The Roxbury School board met on Monday, September 14.

New principal Denise Maurice noted that all things had been running well in the first few days. The pre-school received all the necessary certifications required by the state and was opened for business that day, with 6 attendees. The next job in line is beginning the action planning process.

District Superintendent Michele Fagan reported that her office is moving early on the budget process and they hope to have drafts by the end of October. She will provide the board with information on the process as it is ready. Facilities issues that will get future consideration include playground equipment, bathrooms, and tiled and carpeted hallways.

Board member Amanda Melville complained about trash on the playground, including cans and bottles that she encountered on a recent Sunday. The board and attending officials discussed what could be done about this problem and agreed that it wasn't coming from the children attending school. The consensus was that a larger can would possibly encourage people to dump trash there, but that a smaller can on the fence with a "Do Not Litter" sign might solve the problem of people not taking their trash with them.

Superintendent Fagan shared with the board that she and the other state superintendents had received communication from the Education Commissioner regarding H1N1 or Swine Flu vaccinations. Schools with 300 or more students will be provided with nurses to vaccinate children. The recommendations for smaller schools were to either have a school nurse administer the vaccinations or bus the students to a larger district center. The Superintendent stated that the Northfield Elementary School was better suited for the needed storage and oversight of the vaccinations and she suggested busing Roxbury Village School students there to receive it. Release forms would be provided and parents would also be able to take their children instead of having them ride the bus. After discussing this at length, the board authorized the Superintendent to arrange for Roxbury participation in the Northfield Elementary School vaccination clinic.

Before ending the meeting, Superintendent Fagan discussed the budget after answering a question from a board member about how the OSSU is trying to control costs at that level. The board member noted that the village school had a very tight budget and fixed costs, and was always working to keep costs down. Superintendent Fagan said that the village school "is doing an incredible job at keeping costs down," and stated that "secondary tuition drives up costs." She further noted that if a high school is designated, then the costs will be known and it will be possible to project costs instead of being unsure of them. This issue will be discussed at the October 12 school board meeting after the board considers it in a special work session on October 7. Superintendent Fagan said she will review and present any information about the secondary tuition issue at this work meeting.