The meeting began with the regular Call To Order, Agenda Review, and Flag Salute, Followed by Community Comments of which there were none for the first comment period and three as discussed in the final Community Comment period discussed below.
The Consent Agenda included Approval of Warrant, Contracts, and Approval of Minutes of various meetings. One board member asked about a Cuban training program. Superintendent indicated that charges were for tuition for credit for an immersion course that included going to Cuba to see their schools. Another board member asked about some supplemental transportation. Vacancy with music teacher discussed. Art position vacated recently to move to location closer to home. STEAM proposal made and in the process of being made a reality.
The Reports to the Board included both and Operations Report and Committee Reports. Operations Report indicated that Summer Meal Service for those under 18 would run from Tuesday June 18 through Wednesday August 14 from 11-12:30 out of the Middle School Cafeteria. Milton has been declared an “Urban” area and as such will not be allowed to offer “Non-Congregated Meals” via take-out food. Food will be dine-in only in the cafeteria or the picnic tables outside under the tent. Enter using door #24. Additionally, Andrea Bevins will be receiving the VSCMA Custodian of the Year Award. Finally, Bruce Cheesman and the Maintenance and Custodial Staff were congratulated on a job well done for putting safety first during a recent safety inspection at the schools with the insurance consultant indicating that they are “doing good things for your school.” Insurance bill was $25,000 less this year.
The Policy Committee discussed Wellness Policy and reviewed procedures related to policies. Discussed having community discussions on budget earlier. The Facilities Committee discussed some summer projects and capital improvement plan. Prioritization of projects.
The Presentations section included an MHS Student Leadership & The State House and the Strategic Planning End of Year Progress Report. Director of Student Engagement Mike Abbott and two students discussed the Student Leadership Group that was created this year. Accomplishments included forming a student led executive council that held two large retreats of 30+ students that focused on student leadership training and student mental health trainings. Participated in Civic Health Youth Gathering put on at the Vermont State House. Focus was on how to identify and support a friend or peer with mental health or substance abuse issues. The Strategic Planning End of Year Progress Report includes goals of 1) Academic Achievement and Success, 2) Health and Well-Being, and 3) Engaged Citizenship. Regarding the first goal, there was a lot of data presented and much of it appeared to be positive with concern with growth of cohort of children with IEPs. For more information, please review the LCATV video approximately an hour in. For the second goal, an ongoing assessment conducted four times since Fall 2022 has overall shown progress at all schools in social emotional competencies based on teacher subjective assessments. Discussed behavioral issue trends at each of the schools. The trend of suspensions at each of the schools is way down since 2021-2022 school years that is attributed to the school’s new continuum of support and time since COVID issues. Finally, regarding goal three, discussed local and global engagement opportunities.
The Discussion portion included the Milton Innovation Center (MIC) Floor Remediation Bids and Timeline with outdoor classroom bids due end of July with floor remediation completed hopefully by mid-August for construction starting thereafter, 2024 ARP ESSER Summer Grant Strategy (Math and Literacy), and June 27 Regular School Board Meeting Location Change to Herrick Library.
The meeting ended with an additional Community Comment period. One commenter congratulated the students/teachers, mentioned recent tough school board issues, took issue with how others presented their concerns, and objected with others having opinions different from hers. It is noted that the commenter referred to a May 28th Seven Days article that contained incorrect information that was subsequently corrected regarding two school board members. A second comment was regarding the believed state licensing requirements of a K-4 Art position and a pause of moving it into a STEAM program. The third commenter thanked the teachers, commented on the K-4 Art position into a STEAM program, and concern for possible causes of teacher retention.
A number of Action Items were voted on including the change to the June 27th meeting location to the Herrick Library, csOne Health Benefit Account Automatic Transfer, and awarding of the MIC Floor Remediation Bid.
The meeting ended with Board Comments and an Executive Session.
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