Katherine Blair

The agenda for the Finance Committee Meeting included a review of the board's Ends Statement, which mandates that all students graduate college and career ready at a cost supported by the community, enabling them to lead healthy, productive lives. The primary business item involved a discussion and potential action regarding Policy Title 2.3, specifically concerning Financial Conditions and Activities, which included a discussion on Audits.

The Finance Committee Meeting included discussions and actions related to the Executive Limitations Policy Section II, specifically Policy Title 2.3 Financial Conditions and Activities. Key discussion items included the FY 2026 Q2 Financial Management Report and the FY 25 Audit presentation given by the auditor.

The Winooski School District's FY27 budget outlines financial strategies to achieve its 'Ends Statement,' which aims for all students to graduate college and career ready, lead healthy and productive lives, and engage with their local and global communities at a community-supported cost. The document presents various budget scenarios for Fiscal Year 2027, detailing projected tax rate impacts and a recommended operational budget designed to maintain robust programming while making necessary compromises, such as staff reductions, to support the district's strategic goals.

The report covered several general updates, including the formal conclusion of the Significant Disproportionality Requirements related to the identification of white students with an emotional disturbance, with the district successfully exiting the determination status. Updates were provided on personnel changes, including facility management and board work assignments. Safety updates noted the successful completion schedule for mandatory state drills, with a four-minute improvement noted in the latest fire drill. High school students engaged in various work-based learning experiences across STEM, Health & Medicine, Engineering & Trades, Environmental Science & Agriculture, and Education & Leadership pathways. The middle school is preparing for a culminating performance based on folklore and personal fears. Postsecondary preparation included an information session on applications and financial aid. The Winooski Early Childhood Program (WECP) is actively recruiting staff and launching family engagement initiatives. In local and global community news, three WSD students are participating in the Bridging Program transition program. Board Vice-President Nicole Mace was recognized at a state conference, and progress on the K-12 ethnic studies curriculum development was highlighted, including a student-designed culture day and an Art Activism unit. A business educator received a scholarship to attend a national conference on personal finance education. Athletics celebrated the Girls Soccer team reaching the State Finals for the first time and the Boys Soccer team winning their fourth state championship in Division 3. Clinical supervision for a mental health intern serving over 15 students was noted. Data monitoring related to the Ends Statement indicated that 74% of students 'Always' or 'Most of the time' feel a sense of belonging, while noting that 1 in 4 middle and high school students have experienced hunger in the past 30 days. Additionally, concerning mental health, over 1 in 4 students reported their mental health was 'most of the time or always not good' in the past 30 days. Student Board Member discussions centered on having sustained student representation on the board, with a proposal expected in January. Policy 2.2 regarding the Treatment of Staff was modified to include 'retaliate' and require definitions for 'volunteer staff' in future reports. The decision was made not to hold November budget meetings, and the board preferred a virtual presentation format for the Community Budget Lunch instead of a logistically heavy in-person event. High-level budget parameters for scenarios were confirmed as Level Services, Level Funding + 3.3% Inflation, and Level Tax Rate. Finally, Policy 6173 and D22 were rescinded, with administration directed to publish procedures in lieu of Policy 6173.

The report focuses on the final budget adoption process, noting that reductions were necessary to avoid a tax increase despite a positive correction in weighted membership numbers. The superintendent warns that the next budget cycle may be more challenging due to anticipated state-level funding formula changes and increased cost pressures. The report addresses compliance with new state class size minimum requirements (Act 73), noting that the Agency of Education's timeline for clarity is misaligned with budget adoption timelines, but that Winooski has taken steps toward compliance. A significant update concerns a second-grade student and mother detained, noting the mother chose deportation due to conditions, and issues encountered with accessing donated funds via Gofundme. The safety team report details collaboration with the Vermont Intelligence Center, addressing staff/student behavior, and improving physical security measures like placing locks and parking signs. College and Career Ready updates cover work-based learning collaborations, upcoming Multi-State Alternate Assessment testing, and continued focus on prekindergarten access and funding weightings. Items requiring board direction include the status of student representation and the presentation of comparative per-pupil spending data.