HIGHGATE SCHOOL BOARD MEETING MINUTES

HIGHGATE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL LIBRARY

January 8, 2015
6:15 PM
Present: Connie Beyor, Chairperson, Nola Gilbert, Liza Comiskey, David Roddy
and Richard Flint.
Others Present: Marcel Choquette, Principal, Winton Goodrich,
Superintendent, Lora McAllister, Assistant Business Manager, Channel 16
Cameraman, Terry Brace
Connie Beyor called the Meeting to Order at 6:21pm.
Public Comments:
None
Approval of Prior Board Meeting Minutes
Richard Flint moved, seconded by Liza Comiskey, to approve Dec. 11, 2014 board
minutes as submitted. The board approved the motion on a 5-0 vote.
Old Business
: Richard Flint reported that he met with Jim Messier of MVU Ag
Dept. regarding the hay field that the school owns. They proposed planting a big
pumpkin patch, and planting a bigger garden with MVU Ag students and Highgate
Elem. School students working together. They may pasture the steers on the wet
part of the field and hay the remaining section of the field to feed the animals.
They would like to form a committee and meet with the Ag Dept. and the Ag
advisory board. Connie appointed David Roddy and Richard Flint, Win Goodrich and
JoAnne Campbell to meet with Mr. Messier and the MVU Advisory Board to make
decisions around the use of the Cassidy land.
The board tabled the Energy Efficiency discussion. The board reviewed the status
of the lawn mower. Richard Flint moved, seconded by David Roddy, to table the
discussion on the lawn mower/tractor purchase. Board approved 5-0.
Recognition:Win Goodrich presented David Roddy with a Vermont School Boards
Association longevity of service certificate recognizing him with 25 years of
service with the Highgate School Board.
Check Warrants:
The board reviewed the check warrants. David Roddy moved,
seconded by Liza Comiskey, to approve the check warrants for $126,965.85. The
Board approved the motion on a 5-0 vote. David Roddy moved, seconded by Richard
Flint, to approve the payroll and regular monthly payments as presented. The board
approved the motion on a 5-0 vote.
Announced Tuition Rate:
Lora McAllister explained that each year the school
districts have to announce a tuition rate maximum amount that can be charged
should an out of district student enroll at Highgate School. Richard Flint moved,
seconded by David Roddy, to approve $11,870 as the announced tuition rate for the
2015-2016 school year. The board approved the motion on a 5-0 vote.
Executive Session and Adjournment:
Liza Comiskey moved, seconded by Nola Gilbert, to enter executive session at 7pm
for contractual implications related to the budget. The board voted 5-0 to approve
the motion.

The Board exited executive session at 9:30pm.

David Roddy moved, seconded by Richard Flint, to approve the FY16 Budget at
$4,752,340, representing a 1.4% budget increase, on a 5-0 vote.
Richard Flint moved, seconded by Liza Comiskey, to approve an article to add
$25,000 to the Capital Improvement Fund. The board approved the motion on a 4-1
vote.
Connie Beyor explained that the Select Board has requested that the School Board
have a discussion about changing school budgets, school board officers, and other
articles to the Australian Ballot system. The School Board values the Town
Meeting Day and opportunity for voters to discuss and be informed about the
budget and decided to maintain the status quo.
th
Next Meeting Dates:
Highgate Board Meeting- Feb. 4
at 8pm in Highgate.
th
Strategic Forum-January 28at MVU 2:30pm-8:30pm.
th
Franklin Northwest SU Board Carousel Meeting on Feb. 4
at 6pm in Highgate.

The School Board will schedule the budget informational meeting. They will consult
with the Select Board to see if they would like to have the budget informational
meeting on the same evening.
Other: Marcel Choquette explained that the Grade Six class would like to go to
Montreal for their end of the year field trip. Marcel asked the Board what kind of
information they will need. The Board would like to know what the customs will
require, and what sites they will visit on the trip.
Adjournment:
Richard Flint moved, seconded by Liza Comiskey, to adjourn the
meeting at 10:40pm. The meeting adjourned on a 5-0 vote.
Respectfully submitted,
Nola Gilbert
Highgate School Board Clerk