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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 26, 2004 |
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M
I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Holmes, Huyler, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT:
None ABSENT: None Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and a quorum was established. Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of January 12, 2004 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion to accept the minutes of the January 12, 2004 meeting. MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of January 12, 2004. (9/0/0) B. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. As a follow-up to the Martin Luther King holiday, he stated that had he lived, he would have been 75 years old this year. His son is the CEO of the King Non-Violence Center and former president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference. His youngest daughter is a lawyer and minister. He recommended the book, Inside Organized Racism; Women in the Hate Movement, by Kathleen Blee, Ph.D. He also recommended Legally and Morally, What Our Gay Students Must be Given, by Erica M. Weiler: School Bullying in America, by Dorothy Espalade, Ph.D. ; and In Schools We Trust: Creating Communities of Learning in an Era of Testing and Standardization, by Deborah Meier, Ed.D. In January 2004 edition of Education Digest, he recommended articles on how to reach unmotivated students and Authors in Residence to Get Students Reading, and Save Senioritis with Serious Senior Studies. He stated that he attended the forum at the high school on January 14 regarding underage drinking and substance abuse. Mr. Robinson stated that since items were postponed at the last meeting due to the late hour, he would move Section E, New Business to follow next on the agenda. E. NEW
BUSINESS 1. Proposed
Changes in Summer School Tuition Fees Mr. Rizzo asked for clarification that the proposed fees were for the high school summer school program. Mr. Beitman stated that this was correct. Mrs. Hackett asked what teachers are paid for teaching summer school classes. Attorney Libby stated that this past year, they were paid $20.00 per hour. With this upcoming contract, they would be paid $24.00 per hour. Mrs. Hackett asked if anyone had done an analysis of the socio-economic level of the students who would be impacted by this increase. She wanted to make sure that a huge hardship is not created for students who need these courses. Mr. Beitman stated that this was hard to tell because the reasons that students take summer school cut across socio-economic lines. He stated that he would review last year's enrollment to determine the percentage of fee waivers that were provided. This may give some indication for the coming year. Mr. Huot stated that he has worked with Mr. Peak for the past couple of years, and they use the free and reduced lunch guidelines as criteria for waiving fees. Mr. Beitman stated that the one downside to this is that the high school students tend not to apply for free and reduced lunch on a regular basis, primarily because of their concerns of peer interaction. Mr. Huot commented that since the point-to-sale service has been installed, there is more anonymity and the population of free and reduced lunch is growing. Peer interaction is not a problem as their status is not obvious at all when using this service. 2. Draft
Policies - #5125 (Student Records; Confidentiality) #5141.2 (Child Abuse
and Neglect), Mrs. Tait stated the Records policy is almost completely new because the old policy was irrelevant. She noted two typographical errors that are to be corrected. She also presented a compliance form that allows release of medical information. All physicians and mental health service providers will not release information without this type of release form. There is also reference to Special Education record guidelines, which are in the Special Education Manual. Mr. Beitman asked the Board to review the noted changes and to direct any questions to Jen Tait by phone or email. On February 9th, any specific concerns could be addressed. There is no tremendous urgency to adopt these policies on February 9th. He announced that all Board of Education policies, agendas and minutes of meetings would be on the web starting in February. This will be a tremendous asset to the community. Mrs. Tait stated that when the Child Abuse policy was last revised in 1997, it was a model policy for the state. The revisions to this policy are very slight. The address and time reporting timeframe has been changed on the policy. They also changed the amount of the fines if someone does not make a report. Towards the end of the policy, it refers to a sample letter. The district does not have a sample letter; however, the language is included in the school handbooks. She also distributed an addendum package to the Board members, as well as a piece that is used for training. Manchester's Suicide Prevention policy was also used as a model in the state. Very minor changes were made to this policy. All of the references to the Youth Service Bureau were removed, as this entity is not in operation. There were changes to the community resources and curriculum references as well. A section was added regarding School Resource Officers. Mr. Rizzo asked about the format showing the new language. Mrs. Tait clarified how the new language and changes were highlighted. Mr. Rizzo asked the Superintendent if a standard practice could be used in changing a policy so that Board members can identify what language was changed. Mr. Edwards suggested using the tracking feature in Microsoft Word to note the changes. He asked if all of the changes were made directly through administration, or if committees also reviewed them. Mr. Beitman stated that these did not go through committees, but were concerns that were driven by staff and administration. Mr. Edwards complimented the work done on all of the policies. 3. Proposed
Three-Year Calendar - Effective July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2007 Attorney Libby stated that there are four versions for each of the three years. In each set, they have not started on a Monday in order for students to adapt back to school and have February and April vacations based on Board policy. Staring and ending dates need to be balanced in order to accommodate summer programs and cleaning schedules. Religious holidays and CMTs were also considered when developing the calendars. They also looked at placement of Professional Development days. Currently, there are two at the start of school, followed by two others. The educators have stated that it would be better to spread these days out throughout the calendar. Mrs. Holmes stated that three of the proposals start a week and a half before the Labor Day holiday. The Republican caucus has proposed to use up to three of the extra school days (attend 183 while 180 is required) for more professional development. They have made a few suggestions as to where to place these extra days. She asked Mr. Huot to provide the numbers for the savings in transportation costs for these days. She would like that this item be sent back to the Calendar Committee for further review. Mrs. Lok stated that she would support a motion for this item to go back to committee. She is intrigued by the Republican caucus proposal and wonders if there are some contractual implications that need to be considered. She would like to hear input from other Board members, as well as from the public. She believes this proposal moves the discussion more towards academic achievement of students. Mrs. Hackett commended the committee for their recommendation. She believes there is some wisdom in spreading out the professional development days. She feels there has been a shift in treating these days as less of an event and more of a continuum. While the teachers might benefit from more professional development time, she is not sure she is willing to have teachers give up sixteen hours of instructional time. She believes quite a bit would be sacrificed by adding more professional development times to the calendar. She would like more time for teachers to collaborate and feels there may be ways to do this without dedicating more days to professional development. Mr. Edwards voiced support for converting these days to professional development days. He asked what the timeframe was in regard to the calendars. Attorney Libby stated that the proposal needed to be brought before the Board by the second meeting in January to be adopted by the second meeting in March. However, the non-public schools are looking for sooner closure than that in order to set their calendars. Mr. Beitman stated that they could notify the non-public schools if the Board waits until the second meeting in March, taking time to review the recommendations. All of the non-public schools follow the Manchester Public Schools calendar with some minor modifications. Mr. Edwards asked if there was time to bring the Calendar Committee together to review the recommended changes. Mr. Beitman stated there was time to do this. Mr. Edwards stated he supported moving along these lines. He asked for clarification on the President's Day holiday. Attorney Libby stated that many times this Monday holiday is incorporated into the February break. When it does not fall into a break period, it is distinguished as a holiday. This is also built into many of the employee contracts. Mr. Rizzo stated that the proposal is a way to inch toward more professional development, with very little down time with students, in particular, using the half-day conference days. He believes the staff needs more time for collaboration and consulting. He stated he would support this motion. Mrs. Hackett stated that the new Connecticut Mastery Tests for science is soon approaching, to be administered to all students in grades 4, 6 and 8. She believes this will require more instructional time. She does not believe taking time away from students will help them regarding these tests. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this topic. MOTION:
Holmes/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education refers all of the comments
back to Mrs. Holmes stated she would be available to sit on this committee. Mrs. Lok asked about the make-up of the Calendar Committee. Attorney Libby stated they ask parents, members of the PTA, elementary and secondary administrators, teachers, representatives from the custodian union, nurses union and para union, and Board of Education members. Mr. Edwards suggests adding to the comments that are sent to the Committee that the half days are taken into consideration for further professional development, as it may be less of an impact to the students. AMENDMENT: Lok/Huyler s.v. The Board of Education also obtains a recommendation from the Administration, the Superintendent in particular, once the Calendar Committee has reviewed the topic and made a recommendation. (9/0/0) Mrs. Lok believes it is important to have an opinion from the administration as it may take student contact time away in order to provide more professional development. C. CONSENT
CALENDAR 1) Acceptance of the Highland Park Relocatables Project #077-0178 as complete 2) Acceptance of the Washington Relocatables Project #077-0176 as complete 3) Acceptance of the Bowers Asbestos Abatement Project #077-0153 - CV as complete 4) Approval of Revised Bowers Code Corrections - Project #077-0184-CV 5) Approval of Revised Waddell Code Corrections - Project #077-0186 - CV 6) Approval of Waddell Alteration/Energy Conservation, Educational Specifications 7) Approval of Bowers Alteration/Energy Conservation, Educational Specifications 8) Extended
Field Trip Request - Illing Middle School Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0) Mr. Thresher asked about item C-6 regarding adding ten classrooms from the previous storage area, and asked if it is covered financially by the bond referendum. Mr. Huot stated that it is covered as the bond questions are stated in a very general manner. What needed to be done was to expand the educational specifications, as shown in items 4, 5, 6 and 7. When the original Jeter, Cook and Jepson survey was done, they were limited to ADA and code work. This action would expand items 4 and 5 to include other codes, and items 6 and 7 would take into consideration the energy conversation and the alteration/expansion of the classrooms. The bond is in place to pay for this. Mr. Edwards asked if there are savings that will be realized to account for the extra work that is to be done to convert storage space to classroom space. Mr. Huot stated that the bond includes both Bowers and Waddell, and the architect is working on the scope of the full project. Phase I is the fire alarm, asbestos abatement and sprinklers in both buildings. The second phase, which is the scope of items 6 and 7, is not all worked out yet. The priorities will be set, the bid specifications will be put out to bid, and if there is enough money, the project will get done. At some point over the next several years, the district will need these extra classrooms; therefore, it would be beneficial to fit it into this project. Mr. Beitman stated that the administration would not compromise on any of the initial code, ADA and rehabilitation factors. If there are not enough savings, they will look to the 3510 money. They are also in the process of working on the Head Start building, and this would be very useful in terms of swing space. Mr. Edwards stated that the Highland Park project is a $370,000 project, reimbursed by the State of Connecticut in the amount of $240,000. His understanding is that money goes back to the Town, and is often used for things that benefit the educational structure. He asked if these reimbursements should be held or figured back into the budget for other uses. Mr. Beitman stated that by Town Charter, the money is returned to the General Fund and not to the Board. There are discussions on how the Town and Board of Education can work more closely together. This is clearly a topic that should be discussed with the Board of Directors. Mr. Rizzo asked questions about the extended field trip. He noted that three quotes were gotten for the trip, but he did not see the actual company that was picked. Miss Hawthorne, from Illing Middle School, stated that Gestion En Tourisme was chosen as the travel company for the trip. Mr. Rizzo stated that this was not the least expensive. Miss Hawthorne stated that she has worked with this company before and that she has been very happy with how they run a trip. She feels very comfortable with them. Mr. Rizzo asked if hall monitors were hired for the evening hours. Miss Hawthorne stated that they were. Mr. Rizzo asked if there were any problems on previous trips, and what the experience will be like for the students. Miss Hawthorne stated that behavior is looked at before students are authorized to go on the trip. They have never had an issue with this on the trip. The students enjoy going out to eat and shop while conversing in French to order food and ask directions. The historic and cultural points of interest will also be a large part of the experience. Mr. Rizzo asked about fundraising for the trip. Miss Hawthorne stated that various student fundraisers take place such as baked goods for sale, car washes, etc. Mr. Rizzo thanked Miss Hawthorne for all her hard work on these trips. Mrs. Hackett thanked Miss Hawthorne for what happens during these trips. She stated that she would like to hear back from the French Club about their trip. Mrs. Huyler commented on Miss Hawthorne's enthusiasm. D. SUPERINTENDENT'S
REPORT Mrs. Holmes noticed that Bowers has a pre-K Special Education program. She asked if it was moved to this location, or if it was a new program. Mr. Beitman stated that it is a brand new program. He stated they had an opportunity to offer a special program for pre-school children. There is a requirement of blending students with disabilities with students with non-disabilities. Space was available generated by enrollment shifts. Mrs. Tait stated the district needs to provide peer models for pre-school children with disabilities. They found that the peer models learn as much from the children with special needs as the children with special needs learn from the non-disabled peers. Grant money has been used to support this program, and they expect that grant money will be available to support the next cycle. Equipment has been donated and the parents have been very supportive. Mr. Beitman encouraged Board Members to visit the Bowers and Buckley programs, as well as the Illing program. 2. Safety
Update 3. Dropout
Prevention Update Mrs. O'Neill asked Mr. Beitman to find out how close these students were to graduating and how many credits they had. 4. Superintendent's
Recommended 2004-2005 School Budget-Discussion/Review Mr. Beitman then referred to the maintenance and care of the students. He recommended to the Board a student achievement policy. This policy will set aside a minimum amount of funds each year for very specific student achievement initiatives. Those initiatives would be selected by the Board of Education after presentations by the administrators, teachers and support staff, with specific benchmarks. These benchmarks are specific things that can be identified in a year or two that the dollars are expected to fund. The significant part of the policy is that these initiatives will not be subject to immediate budget reductions in the future years without a comprehensive review of the benchmarks. Districts experience no new programs brought forward as they are traditionally the first items to be cut in budget reductions. This policy would need to be supported in concept by February 9 so that it can be included in the budget that is forwarded to the General Manager. It then will require about three months work to develop initiatives. These initiatives would later be shared with the Board in a public meeting. The Board could identify the initiatives they wish to support and there would be specific timetables by which the staff would report back to the Board of Education of the progress. If there is not sufficient progress, the staff would be aware that funding would be either reduced or eliminated and additional projects would be added on. Student achievement needs to be made the single greatest priority. He suggests that the funds be found in the current budget from perhaps programs that are not working well. Mrs. Holmes states that whatever is done needs to be very specific, statistically measured and targeted. She supports the idea. Mr. Rizzo thanked Mr. Beitman for the idea presented. He feels this type of policy will instill some creativity. He feels that it is important to try new things and he agrees that it needs to be something that is measurable. The Board needs to evaluate the program on a regular basis to determine that the money is being used in the correct way. Mr. Edwards believes that this is an innovative idea and he supports the concept of it. He asked how the success of the initiative is measured when there are other items are swirling around student achievement issue. He also asked how the initiatives would be funded from year to year. Mr. Beitman stated that none of the initiatives would be funded more than three years unless there was absolute evidence through statistical analysis that it should be expanded throughout the district. If the initiative is $50,000 the first year, it would be $100,000 the second, and $150,000 the third. If the initiative does not measure up to the benchmark the first year, it may be eliminated or curtailed. The Board would look to the administrators and staff to come up with initiatives with evaluation criteria, and the Board would become somewhat like grant readers. They would identify programs that would have a high rate of success. He believes competition is very healthy in public schools, as the best ideas rise to the top. It makes teachers and administrators to think outside the box to address the needs of their students. An important factor is that the administrators and staff know that the funding is secure. Mr. Edwards asked that if a project were successful after a number of years, would the funding then fall into the budget. It would then be put into jeopardy to being a potential budget cut. Mr. Beitman stated that this could go either way, as the policy is not yet written. The intention is not to perpetually fund an initiative, but to be sure that the initiative is meeting the needs to improve student achievement. Mr. Edwards stated that he likes the feature of measuring specific impacts on student achievement. Mrs. Hackett stated she feels this is an idea that deserves further investigation. She would like to develop a draft of the policy and plug in an example of a program to unfold the entire process. The criteria she would look for is a program that would have a trickle down to every student, as well as getting the expertise of the staff member to implement the initiative to other grades and schools. She feels performance improvement needs to be evaluated as well. Mr. Robinson stated that he looks forward to hearing more about this proposal. He shares some of the concerns in terms of evaluation of the programs. He feels this would generate some good initiatives. F. OLD
BUSINESS "One of the major responsibilities of a Board of Education is to plan for the continual improvement of the school district. To that end, the Manchester Board of Education began, over five years ago, a partnership with over 200 members of the greater Manchester community and staff of the school system to identify elements for a Strategic Plan, and a second community-planning meeting was held in 2003. In prioritizing the goals and action items of the plan, the Board acknowledges it as the working document and the guiding force for the Manchester Public Schools. The Superintendent of Schools recommends that this working document, "A Strategic Plan for Manchester Public Schools 2003-2006," be adopted, and that the following resolution also be adopted by the Board of Education. "The document, "A Strategic Plan for Manchester Public Schools 2003-2006," will remain the foundation and guide for change and innovation in the Manchester Public Schools. Therefore, all district initiatives, plans, and programs must align themselves with this primary document. Although unforeseen requests and initiatives always occur, the Strategic Plan will be used to guide and provide direction through 2006". He reminded the Board that there was a very positive initial meeting at Manchester Regional Academy with a great variety of community members, as well as subsequent meetings. A consultant worked with the district at great length. The document is the effort of the entire community. The district has seen some success with the first Strategic Plan. A document would be prepared to share with the community what the Strategic Plan initiatives are. Assuming adoption of the plan, the next step would be to assign specific people and groups to the tasks involved and developing a timetable that could be brought to the Board in early spring. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item. MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the working document entitled, "A Strategic Plan for Manchester Public Schools 2003-2006. (9/0/0) Mrs. Holmes thanked everyone that helped put this together. She stated that this is a list of actions to take in order to achieve a certain goal. She will approve it although there are a lot of items she does not feel are Board of Education responsibilities. Mr. Robinson joined the Superintendent and the Board in thanking the community for their work in this effort. G. COMMITTEE
REPORTS 2. Curriculum
Committee H. COMMUNICATIONS Mr. Beitman reminded the community to pay particular attention to radio and television announcements regarding the closing of school due to weather conditions. He distributed the updated Magnet School brochure, which will be made available to all parents. He also distributed the first of brochures that will be made available to parents. This particular brochure is entitled Information for Families to Help Their Children Succeed in Mathematics. This is an initiative in relation to the numeracy trainers. I. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He stated that he agreed with Mrs. Hackett regarding the socio-economic effect of the summer school fees. As far as the curriculum study, he believes it is excellent. Regarding professional days, he would like a report on teacher training and how much is spent. He wonders what teachers are being trained in. Regarding student achievement, he believes there is a program in place called "education". If people have ideas, they should introduce them regardless if they think they will be cut. 3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Regarding Mrs. Tait's report, in the January edition of Education Digest, there is an article regarding confidential information. Also with suicide prevention, in last week's edition of USA Today, there was an article regarding anti-depressants and the suicide link. Suicide can affect many different groups of students. He asked if there is protection against possible lawsuits regarding the reporting of child abuse. He asked if there could be a presentation given regarding the dropout rate with Erika Kelly, the truant officer, a counselor and representative from Special Education. He mentioned an Education Digest article about educational websites for elementary teachers. He asked if there was a policy on cell phones and pagers for staff in the system. He supports the trip to Canada from Illing Middle School. J. ITEMS
FOR FUTURE AGENDAS MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 10:07 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
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