Cavendish Town Elementary School Board Minutes December 13, 2005, 6:30 p.m. Present Board:  Mike Ceravole-Chair, Dr. Bont, Mark Huntley, Jim Ballentine and Jesse Goodman            Administration:  Ed Brown - Superintendent and George Thomson - Principal Public/Staff:  Paulette Martel, Peggy Svec, Duncan Love, Sandy Gregg, Martha Mott and Wendy Regier                1.      Call to Order:  Mike called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.      2.      Approval of Minutes of November 8, 2005: Jim made a motion to approve the minutes of November 8, 2005 as presented.  All approved. 3.      Reports: a)      Superintendent:   There is a bill in front of the legislature to change school funding.  Ed said to keep in contact with legislators.  They are still working on early education and school choice.       b)      Principal: George passed out the budget summery.  He said there are no changes.  Connie Kendall is back to work.  The long-term sub for Art will start next week. Basketball has started.  Tomorrow is Santa’s workshop at the school with Paulette.  The children will be making gifts. The State police will be doing a training at the school on Thursday.  It will be a “hostage situation”.  Next Monday is the Holiday program.  Next Wednesday Green Mountain chorus is coming to do a program.  The staff has been working on assessment work.  Annual reports for the town book will need to be done.       c)      Board:  None d)      Committee Reports: None 4.      Library Renovation Funding: Mike said they received a letter from the community library requesting payment.  Wendy Regier, treasurer of the community library read an agreement the board signed stating they would reimburse the library for the 30% of allowable costs for the renovation project.  She also read two letters of request for payment of $25,975.75.   Mike said when the state sends the rest of their money they would pay the library.  Wendy said that is not good enough, they want their money.  Discussion ensued.  Ed said the money from the state is guaranteed.  She is requesting in writing a ballpark date of when the library will be paid.  Ed assured Wendy that he will have a letter prepared for the board’s signature.       5.      Hiring-Evening Custodian:  George said the 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. custodian resigned.  George said he recommends hiring Gary Holt from Springfield, VT at an hourly wage of $10.93.  George has good recommendations for him.  Mark made a motion to hire Gary Holt as part time custodian as presented.  All approved.   6.      Policies – Adoption:  Dr. Bont made a motion to approve the policies as presented.  Jim seconded.  All approved. F-7:  Alcohol and Drugs- Discussion ensued. D-8:  Alcohol and Drug Free Workplace- Discussion ensued. E-8:  Tobacco Prohibition- Discussion ensued. 7.      High School Renewal Update:  Ed said the steering committee is working to “fix things that need fixing”. They will be working on curriculum.  The committee will present their recommendations to the GMUHS school board.  Discussion ensued.   8.      Facility Use Follow-up: George said the Use of the Facility policy needs to be updated.  The GM policy has costs for use of the building.  George does not have any recommendations for changes.  Ed said usually if it is a profit making organization they should pay.  Discussion ensued.  Mike asked the policy committee to look at the policy.  Discussion ensued regarding use of the climbing wall at Green Mountain. Ed said the residents of Cavendish will not have to pay to use it.      9.      Introduction of Budget: George passed out the budget.  The major increases are salaries and health insurance.  The budget has a 2.9% increase as presented.  Discussion ensued. They are going to get a price on oil and a bus.  The board will approve the budget at the January 10th meeting.    10.     Public Discussion: None 11.     New Business:  None 12.     Executive Session:  None 13.     Adjournment:  Dr. Bont made a motion to adjourn.   Jim seconded.  Meeting adjourned at 7:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Virginia M. Walsh Mack Recording Secretary .