July 22, 2025 School Board Meeting

001SBSD Helpdesk: I like this thing cool. SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, I'd like to call the order the July 20, second, 2025, special meeting of the South Burlington School Board. SBSD Helpdesk: the 1st item on the agenda, a projected executive session SBSD Helpdesk: to discuss employment of a public officer, and to receive confidential attorney client communication for the purpose of providing legal services to the board. SBSD Helpdesk: So do I have to do the 2 steps is it's not real estate, and should continue. SBSD Helpdesk: I think for small boards. I have students. Just so. SBSD Helpdesk: And also the 2 stuff. Okay, so the only people going to in into executive session will be the School Board and our legal counsel. SBSD Helpdesk: and so I would entertain a motion to find that premature public knowledge

002of the topics under discussion would put the school district at a significant disadvantage. SBSD Helpdesk: Do I have a second to have any discussion. SBSD Helpdesk: all those in favor? All right, and then I would SBSD Helpdesk: entertain a motion to enter into executive session, to discuss employment of a public officer, and to receive confidential attorney client communications for the purpose of providing legal services to the board SBSD Helpdesk: make a motion. SBSD Helpdesk: Do I have a second second? All those in favor? All right, so we'll adjourn SBSD Helpdesk: this meeting, and we will return. SBSD Helpdesk: So I'd like to call the July 20, second, 2025 meeting of the South Burlington School Board back to open session. SBSD Helpdesk: We just completed a we just completed an executive session. SBSD Helpdesk: So the

0031st item is announcements and amendments to the agenda. SBSD Helpdesk: Does anybody know any announcements? SBSD Helpdesk: So I would entertain a motion to amend the agenda to add an action item regarding the superintendent's employment SBSD Helpdesk: perfect for the second, any discussion, all those in favor the agenda is amended SBSD Helpdesk: to add a discussion item, an action item regarding the superintendent's employment. And we will do that as the 1st SBSD Helpdesk: discussion item, so that will be before the School Board vacancy discussion. SBSD Helpdesk: Does anybody have any more announcements or amendments? SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. SBSD Helpdesk: So now we'll move on to the next section, which is comments from the public. SBSD Helpdesk: Hi, I'm Kristen, Roma. I'm the Executive Director of Educational Support systems for the South Burlington School district, and

004I just wanted to share something with you tonight. SBSD Helpdesk: The Assistant South Burlington School Board. Violet's leadership in the South Burlington School district has consistently demonstrated deep knowledge, steady guidance, and a commitment to both the present and future of public education. Her work reflects not just responsiveness, but a strategic vision that has significantly shaped our community SBSD Helpdesk: from the beginning of her time in South Burlington. As executive director of learning, violet has shown unwavering dedication to the educational excellence and equity. SBSD Helpdesk: Her efforts strengthened our systems of instruction, student support, and professional development. Notably, when 1st hired, she effectively fulfilled the dual roles of executive director of learning and interim superintendent. When she was 1st hired as interim, superintendent, and intendent, a testament to her dedication and expertise. When she stepped up

005as interim superintendent during a time of significant transition and uncertainty, she brought calm confidence and a deep understanding of our district's needs. SBSD Helpdesk: Amid the pandemic and the departure of key administrators, she immediately shouldered immense responsibilities with grace and clarity. SBSD Helpdesk: Since formally becoming Superintendent, Violet has continued to lead with vision, thoughtfulness, and resilience. Some of her notable accomplishments include, but are not limited to proactively responding to critical departures both when she 1st started, and throughout her tenure, ensuring the stability and continuity of district operations, guiding the district with strength and compassion through the pandemic and ongoing pandemic challenges. SBSD Helpdesk: securing 0 emission modulars, buildings to support our elementary overflow and pioneering green transportation with the purchase of our 1st electric school bus. SBSD Helpdesk: obtaining impact fees to support long-term infrastructure

006needs and help ease the taxpayer burden, designing and implementing an entirely new in district educational program for previously outplaced students ensuring access to high quality, individualized education. Here in South Burlington, regardless of program closures. SBSD Helpdesk: leading strategic efforts to mitigate staffing shortages, space constraints and transitions and leaderships, navigating some of the most challenging but budget seasons education has faced SBSD Helpdesk: advocating effectively with local lawmakers to prioritize education funding while ensuring families in South Burlington can afford to live in our community SBSD Helpdesk: supporting the School Board through multiple periods of board. Turnover, consistently sharing her in-depth knowledge of the district policy, governance. SBSD Helpdesk: and effective leadership practices to ensure continuity and stability during times of change SBSD Helpdesk: Viola holds 2 master's degrees, both in education. Her career has encompassed roles as

007a teacher, math, coach, director of learning, interim, superintendent, superintendent, giving her a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of our educational system. SBSD Helpdesk: Many may not fully appreciate the scope of a superintendent's role. In addition to being the district's chief executive officer and the primary advisor to the School Board, Violet's Responsibilities span educational leadership, finance financial management staffing, compliance, supervision of curriculum and development, educational program and educational programming. SBSD Helpdesk: She is deeply committed to district wide equity initiatives, monitor student outcomes provides professional development opportunities and serves as a liaison to Federal and State agencies. She also ensures that all operational systems and departments work in harmony to ensure student success. SBSD Helpdesk: Furthermore, Violet is responsible for maintaining fiscal integrity, managing accurate and compliant records, overseeing property and contracts, making strategic personnel recommendations. SBSD Helpdesk:

008She represents our District regionally and statewide SBSD Helpdesk: she pursues partnerships for additional funding, and leads with accountability and high decisions. SBSD Helpdesk: and high standards. Sorry. Despite managing this vast and complex role, she constantly makes decisions grounded in the best interest of our students. SBSD Helpdesk: While some school community members understandably wish to see her more frequently in individual buildings, it's important to recognize that Violet's impact is district wide and foundational. She supports every building and department not only through physical presence, but primarily through the system she enhances and the leaders. She empowers her day-to-day work requires a careful balance of problem, solving strategic vision and high, level oversight that benefits all students and staff. SBSD Helpdesk: Violet's leadership has been vital in countless ways, laying a strong and sustainable foundation for the future

009of the South Burlington schools. She leads not for recognition, but for the success and well-being of every student, staff, member, and family in our community. We are truly fortunate to have her at the home. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Hold on, hey, guys! SBSD Helpdesk: Hi, good morning. SBSD Helpdesk: I'm about 2 min lower. So pretty good. SBSD Helpdesk: It's been almost 3 years since I started attending board meetings as a community member, and then as a member of the board. I started this journey just to get out of the house to meet some people and to learn a little bit more about how school budgets work. I certainly got out of the house. I've learned a lot about public education, and, above all, I've met many incredible people along the way from my fellow board members

010to many of our amazing district staff, to the people in our community who might otherwise never would have known. SBSD Helpdesk: Out of all the people I've met. I'm most appreciative of the opportunity I've had to work alongside our superintendent, Violet Nichols. I view Violet as the consummate professional. SBSD Helpdesk: I've had a bit of a unique perspective as a board member to see her in the service of our district. I've watched her implement many positive changes that I believe we sorely needed, oversee the successful adoption of our budgets in uniquely challenging times, and handle a myriad of issues that would have led me to quit the job after day. One. SBSD Helpdesk: I know how many hours she sacrificed with her own family to support ours. I've watched her politely respond to criticisms that

011would have withered most of us, and I've seen her make unpopular decisions because they were in the best interests of their students and of those who are least among us SBSD Helpdesk: along the way. I've learned that if you think you know how public education works, you probably still have a bit to learn. SBSD Helpdesk: It's why we need people like Superintendent Nichols and their knowledge of public education to ensure the continued success of our district. I want to personally thank her for her dedication to the South Burlington School district, and for her many achievements on our behalf. SBSD Helpdesk: The part of my journey as a board member has ended. But I look forward to supporting our district as we move forward, our community faces one of our most challenging budget cycles, yet with

012impending program losses and staff disruption as well as a seismic change in the education landscape itself. SBSD Helpdesk: Finally, I'm hopeful our School Board and whoever fills its vacancies will rise to the occasion and make the difficult choices ahead. It must. SBSD Helpdesk: I have not agreed, and probably will not agree with many of this Board's decisions, but I'm confident this board has and will keep the best interests of the student as its primary focus. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Hi, I'm director. Learning the district received a letter today from Randall, might mispronounce his name. I don't know him, Randall Blanchett. SBSD Helpdesk: and so I'm going to read it. SBSD Helpdesk: Randall and I don't know Randall Randall Blanchev Shelburne, but that mic is kind of on the Fritz. Yes, of course. Yes, apologies. This

013is a letter from Randall Blanchev. Shelburne, received by the district today. SBSD Helpdesk: Brenda Blanchett, of Shelburne would like this read on his behalf, as he was unable to attend the special meeting with one day's notice. SBSD Helpdesk: I believe it is important to take this opportunity to highlight a few of the things the superintendent has accomplished. As this Board has only taken the time to focus on what they feel is important, which seems to be damaging the superintendent's reputation and career. SBSD Helpdesk: I've seen comments about how the superintendent was inexperienced when she took this role, but her public resume shows nearly 20 years of experience certificates from Harvard Business School, Multiple Master's degrees and holding nearly all positions within a school district. SBSD Helpdesk: I would argue she has a wealth of experience

014as evidenced by what she was able to accomplish with an ever-changing school board. SBSD Helpdesk: opened an alternative program, deployed electric buses addressed over enrollment and improved school safety. SBSD Helpdesk: I'd like to switch my focus now to the board prior to getting elected to the school board. I have seen a coordinated approach to remove the superintendent from her position. I have seen no support and or collaboration for or with the superintendent that male superintendents have gotten in the past with many monitoring reports out of compliance. SBSD Helpdesk: The you're fixated on removing the superintendent from her role before school starts. SBSD Helpdesk: I believe this is because you have already teed up a replacement. SBSD Helpdesk: Tim Warren, who was a highly respected board member with the longest tenure of the group, resigned last

015Friday, based on the actions of the board members that remain. The community lost a great school advocate and Tim, and unfortunately are left with a handful of junior Board members who don't put students 1st rather their own agendas to terminate the superintendent. I call for all of your resignations and for a new school board one that is ethical and values student education to be put in place. SBSD Helpdesk: Lastly, to the Sbea, you have far exceeded your 1st amendment rights with your personal attacks on the superintendent to the parents of South Burlington students. The cruel and dishonest accusations made by those who teach our kids should make you extremely concerned in these times. It is critical to surround our children with kind, ethical, and honest role models. SBSD Helpdesk: Through all of this the superintendent

016has continued to work in support of students, displayed fortitude, competence, and stability, while the Board and Sbea have dragged her and the district's reputation through the mud. SBSD Helpdesk: I am very concerned about the district's future, based on the discriminatory and above the law behavior this Board has shown Randall Blanchett Shelbert. SBSD Helpdesk: I'd like to start my comment by quoting from an article in the other paper SBSD Helpdesk: quote, because the Board is committed to working collaboratively, to uphold South Burlington's proud tradition of educational excellence. Our role is to help facilitate the following actions. SBSD Helpdesk: one revising and refreshing the policies by which we govern, including consistent guidelines. For how the community can provide feedback. SBSD Helpdesk: Another action is improving. Outreach to the community. SBSD Helpdesk: The article then goes on to

017say, we encourage all community members to get involved, attend school board meetings, and have your voice heard. SBSD Helpdesk: End quote. This is from an article in May that was authored by 3 of the School Board of members here, and SBSD Helpdesk: the article is titled School Board Members commit to transparency. SBSD Helpdesk: holding a meeting with one day's notice is not transparent. Multiple special meetings in one month. Historically, the quietest month of the school year is not transparent. SBSD Helpdesk: Coming into meetings with preconceived conversations and meeting outside of the open meeting. Law is not transparent. SBSD Helpdesk: Taking actions on items that were not warned on agendas is not transparent. SBSD Helpdesk: having multiple executive sessions above and beyond what is necessary, is not transparent and not following governance procedures, approving policies without

018the statutory required. 3 public readings is not transparent. SBSD Helpdesk: blatantly regarding open meeting law is not transparent SBSD Helpdesk: and coercing our superintendent to follow what you say, instead of the district's own policies and procedures, and pressuring her to resign is not transparent. If a former board member and the former chair of this board cannot follow the chaotic and dismissive schedule that you've set for yourselves in this month. SBSD Helpdesk: Then you are not following the law, and you are not following the own ethical standards that you set for yourself in may thank you SBSD Helpdesk: now. I hadn't planned to speak tonight, but I will, since everybody chose to. SBSD Helpdesk: Last time I spoke to you I gave you 3 letter abbreviations. Cpr. And Cpi. If you were in my class I

019would test you to see if you remember what they were. But I won't use my time doing it. I'm going to use 4 letter words today, data. DATA, that's my bread and butter SBSD Helpdesk: on the 2,024 SBSD Helpdesk: standardized tests that all students in the State of Vermont took Bt. Cap. SBSD Helpdesk: The scoring of South Burrington students in science, 5, th 8, th and 11th grade were 41 to 46% scored below proficient in English language arts. The highest grade tested was grade 9, 45% of students scored below proficient. On 8th and 9th grade math. The 2 highest grades tested 50 and 48% of students scored below proficient. SBSD Helpdesk: That dear members of the School Board is your number one problem. Why are students not performing well on standardized tests? Are standardized tests

020valuable. Everybody in this country will tell you later. Grades have lost most of their value. They are useless today. SBSD Helpdesk: Admissions, university offices will tell you the 1st thing. They look at our standardized tests for those schools which just don't allow it, because grade letters have been so inflated. So you have to look at standardized tests. Who writes the test in the State of Vermont Cognier? Why was Cogne chosen by the State of Vermont because they were committed to Dei. I have no idea what Dei has to do with standardized tests, but the Vermont agency of education, said, We're choosing Cogna because they're committed to Dei, and we're committed to Dei. So they're going to write our tests. How did they write their tests. SBSD Helpdesk: They look at what students are supposed to

021be learning in the public schools, and then they write those tests, and then they get together, and they assess those tests in terms of performance. I don't know why so many students are scoring at the below proficiency levels. They're scoring. But that's your number one problem SBSD Helpdesk: in America, public schools are failing their students. How do I know another 4 letter word Pisa program for international student assessment? It's an international test. 81 countries take it the top 5 countries. You might want to write this down Singapore, China, Japan, Taiwan, and South Korea. Where does U.S.A. stand in reading SBSD Helpdesk: science and math. SBSD Helpdesk: 6, 10, and 26 in math. That's how we stand far and away we stand. We spend the most money in education, and we don't score in the top

0225. Why is that SBSD Helpdesk: you should listen to me? Because I taught at the University I taught thousands of students, and I can tell you what many university faculty will tell you. Thousands of students are arriving at universities unprepared to do college level work. Public schools are not doing what they need to do for students. Now, I've told you before 2 things are required for education to succeed, one students must be capable. They must be paired, and they must be interested in learning. SBSD Helpdesk: and 2 teachers must be content experts. They may be skilled in pedagogy, and then be able to establish rapport with students. SBSD Helpdesk: If either one of those fails, learning will fail. I can't tell you how many students are prepared or not prepared to learn in South Burlington

023Public school. But I can tell you there's a problem based upon those results of the standardized tests. And if you don't deal with this head on, then you're not serving the community of South Burlington to the degree that you should be. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Hi Chelsea Tillinghouse, former board member and board chair. SBSD Helpdesk: Probably not the best person to go last, because my thoughts are not eloquent or well organized. But SBSD Helpdesk: I just want to clearly state that as a former board member and former board chair. This board is purposefully colluding with members of staff to fire the superintendent. SBSD Helpdesk: I've sat in meetings where a former Board member, Warren, and myself advise the Board on the Standard. They are meant to make decisions and listen to you, postulate about what

024decisions would buy you the most political capital. SBSD Helpdesk: I've since learned that board members were keeping information secret from the full team, violating open meeting law meeting with staff without authorization and making any credibility that these recent decisions against the superintendent, or anything less than illusion. Laughable. SBSD Helpdesk: Further, this Board's behavior of the July 7th meeting was extremely concerning, and also should be an excellent reality. Check for the community about your blatant lack of respect for the law and the integrity of procedure. SBSD Helpdesk: At this time the Board's most important work should be advocating with our legislators on behalf of our students. And instead, you're concentrating on everything but and and demonstrating no awareness of how your decisions are going to be costly for our students, staff and community. SBSD Helpdesk: I

025have a a lot written about SBSD Helpdesk: the importance of policy and governance, but I just felt as I sat on this board and was a part of this team. I didn't resign for personal reasons. I resigned, because I'm moving away, but I just feel like this is an overreaction to SBSD Helpdesk: the lack of nuance or skill that myself and former board members had in communicating as a team communicating with the community about what we were actually doing, what we were actually accomplishing. But I never met with Staff. I never kept secrets from the team. I never yelled, raised my voice or swore at anyone. And I just SBSD Helpdesk: I I really do think that you all have the district's heart SBSD Helpdesk: somewhere. But you're just really distracted and confused, and you

026care way too much about what your friends think. SBSD Helpdesk: and I would just beg you to SBSD Helpdesk: remember who you're serving, and if you're using your position of power to protect your friends. SBSD Helpdesk: But it's I think that's unacceptable. SBSD Helpdesk: Bridget Burkharts, former School Board member and former School Board chair. SBSD Helpdesk: I want to say that I've watched a lot of hours of board meetings over the last few days. And I just want to say that this boards. SBSD Helpdesk: Interactions with the superintendent have been extremely unprofessional. SBSD Helpdesk: and regardless of how you feel about her performance, which I tend to agree with Kristen Roman's assessment that she has done a really solid job in a very challenging time, but regardless of how you feel about her performance, the

027way she has been treated in public meetings and outside of public meetings is not appropriate. SBSD Helpdesk: and I don't think that it builds a collaborative culture. There needs to be for this district to move forward and to face the challenges it's going to face. There needs to be collaboration between the board and the superintendent. We need to be moving in the same direction. And you need to be able to show that for anyone who comes into this district and comes into this very challenging role that there is going to be a board that they can work with. SBSD Helpdesk: and that doesn't. You have to agree? You can definitely have disagreements. We had David young, and I had disagreement after disagreement, after disagreement in public all the time, but we were professional with each

028other, and respectful, and I would hope that there could be a little bit of self examination of the board and moving forward a little bit more. Professionalism. SBSD Helpdesk: Second, transparency, should be the guiding principle with how you interact with the community. I would just echo what Kate said about SBSD Helpdesk: so many special meetings which should be exceptions, changes to action, items on the agenda, not just agenda items for discussion, but actual action items and changes to policy consistently happening in the middle of meetings and then being taken, action on cancellations of regular meetings, so the public doesn't know when to show up or where to make themselves heard, and to interact with the board hybrid meetings that are unclear about how comments can be entered into the SBSD Helpdesk: all of these things.

029Damage transparency. I'd also like to point out that Act 133 from the Legislature the year before I joined the Legislature says that the head of any body like this must go through open meeting law training. It's very clear in watching, especially the July 7th meeting that either that has not happened or additional training needs to happen. I would also highly encourage SBSD Helpdesk: policy, governance training for the whole Board, either done through the Vsba or through someone who has a lot of experience with policy, governance, open meeting, law and policy governance are not just red tape to be busted through. They are guiding principles that make sure everyone knows what their job is, and that the lanes are clear between operations SBSD Helpdesk: and board, and I just want to close by saying that there

030are real challenges ahead, particularly with regard to budget and changes that are coming from the state level, and I really haven't seen those things come up. There's been a lot of discussion about other things that I don't feel are benefiting students, staff community members. With the exception of the appointment of moment as our new student SBSD Helpdesk: representative. Nothing. I've seen these last few meetings really gives me a lot of hope, and I am hopeful that there is time to make some changes, and I hope that with appointments to fill the vacancies that are now on the board that we can start to build a more collaborative culture and a more respectful culture amongst board members, and with the staff of the district and the board. SBSD Helpdesk: Thank you SBSD Helpdesk: for anybody online

031who wants to say anything, so I'll see. SBSD Helpdesk: But we can't respond to it. SBSD Helpdesk: Would you like to? I can give a comment. It's kind of a question, too, but I know you're not allowed to respond to it. SBSD Helpdesk: I wanted to clarify where the information about special meetings that are called is posted SBSD Helpdesk: for the community to see like. Is there a more streamlined way that we can get that information out regarding special meetings, because I know, like me, and moment didn't really get communication about a couple of the meetings until Valley emailed us. Last night about this one, and or even this morning. And I think it's just important that the public and us as student representatives have access to SBSD Helpdesk: a template. SBSD Helpdesk: So he's

032it's a different connections. First, st it's sinking. SBSD Helpdesk: Could we? Hear from Ct ipad. CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): Hi! Chris, trombly. Here. I just wanted to make a just a brief state, but I was kind of caught off guard with the the quick special meeting. I I just 2 points. I just wanted to make CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): Well, I guess. Let me clarify South Burlington Resident. I'm I am on the Budget Advisory Committee. That's in process. Got some exciting stuff CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): coming your way. I think you'll be excited to see some of the stuff that's coming. CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): and I had the pleasure of serving on the school Board for just about a year. 2 points I wanted to make. The 1st was that

033the superintendent CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): Nichols Rock Star. She is a real rock star South Ronkens. Lucky to have her understand that there's been some CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): discussion going on. I was just surprised. I guess. The second point is, I was surprised to see that the special meeting was called, and there's possible action to be taken, and there's 2 vacancies on the board right now. It doesn't. CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): It doesn't fit. Well, that action would be taken with 2 vacancies on the board. You know. Not not questioning. CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): The Board's decision making process is just whatever CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): decisions would be made it. It doesn't seem right. Having vows made with 2 vacancies at the time. So I just wanted to

034share that, and maybe the board. Consider that for for the future. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: And did we recognize Diana buggy. Diane Bugbee: Can you hear me now? Sorry. Diane Bugbee: Hello! SBSD Helpdesk: Yes. Diane Bugbee: Okay. CT iPad Pro 11-inch (M4): Pull that over there. Diane Bugbee: Okay, so Hi, Diane Bugby, and I just want to say as I share some thoughts with you tonight. It's because I want you to succeed, and I want the district to succeed, and I'm grateful for your service. It's a it's a hard spot to be in Diane Bugbee: I happen to have Monday, July 7th off as a vacation day, so I thought I would tune into the School Board meeting. Diane Bugbee: I was very concerned. It was a. It was a hard meeting to bear witness

035to Diane Bugbee: the District Superintendent as well as Board Member Warren attempted to provide guidance to you all around policy, governance, open meeting law, and the requirements of an active contract in place. Diane Bugbee: This expertise was seemingly discounted, for example, in reference to the open meeting law. It was referred to as bureaucratic red tape that the public was tired of, and as a member of the public. On that day I was prevented from speaking. Diane Bugbee: I don't want you to flout open meeting law as though it's a nuisance, and that you would deal with an open meeting violation if it came up. I know you thought your intentions are good. You talked about various topics, but there is a process to follow in terms of meeting warnings and readings. Diane Bugbee: Good intentions

036are not enough as a new board. You don't know what you don't know, and I believe you need to have humility to listen to your experienced colleagues. Diane Bugbee: Now Diane Bugbee: Tim Warren is stepping down, and that's concerning to me, as is the ongoing turnover of the board. I'm concerned that newness and experience as a board without clear direction is going to put the school district at risk for educational, financial, legal, and or reputational jeopardy. Diane Bugbee: I ask that with humility. You seek counsel and training, and develop an actionable plan to chart a course for the district, and that you act in ways that repair and prevent harm to the district. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: You do. I mean, I would like to respond to a public comment if I make SBSD Helpdesk:

037So you're making a public just don't want to make, because we don't respond. But SBSD Helpdesk: here, here, thank you. Can I please invite SBSD Helpdesk: Retired senior director of Hr. Karen, Dancher, and Current, Hr. Director Daisy Braden, for a point of clarification. SBSD Helpdesk: Oh. SBSD Helpdesk: or I'm sorry. Are you going to be asking them a question, or do they already have their public comments prepared. This is regarding the public comment of a community member. And it is. SBSD Helpdesk: It's I'm I'm asking them for public comment. SBSD Helpdesk: Oh. SBSD Helpdesk: I have. I know what I'm going to say. Oh, okay, all right. I understand. I I thought you were asking like some a question that they didn't know about. Okay, I understand. So you're the Daisy is making a comment.

038Okay, thanks. So community member, if I may. Would you mind not asking an active question to make a statement SBSD Helpdesk: sure. Please verify if there have been any grievances regarding my position, or if there have been any SBSD Helpdesk: valid or reported concerns of retaliation. This is referencing Mr. Walsh's article. Yes, so that there was a article from Mr. Walsh in the other paper. That they? SBSD Helpdesk: The majority of the questions were were geared towards the Union. However, the 1st 2 questions were specifically about. Have there been grievances against the superintendent, and have there been? Has there been retaliation towards teachers from the superintendent? Both of those there have been no grievances filed against the superintendent. SBSD Helpdesk: and therefore there have been no grievances filed against the superintendent for retaliation there have

039been absolutely none, and and I should say I have been. This is the last year I have been here since March, and I don't know if my predecessor wants to talk about before that. But SBSD Helpdesk: I can say that. Does my! Can you confirm or please confirm the framing of this. If if could we keep like any any public comment that you would like to make, I would like you to make it. But since it's not a warrant agenda item, I don't want to allow us to patrol, sure. So I I was going to make a comment in in. SBSD Helpdesk: and that I was going to respond to the other paper and and document those answers. However, I have not done that yet, so I also very much believe that that as the

040Hr. Director, I should not be doing that without forewarning the board. But I haven't done it yet, and that is the plan. SBSD Helpdesk: Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Karen, the answer, the former. Hr. Director. SBSD Helpdesk: I have no recollection of any grievances that have been filed against Violet in past foods. SBSD Helpdesk: Oh, just SBSD Helpdesk: Lisa rentals. I work at one of the elementary schools. SBSD Helpdesk: I just want to say that I think all of us need to slow down to go fast. SBSD Helpdesk: I appreciate everything that the Board does. SBSD Helpdesk: but I've been witnessing things that we would never allow children to do the level of unkindness SBSD Helpdesk: at our school. It's be kind, be responsible, be safe. I haven't seen any of that going on here. We

041need to be kind to each other. I know it sounds Pollyanche, but it's true. SBSD Helpdesk: We need to be safe with our words and our deeds. SBSD Helpdesk: and we need to be responsible with what we are doing. Please, I beg of you all. Take a step back, go slow to go fast, and we can all do this together. SBSD Helpdesk: Did we have anybody else online that raised their hand. SBSD Helpdesk: Is there anybody else in the room would like to make a public comment? SBSD Helpdesk: Right? So SBSD Helpdesk: Then we will move on to discussion items, and as amended, the 1st SBSD Helpdesk: The 1st item is regarding superintendents deployment. SBSD Helpdesk: and I would like to read a short statement. SBSD Helpdesk: The superintendent resigned on July 17, th 2025.

042Her contract includes a 90 day. Notice period. However, in consultation with the superintendent's council, we have agreed on a last day of active employment of August 1, st 2025, and we thank her for her years of service to the district. SBSD Helpdesk: You SBSD Helpdesk: It is with a heavy heart, but with clarity and with conviction that I announced my resignation as superintendent of the South Burlington School district. SBSD Helpdesk: serving this district has been the single greatest honor and professional challenge of my career. SBSD Helpdesk: It was a privilege to show up every day, and to lead this district with professionalism and with purpose. SBSD Helpdesk: I am proud of the transformational work that we have accomplished SBSD Helpdesk: during my tenure we addressed critical enrollment challenges by installing 0 energy modulars. SBSD Helpdesk:

043We brought an end to the district's transportation crisis. We implemented a new literacy and math programming. Using brain-based and researched materials. SBSD Helpdesk: We passed a 14.5 million dollars bond. SBSD Helpdesk: We've upgraded our facilities and that includes everything, from roofs to heat pumps to the newly paved middle and high school parking lot that many of us saw on the way in. SBSD Helpdesk: We opened a therapeutic alternative program. SBSD Helpdesk: We expanded supports for multilingual learners. We implemented a fleet of E-buses and we were featured in the New York Times. SBSD Helpdesk: We strengthened our crisis response planning SBSD Helpdesk: digitized our financial and Hr systems, and we improved and expanded district-wide communications. SBSD Helpdesk: I am especially proud of our fiscal management that allowed the successful passage of 3 of the largest balanced

044budgets in the State to pass. SBSD Helpdesk: I'm proud of our collaborative work with the city, including the successful implementation of impact fees and school school zones that now make it safer for our students, staff and community members SBSD Helpdesk: to the educators, staff students, and families of our district. SBSD Helpdesk: Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Your dedication and resilience have inspired me every day. SBSD Helpdesk: I hope the next chapter for this district is one defined by respect. SBSD Helpdesk: equity, and a shared commitment to the future of schools, but most of all to the students that we serve. SBSD Helpdesk: Thank you for the opportunity to serve. SBSD Helpdesk: So I would entertain a motion to approve. August 1, st 2025, as the last day of active employment for Violet Nichols, and to authorize

045the School Board chair to sign the agreement to that effect as discussed in executive session. SBSD Helpdesk: Do I have a second second? SBSD Helpdesk: Any discussion? SBSD Helpdesk: All right. All those in favor say, Hi! SBSD Helpdesk: And I think we should probably do a roll call just to because we have one of our members is remote right now, Jen, can you hear me? Jennifer Lawrence: Yep, I can hear you. SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, so Jen, how do you vote? Jennifer Lawrence: I. SBSD Helpdesk: Dan, how do you vote? Aye, Emily, how do you vote, Laura? How do you vote? And I also vote. Yes, so the motion passes SBSD Helpdesk: alright. The next discussion item is school board vacancy. SBSD Helpdesk: and I think that Laura and Jen SBSD Helpdesk: had been working with

046the superintendent on informing the public about that. So Jen and Laura, do you have any updates on school board vacancy? SBSD Helpdesk: I know. I was actually on vacation. So I I have not so a lot of what even was referenced here tonight. So SBSD Helpdesk: before. So that is something. SBSD Helpdesk: I guess we can talk about putting that on the website. And I mean all the things that we that we have to do. So there's now 2 vacancies. Yeah, Jen, do you have any updates. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah. So I had sent an email out and it was, I think it was June 30th Jennifer Lawrence: and was just asking, you know, it seemed like the next step was, for I believe it was for Violet to post the dates for the School Board

047vacancy timeline on social media. So it was going to go out on front page Forum, and I believe also be posted on the website. And I do not know what the status of that is, I believe I Jennifer Lawrence: I sent that email asking if that if that schedule was going to be finalized and posted. But what we have is that at our 1st meeting in August again, it would depend. The Monday before the Board meeting we had applications were due to Jennifer Lawrence: admin no later than 12 Pm. On Friday, August first, st and again. This date may shift now because we have 2 vacancies. But the plan was that then, at our 1st meeting in August, we would have interviews and open session, and we would have deliberation and executive session, and then

048we would be again back in open meeting at that 1st meeting in August announcing the new director and the second meeting in August the new Jennifer Lawrence: member would join. So that was the schedule that we had initially discussed. But again, I think that that probably needs to shift, and I was hoping that's what we could do tonight is land on that schedule and then ensure that that information is communicated effectively to the public, so that we have those applications out there, and people know what to do. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, I think. Jennifer Lawrence: That help. SBSD Helpdesk: And the last communication that I received was that the dates would be discussed in a public timeline at the July 9th board meeting, but the Board canceled that meeting, so there was no timeline for me.

049There was no timeline discussed with the community publicly, so which is the reason nothing was posted. And SBSD Helpdesk: so I do think this is the appropriate time for the the Board to discuss that. Given my resignation. I think the Board will have to play a more active role in, you know, finalizing that and communicating that effort. SBSD Helpdesk: and will we? Will we be able to post to the school boards or to the school districts. Social media. Once we have a date that we have a district wide communication plan which separates Board communication from district communication for a lot of reasons. That is best practice. I'm certainly willing to coordinate SBSD Helpdesk: up. And you know, until my final date of August. 1st over SBSD Helpdesk: in the past. We've done the other paper,

050haven't we? SBSD Helpdesk: Probably as many communications? You know the paper, and then the district. And we you just have to do that within 30 days. But if you don't get any applications, you don't get any applications, just keep it. Keep SBSD Helpdesk: email to me, keep telling people. So SBSD Helpdesk: I'm not going to make an assumption that SBSD Helpdesk: I mean, yes, we could have. We could have a timeline SBSD Helpdesk: of how this works, but understanding that they can't get applications to go further down the road, I think it would be important for this, for the Board to SBSD Helpdesk: on a regular regularly scheduled board meeting. Discuss a timeline with the community, which is the single best advertisement you could have, and then state when applications are due, and then you

051know how folks can apply and what the deadline is. That's a process we've used in the past. You know, and then communicate on front porch, forum and coordinate with SBSD Helpdesk: whoever is acting will CEO, or however, not sure the Board's plans for that. SBSD Helpdesk: I think that's the best approach the feedback that I really heard. Loud and clear is that, having conversations that are regarding significant issues of community engagement, such as selecting 2 board members on a special meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: is not ample engagement, and so I would advise the Board to put this on a regularly warned agenda to have transparency and and clarity around the process. SBSD Helpdesk: Thank you. So it looks like in August we have 2 regularly scheduled meetings on August 13th and the 20th SBSD Helpdesk: I

052might suggest that we you know, immediately put out SBSD Helpdesk: an a notice of the vacancies. SBSD Helpdesk: on on all the different, you know, forums that we have. We've asked the district to put it on their Facebook and then. SBSD Helpdesk: you know, that's 3 weeks away. So you know, we could. SBSD Helpdesk: you know, do multiple rounds of communication before then, and then we could hold initial interviews on August 13.th that might be my suggestion just because of how long it's been since we SBSD Helpdesk: since we have had these at least one of these vacancies. So how do people feel about trying to shoot for that? I think we can advertise, and then put it on the agenda for the 13, th and say that you know SBSD Helpdesk: and the due

053date could be SBSD Helpdesk: wait. We have 2 meetings on the 13th and the 20.th SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, so I I think, maybe the SBSD Helpdesk: what about advertising now and then have another discussion on the 13, th SBSD Helpdesk: because people might be reengaging them, and that would say, applications are due on the SBSD Helpdesk: I don't know, let's say the 18, th SBSD Helpdesk: and then interviews on the 20.th SBSD Helpdesk: Oh, because it will work. But usually we do not meet like this. SBSD Helpdesk: So, Laura, I like that idea. SBSD Helpdesk: so we will warn it for discussion on the 13, th and then SBSD Helpdesk: say that the selections will happen on the 20.th Jennifer Lawrence: So? When would when would applications be due? Then. SBSD Helpdesk: The 20th on

054the 18.th SBSD Helpdesk: So we have a chance to review them before the meeting. Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: that way, if it's warned people. And you know that- that it's coming up, but then they can ask questions on the 13, th and then we can make a decision and. Jennifer Lawrence: I'm sorry. Do we want to do the 18, th or would we rather do like the 15, th which is a Friday? And then that gives Jennifer Lawrence: the administrator the opportunity to pull things together and cascade it to the board, so we have a chance to review it Jennifer Lawrence: in advance. SBSD Helpdesk: I think giving people a weekend to get things done is a good idea. SBSD Helpdesk: so yeah, and we can. So on the meeting on the 13.th We can work

055through the questions we want to ask. If we have a list of questions, we can just take a look at that. SBSD Helpdesk: And so everybody knows what they are. I would definitely advise against a 2 day window from announcing it at a board meeting to closing. You know, we filled a lot of vacancies, and I mean, Laura, you could. We've never done anything. Jennifer Lawrence: So is the 15.th Okay? Or should we? Is that appropriate. SBSD Helpdesk: I'd say the 8 18. SBSD Helpdesk: Honestly, okay. Jennifer Lawrence: No for applications to come in. What's the date for the applications. SBSD Helpdesk: That the 18.th Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, I mean. SBSD Helpdesk: sorry. It's good now and then. Also, it'll get it on the website. And it's been in the news quite

056often. SBSD Helpdesk: Right? SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. So I think it's reasonable to expect people to if they're interested in the vacancies, to have submitted something by our state team. SBSD Helpdesk: and August 13th will serve as a final reminder of the situation. SBSD Helpdesk: So do we have any concerns about the phrasing of those SBSD Helpdesk: statements that we want people to apply? Or should we just leave that up to? You know I can SBSD Helpdesk: come up with something or something for for- for regarding the application process that we have? SBSD Helpdesk: It's been done in the past. So so the same question, yeah, we have those. So I wouldn't. SBSD Helpdesk: So, for example, something we could do right now is we could pull those up, review those together. SBSD Helpdesk: But if

057we're reasonably confident that thank you so much. SBSD Helpdesk: So what I don't want to do is leave this meeting where we have not agreed on what we're going to send out. Do we have access to that right now? SBSD Helpdesk: Jen. SBSD Helpdesk: do you have access, or or Laura, do you have access? We we do. But isn't this? I thought we were going to discuss this on the 13th now, so the reason to do it now is to give the community from the 20 second of July until the 13, th to be informed about this. SBSD Helpdesk: with the expectation that we would then want applications by the 18.th SBSD Helpdesk: These will tell, so I think it's important to know. SBSD Helpdesk: And, Jen, if you could find it. Jennifer Lawrence: I'm

058sorry. Find what the the criteria grid template. SBSD Helpdesk: Yes. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah, I have it right now. Now I'm looking at it. Would you like me to? Jennifer Lawrence: Can I share my screen. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. Jennifer Lawrence: Sure. Jennifer Lawrence: Let me see if I can share my screen. Hold on a second zoom, share my screen. Jennifer Lawrence: Do you? Jennifer Lawrence: Hold on one second. Jennifer Lawrence: Make sure I'm in the right place. Okay? Jennifer Lawrence: Yep. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. Jennifer Lawrence: Screen. Can you see my screen? Can you see my screen. SBSD Helpdesk: Right? Did you maximize that. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah, wait a minute. Let me minimize this and Jennifer Lawrence: maximize this. And this is what Violet sent me on June 25.th This is the board candidate, criteria grid template

059that she sent. And it's right here. SBSD Helpdesk: But. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: This is the this is the point. Jennifer Lawrence: This is the template. This is the grid template that I have. SBSD Helpdesk: What's really important for people to know is how what they have to actually do to to apply. Jennifer Lawrence: This. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah, this is what I have this. This is what Violet had sent to me. South Burlington City charter specifies that when a vacancy arises. SBSD Helpdesk: You have to zoom in. We can't see it. It's too small. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay, let's see if I can do that. Jennifer Lawrence: Nope, Nope, hold on a second. SBSD Helpdesk: Doc, that's hyperlinked in the 1st sentence of the second paragraph, you get that info. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah. The updated

060process. Doc, right here. SBSD Helpdesk: That was the that was the timeline, or that has the. Jennifer Lawrence: The timeline matrix that was here. This is what I was reading to you. Oh, here's the press statement right here. Jennifer Lawrence: and then here add copy. So I'll forward this to you. But there's the press statement that's here. Jennifer Lawrence: And then there's the add copy. South Burlington School district seeking a candidate, and we can update it with the appropriate dates in here. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, think we do, we can SBSD Helpdesk: go ahead. No, I was just saying that I think the important thing if anybody wants to apply. And I was really not prepared to go into this. In fact, just can we discuss when, anyway? You, I think people just need to know

061what 3 questions for everybody else, so they can. And what are those 3 questions? SBSD Helpdesk: Off the top of my head just again? I was not. Jennifer Lawrence: Here's the application. Jennifer Lawrence: There's the application right here. SBSD Helpdesk: I don't want just a conversation. Jennifer Lawrence: What interests you about becoming a School Board member, and what strengths would you bring to the role? Question number one, number 2. Please describe your previous experience and involvement with the South Burlington School Board and the District and question number 3, what do you consider to be 3 of the most pressing issues facing public education in South Burlington. Jennifer Lawrence: So those are the 3 questions that are a part of the application. Jennifer Lawrence: And so what we could do is, we can update this to

062reflect that the date is going to be Friday, the or Monday, the 18th of August, and that that is when it is due. And so this information would need to be posted. We'll update all of this with the appropriate entities, and then this would need to be posted on the social media platforms and on the website, so that folks know what they need to do to apply. I think Jennifer Lawrence: right. SBSD Helpdesk: The document also about that was the document you're referring to. Right? SBSD Helpdesk: Yes, everything. SBSD Helpdesk: I I have. I'm not sure what Daisy was trying to show the board. I've provided the board with the timeline a possible press release. A sample question, sample application, criteria, grid and communication strategy. Jennifer Lawrence: All of those things here. So we'll just

063update those, update those with the appropriate Jennifer Lawrence: information and and share is what I think. I don't think this is too difficult. SBSD Helpdesk: So everything is linked on this document. The statement that's coming from us SBSD Helpdesk: is that thing that we just saw is none of this will be SBSD Helpdesk: pushed out. The only thing that's being pushed out is SBSD Helpdesk: this that statement? Okay, no. There's multiple things that are being pushed out. Let's just make sure that all of these are SBSD Helpdesk: that all of us have reviewed it, that we don't need to ask questions about it. Later, when I wrote this, the Tim Warren's name is on that, so that'll have to be modified. But this was a draft press release. Jennifer Lawrence: Oops, Sorry. SBSD Helpdesk: Former

064chair. Tilling has resignation, and that you can see so it'll have to be modified to reflect both vacancies. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah, we can, we can update this and amend this. SBSD Helpdesk: And are there going to be concerns from you guys about Jen and Laura updating this? Or are you comfortable with pretty much anything that they write condition. You know that it might go through a lawyer. SBSD Helpdesk: No, I mean, it's yeah. Recommend spending legal fees on on this. This is a process we've done. I haven't personally done this. SBSD Helpdesk: I think it does so. Everything I've provided you with all the information times. Jennifer Lawrence: Right. SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, yeah. SBSD Helpdesk: Didn't work. SBSD Helpdesk: So alright. So it sounds like, Jen, you and I can can be SBSD Helpdesk: great.

065And again happy to assist. Okay, thank you very much. SBSD Helpdesk: Pretty much for that. SBSD Helpdesk: Any other discussion on vacancy. SBSD Helpdesk: Maybe I'll restate the bidding. So SBSD Helpdesk: announcement via all possible channels as soon as possible with the date of August 18th as the deadline for applications warned for discussion on August 13, th but no action just talking about it. And then, on August 20, th actually holding the interviews for the people. SBSD Helpdesk: I'll go with that great. SBSD Helpdesk: all right. We can move on to the next discussion item, which is organization of School Board work. SBSD Helpdesk: The way that I would propose SBSD Helpdesk: talking about this, because obviously there is an enormous SBSD Helpdesk: amount of stuff to be done SBSD Helpdesk: would be for people

066to go around the room and say, kind of their SBSD Helpdesk: what's top of mind for them top priority. And we did this exercise a few months ago? It was in a document called a Racy, which is an acronym that I can't remember what it means. Jennifer Lawrence: Responsible, accountable, consulted and informed. SBSD Helpdesk: There you go. So I think that what we should use this discussion item to do is to remind each other of what priorities we have for the immediate future, and then going forward, we should start adding to the agenda, SBSD Helpdesk: things off of of this list that we want to do. I don't think that we're going to be able to set any kind of deadlines or anything like that at this point. But, it's a good time to just

067take a SBSD Helpdesk: high level view of what we need to be working on in the next 6 months. SBSD Helpdesk: I guess I'll volunteer to start because I put this you know, put this question to all of you. I think SBSD Helpdesk: negotiations, obviously with the loss of Tim. We need to refocus on that negotiation process. The budget I'm looking forward to next week. SBSD Helpdesk: There is a tossant, briefing tossant was a consulting firm, which I think SBSD Helpdesk: superintendent very wisely engaged to help us modernize our budgeting process. SBSD Helpdesk: And I would say for me. SBSD Helpdesk: you know, besides obviously finding a superintendent. Those are the the top. 2 items and other things have kind of SBSD Helpdesk: you know. I could mention other things, but I don't think there's

068important. So again, for me, negotiations budget superintendent SBSD Helpdesk: so, or what other things? Definitely, we'll bring more student voice into our meetings is really really critical. SBSD Helpdesk: contract definitely contract negotiations in SBSD Helpdesk: to our thing and and budget. SBSD Helpdesk: and I don't really know what the word is, but I've sat here for 3 years now. SBSD Helpdesk: and I'm now the last one standing, and SBSD Helpdesk: I do not feel good about this at all. So I'm hoping to find some peace in this process, because I do think somebody SBSD Helpdesk: all of them. So yeah. So I I that's solution for me. SBSD Helpdesk: I would say, filling the vacant piece very important. I don't know if we talked about that, but I haven't heard you mention it. That's sort

069of my SBSD Helpdesk: we can focus on. And also the budget season coming up. It's SBSD Helpdesk: something I need a lot of information and education on. So I'm also looking forward to grouping next week, and SBSD Helpdesk: I know we spoke about. Some constituents have reached out to us about the cell phone policy based on from the State. So looking at, that is something else. I've been interested in working on. SBSD Helpdesk: Everything's already been mentioned. SBSD Helpdesk: Jen, do you have any thoughts. Jennifer Lawrence: Yeah. So I have a few. I mean, I would definitely echo the idea of the budget and the work that Tassant is doing. We had that opportunity to participate in a call. Dan and I were on the call yesterday with them. And it's really promising. So I'm

070really excited about that, and working with student reps all fantastic. But you know so some of the big things, though, that are on my mind. In addition to that. Jennifer Lawrence: plus, you know, negotiations is community engagement thinking about what we're doing with public participation, and that new policy that we have forthcoming, I think, is going to be really important to get buttoned up and rolled out, and then also looking forward to community forums, where we schedule those more informal dialogues where people can come and engage with the Board, I think, is going to be very important Jennifer Lawrence: and establishing some kind of routine schedule. Whether we have committees, subcommittees in place that can do updates to newspaper and to media. So there's more information that's coming out, I think, really dialing in that

071schedule. So folks know what to expect is going to be critical. And then another big thing is the scorecard that we've talked about before, which I know the raci is part of that that responsible. Jennifer Lawrence: a responsible, accountable consultant form, but creating some kind of scorecard that provides the visibility to okay. These are all the monitoring reports that we've looked at. And this is, you know, where where things are and how the district is doing with that. And I think we had talked about at 1 point to having a strategic implementation plan, an actual strategic Jennifer Lawrence: plan that there had been one. But it's I think it's dated 2,007. And so when we look at other districts. I've seen some, and I think it's really helpful again, just to give that bird's eye

072view as to what the strategy is for the district. So that kind of ties in with the scorecard and that strategic plan, and where we're going there. So community engagement scorecard, and then Jennifer Lawrence: budget and negotiations and just continuing to work with the community. SBSD Helpdesk: Need to add one more thing out. SBSD Helpdesk: really very strong reactions tonight to all this change. SBSD Helpdesk: I also like to to keep an eye on we were. There's education in this state is about to change quite drastically. I'm not convinced it's for the best. SBSD Helpdesk: and we do. SBSD Helpdesk: We? We really do need to keep our keep our eye on that SBSD Helpdesk: definitely have been communicating with public, because I don't. I don't think a lot of people know what's happening. But

073the committee is meeting to. It's a SBSD Helpdesk: Representatives and Senators, and SBSD Helpdesk: Bill Scott wanted a couple of people to rewrite the districts, and that will impact us SBSD Helpdesk: quite heavily, we should stay in contact. We we might even have some input into SBSD Helpdesk: who we want to be put into a district with so definitely contact your reps. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, that's it. That's the thing with you. SBSD Helpdesk: So my proposal on this is that we SBSD Helpdesk: Are. We are trying to amend our policies to allow for more public participation in meetings. And that's an active public discussion right now I recognize it. So just listen. I mean, like, you don't have to have policy in place to listen. SBSD Helpdesk: I just don't understand why your hair is

074not on fire, that we are weeks away from starting a school year. I think that so I would like to allow you to continue to speak. I have to say it's out of order, but, please, it's out of order, but SBSD Helpdesk: you know you have a right to speak. SBSD Helpdesk: That's all I really need to say. I don't understand why anything else is important right now, other than budget cuts that are gonna have to be made because of cuts are being made at the Federal level SBSD Helpdesk: and finding a superintendent to run the district. We're in a crisis, and I haven't. SBSD Helpdesk: All of this stuff about public engagement is great. All you do is listen. SBSD Helpdesk: It can be messy. It can be disorganized. All you have to do

075is listen with open hearts to the community. SBSD Helpdesk: and I feel like all this discussion about public engagement is actually, as you call it, putting the chilling effect on it because you're trying to put so many parameters around it. SBSD Helpdesk: Just listen. SBSD Helpdesk: School board meetings used to have a public comment section at the beginning about items, not on the agenda, and then every single item we would have board discussion, and then we would say, Are there comments from the public on this, or we'd at least look at the room and see if hands were raised. SBSD Helpdesk: I'm just astonished at at where we are as a district. I'm panicked, and that's all. I'll say. SBSD Helpdesk: okay, point of order. No, we cannot be. Keep taking any more questions now.

076Okay, and we we need we need to get. We need to get through the the agenda again. It's out of order. But please continue used to have meetings SBSD Helpdesk: where residents SBSD Helpdesk: board would be there, and people would talk back and forth. There was no henchman with an axe willing to chop off your head as you went over time. That's the way we move forward. We listened to each other. I just want to say with regard to getting a superintendent. SBSD Helpdesk: Remember, as Laura said, there's a new education program coming down the road. SBSD Helpdesk: This district may not exist because you're going to have 4,000 to 8,000 students. We have 2,400. This may be one of the districts disappears. So what person is going to want to become superintendent of this

077district? If 2 or 3 years down the road. The district disappears. So your plan should be. How do we fill in this SBSD Helpdesk: intern situation? I don't know what the answer is, and I don't think you're gonna get a superintendent in 30 days? That's just my pocket. So you just have a command, for how are you going to deal with an unfortunate situation, and then make that plan work. SBSD Helpdesk: I would really encourage you to have more openness in your communication with people SBSD Helpdesk: 3 min. It's just mind boggling to me that you expect communication to work effectively if you limit residents, comments to 3 min. SBSD Helpdesk: So I think that in terms of the discussion. Item, that we are currently warned for, which is organization school Board work. I think that we

078have brought up a lot of topics. Obviously. SBSD Helpdesk: we are operating at reduced capacity right now. And so my proposal on this is to SBSD Helpdesk: essentially wait until we are back at full strength. SBSD Helpdesk: and then form committees for the items apart from negotiation, so that we could tackle these things. I don't think it would be appropriate to form committees right now. But SBSD Helpdesk: We should, you know, form committees as soon as we are back in full strength. That would be my. Jennifer Lawrence: Right. And and seamus. Can I just add one thing, too? Just for for a point of clarification, you know, I think, for for folks to realize that obviously having a replacement for a superintendent is critical, and I think that this is all new information for the

079folks on the board. This is not something that we've been looking for. This is not something that we were anticipating. Jennifer Lawrence: and I think it's very unfortunate that we're at this position where we are, but I feel like we have an opportunity right now for the Board to come back together, and to go back and resurrect that racy that we had started to put back in April that we started to work on. And one of the things I'd like to add on to my list. Also, the Punch list of things I'd like to achieve is having more engagement with Vsba. Jennifer Lawrence: I know that Emily and Laura and I participated in a fantastic training session, and we've been working very. I participated in many Vsba sessions. It has been very enlightening to learn

080more about policy governance, and how you review monitoring reports, and how you respond to monitoring reports and all of that. And I feel that that's a really beneficial thing that the Board could Jennifer Lawrence: learn from by having engagement with Vsba as well. So I just want to put that out there. So that's on my list and Seamus I will commit to putting, taking the picking up what Tim had started and getting that recirculated to folks so that we can start filling in that racy and and developing a strategy. SBSD Helpdesk: There any more discussion on this point? Who's gonna run into the internal? SBSD Helpdesk: Sorry. Apologize. I have to recognize that is out of order minutes ago. SBSD Helpdesk: Yes, I think. Jen touched on this a little bit, but it was kind

081of surprising to me that no one really said anything about trying to be more transparent once I miss something because it seems like today, and the past meeting with a lot of people have had issues with is that they don't really know what's going on. And I've been to pretty much every meeting in the past 2 months, I think. And I there's something that I'm completely lost on myself. SBSD Helpdesk: So I think, as a board, and as people who are serving the community, we need to find a way to be as transparent, legally possible, because at the end of the day, if the community doesn't feel like they know what's going on, and they don't understand what's happening fully. How can we serve them if we don't know what they want? And they don't

082know what we're trying to do? SBSD Helpdesk: Very well, says, Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: Is there any other discussion on School Board work? Obviously, it's only a 1st 1st draft. SBSD Helpdesk: Thanks, alright. We'll move on to the next discussion. Item, the newspaper article draft. Jennifer Lawrence: Yes. Jennifer Lawrence: so I have that. So I guess that was one of the questions is that we had put together? We I say, I, had put together a, a, an article that Jennifer Lawrence: is draft, but we would like to have the consensus of the Board before. This is something that is, is shared with the community. And so it was forwarded out to everyone. But I did not receive any comments back except for you, Seamus, because we're very sensitive to not wanting to violate open meeting

083law, that there would be any collaboration happening with this document. Jennifer Lawrence: So with that, you know, my question is, do we read this article? Do we just take the feedback from board members right now and integrate that into it? Or how should we proceed. SBSD Helpdesk: So my suggestion is that the tenor of the room is not very conducive, for I would say creative editing session. I think that due to the constraints of the open meeting lot. It's hard to SBSD Helpdesk: write an article except an open meeting. But I would be SBSD Helpdesk: but that said, we have to communicate so. Jennifer Lawrence: Communicate. SBSD Helpdesk: Open this up. We have to edit it because we're all here, and this is our chance. So. Jennifer Lawrence: Share away. You want me to do

084it. Am I sharing my screen. SBSD Helpdesk: Let's let's go through this. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. Jennifer Lawrence: hopefully, you guys can see my screen again. Can you see me? Wait a minute. Can you see it? Jennifer Lawrence: And I will try to make this bigger here. Can you guys see this. SBSD Helpdesk: Is this on the topic that me and Norman would be allowed to be included on SBSD Helpdesk: like forwarding this to the board before the meeting to look at it. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. So the the practice that Jen was referring to is something that we SBSD Helpdesk: took from the Secretary. SBSD Helpdesk: Is it the Secretary of State, Condos. He's the one who published the. Jennifer Lawrence: Oh, yes. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. Oh, do you mean the agenda, the agenda? SBSD Helpdesk:

085No, I'm asking if we would be okay to be, or any other documents before there, there's a document published. I believe it's by the Secretary of State, although now I'm doubting whether it's him. Do you remember the what condos he's actually just asking. So these are in the meeting materials if the Board wanted to share. So this is something that's not provided with the meeting materials. But what they're asking is that if they could have access SBSD Helpdesk: access to this as non-voting members of the Board, so Allie is wondering could she and moment have reviewed this prior to the meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: Correct. And I'm what I'm trying to reference right now is a document on Vermont open meeting law. I'm just gonna look it up because it's a very well known document. SBSD

086Helpdesk: My understanding is that it doesn't apply to non voting screen grabs. But SBSD Helpdesk: right? Yes, but I'm the guidance for how to Co. The guidance for how to create documents is from SBSD Helpdesk: that the agency administration don't know. SBSD Helpdesk: Forgive me most about this one. SBSD Helpdesk: Sorry I have to. I wanna give you the right answer. Here. SBSD Helpdesk: gym condos! Yes. SBSD Helpdesk: God. Jennifer Lawrence: So, Seamus, I I'm not seeing you on my screen. Are you looking something up right now? SBSD Helpdesk: Yes. SBSD Helpdesk: okay. I found it so. In January 2019, the SBSD Helpdesk: Secretary of State, James Condos issued a document called A Guide to open meetings SBSD Helpdesk: and it lays out quite a few different things. One of them is how to think

087about SBSD Helpdesk: articles like this. And so the practice that they recommend is SBSD Helpdesk: collective editing of online documents. SBSD Helpdesk: We recommend that a forum of a public body should not participate in collectively editing a document outside of a duly worn public meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: Collective editing may well fall within the bounds of a meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: When an exchange of ideas and opinions occurs out of the public theory. SBSD Helpdesk: so we cannot. So, in our view, an acceptable alternative is to name a point person who collects and compiles each member's comments for later discussion at a dueling court meeting. So for this article. The point person was Jen. Jen had the idea to write an article, and she sent it out to people and said, Send the comments back to me.

088I'm not going to share the comments with anybody else. And so I think in that context. The answer to your question is that Jen could SBSD Helpdesk: totally sent you a link to the document, and then you could have sent her comments, and then we could all collaboratively edit it here together in the duly worn meeting. So that's the that was more my question as non voting members. We're allowed to SBSD Helpdesk: like. I would. I would appreciate if we're able to see this beforehand. And it's it's a public record, anyway, because we made it as public SBSD Helpdesk: as board members. We made it. So it's going to be public. Okay? I think that's a great idea. Jennifer Lawrence: Here's a question, though, so I've got 2 things to say. 1, st 1st one

089is a question, and that is so. Would this document have been posted with the meeting materials in advance of this meeting Jennifer Lawrence: as well, and I would imagine the answer to that probably would be yes, correct. SBSD Helpdesk: It doesn't have to be. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. Okay? Well, that was the 1st thing. But the other thing is, I want to say, this is the whole purpose of the racy. So the racy is a responsible, accountable, consulted, informed, and so what we would have there is. And Ali, hopefully, this will help for you in moment. Looking forward is, you would say, like, All right, we're going to do newspaper articles. So who's going to be responsible for that? And accountable could be the Jennifer Lawrence: the chair. Right, that you're going to be the one

090ultimately to send this off Seamus right, and then consulted and informed. So who's going to be consulted? And we would put like people's names into these appropriate boxes, so we could say that the student reps would be consulted. But I think, having some kind of process like that, so that people can see where they have the opportunity to plug in Jennifer Lawrence: will be really helpful, so that we aren't kind of in the dark. SBSD Helpdesk: We should discuss how we want to ensure that we are producing enough newspaper articles. At a future meeting. And I think that that plays into what you're talking about around organizing efforts. So let's as a group, let's read this. Let's determine if it's okay to publish, and is an official SBSD Helpdesk: editorial from us. So we are.

091We are now in a duly worn session, so we are allowed to collaboratively edit this document. Jennifer Lawrence: Can you? Can you see my screen? Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: Everybody. Read it. I assume most people already have read it, but so we generally we have a schedule. SBSD Helpdesk: and then people sign up like on a Google, Doc, and you write it, and we don't discuss the article. I agree with that process. On the one hand, it failed to gather the necessary consensus. SBSD Helpdesk: and it also was not happening. So when it did happen, it didn't get the consensus that was required to actually result in a board statement. And also it wasn't happening. So I think that this is not an ideal method of doing things because it involves the whole board for a

092significant period of time. But we are in a state where I believe we do need to urgently speak to the community. SBSD Helpdesk: And so that's why I would encourage us to read this now. Jennifer Lawrence: Do you want to read it, or do you want me to read it? SBSD Helpdesk: I think we should all silently read it, and then, if anybody needs more time, we can Jennifer Lawrence: Okay? Well, you can only probably see part of my screen unless you guys all have it up in front of you. So just tell me when you want me to scroll down. SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, and I do. Diana. SBSD Helpdesk: Bugby, I do see that your hand is up in the meeting, and I'm sorry to say that under our current rules which I've been

093asked to strictly enforce, I'm not allowed to call on you right now if you were to speak as others have done in this room, I would just, I would say, you're out of order, but I don't. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. Jennifer Lawrence: I think we can unmute Diana. Jennifer Lawrence: I have a question here, Seamus, real quick before that, because the agenda, one of the things that we're looking at doing is amending the agenda format. And in there, that's what I thought you were talking about. That you will have like. This is an action. This is a discussion kind of item, so that. SBSD Helpdesk: But. Jennifer Lawrence: People know. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. Right now, I think Diane, Diane is asking is okay. She's she gone. SBSD Helpdesk: She's gone. Okay? Yeah. Oh, she's not gone.

094Yeah. Okay. So. Let's let's read this. Let's get through it. Oh, she's still there. She's back. SBSD Helpdesk: Diane, if you speak, I have to roll you out of order, but I'm not going to stop you from speaking. SBSD Helpdesk: She's she. Diane Bugbee: I'm sorry I had an issue I've had. I'm watching the meeting on my phone. So I'm having a an issue. Diane Bugbee: I'm just. I'm really stuck here as a community member, because our superintendent shared the news that she's resigning, and her last day is next Friday. Diane Bugbee: and I understand all of your work is important. The Board has important work to engage in and follow a process, and articles are very important. I have not heard, and I know this is new to everybody that that Superintendent Nichols has

095resigned. Diane Bugbee: But don't we need to be engaging as a community, and and you talking as a board about succession planning. We need a leader for our district, and this is huge news, and that seems to take priority, in my humble opinion, over everything else right now. Diane Bugbee: that's all I wanted to say. Thank you. SBSD Helpdesk: So I think that another thing to keep in mind here is that this was obviously written without the knowledge that SBSD Helpdesk: we were gonna be needing a new superintendent. And so like, for example, what we might decide to do here is say, we need to go back to the drawing board. Jen, would you please draft something new, or whoever would you please draft something new? We'll have to follow this kind of awkward. SBSD

096Helpdesk: you know. Jennifer Lawrence: Call across the Jennifer Lawrence: okay. I I have. I have a comment here to make real quick. I mean, my concern is that like I had said previously, this is news to us that this decision just came through the Board has just decided tonight Jennifer Lawrence: in our executive session, to accept the superintendent's resignation and the date that was proposed, which was August the first.st And so part of that reasoning is in trying to you know. Go forward and to move forward in a healthy direction, right? And I think that Jennifer Lawrence: concern of talking about things like succession planning. Now realize we're new. You've got largely a new board here. Jennifer Lawrence: So I just, I just want to say, Let me finish. Please let me finish. What I

097just want to say is when when it comes to things like discussion regarding succession planning or whatnot. I feel like it. We can get into trouble with that because of open meeting law, or because of not warning an agenda properly so it feels like this is something that would need to happen. Jennifer Lawrence: But perhaps now is not the time to talk about that right am I? Am I off? But I feel like in many ways. You know, we're we're we're trying to do the right thing here to move forward and to think about, how are we engaging the community? But yet there's the challenge that well, you're in violation of open meeting law, or you're not doing this or so. I just want to be sensitive to that and Jennifer Lawrence: be responsive to

098that, but also realize that we've got to be in a position where we're not Jennifer Lawrence: you know, tripping our over our own feet unintentionally. SBSD Helpdesk: Think that it might be tone deaf to publish an editorial at this point, where the 1st thing we say is, you know, summer break is upon us, or I don't remember what the 1st line is and-. And so I think that we do need to start from scratch SBSD Helpdesk: and you know. SBSD Helpdesk: So. Jennifer Lawrence: And that's fine. That's fine. I mean, I can do that. But again, through the lens of this article was written last week, and was forwarded out before we had any of this other information that came through. And so part of you know. So I I think that's an important component

099here right Jennifer Lawrence: just to realize from a timing perspective. So people, you know, we're talking about having grace. This is one of those moments public have grace. We have just learned this information. This article was written, it's it is summer. All of us are on vacation, or should be on vacation as well, and you know we've been working tirelessly on a number of different items here. So I think that, you know, looking at it through that lens is really very important. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, I think the I think the right thing to do here is probably as much as we all SBSD Helpdesk: dislike last minute meetings. I think we should probably plan on having yet another meeting SBSD Helpdesk: to discuss what just happened with superintendent, and also enough, and also our communication

100to the public in the form of an official board statement. So I think what I would suggest here is that we. SBSD Helpdesk: We agree that we need to write a new statement. Well, we need to write a new editorial that's gonna be sent out, and that we will discuss it at our next meeting. Jennifer Lawrence: Or maybe there's 2, because there's information in this one that I still think is very relevant. SBSD Helpdesk: Remember from your earlier statement that the resignation date was submitted on July 17, th which was 5 days ago, so that would not have been at 5 Pm. Today that would have been 5 days ago, and a reminder of somebody who's a former board chair of this board and has gone through the open meeting law training that special meetings

101are for special circumstances and not for regular board business, so I would encourage you to stick to the agenda, that is. SBSD Helpdesk: that was already warned for the special meeting and the nature of this meeting, and keeping your regular regular board business to your next regularly scheduled meeting, which I believe was August 13.th If you check. SBSD Helpdesk: so does anybody have any objections moving on to next discussion. Item, should we? Jennifer Lawrence: So, Seamus, I mean I I hear the comment that it's it's tone deaf. But again this article was written prior to. SBSD Helpdesk: Oh, it's not. Jennifer Lawrence: 17.th SBSD Helpdesk: Article I'm saying that now is effectively torn down. Jennifer Lawrence: Right? Yeah, well, I mean, and you know what. But that that is the ever evolving landscape that we

102are in, that we, you know hell is paved with good intentions that you've set something out and expect something to happen. And Jennifer Lawrence: and it and we continue to, you know, get sidetracked on things, so I would suggest my recommendation would be to proceed with it, because in that article which I didn't even get past, the 1st paragraph also included, you know, welcoming, recognizing, acknowledging our student representatives, including moment and acknowledging the public Jennifer Lawrence: participation policy that we're working on, that we've been working on that we want to try to get out, also acknowledging Chelsea and Tim and their service on the Board, and their resignations, and announcing that there will be applications that are going to be open or available for people if they would like to apply for the board. So

103I still think there's some very important Jennifer Lawrence: details in there, and we need to move this forward and get it out. And then we could also prepare a separate, you know, article, if we'd like to do or statement in regards to the superintendent resignation. But I just feel like we gotta we gotta finish something and get something. SBSD Helpdesk: Complete. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah. So I respectfully disagree. Jen. I think like we. We have a real situation here, and yes, yes, welcome to Northern alley. I know we we I SBSD Helpdesk: I'm not saying that that isn't important, but I do think that and I keep looking at this person. SBSD Helpdesk: I I do think I do think a statement about the superintendent, and what we're going to do is the most is is

104the most critical thing we can do right now. And I'm feeling a real sense of urgency and stress about this. And I think that's the most important thing. And you know we can charge our board chair with writing a statement. SBSD Helpdesk: So I said, well, I think in the context of the Warren discussion. It's on the newspaper article draft. I think that the sense of the room that I'm getting is that we are not going to come to an agreement. SBSD Helpdesk: We're not. We're also not going to substantially rewrite this right now to reflect the current situation. So I think that what we need to do is take SBSD Helpdesk: just, you know. SBSD Helpdesk: we need to take a break on this. I think we need to. Maybe we ask. SBSD Helpdesk:

105Maybe we even wait to ask anybody to write a new article until we have written a board statement about the superintendent. Vacancy. SBSD Helpdesk: And I think we should leave this discussion item and move on to the next one. SBSD Helpdesk: Good. Any objection to that? SBSD Helpdesk: Okay, alright. So discussion. Item, our final discussion item of the night is public participation policy. I'm very thankful that that is on the agenda, because it's been very frustrating to not be able to respond to anybody. I think our existing board policies are not conducive to public participation in meetings. And so SBSD Helpdesk: This will be the 3rd time that we have discussed this in open session. We discussed it 1st on June 21st for about 22 min, and then we discussed it again for about 38 min. And

106so we're gonna spend some more time on it now. I will share my screen. It will take me a minute to do that SBSD Helpdesk: or actually, you know, I'm just gonna read this out loud, because I don't think that people can necessarily read it on the screen SBSD Helpdesk: you discussed with council SBSD Helpdesk: some of the objections that people had that wasn't properly. Yes, I think it would be so. SBSD Helpdesk: In addition to the text of this procedure or this, I'm sorry. The text of this policy. There have also been concerns about how it was warned. And I will just SBSD Helpdesk: preview that we are getting a legal opinion on the SBSD Helpdesk: way that this was warned the way that it was discussed. And that legal opinion will probably also

107include other opinions about the way that we handled open meeting law, but in particular, it will cover the way that we have discussed this policy in the past. SBSD Helpdesk: so SBSD Helpdesk: I think that's what you're referring to. So we do not have that opinion yet, but when we do we'll make it public. SBSD Helpdesk: So this, this policy is based on a Vsba model policy. SBSD Helpdesk: and the Vsba is the Vermont School Board Association, and what they do is keep track of State law best practices. SBSD Helpdesk: just you know everything around what a school board should do, and then they produce model policies in with different topics. SBSD Helpdesk: This one is pulled from model policy, a 21 public participation in board meetings and over the course of the last few

108discussions. We've had a bit. We've modified it to SBSD Helpdesk: to fit the district, in our opinion. SBSD Helpdesk: So I will read this policy in its current draft form. This is the same one that was in the board materials for the last meeting. But just to be sure that everybody's heard this and then, after I read the text of it, I'll explain how it applies to situations like tonight. SBSD Helpdesk: So policy it is the policy of the Board to encourage public participation in its meetings SBSD Helpdesk: background. The South Burlington School District Board of school directors recognizes the importance of public input in fostering transparency, accountability and community engagement. This policy establishes guidelines for public comment during board meetings ensuring the community members have a structured and respectful opportunity to express their views

109on matters concerning the district SBSD Helpdesk: implementation. SBSD Helpdesk: Reasonable rules of participation may be used to ensure that meetings are conducted in an orderly fashion, and that the business at hand is completed in a timely manner. SBSD Helpdesk: Such rules may take into consideration such things as the length of each speaker's presentation, and the number of times each speaker may comment. SBSD Helpdesk: Persons who may address the board. SBSD Helpdesk: Anyone may address the board. SBSD Helpdesk: Public comment. SBSD Helpdesk: Item one, there will be time set aside for public input at every regular special or emergency meeting of the board. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 2. When the number of people wishing to speak is large. The Board may authorize the chair to use a Speakers List members of the public will be given an

110opportunity to sign the Speakers list indicating which agenda item will be addressed. SBSD Helpdesk: Item, 3 individuals wishing to speak are encouraged to sign up prior to the meeting's commencement signup sheets may be available at the meeting location, and when applicable through online platforms. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 4. Each speaker may be allotted up to 3 min to address the board. The board chair may adjust time limits to accommodate the number of speakers and ensure the meetings. Timely progression. SBSD Helpdesk: Item, 5 speakers are expected to maintain civility and respect. SBSD Helpdesk: Next section. Alternative submission methods. Individuals unable to provide their input during a meeting may submit written comments to the board via email or postal mail. That was item one item, 2 written comments received may be acknowledged, and when appropriate, included in the public

111record SBSD Helpdesk: appropriate topics. Item one. SBSD Helpdesk: The chair may warn or rule out of order. Any presentation to the board which breaches the privacy or rights of students, parents, or school employees violates the grievance procedure of a contract with the district or uses profanity. SBSD Helpdesk: Item, 2. Comments involving specific personnel or students should be directed through appropriate channels to maintain, maintain confidentiality and comply with privacy laws. SBSD Helpdesk: Item, 3, the board may publish and maintain a list of topics and the corresponding authorities, so that the public is informed about the most efficient way to provide. Input. SBSD Helpdesk: item 4, the board may comment on a topic, even the public. Excuse me, let me start over. Item 4. The public may comment on a topic, even if the Board is not

112the corresponding authority. But the Board may refer the Speaker to the corresponding authority. SBSD Helpdesk: Next section Board, interaction with the public number one. SBSD Helpdesk: Board meetings are public meetings, but not necessarily meetings with the public. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 2. For the purposes of public participation. The Board may designate meetings as public forums. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 3. During public forums. The board may interact with the public on agenda items. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 4. During all other meetings the board generally will not interact with the public. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 5. The board shall not discuss or interact with the public on items that are not on the agenda. SBSD Helpdesk: Item 6. If a response is requested, the board or Designee will provide a written reply within a reasonable timeframe. SBSD Helpdesk: accessibility and accommodations.

113Item one. The district is committed to ensuring the accessibility, ensuring accessibility for all individuals. SBSD Helpdesk: Item, 2 requests for accommodations, including translation services, or assistance for individuals with disabilities should be directed to the superintendent's office at least 48 h SBSD Helpdesk: prior to the meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: So that's the text. SBSD Helpdesk: The way that that would be applied in the current context is that this meeting would normally SBSD Helpdesk: be run as it is today, where we're not responding to public comment as painful as that is, however, we will warn SBSD Helpdesk: meetings that are specially designated as forums, and then we would expect to not only receive public comment, but also SBSD Helpdesk: respond. Allow board members to respond, and have a conversation in the in the course of the meeting. SBSD Helpdesk:

114So that's a very large change from form. SBSD Helpdesk: would any board members like to comment on the current state of the policy. Are there any? As I read it out loud? Are there any concerns that you have with it? SBSD Helpdesk: Alright? SBSD Helpdesk: Well, that yeah, true. SBSD Helpdesk: During our meeting today, and we've heard previously we've heard about past protocols in terms of speaking SBSD Helpdesk: during different portions of the meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: and I don't. I don't see anything about that in here or right. So SBSD Helpdesk: my understanding is that the is that previous board chairs have allowed discussion on action items so like, if we were on an action item. Ironically. SBSD Helpdesk: public is not allowed to comment on discussion items, but they are allowed to comment on

115action items. Furthermore, the original. SBSD Helpdesk: the Sbn model policy, a 21 suggested something similar. And so that said, essentially, that the that the public could comment on SBSD Helpdesk: items, you know, on the agenda during the time you were talking about them, but not before. I'll read the exact text that's in the model policy. SBSD Helpdesk: So public comment. So this I'm now switching over to a 21, which is the original model policy SBSD Helpdesk: public comment on agenda items. SBSD Helpdesk: The chair will ask for comments on agenda items before action is taken by the board. SBSD Helpdesk: so that would suggest that we would SBSD Helpdesk: before an action before a vote, we would ask for comments. SBSD Helpdesk: and then separately. It says, public input on items, not on the agenda.

116And that's where we got the language. There will be time set aside for public input on items, not on the agenda at every regular special or emergency meeting the board. And so the change that we made is that we said, SBSD Helpdesk: there's for every meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: There's a public comment section. And you can talk about anything you could talk about stuff on the agenda stuff that's not on the agenda that's at every meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: However, at SBSD Helpdesk: meetings that are not designated as public forums, we will not allow the public to interact with the board. SBSD Helpdesk: However, so it's basically saying, instead of every meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: the public can interact on action items, it's saying SBSD Helpdesk: some meetings are entirely dedicated to that interaction. And the belief. SBSD

117Helpdesk: you know, is that we will SBSD Helpdesk: have actually more content if we have dedicated meetings. SBSD Helpdesk: we'll have more interaction, higher quality interaction. If if we know that we do not have to get through a large amount of board business, but instead, we're all sitting here for hours for as long as the public wants talking about things on the agenda. Jennifer Lawrence: Right. SBSD Helpdesk: Rules makes it pretty clear. SBSD Helpdesk: Got it SBSD Helpdesk: you? You do need to stick with the agenda that is absolutely critical, and a meeting that has been one for 2 h should not go on for 6, SBSD Helpdesk: and that is, that is part of our tools. It's very clear. SBSD Helpdesk: And you know I've been the bug of. SBSD Helpdesk: you know jokes or

118whatever from the public, and people on this board about being a timekeeper. Well. SBSD Helpdesk: that's how most people do it. That's how you keep a meeting. And I'm a teacher. I go to a lot of meetings that every start, every single meeting with. Okay, so you know a moment. You're gonna be the time. SBSD Helpdesk: and we're gonna be timekeeping. SBSD Helpdesk: We have to get through agenda items. This is this is, I'm also not making this up. SBSD Helpdesk: If this is this is Robert's rules, because SBSD Helpdesk: part of like building trust is you stay on the agenda. You do what you say. You're gonna do SBSD Helpdesk: right so, for now it's 8 o'clock, and we should have been done at 7 10. SBSD Helpdesk: That is, that to me does

119not inspire confidence. SBSD Helpdesk: and again, everybody has a right to speak so you know. SBSD Helpdesk: Jen, did you have something to say. Jennifer Lawrence: No, I I was just. I appreciate what Laura just said, and I think she's exactly right, and I also think, though, that the making some revisions to the agenda and providing some clarity around that like when you know what happens, at what phase I still get confused over it. Quite honestly, it's like all right. Jennifer Lawrence: you know it. At the discussion people have the opportunity to comment, or it's the action. So I mean having it on the agenda and breaking out what is what? At which place the template that I shared? I mean, I think something like that might be a good place to start. SBSD Helpdesk:

120So to clarify what you're saying, Jen. SBSD Helpdesk: the suggestion would be to further enhance the agenda, template itself so that it will say, Here is where you can say something here. Here's something you can SBSD Helpdesk: think has watched a couple of these meetings and asked him he should come back. SBSD Helpdesk: And he has said they do a handout. They do run. That's how they run their board meetings at SBSD Helpdesk: city market. SBSD Helpdesk: And SBSD Helpdesk: it's it's it's very clear you come in you. I think the way they do it. You come in, you sign up. SBSD Helpdesk: and the chair determines when people can speak, and and then, you know people are invited to stay, but they may not be able to speak, and I think a really important

121thing that, he said, is, some people aren't going to like it. Jennifer Lawrence: Right. SBSD Helpdesk: And that, you know. But that's if you watch Mnu. If you watch Birmington, if you watch Essex Westford, that is how they run their meetings. So I I understand that historically, maybe SBSD Helpdesk: we haven't done that here in South Wilmington. SBSD Helpdesk: Yeah, I I think what I would, what I would say about. The problem that we have right now is that previous boards did not set clear guidelines. There was no policy for how to run public participation. And so. SBSD Helpdesk: you know. I think the result is evident in the dissatisfaction even in this room. You know, if you don't have a a set of rules. SBSD Helpdesk: Then. You know. SBSD Helpdesk: that's why we

122wanted to adopt other policies. The confusing part is number 2 of these guidelines, which says, as you were saying, comments should not be related to the agenda items, but can be made during the discussion of the agenda. Item. Right? That's where the confusion is and what how would the new public comment SBSD Helpdesk: right? But how would that be addressed in this right right now? The only rules for public comment and participation are these 7 bullet points at this at the beginning of our meeting agenda, and they are SBSD Helpdesk: clearly an Add Button. Jennifer Lawrence: Right. Jennifer Lawrence: And I think, too, that was part of the reason we wanted the community forums. If people feel like they need more avenues to speak to the Board. That would be the opportunity to do so.

123SBSD Helpdesk: And without the pressure of the board, the rest of the Board's normal business agenda. But instead, in a, in a, in a context where the board is present in quorum. It's a serious meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: and we're not trying to get through public comments so that we can move on other things. But instead, that's the purpose of the meeting. So that's the spirit. Jennifer Lawrence: And and I will say one last thing I mean now, being on the board, I appreciate exactly what Laura is saying, and recognizing that we've got to stick to a schedule. Jennifer Lawrence: and we also have student representatives on the board that it's not fair for them to be here at 9 o'clock or 10 o'clock at night, when you know it should only be an hour. So

124that has been some of the feedback that I've heard is that it's very dysfunctional meetings that they that you know there's opportunity to speak. And then someone calls in, and then we're taking that conversation, and then it just keeps going and going. And then you have these long running meetings. And so Jennifer Lawrence: we have to have other channels for people to provide their comment and their opportunity to discuss and have their voices be heard, but not at the risk of commandeering a meeting. And then we don't get through the things that we need to get through. Jennifer Lawrence: So I think it's it's great. SBSD Helpdesk: Think we both. We heard tonight from constituents that there was. There's SBSD Helpdesk: unhappiness with how they're the communication is going currently, and that we need to

125figure out a way SBSD Helpdesk: that is very inappropriate. It's a very inappropriate thing for a school board to do when the purpose is to build transparency. It's a it's a silly restriction. SBSD Helpdesk: I'm following it, because that's what I was told to do. But I think the other thing that we are including in this public participation policy SBSD Helpdesk: is it's kind of buried in the language here. But SBSD Helpdesk: it says basically that the the Board may publish and maintain a list of SBSD Helpdesk: topics and corresponding authorities, so that the public is informed about the most efficient way to provide. Input SBSD Helpdesk: and the purpose of that is that if the public has a comment about curriculum. SBSD Helpdesk: the board can't, is very unlikely to change curriculum. That's not

126our job right? That needs to go to. SBSD Helpdesk: I believe it's the building principles. Right? So, okay, there you go. In a previous meeting there was a comment that it had to go to the building principles. So we need to have a table that says, if you have questions about curriculum, here's where to start. If you have questions about staffing, budgeting. You know the website all all these things? Because what's been happening? SBSD Helpdesk: Even in my short time on the board has been meetings have been scheduled, for example, by high school SBSD Helpdesk: people have gone to the high school, they've been told. Well, this isn't a board meeting. People go to the board meeting. They're told. This is not an appropriate topic for a board meeting, and it's kind of like a

127rope, a dope. SBSD Helpdesk: And so SBSD Helpdesk: It's and it it actually goes back to treatment of community, which was the 1st thing that we ever monitored. And my vote on treatment of community was not in compliance, for the simple reason that we did not SBSD Helpdesk: publish to the community a simple explanation of how to get answers about different topics. And so I think that we need to publish that. And I think that the SBSD Helpdesk: you know that will mean less frustration that will mean less coming to the public comment, saying something and being told, Well, sorry. SBSD Helpdesk: wrong, Forum! SBSD Helpdesk: Does anybody else have comments on public reservations? SBSD Helpdesk: Alright, at this point I would entertain a motion to adjourn meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: I'm not too sure. Jennifer

128Lawrence: Well before you do, Seamus, I'm sorry. Just one quick question. So where does it stand on this? What more do we need to do with that with that public participation policy? Where does it stand now? SBSD Helpdesk: We are waiting for a legal opinion about whether we have violated open meeting law in this and other respects. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: And then. Jennifer Lawrence: Pending the results of that, it will either be adopted, or we will warn it and have it on the agenda. Is that right? SBSD Helpdesk: Certainly have to be warned again. And the question is whether it will be the second reading. SBSD Helpdesk: the 1st reading. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: Or the 5th reading fine. SBSD Helpdesk: We will. We will learn that soon from the lawyers. SBSD

129Helpdesk: So I would again entertain a motion to adjourn but a second. SBSD Helpdesk: Any discussion. Jennifer Lawrence: When is our next meeting. SBSD Helpdesk: 13th unless we decide to schedule another special meeting. Jennifer Lawrence: Okay. SBSD Helpdesk: Alright! SBSD Helpdesk: All those in favor of returning the meeting say, aye.