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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 24, 2005 |
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I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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PRESENT: Edwards, Golas, Hackett, Huyler, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT: None ALSO ABSENT: None
Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Robinson stated that there were addendums to be added to the agenda. He asked for a motion regarding these addendums. MOTION: Lok/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adds an item for discussion purposes regarding the Bennet/Illing School Building Facilities Upgrade Issue. (9/0/0) Mr. Robinson asked for a motion for the friendly amendment to add item D11. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adds item D11 to the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0) Minutes of November 18, 2004 and December 13, 2004 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of November 18, 2004 and December 13, 2004. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the November 18, 2004 meeting. (7/0/2 - Lok/Hackett) MOTION: Hackett/Thresher s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the December 13, 2004 meeting. (9/0/0) B. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Tom Crockett, 149 Sunnybrook Drive. This past week his daughter and 14 other students from Manchester High School went to Washington DC to see the inauguration. No tickets were provided for the inauguration or the parade, which was clearly stated to be part of the trip. He feels that it is a world-class scam, as he found out other schools also did not receive tickets from the tour company. The students waited in line for two and a half hours, only to be told there were no tickets. He spoke to other parents, as they spent $692 for their child to attend this trip. The teacher was irate, and he does not blame the teacher at all. He expects the Board to take some action, and he believes each parent is entitled to a full refund on this trip. Students took days off of school to attend this trip because of what it included. 3. Dorothy Brindamour, 6 Morse Road. She stated that the parkade and Hillstown Road has been discussed regarding the site for a new middle school, and now there is another plan. This plan is a three-phase plan. She believes two important items are forgotten: the students and the taxpayers. To put additions to both Illing and Keeney schools is too much, especially when renovations are needed at Bennet. She feels extra money and time will be needed for the Keeney addition, and fears that State reimbursement money will be lost. She is not against a trade school; however, the town already has Cheney Tech, which she feels will expand in the near future. She wonders if a new school can compete against Cheney and cautioned that out of town students could attend because it will be a State magnet school. She asked if the State would reimburse the Town for the special machinery needed for teaching different trades. She feels that this plan further complicates the process that has been going on for over a year now. She feels that Mrs. O'Neill is correct that one building can be renovated at a time. She feels that there is only one decision: The Edwards/Howroyd plan, which is a sixth grade in Bennet and 7th and 8th grade at Illing. This would take care of State Board of Education rules and keeps Bennet as a neighborhood school. 4. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. On Friday, January 21, the Town of Manchester, facilitated by the Manchester Police Department, had a movie night at Bennet Middle School. Three movies were shown and refreshments were served. The goal was to get kids off the street and into positive activities. This program was able to happen because of the Board of Education letting the Police Department use the building, as well as many volunteers and items donated by the public. Another night is soon to be planned. It is the goal of the Police Department to do this one or two times per month. They would like to encourage parent involvement to come with their children, and would like to see the program grow. She also mentioned the Town ordinance about shoveling sidewalks. They must be shoveled within 24 hours of a snowstorm. Unfortunately, there are many sidewalks around town that are not shoveled. She encourages residents, tenants and property owners to shovel their sidewalks so that children can walk to school safely. 5. Terry Werkhoven, 88 Santina Drive. He stated that he agreed with Mrs. Brindamour's comment regarding Mrs. O'Neill. He referenced the high school roof review by Michael Hogan. He would like to know who wrote the RFP last year, and asked if it was the Business Manager. He would like a copy of it for review. He feels that all school projects should be turned over to Mr. Epstein immediately, as he has experience. He commented on the leak at the Cone Building on January 14. In his opinion, what really happened was blown out of proportion and that it was small cup of water that leaked through. He feels that everything is portrayed as negative and never positive. He feels nothing constructive has been done regarding the Bennet complex within the past 2-4 years. He has heard that Bennet has been falling apart since the 1990s and cannot be repaired, and feels that this is ridiculous. He recommends a complete renovation, and feels there is a need for someone to provide leadership and have constructive ideas. 6. Steve Doherty, 64 Lyness Street. He is a parent and architect and addressed the Bennet issue. At the Board of Director's meeting last week, they voted to renovate Bennet. He feels the members were pretty sincere, and they had a hard time making that decision. He feels that one of the reasons people are having a hard time, both at the Board's level and voters, is that no one has a context to put it in. He feels that a renovation for grades 6, 7 and 8 and replacing what's there would be missing the mark. There are bigger issues when you talk to the community, with the added No Child Left Behind mandates. He feels the people are looking for leadership from the Board, the teachers and the Superintendent. What is the educational model going to be for the Town of Manchester moving forward? He feels the elementary model of school choice is pretty progressive. There needs to be some changes. He believes that the renovation of Bennet should be dropped. The Board of Directors only voted for renovation of Bennet, without specifying the use. He stated that there are additional costs with the addition to the high school, the recommended budget of 9.33 percent, and the renovation of Bennet. The decision needs to focus on the educational plan, and less on building structures. 7. Merrill Kidd, 158 Follybrook Lane. She was misquoted in the newspaper and received a couple of disturbing, harassing phone calls. She quoted what she read to the Board of Directors. She took a survey in October where the PTA parents stand on the Bennet issue. The survey included Bennet, Buckley, Keeney, Waddell, Illing, Robertson, Verplanck, Bowers and Martin Schools. The results are not consistent with the results from the exit poll taken in November. There survey showed that PTA parents were overwhelmingly in favor of a new Bennet by a ratio of 6:1, with a minimum number of people undecided. Given the results, the PTA took a strong position requesting a spring referendum for a new Bennet. PTA Council suggested a middle and high school student survey regarding what they think about the Bennet issues. They ask that the most feasible options and costs be presented to the public in a complete, clear and concise manner. She feels the public is getting confused on all the options being debated. The PTA council offered to assist in this process. As a parent, she has a grown son that attended Bennet in the mid-1990s. He was injured from a piece of railing that had fallen from the track. It is clear to her that Bennet has been in poor condition for years. 8. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. On a follow up to Dr. Martin Luther King Day, he attended an event at Cheney Hall. It was well attended and there was good poems and artwork by middle and elementary school students. He also attended a Human Relations Committee meeting last Tuesday, and they are looking at the Study Circles at the high school with a full time coordinator and a budget involved. He feels this is important, as the Town has changed. Regarding the No Child Left Behind Act, there is a $30B dollar shortage. He recommended an article, "Black Dropouts in America", in Black Issues in Higher Education. He feels that all different learning styles must be addressed to make it work for everyone. He recommended the Economist Magazine. He cautioned to watch out for hate music on CDs, which feeds into racism. 9. Willie Right, Jr., 29 Carpenter Road. He has been a resident of Manchester for 33 years. He stated there has been a lot of talk about racial balance in the school system. He does not believe there is racial balance when it comes to administrators and teachers. When the Board gets administrators of color, and the Superintendent and Board of Education finds ways of getting rid of them, there can be no balance in Manchester schools and the town. 10. Dan Moran, Chestnut Street. He is intrigued by the idea of a third option for the Bennet complex. He feels that many students are doomed to fail with the existing system. There has never truly been an alternative type of program for those who will not attend college. He feels with the Head Start program, Manchester would have programs that are truly different at both ends of the spectrum. He does not feel that it would cost too much more. He feels it would bring racial balance, equity and renovations to all of the buildings. He feels a new elementary school will have to be built for the southwest part of the town, which can be worked into the plan. He feels there will be less discipline problems, more motivation, and better attendance. 11. Clarence Zachery, 119 Blue Ridge Drive. He inquired about the contract with the Assistant Superintendent. According to the press, it was due to personal reasons that she left employment. He has an issue of continuing the salary to someone who has left due to personal reasons, who is not serving the town. He will pursue this issue with the Board of Education, as he feels it has set a tone and left a bad taste with community members. He feels the Town should know the real issue regarding the leave. 12. Lou Kelley, 146 Hamilton Drive. He is a member of the SOC Committee, which is the Students of Color. He expressed, on behalf of the SOC Committee, a grave concern about the issues that transpired regarding the Assistant Superintendent and the hiring of a principal at Bennet. About 10 years ago, he was called to talk about diversity in the Manchester school system. He was part of the committee who determined how Manchester would have diversified schools. Mr. Beitman created an Equity position, which some people believe there is no need for. Manchester school system is 40 percent students of color. The people in the black community do not believe that Dr. Brett left Manchester because of personal reasons. With 40 percent students of color in the system, they need to be represented accordingly. It has been brought to the attention of the Board of how hiring takes place, and it has been ignored. They want an African American Assistant Superintendent, as well as people of color in the school system to help it change. It appears to the SOC Committee that they have been totally disregarded by the Superintendent and the Board, and they had a vote of no confidence for both at their last meeting. He feels their community has been totally disrespected. If the Board does not see it this way, they have no other recourse than to take it to State or Federal courts. 13. Leslie Frye, Florence Street. She spoke regarding the Bennet issue. There appears to be a consensus to renovate Bennet, and hopefully something has been learned from the high school failed referendums and from the one that passed. She feels the schools are currently centrally located and should stay there. The newspapers referred to the three options that are currently on the table. She feels Mayor Cassano's plan is convoluted and is muddying the waters. She supports the sixth grade academy idea. She hopes that the Mayor was misquoted in the paper, describing people in her neighborhood and their college and career goals. 14. Eileen Sweeney, 86 Hawthorne Street. She is originally from the Bennet neighborhood and is proud of it. She saw and heard some comments, and feels the world is filled with bright, skilled and successful individuals, who, for a variety of reasons, do not attend college but lead fulfilling lives that contribute greatly to their communities. She encouraged the Board's consideration of the proposal to create a sixth grade school at Bennet and a 7 & 8 grades school at Illing. This concept will solve many educational concerns as well as address the legal requirements facing the community. She feels students will benefit by coming together at each grade level. She feels a sixth grade academy will be a more age appropriate environment. She also believes problems will be solved since there will no longer be two middle schools. 15. Keith Carson, 45 Kane Road. Regarding Bennet, he stated it's good to see the urgency on the part of the Board of Directors and the public. However, he does not see the urgency of a spring referendum. People are still trying to understand the plans that have been proposed. He does not feel it is in the best interest of the Town to rush through a referendum. He feels that there are only concepts proposed, and that information has to be put down on paper. C. STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT D. CONSENT
CALENDAR Ms. Ouellette reviewed the items on the Consent Calendar. She stated that item D2 includes the general specifications of components to be considered for inclusion in the $35.2M Manchester High School addition, code upgrade and renovation project. The specification calls for numerous renovation adjustments to the existing building if the overall budget allows after the needs of the addition, including the site, code upgrade and Bailey Auditorium have been satisfied. She reviewed the personnel action, including the resignation of Dr. Brett for personal reasons, the appointment of interim Assistant Superintendent Gejda, and the appointment of Dr. Richardson to Bennet Middle School as principal. 1) Personnel Action Appointments Ann Richardson, Ph.D. to be Principal at Bennet Middle School. Dr. Richardson completed her doctoral studies in Curriculum Instruction & Administration at the University of Connecticut and resides in Lebanon. She was principal of Kramer Middle School in Windham for 8 years, and was most recently principal of Strong Middle School in Durham for 9 years. Dr. Richardson was CASS Middle School Principal of the Year in 1999-2000, and serves on the Board of Directors for NELMS since 2001. Approved effective January 24, 2005 (M.S. Principal Step 5, $108,967, plus doctoral stipend of $2,350, prorated to her date of hire). Norma Cintron-Schultz to be a Spanish teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Cintron- Schultz received her master's degree in Special Education at SUNY and resides in West Hartford. Approved effective January 3, 2005 (MA Step 10, $57,086, prorated to her date of hire). Resignations 2) Manchester High School Educational Specifications 3) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $25,000 4) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - Entitlements Under the Elementary
and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) Grant, funded 5) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $1,000 6) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $32,107 7) Increase
in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $50,000 8) Increase
in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $75,000 9) Permission
to Apply for Education Special Projects - $700 10)
Extended Field Trip Request - Illing Middle School 11)
Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects - $14,2000 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts items 1,2,3,4,5,6 listed on the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0) MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts items 9,10,11 listed on the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0) Mr. Rizzo had a couple of questions regarding the Washington field trip. He asked if the decision with the date was a result of a conflict with the French Club trip to Quebec, as some students are in both groups. Mr. Bernstein stated they have a general consensus of students who would like to participate in both activities; however, until there were snow days, they did not want to go into the June dates because of conflicts with music programs. It is now possible to consider June 1 -3. The Quebec trip is May 18 - 20. Mr. Rizzo commented on the extensive itinerary from All Aboard Tours and Travel and asked if this was the group that was chosen. Mr. Bernstein stated it was not, and that Alpine Educational Tours has been selected. The itinerary has the same items covered, and will become more formalized. He stated that they are looking for more chaperones, and invited the Board members to come on the trip as chaperones. Mr. Rizzo noticed there is no cost to the chaperones if they are teachers, and if they are parents, it is $100. He asked the reason for this. He also asked about security. Mr. Bernstein stated the teachers are working during the day, but also for an extended period during the evening. The cost to the parent basically covers their room. There are security guards on each floor and there will be an emergency action plan in place. Mr. Edwards asked if any of the tour groups considered is the same tour group that was involved in the last Washington Trip for the inauguration. Ms. Ouellette stated they were not. MOTION: Hackett/Lok s.v. The Board of Education adopts items 7,8 listed on the Consent Calendar. (8/0/1-Lok) Ms. Ouellette invited the new Bennet Middle School principal, Dr. Richardson, to address the public and the Board. Dr. Richardson highlighted some of the things that make her excited about accepting the position. She looks forward to working on the direction and mission of the district and the goals of the school. Her Ph.D. in Curriculum Instruction will allow her to step into the position as the instructional leader. She stated this would be her fourth construction project. She looks forward to working as a team for the benefit of all Bennet students. E. SUPERINTENDENT'S
REPORT Mrs. Tait stated the committee has learned to work together establishing a lot of trust and respect for each other. They are working together to improve the delivery of both special education services and support services to all students. It is a major undertaking that will be ongoing. There are two pieces of the report: a summary and a school-based practices profile assessment done by each school and a parent component. Mrs. Schultz-Davis was instrumental in pulling together and analyzing the parent responses. Each school analyzed their own responses, built a school improvement plan and included planning to increase inclusion. Mrs. Hood stated they were among the founding members of the Parents Pushing the System group that started several years ago that now has become the Special Ed PTA and parent representatives on this advisory committee to the Board of Education. The Advisory Committee began meeting on January 2, 2003. Mr. Beitman's Board of Education recommendation of November 14, 2002 included the following purpose statement: This Committee will meet on a regular basis to identify areas of concern and to help develop strategies to improve the quality of special education services and to improve student achievement. Since then, the Advisory Committee has developed a mission, which includes several long-term goals and ongoing activities. The ongoing activities include reviewing State Department of Education reports on special education in Manchester, and making recommendations to the administration based on those reports, and parent and teacher feedback. She provided general anecdotal feedback as far as changes that have happened, both positive and continuing needs for improvement. There has been excellent special education leadership and better communication with parents; improved respect for parents and recognition to train and reach out to parents; the use of some grant money to buy books for the roving parent library that's run by Special Ed PTA; recognition of the need and the right for Extended School Year for students with disabilities by providing an academic Summer School; reduction in the number of students assigned to self-contained classrooms; more PPTs and other decisions are taking place in home schools; and training and increased awareness of regular education teachers, especially in the middle schools. Areas greatly in need of improvement are identified by the State in response to the NCLB law or the PJ Settlement. They include some inequities in the quality of education across all levels of ability and schools; lack of physical accessibility of some schools; over identification of students of color as intellectually impaired; and inadequate inclusion and support of special education students in after school activities. Other areas of need for improvement that have been brought up by parents, staff and administrators include community-based transition services for students up to 21 years old; transportation for IEP services within and outside the district; monitoring of special education students placed outside of the district; parent training on IDEA requirements and rights; responsiveness to parents' requests for PPTs and testing; responsiveness to and IEP documentation of outside evaluators' results and recommendations; budget support for team-teaching model and training of teachers, especially at the high school level; and a vocational alternative high school for students with academic challenges. Mrs. Schultz-Davis provided the results of their survey. The survey was conducted from November 2003 to January 2004. Over 1000 surveys were sent out with about a 22% return rate. She provided a printed report for Board members. A subcommittee started to notice there were contradictions in the results. At first look, it appears the majority of parents seem to be satisfied with the services Manchester offers. Looking closer at the comments, it appears that the parents did not understand the process of special education and how it relates to the child's education. It was evident that terms were not understood. Therefore, as a result of the survey, there needs to be a focus on the following issues: educating parents in the process, terminology and clear information about the importance of servicing students in a least restrictive environment while meeting their individual needs. The survey shows the parents understand the behavioral standards but do not know how to help a child with instructional methods. There needs to be a stronger emphasis on learning. At the high school level, children need to learn how to advocate for themselves. There is a need to improve communication at the high school level between parents and teachers. Students need to have the same access to school related activities. Some of these areas are now being addressed. On February 2 at 7:00 p.m. at Illing Middle School there will be a presentation on No Child Left Behind and reauthorized IDEA. The Town of Manchester, Board of Education and CEPAC are offering three workshops: March 16 - Preparing for the PPT; April 14 - Developing the IEP; and May 19 - What To Do When We Disagree. She invited the Board of Education and Board of Directors to attend. Mrs. Tait stated that one of the things they would like to do is transform the committee into an Advisory Committee to her and her department, similar to each school having an advisory council working with the principal. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion regarding this suggestion. MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education approves the Advisory Committee to report directly to the Special Education Department, instead of the Board of Education, but with updates to the Board of Education regularly. (9/0/0) Mr. Rizzo thanked both presenters and their committee for all the work they have done and their diligence. He feels this will help to make this a quality experience for special education students. He believes they will have more ability to affect the changes that they want by dealing directly with Mrs. Tait. He does not want the committee to lose sight of their mission. Mr. Edwards stated he had the privilege of working with this group since its inception. He recognized the people who have been instrumental in this group, including Holly Hood, Tracy Schultz-Davis and Leslie Vanderkall. These three people make up the core of the group, and he thanked Mrs. Tait for the rapid change since she has taken this position. Mrs. Lok thanked them for their report, and asked if the motion could include that the committee continue to provide regular reports to the Board. The committee can be credited with bringing special education and the needs of the special education students to the forefront. She does not want to lose this communication. Mr. Robinson stated there would be a friendly amendment to the motion that the committee continues to make updates to the Board of Education regularly. Mrs. Lok asked who conducted the survey. Mrs. Schultz-Davis stated they came up with the questions, and mid-way through, the State of Connecticut stepped in and asked Mrs. Tait's department to do a survey. The first 16 questions are the direct questions from the State survey. After question 16, the advisory committee questions follow. They wanted to test the direct knowledge of the parents. Mrs. Tait stated this is part of the Step-by-Step training, getting people ready for greater inclusion and how to modify and make accommodations to regular curriculum for all children. It was also translated into Spanish so that it could be sent out in both languages, and was mailed directly to the home. Mrs. Lok confirmed that a survey was sent to each parent of students with special needs and the response rate was 22%. 2. 2005
Graduation Date and Site (Discussion Only) Mr. Sierakowski stated that as high school principal, he completely agrees with Mr. Crockett's comment in Public Comments regarding the Washington DC trip. He had a meeting with the Superintendent and Business Manager to discuss a plan of action to deal with the tour company, as the students were short-changed from what was on the itinerary. With regard to graduation, the Board in September approved a tentative graduation date of June 14 for the purposes of planning. As details evolved, you can't actually set a graduation date until April 1, due to snow days. They have begun deliberations with the Bushnell and have a contract in hand for a tentative date of June 16, taking in account the two snow days and the fact that the Bushnell is in increasing demand for high school graduations. It was held at the Bushnell in 2002 and 2003, and at the Jorgensen in 2004 because the Bushnell was booked. People particularly liked having the event at the Bushnell. The net cost is about the same, except they are still negotiating on the assessment that they put on tickets for the renovation fee. That is a cost they are waiving for all high schools, but as more schools book events, they see the need to perhaps not waive the fee. The ticketing is very good as it is assigned seat ticketing so each family gets to sit together. Parking is not a problem as there is a State lot immediately across from the Bushnell and there is the Capitol area lot, and there are lots all the way down Capitol Avenue. They are looking to the Board for tentative approval of the June 16 date, subject to all the usual constraints. Mr. Edwards asked if the survey included the preference of holding the event at the high school. Mr. Sierakowski stated they did this a couple of times, and they also talked with the PTSA extensively last year, and the overwhelming desire was for an indoor ceremony as weather has been a factor and it is very difficult for people to hear and see in an outdoor ceremony. The last graduation at Manchester High School indoors was during a rain event and it was awful. There wasn't enough room in the gym then, and there is less room now with the new bleachers. The alternative was a televised experience in the auditorium, and it was a very trying experience for all concerned. 3. Enrollment
Update - Joan Libby Attorney Libby distributed information to the Board members, which provides enrollment information. Total enrollment is 7,432, not including 228 magnet students), and it is up 43 students from the beginning of the year. Head Start current enrollment is 136, which is up 26 students from the beginning of the year. Elementary enrollment is 3,460, up 16 students from the beginning of the year. She provided average class sizes per grade: K - 17, grade 1 - 18; grade 2 - 20; grade 3 - 20; grade 4 - 18; grade 5 - 21. The lowest class size is 14 and the largest is 25. Middle school enrollment is 1,543, up nine students from the beginning of the year. Bennet has 710 students and Illing has 833 students. This will change somewhat next month because of having a certain number of Bennet students switch to Illing. At the high school, current enrollment is 2,224, which is down 54 students from the beginning of the year. The breakdown by grade is: grade 9 - 669; grade 10 - 526; grade 11 - 534; grade 12 - 430; and special education - 65. Mrs. O'Neill asked what happened to the 54 students who left the high school. She asked if they transferred to the PM program or dropped out. Attorney Libby stated that it was a combination of things. She had a fairly extensive discussion with Mr. Sierakowski, and found that some have dropped out; some have transferred to the adult program, some of moved and gone to other schools. It was a wide range. This information could be provided at the next Board meeting. 4. Impact
Study Update - Pat Brooks Mrs. Brooks stated the request for proposals for a demographic impact study were opened on January 10. There were four responding firms. The proposals were evaluated and ranked with respect to criteria that were specifically developed to examine the technical competence and suitability of the prospective providers. The contract will be award to the most qualified and reasonable contractor with the most reasonable cost. She is still checking references for the firm that she believes should do the impact study, and she requested the Board's permission to enter into a contract with the firm once the references are checked. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item. Mr. Rizzo asked for more information and why Mrs. Brooks feels the firm is better than the others. Mrs. Brooks stated the firm has adequate professional, technical and financial resources according to their RFP response. They have the ability to obtain resources as required during the performance of the service of the impact study. They have the necessary experience, organizational and technical skills in the field. They are going to be using a reasonable approach as it relates to the stated services for the impact study. They've demonstrated a satisfactory record of performance and they seem to have a fair and equitable cost compared to the effort to be expended, and they are an equal opportunity employer. Mr. Rizzo asked what some of the resources Mrs. Brooks is looking for in a firm. Mrs. Brooks stated some of the resources were if they had done an impact study in a previous community and the results of that impact study. Did they have different alternate organizational formats, and the costing of those organizational formats. Additionally, she is looking for a firm that is going to be able to analyze the demographics of the town to look at trending, reducing or eliminating waiting lists for Head Start and alternative placements, to have alternative organizational formats to minimize racial imbalance between schools, and to provide a cost estimate to include personnel and transportation changes for any proposed redistricting or organizational format. Mr. Rizzo asked if the firm would be looking at the least restrictive environment issue the Town has, the racial balance and the population demographics in various parts of the community and how it is impacting the school system. Mrs. Brooks confirmed that they would. Mr. Rizzo asked how much they are recommending to charge. Mrs. Brooks stated the proposal is $24,000, once the references are checked. Mr. Rizzo asked if they could have the work done by the end of February. Mrs. Brooks stated that two out of the four firms that responded were able to meet the time frame. Mr. Rizzo asked if Mrs. Brooks have worked with this firm before. Mrs. Brooks stated that she has, and the Town of Manchester has worked with the firm before. Mr. Robinson asked if this could be discussed at the Personnel and Finance Meeting that has been rescheduled to February 2 for the details to be worked out. Mrs. Brooks stated that they requested the firm provide the study within 30 days, and they were hoping to sign a contract this week. Mr. Rizzo suggested moving the Personnel and Finance Committee meeting to Wednesday January 26, instead of February 2. Mr. Edwards agreed. MOTION: Lok/Edwards s.v. Should the Personnel and Finance Committee endorse the choice of firms presented by Mrs. Brooks, that the Board would support the choice. (9/0/0) Mrs. Hackett requested that the meeting be held before 6:00 p.m. if possible. Mr. Robinson stated there would be a short recess at 9:20 p.m. Mr. Robinson called the meeting back to order at 9:30 p.m. He stated that he would be reversing the order of Items F1 and F2. F. NEW
BUSINESS Mrs. Brooks and Ms. Ouellette thanked Mrs. Addabbo for the amount of work that she has done on the Capital Improvement Plan, doing the operating budget. Mrs. Brooks stated that Mr. Epstein is the Facilities Project Manager for the town who worked with Mrs. Addabbo on establishing the priorities for the improvements. Mr. Cadman, the Board's Facilities Project Director, has also worked with Mrs. Addabbo on this plan. There were several assumptions made to create this plan, such as construction costs to be estimated at $200/sq. ft. including soft costs, construction and contingency money; that the ADA costs are separated; an escalation estimate of 5% per year, starting in 2006-07; the order of schools to be renovated is based on pending citations from the State Board of Education regarding handicapped students who are unable to attend their neighborhood schools due to inaccessibility; that there are no individual cost sheet for Bentley because of it's uncertain future; that Bowers and Waddell are not scheduled for a full renovation until FY2011; projects listed prior to a school schedule renovation for health, safety or programmatic reasons are not being delayed in this plan; and scheduled facilities inventory that is schedule for this summer may alter assumptions included in the plan. The document is similar to the Town's Capital Improvement Plan. They tried to have a summary on the front, and individual project sheets supporting the project. Mr. Robinson stated that much is made of different lists, both on the Board and Town side. His understanding is this list in particular is the first of its kind that has really gone through both sets of administrations and that both are comfortable with not only the format but also the substance in terms of giving the Board a roadmap for the upcoming years. Mr. Epstein stated that this is a good assessment. He worked closely with Mrs. Addabbo to make sure there is a good order of events to take care of and that health, safety and welfare were put first, followed by operations and the needs of the individual. Mrs. Huyler stated there was list of things being done, updated and completed. She asked if that was incorporated into the new document. Mr. Epstein stated the Bennet Middle School list is completed by now. A list can be issued with dates of completion. Mr. Rizzo stated they have been asked by the Town to hire a firm to do a facilities inventory in the near future. He asked how that will be incorporated into this work, and what the firm would do that this work hasn't already done. Mr. Epstein stated that a lot of the work so far is cursory. Major items for capital improvements for next year have been priced out to the best of their ability. When looking at major renovations, they do not know what is included in their entirety. The facilities study will enable them to look at each piece of equipment and pick the building apart. Mr. Rizzo stated that they discussed the report at the Building and Sites Committee, and he asked what reports were used to compile this report. There are a number of reports that the community has paid for over the last several years. Mrs. Addabbo stated that she used the Lawrence Report from 1997 when an inventory of all the schools was done; the JCJ Report from the All Schools Referendum; and the Capital Improvement Plan prior to the new format. Mr. Rizzo thanked Mrs. Addabbo for all her time and effort on the report. Mrs. O'Neill stated that it is a draft plan. It is not another report to go on a shelf. As things come up, it will be revised and it is the plan to get capital improvements done. Mr. Edwards added that it is a process in his opinion - something that will be ongoing and become a living document. He believes that is what it should be as the conditions of the physical plants change and priorities change. 1. Superintendent's
Goals Mr. Edwards believes this is an excellent way of looking at the Superintendent's goals. He likes the format of high-level goals, followed with details and measurable goals. He feels there is a strong emphasis throughout the document on holding students, staff, and community accountable for education. There are also references to parents serving on committees and working collaboratively. He would like Ms. Ouellette to include the responsibilities of the parent, as he believes student achievement is most closely tied to family and parents. Mr. Rizzo stated that he was impressed that this document was linked with the Strategic Plan. He is interested in why the Superintendent chose that approach. Ms. Ouellette stated that is a document that she believes all the community members, staff, administrators and teachers must abide by. It is the mission and vision that the Board of Education has supported. The school improvement plan reflects these initiatives, and she wants her efforts to reflect these initiatives as well. Mr. Rizzo stated that he likes the criteria included for measuring the goals, particularly the portfolio idea. He feels the Board needs to see this on a more regular basis, rather than once or twice a year. G. COMMITTEE
REPORTS Mr. Robinson asked if there was any information regarding the two elementary schools they are leaning towards. Mrs. O'Neill stated that Highland Park and Nathan Hale were the next two. There were several reasons why they picked these schools such as Least Restrictive Environments, one is a Title I and one is not. 2. Curriculum
and Instruction Committee 3. Community
Relations Committee 4. Personnel
& Finance Committee Mr. Robinson announced that the second budget workshop would be held at Lincoln Center on January 25, 7:00 p.m. H. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Robinson paraphrased a letter that Mr. Stringfellow alluded to in Public Comments. It is a three-page letter from the Chairman of the Human Relations Commission. Last year, they had recommended a race relations seminar for the 9th grade be open to and mandatory for all 9th graders. That request is renewed in this letter of January 19. Mrs. O'Neill stated that she got a call on the December 14 meeting. For the record, there were more people that did attend from the Board of Education and the Board of Directors, and it was a meeting that was right after work and ran long. It was fairly well attended, but the perception was that not everyone was there and the Board members could have turned on their microphones. She feels this is something to take into consideration in the future. She asked that these meetings be scheduled so that there is time between work and the meeting. Mr. Robinson stated the Board would discuss the Bennet/Illing issue. Mrs. Lok felt compelled to put this item on the agenda based on the recent action of the Board of Directors, which was to deny the Board's inclination to build a new Bennet. Also based on one director in partnership with one Board of Education member's plan that was brought forward, she heard the presentation at a Democratic Town Committee meeting. The plan was for the renovation of Illing and Bennet. She then read in the Hartford Courant that the Mayor has a plan. This caused her to wonder where other Board of Education members sit on this issue. She feels the Board owes some message to the community and have a discussion. Mr. Edwards spoke about the plan that he put forward in November. Although his plan does not reflect it, he stated that it is still his preference that the Town build a new middle school. He put this plan forward as he believes it is politically untenable to go forward with a new middle school. He came to the conclusion that as a community, Bennet will need to be reused as a school. He worked out a plan based on this that was educationally sound. He feels there are a lot of shortcomings at Bennet as a 6-8 school currently beyond its physical condition, including small hallways. In middle schools, the curriculum supports students moving from classroom to classroom so small hallways hinder the movement of students. It also has lockers in classroom, which is problematic. In a new school, it would be built so that students could access lockers from hallways in order not to disrupt classes. His biggest concern is that the fields are not co-located and it means moving students to Charter Oak Park for gym classes, crossing a major road and going a block away. It may have worked in the past, but is not the way schools are currently run. He thought about the consideration of putting a relatively small number of students in the school to make is a smaller learning community. From this concept, he thought about a sixth grade academy. From this perspective, a lot of the shortcomings actually become advantages. The curriculum is generally 2-3 teachers, not 4-5 teachers; there is less emphasis on the unified arts; the need for competition fields is not there; the lockers in the classrooms can be an asset in this environment. He feels sixth grade greatly mirrors an elementary curriculum more than a middle school curriculum. He is not in favor of the approach that has been discussed to renovate Bennet; however, if it becomes a sixth grade academy, all the students could be housed in the Franklin, Barnard and Cone buildings, which are already connected. The Rec building could be turned back into a Rec building, which the neighborhood desperately needs. The Cheney building could then be used for some other purpose, such as relocating Central Office. This would mean converting the current Central Office building back into classroom space to be used by Robertson School. In order for this plan to be workable, there would have to be an addition to Illing to make it a 7/8 school. He believes this configuration works better based on NCLB, racial balance implications, etc. He feels if this plan is used, a lot of the swing space issues could be reduced. In the current plan, he does not feel students should be on the site when Bennet is renovated. With his plan, he feels that it is possible to be a building-by-building renovation as there would be fewer students on the site. He publicly thanked Josh Howroyd for this work on this idea. He feels that it is a workable solution that is easy understandable. He stressed that he did not mean to imply that minor renovations at Bennet would suffice. The buildings are in need of serious maintenance and repair. He believes this plan should be considered by an outside firm who is in a position to evaluate the ideas. Mr. Golas commented that he was not on the Board last year and therefore did not vote to build a new middle school. However, that would have been his intent although he does not think it will ever happen. The sense of the community seems to be to use the existing buildings. He feels that Mr. Edwards' plan does have merit. He stated that the process is that the Board of Education voted to build a new school, which was turned down by the Board of Directors. It is now back to the Board of Education to make an alternate plan. He feels the Board owes it to the town, students, and teachers to make an informed decision. He agrees that the plans should be studied to see what works and determine the cost. He feels a recommendation should be sent to the Board of Directors fairly quickly. Mrs. O'Neill stated that the subcommittee is meeting January 31 at Central Office. She asked that the numbers be crunched when combining the grades 7 and 8 to see if the district would qualify for Title I funds, as well as grade 6 alone. The other concern she has with a sixth grade academy is the increased transportation costs, which may be rolled into the impact study. She also feels the Board needs to get a sense if the community would be willing to send their children across town for the various grade configurations. She would also like to know what the administration thinks about this plan, and if there are other options they have been considering based on NCLB, equity and least restrictive environment issues. She is also curious about the plan for MRA. She feels in order to make an informed decision, this information should be known. Mrs. Hackett stated that several months ago, the Board received a report from Dr. Mistretta. She alerted both Boards on many converging issues happening in Manchester's educational system, including special education requirements, least restrictive environment, No Child Left Behind and general overcrowding and building deterioration. She feels this is a very complicated issue and she is not convinced there is a single answer yet. She appreciates the innovative thinking of the proposed plan. She reminded the Board that there was previously an idea to reconfiguring the elementary schools to open space. She would like to look at the analysis of the failed All Schools Plan, which included reconfiguration. She implores every parent to consider this as an option based on the overcrowding issues in the elementary schools. Most importantly, she is waiting to hear from the Superintendent as to her recommendation after the impacts are studied. Mr. Rizzo stated that the previously explored grade configuration of 5/6 and 7/8 was an option that he really favored. The plan that was just introduced, as well as the Mayor's plan, are all thinking outside the box, which is a good direction. He feels there is common ground, as it is known that the community wishes to eliminate two middle schools and end the idea of competition between the two schools, as well as using Bennet as a school of some sort. He feels the issue needs to be looked at from an educational viewpoint transitioning students through grade levels. The Board of Education is the educational leader in the community and it needs to make a recommendation to the Board of Directors and the community so that students are successful moving through the grades. He agrees that he would like to hear the Superintendent's recommendation. He has not yet heard what the best solution is for this age group in middle school. He does not feel there is enough time to get all the information and make a good decision for a spring referendum. Mr. Robinson stated that the Board would be searching in vain for the perfect grade configuration and the perfect solution. He feels that they should recognize that while the Board wanted to have a new middle school that is not going to happen either. There are a couple of ideas on the table, and he would like to see more information on Mr. Edwards' and Mr. Howroyd's plan. He believes it should have further study. He stated that sixth grade academies are very successful in other municipalities, as well as 5/6 and 7/8. The middle school model has also worked well. If answers cannot be established in time for a spring referendum, he believes that the Board should seriously consider investing some substantial dollars into the Franklin, Barnard and Cone buildings. He urged the Board to study the new plan, as it exists. He stated he would entertain a motion to direct this to the Educational Subcommittee or to the Board of Directors. Mrs. Lok commented that she has not lost hope on a new Bennet building. She is also not convinced that the community would not support a new Bennet building. She understands that the Board of Directors have voted down this idea, and voted in favor of renovation. She cautioned that the most vocal do not necessarily represent the majority, which both Boards have learned over and over again. She stated that she could support the Edwards/Howroyd plan, and could support the Mayor's plan (not for the reasons he put it forward or endorse any comments he made). She suggested putting two questions on the ballot, as she feels there will never be agreement amongst the elected officials. She would like to explore if two questions could be placed on the ballot. One question should be if a new school is desirable. Mr. Edwards thanked the Board for sharing their comments. He is intrigued about putting multiple questions on the ballot. He appreciates the support to move this forward, although he is hesitant to put a motion forward at this time. He feels it may be better to have an opportunity to hear from the public, and he would also like to hear the Superintendent's recommendation. He also believes the results of the studies are important although it is very tight timing. He clarified that his plan does have drawbacks such as higher transportation costs and continued overcrowding in the elementary schools. Mrs. Lok agrees and would not support any motion at this meeting. She feels the discussion has been enough of a message for the purposes of a joint meeting or the retreat. She clarified that if two items were to appear on the ballot, it would be much like electing one idea or another. There would be no chance that both plans could pass. She realizes that there may be many plans, but her main concern about the two plans being considered is that they put any major renovation at Bennet on a back burner. She feels with two plans on the ballot, there will be a definitive decision on Election Day. Mrs. Huyler believes as elected officials, they are there to do a job. She feels they have to be open to ideas, and she is looking forward to working collaboratively with the Town and the Board. Mr. Golas stated that he would have supported a motion to send the plan to the subcommittee. He feels that it is a viable plan that should be looked at, and that the 5/6, 7/8 plan might also be considered. He does not want to lose more time. I. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Dan Moran, Chestnut Street. He feels that Mr. Rizzo brought out a lot of good points, and feels it is important to take the time for the referendum. The only issue he has is that he wishes the Board would get away from the myopic view that every kid has to go to college. He feels students should be prepared to be successful in life in whatever they choose. He feels this latest plan (Mayor Cassano's) will give students a head start to be achievers, and may lead students to Cheney Tech. He feels modifications are necessary because college is not everything anymore. He feels a trade school builds confidence in some students. He commends Mayor Cassano for considering this option. He supports the Superintendent and feels that she is an innovative thinker. 3. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He stated there is nothing wrong with being vocal. The Governor has stated that taxpayers have limited incomes. He wonders why the comment was made that the district does not know how to teach 7th and 8th graders after all these years. He feels the high school should have spoken up that the middle schools are sending students that aren't prepared. He believes Mr. Edwards' idea is a good one. He does not feel the Bennet building has to be renovated to a tremendous degree. People do not have unlimited incomes. He feels that Mr. Rizzo and Mr. Edwards have the right approach to make an educationally sound proposal. He feels the students are still accomplishing things despite overcrowded conditions and old buildings. J. ITEMS
FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Mrs., Hackett
stated she would like a report regarding the Washington DC field trip.
She would also like to know if there are any other field trips pending
with this particular vendor. Respectfully submitted, Margaret
Hackett, Secretary |
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