Board members: John Schmeltzer, Lisa Ransom, Jay Pilliod, Matt Strassberg

Administrators: Roberta Barone, Dick Moser, Michelle Baker

Guests: Kaj Samsom

The meeting was called to order at 6:08 by John Schmeltzer.

Dick Moser reported that he is settled in his position as interim superintendent.

He will be presenting a new policy on Integrated Pest Management in the fall.

He reiterated that his focus for the year will be the search for a new Superintendent. He also anticipates four administrative vacancies.

Michelle Baker has accepted the position as the new SU Business Manager. She is working on closing the books on last years finances. She will have the final finance report for the 2007-2008 year in August.

Michelle suggested that an increase in lunch costs at MES would be appropriate for the upcoming school year to avoid a larger increase in the future. At this time, Moretown’s lunch cost is lower than the other valley schools. Raising the price of school lunch will decrease the amount required in our budget to reimburse Harwood.

John made a motion to increase the cost of school lunch from 2.40 to 2.50 for the 2008-2009 school year. Matt seconded and the motion was approved unanimously.

Fuel oil bid came in at 4.59/gallon from FGWhite. The board discussed options for finding fuel oil at a lower price. Michelle will call FG White to check on residential rates. She will also check on the state contract and the State Credit Union fuel prices. This issue will be discussed further at a meeting scheduled for August 26 at 6pm.

John reported that the Middlesex bridge is scheduled to be completed by September 5. The board discussed busing options for the start of the school year. Ray would like to run the route as usual turning around at Glass Works on Route 2 and returning to the school. The board concurred with this decision.

Bus costs were discussed. Matt wondered about the cost of the two midday runs. Michelle estimated the cost to be close to $15,000. Issues around changing the routes and having funds available for other costs were discussed. It was agreed that the transportation conversation should happen within the larger context of the Supervisory Union. Lisa will bring up this issue at the Executive Committee on August 19. Matt agreed to be the representative from Moretown on this committee.

Roberta reported that the electrical work was being completed.

Enrollment is down one student.

John reported on the progress of the secondary disinfection system.

Lisa made a motion: The board gives approval, contingent on the approval of the business manager, for John to sign the DWSRF loan to finance and construct the proposed system. Matt seconded and the board approved unanimously.

Michelle presented options for addressing funding for capital improvements. The board discussed the estimated effects on 2009 per pupil spending.

The following capital improvements were discussed:

Septic pump house repairs

Bids for this project came in inconsistent. Jay will look at the pump house repair needs. This will be added to the August 25 agenda.

Roof repairs

The board took a walk to observe the proposed repairs for the roof.

Lisa made a motion to accept the proposal from Dore and Whittier, not to exceed $15,000 for the roof scoping study and to authorize John to sign the contract. Jay seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Parking Lot

Roberta shared one bid for the repaving of the parking lot. The board would like to see a more comprehensive plan for the parking lot, drainage, playground, sidewalks. The board would also like this to be a collaborative project with the town, the rec committee, the PTN and the school board.

John and Jay are meeting with the Select Board on August 4. They will propose a process for moving forward with this project.

HVAC contract

The board discussed the advantages and disadvantages accepting the Maintenance contract from Controlled Technologies. Jay reported that he consulted with an HVAC expert who recommended accepting this contract. Jay made a motion to accept the HVAC Maintenance contract from Control technologies. John seconded and the motion passed unanimously.

Lisa reported on the July Executive Committee meeting where Dick Moser discussed priorities for the coming year and the importance of developing a clearer sense of the roles and responsibilities of the school board.

On a motion by Lisa, seconded by Matt, the board approved the minutes from the June 3 and July15 meetings.

On a motion by Jay, seconded by Lisa, the board approved the following board orders:

#1 2,959.78

#2 1,595.85

#3 8,319.53

#4 3,601.53

#5 28,368.34

#8 22,621.95

#97 7,605.74

#98 2,636.45

John Schmeltzer moved to adjourn the meeting at 9:10 pm. Lisa seconded the motion, which passed unanimously.

Minutes recorded by: Lisa Ransom