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Manchester
Public Schools |
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I N U T E S
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February 09, 2005 7:00
P.M. - 9:00 P.M. |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT: Golas, Huyler ALSO ABSENT: None
Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance. B. Approval of the Minutes - February 2, 2005 Budget Workshop Mr. Robinson asked for a motion for the February 2, 2005 minutes. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education approves the February 2, 2005 Budget Workshop minutes. (5/0/2-Robinson, Edwards) C. Public
Comments Mr. Robinson noted for the record the members of the Town Boards and Commissions that were present at the meeting: Attorney Joseph Sweeney, Chair of the Human Relations Commission; John Topping, and Director Joe Hachey. D. Opening
Remarks E. Budget
Discussion Mr. Rizzo commented that he wanted to make sure this position focused on bridging the achievement gap among students. He realizes this is done through a lot of programs and initiatives that are done. Initially, he was hoping this position would address a lot of the racial sensitivity needs of the district. He gets the sense that it is tipped more towards achievement and curriculum issues and less towards exposing students to race sensitivity issues. He asked for clarification. Attorney Libby stated that the two are intertwined. She feels that when progress in made with achievement, part of it comes about through cultural awareness and sensitivity and learning how different groups of people learn differently. She feels that cultural sensitivity and focus on achievement for all groups, done through professional development, will bring those two items together. She feels the overall focus of Manchester Public Schools is for achievement of students, and she feels this position would accomplish this goal. Mr. Rizzo agreed that the two items are intertwined, and he wants to ensure the activities of this position will focus on things such as differentiated instruction and an awareness of being culturally sensitive. Attorney Libby stated, in terms of professional development, that the person in this position would focus on both issues. Mr. Rizzo stated that he looks forward to how this position develops, and believes they have a good start on what is expected to move forward. He feels flexibility is needed for adjustments as the position expands. Attorney Libby noted that this position was a full-time position several years ago, and the job description has grown quite a bit since that time. She also stated that there is now a much broader system of educators in the district. Mrs. Lok stated she is pleased with the way this position addresses achievement and is tied closely to the curriculum. She feels that this is a real position with real responsibilities. She noted the reconstruction of the equity position and the Race Relations position at the high school, and is concerned that these positions do not become targets to be easily cut next year. She wonders how to lock these positions in and also how comparable the Equity position is to other administrative positions to secure it for the future. Attorney Libby stated the Equity position is set up to be at the identical level as the two Supervisor positions within the district. They are all very important positions that report to the Assistant Superintendent. These three positions will work together in many ways in working with other staff within the district to incorporate the cultural awareness. The intent is for this position to be ongoing based on the tremendous needs in the district. Mrs. Lok asked how realistic it is that one individual could perform all of the tasks noted. Attorney Libby stated that this person is not working alone, but educating other administrators and teachers in terms of approaches to work with children and other teachers. Therefore, the concept of differentiated instruction and cultural awareness will be carried out throughout the district. 2. MHS
Race Relations Position - J. Sweeney, D. Sierakowski Attorney Sweeney thanked the Board for the invitation to express the concerns of the Human Relations Commission. Their basic reason to attend the meeting was to urge the Board to provide sufficient funding in the budget to enable the Race Relations course to reach all members of the high school freshman class. He gave the Board credit for having this course in place for the last five years. In order to upgrade the program to reach all members of each freshman class, there are several needs and concerns, including classroom space, staffing of a certified teacher, to change it from an optional course to a required course, and to have it regularly reviewed to ensure the content and delivery meets the students' needs. They suggested the use of a portable classroom for this course, but hopes instead that the administration can free up one classroom dedicated to it on a regular basis. In addition to having a dedicated classroom, they believe moving it from an optional elective course to a course that reaches every student may provoke some discipline and attitude problems because everyone no longer volunteers to be part of the class. Therefore, they feel a certified member of the staff must be in this class to deal with these issues. They feel that sufficient funding should be dedicated to this course to make space and certified teaching a reality. Mrs. O'Neill stated that she sees the need for this course. She commented that the discussion is geared towards good relations among races, but feels that it should probably be expanded based on gender and other forms of discrimination. She does not feel it should be limited to race but expanded to good relations among all groups. Mr. Edwards commented on the hiring of a full time certified staff member, providing training and the purchase of a portable classroom estimated to cost approximately $170,000. He understands that the target is to have 100 percent of the students take the course. He asked if the Human Relations investigation included interviewing the participants that were in the recent town event. Attorney Sweeney stated that they did not because the people were under criminal indictment at the time and there were boundaries in order not to prejudice the case. Mr. Edwards asked if any of the four white males that were involved in the incident ever in a Race Relations class at the high school. Attorney Sweeney stated he had no knowledge on this issue. Mr. Edwards asked that this answer be passed onto administration, and if possible, if the victim ever took the course as well. He asked if there was any investigation or a study of the effectiveness of the current course and how it can be improved. Attorney Sweeney stated that interviews were done and the subcommittee examined the course materials. They concluded that the quality of the content of the course should be constantly reviewed to keep it up to date. The feedback they've gotten is that this course has provided an uplifting and beneficial experience. Mr. Edwards stated that he would like to get some data on this particular course in its current state, perhaps through a survey of students by the Board of Education Student Representatives. He would like to find out student reactions to this course as it stands. He asked if the Commission considered any alternatives to expanding this course. Attorney Sweeney stated there was some review, but the subcommittee feels that there is a genuine problem that needs to be addressed, and that this course gives a good foundation for building a stronger course. Mr. Edwards commented that the individuals involved in the town event were convicted of assault charges and not hate crimes. He asked if this course is designed to make students aware of the sanctions that society could place on them in the event they behave in a particular manner. He asked if there are other courses in the curriculum, such as civics and law courses, that cover this type of material. Attorney Sweeney believes that this course fits into the category of a basic social studies course. However, he feels it would be more of a social science oriented course, which basically would study, among other things, the history of human societies and their interactions. It would probably get into legal sanctions and other sorts of topics. Ms. Ouellette cautioned the Board on evaluating a curriculum that has not been officially adopted, and would need to be reviewed should the Board move to a certified position. She recommended moving in the direction of a program review or evaluation. She asked Mr. Sierakowski to add any comments he might have. Mr. Sierakowski stated the course is a highly personalized approach, not a historical approach to Race Relations. They felt the key to making it work was primarily coordination. He feels that the strength of this course for the kids is that adults in the community are committing their time to come in and discuss and work with them. He feels the course would lose something if the volunteerism went away. One of the issues is getting enough volunteers, and he publicly asked for anyone interested to contact the high school. When looking at the overall budget results, it was the considered judgment of the administrative team that they could accomplish the goals needed for the students using a key facilitator. However, the key to the operation is the person that is hired, whether certified or not. The person must have the passion, the drive and the commitment to help kids to see their relationships into the future. He suggests that the vision for this course is much broader than a ten-day add-on course. As the high school reviews its entire curriculum and moves toward a proficiency environment, this type of course should be incorporated in a regular social studies course so that there is ongoing context for these issues. Mr. Edwards stated he feels strongly about this issue and it was not his intent to minimize the implications of the crime that was committed or to trivialize the proposal, however, he feels it is clearly a sensationalized issue at this point. Therefore, it is his preference that the Board takes a dispassionate reasonable course of action rather than responding in a knee jerk fashion to this incident. The amount of money suggested is quite large, which requires the Board to place a great deal of scrutiny upon what Manchester Public School's response should be to this situation. He feels there are issues with race relations, crime prevention, and making students understand that society does not tolerate behavior such as this. This is only one of several issues that Manchester Public School's faces. Mrs. Lok stated that this topic was around long before the town event occurred. She does not view this as a knee jerk reaction, and that the Board has discussed this topic for a long time. She is disappointed that this topic only comes up in a budget workshop. She suggests that this topic is brought to the Curriculum Committee. She asked if the curriculum for this course is ready to be presented to this committee. Mr. Sierakowski feels that it is, and states that this course is not a response to any incident. The administration has been bringing this program forward regardless of any incident, and it is a very positive experience for kids. Mrs. Lok agreed and stated that this topic was identified when speaking about student dropouts. This is a need that has been in the community for a long period of time. She also agrees that this position should be a certified position, whether it is an addition to the position already established, or not. She is not interested in having this discussion every year, and asked if it is becoming a real part of the Manchester Public Schools programming. She feels that until it becomes a certified position with protections in place, this will be a topic every year and be viewed as something not quite as important as social studies, and other topics certified instructors teach. She does not view this problem as tied to the high school and believes it has already been identified as a community problem. She is looking for more of a district wide way to address this subject. She asked why this person would not report directly to the Supervisor for Equity. Mr. Sierakowski responded that this could ultimately be the plan. The reason the person reports to the assistant principal is because it is a high school position reporting to someone who is on site, supporting, assisting and evaluating the person. He agrees that the program should be expanded downward. Mrs. Lok asked if it was realistic to put someone, certified or not, in this position to accomplish all of the tasks. Mr. Sierakowski stated that he felt it was very reasonable. His vision is to have it integrated into regular instruction. Within the current constraints, he feels one person can handle the position as it is supported through guidance and the Student Support Center staff. Mrs. Lok feels that the involvement of the community could be maintained whether the position is certified or not. She believes it is an important component. Mrs. Hackett feels that it is unfortunate that only half of the freshman population has the opportunity to take this course. Despite any defining moments within Town, she feels that racial intolerance gets in the way of everything the Board needs to do to educate the students and to ensure they are successful. She would like to see the program expanded. She asked for more details from the administration and a review of the curriculum. She asked where the curriculum development responsibility lies. Mr. Sierakowski stated that the current curriculum has come out of Student Support Center staff work in conjunction with the volunteers. It is based on a National Coalition for Criminal Justice curriculum and has been reviewed by that agency as well. Mr. Rizzo stated that paraprofessionals do not actually teach the course. He asked what level of staff is currently teaching the class. Mr. Sierakowski stated it is a non-credited course, and is a program. There are community volunteers in conjunction with two staff members working very closely with the program. They have been supported by the Support Center staff. Some of this staff that is involved in the program is certified. Mr. Rizzo also believes the community adults involved in the program is a great idea. He asked what they specifically do when they come into the course. Mr. Sierakowski stated they actually handle most of the discussion with the students, and the certified staff will work with the students on their assignments, learning experiences and reflections. They have done foods from different cultures, for example, sensitizing each other to different cultures. Mr. Rizzo believes the district does a decent job at an early age of helping students identify and respect the cultures of other students. While he believes the course has its benefits, he doesn't want the district to have the impression that this will solve all the problems. It has to be considered that 14-year-old students have already formed their opinions, which may be hard to erase. He stated the school system can doing nothing about what is learned at home, and there is a limited period of time to educate students on this subject. He also would like to hear from the students who have already taken the course. He reminded Mr. Sweeney that last June he asked what the Human Relations Committee is doing to address the problems of race in the community. So far, there have been recommendations of what the school system can do, but he is interested in knowing what the community can do to address this problem. Mr. Sweeney stated that Kenya Rutland has been hired on the Town staff to address these issues. He has had a series of monthly public discussion seminars, "Will the Real Manchester Stand Up". It is designed to raise community consciousness of racial sensitivity issues. They believe Mr. Rutland has done a superb job, and there is more to come. The Board of Directors has worked on securing Mr. Rutland's job. The Commission has worked with the Town leadership. Mr. Rizzo pointed out that the seminar being held the following week is centered on the topic of school expulsions. He stated that he is a little bit offended, as the Board does a lot with the students, and that there are always going to be "the bad apples". He cautions about doing something that just feels good, that the program should be a quality experience and a benefit. He agrees that the position should be certified. He is glad there is a community element involved with this course as well. Mr. Sweeney stated the Commission concurs that the Board of Education has been proactive on this subject long before the incident in Town. Their perception is that the course has not gone far enough in reaching only half of the student body. They feel it is essential to have a certified staff member in charge of this course. They also hope that enough money will be budgeted in order for this course to reach the entire freshman class in the coming school year. Mr. Robinson thanked Mr. Sweeney, the Commission and Mr. Sierakowski for their input and work on this subject. Mrs. O'Neill stated her husband coached football at the high school for ten years, and she does not believe the student's beliefs are set in stone at this point in their lives. She believes that sports can also be a big part in teaching tolerances outside of the classroom. She asked that the curriculum be reviewed where these issues are being taught throughout the district. Mrs. Lok restated her idea that the curriculum is reviewed by the Assistant Superintendent and Mrs. Kearney, appear before the Curriculum Committee, and then appear on the agenda of a regular Board meeting so that the Board does not face such time constraints for discussion. 3. Bilingual
Program - L. Gejda, M. Giglio Mr. Rizzo asked about the maximum of 20 students in a given school. Mrs. Gejda stated that once a school in a district has 20 students that have been identified as fitting into this particular model, the State regulation comes into affect to meet proficiency on the subtests of the CMT and CAPT, and at reading at the basic level. Mr. Rizzo asked about the funding for this program. Mrs. Gejda stated it would be a certified position to help implement a district wide program. It will be a classroom teacher that can meet the needs of students whose dominant language is not English should the need arise. The State has advised the district that it is able to apply for a Bilingual Program grant, which will be appearing on the next Board of Education consent calendar. While it is not a lot of money, it has been identified for instructional supplies. Mrs. Hackett
stated that this is required, and she highlighted the intention of creating
a program that can serve all of the needs of students in various schools
with a dominant language other than English. She commented that she
likes the attempt to economize with the tax dollars and to make sure
they are efficiently using the resources as equitably as they can be.
She looks Mrs. Lok believes this is something good for students and the district, and is not being done because the district has to. Ms. Giglio agrees because many of the students have skills, and because of the language barrier, are unable to demonstrate those skills. She is hopeful that this program will help them from falling behind in their content areas and be able to pass their assessments. Mr. Robinson commented on the number of languages the community serves. He asked how many languages there are. Ms. Giglio stated that there are 20-32 languages served, including a tremendous number of dialects from African countries, Indian countries, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Asia, Spanish-speaking countries, etc. Each dialect counts as a separate language. 4. Technology
- L. Gejda Mr. Rizzo stated that in the past, computer equipment was purchased on a lease/purchase plan. The idea was to purchase computer equipment every year so that they would not have to be purchased all at once. He asked if this plan was similar. Mrs. Brooks stated that money in this budget is to purchase the computers outright. Mr. Rizzo asked how many computers would be purchased. Mrs. Gejda stated building principals put in the requests for each building. If the money is designated towards this line, it is her hope to have a district committee to review the requests and the needs. Prices of computers vary dependent upon type and need and what the curriculum needs to support. Each computer would cost between $700 and $1200. Mr. Rizzo feels that only 40 percent over five years old is very good. Mrs. Lok thanked Mrs. Gejda for the report and for the information regarding student's access at home. She asked if there is anything in the proposal that addresses the issue of those students who do not have access. Mrs. Gejda stated they have had discussions with Information Systems on the town side, and they have wired Main Street. They have talked about writing a grant to secure many wireless machines for students who might live close to the wireless capacity to be able to have access at home. There also may be programs to lend computers. Many of the schools have after school opportunities for students to use computers. Mrs. Lok stated that this is a critical item when addressing ways to close the achievement gap. 5. Policy
3510 - P. Brooks (furniture replacement) Mrs. Hackett applauds the administration for starting a furniture replacement program. It has been tried but has consistently been on the chopping block. Mrs. Lok asked if in past years, if there have been adjustments made to Policy 3510 based upon adjustments to the appropriation. Mrs. Brooks stated she believes it has been done every year. Mr. Rizzo also feels the furniture replacement item is important to have within the budget. He applauds these efforts and hopes it can remain in the budget. Mrs. O'Neill stated the total for the projects is $474,000 in two line items, and she asked if the reimbursement for these projects is going to the Town. She also asked where the line items are for the furniture replacement. Mrs. Brooks stated it does go to the Town and usually goes to fund larger projects in the capital improvement plan. The furniture replacement money is spread out through the location budgets, and the object code Is 5730. F. Questions
and Answers G. Public
Comments 2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated he supports the bilingual program. He also hopes the programs offered help students who do not learn it at home. The feels the issue that happened in the community affects the entire community. He stated he passed on some information to Mrs. Gejda regarding technology, including what is happening at MCC. He stated the Manchester Lifelong Learning Institute's theme for the year is diversity. The next program deals with sexual orientation in school. He feels diversity needs to be addressed in how students and parents get along. H. Closing
Comments I. Adjourn MOTION: Rizzo/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education adjourns at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret
Hackett, Secretary |
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©2005
Manchester, CT - Board of Education
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