Valerie Roberts

The meeting agenda focused on fiscal matters, which were addressed under discussion items. The Supervisory Union's Business Manager reported a surplus fund amount of $83,688.00 following a recent audit, which clarified previous fund balance calculations. Discussion ensued regarding the allocation of these surplus funds, considering building maintenance concerns and future reserves. The board ultimately decided to use the majority of the surplus to offset taxes, moving to apply $60,000.00 toward tax reduction, thereby saving homeowners $0.03 on taxes, while retaining a portion for next year's budgeting.

The meeting included an addition to the agenda to discuss the School Board meeting location. Fiscal matters involved the signing of warrants for December and a payment toward the tax anticipation loan. During the hearing of visitors, discussions centered on the high costs associated with the Supervisory Union, including efficiency improvements, rising healthcare expenses, and the legal requirement for Special Education services. The board also addressed ACT 73 guidance. Key items for possible action included the Fiscal Year 2027 budget, with consideration given to potential revenue gains if the Readboro School Board voted to close its operations. The board decided to plan for receiving Readboro students. A motion to approve the final budget of $2,419,079.00 was passed. The location for the next meeting was changed from the regular site to the Stamford Library. An executive session was held to discuss contracts where premature public knowledge could jeopardize public safety, after which the board returned to regular session to finalize the warning approval.

The key discussion during this budget meeting centered on the FY26/27 Budget, specifically reviewing changes to the operating budget, which included required building maintenance (front door and lead abatement) and micro school professional development funding. Changes to the non-operating budget involved board stipends, school board professional services (VSBA dues and legal fees), and school board liability insurance. The discussion also covered the effect of these budget options on the tax rate. The board unanimously approved the non-operating budget and the associated warning, after amending the warning to include non-operating items in the budget article. Additionally, the board discussed content and timeline for the annual report, confirming that the Principal's Annual Report and the Superintendent Annual Report would be included.

The primary discussion focused on the Fiscal Year 2027 (FY27) Budget. Key elements included approving the budget totaling $2,636,178, allocating $100K from the Fund Balance to the budget to lower the tax rate from 1.513 to 1.4811, and proposing $190K from the Fund Balance be allocated to a new Tax Stabilization Fund for future flexibility in purchases like security system upgrades. A salary contingency of $20K was included to cover wage and salary increases. The Board also approved the Warning articles for the public vote, covering the election of a Moderator and School Directors, the authorization to expend the budget amount, estimated per pupil spending figures, and authorization to establish the Tax Stabilization Fund. Additionally, the Board passed motions regarding premature public knowledge of contracts and entered into an Executive Session to discuss employee contracts.

The meeting addressed fiscal matters, including a report on warrants signed and forthcoming payroll accounting. In reports, the TVMHS Principal's report was reviewed. Key discussions involved an update from the Policy Committee regarding new and revised policies slated for future readings. Preparations for the annual meeting included assigning tasks for the board letter and budget highlights, with a special meeting to be scheduled. Actions taken included establishing new tuition rates for TVES and TVMHS, approving the FY27 budget amount that will be presented to voters, allocating fund balance to revenue to offset tax increases, and approving the associated warning articles. Furthermore, the hiring recommendation for a .6 health teacher at TVMHS was approved. An executive session was held to discuss contracts under 1 VSA 313 (a)(1)(A).