by Gail Callahan

When the new school year dawns next fall at the Shelburne Community School, teachers, parents, and students will see new and familiar faces. The Shelburne School Board heard about several of the changes at its recent meeting.

The board formally accepted Shelburne Community School Principal John Bossange's resignation. Bossange, who has been at the helm of the school for nine years, announced his decision to step down in early February.

"We may not want to accept this, but we have to" said Shelburne Community School Board member Russ Caffry. "I know this is supported by John."

Following that, the board unanimously accepted the recommendations by Shelburne Community School administrators to offer an employment contract to Gretchen Wilson. Wilson will come on board this fall to teach on Alpha Team.

Wilson is replacing Cynthia Myers, who is retiring. Wilson is currently on the faculty of the Centerpoint School. Wilson was one of 25 applicants for the position said Shelburne Community School Principal Allegra Miller. Bossange contacted Wilson last week, and offered her the post. "She's passionate about middle school," said Miller. "She's well grounded in social studies and science."

Also, the board unanimously approved the continuance of a job share for two teachers on the Kaleidoscope team, Diane Hansen and Lynda Maitland. The arrangement received the thumbs-up from administrators.

"This has been on-going for several years," said Miller. "It's been very successful."
The board then OK'd a request to permit a leave by the school's enrichment coach, Sharon Wight. Citing budget and staffing concerns, Wight's hiring was considered controversial by some parents last year. Wight decided to take time off to pursue educational opportunities.
 "This was an interest that's turned into a passion for her," said Miller, who noted that Wight plans to return to Shelburne once her leave is completed.

As the evening wore on, the board also adopted a school calendar for the 2010-2011 academic year. The time frame has a built-in 178 days, and the Chittenden South Supervisory Union will add five days, bringing the number up to the required 180. The calendar did not reflect half days for students; they will be determined at a later date.