Currently, we only have a "No Nut Products" procedure because we have one small child with an acute nut allergy. It specifies that no nuts or nut products are allowed in the classroom where the child is. As the child moves up the grades and from classroom to classroom, the "no-nut" classroom changes to follow the child. Other children in the classroom may not bring nut products into the classroom (e.g. birthday treats to share). Children ARE allowed to bring nut products as part of their own lunch, but may not sit at the same lunch table as the child with the allergy (in fact, the nut products are consumed in the kitchen, not in the main lunch room (our gym). All lunch tables and other surfaces are cleaned to remove traces of nuts. All school-prepared lunches are nut-free (we use "sunbutter" made of sunflower seeds rather than peanut butter). No problems after one and a half years of this procedure being in place.

   Posted 1/09/09

6. We have no policy on this (I am on the policy committee). Each teacher keeps close tabs on what is happening in their classroom. We are a small school so this works OK for us. For a larger school something more may need to be done.

   Posted 1/09/09

7. No!

   Posted 1/09/09

8. Shrewsbury does not have an explicit nut allergy policy. We have not had a severe allergy to deal with yet although one could crop up at any moment. Staff and volunteers (who may be providing snacks) are made aware of any classroom allergies and act accordingly.

   Posted 1/09/09

9. My understanding is that allergies do not fall under the ADA or other federal or state law as a "disability" or "disease". The burden, in other words, is on the allergic person to avoid the known hazard and for the school to make that possible. Generally the steps taken would be the least restrictive option rather than the most prescriptive and extreme. Some examples: At the elementary school, the cafeteria has a "nut-free" table available to children, but children's lunch bags are not monitored. They serve peanut butter, but avoid "decorative" nuts, like on desserts. When parents provide food, they are encouraged to avoid nuts, but the allergic child is also encouraged to have some "safe" snacks since it would be unreasonable to expect another parent to make something different for them. If a teacher uses food "props" in a math exercise, consider substituting wooden blocks. At the high school, the health office is aware allergies, in case of a problem, but I don't think anyone else would need to be involved. These decisions are made by the principal, not the board. By the way, my child has a nut allergy, and I absolutely do not expect, or want, the school to change or implement any procedures or policies that would effect the way that the school, or other families, shopped, prepared, or served food whether for daily lunch, FACS, or birthday treats. As a parent, I accept the responsibility for teaching my child what is definitely okay, what may be okay, and what is never okay in this situation, as in so many others.

   Posted 1/09/09

10. This is not a policy matter. It's a health issue handled by administration. Don't know all steps taken, but I know some classrooms have notices posted on the doorframe, stating the allergy. Undoubtedly there is more are in place (antidotes, emergency response, etc.). I suggest your administrator find out what other principals or school nurses do.

    Posted 1/09/09

11. Last year the Waterville Central School had a child with severe allergies, there were written policies and notices to families. They can be contacted at 802-644-2224.
    

    Posted 1/09/09

12. Nut allergies are not a problem for our school because we are a small school!!! Something that works out very well in small schools because everyone knows what students are allergic and staff, faculty, parents, administrators and fellow students look out for those students. Small schools tend to have a family atmosphere about them so the students don't get lost. I suspect in larger schools you would need something more definitive than assuming everyone in the building knows or for that matter cares.

    Posted 1/09/09

13. We have 2 children with nut allergies in our school. Our policy is that the classrooms where those children are present are nut-free (so if the child is in 2nd grade, the two 1-2 classrooms are nut-free). All other classrooms are not necessarily nut-free. Our kitchen is completely nut-free and all the tables in the lunchroom are nut-free with one exception, so that if a child brings a peanut butter sandwich for lunch, they must eat at the nut table (as opposed to stigmatizing the nut-free kids). This policy seems to work well for us and there have been no issues.
    That said, I must say that I have found the extent to which some of nut-free restrictions have been enforced is overly burdensome. An example: a child who brings a mylar-wrapped cereal bar that does not have nuts in the ingredient list but that is made in a facility which processes nuts, and who does not eat or even unwrap that bar, but leaves it in her lunch box, will be asked to remove the bar from the classroom and keep it in a special bin in the gym, to be retrieved later. This type of caution I believe is excessive and also disrespectful to both the kids with the snack and the kids with the allergies. I believe children are naturally good-willed and want to do the right thing, and I also believe children can take care of themselves if given the credit to do so. If all the children are educated on the potential harms that can come from sharing snacks and asked not to open potentially problematic snacks in the classroom, then they will honor that request. There is no need to be dogmatic about it.

    Posted 1/09/09

14. At our pre-K - 6 elementary school of approx 150 students, the principal and classroom teachers handle nut allergies. If there is a child in a classroom who has a nut allergy, all students/families in that classroom are required to not bring in any foods with nuts, or that may have been processed with nuts. In the lunch room, there is a designated "nut free" table. Obviously any children with nut allergies sit there, but any other student may sit there as well, provided s/he has a completely nut free lunch.

    Posted 1/09/09

15. We have had children with nut allergies in our school. The administration handled the situation based on the recommendations from health experts. It was a change for families but they were understanding about it.

    Posted 1/09/09

16. Neshobe has created a nut-free zone - a wing of the building (including several classrooms) that is identified as such with signage. This was developed specifically because a/some students in that wing have severe allergies. Students and parents are informed of this procedure in letters home from the teacher and in the school monthly newsletter. Students are advised not to bring nut-related snacks for morning snacktime (in the classroom).
    At the cafeteria, there is a nut-free table for those with allergies. This allows students with preferences toward nut-related foods in their lunch to still enjoy them away from those affected by allergies. Children are reminded to wash themselves carefully if they have been in contact with such foods before reentering the classroom.
    This has worked well, as far as I know, and is deemed a lesson in respect for others. Kids have assumed the responsibility of caring for the classmates with pride (again, as far as I know I know my daughter takes it very seriously and haven't heard anything otherwise during SB meetings.)

    Posted 1/09/09

17. Class rooms with kids who are allergic are nut-free, as are multi-purpose rooms. In the lunch room there is a separate table IF you have peanut lunch.

    Posted 1/08/09

Posted 4/22/08

1. Our high school has 2 principals. A third is proposed to be cut in the upcoming budget. Our middle school and elementary schools (200-300 students) each have a principal. The middle school also has a dean of students.

   Posted 1/14/09

2. We have a principal, and two assistant principals. ONe of the assistant principal is the Director of Special Services and the other handles discipline and testing (SAT, etc)
   

   Posted 1/12/09

3. BUHS has 1 principal and 3 assistant principals for 990 students. BAMS has 1 principal and 1 assistant principal for 287 students.

   Posted 1/12/09

4. We have four buildings for our pre-K through 12 school and have a principal in each location although our enrollments are small (under 100 at one elementary school, around 120 or so at another elementary school, around 100 at our middle school and 170 or so at the high school.

   Posted 1/12/09

5. Enrollment is currently about 140, with new students expected this month. 1 principal, and faculty rotate annually being the back up when the principal is out of the school. We compensate that faculty member with a small bonus.

   Posted 1/08/09

6. We have on principal for an elementary school of about 240 children.

   Posted 1/09/09

7. Our school has on average 325 kids with 1 principal and 1 vice principal.

   Posted 1/09/09

8. We have an enrollment of 53 (pre-K through 6), and one principal who also teaches math to two grades.

   Posted 1/09/09

9. 1 Principal and 1 Vice Principal

   Posted 1/09/09

10. One Principle, small school, 108 students

    Posted 1/09/09

11. Shrewsbury has a .7 Principal with .3 teaching responsibilities. We have a student body of 68, at the moment. We are a preK-6 school. Personally I would prefer to have a full-time Principal, but budgeting has not allowed that in recent years.
    

    Posted 1/09/09

12. We have 1 Principal and 1 Business Officer (top professional level Human Resources and financial background). It is a successful and cost-effective partnership. Our elementary school has about 220 students, pre-K thru 6th grade.

    Posted 1/09/09

13. The high school has a principal and a vice principal, as does the middle school.

    Posted 1/09/09

14. Fair Haven Union High School has two administrators; Principal and Vice Principal. Our enrollment is around 550 students.

    Posted 1/09/09

Posted 4/21/08

1. Strictly administrative issue. Has never come to board. Although busing, which is also an administrative responsible, has been a recent and frequent topic at board meetings.

   Posted 1/14/09

2. We work on a regional calendar. It includes 4 possible snow days with makeup days at the end of the year if needed.

   Posted 1/12/09

3. The board and administration work together to determine the calendar and what to do about making up days.

   Posted 1/12/09

4. Changes in the calendar are done by recommendation of the administration to the school board. The board votes on whether to agree. (The board also approves the original calendar.)

   Posted 1/09/09

5. We are tied in with two other districts Brattleboro and Springfield so the govern our schedule !!

   Posted 1/09/09

6. Administration (principal) makes these decisions, he usually runs them by the School Board but he is trusted to do the right thing.

   Posted 1/09/09

7. State mandates the number of days required; Administration figures it out in collaboration with other schools in our SU (bussing). Not a board issue.

   Posted 1/09/09

8. In our SU we have a SU calendar. However, snow days are determined by each district and how they are made up is determined by the Principals.

   Posted 1/09/09

9. We’ve had discussions about snow day policies and make-up days, but I’ve not been involved with calendar decisions in my 2 years on the board.

   Posted 1/09/09

Posted 3/21/08

1. We have an agreement that every e-mail communication by any Board member (in the capacity as a Board member) is copied to every other Board member, and usually the superintendent as well.
   

   Posted 1/12/09

2. There are four concerns to keep in mind when sending emails to administrators or other board members:
   • Always keep the chair in the loop. Copy the chair on the email or discuss the issue with her/him by telephone beforehand. The latter is a good option for a new board member. The issue may have been considered previously, or the chair may intend to address the issue at a future board meeting.
   • Never include executive session material such as information or complaints about individual school staff members or students in an email.
   • Never include the majority of board members on an email that might influence future board action (include yourself in the count). This can be construed as holding a board discussion by email and violating the open meeting law. A good criterion is to ask yourself whether voters would be upset if your emails were published in the local newspaper. A Vermont court case is currently examining whether or not there was a violation of the open meeting law by emails between school board members prior to a close special election.
   • It is acceptable to include all board members and administrators on a purely factual email, announcement, requests or questions. Examples: schedule changes, documents for reference, meeting minutes, financial statements. These materials are public records and are sent by email for the convenience of board members or administrators.

   Posted 1/12/09

3. As a supervisory union with a superintendent, we email to the superintendent. The superintendent will communicate with the administrator if necessary. We do not include the chair as a rule. However it does depend on the type of communication and reason. The goal is to do most of the communication in open meetings to avoid misunderstandings.

   Posted 1/12/09

4. We encourage board members to include the chair in anything other than a routine request like "can I get a copy of..." - those kinds of things.

   Posted 1/12/09

5. The times that I have emailed an administrator solely has been when I am expressing my appreciations and gratitude for their efforts. If I had a more political question or comment, I would cc the entire board. I am assuming that this is what the other board members do as well.

   Posted 1/08/09

6. We ask that board members communicate with the administration through the chair.

   Posted 1/09/09

7. I feel comfortable corresponding either way. I have a personable relationship with all involved, so would feel it a matter of duty to keep others informed of important situations, but am just as comfortable contacting the administrators (Principal and VP) individually and/or personally.

   Posted 1/09/09

8. Any e-mail I do the Super gets a copy and the Chair
   

   Posted 1/09/09

9. Email is done directly with administrators with the chair generally copied in as a courtesy especially if the question or discussion will impact or come up at a meeting. However if we are talking directly with an administrator about something we do not understand then generally the chair is not copied in.

   Posted 1/09/09

10. We are have a small school in a very tight knit community. Contacting the principal directly is not a problem for us, we have a great relationship.
    BUT E-Mail must be done cautiously and nothing personal (especially student information) should ever be put in E-Mail to anyone. In a legal situation, I have been told (by a lawyer) that computers can be confiscated (even your computer at work if you use that for School Board communications). As a rule, we use E-Mail a lot but never to discuss anything personal, sensitive, confidential or controversial.

    Posted 1/09/09

11. As with any communication in the schools and boards, the chain of command is a good rule to follow. As a board member, your connection to the Administration is thru your chair. The Super can get pretty harried if all board members call/email directly. The thing is that your communication may be something that should be brought up at a meeting because others may have the same question/concern/etc. or it may be something the chair can handle directly.
    

    Posted 1/09/09

12. Board communication by email is questions/concerns only with our administrator. Any directives happen either at our meetings or through the Board Chair.
    

    Posted 1/09/09

13. We have no formal policy, but we are wary of any emails that go to all board members about something we eventually may take action on. If a majority of the board were to reply "yes" or "no" to a suggested action, we might be conducting an electronic meeting. This is illegal unless warned as required by the state Sunshine Statute. If everything had to go through the board chair, who then presumably would copy everyone, wouldn't that at least slightly increase the chance of an unwarned electronic meeting?
    

    Posted 1/09/09

Posted 3/20/08

1. We are televised. Our board table is set up as a "U" with the Chair and administration sitting at the head, facing the public. The public has seating behind the camera, usually two or three rows of chairs, but the camera will rotate to catch them on camera too. If we have a presentation, they usually come up to the main table to do that portion. We usually have a microphone in the middle of the table setup for the TV station reception.

   Posted 3/23/08

2. We have Board members and admin sitting mixed together.

   Posted 3/23/08

3. I think as a viewer it would be less confusing and for camera angle if you had a seating plan with a name/position card in front that could be read by the viewer. I find it nice to mix it up especially if there is any adversarial feeling going with board visitors/issue - this creates less of an us/them atmosphere.

   Posted 3/23/08

4. Our Board members along with our administrators, which includes superintendent, and building administrators as well as our recorder sit at the Board Table. The student reps also sit at the table (they do not vote).Our meetings are televised. We open each meeting with introductions.

   If there are invited quests we make sure to explain who they are and why they are at the meeting and they may be invited to sit at the Board table.

   We have worked very hard to develop a relaxed environment at our Board Meetings. Generally the Administrators are at the table seated together and the board sits together, however we have not defined nor encouraged a seating arrangement.

   The question, seems to indicate, there is something inappropriate about an informal seating arrangement.

   What is the Board trying to say at meetings? For me as a Board member, I want open and frank discussions on issues. I do not want to "stop" the discussion of ideas because of an individuals position. It is critically important that discussions be open and comfortable at the Board Table.

   This conveys to the community a sense that we are working collectively for the best outcome and environment in the school, even when the issue under discussion is a difficult topic.

   Boards should not convey to a community a "them" vs. "us" mentality.

   Posted 3/23/08

5. We are a union school district within a supervisory union, with three schools represented by administrators, plus the superintendent of the supervisory union, so there can be 4-7 people in the administrator group, not counting special appearances.

   Posted 3/23/08

   By accident or design (I suspect the former), our administrators generally, but not always -- sit together, at one end of a u-shaped layout or otherwise together if it’s a square doughnut. For video purposes, sitting together would make sense, of course.

   We’ve never separated the administrators from the board members by a defined space, though.

   Posted 3/23/08

6. We did not separate our board from the administration but the superintendent and principal often sat on the left side and the board sat around the table filling in whatever spaces were available. We did reorganize our seating into a u shape to avoid being distracted. The shape helped us focus on the issues at hand but also move out during community question and other segments when we sought a wider range of opinions.

   Posted 3/23/08

7. Our board (UD-3) does not have assigned seats, per se, but as human nature would have it, most tend to sit in or near the same seat. More out of tradition, the board chair, vice-chair, and supt. sit in the center of the row. The administration do sit together off to one side and the board makes up the balance. Large name tags are placed before each person for clarification.

   Posted 3/23/08

8. We are a small 3-member board and Board members and Administration all sit together around the same table. There is not a defined physical space for either party, i.e. a board member may be seated between the Principal and the Superintendent. Even at the Supervisory Union level meetings, members from various Board are intermingled among Administration and Central Office staff in no particular pattern. This works well for us, but our meetings are not televised.

   I personally don't think it matters where people are seated, but for the televised audience who may not know who is a Board member and who is Administration (or staff), it may be helpful if everyone introduces themselves and states their position/role at the beginning of each meeting.

   Posted 3/23/08

9. We generally have board members sit on one side of the "U" and administration on the other with the board chair in the center - this works well for us. There are times though when we need to have administrators join us for only part of our meeting and we let them sit wherever they choose.

   Posted 3/23/08

10. Currently our board and administrators all sit together at a slightly curved multi table arrangement. The board usually sits in the middle with supervisory union administrators on one side and the school’s administration on the other. The board does not feel comfortable with this arrangement because it does not create close working relationship with all the parties involved.

    We are now looking at changing the seating arrangement to a rectangular design possibly with one end open so visitors can be actively engaged and feel comfortable with the process. Administration and board members should work as a single unit when problem solving. If they are all part of the same seating configuration showing that they are all valued players in the process it will create a positive working relationship.

    We are not routinely televised but on occasion TV cameras do show up. It does help visitors of any kind to know who the players are if the members are properly identified either with opening introductions or with name cards.

    Posted 3/23/08

11. When our Board meetings are televised (and not),we don't have a designated seating arrangement. Ordinarily, the Board chair and Vice Chair sit at one end of the table arrangement facing any community members who might be there (not at the table)(we have 15 members, 2 student members, and up to 7 administrators at each meeting). Administrators sit together at the other end or, if it is a U shaped configuration, on one side. Again, this is an informal arrangement but seems consistent and works well.

    Posted 3/23/08

12. At our local school board meetings (which I chair), board members and administrators all sit around one table (actually, several of those trapezoid tables put together in a ring). My personal feeling is that we're all in this together, and I don't like to create an artificial barrier between the board and the administrators. However, at the S.U. level, it is done differently. The S.U. chair prefers to have the board members and the superintendent at several tables placed together in a row, and have the other administrators and any audience sitting in chairs facing the tables. I find that too formal, but that's just my personal opinion.

    Posted 3/23/08

13. We have attempted to open up the entire process and have elected student representatives and faculty members sit in at Board meetings along with administrators and administrators.

    The Chair sits at the center of a "U" shaped assembly of tables, but that is largely to accommodate the local Public Access TV station. The superintendent usually sits nearby, but that is largely because she is asked a lot of questions and its easier for her to be seen and heard when she is sitting there. Everyone else simply grabs an available seat. The result is an atmosphere that is both collegial and a little informal.

    Our hope is that our student members will see that they can participate in, and influence board policy. On several occasions, they have done just that, and to good effect.

    Likewise, our hope has been that by asking our teachers to designate members to sit in at meetings we can break down any US/THEM alienation and misunderstanding between the board and the teaching community. We seem to be making progress.

    While only Board members have votes, discussions include everyone and we strive for consensus whenever possible.

    We have taken the same inclusive approach with many of our various committees. Students and faculty participate in committees on policy, and educational progress, among others. We have even gone so far as to designate our community relations committee to be an "open committee." In addition to the student/board/parent/faculty members designated by the Board, community members are welcome to drop in and participate at Saturday morning meetings held around a big table at a popular local breakfast spot.

    This is the second year we have used this approach. Initially it seemed a little awkward from time to time. However, as people have become used to it, I think it has drawn the various stakeholders together and generated more thoughtful policy and improved oversight. I would recommend it to any board in the state.

    Teacher morale seems to be better. Our contract negotiations seem to be less stressful, and we have made some dramatic improvements in out test scores relative to the rest of the state.

    Posted 3/23/08

14. As chair of the board, I like to have the superintendent sit next to me in case we need to confer on something. Otherwise, everyone just sits where they want. I think this keeps the meetings from feeling adversarial. I personally view the administration as part of the team. And if staff attend meetings, I prefer to have them at the table to discuss things. We want everyone to feel that we are open to the entire school community. The camera being there, should not affect how you sit nor the "feel" of your meetings. The camera should be showing the rest of the community what a great job you are doing and how they should be supporting the school. If the camera being there is creating insecurity, you have more to worry about than who is sitting where. Although I don't know the board, and the entire situation, but may I suggest that there may be some adversarial issues that need to be addressed that go deeper than the presence of the community through a camera.

    Posted 3/23/08

15. The superintendent, board members, including student member, and building principals all sit at the same u-shaped table in that order. We face the public access TV camera and the public who attend. This is a change in the past year from a more awkward set up where building principals sat in back of room and had to come to standing microphone to address the board and TV.

    Posted 3/23/08

16. We are not televised and don't have a formal seating arrangement. We use the staff room which has 2 large tables (Tshaped) but everyone seems to gravitate to the same chair each time. We are however, flexible as sometimes guests and visitors arrive prior to all Board members.

    Posted 3/23/08

17. I think, to function well, administration and board member need to feel comfortable together. At our board meeting, we just sit wherever there is a place. So no, I don't think there needs to be an artificial separation at the table yet it does seem to be rather common practice to separate the wheat from the chaff when there is a camera (tv) involved. Guess it helps the viewers figure out who is who!

    Posted 3/23/08

18. At LES there is not a defined seating plan. The only request made by a parent was to have the group sit more in a horseshoe shape (a line was too harsh). We agreed because we could all see each other better and we felt we could communicate easier. I believe the closer the group sits (even though there seems to be a personal comfort with the administration sitting on one end and the board on another) the more it displays individuals working as a team.

    Posted 3/23/08

19. Our meetings are televised as are many others. I believe this give the general public, especially in Winooski, an opportunity to see what we are considering and how we interact with the issues and how we vote. As to the seating arrangement we configure our meetings with the board sitting all at the head table with the principals and administrators sitting at an adjoining table along the right with the superintendent and recording secretary sitting on the left. The full table arrangement is configured in sort of a U shape. The audience sits in chairs to the left of the head table and when making presentations either stand and address the board or sits on the end of the principals section for their presentation. Seems to work.

    Posted 3/23/08

20. We have five members on our school board for the three elementary schools in our town, and our meetings rotate between the three schools, normally three months of meetings at each school. Usual attendance at the twice a month board meetings includes the five board members, the board recorder, the superintendent, the three school principals, the EES director, and as needed, other invited school staff and administrators. And, of course, occasionally, interested people from the general public, teachers, and students. We have no formal seating plan, and because of the tremendous rapport among all parties, none is necessary. Meetings are relaxed and informative, and the accomplishments are good. We are not televised, but even if we were, I am sure that nothing would change.

    Posted 3/23/08

21. Our board table is set up intermingled. Board members and administrators sit randomly at the table. Our meetings are not televised. Our guests sit at one end so that it is easy to see all board/administrative members clearly.

    Posted 3/23/08

22. On our SU board, I am the Chair person so I have our Superintendent sit on one side of me, and the vice chair sits on the other side of me, the rest of our 16 person board sits where ever they want, usually each district sits with their own fellow board members.

23. Seating here is divided into two rings: the board members sit in assigned seats at the inner ring - really a "u" shape - with the chair and superintendent at the head. All other admin staff are seated in the outer set of seats. Visitors sit separate from both.

Posted 11/12/07

1. I know that high school teachers get a disproportionate lower amount of contact time with students compared to elementary teachers. Our elementary teachers get 30-40 minutes per day for prep that is usually scheduled around specials. A short period of time after students leave for the day, 15-20 minutes, is usually taken up by parent conversations, meetings, or extra help for students. In my opinion, elementary teachers are shortchanged on this issue. High school teachers often teach more than one section of the same class, enabling prep to overlap. Conversely, elementary teachers spend their day with the same group of students and must prep for 5-6 hours of contact time each day.

   Along with chairing my local board, I also work as a 1:1 para in an elementary school. From first hand experience I can tell you that the daily classroom routine for these teachers is intense with few opportunities for a break, as students transition from one activity or lesson to the next. All the while in the same class with the same teacher. Understanding that the high school environment is more complex both intellectually and socially, I still find it disconcerting that these professionals are allowed so much of their contract time away from the primary focus of their profession, their clients - students. I would submit that other professional occupations insist on a more significant ratio of client contact time each day. If one does look at the ratio it is astounding. In this question 2/3 of the year is spent at a 50% professional to client contact time ratio. Would an insurance company allow a doctor to see patients for only half of his/her working day, yet bill out for a full-time salary? I think not.

   Certainly there are more layers to this onion than meet the eye. However, as a board member I see this situation as one of many large gaps in our system through which many many education dollars fall; at the same time it is a systemic inequity for the professionals involved in primary and secondary education.

   Posted 3/26/08

2. Our elementary teachers are expected to be in school a minimum of 7.5hrs of that they are in class all but a 1/2hr. lunch and a 45min. "specials" period. They also have rotating lunch and recess duty, but a great portion of those are done by TA's and itinerants. It seems to work well. I'm not sure what our HS does, but your teaching load sounds pretty light.
   

   Posted 3/26/08

Posted 11/11/07

1. I was chair of our search committee when we hired a new principal three years ago. I am a board member at Otter Valley Union HS and our principal gave notice in April that he would not be returning - so we had a very short time - at the end of the hiring season - to find someone. Our superintendent, Bill Mathis helped create an excellent and inclusive process which included a search committee with 20 members. There were board members, teachers, guidance, administrators, parents, students, and support staff on the committee. We organized the group and created an effective and inclusive process. At our final interviews, we had teams of each constituency, led by their committee members, ask prepared questions of the candidates. Our most valuable group was the student group, led by our two student board members, who were on the committee. Two of our candidates had major "melt-downs" when faced with a group of students on their own. We knew neither of these two would ever make a good high school principal.

   I don't know whether your school is an elementary or a high school/middle school. I understand a similar process was used by an elementary school in our S.U. - Neshobe - with equally good success. I would refer you to our superintendent with further questions, 802-247-5757.

   Posted 11/13/07

2. Our search committee last year consisted of all three board members, one representative of the teachers, two parents, three community members (one is soon to have a child in the school), superintendent.

   We also solicited input from the support staff and the older students (4-5-6 grade).
   

   Posted 11/13/07

3. On hiring a principal we had two board members, two teachers and two parents. In addition, the Superintendent was there for most of the interviewing process on most of the candidates. Each individual participating prepared questions except for Superintendent who did the introduction. We each had a certain amount of time in order to ask the questions. Many of my questions were asked by other members of the group so the time frame did not become an issue. Good luck.
   

   Posted 11/14/07

4. Yes, we just went through the hiring process for a new principal (not in my school board district, but in my school, so I'm responding as an educator who served on the committee). We had a group made up of 1 school board member, 2 community members, 2 teachers, 1 guidance counselor, 1 para educator, 1 special educator and the 2 principals from the other schools in our district (they were co-chairs on the committee). We started by going through the principal job description and brainstorming qualities/characteristics that we were looking for in a leader. We used these characteristics to come up with interview questions. We used School Spring to review resumes/applications and rank our candidates and come up with the 3 we wanted to interview. After interviews, we split up into groups and went on site visits, where we asked additional questions. The three candidates were then interviewed by the school board and the admin. team. Then we had a community forum...one candidate dropped out after the community forum. There was one candidate who was stronger...and that person is proving to be a great fit for our school! It was a wonderfully collaborative process, and was done in a fairly short time period. Best of luck in the process!
   

   Posted 11/14/07

5. I have been part of 4 principal searches since getting on the Whitingham school board. Our board prefers this process to involve a search committee consisting of 1 - at least 2 of each of the following: parent/community members, teacher/staff, students, board members, superintendent.

   The student participation was from the high school and middle school when we were hiring for our K-12 system then only from the middle school when hiring for our K-8 system. It is challenging now because our building principal is hired by the Whitingham Elementary School board, but we include 2 of the Twin Valley board members in the process also. It can be a pretty bulky committee, but I truly feel having a broad spectrum committee helps to find a principal that meets the schools goals and the best interests of the students.

   There was one time we used a smaller committee when hiring an interim principal.

   Posted 11/14/07

Posted 11/10/07

Posted 11/09/07

1. Whiting and Sudbury town school districts were working towards a merger and hired a principal that serves both schools. I believe the principal is technically hired as a part-time administrator in each school district. Both Whiting and Sudbury are in the Rutland Northeast S.U. and the Superintendent is Bill Mathis. The S.U. phone number is 802-247-5757 if you have any questions. The merger was voted down, but the principal will remain working in both schools. The schools already have some joint sports teams, teachers, and other activities, so a single administrator makes sense.
   Posted 11/13/07

Posted 6/13/07

1. We have two Capital funds. Building and Bus. Each year we have separate ballot items, asking voters to approve putting $7,000 in each fund (yes, we are small school). This does count as additional per pupil spending, if approved. Bus fund is just for purchasing new buses. Building fund is for major repairs (roof, furnace, carpeting) not routine maintenance.

2. Winooski voters were asked a couple of years ago, on the ballot item, for permission to transfer any school year surplus into a capital improvement fund for use in long-term improvements of a direct non-educational nature. This would be for major repairs or upgrades to the grounds and facilities that we seemed to have to cut each year in order to get our budget passed. For the last three years it has proved quite successful and actually has allowed us to improve certain areas passed over many times. Fortunately we have been successful in having surpluses for the past several years and this was a great use of them. This also has allowed us to re-create our five year capital improvement plan which never seem to work until we received this permission. Winooski voters in allowing us to do this were the recipients of successful financial outcomes for these years and as such also allowed us the ability of not having to include these items in the annual budget year after year. Our five year capital plan is now upgraded every other year as we eliminate certain items completed.

   Posted 3/26/08

Posted 3/15/07

1. Much depends upon the size of the board. Robert's Rules have a special section for so-called small boards, where the rules are necessarily much looser. For example, we have a three person board. Under these conditions there is no reason why a chair cannot move or second a motion. Within a board of significant size (our union HS board is thirteen) then the regular rules would be more appropriate, and there would or should be no need for the chair to take such actions.~~
   

   Posted 3/22/07

2. We had an issue on our board about a vote and whether it was a legal vote. We also had questions about abstentions so I did a lot of research on this. In my quest, I was in touch with Mark Eagle, Esq., at the Dept. of Ed, John Nelson at the VSBA, and Kathy De Wolfe at the Secretary of State’s office. Mark Eagle said he is happy to try to find answers for school boards on issues but that he would defer to the Secretary of State’s office on matters of voting as they are the authority. In reviewing Robert’s Rules, I have found that in the case of small boards, the chair should be voting on all matters and not just to break a tie. After discussing this issue with John Nelson, Mark Eagle, Esq., and Kathy De Wolfe, the mutual agreement is that we should always have all members voting on motions, including the chair. I also found that the chair can make motions as well.
   

   Posted 11/13/07

Posted 3/14/07

1. We don't. We often have staff meet with us for presentations with administrators. I would be very interested to know if other Boards have such meetings and how they work out.

   Posted 3/15/07

2. Never - at Dover School.
   

   Posted 3/15/07

3. In some instances that may be appropriate. Certainly if a staff member requests it.

   Posted 3/15/07

4. No, the Windsor School Board does not meet with staff without inviting administrators. The Superintendent would typically be present. Depending on the situation, a principal or another administrator would be present as well.
   

   Posted 3/15/07

5. We do not attend meetings regularly with the staff. The board chair does attend the State of the School meeting and the board is also invited to the end of the school Staff meeting but the board as a whole does not meet with the staff. The staff representatives do come to the board when concerns arise and the administrators are present.
   

   Posted 3/15/07

6. No. Boards are supposed to manage the Superintendent and in some cases the senior administration, and really no one else. If a Board meets directly with faculty or staff without the Superintendent or senior administration present, it can lead to decisions being made or conclusions reached without the benefit of their input, review, and experience. This can in turn result in a breakdown in communications and loss of trust between the Board and those they are supposed to manage, and impact the effectiveness of both groups. Even with good intentions, this is a very slippery slope.
   

   Posted 3/15/07

7. As a board, absolutely not. If staff members were on a committee (either Board or school generated) that could happen. If the reason is some problem w/administration, the board better be very clear, careful, legal, and open about what's going on.
   

   Posted 3/15/07

8. Absolutely not, absolutely not. The staff member should have already met with the administrator. If that is not resolved the staff member should then meet with the superintendent. The superintendent then deals with the administrator and if necessary the Board. If the staff member is still not satisfied the administrator, superintendent and staff member could meet with the Board as approved and arranged by the superintendent. Unless you are talking about a contract negotiation and then a board can meet with the staff.

   Posted 3/15/07

9. I don't believe we ever have. I can't imagine a situation, other than contract negotiation, where at least one administrator (super. or principal) would not be present at a meeting with one of their subordinates.

   Posted 3/15/07

10. Oh my! Absolutely not. Talk about undermining your administrators!
    

    Posted 3/15/07

11. Our board makes it a point not to meet with staff in the absence of administration. Think of it as running a business. You are paying serious money to trained experts to run your enterprise. An enterprise in which, by and large, you are not trained to run. By meeting with staff outside the admin, you are undermining their authority. It may be an ego trip, but it is not good practice.
    Our approach is that we have hired the Superintendent and Principal to run the school (s), we set the standards for what we expect them to accomplish, give them the resources we deem appropriate, tell the what they cannot do, measure the results and stay out of their way.
    By having stayed out of the way, they have no excuse, and can be held accountable. If you interfere with the staff, they have their excuse readymade.
    Check into the concept of Policy Governance, which the VSBA can help you with.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

12. We, Manchester School Board have not met with staff on a regular basis. We have not had the need to. However, the staff knows and are comfortable with requesting a meeting with us
    

    Posted 3/15/07

13. Any meeting of a school board is a "public meeting" therefore everyone is invited. I do not believe that a special invitation should be needed for anyone. If an administrator is involved he/she should be on the warning. All school boards are required to warn a meeting, no exception. If an executive session is needed the meeting must first open in a public meeting format and then, after an appropriate motion, enter into executive session which then must be brought back to open session before a vote can be taken or a decision made.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

14. My experience is that it does not work and sends a message from the Board to employees that the administrators are suspect. An annual meeting with employees in a social situation is an idea that works. Why would you not want administrators in attendance? It would appear that the Board wants to micro-manage or staff want to go around administrators. There are better ways to have your staff heard.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

15. Our board NEVER meets with staff alone. The two superintendents I have served with, over 10 years, have been very clear in discouraging this and discouraging individual board members having private conversations with staff about Board issues.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

16. We have not done that but it is under consideration especially in the evaluation process. The question is who speaks for the staff. Union Rep???? Board selected spokes person(s)???. We do get the Principals to complete and Evaluation on the Supt. and incorporate it into ours.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

17. We have not since I have been on the board met with any staff without the administrator of the building. The principal (administrator) is the educational leader of the building and thus should be involved in all discussions regarding the building, staff, curriculum etc.. I can't think of a situation that would involve such a meeting. I was in administration for many years and always sat in. I suppose it has happened but would like to know the circumstances. Just my thoughts.

    Posted 3/15/07

18. No, we do not (Williston SB)
    

    Posted 3/15/07

19. Great question. Our Board does not do this as it can seriously undermine the ability of the Administrator (Principal) to do his or her job. It is a similar issue to the Board accepting/discussing/addressing complaints from staff members directly, rather than channeling them through the complaint procedure - usually calls for direct addressing, then addressing to Principal, then addressing to Superintendent, and lastly addressing to the Board.
    That said, we do try to meet with staff at least once per year with the Administrator present. This has worked well and often surfaces more reasoned discussion of issues. We also circulate an Administrator Evaluation survey and are piloting a School Climate Survey and encouraging staff to respond to both.

    Posted 3/15/07

20. No, never. Nothing leads to poor working relationships faster than that. It is the administrator's work to manage staff.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

21. We have not met with staff without administrators, but according to Jake, we can. We are going to do a staff survey. We did this last year and it was very informative. We were shocked and learned a lot. People tend to be more honest and probably more negative , on paper.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

22. We don't do it regularly but we have done it.
    

    Posted 3/15/07

23. Yes! And every time I do have an informal meeting with a staff member in the hallway (which is what happens most frequently), I get very diplomatically reprimanded by our Building Principal! It’s one of those items on the learning curve for a school board member that I personally have struggled to deal with. But I just keep reminding myself that it’s my job to make sure the school is well run, but not to run it. And it only creates problems for the Building Administrator when Board members interfere in her work. We have a collaborative and trusting relationship with our Building Principal, so she feels free to speak frankly with Board member, and we are open to what she has to say. I’ve become much more practiced at steering staff/faculty and parents through the proper channels in a diplomatic and respectful way. It makes administration much more orderly and reduces conflicts.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

24. Our Curriculum Committee meets fairly often with staff, particularly this year. Since there are administrators on the Curriculum Committee the answer I guess is yes. However, there are some years we meet more with faculty than others.

    Posted 3/19/07

25. We do not meet with the teachers without the administrators being present. I'd think that would undermine the administration and risk administrative turnover! Unless that's your intent...!

    Posted 3/19/07

26. Our board used to meet with teachers for ‘listening’ sessions on a regular basis and although I believe staff felt it was a valuable tool, there were instances were the board could easily have stepped over the line and been involved in micro-managing. We have not engaged in that practice for many years. Instead, our superintendent and assistant superintendent hold ‘chalkboard chats’ where they are engaged in listening to staff on a regular basis. This more recent communication has been very successful both in giving staff members a venue to participate in district-wide improvement and also in having our superintendent more visible in the school buildings. That being said, individual board members are always available to speak with staff and guide them through possible complaint processes just as we would a parent. It is important that we learn to say "I can't talk about that particular topic, but here is some information that will help you deal with this problem" and then guide them to appropriate policies, etc. Hope this has been helpful.

    Posted 3/19/07

27. It is not the school board's job to meet with staff unless a hearing is required because a problem couldn't be solved with the principal and superintendent.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

28. Definitely NO. I think this is a very bad idea since it undermines your trust in your administration. I believe that the school board's role is to supervise, not to micro manage. Casual conversations, 360 reviews of administrators, that's ok. But if you want to have your school managed by the administrative team, you must trust in the process and stay away from by-passing the administrators. If you have issues with the administrators, take care of those issues, but it is not the role of the school boards to micro manage and to go behind the administrators' backs. How would you like to work for someone that is constantly second-guessed by his boss?
    

    Posted 3/19/07

29. I think meeting directly with staff with admin not there is a HUGE recipe for disaster. It invites staff to do an 'end run' around administration if they have issues they want to bring up. There's a pretty clear chain-of-command and if it begins to break down, bad things happen.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

30. The Essex Town School Board does not meet with teachers unless an administrator is present. Usually the Superintendent. e respect the chain of command. That's an interesting question. Our Teacher/Curriculum Committee works frequently with staff, but it would be very unusual for an Assistant Principal to br present as well. This generally helpful to all, because the staff person has an administrator available to work with should a particular project or directive be requested by the committee.

    Posted 3/19/07

31. Maybe, but I think that boards should only meet with staff when the administrator is present, unless there are serous allegations of misconduct by the administrator - something illegal or potentially very damaging to the school. The board's primary responsibility is to the administrator. This of course does not mean that the board should solicit input from the staff when evaluating an administrator.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

32. It would be a highly unusual circumstance if we did that, like if we were investigating some sort of personnel complaint or something. In the normal course of things, administration is always invited to any meeting we have.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

33. My experience has been that the board that I currently serve on does not meet on a regular basis with the staff without inviting administrators. In general, we do not meet with the staff on a regular basis. I would like to see more interaction with the staff & board in a venue that would allow both parties to be candid with each other in regards to issues surrounding the school and its day to day operations. Our board has always been receptive to when the staff has attended meeting, at times the staff has provided information that we would not necessarily received from an administrative level. The practice of the staff accessing the board directly without going thru proper communication channels is not in particular encouraged by the administration and the staff is strongly encouraged to go thru administration first (proper channels of communication). On occasion, the staff has contacted me directly regarding different issues. I have always been available for such discussion but I also have encouraged the communication to first take place with the administration and if it is not resolved at that level, then to bring it forth to the board.
    

    Posted 3/19/07

34. No
    

    Posted 3/19/07

35. We never meet with staff w/o administration. Doing this would undermine administration. We deal with the administration, they deal with staff. We have grievance procedures, if necessary.

    Posted 3/19/07

36. No, our board would never meet with a member of our staff without admin being present. As a board member it is our responsibility to build the budget, make policy and solve problems that come to the board level, not to micro manage building problems/concerns with staff or parents. We hire superintendents and building principles to deal with staff. I can't think of a time that our board has dealt directly with a staff member.

    Posted 3/19/07

37. We do not meet with teachers unless invited by the Principal and/ or Superintendent. If Boards bypass the chain of command (Teacher-Principal-Superintendent), they will undermine the authority of the administrators that the Board hired and empowered to manage their schools.
    

    Posted 3/22/07

38. No. Sometimes we meet without either the principal or the superintendent. I hope that in the future we will move to having the superintendent attend once per month. We are a member of a Supervisory Union.

    Posted 3/22/07

Posted 2/21/07

1. This is the 21st Century, and many excellent courses are available on line or as DVDs. They are typically taught by first rate teachers, probably more qualified than most Vermont schools could attract;/ afford. This is a trend that all schools, particularly high schools should seriously investigate.

   
   Posted 1/26/09

2. I feel that there needs to be more ways to conserve than to spend where it is unnecessary. A language is always money well spent, which ever one it is. But, at what cost. I think that it is a great idea to share teachers among the schools. In our school, we share our gym teacher, nurse, art and I think our music teacher. I believe in our school district. I don't see where the contract should be a problem as long they are hired with a 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 or full time position.

   Posted 3/14/07

3. One of the best ways to cut costs and be able to offer courses to students as enrollments continue dropping is by sharing resources between districts and SUs. The issue about contracts frequently comes up when these kinds of creative ideas are discussed...though your current contract may prohibit such flexibility. This is an area that should be negotiated in future contracts. You may even want to request from the association that you jointly open the agreement to look at this one issue and arrive at a side-agreement to supplement the current contract until it expires and can be renegotiated. Personally, I am becoming more and more convinced that the issues related to contract and teacher associations are a red herring. Take the issue back to your mission. Get people thinking on a higher plain and not getting stuck in the weeds of why something won't work. Our job as Board members is to set direction - it is the administration’s job to figure how to do it, not just complain about all the ways it won't work.
   The issue needs to be brought back to what is best for our students, what is best for our community, what is the best delivery option for us, and how can find cost-savings that will permit to run an effective school.

   Posted 3/14/07

4. As a response to sharing a teacher from one school to another. We have a PE teacher that teaches at three small schools in our district and 1 school in another district. We have not had any trouble or conflict and this has happened for several years.

   
   Posted 3/14/07

5. At our high school, we have 6 one-hour bands per day, and are on a trimester system. A full time high school teaching load consists of 2 trimesters teaching 3 classes and one trimester teaching 4 classes. The rest of the day (3 hours for two thirds of the year, 2 hours for the other third) are devoted to prep, lunch, duty, and TA work. This appears to be an even lighter load than one 90 minute block per day. What are other high schools looking at in terms of a teacher schedule? I'd be interested to hear comparisons with elementary schools as well. What else should we be looking at - number of preps, class size, unique classes, etc.?

   Posted 6/13/07

Posted 2/22/07

1. We, at our elementary school do not have blocks. There does seem to be a lot of free time for teachers. Some days more than others. Because of music, art, gym, library, recesses and lunch. I wonder how much of the basic learning subjects are they really learning. Our high school has 80 min. blocks, which I believe will be changing. My feelings are that, are students really learning with more class time. They thought they would be. I think there is more problems with student getting into trouble because they get bored (boys more so than girls). They get lost in it all.

   Posted 3/14/07

2. I work at Bratt High school, in addition to serving on the Westminster board. At BUHS, teachers teach three blocks of four, but one of the two semesters, they are assigned a duty for half the other block. Duties are study hall, cafeteria, computer lab coverage, that sort of thing.

   Posted 3/14/07

Posted 1/15/07

1. Our community once put sports on a separate ballot from the budget along with a few other items. Sports was the only item that was passed. Communities feel strongly about students having outlets besides academics. It may be the only tie they have to the school and it is fraught with memories for adults. Separate articles may leave you with the same outcome.
   

   Posted 3/14/07

2. In response to the sports program being a sacred cow; it does seem to be. I am a school board director, and we recently warned our sports program, literacy program, expanded Pre-K, and an After-school program in order to get public involvement. The only program of these to be passed by the voters was the sports program. The rest failed.

   Posted 3/14/07

3. Our School District (St. Johnsbury) is very concerned with the lack of physical activity of our children. We view sports as a major activity to combat obesity as well as to give our students the opportunity to participate in team building. Team building and the behavior associated with team activities is vital to being successful in life. Our school also has made great strides in introducing healthy diets in the cafeteria and has eliminated fatty and sugar rich foods. We are presently discussing ways to double our sports teams to give students a greater opportunity to participate and benefit from physical activity. The recommendation to cut sports seems incompatible with the goal of achieving a balanced curriculum.

   Posted 3/14/07

4. Our Curriculum Committee is beginning to investigate our sports programs and hope to develop principals and guidelines for our all of our athletic programs. We are beginning to ask why we offer sports. I find this discussion encouraging. If the purpose of developing a sports program is to win championships, then I think the athletic program takes away from our core mission. On the other hand, if our purpose is to instill core values such as discipline, respect, responsibility, fairness, trustworthiness and good citizenship as well as offer our students healthy physical activity, then the athletic program can compliment the academic program and can truly be a co-curricular activity. Positive competition and a spirit of excellence are defining values that can be promoted through sports.
   
   

   We are studying a model developed in Maine called Sports Done Right. You can read more about it at this website: http://www.sportsdonerightmaine.org/ I encourage board members to read the report posted on this website and to think seriously about how to structure and support their sports programs.

   We don't itemize other aspects of our budgets. I think it would be counterproductive and destructive to a cohesive educational program to put bits and pieces up for vote every year. On the other hand we will be more successful in passing school budgets if we are clear about our purpose for each program and can publicly justify their expense.

   Posted 3/14/07

5. You might remind members that a line item budget for sports could pass while the budget goes down.

   Posted 3/14/07

6. I have 5 children, all who have played sports or who play sports. Basketball, soccer, field hockey, lacrosse and football. I truly believe that each child needs to find something good in themselves. For some students that's all they feel they have. As for your question, I don't feel that the tax payers should foot the whole bill. I think that all students should do more fund raising and have to be a part of the before and after the glory. To many kids feel that it is owed to them and that they shouldn't have to work for it. What ever happened to work hard and you shall receive? It makes for a more well rounded student or young adult. Hope this helps.
   

   Posted 3/14/07

7. I am willing to guess that the line item for sports, after school, drama, etc. is a small percentage of your overall budget. I think that programs like these are what helps build school community. These are the kinds of programs that small towns rally around (large ones too!!) Having and supporting these programs within the regular school budget I believe pays off in the long run. The parents, grandparents, etc. that attend their kids sporting events, drama productions, the after school program's puppet show appeal to your core group of voters that will hopefully support your school budgets on Town Meeting Day. I wouldn't want to go down the road suggested. Having that part of your budget voted on separately on Town Meeting Day (or whatever day your budgets are voted on) is not something I would not recommend. I don't think you want to lose your core group of voters who will support budget and schools. We need to support the students not only academically, but socially and physically via athletic programs and other programs.

   I understand the problem. I know that some might suggest that anything "extra" might be funded by the user. The problems is what about the family who might not be able to pay for the "extras."

   I'm going to fall back on the idea that it takes a village to raise a child. That offering such programs is perhaps a community responsibility and it is the right thing to do.

   Posted 3/14/07

Posted 1/10/07

1. Unknown at this time.
   

   Posted 1/15/07

2. Our district(Westford) is not immediately impacted by the catamount plan but we could be impacted based on the number of less than FTE’s that we engage in. Our fellow district(Essex Jct) will probably be impacted more due to the higher number of less than fte’s that they hire. Based on this plan, we will (all districts) at some point or another be impacted by the ramifications of this plan.

   Posted 1/15/07

3. Catamount Health Tax is approximately $15,000 in our budget this year: crossing guards, subs and seasonal employees. We are asking the legislature for help in dealing with this.

   Posted 1/15/07

4. It cost us about $8,000 for subs and part-timers. Even though they are part time proportional payments are required.

   Posted 1/15/07

5. Not Affected

   Posted 1/23/07

6. We have not as yet been advised by administrators of any effect. Most of our employees have access, although not all of the non teaching staff take advantage of it. Perhaps the subsidy allowed under the law will encourage more participation: that could raise our costs somewhat.

   Posted 1/23/07

7. Our district gives support staff a significant amount in an "HSA" that far exceed the $365/yr Catamount fee. Currently, this would not count as health insurance and we would have to pay the fee.

   We have talked to Sen. McDonald (on Ed Committee) and he says that this was unforeseen and there will be technical changes to correct this.

   Posted 1/23/07

8. For your information... the following two website hold a great deal of information regarding the Catamount Health Plan. VSBIT and the Legislature.

   Posted 1/30/07

Posted 1/9/07

1. Absolutely

   Posted 1/15/07

2. All meetings are warned whether or not there is a board quorum.
   

   Posted 1/15/07

3. Vt open meeting law treats Board meetings and committee meetings the same with respect to warnings and minutes. It does not distinguish between them, considering them both "public bodies". Your answer is found in the definition section of the open meeting law under public bodies. I believe the language refers to political sub divisions of the state and sub committees thereof.

   Posted 1/15/07

4. All our meetings are publicly warned and minutes are available within five days. They may not be typed but if anyone wanted them they could ask for.

   Posted 1/15/07

5. Yes. According to what I learned in 2006 at our annual legal briefing meeting, all meetings -- even committee meetings -- must be warned. I have assumed, therefore, that minutes must be kept and made available upon request. You could contact your Superintendent or legal counsel for more information or clarification.

   Posted 1/23/07

6. They are warned but and they have minutes available.

   Posted 1/23/07

7. Yes. I'm not sure HOW "available" the minutes of committee meetings are, but they are formally taken and kept, and could be obtained if requested.

   Posted 1/23/07

Posted 1/4/07

1. No, but usually 3 days.

   Posted 1/15/07

2. I do not recall any formal policy that implies that we have to receive the board information so many days ahead of the meeting. Generally speaking, my experience is that the supervisory office has been very good in providing materials for the meetings well in advance of the meeting.

   Posted 1/15/07

3. We have a procedure in place as to the number of days we receive our board packets.

   Posted 1/15/07

4. No we don't have a policy on when we get packets but we should. We generally get the Fri or Sat before a Monday meeting. Not earlier enough for my liking to do the necessary preparation.

   Posted 1/15/07

5. We do not have a policy but a procedure to have them in by Thursday noon for a Monday meeting .

   Posted 1/23/07

6. No such policy. Packets are typically sent out a few days before the meeting. If we require study, we try to provide materials the previous meeting to give more time for study.

   Posted 1/23/07

Posted 12/14/06

1. Our school doesn't have a policy, per se, about delegating responsibility to committees. However, we have 2 pretty active committees (School Forest Committee and the Early Education Outreach Advisory Committee) that meet regularly and make recommendations to the school board, even on fiscal matters.

   Posted 12/19/06

2. Our board often creates committees for specific purposes (i.e. Playground Improvement Committee, Building Safety Committee) that include board members, educators and community members. Sometimes the committees are given monetary parameters to work within, but the Board always retains final decision making power in all spending issues. Recommendations are brought back to the board from committee, and the Board decides to fund all, part, or none of the plan or proposal.

   Posted 12/14/06

3. Hope this helps ... Our policy since 2003 is embedded below. Unless specifically stated in the charge, the committee has no spending authority, power to act or communicate for the board. A number of years ago we did charge an enrichment committee for the duration of one year and allocated a sum not to exceed $ specified work outlined in the charge with specified report back dates.

   BOARD COMMITTEES
   Through resolution, the Board has authority to appoint committees, standing or otherwise, that may be required for better execution of its power and duties. A committee will not have the power to act or to communicate for the Board, except as the Board has specifically authorized an action, but will make recommendations to the Board. Committee recommendations and reports will become an official part of Board minutes.

   The Board may create committees of citizens to provide assistance and counsel. Such committees will conform to the provisions of this policy. The Board will name a committee chairperson and members annually. The Board chairperson, superintendent and the principal will serve as ex officio members on each committee.

   Committee members will be provided a charge, an indication of duration of the committee, and a list of committee functions as approved by the Board, and will meet at the call of the chairperson. A committee will be dissolved upon completion of its assignment, or it may be dissolved at any time by a vote of the Board. Minutes will be taken at all committee meetings. Membership and attendance will be recorded in the minutes of the meetings. Minutes of the committee meetings will be archived at the school building.

   Posted 12/14/06

4. I do not think it is appropriate for the school board to delegate its authority to committees made up of non-school board members. If a school board member feels he/she is not able to participate in a committee for whatever reason, that is OK. But don't refer your responsibility to a non-board member.

   Posted 12/14/06

5. We are in the process of establishing a committee made up primarily of on-board members, to oversee the transition process as it relates to the closing of one of our 4 elementary schools. Students from the school which is being closed will be reassigned, and the entire district is being realigned. The committee is tasked with creating a list of activities and a timeline to ensure that all families feel welcomed at the new school. The board has decided to allow a budget to this committee. They will need to establish that budget and bring it to the board for approval.

   Posted 12/14/06

6. The board chair is on all committees. Each board member is required to be on at least one committee. This process takes places when officers are elected, the first meeting after town meeting day.

   Posted 12/15/06

7. The Montpelier School Board only uses committees to make recommendations to the Board or to the superintendent. The type of committees we have used in the past include facilities recommendations (studying the need for an addition to the high school, for example), gifted and talented students, and food and fitness issues.

   The responsibility for approving expenditures of money cannot rest with a committee, since there would be no accountability. When the board approves money it does so in open session, accountable to the public. When the superintendent spends money, it is overseen by the board in some fashion. Neither of these apply to a committee. The committee could recommend that the board or the superintendent spend money, but I would never allow the committee to approve it alone.

   Posted 12/15/06

8. Lamoille Union has one policy regarding committees, and I think it answers all of the concerns of the member who wrote. it states: "The Chairperson of the Board of School directors shall annually appoint members of its body and any others he/she so chooses to necessary committees. These committees shall be delegated only those powers as prescribed by the Board. A committee may be terminated by a vote of the Board at any time." I would be willing to discuss this and other of our policies with the writer.

   Posted 12/15/06

9. My initial response would be that the committee would be charged to gather the requested information and review it. The committee would then submit a proposal (or all findings) but the ultimate decision is the Boards, and the Board alone would make decision on how funds are allocated.

   Posted 12/15/06

10. Our committees are not empowered to spend funds. They present their findings or recommendations to the full board for action.

    Posted 12/16/06

11. Any time the Williston School District has organized a committee, we've developed a charge for the committee so that they will understand what the Board is asking, clarifying roles, and anticipated time of a response back to the board. In general, we ask our committees to bring back a recommendation to the Board based on their work. Any formal action is taken only by the Board. If the charge does not expressly state anything about fund expenditure, the committee would need to return to the board to make that request. All of our committees have at least 1 or 2 board representatives on them also which we've found helps.

    Posted 12/15/06

12. We do not have such a policy. Nor do we have practices that allow RESPONSIBILITY (which I would interpret as be decision making) to committees that include people who are neither school board members nor administrators. We do have committees that involve the public, but they are advisory, such as the building committees we've had before building projects, and the community wellness committees. Certainly no such committee could authorize the spending of money.

    Posted 12/15/06

13. We have had and encouraged community members to get involved in a variety of issues. We make it clear that they are not voting members and that the board has the final say. We respect and welcome all input and have people understand that it is that. I have found it to be very helpful, sometimes uncomfortable and good policy. it most always leads to a better understanding.

    Posted 1/9/07

14. All community members and committees comprised of such always report back to the board for approval -- motion on action. No one has the authority to approve any kind of expenditure except the Board. There is a small fund which the principal can spend without Board approval for small school repairs.

    Posted 1/10/07

15. Committees are always advisory to the board. I find it works best to give them a very specific charge and to meet with them in the beginning to make certain they understand that they are making RECOMMENDATIONS to the board and that only the board can act.

    Posted 1/9/07

16. Our committees do the work on specific matters and recommend to the board. The board votes on their recommendations. They do not have the authority to take action on behalf of the board.

    Posted 1/15/07

Posted 05/23/06

1. Restructuring learning teams, compressing the number of teams within the school and potentially increasing the number of multi-grade classrooms within multi-grade teams.

   Posted 12/14/06

   I have been concerned about this for some time. Our community has been very supportive of the school budgets in past years; I'm concerned that without some action on our part, some drastic cuts will result. Some teachers are reluctant to make significant changes ( They doing enrichment and some multi-grade activities, ex. buddy reading & writing, etc.) However, some will not willingly go to a multi-grade approach without a board mandate. In an effort to empower the principal to go to multi-grade classes for all or part of the day, it was suggested that the board consider a policy to that effect. The VSBA's only policy on class size was one from Barre - but their problem dealt with classes that were too large. Nevertheless, I took their idea and drafted a policy that I thought was reasonable. My colleagues on the board did not support having a policy to deal with this concern. Felt direction could be given to the principal without having a policy.

   I have copied the draft policy I proposed below, for your information; I would have agreed to eliminate the list of recommended class sizes, but the board did not want to consider a policy on this topic.

   I am interested in any thoughts or information you have on this topic.

   DRAFT CLASS SIZE POLICY

   The ___________ Board of School Directors recognizes the correlation between class sizes and student achievement. The Board also recognizes its responsibility to ensure that class sizes do not impose an unreasonable financial burden on the community or have an adverse impact on other educational programs and operational functions at the _____________ School.

   The Board further recognizes that extenuating circumstances may exist for which an administrator may request that the Board consider an exemption from this policy.

   The _____________Town School ideal class-sizes are as follows:

   Kindergarten: 16
   First: 18
   Second: 18
   Third: 18
   Fourth: 20
   Fifth: 20
   Sixth: 20
   Seventh: 20
   Eighth: 20

   The ________________ School Board expects that class numbers that fall below 10 will trigger the following:

   Multi-grade classrooms for all or part of the day. In some cases, this may permit professional staff to be used to address the needs of other students in the areas of remediation and enrichment.

   A review and possible reduction of classroom aide time, excluding those services required by student IEPs.

   A report to the School Board delineating how resources are being used.

   With input from the professional staff, the administration shall assess staff skills to determine what, if any, professional training shall be required to enable and assist classroom teachers in providing quality instruction in a multi-grade format and arrange for the provision of such training.

   Posted 12/17/06

   In Winooski our problem is just the opposite. We have declining enrollment in the upper levels of the middle school and in the high school. Our elementary population seems to be holding. What we have decided is to restructure our entire school system during FY09 and to look at which structure will best serve us given this problem. During this next school year but before budget time in November we will shape the structure by the board, with assistance from the administration and recommendations from a high school design committee. We will then invite, through a series of public meetings, staff, teachers, support groups from the community and the community itself to hear our plan and to enlist comments, suggestions, and direction from these groups. In the end we hope to vote on a structure that will best suit the needs of our community for the near and perhaps long-term future.

   Posted 3/26/08

Posted 05/16/06

1. The board member should be talked to by the chair and other members in exec. session. Explain all the problems legal etc that this can cause, 1 warning then ask for resignation.

   Posted 7/12/06

2. This is a widely misunderstood subject and often coupled with a distortion of the law. It must be first under stood that the executive session section of the VT open meeting law is an exception to the public's normal absolute right to witness elected officials "doing the people's business." In essence it is a very limited power given to a the majority of the board to impose a restriction on the public. It is not in anyway a restriction on individual board members. Former Deputy Secretary of State (to Jim Douglas) Attorney Paul Gillies, is widely recognized as an authority on VT governance law. He dealt with this subject in his Sec of State "Opinions" publication in the 90s saying "there is nothing against the law about a board member revealing what was said in an executive session" He further went on to say there are certainly ethical issues but they are very specific to the subject discussed and the intent of the law. The mere disclosure of the content of the discussion is not unethical unless it violates the spirit of the law that permitted the exclusion of the public in the first place, I.E., severely disadvantaging the school district in a real-estate negotiation. If a board member told his neighbor that had no involvement in the transaction then there is no harm and thus no fowl. Yet disclosing sensitive personnel matters could subject the school and the member to civil action. But simply being sensitive or embarrassing to the board is insufficient to make disclosure unethical. Remember it takes a majority to go into executive session. This means that a dissenting member must permit the exclusion of the public but he or she hasn't personally agreed to anything.

   Of greater ethical concern to me is the unbridled abuse of executive session that occurs everyday in Vermont. Personnel and student matters are a given but most other matters like contracts, especially unilateral contracts, litigation etc. premature public disclosure must, by law, put the school at a substantial Disadvantage . Discussing eliminating positions at budget time does not qualify just because it is "sensitive" to those currently in those positions.
   

   Posted 1/15/07

3. It has been our boards experience, and we did have a problem a couple of years ago, that although this is considered highly unethical it is not illegal. We dealt with it by letting the community know that this rouge member was not speaking on behalf of the board but, of his own opinion and also made note of the unethical behavior of an elected official. The tide turned and public confidence in this particular board member was lost.

   Posted 1/23/07

4. We have been fortunate that this has not occurred on my watch over the last six years. Should it occur my plan would be to have a sit-down meeting with the offender and to re-affirm the unwritten policy of confidentiality surrounding the idea of executive session. Although there is no written law that prohibits a board member of divulging what was said in executive session, there is however an unwritten rule of trust that members will not make know what was discussed or determined. Without that element of trust then the very nature of a confidentiality, protecting the freedom of open dialogue between members discussing a particular subject will certainly be in jeopardy.

   Posted 3/26/08

Posted 05/11/06

Posted 3/18/09

Posted 05/05/06

Posted 12/02/05

1. Salaries and benefits are driven by the negotiated agreement and should be budgeted as such. If you are in a negotiating year - base it on your own past settlements, recent settlements within your county, or make a best guess.

   Posted 1/9/07

Posted 10/05/05

1. We have tried paying a daily stipend for a bus driver that is also a substitute and/or paraeducator. The small savings has allowed for the expense of another paraeducator to ride the buses as disciplinarians.

   Posted 10/05/05

2. We have paid them unemployment in the summer months.

   Posted 10/06/05

Posted 10/06/05

1. We have placed an item on our agenda for follow-up items and asked the administrators to use that time to answer questions asked of them at previous meetings.

   Posted 10/05/05

2. Remember that administrators do not necessarily have the time to answer questions and get information for individual board members and should only be expected to answer to items requested by the board as a whole. In addition, when making a request for information, make sure it is written down and that a realistic timeframe is determined at the outset. This way everyone know up front what is asked for and when it should be expected.

   Posted 10/07/05

3. We have an item on the agenda called To-Do list. This is used for us to review items that we have discussed during the meeting to follow-up on and is put in the minutes that way. We discuss with the administrators what the time-line is or what a realistic time to expect an answer for the board. When setting the agenda for the next meeting, the to-do items are reviewed and placed on the agenda for answer/action.

   We follow chain of command and all requests from individual board members go through the Chair and the Chair goes to the Superintendent with requests for information. The Superintendent is the point person with his/her staff and the Chair with his/her board. This is the best way to keep things organized and to make sure a principal isn't being barraged by 7 board members for information. It is vital that the lines of communication are clear.

   Posted 05/05/06

Posted 10/07/05

Posted 10/09/05

Posted 11/10/05

1. Our SU contracted with the VSBA for a workshop on Superintendent Evaluations. From that workshop we amended their model evaluation tool (available on their website) to fit our needs. Mainly we use a 3 number system (below expectations, meets expectations, exceeds expectations) instead of the 5 on the VSBA model. We also rewrote our job description so it more closely matched our evaluation tool. We are also following their model timeline (also available on their website). The most important item in our evaluation process is communication. Sounds simple, but isn't always carried out. The superintendent submits his written self evaluation to the boards in December at which time each board fills out an evaluation form. The SU executive committee (the board chairs) then meets, and compiles the four evals into one document with the superintendent. This ensures an accurate accounting of the super’s job performance as a lot of times the board only knows what isn't working in the district, and aren't aware of all the hard and good work the superintendent is doing. This draft final document is then sent to the board at it’s February meeting for final review and any changes the board would like to see. It is then presented to the superintendent as a final document for inclusion in his or her personnel file. A contract is then negotiated based on this evaluation. This is our second year using this method and it looks like we're finally on track to complete an accurate, and timely superintendent evaluation.

   Posted 1/02/06

Posted 10/07/05

1. Our board has an agreement to handle concerns from parents or community members which is to direct the person to the superintendent who will follow up on the concern and direct it back into the system. Once this protocol is established and used for a while, the community becomes aware of how it works and most concerns work their way trough the system and get addressed at the best place. This also makes it appropriate, when someone comes to a board meeting unannounced, for the board to respectfully listen to the concern and then direct it back into the system with follow-up from the superintendent. Of course, board members must understand how the system works and restrain themselves from entering into a debate, even if the issue may be controversial.

   Posted 2/07/06

Posted 10/07/05

1. The board chairperson sets the agenda - working in conjunction with the superintendent and/or principal. We have included an agenda item asking for topics for future agendas. This is to ensure that any board member or member of the public can request (on record) that an issue be considered.

   Posted 11/07/05

2. Our chairperson is charged with working with the superintendent to set an annual agenda and then meeting with the superintendent to set each meeting agenda in a timely manner so that supporting information can be sent out to board members in advance in order that they can be prepared for the meeting. Our meetings begin at 6:00 and end at 8:00 unless the board agrees to continue.

   Posted 2/07/06