A description of the meeting, who was there, action items and the next meeting date.

Note: all minutes are marked “Draft” until official approved by the next committee meeting.

Minutes from March 25, 2008

Attendance:
Present: Joe Bowen, Pat Burke, Dave Cobb, Nancy Erickson, Peter Evans, Steve Houghton, June Sargent,, Laurie Singer,  Frank Spencer
Absent: Lynn Coale, Tim Crowley, Richard Kraemer, Judi Maynard, Meg Powden Madeline Young

1. Laurie welcomed everyone in attendance and outlined the agenda for the day.

2. Moved by Dave Cobb and seconded by June Sargent to accept the minutes of February 7 and 8 as presented. Unanimously approved

3. Reports were given by Dave Cobb, NAESP, Joe Bowen, NASSP, Steve Houghton, NFHS and Laurie Singer for Elaine Watson who traveled to Washington for the Federal Relations committee.

4. There was discussion about the Development Director position. It was moved by Dave Cobb and seconded by Steve Houghton to approve the position to officially start July 1, 2008. By consensus it was agreed to start the position on a per diem basis during late May or June if the successful candidate is available. Salary will depend on whether the job is full time or part time, and that will be determined by Bob Stevens. If it appears necessary to pay more than $40,000. plus benefits, Bob will consult with Laurie. It was also agreed that the Council would informally commit to the “concept” of a Development Director for 3 years, to be reviewed anually. Approved unanimously.

5. The 2008-2009 draft budget was presented again with the 2006-2007 actuals on the spreadsheet. Frank Spencer asked for more information relative to the activity revenue. Do these revenues include school fees plus the gate or just the gate. Frank will submit questions to Bob prior to the May meeting. Pat Burke asked about expenditures for girls/boys ice hockey. He will also forward questions. Dave Cobb moved and Peter Evans seconded to accept the proposed budget as submitted. Unanimously approved.

6. Laurie guided the Council through a discussion on the latest draft of the Strategic Plan. Council members combined, deleted and readjusted some of the wording. After the changes were approved, Laurie volunteered to develop the next draft for review at our May meeting. It was decided that we should share a final draft with ASC in July. It would include a work plan.

7. There were no by-law changes at this time, however Bob J, Bob S and Michael Marks will continue to review options which might be discussed in July for approval next May, 2009.

8. Bob and the Council discussed the member-to-member cross-country running issue at length. Michael Marks was engaged in the discussion via telephone. After some issues of confusion were erased the Council took a formal position. It was: “the Executive Council moves, without prejudice, to submit Montpelier High School’s request for a policy change to our member-to-member policy effecting cross-country running. The policy change request will be discussed and voted on by the full membership at our annual meeting on May 8, 2008. It was moved by Pat Burke, seconded by Joe Bowen. The vote was 6 in favor, 1 opposed and 1 abstention.
   
   Further the EC wants to clearly communicate to the Activity Standards Committee that this member-to-member policy vote was supported at the advice of legal counsel. Frank Spencer moved and Pat Burke seconded. The vote was 5 in favor, 0 opposed and 2 abstentions.

9. Bob Stevens discussed the various bills being debated in the legislature to include: mandatory reporters, compulsory attendance, dissection, Act 82 repeal efforts, Governor appointment of the Commissioner of Education. There is a lot of turmoil in the statehouse and it has not been a productive session, to date.

10. Marie’s retirement party will be at the Steakhouse on the Barre-Montpelier road May 30th starting at 6:30 p.m. If you want tickets, please contact Wendy.

11. A reminder that several Council members have been invited to the DOE Transformation meeting in Rutland on May 7th. The VPA is co-sponsoring this meeting.

12. The Council was informed that a long time principal, Paul Henry, recently passed away and they will host a gathering after his funeral at 2 Prospect Street.

13. The Council approved the Principal of the Year nominees: NAESP, Wayne Cook, Fair Haven, NASSP, Peter Evans, Montpelier, Middle Level, Jackie Wilson, Manchester, Henry Giauque, Sandy Stanley, Orleans, Robert Pierce, Martha Rich, Thetford, Tech Director, Sally Tarr, St. Albans and Assistant Principal, Rich Amato, Burlington.

14. Nancy Erickson agreed to present the slate of officers at the annual meeting. Bob S. will forward the list to her.

15. Meeting adjourned at 3:45 p.m.