Agenda for first meeting for Group 7 school merger study committee Group includes GMUSD, Springfield, Rockingham, Bellows Falls, Athens/Grafton and Westminster schools and RVTC

The first meeting of the Group 7 school merger study committee will take place at 6 p.m. on Tuesday Oct. 13 at Bellows Falls Union High School, 406 High School Road, Westminster, Vt. and remotely via Zoom.

Below is the committee’s agenda.

1. Facilitator Call to Order
2. Welcome and Introductions
3. Overview of Committee Roles
Regional Facilitator
● Leads and facilitates the committee meeting and the committee’s overall process.
● Develops and guides the meeting agenda in coordination with the Chair.
● Introduces topics, frames questions, guides discussion, and keeps the committee focused on its work.
● Ensures members have opportunities to participate and that differingperspectives are heard.
● Guides the committee toward consensus where possible and toward decisions when decisions are needed.
● Identifies information, research, technical assistance, or follow-up needed for future meetings.
● Supports the committee in completing the work and timelines required by Act170.
● Remains neutral regarding whether a merger should ultimately be recommended.

Committee Chair
● Serves as the formal presiding officer of the committee.
● Calls for and recognizes motions and votes.
● Makes or confirms procedural rulings when necessary.
● Carries out responsibilities specifically assigned to the chair by law.
● Primary point of contact for Regional Facilitator – works with the Regional Facilitator on meeting planning and agenda development.
4. Merger Committee Organization
a. Adoption of Robert’s Rules of Order
b. Election of Chair
c. Establishment of Committee Norms
d. Determination of future meeting locations(s) and meeting cadence
5. Good Faith Standard Review
6. Public Input
7. Act 170 Overview Presentation
8. Proportional Representation Determination
9. Areas of Committee Interest and Next Steps for Next Meeting
a. November Meeting – Regional Assets Discussion
b. Other
10. Agenda Building
11. Adjourn