School Board Members Present: Diana Costello (DC)Lisa Ransom (LR), John Schmeltzer (JS), Kaj Samsom (KS).

Others Present: Debbie Lesure (DL), Principal, Brigid Scheffert, Superintendent. Michelle Baker (MB), Business Manager. Pam Dow (teacher), Sara Zschau (parent)

KS made a motion to approve the minutes of the 8/25/09 meeting with edit to the spelling of Brigid's name. Seconded by DC. Approved by all.

Pam Dow gave an update on playground improvements on behalf of the PTN. Pam mentioned the issue of location of the swings and the safety issue related to the access road. The group took a walk out to observe the new suggested location which is the lower field. The PTN is asking for approval from the Board for the site and for the relocation of the Ski Shed. The PTN will pay for the Swingset and arrange for volunteer labor to install. Safety issues regarding bark mulch were discussed and the PTN does not currently have funds for mulching the existing playgrounds and the proposed new swing.

DC moved to approve the site and plan presented by the PTN for the new swingset and shed location pending PTN checking with the zoning administrator. Seconded by KS. Approved by all.

DC made a motion to authorize JS to draft a letter of notice to the adjoining property owners of the site. Seconded by LR. Approved unanimously

JS made a motion to authorize expenditure up to $7,500 from the capital reserve fund for playground mulch. Seconded by DC. Approved unanimously.

MB gave an update on the roof project budget and the increasingly hopeful news regarding the Qualified School Construction Bond 0% bond opportunity through the federal ARRA (stimulus plan). By next meeting we should have final word on whether this project qualifies for zero % financing.

MB also gave an update on the Secondary Water System. Due to the unanticipated but mandated cost to outfit the town clerk's office with the same system, projected costs now exceed the authorized amount by approximately $6K.

JS moved the attached resolution (which authorizes additional spending), seconded by LR. Approved by all.

Pruning the two trees out front was discussed. It was agreed that they should be pruned for safety concerns. A parent volunteer knowledgeable has volunteered and we asked Gregg and Debbie to pursue that.

Recent inquiries to use the school for town offices were discussed. Debbie discussed some of the issues that would present themselves, confidentiality, restrooms, sign in requirements, issues with registered sex offenders access to town records, and the segregation of costs required by Act 60&68 etc.. Cost would be significant to deal with these issues. Other concerns included what actual savings there would be, since the library and town office would then have to be sold or rented out to actually realize any savings, either of which are not a given in this economy. Additionally, what if the school population increases again, new town offices would have to be built, at significant costs.

MB will be holding an Ed. Funding 101 workshop in the month of October.

JS made a motion to authorize Amy Deutl to be the authorized signer on the Chittenden Bank Tax Anticipation Note. Seconded by DC. Approved unanimously

Superintendent gave her update, including support staff negotiations. A large group session is scheduled for late September (28 or 30).

Principal report was given. Discussion included the President speech, Playgroup future, Debbie attended a PTN meeting, presented her goals, action plan, technology plan and both Debbie and Brigid discussed the importance of MES having computer lab capabilities, that we are behind the curve here.

Motion made by KS and seconded by LR to approve the following Board Orders;

Approved Unanimously

#17 $ 33,562.53 Payroll

#18 $ 15,520.21 Payroll Taxes/Retirement

#19 $ 53,986.35 Expenses

#20 $197,148.21 Expenses

Motion made by JS to adjourn, seconded by DC. All approved. Meeting adjourned at 9:20 pm