The Barre Unified Union School District #97 Board of School Directors voted April 16, 2025, to approve Superintendent Joanne Canning’s contract and authorized the chair to sign the agreement following an executive session on employment and contracts.

Board member Emily moved to approve the superintendent contract “as presented in executive session and authorize the chair to sign the contract,” and Jeff seconded the motion. The board then conducted a roll-call vote; members recorded as voting aye during the roll call included Ian, Giuliano, Alice, Jeff, Jackie, Emily and Eric. The motion passed.

The board entered executive session earlier in the meeting “to discuss contracts” and “employment, employment or evaluation of a public officer or an employee,” during which the board named Superintendent Joanne Canning and Karen Merrill as subjects of the personnel discussion. After returning from executive session, the formal motion to approve the contract was made, seconded and approved by recorded vote.

Superintendent Joanne Canning addressed the board after the vote, thanking board members, staff and the community. She said, “I just, at first of all, I a heartfelt thank you to the board… I really, really look forward to working more closely with all of you, and thank you for your support.” She also said she would issue a press release shortly after the meeting.

The transcript did not include contract terms such as length, salary, or effective dates; those details were not specified during the public portion of the meeting. The board’s action authorizes the chair to sign the contract; the meeting record shows the board approved the motion by roll-call vote.

The board adjourned after approving the contract and other routine business.