SPECIAL HEARING MINUTES

Burlington High School

52 Institute Road, Burlington, VT 05401

1. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Commissioner Hale called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.

2. PRESENT

Commissioners:

Kate Baldwin, Marrisa Caldwell, Katherine Connolly, Barbara Crook, Wallace Elliott, Thomas Fleury, Chris Haessly, Paul Hale, Erik Hoekstra, Fred Lane, Loyal Ploof, Amy Werbel

Administrators:

Jeanne Collins, Acting Superintendent and Director of Special & Compensatory Education

Lyman Amsden, Advisor to the Board

Sara Jane Mahan, Human Resources Director

Scott Lisle, Business Manager

Betsy Liley, District Grants Coordinator

Paul Irish, District Technical Director

Absent:

Jurij Homziak, Commissioner

Keith Pillsbury, Commissioner

Bonnie Clapp, Director of EEE/Co-Director Curriculum

Stephanie Phillips, Co-Director Curriculum

3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA

Motion (Haessly/Lane) to approve the agenda. The motion carried.

4. PUBLIC HEARING FOR 2006-2007 BUDGET

Public hearing on the proposed 2006/07 budget. Commissioner Lane and Acting Superintendent Collins presented a variety of information on the current budget issues, the framework for implementation, and the upcoming budget vote.

Nina Mazuzan – Program coordinator at King Street and wife of teacher at BHS. Acutely aware of the fractious nature of the discussion. Believes that entire community has the best interests of kids in mind. May be necessary to compromise on solutions. Discussed possible collaborations between District, UVM, and community programs.

Alan Parker – Supports maintaining schools, but asks how schools can be maintained with shared resources. Thinks that most of Board has had tunnel vision in terms of selecting cuts. Believes that Barnes is a target instead of becoming a magnet school. Doesn’t think that the City Council likes the budget.

Steven Lane – Guidance counselor at H.O. Wheeler. Cited Free Press editorial asking how reduction of staff will improve education of low-education students. Argues that the sharing of services will lower educational achievements of students. Upset that School Board elected to back away from proposal to make Wheeler a magnet school.

Shawn – Upset about Wheeler and Barnes. Thinks that Board should focus on needs of children.

Linda Segal – Speaking on behalf of entire staff at Wheeler. Staff met to discuss the proposal and believes that maintaining a full-time principal is critical. The staff does not believe that a hiatus can be taken from issue of equity. Costs should be shared across the entire district. Believes that budgetary concerns overshadowed the issue of equity.

Ed Scott – Lives in Ward 7; parent of 2 students in District schools. Very concerned about equity issues. Confident that task will work out the issues of equity. Believes that Jeanne deserves a round of applause for holding two jobs. Wants to know about Lyman Amsden’s status as advisor to the Board.

Brent Sclafani – Taught at Barnes School for 21 years; now teaches 4/5 at Champlain. Believes it is critical to have a principal in any school, but particularly for low-income students. Understands budgetary issues and commends Board for looking at equity. Urges Board to look at the entire District before cutting principal. Worries that short-term solution will impede long-term goals.

Colby Kervick – Has concerns about the two schools sharing a principal. Believes that principal takes on many roles during the day, and even a half-time loss would be difficult. Is concerned that task force’s work will be pointless if community support is not built. One particular neighborhood feels like it is bearing the brunt of the fiscal problems.

Charlie Nokes – Special educator at C.P. Smith. – Considered possibility of taking on new staff and students under first proposal to close Barnes. Under latest proposal, questioned what the benefit is. Doesn’t see how any school can function without a full-time leader. Would like Board to reconsider some of the earlier proposals. Thinks that current proposal is unethical and unfair to low-income students. Believes entire District should contribute to solving financial problems.

Alkima Howland – Mother of students in Barnes school. Believes that loss of services will make it harder for students. Her son makes use of all of the social services at the school, and she’s concerned about the loss of those services. Concerned about her child’s upcoming move to middle school because of the benefit of the Barnes social worker.

Amy Mellencamp – Principal, BHS. Asked by the District principals to speak on the issue of a shared principal. Principals well aware of financial concerns, and very worried about it. Believes that taxpayers are not happy about possible 6 cent increase. Also agree that District has too many buildings. However, principals (especially elementary principals) have concern about a shared principalship. Willing to work with Board to find equivalent savings to put that position back in budget.

Jonathan Kassam – Presenting an open letter on behalf of various city residents asking Board to reconsider its cuts. Asks restoration of services using either a tax increase or sharing of cuts throughout District. Believes that even if Barnes is not making all the progress it should, believes that community around Barnes is important.

Lillian Robinson – 35 years teaching at Wheeler. Discussion of student achievement of Wheeler students over period of time. Reported that her students met or exceeded achievements of other students in the District, both in math and writing portfolio. Upset with original proposal to make Wheeler a magnet school by adding technology and Spanish; school is already is equipped with a terrific staff.

Rene Caschervalier – Edmunds social worker and until recently, an Old North End resident. Believes that Old North End is a vibrant community. Believes that students receive a lot of benefit from elementary school social workers. Recognizes long-term financial concerns, but believes with creativity we can meet priorities of the Board. Particularly wants Board to make sure its budget matches its priorities. Thinks that social workers or human services should be part of the task force.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Motion (Lane/Haessly) to adjourn. The Board adjourned at 8:30 p.m.