CCS Board Reviews Roof Challenges, High NECAP Scores
by Rowan Beck,
June 2, 2011, page 6.....

The Charlotte Central School Board held its monthly meeting on May 17. Highlights included discussions about the new building, student performance and changes in the school calendar.
The Board discussed the facilities update and the challenge of linking the roof of the new addition to the roof of the older building. Because of the way the existing shingles are set, the roof of the new building cannot be attached. Therefore they will need to strip down to the insulation and replace the shingles. Work on the roof will happen after the school year ends, and the contractors will work around the summer school schedule. The project is based on “a lump sum contract, a flat rate,” said Tom Barden, Clerk of the Works, so no matter how many hours the crew works, the cost will not change.
Co-principals Audrey Boutaugh and Greg Marino presented behavior data and an assessment of student performance focusing mainly on the New England Common Assessment Program (NECAP) tests. Based on the behavior data, things appear to be the same as last year. However, anecdotal accounts of bullying suggest cause for concern that is not covered by the data. The board decided to do a school-wide survey and distribute it in the newsletter.
The students’ educational performance, according to the NECAP results, was excellent. Students from CCS tested 20% higher than the state average in math alone. The board appeared pleased. Sue Thibault expressed her desire to “keep moving the bar up and keep striving for excellence.” Chair Lynne Jaunich wanted to know more of the big picture, saying, “It would be nice to know how kids do once they leave here (CCS).”
Lastly, the board approved next year’s school calendar – which has no half days. The calendar eliminated the half days previously used for parent teacher conferences. Superintendent Elaine Pinckney stated that it would be easier for parents and that the teachers would have to schedule their conferences before or after school, during lunch or during planning time. This proposal was not discussed with the teachers prior to implementation. Tom Scatchard, who represents the teachers at board meetings, told The News that “a lot of good things come out of those conferences and they will be hard to squeeze in, in the allotted time.”
To see the video of this or other School Board meetings, visit The Charlotte News website (thecharlottenews.org). For more information go to the school website ccsvt.us and follow the links beneath the School Board header.