The meeting began with the normal Call to Order, Agenda Review, and Flag Salute.
The first Community Comments portion of the meeting included a comment from a community member regarding transgender children and their perceptions as a trans person. Another community member, and their daughter who graduated from Milton and who is a substitute teacher in Milton, both commented about statements made by school board members at the prior board meeting. Finally, a community member who also took issue with the board members’ speech at the prior board meeting indicated that it “underscores the urgent need for a clear and enforceable code of ethics and conduct.” She further disagreed with the current Conflict of Interest policy requiring a personal gain. The full A1 Board Member Conflict of Interest policy can be viewed here: https://core-docs.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/documents/asset/uploaded_file/5447/MTSD/5343442/A1__Board_Member_Conflict_of_Interest__2_2024_.pdf and within the document “Conflict of Interest” is defined as “A situation when a board member’s private interests, as distinguished from the board member’s interest as a member of the general public, would benefit from or be harmed by their actions as a member of the board.”
The Consent Agenda included the approval of a warrant, contracts, and minutes from a Regular and Strategic Planning Committee meeting.
The Reports to the Board portion of the meeting included:
– Teacher Testimonials: Several teachers gave statements about how they became a teacher, what they do, why they teach, what they want their students to gain, etc. They are worth the watch when the LCATV video comes out as I will not do them justice.
– Superintendent Report: Congratulated staff who had to work through the roof and stormwater projects at Herrick that necessitated moving the summer Meals and summer programming to the High School and required everyone to work around everything to clean the facilities and prepare for the students’ return. Provided a summary of the prior week’s preparations for the students’ return. Provided an Education Transformation update of high-level deliverables over approximately the next 15 months.
– Committee Reports: only the Facilities Committee had met and occurred just prior to this meeting. Having also attended that meeting, this is a summary of that meeting. Discussed presenting to the board going forward with the purchase of the new tractor although presently holding funds in anticipation of likely not receiving expected ESSER grant funds as previously discussed.
Relating to Bond spending, $823,320 was spent on Herrick Roof and is completed. $1,559,000 currently committed for windows. Must have all projects done by 8/7/28 for bond. Discussed possible future Bond projects including:
· New HVAC for 2nd floor of Herrick to replace multiple large home window-style A/C units. Considering replacing windows in Herrick it makes no sense to continue with window units.
· Various office and classroom upgrades to make spaces more useable.
· Library Renovation will include outside design that needs to be put out to bid.
· Bathroom updates/upgrades.
The summer projects were discussed. A couple of change orders were required for valid changes for areas where the rubber membrane was glued to the insulation and the insulation needed to be replaced and additional insulation needed to be replaced that was wet that wasn’t previously wet when inspected remotely using the heat-imaging. Initial factory warranty inspection was completed a couple of weeks ago and 10 percent did not pass requiring correction. Final inspection is September 8th. Once inspection is signed off by manufacturer of contractor’s work it’s good for 20 years. Finally, the stormwater project contractors were very professional and cleaned up after their work meticulously.
– Financial Report: Indicated what we’re hearing on the news about healthcare rates does not relate to the school rates and expect to know in October what rates will be.
The Presentations portion of the meeting included only a segment relating to The Town of Milton – Town Plan 2026-2034. Milton’s Planning and Development Review Director, Cymone Bedford. She came to discuss and obtain information from the School Trustees about completing the Town Plan regarding future needs in relation to the school. She provided Trustees with index cards and prompted to respond to: 1) What one educational initiative would you love to see in Milton’s future? and, 2) What future skills or environments should we prepare students for that currently aren’t emphasized? A few of the answers were mentioned. Finally, she asks that all residents please complete the Town Plan Survey as found here: https://www.miltonvt.gov/382/Town-Plan to share their ideas, values, and dreams for Milton.
The Discussion portion of the meeting included:
– FY26 Tax Anticipation Note (TAN): Only two proposals were received from the four banks where proposals were solicited. Information related to the TAN is in the packet.
– Web Filter and Classroom Management Tool Proposal – Allows teacher to have awareness of what are on students’ screens while they are in front of the classroom and unable to see what’s on student’ screens.
– Board Goals: Discussed.
– Final Discussion of Action Items: Discussed purchase of the new tractor ($21,969).
The second Community Comments portion of the meeting included a comment from the first commenter from earlier in the night and a second community member both thanking the teachers for their testimonials.
The Action Items portion of the meeting included the approval of the purchase of a tractor to replace a 15-year-old tractor, the approval of one of the TAN bank options presented, and the approval of the web filter.
The Board Comments portion of the meeting included all the board members making positive comments regarding the teachers’ testimonials and being happy to have students back in school. Two board members responded to community comments. Finally, a board member talked about the Years-Of-Service pins and Employee-of-the-Month and how much the staff appreciated the gestures.
An Executive Session, that was not scheduled to conclude the night, concluded the night.