2020 - 2021 Annual Report Card and 2021 - 2022 Proposed Annual Budget
Monday, February 22, 2021
Remote Informational Hearing
6:00 PM Virtually broadcasted (details included)
ANWSD 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
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
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Contents ANWSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DISTRICT OFFICERS.................................................................................................. 4 MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR ................................................................................................................................ 5 MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ................................................................................................ 7 ANWSD ADMINISTRATION ................................................................................................................................................ 9 ANWSD SCHOOL LEADERSHIP .......................................................................................................................................... 9 ANWSD STAFF DIRECTORY ..............................................................................................................................................10 DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS ..............................................................................................................................................15 LEARNING & TECHNOLOGY
Violet Nichols, Director .............................................................. 15
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Lynne Rapoport, Coordinator .................................................. 20
PRESCHOOL
Marcie Tierney, Director/Teacher ........................................... 21
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Kara Griswold, Director ............................................................ 22
AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Tara Brooks, Director................................................................ 23
ATHLETICS
Peter Maneen, Director ........................................................... 24
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Ken Sullivan, Director .............................................................. 25
SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES
Kathy Alexander, Director....................................................... 30
FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL
Andy Kepes, Principal .............................................................. 32
VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Matthew DeBlois, Principal .................................................... 34
VERGENNES UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Stephanie Taylor, Principal.................................................... 36
ADDISON WAYFINDER EXPERIENCE PROGRAM
Ashley Hanlon, Director ......................................................... 39
ACHIEVEMENTS & SPOTLIGHTS ...................................................................................................................................... 40 VUHS SCHOOL PROFILE ...................................................................................................................................................45 2020-21 TEACHER SALARY SCALE ................................................................................................................................... 47 2020-21 SUPPORT STAFF SALARY SCALE ....................................................................................................................... 47 PROFILE ON THE COMMUNITY ....................................................................................................................................... 48 ENROLLMENTS..................................................................................................................................................................50 ANNOUNCED TUITION.....................................................................................................................................................51 BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2022.............................................................................................................................................52 FY22 BUDGET PROCESS AND TIMELINE ........................................................................................................................ 52 BUDGET COMPARISON / EQUALIZED PUPILS ............................................................................................................... 53 2021-2022 BUDGET PROPOSED EXPENDITURES.......................................................................................................... 54 2021-2022 BUDGET PROPOSED REVENUE.................................................................................................................... 56 SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS FY20 ...................................................................................................................................... 57 FUND BALANCE ANALYSIS...............................................................................................................................................60 DEBT SERVICE....................................................................................................................................................................61 FY22 CALCULATIONS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET ........................................................................................................... 62 ACT 130 EQUALIZED HOMESTEAD TAX RATE CALCULATION, FY22 ........................................................................... 63 THREE PRIOR YEARS COMPARISONS ............................................................................................................................. 64 TREASURER’S REPORT ......................................................................................................................................................65 AUDIT MANAGEMENT LETTER ........................................................................................................................................ 66 2020 ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES ................................................................................................................................. 68 WARNINGS.........................................................................................................................................................................71 GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND TERMS ........................................................................................................................ 75 Page | 3
ANWSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DISTRICT OFFICERS Board of Directors
Town
Term Exp.
John Stroup, Chair
Vergennes
2022
jstroup@anwsd.org
Thomas Borchert, Vice Chair
Waltham
2022
tborchert@anwsd.org
Kristina MacKulin, Clerk
Ferrisburgh
2021
kmackulin@anwsd.org
Laurie Childers
Addison
2021
lchilders@anwsd.org
Bill Clark
Ferrisburgh
2021
bclark@anwsd.org
Martha DeGraaf
Vergennes
2023
mdegraaf@anwsd.org
Bradley Dewey
Panton
2023 (resigned 12/2020)
Kirsten De La Cruz
Panton
Interim 2021
kdelacruz@anwsd.org
George Gardner
Ferrisburgh
2022
ggardner@anwsd.org
Chris Kayhart
Ferrisburgh
2023
ckayhart@anwsd.org
Amy Kittredge
Addison
2023
akittredge@anwsd.org
Mark Koenig
Vergennes
2021
mkoenig@anwsd.org
Keith Morrill
Vergennes
2022
kmorrill@anwsd.org
District Officers: Moderator – David Tatlock
Clerk – Martha Kenfield
Treasurer – Greg Burdick
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 p.m. To find their next meeting date and location, visit the School Board page on the website.
Every 2nd Regular Monthly Board meeting (unless noted) is broadcasted live by Media Factory. Watch LIVE School Board Meetings here: https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory
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MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR Dear Members of the Addison Northwest School District community, I want to begin with a series of heartfelt thank yous. Thank you to our staff, teachers, and administrators for their work transitioning to a distance learning model and then to our current hybrid model with new protocols, guidelines, and practices. Thank you to our food service staff for continuing to deliver meals to all of our children. The adjustments that all of you made in a matter of days literally kept our students learning and fed. The District has adapted with determination and care to so many other changes big and small since March 15th, 2020 when Governor Scott ordered schools temporarily closed to in-person learning. Thank you to all of our families for your patience, for your engagement, and your dedication to your children’s well-being and education. Finally, thank you to our students and the incredible resilience you have shown. I have always admired the ANWSD Vision Statement, but at no point in my years as a School Board member have I felt that we so fully embodied the notion of “a kind, collaborative, creative community for all.” Addressing our Challenges Ahead Over the past year, the Board has continued to address the pervasive conditions facing our District. Chronic issues driven by declining enrollment and increasing fixed costs -- especially in areas like healthcare insurance -- will continue to challenge the balance of exceptional education and affordable education. The Board has developed a set of priorities to guide it in this work. We want 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. To help understand our current situation, the Board commissioned a demographic and facilities study from the New England School Development Council (NESDEC) to provide an overview of our demographic challenges as well as a close look at our facilities. NESDEC provided reconfiguration options for us to consider internally as well as with our neighbors in the Mount Abraham School District. Using those options and that information, our Community Engagement Committee developed videos, presentations, and held multiple events since October 2020 to share where we are today and what options we might consider going forward. In the coming months, we will continue to explore these options both as a Board and with our community at large. Accomplishments Even though the current pandemic has changed the ways in which we work and interact, the Board moved forward and accomplished much during 2020. We took a proactive stance addressing issues of racism and injustice by recommitting this Board and this learning community to support safe, civil, and anti-racist schools. We agreed that “The Board emphatically endorses and supports a learning environment and shared community void of hate, bias, bigotry, and racism.” This resulting statement will build momentum to support the work of our Policy Committee as it works with a broad set of constituents to develop a District Equity Policy. Our District continues to be one of the most collaborative in the state. Grade school students from the Town of Addison are a welcome addition to the student body at the Vergennes Union Elementary School. The Addison Central School building now houses the Addison Wayfinder Experience (AWE), an alternative program for students across all of Addison County. This program allows our students to stay close to home which in turn helps us conserve resources while collaborating with our two neighboring school districts. Similar to our food service program, AWE is a model for sharing resources across districts in order to continue to provide excellent programs for students. Page | 5
The Board has entered into negotiated agreements with both the Addison Northwest Support Staff Association and the Addison Northwest Teachers Association which will run into 2023. The Board revised the means by which it reports monthly financial data for ease of understanding and continued to work with the administration to develop guidance for fund balances and investments. We entered into a contract to upgrade our telecommunications systems, as well as a larger facility maintenance program for all of our buildings. We are moving forward to remedy the pervasive mold issue in the Ferrisburgh Central School. Due to low interest rates and the longevity of benefits for this project, the Board is asking voters to support a financing option to cover the cost of this remedy. Finally, I’m proud of the work our student representatives, Reagan Kayhart and Ben Huston, did to develop a set of procedures and guidelines that will enhance student voice on the Board. Budget and Australian Votes The proposed fiscal year 2022 budget meets the goals of preserving equitable student opportunities, maintaining our facilities, and ensuring affordability. We have made strategic investments to expand our early childhood education offerings, to support professional learning for our staff and faculty, and to invest in support for 1:1 technology offerings. The proposed FY22 of $21,604,213 is a $238,381 decrease (-1.09%) from the FY21 budget. In addition, the per pupil spending in this proposed budget is $19,289, a decrease of $589 (-2.96%) from the current rate. Because the pandemic significantly impacted the cost of running our schools since March, our District ended up with an unexpected surplus. In response, the Board will use part of this surplus to try and limit future increases in the union tax rate. We are asking voters to approve the further funding of the ANWSD Capital Improvements Fund as well as establish the ANWSD Education Stabilization Reserve Fund. This Board takes seriously the importance of managing our collective resources as closely as possible. In the five years since consolidation, the overall budget of the ANWSD has increased by only 2%. We’ve decreased our budget in three of the last four years. In the face of a decline in enrollment and double-digit healthcare premium increases, the stewardship of our educational resources has been prudent. We hope you will join us in supporting this budget and all warned items on March 2, 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board has voted that all items will be warned as Australian ballot items; we do not have a space large enough to safely accommodate everyone who might attend an annual meeting given restrictions. We hope to return to normal times soon, but in the meantime, we ask that you thoughtfully work your way through a rather lengthy ballot covering a number of important issues. We remain committed to working together 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. If the COVID-19 pandemic crisis has highlighted anything, it is that we 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 information about future planning, agendas, and minutes. Respectfully submitted on behalf of the ANWSD Board of Directors, John Stroup, Board Chair
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MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS January 2021 Dear Addison Northwest School District Community Members, What an unusual school year 2020-21 has been! For the past eleven months, our schools have navigated the significant challenges associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Within days of the Governor’s order to close schools, we launched a fully remote learning structure, which then transitioned into starting the current school year in “hybrid mode” with students splitting time between home and in-person learning. While our elementary learners are back to full-time, in-person learning, our middle and high school students are still splitting their time between remote and in-person learning each week. Our administrators, faculty, and staff have worked tirelessly to redefine their roles and to adapt, many times over, to the changing conditions and guidance coming from the Agency of Education and Department of Health. Our school nurses provided significant expertise in managing the health and safety components of our reopening plans. Our students and their families have demonstrated remarkable flexibility and resilience in the face of these challenges. During this time and throughout the summer months, our child nutrition program made use of available federal funds to continue to provide meals to all children in the community. This took extraordinary action on the part of our Director, Kathy Alexander, and the entire child nutrition team, and was supported by many staff members who altered their usual job responsibilities to assist in this effort. It is truly remarkable what we have endured and persevered through since our last Annual Report. As we face the post-pandemic future, we can expect that our students will need social/emotional support to overcome the stress of this event, and academic support for any learning loss they may have experienced. Any additional federal funding we gain access to will be directed toward these priorities. Our administration will be developing a recovery plan in the coming months to help address these component parts of our recovery efforts. It is our hope that we can return to full in-person learning as close to “normal” as possible by the Fall of 2021. In addition to overseeing the general operations of the district, my work this year also included:
•
Continued facilitation of the Administrative Team’s collaborative decision making around policy implementation and budgeting, as well as providing shared leadership around our vision for equitable teaching and learning in the district.
•
Ongoing management of COVID-19 emergency operations and plans for recovery.
•
Negotiations for two union contracts with both teachers and support staff incorporating the new state required health plans.
•
Collaboration with the board, Community Engagement Committee, and others in the region to develop longrange plans for the district in the face of declining enrollment.
•
Development of proposals for the expansion of PreK /childcare beginning in school year 2021-22.
•
Planning for the implementation of Act 173 (special education delivery and funding model changes) and the Weighting Study.
Our Annual Report includes summaries from the various departments and individual schools, as well as a compilation of student performance data, school improvement initiatives, demographics, and budget information. The proposed budget will sustain our District’s annual goals, continuous improvement plan (CIP), mission and vision for our schools. Our emphasis remains on providing students with rigorous educational opportunities, continued investments into our facilities, promoting safe and healthy schools, and encouraging integration of technology tools to prepare our students for their future. Page | 7
Our building administrators, Central Office staff, and Teacher Leadership teams continue to work collaboratively across settings to support a variety of educational initiatives including a focus on student-centered, personalized learning. As we look ahead, we must address systemic issues of inequity which produce disparities in achievement and impact the experiences of many students in our system. We are committed to supporting all learners in their pursuit of personalized pathways to graduation where outcomes are not predetermined based on cultural, ethnic, gender, socioeconomic, or special needs backgrounds. We will continue to remove barriers that discourage or prevent students from accessing the highest level of coursework available to them as we bolster systems of support which allow access to these learning opportunities. We remain committed to shared leadership and staff professional development where teachers are able to learn from each other, share teaching practices, align curriculum and assessments within schools, and across our District. This annual report contains assessment data which demonstrates student performance using alternative measures given the statewide absence of data from Spring 2020 due to COVID-19. Please see Director Violet Nichols’ report for more information. Our FY22 budget investments continue to prioritize both academic and social/emotional learning for students at all levels; as well as the safety, security, and maintenance of our school buildings. Our administration and school board members have worked diligently to create a budget that is fiscally responsible without compromising the quality of education the students of ANWSD deserve. The ANWSD Board of Directors have outlined the following priorities that help to guide decision making in the near and long term:
•
Maintain (or grow) programming
•
Costs reasonable for taxpayers
•
Offer stability to students and staff by identifying a more permanent structure to support the district into the future
To that end, we have developed a FY 22 expenditure budget in the amount of $21,604,213. This is a decrease of 1.09% ($238,381) from our current budget. Our per pupil costs under this budget are also down by 2.96% to $19,289. This results in a union tax rate of 1.7722 which is equal to the FY21 tax rate due to the application of $266K in surplus funds to the bottom line. Because of the significant disruption of the pandemic, ANWSD ended FY20 with $1.5M in surplus funds. The board has developed proposals for the remaining funds which include adding $475K into the District’s Capital Reserve Fund for future facility needs, approximately 4% (or $845K) into an Educational Stabilization Reserve Fund which will help to support a more conservative approach to budgeting by allowing these funds to address future unexpected revenue shortfalls through board action. This type of reserve account is common and comes at the recommendation of our auditors. Please see Director Jennings’ Budget report for more details on the budget and for descriptions of the existing and proposed reserve account proposals. Thank you for your consideration of our budget proposal and these additional articles. In closing, I want to thank the ANWSD board and the members of our five-town community for supporting our schools and encourage you to attend the annual meeting on February 22, 2021 at 6 pm via Zoom and livestream. Please see the posting on how to access the meeting or contact the Central Office for more information. I am truly honored to work with our administrators, teachers, support staff, and school board members who devote their time and energy to creating a kind, collaborative, and creative community for all that nurtures a diverse and accessible learning environment. We have faced challenges we could not have imagined only a short time ago, yet despite these circumstances our staff and students have persevered and given hope and inspiration to the families in our community. Educationally yours, Sheila M. Soule Superintendent of Schools
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ANWSD ADMINISTRATION
From left to right: Sheila Soule
Superintendent
Kara Griswold
Director of Student Support Services
Elizabeth Jennings
Director of Finance & Operations
Violet Nichols
Director of Learning & Technology
Ken Sullivan
Director of Buildings, Grounds, & Safety
ANWSD SCHOOL LEADERSHIP
From left to right: Andy Kepes
Principal - Ferrisburgh Central School
Matthew DeBlois
Principal – Vergennes Union Elementary School
Stephanie Taylor
Principal – Vergennes Union High School
Ed Cook
Assistant Principal – Vergennes Union High School
Abby Ruble
Dir. of School Counseling & Student Programs – Vergennes Union High School
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
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ANWSD STAFF DIRECTORY Last Name
First Name
Type
Title
Location
Cook
Edward
Admin
Assistant Principal
VUHS
DeBlois
Matthew
Admin
Principal
VUES
Griswold
Kara
Admin
Director of Student Support Services
ANWSD
Jennings
Elizabeth
Admin
Director of Finance & Operations
ANWSD
Kepes
Andy
Admin
Principal
FCS
Maneen
Peter
Admin
Director of Student Activities
VUHS
Nichols
Violet
Admin
Director of Learning & Technology
ANWSD
Ruble
Abigail
Admin
Director of School Counseling
VUHS
Soule
Sheila
Admin
Superintendent of Schools
ANWSD
Sullivan
Kenneth
Admin
Director of Building, Grounds, & Safety
ANWSD
Taylor
Stephanie
Admin
Principal
VUHS
Delisle
Jody
Admin Support
Payroll & Benefits Administrator
ANWSD
Douville
Linda
Admin Support
Administrative Assistant - Student Support Services
ANWSD
Jennings
April
Admin Support
Fiscal Analyst
ANWSD
Jewell
Dan
Admin Support
Accounts Payable Specialist
ANWSD
Martin
Glory
Admin Support
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
ANWSD
Rapoport
Lynne
Admin Support
Health & Wellness Coordinator
ANWSD
Wright
Gary
Admin Support
Assistant Director of Buildings, Grounds, & Safety
ANWSD
Anderson
Sarah
Non-Aligned Support
School Nutrition Manager
FCS
Arminius
Daryl
Non-Aligned Support
Data Manager
ANWSD
Bourgeois
Ashley
Non-Aligned Support
Child Care Program Assistant
FCS
Bradford
William
Non-Aligned Support
Maintenance Electrician
ANWSD
Brooks
Tara
Non-Aligned Support
Director of After School & Summer Services
VUES
Bruso
Wendy
Non-Aligned Support
Systems Administrator
VUHS
Comouche
Jeanne
Non-Aligned Support
FCS Fusion Site Coordinator
FCS
DeGraaf
Kristin
Non-Aligned Support
Child Care Program Assistant
VUES
Haselton
Thomas
Non-Aligned Support
Technology Support Specialist
ANWSD
Huff
Anne
Non-Aligned Support
Child Care Program Assistant
VUES
Jochum
Carmen
Non-Aligned Support
School Nutrition Manager
VUHS
Shepard
Mavis
Non-Aligned Support
Child Care Program Assistant
VUES
Shugart
Angela
Non-Aligned Support
Administrative Assistant
VUES
Smith
Debbi
Non-Aligned Support
Admin. Assistant - Facilities & Operations
VUHS
Sprague
Lisa
Non-Aligned Support
School Nutrition Manager
VUES
Sullivan
Betsy
Non-Aligned Support
Principal's Confidential Secretary
VUHS
Takeda
Karen
Non-Aligned Support
School Nutrition Head Chef
VUHS
Adreon
Ryan
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Armell
Nancy
Support
Paraeducator - Bus Aide
FCS
Barnes
Eleanor
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
VUHS
Bicknell
Sarah
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Blais
Lorri
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
FCS
Blanshard
Timothy
Support
Custodian
VUHS
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Last Name
First Name
Type
Title
Location
Brooks
Karen
Support
Paraeducator
FCS
Brouillard
Mark
Support
Head Custodian
VUHS
Bryant
Jamie
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
VUHS
Castillo
Millie-Jean
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Chamberlain
Michelle
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Clark
Sandra
Support
Paraeducator
FCS
Driscoll
Sara
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Dunne
Susan
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Eckels
Michelle
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Flynn
Kaitlyn
Support
Receptionist/Student Services Secretary
VUES
Gaboriault
Randall
Support
Custodian
VUES
Gebo
Lissa
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
VUES
Gero
Brian
Support
Custodian
FCS
Gonyeau
Holly
Support
Custodian
VUHS
Grant
Gerald
Support
Custodian
VUHS
Hallock
June
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Jerome
Susan
Support
Custodian
VUES
Jones
Diane
Support
Paraeducator
ANWSD Preschool
Kayhart
Sandra
Support
School Climate Facilitator
VUES
Langer
John
Support
Custodian
VUHS
Lawrence
Lisa
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
VUHS
Lawrence
Loretta
Support
Secretary
FCS
Loven
David
Support
Head Custodian
VUES
Loven
Wanda
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Mallory
Sharon
Support
Behavior Interventionist
VUHS
Marcotte
Dianne
Support
Secretary - Main Office
VUHS
Martin
Patricia
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
McCoy
Christopher
Support
Custodian
VUHS
O'Bryan
Stephen
Support
Custodian
VUHS
Paquette
Angela
Support
Paraeducator
ANWSD Preschool
Presson
Lisa
Support
Paraeducator
FCS
Rheaume
Julie
Support
School Nutrition Assistant
VUHS
Russett
Jacqueline
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Shea
Christina
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Stapleford
Ligia
Support
Paraeducator
FCS
Stearns
Scott
Support
Custodian
VUHS
Thurber
Shannon
Support
Behavior Interventionist
VUHS
Vincent
Anne
Support
Secretary - Guidance Office
VUHS
Vincent
Patricia
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Walther
Denise
Support
Paraeducator
VUHS
Whitley
Lisa
Support
Paraeducator
VUES
Young
Carolyn
Support
Communication Facilitator
VUES
Ackerman
Erin
Teacher
Library Media Specialist
FCS
Adreon
Elizabeth
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
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Last Name
First Name
Type
Title
Location
Ambrose
Nancy
Teacher
Mathematics
VUHS
Babcock
Tifany
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 2
FCS
Bearor
Beth
Teacher
Kindergarten
VUES
Beebe
Sandra
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 2
VUES
Beerworth
Julia
Teacher
Social Studies
VUHS
Bennett
Kimberly
Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
ANWSD Preschool
Benoit
Jaymes
Teacher
Health & PE / VTVLC Instructor
VUHS
Bernardini
Ralph
Teacher
Middle School Math
VUHS
Berno
Dawn
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 4
VUES
Brileya
Susan
Teacher
School Counselor
FCS
Brisson
Elizabeth
Teacher
Special Educator
VUES
Brooks
Jeremy
Teacher
SAILS Program -Science
VUHS
Brooks
Joshua
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 6
VUES
Brooks
Melissa
Teacher
Educational Tech. Specialist
VUHS
Burlock
Sheila
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 1
VUES
Cadoret
Michelle
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 5
VUES
Clayton
Diana
Teacher
World Language - French
VUHS
Cleiland
Tori
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Coffey
Rebecca
Teacher
Social Studies
VUHS
Conway
Sally
Teacher
Math Interventionist
FCS
Cook
Sarah
Teacher
Physical Education
VUHS
Corbett
William
Teacher
Social Studies
VUHS
Cousino
Julie
Teacher
Elementary Art
VUES
Cram
Sharon
Teacher
Kindergarten
VUES
Duggan
Jeffrey
Teacher
STEM
AWE Program
Ebel
Rebecca
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Elson
Judy
Teacher
Elementary - Grades 5/6
FCS
Exler
Nicholas
Teacher
Instrumental
VUHS
Fay
Michele
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 2
VUES
Fetters
Jennifer
Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
VUES
Fetters
Michael
Teacher
Special Educator
VUES
Foley
Amy
Teacher
Library Media Specialist
VUES
Francis
Brent
Teacher
Science
VUHS
Frangipane
Laura
Teacher
Social Studies
VUHS
Garrecht
Peter
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Goldstein
Roberta
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Grace
Margo
Teacher
Literacy Interventionist
FCS
Guinane
Carlie
Teacher
Art
VUHS
Haggett
Melissa
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 3
VUES
Haney
Steven
Teacher
Special Educator
FCS
Hull
Roderick
Teacher
Driver Education
VUHS
Husk
Laura
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Johnson
Brian
Teacher
Science
VUHS
Kayhart
Lynn
Teacher
Mathematics
VUHS
Page | 12
Last Name
First Name
Type
Title
Location
Kenney
Lydia
Teacher
Elementary - Grades 3/4
FCS
Kepes
Janet
Teacher
World Language - German
VUHS
Kepes
Samantha
Teacher
Middle School Science
VUHS
Kingsley
Jennifer
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 1
VUES
Kirkaldy
Kristine
Teacher
World Language - Spanish/PBL Coordinator
VUHS
Kreisman
Isaac
Teacher
Middle School Social Studies
VUHS
Kuhns
Cynthia
Teacher
EEE Special Ed.
ANWSD Preschool
Kunkel
Angela
Teacher
Library Media Specialist
VUHS
Lucarelli
Hannah
Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
FCS
Mahoney
Allison
Teacher
English Language Arts
VUHS
Mailloux
Sally
Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
VUES
Marsh
Megan
Teacher
Literacy Interventionist
VUES
Mason
Susanna
Teacher
English Language Learner
VUES & VUHS
Matot
Alison
Teacher
Kindergarten
VUES
Monk
Ashlee
Teacher
School Counselor
VUHS
Mugford
Holly
Teacher
Elementary Music
VUES
Mullis
Melanie
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 2
VUES
Murphy
Alyshia
Teacher
School Counselor
VUES
Muzzy
Melissa
Teacher
Middle School Science
VUHS
Nary
Sean
Teacher
Middle School Math
VUHS
Newton
Robyn
Teacher
Elementary Physical Education
VUES
O'Hara
Cailin
Teacher
Choral
VUHS
Oliveira
Susan
Teacher
School Counselor
VUHS
Olsen
Meghan
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Paquette
Nicole
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 4
VUES
Paquin
Heather
Teacher
Special Educator
VUHS
Payeur
Elizabeth
Teacher
Middle School English Language Arts
VUHS
Pierce
Kaci
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 1
FCS
Pominville
Kathleen
Teacher
School Nurse
FCS
Pudvar
Kathleen
Teacher
Elementary - Grades 3/4
FCS
Racine
Heather
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 3
VUES
Raphael
Stacy
Teacher
English Language Arts
AWE Program
Robinson
Kimberly
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 5
VUES
Rossier
Emily
Teacher
Science - Walden Program
VUHS
Roukey
Kaitlyn
Teacher
Middle School English Language Arts
VUHS
Rusik
Donna
Teacher
Kindergarten
FCS
Schlein
Matthew
Teacher
Walden Program
VUHS
Shields
Mary
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 1
VUES
Smith
Anna
Teacher
Elementary Health Educator
FCS & VUES
Spencer
Jeffrey
Teacher
Art
VUHS
Stapleford
Peter
Teacher
Elementary - Grades 5/6
FCS
Steen
Karl
Teacher
English Language Arts
VUHS
Story
Glenn
Teacher
Mathematics
VUHS
Sullivan
Shelby
Teacher
School Nurse
VUHS
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Last Name
First Name
Type
Title
Location
Sweeney
Randy
Teacher
Middle School Counselor
VUHS
Tatro
Jennel
Teacher
Elementary Music
FCS
Taylor-Parsons
Alison
Teacher
Elementary Art
VUES
Tewksbury
Amy
Teacher
Special Educator
VUES
Thomas
Michael
Teacher
English Language Arts
VUHS
Thompson
Sarah
Teacher
Science
VUHS
Tierney
Marcie
Teacher
Preschool
ANWSD Preschool
Trudo
Tara
Teacher
Math Interventionist
VUES
Valcourt
Stacy
Teacher
Special Educator
FCS
Vickers
Kyle
Teacher
Health/PE
VUHS
Vigne
Allison
Teacher
School Nurse
VUES
Walsh
Brianne
Teacher
School Psychologist
ANWSD
Warner
Sarah
Teacher
Special Educator
VUES
Watson
Wendy
Teacher
Speech Language Pathologist
VUES & VUHS
Wells
Jaime
Teacher
School Nurse
VUHS
Wenzel
Rose
Teacher
Elementary - Grade 6
VUES
West
Dennis
Teacher
Special Educator/PBL Coordinator
VUHS
Wilson
Anna
Teacher
Physical Ed.
FCS & VUHS
Wyckoff
Christopher
Teacher
English Language Arts
VUHS
Zwickel
Gwen
Teacher
Literacy Interventionist
VUES
Percentage by Position Non-Aligned Support, 9% Admin Support, 4% Administrator/Director, 6% School Nutrition Assistant, 3% Teacher, 39%
Receptionist/Secretary, 2%
Paraeducators, 12%
English Language Learner, 1%
Custodian, 6%
School Counselor, 3%
Behavioral Interventionist, 1%
Library Media Specialist, 2%
Speech Language Pathologist, 3%
Nurse, 2%
Special Educators, 8%
School Psychologist, 1%
Teaching Staff & Level of Degree Degree
B
B15
B30
M
M15
M30
CAGS/CAS/MM
#of Staff Acquired
9
6
13
28
17
20
18
B = Bachelors M = Masters MM = Double Masters
B15 = Bachelors +15 credits M15 = Masters + 15 credits CAGS = Certificate of Advanced Graduated Study
B30 = Bachelors + 30 credits M30 = Masters + 30 credits CAS = Certificate of Advanced Study
Page | 14
DEPARTMENTAL REPORTS LEARNING & TECHNOLOGY
Violet Nichols, Director
Points of Pride During the 2019-2020 school year, the Office of Learning & Technology focused on implementing the three goals outlined in the Addison Northwest School District Continuous Improvement Plan: high levels of proficiency for all students, safe and healthy school environments, and developing investment priorities. Curriculum, instruction, and assessment efforts to support our goals represent a coordinated preK-12 approach that prioritizes equity (making sure every student has the opportunity to be successful), proficiency-based learning, and student-centered approaches. With pandemic-prompted modifications to teaching, learning, and assessing, our structures and educators adapted their practice to effectively implement remote and blended learning models beginning in March of 2020. The 2019-2020 school year kicked off with a convocation address delivered by Matthew Kolan, Senior Lecturer and researcher of diversity, power, and privilege at the University of Vermont, who set the stage for our District’s focus on equity, to support the attainment of high levels of learning for all students in safe environments. Throughout the year, educators and administrators participated in professional learning to engage in anti-racism and equity focuses with colleagues across the region and state. Teams attended Courageous Conversations: Leadership for Racial Equity, Courageous Conversations: Beyond Diversity and Thought Partners Series: Innovative Leadership- Lessons Learned from Unplanned Remote Learning. This professional development is part of a multi-year prioritization to increase equity in ANWSD schools for all students, including groups identified by the Vermont Agency of Education as needing equity supports, such as those with low socioeconomic status and Individualized Educational Plan indicators. During the adaptation to a remote learning model, educators across our system worked to identify critical content for preK-12. These priorities were outlined in our Continuity of Learning Plan, a detailed document created to ensure that the academic, social, and emotional needs of all students were being met during pandemic-related closures. One significant change in practice was the implementation of learning management systems, which allowed learning to continue via online solutions. K-6 educators began using the platform Seesaw and grades 7-12 educators adopted Canvas. Through these learning management systems, teachers and students interacted virtually, posted and submitted assignments, accessed course content, and participated in virtual communities. Our Technology Department made it possible for staff and students in grades 2-12 to have a device at home to engage in remote learning. This meant that the ANWSD Technology Team was supporting nearly 1,000 users including staff, students, and families. To support the massive change in practice, the ANWSD Technology Team adopted user-centered approaches to empower users at all levels. Several ways that the team supported users was through the creation of a Technology Guidebook, providing a socially distanced hardware exchange program and updating device tracking systems. A new management system for district-owned iPads was also implemented, culminating a multi-phase project that started in 2019. A device audit, aimed at getting appropriate devices to staff, began in 2020. This multi-year technology initiative will stop the practice of purchasing desktops as primary devices for educators, and instead, increase laptop distribution to teachers. There were 25 laptops purchased in 2020, with 30 more slated to be purchased during the 2020-2021 school year. To offset newly incurred device-related costs, the ANWSD Technology Team set up a system with an outside vendor to sell back used Chromebooks in exchange for credit towards the purchase of repair parts and equipment, which the team used to fix devices in our fleet. In addition to hardware prioritization, a new antivirus and cybersecurity software was installed on all district-owned desktops and laptops. Numerous upgrades were made to improve technology infrastructure to support teaching and learning within the District. Our former wireless network, Aerohive, was replaced by Extreme Network, an upgrade for our system. Many access point units were replaced at FCS and VUES, and other necessary infrastructure upgrades were completed. Notably,
Page | 15
in preparation for our new E-911-compliant telephone system, slated to be installed in 2021, data wiring was replaced at FCS and VUES. Updates on Program Many advances in curriculum, instruction, and assessment occurred during the 2019-2020 school year. Remote learning expedited critical curriculum development. Learning expectations, performance indicators and learning scales were revised to prioritize critical content in grades 7-12. Elementary common scheduling agreements that included teaching strategies and program alignment were adopted, creating cohesion among our K-6 schools. ANWSD educators developed curriculum for K-6 music, grades 9-12 math, K-2 math, K-2 English Language Arts and began work on grades 3-6 English Language Arts and preK-12 health curriculum. A professional development plan was implemented that continued to increase personalization, focused on critical proficiencies and connected assessment to teaching and learning. We finalized a Local Comprehensive Assessment Plan that more accurately measured student progress so that teaching could address students’ needs with greater accuracy. Our Professional Development Plan for the 2019-2020 school year included priorities that were identified during the Comprehensive Needs Assessment, a broad data review that occurred during the 2018-2019 school year. With academic, social, and emotional priorities identified, based on student achievement data, as shown below, professional development that aimed to mitigate targeted gaps in achievement was implemented. During the 2019-2020 school year, ANWSD worked with consultants from the Teachers Development Group, Great Schools Partnership, and the Stern Center for Language and Learning to improve outcomes for all students in the areas of mathematics, proficiency-based systems, and structured literacy, respectively. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC), the Vermont Science Assessment (VTSA) and the Vermont Physical Education Assessment (VTPEA) were cancelled for 2020. In the unprecedented absence of State testing data, this report details assessment information from our Local Comprehensive Assessment System, including the Scholastic Reading Inventory, a criterion-referenced test intended to measure reading comprehension, and FastBridge Assessments for reading and mathematics. FastBridge assessments are Computer-Adaptive and feature Curriculum-Based Measures for universal screening and progress monitoring. This information is typically used to inform instruction, and not for programmatic review purposes. You will also find information on course enrollment, advanced placement testing and SAT data below. The following two graphs show grades 3-6 FastBridge aReading and aMath percentiles by school, over time, from Fall 2019 to Winter 2020.
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The two graphs below show winter 2020 FastBridge aReading and aMath scores for grades 3-6 disaggregated by gender.
The graph below shows Scholastic Reading Inventory scores by proficiency level and grade at VUHS.
The following table shows the number of English Language Learners scoring at each proficiency level by domain in 2020, aggregated K-12 (N=10).
WIDA ACCESS Scores by Topic and Proficiency Level Proficiency Level
Overall
Reading
Writing
Listening
Speaking
1– Entering
3
3
1
2
2
2–Emerging
1
0
3
0
2
3–Developing
1
2
2
2
5
4–Expanding
4
1
4
2
1
5–Bridging
1
3
0
0
0
6–Reaching
0
1
0
4
0 Page | 17
Change from 2019 → 2020 Grades 1-12 (N=10) Improved
6
0
5
0
4
Improved by 1 or > 1 proficiency level (or already proficient)
2
6
1
4
2
The following two pie charts show course participation by enrollment percentage at VUHS for the class of 2021.
The following three graphs show participation in upper-level coursework at VUHS by number of students and course type.
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The following graph shows advanced placement test score levels in four subjects for 2020 at VUHS.
The following graph shows SAT scores over time in reading and math for VUHS students, 2017-2020 (N < 10).
Future Planning Future planning will continue to address the three goals outlined in the ANWSD Continuous Improvement Plan: high levels of proficiency for all students, safe and healthy school environments, and developing investment priorities. Consolidated Federal Grants will be written to fund professional development that supports the teaching and learning needs outlined in our improvement plans. Management of local, state, and federal grants, including Title I-A, Title II-A and Title IV-A funding, is an important, year-round process that supports Continuous Improvement Plan-identified goals. Major initiatives that continue to support equitable, student-centered systems that build the capacity of our educators and improve outcomes for all students are the development of an elementary instructional coaching program, revision of our mentoring program, the expansion of Orton-Gillingham approaches (structured literacy), modification of elementary report cards, and the refinement of systems that support students who are not achieving proficiency due to pandemicrelated causes. Furthermore, the revision of our Educational Support Team process and Personalized Learning Plans will seek to meet the needs of all students, including those below proficiency. A district-wide equity audit will be a paramount, multi-year focus centered around meeting the needs of all learners. Each of these initiatives will involve coordination between leadership teams, administrators and educators, whose partnership will improve outcomes for students within ANWSD. The Technology Team, in addition to supporting teaching and learning in new ways like never before, has a number of infrastructure plans for 2020 and 2021. Beginning in February 2021, E-911-compliant telephone systems will be installed in all ANWSD buildings. In the summer of 2021, a new fiber optic cable will be installed between VUHS and VUES. This cable will replace an existing 20-year-old cable that was installed by a now-retired VUES teacher. This project, as well as switch replacements and wireless access point installations, is partially funded through E-rate, who provides funding for internet-related infrastructure. These technology-related improvements help us to realize the benefits of advancements in our teaching and learning systems, as a cohesive district.
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HEALTH & WELLNESS
Lynne Rapoport, Coordinator
Points of Pride 2020 brought many unexpected challenges to students, families, and our communities. Life upsets, losses, and hardships were felt by many due to the COVID-19 pandemic and current social unrest - bringing with it added anxiety, stress, and depression. In March, school staff realized that an immediate need to rework current systems and supports to better serve students and staff was necessary for a safe learning environment. School nurses have been on the front line since the pandemic closed schools last spring and deserve special recognition. With their crucial role in ensuring new safety measures, they diligently continued to promote critical health services and education for students and staff while optimizing student's health, safety, and capacity for learning. Thank you nurses - Jaime Wells, Allison Vigne, Kathy Pominville, and Shelby Sullivan. The hire of a K-6 Health Educator to implement curriculum that addresses physical, emotional, mental, and social dimensions of student health came at the perfect time in 2020. Joining the Health and Wellness Leadership Team, Anna Smith’s role as Health Educator at the elementary level furthers the District’s focus to design programs that enable students and staff to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for health-related problem solving and informed decision-making. Vermont law requires health education for K-12 students. The Vermont Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness Gold Award for 2020 was awarded to ANWSD. For a second year in a row, the District was recognized for successful work in the areas of policy, programming, and environmental supports in place to promote the health and wellness of ANWSD faculty and staff. The District coordinated efforts by the ANWSD Planned Action Towards Health (PATH) to Wellness Team used a full set of wellness activities and strategies throughout the school year as part of a targeted wellness vision, to create and maintain a healthy workplace culture. Using data from Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI)-Health and Wellness Report, and keeping root causes in mind, we were able to provide holistic experiences in a safe and healthy environment for ANWSD employees. With support and resources from VEHI, staff wellness initiatives were funded by grant opportunities and have contributed to hundreds of hours of physical activity, free fitness trackers, nutrition education classes, and mindfulness activities across the district. With the social distancing protocols brought on by the pandemic, the ANWSD PATH to Wellness Team needed to get creative in 2020 offering virtual connections and remote activities such as a Remote Walk at Work Day Challenge, and an afternoon of ‘Adult Recess’ (at a distance) playing outdoor games. In December, over 40 employees registered to attend a FREE virtual cooking party hosted by the ANWSD PATH to Wellness Team. All participants received ingredients to cook during the event, a paring knife as a gift, and multiple opportunities during the evening’s event to win amazing raffle prizes including a food processor. We cooked, danced, laughed, and learned together, via Zoom, and it was wonderful! Updates on Program The ANWSD Continuous Improvement Plan (CIP) work has a primary Safe and Healthy Environment Learning goal (CIP #2). We understand learning can begin when students feel safe, engaged, connected, and supported enabling them to reach proficiency on academic measures of achievement with better success (CIP #1). In 2020, K-12 faculty and staff were trained in Crisis Prevention Intervention and De-escalation Skills (CPI 1), and additional CPI 2 training for selected staff. Benefits of CPI include strategies for reducing challenging behaviors, reducing injuries, complying with laws and standards, improving staff confidence, and preventing challenging behaviors from occurring at all. We continue to provide an in-house CPI trainer as a cost savings. Thank you, Michael Fetters, for creatively developing a virtual training program to meet certification requirements for our staff. ANWSD schools continue using the preventative and proactive teambased framework of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) by utilizing the problem-solving approach to creating and sustaining safe, effective schools, and improving the entire school climate. Over the past year, more than Page | 20
ever, trauma-informed teaching has highlighted the importance of acknowledging traumatic life stressors, recognizing signs, and understanding implications can sometimes emerge as behaviors that we might otherwise label as challenging. Restorative practices have offered safe space for students and staff to build relationships, problem solve, and repair harm - especially recent harm caused by the pandemic. Ongoing professional development in these areas allow teachers and staff to identify and interweave specific strategies they use to value, respect, support and appropriately challenge all learners in a safe and healthy learning environment. Grant funding for these professional development opportunities, programming and coaching support were made available in 2020. The ANWSD Health and Wellness Leadership Team continues to use The Whole School Whole Community Whole Child (WSCC) model as a school-wide approach to our work focusing on the student, education, health outcomes, engaging community resources, organizing collaborative actions and initiatives that support students. The WSCC model is a system designed to connect health (physical, emotional, and social) with education. We believe that effective policies and practices in the ten components of the WSCC areas lead to sustainability and success in the area of school health and wellness. In 2020, the ANWSD Health and Wellness Leadership Team participated in a Wellness Policy (C9) review, created a Health and Wellness Guidebook to support policy implementation, began to develop an assessment tool to track policy and program progress, and gather ideas on ways to create a healthier school environment. Data from the 2019 School Health Index identified other goals as: additional district-wide health promotion, communication on policy and procedures, professional development on conflict resolution, better understanding of the universal recycling laws, and increased partnership with the Child Nutrition Program to promote healthy habits for lifelong nutrition and fitness practices. Future Planning Continue to support student engagement, improved academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness around Social Emotional Behaviors through strategies like PBIS, CPI, and Restorative Practices. Continue utilizing universal screeners, surveys, other tools, and resources to check in with students and staff. We will be honing our social emotional learning system in a holistic way that aligns with learning intentions. The Health and Wellness Leadership Team will continue to be data-driven, working towards meeting policy obligations and requirements, District initiatives, building-based projects, and activities. Build consistency around program coordination, evaluation, and training of new staff.
PRESCHOOL
Marcie Tierney, Director/Teacher
Points of Pride
• •
We are a licensed program with the State of Vermont. We renewed and continue to hold Five STARS with the Step Ahead Recognition Program.
• •
We are a Vermont Prequalified Prekindergarten Education Program. We have five highly qualified educators who make a strong team for young ANWSD students.
• •
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, currently located at Ferrisburgh Central School. This year, we have two sessions of students. Students attend the program five hours a day, two days a week. On average, we have 12 children in each session. We serve 50/50, students with identified special needs and peer models. Page | 21
Future Planning
• • • •
We plan to hold our annual Child Developmental Screening days in March 2021. Fall 2021 enrollment will follow the screening session. We will renew our Pre-Qualified Prekindergarten Certification in January 2021. We will renew our Program Operating License in August 2021.
STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES
Kara Griswold, Director
Points of Pride During the FY20 school year, the Special Education department went into year five of having an evaluation team. The Agency of Education (AOE), as part of their annual compliance monitoring, complimented us on being one of a few districts in the state again to have 100% compliance on our evaluations. We continue to work with the AOE to move from a discrepancy-based eligibility model to an MTSS-SLD model to align our work with the roll out of Act 173 in the coming years. This continues to afford us the opportunity for special educators, interventionists, and classroom teachers to improve their progress monitoring ability and increase the menu of instructional practices and programs available to students who are struggling. 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 tools and virtual strategies for online teaching and learning. The Special Education Department and the Curriculum Department are working closely to bring Structured Literacy using the OG Approach to all classroom teachers K-6 and effective structured literacy instruction to all interventionist and special educators, K-8. The Special Education Department responded very quickly to having to teach students remotely during COVID-19; they jumped into learning virtual platforms to meet the needs of students at all learning levels. I give all our special educators a huge round of applause for doing a huge amount of paperwork and on the job learning within days to make sure all the needs of all students were met. Updates on Program We continue to increase our capacity to serve and meet the needs of students who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges. We continue to grow the knowledge and skill of the evaluation team by partnering with other districts evaluations teams and taking part in high quality evaluation training offered by the Stern Center. Partnering with the other districts allows us to learn from each other and to develop common practice throughout the country. Co-teaching continues to be a strong instructional model at the 7-12 level. Co-teaching is occurring in the 7th and 8th grade English Language Arts, mathematics, as well as high school English, math, and science courses. Future Planning We have planned for and will continue to support the alternative program located at ACS serving students grades 6-12 in the county. We will continue to work as a county to see what type of programming we might be able to offer grades K-5 as a county. We continue to learn how Act 173 will impact special education funding in the coming months and how to develop our budgets based on the new funding formula that goes into effect FY23. We also continue to see how the opening of the special education regulations may change current practices in the field.
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AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS
Tara Brooks, Director
Points of Pride On June 22, we officially welcomed students back into our buildings and opened our summer childcare program at Vergennes Union Elementary School. Many hours went into planning to ensure that State guidance was followed, and that students and staff would be able to enjoy a safe, healthy summer. The program operated for eight weeks from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Eighty-five students ages 3-13 attended and were divided into “pods'' with three adults in each pod. Despite the health and safety changes that were implemented, there was a sense of normalcy that the students and staff welcomed. I cannot thank the dedicated summer staff enough for the time and effort they put in each and every day. Summer childcare Staff: Ashley Bourgeois
Addie Brooks
Brad Castillo
Sara Driscoll
Briena Flynn
Anne Huff
Spencer Hurlburt
Rachel Leete
Angie Paquette
Jackie Russett
Christina Shea
Mavis Stansbery
Patricia Vincent Updates on Program After School Programs closed in March, After School staff remained hard at work. From delivering meals to engaging students virtually and helping to secure essential childcare, we stayed busy and committed to supporting families in whatever ways possible. As summer approached and State guidance allowed, we began offering in-person programming. As mentioned above, our childcare program opened on June 22, but that was not the only programming offered this summer in the ANWSD. Summer Fusion enrichment classes and academic support were offered for elementary, middle school and high school students. For elementary students, we partnered with the Lake Champlain Maritime Museum (LCMM), which recently was awarded a grant through the U.S Department of Education to integrate high-quality STEM programming into 21st Century Community Learning Center (21st CCLS) program sites. Currently, VUES is the only such learning site in the ANWSD, but we were able to open our summer classes to all students within the District. Eleven students in grades 4-6 took part in the snorkeling class that was offered at the Vergennes Pool and at various sites around Addison County. VUHS also offered summer Fusion. Site coordinator Asia Kruse had 33 students in grades 7-9 participate in a variety of activities organized by ANWSD staff. For the start of the school year, the After School team operated a “hub” location at the Parish Hall. Childcare and remote learning support was available from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. daily for students on their remote learning days. In addition, the team maintained after school childcare at VUES and FCS daily from 3pm-6pm on student in-person days. A total of 52 students participated at the hub location during the six weeks it was open. Future Planning FY 21 marks year two of our five-year 21st CCLC grant at VUES. It also marks the end of our “After School for All” grant that has helped to fund programming at VUHS. With some shifting of funds and small changes in programming, we will continue to offer our Fusion expanded learning programs at all three schools and childcare at VUES and FCS in FY 22. In addition, we will be working with the existing part-time PreK program currently operating at FCS to offer a full-day options to families needing childcare. This will be a fee-for-service program that we hope will meet the needs of working families in our community.
Page | 23
ATHLETICS
Peter Maneen, Director While 2020 will certainly go down as the year of COVID, it is important to look back and remember the highlights that took place. To borrow a quote from Howard Schultz, “In times of adversity and change, we really discover who we are and what we’re made of.” While COVID stole the spring season and changed our fall, our athletes stared down adversity and beat it back with a mask and thermometer! 2020 started out with some ups and downs for our winter teams. Our boys’ basketball team played a very tough schedule with many Division one schools; while they battled tough in each and every game, the ball didn’t always drop in
their favor. Where the boys didn’t get many breaks, the girls basketball team made their own luck. In what can only be described as a resurgence, the girls earned some big wins and much deserved respect along the way. The girls earned their first home playoff game since 2010 by picking up wins over the likes of Mt. Mansfield, Colchester, and their dominant win at home floor over rival Mt. Abe. The girls season ended during the next round after losing to the defending champion, Windsor. Two days later, COVID shut down the remainder of the basketball tournament. The wrestling team also flexed a little muscle as they returned to being one of the top teams in the state. With a 5th place finish at the Vermont State Championships, led by Aidan Gebo’s individual 2nd place finish, the Commodores showed what hard work and determination can do for you. With the team's outstanding performance over the year, head coach Eugene Stearns was selected as the Vermont State Coach of the Year. The winter of 2020 will also be known as one of the most decorated in school history for our indoor track team as they captured four state titles. Juilo Quiles captured the 300m, Ben Huston won the 1000m, the 4x800m relay team of Erich Reitz, Jarret Muzzy, Gabe Praamsma and Ben Huston broke the state record and the 4x400m relay team of Ben Huston, Xander DeBlois, Julio Quiles and Gabe Praamsma also took home the gold. While the team cannot compete this year, our runners are looking forward to the spring where they have a chance to compete for the first team state title in school history. Not bad considering we don’t even have a track! Unfortunately for our spring athletes, COVID closed schools the day their season was scheduled to begin. Lost was the chance for the baseball team to avenge their loss in the 2019 state championship game as well as the opportunity for the girls’ lacrosse team to defend their 2019 state championship. This fall, the season started a month later than expected as schools across the state waited for the go ahead from the Governor. Once the first practices began, you could see the smiles of students and coaches behind their masks to be back on the fields representing their school and community. When games were given the go ahead, the Vergennes soccer teams took control early and often. The Vergennes boys’ soccer team went where no other boys’ soccer team in school history has gone before; they earned the #1 seed in the state tournament. Although a heartbreaking goal in the final 11 seconds of the semifinal game prevented the team from competing for a first state title since 1982, we are all proud of their outstanding season. The Vergennes girls’ soccer team earned the #4 seed in their tournament this fall. After a thrilling overtime win over #5 Green Mountain, the girls traveled to #1 seed and undefeated Enosburg where they played a dominating game and earned a 3rd straight trip to the championship. Unfortunately, the team fell to Stowe in the championship game. While the championship loss was tough, it doesn’t overshadow another thrilling run by our girls.
Page | 24
While the shortened season really took a toll on cross country and rowing, both sports with fewer season events, our Vergennes athletes shined. The Vergennes rowers had impressive results in both the James Wakefield row and the Otter Creek Challenge while senior runners Gabe Praamsma (9th) and Ben Huston (12th) capped impressive careers in the Vermont State Tournament. With the arrival of 2021, there is promise for a return back to a more normal way of life. I for one am looking forward to hearing the squeaking sneakers on the basketball court, the sound of the ball off the bat, the cheering of the crowds, and the pride of watching our athletes represent our great school and community.
OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE
Ken Sullivan, Director
VERGENNES UNION HIGH SCHOOL – Work Completed
• •
Repaired 18 window screens and reinstalled screens. Hired AW Farrel to inspect all existing roofing and service all roof drains in August 2020. Their findings prompted a call to the 2018 bond contractor and warranty claim department with the roofing manufacturer.
•
Diagnosed approximately $25,000 worth of roof warranties over the Chorus, Band room, and Middle School gym. Pursued repairs with the General Contractor from 2018 and roofing manufacturer. Work is finished on the Band and Chorus area. The Middle School gym roof will be completed as weather permits.
•
Complete window audit to assess conditions of all windows and evaluate the viability of repairs vs replacements. Procured repair parts for as many as 40 windows and had a subcontractor complete the repairs. This made 40 more operational windows.
• •
Completed a shed for compost tools inside the footprint of the existing compost building. Diagnosed a frost-free spigot that had frozen and split inside the north facing wall of the auditorium. Between this leaking and the poorly drained area on the outside of the building, we solved the crawl space water build up in the tunnel under the auditorium.
•
Installing a wall in the middle school wing room C-10 creating two usable classrooms out of one. This will be labeled as C-9 and C-10 now.
• • • • • •
Installed a permanent outdoor volleyball net with permanent poles behind the High School gym. Acid cleaned and painted the boiler room floors and the PHCC shop class area. Installed parking barriers in front of the auditorium. Installed new straps for the divider curtain in the High School gym. Installed anchor points for the new batting nets in Middle School gym for the Athletic Department. Helped to coordinate the installation of a netting system on the east side of the varsity soccer field. (This fund-raising effort and installation was a Boy Scout Eagle project that Aidan Gebo put together along with members and volunteers from Pack 539).
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Built a caged wall to establish a lockable storeroom for all District COVID PPE. Managed the repairs of the broken sewer lines beneath the auditorium lobby bathrooms and janitorial closet. This project entailed the removal of all the plumbing fixtures and cutting trenches to access compromised plumbing drains. Commercial
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Construction Endeavors and New England Air Systems completed the work on time and on budget, allowing us to return this area to occupancy for the start of the School year.
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Managed the railing modifications for the exterior stairs entering the High School gym lobby. Replaced the broken door and jam to the auditorium janitorial closet with a wider opening and lockable door. This allows better access with the large floor machines.
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Worked with Efficiency VT and Control Technologies to integrate pump sequencing systems that will allow our pumps to idle down when the heat load decreases. This was a $15,000 project that Efficiency VT contributed $6,000 to. This project is estimated to have a rate of return in 5 years when combining energy savings for heat circulation, wear and tear to our hot water circulation pumps.
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Diagnosed and replaced with ANWSD staff a failed existing 80-gallon hot water expansion tank in the boiler room. Diagnosed two failed hot water heating circulation pumps #3 and #4, major repairs to #3 and replaced #4. Called a meeting with General Contractors and Subcontractors regarding the premature failure of the B loop hot water circulation pumps. Established an ongoing diagnoses and review of all control data points that may have contributed to this. This monitoring will be ongoing to ensure proper operation of the system.
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Researched and estimated a stone facade for the front entry sign. Insulated the ceiling area of the garage as part of the phases needed to heat when necessary. Assisted the Director of Food Service in choosing a self-contained packaged walk-in freezer from Polar King. Designed and fabricated an adequate support frame for the walk-in freezer to rest on. Fabricated a deck system and railing for the loading dock area to assist easy access in and out of the new walk-in freezer. Installed three-phase power supply to new walk-in freezer and commissioned freezer. Placed concrete jersey barriers for freezer protection. Managed the installation of an exhaust fan and return air damper for COVID-19 Isolation Room upgrades. Estimate completed by New England Air for a new ventilation system for the PHCC shop area. This system would allow better separation of the shop area and the building common vent system. This system would be dedicated to providing air exchange and filtration just for the shop rather than the existing smog hog that was installed in 2000.
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Installed an electrical circuit for the new milk cooler in the kitchen. By using a camera, we diagnosed a broken sewer line underground behind the kitchen near dumpsters. By using a camera, we diagnosed the under-slab sewer main for the art rooms inside the building were full of dried paint. We had to hydro blast the mains to clear this line for the time being. The hydro blasting only removed a fraction of the dried paint but made it drain enough to use the fixtures. At some point, this may need trenching and replacement.
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ANWSD staff does all snow removal at VUHS but uses a subcontractor for large storms.
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Wired a dedicated circuit for the two-door self-contained freezer from Addison School in the concessions area of the High School for the Food Service program.
VERGENNES UNION HIGH SCHOOL – Work in Progress
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The siding for the shed will be done during the summer of 2021. Developing a strategy to remove and replace building facade, window trim and frame deterioration on all windows and siding installed during the 2001 construction project.
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Pending lead test results from the DOH for 230 tap inventory draws. Final connection and commissioning of multi split Daikin Heat pump system for the Faculty Room and Computer Lab in the Cwing.
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Adding an additional door to access the Faculty Room through the supply closet. Installing more baseboard heating elements on the outside wall of room C9. Reconfigure ventilation to be more advantageous. Review of the upcoming stormwater rules and required systems for ANR permits. Installing a propane heater in the garage to use when making repairs to equipment during the winter seasons. Removal of the underground 10,000-gallon oil tank is scheduled for the summer of 2021. Add temp sensing to one of our building monitoring systems. Window replacements in the guidance offices were moved forward on the schedule to accommodate meeting COVID-19 guideline expectations. This project is now scheduled for the summer of 2021.
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Estimate for broken underground sewer line behind kitchen. Estimate for trenching up bad drain line under kitchen serving line. Estimate the installation of permanent bollards in front of the walk-in freezer. Ventilation project for PHCC workshop.
VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – Work Completed
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New epoxy floor coating in walk in cooler. Diagnosis and summary of structural findings for main entry. Received structural plans from Dewolfe Engineering for the upgrade to the entry flooring support system. Project start is still to be determined.
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Researched, procured, and installed 1300 square feet of sound attenuation boards on walls and ceilings of all four B-wing classrooms. These sound attenuation devices were needed to solve the echo problems in the B-wing.
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Moved the Main Office copier to the teacher’s common area. Verified that there was no existing domestic hot water recirculation in the building. Installed hot water recirculation piping and pump to comply with building codes. This improvement was necessary to get hot water distribution to hand sinks throughout the building. This also made it possible to remove a (point of use) electric water heater in the Nurse's office.
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Removed lower siding on south side of B-Wing, improving flashing on windows and replaced siding with cement board siding. ANWSD staff installed a LED light to the top of the flagpole and made repairs to the pole. ANWSD staff trimmed trees in front of the school and removed brush. Replaced ten plumbing fixtures in various locations. Managed the installation of an exhaust fan and return air damper for the COVID-19 isolation room upgrades. Painted and sealed upwards of 16,000 square feet of the exterior of the building. This also revealed many areas that need further attention due to the finding of rotten wood.
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Assisted volunteers with the placement and planting of a new tree on the playground.
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Purchased and delivered lumber for the raised garden beds on the north hill of the school property.
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Installed (No Overnight Parking) sign in the parking lot. Followed up with Green Mountain Power Company to identify who paid for the electrical meter in the baseball dugouts. It was determined that VAYL paid and would likely have this service discontinued in the near future.
VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Work in Progress
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Estimates for new carpet tile in the entry to help prevent slipping. Adding heat to the kitchen supervisor’s office. Estimate the replacement of rotten soffits and exterior siding. Estimates for additional access readers to allow better access from the play areas by using ID badges vs keys. Estimates for new walk-in freezer and refrigerator condensers and evaporators or possibly relocating the existing outdoors. Write up an RFP for the gym roof replacement. Remove the inside gazebo from the D-Wing classroom. Move the Nurse's office and add a shower. Install a wall between D-6 and D-4 classrooms. Design a new floor plan layout for the main office area to improve workflow, safety, and security. New shades in areas where needed. Review and discuss new floor plan layouts to enhance the book closet and literacy rooms. Convert clinicians’ space to reutilize for something different. Designate a space for tech. Consider a new design for the current entrance area. New bike rack area with a stone base. Design a new staff bathroom area that is more up to date.
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FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL – Work Completed
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Request for Proposal for engineering services that will provide direction to make necessary building repairs and prevent further water infiltration and continued underdrain problems.
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Advertised the infill project RFP and choose a contractor. This included many hours of coordination with Dewolfe Engineering and over 20 site visits with various contractors.
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Rearrange kitchen staff storage and office to better utilize square footage in all spaces.
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Installed new mop sink in janitorial closet.
Moved the hand sink, self-contained refrigerators, and mixer in the kitchen to better accommodate efficiency for the kitchen staff. Installed hot water recirc line and pump to ensure adequate domestic hot water where handwashing occurs. Installed exhaust fan for a COVID-19 Isolation Room. Installed eight new doors with jams, hardware and new keys as well as painted the bare metal. Relocated the IT room to the doublewide shared maintenance space. Ditched and installed stone retainment to the east side of the school’s driveway and building. Continued the investigation into the windmill condition and necessary future repairs and maintenance. This is scheduled for the spring of 2021 with a new contractor from VT.
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Drainage was installed by the Town of Ferrisburgh under the area of the baseball field near the road.
FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL – Work in Progress
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Pursue upgrades to walk in freezer. Estimating new carpets in many areas. Installation of stackable washer and dryer in janitorial closet.
ADDISON WAYFINDER EXPERIENCE (formerly Addison Central School) – Work Completed
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Reconfigured as many as 14 rooms for the new AWE program. Tree cutting on access road. Continued investigation of windmill repairs and maintenance. Purchase of a lawn mower for District Staff to begin mowing and snow removal. Installation of Energy Recovery Ventilation Unit and new mechanical space to provide proper ventilation to all rooms with no unit ventilators.
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Installed three new Unit Ventilators. Installed exhaust fan for COVID-19 Isolation Room. Re-keyed many doors inside and out. Relocated two door self-contained freezer to VUHS for Food Service. Relocated two refrigerators to VUES and VUHS for the Food Service Department.
ADDISON WAYFINDER EXPERIENCE (formerly Addison Central School) – Work in Progress
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Install mailbox pole. Installation of new stackable washer and dryer.
ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work Completed
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Established a written set of cleaning procedures using color coded supplies to conform with COVID guidelines and manufacturers recommended applications and safety protocols. Distributed to all staff digitally and paper copies were placed in all occupied rooms.
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Assembled over 100 COVID-19 safety kit red buckets and caddies. These kits were custom made with essential PPE and Procedural directions.
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Custom made sneeze guards from raw materials to comply with COVID-19 guidelines. This effort used over 1760 square feet of plexiglass and other reinforcing materials.
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Worked with Efficiency VT and Control Technologies to integrate pump sequencing systems that will allow our pumps to idle down when the heat load decreases. This was a $15,000 project that Efficiency VT contributed $6.000 to. This project is estimated to have a rate of return in five years when combining energy savings for heat circulation, wear and tear to our hot water circulation pumps.
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Applied for an emergency COVID-19 grant to upgrade ventilation and controls in spaces with current inadequacies. This grant also included 4 (MERV 13) air filter changes which replaced the existing (MERV 8) air filters typically used. The filters were $20,000 of the $200,000 grant. The grant included independent exhaust fans for isolation rooms at each school building, one new energy recovery ventilator and three-unit ventilators at AWE, complete pandemic control button on building control graphics for all four buildings. The pandemic mode button allows us to enhance ventilation air exchanges globally from our building automation system.
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Using the established HVAC and plumbing equipment control logs and planned maintenance schedules, ANWSD staff was able to do all non-combustion related PM checks and repairs on HVAC equipment. These planned maintenance efforts made it possible to avoid nuisance catastrophic failures of HVAC and plumbing equipment and self-sufficiency over reliance.
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Lead testing of the water in all plumbing fixtures that could be used for human consumption. This included a tap inventory and over 400 samples drawn and sent to the Department of Health for testing.
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Lead testing results for AWE-VUES-FCS confirmed a total of 25 total faucets combined testing positive and needed mitigation. All the positive tested faucets have been replaced or mitigated and await replacement. VUHS results are still pending from the VT DOH.
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Received the estimated cost for a complete roof evaluation and maintenance plan for all four buildings. This is under review
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Maintained all State regulatory inspection and completed all necessary repairs needed.
and expected to be implemented sometime in the first month of the new fiscal year. Preparing the schools for reopening required all hands-on deck last summer. The maintenance and custodial staff combined with the building administrators worked effortlessly to move and design furniture layouts to comply with current COVID-19 guidelines. This required communication at all levels to decide where furniture would be temporarily stored to avoid transport to storage areas. The overall transport of furniture required over 20 large loads transported to Addison storage. This effort also combined the internal staff moves from school to school and coordination with the IT Department and administrators to install and/or move 13 white boards and six projectors.
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A joint effort of all custodial staff prepared walls and applied over 100 gallons of interior paint throughout the School District during the spring COVID-19 shut down and summer break. Normal maintenance would include approximately 20 gallons of interior paint per summer.
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ANWSD purchased a new Kubota zero turn and mowed and trimmed FCS, VUES, and VUHS properties. Hired a new security firm to help support door access, camera integrity, and ID badge printing capabilities. Supported the Food Service Program with four staff members at two hours per day all summer to help load food on busses for distribution.
ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work in Progress
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Continued key index, door locks audits, and key control log updates. Review of a formal roof maintenance contract program to be implemented in the upcoming fiscal year. Continued to establish a section in the Facilities Management Plan for all the life cycle of mechanical equipment including kitchen equipment.
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Continued to develop District Facilities Management Plan with all short- and long-
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Interior and exterior condition and configuration door audit to ensure safety for
term information. fire and other crisis events requiring egress and or lock down.
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Continued review and development of the District Emergency Operating Plan with District Administration.
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Assess all flooring needs and life expectancies.
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SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES
Kathy Alexander, Director
SCHOOL MEALS: FY 2020 started like any other year. Our program staff prepared home cooked meals to students with menus designed to offer nourishing and familiar meals as well as new foods to help expand students’ taste and interest in food. Fresh food and local foods are priorities in menu planning. Participation numbers slightly decreased in some schools by only 1% or 2% which was expected with a decrease in Free/Reduced eligibility in all schools. Still, participation numbers are all at or above state averages. Addison Central School had a Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Grant which provided a wide variety of fresh fruits & vegetables to classrooms for taste testing every day along with simple food education activities & information. PROFESSIONAL TRAINING: Program staff take great pride in their work and the opportunity to feed students every day. Professional development is an important part of the work. Staff training in FY20 centered around creating inviting serving lines, using creative spices, civil rights, teamwork, and leadership in school kitchens. School nutrition staff all met USDA required training hours in FY20. FREE AND REDUCED ELIGIBILTY: The number of students eligible for Free and Reduced meals continued to decline in FY20 as has been the case over the last few years. While this can certainly be a positive marker from the perspective of how our communities are faring economically, it is also a cause of concern as it is reflective of a rise in family income occurring in tandem with rising cost of living making it difficult for families to access benefits that support them to keep ahead. Program response to this is to:
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identify as many families as possible who meet eligibility guidelines with good communication and access to free/reduced application information.
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maintain high quality programs at low cost for those who are not eligible.
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offer as many USDA programs as possible using available federal dollars for free meals for everyone, (Afterschool Meals and Summer Meals) MEALS ON THE BUS – It goes without saying that the COVID-19 pandemic overshadowed all other events and accomplishments of FY20. Amidst all the difficulty and upheaval, our School Nutrition programs were front and center from the beginning in March 2020 when schools closed – they never missed a beat! New menus, a home meal delivery system, revamped production kitchens, and expanded safety measures were all developed in a matter of days in
order to continue to serve students as per Governor Scott’s order to maintain access to school meals throughout the school emergency closing and remote education. Our School Nutrition heroes rose to the challenge with energy, positivity, and skill, bringing over 80,000 free meals (breakfast and lunch) to students between March 16 and June 30. This was accomplished with Federal School Nutrition waivers allowing programs to operate with Summer Meals funding during this period of time. The cooperative work and effort put forth by School Nutrition staff, school staff and teachers, bus drivers, and custodial staff collectively created systems that worked with quality, efficiency, speed, and safety as the primary goals. The result was that students in the District were well fed AND regularly connected to their school and school staff during a very difficult time. Page | 30
SUMMER MEALS - At the end of the school year, our programs shifted (quickly again) to serving meals throughout the community with the Summer Meals program funding, three curbside pick-up locations, and a few on site Summer Program sites. In the month of June, the program was on track to provide approximately 250 daily breakfast and lunch meals to ANWSD families throughout the summer.
Landscape in Color - Payden Garthaffner - VUHS
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Andy Kepes, Principal Student Learning & Points of Pride In this section of the report, we are supposed to talk about student learning and points of pride. I feel it is important to talk about how proud I am of how our community has come together to support our students during this global pandemic. In the middle of March, with no notice, we had to completely change the way we educated our students and with every change in the guidance from the state, we had to adapt to a new model. As I write this in January of 2021, we have the majority of our students in the building five days a week. Things have not returned to “normal”, but it is great to see students interacting with their peers (with appropriate social distancing) with what I assume are smiles on their faces (hard to tell with masks on). In the K-2 wing, the big change has been the switch to Orton-Gillingham as the primary tool to teach students how to read. Orton-Gillingham is a multi-sensory, cognitive, languagebased approach for teaching literacy. Throughout the primary years, students learn to isolate, blend, delete, and change syllables and individual sounds in words they hear. The lessons are engaging and involve lots of movements and reciting. It is great to visit a classroom and hear students talking about digraphs and blends. (Don’t worry, I didn’t remember what a digraph was either. One of the 2nd graders explained it to me.) While the 3-6 classrooms are full of plexiglass and extra tables to allow for social distancing, teachers have been able to do many of the projects and activities that they did in pre-COVID days. It is more challenging for small groups and partners to work together, which has been a change. One of the biggest losses is that the older students are not able to work or read with the younger students. I miss seeing the 5th and 6th graders eating with the kindergarten students. I would like to thank our Unified Arts teachers for being so flexible this year. We started this year with them working with only a few classes and meeting in the classrooms. We have transitioned to them meeting with all the classes with some in the classroom and some in their own spaces. They have been creative around meeting the safety guidelines - no singing has been tough. Annie Wilson has taken students out for P.E. class almost every day this year. Culture & Staff We ended last year with a drive-in graduation. It went remarkably well, and Judy and Peter did a great job with the ceremony and celebration of our departing sixth graders. We had to give up many events this year: Missing the Monster Mash, school play, school-wide celebrations, and guest speakers/artists has been a loss. But we still have classroom celebrations, spirit days, and we are planning a school-wide challenge. There were a few additions to our staff this year: Julie Cousino is teaching art and providing math support. Kathy Pominville is our new nurse. Anna Smith is the K-6 health teacher who will be joining us in the second semester. Kaci Pierce will be leaving us in a few weeks in her efforts to keep Ferrisburgh student numbers strong into the future. She will be having triplets sometime this winter. Fusion activities started back up in the fall with all the activities happening outside. Just this week students have been skating, sledding, and exploring winter science after school. We hope to continue outdoor Fusion activities until the end of the school year.
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The social and emotional health of our students and staff has been a top priority this year. I want to thank Sue Brileya, our school counselor; Brianne Walsh, our District psychologist; Gina Normand, our CSAC school-based clinician; and Kathy Pominville for keeping an eye on student and staff mental health this year. Loretta Lawrence and Brian Gero continue to be key pieces of the foundation of the school. Loretta is the “General” and Mr. Brian and I are her loyal corporals. Both Loretta and Brian are always willing to help out in any way they can. It is nice to be part of such a supportive and collaborative team. Building & Grounds Since I arrived at FCS, teachers have complained about the lack of hot water in the far reaches of the school. Ken Sullivan and his staff did some investigation and discovered that the school did not have a hot water circulator, like most large buildings. This was installed this fall and it has been nice to have warm water with all extra hand washing. Ken Sullivan and his crew have gone above and beyond to keep the building clean and sanitized. Extra cleaning crews have been helping so that we make sure the school gets a thorough cleaning every night. When necessary the District has a “fogger” to use in spaces when extra disinfection is warranted. Sarah and Lori have met the challenges of lunch in the classrooms and continue to provide high quality food for our students. The District has gone above and beyond to provide meals to families during vacations. We are very fortunate to be part of the MAUSD/ANWSD Food Service Cooperative. Community The PTO continues to be there for our school. This fall they provided individuals chairs or buckets for every student so that classes could sit outside comfortably. The group also received a grant to help improve the outdoor classroom and worked on that space over the summer. I know that I can approach the group at any time to support a student or classroom. We have missed the many volunteers that used to come into the building every week. Our safety protocols have made us more insular and we look forward to the day we can open our doors to parents and volunteers. They say that hindsight is 20/20, but I have little desire to look back on the year 2020. The ANWSD community has risen to the challenges presented by COVID-19, but we are all ready for a return of the “good old days”. Our motto this year has been “Maximum Flexibility” and the staff and students have embraced this mantra so that we can continue to move forward as a community.
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Matthew DeBlois, Principal Student Learning & Points of Pride We have worked over the year or more to uncover our collective understanding of personalization at the elementary level and more specifically at VUES. We collectively worked to define terms related to personalization so that we can highlight student learning. Here are those terms defined. At VUES, voice is learning how to communicate ideas and opinions respectfully. At VUES, ownership is taking responsibility for your learning. At VUES, self-efficacy is developing the confidence to advocate for your learning. At VUES, engagement is taking an active interest in your learning. At VUES, motivation is believing that you can learn, and you can develop a passion for learning. At VUES, purpose is understanding what you are learning and why it is meaningful. At VUES, choice is creating options for your learning. Knowing what we mean when we use them allows us to help us use these ideas with students in more obvious ways throughout their experiences. This is overt in places where students use menus in both math and reading. Culture & Staff This year, all students are taught Health by Anna Smith. This endeavor is part of a plan to provide a robust social emotional support system for all students that includes access to high quality instruction and a support structure that includes access in the building and access to outside support as needed in a flexible way. Alyshia Murphy is our school counselor this year coming over from ACS, Gina Normand supports us as a school-based clinician, and Brianne Walsh is our school psychologist. This support team, along with the principal, school climate facilitator, and nurse, work collaboratively to ensure we meet student needs to the greatest extent possible. The transition of students who attended ACS into the VUES community was among our greatest shifts in culture that began in winter and will continue. Kathleen Kilbourne and others created a robust plan to ensure a planful and positive transition. Unforeseen circumstances derailed much of the plan; however, our new systems of communications ensured that teachers collaborated for placement planning, parents were able to meet with administrators and ask questions, and we were able to accommodate tours for some students and families ahead of school starting. Staff transitioning into new roles or new buildings not otherwise mentioned include Sharon Cram and Alison Matot in Kindergarten, Jen Kingsley in first grade, Melanie Mulliss in second grade, Dawn Berno in fourth grade, Michael Fetters and Elizabeth Brisson in Special Education, Alison Taylor-Parsons in Art, Tara Trudo as math interventionist and instructor, Christina Shea, Patty Vincent, and Michelle Eckels as paraprofessionals, and Patty Barnes as school nutrition specialist. Our District teachers and staff have undergone a tremendous effort to transform our early literacy approach to a structured literacy program. All of our Kindergarten, first and second grade teachers have worked over the past year plus with the Stern Center to learn about, engage with and teach using the Orton-Gillingham approach. Building & Grounds School operations, spacing, and understanding the expectations of new state guidelines focused much of the work as the summer turned to fall. Shifts then continued throughout the fall as guidance changed. This impacted our understanding of processes and procedures as we moved from hybrid to full in person schooling. This work has led to a deeper understanding of how students and staff move through the building regularly. Page | 34
There was much work at the outset of the 2020/2021 school year to prepare for increased time outside. Outdoor learning areas were developed in areas near the front of the school, near the garden, and two other areas in the traditional outdoor classroom space. This was a community-wide collaboration with the school. We planted trees and beautified the front of the building, had areas painted around the building to highlight spacing needs for lines coming into the building, mulched much of the trail network and planted a tree near the playground for increased shade. All of the outdoor spaces continue to be used for a variety of reasons regardless of weather conditions. Ongoing collaboration with the City is in the works this fall and into the winter as we prepare to lay down the liner for the rink and contemplate another connecting trail to the high school. Community We continue to team with community partners - to the extent that’s been possible. The VUES Community Group has provided a significant amount of equipment for outdoor recreation. There are some events, endeavors, and opportunities that we hope to rekindle as soon as safely possible. We are looking to group with the Bixby Library and our District to do a community-wide book study on So, You Want to Talk About Race.
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Stephanie Taylor, Principal Student Learning & Points of Pride The Covid-19 school closure in March and hybrid re-opening this September have certainly asked all of us to consider our roles, teacher and learner, in the instructional process. After the long absence, we worried about the impact on students and how they would react to the new, strict parameters required of us all to stay safe. As always, our students rose to the challenge. Eager and grateful to be back and in-person, even if it’s only a couple of days a week, mask wearing is universal and students help monitor themselves by staying distanced, cleaning their desks, sanitizing their hands, and submitting to a daily temperature check. The cheery good mornings and thank yous as they get scanned is heartwarming to observe. As I look over what I spoke so enthusiastically about last year, I realize that many of the opportunities have not been available this year due to distancing requirements; however, some new opportunities have emerged that have allowed students to pursue independent learning and accommodate personal reasons for remaining at home. What seemed unimaginable last February is simply what we all do to be here together. If anything, the school closure last spring helped us realize that relationships and connections drive learning at VUHS. Individual and group accomplishments are listed in detail in the next section but here are some additional noteworthy highlights of 2020. VT Virtual Learning Cooperative (VTVLC) emerged as the entity that made remote learning possible for students who needed to remain distant from school. In the past, we’ve utilized VTVLC courses as enrichment opportunities or when we lost a teacher mid-year. This year, due to COVID-19, 24 students in grades 7-12 elected to do all their coursework through the VTVLC course offerings and advance towards graduation. Many other students also participated in an expanded array of remote classes through our participation in VTVLC. In order to facilitate the remote aspect of hybrid learning and prepare for a possible return to fully remote learning, Canvas was adopted as a learning management system to organize course materials and facilitate assignments for remote days. This tool allows students to independently access the course content that teachers upload. Student voice opportunities continue to expand this year. With facilitation from faculty members, three different levels of the Student Response Team (SRT) have been meeting to identify areas of change in our system. Each group is focusing their attention on a different problem identified through student surveys and developing a plan for action including lunch supervision, middle school snack and spark, the current personalized learning plan, and year-end presentations. Due to hybrid learning, clubs struggled to meet and often resorted to video gatherings, but they persevered. The Green Team, the VUHS environmental club, is sponsoring a scavenger hunt to bring awareness to simple changes we all can make to preserve the environment and reduce our impact. Rainbow Squad and other groups meet virtually to offer students much needed social interaction. Students had the opportunity to take a new course this year called Racial and Social Justice. There, students were able to explore issues of racial and social justice in the United States, studying the oftenoverlooked contributions and perspectives of different racial, ethnic, religious, LGBTQ, and other marginalized groups.
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Peace One Day, our long-standing annual celebration of peace shifted to a virtual platform. With a focus on gratitude, the organizers acknowledged all those who stepped up during the spring pandemic closure and worked to provide important services for our school community. The video is available here https://youtu.be/FXFtDd2cRkI. We are all looking forward to gathering in person again next fall for an afternoon of speeches and music. The annual senior walkathon was another victim of the pandemic, but the class of 2021 went ahead with their plans to raise funds to support Alzheimer’s and local senior care facilities. We all hope the spring will bring some reprieve and allow this important class activity to take place. Students also participated in our regular personalized and flexible pathways. Two students served as school board representatives. Twenty-eight students are taking advantage of college level dual enrollment classes. Fifty-four students are attending the Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center. Two students are in the early college program and 23 students are engaged in an independent study. Culture & Staff Much of what students were able to accomplish would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of the faculty and staff. When school closure became a reality last March, within a couple of days, we had shifted to a fully functioning and effective remote learning system. That single accomplishment deserves to be recognized. The needs of our students remained at the forefront and examples of how faculty and staff stepped up abound. In addition to the hard work by students and paraeducators to redesign curriculum, record lessons, track student progress, manage Zooms, poor internet connection, isolation, students disengaging or struggling, and the impact of the pandemic on our own families, others in the school community were on the front lines making sure students had the food they needed to remain safe and healthy. Thank you to the Food Service staff who have been regularly preparing food for all the children in our District as well as feeding those in school each day in spite of the many restrictions on serving and dining. Thank you to our dedicated support staff across the District who spent the spring and summer delivering food to children of all ages in our five towns. Thank you to our bus drivers who have kept their routes moving and helped keep kids fed. As part of our COVID-19 response to graduation last spring, advisors to the class of 2020 assembled and delivered gift bags to each graduate’s home. These were the first in-person visits in months and while advisors and students had to remain six feet apart, both students and teachers valued the opportunity to connect in this way one last time. There were other notable accomplishments among our staff this year. Sue O’Daniel, the VUHS band director for 41 years, decided to make the 2019-20 school year her last. Sue had a profound impact on the lives of so many young people over the years. Rebecca Coffey, a Social Studies teacher at Vergennes Union High School, was nominated by the National History Day program in Vermont for consideration for the 2020 Hannah E. (Liz) MacGregor Teacher of the Year Award. Michael Thomas, high school English teacher and department coordinator, was nominated as VUHS Outstanding Teacher for the 2020-21 school year. This spring we lost a very important person to our District. Ernie Benoit kept us safe, cleaned up after us, and did so much behind the scenes work to keep the VUHS facility operating for four decades. We would like to recognize the work and dedication that Ernie showed during his time at VUHS. Thank you, Ernie, you are missed! Page | 37
Building & Grounds The VUHS community is grateful to the maintenance and custodial crews for their flexibility and diligence in ensuring the building was clean and disinfected each day so that we could all stay safe and healthy. The long spring absence of students and teachers allowed the crews to accomplish some much-needed maintenance. Once we all returned, they were available to do the shifting and furniture moving necessary to clear classrooms to allow for six-foot spacing. Then, their focus turned to disinfection and their professionalism and attention to detail were evident in the condition of the building each morning and the continued excellent operating condition of the mechanicals. Community Our 2020 Graduation was like no other in the history of Vergennes Union High School and without the contributions of the community, we would not have been able to pay a fitting tribute to our graduates. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, graduation was held outside, and students were brought to the stage in a variety of vehicles. Family, faculty, and staff observed from a distance. RETN contributed their services to create a graduation video so some of the more traditional elements of graduation such as speeches could be preserved. Following the abbreviated ceremony, the graduates were paraded through town in true Vergennes clang and bang style accompanied by police and fire vehicles. It wasn’t the graduation these students envisioned, but it will never be forgotten. VUHS continues to partner with community members to expand learning opportunities for our students even in a pandemic. Students continue to work with LCMM to make real-world connections related to Science, Social Studies, Chemistry, and History. Students were also able to complete the work started last spring at LCMM when eight VUHS students participated in the building of the newest Lake Champlain Maritime Museum longboat “Annie O” with the official launch this fall. Our Athletic program has long benefited from the generosity of the community. VUHS was the first high school in the state to offer an automated live video stream of its athletic events. This was made possible thanks to the Vergennes Boosters Club who purchased and installed this camera system. Vergennes Athletics continues its advancement forward and our Boosters Club is a major reason why. In spite of the pandemic, students continue to learn in the community in a variety of ways including Community Based Learning, Dual Enrollment, Patricia A. Hannaford Career Center, Walden, Project Workshop, and Independent Studies.
Abstraction Tree - Lily Root (VUHS)
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Ashley Hanlon, Director
Our Mission "AWE exists to serve the unique academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. AWE is committed to creating and maintaining a predictable, trusting, and caring environment where teaching and learning are driven by student interests and needs. All aspects of the school's organization, curriculum, and community-based activities are student-centered and intentionally designed so all students may experience success."
The foundation of AWE is strongly rooted in best practices. We believe that creating a trauma-sensitive school environment and utilizing restorative practices go hand-in-hand. Ensuring AWE is a trauma-sensitive school will support students in connecting with adults and peers who support and care about them, while restorative practices work to support a culture of prevention and healing, rather than blaming and punishment. These two beliefs and practices support the growth and development of the whole student. Belonging is a precursor to student academic achievement and social-emotional development. When students feel safe in their learning environment, they learn to take risks that encourage growth. Project Wayfinder supports schools in the implementation of a beautiful and rich curriculum about belonging.
AWE'S PILLARS Having a common language is important to all schools, the pillars of AWE serve as that common language. • • •
Being Available for Learning o Ex. I am here to support your needs. Feeling Worthy of positive relationships and rich curriculum. o Ex. I value your thoughts and insights. Being Empowered to make decisions that support individual goals and aspirations. o Ex. You have made a decision that benefits you and your goals.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING (SEL), VT TRANSFERABLE SKILLS, AND ACADEMIC PROFICIENCIES Students will have the opportunity to set goals in all of these areas. While staff will provide scaffolding and direct instruction to support student learning, students will record evidence to show mastery of skills. UNIQUE LEARNING EXPERIENCES Taking risks for students is hard, building a supportive and scaffolded system of support that is first focused on belonging, then rooted in AWE's pillars, is strongly connected to skills students want or need to work on, and always supported by teacher instruction, students will be able to take advantage of project blocks at AWE and unique learning experience in the community. Page | 39
ACHIEVEMENTS & SPOTLIGHTS 2020 OUTSTANDING TEACHERS OF THE YEAR The University of Vermont offers the opportunity that an educator chosen by our District to be recognized at the UVM Outstanding Teacher Day. Each year, UVM recognizes outstanding teachers throughout the state through a ceremonial event that takes place in October. Each participating supervisory union or school district can nominate two teachers and one technical center teacher. All outstanding teachers are recognized by their peers, administrators, parents and/or students as exemplifying across the Vermont Core Teaching Standards. This year’s nominees for UVM Outstanding Teacher of the Year from Addison Northwest School District are Heather Racine from Vergennes Union Elementary School and Michael Thomas from Vergennes Union High School.
HEATHER RACINE
VUES - Grade 3 teacher
Heather is adaptable, flexible, kind, and respectful. She puts students and colleagues first by emphasizing rapport and relationships. She is caring, patient, kind and understanding. Adaptability is a requisite in the profession and Heather capably transitioned with students and families to best support the diverse needs of her students - learning or otherwise. Heather guides students to further their own understanding. She participates in all aspects of the school in ways that help us collectively move forward as a community. Having worked in multiple roles throughout the district, Heather understands acutely our challenges and opportunities. She participates in leadership groups, mentors peers, and teams with the intent of improving her own practice, the school and district. She seeks new learning and new opportunities with the intent of success.
MICHAEL THOMAS
VUHS- HS English Teacher
Michael has quietly stepped into a leadership role during our transition to proficiency-based teaching and grading. He sees a problem or a question and takes the time to research, understand, and explain it. He is always available for colleagues who need help and guidance on both proficiency-based learning and his area of expertise, English. He is also available for students any time, and he provides them with the same well thought out advice that he provides his colleagues. Michael truly cares for students and puts them first when making decisions and coming up with solutions. He is the ultimate professional, but at the same time kind, considerate, empathetic, and approachable. Michael Thomas truly deserves recognition for his work as an outstanding teacher, mentor, and leader.
Willingness to try new practices and tools is a strength, but even more so is the ability to admit when those same ideas do not work out. Heather can and will do that. She is creative, a flexible thinker and ameliorates the workplace with her patience, kindness, and perspective. The National AfterSchool Association (NAA), the voice of the afterschool profession and lead organization for the advancement of afterschool professionals and leaders, selected Vergennes Union Elementary School Fusion Coordinator
Mavis Shepard as one of NAA’s 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders.
Quality teachers are critical to student success. National History Day (NHD) recognizes their outstanding work and dedication to their students.
Rebecca Coffey, a social studies teacher at Vergennes Union High School, was nominated by the National History Day program in Vermont for consideration for the 2020 Hannah E.
(Liz) MacGregor Teacher of the Year Award.
In selecting its 2021 Next Generation of Afterschool Leaders, the National AfterSchool Association sought to highlight emerging young leaders who are active in the broader afterschool community, demonstrate contributions that have started to influence beyond individual programs to entire organizations and communities, are actively engaged in efforts to elevate the afterschool field, have a proven passion for development of themselves and others, and demonstrate persistence in their work to grow as leaders. Honorees will be profiled in the Spring 2021 issue of NAA’s AfterSchool Today magazine.
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During the 2019-2020 school year, many ANWSD educators participated in innovative professional learning, leadership, and extraordinary teaching. The office of Teaching and Learning wishes to acknowledge those leading critical work in our District. Thank you to all of those who are leading and participating in teaching and learning initiatives within ANWSD. Educational Leadership Team Members: Tifany Babcock, Alison Matot, Beth Bearor, Sarah Warner, Josh Brooks, Kim Simmons, Kristine Kirkaldy, Michael Thomas, Emily Rossier, Nick DeVita, Violet Nichols, Kara Griswold, Lynne Rapoport, Sheila Soule, Stephanie Taylor, Matt DeBlois, Andy Kepes, Katheleen Kilbourne, Ed Cook, Jay Stetzel Elementary Professional Learning Group Leaders: Marcie Tierney, Sarah Warner, Megan Marsh, Tara Trudo, Melissa Haggett, Nikki Paquette, Josh Brooks, Judy Elson, Kara Griswold, Matthew DeBlois, Kathleen Kilbourne, Andy Kepes, Lynne Rapoport, Violet Nichols High School Professional Learning Group Leaders: Michael Thomas, Julie Beerworth, Kristine Kirkaldy, Beth Adreon, Becky Ebel, Peter Garrecht, Sarah Thompson, Jeff Spencer, Stephanie Taylor Technology Team: Wendy Bruso, Thomas Haselton, Robert Owens, Violet Nichols School Crisis Prevention and Intervention Trainers: Michael Fetters, Kathleen Kilbourne
Health & Wellness Leadership Team: Lynne Rapoport, Jaime Wells, Shelby Sheehan, Allison Vigne, Pam Murray, Sarah Cook, Kyle Vickers, JP Benoit, Robyn Newton, Annie Wilson, Susan Oliveira, Ashlee Monk, Randy Sweeney, Sue Brileya, Alyshia Murphy, Brianne Walsh, Nick DeVita, Dylan Stoll ANWSD Mentoring Program: Sarah Thompson, Susan Oliveira, Melissa Haggett, Tara Trudo, Peter Garrecht, Becky Ebel, Lynn Kayhart, Beth Adreon, Elizabeth Brisson, Ralph Bernardini, Brianne Walsh, Gwen Zwickel, Beth Bearor, Heather Racine, Sarah Warner, Jennifer Fetters Personalized Learning Plan Action Team: Emily Rossier, Katelyn Laberge, Laura Frangipane, Reese Gardner, Ryle Olsen, Tori Cleiland, Billy Corbett, Cray Martin, Hailey Cauchon, Horizon Spillman, Jacob Paquin, James Richmond, Kai Williams, Violet Nichols Assessment Plan Revision Team: Margo Grace, Rene Nill, Sally Conway, Sarah Warner, Gwen Zwickel, Heather Racine, Tara Trudo, Kara Griswold, Jay Stetzel, Violet Nichols
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VUHS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS 2020 Girls State Delegates Announcement
Vermont’s 2021 Presidential Scholar
Congratulations to the following students on being
We are also very proud to announce that Xander
selected as this year's Girls State delegates.
DeBlois, has been selected as one of Vermont’s 2021
This event, scheduled for June 20-25 at the Randolph
Presidential Scholars, chosen for their outstanding
Campus of Vermont Tech, has been canceled. However,
leadership and service to their communities. All
the students are still being recognized with the honor of
students selected at the Vermont level of this program
being selected as delegates.
will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Education
Rebekah Duprey
(DOE) for consideration as a Presidential Scholar at the
Emalie Gernander
national level. The DOE will select two students from
Reagan Kayhart
Vermont to be part of the national recipients. This is
Jordan Kimball
indeed an honor and we wish Xander the best of luck in
Anna Rakowski
the DOE portion of this program.
2020 Boys State Delegates Announced
20-21 HOBY Delegates
Congratulations to the following students on being
Every year, each high school in the United States may
selected as this year's Boys State delegates. These
choose at least one sophomore to represent them at
students were nominated by faculty and staff based on
their state’s Hugh O’Brien Youth Leadership (HOBY)
leadership, scholarship and citizenship. This event,
Conference. This year, Vergennes Union High School’s
scheduled for June 21-26 at the Lyndon Campus of
HOBY Ambassadors are Avry O'Brien and Connor
Northern Vermont University, has been
Raymond.
canceled. However, the students are still being recognized with the honor of being selected as
Avry and Connor were nominated and selected for this
delegates.
honor based on their demonstrated and potential
Xander DeBlois
leadership skills and traits. Avry and Connor will attend
Aidan Gebo
the HOBY Conference May 29-30. Due to the pandemic
Ben Huston
the conference will be held virtually this year.
Kobe Kessler
Ambassadors will participate in seminars and meet with
Nima Mehregan
leaders in the fields of education, government, and
Tucker Stearns
other professional careers to discuss present and future issues. Avry is the daughter of Andrew and Denise
2021 DAR Good Citizen Award
O'Brien of Ferrisburgh and Connor is the son of Frank
Xander DeBlois has received the DAR Good Citizen’s
Raymond, Jr. of Addison and Rinda Stokes of Salisbury.
Award. Each year a Vergennes Union High School
Congratulations Avry and Connor!
senior is chosen for the DAR Good Citizen’s Award by faculty members nominating three seniors and then the
PSAT/NMSQT:
senior class elects one of those three as their Good
2019 Finalists
2020 Semi-Finalists
Citizen. DAR is sponsored by the local Daughters of the
Ian Brons
Xander DeBlois
American Revolution, Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand
Kai Williams
Anna Rakowski
Chapter and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The DAR Good Citizen’s
Student of the Week 2019-20
Award recognizes a student that possesses the qualities
Congratulations to the following students who were
of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to
recognized by VUHS and the Addison Independent for
an outstanding degree. We are proud to announce that
their hard work and dedication during the 2019-2020
the 2021 DAR Good Citizen is Xander
school year.
DeBlois. Congratulations Xander!
Alder Donovan-Cook, Emily Brinkman, Emily Rooney, Leah Croke, Brianna Billings, Jeffery Stearns, Rory Patch,
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Robbie Bicknell, Kaleigh Campbell, Siobhan Eagan,
Thank you to Clarinda McAllister, Audrey Tembreull,
Sophie Hatch
Grey Fearon, and Calder Rakowski for traveling to the
63rd annual UVM Math Test/VT High School Prize
Vermont Statehouse in early February to advocate for a
Examination in Mathematics
universal afterschool program in Vermont. They
Our top math scholars participated in this test on
stressed the importance of students having things to do
Tuesday, March 10, 2020. VUHS is pleased to announce
after school and the direct correlation to a reduction in
the following prize winners:
risky behaviors among young people.
• •
Kai Williams placed 3rd in the state & “Best in School”.
VUHS Students Recognized for Exceptional Work in
Ian Brons tied for 2nd in Region 3.
German Ryley Olsen and Antonio Socinski applied for The Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange (CBYX) scholarship
These juniors have been recognized for their academic
and both were recently offered a scholarship to study
excellence, leadership, and service to our community
abroad in Germany next year. Whether they will actually
with the following awards from colleges around our
be able to participate is uncertain given our current
region.
COVID-19 challenges, but we can all agree that they
Clarkson University Leadership Award - Aidan Gebo
would be excellent ambassadors for us. Congrats to
Clarkson University Achievement Award - Emalie
Ryley and Antonio!
Gernander Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Rensselaer Medal
Congratulations to Aidan Gebo and Ben Curtis! They
Award - Reagan Kayhart
were recognized for their outstanding achievement on
The Sage Colleges - Student Sage Scholarship -
the National German Exam (Level IV).
Hannah Kelly, Adam Sausville, Pearl Sutton Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship
Congratulations to our VUHS musicians for being
and Service - Sophie Davis, Kobe Kessler
accepted to the All-State Music Festival!
University of Rochester – Bausch & Lomb Honorary
All States will be in Newport, VT this year. The band,
Science Award - Anna Rakowski
chorus and orchestra concert will be on May 9th in the
University of Rochester - George Eastman Young
afternoon at North Country Union High School.
Leaders Award and Scholarship - Xander DeBlois
• •
University of Rochester - Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities & Social Sciences - Jordan Kimball University of Rochester – Xerox Award for
Orchestra - Kai Williams, Violin Band - Anna Rakowski, Flute, Xander DeBlois, French Horn, Parker Kayhart, Trombone
•
Chorus - Reese Gernander, Soprano, Olivia Brooks, Alto, Peyton Paquette, Bass
Innovation and Information Technology - Ben Huston George Washington University Book Award - Emma
New England Youth Rowing Championships
Jackman
Experienced Six Oar Division
Williams College Book Award - Lauren Curtis st
Nathan DeVos, Zeke Clark, Aidan Gardner, Jackson
Wells College 21 Century Leadership Award -
Hameline, Mike Davis, Robert Verburg and Mitch Clark
Summer Chabot
closed out their high school rowing careers with an
The Elmira College Key Award - Jenna Abbey-Lowell
impressive second place finish.
National Merit Scholarship Recognition - Xander
Novice Six Oar Division
DeBlois, Anna Rakowski
Sam Michaels, Una Fonte, Kaitlyn Little, Jasmine Little, Clarinda McAllister, Audrey Tembreull and Stella
Student Advocacy at the Statehouse
Armstrong - Third
Thank you to Alder Donovan-Cook & Addie Brooks for
Stephen Barcomb, Jackson Coffey, Caden Howell,
traveling to the Vermont Statehouse at the beginning of
Jackson Bennett, Carter Brown, Owen Fonte, Brett
February to advocate for the formation of a Vermont
Brisson and Louis Provencher - Sixth
Youth Council. They stressed the importance of young people having a voice in all forms of government. Page | 43
Intermediate Four Oar Division
VT All-New England Nominee - Emily Rooney
Addie Brooks, Olivia Brooks, Dakota Loven, Ryan
Nice work, girls! Congratulations to all our soccer players
Baringer and Jonathan Forgues (a team who hadn’t
on a great season!
rowed together previously) - Second
VUHS Indoor Track - State Meet Results
Novice Four Oar Division
The boys’ indoor track team placed 3rd out of 12 teams
Ethan Payne-Vinick, Eyon Tembreull, Mike Preston, Jacob
in the Division II State Track Meet on February 16th,
Kehoe, Evan Ambrose - First
despite having no competitors for the field events. Way
Megan Mentzer, Zoe St. John, Julian Andrus, and Matilda
to go boys!
Seyler - Second
•
4 x 800m relay - Erich Reitz, Jarret Muzzy, Gabe
Novice Six Oar Division
Praamsma, and Ben Huston, 1st, breaking a division
Samantha Colvin, Spencer Adams, Jackson Becher,
II state record. They finished almost 13 seconds
Brody McGuire, Hayden Bassett, Noah Letendre, and
ahead of 2nd place. Their time was the fastest time
Zach Norris - First
run in all divisions in the state that day.
Congratulations to all VUHS rowers on a great season!
•
VUHS Soccer Players Honored
• • •
55m dash - Julio Quiles, 2nd with a personal best time of 6.98 seconds
VT Twin State Selection - Emily Rooney (She will represent VT this summer vs. NH) Lake Division 1st Team - Sophie Hatch, Emily Rooney, Sydney Weber Lake Division 2nd Team - Kate Gosliga, Hannah Kelly
Lake Division Offensive Player of the Year - Emily Rooney Lake Division Goalie of the Year - Kate Gosliga Lake Division Coach of the Year - Dwight Irish VT Division 3 All-State Team - Sophie Hatch, Sydney
600m - Jarret Muzzy, 6th with a personal best 1000m run - Ben Huston, 1st, Erich Reitz, 3rd and Kai Williams, 4th
•
300m dash - Julio Quiles, 1st, Jarret Muzzy, 3rd and Xander DeBlois, 4th All three ran personal best
Lake Division Honorable Mention - Ema Gernander, Lauren Curtis
1500m - Gabe Praamsma, 7th
times.
•
3000m run - Kai Williams, 8th and Chris Therrien, 9th
•
4 x 400m relay - Ben Huston, Xander DeBlois, Julio Quiles, and Gabe Praamsma, 1st, winning by almost 11 seconds.
Weber, Emily Rooney Getting to Y - Youth Participatory Action Research Teams partnered with Up for Learning, United Way of Addison County, and the Vermont Department of Public Health in 2020 giving opportunity for students in grades 7-12 to bring meaning to their own Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS). VUHS high school and middle school teams participated in peer led training sessions to help better interpret the YRBS data, they met regularly for planning, and developed action plans addressing concerns they found after analyzing the data. Find out more about these teams in the Getting to Y 2019-20 Newsletter. We are excited to announce the 2019 YRBS data was finally released in January 2021, with a plan in place for students and educators to work again in collaboration with Up for Learning. Special recognition to Xander DeBlois and Pearl Sutton for your participation in the state-wide Getting to Y Facilitation Team, and successful training of your peers across the state.
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VUHS SCHOOL PROFILE
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2020-21 TEACHER SALARY SCALE Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
BA+0 $ 41,592 $ 43,464 $ 45,336 $ 47,207 $ 49,079 $ 50,951 $ 52,822
BA+15 $ 43,464 $ 45,336 $ 47,207 $ 49,079 $ 50,951 $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437
BA+30 $ 45,336 $ 47,207 $ 49,079 $ 50,951 $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437 $ 60,309 $ 62,181 $ 64,052
MA+0 $ 47,207 $ 49,079 $ 50,951 $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437 $ 60,309 $ 62,181 $ 64,052 $ 65,924 $ 67,796 $ 69,667
MA+15 $ 49,079 $ 50,951 $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437 $ 60,309 $ 62,181 $ 64,052 $ 65,924 $ 67,796 $ 69,667 $ 71,539 $ 73,411
MA+30 $ 50,951 $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437 $ 60,309 $ 62,181 $ 64,052 $ 65,924 $ 67,796 $ 69,667 $ 71,539 $ 73,411 $ 75,282 $ 77,154
CAG/MM $ 52,822 $ 54,694 $ 56,566 $ 58,437 $ 60,309 $ 62,181 $ 64,052 $ 65,924 $ 67,796 $ 69,667 $ 71,539 $ 73,411 $ 75,282 $ 77,154 $ 79,025 $ 80,897
2020-21 SUPPORT STAFF SALARY SCALE Step 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Level I $12.46 $12.81 $13.76 $14.10 $14.45 $14.81 $15.18 $15.56 $15.95 $16.36 $16.78 $17.21 $17.66 $18.12 $18.60 $19.09 $19.60 $20.12 $20.66 $21.22
Level II $13.04 $13.39 $14.34 $14.69 $15.06 $15.44 $15.83 $16.23 $16.65 $17.08 $17.52 $17.98 $18.45 $18.94 $19.44 $19.96 $20.50 $21.05 $21.62 $22.21
Level III $13.93 $14.28 $15.23 $15.61 $16.01 $16.42 $16.84 $17.28 $17.73 $18.19 $18.67 $19.16 $19.67 $20.20 $20.74 $21.30 $21.88 $22.48 $23.10 $23.74
Level IV $17.17 $17.50 $18.45 $18.94 $19.44 $19.96 $20.50 $21.05 $21.62 $22.21 $22.82 $23.45 $24.10 $24.77 $25.46 $26.18 $26.92 $27.68 $28.47 $29.28
Legend: Level I:
Paraeducator I & Child Nutrition
Level II:
Paraeducator II, Custodial, & Secretary/Receptionist
Level III: Paraeducator III Level IV: Paraeducator IV Page | 47
PROFILE ON THE COMMUNITY Addison Northwest School District - Demographics 2019-2020 STUDENT ENROLLMENT PK-12 District-wide total = 895 consisting of: Addison Central: 60 Ferrisburgh Central: 145 Vergennes Union Elementary: 227 Vergennes Union High School: 463 Source: https://anwsd.powerschool.com/admin/home.html
Population by Town: Estimates for 2010-2019 YEAR:
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2015
2016
2017
2018
2019
ADDISON
1371
1,368
1,357
1,360
1,365
1,361
1,348
1341
1337
1322
FERRISBURGH
2775
2,768
2,757
2,767
2,779
2,764
2,740
2721
2715
2690
PANTON
677
675
670
669
675
682
680
688
699
707
VERGENNES
2588
2,582
2,584
2,588
2,597
2,631
2,599
2,558
2601
2583
WALTHAM
486
485
478
477
477
441
435
463
467
463
Source: http://healthvermont.gov/research/pop/VermontPopulationData.aspx
Vermont 2010 Census Projections by Town, 2020, 2030 (Scenario A) TOWN ADDISON FERRISBURGH PANTON VERGENNES WALTHAM
2010 CENSUS 1,371 2,775 677 2,588 486
Projected 2020 1,444 2,860 677 2,489 483
%change from 2010 5.3% 3.1% 0.0% -3.8% -0.6%
Projected 2030 1,459 2,859 663 2,373 472
% change from 2010 6.4% 3.0% -2.1% -8.3% -2.9%
Source: https://dail.vermont.gov/sites/dail/files/documents/vt-population-projections-2010-2030.pdf
Vermont 2010 Census Projections by Town, 2020, 2030 (Scenario B) TOWN ADDISON FERRISBURGH PANTON VERGENNES WALTHAM
2010 CENSUS 1,371 2,775 677 2,588 486
Projected 2020 1,391 2,754 652 2,395 465
%change from 2010 1.5% -0.8% -3.7% -7.5% -4.3%
Projected 2030 1,356 2,656 616 2,201 438
% change from 2010 -1.1% -4.3% -9.0% -15.0% -9.9%
** 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/vt-population-projections-2010-2030.pdf
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ANWSD Staff Information for 2019-20
Student: Teacher Ratio
Addison Central School 8.4
Ferrisburgh Central School 9.2
Vergennes Union Elem. School 8.8
Vergennes Union High School 9.9
Free & Reduced Students 15 40
Enrollment 60 146
% Low Income 25.00% 27.40%
71 122
225 462
31.56% 26.415
Source: www.education.vermont.gov
Free and Reduced Lunch Eligibility 2019-20 SY SCHOOL Addison Central School Ferrisburgh Central School Vergennes Union Elementary School Vergennes Union High School
Source https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-nutrition-2020-free-and-reduced-eligibility-report_3.pdf
FY2018 ANWSD Special Education Expenditures FY2018 Actual K-12 Spec. Ed. Cost (Federal/ State/Local) $4,210,738.73
FY2018 Actual K-12 Spec. Ed. Formula Eligible Cost (State/Local) $3,957,139.50
Dec. 1, 2017 K-12 IEP Spec. Ed. Child Count*
FY2018 K-12 ADM for Resident Students
% of K-12 IEP Spec. Ed. Count/K-12 Resident ADM
FY2018 K12 Spec. Ed. Formula Cost/Resid ent ADM
128
889.41
14.4%
$4,449.17
% Over/Under Statewide Avg. Spec. Ed. Cost per ADM 11.92%
FY2018 K-12 Spec. Ed. Formula Cost/Child Count $30,915
*ADM data used is frozen ADM as of Dec. 2016; child count includes only K-12 eligible students (excludes parentally placed students). Source: https://education.vermont.gov/documents/special-education-cost-report-fy-2017
Page | 49
ENROLLMENTS K
1
2
3
4
5
6
PK-6 Ttl
FCS
17
16
15
15
19
16
14
112
VUES
40
34
36
41
37
42
38
268
Pre K PRE K
7
8
9
10
11
12
7-12 Ttl
62
69
67
85
65
101
449
PK-12 Ttl
25
VUHS ANWSD
25
57
50
51
56
56
58
52
405
449
854
(enrollment figures as of October 1 of given year)
District K - 12 Enrollment History
1400
Enrollment
1300 1200 1100 1000 900 800 700
2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020
District Total 1285 1239 1243 1206 1162 1155 1144 1112 1048 1016 985
914
894
892
870
829
Enrollment History by School/Grade Addison Central School
Ferrisburgh Central School
20
40
10
20
0
0 K
1
2
3
2010-11
4
5
6
K
1
2015-16
2
2010-11
Vergennes Union Elementary School
4
2015-16
5
6
2020-21
Vergennes Union High School
60
150
40
100
20
50
0
3
0 K
1 2010-11
2
3 2015-16
4
5
2020-21
6
7
8 2010-11
9
10
2015-16
11
12
2020-21 Page | 50
ANNOUNCED TUITION
https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-fy2021-final-announced-tuition-report-print-version.pdf
ANWSD 2020-2021 Announced Tuition Rates: Elementary (K-6)
$17,030
Secondary (7-12)
$17,508
ANWSD History of Announced Tuition Rates: Elementary 2016-17
ACS FCS VUES
$15,400 $12,950 $12,200
Secondary
State Average
$15,550
Elementary - $12,294 Secondary - $14,297
2017-18
$12,729
$17,386
Elementary - $13,496 Secondary - $15,130
2018-19
$14,982
$16,253
Elementary - $13,910 Secondary - $15,618
2019-20
$14,896
$18,432
Elementary - $14,263 Secondary - $15,933 Page | 51
BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2022 The ANWSD Board typically begins planning for the coming budget in the Spring of the year prior. This year, planning was challenging due to the uncertainty of the COVID pandemic and its impact on the economy, future budgets, and declining enrollment. Despite these uncertainties and challenges, the ANWSD Board and Administration were able to build a budget for the ensuing fiscal year that maintains all programming in the most efficient manner possible. The FY22 ANWSD Budget:
• • •
Zero increases to all non-personnel or non-contracted line-item costs (typically these are a CPI increase) Includes expansion of full-day childcare in conjunction with PreK programming at FCS. Continues all current programming for students including programs added last year: Health Education at the Elementary level and expanded Physical Education at the Middle level
•
Provides high levels of staff support for professional learning to help fulfill the goals outlined in our Continuous Improvement Plan
•
Continues current programming for the Addison Wayfinder Experience Program with some enhancements to services.
• • • • •
Increases support for 1:1 technology. Reductions to field trip transportation Reduction to HRA budgeted costs based on actual usage of this benefit over the last two years. Reduction of one regular bus route. Average Daily Membership was frozen due to COVID which results in an estimated drop in pupils of approximately 11. Without the frozen ADM, this could have been as high as 28.
•
Estimated impact on the union tax rate is zero, however a higher yield is moving through the legislature at this time and if it is approved, the union tax rate could drop as much as .0779 or 7.79 cents.
•
This budget keeps the district below the penalty threshold per pupil using about half of the credit for debt service available.
FY22 BUDGET PROCESS AND TIMELINE October 2020 • Special Education Service Plan due. • Principals establish a budget development process with staff. • Draft budget rolled over in accounting software. • Administrative Team charged with target reduction amounts.
November 2020 • Review of budget worksheets submitted for Draft Budget. • Draft #1 Budget Presentation
December 2020 • Information Received from Agency of Education. • Additional budget modifications • Childcare and PreK Expansion Program added to Draft. • Draft #2 Budget Presentation
January 2021 • Additional Information received from the Agency of Education. • Information received from area technical centers. • Draft Audit received for FY20 to confirm Fund Balances. • Draft #3 Budget Presentation • Final Budget Adopted.
February 22: ANWSD Budget Information Meeting at 6 PM via Zoom/ Live Stream March 2: Town Meeting and vote by Australian ballot Page | 52
BUDGET COMPARISON / EQUALIZED PUPILS 2017 - 2022 Budget Comparison $24,000,000 $22,000,000 $20,000,000 $18,000,000 $16,000,000 $14,000,000 $12,000,000 $10,000,000
Total Budgeted
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022 PROPOSED
$20,768,262
$21,116,289
$21,106,261
$22,139,341
$21,842,594
$21,604,213
Equalized Pupil History for the District 1150.00 1100.00 1050.00 1000.00 950.00 900.00 850.00 Equalized Pupils
FY17
FY18
FY19
FY20
FY21
FY22*
1090.50
1019.65
979.12
965.35
948.52
938.34
*NOTE Equalized pupil numbers for FY21 are estimated and will not be finalized until after the Annual Report goes to print. "Equalized pupils" means the long-term weighted average daily membership multiplied by the ratio of the statewide long-term average daily membership to the statewide long-term weighted average daily membership.
Local Expenditures Local Revenues Net Local Education Spending Equalized Pupils Education Spending/Equalized Pupils
FY19 Budget
FY20 Budget
$21,106,261.00
$22,139,341.00
$3,810,671.00 $17,295,590.00 979.12 $17,664.00
Change
FY20 Budget
FY20-21 % Change
FY22 Budget
Change
4.89%
$21,842,594.00
-1.34%
$21,604,213.00
-1.09%
$3,662,303.00 $18,477,038.00 965.35
-3.89% 6.83% -1.41%
$2,986,865.76 $18,855,728.24 * 948.52
-18.44% 2.05% -1.74%
$3,503,829.08 $18,100,383.92 938.34 *
17.31% -4.01% -1.07%
$19,140.25
8.36%
$19,879.10
3.86%
$19,289.79
-2.96%
These changed after book was published. * Subject to change * This was printed as 954.44 Page | 53
2021-2022 BUDGET PROPOSED EXPENDITURES Addison Northwest School District 2021/2022 Budget Proposed Expenditures 2019/2020
2019/2020
2020/2021
2021/2022
Actuals
Budgeted
Budgeted
Proposed
Difference
$ 7,274,287.76 $ (300,778.87)
(Audited Draft) Account Number / Description 1101 Direct Instruction-Regular Education
$ 6,882,597.96
$ 7,179,897.56
$ 7,575,066.63
1102 Direct Instruction-Art
$ 4,172.43
$ 4,416.12
$ 4,000.00
$ 4,000.00
$-
1105 Direct Instruction-Language Arts
$ 3,555.24
$ 4,600.00
$ 2,669.00
$ 2,075.00
$ (594.00)
1106 Direct Instruction-World Language
$ 565.76
$ 2,818.00
$ 1,657.70
$ 875.00
$ (782.70)
1107 Direct Instruction-Health Education
$ 380.00
$ 500.00
$ 1,000.00
$ 800.00
$ (200.00)
1108 Direct Instruction-Physical Education
$ 2,563.93
$ 13,550.00
$ 13,500.00
$ 11,494.00
$ (2,006.00)
1111 Direct Instruction-Math
$ 114.28
$ 1,730.00
$ 1,700.00
$ 1,720.00
$ 20.00
1112 Direct Instruction-Music
$ 9,753.64
$ 16,990.00
$ 12,750.00
$ 20,277.00
$ 7,527.00
1113 Direct Instruction-Science
$ 6,086.33
$ 10,821.19
$ 8,656.95
$ 6,500.00
$ (2,156.95)
1115 Direct Instruction-Social Studies
$ 1,299.36
$ 5,780.00
$ 2,351.00
$ 3,000.00
$ 649.00
1116 Direct Instruction-STEM Program
$ 1,330.37
$ 4,800.00
$ 3,800.00
$ 2,200.00
$ (1,600.00)
1119 Direct Instruction-English Language Learner
$ 65,614.52
$ 68,453.02
$ 71,991.61
$ 33,404.55
$ (38,587.06)
1121 Direct Instruction-Driver's Education
$ 1,324.79
$ 4,139.13
$ 4,139.13
$ 8,050.50
$ 3,911.37
1124 Direct Instruction-Walden Project
$ 19,998.78
$ 29,771.73
$ 25,150.00
$ 19,550.00
$ (5,600.00)
1125 Direct Instruction-Integrated Technology
$ 676.39
$ 1,042.00
$ 1,295.00
$ 910.00
$ (385.00)
1165 Direct Instruction-Middle School
$ 12,926.24
$ 18,720.00
$ 16,145.00
$ 10,100.00
$ (6,045.00)
1180 Direct Instruction-Technical Center
$ 722,304.98
$ 764,193.02
$ 577,433.10
$ 635,442.31
$ 58,009.21
1401 Athletics
$ 303,307.23
$ 353,593.42
$ 392,468.04
$ 350,693.68
$ (41,774.36)
$-
$-
$-
$ 23,179.86
$ 23,179.86
2120 Guidance Services
$ 554,153.45
$ 604,350.26
$ 649,378.43
$ 595,579.12
$ (53,799.31)
2131 Health Services
$ 210,344.51
$ 219,866.42
$ 208,340.01
$ 216,601.14
$ 8,261.13
2151 Speech Pathology/Audiology Services
$ 50,676.01
$ 60,938.59
$ 69,748.32
$ 71,066.58
$ 1,318.26
1501 Co-Curricular Activities
2160 Occupational Therapy Services
$ 2,254.70
$ 5,114.85
$ 4,845.56
$ 3,229.56
$ (1,616.00)
2190 Other Support Services-Students
$ 34,020.16
$ 36,687.51
$ 255.44
$ 16,689.68
$ 16,434.24
2212 Instruction/Curriculum Development
$ 143,801.60
$ 168,824.73
$ 115,924.22
$ 120,958.21
$ 5,033.99
2213 Instructional Staff Training Services
$ 69,364.70
$ 79,465.11
$ 54,465.11
$-
$ (54,465.11)
2219 Other Improvement of Instruction Services
$ 13,565.19
$ 27,571.97
$ 15,285.00
$ 8,682.40
$ (6,602.60)
2220 Library/Media Services
$ 251,714.23
$ 272,466.02
$ 242,941.68
$ 248,345.97
$ 5,404.29
2311 Board of Education Services
$ 57,320.67
$ 62,458.29
$ 68,993.98
$ 65,510.08
$ (3,483.90)
2313 Board Treasurer Services
$ 3,261.01
$ 3,261.01
$ 3,264.94
$ 3,255.90
$ (9.04)
2314 Audit Services
$ 43,650.00
$ 43,650.00
$ 37,750.00
$ 37,750.00
$-
2315 Legal Services
$ 20,044.26
$ 20,527.57
$ 28,533.14
$ 22,000.00
$ (6,533.14)
2320 Executive Administration/Superintendent
$ 258,975.23
$ 281,151.88
$ 298,943.28
$ 297,535.65
$ (1,407.63)
2410 Office of the Principal Services
$ 946,639.83
$ 1,013,435.24
$ 878,928.16
$ 848,005.51
$ (30,922.65)
2490 Other Support Services - School Admin
$ 176,813.86
$ 185,840.36
$ 212,608.72
$ 167,330.46
$ (45,278.26)
2495 Administration of Grants
$ 22,294.54
$ 23,475.94
$ 25,980.30
$ 9,198.64
$ (16,781.66)
2500 Business Support-Human Resources
$ 83,161.31
$ 97,727.65
$-
$-
$-
2510 Fiscal Services
$ 413,462.51
$ 442,900.61
$ 564,436.44
$ 484,211.11
$ (80,225.33)
2580 Administrative Technology Services
$ 540,348.59
$ 605,428.07
$ 547,230.41
$ 635,687.69
$ 88,457.28
2590 Other Support Services-Health/Wellness
$ 49,697.67
$ 53,349.62
$ 54,728.98
$ 55,837.74
$ 1,108.76
2610 Operation & Maintenance of Plant Services
$ 1,735,810.73
$ 1,878,706.37
$ 2,030,894.75
$ 2,053,039.67
$ 22,144.92
$ 1,855.08
$ 5,158.84
$ 2,494.82
$ 5,322.79
$ 2,827.97
2660 Security Services
Page | 54
2711 Student Transportation Resident
$ 416,740.61
$ 663,759.71
$ 624,984.77
$ 587,202.75
$ (37,782.02)
2712 Student Transportation Non-Resident
$ 5,684.57
$ 8,929.83
$ 10,324.23
$ 10,324.23
$-
2713 Transportation-Technical Education
$ 28,952.00
$ 41,360.00
$ 42,480.00
$ 43,120.00
$ 640.00
2715 Transportation Field Trips-Education Related
$ 18,454.04
$ 45,293.00
$ 30,333.08
$ 13,000.00
$ (17,333.08)
2716 Student Transportation Extra/Cocurricular
$ 44,433.04
$ 57,240.00
$ 55,928.77
$ 50,928.77
$ (5,000.00)
$ 134.63
$ 134.63
$ 3,373.77
$ 3,364.43
$ (9.34)
3300 Community Service Operations
$ 47,894.99
$ 210,418.80
$ 37,833.01
$ 37,151.20
$ (681.81)
5020 Debt Service-Capital Construction
$ 942,050.44
$ 942,050.44
$ 981,733.99
$ 991,297.00
$ 9,563.01
5390 Fund Transfers-Outgoing
$ 299,064.07
$ 249,064.07
$ 210,000.00
$ 210,000.00
$-
2901 Other Support Services
1001 Total General Operating Fund
$ 15,525,210.46 $ 16,896,422.58 $ 16,828,736.47 $ 16,320,785.94 $ (507,950.53)
1101 Direct Instruction-Regular Education
$ 253,689.70
$ 259,997.00
$ 265,634.84
$ 392,676.37
$ 127,041.53
1201 Direct Instruction-Special Education
$ 194,757.40
$ 258,634.95
$ 263,508.76
$ 212,917.95
$ (50,590.81)
2151 Speech Pathology/Audiology Services
$ 100,951.97
$ 105,996.22
$ 112,241.10
$ 111,673.44
$ (567.66)
2160 Occupational Therapy Services
$ 7,807.35
$ 7,807.35
$ 5,145.00
$ 9,000.00
$ 3,855.00
2170 Physical Therapy Services
$ 8,498.75
$ 8,498.75
$ 7,408.80
$ 7,408.80
$-
$-
$-
$-
$ 360.15
$ 360.15
$ 885.75
$ 1,000.00
$ 1,017.00
$ 1,017.00
$-
$-
$ 16,201.01
$ 16,551.82
$ 524.98
$ (16,026.84)
$ 14,436.40
$ 23,000.00
$ 23,924.25
$ 22,000.00
$ (1,924.25)
2490 Other Support Services-School Admin 2580 Administrative Technology Services 2610 Operation & Maintenance of Plant Services 2711 Student Transportation Resident 2715 Transportation Field Trips-Education Related Total Preschool Program 1201 Direct Instruction-Special Education
$ 152.92
$ 152.92
$ 205.80
$ 205.80
$-
$ 581,180.24
$ 681,288.20
$ 695,637.37
$ 757,784.49
$ 62,147.12
$ 3,236,207.22
$ 3,684,986.91
$ 3,429,461.39
$ 3,768,780.85
$ 339,319.46
2140 Psychological Services
$ 100,389.28
$ 114,836.72
$ 119,573.44
$ 81,017.53
$ (38,555.91)
2151 Speech Pathology/Audiology Services
$ 275,905.77
$ 290,281.39
$ 305,702.71
$ 253,226.99
$ (52,475.72)
2160 Occupational Therapy Services
$ 32,824.15
$ 47,600.00
$ 48,408.50
$ 508.50
$ (47,900.00)
2170 Physical Therapy Services
$ 8,802.25
$ 26,250.00
$ 16,000.00
$ 7,637.90
$ (8,362.10) $ (5,623.16)
2490 Other Support Services-School Admin
$ 163,242.40
$ 173,860.46
$ 183,897.09
$ 178,273.93
2580 Administrative Technology Services
$-
$-
$-
$ 6,530.80
$ 6,530.80
2610 Operation & Maintenance of Plant Services
$-
$-
$-
$ 36,511.67
$ 36,511.67
$ 136,677.17
$ 219,790.00
$ 213,119.63
$ 191,097.00
$ (22,022.63)
$ 3,557.68
$ 4,025.00
$ 2,057.40
$ 2,057.40
$-
Total Special Education Programs
$ 3,957,605.92
$ 4,561,630.48
$ 4,318,220.16
$ 4,525,642.57
$ 207,422.41
GRAND TOTAL
$ 20,063,996.62 $ 22,139,341.26 $ 21,842,594.00 $ 21,604,213.00 $ (238,381.00)
2711 Student Transportation Resident 2715 Transportation Field Trips-Education Related
Page | 55
2021-2022 BUDGET PROPOSED REVENUE Addison Northwest School District 2021/2022 Budget Proposed Revenue 2019/2020
2019/2020
2020/2021
2021/2022
Actuals
Budgeted
Budgeted
Proposed
Difference
(Audited Draft) Account Number / Description 41510 Interest Income
$ 19,824.34
$ 21,362.00
$ 22,934.78
$ 15,825.25
$ (7,109.53)
$-
$-
$-
$ 53,200.00
$ 53,200.00
41921 Other Revenues-Rental
$ 3,345.00
$ 1,215.00
$ 1,500.00
$ 1,894.00
$ 394.00
41941 Services to Other VT LEA's
$ 51,641.59
$-
$ 159,999.98
$ 150,260.29
$ (9,739.69)
41990 Miscellaneous Local Income
$ 2,215.69
$ 5,326.00
$ 3,895.00
$ 1,993.00
$ (1,902.00)
41991 Background Check Income
41911 Parental Fees
$ 1,365.75
$ 967.00
$ 925.00
$ 1,052.00
$ 127.00
41992 Student Activity Reimbursement
$ 120.79
$ 2,727.00
$ 3,373.77
$-
$ (3,373.77)
41993 Erate Reimbursement
$ 107.97
$ 25,800.00
$ 10,000.00
$ 5,000.00
$ (5,000.00)
41994 Rebates-Efficiency Vermont
$ 5,500.00
$-
$-
$-
$-
43115 Un-Enrolled Tech Center Students
$ 8,108.00
$ 3,678.00
$ 5,400.00
$ 6,479.00
$ 1,079.00
43145 Small Schools Grant
$ 84,512.00
$ 84,512.00
$-
$-
$-
43150 State Transportation Aid
$ 31,861.64
$ 214,147.00
$ 216,303.00
$ 200,102.00
$ 231,963.64
43282 Driver's Education Reimbursement
$ 5,728.85
$ 5,625.00
$ 7,499.00
$ 7,417.00
$ (82.00)
43308 Vocational Transportation Reimbursement
$ 19,676.16
$ 27,597.00
$ 28,385.28
$ 29,514.00
$ 1,128.72
43370 High School Completion
$ 2,505.00
$ 14,498.00
$ 13,606.00
$ 9,488.00
$ (4,118.00)
43204 Essential Early Education Grant
$ 69,140.00
$ 69,140.00
$ 70,890.00
$ 71,866.00
$ 976.00
43201 SPED Mainstream Block Grant
$ 387,657.00
$ 387,657.00
$ 388,637.00
$ 392,246.00
$ 3,609.00
43202 SPED Expenditures Reimbursement
$ 1,585,813.52
$ 2,091,353.93
$ 1,828,861.61
$ 1,868,784.55
$ 39,922.94
43203 SPED Extraordinary Reimbursement
$ 348,794.20
$ 232,990.00
$ 182,760.62
$ 324,500.00
$ 141,739.38
43205 State Placed Reimbursement
$ 80,791.91
$ 30,000.00
$ 66,802.72
$ 51,501.60
$ (15,301.12)
44700 Indirect Revenue
$ 14,845.04
$ 11,360.00
$ 10,274.00
$ 14,845.00
$ 4,571.00
45290 Fund Transfers - Incoming
$-
$-
$-
$-
$-
45400 Adjustment of Prior Year Revenue
$ 181,777.22
$-
$-
$-
$-
45720 VSBIT Refunds/Insurance Proceeds
$-
$-
$-
$-
$-
$ 3,087,617.03
$ 3,232,110.93
$ 3,005,846.76
$ 3,237,829.33
$ 231,982.57
Total Non-Education Spending Revenues 43110 General State Support Grant 43114 On Behalf Tech Center Payment
$ 18,137,297.00 $ 18,138,530.74 $ 18,502,763.40 $ 17,723,306.67 $ (779,456.73) $ 339,741.00
$ 338,507.33
$ 352,964.84
$ 377,077.00
$ 24,112.16
Total Education Spending Revenues $ 18,477,038.00 $ 18,477,038.07 $ 18,855,728.24 $ 18,100,383.67 $ (755,344.57) Surplus/(Deficit) Applied to Education Funding GRAND TOTAL
$-
$ 430,192.00
$ (18,981.00)
$ 266,000.00
$ 284,981.00
$ 21,564,655.03 $ 22,139,341.00 $ 21,842,594.00 $ 21,604,213.00 $ (238,381.00)
Page | 56
SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS FY20 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, 2020
Fund # Fund Description
Beginning
Total
Total
Ending Fund
Fund Balance
Revenue
Expenditures
Balance
2005
BEST Grant
$-
$ 1,208
$ 1,208
$-
2006
Act 230 Grant
$-
$ 6,611
$ 6,611
$-
2010
Ronald McDonald House FCS
$ 438
$-
$ 438
$-
2019
Act 46 Transition
$ 18,098
$-
$ 5,375
$ 12,723
2024
Flexible Pathways
$-
$ 21,136
$ 21,136
$-
2101
IDEA-B Grant
$-
$ 312,298
$ 312,298
$-
2102
IDEA-B Preschool Grant
$-
$ 4,410
$ 4,410
$-
2105
Improving Healthy Outcomes V-SHEP
$ 942
$-
$-
$ 942
2106
Title I A Grant
$-
$ 199,066
$ 199,066
$-
2122
Title IV Grant
$-
$ 10,094
$ 10,094
$-
2124
21st Century Grant
$-
$ 152,421
$ 152,421
$-
2125
Title II A Grant
2126
ADAP Grant
2127
$-
$ 38,558
$ 38,558
$-
$ 13,277
$ 54,456
$ 54,456
$ 13,277
Fresh Fruit & Vegetable Grant ANWSD
$-
$ 3,886
$ 3,886
$-
2133
CRF LEA Grant (COVID)
$-
$ 184,511
$ 184,511
$-
2134
CRF Summer Meals Program Grant (COVID)
$-
$ 38,467
$ 38,467
$-
2351
Medicaid
$ 22,776
$ 124,169
$ 105,451
$ 41,495
2353
MAC EPSDT Grant
$ 24,458
$ 49,088
$ 21,592
$ 51,954
2356
Nellie Mae Foundation Grant VUHS
$ 6,500
$-
$-
$ 6,500
2357
Local Standards Board
$-
$ 434
$ 434
$-
2598
Consolidated Administration Grant
$-
$ 25,300
$ 25,300
$-
2599
School Wide Program
$-
$ 176,617
$ 176,617
$-
2602
STARS Program
$ 2,923
$-
$-
$ 2,923
2603
Profile Partnership
$ 619
$-
$-
$ 619
2604
Nellie Mae Community Grant
$ 71
$-
$-
$ 71
2608
Ropes Repair Fund VUHS
$ 4,625
$ 600
$ 1,051
$ 4,174
2609
Child Nutrition
$ (49,064)
$ 927,201
$ 853,942
$ 24,195
2610
Craft Fair Fund
$ 2,928
$ 5,012
$ 4,350
$ 3,591
2611
Athletics Fund
$-
$ 31,000
$ 16,094
$ 14,906
2612
Technology Fund ACS
$ 6,099
$-
$ 6,099
$-
2613
Kitchen Equipment ACS
$ 495
$-
$-
$ 495
2614
Vermont Afterschool for All Grant
$-
$ 9,644
$ 9,644
$-
2616
Elementary Fusion Program
$-
$ 4,300
$ 4,300
$-
2617
Middle School Fusion Program
$-
$ 5,410
$ 4,113
$ 1,297
2618
Sign Fund VUHS
$ 1,937
$-
$-
$ 1,937
2619
VSBIT Grants
$-
$ 10,000
$ 9,657
$ 343
2620
VSBIT Insurance Claims
$-
$ 5,950
$ 5,950
$Page | 57
2621
Operations & Maintenance Project Income
$ 53
$-
$-
$ 53
2623
Art Room Fund VUES
$ 661
$-
$-
$ 661
2624
Potato Grant VUES
$ 50
$-
$-
$ 50
2625
Tennis Program VUES
$ 60
$-
$-
$ 60
2626
PBIS ACS
$ 1,000
$-
$-
$ 1,000
2627
Erate Fund
$ 15,676
$-
$ 15,676
$-
2630
Scholastic Library Fund VUES
$-
$ 2,549
$ 2,549
$-
2631
Music Fund VUES
$-
$ 266
$-
$ 266
2632
Professional Development
$-
$ 1,500
$ 739
$ 761
2635
New England Dairy Council Grant
$-
$ 1,000
$ 1,000
$-
2636
American Lung Association Asthma Friendly
$ 52
$-
$ 52
$-
2637
BEST Project Social & Emotional
$ 592
$ 500
$ 903
$ 189
2638
Efficiency Vermont Incentives
$ 74,000
$-
$ 71,254
$ 2,746
2641
Rowland Grant CF
$ 35,014
$-
$-
$ 35,014
2642
Rowland Grant CF 2
$ 5,981
$-
$-
$ 5,981
2643
Rowland Grant Honoring Diversity
$ 2,120
$-
$ 1,367
$ 753
2644
Scotts Miracle Grow FCS
$ 95
$-
$-
$ 95
2645
VEHI Path Program
$ 7,140
$ 3,900
$ 4,504
$ 6,536
2646
Four Winds Schoolyard Habitat FCS
$-
$ 500
$-
$ 500
2647
S125/DCAP Forfeitures
$-
$ 1,501
$-
$ 1,501
2649
Childcare and Summer Care Restart (COVID)
$-
$ 14,469
$ 2,659
$ 11,810
2655
Education Quality Review Grant
$ 3,618
$-
$-
$ 3,618
3001
Capital Improvement Fund - ANWSD
$ 124,777
$ 50,213
$-
$ 174,989
3004
Capital Improvement Fund - VUES
$ 58,085
$ 83
$-
$ 58,168
3005
Capital Improvement Fund - VUHS
$ 240,377
$ 345
$-
$ 240,722
3006
Construction Fund - AWE
$ 23,030
$ 33
$-
$ 23,063
3010
Performance Contract Fund
$ 12,918
$ 146
$ 13,064
$-
6010
Childcare Program (Thundercare)
$ 17,545
$ 177,807
$ 173,635
$ 21,717
8001
Scholarship VUHS Avery
$ 73,544
$ 12,023
$ 14,759
$ 70,809
8002
Scholarship Fund FCS
$ 6,189
$ 22
$-
$ 6,211
8003
Scholarship VUHS Dudley
$ 33,025
$ 89
$-
$ 33,114
8004
Scholarship VUHS Benjamin
$ 1,081
$1
$ 50
$ 1,031
8005
Scholarship VUHS Berry
$ 56,146
$ 1,206
$ 3,000
$ 54,352
8006
Scholarship VUHS Barberis
$ 20,654
$ 20
$-
$ 20,673
8007
Scholarship VUHS Tucker
$ 33,637
$ 16
$ 2,000
$ 31,653
9001
Student Activity Funds
$ 171,834
$ 211,904
$ 230,879
$ 152,859
$ 1,076,078 $ 2,881,937
$ 2,815,618
$ 1,142,397
Totals:
Page | 58
Description of Major Funds: 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
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.
2124
Federal Grant that supports our District Afterschool Programming. It is a Community Learning Center Grant.
2133
Federal CARES Act Funding granted to school districts to pay unplanned direct expenses related to the pandemic.
2351
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.
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
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.
6010
Afterschool Childcare Program. Funding comes from a combination of participant payments and State Funds.
9001
Student Activity Funds are Agency Funds established by student led fundraising activities to benefit students directly through extracurricular activities.
3001-
Capital Reserve Funds set aside with voter approval for use in facilities improvement or capital projects.
3006 8001-
These Scholarship Funds are Permanent Funds established to award scholarships to students for higher
8007
education.
Page | 59
FUND BALANCE ANALYSIS As of June 30, 2020 (audit draft)
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, 2020, the General Fund has a Positive Fund Balance comprised of the following:
•
Non-spendable (Prepaids)
$
18,558
Restricted
$
0
Committed
$
0
Assigned (Health Reserve)
$ 200,000
Assigned (CARES Act)
$ 161,417
Unassigned
$1,581,895
Total Fund Balance
$1,961,870
The unassigned fund balance is the amount that must be determined to apply to designated reserves as approved by voters or applied to the FY22 budget as revenue to reduce education spending.
Child Nutrition - In FY 21, this program continues to operate through the Food Service Cooperative agreement with Mt. Abraham Unified School District. FY20 resulted in a positive Fund Balance of $24,195 of which $13,321 is Non-spendable (Inventory) and the remaining $10,874 Unassigned. Unassigned Fund Balance in an Enterprise or Special Revenue fund such as this can be carried forward to FY21 to offset future budget shortfalls. Capital Project Funds: AWE
FCS
VUES
VUHS
ANWSD
Capital Improvement Fund
$
0
$
0
$58,168
$240,722
$174,989
Construction Fund
$23,063
$
0
$
$
$
0
0
0
ANWSD had no Deficit Fund Balances at the close of Fiscal Year 2020.
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 account usage. In FY20, there was over $300,000 unspent in such accounts, however due to the approved cap on this reserve, the District is authorized to set aside only $200,000. This amount is included above under General Fund as Assigned Health Reserve and will be deposited in FY21 once the audit for FY20 is final. Funds reserved in this account can be spent on Health Insurance Premiums or HRA 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 – A proposal to establish and allocate funds to this new reserve account is included in the current year warnings for voters to approve. The proposal indicates establishment of the fund and allocation of funds for an amount not to exceed 4% of the annual approved expenditure budget. If approved by voters, the appropriate amount of Unassigned Fund Balance from General Fund above will be allocated to the reserve fund. 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.
Page | 60
DEBT SERVICE Principal Long-Term Debt Service as of June 30, 2020: Addison Wayfinder Experience No current Loans or Bond Notes. Ferrisburgh Central School
Two current Bond Notes with a Principal Balance of $25,000 and $825,000. One Note matures November 2021 and the other November 2030.
Vergennes Elementary School Vergennes Union High School
No current Loans or Bond Notes. Two current Bond Notes with a Principal Balance of $415,000 and $2,100,000. One Note matures December 2020 and the other November 2034.
Addison Northwest District
One Performance Contract Bond Note with a Principal Balance of $7,630,000. This Note matures November 2038.
Page | 61
FY22 Calculations for Proposed Budget Our Total Local Education Spending amount of $18,100,383.92 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** Forecasted FY22 Homestead Yield
$10,763.00
Forecasted FY22 Income Yield
$12,825.00
Forecasted FY22 Non-Homestead Rate
$
Projected FY22 Education Spending Threshold Estimated FY22 Equalized Pupil Count:
1.730
$18,789.00 938.34
Expenditure Budget Proposed FY22
$21,604,213.00
Minus - Local Revenue (Not including On Behalf Tech Center payment)
$3,237,829.08
Minus - Surplus Funds to Reduce Education Spending
$266,000.00
Equals - Balance to Fund with Education Spending
$18,100,383.92
Divided By - Equalized Pupils
938.34
Equals - Equalized Spending Per Pupil
$19,289.79
Projected Threshold for Equalized Per Pupil Spending
$18,789.00
Amount (Below) or Above Projected Threshold (Estimated Exclusions are $1076.00 to keep below the penalty threshold)
$500.79
Equalized Spending Per Pupil Divided by Forecasted Homestead Tax Yield
$10,763.00
Equals - Estimated Equalized Union Tax Rate
$1.7922
Minus - Consolidation Incentive Revenue
$0.0200
Equals - the Estimated Union Tax Rate with Incentive Applied
$1.7722
FY21 Actual Union Tax Rate
$1.7722
Equals Estimated Union Tax Rate Increase (in cents)
$0.0000
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. There is legislation moving through committees now, that may approve a yield as high as $11,385. If this amount is approved, the union tax rate could drop as low as 1.6943. Page | 62
Act 130 Equalized Homestead Tax Rate Calculation, FY22
Page | 63
Three Prior Years Comparisons
Page | 64
TREASURER’S REPORT
Addison Northwest School District Statement of Receipts and Disbursements Treasurer’s Report July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 Cash balance in General Checking account on July 1, 2019 Add Receipts: July 2019 August 2019 September 2019 October 2019 November 2019 December 2019 January 2020 February 2020 March 2020 April 2020 May 2020 June 2020 Line of Credit
$ 2,082,689.95 $ 132,410.27 $ 1,469,380.45 $ 3,974,040.50 $ 225,979.61 $ 1,304,785.98 $ 7,417,191.05 $ 226,066.21 $ 240,942.81 $ 2,395,555.34 $ 2,524,736.71 $ 1,009,782.52 $ 2,448,529.72 $ 1,210,000.00
Total Receipts Total Cash Available Less Disbursements
$24,579,401.17 $26,662,091.12 $23,868,991.16
General Ledger Cash Balance June 30, 2020 Outstanding Items Cash Balance per Bank as of June 30, 2020
$ 2,793,099.96 $ 228,827.12 $ 3,021,927.08
Page | 65
Audit Management Letter
Page | 66
Page | 67
2020 Annual Meeting Minutes ADDISON NORTHWEST SCHOOL DISTRICT ANNUAL MEETING MINUTES Monday, February 24, 2020 6:00 PM VUHS Library Meeting was Called to Order at 6:07 p.m. by Tara Brooks. Warning was read by Tara Brooks. Article 1: To elect the following officers: a)
Moderator
b)
Clerk
c)
Treasurer
Motion by Martha Kenfield to nominate Dave Tatlock as Moderator. Moved to have the clerk cast one ballot for the moderator. No discussion. Article passed by voice vote. Motion by Sue Rakowski to nominate Martha Kenfield as Clerk. No discussion. Article passed by voice vote. Motion by George Gardner to nominate Greg Burdick as Treasurer. No discussion. Article passed by voice vote. Article 2: To authorize stipends to be paid to district officers including the directors, clerk, and treasurer. Motion made by Tim Buskey to pay the stipends as listed in the annual report on pg. 75: Board of Directors - $850 each Treasurer - $3,000
Chair of Board of Directors - $1,275 Clerk - $150
Motion was seconded by Laurie Childers. Discussion - It was asked to read those amounts aloud. Article passed by voice vote. Article 3: 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. Motion made by Jeff Glassberg. Motion seconded by Tim Buskey. No discussion. Article passed by voice vote. Article 4: To authorize the Board of Directors to electronically distribute the annual report. Motion made by Mary Sullivan. Motion seconded by Laurie Childers. Discussion - It was asked that it would not only be electronic, but available by paper. Print copies will be available at town offices. Article passed by voice vote. Article 5: To elect a community representative to serve on the Patricia A. Hannaford Regional Technical School District Board of Directors for a term of three (3) years. Motion made by Laurie Childers. Motion seconded by Mark Koenig. Discussion - Nomination by Jeffrey Glassberg for Matt McGrath. Article passed by voice vote. Article 6: To hear and act upon the reports of the ANWSD Officers. Moderator identified that we would now recess until March 3,2020 for the voting process, to then continue with the informational meeting by the board. Point of Order was called by Tim Buskey, stating that it was listed as Article 6 and as such should continue to be part of the meeting and moderated. Moderator Dave Tatlock accepted the point of order and
Page | 68
continued on to the informational meeting, continuing through the moderator. Opinion offered by Bill Clark as a member of the audience. Informational Session was presented by the Directors of the Addison Northwest School Board. Public comment questions: Tim Buskey, Addison - Regarding Non-Residential Tax Rate - 1.694% George Eisenhardt, Addison - Regarding State Teacher Insurance Negotiations for this year - it was outlined that only one plan was to be picked - it was the employees. It has not yet been signed. Reserve fund (Article 8) was mentioned this would allow us to in the future to not have to budget 100% for the health insurance coverage. Lynn Donnelly, Vergennes - Regarding tax rate with the 948.52 equalized pupil count, and staff reduction numbers that were mentioned in the presentation as percentages. Chair Sue Rakowski answered regarding the tax rate - if threshold and yield stay the same - 5.45 cents would be the increase to the union tax rate. She has asked legislators that the threshold increase. Full time equivalent for the staff reductions - ten professional/licensed staff, 2.5 FTE support staff, one building based administrator, and one Central Office staff position. True reduction in staff. Leo LaDue, Ferrisburgh - Explanation of Alternative Education now and changes - Superintendent Sheila Soule answered. Program - currently: off site, CSAC (Lack of state funding if current placement stays). Moving forward: onsite, building cooperative program among the three districts (ANWSD, Addison Central School District, Mt. Abraham Unified School District). 16 -20 students currently being served. Bringing the program in-house allows for expansion to bring more students back from offsite placements in the future. Follow up question regarding reduction with Special Education line of the budget, question referred to Elizabeth Jennings, Director of Finance and Operations. Explanation - reduce number of outside consultants, hire employees instead for services to students, share cost among the three districts. State reduces revenue based on what is spent. Reimbursement side would be reduced for all three districts if the current program stayed. Contract is in discussion. All three districts are sharing the hiring of the staff for the program for cost sharing. Carol Kauffman, Addison - Comment made regarding surplus fund balances in past years that have balanced out to small deficit balance in current year; support services overspent in budget; proposed to dissolve union; line item overspent $400,000; and what the current year balances look like. Chair Rakowski responded surpluses for the past two years have been put back into the budget for the following year. Audit FY19 reports a $18,000 deficit but stated as a good budget. Laurie Childers commented that moving money from one-line item to another is the responsibility of the building principals and superintendent. We reduced taxes by utilizing the surplus in that way. These were used to reduce taxes in the following years. Ideally the plan is to be as close to zero as possible when budgeting. Elizabeth Armstrong, Addison - Requested full disclosure on money being moved around. John Stroup, Chair of the Policy committee, answered that there was no money moved without approval. Lynn Donnelly, Vergennes - Asked regarding approval of Treasurer's report and approval of minutes of the last annual meeting. Bill Clark commented that the reports are given, not actually approved. Items are listed in the annual report. Tim Buskey, Addison - Interested in expanding on health coverage - first dollar coverage and then voting on health care dollars. Elizabeth Jennings was asked to speak to this: certain percentage that is paid by employee at 20% and employer at 80%, then deductible required to contribute a portion to an HRA - employee no longer has first dollars, the employer does. Recommendations were made to budget for 100% of usage on the HRA as they are calendar year, not fiscal year. What is asked for with the Health Care Reserve account is to set aside extra monies this year not spent in health care, set aside up to $200,000 for that purpose. Question regarding ACS and the alternative education with students attending, will Page | 69
this affect our equalized pupils with the state count. Answer is that it will not as they are already counted within each district they are part of. We hope to in the future to increase those we are serving at the school. George Eisenhardt, Addison - Regarding the districts that are partnering with ANWSD for the Alternative Education program, are they aware of the vote by the citizens of Addison to not close their school. John Stroup answered that while they probably know, there is no way we can speak for them. Mary Neffinger, Ferrisburgh - Regarding speaking with a teacher from CSAC with regard to lockdown process or services needed, will the same level of services be available. Program is adequately staffed to accommodate the needs of the students. Motion by Tom Borchert to accept the reports of the Addison Northwest School District officers as presented. Seconded by Mark Koenig. Article passed by voice vote. Motion was made by Tim Buskey to recess the meeting to Tuesday, March 3, 2020 by Australian ballot. Seconded by Mary Sullivan. Motion passed by voice vote. The legal voters of ANWSD met on Tuesday, March 3, 2020 at the usual polling places to vote by Australian ballot on the following Articles: Article 7: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District approve the Board of School Directors to expend $21,842,594 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 $19,755.80 per equalized pupil. This projected spending per equalized pupil is 3.22% higher than spending for the current year. The results of the Australian ballot vote are as follows: 1679
In Favor (yes)
1095
Opposed (no)
78
Blank/Void
The Article passed. Article 8: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to establish a Health Insurance Reserve Fund, pursuant to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. 2804, for the purpose of funding Health Insurance Premiums, Health Reimbursement Account Costs, or Health Savings Account Costs; and authorize assignment of any unspent budget funds for such, at the close of the fiscal year, up to an amount not to exceed a cumulative balance of $200,000? The results of the Australian ballot vote are as follows: 1650
In Favor (yes)
1093
Opposed (no)
105
Blank/Void
The Article passed. Following the count of this vote, the meeting was adjourned at 12:00 Noon on Wednesday, March 4, 2020. Respectfully submitted, Martha Kenfield District Clerk Addison Northwest School District
Page | 70
Warnings
Page | 71
REMOTE PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL HEARING NOTICE AND AGENDA The Addison Northwest School District Board of Directors will hold a public informational hearing by electronic means on Monday, February 22, 2021 at 6:00 PM to discuss the Australian ballot articles on the 2021 Town Meeting Warning. Information on how to access the remote hearing: ⮚ By Zoom Video:
Register in advance:
⮚ By Zoom Phone:
1-301-715-8592
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rdXbqODhRT6r5E-ub_h1ug Webinar ID:
863 3113 4955
Passcode:
255709
⮚ By Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory Please review our “Informational Handout for Remote Public Hearings” to understand how the electronic hearing will be managed. If you wish to make a public comment but do not have the ability to comment remotely during the meeting, please email your comment(s) to Board Chair John Stroup at jstroup@anwsd.org.
Dated this
20th
day of
January
, 2021.
Page | 72
AGENDA Monday, February 22, 2021 6:00 PM
1)
Call to Order
2)
Additions or deletions to the agenda a) Public Comment
3)
Review and discuss Article 1: To elect a Moderator for the term of one year: David Tatlock a) Public Comment
4)
Review and discuss Article 2: To elect a Clerk for the term of one year: Martha Kenfield a) Public Comment
5)
Review and discuss Article 3: To elect a Treasurer for the term of one year: Greg Burdick
6)
Review and discuss Article 4: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to
a) Public Comment authorize stipends to be paid district officers including the directors (850 each, Board Chair $1,275), clerk ($150), and treasurer ($3,000). a) Public Comment 7)
Review and discuss 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. a) Public Comment
8)
Review and discuss Article 6: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to authorize the Board of Directors to electronically distribute the annual report. a) Public Comment
9)
Review and discuss Article 7: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District approve the Board of School Directors to expend $21,604,213 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 $19,289 per equalized pupil. This projected spending per equalized pupil is 2.96% lower than the spending for the current year. a) Public Comment
10)
Review and discuss Article 8: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to establish an Education Stabilization Reserve Fund, pursuant to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. §2804, for the purpose of funding future budget shortfalls with adherence to the Districts' current Fund Balance Policy, and authorize the Board of School Directors to assign any surplus funds at the close of the fiscal year, up to an amount not to exceed 4% of current year annual expenditure budget? a) Public Comment
11)
Review and discuss Article 9: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District authorize the assignment of $475,000 pursuant to the provisions of 24 V.S.A. §2804, from the fiscal year 2020 fund balance to the ANWSD Capital Improvements Fund, established by the electorate on March 7, 2017? a) Public Comment
12)
Review and discuss Article 10: Shall voters of the Addison Northwest School District authorize the Board of School Directors to incur indebtedness not to exceed $380,000 for the purposes of mold mitigation in the Early Childhood wing of the Ferrisburgh Central School? a) Public Comment
13)
Discussion on non-binding business (if applicable)
14)
Adjourn hearing
Page | 73
INFORMATIONAL HANDOUT FOR REMOTE HEARINGS Remote Public Informational Hearing The public informational hearing will be conducted remotely via electronic means. The public will also be able to access and participate in the remote hearing by dialing in through telephone. Accessing the Hearing Please refer to the hearing notice and agenda for information on how to access the remote hearing. Please note that whether you join by telephone, computer, or device, you may be put on hold or in a waiting “room” until granted access to the hearing. You also may be muted or restricted from using any chat function until the public comment portion of the hearing. Participation The School Board will follow its agenda and allow public attendees to participate through voice (audio) means where feasible or alternatively using any chat function during the designated public comment periods on the agenda and at other applicable times as needed. Initially, the hearing host/organizer will mute all participants. This is necessary to control background noise. The host/organizer will then unmute participants or allow participants to unmute themselves when invited to speak by the Board Chair. Please review the following guidelines: ⮚ The Chair will invite comment: o during the time designated on the agenda for public comment; o during any open public comment period, if applicable; and o other times as determined by the Chair. ⮚ When a participant/attendee is unmuted, they must state their name and town of residence before commenting. When the School Board adjourns the hearing, the host/organizer will end the electronic hearing by turning off/closing the remote hearing software. Attendees will be automatically disconnected. Minutes and other public records that were part of the hearing will be made available in accordance with VT’s Open Meeting and Public Records Laws.
Page | 74
GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS AND TERMS AWE ANWSD AOE FCS VUES VUHS Board of Education CLA – Common Level of Appraisal
Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching) Debt Service EEE - Essential Early Education EQS – Education Quality Standards
Equalized Pupil E-Rate
EST – Educational Support Team
Education Spending Threshold
Extracurricular
Fiscal Services
FY – Fiscal Year IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
Addison Wayfinder Experience Program Addison Northwest School District Agency of Education Ferrisburgh Central School Vergennes Union Elementary School Vergennes Union High School 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. An indicator of the level at which properties in a town are appraised in relation 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. A town’s CLA has no effect on the amount of property taxes owed on the town portion of a property tax bill. 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.) 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. 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. Is the weighted value of each student in the District. For every Prekindergarten student we can count them as .46 of a pupil, K-6 counts as 1 and 7-12 count as 1.13. 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. 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. Under Act 68, a district with an education spending amount per equalized pupil (less approved construction costs and other specific exclusions) greater than the excess spending threshold incurs an additional tax for the amount over the threshold. The threshold amount is calculated annually using statewide data from the prior fiscal year, multiplied by a given percentage. (16 V.S.A. § 4001) Activities that are sponsored by and usually held at school but that are not part of the standard academic curriculum. They typically are scheduled outside of the regular school day. 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.
Page | 75
IEP – Individualized Education Plan
MTSS - Multi-Tier System of Supports
Operations and Maintenance
PBGR - Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements PBIS - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports PLP – Personalized Learning Plan
PowerSchool Revenue SBAC SD SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist STEM Support Services Transportation
Unified School District
Vocational
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. 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 Activities concerned with keeping the physical plant open, comfortable, and safe for use and with keeping the grounds, buildings and equipment in effective working condition and state of repair. These include the activities of maintaining safety in buildings, on the grounds, and in the vicinity of schools. 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. An innovative, K-12 education technology platform fueling operations, classroom, student growth, and family engagement. Refers to receipts from all taxes, fees, licenses, and permits as established in current law, and any other sources of income including federal funding. Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium is a standardized test consortium. School District A professional who diagnoses and treats communication and swallowing disorders. Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Provide administrative, technical (such as guidance and health), and logistical support to facilitate and enhance instruction. Activities concerned with conveying students to and from school, as provided by state and federal law. These include trips between home and school and trips to school activities. A type of union school district in which "the town school districts (and school boards) are abolished and representatives from the former districts are elected to form one school board. Education that trains skilled workers for branches of the national economy in vocational-technical educational institutions; the aggregate of systematized knowledge and skills that enables an individual to perform work in a given occupation or specialization.
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A FREE APPROPRIATE EDUCATION is guaranteed by federal and state law for children with disabilities. Please help the School District locate children between the ages of 3 through 21 years who may need special services in order to acquire an education. If you are aware of any such child in your town, please contact the Superintendent’s office or your school’s principal.
Homeless Children? The McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act grants certain rights or protections to families and youth who are living in homeless situations. If anyone is aware of homeless families with children or homeless youth who are not attending school, please contact the office of the Superintendent of Schools.
REMOTE INFORMATIONAL MEETING Monday, February 22, 2021 ⮚ By Zoom Video:
Register in advance:
⮚ By Zoom Phone:
1-301-715-8592
6PM
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_rdXbqODhRT6r5E-ub_h1ug Webinar ID:
863 3113 4955
Passcode:
255709
⮚ By Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory
Tuesday, March 2, 2021 Municipality
Polls Open
Polls Close
Location
Addison
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Addison Town Clerk’s Office
Ferrisburgh
7:00 AM
7:00 PM
Ferrisburgh Town Office
Panton
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Panton Town Hall
Vergennes
9:00 AM
7:00 PM
Vergennes Fire Station
Waltham
10:00 AM
7:00 PM
Waltham Town Hall
We hope you have enjoyed reading our Annual Report and Budget Information. We would appreciate any feedback you may have. Please send your feedback to the Superintendent of Schools, Sheila Soule at ssoule@anwsd.org or by calling at 802-877-3332. For additional details concerning this report, please contact the Superintendent’s Office.
Thank you!
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