The HUUSD School Board met in person (with an option for remote participation) last Wednesday, February 14, 2024.
The meeting began with public comment:
- Liz Hepp read two letters of support for the District’s support staff.
- Laura Baker of Montpelier offered comments regarding the availability of sick days for support staff and the rising cost of living.
- Laura Caffrey of Waitsfield offered comments regarding sick time allowances for support staff.
- KC Shogren read a letter regarding the efforts of support staff in helping schools run efficiently.
- Danielle Lillard of Waitsfield offered a response to a statement issued by the Board in December.
John Kerrigan Recognition:
Kelley recognized and commended John Kerrigan for his coaching accomplishments during his 45-year career at Harwood Union. John read a poem he wrote for the occasion.
Board Reports:
- Superintendent - Dr. Mike will provide a written report for next week’s meeting.
- Board Reports - Bobbi reported that the VSBA may consider the Harwood Board for a pilot professional development project on equity next year.
Topics for discussion:
- Policy Committee- members received feedback regarding the updates to the policies; Life suggested some changes to the Curriculum Development and Educational Support Systems policies, which were discussed. It was agreed that these two policies will be reviewed further by the Committee.
- Policy on naming a facility - Kristen noted that the suggestion in the Leadership Report is for Dr. Mike to have a committee determine a process/policy for naming a facility that is part of the school infrastructure. The Board agreed to move ahead with this protocol.
- Bond - Ashley and Cindy reported on the recent Bond Committee meeting, and the impacts of recent legislative decisions, and related unknowns related to school budgets and capital improvements, on the financial aspects of holding a vote in November 2024. The Committee has decided that it would be best to postpone the planned November vote; Board members offered support for this decision.
- Budget - Lisa provided a presentation covering a broad set of information regarding Vermont school funding changes being considered by the legislature and answered related questions from Board members. Dr. Mike went through requirements that must be fulfilled for students. Jon Berliner then spoke of the additional support needed for some students to be successful in school. Dr. Mike outlined some contractual obligations that the Board needs to consider, as well as other state requirements. He then pointed out some examples of the programming offered in the district that serve to provide a better educational experience for students.
Lisa then reviewed the options available to the Board, including moving forward as planned with a budget vote on Town Meeting Day or moving forward following a different schedule. There was discussion regarding the various implications of proceeding with any of the options, and whether to hold a vote on Town Meeting Day or not. A straw poll indicated that most Board members were in favor of holding the Budget vote on Town Meeting day.
In action items, the Board:
- Approved a motion to warn Policies E15 Prevention of Conflict of Interest in Procurement and E14 Security Cameras
- Approved a motion to adopt the following policies:
- H3 Community Use of School Facilities
- F5 Education Records
- F7 Student Alcohol and Drugs
- F19 English Learners
- F21 Firearms
- Approved a motion to delete the policy:
- Policy E3 Financial Reports and Statements
- Approved a motion to approve the FY25 Capital Improvement Plan in the amount of $2,152,970 (Column D)
Board Members Present: Mike Bishop (Fayston), Ben Clark (Moretown), Danielle Dukette (Fayston), Kelley Hackett (Waterbury), Life LeGeros (Duxbury), Jake Pitman (Waterbury), Kristen Rodgers (Moretown), Bobbi Rood (Waitsfield), Tori Taravella (Waterbury), Cindy Senning (Duxbury), JB Weir (Waitsfield), Ashley Woods (Warren), Jonathan Young (Warren)
The Board welcomes feedback from our community and one of the easiest ways to share your thoughts is to send an email to [email protected], which will go to every Board member. Additionally, at the beginning of each Board meeting we invite public comment. Alternately, reach out to one of your neighbors who is on the school board and share your thoughts in a personal email or phone call (see a list of Board members and contact information at https://tinyurl.com/523wtrnj).
The Board’s next meeting will be on Monday, March 4th at 6pm for the board’s annual meeting and budget presentation. Community members may attend in person in the Harwood library or remotely via zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/386460007#success), or watch it broadcast live on Youtube (http://tinyurl.com/huwebapp-youtube-live). Agendas and other related documents are available at huusd.org.