SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICT
SPRINGFIELD, VERMONT 05156
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS MEETING
Monday, September 19, 2016
Vision Statement
We, as an institution, are the catalyst for renewal in our community.
Executive Session
Union Street School Library
Ed Caron called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
MOTION:
Jeanice moved and Steve K. seconded to enter into executive session.
Vote: All in Favor
Motion passed
Steve K. left the meeting because of a conflict of interest.
Present: Ed Caron, Jeanice Garfield, Mike Griffin and guests
Reviewed a personnel matter
MOTION:
Jeanice moved and Mike seconded to exit executive session at 7:14 p.m.
Vote: All in Favor
Motion passed
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Griffin, Clerk
Open Meeting
Union Street School Cafeteria
Present: Ed Caron, Jeanice Garfield, Mike Griffin, Steve Karaffa, Laura Ryan
Also meeting with Board: Zach McLaughlin, Superintendent; Steve Hier, Director of Fiscal Services; David Cohn, Director of
Curriculum, Instruction & Assessment; Ericka Schoff & Caitlyn Cooney, Student Reps., Judy Spaulding, Recording Secretary
Also present: Kelly Ryan, Director of Special Services; Nancy Wiese, Union Street Principal; Scott Farr, RVTC Director
Chair called the meeting to order at 7:18 p.m. The Pledge of Allegiance was said by all.
Changes and Additions to Agenda
Add after New Business the potential appointment of Janet Pipkin, Interim Director of ODP
Move New Business Item 5-Amerigas/Young’s Propane to Announcements and Recognitions
Add furniture at Park Street under New Business
Announcements and Recognitions
Mike Griffin talked about an Amerigas education program where anyone who uses Young’s/Amerigas for their propane needs can
bring their receipt to the school district. At the end of the year Amerigas gives 2 cents per gallon purchased back to the schools.
Melinda presented a check to Zach and Ed in the amount of $1,265.64. She said that district can earn up to $2,000 per year per
school. Mike encourages the community to bring in their receipts.
Informational Session: 47 Union Street Ballot Question
 The offer has been accepted on this property. The district wants to buy it for the security for the school and it will go to a town
vote on November 8. There will be the opportunity on October 3 to discuss again. There will be an informational meeting on
November 7 at 7:00 p.m. in the high school cafeteria. The Town Moderator is available for this meeting. The meeting was then
opened up to the community members in attendance. The question was asked what will be the cost of demolition of the structure
be after the purchase. The district has sought out quotes for the demo work and has heard from just one company to date. That
estimate is between $8,000 and $12,000 not including any asbestos removal that could be involved. An asbestos inspection will
happen before the next board meeting. One resident said that this house poses an intrusion on the campus of Union Street School
decreasing traffic visibility as well as obstructing the ability to see the beautiful school from the road. Walter Martone, while not
speaking on behalf of the select board, said that this purchase represents a joint effort of the school and select boards working
together. It fits into the town’s plan to deal with the blighted buildings in Springfield. It was said that within the last 16 to 18
months there were 43 police calls to that house. Six of those calls have resulted in arrests. There are many benefits for the
neighborhood to have it gone. The general consensus of those speaking at the meeting is it would be best for this building to be
purchased and demolished. Laura Claffee said that many people who couldn’t be here support the purchase. She read a
paragraph that headed a petition that was signed by close to 100 residents supporting the purchase by the district. The next
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meeting the board could still have discussion of this issue before the informational meeting. Quotes for demo work should be in
by then. We may have to put this demo work out to bid. Mike reiterated that the board doesn’t have all the answers tonight but
hope to on November 7.
Wording for the Ballet Questions that reflects what the board wants to put across reads, “Shall the Springfield Town School
District authorize the purchase of property located at 47 Union Street for the purposes of enhancing safety, traffic flow and
aesthetics at the Union Street School for the purchase price of $45,000 to be paid from the funds received from the prior sale of
East School?”. This wording came from Chris Callahan, an attorney for the school. The town clerk will turn this into an official
ballot language.
MOTION:
Consent Agenda
MOTION:
Steve K moved and Mike seconded to adopt the presented language for the ballet question
Vote: All in Favor
Motion passed
Jeanice moved and Laura seconded to accept the September 6, 2016 meeting minutes.
Vote: All in Favor
Motion passed
Board Representatives/Board Committees/Administrator Reports
 Board Committees
 Property Committee – None
 River Valley Technical Center – None
 Administrator Reports
 Zach highlighted that he met with the RVTC staff on Pre-Tech program. They discussed why the numbers have
dropped and how it could fit our needs. Scott Farr is willing to work with the district to target the appropriate
students and the most appropriate age.
 Ed and Zach attended the Baltimore Board Meeting to discuss a merger with Springfield. Baltimore is weighing
their options at this time. They are open to the possibility of joining Springfield. Zach will get them information.
The Board could form a small study group. The financial issues make a lot of sense for both towns. December is a
target time for them to have a decision and to have it on their ballet in March. Jeanice and Mike volunteered to be
on a study group. There has nothing back from Weathersfield about a merger. Steve H. said that there will be a
need to form an Act 46 Committee.
Financial Business
 Warrants were signed. No questions were asked.

Budget Advisory Committee (BAC) – Don VonVranken spoke on his background in budgeting in various types of
entities and his interest in getting to know the community; Patti Kemp has run her own business; Tabetha Grant is a
resident and has a child in the district and deals with hospital budget; Jen Toner has worked for district as a substitute
for several years. Brenda Richardson and Nathan Wardwell were not present. Mike offered his help to the
committee.

Appointment: Brenda Richardson, Tabetha Grant, Patti Kemp, Jennifer Toner, Don VanVranken, Nathan
Wardwell
MOTION:
Jeanice moved and Mike seconded to appoint the Budget Advisory Committee members named for the
FY17 Budget Season.
Vote: All in Favor
Motion passed

Charge
 Ed read the charge and said that this committee is another set of eyes to look at the budget. They should ask
a lot of questions and ask the administration to defend their budgets. It is the Board’s responsibility is to
finalize the budget. The BAC makes recommendations but all may not be accepted. Zach wants things to
be as transparent as possible when defending and presenting the budget. Jeanice asked about #2 referring to
the District’s strategic plan. Ed said that this is out of date but will be looked at and updated at a later date.

Orientation – Ed, Zach and Steve H. will do training on September 26 in the Park Street School Conference
Room at 6:30 p.m.
New Business
 Introduction to “The Four Lenses of Learning” - David Cohn

The Board should have a voice in and knowledge of the learning that goes on in the district. David gave a very
brief version of what all teachers in the district have done. They have all received a training from the University
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of Pennsylvania called Penn Literacy Network (PLN). Kids being at the center of their education. David sold
Zach and Bob Thibault on this concept after he was hired into the district. He has brought this to every teacher
in the district in their professional development. The Social Lens will be focused on tonight. All 4 lenses
overlap with each other. (Social, Meaning Centered, Language Based, Human) and the center of it all is
“Learning”. David had the board do a writing exercise which ended up being a full experience of writing,
sharing, speaking and listening.
 Social Lens: Bouncing new knowledge off others.
 We learn through social interaction and thus students need opportunities to work together. See students
sharing with each other and with the teacher.
 Students need structured talking opportunities as collaboration makes information more concrete and
increases use of oral language. Give limits on time to share or it can get off track.
 Language attainment occurs best when language is used (at least 10x) in social context
 Social Lens in the Classroom
 Students interacting and engaging with each other
 Students frequently sharing ideas
 Teacher and students co-creating learning community
 Classroom management – letting go of some control for teachers can create some fear
At subsequent meetings David will present the other 3 lens.

VSBA Regional Meeting
 Green Mountain Union High School next week Tuesday at 5:30

VSBA Negotiations Trainings
 A couple trainings coming up on Oct. 8 and Dec. 3 at Green Mountain Union High School

VSA/VSBA Fall Conference
 October 20 & 21 Lake Morey
Board members should let Judy Spaulding know if they want to attend. She will do the paperwork and register them.

Park Street Furniture
 Steve K. mentioned that during a tour of Park Street they found a lot of furniture stored there. There is no
inventory. He questioned if a Furniture Request Form could be developed. Some items are more valuable than
others but it could save the district money by using what is in storage instead of purchasing new.
Appointments, Resignations, Retirements and Leaves
Janet Pipkin, Interim Director of ODP. Kathy Wyman left the district this summer and Kelly Ryan has taken the position as
Interim Director of Special Services leaving the ODP position open. He has been working hard to keep up with both
responsibilities. Janet was the Dean of Students at Black River High School and would be a good fit for this year. Zach will
need to look at this position and what the needs will be for the long term in late winter/early spring. Janet wouldn’t be
interested in a long-term position. There were three applicants and Janet was the strongest. Janet will be getting a
provisional license and her salary will be prorated so will save the district some money
MOTION:
Steve K. moved and Jeanice seconded to appoint Janet Pipkin as Interim ODP Director for the 2016-2017
School Year.
Vote: 4 in Favor
Motion passed
Laura abstained
Next Board Meeting(s)
 Monday, September 26 Budget Advisory Committee Orientation at 6:30 at Park Street
 Monday, October 3 at 6:30 at the High School.
MOTION:
Laura. moved and Steve K. seconded to recess the open meeting to enter into Executive Session at 8:45
p.m.
Vote: All in favor
Motion passed.
Executive Session
At 8:45 Ed Caron called the Executive Session to order.
Present: Ed, Jeanice, Laura, Steve K.
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Invited guests: Zach and Steve H.
Reviewed personnel issue and contracts
Respectfully submitted,
Mike Griffin, Clerk
Adjournment
MOTION:
Laura moved and Jeanice seconded to adjourn the meeting at 9:14 p.m.
Vote: All in favor
Motion passed.
Respectfully submitted,
Judy Spaulding, Recording Secretary
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