All right. Are there any additions or deletions to the agenda? Oh, >> um, we I had I had sent a message to Rich about us discussing if somebody was going to go up to Burlington and whether just how that would work and yeah, the there's the um the SBA annual meeting at the end of October. Okay, >> I am writing >> that is actually on your agenda for the proxy. >> So, >> that's for the >> that's for visit. >> Oh, it's also underneath there conference attendees is also >> you're right there. >> I missed it. >> We both missed it when we were looking through. >> Was it added after? >> My bad. >> We added after you had emailed him, I believe. >> Okay.

So, we do see that on the agenda. Um, hearing no other items, do we have any members of the public this evening that would like to speak? >> I'll just introduce myself just because I know there's some people may not. I'm Patrick Lrange. I'm a member of the Dober Select Board. I'm just the Do Select Board liaison to the to this body. So, I figured you were meeting here tonight, I would come. So, pleased to be here. >> Cool.

Thank you for joining us in person. Patrick, are you the only member of the public in the room? >> Uh, I look around. Yes. [laughter] >> All right. We do have a number of different people on the Zoom call. Um, I am going to go down through my list. I will try not to miss anybody. So, I do have Alan PL. Do you have anything to share this evening? >> No, I'm just here to make sure Patrick behaves himself. >> Keep a close eye.

Um, let's see. Daniel Miller. Okay, hearing nothing. Let's move on. Kendra Urkart. >> All good here. Thanks. >> Okay. So, we had our four members of the public. Everybody has been given a chance to speak. And then members of hang on multiple screens. Members of the staff, is there anyone who would like a chance to speak? We have our two principles with us this evening. And then we also have a few teachers. So I'll do a quick roll call just to make sure we didn't miss anybody.

And Marie, >> I'm all set. Thank you. Just listening. >> Thank you. Um Carla >> uh just here for the meeting. Nothing to say. Thank you. >> Thank you both for joining us and then the other members I believe are the two principles. So we are all set there. So we have done our roll call around the room. We So we didn't miss anybody. Okay. Um anything else? All right. Old business. So, we do need to um open the table and talk about the merger study representative selection. >> Kate, >> yes, >> I think we probably should wait till the full board is present. >> I feel like that's a great idea, Dwight.

Thank you for saying that. >> I agree. >> I think so. I think, you know, Rich said he'd be here in a few minutes. >> Yeah. [clears throat] >> Maybe maybe pause a little bit. I don't know. >> Um >> he may have something to add to that discussion as well. Do we want to What up? Can we do anything else? >> That's what I was just reviewing down through the list. >> Can we do the financials? >> I think Rich did >> I think Rich likes all of this stuff.

This is all really fun for him. >> Yeah, [laughter] >> I was thinking he was hoping to get here and be like everything's done. Awesome. [laughter] >> Turn around and go home. >> Yeah. Um, yeah. I mean, I'm okay with just pausing for a minute. >> Do the minutes from last week. [laughter] >> Did everybody get the chance to review the minutes from last time? >> Yes. >> I do appreciate how Meredith lies them out so um nice so they're super skimmable.

Thank you for that. Thank you. [clears throat] Giving people a little bit too much time to look at the minutes. Just kidding. [laughter] They're not in our packet. >> What? >> They're not in the packet. Just clicked on. >> Oh, they weren't in the packet. >> No, they're never >> really. Yeah, they are. >> Right. >> They're always linked on the online packet. >> They're linked, but >> All right. Did Rich give any type of a timeline? >> Said he was running a couple minutes late.

Oh, here he is. >> Voila. [snorts] >> He said he said 15 minutes. >> Just kidding. [laughter] >> Well, he's a minute early then. It's 14. >> Welcome. >> I know. >> You're being punished. [laughter] >> All right, Rich. We went through um we started the meeting. We have checked in with additions and deletions. There were none. We checked in with our members of the public. We had four. We checked in with the two members of the staff beyond the principles.

And we are pausing until you joined us so that we could all have a robust discussion on old business and talk about the merger study representative selection. >> Cool. Thank you. [laughter] Thanks. Maybe it'll help me. It's not why I'm late. >> Thank you, Rich. How are you? >> Thank you. >> That's why I was late. >> I'm getting too. You're going to have these are awesome. >> Okay. So, >> I was find trying to find Is Bob here? >> Yes. >> Yeah. >> So, they sent out this thing like ah super secret.

Don't tell anybody. Details about local group changes. Local board requests for changing in group assignments. 13. Local board requests to work together in a countywide committee arrangement. Four, resulting in one group dissolving. And local districts that require committee reassignment due to diminished viability of the original group for resulting in one group dissolving. But they don't tell you who or anything. That's our That was our group, I think, because >> I think group six. >> Oh, really? >> I think it was group six that dissolved. >> So, anyways, Bob, what do you know?

Where is Bob? >> Yep. Uh, that's exactly right. The group that we were all initially in is the one that's dissolved. Um, >> but is there two groups resolved or one group or is this like how deep is your bench and what they're trying to do is make it look like two groups dissolved? So the part of the group to the south, some of the smaller districts on towards Bennington requested and were granted the ability to move into the same group that you guys requested, moved into as did Strat.

Well, Stratton was already there and Windham. West River was put southeast with Marorrow and uh the the Bells Falls SU ended up being moved north with Springfield and the Green Mountain with Chester in that area. >> [clears throat] >> Okay. So, they granted our request because nobody responded to us yet. >> I believe all the requests were granted from what I can see. >> Okay. Well, excellent. So, that's our first thing.

At least they they asked us and they did it for us. So then they are the law I guess was not exactly what everybody said because everybody's been telling us right from the start that we get one rep to each [clears throat] you know from each district not each school cuz remember we that was one of our questions we asked. Oh you got the rocking chair. >> Are you hurt? >> No. Are you? >> No but I've always had I've had this one for like 25 years. >> At least one of these.

So anyways, um so they did say that there has to be some type of um representation based on um based on numbers, you know, so it's not like so it's one person, one vote. So I don't know how many we're going to get cuz I'm sure they're going to have a floor that each district gets at least one, but I don't know how they're going to decide the bigger numbers. And I don't even really know who the big players are in our group.

So what they said to do so that's going to be up in the air. So we may get additional representation other than just one but this um I went to BSBA had a meeting with David Y and I think were you there Bob? >> I was not. >> Okay. So he said what they and David this David guy is the lead facilitator. So what he said was that they will have at the organizational meeting of the group then they'll decide what they want to do for a um for for representation how many everybody will get which kind of bothers me a little bit because this group is also the original group is also going to decide when you meet and how often you meet and kind of set the groundwork.

So, I would think that would come after all the representatives are there, but I guess it also prevents one district from having too many votes to run rough shot. So, for right now, we need to appoint one person, but I'd also like and they don't require it, but I really think we should appoint a Hey, Tracy. How are you? We should appoint um an alternative an alternative. an alternate [clears throat] in case our one person can't go.

Is everybody okay with that? Y because even if you don't get a vote, at least we have representation there to keep track of what's going on. So if everybody's good with that. Yeah. >> Oh, >> I was eating Smarties. >> Are they any good? >> I haven't tried them yet. I'll let you know. >> Well, I may need them in a minute. So my question to you all is is are we okay with just voting for one for now? And that's the first question.

So Kate, you're the only one on TV land. Are you good? >> Can we do like one swooping motion to do like a one person and an alternate or? >> No, I don't want to do that because I think it said vote on one. I just don't [clears throat] want to have anything called in question. >> Okay. 104. >> Okay. Everybody here okay with just voting? We'll vote the the first person, the one we're required to vote on. You guys all good?

Okay, if we're all good, let's do it just like we do when we reorganize the board. So, I'd like to have a nomination for the person. Okay, you can self-nominate yourself if you want. And I do not want to do this. I don't want to be the person. So, I'm out of it. Um because it just there's some other stuff that's going to go on in the future that I think may cause a conflict. So, I want to stay out of out of that. State board is going to have to review all the all the proposals.

So, I don't want to not be able to weigh in on ours when it comes before us. So, that's why I don't want to do it. It's not that I don't I I mean, I would love to do it. And, you know, both Dwight and I served on one form valleys and it's a really interesting [cough] process and we can all follow it, but we're only going to have one vote for right now. [clears throat] So, I will open up the floor to nominations. >> I would like to nominate Oh, sorry.

Just may raise your hand. >> Who? I'm sorry. >> Oh, no. >> Oh, okay. I don't know. I saw the TV about to move, so I didn't know if you were panning. Um, I was going to just nominate Dwight based on his experience with going through the act 46 process. And, um, in our last meeting, I know both Dwight and Meredith like had expressed interest in it. And I think they would be both be great representatives. But >> and I was going to say you can also self-nominate yourself in case somebody want to self-dominate themselves. >> Except for you guys.

You can I'm sorry. What? >> So what you can't do is self-nominate anyone else? >> No, you can [laughter] nominate other they have to accept it. So do you accept that nomination? Okay. Are there any other nominations? Is there anybody would like to selfnominate themselves? >> I can go ahead and nominate Mary. gets expressed. So we'll have the two people who said be very interested on >> comparative. Do you accept that? >> Sure.

Or I can be I'm fine with being alternative for or being like the additional person >> for right now. The alternate is not the is not a real thing. We're just doing that on our >> It sounds like from what I've heard though that they're going to probably include additional people. >> I I know they include additional people. I don't know if we're big enough to be one of those groups. >> Okay. That's what that's the only thing I'm not sure about.

And again, we won't know until whoever gets elected Marie um goes there, you know, shows up. So, >> okay. >> And they make the decision. So, would you like to because you can still take the nomination and we can have an election. >> Um, that's okay. >> So, no. Yeah, I'm good. >> So, you you don't want to do it >> withdrawal. Um, >> are you good that you Yes, you'll accept the nomination? >> I'm good with way doing it. >> Okay.

So, is there any other nominations? We still got three people that can nominate themselves or somebody else can nominate them. Well, this wasn't much of a robust discussion. I was looking for bribes, [laughter] people promising us to bring meals to the meetings or, you know, something important like that. So I have only one person who has um been nominated and has accepted. So I would say all those in favor of Dwight being our representative say I. >> I. >> Anybody but Dwight who's opposed say nay.

And as usual he didn't say nay. So congratulations Dwight. You got to make those meetings and don't forget >> I do not have more meetings to go but but I just [clears throat] want to thank everyone for their confidence. Um I understand how important this is to the community and to our school. So I'll do my best and I look forward to working with Mary closely on this but definitely going to need your assistance as well.

So, I would like to recommend that we do something that isn't in the law and something that I think is really important is Dwight and I are both going to be up for election come May or whenever we have our annual meeting next. So, I do think because this, you know, is going to be a year-long event. So, I would like to ask that there we we appoint an alternate and the alternate cannot we cannot give them the power to vote.

But if Dwight and I [clears throat] decide not to run, you would have a person who's been there and, you know, experienced all the meetings, knows what's going on, so we don't have to get him up to speed. And I think it would be our de facto if Dwight all of a sudden moves to Maine, never comes back again. You know, we have somebody that we can put in there really quickly that that's up to speed. And I don't know, Dwight, something you need to find out is how does that all work? you know what happens if you decide to resign from the board or whatnot >> because it does say you have to be a board member.

So, >> um I would look for is there something be willing to do? >> I think I know the answer [laughter] would help be the alter alternate and I I would hope that you guys would both go to the meetings together, attend them, you know, make sure and anybody from the board can attend and we can speak as members of the public, but only Dwight gets to vote at as a member of the committee. >> So, Um, I would like to nominate [clears throat] if she would be our alternate and then that way if something was to happen, Dwight was to resign, we don't have to have another vote.

We have that person already in line. Um, is there any other nominations or would anybody like to self-nominate themselves? Hearing none, all those in favor of Meredith. Meredith, do you accept? >> I do. >> Okay. I thought that, but I wasn't sure. My crystal ball was broken. Um, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Okay. Any opposed? Besides Meredith. It's unanimous decision in the affirmative. It is. Congratulations, guys.

Thank you. And I think we're going to be well represented at these. And I think there's going to be information going out. Bob, do you want me to send that to the guy or will you send it? >> I I certainly can. I just forwarded you. So, I've been out of the office last two days on some personal stuff and um [clears throat and cough] just forward an email to you at the request to send to board chairs with the actual groupings with all the names of the districts that are put into the groups. >> Okay. >> You now have that, Rich?

Um >> can you just read our grouping, Bob? Who is with us? So, we know. >> Yeah. So, you are with uh you're you are in group three. um and Meowi School District, Reedsboro School District, River Valley's, Searsburg School District, Somerset School District, Stamford School District, Stratton School District, Takonic and Green, which is the Manchester one, Wells Spring, Unified Union School District, Windham School District, and Winhaul School District for a total of just under 2,800 students total. >> Wow, that's a lot more than I thought. >> Yeah.

Well, Takonic and Greens about 1,600 on their own. So, that's >> So, that's a big dog in the middle. >> Yeah, you guys are actually, you know, you guys are kind of in the middle actually. Yeah. Okay. >> Possible two modes. >> Um they've also named the the um the person who will be the facilitator of your group. His name is Dr. Lavell Brown. >> Yeah, I think we they he had already sent that out, hadn't he? That's the guy from Massachusetts. >> No, he's in New York.

I think he's IA he's the superintendent currently over there. Um and he's done a lot of stuff in Vermont. He's he spoke at the BPA conference last year uh two years ago. um very well respected. He was a New York State Superintendent of the Year, the whole nine yards. So, I think he's very highly qualified. Um and there was an exchange between him and the supers who have districts in this group to try to set up a first meeting location to host and I believe Randy Low in Manchester has offered to be the site to to host the first meeting.

So, no dates or any of that yet, but there will be in Manchester. That much we know with Dr. Lavel Brown. >> Okay. So, does anybody have any questions? [cough] [clears throat] Any comments? You good, Kate? All >> set. All set. >> Eli, I'm good. >> Dwight, do us well. Represent us good. [clears throat] >> Do what I can. >> And if if Barry comes back, we'll impeach you. >> That's right. She's >> looking out for me. >> That's right.

[laughter] >> Hey, thank you guys. So, I we've [clears throat] kind of killed that. I'm a little upset, though. I got to tell you, Bob, that you know, he sends out this email today. You know, it came out Monday at 1:11 p.m. And it really, it doesn't say a whole lot. It just says that, you know, it's a lot of generalities there. But, um, if you could make sure you send that to everybody, the thing to go to the board chairs and I don't Did you guys >> I think we all got it.

Did you all take that? >> That was I think I think we got it from Bob. I think the VSBA also sent it out to everyone. >> Yeah. >> Right. >> That was from the lead facility on Friday. I didn't get it. So, it wasn't available. >> It came out at 210 or 110. >> To me, it really didn't say a whole lot. I was really kind of disappointed. So, I actually went online to look to see what the groupings were in case you didn't make it, Bob.

And I know sometimes bossing traffic can be fun. So I uh she'll be disappointed. But anyways, onwards and upwards. Hopefully it'll get better. >> I think you're supposed to have a first meeting before October 15th >> or by October 15th or It sounds like it's going to be around October 15th. According to this one, >> yeah, they're going to try. >> For all we know, they've already set the meeting date to find the location.

They just haven't told us yet cuz it's top secret. only their special people get to know it. So anyways, cool new business visib annual meeting. So I know Mary, I think [clears throat] it was either you or Lindsay may have said you guys want to go to that VSBA conference, right? >> Yeah, we're definitely wanted to talk about >> Yeah, you don't need permission from the board to go. We have money in the budget to do that. >> Okay. >> And you guys, >> you're not going, are you? >> I was planning on going. >> Okay, that was my first question. >> Okay, but three of you can go.

I mean, all we everybody in the board can go if you want. >> So, you you just don't you don't not go because he's going, >> right? >> But if you guys want to go, just let Bob know and he'll get you signed up and get your rooms. >> It's a two day. >> Yeah. Actually, you guys can you should register yourself through the link that the VSBA sent out. But if you want a room for the night, please shoot me an email so I know to get you a room.

Um, and Nicole will book those for us as soon as we hear from you. Yeah. So again, that's, you know, we that's training and that's good if people want to go. >> Okay. That's kind of my thought. Just being new. >> Yeah. I It's >> learn more. >> Some of the stuff is good and some of it like I went to a couple years ago I went to a class on budgeting >> and it was all about how you know when you have multiple schools you you set a budget amount [clears throat and cough] and then schools get to fight over it or something.

I don't know. It was really it was not very helpful. It [laughter] had nothing to do with smaller schools. It was like the Burlington school district and that's what I find a lot of it is. But they do have a good meal. >> That's why we're going to come. Yeah. [clears throat] >> And Oh, you get away from the kids. >> I was going to say where [laughter] my kids >> I know Stratton was up there one time. She brought a friend up with her because they are night.

It was like a night away. >> But um yeah, and they did do a nice presentation. Like the year I went up, they were recognizing um that bike program at Leland and Grey Bob. Remember they did a presentation. >> Yep. >> And so I mean there was some good stuff that goes on. >> Yeah. >> And I got to meet some people I haven't seen in years. So >> um so we need to let's make a motion to designate a proxy for us to vote at the bisbbit stuff which is usually that Friday morning, right Bob?

Yeah, it's the it's like a 8 a.m. meeting first thing in the morning. [clears throat] >> Wait, you're >> If you're going to be there, if they're going to be there and they want to go attend the meeting, then >> planning on it. >> Sign one of them to do it. >> If you're Yeah. So, you guys are going to nominate you guys. >> FISB is different than VSBA, right? >> Right. Visbbit is an insurance Vermont school board's insurance trust, but they always meet the same the morning of so many people there. before. >> Usually before it's um 8:00 a.m. on October 30th. >> Yeah.

[clears throat] Then the BS the BSBA thing will start probably at 9 is my guess. >> Yeah. Usually it's like an hour later. >> So you may have to miss breakfast. >> Yeah. I still I mean I'm not 100% confirmed. >> I still have to make arrangements. >> Okay. So I I don't I have to look at everything to make sure I can. >> It's okay. So, you know what? Why don't you guys let me know and why don't we >> 30th is right. >> Yeah, it's the 30th. >> So, why don't we do this, folks?

Um, let's make a motion if nobody from the board attends that we let the chair sign the proxy and give it to whomever is up there from Windham Central. Joe usually goes, right? >> Goes usually. >> Yes, he is going. He's >> okay. So, why don't we sign it to Joe if somebody from River Valleys isn't there? Is that a good motion? Somebody mind making that motion? >> Okay, Dwight it and seconds it. Is there any discussion? >> Hearing none.

All those Oh, >> I was just going to say thank you to all who may go up. It's a big trip. So, thank you. >> Yeah. Yeah. It's all the way in Burlington. It used to be in the middle of the state, but now they moved it in the middle of the Makebelie state. Um, all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Appears to be unanimous decision in the affirmative. >> It is. Thank you folks. And then if the three of you were up there, you can play rock paper scissors for who gets. >> Okay.

Superintendent report. Bob. >> All right. Thank you. Um, yeah. I mean, you've got the cabinet report um for September, which is now a few weeks old, but uh um started with our opening tour of the schools and visits, meeting with the principles and all that stuff and the teacher training opportunities that were all out there. Of course, highlighted some of the work that's been done in the buildings by Craig and his crews.

And um anyway, just kind of give you a good overview, first glimpse of um the status of everything at the as as we opened. Um, since that time, it's been uh sort of business as usual. Nothing major happening um at the SU office, per se. Um, we did have a principal of West River resign last week and um, I do have um, one of my employees as the um, temporarily as a as a uh, acting principal there just to support um, Dana Cuadro [clears throat] while we've posted and look for something um, more more as a longer longer term interim.

So um, that will slow down some of the um the operations. it's David Con that's doing it and so he's our director of SCCL and equity so some of the stuff is going to be paused a little bit while he's doing that uh role as well and we'll get back up to speed as soon as we can with that work but [clears throat] um yeah I mean that's that's sort of the crux of it all of our staff has been trained in an HHP um which is the hazing harassment and bullying work through the human rights commission um in the state of Vermont uh three-hour training for all all staff professional and support staff um and we have additional trainings coming to buildings um and with the leadership team uh coming up throughout the year.

So um just trying to ensure that our schools are safe places for kids and uh yeah so that's that's kind of the the quick version. Um but I'm happy to take any questions that anyone might have around either something on the report or something else. We already talked about the merger stuff so I won't bore you anymore with that. So, is anybody Kate, you all set with Bob, [clears throat] and [clears throat] Dwight? You all good? >> Yeah, good. >> I'm good. >> Okay.

Thank you, Bob. You >> got it. Um, principal's report to the away team. All right. Well, welcome back everybody. Um, you know, as Bob said, the beginning of school is always pretty hectic and lots of stuff switching around at Wardsboro, but we're settling into a groove. Um, we're doing our benchmarking. We're going to have data meetings uh beginning of October. Um, the staff has uh advocated for our half-day Wednesdays to be Steam half day Wednesdays.

So we had our first one. Uh it was a pretty big success. The kids really enjoyed it. W want to do more. Um also [clears throat] I want to welcome Dover to four winds. We are collaborating together um to provide that science enrichment program to both schools. So that's an amazing program. It used to be called the ELF program and I did that decades ago when my kids were young. So, it's kind of fun to see it uh continuing.

Um I I gave you guys a list of the staffing because um we've got some new staff on board and some old staff in new places. So, that's all working out pretty well. Um and just to echo what Bob said with PD, we're doing responsive classroom, which is a great program that I'm familiar with from other schools and the teachers and the staff really are enjoying it. Um, let's see what else. Oh, lastly, I did want to talk to the board a little bit about the prek program.

I think I told you last year that we were uh opening up the program to kiddos outside the district. Um, we we only got one, but um we are getting some subsidies from that um channel. And I I'm I'm thinking in my head that this should be a pilot year to see how that all goes. Um because I feel like we may need to talk about some practices and use of those subsidies and how we're going to address any other kids that want to come in from out of district.

So that's something I'm going to be working on and hopefully be able to present to you guys uh within the next month or two. And um I think that's it. I've got a lovely picture on our report of the four winds volunteer theme. Um and yeah, that's it in Warsboro. Thank you. Anybody? Kate, you all set with with the Warsboro report? Um Meredith or Lindsay? I'm going to go by table today. Um, can you explain the kindergarten the pre-k thing a little bit more?

Just I just don't understand like what? >> Yeah. So, last year we had one prek student, right? And that's just not a terribly viable program. So, um, working with Winston Prrowy, we, uh, kind of tried tried this recruitment tactic where we made some flyers and we put them out at local libraries and, um, found out that with UPK dollars, any preK student can go to any prek program in the state. Um, there's also fairly nice subsidies available for families that qualify.

Um, so at our teddy bear tea, we had a rep from Winston Prrowy there and help families fill out the paperwork and essentially depending on the the income level of the family, you get subsidies from the state um to help improve your program, which is something we did. Most of our kids that came in, excuse me, were from Warsboro, but we did have one student that was outside of district. Um, and then I guess my mind just got thinking, well, what if this grows more?

What if more kids, more prek kids want to come into [clears throat] our school? Um, it's a good thing. Um, but there is money attached to that. And then do we p I think we have to have some kind of priority. You know, we would prioritize obviously Wardsboro families and do families. And I just want to make sure that it's it's uh a well thoughtful uh procedure um in how we accept kids into the program and what we do with the money. >> But you're going to bring something back to us, right? >> I am because it just started. um you know, we have to document attendance and all that and that's how you get the subsidies and I just submitted the first round because you do every two weeks.

So, I don't have I don't have an idea of how that flows yet, but I just wanted to give you a heads up and be transparent about where I'm at right now with it. >> Thanks. >> Um because I know there's there's a real need for that kind of resource in the area. um you know being involved with the wards turns up one of the um one of the pieces they're looking at is being able to provide that resource to families with young children.

So I'd like to be able to keep it going. I just want to make sure that it's something that the town and the board wants to support. >> So remember too that we do have a policy on accepting tuition students too. So we want to make sure that whatever you present you know kind of follows that basic guidelines. >> Okay. >> And I don't have it in front of me and I don't remember the policy number but definitely look at that you know when you bring a recommendation to us. >> Right.

And then it would only be for prek because obviously they can go wherever they want. Um any any prek program. So yeah I I'll look at that and talk to Bob and Heidi about it more. Okay. Well, thank you. >> Y question. The um see you [clears throat] got some turnips for the festival. I'm just wondering if any are award-winning, Ty, or what is your expectations? >> Good. >> We have some really big turnipss in that garden.

[clears throat] >> They're huge. >> I hadn't seen it before. I saw >> we'll be the judge of that. [laughter] >> So, >> well, you should stop. Like, I'm not a big turnip fan. Like, I don't, you know, that's just me. But um it's big. I thought it was like a a half buried pumpkin. It was big. >> Sounds great. Thank you. >> Hopefully it's a winner. Yeah, >> we have so many track. >> Yeah, it's a it's a bot and they're trying to hack our meeting again. >> We got hacked at the state board meeting.

Holy mackerel. That was awful. >> Yeah, it wasn't wasn't the state board meeting. Is that committee that I chair for? >> Same kind of name like just a general name that could be anyone. >> Yeah. How do you know it is >> because Daniel Miller [clears throat] Daniel Miller was the one that I admitted last time. But does anybody know a Sarah Williams? Cuz I imagine it's the same thing. I don't know. Sarah Williams. We don't have anybody with that last name. >> Yeah.

See, but how Oh, we got He got hacked really bad in our water studs, too. Oh, his was even worse. That's what it usually has. >> It just it seems like a similar name to Daniel Miller. >> Okay. See, this is what I don't understand. But what if it communicate that person in any way? >> I say, can you Yeah. Can you message them in the >> I can't use chat. Oh, >> yeah. We're not We don't use chat. So, we're just going to leave it and if they can file a complaint, we >> Yeah.

As long as you guys are aware that if the person complains as a member of the public and couldn't get in, you'll have a record that you guys agreed not to let them in. >> Yeah. So I >> after having like that we just were hacked and we had pornography on our feed that >> I don't know. >> Yeah. You can't get rid of them. I mean you couldn't make them all go away, could you? Cuz once you What did you do? >> No, we shut down the media restart and then after that we actually had a password to get into the and that was that ended it.

We have a password to get into our meeting too though. >> They may have gone and gotten most of them don't get by me. >> Yeah, most of Yeah. >> still the final gatekeeper. >> Um, >> well, thank you for keeping a good gate cross that good fences make good neighbors. Good walls make good neighbors. >> Something like that. Um, are you guys all set? Do I set? >> Okay. Thank you, Wardsboro. Um, we're going to move to the home team.

Tracy. >> Um, so also welcome back everyone. We had a similar really good start to the year. Um, it's been it's been a it's been super um the kids are really settling in. We have some um you know kiddos from from Marro that we got and they're a great addition to our school family which is so nice that they um could join us. Um, our databings are actually scheduled for tomorrow because I like to like get going. I'm a bit of a little a bit of a battle axe when it comes to that because I love tier 2 interventions.

Um, we've already had fifth and sixth grade go on a field trip. They did their annual source to sea cleanup of the Connecticut River which was amazing. Um, we also participated in responsive classroom and the one great thing about that is that it does go very nicely with conscious discipline. So, we're still using the conscious discipline practices but incorporating um and making them work with responsive classrooms so that we are in alignment with the rest of the SU.

Um, one thing, um, I'd like to know is that we got Nurse Stacy got us new AEDs for our campus and, um, they are portable. So now, um, we can take them on a field trip, which is, um, super great, uh, because you just never know when an emergency is going to happen. Um, they automatically connect to 911 when you start to use them. Um, so we're I was, it was really great. That was one of the one of the great things that came out of the nurses conference that she went to.

Um and then Dober PD was [clears throat] here last week um practicing a drill in our space and um we have a good system now to if there were some kind of um emergency or something during a school event that's in the cafe gym. Um I know what they're going to do. they have suggested to me what I could or should do, but ultimately it's my call. Um, but it was very helpful to um just work with them for even just for a few minutes.

Um, it felt really great to know that um if we had something happen like they knew how to respond. and um four wins. Um Francesca said we are um partnering with um Warser now and um while spiders are not my favorite thing um nor I don't Meredith is really trying hard to get them to be my favorite thing. >> The more you learn the more you like them. >> Um I still can't I still can't get on that train. Um but uh it seems um really great.

So, they were going to try to baby step into it and do like one program for, you know, each grade cluster. But, um, Kendra and Meredith were super stoked. And so, now everybody in the school is going to learn about spiders. Um, so so excited. So excited. >> They're really cool. [laughter] >> What kind of spiders? >> All of them. >> We don't have any dangerous spiders in Vermont. So, >> that's not true. >> Which one? the >> we have brown recluse. >> Yeah, that one.

[snorts] >> I thought I just I said that to her and she said we don't have that. >> Well, that's I've had one at my house. So, >> yeah, definitely [laughter] a package from Amazon. >> I don't know. Anyh who, um thank you Francesca cuz um Meredith and Country were stoked and [clears throat] the kids loved it. So, >> um one quick thing about that. We are looking for volunteers from the community. >> What? Not you or >> Oh, if anyone wants >> almost anything. >> I don't know.

You might have to get in line behind me. >> Um >> maybe the three of us could just stand. >> Yeah. If anyone wants to come in and work with either me or Kendra or we have a couple other volunteers um that would like to teach kids about spiders or we also have five other modules throughout the year. >> What are the other modules? >> Um there's there's a terrific I can't remember what it's called. There's a tree module.

I don't I didn't look through I'm I'm focusing on spiders now, but I know trees. They are. >> You have it. >> I do have it. >> I have it, but not right now. >> Snakes. >> I don't know. >> Sharks, >> owls, predators, and prey, skulls, spiders, and trees. >> Mhm. >> So, if anyone is interested in participating um either with the training or just with the classroom piece, let me know. >> Merid, thank you for doing that.

But yeah. >> Yeah, it's super fun. >> No spiders. spider this big in my garage. >> He lives in a tank. >> Yeah. >> What kind? >> It's a feathery fluffy fuzzy one. I don't know. >> For real? >> No, it's not. It's a real spider, but it doesn't live anymore. >> Oh, >> that's my favorite kind. >> Yeah. [laughter] Yeah, it is. did something >> that it sits in one of our We have a Snap-On gave us an aquarium tank that looks like a Snap-On tool box. >> Yeah. >> So, we put a spider in it cuz we didn't want to have water and fish in there. >> Oh. >> So, sometimes when you sit in the waiting room, you'll hear people go because it sits right across from a massive spider in there. >> Yeah.

It's a huge spider. >> Is it Was it Is it really a Is it not It's not real. >> It was never real. >> Okay. >> But they don't. >> I was like I was like, "Bring a hand. [laughter] I can show I can use it. Um I'm sorry, Mayor. >> Yep. >> Tracy, [clears throat] >> um just one more thing. Um I just want to note so that everybody knows we're um I talked with Bob and Renee about I um our strategic plan for ID and we're not going to need um program coordinators this year because it's a rebuilding year for us.

So, that will be a little bit of um money saved and Renee and I are working together to um guide teachers through combining the eel with the IV. So, I just wanted to make sure that you guys saw that piece of it. >> I actually have a note there cuz I got to ask you that. >> Yep. >> Okay, Kate. Any questions for Dover? >> I'm good with the spiders. Thanks. [laughter] >> You're in. You're in. >> Is there anybody in here that likes spiders? >> Yeah, Meredith.

No, I didn't like them before. I mean, I did not like them, though. I just always think that they eat the mosquitoes. That's what I always think about. >> That bats do that, too. You want some bats? >> No, I do not want bats. >> I like bats. >> Um, thank you, Kate. Uh, Lindsay or Meredith, any any other things for >> But oh, I will say I've been really enjoying you leading the uh also sings. I think it's pretty awesome that you have stepped in and taken that over. >> Feel free to ask parents for their help if you ever want them to because >> Do you [laughter] sing? >> Yes, I do. >> Yes, she does.

I have recordings if you'd like to see. >> Yeah, I would love to. [laughter] >> Do you play instruments? >> No. >> Okay. >> But you totally could source your parents that do stuff. Like I know Ian would be happy to help with stuff, but >> cool. >> Thank you. [laughter] I got something else added to my list. >> I have to give you a shout out for that one. >> Well, you're you're live. >> Oh, don't forget day. >> Oh, yeah. >> We're very excited about that. >> Oh, good. >> Yeah. >> Just a quick one.

I So, we have we don't need the um coordinators, but is it still paused or >> Yes, we're still until August of 2028. 2027 2027. Yes. What's our status? It's considered like >> um so we are just they just call it a suspension. We pay we pay a little bit less. I >> [clears throat] >> um have um a direct line now to um her name is Melissa and she's walked me through a couple of things. We had to submit a little bit more paperwork this year.

Um but she's been she's been really helpful and given us a lot of grace um knowing that we're a public school and we need you know we have constraints from our SU and um that sort of thing and she's been really helpful. So it was great. Yeah. >> Are they are they are the teachers getting do they get training this year or do they get it next year? >> Well, we're it's just it's a process. This year is strictly um just looking at the modules and making sure that um our themes are in line with um the EL modules.

And then um there will be some training, but it will come through me. So that's where we're at. Yep. You guys all set? >> Yes. Thank you. >> Thanks. >> Okay. So, just to follow up on that. >> Sure. >> That was one of my notes. You were the IB coordinator for when you were in the classroom, too. So, you have the experience. So, that we're we're kind of covered there. >> Yes. >> Can you kind of just maybe give us a monthly update on [clears throat] where we stand because it was important in the community.

Yes. >> And we do have some people from the community that said they would volunteer to help out. you know, like if you need somebody to come in and do something or, you know, just let us know because again, it is we feel pretty important. So, >> 100%. >> Okay. And then um oh I just want to say when I was in elementary school it seemed like from kindergarten right up through every classroom had an upright piano and every teacher knew how to play the piano because after we said their pledge of allegiance we had to then sing America or the Beautiful or whatever and the teachers always tried to sing and I always thought it was awful.

They do awful singing and their playing the piano was not great. [laughter] >> Do they not teach that in teacher school anymore? >> No. Sorry. >> I did have to take a basic musicianship class, but [clears throat] I to be fair I didn't do very well. [laughter] >> That's great. >> Appreciate your transparency. >> Yeah. And I like you put the CIPs on the back. So, but I guess is there any way like you can kind of maybe put in parentheses or something as we go through it if you're going to include that every month >> just kind of like you know just one that sticks out is you know monor staff tenants with goal paying less than 5%. >> You know can you just kind of let us know how >> Yeah.

So um I that was my intent. So, these are the some of the things that um I'm focusing on from the um and you'll see me like add like bullets underneath as we go down like where we are, if we've met it, what we're doing for that particular thing. That was like a checks and balances for me um to make sure that we're hitting all those key things from the CIP and um yeah, I you'll see me update it. So, it'll it likely won't fit on one paper, you know, next time.

Well, that's okay. We have eight and a half. And then my last two things, I didn't know if you said it because I missed it or if you just said, but how many Marbor tuition students did we get? >> Four. >> Four. That's great. And what grades? [clears throat] >> Um K 335. >> And is it all siblings or are they all different families? >> It is um three separate families. >> So that's not bad. So that's put a number in there.

And last thing is I know she picked up 15 12 lbs of trash from the Connecticut. >> So I'm just a little surprised. It's like a tire weighs like 25 [laughter] pounds. I couldn't find any tires on. >> No tires. >> If you want if you need to get more numbers, I always got like 30 or 40 used tires [laughter] in my shop and I could give them to you. can before we go down go down and like >> if you get a prize for the most trash [clears throat] I can really [laughter] help you out. >> I'll let you know next time they head. >> Cool.

Thank you so much. Okay, now that we've had some fun, now we got to go to report stuff, guys. Money. >> So, approved financials. So, we had one, two, three, four, [clears throat] five financials. And looking at them, number 77 has to be from last year. So, Was that you? >> It was. Um, yeah, we're checking with adaptive reading technology. Um, are you ready? May I read the pay warrants for you? >> Sure. If you want to make a motion, I'd love to. >> I would love to make a motion that we approve pay warrant number 13 in the amount of $2,650.20, 20.

Pay warrant 14 in the amount of $24363. Pay warrant number 15 in the amount of $66,73028. and pay warrant number 17 in the amount of $24,000 300 wait $24,37741 and uh an approval from last year from FY26 for in pay warrant number 77 in the amount of $3187. >> Okay, so I have a motion. Do I have a second? >> Second. >> Thank you, Meredith. We have a second. Is there any discussion hearing? None. All those in favor say I. >> I >> cool.

Any opposed? Appears to be unanimous decision in the affirmative. We approve financials. >> I understand. >> Uh no, just wanted to bring packets and in case I I did add or had Nicole add uh where we're looking at ending fiscal year 26 in the financials folder. So I there is an attachment if if you want to discuss it or you want to >> yeah [clears throat] on that. >> No and estimated ending fund balance looks like we're going to end with a million6. >> Yep. >> So that's not bad. >> No, in fact with the reserve fund will probably will have gone down 129,000. if with the audit my numbers all um make sense to them that 531,000 would get added to your reserve fund which before we spend it in 27 uh it's just it's gone down by 129,000 so that's pretty good >> okay cool anybody have any is everybody got this piece of paper that was right behind our financials it looks really good but again um stat reports usually August so updated ated 9:16, so we should be in good shape. >> Yeah. >> Cool. >> Yep. >> That'll help us with budget time again. >> So, good job, Heidi.

Thank you. >> I got no more new business on the list. So, um on the consent agenda, we have the minutes of the August 3rd, 2026, which should have been in your packets. Um is any questions, answers? It's all no objections. We'll just accept it. Cool. We'll accept that by unanimous consent. And then Bob, I don't have any correspondence. Did was there anything that came in? >> No, I see nothing >> other than that wonderful thing from the merger committee.

So, just before everybody leaves, we're going to hopefully for a little while be back to our normal schedule. >> Um, it's the bomb. We've got >> concerning at all. [laughter] >> So, um, just so everybody knows, we're going to hopefully for a little while get back to normal. So, we'll be meeting the first Monday in Wardsboro and the third Monday in Dover. So, I know we've been all over the place because the summer, but I think we got a lot of stuff accomplished during the summer.

We had some good meetings. Um, and I think it's um we'll be looking at budgets here before you know it. And that white four-letter word will be falling out of the sky before you know it. And yeah, I know you I can't wait either. Um, but anyways, if there's nothing else, I do have we do have an executive session for negotiations and so we won't be kicking [clears throat] everybody out, but it should be a very short one.

So, would somebody like to make a couple motions? I would like to make a motion to acknowledge that a premature general public knowledge would clearly place the public body or person involved as substantial disadvantage. >> Is there a second to that? >> Second. >> Thank you, Meredith. And all those in favor say I. >> I. >> Any opposed? Appears to be unanimous decision in the affirmative. I move that we enter executive session to discuss contract negotiation under 1 VSA section 313. >> Second. >> And I have a second for Meredith.

Is there any discussion? All those in favor say I. >> I. >> Appears to be Oh, appears to be unanimous decision in the affirmative. It is. So Bob and Kate will check with the attorney and get back to us on our our negotiations and hopefully we'll have something to bring back on board in the next meeting. We've already talked about next meetings. So I would say that since there's nothing else to talk about, all those in somebody who'd like to make a motion for the most important motion we ever made. >> Thank you by Eli.

Motions to adjourn. >> Second. >> Lindsy seconds it. It can't be discussed. All those in favor say I. I >> I >> appears unanimous decision in the affirmative. Bob, I know you're sad, but thank you, buddy. >> Thanks, Bob. [music]