Annual Report and Budget Information 2023-24

VISION STATEMENT

We envision a kind, collaborative, and creative community for all that nurtures a diverse and accessible learning environment. Students will flourish as critical thinkers and productive citizens, cultivating resilience in an ever-changing world.

April 26, 2017, Board adopted; reaffirmed June 14, 2021

ANWSD BOARD STATEMENT REAFFIRMING ITS COMMITMENT TO SAFE, CIVIL, AND ANTI-RACIST SCHOOLS

The Superintendent and Directors of the Addison Northwest School District wish to reassure the members of our educational community in these uncertain times. We remain committed to maintaining safe and welcoming schools regardless of race, gender, disability, national origin, documentation, religion, sexual orientation, political orientation, or family income. In addition to compliance with the law, we also have a moral and ethical duty to protect all who pass through the doors of our schools and to provide our students with an equitable education.

The Board emphatically endorses and supports a learning environment and shared community void of hate, bias, bigotry, and racism. We condemn white supremacy and unequivocally believe that Black lives matter. We charge the members of the ANWSD community with creating a safe, civil, and kind learning environment. Everyone parents, students, staff, board members, community members must take seriously the need to speak openly against hate of all kinds. We will recognize, respond to, and redress bias and inequities in our systems, policies, and practices. We will create and sustain an equitable learning environment in which we treat one another with respect and dignity. We can each lead through example, and with this statement the ANWSD Board hereby reaffirms its commitment to providing an equitable, just, and inclusive learning environment for all students.

December 14, 2020, Board adopted

Cover Photo Credit: Bill Clark

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS & TERMS

ACP Addison Consortium Program

ANWSD Addison Northwest School District

AOE Agency of Education

CSAC Counseling Service of Addison County

Act 173

Board of Education

CCSS – Common Core State Standards

CLA – Common Level of Appraisal

CTE – Career and Technical Education

Collaborative Teaching

(Co-Teaching)

Debt Service

E-Rate

EEE - Essential Early Education

FCS Ferrisburgh Central School

PAHCC Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center

VUES Vergennes Union Elementary School

VUMHS Vergennes Union Middle/High School

An act relating to enhancing the effectiveness, availability and equity of services provided to students who require additional support.

Activities of the elected body that has been created according to state law and vested with responsibilities for educational activities in a given administrative unit.

A set of academic standards in mathematics and English language arts/literacy that are grounded in evidence and designed to ensure that all school have the academic knowledge and skills they need in these core subjects to succeed after high school.

A measure of how close a municipality’s local appraisals are to the actual Fair Market Value. The CLA is used to equalize education taxes statewide with the goal of having properties of equal value pay equal amounts of school taxes.

An educational program leading to a high school diploma, designed to provide students with career and technical knowledge, skills, and attitudes that will prepare them for further education, enhance their employment options, or lead to an industry-recognized credential.

A teaching strategy in which two or more teachers work together, sharing responsibilities to help all students succeed in the classroom.

The amount of funds required to cover the repayment of the interest and principal of a debt (loan, bond, lease, etc.)

The universal service Schools and Libraries Program provides discounts of up to 90 percent to help eligible schools and libraries in the United States obtain affordable telecommunications and internet access.

Children, ages three through five years old, who qualify for Essential Early Education receive special education and related services, provided by their school district, to meet their individual needs.

ELA English Language Arts

EQS – Education Quality Standards

ESSER

EST – Educational Support Team

The purpose of these rules is to ensure that all students in Vermont public schools are afforded educational opportunities that are substantially equal in quality and enable them to achieve or exceed the standards approved by the State Board of Education.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Programs - to address the impact that the Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has had, and continues to have, on elementary and secondary schools across the Nation.

Written plan documenting a student’s learning or behavioral challenges and ways teachers can help the student to be successful in classes. This plan is developed by the Educational Support Team based on input from teachers who have worked with the student. Input from other service providers and parents, and test results may also be used in developing an EST Plan.

Education Fund

Vermont pays for education through the state’s education fund. There are four primary sources of money that comprise the fund: revenue transfer from the general fund, general purpose taxes, nonresidential property taxes, and homestead property taxes. Source: VSBA, Making Sense of Vermont’s Education Funding System

Education Spending

Equalized Pupil

The budgeted expenses minus offsetting revenues, including state and federal grants, equals education spending. Source: VSBA, Making Sense of Vermont’s Education Funding System

A way that the state equalizes dollars in each district. The state adjusts the number of students in a district by factors that reflect costs associated with certain demographics. High school students, for example, generally cost more weighted more heavily since their education costs are often higher.

Fiscal Services

FY – Fiscal Year

IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

IEP – Individualized Education Plan

Activities concerned with the fiscal operations of the school district. Includes budgeting, receiving and disbursing, financial and property accounting, payroll, inventory control, internal auditing, investments and funds management.

The school district operates, budgets and accounts for revenue and expenses on a 12-month fiscal year, which begins July 1st and ends the following June 30th.

A law that guarantees educational rights to all students with disabilities and makes it illegal for school districts to refuse to educate a student based on his or her disability.

A document describing an educational program designed to meet a student’s individual needs. An IEP includes a description of a student’s strengths, challenges, and needs, services that will be provided, accommodations necessary to allow the student to learn, and specific goals based on a student’s needs. Every student who is eligible for special education must have an IEP.

MOU

MTSS - Multi-Tier System of Supports

Memorandum of Understanding - a nonbinding agreement that states each party’s intentions to take action, conduct a business transaction, or form a new partnership.

A tiered framework, which promotes school improvement through engaging, research-based academic and behavioral practices.

Tier 1 = Core classroom instruction

Tier 2 = Targeted small group instruction

Tier 3 = Intensive individual intervention

Panorama Education

An independent education technology company that partners with schools and districts to support student literacy and social-emotional learning (SEL). Schools and districts use our technology to gather feedback from students, families, and educators.

PBC Testing

Polychlorinated Biphenyls - schools built or renovated before 1980 will be required to test for PCBs. The manmade chemicals, which were banned from use in 1979, are considered cancer-causing agents and have been associated with nervous, immune, reproductive and endocrine system health effects, particularly for those whose bodies are still developing or those who have had exposure over long periods.

PBGR - Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements

PBIS - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

PLP – Personalized Learning Plan

A set of content knowledge and skills connected to state standards that, when supplemented with any additional locally developed requirements, have been determined to qualify a student for earning a high school diploma.

A proactive approach to establishing the behavioral supports and social culture and needed for all students in a school to achieve social, emotional and academic success.

Establishes individual student goals based on academic and career objectives and personal interests; sequences content and skill development to achieve those goals and ensure that a student can graduate college and career-ready; and is updated based on information about student performance in a variety of learning experiences - including assessments - that indicate progress towards goals.

PSW/MTSS-SLD Patterns of Strengths & Weaknesses/Multi-Tiers Systems of Support – Specific Learning Disability

Revenue

Refers to receipts from all taxes, fees, licenses, and permits as established in current law, and any other sources of income including federal funding.

SBAC Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is a standardized test consortium.

SEL Social Emotional Learning - the process of developing the self-awareness, selfcontrol, and interpersonal skills that are vital for school, work, and life success.

SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist

A professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders.

SMART Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound - giving criteria to guide in the setting of goals and objectives that are assumed to give better results

STEM Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

UDL Universal Design for Learning – a framework to improve and optimize teaching and learning for all people based on scientific insights into how humans learn.

VSBA Vermont School Boards Association

VSBIT Vermont School Boards Insurance Trust

MESSAGE FROM THE SCHOOL BOARD

Dear Members of the Addison Northwest School District Community,

The Addison Northwest School District vision includes the belief that it is important to “cultivate resilience in an everchanging world.” With that thought in mind, the ANWSD Board sincerely thanks administrators, teachers, and staff who work diligently to create excellent educational opportunities for all of our students. We also thank our students and their families for your continued resilience and kindness to one another. We are gradually returning to patterns we expect, and yet the pandemic clearly changed us in significant ways. Thank you for being “a kind, collaborative, creative community for all.”

An ANWSD Board priority goal is to continue to maintain and nurture excellent educational programs for our students at a cost acceptable to our taxpayers while at the same time working toward long-term structural stability. There are many new faces and a lot of transitions. We added four firsttime members to the Board in 2022

- Nikki Bearor (Ferrisburgh), Mimi Clark (Waltham), Erica Andrus (Ferrisburgh), and Michael Kane (Vergennes). This is the sign of a healthy board and bodes well for the long-term leadership of the District.

Accomplishments

Being able to consider and vote on a merger between the ANWSD-MAUSD was a major accomplishment for this community, and we thank the members of the study group Keith Morrill (Vergennes), Erica Andrus (Ferrisburgh), Rebecca Coffey (Vergennes), Martha DeGraaf (Panton), Carole McBride (Addison), and Mary Neffinger (Ferrisburgh) for their engagement and work on this important project. The collaboration between both districts gave our communities a real option to consider addressing our chronic issues. Both districts know that declining enrollments coupled with increased costs will make it difficult to maintain and grow excellent educational programs for our students at a price affordable to our residents. Our districts have a long track record of cooperation, and bringing this vote forward, despite the results, shows that we can work together.

Personally, I would like to take the opportunity to thank our Student Representatives on the Board: Zoe Reid-St. John and Calvin Gramling. We are all better off for their participation. The VSBA’s Guide to Student Voice in Education Governance states “In the big picture, we all benefit by having young people engaged in the institutions of a democratic society” (pg. 3). We agree and thank Zoe and Cal for their service. I would also like to thank Kristina MacKulin for her service to this Board by representing us on the Patricia A Hannaford’s Career Center Board.

Over the year, the Board achieved a number of accomplishments. As a district, we are committed to ensuring that each student receives the resources and educational opportunities they need to learn and thrive. The Board received a $5,000 equity grant from the Vermont School Board Association in order to deepen understanding, and leverage the community’s cultural, social, intellectual resources to promote student learning and school improvement and, ultimately, the greater community. Our Community Engagement Committee, led this year by Keith Morrill and Mary Sullivan, will continue to lead this work in the coming year.

After many years of deliberation and discussion, the Board officially offered the Addison School Building to the Town of Addison, and it accepted the offer. That transition will occur in the coming weeks. In other facilities work, the Facilities Committee, led by Amy Kittredge, further developed the District's Facilities Stewardship Plan as well as supporting the District’s ongoing safety policies and practices. They created a much-needed MOU between the City of Vergennes and the District and assessed progress on a number of repairs and improvements, especially VUES’s front entrance.

The Policy Committee, led by Mimi Clark, continued its ongoing review of current policies. The Board is committed to reviewing every single policy at least once every five years to ensure that our policies are updated to meet the District’s needs, Vermont, and Federal law. The Committee created and the Board approved four new policies. In addition, the Committee continues to monitor required reporting and procedures to align with the goals of the Board’s strategic plan and policies.

The Finance Committee, led by Laurie Childers, ensured that ANWSD’s fiduciary responsibility to the electorate was

fulfilled. The Finance Committee reviews the bills and directors’ orders monthly for sound accounting practices. The Committee also worked throughout the budgeting process to learn about budget drivers and District needs to make recommendations on capital expenditures and budgeting for the overall health of the District’s finances.

Finally, the Board has started negotiations with both the teacher and support staff unions which support the goals of the Board’s strategic plan.

We advocated to our state legislature, especially during their deliberations on a new weighting system for educational taxation and financing. Legislators were receptive to our call that the ANWSD should not be harmed by new weights because although we are relatively expensive, we are a frugal and lean organization. Those weights will roll out in the coming years. It’s been a busy year!

Budget and Australian Votes

This proposed budget makes strategic investments to support professional learning for our staff and faculty and supports efforts to meet student social and emotional needs. The proposed FY24 of $25,312,767.83 which is a 13% increase from the FY23 budget. This is our largest increase since consolidation mainly due to extraordinary cost drivers, especially healthcare, transportation, and energy costs - all double-digit increases. However, our expected union tax rate will be $1.5375, which is just a 1% increase from the current rate. The union tax rate is nearly 10% lower than in 2018, our first year as a consolidated district. However, with the spike in real estate prices, Common Levels of Appraisals (CLAs) across our region (and indeed the State) have dramatically shifted which puts added pressure on tax rates. In response, the Board intends to use a portion of this surplus to decrease the union tax rate even further. Please keep in mind as you vote, that our taxpayers experienced tax decreases during two of the past three years. With inflationary pressures on fixed costs as well as expected pay and benefit increases, the Board believes this budget will keep the District competitive with other regional employers.

We remain committed to working closely with all ANWSD stakeholders to chart a course toward the best possible education for our students. We still face many challenges, but there is much to admire in this District. I am exceedingly grateful that this District and its people are a tight-knit, caring community willing to support one another in times of need. Please join us at future board meetings and community

engagement events and visit our website for additional information.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the ANWSD Board of Directors, John

Stroup Board Chair

ANWSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DISTRICT OFFICERS

The Addison Northwest School District Board includes 12 School Directors elected to represent our five communities: Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham.

The Board provides fiscal oversight, policy development, and other resources to enable teachers, administrators, and staff members to prepare students to meet standards set by the state and federal agencies.

The School Board meets on the second and third Monday of each month. Meetings start at 6:00 pm. Complete schedule can be found on the School Board page on the website.

John Stroup Chair

Chris Kayhart Vice Chair

Term Expires – 2025 Vergennes jstroup@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2023 Ferrisburgh ckayhart@anwsd.org

Kristina MacKulin Clerk Term Expires – 2024 Ferrisburgh kmackulin@anwsd.org

Erica Andrus Member

Nicole Bearor Member

Laurie Childers Member

Mimi Clark Member

Martha DeGraaf Member

Michael Kane Member

Amy Kittredge Member

Mark Koenig Member

Mary Sullivan Member

Cal Gramling Student Representative

Zoe Reid-St. John Student Representative

David Tatlock Moderator

Appointed 9/26/2022 Ferrisburgh eandrus@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2025 Ferrisburgh nbearor@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2024 Addison lchilders@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2025 Waltham mclark@anwsd.org

Appointed 9/12/2022 Panton mdegraaf@anwsd.org

Appointed 12/12/2022 Vergennes mkane@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2023 Addison akittredge@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2024 Vergennes mkoenig@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2023 Vergennes masullivan@anwsd.org

Term Expires - 2023

Martha Kenfield District Clerk Term Expires - 2023

Greg Burdick Treasurer Term Expires - 2023

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Dear Community Members:

I always look forward to the opportunity to update you on our schools. I am honored to work with the board, administration, teachers, and support staff who devote their time and energy to improving learning for all Addison Northwest School District students. The goal of this book is to provide you with an overview of our proposed budget and the educational programs it supports.

We develop the budget with the assistance of the administration, input from staff, and feedback from the school board. Our goal is to always keep students at the center of our decision-making. Since March 2020, our schools have had to adapt and conform to new challenges left in the wake of the global pandemic. We have seen an increased need for student supports both academically and behaviorally. At the same time, these needs have provided us with an opportunity to reconsider our programming within the context of student needs and invest in emerging priorities to address the ever-changing population of students in our schools. We know these priorities must always be balanced with the community’s ability to support increased expenditures.

The FY 2024 expenditure budget in the amount of $25,312,767.83 represents a 1.03% increase to the Union Tax Rate. We believe this budget maintains the level of programming our families have come to expect and makes room for new priorities that will improve student outcomes and increase student engagement.

The budget drivers and investment priorities include:

• Increased wages for employees to remain competitive within the region

• Increased costs for non-negotiable personnel benefits (Other Post Retirement Benefits (OPEB), Health Insurance 12.7%)

• Increased costs for all non-personnel-related expenditures

o Property and Liability Insurance 16.0%

o Food and Associated Supplies 5%

o Energy 14%

o Transportation 14.1%

o Contracted Services, Rentals, Maintenance, and Tuition (students) 5.0%

o All other purchasing for goods Consumer Price Index average 5%

• Principal payments on debt for past building improvements (current balance $9.37M)

• Increased Tuition costs for PAHCC (10.41%) (mostly due to new debt)

• Phase one priorities for Middle School Expansion

• Addition of 1.0 FTE admin to support student needs at VUES to support increased student needs and subshortages

• Increased intervention supports for students at the Middle School and High School

• All current academic program offerings for students are maintained

• All co-curricular, athletics, and enrichment activities for students are maintained

• High levels of staff support for professional learning to help fulfill the goals outlined in our Continuous Improvement Plan.

We believe this budget maintains the level of programming our families have come to expect and makes room for new priorities that will improve student outcomes and increase student engagement.

The Addison Northwest School District operates three school buildings:

• Ferrisburgh Elementary School, PreK-6th Grade

• Vergennes Elementary School, K-6th Grade

• Vergennes Union High School, Grades 7-12

In total, we have 893 students enrolled in grades PreK-12 this year. For the 2023-24 school year, enrollment is projected to decrease by an additional 25 students for an estimated total enrollment of 868. Providing all of our students with a quality education remains the cornerstone of the Addison Northwest School District mission. Maintaining our

programming despite declining enrollment has remained our top challenge over the past several years.

During the past two years, the District created a plan for a merger with the Mount Abraham School District and brought this option to the voters in November 2022. This was an effort to share resources so as to maintain or expand programs across the two districts while reducing the administrative footprint. The merger vote did not pass however, ANWSD maintains our commitment to high-quality education for our students, and to that end, we have developed a model to expand the middle school within the district beginning next year, with sixth grade transitioning to the building by 2024-2025.

This Middle School expansion supports our students by offering a developmentally appropriate education at a critical time in students’ lives. Research shows us the significance of this period for learning. The needs of adolescent learners are only surpassed by that of early childhood development and are critical for everything from developing personality traits to grit, curiosity, and study habits. During this period, students make important decisions about themselves, who they are as individuals, and as learners. Supporting this period of growth and development has a lasting impact on students’ future success. We look forward to continued engagement with the community around the Middle School expansion.

Merger aside, the District continues to collaborate with area districts in other ways. For the first time, all three Addison County districts will go out to bid for a transportation contract. Historically there has only been one vendor willing to provide transportation service to our District. We believe that the combined size of the new contract may attract other vendors so we might benefit from competing bids, saving the taxpayers money. We are also in our third year of operation with the Addison County Special Education Collaborative. This is also a collaborative effort between ANWSD, ACSD, and MAUSD with the goal of providing special education services on a regional basis; thereby allowing for a

more comprehensive continuum of services with an equitable sharing of the costs of such services. This program provides an alternative educational environment for students who learn best in non-traditional settings.

These innovations allow us to continue to strive for excellence in ANWSD. Thank you for reading this report to learn more about the schools you invest in. We ask for your support of the budget and other ballot articles on Town Meeting Day. I thank the entire community for your ongoing commitment to our students. We are always interested in hearing from you and welcome your feedback and questions. I am proud to be your Superintendent and appreciate the trust and support you place in all of us here in ANWSD.

With appreciation,

Sheila M. Soule, M.A. Ed. Superintendent of Schools

ANWSD ADMINISTRATION

KARA

GABRIEL

56 Little Chicago Road Ferrisburgh, VT 05456 (802) 877-3463

43 East Street Vergennes, VT 05491 (802) 877-3761

50 Monkton Road Vergennes, VT 05491 (802) 877-2938

SHEILA SOULE Superintendent of Schools

ELIZABETH JENNINGS Director of Finance & Operations

GRISWOLD Director of Student Support Services

GARY WRIGHT Director of Buildings, Grounds & Safety

HAMILTON Director of Learning

MONICA DESROCHERS Recovery Coordinator for Equity & Inclusion

RAE DONOVAN Principal, FCS

MATTHEW DEBLOIS Principal, VUES

JODY CHAMBERLIN Principal, VUMHS ED COOK Asst. Principal, VUMHS

ANWSD STAFF DIRECTORY

ANWSD – Central Office

Last Name First Name Title

Cornellier Rachel Administrative Assistant to Student Services

Delisle Jody Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Desrochers Monica Recovery Coordinator for Equity & Inclusion

Griswold Kara Director of Student Support Services

Hamilton Gabriel Director of Learning

Jennings April Fiscal Analyst

Jennings Elizabeth Director of Finance & Operations

Jewell Dan Accounts Payable Specialist

Martin Glory Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Soule Sheila Superintendent of Schools

Strong Melissa Data Manager

ANWSD – Districtwide

ANWSD Early Education Program

Last

Name Title Alexander Kathy Director of MAUSD-ANWSD Food Service Coop

Bradford William Maintenance Electrician

Bruso Wendy Systems Administrator

Ettori Brianna School Psychologist

Hall Robert Asst Director of Buildings, Grounds & Safety

Haselton Thomas Technology Support Specialist

Picanza John Technology Support Specialist

Rapoport Lynne Health & Wellness Coordinator

Wells Brianne School Psychologist Wright Gary Director of Buildings, Grounds & Safety

Last Name First Name Title

Bennett Kimberly Speech Language Pathologist

Donnelly Sara Paraeducator

Eddy Allison Paraeducator

Gernander Jennifer Teacher – EEE Special Educator

Jones Diane Paraeducator

Matot Alison Teacher – Preschool

Paquette Angela Paraeducator

Tierney Marcie Teacher - Preschool

Ferrisburgh Central School After School Program/Child Care

Nutrition Assistant

Rae Principal

Flynn Kaitlyn Principal's Confidential Administrative Asst.

Francescutti Anthony Teacher – Elementary – Grade 4

Teacher - Literacy Interventionist

Haney Steven Special Educator

Child Care

Jerome Alicia Behavior Interventionist Moulton Reese Child Care Assistant

Kenney Lydia Teacher - Elementary

Lucarelli Hannah Speech Language Pathologist

May Priscilla Teacher - Elementary - Art

Pierce Kaci Teacher – Elementary – Grade 1

Pominville Kathleen School Nurse

Presson Lisa Paraeducator

Pudvar Kathleen Teacher – Elementary – Kindergarten & PE

Smith Anna Teacher - Elementary Health Educator

Stapleford Peter Teacher – Elementary – Grade 6

Tatro Jennel Teacher - Elementary - Music

Valcourt Stacy Special Educator

Van Vliet Tricia Teacher – Elementary – Grade 2

Paquin Jenna Child Care Assistant

Rapoport Carlyn Child Care Assistant

Russett Jacqueline Child Care Assistant

Shepard Mavis Assistant Director

Vincent Patricia Child Care Assistant

Kendall M - Grade 2 - FCS

Vergennes Union Elementary School

Last Name First Name Title

Bearor Beth Teacher – Elementary - Kindergarten

Bissonette Samara Teacher – Elementary – Grade 4

Blais Lorri School Nutrition Assistant

Brisson Elizabeth Special Educator

Brooks Joshua Teacher – Elementary – Grade 6

Burlock Sheila Teacher – Elementary – Grade 1

Castillo Millie-Jean Paraeducator

Collette Lisa School Nutrition Manager

Cousino Julie Teacher – Elementary – Art

DeBlois Matthew Principal

Dwinell Allison Teacher – Elementary – Grade 1

Eckels Michelle Paraeducator

Fay Michele Teacher – Elementary – Grade 2

Fetters Jennifer Speech Language Pathologist

Foley Amy Library Media Specialist

Gaboriault Randall Custodian

Gebo Lissa School Nutrition Assistant

Grunwell Sarah Special Educator

Haggett Melissa Teacher – Elementary – Grade 3

Houghton Michelle Teacher - Literacy Interventionist

Jerome Susan Custodian

Kayhart Sandra School Climate Facilitator

Kepes Samantha Teacher – Elementary – Grade 5

King Melanie Teacher – Math Interventionist

Kingsley Jennifer Teacher – Elementary – Grade 1

Kitoko Joaninha School Nutrition Assistant

Last Name First Name Title

Larocque Linda Teacher – Elementary - Kindergarten

Loven Wanda Paraeducator

Marsh Megan Teacher - Literacy Interventionist

Martin Patricia Paraeducator

Mason Susanna Teacher - English Language Learner

Metzler Colleen Teacher - Elementary – Grade 4

Mugford Holly Teacher - Elementary Music

Mullis Melanie Teacher – Elementary – Grade 2

Murphy Alyshia School Counselor

Newton Robyn Teacher - Elementary Physical Ed.

Paquette Nicole Teacher – Elementary – Grade 6

Racine Heather Teacher – Elementary – Grade 3

Razo Lisa Speech Language Pathologist

Robinson Kimberly Teacher – Elementary – Grade 5

Russett Jacqueline Paraeducator - General Education

Saunders Alyssa Teacher – Elementary - Kindergarten

Shugart Angela Administrative Assistant

Smith Anna Teacher - Elementary Health Educator

Sullivan Shelby School Nurse

Tewksbury Amy Special Educator

Trudo Tara Teacher - Math Interventionist

Vincent Patricia Paraeducator

Walther Denise Paraeducator

Warner Sarah Special Educator

Weiner Catherine Special Educator

Whitley Lisa Paraeducator

Woods Cherise Paraeducator

Zwickel Gwen Teacher - Literacy Interventionist

Collette - Grade 2 - VUES

Weston - Grade 3 - VUES

Vergennes Union Middle/High School

Last Name First Name Title

Adreon Ryan Paraeducator

Ambrose Nancy Teacher - Mathematics

Armell Mindi Paraeducator

Barron Tyler School Counselor – MS

Bernardini Ralph Teacher - MS Math

Bessette Patrick Custodian

Bicknell Sarah Principal's Confidential Secretary

Blanshard Timothy Custodian

Brooks Jeremy Teacher - SAILS Program -Science

Brouillard Mark Head Custodian

Bryant Jamie School Nutrition Assistant

Bunde Jamie School Nurse (PT)

Bushey Jerry Custodian

Camara Aiden Athletic Trainer/Asst Athletic Dir

Chamberlain Michelle Student Attendance/Office Asst

Chamberlin Jody Principal

Choromanski Karyn Teacher - PE & Health

Cleiland Tori Special Educator

Coffey Rebecca Teacher - Social Studies

Cook Edward Assistant Principal

Cook Sarah Teacher - Physical Education

Curtis Erica School Nutrition Chef/Co-Manager

Driscoll Sara Paraeducator

Dunne Susan Special Educator

Ebel Rebecca Special Educator

Francis Brent Teacher – Science

Frangipane Laura Teacher - Social Studies

Gallagher Louise Paraeducator

Garrecht Peter Special Educator

Gebo Alyson Paraeducator

Gingras Christine Teacher – STEM/Tech Integrationist

Goulet Gerald Teacher – Driver’s Education

Grabin David Teacher – Social Studies

Grant Gerald Custodian

Guinane Carlie Teacher – Art

Hallock June Paraeducator

Hotte Matthew Custodian

Husk Laura Special Educator

Jochum Carmen School Nutrition Manager

Kayhart Lynn Teacher – Mathematics

Kepes Andy Teacher – Science

Kepes Janet Teacher - World Language

Kirkaldy Kristine Teacher - World Language/PBL Coord.

Last Name First Name Title

Kornman Charles Teacher - Financial Literacy

Kunkel Angela Library Media Specialist

Langer John Custodian

Lawrence Lisa School Nutrition Assistant

Leone Tricia Paraeducator

Macijeski Anna Teacher – Art

Mahoney Allison Teacher – Lang Arts

Maneen Peter Director of Student Activities

Mann Parker Teacher – Instrumental

Martin Anissa Behavior Interventionist/SEL Asst

Mason Susanna Teacher - English Lang Learner

McKosky Samantha Special Educator

Meader Bruce Custodian

Monk Ashlee School Counselor

Muzzy Melissa Teacher - MS Science

Nary Sean Teacher - MS Math

O'Hara Cailin Teacher - Choral

Oliveira Susan School Counselor

Olsen Meghan Special Educator

Palmer Sally School Nutrition Assistant

Paquin Heather Special Educator

Payeur Elizabeth Teacher – MS Lang. Arts

Raphael Stacy Teacher – MS Lang. Arts

Samuels Matthew Teacher - MS Social Studies

Schechter Gabriel Teacher - Mathematics

Schlein Matthew Teacher - Walden Program

Smith Debbi Admin. Asst - Facilities & Operations

Stearns Scott Custodian

Steen Karl Teacher – Lang Arts

Story Glenn Teacher - Mathematics

Thomas Michael Teacher – Lang Arts

Thompson Sarah Teacher - Science

Vickers Kyle Teacher - Health/PE

Vincent Anne Secretary - Guidance Office

Warren Eric Teacher - Science - Walden Program

Watson Wendy Speech Language Pathologist

Wellikoff Melissa Social Emotional Learning Coord.

Wells Jaime School Nurse

West Dennis Special Educator

Williams Laura Teacher - MS Science

Wortmann April Director of School Counseling

Wyckoff Christopher Teacher – Lang Arts

Tessa B. - Grade 7 - VUMS

Jeremiah - Grade 7 - VUMS

Percentage by Category

Who is Included in each Category?

ADMIN Superintendent, Principals, Directors

SUPPORT STAFF Custodians, Secretarial, Child Nutrition Services, Paraeducators, Behavior Interventionists

TEACHERS All licensed professionals – teachers, counselors, special educators, SLP, nurses, library media specialists

NON-ALIGNED Non-union staff – administrative support, districtwide managers, technology

OTHER After School programs, childcare assistants

Pearl G. - Kindergarten - FCS

Caeleigh - Grade 7 - VUMS

Leona - Kindergarten - VUES

SCHOOL REPORTS

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL

Student Learning & Points of Pride

As the new principal at FCS, it has been a true pleasure getting to know our brilliant and joyful students.

FCS currently has 175 students in PreK- 6th grade, with one class for every grade, other than PreK and 1st grade which both have two classrooms. Our Pre-K expanded and added an aftercare and Fusion component, offering critical support to our community’s working families.

Every week our Kindergarten through 6th grade students attend our dynamic Unified Arts program. All students attend weekly library, health, art, social and emotional learning, music and two physical education classes. So far this year, we have had a myriad of student-centered art and performance opportunities, including an all-school concert performed by 5th/6th graders, a drumming circle instructor for 3rd-6th grade, an incredible Ferrisburgh Children’s Theatre play performed for both students and the community, “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” and a recent musical guest who provided us with an all-school classic rock dance party.

Our Universal Team works to reinforce the routines that support our school culture and nurture the skills that they need in an effective learning environment. We use our Transferable Skills- Personal Development (Grow), Community Connection (Connect), Innovative Thinking (Discover) and Effective Communication (Communicate)- to teach skills, reinforce routines and celebrate student success.

We understand that our school gives us the opportunity to grow and learn every day and that we can directly teach, assess, reinforce, and celebrate transferable skills through our curriculum. Our students are involved in every part of our Universal process- planning and creating our norms, supporting one another, and developing our celebrations. Our student leadership team meets regularly to brainstorm ways to improve our school. We also celebrate our students by recognizing their specific skills through Seed Slips twice a year. Our students were asked to

“root for one another” by encouraging one other to meet their goals. In this project, and many others throughout the year, our 6th and 5th graders supported their younger buddies in 1st grade and Kindergarten, respectively.

This fall, our school participated in our 15th Annual Hike for Hunger. One of our student leadership team’s first acts of service was loading the truck full of family donations for local families in need.

Our garden and composting program continues to flourish under the supervision of Judy Elson, our 5th grade teacher, who coordinates the many facets of food production with the help of FCS families.

Every week we meet as a whole school to celebrate birthdays, reinforce our skills, and share recent successes. Once a month our families are invited for a free and delicious breakfast and to do activities with students. Despite the challenges of the last few years, our students continue to show us their strengths, effectively communicate their needs, and connect with one another in positive and supportive ways.

Culture & Staff

Due to staff transitions at the end of last year, we have welcomed thirteen new faculty and staff members to our team this year. In a time when school staffing is hard, I feel incredibly grateful that we were able to hire such experienced, committed professionals to join our already wonderful team.

Having a combination of FCS veteran teachers (Kaci PIerce, Lydia Kenney, Tifany Babcock, Kathy Pudvar, Peter Stapleford, Judy Elson, Jennel Tatro, Anna Smith, and Erin Ackerman) and new staff makes for an effective and inspiring school culture. Emily Gagnon is our new third grade teacher; she brings into the classroom her expertise in special education and innovative whole body learning

practices. Trish Van Vliet, our new second grade teacher, brings her enthusiasm for implementing restorative practices and flexible learning models. Tony Francescutti, our new fourth grade teacher, comes to us as an experienced educator with a passion for math and multicultural experiences. Our PreK program welcomed two experienced educators, Jenn Gernander, special educator and Alison Matot, classroom teacher.

Our student support team collaborates to support our students’ needs: Sue Brileya, our school counselor, Bri Ettori, our District school psychologist, Gina Normand, our CSAC school- based clinician, Kathy Pominville, our school nurse, and Davina Desmarais, our home-to-school coordinator. Alicia Jerome joined our team this year as schoolwide student support interventionist. Steph Ansley joined us midyear as an SEL support for our students.

Noah Braun, Lisa Presson, Ashley Baird, and Sandy Clark are engaging, creative and committed professionals who support our students in accessing their classroom learning every day. We continue to provide a multi-tiered system of support with Margo Grace, Stacy Valcourt, Hannah Lucarelli, and Steve Haney expertly guiding our students to gain new skills.

Our school benefits from the invaluable staff members who keep the building running. Kaitie Flynn connects with students and families in integral ways. She is an incredibly reliable, hardworking, and flexible school support. Anthony Barrett, our new-to-FCS head custodian, is a muchappreciated presence in our school. Sarah Anderson, our school chef, continues to provide us all with the most delicious and nourishing food with the assistance of Riley Cunningham.

Building & Grounds

Our previous report documented huge efforts in buildings and grounds. After that effort, FCS was set up for success and we have had less changes to our Buildings and Grounds. However, our incredible ANWSD maintenance team keeps our school running smoothly. Last summer we did work as an entire community to beautify the interior of the school; our FCS families donated countless hours to painting, organizing, and cleaning up the school. We added many plants and new cozy spaces for students to learn and work in small groups.

We are in the process of developing plans for some playground and outdoor equipment improvements. Also,

our town has received grant funding to create trails and improve the walkability of “downtown Ferrisburgh.” Our school will benefit from these efforts by our town committees, and we appreciate their ongoing work.

Community

Our PTO meets monthly and has welcomed new active members, including additions of the PTO leadership team. The PTO supported us in beautifying the school, bringing in our artist-in-residence as well as our drumming teacher. They continue to support us in providing field trips, nourishing our teachers through staff recognition, and adding value to our students' learning experiences. This year they put on two well attended events, Monster Mash and Holiday Make and Take, at the Town Hall.

In September, our PTO made it possible for us to bring Lisa Maggio, an FCS parent and artist, to facilitate a collaborative, multidimensional mural making experience for all students. These murals were displayed for Ferrisburgh Day, and the community came to see our students’ incredible creations, which continue to adorn our school hallways and bring color and creativity to our school every day.

We continue to partner with the Four Winds program which regularly teaches a nature-based education program to all our classes.

In terms of our own effective communication, we use social media (Instagram and Facebook) and teachers and administration send bi-weekly, comprehensive newsletters. As mentioned earlier, we have monthly community morning meetings where families are encouraged to join us for breakfast and activities related to our skill building. We also have evening events related to these community mornings so families can access them in the evenings if that is easier for their schedules.

We hope to continue to strengthen our community connections and benefit from the wonderful environmental and cultural aspects of the town of Ferrisburgh.

Rae Donovan

FACTS & FIGURES

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Student Learning & Points of Pride

We continue to hone our teaching and learning to meet the needs of our students. We continued our journey to meet the literacy needs of our students through our collaboration with the Stern Center. Our teachers continue their professional development and collaboration among and with each other and across schools to develop a comprehensive structured literacy curriculum that includes support and seamless flow throughout.

Our math team continues to hone in on effective practices that support the needs of all learners as well. We continue to move away from a catch some approach of stand and deliver into a more flexible model that allows for smaller chunks of direct instruction and joined with other opportunities to learn in smaller groups and on deliberate practices that ensure that students do not practice incorrect skills. We also continue to offer menus of choices, rather than rely on standard algorithms and rote memorization.

Our whole school participated in anti-bias and anti-racist readings throughout the school year. Our goal is to celebrate human differences which include race, gender, sexual orientation, and more. This year-long project aims to foster spaces where students can feel empowered by all of their identities.

Culture & Staff

Ms. Robyn Newton was named Vermont State Teacher of the Year by the Vermont State Board of Education. We held a ceremony early in the school year to acknowledge this significant achievement of one of our outstanding teachers. The Vermont Secretary of Education, Dr. Daniel French said, “Robyn Newton exemplifies what makes Vermont educators special. From using the Olympics to teach students about sportsmanship, competition, world affairs and intercultural competency, to her efforts to bring more funding to physical education and nutrition programs in her district, Ms. Newton excels in teaching, shows leadership through an interdisciplinary and collaborative mindset, and, most importantly, she builds excitement for learning in and out of the classroom.”

We have a few new folks in the building this year. We welcomed Melissa Jarmel as paraeducator; Shelby Sullivan as school nurse; Linda Larocque as Kindergarten teacher; Julie

Cousino as art teacher; Colleen Metzler as fourth grade teacher; Alyssa Saunders as Kindergarten teacher; Lynne Rapoport as Community Coordinator of Health and Wellness; Lorri Blais as school nutrition assistant; Allison Dwinell as first grade teacher; Cherise Woods as a paraeducator; Emma LaRose as paraeducator and intern; and Asia Kruse as the Director of Afterschool and Summer Programs. Joaninha Kitoko joined us in the kitchen as a school nutrition assistant.

Building & Grounds

A significant project occupied our front entrance earlier this year. A newly poured concrete entrance covers some subterranean work that replaced some foundational needs. Although it created some interesting flow to start the school year, we are now using it with increased confidence and safety.

We have worked with the VUES Community Group and our facilities team to ensure that swinging is a bit safer this year. We installed a series of mats under the swings that maintain our woodchip layer. We believe that these measures will concurrently increase safety and decrease labor to rake the chips.

We said goodbye earlier in the year to our longtime custodian, Mr. David Loven, who spent close to 22 years as the head custodian of our building. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors and thank him for his work to maintain our excellent facilities.

Community

We continued to implement our Community School’s work this fall. We celebrated some events such as La Cosecha, a winter community dinner, and more are planned for the second half of the year. We have our mentoring program up and running, known as Vergennes Mentors. We are also

working as a collaborative team with our Community.

Schools Collaborative and our Afterschool partners to offer a more complete calendar of experiences for children in our community. Partnering with the Vergennes Recreation and our other community partners allows us to keep a finger on the pulse of community needs and react to those identified to support each other.

FACTS & FIGURES

OTHER Percent Using

Matthew DeBlois

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY PRINCIPAL

VERGENNES UNION MIDDLE/ HIGH SCHOOL

Student Learning & Points of Pride

Students held their first Social Justice Festival in May 2022. This day was created by students for students. The event included keynote speakers followed by a restorative circle during the Morning Meeting block, followed by two hours of workshops and informational booths. Social Justice groups and organizations from around the state attended the event. This included the groups, ACORN (Addison County Relocalization Network), WomenSafe, Up for Learning, Boys and Girls Club, Future Farmers of America, Shelburne Farms, Rokeby Museum, and Migrant Justice.

The group that initiated this event, Full Send, has continued into the 2022-2023 school year. This student group has grown and is responsible for so many events, that we have split into two groups, Full Send and Commodores Take Action (CTA). This year both groups have completed several activities including the annual Peace One Day and Homecoming weekend. This year’s theme was Music Genres, which meant there were floats blasting music down Main Street during the parade. We also had a pep rally to recognize each fall team. Over the weekend, we had a bonfire, weekend home soccer games, and a dance. This year it was free to attend, and we had more students than we usually do. It was a fantastic weekend!

There are many ways for students to be involved in school. Here at VUMHS, we are working with and teaching students how to advocate for themselves and their peers. Not only are students learning academic skills, but they are also working on social and emotional skills through school-wide events and in Community Circles through Morning Meeting time.

Academics are a continued priority at our schools with our teachers working to build engaging lessons aligned with Proficiency Standards. Professional Development during the 2022-2023 school year has focused on curriculum development in all departments. Additionally, in our early release days, our staff focused on UDL (Universal Design for Learning); an educational framework based on research that guides the development of flexible learning environments and learning spaces that can accommodate individual learning differences. Other Professional Development activities center around ABAR (Anti-Bias, Anti-Racism), and Restorative Practices.

Culture & Staff

This year I joined the staff as principal along with April Wortman as Director of School Counseling. Last year with two unexpected vacancies Ed Cook served as the single school administrator in the role of interim principal with support from Central Office administrators Monica Desrochers, Gabe Hamilton, Kara Griswold, and Sheila Soule. Ed did a fantastic job filling in for this role temporarily. We thank our Central Office administrators for supporting our school even more than usual.

We welcomed new staff into the building for the 20222023 school year in all departments. April Wortmann, Director of School Counseling; Melissa Wellikoff, Social Emotional Learning Coordinator; Andy Kepes, HS Science; David Grabin, HS Social Studies; Tyler Barron, MS Counselor; Aiden Camara, Athletic Trainer/Assistant Athletic Director; Samantha McKosky, Special Educator; Christine Gingras, STEM Teacher/Tech Integrationist; Anissa Martin, Behavior Interventionist/SEL Assistant; Erica Curtis, Chef/Co-Manager; Gerald Goulet, Driver’s Education; Tricia Leone, Paraeducator; Bruce Meader, Custodian; Jamie Bunde, part-time School Nurse; Jerry Bushey, Custodian, and Matthew Hotte, Custodian Our new staff has jumped in and embraced the Commodore lifestyle. We are so lucky to have them on our team.

Allison Mahoney is the VUMHS Teacher of the Year for the 2021-2022 school year. Allison believes that all students can grow as learners if given the right opportunities in the classroom. She is a true advocate for the students in her classroom and those in her Morning Meeting. Her room is always a flurry of activity in the morning because students know it is a welcoming space. Not only does she support students in their learning and their growth as human beings, but she also supports the staff. She is always willing to fill in when we need coverage, she is a fantastic co-teacher in classes and supports other educators as they learn new topics. Congratulations, Allison.

Building & Grounds

In the spring of 2022, Gary Wright stepped into the role of Director of Buildings, Grounds, and Safety. While he does this role for the entire District, we, at VUMHS, are very proud to have him and his team here at our school. Gary collaborates with his custodial and maintenance staff and the educators to make sure that this building is safe, clean, and inviting. You can always count on his team to support this building as a whole. We are very grateful to have such a wonderful crew.

Community

The five towns that are Vergennes Union Middle High School are major supporters of our school. Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham are made of people, businesses, and organizations that support our staff and students. From supplying food for events, providing over 25 opportunities for scholarships for graduating seniors, volunteering for Homecoming, participating in our 6th-grade transition work, and donating time, supplies, and/or money for our school-wide events. VUMHS could not thank our community enough for all of the support. We hope to continue to provide babysitting at our evening community events, see you at sporting events, and continue to hear from you when we are planning our future goals.

Thank you! This is my 15th year in education, and I have worked in five different schools. This community has been very supportive and has made me feel at home since I started in July. Thank you to the staff, students, Central Office, board members, and community members for making me feel at home!

JodyChamberlin

VERGENNES UNION MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL

FACTS & FIGURES

STUDENT ENROLLMENT

STUDENT ATTENDANCE

DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS ASIA KRUSE, DIRECTOR

Points of Pride

The 2021-22 school year marked the start of Year Three of our five-year Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant (21CCLC). This grant has funded the Fusion Enrichment program at VUES. For the first time, all schools were 21 CCLC eligible. The 21CCLC Grant Application for 21C Continuing Project submitted to the Academy of Education has been approved and $183,175 has been awarded to fund and expand the FCS, VUMHS, and Preschool Fusion Afterschool Programs. Our ANWSD Licensed Child Care Programs continue to support and serve over 200 students and their families. Childcare is offered every day after school, early release days, and during February and April breaks.

Updates on Program

The ANWSD ran enrichment programming a total of 219 days and supported over 300 students between July 1st, 2021June 30th, 2022. Over 70 enrichment and academic support programs were held across all three schools. The 21C continuation project allowed us to increase enrichment activities for our Pre-K extended program and create more learning and enrichment opportunities for middle and high school students. United with our families, community, local businesses, Lake Champlain Maritime Museum, and Vermont Afterschool, Fusion Site Coordinators have been offering a variety of opportunities for growth and experience to our students this 2022-23 school year.

Future Planning

In the 2023-24 school year, the ANWSD After School and Summer Programs will continue to provide safe, nurturing, fun, affordable childcare, and enriching opportunities to students after school and during summer. We plan to continue our partnerships and give students opportunities to build and strengthen relationships with their families and their community.

Joanna “Asia” Cicha Kruse - Director of After School and Summer Programs

Mavis Shepard - Assistant Director of After School and Summer Programs

Ashley Bourgeois - Cougar Care Site Director

Addie Brooks - Pre-K Fusion Site Coordinator

Anissa Martin - VUMHS Fusion Site Coordinator

Priscilla May - FCS Fusion Site Coordinator

In a school year that saw us end without COVID restrictions for the first time since 2020, there were many amazing accomplishments from Vergennes teams and individuals. While championships are the goal, the memories made along the way are what our students will carry with them for the rest of their lives. Thankfully, we have amazing coaches and a supportive community to help guide our studentathletes along their journey.

After reaching the state championship game in 2021, in an empty Barre Auditorium, our girls basketball team rebuilt itself with many new faces. While there were a few bumps in the road, it was smooth sailing in their home victory over eventual state champion Mt. Abraham at the end of their season. That win fueled an upset over Fairfax in the first round of the playoffs before the team fell to defending state champion Windsor.

While the girls played in an empty Barre Auditorium the year before, the boys basketball team played their semifinal game in front of a packed house (with no masks!). The boys team gave the community much to cheer about during the season as they earned a top four seed and home court through the first two rounds of the playoffs. The final game of the season may have been the most exciting game of the year as the boys knocked off Winooski (who entered the game undefeated) in front of one of the loudest crowds I’ve seen in some time. Coach Josh Carter has done a wonderful job bringing this program back to life and the future is bright as Vergennes is the only DIII school in the state that fields three full high school teams.

Our wrestling team returned after their 2021 season was suspended due to COVID and while graduation took a toll on the team, one individual shined bright. Taylor Stearns captured the state championship in the 152 lb. weight class

with an impressive run through the tournament where he pinned each one of his opponents, including a 1st minute pin in the championship match. Anyone who was in attendance to see Taylor jump into his father’s arms (also our head coach, Eugene Stearns) couldn’t help but be moved to tears. What a moment!

As the snow melted and the temperature warmed, the spring teams took to the fields. While some teams fared better than others on the scoreboard, it was the first season without any COVID restrictions. While the baseball & track teams had successful seasons, including the baseball team's upset win over Windsor in the 1st round of the playoffs), it was the softball & boys & girls lacrosse teams that stole the show.

The softball team posted a strong regular season and earned the #2 seed in the playoffs and took advantage of playing at home to return to the state championship game at Castleton. Although the team fell to defending champions Oxbow, the return of strong young players and the excitement of a solid youth program give hope to future seasons.

The girl’s lacrosse team returned to the championship game, they last played and won the championship in 2019, where senior heavy Hartford was waiting. Many around the state considered Hartford the state’s best team, D1 or D2, and they showed why. Although the Commodores kept the game close, Hartford prevailed. Although the team loses a few strong senior athletes, the future is bright with a middle school team that won the state championship coming up.

The boy’s lacrosse team made their first trip to the state championship game in program history. Coach Ed Cook led

this group through a tough regular season and an upset of Stratton in the semifinals before dropping the championship game to Montpelier. While the team fell one win short of their goal, they set the table for the future of the program.

Our fall season just wrapped up a couple months ago and it will be one to remember. Our co-op football team returned to the playoffs for the first time in twelve years behind three strong Vergennes seniors (Zeke DuBois, James Buskey & Spencer White).

Quarterback sensation, Zeke DuBois, became the first Vergennes football player to throw for over 1000 yards while being named to the North-South roster.

The boys’ soccer team continued its strong play under the leadership of coach Kevin Hayes. While completing the best regular season in school history, the team earned the top seed in the playoffs. While the team suffered a heartbreaking loss in the final minute in a great semifinal game vs. Woodstock, they captured the hearts of the Vergennes community with play as evidence from the huge crowds during the playoffs. Championship or not, this team

was a great representation of Vergennes and was simply fun to watch.

Returning for the second year in existence, the bass fishing and golf team made remarkable progress. The bass fishing numbers grew this year as students learn about the program and feed off the excitement of coach Jack McGuire. The golf team was once again the recipient of the goodwill of Basin Harbor’s hospitality and took advantage with some excellent play towards the end of the season. Any students who are looking to take up a life-long hobby should really consider joining one of these teams.

In the absence of coach Dennis West, the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum stood behind our rowing program and with the help of Lori Devine, gave our students the opportunity to continue this fall. We thank LCMM & Lori for their commitment to our students and are once again reminded of the amazing community we live in.

Vergennes is a special place, and the athletic program is fortunate to have the support of so many in our community. From our coaches to our supporters, from those well-known contributors to those who support with little fanfare, we thank you. If you haven’t had the opportunity to come out and catch a game, please do so, you’ll be proud of what you see.

Points of Pride

• We are a licensed early childhood program with the State of Vermont.

• We hold 5 stars with the Step Ahead Recognition Program.

• We are a Vermont Prequalified Prekindergarten Program.

• We have 7.5 highly qualified educators who make a strong team for our young ANWSD students.

• Our pilot extended day care program was a success, and this year we are operating two full-time preschool classrooms, with the extended day care option to create a fuller day for students and families.

• We received two beautiful handmade sandbox tables from a local Eagle Scout’s project.

• We provide intensive support to students with special needs.

• We provide outreach among the District’s Early Education Community.

Updates on Program

• We are a district-wide program located at the Ferrisburgh Central School.

• Our preschool program runs five days a week, for five hours a day.

• On average, we serve 12-14 students in each preschool group.

• Our extended day care program operates five days a week until 4-4:30pm and is providing additional enrichment opportunities for children, such as Taekwondo.

• On average, 16 students attend our extended day program.

• We serve 50/50, students with identified special needs and peer models.

Future Planning

• We plan to hold our annual Child Developmental Screening days in March 2023.

• Our Fall 2023 enrollment will follow the screening.

• We will submit our application report for the newly revamped STARS program in April 2023.

Points of Pride

We started the year with a keynote from Dr. Katie Novak, an internationally renowned education consultant, author, professor at UPenn, and a former Assistant Superintendent of Schools in Massachusetts. Dr. Novak focused her Keynote around Universal Design for Learning, and centering each and every individual student in our curriculum and instruction.

This provided a gateway into the 2021 school year, where we formally committed to beginning our professional learning journey with Universal Design for Learning (UDL). We learned about the three foundational guidelines, engagement (the why), representation (the what), and action and expression (the how) of learning.

Several members of the ANWSD Admin team and our instructional coaches built on our own understanding of Universal Design through statewide professional development on inclusive practices. This work has set the stage for implementation of UDL across the District in 2022-23.

Our VUMHS math department deepened their application of UDL in their third year of Teacher Development Group. Teacher Development Group focuses on many of the foundational beliefs of Universal Design for Learning; that all students have the ability to learn complex mathematical concepts.

Our K-6 educators at Ferrisburgh Central and Vergennes Union Elementary continued their commitment to structured literacy and received expert professional development from the Stern’s Center. We are so fortunate to have educators that are continuously committed to practicing highly effective literacy pedagogy!

We also formally committed to creating authentic spaces for student voice at VUMHS. We partnered with Up for Learning and Jon Kidde to dive deeper into restorative practices, including restorative circles and non-violent communication strategies. Up for Learning and Jon Kidde also supported us in establishing our student leadership group, Full Send. Made up of Middle & High School students, Full Send, worked to plan our first annual Social Justice Fest! Responding to real time racism and homophobia in our school, Full Send worked diligently to design an event that educated folx about the different ways inequity shows up in our school community.

Additionally, we celebrated our first annual Mental Health Matters event! COVID didn’t stop us! We took the event virtually and worked with over seven local experts to deliver workshops ranging from supporting students with anxiety, to supporting BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) students in their mental health journeys.

Updates on Program

The Smarter Balanced Achievement Consortium (SBAC) is an annual assessment all public-school districts in Vermont take. We use this as one of many measures of how students are performing. The Spring 2022 SBAC results showed a need for improvement in the areas of math and literacy. ANWSD, on average, outperformed the state in mathematics, yet showed 44% of students in grades 3-9 showing proficiency. Additionally, an average of 43% of scholars are showing proficiency in reading. In response to this, we will be adopting the FastBridge assessment system that allows us to use universal screeners throughout the year, as well as progress monitoring for students receiving Layer 2 & 3 instruction. By monitoring progress through shortened spans, we can quickly respond with adjustments in instruction.

2021 was the first year we measured students' social and emotional well-being grades 3-12! We conducted a Fall and Spring Panorama assessment where students took surveys that measured their sense of engagement, climate, safety, and sense of belonging. This Spring, we found that students at ANWSD (on average) felt generally safe in the building but felt less sense of engagement. We are using this information to help us design professional learning, especially in the area of Universal Design for Learning, to respond to this. In 2022, we will continue to assess students through Panorama three times throughout the year and use the data to measure growth.

While assessments like the SBAC measure student achievement at one moment in time, we use other types of assessment to help us build a stronger understanding of how a student is performing. By using academic screeners multiple times a year, we can measure growth (or lack thereof) in specific skills and concepts that we can respond to in the moment with curriculum and instruction.

Future Planning

As a way to develop cohesion within our professional learning, the Office of Learning used feedback from educators, students, families, and community members to extract themes of what is most important for the success of each and every student. These themes have been generated into a framework that when woven together, creates professional learning that is research-based, data responsive, and aligned to the mission of ANWSD.

VERGENNES UNION MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Replaced 25 windows including the window trim on the lower level of High School.

• Installing more baseboard heating elements on the outside wall of room C9. Reconfigure ventilation to be more advantageous.

• Sapling Master Clock commissioning and is put online.

• Made improvements to our overhead paging system to also include pre-recorded safety announcements.

VERGENNES UNION MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Developing a strategy to remove and replace building facade and window trim frame deterioration on all windows and siding installed during the 2001 construction project.

• Further troubleshooting the water in the tunnel under the Auditorium is necessary. For now, we are pumping it and keeping it dry when it occurs. * Upon further inspection through camera scoping, new perimeter drain needed around the Auditorium. Plan is to do it in the spring of 2023.

• Review of the upcoming stormwater rules and required systems for ANR (Agency of Natural Resources) permits.

• Estimate for broken underground sewer line behind kitchen.

• Estimate for trenching up the bad drain line under the kitchen serving line.

• Estimate the installation of permanent bollards in front of the walk-in freezer.

• Ventilation project for PAHCC workshop.

• Door security audit to verify door alarms are working properly.

• High School C & D Wing West side exterior windows & siding need replacement.

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Diagnosis and summary of structural findings for main entry.

• New front entrance.

• Replaced rotted building soffits and siding as needed.

• Replaced walk in freezer door.

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Worked with contractors to establish a plan to have biddable drawings and engineering specifications for a new vault and access to boiler room.

• Worked with contractors to establish biddable drawings for two new bathroom upgrades above the existing boiler room space.

• Need estimate to replace basement AHU (Air Handling Unit), Library AHU, existing ERU (Energy Recovery Unit).

• In process of getting estimates to replace gym roof & D Wing windows.

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Tree removal along the east property line and adjacent to the playground.

• Windmill was inspected and recommended to be removed as it was unrepairable.

• Install two new underground propane tanks.

• New/add exhaust fan & ventilation fan in bathrooms.

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Walk-in freezer replacement proposals.

• Tree removal along the north property line and adjacent to the playground.

• Building controls need upgrading and/or replacing.

ADDISON SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Windmill was inspected and recommended to be removed as it was unrepairable.

• Replaced failed domestic hot water tank.

• Replaced expansion tank for boiler.

ADDISON SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Actuation damper, valve survey, repairs, and troubleshooting on unit ventilators throughout building.

• Mailbox pole.

ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work Completed

• Air testing and balancing completed to ensure proper air quality and air exchanges in all spaces.

ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work in Progress

• Continued key index, door locks audits, key control log updates.

• Continued to establish a section in the Facilities Management plan for all life cycle of mechanical equipment including kitchen equipment.

• Interior and exterior condition and configuration door audit to ensure safety for fire and other crisis events requiring egress and or lock down.

• Continued review and development of the District Emergency Operations Plan with the District Administration.

• Managing the continuing process of enhancing District procedures regarding access doors and camera coverage.

• Beginning the process and continuing to collect data for a standard Facilities Management Planning guide that includes current status compliance with new laws such as VT ACT 72 and 74. These have a range of rules that include, PCB testing and a five-year facilities planning template.

FY 2022 – Back to School Meals!

While we spent most of the year still in masks and serving some students in classrooms, FY 2022 was about getting back to normal and continuing to ensure that all students in our schools had good nutrition to thrive and learn. Returning to “normal” was the goal, which meant welcoming students back to school in every possible way with breakfast bags at the door in the morning, inviting menus, and lots of positive and welcoming smiles on our serving lines.

All school meals continued to be available to students at no cost to families. USDA waiver extensions from the previous pandemic year allowed programs to claim federal dollars for school breakfast and lunch served to students. Parents, teachers, students, and administrators recognized the importance of school meals, and all appreciated that when school meals are universally available, all students benefit equally, and the stress of food insecurity and hunger are eliminated from the school culture.

The challenges of 2022 continued to center around having enough staff every day and dealing with unprecedented supply chain issues which resulted in product substitutions, short orders, and frequent changes. Flexibility and creativity prevailed, and students always had good meals at school.

Our school nutrition program was granted a base-year Local Food Incentive Grant in March 2022. The goal for this grant is to source a minimum of 15% of program food from Vermont farms and producers. Increasing our connection to local farms and having local foods available is a major goal

moving forward. In addition, our programs will be working to improve sustainable practices including reducing single-use plastics as much as possible while maintaining safe and efficient food services.

With another extension to USDA waivers, the Summer Meals program had a final year of service. These waivers ended permanently in September 2022 but for the Summer months we were able to serve children attending Summer programs in Vergennes Elementary School and Vergennes High School. Our Program also reached 100 families with our Meal Kit program, offering a once a week pick up at Bixby Library for any family that signed up.

These Meal Kits included a week’s worth of fresh fruits and vegetables, protein, bread, and milk for each child in the family. We enjoyed a great partnership with Bixby Library to make this all happen.

Points of Pride

During the FY22 school year, the Special Education department was in its second year of compliance monitoring. We worked with VSBIT and the AOE to update our Suspension and Expulsion Policy, to reflect changes suggested by the AOE. That was accepted by the AOE and we are currently 100% compliant with all Indicators that the AOE monitors. Due to our commendations from the AOE with our 100% compliance on 16 out of the 17 Indicators we were asked to work with other districts to share and provide examples/exemplars of our work.

We continue to work with the AOE and other districts to move from a discrepancy-based eligibility model to an PSW/MTSS-SLD model to align our work with the roll out of ACT 173, which is set to be in full implementation as of July 1, 2023. This continues to afford us the opportunity for classroom teachers, interventionists, and special educators to improve their targeted interventions and progress monitoring abilities which increases the menu of instructional practices and programming available for all students.

We continue to use Goalbook as a tool to develop goals and objectives that are aligned to the CCSS and in SMART format as well as using some of their progress monitoring data tolls and UDL strategies. The Special Education Department and the Department of Learning continue to work closely to bring Structured Literacy using the Orton Gillingham Approach to all classroom teachers in grades K-6 and effective literacy instruction to all interventionist and special educators K-12.

Updates on Program

We continue to increase our capacity to serve and meet the needs of students who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges. FY22 was the 2nd year of implementation of the Addison Wayfinder Experience program housed at ACS. This a collaborative program between the three districts in Addison County to support students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs within our county.

We continue to grow the knowledge and skills of the evaluation team by participating in training by the AOE and Stern Center. Co-teaching continues to be a strong instructional model at the 7-12 level. Co-teaching is occurring in the 7th and 8th grade ELA and math classrooms, as well as high school English, math, and science courses.

Future Planning

We will continue to support and consider ways to grow the Wayfinder program to help meet the needs of the students in our county. We will continue to work, as a county, to see what type of programming we might be able to offer grades K-5 and 6-8. We will also continue to discuss other ways as a county how we might work together to provide resources for our students. We, as a district, will continue to participate in training from the AOE on the new regulations and how they affect special and general education. We will also work with other districts to provide the training we need to implement the new regulations. We will also continue to learn how the ACT 173 funding formula will affect our future years budgets.

Points of Pride

Using federal COVID-19 response funds (ESSER grants), we were able to purchase 200 new Chromebooks for students. This year we are trying something new. We assigned the new 200 Chromebooks to all students in grade 7, 8, and 9 with the goal that this is “their” Chromebook to use for 3-4 years. Hopefully the students take better care of these new Chromebooks knowing they will use this same unit for multiple years. We were also able to purchase some laptops for staff and renew our content filtering software with ESSER funds. We currently have on order 16 new wireless access points to replace older units with money from the ESSER grant and E-Rate. We have also installed outdoor wireless access points at all three schools to cover the playground and sports field areas.

We hired our third tech team member last December and he has been a great addition to our team. His years of experience have helped us to set up a windows update server to keep our computers up to date, streamlined our print printing process and group policy. He has helped us improve our computer imaging process for maintaining computers and set our computers to wake on LAN to be able to manage them remotely.

We have set up Opals self-checkout computer stations in the two elementary school libraries to make their process more efficient.

Updates on Program

This year our focus has been on cybersecurity. We set up two-factor authentication for email for all staff in the spring. This summer we set up a new firewall. Within this new firewall we set up a new VPN (Virtual Private Network) for staff to reach their computer network files when they are off the school campus. This VPN also requires two-factor authentication for access.

We contracted with KnowBe4, a security awareness training solution. Our staff underwent training this summer and receive a phishing email monthly to help them become more aware of security risks. Since we provided the training and started monthly phishing email testing our users who clicked on the link in the test email has dropped 3%, the number of users who replied to the test, the number of users that entered data in the phishing email and the number of users

that opened the phishing attachment has dropped to zero. We will continue to test monthly. Our testing is set up for users who engage in any of the choices in the phishing email, they will need to complete extra training sessions to help them learn how to spot phishing emails.

We have contracted with CyberPools to assist us in setting up a cybersecurity risk response plan. They have run a vulnerability scan and risk assessment on our network. We will continue to work towards creating this response plan. We have plans for this summer to replace the main domain controller server at VUES to servers replicating for disaster recovery purposes. We have also written in the budget for next year a new backup system called immutable offsite backups. These are backups that are designed to be safe from a ransomware attack.

Future Planning

We are starting to replace the equipment used in classrooms for teachers to project and present to students. We are working on replacing the projector and whiteboard or interactive whiteboard model with an interactive panel that looks like a television but is a touch screen. So far, we have set up a new panel in both elementary school libraries plus one classroom at FCS, one classroom at VUMHS and four classrooms at VUES. Four of these were paid for with the ESSER grant. The Administrators agreed that we would be upgrading the core classrooms with interactive panels and the non-core classrooms with non-interactive televisions. We will be replacing the VUMHS math classroom smartboards and projectors with these interactive panels this coming summer.

We replaced their document cameras this year. We are working towards a standard hardware setup in classrooms and for staff to create a more sustainable technology platform. As the classroom desktop computers age out, we

will not be replacing them with desktop computers. Teachers will be using their laptops to run the classroom projection device. We are working on the best way for teachers to project to their device wireless so they can teach from anywhere in the classroom.

We are working to help teachers use Google Drive for desktop for their file storage. This should make them more productive and able to access those files from anywhere they

have internet access. This will reduce their network storage. Less storage equals less cost and more security.

We have applied for additional E-Rate funds to replace the fiber optic cable connecting VUMHS to VUES this year. This cable was buried by hand by a staff member over 20 years ago and it is still working. It requires updating to ensure reliability and allow for future enhancements of our network infrastructure. We applied for this last year and were denied by E-Rate but will reapply again this year.

Student-created murals adorning FCS hallways.

Sally Conway, our recently retired Math Interventionist, joins the students in celebrating pajama day.

A beautiful day for our 15th annual Hike for Hunger in Button Bay.

Underclass Recognition—May 2022

These juniors have been recognized for their academic excellence, leadership, and service to our community with the following awards from colleges around our region.

Alfred University Scholars Award

Morgan Hurlburt

Clarkson University Leadership Award

Carlyn Rapoport

Clarkson University Achievement Award

Parker Kayhart

The Elmira College Key Award

Claire Hatch

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Rensselaer Medal Award

Jackson Bennett

The Sage Colleges - Student Sage Scholarship

Frances “Bee” Eckels, Reese Gernander

Saint Anselm College Book Award not given in 2022

Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship and Service

Raia Bryant, Thane Gill

University of Rochester – Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award

Shamus Rooney

University of Rochester - George Eastman Young Leaders Award and Scholarship

Jasmine Little

University of Rochester - Frederick Douglass and Susan

B. Anthony Award in Humanities & Social Sciences

Peyton Paquette

University of Rochester – Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology

Not Given 2022

Williams College Book Award

Arielle Dumont

Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award

Avry O’Brien

Boys’ State Jackson Bennett, Thane Gill, Parker Kayhart, Peyton Paquette, Shamus Rooney

Girls’ State Jasmine Little, Emily Lowe, Carlyn Rapoport

2023 DAR Good Citizen Award

Each year a Vergennes Union High School senior is chosen for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Good Citizen’s Award by faculty members nominating three seniors and then the senior class elects one of those three as their Good Citizen. This award is sponsored by the local Daughters of the American Revolution, Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand Chapter and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The DAR Good Citizen’s Award recognizes a student that possesses the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. This student can apply for a scholarship as well. We are proud to announce that the 2023 DAR Good Citizen is Jackson Bennett. Congratulations Jackson!

Population by Town: Estimates for 2011-2021

Source: https://vcgi.vermont.gov/data-release/2020-census-data

** Please note these are projections, not predictions. Projections assume that conditions which occurred in the past will continue into the future. For these projections, there are assumptions about mortality rates (continuing a downward trajectory for the next 20 years), birth rates and two sets of assumptions about migration rates. Events may alter the conditions that led to population changes in the past 20 years and those events will affect the changes in population. Examples of changes that are not predicted for these estimates:

• Changes in the birth rate from social changes different than what has occurred in the past 20 years

• Changes in health care practices or epidemics that could affect mortality rates

• Changing economic conditions that result in shifts in national (internal) migration

• Changes in national immigration policies

Source: https://dail.vermont.gov/sites/dail/files/documents/vtpopulation-projections-2010-2030.pdf

The global pandemic continues to influence our nation’s public health and economic stability in unpredictable ways. As such, it is still too early to identify many of the factors that could impact school enrollments. Over the past school year, we have seen fluctuations in the real estate market and job trends, which have impacted student attendance patterns. Moreover, during the past school year, we have seen how school enrollment patterns can differ substantially from one district to another, with some districts losing students while others experience an influx of students.

The NESDEC enrollment projection fell within 19 students of the K-12 total (850 students projected vs. 869 enrolled). Births decreased by 4 from a previous ten-year average of 72 to a projected average of 68.

A few key points about the data and the change from Spring

• We had +10 Kindergarten students from what was projected last year, which skews all the data that follows upward in aggregate

• We are graduating a large class in 2023- which will make the FY24 Budget tight (-2.9%)

• Our numbers next year are 22% lower than ten years ago- while not the 35% lower we once predicted- it is still a significant decrease

• The data is up and down from year to year- so while we may end up with more students than we have today in ten years’ time- any increase in revenue, as a result, is only be realized in small increments over time which will likely be outpaced by inflation (pay attention to the last column in terms of percentage increases/decreases from year to year)

GENERAL CAUTIONS ABOUT PROJECTIONS

• Projections can serve as valuable guides to school administrators for educational planning. Enrollment projections are more reliable in Years #1-4 in the future and less reliable in the “out-years.” Projections six to ten years out may serve as a guide to future enrollments and are useful for planning purposes, but they should be viewed as subject to change given the likelihood of potential shifts in underlying assumptions/trends, such as student migration, births as they relate to Kindergarten enrollment, and other factors.

• Projections that are based upon the children who already are in the district (the current K-12 population only) will be the most reliable. The second level of reliability will be for those children already born into the community but not yet old enough to be in school. The least reliable category is the group for which an estimate must be made to predict the number of births, thereby adding additional uncertainty.

https://education.vermont.gov/documents/edu-fy23-annonced-tuition-report-print-version

Register in advance for this webinar:

PM, VUHS Library

https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_wyu3PpVBSMKhR_rntIzFqw

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar

How to Vote

 Early & Absentee Voting – contact your Town Clerk

 In-Person on Town Meeting Day at your local Polling Location listed above

INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

ANWSD Board of Directors

Informational Meeting

Monday, February 28, 2022 6:00 PM Virtual

Recorded by Media Factory

Board: Amy Kittredge, Laurie Childers, Chris Kayhart, Kristina MacKulin, Kirsten De La Cruz, John Stroup, Mark Koenig, Mary Sullivan

Administration: Sheila Soule, Superintendent; Elizabeth Jennings, Director of Finance & Operations

Guests: Glory Martin

Via Zoom: Gregory Burdick, Dave Tatlock, Hannah Deming, Martha Kenfield, Mike Kane, Matthew DeBlois, Nichole Bearor, Jeff Glassberg, Martha DeGraaf, Brenda Logee, Mike and Katie Quinn, Jay Stetzel, Jon Deming, Julia Beerworth, Sarah Anderson, Jeanne Comouche

CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Stroup called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m. Introductions of the board members present. Chair Stroup explained the process of the agenda. Introductions were made of Dave Tatlock, Martha Kenfield, and Greg Burdick who are on the ballot running for Moderator, Clerk, and Treasurer for the District, respectively. Chair Stroup thanked them for their service the past year.

ADDITIONS OR DELETIONS TO THE AGENDA:

Motion was made by C. Kayhart, seconded by M. Koenig, to adopt the agenda as presented. Chair Stroup asked for any additions or deletions. Hearing none, so voted and motion carried.

REVIEW OF THE ARTICLES: A pre-recorded presentation was viewed.

Superintendent Soule reviewed the accomplishments of the 2021-22 school year:

• Students returned to full-time in-person instruction

• Developed and implemented a COVID Recovery Plan - improved systems of support in all schools, added additional intervention and support staff, and added a Recovery Coordinator for Equity and Inclusion

• Increased opportunities for student voice and representation through whole school dialogues

• Community engagement with a Middle School Presentation Panel and Mental Health Matter presentation

• FY23 Budget Objectives:

o Preserves equitable student learning opportunities

o Uses unexpected surplus funds strategically

 Address priorities identified in the Facilities Stewardship Plan

 Return additional surplus funds to taxpayers; keep taxes low

• Budget Highlights:

o Provides continued support for professional development for faculty and staff

o Expands preschool education and childcare offerings (full day/five-day per week)

o Maintains all current educational programs for students

o Adds staff appropriate to achieve class sizes identified in our policy

o Adds staff to support an increase in social emotional needs of students as a result of COVID-19 Director of Finance and Operations, E. Jennings reviewed the FY23 Proposed Budget:

• FY23 Proposed Budget = $22,327,585

o $723,372 higher than FY22 budget

o Areas of increase - Direct Instruction and Student Support Services

• Budget History

• Anticipated Revenue comes from Miscellaneous Local Revenues (interests, rental of facilities, grant revenues); transportation; Special Education (formula based on Act 173, block grants, extraordinary placed students, state placed students); Early Education (block grant); Misc. Other (Driver Education reimbursement); Prior Year Surplus (from FY21); Education Funding - majority of revenue funding (from the State and taxes received from the five towns)

• FY23 Calculations as published in the Annual Report

o Threshold is still in hiatus. No penalty will be received this year.

o Forecasted Homestead Tax Yield - set by the State and could possible change even after publication

o No Consolidation Incentive Revenue (FY22 was the last year)

o FY23 Union Tax Rate = $1.6744 which is a $0.1044 cent tax decrease from FY22

• Common Level of Appraisal Impacts

o FY23 CLA’s in each town saw a substantial decrease

o CLA’s are applied to proposed tax rate and calculates for individual towns homestead tax rate

• Budget Recap

o Per Pupil cost Increase 5.92%

o Union Tax Rate Decrease 7.34% (includes incentives)

o Budget Increase 3.35%

o Equalized Pupils Decrease 3.34%

Review of Ballot Items:

Article 1: To elect a Moderator for the term of one year: David Tatlock

Article 2: To elect a Clerk for the term of one year: Martha Kenfield

Article 3: To elect a Treasurer for the term of one year: Greg Burdick

Article 4: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to authorize stipends to be paid district officers including the directors ($850 each member, Board Chair $1,275, clerk $150, and treasurer $4,500)?

Article 5: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to authorize the Board of Directors, under 16 VSA 562 (9), to borrow money by issuance of bonds or notes not in excess of anticipated revenue for the school year?

Article 6: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to authorize the Board of Directors to electronically distribute the annual report?

Article 7: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District approve the Board of School Directors to expend $22,327,585.00 which is the amount the school board has determined to be necessary for the ensuing fiscal year? It is estimated that this proposed budget, if approved, will result in projected education spending of $20,311.00 per equalized pupil. This projected spending per equalized pupil is 5.92% higher than the spending for the current Year.

Article 8: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District authorize the assignment of $1,500,000.00 pursuant to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. §2804, from the fiscal year 2021 fund balance to the ANWSD Capital Improvements Fund, established by the electorate on March 7, 2017?

K. MacKulin reviewed where to find information about the budget, how to join the Informational Meeting, and where to vote on March 1, 2022.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Mike Quinn - North Ferrisburgh - asked about the CLA’s and the surplus money being put against the tax rate, if it is proportioned equally across the towns. Chair Stroup explained that the CLA’s are a measure of the Common Level of Appraisal and they are different for all towns. They are not related to any school budget, but directly related to real estate values. Director Jennings included that when it was discussed how much surplus to apply towards the budget, typically the union tax rate is looked at based on what can be applied to that and not focus on the CLA’s because those figures are

not received from the State until later. The goal was to try to get the union tax rate to drop uniformly for all towns. C. Kayhart explained how the Finance Committee discussed their rationale for how the surplus was divided up.

DISCUSSION ON NON-BINDING BUSINESS:

No discussion.

Chair Stroup thanked everyone for coming and learning the information on the budget and their support for our schools. Reminder to go out to vote on Tuesday, March 1, 2022.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by M. Sullivan and seconded by C. Kayhart, to adjourn the meeting at 6:49 p.m. So voted and motion carried.

Submitted by

Glory Martin Recording Secretary

The legal voters of ANWSD met Tuesday, March 1, 2022, at the usual polling places to vote by Australian ballot on the above articles with the results as follows:

Respectfully submitted and verified,

Martha Kenfield District Clerk

FY24 BUDGET PROCESS, TIMELINE, & HIGHLIGHTS

June/ August 2022

• Board receives preliminary budget projections

• Board discusses Long Term Planning

October 2022

• Special Education Service Plan due

• Director of Finance & Operations establishes a budget development process with principals

• Principals establish a budget development process with staff

• Board Reviews Budget Timeline (Oct. 17, 2022)

November 2022

• Merger Vote NOV 8*

• Board reviews Superintendent Procedures for class size (D16)

• Budget Presentation #1 (Nov 14, 2022)

• Administration receives budget guidance from ANWSD Board (Nov 14)

December 2022

• Budget Presentation #2 (December 12, 2022)

• State information

January 2023

• Budget Presentation #3 (January 9, 2023)

• Budget Presentation #4 (January 18, 2023)adopt or

• Budget Presentation #5 (January 23, 2023) - adopt

February 27, 2023

• ANWSD Annual Meeting at 6 PM

March 7, 2023

• Town Meeting and vote by Australian ballot

*An affirmative vote on the Merger will void this budget timeline process as it applies to ANWSD- a new budget process for ANSD will be forthcoming

BUDGET DRIVERS AND INVESTMENT PRIORITIES

 Maintains all academic program offerings for students at the Middle School and High School, despite a continued decline in enrollment (3% decline in student enrollment projections next year primarily impacting the High School (404 376))

 Maintains all co-curricular, athletics, and enrichment activities for students

 Maintains phase one priorities for Middle School Expansion

o Keeps enrollment numbers sustainable at the Middle Level by expanding grades served

o Includes 1.0 FTE MS Principal to serve the direct needs of MS staff and students/families

 Includes wage increases for employees to remain competitive within the region

 Increases costs for non-negotiable personnel benefits (Other Post Retirement Benefits (OPEB), Health Insurance 12.7%)

 Increases for all non-personnel costs includes:

o Property and Liability Insurance

o Food and Associated Supplies

o Energy

o Transportation

o Contracted Services, Rentals, Maintenance, and Tuition (students) 5%

o All other purchasing for goods Consumer Price Index average 5%

 Includes principal payments on debt for past building improvements in the amount with a current balance of $9.37 million

 Includes increased Tuition costs for PAHCC (10.41%) (mostly due to new debt)

 Includes 1.0 FTE admin to support student needs at VUES for increased student needs and sub-shortages

 Increases intervention supports for students at the Middle School and High School

 Provides high levels of staff support for professional learning to help fulfill the goals outlined in our Continuous Improvement Plan

ANWSD GENERAL FUND BUDGET: FY 2023 - 2024

The amount the District plans to spend

Expenditures

FY 2023 = $22,237,585

FY 2024 = $25,312,768

$ Increase = +$2,985,183

% Increase = + 13.37% minus ( - )

Revenues

FY 2023 = $3,795,216

The revenues the District anticipates receiving to offset expenditures.

FY 2024 = $3,724,463 *

$ Decrease = - $70,753

% Decrease = - 1.86% equals ( = )

Net Education Spending

The amount that needs to be raised by state and local education property taxes, augmented by other Education Fund revenues.

FY 2023 = $18,532,369

FY 2024 = $21,588,305

$ Increase = +$3,055,936

% Increase = + 16.49%

* includes surplus application of $208,967

Equalized Pupils

Equalized pupils is a two-year weighted average of the District’s average daily enrollment.

FY 2023 = 914 61

FY 2024 = 907.12

Decrease = - 7.49

% Decrease = - 0.82%

Local Spending / Equalized Pupil

FY 2023 = $20,263

Education spending per equalized pupil determines the equalized tax rate.

2017 - 2024 Budget Comparison

FY 2024 = $23,799

$ Increase = +$3536

% Increase = + 17.45%

Equalized Pupil History for ANWSD

NOTE: Equalized pupil numbers for FY24 are estimated and will not be finalized until after the Annual Report goes to print

Addison Northwest School District 2023/2024 Budget Proposed Expenditures

FY24 Proposed Budget by Department

Addison Northwest School District 2023/2024 Budget Proposed Revenue

SPECIAL REV ENUE FUNDS FY22

Addison Northwest School District

Combining Schedule of Revenues, Expenditures and Changes In Fund Balances For All Special Revenue, Capital Project, Agency, Enterprise, and Permanent Funds For the Year Ended June 30, 2022

2101

Federal Formula Grant for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Part B. This grant allows the school district to provide free, appropriate, education to all students with disabilities.

2106

2124

2125

2137

2351

Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Title I Part A is a Federal formula grant awarded to school districts to help improve the teaching and learning of students at risk of failure, to meet the state academic standards. The grant is a part of the Consolidated Federal Program Grants.

Federal Grant that supports our district Afterschool Programming. It is a Community Learning Center Grant.

Federal formula grand awarded to school districts to help increase student achievement, improve quality and effectiveness of teachers and school leaders, and provide low-income and minority students greater access to effective teachers and school leaders.

Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding granted to school districts to pay direct expenses related to the pandemic.

Medicaid Reimbursements that can be used by the district for early intervention services to all students. It is designed to align with meeting district action plan goals. Funding comes from Medicaid Claims through the State of Vermont.

2353

Medicaid Administrative Claims Reimbursements that can be used by the district for Health, Wellness, Nursing, Counseling services to all students. Funding comes from Medicaid Claims through the State of Vermont.

2599

This Fund tracks the School Wide Program portion of the Consolidated Federal Program Grants. This Fund is approved by the State of Vermont to allow funds from varied revenue sources to assist with all the goals of any Consolidated Federal Program Grant strategies.

2609

2664-2665

3001-3006

3011

6010

8001-8007

9001

District Cooperative Food Service Program in partnership with Mt. Abraham Unified School District. Funding comes from a combination of participant payments, General Operating contributions, State Funds, and Federal Funds.

Health Care and Education Stabilization funds set aside in Reserve accounts with voter approval for use in fiscal years where unanticipated costs rise above the current budget.

Capital Reserve Funds set aside with voter approval for use in facilities improvement or capital projects.

Bond Fund Specific for Bond proceeds received and spent on the Ferrisburgh Tunnel Infill project.

Afterschool Childcare Program. Funding comes from a combination of participant payments and State Funds.

These Scholarship Funds are Permanent Funds established to award scholarships to students for higher education.

Student Activity Funds are Agency Funds established by student led fundraising activities to benefit students directly through extra-curricular activities.

FUND BALANCE ANALYSIS

General Fund

 Per accounting guidelines and our Fund Balance Policy, we designate the type of funds that make up our total Fund Balance. As of June 30, 2022, the General Fund has a Positive Fund Balance comprised of the following:

 The unassigned fund balance is the amount that must be determined to apply to designated reserves as approved by voters or applied to the FY24 budget as revenue to reduce education spending.

Child Nutrition - In FY23, this program continues to operate through the Food Service Cooperative agreement with Mt. Abraham Unified School District. FY22 resulted in a positive Fund Balance of $94,753 of which $11,070 is Nonspendable (Inventory) and the remaining $83,683 Restricted. Restricted Fund Balance in an Enterprise or Special Revenue fund such as this can be carried forward to FY23 to offset future budget shortfalls.

Capital Project Funds – These funds are reserves set aside specifically for property improvements or repairs. To allocate funds from any given year to these reserves, the board must approve during the budget process, and then warn an article for voters to authorize. Last year, $1,500,000 was voter approved from FY21 surplus to add to these reserves. This amount is included above under the General Fund as Assigned Capital Reserve and was deposited in FY23. To use the funds from reserves, administration must propose the use and intended project to the board, and they may approve at a duly warned board meeting.

Health Insurance Reserve Fund – This fund was approved by voters to establish and allocate up to an amount not to exceed $200,000. According to the approved warning, funds can be allocated to this reserve account based on unspent budget funds specifically for Health Insurance Premiums or HRA/HSA account usage. In FY22, there was over $220,000 unspent in such accounts, however due to the approved cap on this reserve, the district cannot add any more funds to the account. Funds reserved in this account can be spent on Health Insurance Premiums or HRA/HSA usage that exceeds any given year’s budget for such, with the approval of the board at a duly warned board meeting.

Education Stabilization Reserve Fund – This fund was approved by voters to establish and allocate funds not to exceed 4% of the current operating budget. $28,935 from FY21 surplus is included above under General Fund as Assigned Education Reserve and was deposited in FY23. This fund is designed to pay for future budget shortfalls for items unforeseen in any given year’s budget process. To utilize funds from this reserve, administration must track unbudgeted items and propose funding of any items that were not covered elsewhere in the current year budget to the board, at the close of each fiscal year. The board has the authority to approve the usage at a duly warned board meeting.

Principal Long-Term Debt Service as of June 30, 2022:

Addison Building No Current Loans or Bond Notes.

Ferrisburgh Central School Two current Bond Notes with Principal Balances of $675,000 and $380,000. These notes mature in November 2030, and November 2027, respectively.

Vergennes Elementary School No Current Loans or Bond Notes.

Vergennes Union Middle/High School One current Bond Note with a Principal Balance of $1,820,000. This note matures November 2034.

Addison Northwest School District One Performance Contract Bond Note with a Principal Balance of $7,206,111. This note matures November 2038.

Long Term Debt Principal Balances ANWSD

FY24 CALCULATIONS FOR PROPO SED BUDGET

Our Total Local Education Spending amount of $21,588,305.15 is the first and only figure used in calculating our union tax rate that we have control over. The other components in the formula are estimates supplied by the State of Vermont.

**All figures used in calculations are subject to changes by the State Legislature**

The estimated union tax rate is divided by each town’s Common Level of Appraisal (CLA) as set by the Vermont Department of Taxes to determine each town’s tax rate. The school district is not responsible for these calculations.

The Forecasted Homestead Tax Yield for this estimate is based on the original forecast given by the State of Vermont.

ACT 130 EQUALIZED HOMESTEAD TAX RATE CALCULATION, FY24

October 31, 2022

Board of School Directors

Addison Northwest School District

11 Main Streets, Ste B100

Vergennes, Vermont 05491

MANAGEMENT LETTER

In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements of the governmental activities, each major fund and aggregate remaining fund information of the Addison Northwest School District as of and for the year ended June 30, 2022, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, we considered the District’s internal controls. We did so to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the financial statements, but not for expressing our opinion on the effectiveness of the District’s internal controls over financial reporting or compliance.

Management is responsible for the selection and use of appropriate accounting policies and procedures. The significant accounting policies and procedures practiced by the School District are described in Note 1 of Notes to Financial Statements. In performing our test work and other auditing procedures, we noted no transactions of the School District for the above-mentioned year end audited, for which there was a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus or deviation from best practice.

This report is intended solely for the information and use of the Board of School Directors, management and others within the entity and federal awarding agencies and pass-through entities and is not intended to be and should not be used by anyone other than these specified parties.

These matters do not modify our opinion on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2022, where we expressed an unmodified opinion on our independent auditor’s report dated December 2, 2022.

We would like to thank Elizabeth and the Business Office staff at the District for their cooperation throughout this audit process.

If there are any questions regarding this letter, please do not hesitate to call. Very

Best, RHR Smith & Company,

Services for Children with Disabilities

Attention residents of Addison, Ferrisburgh, Panton, Vergennes, and Waltham:

Addison Northwest School District offers special education services to eligible children three through 21, and early intervention for children birth to age three.

Eligible students with disabilities are entitled to receive a free, appropriate, public education.

ANWSD may not be aware of all resident children and youth with a disability. If you know of a child who has a disability and is not in school, homeless, attending an independent school, enrolled in home study, or not otherwise being educated at public expense, please notify us by contacting your local school principal or by calling 802-877-3332 ext. 2113, or writing: Kara Griswold, Director of Student Support Services, ANWSD, 11 Main Street, Suite B100, Vergennes, VT 05491