School Board Members Present: Karen Horn, John Schmeltzer, Jay Pilliod, Kaj Samsom.

Administration Present: Dick Moser, Superintendent

John nominates Kaj as school board clerk.

Support Staff RIF: Roberta read a letter from Philip Dalsimer regarding the RIF (letter attached). Roberta presented and distributed a handout displaying the current budget. A $35K unfavorable variance was discussed, and it's relationship to the departed student and the associated funding that will be lost. Approx. $15K of the $18K unfavorable loss is attributable to the lost revenue caused by the student who is now being home schooled.

Dick pointed out that for longer term budgetary consideration, NEEP is at least 1% lower than initially expected and that will have an impact on 09/10 revenue and budget. Dick believes that the current financial situation is not likely to improve and that this RIF issue may be the first of many tough decisions the Board will have to make. Dick added that at the Supervisory Union level there are no other positions open and they will do their best to assist the RIF'd employee in finding employment. Dick made a recommendation to RIF this position for reasons of financial and budgetary considerations as well as the issues of precedent in what appears to be difficult budgetary times ahead..

Karen inquired about flexibility in the fuel oil contract and the potential for savings that might be applied to support the retention of the employee.

Motion made by Kaj Samsom to accept the Superintendent's recommendation to RIF the position. Seconded by JS. Discussion ensued, KH thought the contract was wrong in it’s handling of RIFs in addition to the fact that RIF’ing this employee not a move benefiting students.

JP: consistency is the most important, match the resources to the need is a sound and consistent principle.

KS: not knowing the staff or the students or the day to day operations of the school, proper governance and role of the Board is to consider the appropriateness of the recommendations provided by those who are familiar at that level: the superintendent and principal, both of whom have been clear on the appropriate course of action on this RIF. As such will vote in favor of the RIF.

JS: difficult decision but it needs to be done for the reasons mentioned above, precedent and financial considerations.

Motion carried 3-1 to RIF the position. JP, KS, JS yes, KH: no

30 days notice will be given from November 4^th.

Superintendent's Update; 6:40pm Principal position posted today and one interested person already from NY. Posted until December 5^th. Search process includes distilling all the input from Parents, Teachers and this Board. Interview questions need to be developed. Dick believes the Superintendent position will be a hard one to fill.

Principal Report: Roberta distributed a bid from Turtle Creek Builders for the demolition and construction of the moldy office. This was the only written bid received about of 13 solicited by Greg Wagner. Discussion ensued about hiring an independent consultant to review the scope of work and the bids, as well as oversee the actual work done.

Jay disclosed that he serves on the Building Safety Assoc. Board with the owner of Turtle Creek and he will abstain from voting on any action regarding the awarding of this contract.

John made a motion to accept the bid from turtle creek builders for office building repairs for a cost not to exceed $14,450. KS seconded the motion. Motion carries 3-0, JP abstains for reasons given above.

John makes a motion to authorize a payment of up to $2,500 for a contract with a consultant to oversee the work and review the scope of work. Seconded by JP. Motion carries 4-0.

Community member seeking board support: Roberta spoke with Matthew Strassberg who has asked for support of a motion (attached) to support a feasibility study of a trail. Karen made the motion suggested by Matt with added suggestions from John. Seconded by JP. Unanimously approved the following motion 4-0 "With the condition that the safe routes to school coordinate with the Vt. Land Trust, The Moretown Elementary School Board supports the investigation of the feasibility of a suitable trail for students to use connecting the Moretown School to South Hill Road. This investigation would be revenue neutral"

Budget meeting scheduled for Tues. Nov 18^th at 6pm. Will be warned by JS who will seek assistance from KS in distributing the warning.

KH moves to accept the previous minutes (October 27 2008). Seconded by JS. Minutes from September meeting still need to be reviewed and approved.

Update on Secondary Disinfection System : Cost of design and construction of Secondary Disinfection System may be approx. $1,000 over taxpayer approved amount. JS: subsequent action may be necessary to display commitment of the funds. No action necessary at this point.

Karen updated the board on the national environment on the potential for an infrastructure stimulus and the potential for inclusion of MES projects.

Support Staff Contract: DM looked at all 3 contracts with the goal of unifying the 3 contracts but he commented they are very different.

JP made a motion to approve Board Orders 24 through 31.

#24 $33,910.11

#25 $16,989.73

#26 $33,930.84

#27 $17,057.71

#28 $168,330.36

#29 $32,438.32

#30 $16,171.90

Seconded by JP, Unanimously approved

KH moves to adjourn, JS seconds. Motion carries 4-0

Meeting adjourned at approx. 7:35 PM