School Board — December 17, 2024

Students from Harold Martin Elementary performed holiday songs including 'Jingle Bells' and 'We Wish You a Happy Holiday' for the school board meeting.

Board voted to approve minutes from the December 5th board meeting.

Student representative reported on World Language Honor Society nursing home visits, basketball seasons starting, Alpine and Nordic ski racing, Student Advisory Council meeting, ethical discussion club holiday party, and peer outreach club gift drive for kids in need.

Board members discussed approaching budget season, with emphasis on meaningful dialogue about effective tax rates rather than simply stating taxes are 'too high.'

Recognition of the boys' soccer team's undefeated season (19-0-1) and state championship, with players discussing team chemistry and their successful season.

Annual faculty-voted award presented to Kim Emerson (Art teacher) and Kate (World Language Department Chair) for their inspirational teaching and commitment to students.

Comprehensive facilities report covering staff transitions, work orders, major plumbing issues, heating system problems, roof leak resolution, and flagpole replacement needs.

Report showing 199 students accessing special education services, with significant 10% increase in developmental delay category and discussion of out-of-district placements.

Report on day-to-day technology maintenance, network stability, Chromebook management for middle schoolers, and security threat management.

Superintendent Kelly presented updates to the Program of Studies, including new courses: unified PE (allowing students with/without disabilities to participate together), wellness course (year-long combining PE and health), sports wellness course (incorporating injury/brain awareness), and film studies course. Most other courses remain status quo with only scheduling date changes.

Discussion of 24-credit vs 20-credit graduation pathways, with majority of students remaining on the 24-credit pathway despite initial concerns about the new option.

Beth Stern organized career day for January 17th with overwhelming community response, taking over entire school with many presenters across various fields (though cosmetology was unavailable due to scheduling conflicts).

Board reviewed proposed 2025-2028 HEA contract covering 103 people across 85 union members, including teachers, specialists, and support staff. Key changes include new lower-cost health insurance options, increased cost-sharing for premium plan (moving from 93-7 to 85-15 split over three years), and wage increases of 4.6%, 3.75%, and 3.75% over contract term.

Superintendent Flynn proposed reallocating funds from director of curriculum position to create two special education positions: case manager at Harold Martin and student support at middle/high school. This addresses rising special education costs and direct student needs rather than adding administrative layers.

Reviewed operating budget of $27,624,998 (2.79% increase) with special education driving largest increase at $777,869. Discussion of warrant articles including CIP ($425k), special education trust ($225k), technology ($30k), and vehicle trust ($10k).

a speaker noted they have tracked the budget process for three years and expressed satisfaction with having good information going into the break before the next meeting on January 7th.

The district received a rebate check for $35,000 and will hold two public hearings on January 7th - one for withdrawal from vehicle maintenance and another for receiving unanticipated funds.

Six policies are in their second reads with drafts attached to the agenda for review.

New hires include Cheyenne Welch (IA at Harold Martin), April McCusker (food service cook), and three AP proctors. Received $1,200 donation from Capital Ski and Outing Club for Nordic team roller skis.

Fund balance as of December 11th was $186,508 for food service, with sales running slower than previous year and Medicaid revenue below historical levels due to regulatory changes.

Superintendent praised the community response to a water incident requiring early dismissal, noting it took about 1 hour 15 minutes to account for all students with excellent cooperation from staff, bus company, and parents.

Public comment confirmed the proposal to remove the curriculum director position and hire a case manager at Harold Martin, with potential for an additional IA depending on salary savings.

Public commenter questioned the 2.79% operating budget increase (excluding Teamsters contract) and expressed concern about nearly 5% wage increases given taxpayer burden.