ANWSD Annual Report and Budget Information FY23

Erik W. – grade 5 – FCS

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

ANWSD BOARD OF DIRECTORS & DISTRICT OFFICERS

John Stroup, CHAIR Vergennes jstroup@anwd.org

Term Expires – 2022

Thomas Borchert Waltham tborchert@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2022

Laurie Childers Addison lchilders@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2024

Bill Clark Ferrisburgh

Term Expires – 2024 (resigned 1/3/2022)

Chris Kayhart, VICE CHAIR Ferrisburgh ckayhart@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2023

Kirsten De La Cruz Panton kdelacruz@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2023

George Gardner Ferrisburgh ggardner@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2022

Amy Kittredge Addison akittredge@anwsd.org

Term Expires - 2023

Kristina MacKulin, BOARD CLERK Ferrisburgh kmackulin@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2024

Mark Koenig Vergennes mkoenig@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2024

Keith Morrill Vergennes kmorill@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2022

Mary Sullivan Vergennes msullivan@anwsd.org

Term Expires – 2022

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 second Regular Monthly Board meeting (unless noted) is broadcasted live by Media Factory.

Watch LIVE School Board Meetings here: https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory

Moderator – David Tatlock

Clerk – Martha Kenfield

Treasurer – Greg Burdick

MESSAGE FROM THE BOARD CHAIR

Dear Members of the Addison Northwest School District Community,

The Addison Northwest School District vision includes the belief that it is important to “cultivate resilience in an everchanging world.” As we reflect upon the past year, our District has shown incredible resilience in the face of continual change, mounting ambiguity, and general exhaustion. The ANWSD Board sincerely thanks administrators, teachers, and staff for their energy and perseverance as we continue to create excellent educational opportunities for all of our students. The Board thanks students and families for your continued resilience and kindness to one another. As I write, even more changes due to the COVID pandemic are underway, but we remain hopeful that our efforts will continue to prove effective. Thank you for being “a kind, collaborative, creative community for all.”

Addressing Challenges

The ANWSD Board continues to focus on a set of priorities to guide its work. We will continue to maintain and nurture excellent educational programs for our students at a cost acceptable to our taxpayers, while at the same time working toward long-term structural stability.

As enrollment continues to decline, we face continued budget and taxation pressures, especially as we emerge from the pandemic. Our Community Engagement Committee and the Board, itself, will continue to develop long-term plans and options, including the possibilities of tuitioning out our high school, further consolidation at the elementary level, and more extensive collaboration with neighboring school districts. At this point, all of the options under consideration allow for maximum programmatic options for our students. In the coming months, we will further explore various options and intend to fully engage with the community at large and solicit its input. Most importantly, the coming year will require needed investments in health and wellness to support our students through the difficulties arising from these uncertain times.

Accomplishments

Initiating the ANWSD-MAUSD Merger Study group was a major accomplishment. Both Districts know that declining enrollments coupled with increased costs make it more difficult to maintain and grow excellent educational programs for our students at a price affordable to our residents. The Merger Study group won’t magically solve our problems, but it will allow us to consider one option that might set us on a fruitful path. Our districts have a long track record of cooperation, and we’ve built the trust necessary to achieve common goals together. We thank our neighbors for their thoughtful consideration of these important questions, especially the members of the study group, including Keith Morrill (Vergennes), Erica Andrus (Ferrisburgh), Rebecca Coffey (Vergennes), Martha DeGraaf (Panton), Carole McBride (Addison), and Mary Neffinger (Ferrisburgh). Your civic engagement and leadership are greatly appreciated.

This year, our Community Engagement Committee supported two district-wide community forums. In April 2021, the Preschool & Childcare Needs in the ANWSD forum presented an open discussion to the residents in the District around their hopes and concerns regarding pre-k education and childcare. The discussion explored the challenges, priorities, needs, and aspirations for families within our community, and what our District might do to meet those needs. In October 2021, the Success in the Middle forum featured several local experts in middle-level education as well as some of our own school staff. This event explored research-based attributes and characteristics that define a successful middle school experience. The Community Engagement committee also sought community feedback that led to our continued commitment to the ANWSD Vision Statement. Thanks to all who joined us in these important conversations.

Overwhelming voter support at last year’s Town Meeting allowed the District to remedy the pervasive mold issue at the Ferrisburgh Central School. We thank the voters for helping to solve a major, ongoing problem at that school building where our youngest learners congregate and learn. The Facilities Committee also used this year to develop a clear and thorough roadmap for facility maintenance in the District. This plan figures heavily in our judicious use of year-end surplus dollars that will save the District money in maintenance costs over the coming years.

The Board implemented two significant policy changes during the past year. First, revisions to Policy A21 Public Participation at Board Meetings offer greater community input during deliberative items in which the Board may take action. Second, the Board approved a District Equity Policy, setting guidelines and structures for accountability to better ensure that we live out values in practice. Key to those values is ANWSD’s commitment to the success of every student, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, family economics, class, geography, ability, language, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or initial proficiencies. We hold ourselves accountable for building a district-wide commitment to equity by incorporating principles of equity within all policies, programs, operations, practices, and resource allocations.

Finally, one of the Board’s primary responsibilities is to hire and work closely with a Superintendent. In October 2021, the ANWSD Board of Directors and Superintendent Sheila Soule mutually agreed that she will continue in her role as Superintendent of Schools. We look forward to continuing to work together to provide excellent education to our district’s students.

Budget and Australian Votes

The proposed fiscal year 2023 budget meets the goals of preserving equitable student opportunities, maintaining facilities, and ensuring affordability. This proposed budget makes strategic investments to support professional learning for our staff and faculty and supports efforts to meet student social and emotional needs. It is no surprise that the pandemic has increased student needs and this budget addresses those needs. The proposed FY23 of $22,327,585 is a 3.35% increase from the FY22 budget. In addition, the per pupil spending in this proposed budget is $20,135, a 5.92% from the current rate. This increase allows us to make investments in our students. Because the pandemic significantly impacted the cost of running our schools, our District ended up with an unexpected surplus. In response, the Board intends to use a portion of this surplus to decrease the union tax rate so that even with decreased Common Level of Appraisals all town and the city residents in the District will see a decreased tax rate. This is the second year in a row that all district taxpayers will see an anticipated overall tax decrease. We estimate that over the last two years, our union tax rate has decreased by more than 11%. This shows the Board’s commitment to making education affordable to our community while maintaining high academic standards.

This Board takes seriously the importance of managing our collective resources. In the six years since consolidation, the overall budget of the ANWSD has increased by less than 6% (FY18-FY23). In the face of a decline in enrollment and rising costs, 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 1, 2022.

Due to the COVID pandemic, the Board has voted that all items will be warned as Australian ballot items. 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 closely with all ANWSD stakeholders to chart a course toward the best possible education for our students. We still face many challenges, but there is much to admire in this District. I am exceedingly grateful that this District and its people are a tight-knit, caring community willing to support one another in times of need. Please join us at future board meetings and community engagement events and visit our website for additional information.

Respectfully submitted on behalf of the ANWSD Board of Directors,

John Stroup, Board Chair

MERGER STUDY COMMITTEE UPDATE

Martha DeGraaf and MariKate Kelley, Co-Chairs of the ANWSD/MAUSD Merger Study Committee

We know that many people have questions about the ANWSD/MAUSD Merger Study Committee. As non-school board committee members of the Study Committee, it has taken us some time to get up to speed on the issues and language of the work. We’d hope this will help clarify our work, but please reach out to us if you have questions or comments.

The Committee was formed by the ANWSD and MAUSD to address a specific charge: to analyze the advisability of forming a union school district. The Committee is composed of local people who are passionate about the future of our communities. They are parents, teachers, coaches, neighbors, grandparents, and school board members. They have each volunteered to commit to spending many hours over the course of sixteen months to carefully examine the details of their charge: to learn about school governance models, listen to what people in the community value, and create a model of what the best merging plan would look like. The Committee will then decide whether they think it is a good idea to merge based on the plan and on the current situations in the two districts, and if so, offer the plan for voters to decide. We hope that explaining some details of what we are charged with will help people understand this complex process and where we are at in the process.

A union school district is formed when two or more school districts merge into one district. A unified union provides education for all PreK-12 students residing within its borders. The Committee’s responsibilities are specified in Vermont law, 16 VSA section 706b. The Study Committee may determine that it is inadvisable to form a Union School District or advisable to do so. The Committee’s approach to the assignment has been to work its way through the topics required for merger Articles of Agreement, gather and study information and materials relevant to each topic and study the pros and cons for the future of a possible merged district as compared to the pros and cons of continuing in the status quo.

If the Committee recommends a merger, it goes to the State Board of Education for their approval, then, the most important decision is made by you, the voters, who decide whether a merger happens or not. The Committee does not have the authority to bring other matters to voters but can make recommendations for the boards of ANWSD and MAUSD to consider if it elects to do so. We know that our local school boards are studying other options for collaboration and innovation to provide the opportunities and outcomes our communities want for our students at an affordable cost for taxpayers. Understanding and staying up to date on board studies and plans in this and other areas that may impact whether a merger is advisable is part of our work.

The Committee is working through a transparent, open meeting process, and is studying issues and options deeply. As Co-Chairs, we have been grateful for the broad spectrum of opinions and the civil and thoughtful discourse of the committee members. To date, the Committee has:

• Learned about the union school district options for ANWSD and MAUSD

• Learned about the context that brought the boards of ANWSD and MAUSD to determine that a merger study was needed.

• Moved back the timeline to allow for thoughtful work that anticipates a November 2022 vote, if a union is recommended.

• Studied some major factors influencing the future of schools in our region, like transportation, enrollment trends, the regional housing shortage, the pupil weighting study that might impact tax rates, and budget and tax rate projections.

• Gathered community feedback about what is important for the future of the schools in our region; and

• Drafted some of the Articles of Agreement and explored the context for several other important articles.

We have found that our schools are well maintained and in good shape. Our faculty and staff are highly valued, hardworking, and skilled. Strong relationships are at the heart of what is most valued in all our schools. Parents and

community members care about their students and schools and value maintaining or increasing programming opportunities for students, equity, community, and affordability.

In our work to explore relevant topics, we have discussed important issues that many people feel strongly about, like school closures. The Committee has worked to understand lessons from Act 46 mergers and hopes to provide an option that improves key areas, like including community voice. These conversations may be hard and take some time to work through. But our committee is a good representation of our communities, and we are discussing many viewpoints and ideas and exploring important issues with open minds.

We hope that information about what the Committee is and is not, what the Committee can and cannot do, and what decisions are made by voters will help community members better understand the work of the Committee. We appreciate your attendance at meetings, comments, and email messages. To learn more, please review prior meeting briefs, minutes, or meeting recordings which are available on the ANWSD and MAUSD websites. Please feel free to email Committee Members with comments and join us in person or via zoom at our meetings, on the first Monday and the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 pm. We are also hoping to provide additional opportunities for feedback, so stay tuned.

Merger Study Committee Members:

ANWSD MAUSD

Co-Chair: Martha DeGraaf – Panton

Erica Andrus – Ferrisburgh

Rebecca Coffey – Vergennes

Carole McBride – Addison

Keith Morrill – Vergennes

Mary Neffinger – Ferrisburgh

Co-Chair: MariKate Kelley – Monkton

Dustin Corrigan - Bristol

Kevin Hanson - Bristol

Brad Johnson - Starksboro

Sarah LaPerle – New Haven

Ed McGuire – New Haven

Troy Paradee – Bristol

Stephanie Rossier – Lincoln

Dave Sharpe – Bristol

Consultant: Tracy Wrend

MESSAGE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

Dear Addison Northwest School District Community,

It is an honor to continue to serve as your superintendent. Your support over the past four years has been incredible, especially given the difficulties of navigating the COVID-19 pandemic in our schools. It is very evident that our community prioritizes the health and well-being of our young people by the many examples of flexibility, resiliency, resourcefulness, and support you have provided over the past two years. We look forward to the year ahead and anticipate that we will regain a sense of normalcy again as the pandemic shifts into endemic mode.

Our Fiscal Year 2023 (FY23) budget reflects the educational priorities outlined in our continuous improvement plan and distributes resources equitably across schools to address areas of student need, and the needs of our community. An equitable school budget is essential for the continued growth and improvement of our school and its programs. I am excited to share this year's budget priority highlights with you.

The FY23 budget

• Meets the Board and community educational goals of preserving equitable student opportunities, maintaining facilities, and ensuring affordability.

• Provides continued support for professional development for faculty and staff.

• Expands preschool education and childcare offerings.

• Maintains all current educational programs for students.

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

• Adds staff to support an increase in social emotional needs of students in the wake of COVID-19.

As a system, we move issues of equity forward by embracing the belief that all students can succeed; ensuring that our actions, structures, systems of support, policy, and practices are aligned with this vision of high achievement. The Addison Northwest School Board and Administration are committed to improving equity and inclusion in our District by addressing issues of systemic inequity impacting our most marginalized populations of students. Our primary goal is to fulfill the promise of a 21st Century Education for all ANWSD students to help ensure they are prepared for successful post-secondary futures.

I thank our faculty, staff, and administrators who have given their best to ensure our students continue to progress in their education despite COVID-19. I have tremendous gratitude for their service and gratitude to you for entrusting us to fill such an important role in the lives of your children. We look forward to continuing to learn and grow together. I appreciate your confidence in our District and your support of the FY23 school budget.

Respectfully,

Superintendent Sheila Soule

ANWSD ADMINISTRATION

Sheila Soule, Superintendent of Schools

Kara Griswold, Director of Student Support Services

Gabriel Hamilton, Director of Learning

Elizabeth Jennings, Director of Finance & Operations

Ken Sullivan, Director of Buildings, Grounds, & Safety

Monica Desrochers, Recovery Coordinator for Equity & Inclusion

ANWSD SCHOOL LEADERSHIP

Andy Kepes

Matthew DeBlois

Ed Cook Principal Principal Interim Principal Ferrisburgh Central School Vergennes Union Elementary School 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

ANWSD STAFF DIRECTORY

ANWSD – Central Office

Cornellier Rachel Administrative Assistant to Student Services

Delisle Jody Payroll & Benefits Administrator

Desrochers Monica Recovery Coordinator for Equity & Inclusion

Griswold Kara Director of Student Support Services

Hamilton Gabriel Director of Learning

Jennings April Fiscal Analyst

Jennings Elizabeth Director of Finance & Operations

Jewell Dan Accounts Payable Specialist

Martin Glory Executive Assistant to the Superintendent

Rapoport Lynne Health & Wellness Coordinator

Soule Sheila Superintendent of Schools

Strong Melissa Data Manager

ANWSD – Districtwide

Alexander Kathy Director of MAUSD-ANWSD Food Service

Bradford William Maintenance Electrician

Bruso Wendy Systems Administrator

Haselton Thomas Technology Support Specialist

Picanza John Technology Support Specialist

Sullivan Kenneth Director of Building, Grounds & Safety

Wells Brianne School Psychologist

Wright Gary Assistant Director of Buildings, Grounds & Safety

ANWSD Early Education Program

Bennett Kimberly Speech Language Pathologist

Brooks Adelaide Paraeducator

Collette Maria Paraeducator

Donnelly Sara Paraeducator

Jones Diane Paraeducator

Kuhns Cynthia Teacher - EEE Special Ed.

Paquette Angela Paraeducator

Tierney Marcie Teacher - Preschool

Ferrisburgh Central School

Ackerman Erin Library Media Specialist

Anderson Sarah School Nutrition Manager

Armell Nancy Paraeducator - Bus Aide

Babcock Tifany Teacher - Elementary

- Central Office

- Central Office

- Central Office

- Central Office

- Central Office

- Districtwide

- Districtwide

- Districtwide

- Districtwide

Preschool

Preschool

Preschool

Preschool

Preschool

Blais Lorri School Nutrition Assistant

Brileya Susan School Counselor

Brinton Rebeccah Paraeducator

Brooks Karen Paraeducator

Clark Sandra Paraeducator FCS

Conway Sally Teacher - Math Interventionist

Cousino Julie Teacher - Elementary Art

Elson Judy Teacher - Elementary

Flynn Kaitlyn Principal's Confidential Administrative Assistant

Gero Brian Custodian

Grace Margo Teacher - Literacy Interventionist

Haney Steven Special Educator

Kenney Lydia Teacher - Elementary

Kepes Andy Principal

Kruper Jessica Teacher - Elementary

Lucarelli Hannah Speech Language Pathologist

Metzler Colleen Teacher - Elementary - Building Substitute

Pierce Kaci Teacher - Elementary

Pominville Kathleen School Nurse

Presson Lisa Paraeducator

Pudvar Kathleen Teacher - Elementary

Rusik Donna Teacher - Kindergarten

Saunders Alyssa Teacher - Kindergarten

Smith Anna Teacher - Elementary Health Educator

Stapleford Peter Teacher - Elementary

Stapleford Ligia Paraeducator

Tatro Jennel Teacher - Elementary Music

Valcourt Stacy Special Educator

Vergennes Union Elementary School

Barnes Eleanor School Nutrition Assistant

Bearor Beth Teacher - Kindergarten

Berno Dawn Teacher - Elementary

Bissonette Samara Teacher - Elementary

Braun Noah Paraeducator

Brisson Elizabeth Special Educator (leave of absence)

Brooks Joshua Teacher - Elementary

Burlock Sheila Teacher - Elementary

Castillo Millie-Jean Paraeducator

Cram Sharon Teacher - Elementary

DeBlois Matthew Principal

Dunne Susan Special Educator

Fay Michele Teacher - Elementary

Fetters Jennifer Speech Language Pathologist

Foley Amy Library Media Specialist

Gaboriault Randall Custodian VUES

Gebo Lissa School Nutrition Assistant VUES

Grunwell Sarah Special Educator VUES

Haggett Melissa Teacher - Elementary VUES

Houghton Michelle Teacher - Interventionist Supporting Literacy VUES

Jerome Susan Custodian VUES

Kayhart Sandra School Climate Facilitator VUES

Kepes Samantha Teacher - Elementary VUES

King Melanie Teacher - Interventionist Supporting Mathematics VUES

Kingsley Jennifer Teacher - Elementary VUES

Loven David Head Custodian VUES

Loven Wanda Paraeducator VUES

Marsh Megan Teacher - Literacy Interventionist VUES

Martin Patricia Paraeducator VUES

Mason Susanna Teacher - English Language Learner VUES & VUHS

Matot Alison Teacher - Kindergarten VUES

Metzler Colleen Teacher - Elementary - Building Substitute VUES & FCS

Mugford Holly Teacher - Elementary Music VUES

Mullis Melanie Teacher - Elementary VUES

Murphy Alyshia School Counselor VUES

Newton Robyn Teacher - Elementary Physical Ed. VUES

Paquette Nicole Teacher - Elementary VUES

Racine Heather Teacher - Elementary VUES

Razo Lisa Speech Language Pathologist VUES

Robinson Kimberly Teacher - Elementary

Russett Jacqueline Paraeducator - General Education

Shea Christina Paraeducator

Shields Mary Teacher -Elementary

Shugart Angela Administrative Assistant VUES

Smith Anna Teacher - Elementary Health Educator VUES & FCS

Sprague Lisa School Nutrition Manager VUES

Stinchfield Christina Paraeducator VUES

Taylor-Parsons Alison Teacher - Elementary Art

Tewksbury Amy Special Educator

Trudo Tara Teacher - Math Interventionist

Vigne Allison School Nurse VUES

Vincent Patricia Paraeducator

Warner Sarah Special Educator

Weiner Catherine Special Educator

Whitley Lisa Paraeducator

Young Carolyn Communication Facilitator VUES

Zwickel Gwen Teacher - Literacy Interventionist VUES

Vergennes Union High School

Adreon Ryan Paraeducator

Ambrose Nancy Teacher - Mathematics

Barrett Anthony Custodian

Beerworth Julia Teacher - Social Studies

Bernardini Ralph Teacher - Middle School Math

Bicknell Sarah Paraeducator

Blanshard Timothy Custodian

Brooks Jeremy Teacher - SAILS Program -Science

Brouillard Holly Custodian

Brouillard Mark Head Custodian

Bryant Jamie School Nutrition Assistant

Chamberlain Michelle Paraeducator

Choromanski Karyn Teacher - Physical Education & Health

Cleiland Tori Special Educator

Coffey Rebecca Teacher - Social Studies

Cook Sarah Teacher - Physical Education

Cook Edward Assistant Principal

Driscoll Sara Paraeducator

Ebel Rebecca Special Educator

Francis Brent Teacher - Science

Frangipane Laura Teacher - Social Studies

Gallagher Louise Paraeducator

Garrecht Peter Special Educator

Gebo Alyson Paraeducator

Grant Gerald Custodian

Guinane Carlie Teacher - Art

Hallock June Paraeducator

Hull Roderick Teacher - Driver Education

Husk Laura Special Educator

Jochum Carmen School Nutrition Manager

Johnson Brian Teacher - Science

Kayhart Lynn Teacher - Mathematics

Kepes Janet Teacher - World Language

Kirkaldy Kristine Teacher - World Language/PBL Coordinator

Knutsen Talia Special Educator

Kornman Charles Teacher - Financial Literacy

Kunkel Angela Library Media Specialist

Langer John Custodian

Lawrence Lisa School Nutrition Assistant

Mahoney Allison Teacher - Language Arts

Mallory Sharon Behavior Interventionist - General Education

Maneen Peter Director of Student Activities

Mann Parker Teacher - Instrumental

Marcotte Dianne Secretary - Main Office

Mason Susanna Teacher - English Language Learner

Monk Ashlee School Counselor

Muzzy Melissa Teacher - Middle School Science

Nary Sean Teacher - Middle School Math

O'Hara Cailin Teacher - Choral

Oliveira Susan School Counselor

Olsen Meghan Special Educator

Palmer Sally School Nutrition Assistant

Paquin Heather Special Educator

Payeur Elizabeth Teacher - Middle School English Lang. Arts

Richmond James Teacher - Social Studies

Samuels Matthew Teacher - Middle School Social Studies

Schechter Gabriel Teacher - Mathematics

Schlein Matthew Teacher - Walden Program

Smith Debbi Admin. Assistant - Facilities & Operations

Spencer Jeffrey Teacher - Art

Stearns Scott Custodian

Steen Karl Teacher - Language Arts

Story Glenn Teacher - Mathematics

Sullivan Shelby Nurse

Sullivan Betsy Principal's Confidential Secretary

Sweeney Randy Middle School Counselor

Takeda Karen School Nutrition Head Chef

Thomas Michael Teacher - Language Arts

Thompson Sarah Teacher - Science

Thurber Shannon Behavior Interventionist

Vickers Kyle Teacher - Health/PE

Vincent Anne Secretary - Guidance Office

Walther Denise Paraeducator

Warren Eric Teacher - Science - Walden Program

Watson Wendy Speech Language Pathologist

Wells Jaime School Nurse

West Dennis Special Educator

Williams Laura Teacher - Middle School Science

Wyckoff Christopher Teacher - Language Arts

After School Program/Child Care

Brooks Tara Director of After School & Summer Services

Bourgeois Ashley Child Care Site Director

Brace Mallory Child Care Assistant

Brooks Adelaide Child Care Assistant

Brooks Olivia Child Care Assistant

Bryant Raia Child Care Assistant

Collette Ila Child Care Assistant

Comouche Jeanne FCS Fusion Site Coordinator

& VUES

& VUES

Cousino Julie Child Care Assistant FCS

Driscoll Sara Child Care Assistant FCS

Dunne Susan Child Care Assistant FCS

Graves Madison Child Care Assistant VUES

Mallory Sharon VUMS Fusion Site Coordinator VUHS

Moulton Reese Child Care Assistant FCS & VUES

Russett Jacqueline Child Care Assistant VUES

Scribner Audrey Child Care Assistant FCS & VUES

Shepard Mavis VUES Fusion Site Coordinator VUES

Stearns Taylor Child Care Assistant FCS

Stinchfield Christina Child Care Assistant VUES

Who is Included in each Category?

ADMIN Superintendent, Principals, Directors

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

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

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

OTHER After School programs, childcare assistants

9 6 14 31 13 21 17

B = Bachelors B15 = Bachelors + 15 credits

B30 = Bachelors + 30 credits

M = Masters M15 = Masters + 15 credits M30 = Masters + 30 credits

= Double Masters CAGS = Certificate of Advanced Graduated Study CAS = Certificate of Advanced Study

DEPARTMENTAL & SCHOOL REPORTS

OFFICE OF LEARNING

Gabriel Hamilton, Director of Learning

Monica Desrochers, Coordinator for Equity & Inclusion

Melissa Strong, Data Manager

Points of Pride

During the 2020-21 school year, the Office of Learning continued to focus on continuing to implement the three main goals of the Addison Northwest School District’s 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. The pandemic continued to have an impact on our schools and communities. Supporting students and teachers through these trying times remained a priority. Despite the many academic and social-emotional challenges the pandemic has brought, our students, teachers, and families have been heroic in their ability to navigate these challenges.

The 2020-21 school year began with a keynote from Rebecca Haslam from Seed the Way, LLC. Her work is focused on equity pedagogies that support the social-emotional well-being of students of color. She shared expertise and resources for anti-bias curriculum and pedagogy, and equity literacy for educators. Her presentation helped to empower us to create and sustain equitable, anti-racist schools, spaces, partnerships, policies, and systems. Through professional development, we continued to explore ways in which equity translated into classroom instruction. For mathematics, the middle and high school math teams worked with Teacher Development Group, a research-based professional development organization committed to the enactment and enhancement of high-quality math instruction for all students. In literacy, ANWSD continued its partnership with Orton-Gillingham, a multi-sensory literacy-based approach to structured literacy instruction for students in grades Kindergarten through grade 6. Additionally, our middle and high schools participated in regular professional development in anti-racist practices using the Building AntiRacist White Educators framework, and having explicit instruction from Ita Meno, an activist, founding member, and anti-racist consultant for CQ Strategies.

Updates on Program

In the 2020-2021 academic year, ANWSD had 852 students enrolled in kindergarten through 12th grade, and 70 students enrolled in our Pre-K programming. 27% of ANWSD students qualify for free or reduced lunch, which is lower than the state average of roughly 40% of students. 7.3% of ANWSD identify as Black, Indigenous, Person of Color and/or Latinx.

The 2020-2021 school year necessitated flexible and supportive instruction and learning for ANWSD students. In the 2019-2020 academic year, no standardized testing was administered due to COVID-19. With that in mind, we use 2018, 2019, and 2021 to illustrate trends in math and literacy. Each spring in 2018, 2019, and 2021 students in grades 3 -11 were administered the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium (SBAC) and while students in grades 5, 8 and 11 were administered the Vermont Science Assessment (VTSA). These assessments offer us data of how ANWSD students perform in relation to their grade level peers locally and state-wide. The 2021 Vermont Physical Education Assessment (VTPEA) was canceled due to COVID-19.

Below are graphics that illustrate cohorts of students' performance in mathematics and literacy over time. In 2021, ANWSD 6th grade students performed, on average, above the state in both math and literacy.

In 2021, ANWSD 9th grade students performed, on average, above the state in both math and literacy.

The following graphs display the 2021 SBAC percentages of students who scored proficient or above in mathematics and literacy for students in grades 3-9. ANWSD students in grades 3-7 and 9 performed higher than the state average, while students in grade 8 performed below the state average.

The following table and chart show the scores for the Vermont Science Assessment for 2019 and 2021. Grades 5 and 11 performed above the state average in 2021, while grade 8 performed slightly below the state average in 2021.

Our dual enrollment, a flexible pathway for students to earn higher education credits in conjunction with their time at ANWSD, had 34 students participating in at least one college course! Additionally, in 2020-2021, we had one student participate in our early college flexible pathway.

The ANWSD Walden Program reached its 20th year of establishment in the District! Walden has served hundreds of students from ANWSD and beyond. This outdoor program currently serves 19 students in grades 10th -12th, by working with students to create individualized educational experiences in the great outdoors. Walden provides flexible pathways for learners that are rich in 21st century and academic skills.

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.

While the SBAC and VTSA offer us one measure of achievement, ANWSD strives to refine the Local Comprehensive Assessment Plan to offer a more complete picture of our students for the 2021- 2022 school year and beyond. This refinement includes the addition of MAP (Measures of Academic Progress), a personalized mathematics and literacy tool used to measure progress by adapting to the individual student skill level, that is to be administered three times per academic year. This assessment will be paired with on-going professional development to support teachers in continuing to use data to target and tailor instruction.

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 strengthening of our elementary instructional coaching 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 through Universal Design for Learning. ANWSD will expand its anti-racist trainings to include our elementary schools, with regular professional development. Furthermore, the continued revision and refinement of our Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) will seek to meet the needs of all students, including those below proficiency.

The pandemic has also had a significant impact on the social-emotional well-being of our students and staff. Continued planning will prioritize providing support for students and staff in these areas. Youth-adult partnerships will work to elevate student voice and agency within our systems. Each of these initiatives will involve coordination between leadership teams, administrators, educators, and students whose partnership will improve outcomes for students within ANWSD. Additionally, our Local Comprehensive Assessment Plan will include the administering of student surveys to help us understand the emotional and social needs of our students. This data collection paired with youth adult partnership professional development will work to increase positive culture and support in our schools.

Morgan – grade 4 - VUES

TECHNOLOGY

Wendy Bruso, Systems Administrator

Points of Pride

This past winter the ANWSD Technology Department completed a three-year infrastructure project by which our District achieved “E-911” compliance and a state-of-the-art phone system district-wide. Half of the costs incurred were paid for by a grant from the State of Vermont. With this newly compliant phone system, 911 operators can identify the room where an emergency call comes from within our District buildings, decreasing response time if emergency services ever need to be called. In building this advanced infrastructure for this project, the Technology Department replaced all the network switching equipment at the three elementary schools and some of the high school switches. A great deal of the network wiring was also installed in VUES and FCS.

As our Technology Department continues to face increasing demand for technology related support services, especially in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and building learn-from-home preparedness, we have hired a second Technical Support Specialist bringing our team membership to three. This has allowed us to station a support technician in each of our three main school buildings and allowed us to provide better and more expedient support to our students, teachers, and staff. There have also been several changes within our department with the departure of our Director of Learning and Technology, Violet Nichols; and Wendy Bruso has taken over responsibilities of District Systems Administrator

Using federal COVID-19 response funds (ESSER grants), we have purchased many laptops for teachers and staff, as well as additional student Chromebooks. We also received additional funds from the Emergency Connectivity Fund grant to purchase additional iPads which has allowed us to supply 1:1 iPads for the entire Kindergarten class as well as replace many outdated student and staff iPads. All this additional hardware will allow the students and teachers to maintain flexibility and be ready to transition to learn from home should response to the current pandemic require it.

Additionally, we set up a “Zoom Room” in the VUHS library. This consists of an 86” television and a conference camera, microphone, and sound system. This setup allows for meeting participants to see, hear, and participate in school board meetings held on Zoom. This room serves as a multipurpose area and can also be used as a classroom in the library instead of using a projector and a screen. This equipment was funded by the federal ESSER grants.

Current Projects and Updates

We are in the process of installing outdoor wireless access points for each school so there will be private wireless access while on the sports fields and playgrounds for teachers and staff.

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

We continue our work on a schedule to replace aging SmartBoards and interactive projectors in our classrooms. We have chosen interactive flat panels (similar to TVs) to replace our existing interactive board and projector combinations. This will reduce the overall cost and quantity of classroom equipment we have to maintain. We installed one of these in the FCS library in October 2021. Another of these interactive flat panels was installed in room C6 over Christmas break to replace a failed projector there. We replaced three of the old interactive projectors and boards at VUES last year as well.

Finally, we replaced the main domain controller server at VUHS as well as the main network switch in the Fall of 2021. The new network switch has upgraded the networking backbone from 1 Gbp/s to 10 Gbp/s. We continue to work towards improvements and sustainable maintenance of network infrastructure connectivity for our users. We have a future goal of achieving upgrades to all the buildings to a 10 Gbp/s backbone in the coming years to support the everincreasing demands on network speed and throughput of today’s technology.

Future Planning

We will be replacing the wireless access points in both high school gyms and the auditorium with E-Rate funds in the Winter of 2022. We will continue to replace older wireless access points with newer models capable of handling the new Wi-Fi 6 mode to provide better service.

We will be working on improving our Cybersecurity, E-mail security and student data privacy to protect all our users.

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Kara Griswold, Director

Points of Pride

During the FY21 school year, the Special Education department went into year six 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 also received a letter of commendation from the AOE for achieving 100% on Indicator 13 (Transition Planning for students with disabilities), again only a few in the state achieved this standard. We also were selected to participate in the annual monitoring cyclic by the AOE. The AOE looks at 12 different areas of special education and requires a multitude of submissions of data to analysis. We were found compliant in all areas except our Suspension and Expulsion Policy, which has been updated through VSBIT for all districts to adopt.

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, which is set to be in full implementation as of July 1, 2022. This continues to afford us the opportunity for classroom teachers, interventionists, and special educators to improve their targeted interventions and progress monitoring abilities which increases the menu of instructional practices and programming available to all students.

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

Updates on Program

We continue to increase our capacity to serve and meet the needs of students who struggle with behavioral and emotional challenges. FY21 was the first year of implementation of the Addison Wayfinder Experience program housed at ACS. This is a collaborative program between the three districts in Addison County to support students with social, emotional, and behavioral needs within our county.

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

Future Planning

We will continue to support and consider ways to grow the Wayfinder program to help meet the needs of the students in our county. We will continue to work, as a county, to see what type of programming we might be able to offer grades K-5. We continue to learn about the new special education regulations attached to Act 173 that will go into effect July 1, 2022. The Department and District will be participating in many trainings around the new regulations and how they affect special and general education. We also continue to learn how Act 173 will continue to impact special education funding in the coming months.

EARLY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Marcie Tierney, Director/Teacher

Points of Pride

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

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

• We are a Vermont Prequalified Prekindergarten Program.

• We have 6.5 highly qualified educators who make a strong team for our 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 located at the Ferrisburgh Central School.

• Our preschool program runs four days a week; a morning and an afternoon program.

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

• This year, we are piloting an extended day care program to create a fuller day option for students and families.

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

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

Future Planning

• We plan to hold our annual Child Developmental Screening days in March 2022.

• Our Fall 2022 enrollment will follow the screening.

• We will submit our annual report for STARS in April 2022.

• We hope to continue to offer a more full-day preschool program with a possible 5-hour preschool day and an extended day care option in the coming year and years to follow.

HEALTH & WELLNESS

Lynne Rapoport, Coordinator

Points of Pride

In February 2021, ANWSD was recognized by the Vermont Department of Health with the Governor’s Excellence in Worksite Wellness Gold Level Award. This was the third consecutive year ANWSD has ranked as a gold level award recipient for successful work in the areas of policy, programming, and environmental supports in place to promote the health and wellness of faculty and staff. Other award levels include Rising Star, Bronze, and Silver.

As a long-term recipient of the Healthy SU Grant Program, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Vermont Education Health Initiative (VEHI), these funds are used towards employee wellness. Data collected during 2021 by the district-wide PATH to Wellness Team, narrowed the year’s focus towards increased movement, nutrition education, and better sleep. The PATH team used a full set of wellness activities and strategies throughout the school year to bring to life these targeted wellness visions.

Updates on Program

In January 2021, the Health and Wellness Leadership Team (HWLT) recommended Wellness Policy (C9) updates and amendments for consideration to the school board, which were adopted in March 2021. The HWLT then developed a Wellness Policy assessment tool and resource guidebook for action planning and implementation in 2022. The assessment tool will generate data to better determine district compliance with the wellness policy; how the wellness policy compares to model wellness policies; and progress made in attaining the goals of the wellness policy.

Future Planning

In September 2021, Vermont’s Agency of Education (AOE) awarded the Vergennes Union Elementary School as a recipient of a Community Schools grant. In addition to improving educational outcomes for our learners, this grant will further efforts to support our student’s social emotional health; increase access to health services; strengthen community-school partnerships; expand food security resources; increase family engagement through mentoring, and other youth/adult programming. Though VUES is the recipient of the grant award, all ANWSD schools will benefit through our existing district partnerships.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS

Tara Brooks, Director

Points of Pride

The summer of 2021 looked very different from the summer of 2020 for the ANWSD Summer Fusion and Childcare program. Delta and Omicron were not yet in our vocabulary and students and staff were able to enter the building without masks. It was refreshing to feel this sense of normal and to see the smiles on the faces of all our students. Families were also thankful for the sense of normalcy that summer provided. Our enrollment went from 118 in the summer of 2020 to 221 in the summer of 2021. The program served students in PreK – grade 9 and included both our Fusion program and our licensed childcare program.

The ANWSD was also recognized by the Agency of Education for holding the most in-person afterschool and summer programming days in the state in FY 21. The ANWSD ran programming a total of 219 days between July 1, 2020, and June 30, 2021.

Updates on Program

The 2020-21 school year saw a return to in-person Fusion activities that had all been remote at the end of the 2020 school year. With a focus on keeping students as safe as possible, however, all programming was offered outdoors, with the exception of high school learning labs and childcare. In total, 66 enrichment and academic support programs were held across all three schools with a total of 381 students participating in one of these programs. The 2021-22 school year has brought a return to indoor enrichment programming and an increase of interest from students and teachers. The Fusion Site Coordinators are excited to be once again offering a plethora of opportunities for our students. Programs that have been offered so far for the 2021-22 school year include:

Where am I? Mapping and Navigation for Beginners

HS Learning Labs

Baking

Mock Trial Team

Scholars Bowl

Hockey

Watercolor/Stories & Crafting

Random Acts of Kindness Club

Theater Games

Skating/ X-Country Skiing

Sledding

Photography

Food Fun

Zumba & Jazz/Rock Band

Book Group

Future Planning

Creative Cooking

Polymer Clay

Guitar/Ukulele

Vermont History Day

Games! Games! Games!

Knitting and Crochet Club

Free Friday

Fairy Tales and Puppets

Fairy Houses

Underwater Explorers

Create Your Own Graphic Novel

My Plate

Take Great Photos

Yoga & Journaling

Rowing

The 2021-22 school year marks the start of Year Three of our five-year Nita M. Lowey 21st Century Community Learning Centers Grant (21CCLC). This grant funds the Fusion Enrichment program at VUES. Enrichment programs at FCS and VUHS are funded through a combination of local funds and revenue generated from our childcare programs. For the first time, all our schools are 21CCLC eligible. To be eligible, schools must either meet or exceed 40% free and reduced lunch or the school community must be Title 1 eligible. The grant is due to the Agency of Education on February 4, 2022, and awards will be announced in late April. The ANWSD has the potential to receive an estimated $200,000 per year in additional grant funding.

ATHLETICS

Peter Maneen, Director

While hopes were high that 2021 would be the year that made us forget how challenging 2020 was, things don’t always go as planned.

After forging through a shortened fall season in 2020 that was marked with temperature checks, social distance, attendance, and seating charts and gallon upon gallons of hand sanitizer, our winter athletes were looking forward to their season. While the basketball season was given the green light to start after a grueling six week wait, our wrestlers, cheerleader, and indoor track stars lost out. COVID had struck again.

Making the most of their shortened season, our boys’ basketball team broke into the win column late in the season. That initial win turned out to be the confidence booster the team needed as they went on a win streak to end the season, culminating in a win on the road at Mt. Abe to earn a home playoff game. After dispatching Randolph in the first round, the team traveled to undefeated Green Mountain where they eventually fell in overtime of to a game winning three pointer at the buzzer.

Although the boys’ team turned up the heat late in the season, our girls’ basketball team stole the show this past winter right from the start. The team earned a 9-1 record and the #3 seed in the state tournament. After pulling off a huge upset over Windsor in the state semifinals, the girls set their sights on top seeded Lake Region. While the return to Barre Auditorium was a special moment, it was a little surreal to see the place empty as no fans were allowed to attend the championship game. What fans would have seen in-person was a team that went toe-to-toe with the best team in the state and competed until the very end. Although the team fell just short in that title game, they played with a style and class that made our community proud.

As the snow melted and the grass turned green, our COVID numbers fell. With lower numbers across the state, our spring athletes returned to the field and track after losing all of 2020. Taking full advantage of the opportunity, our teams played with an appreciation of what they had lost, and their passion showed each game and meet.

Our cooperative girls’ lacrosse team with Mt. Abraham wasted little time returning to the form that led them to an undefeated state championship in 2019. The team dominated their season and earned the #2 seed in the state tournament. Although the team fell to eventual champion, Green Mountain Valley, that loss didn’t overshadow what an impressive run this group had.

Our softball team rebounded in numbers, fielded a JV team for the first time in a number of years. The increased numbers in the program will build a solid foundation for the future. The Varsity team battled through a tough regular season, earning a home playoff game for the first time in a long time. While earning that game was certainly a highlight, the program sees it as a steppingstone to a much more consistent and successful future. With many returning players and some very promising talent, Coach Travis Scribner has this program headed in the right direction.

The last time we had seen our baseball team play was in the 2019 State Championship at Centennial Field. After an entire year off and the graduation of many talented players, expectations were unknown. Well, the boys stepped up to the plate and delivered another impressive campaign. After two playoff victories, the boys fell in the semifinals to eventual champion Peoples Academy. Sometimes the bats go cold, and the ball just takes bad hops. While the team graduated three of the best pitchers in the state, the cupboards are far from bare and there is no reason not to expect good things on the diamond again this spring.

Our Track & Field program once again showed that while running on an actual track certainly helps, it doesn’t break the season. At the State Championship meet in Windsor, our track team put on quite the show winning five state championships. Gabe Praamsma won the 800M, Ben Huston won both the 1500M & 3000M, the team of Gabe Prammsma, Ryder Messinger, Aidan Gebo, and Ben Huston won the 4x400M and winning the 4x800M was Gabe Praamsma, Aidan Gebo, Jarret Muzzy, and Ben Huston.

This fall brought the return to “almost” normal. The season started on time, all games were played and most importantly for the players, no masks were required on the fields. While COVID may still have been on people's minds, it did not steal the show for the first time in a long time.

However, stealing the show was the boys’ soccer team. After an impressive season, the boys’ earned the #4 seed in the state tournament. In the second round, the team avenged last season's heartbreaking last second loss to Peoples Academy by breaking some hearts themselves. In the second overtime, senior Jonah Mahe scored the game winning goal in front of a spirited crowd to send the team back to the semifinals. While the team may have lost to eventual champions Green Mountain in that game, they showed what a beautiful game soccer can be when played the right way.

The girls’ soccer team has had an impressive run of last, earning three straight trips to the State Championship game. Many players from those teams had graduated, leaving a young team this fall. Although another trip to the finals wasn’t in the cards, the team played well and displayed promise for future years. With good numbers and a solid foundation, the future is promising for this proud program.

Graduation losses are tough on many schools and Vergennes is not immune. After many years of dominance on the water and cross-country trails, our rowing and cross-country teams focused on rebuilding this fall. While the lack of outof-state travel really hampered our rowing team, it is very promising to see such a great turn-out of younger students looking to start the sport. Coach West always does a wonderful job with this group, and we will see our rowing team continue to thrive. First year coach Mary Neffinger may have had a small group of high school runners, she had a small army in middle school. If there’s one program to keep an eye on over the next few years, the cross-country team is it!

While Vergennes might not be the biggest school, we have a very active student body. Our students are always looking for new challenges and sometimes just want to bring old challenges back. This fall, the Athletic Department expanded to welcome back a golf team for the first time in twelve years. With the help of Coach Socinski and Basin Harbor, our students once again had the opportunity to play the great game of golf.

When you have one of the best lakes in the country for bass, it only makes sense you add the state's newest sport- Bass Fishing. This fall was the first year of the bass fishing team coached by Jack McGuire. With sixteen anglers learning new baits and casting techniques, I’m really looking forward to seeing this program continue to develop.

With the return of high school sports, we also welcomed back our future athletes in the elementary school. Maybe it was the year off that led to our massive surge in numbers or maybe it was the focus on community within our programs as our high school coaches and athletes continue to devote their time with clinics, cheering and refereeing. Whatever the reason, it is something to see so many young students take part in athletics.

Here is a breakdown of our elementary numbers this fall and winter:

Fall soccer: 14 teams and 209 players

Winter Basketball: 13 team and 140 players

Our elementary program is also expanding to capture the interest and build our upper-level programs. This winter we are offering elementary wrestling and cheerleading, both great sports and exciting opportunities.

I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our coaches at all our levels. Without the support of our outstanding coaching staff, our students would lose out on valuable life lessons learned while in the athletic venues. When you pass your child's coach on the field, court, mat, or grocery store, please thank them.

OPERATIONS & MAINTENANCE

Ken Sullivan, Director

VERGENNES UNION HIGH SCHOOL - Work Completed

• With the help of our 2018 Bond Contractor EEI, we managed IRC roofing and approximately $25,000 worth of warranty repairs on the Johns Manville roofing over the MS gym and chorus/band room areas. This work was completed with no exceptions.

• Hired and managed a duct cleaning contractor to clean all HVAC ventilation equipment.

• Replaced six old windows in the counselor offices in the front of the building.

• We repaired as many as 60 existing windows back to working function including 18 new window screens.

• Installed two doors - boys & girls locker room.

• Flotec flooring installation in the HS lobby entry

• Purchased the Sapling Master Clock System as well as clocks.

• Managed and coordinated the installation of the stone facade for the front entry sign.

• Enrolled in the Greenprint Partners program to be ahead of the funding and design timeline and compliancy for the upcoming ADNR stormwater runoff rules.

• Identified that water buildup inside the tunnel under the Auditorium is ground water and not a roofing leak.

• Monthly energy reports showed a bigger increase in power usage. Discovered a bad transformer that controlled the solar power panel controls and facilitated repairs.

• AHU 3 Air handler for the MS gym had a speed drive failure, resulting in needing to be replaced.

• Major repairs to AHU 4E to include new motor and replacement of both main blower bearings in HS gym

• Removal of the underground 10,000-gallon oil tank.

• Hired and managed the air testing for proper air exchange in the Auditorium, band room, and chorus room.

• New Zoom area completed in the library.

• Maintenance and refinishing of both gymnasium floors.

• Diagnosed and repaired propane leak in B Wing.

• Facilitated wiring of new scoreboard

• Diagnosed and repaired broken sewer line outside the band room vestibule.

• Installed high limit cutoff switches for boilers per state regulations.

• Installed iMonnet wireless sensors for water leak detection and temperatures per VSBIT’s recommendation

• Final connection and commissioning of multi split Daikin Heat pump system for the faculty and server room.

VERGENNES UNION HIGH SCHOOL - Work in Progress

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

• Further troubleshooting the water in the tunnel under the Auditorium is necessary. For now, we are pumping it and keeping it dry when it occurs.

• Further air testing and balancing to be completed.

• 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.

• Estimate for broken underground sewer line behind kitchen.

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

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

• Ventilation project for PHCC workshop.

• Sapling Masterclock needs commissioning and to be put online.

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

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Installed a new dishwasher.

• Renovated the prep room to better accommodate the freezer and refer door access. This included the removal of old cabinets and sink and replaced with new but more suitable for a commercial kitchen.

• Replaced the walk-in refrigerator and freezer condensing units and evaporators.

• New protective freezer floor covering

• Worked with a contractor to relocate the natural gas line in the failing concrete vault adjacent to the boiler room.

• Playground - new safety fiber added.

• Sound attenuation devices needed to solve the echo problems in the B-wing.

• New Flotec flooring installed in the main entry.

• Adding heat to the kitchen supervisor’s office.

• Moving the main office copier to the teacher’s common area after the phone line is installed by the IT contractors

• Air balancing and testing of basement AHU, exiting ERU and Library AHU

VERGENNES UNION ELEMENTARY SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Diagnosis and summary of structural findings for main entry.

• Identified a failing foundation near the boiler room vault.

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

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

• Estimate obtained to replace walk-in freezer door

• Need estimate to replace basement AHU, Library AHU, existing ERU.

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL - Work Completed

• Completed infill project by EF Wall.

• The scope of this project was to fill in the existing mechanical tunnels beneath the school. The heating, plumbing, and electrical were all removed and replaced new in the appropriate ceilings of the building. The tunnels were filled and capped upon completion.

• Removal of asbestos floor tile in six rooms of the old wing.

• New carpeting, tile, paint, and egress doors were also installed in various areas throughout the building.

• Major upgrades were made to classroom cubbies and closets throughout the building.

• Constructed a new shed for the lawn and snow removal equipment.

• Relocated a shed from Addison to the back of the school for the PreK program.

• The elimination of the old piping will contribute to the school drinking water being lead free

• Installed new dishwasher in kitchen

• Installed washer and dryer in janitor closet.

FERRISBURGH CENTRAL SCHOOL - Work in Progress

• Walk-in freezer replacement proposals.

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

• Inspection of windmill condition and cost necessary future repairs and maintenance.

ADDISON WAYFINDER EXPERIENCE - Work Completed

• Replaced the hot water heating system circulation pump & had the failed pump rebuilt to have for a spare.

• Installed new BoilerMate indirect domestic hot water tank

• Re-keyed and reconfigured classrooms

• Fixed windows and screens.

• Cleaned out and reorganized doublewide

• Main HVAC exhaust fan repairs.

ADDISON WAYFINDER EXPERIENCE - Work in Progress

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

• Tree cutting and ditching work.

• Windmill services.

• Mailbox pole

• Procurement of new cafeteria tables.

ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work Completed

• Scheduled and managed the annual planned maintenance of all grease traps and septic systems.

• Established updated annual roof maintenance plan.

• Established and managed pest control service contract to help reduce stinging insect and small rodents’ complaints and infestations.

• Established an updated planned maintenance schedule and control log for all HVAC and Plumbing equipment.

WORK INCLUDED:

- Hydronic system water chemistry testing and maintenance

- Boiler and rooftop burner services

- More frequent air filter and belt changes due to more run time of ventilation systems

- System controls alarm monitoring sequencing

• Established an updated planned maintenance schedule and control logs for all fire suppression equipment.

• Established an updated Planned Maintenance schedule and control logs for emergency lighting.

• Safety training and facility management certification training for supervisors.

WORK INCLUDED:

- VSBIT spring conference workshops (building management)

- Asbestos awareness training

- OSHA Hazard communication regulation (SDS) sheets and interpretation

• Custodial staff training.

WORK INCLUDED:

- Bloodborne pathogen

- Lockout tagout system

- Lead awareness

- Floor maintenance for tile, carpet, and gymnasium flooring

- Confined space training

• Relocated the Director of Learning, Director of Finance and Operations and business staff offices within the District Office spaces.

• Complete safety inspection of all gymnasium bleachers and basketball backboards.

• Prepared District ID Badge and distributed

• Established a map and schedule of all stormwaters catch basins and had them cleaned at all schools.

• Vermont State Act 66 - responding immediately to the actions required by the Agency of Natural Resources with regards to lead testing. Currently we are in full compliance with the Agency of Natural Resources with regards to lead testing.

• Updated the ANWSD confined space program.

• Continued documenting a prioritized list for facilities needs with the Director of Operations and School Board facilities members. This information, as well as a survey of all buildings, has been conveyed to the State through the Bureau of Veritas survey program. In addition to this reporting, the data will continue to be compiled to project further changes and Capital planning.

ANWSD ALL SCHOOL BUILDINGS - Work in Progress

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

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

• Continued to develop District Facilities Management plan with all short- and long-term information.

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

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

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

• Applying for a $7,500 safety grant from VSBIT (Vermont School Board Trust) insurance company. Grant funds will go towards speed signage & other safety signage installations.

• Applying for an additional $2,500 safety grant from VSBIT. This additional grant required a District security audit to be performed by the VSBIT security consultant.

• Beginning the process and continuing to collect data for a standard Facilities Management Planning guide that includes current status compliance with new laws such as VT ACT 72 and 74. These have a range of rules that include lead in the drinking water, air quality testing, PCB testing and a 5-year Facilities planning template.

SCHOOL NUTRITION SERVICES

Kathy Alexander, Director

In FY21, School Nutrition was “on the move” in every possible way. With the pandemic still a challenge for families, educators, and students, our program staff made every accommodation that could be made to feed and nourish students safely, efficiently, comfortably, and well in school. Our entire vocabulary in the ANWSD school kitchens changed to include the words “kiosks”, “remote”, “hand truck”, “walkie talkie”, “take-out”, “distribution”, “delivery”, “contactless pick up”, “heat & serve”, “deli pack”, and “meal kit”. School nutrition staff found every way to meet students where they were with breakfast and lunch during the school day, on weekends, and even over breaks. All this was possible for two reasons. The first is the USDA waivers to our School Nutrition program rules and regulations that allowed for multiple and varied serving options to be developed and for all meals to be served free of charge and outside of the regular school day. The second was the tenacity, creativity, and bravery of our school nutrition professionals who tried everything they could think of to get the job done. Many staff worked long hours to make sure that daily meals and vacation/holiday meal kits were ready for distribution. The creativity and organization that went into the different delivery models was really remarkable. They are the real heroes of our story in FY21

MANY MEALS SERVED FOR ALL! Since March 2020 and through FY21, School Meals, (breakfast &lunch) have been served to students at no cost (Universal Meals). This means that more meals are prepared, served, and consumed by students than ever before and that no student ever worries about being able to pay for food at school. An analysis of meals served in FY20 compared to FY21 shows the effect of adding Universal Meals, delivered to homes for three and a half months of the year (March-June 2020). In FY21, meals were not delivered to homes, but all meals were free at school and served in classrooms or kiosks in hallways at the high school. Weekly pick up of meals for remote learners and student meals over vacations and holidays was also made available to families.

COVID Grant Opportunities

One silver lining to the difficulties of the COVID-19 Pandemic was an influx of funds from USDA for School Meals through an increase in per-meal reimbursement of about 12% and grant funding for equipment specific to the new needs of serving meals to students in classrooms, hallways, and remotely. The ANWSD School Nutrition Program was able to purchase a new van for transporting food, a new outdoor walk-in freezer for increased food storage, meal sealing machines, and many carts, dollies, insulated bags, coolers, and more equipment needed for all the various service models used throughout the year. These items will all have great use in future years. Overall, ANWSD School Nutrition spent approximately $150,000 in grant funds on badly needed equipment.

Andy Kepes, Principal

Student Learning & Points of Pride

I really hoped that when I looked back on this past year, I would be able to say, “We finally have COVID in our rear-view mirror!” Instead, we are still wearing masks at school, doing weekly testing, and using the phrase “close contact” much too frequently. But the classroom experience has become more “normal” - no more plexiglass, students are working in small groups, and there are fewer distancing requirements. I would not say that the never-ending pandemic is not having negative impacts on students and staff, but we are doing our best to move forward.

I’m not sure what happened six years ago but we have a bumper crop of kindergarten students at FCS. We started the year with 31 students in two classes. Kaci Pierce returned to school after leaving in January of 2021 and is helping make sure that we have an extra-large kindergarten class in the fall of 2026.

The Unified Arts classes continue to be an important part of the learning experience for FCS students. Every week students have a library, health, art, music, and two PE classes. Students are taking music lessons again and I don’t mind tripping over a trumpet case in the hall and it is nice to hear some singing. This fall, student art was hung in the “Hollow”. The library collection has been expanded and a great effort has been made to make the collection more diverse. PE and Health classes both help students learn about how to take care of their bodies and make healthy decisions. I am so glad that we have not had to return to virtual UA classes. (I hope I’m not jinxing us.)

Some things are still missing at FCS. We don’t have students mixing from other classes and this continues to be something that impacts the culture in the building. I continue to be impressed with the resilience of our students and staff. These crazy past few years will impact us for years to come, but the school community has done a great job minimizing the impact.

Culture & Staff

In June, we moved from a drive-in graduation to an outdoor ceremony. It went so well that we are considering making it a tradition for the sixth graders. We also saw the return of the Monster Mash (also outside) and a new artist in residence. We have also seen the return of visitors and volunteers in the building. We are still not taking full advantage of volunteers, but it is so nice to have them back in the building.

In October, Thea Alvin came to FCS for a week as our stonemason artist in residence. In one week, Thea and the students transformed nine pallets of stone into a beautiful stone sculpture in the front of the school. The arch and wall were dedicated to Loretta Lawrence who retired in June. Seeing Loretta was the highlight of the dedication ceremony. If you haven’t seen the sculpture yet, please come by and see this amazing creation.

This year we welcomed three new staff members. Alyssa Saunders, a VUHS graduate, is our new Kindergarten teacher. Jess Kruper has moved to Vermont to teach the FCS third graders. Kaitie Flynn, another VUHS graduate, is the new FCS administrative assistant. Annie Wilson surprised us with her retirement in June and Kathie Pudvar moved from the classroom to take over the PE classes.

Physical and mental health is always on our radar and even more so these past few years. Once again, I want to thank Sue Brileya, our School Counselor; Brianne Wells, our District Psychologist; Gina Normand, our CSAC school-based clinician; and Kathy Pominville, our school nurse for keeping an eye on student and staff mental health this year. We have also added a home to school coordinator, Davina Desmarais, who supports students and families in and out of school. Several interns have also helped us increase student support: A big thank you to Bri Ettori, Nicole Beeso, and Ciara Herman-Dunphy.

The FCS Culture relies heavily on those who keep the building running. Brian Gero keeps the building clean and is always willing to help out wherever and whenever needed. Sarah Anderson and Lorri Blais provide delicious and nutritious breakfast, lunch, and after school snacks. Kathy Pominville has had a busy year keeping up with testing and contact tracing as well as her regular duties as the school nurse. Kaitie Flynn wears many hats: first contact for parents and visitors, crowd control, record keeper, and of course, principal wrangler.

Building & Grounds

This was the summer of the FCS “Big Dig”, a project designed to remove the mold found below the school. A very complicated process of moving water and electrical services out of the tunnels under the north wing. These tunnels were then insulated and filled with concrete. The work started in the spring and continued well into the summer. The crew did a great job sticking to the timetable and the building was ready to go for the start of the school year.

One silver lining of the construction project was the library redesign. The carpet in the library was removed and all the shelves had to come out as part of the work. This allowed the school librarian, Erin Ackerman, to design a library space that is more conducive to instruction and group work. Several classrooms also received new carpets. Ken Sullivan and his crew worked in the west wing painting and putting together the new childcare space.

The school garden continues to be a point of pride for the FCS community. The students help prepare beds in the spring, plant the garden, and make sure we have plenty of compost. Over the summer a cadre of volunteers weeded and watered the garden. In the fall, students take over again and harvest and put the garden to bed for the winter. The garden produces an incredible amount of food for the FCS community and teaches the students valuable lessons about where our food comes from.

Community

The FCS PTO has continued to meet and raise money to support the school. They funded the artist in residence program, hosted the Monster Mash, and offered mini grants to staff. It is great having such a strong and positive parent group.

As I mentioned above, we have started to have volunteers return to the building. The Four Winds program is back with parents teaching classes outdoors. Volunteers joined us for our “Crafternoon” at the end of December. Last spring, we combined our maple sugaring day with time to learn about the Ferrisburgh Union Hall. Sports are up and running with all volunteer coaches.

Our FCS community motto continues to be “Maximum Flexibility”. I am hoping that at some point we can change it to “We beat COVID!” But until that point, we will continue to do everything we can to keep the students at FCS happy, healthy, and learning.

Matthew DeBlois, Principal

Student Learning & Points of Pride

Much of our work this year has been in supporting student ownership of their learning. We attempted and continue to attempt to accomplish this by creating structures to support challenges at each student's level by creating menus, offering additional differentiated content, and more flexibility with our learning. This model of creating menus from which students own the when of their learning that aligns with the why of their learning. This is a continuation of our work in past years to align our practices, procedures, and expectations.

We were recognized by the Agency of Education for their continued successful implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports (PBIS). VUES was one of 43 schools in the state recognized for prioritizing social, emotional, behavioral learning, and well-being to achieve success for all learners during this particularly challenging period of time. The recognition VUES received was based on the interventions and support delivered to students and communities to achieve positive outcomes. The VUES team maintained PBIS as a priority, despite many distractions, and worked harder than ever to engage students and families, improve school climate, and consider issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This fall we held what we believe to be our first ever outdoor concert featuring students in every grade singing, dancing, and performing and band. The concert was very well attended and a successful celebration of a lot of hard work by our students.

Culture & Staff

Our students participated in the “Name a Plow Program” with the Department of Transportation. We had each class choose a name and then students voted over a period of days to determine the winner - Glacier We welcomed our plow with the driver (who is also a parent) early in the winter.

We have a few new folks in the building this fall. Some new teaching staff include Samantha Kepes (fifth grade humanities), Melanie King (math intervention), Samara Bissonette (fourth grade teacher), Sarah Grunwell (special education teacher), Cat Weiner (special education teacher), Michelle Houghton (literacy intervention), Susan Dunne (special educator), Colleen Metzler (building based substitute), and Lisa Razo (Speech Language Pathologist). Some new staff are in our building too, Denise Walther (paraeducator), Noah Braun (paraeducator), Sarah Bicknell (paraeducator), Patty Vincent (paraeducator in math), Christina Stinchfield (paraeducator), Davina Desmarais (Home School Coordinator), and John Picanza (tech support).

Building & Grounds

The folks who operate our building on a daily basis continue to be invaluable members of our school community. The daily work of our custodians to maintain the cleanliness and safety of our building continues to be a hallmark of our safety. Thank you to David Loven, Sue Jerome, and Randy Gaboriault for keeping our building looking so wonderfully. Relatedly, Lisa Sprague, Lissa Gebo, and Patty Barnes continue to help us evolve in our understanding of feeding students. These folks have fed meals to around 70% of our students (and some staff) over the past year. Using this number for lunch and a few less for breakfast, it would appear that they have served 55,440 meals. This number does

not include summer meals or afterschool snack. It is truly amazing that we can do that. Their work should not go unrecognized.

Community

Our community group supported a number of endeavors this past calendar year, but none so more impactful than the introduction of The Four Winds program to the Kindergarten and First Grade. This program uses our outdoor space to support scientific education, inquiry, and community connections through volunteerism of many parents and guardians.

Our school was fortunate to apply for and receive a Community School’s Grant. This grant will create a viable and sustainable student mentoring program, expand on health services for students during and after school, establish adult learning opportunities for the community, address community issues related to food insecurity, expand outdoor learning and community recreation spaces, improve the school gardens, and engage with the community around instructional programs specifically Universal Design for Learning and Literacy initiatives underway.

Charlotte - grade 2 - VUES

Kylee - grade 5 - VUES

Ed Cook, Interim Principal

Student Learning & Points of Pride

We ended the 2020 school year in the hybrid model. This year we were able to return to having all the students back in the building for in-person teaching and learning. Although, we are still wearing masks in the building, it is wonderful to see the school full again with students in classrooms and hallways. Our students and staff are grateful for the opportunity to be back in person. The building is alive with energy, and we are glad to have a return to regular school.

Last year saw some students wanting to have more voice and choice in their school. VUMHS began talks with Up for Learning to increase the opportunities for student voice in our school. This group along with several students from all the grades have planned retreats, held meetings, and given opportunities to allow students to express their thoughts and take some action in defining their vision of what will improve VUMHS.

After a year of virtual Peace One Day, we were able to return to an in-person event this year. Our students took the lead with planning, set up, and execution of this event. Lee Shorey was an amazing cheerleader and mentor to the students that planned this day. We partnered with the United Way to focus on change in our community. It was held on our baseball field and our students were able to listen to speeches; and observe musical and dance performances.

On a rainy, cold day this fall, 45 seniors left VUHS and walked towards Middlebury. The Senior Walk-A-Thon chose HOPE as the organization to donate to this year. HOPE works with low-income Addison County families. Over $3,000 was raised for this organization. To date, the walk-a-thons have raised over $70,000, most of which has gone to local charities and organizations in Addison County.

Culture & Staff

Over the past two school years, I have seen our faculty and staff plan, teach, build relationships in a virtual, hybrid, and finally in person classrooms. I am continually awed by the work of our faculty and staff to make our building a safe place to be for all students. The faculty and staff have risen to each new challenge that COVID has presented to our students and their ability to learn.

In October of 2021, our long time Principal, Stephanie Taylor, resigned for family reasons. Stephanie was always a champion of the students and staff at VUHS. Her time here will be remembered fondly. We wish her the best of luck with her family and her retirement plans. Edward Cook, the Assistant Principal for the past four years, took on the role of Interim Principal for the remainder of the 2021-2022 school year.

Jamie Wells, VUHS School Nurse, took on the role as the District COVID Coordinator Jamie has been working with the nurses in all the schools in the District, attending meetings at the State level, and managed all of the changing guidelines around COVID. Jamie’s work has been invaluable to the District and we all owe her a huge thank you for everything she has done and continues to do.

We saw two of our long-time employees sail off into retirement this year, both people were also graduates. So, they have spent most of their lives in and around the ANWSD schools.

Steve O’Bryan, Maintenance staff, rode his Harley Davidson motorcycle off on the last day of the 2021 school year. Steve completed a career of 40 plus years in the District in

June. He was a mainstay at VUHS for as long as many of us can remember. We all wished Steve the best and know that he is enjoying his time on his motorcycle when he can ride.

Dianne Marcotte, secretary, will retire at the end of January 2022. Dianne has been a part of VUHS for over 30 years. She is the first-person people see when they walk into VUHS, and she always has a huge hello and a kind word. Dianne loves all the students at VUHS, but especially was a huge cheerleader for all our student athletes. She will be missed and her smile, kind words, and support of our students will be hard to replace.

In September of 2021, we lost a long-time educator, coach, and supporter of athletics. Roland Guyette passed away at the age of 87. Roland was the Driver Education teacher at VUHS for 33 years, he coached almost every sport here during a 30-year coaching career. Once he retired, he stayed on at VUHS to help the Athletic Director with any and all jobs that were needed to help move our teams forward and get our courts and fields ready for practice and play.

Building & Grounds

VUHS wants to extend our gratitude to our custodial and maintenance staff. They have gone above and beyond during this time. They have been tasked with creating classrooms that are socially distant, disinfecting classrooms each night, keeping our hallways, doors, railings, and floors clean. All of this is done in a very professional manner and with a smile on their faces. Each day when our faculty, staff, and students arrive at a building that is clean, safe, and warm it is due to our staff. Without their hard work we would not be able to adequately do our job of teaching our students. Thank you to Ken Sullivan and all the maintenance staff.

Community

In June of 2021, we were able to hold a graduation ceremony that included all the graduates, speakers, and families. Families were required to sit in pods of eight chairs. A tent was set up on the soccer field. Graduates were required to wear masks, but they were able to remove them as they accepted their diploma. It was great to have some normalcy after a hybrid school year. I believe that the graduates and families enjoyed the day.

After not being able to participate in the Spring season of the 2019-2020 school year, our athletic teams were able to compete in each season in the 2020-21 school year. Most of our athletic teams had very successful regular seasons and made great runs in the playoffs. It was great to see our athletes on the court and fields last year. It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of Pete Maneen that allows our athletic teams to continue to be successful and play on the best high school gym and fields in the state.

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. In the fall of 2020, we added a camera on our Varsity soccer field so that the soccer and lacrosse games could be streamed. These cameras and the hardware to make them possible is thanks to the Vergennes Boosters Club. Vergennes Athletics continues its advancement forward and our Boosters Club is a major reason why.

VUHS STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS

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

Clarkson University Leadership Award - Paul Thurber

Clarkson University Achievement Award - Clarinda McAllister

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute – Rensselaer Medal Award - Ella Hameline

The Sage Colleges - Student Sage Scholarship - Anna Carr, Alexandria Rice

Saint Anselm College Book Award - Ryley Olsen

Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Scholarship and Service - Mykenzie Duffy, Kaitlyn Little

University of Rochester – Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award - Ila Collette

University of Rochester - George Eastman Young Leaders Award and Scholarship - Ryley Dubois

University of Rochester - Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award in Humanities & Social Sciences - Olivia Brooks

University of Rochester – Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology - Alisdair

Chauvin

Williams College Book Award - Cal Seyler

Wells College 21st Century Leadership Award - Byron Beck

The Elmira College Key Award - Felicia Poirier

Boys’ State

Congratulations to the following students on being selected as this year's Boys State delegates. These students were nominated by faculty and staff based on leadership, scholarship, and citizenship.

Alisdair Chauvin

Richard Cosgrove

Ethan Gebo

Jonah Mahe

Girls’ State

Congratulations to the following students on being selected as this year's Girls State delegates.

Madeline DeGraaf

Mykenzie Duffy

2022 DAR Good Citizen Award

Each year a Vergennes Union High School senior is chosen for the DAR Good Citizen’s Award by faculty members nominating three seniors and then the senior class elects one of those three as their Good Citizen. DAR is sponsored by the local Daughters of the American Revolution, Seth Warner-Rhoda Farrand Chapter and is intended to encourage and reward the qualities of good citizenship. The DAR Good Citizen’s Award recognizes a student that possesses the qualities of dependability, service, leadership, and patriotism to an outstanding degree. We are proud to announce that the 2021 DAR Good Citizen is Kaitlyn Little

Congratulations Kaitlyn!

ATHLETICS:

Winter 2021

• Boys & Girls Basketball each earn home playoff games

• Girls Basketball earns trip to Barre Auditorium, losing to Lake Region in the state championship game

• Indoor Track, wrestling & cheerleading lose season due to COVID

Spring 2021

• Both baseball & softball earn home playoff games.

• Baseball & Girls Lacrosse both lose in semifinals to eventual champions

• Track & Field earns 5 state championships: Gabe Praamsma- 800M

Ben Huston- 1500M & 3000M

4x400M Relay- Gabe Praamsma, Ryder Messinger, Aidan Gebo, Ben Huston

4x800M Relay- Gabe Praamsma, Jarret Muzzy, Aidan Gebo, Ben Huston

Fall 2022

• First full season since winter 2020 due to COVID

• Athletic department grows to include Bass

Fishing & Golf

• Boys’ soccer team earns #4 seed, falling to eventual champion Green Mountain in semifinals

• Out-of-state travel restrictions prevented the Vergennes Rowing Team from dominating New England Youth Championships again this year

VUHS SCHOOL PROFILE

Ashley Hanlon, Director

AWE is an educational support along the continuum of services in Addison County. We believe strongly in supporting student growth in social, emotional, behavioral, and academic skills so students can engage with a variety of experiences. While some students may set a goal to return to their sending school, other students might travel down a path that leads to employment, career center courses, or other community-based experiences.

The decision to have a student integrate back into their sending school is a collaborative and datadriven process, and each plan is individualized to the student's needs, goals, and level of support.

Mission Statement

AWE exists to serve the unique academic, physical, social, emotional, and behavioral needs of students. The AWE staff is creates and maintains 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 studentcentered and intentionally designed to accommodate individual learning styles so all students may experience success.

Vision Statement

AWE will create a safe, caring, and collaborative community in which staff, students, and families have a voice, agency, and responsibility.

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.

PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER

PROFILE ON THE COMMUNITY

Addison

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

Vermont 2010 & 2020 Census Projections by Town, 2030 (Scenario B)

** 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

ANWSD Staff Information for 2020-21

Source: www.education.vermont.gov

Source https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-nutrition-2021-free-and-reduced-eligibility-report_0.pdf

Leila K - grade 1 - FCS

Ansley - grade 3 - VUES

Sienna - grade 1 - VUES

Isaac R. - grade 2 - FCS

2021-22 TEACHER SALARY SCALE

2021-22 SUPPORT STAFF SALARY SCALE

PROJECTED ENROLLMENT

*Projections should be updated annually to reflect changes in in/out-migration of families, real estate sales, residential construction, births, and similar factors.

Projected Percentage Changes

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

The NESDEC enrollment projection fell within +39 students of the K-12 total (804 students projected vs. 843 enrolled).

Births have remained stable. Enrollment in Grades 1-8 is usually pretty stable and a good predictor. For the past eight years, grades 1-8 were losing an average of -3 net “moveouts” of students in the following year. Over the next three years, K-6 enrollments are projected to increase, and Grades 5-12 enrollments are projected to decline.

ANNOUNCED TUITION

https://education.vermont.gov/sites/aoe/files/documents/edu-fy22-final-announced-tuition-report-v1.1-print-version.pdf

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS 2023

The ANWSD Board started planning the FY23 budget and Town Meeting votes in October 2021, which included conversations about the District’s future and its capacity to maintain programs for all of our students. Uncertainty due to the COVID pandemic remains a challenge; our schools are seeing an increase in student needs and struggles as we all wrestle with the continuing consequences of the pandemic. The ANWSD Board, and the District as a whole, has addressed these uncertainties and challenges by developing a budget for the ensuing fiscal year that makes strategic investments which will meet student needs while maintaining all current programming in the most efficient manner possible. It is this budget we present to the voters, and we ask for their continued support.

The FY23 ANWSD Budget:

• Meets the Board and community educational goals of preserving equitable student opportunities, maintaining facilities, and ensuring affordability. This includes:

o Supporting ongoing professional development for staff.

o Supporting Continuous Improvement Plans (CIPs) across the District.

o Expanding preschool and childcare offerings.

• Continues all current educational programming for students.

• Adds a 0.4 FTE teacher at Ferrisburgh Central School to meet class size optimal levels in elementary schools.

• Provides Student Social/Emotional Support by including a 1.0 FTE school psychologist to meet increased Special Education needs and a 1.0 FTE for the Resource Response Center (RRC) at the middle and high school in response to changing student needs in the wake of COVID-19 challenges.

• Moves the Addison Wayfinder Experience program to the VUHS building to ensure appropriate staffing.

• Increases substitute teacher wages to align with wages across the region.

• Undertakes development of architectural studies for “facility best use” plans including issues regarding the AWE program, moving 5th/6th grades to middle school, and/or relocating the Central Office.

• The Act 46 incentives our District has benefited from since consolidation have ended. Overall, our early consolidation provided a $0.30 (30 cent) total decrease in union tax rate over the past five years.

• Invests $1.5 million of FY21 surplus to Capital Improvement Fund to meet Facilities Maintenance Plan.

• The AOE currently estimates our Equalized Pupil count will decrease by 31.5 students in the coming school year.

• The proposed budget uses $337,763 of FY21 surplus as revenue in order to further decrease the union tax rate. All five municipalities in the District are expected to see overall Homestead Tax Rate decreases ranging from $0.0168 (1.68 cents) to $0.072 (7.2 cents).

• The Board requests a total Budget amount of $22,327,585, which is a 3.35% increase over last year’s budget. For comparison, the Consumer Price Index increased 7.0% in 2021.

• Estimated impact on Union Tax Rate is a decrease of $0.1044 (10.44 cents) before CLAs are applied; this equates to a 6.24% decrease from last year.

The FY23 ANWSD Budget in Big Picture

• The Annual audits confirm continued excellent fiscal management of District resources.

• Since consolidation in 2017, the number of equalized pupils in the District have decreased by more than 100 students.

• Since consolidation, the District’s budget has increased by a total of 5.74% – less than a 1% increase year over year. Three of six consolidated budgets exhibited decreases. In FY21, ANWSD was the only school district or supervisory union in Vermont to present a decreased budget to its voters.

• Since consolidation in 2017, the Union Tax Rate has decreased by a total of 3.77%. In the last two years, Union Tax Rate (before CLAs applied) is expected to decrease by at least $0.20 (20 cents).

FY 23 BUDGET PROCESS & TIMELINE

October 2021

• Special Education Service Plan due

• Principals establish a budget development process with staff

• Board discusses Long Term Planning

November 2021

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

• Budget Presentation #1

• Board reviews Superintendent Procedures for class size (D16)

• Administration receives budget guidance from ANWSD Board (Nov 15)

December 2021

• Budget Presentation #2

• State information released

January 2022

• Budget Presentation #3

• Adopt Budget

February 28, 2022

• ANWSD Annual Meeting at 6 PM

March 1, 2022

• Town Meeting and vote by Australian ballot

BUDGET COMPARISON / EQUALIZED PUPILS

2017 - 2023 Budget Comparison

Equalized Pupil History for the District

*NOTE: Equalized pupil numbers for FY23 are estimated and will not be finalized until after the Annual Report goes to print.

2022 – 2023 BUDGET PROPOSED EXPENDITURES

FY23 Proposed Budget by Department

2022 – 2023 BUDGET PROPOSED REVENUE

SPECIAL REVENUE FUNDS FY21

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, 2021

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.

2131 Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief Funding granted to school districts to pay direct expenses related to the pandemic.

2133 Federal CARES Act Funding granted to school districts to pay unplanned direct expenses related to the pandemic.

2135 Efficiency Vermont Funds available to school districts specifically for Air Quality Improvement needs in direct relation to the pandemic.

2136 Federal CARES Act Funding granted to school districts specifically for equipment in Child Nutrition directly related to needs from 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.

3001-3006 Capital Reserve Funds set aside with voter approval for use in facilities improvement or capital projects.

6010 Afterschool Childcare Program. Funding comes from a combination of participant payments and State Funds.

8001-8007 These Scholarship Funds are Permanent Funds established to award scholarships to students for higher education.

9001 Student Activity Funds are Agency Funds established by student led fundraising activities to benefit students directly through extracurricular activities.

FUND BALANCE ANALYSIS

As of June 30, 2021 (Audited Final)

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, 2021, the General Fund has a Positive Fund Balance comprised of the following:

Non-spendable (Prepaids) $ 9,743

Restricted $ 0

Committed $ 0

Assigned (Health Reserve) $ 200,000

Assigned (Education Reserve) $ 864,169

Assigned (Capital Reserve) $ 475,000

Assigned (FY22 Budget) $ 266,000

Unassigned $1,866,698

Total Fund Balance $3,681,610

 The unassigned fund balance is the amount that must be determined to apply to designated reserves as approved by voters or applied to the FY23 budget as revenue to reduce education spending.

Child Nutrition - In FY22, this program continues to operate through the Food Service Cooperative agreement with Mt. Abraham Unified School District. FY21 resulted in a positive Fund Balance of $43,150 of which $15,840 is Non-spendable (Inventory) and the remaining $27,310 Restricted. Restricted Fund Balance in an Enterprise or Special Revenue fund such as this can be carried forward to FY22 to offset future budget shortfalls.

Capital Project Funds – These funds are reserves set aside specifically for property improvements or repairs. To allocate funds from any given year to these reserves, the board must approve during the budget process, and then warn an article for voters to authorize. Last year, $475,000 was voter approved from FY21 surplus to add to these reserves. This amount is included above under General Fund as Assigned Capital Reserve and was deposited in FY22. To use the funds from reserves, administration must propose the use and intended project to the board, and they may approve at a duly warned board meeting.

Health Insurance Reserve Fund – This fund was approved by voters to establish and allocate up to an amount not to exceed $200,000. According to the approved warning, funds can be allocated to this reserve account based on unspent budget funds specifically for Health Insurance Premiums or HRA/HSA account usage. In FY21, there was over $370,000 unspent in such accounts, however due to the approved cap on this reserve, the District cannot add any more funds to the account. The original allocation of $200,000 from FY20 is included above under General Fund as Assigned Health Reserve and was deposited in FY22. Funds reserved in this account can be spent on Health Insurance Premiums or HRA/HSA usage that exceeds any given year’s budget for such, with the approval of the board at a duly warned board meeting.

Education Stabilization Reserve Fund – This fund was approved by voters to establish and allocate funds not to exceed 4% of the current operating budget. $864,169 from FY21 surplus is included above under General Fund as Assigned Education Reserve and was deposited in FY22. 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.

DEBT SERVICE

Principal L ong-Term Debt Service as of June 30, 2021:

Addison Wayfinder Experience No Current Loans or Bond Notes.

Ferrisburgh Central School Three current Bond Notes with Principal Balances of $10,000, $750,000, and $380,000. These notes mature in November 2021, November 2030, and November 2027 respectively.

Vergennes Elementary School No Current Loans or Bond Notes.

Vergennes Union High School One current Bond Note with a Principal Balance of $1,960,000. This note matures November 2034.

Addison Northwest District One Performance Contract Bond Note with a Principal Balance of $7,630,000. This note matures November 2038.

Long Term Debt Principal Balances ANWSD

ANWSD Performance Vergennes Middle/High Vergennes Elementary

Ferrisburgh Central School AWE Program

FY23 CALCULATIONS FOR PROPOSED BUDGET

Our Total Local Education Spending amount of $18,532,368.64 is the first and only figure used in calculating our union tax rate that we have control over. The other components in the formula are estimates supplied by the State of Vermont.

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

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

The Forecasted Homestead Tax Yield for this estimate is based on the original forecast given by the State of Vermont. There is legislation moving through committees now, that may approve a yield as high as $13,846. If this amount is approved, the union tax rate could drop as low as 1.4669.

ACT 130 EQUALIZED HOMESTEAD TAX RATE CALCULATION, FY 23

THREE PRIOR YEARS COMPARISONS

AUDIT MANAGEMENT LETTER

September 20, 2021

Board of Directors

Addison Northwest School District

11 Main Street, Suite B100

Vergennes, VT 05491

MANAGEMENT LETTER

In planning and performing our audit of the financial statements of the governmental activities, business type activities, each major fund and the aggregate remaining fund information of the Addison Northwest School District as of and for the year ended June 30, 2021, in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America, we considered the District’s internal control. We did so to determine our auditing procedures for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the financial statements, but not for expressing our opinion on the effectiveness of the Addison Northwest School District’s internal control over financial reporting or compliance.

During our audit we became aware of several matters referred to as “management letter comments” that offer opportunities for strengthening internal control and improving operating efficiencies of the Addison Northwest School District. The following pages summarize our comments and suggestions on those matters.

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

These matters do not modify our opinion on the financial statements for the year ended June 30, 2021, where we expressed an unmodified opinion on our independent auditors’ report dated November 1, 2021.

Student Activity Account Purchasing & Approvals

While performing the audit for the above-mentioned fiscal year, we noted multiple instances where the student activities disbursement request form was completed after the invoice was received. The District’s procedure requires approval of student activity purchases prior to purchase. We also noted multiple instances where the disbursement approval form was not signed by the principal in accordance with the District’s procedure. We recommend that management review and revise its procedures as necessary to ensure that student activity purchases are approved prior to purchasing and that complete documentation is obtained to ensure accuracy and completeness of transactions and to help avoid material misstatements in the financial statements.

Related Party Transactions

While performing the audit for the above-mentioned fiscal year, we noted that the District did not have documentation on file to support the related party transaction process during the year. We recommend that the District document and retain all documentation related to the related party transaction process to help reduce the risk of fraud and to help ensure compliancefor all applicable reporting disclosures in the basic financial statements.

We would like to sincerely thank Elizabeth, April, Jody, Dan, and all of the staff of the AddisonNorthwest School District for their assistance in completion of this engagement.

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

Very Best,

RHR Smith & Company, CPAs

2021 INFORMATIONAL MEETING MINUTES

ANWSD Board of Directors

Informational Meeting

Monday, February 22, 2021

6:00 PM

Virtual Recorded by Media Factory

Board: Amy Kittredge, Laurie Childers, Bill Clark, Chris Kayhart, George Gardner, Kristina MacKulin, Kirsten De La Cruz, John Stroup, Mark Koenig, Martha DeGraaf, Tom Borchert

Student Rep: Reagan Kayhart

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

Guests: Glory Martin, Autumn Rozon, Barbara FitzPatrick, Carolinne Griffin, Chelsea Audy, Dave Tatlock, David Loven, Wanda Loven, Kimberly Trombley, Leah Foerster, Mary Anne Michaels, Mary Neffinger, Rebkah Whitehurst, Steve Rapoport, Sue Rakowski, Sunshine Ouimette, Torrey, Amanda Corcker, Chris Spencer, Amanda VDW, Jeanne Comouche, Nancy Ambrose, Rose Wenzel, Mel Hawley, Jaime Wells, Jessica James, Nancy Armell, Diana Raphael, Susan Bodette, Carol Spencer

CALL TO ORDER:

Chair Stroup called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m. He explained the reason for the purpose of the meeting and how the public can participate. Due to the State of Emergency declared by Governor Scott as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and pursuant to Addendum 6 to Executive Order 01-20 and Act 92, this public body is authorized to meet electronically. In accordance with the temporary amendments to the Open Meeting Law, it is confirmed that access has been provided by remote access through video, livestream on Facebook, and by phone access.

There will not be any voting conducted at this meeting. All articles will be voted on by Australian ballot on Tuesday, March 2, 2021.

Introductions of the Board and administration present were made.

AGENDA:

Chair Stroup reviewed the agenda and explained that the public will be given the opportunity to comment after each Article presented. He asked if there were any additions or changes to the agenda from the Board or the public. Hearing none, the agenda was approved as presented.

PRESENTATION:

Superintendent Soule and Director Jennings presented a slideshow of the School District Budget.

• 2020-21 Accomplishments

o Welcomed ACS students to VUES

o Operationalized Addison Wayfinders Experience (AWE) located in the former ACS Building- AWE is an alternative program for Middle and High School students from ACSD, MAUSD, and ANWSD with currently 14 students

o Persevered through associated challenges of COVID-19 pandemic

o Provided remote and hybrid learning, additional childcare, and food service during periods of closure and in the summer months

• Budget Objectives for FY22

o Approach was to level fund the budget without compromising programming

o Keep configurations of grades and facility use the same (no major change for FY22)

o Incorporate small-win changes for innovation where possible (e.g., PreK Child Care pilot)

o Make use of available surplus funds in ways that brace us for financial challenges ahead (impact of Weighting Study, post COVID economy, declining enrollment)

• Budget Highlights

o No increase to supplies or other non-contract costs

o Includes expansion of full-day childcare in conjunction with PreK programming at FCS

o Continues all current programming for students in the FY22 school year including programs added last year (health, PE)

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

o Increases support for 1:1 technology

o Net reduction of 2 FTE equivalent in staffing based on projected student needs in the areas of direct instruction and student support services

o Reductions to field trip transportation

• Budget Facts

o The total Expenditure budget decreases by $238,381 or (-1.09%)

o $266,000 of surplus funds from FY20

o ESTIMATED FIGURES AS PUBLISHED:

 Estimated figure of Equalized Pupils 938.34

 Education Spending as compared to FY21 decreases by 4%

 Education Spending per pupil decreases to $19,289.79 which is a decrease of $589 per pupil or (-2.96%)

 Our debt credits are estimated to be more than double the anticipated amount we need to stay below the penalty threshold.

 If all estimates hold such as the yield, threshold, equalized pupils, and debt credits, this proposal would result in a union district tax rate of 1.7722 which is exactly the same as FY21’s actual rate.

o FIGURES WITH STATE CHANGES: 

o CLA’s will drive education tax rates higher than FY21 in 4 of our 5 towns. However, with the potential changes, every town should see a decreased tax rate in FY22. Waltham will see the smallest decrease and Panton will see the largest.

REVIEW OF ARTICLES:

Article 1: To elect a Moderator for the term of one year: David Tatlock Public Comment - none

Article 2: To elect a Clerk for the term of one year: Martha Kenfield Public Comment - none

Article 3: To elect a Treasurer for the term of one year: Greg Burdick Public Comment - none

Article 4: Shall the voters of the Addison Northwest School District vote to authorize stipends to be paid district officers including the directors ($850 each member, Board Chair $1,275, clerk $150, and treasurer $3,000)?

Amounts are the same as previous years.

Public Comment - none

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?

It is necessary to borrow because of the time lag between receipt of taxes and beginning of a new budget.

Public Comment - none

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

Public Comment - none

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. Reminder, the changes to the yield and equalized pupils will equal lower rates.

Public Comment - none

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?

Chair Stroup reviewed and explained the purpose of an Education Stabilization Reserve Fund. 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 the 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 then has the authority to approve the usage at a duly warned board meeting.

Public Comment - Mel Hawley, Vergennes: How does this relate to the $266,000 allocation? This fund is separate from the $266,000. To help address unforeseen expenses. M. Hawley: Is the 4% cap annual or aggregate cap? It’s an aggregate not to exceed 4% of the annual approved budget. M. Hawley stated the article should be clearer.

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? This will help to address future building needs, such as the High School roofing project.

Public Comment - M. Hawley: Is the surplus $1.9 million? Yes, which includes the amounts that have been assigned (voter approved last year Health Insurance Reserve Fund at $200,000) and the money that will be “claw back.” Meaning any money or benefits that have been given out but are required to be returned (clawed back) due to special circumstances or events. Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) and Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) funds will cover many unexpected and unbudgeted costs school districts incurred due to the pandemic. CARES Act funds also cover many budgeted costs eligible for reimbursement per federal guidelines. Total surplus is allocated at $1.58 million after these amounts are deducted.

M. Hawley: Does the Board intend to put the full 4% in the education stabilization fund? No, there won’t be enough to cover the full 4% this year.

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?

Planning to continue to use FCS facility for some District purposes (maintain elementary school, Early Childhood, District offices, other possible uses). Building can only be used now by running HVAC systems in a way that is inefficient and not cost effective - must be addressed. Financing a portion of this project due to very low current interest rates (1.75% for 5 years). ANWSD has very low debt (auditors told us last year) and debt helps us stay under state tax penalty.

Public Comment - M. Hawley: Is the $266,000 coming from the new fund? No, it is coming from the surplus funds.

M. Hawley: Will the transfer to the Capital Reserve and the proposed debt increase spending costs? It does not increase the per pupil spending, but gives us a debt service credit, which helps decrease the amount of going over the threshold.

WHERE TO FIND INFORMATION & HOW TO VOTE:

K. MacKulin reviewed the information on how to locate the ANWSD Annual Report by going to the ANWSD website or calling the District Office to request a copy. There are numerous budget documents available on the website. The polling locations and times for March 2, 2021 are as follows:

Diana Raphael corrected the start time for Panton is 10 A.M.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:

Sue Rakowski, Vergennes: No questions, thanked the Board and administration for a clear presentation and the hard work. She recognized the accomplishments over the past year of the Board - creating an anti-racist statement, creating student representative responsibilities and procedures, a decreased budget for the second year in a row, and faced the challenges with COVID-19.

NON-BINDING BUSINESS:

C. Kayhart asked to take a moment to recognize the passing of Ann Sullivan - long time teacher at VUHS and

to the whole community.

ADJOURNMENT:

Motion was made by T. Borchert, seconded by G. Gardner, to adjourn the meeting at 7:11 p.m. So voted and motion carried.

Submitted by Glory

Martin

Recording Secretary

The legal voters of ANWSD met on Tuesday, March 2, 2021, at the usual polling places to vote by Australian ballot on the above articles with the results as follows:

Respectfully submitted and verified, Martha Kenfield District Clerk Addison Northwest School District

GLOSSARY OF ACRONYMS & TERMS

AWE Addison Wayfinder Experience Program

ANWSD Addison Northwest School District

AOE Agency of Education

FCS Ferrisburgh Central School

VUES Vergennes Union Elementary School

VUHS Vergennes Union High School

Board of Education

CLA – Common Level of Appraisal

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.

Collaborative Teaching (Co-Teaching)

Debt Service

EEE - Essential Early Education

EQS – Education Quality Standards

Equalized Pupil

E-Rate

EST – Educational Support Team

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.

Education Spending Threshold

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)

Extracurricular

Fiscal Services

FY – Fiscal Year

IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

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.

IEP – Individualized Education Plan

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.

MTSS - Multi-Tier System of Supports

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

Operations and Maintenance

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.

PBGR - Proficiency-Based Graduation Requirements

PBIS - Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports

PLP – Personalized Learning Plan

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

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

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

PowerSchool

Revenue

SBAC

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.

SD School District

SLP – Speech-Language Pathologist

STEM

Support Services

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.

Transportation 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.

Unified School District

Vocational

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.

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 28, 2022 6PM

⮚ By Zoom Video: Register in advance: https://bit.ly/3FQi2gd

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

⮚ By Facebook Live Stream: https://www.facebook.com/BTVMediaFactory

Tuesday, March 1, 2022

Your feedback is welcomed!

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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