31 meeting participants

Members present: John Thrasher, moderator; Julie Mach, Chair; Michael Krauss; Sue Wilborn; Cori Rail Vice Chair; Celeste Keel - BRSU Zoom Meeting Coordinator; Diane Mach; Scott McChesney; Skyler LaBombard BRSU Director of Teaching, Deb Hawkins – Clerk; Randi Lowe BRSU Superintendent; Brooke DeBonis, Principal; Jacqueline Haft; Rep Sally Achey

Call to Order:  7:00 PM by John Thrasher via Zoom (virtual meeting)

Review of rules

Board Member introductions

Reading of the Warning by John Thrasher

Meeting turned over to Julie Mach for discussion of the articles.  Budget reports are in the annual report to be discussed this evening.

John Thrasher going to Article 3:  The meeting turned over to Rep. Sally Achey.

Sally Achey:  Thank you to the board for letting me come and thank you for the work that you have done.  In the spring when the tax rate might have been facing an increase of 9% that was a very grim projection.  Because of an improved position in the state, it went to 6%.  Feedback from boards caused it to go then from a 3 to a 2% increase.  It would be nice if it were 0% but because of the good work by boards coming up with budgets it is a much more positive outlook.  Thank you to the board and members of the community regarding feedback for educational bills.  It is valuable when I get input with regard to bills.  The details of the opinions are extremely valuable to be able to make an educated and informed vote.

I am not on the education board but am on the committee for energy and technology.  We voted today on a bill that is aimed at meeting the state’s goal of broadband fiber for at least 100% symmetrical for the entire state.  One of the incentives is education.  The remote learning may not always be a part of education but if it is then every child needs to have access to that service for remote learning.  Contact me from the legislative site.

Julie Mach:  Thank you for coming.  Please let us know what your stance is on vaccinating educators and school staff.  Looking for support for giving them priority.

Sally Achey:  Absolutely support educators and staff as essential workers.  Always feel free to contact me if you have any questions or comments.

John Thrasher:  Article 4 The date time and location for next year’s annual meeting.  No discussion

Article 5:  borrowing of money for the fiscal year.  No discussion.

Article 6:  The budget

Julie Mach:  Randy will be sharing her screen to show a presentation that has been put together.  Thank everyone for coming.  Encouraged everyone to attend future board meetings although it is a little strange meeting this way.

We have a new assessment program this year, i-ready assessments which is used as a daily task tool to work on improving reading and math.  This is much nicer, less stressful for the students.  Another program is Seesaw.  Equity audit focusing on what students need to be successful.  There will be a study to see what the impact Covid has had on the kids.  Believe we are on the right track.

Reduction of 5 teaching and support positions.  Adjusting class sizes through attrition.  Not looking to reduce staffing without it being voluntary.  Working on 7-year plan to get student class sizes to 15-17 pupils.

Our budget is a 3.4% decrease from last year.  Reductions in staffing is a lot of this.  Surplus returned by the BRSU.

Staffing reductions is $286,126

5.7% increase in secondary program $103,888

$5,671569 3.4% decrease

We did have a surplus that was applied to revenues.  Budget decreases by 198,469.

Tax Rate Components:  Education Spending; Equalized Pupils; Property Yield; Act 46 Incentive (last year for this); Common Level of Appraisal (Applied to the equalized rate in each individual town).

Discussed Equalized Homestead Tax Rate.

Feel we did well by reducing the budget.  We also had our equalized pupil number drop a small amount.  The property yield which is not set in stone, but it looks like it will be going up which is good because it will help us to have lower rates.  Adjusted rate of 1.404%.

Discussed Projected Actual Tax Rates for Pawlet and Rupert.  Rupert going up, Pawlet going down.  Pawlet small decrease in the rate from last year. 

Income Sensitivity:  Caps what you have to spend on education taxes based on income.  70.6% of Pawlet homeowners receive property tax credits; 76.9% Rupert homeowners receive property tax credits.

Mettawee income cap for those that qualify is projected to be 2.39% of household income.

Great kids that we love and educate: [Showed some slides of Mettawee activities]. 

Land adjacent to school that is Merck Forest Land.

Brooke DeBonis:  We do appreciate the partnership with Merck.  More lessons outside.  Because of COVID we are pushing a lot of outside activities.  The Phys Ed teacher is taking children outside every day.  Sledding, fort building, animal tracks, hiking, habitat study, etc.…

Thank you and we do appreciate your support.

John Thrasher:  Any questions or comments on Article 6?  No discussion

Article 7:  Building and Grounds maintenance Reserve Fund:  No discussion

Article 8:  Candidate elections no discussion

Article 3:  Any other business

If anyone knows of someone on the ballot that is running a write in candidacy for a vacant board seat.

It was mentioned that Cintia Morrissey is running as a write-in candidate for the town of Pawlet.

Reviewed the polling information for Pawlet and Rupert

Deb Hawkins reviewed how to vote early and explained how voting was going to happen.

Frank Nelson – Comment on how things have been going with COVID this year.

Julie:  We did have a reduction in student population after everything was fully remote in the spring.  Some parents decided to keep their children home for remote learning this year.  Did have a loss of students.  Some students are counted in the number that are working remotely from home.  Attending daily meetings and doing work and being graded.  Vermont is doing well, and our system is working to be as equitable as possible.  There were children that staggered into in-person at the opt in dates.  When we look back on this, we will be proud of the work that we have done as a district.  Thank you to every teacher that we have for their hard work even though they don’t feel super appreciated, they really are.

Brooke DeBonis:  I echo what Julie said and a shout out to our school nurse Mandy Mayer on keeping students and staff safe.  Teachers are doing a phenomenal job using new tools.  Students at home get access to information.  Special recognition for all the staff and the partnership with the parents.  Students meeting with teachers on regular basis.  Everyone is working as a team to support all learners.

Meeting closed 7:50PM.

AUSTRALIAN BALLOT RESULTS:

Article 4:      Shall the voters approve the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Mettawee School District be held on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 at 7:00PM at the Mettawee Community School?                    PASSED Y – 626   N - 63

Article 5:      Shall the voters authorize the School Board to borrow money by issuance of notes not in excess of anticipated revenue for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022?                                    PASSED Y – 524     N - 167

Article 6:      Shall the voters of the school district approve the school board to expend $5,671,569, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year?  It is estimated that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in education spending of $16,298 per equalized pupil.  This projected spending per equalized pupil is 2.17% lower than spending for the current year.                          PASSED Y – 509     N - 188

Article 7:      Shall the voters appropriate the sum of $40,000 for the Building and Grounds Maintenance Reserve Fund?

                       PASSED Y – 441   N - 210

Article 8:      To elect the following positions:  Moderator                         JOHN THRASHER

                                                           School District Clerk        DEBRA HAWKINS

                                                           School District Treasurer   JUDY ZINN

                                                           Pawlet Director                 CORI RAIL

                                                           Pawlet Director                 CINTIA MORRISSEY

                                                           Pawlet Director                 ANTHONY GARCIA

Board Members present: Herb Ogden, Board Chair; Dick Dale, Vice Chair; Jim Salsgiver, Leigh LoPresti, Lindsay Ralph, Mark Kaplan, Jon Wilson, Melanie Virgilio, Jane Worley, Alex Wilde, Deb Lyneis, David Chandler, Ben Freeman and Student Representatives on T&G Board Lexi Lacoste and Sam Stevenson 

Superintendent Randi Lowe along with Principals present: Rosanna Moran, TDS Principal; Jackie Wilson, FBS Interim Principal; Deb Fishwick, MEMS Co-Principal; Betsy Memoe, MEMS Co-Principal; Carolyn Parillo, Currier Principal; and Jennifer Turner, Sunderland Principal 

Staff present: Sue Wilborn, Finance Manager, Skyler LaBombard, Director of Teaching and Learning and Paul Eaton, Director of Student Services

Vermont State Representatives from the School District: Rep. Kathleen James, Rep. Seth Bongartz, and Rep. Kelly Pajala

Several other residents were also on Zoom or by telephone participating in the meeting.

Moderator Oliver Olsen called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.  He then went over the procedures of the virtual meeting and asked anyone wishing to speak to please use the “raise hand” signal.  He then asked to board to introduce themselves and reviewed the key points for rules of order.  All screens were then closed except those speaking.

Articles to discuss:

Article 1: To hear and act upon the reports of the School District Directors and Officers.

Richard Dale made a motion to act, it was seconded by Debra Lyneis. Herb Ogden pointed out that he was very happy to report that the school district has been able to keep Covid-19 at bay and congratulated the administration for their efforts.  He noted a small correction in the annual report on page 5.  The very last sentence should read page 26 not page 27.  He then discussed the tax rates and how they are calculated as shown on the table at page 26.  He further thanked the board members leaving the board, Lindsey Ralph, Jon Wilson and Mark Kaplan.  With no further discussion, the motion carried.

The meeting was then interrupted to allow the State Representatives time to speak.  Kathleen James, Seth Bongartz and Kelly Pajala shared their knowledge on the committees that they currently serve on.  Education, Natural Resources and Human Services respectfully.

Article 2: To discuss articles to be voted upon by Australian ballot.

See articles 4-13 below.

Article 3: To transact any other business which may legally come before this meeting.

There was no other business.

To be voted by Australian Ballot on Tuesday, March 2, 2021:

Article 4: Shall the voters fix the salaries of the School District Officers at $500 for the School District Clerk and $300 for the School District Treasurer? 

Herb Ogden then explained that the School Directors each receive $1,000 and the Chair receives $1,500.  This article only pertains to the clerk and treasurer.

                             YES    2499                   NO   325

Article 5: Shall the voters approve the 2022 Annual Meeting of the Taconic and Green Regional School District be held on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 at 7pm at the Currier Memorial School?

Herb Ogden remarked that the board is hopeful that by 2022, the meeting can be held in person.

                             YES    2590                   NO   206

Article 6: Shall the voters authorize the School Board to borrow money by issuance of notes not in excess of anticipated revenue for the fiscal year July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022?

Herb Ogden stated that this article is always on the warning and necessary due to the lag time between expenditures and tax collection dates.

                             YES    2335                       NO   488

Article 7: Shall the voters approve payment of the announced tuition rate of Burr and Burton Academy in the amount of $18,490 for the 2021-2022 school year for resident pupils in grades 9 through 12 who attend any approved Vermont independent school?

Herb Ogden pointed out that this is for Vermont independent schools.  Mark Tashjian, Headmaster of Burr and Burton stated that this school year was unlike any other, dealing with the Covid-19 pandemic.  He explained that the $18,490 per student cost is not by luck, and only a 2.8% increase simply relative to keep balanced with a projected 10% benefits increase due to cost of health insurance costs.  He said students are showing appreciation despite the virus and showing diversity throughout the school community.  He feels the school community is made up of vigilance, patience and flexibility. Sandra Pinsonault asked if the tuition for Vermont independent schools only is something new.  Herb Ogden explained that since the merger as there was a variety amongst the individual schools, and to make it equal this was the solution.  Wayne Granquist stated that since BBA’s tuition of $10million is a large chunk of the $33 million budget, does the board get to see the BBA’s budget or the 990 IRS tax return.  Herb Ogden responded no they did not see them.  Mark Tashjian stated anyone can see them upon request.

                             YES    2375                       NO   498

Article 8: Shall the voters of the school district approve the school board to expend $33,248,629, which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year?  It is estimated that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in education spending of $17,889 per equalized pupil.  This projected spending per equalized pupil is 1.02% lower than spending for the current year.

Herb Ogden stated the current per pupil cost is $17,835.  Superintendent Randi Lowe and BRSU Business Manager Sue Wilborn then presented a slide show to explain the items influencing the budget, how the equalized per pupil cost was calculated, the reduction of staff, and how the prior year surplus will be used in the future.  Superintendent Randi Lowe thanked the staff and community for their support and understanding during this trying and difficult school year.

                             YES    2376                    NO   492

Article 9: Shall the voters authorize the School Board to transfer the unassigned General Fund surplus existing on June 30, 2021, an amount estimated to be $401,895, to the Tax Stabilization Reserve Fund?

This was discussed under Article 8 and no questions were asked.

                             YES    2499                    NO   336

Moderator Oliver Olsen then stated that Articles 10, 11, and 12 would be combined and discussed together as they pertain to the reserve funds.

Article 10: Shall the voters appropriate the sum of $250,000 for the Building and Grounds Reserve Fund?

                             YES    2203                       NO   620

Article 11: Shall the voters appropriate the sum of $125,000 for the Bus Reserve Fund?

                             YES 2282                           NO 549

Article 12: Shall the voters appropriate the sum of $40,000 for the Technology Equipment Reserve Fund?

                             YES 2319                            NO   516

Herb Ogden explained the reason for putting excess funds into the reserve accounts.  This helps from year to year with large expenditures in any given year.  The bus replacement is on a 10 year plan, building and grounds along with technology are on a 5 year replacement cycle.

Article 13: To elect the following Officer and School Director positions:

             Moderator to serve from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

             School District Clerk to serve from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

             School District Treasurer to serve from July 2, 2021 to June 30, 2022

             Danby – One (1) Director for a three (3) year term expiring in March 2024

             Londonderry – One (1) Director for a three (3) year term expiring in March 2024

             Manchester – One (1) Director for a three (3) year term expiring in March 2024

             Peru – One (1) Director for a two (2) year term expiring in March 2023

             Weston – One (1) Director for a three (3) year term expiring in March 2024

             Three (3) Directors from any of the four (4) largest towns (Danby, Dorset, Londonderry, Manchester) for one (1) year terms expiring in March 2022

Moderator - Oliver K. Olsen                                                       2320

School District Clerk - Sandra Pinsonault                           2322      

School District Treasurer - Andrew McKeever                   2374

Danby School Board Director - Leigh LoPresti                       2080                                                  

Londonderry School Board Director - Richard (Dick) Dale   1992

Manchester School Board Director - Write-In Jon Wilson 14          

Peru School Board Director - Jane Worley                             1982                                                                      

Weston School Board Director - Debra Lyneis                       1989      

At-Large School Directors

             Alexander Wilde                                                       1806

 Jeff Wilson                                                               2051

Write-In  Jon Wilson                                                    9 

Moderator Oliver Olsen then asked if there were any other questions, there being none, Richard Dale made a motion to close the informational meeting at 8:40 PM, seconded by Herb Ogden.  Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,

Sandra Pinsonault

School District Clerk