A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Golas, Hackett, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher

ABSENT: Huyler

ALSO
PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Director of Human Resources Attorney Libby, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Gejda, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Business Manager Brooks

ABSENT: None

Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mr. Robinson stated there was one deletion from the agenda: The PTA Council Report.

Minutes of September 28, 2004, January 24, 2005 and January 29, 2005

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of September 28, 2004, January 24, 2005 and January 29, 2005.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the September 28, 2004 meeting. (4/0/4 - Thresher, Lok, Golas, Edwards)

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the January 24, 2005 meeting. (8/0/0)

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the January 29, 2005 meeting. (7/0/1 - Edwards)

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1, Robert Adams, Golway Street. He stated that his son attends Robertson School. His concern is in regard to the chain barriers, as his son was almost hit by a car in the parking lot.

2. Keith Carson, 45 Kane Road. He shared a letter that has been written by the Manchester PTSA sponsoring the Shattered Dreams Program. The event will be held on May 5 and 6 on Brookfield Street at the high school. It is a program that is run every other year, so that the impact is not lost. The theme of the program is what is involved in underage drinking and driving. It is an actual reenactment of an accident scene involving teenagers coming home from a prom. It is an amazing community activity that involves the police department, the fire department, EMS, Manchester Hospital, the funeral home and staff and students at the high school. He stated there is a problem in Manchester with underage drinking. He hopes this program will help students make good decisions. The PTSA just starting raising money to make this program happen. Due to budget constraints, the district is not able to raise the money required of $4,000. The funds include training of 50 students to be part of the program. He asked the community for donations towards this very worthwhile program.

3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. As a follow-up to Black History Month, he attended an event at the Wadsworth Athenaeum on South Africa. He recommended the book, Black on White, Black Writers on What it Means to Be White, David R. Roediger, editor. U.S. postage stamps are honoring Arthur Ash and Mary Anderson. Regarding President's Day, he suggested the U.S. News and World Report, February 21, 2005 edition, with a cover story of Lincoln Revealed. There was also a series on television based on a book, To the Best of My Abilities. He supports the Shattered Dreams programs and feels underage drinking should be addressed before students go on to college or the workplace. He recommended articles in Education Digest, October 2004, regarding sexual misconduct.

C. MANCHESTER PTA COUNCIL REPORT
Deleted from agenda.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Ms. Ouellette recommended approval on the following consent calendar items (all details are included in the packet):

1) Personnel Action

Tenure
The following certified staff have successfully completed the required length of service to receive tenure as indicated in CT General Statute Sec. 151:

Maureen Bordeaux, Nathan Hale School; Kelly Cecchini, Manchester High School; Lisa Ann DeLisle, Bennet Middle School; Ann Fuini, Districtwide; Donna Osleger, Waddell School; Kristy (Silvia) LaPorte, Bennet Middle School.

Resignations
Lynn Olson, elementary teacher at Highland Park School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective July 1, 2005. Ms. Olsen has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 29, 1989.

Janet Murray, elementary teacher at Waddell School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective July 1, 2005. Ms. Murray has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 1, 1987.

Leave of Absence
Heather Woble approved for a maternity/childrearing leave of absence effective approximately March 9, 2005 through the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Ms. Woble has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001.

Ann Leahy approved for a maternity leave of absence effective approximately April 9, 2005 through the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Ms. Leahy has been with Manchester Public Schools since December 9, 1996.

2) Nathan Hale Roof Replacement Education Specifications

3) Appropriation of Education Special Projects and Transfer of Funds to Bennet Repairs - $618,811

4) Transfer of Funds to Nathan Hale Roof Project - $125,000

5) Transfer of Funds to Buckley Roof Project - $138,000

6) Acceptance of the Buckley Boiler Abatement Project #077-1099 CV as complete

7) Acceptance of the Barnard Building Roof Project #077-0202 RR as complete

8) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects - $2,638
Bilingual Education Program Grant

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (8/0/0)

Mrs. Hackett made one correction on Item D2, the Nathan Hale Roof Replacement Educational Specifications. The warranty is 20 years, not 12 years.

Mr. Edwards congratulated teachers Mrs. Bordeaux and Mrs. Leahy.

E. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

1. Adequate Yearly Progress Update
Ms. Ouellette stated that Ann Richardson, Principal and Juanita Osborne, Curriculum Specialist, would give the report for Bennet Middle School. Dr. Richardson distributed a packet with an executive summary highlighting the strategies and the actual plan. She reviewed the executive summary. The student learning goal focuses on all 8th grade students reaching a minimum proficiency of 75% or above on mathematics in the 2006 CMT. The performance objective highlights that teachers will be trained to use data from student work samples and to strategically plan the critical areas of mathematical need and allow students to meet the student-learning goal. There are four strategies to meet this objective, including the instructional leaders using a Data Decision Making process to focus on the improvement of student achievement. This uses student work to guide instruction. Action steps under this strategy indicates training of the staff is important, and to form the school-based data team. The next step identifies a design and administering of the pre/post quarterly assessments, which have begun. This helps teachers to look at student's growth. The third step highlights use of the CMT and the data collection system in order to identify any supplemental mathematics instruction and also highlights student needs. The fourth step looks at scheduling options to best provide programming to help students progress and to support the increase in student achievement. The next step identifies professional development support for research based classroom strategies using the data decision tools as well as differentiated instruction. The second strategy highlights the Best Practices and other strategies to ensure all student groups meet with success on the mathematics portion of the CMT. Steps under this strategy include highlighting revised curriculums and benchmark areas so that it is aligned with State Standards and supports CMT testing. Using data driven decision-making models, teachers will administer quarterly assessments to measure progress and focus on differentiated instruction. Other steps under this strategy highlight professional development workshops on co-teaching models and a school wide character education program. The third strategy focuses on enrichment activities that provide supplemental mathematical support for all students before and after school and during an extension of the school year through summer programs. Steps highlighted in this strategy include Math Counts and the homework help club, as well as summer school opportunities. The final area in the plan is the Parental Improvement Plan, making sure that parents are provided opportunities to help strengthen learning at home and to understand the dynamics of the new strategies applied in the school. Strategies under the Parent Involvement Plan focuses on 6, 7 and 8 grade teams offering two parent conference sessions per year. Action steps to this strategy include a mail notification in English and Spanish and providing a school website connection and a monthly newsletter. Teachers will also provide strategies to parents on how to help their child develop math skills at home. The second strategy allows Bennet to host Family Nights for all grades. Action steps include ensuring English and Spanish notifications and website notifications. Pre-teaching opportunities and take home packets are available for families. Strategy three connects with family literacy programs and allows for field trips and events so that parents can participate. The final focus in Strategy Four is a home/school communication effort.

Mr. Rizzo stated the Curriculum Committee reviewed this improvement plan and he was very impressed on the focus on data decision making and involving all aspects of the school community. He understands the weakness in the area of mathematics; however, he wouldn't want to see this area improve while other areas may suffer. He would like to see the efforts maintained on literacy while this focus is on mathematics. He asked what plans are based on this.

Dr. Richardson stated that they have begun with an entire portfolio system with all teachers involved, focusing on reading, writing and math. They are working on strategies with instructional specialists, and students are developing portfolios of student work. The data decision team will look at student scores as well as student work.

Mrs. Lok complimented Dr. Richardson on the report and the clear action steps and timelines. She looks forward to the results of this plan.

Mrs. Gejda presented information on the district adequate yearly progress. She stated that under No Child Left Behind legislation, districts as well as individual schools must make adequate yearly progress. This means that a district wide percentage of students must score at or above the proficient level in reading and/or mathematics on both the CMT and the CAPT. The proficiency targets defined by the State are: 65% of students must meet proficiency in mathematics on the CMT and 59% on CAPT; 57% of students must meet proficiency in reading on the CMT and 62% on CAPT. The State also identified other areas students must show a certain standard of performance. The participation rate is at 95% on both the CMT and the CAPT. The other two identifying characteristics that the State chose are writing (70% on CMT) a graduation rate (70% on CAPT). In addition to whole district data meeting these targets, all subgroups must also meet the targets. These groups are: black students, Hispanic students, white students, students with disabilities, economically disadvantaged students and English language learners. In the report just received, there were a total of 29 CMT variables an 29 CAPT variables that had to be met in order for the district to achieve overall adequate yearly progress. The current list published is based upon student performance on the Fall 2002 CMT and the Spring 2003 CAPT. Manchester did not meet AYP in all areas and therefore was identified as a district in need of improvement. She reviewed the report received from the State outlining all of the areas. On the 2002 CMT, the mathematics and teaching targets were not met by the students with disabilities subgroup. On the 2003 CAPT, the participation rate was not met, as well as the following subgroups: students with disabilities in math and reading; black students in math and reading; Hispanic students in math; and economically disadvantaged students in math. All districts receiving Title I funds and in their first year of being identified as in need of improvement are required to develop or revise a local educational agency plan in consultation with parents, school staff, and others within 90 days of identification; implement the improvement plan expeditiously and no later than the next school year after identification; reserve not less than 10 percent of the Title I Part A funds for high quality professional development for instructional staff that is specifically designed to improve classroom teaching; and notify parents of each student enrolled in the schools served by the Local Education Agency. The State Department letter must be sent out, along with a form for parents to submit information to the group making the plan for the district. Since this information was compiled and released, the State Department has changed its criteria for identifying districts in need of improvement. Instead of meeting proficiency on both the CMT and CAPT, the criteria will be that proficiency must be met on either the CMT or CAPT. She noted that Manchester High School did make AYP on the 2004 CAPT and will not be on the district in need of improvement list for a second year. AYP results for the 2004 CMT have not yet been released. She also noted that the information just received for the district is several years behind. She stated the entire report can be viewed on the State Department of Education website. They are in the process of a large mailing and developing a team to work on the district improvement plan based on the State's template.

Mr. Edwards asked how the State decides its criteria for adequate yearly progress.

Mrs. Gejda responded that the State has some flexibility in terms of moving student achievement along to meet their goal of 100% proficiency by 2014. She feels there is constant evaluation and modification at the State and Federal levels of the goals and how to meet achievement levels.

Mrs. O'Neill commented on the math scores, and asked if anything is being done to accelerate the math scores in the lower grades, as the reading scores did.

Mrs. Gejda stated this is the second year of having K-5 math trainers. Those teachers are in the classrooms working with students throughout the district, running family math nights, and running a summer integrated math program before middle school.

Mr. Rizzo asked, in light of the district not being marked as in need of improvement, if the district was still required to file an improvement plan.

Mrs. Gejda stated that the district is required to file the plan and be sure that the district focuses on areas identified in the report that may need improvement.

Mr. Rizzo asked for an explanation on the 2003-04 AYP Status sheet of the column labeled averages. Mrs. Gejda stated she would find out and let him know at a later date. He asked if the efforts that will be made with inclusion and Least Restrictive environment may help in the students with disabilities subgroup meet AYP. Mrs. Tait commented that it should help.

Mrs. Hackett asked about the letter that was going to be sent to parents. She asked if the purpose of the letter is to clarify the status of Manchester on the AYP.

Mrs. Gejda stated that the letter specifically addresses how the district did not meet AYP in 2003, although it was met in 2004.

Mrs. Hackett asked if the letters could be reviewed by the Curriculum Committee on an ongoing basis.

Mr. Edwards asked if another letter could be sent to parents stating that in 2004, Manchester is not a district in need of improvement.

Mrs. Lok asked if the district is required to put in the letter the exact subgroups that did not meet AYP.

Mrs. Gejda replied that the State letter indicates that Manchester did not meet AYP in subgroup performance and that it did not meet the participation rate. The subgroups are not identified in the State letter.

Mrs. Lok commented the subgroups, and in particular, students with disabilities. She wants to be cognizant that they are students first, and then may fall into subgroups.

2. Kindergarten Fair and Registration Update

Ms. Ouellette stated that there are fliers that will be sent to the elementary schools in regard to the Kindergarten Fair and registration information. The fair is scheduled for Tuesday, March 8 at the Manchester High School cafeteria from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. The snow date is March 9. Kindergarten registration is scheduled for Saturday, April 9 at Central Office from 9:00 - 3:00 p.m., and April 12-14 at Central Office from 4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Mrs. Hackett asked about the banner placed across Main Street. Ms. Ouellette stated that this has been addressed.

3. Enrollment Update and Minority Staff Report

Attorney Libby provided information on students leaving Manchester High School and where they have gone. She stated that 120 students withdrew from MHS between the start of school and January 21, 2005. She noted that almost half of them went to other CT schools other than MRA; 25 entered adult education programs; 14 relocated out of the state/country; 9 were unknown; 7 went into expulsion programs; 5 entered GED programs; 3 transferred to MRA; 3 were hospitalized; 3 went to Job Corp; and 1 has been incarcerated.

Mr. Rizzo asked what the heading CT Schools other than MRA denoted.

Attorney Libby stated these students moved to other districts. She noted that most of them did not dropout, but withdrew. The category of Unknown may indicate some dropouts. Students that have moved out of district are not used in dropout calculations. She also noted that those pursuing other education have actually signed up for these programs although they are not tracked further.

Mrs. O'Neill asked for clarification on what figures are used to calculate dropout figures. She asked if progress is tracked of those students who move to the adult education program.

Attorney Libby stated she would get this information for another meeting.

Attorney Libby presented figures on minority staff of teachers and administrators. She stated there is a form submitted to the State every two years on this subject. In 2000-01, there were 30 minority staff, approximately 5%; in 2002-03, there were 35 minority staff, approximately 6.1%; and in 2004-05, there is 43 minority staff, approximately 7.5%. Minority student percentages have changed from 33.6% in 2000-01, to 38.4% in 2002-03, to 41.2% in 2004-05.

Mrs. Lok asked about a report on minority recruitment efforts.

Attorney Libby stated she would present this at the next meeting.

4. Audit Report

Mrs. Brooks stated the Board was sent the comprehensive annual financial report for June 30, the Federal awards audit report, the State awards audit report and the management letter addressed to the Board of Directors for the Town of Manchester. In the management letter, there was a comment on changing the procedures for special education tuition billing and a policy and written procedure was to be developed by the Board of Education and reported to the Town. She also provided her response to this corrective action. From this point forward, tuition invoices will be prepared for special education students attending Manchester Public Schools and mailed to communities through the office of Student Support Services. Copies of the invoices will be forwarded to the Director of Business and Operations and the Business Office Manager. The invoice will state that all checks are to be made payable to the Town of Manchester and sent to the attention of the Business Office Manager. The Business Office Manager will deposit the check into a special revenue account entitled Special Education Tuition. A copy of the check will be sent to the office of Student Support Services to be attached to their copy of the invoice. The Director of Business and Operations will audit invoice payments to checks received and report both the revenue and expenditure from the special revenue account on the ED001. In the Federal awards report, there was an audit correction for matching level of effort and earmarking students under the Head Start Program. The finding was that the test of the list of students that were considered over and under the poverty guidelines disclosed some inaccuracies in the form calculations. Her corrective action was to have the Head Start staff start following the procedures that were established in January 2004 to document the students over and under the Federal poverty guidelines and to keep the documentation with the student information. She will review the procedures again with the Head Start staff and follow up that these procedures are being followed this year. In response to the State financial assistance program audit report, the finding was on Medicaid and that the monthly service information forms that are being completed by the providers were not being reviewed for accuracy before they were being submitted to the State. The corrective action instituted is that the Special Education Supervisor will review the services provide to the Medicaid eligible students to ensure that these services rendered are in accordance with their IEP, initial evaluation or any re-evaluation. In addition, the Medicaid billing clerk will review the monthly service information forms to verify the monthly service information forms are completed for all services provided to the students under the IEP. She stated she will be submitted these to the Town Finance Director this week.

5. Code Upgrades Update

Mr. Keith Epstein stated that at the last meeting, the Board requested an update of Bennet School. He distributed a final list to the Board. They had an exhaustive look through every room and space in the school, prioritized each item based on safety and health issues. All of the high priorities have been taken care of, except for masonry restoration and window replacement on Bennet. An outside stair will be replaced as part of a capital improvement project. The Board of Education maintenance staff has done an excellent job in taking care of the lower priority items.

Mr. Robinson thanked him for the report and stated the Board is happy to hear that there is substantial progress being made.

Mrs. Hackett thanked them for the comprehensive inventory. Mr. Epstein commented that it is a working list as well as a way to monitor the school.

Mrs. O'Neill asked about window glazing and peeling paint. She asked if this was being dealt with or if they are waiting for better weather or vacation periods.

Mr. Epstein stated the peeling paint is throughout the school mainly in isolated areas. It is not something to be done while school is in session. The Board spent approximately $9,000 to send a window glazer through the building on a lift outside making sure everything was securely in place. These items are flagged on the capital improvement list for next year.

Mr. Golas suggested that the public should be able to view this list in order to see the extensive work that has been done in a few months on the buildings.

6. Washington D.C. Field Trip Update

Mrs. Brooks reported that the vice president of the tour company had a conversation with Mr. Sierakowski regarding refunding some of the money students paid for this trip. The amount of $175 was agreed upon and will be refunded to each of the participants.

Mrs. Hackett asked if there were any pending field trips with this organization.

Mrs. Brooks and Ms. Ouellette stated they are not aware of any others.

Mrs. Lok stated that this is the trip where students went to Washington and were under the impression that they would be attending the inauguration. She asked what the total cost of the trip was.

Mrs. Brooks stated the total cost was $695, and they felt that this was one day's cost refunded to the students.

Mrs. Lok asked if there was a sense that students and parents would be satisfied with the reimbursement.

Mrs. Brooks believes that they would and that Mr. Sierakowski believes that it is a fair settlement.

Ms. Ouellette commented that she contacted an area Superintendent who also had students on the same field trip. They did not seem to be experiencing as much concern, but they are looking into it as well.

F. NEW BUSINESS

1. Textbook Adoption

Mrs. Gejda stated that last year, Manchester High School adopted an AP physics textbook. Immediately following that, there was an interest and need to look at a new textbook for the honors and CP level of physics. The current physics textbook that is used in those levels was published in 1990. As part of the procedure, curriculum revision needs to take place followed by piloting several textbooks. She provided information that was brought to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee by the chair of the Science Department at MHS. There were four books that were piloted at the high school. Students and parents, as well as classroom teachers, had an opportunity to review the materials and answer a survey. She provided answers to that survey. Based upon this information, the new text favored by all three groups includes Internet support for students on a website as well as every chapter having downloadable compatible programs. The new text has a variety of resources that allow students to apply concepts they are learning. This recommendation was brought to the subcommittee, and they agreed to bring it to the full Board. She explained that last year; the previous Department Chair put the order in to purchase these textbooks before the text was approved. They do not expect that this error would happen again.

Mr. Robinson stated that this would be discussed as Old Business at the next meeting.

Mrs. O'Neill asked if a student switches from regular physics to honors physics, is it difficult or are the books similar.

Mrs. Gejda stated that this particular book would be used for both levels. The AP physics book differs in readability and presentation of material. She does not feel any material would be missed by switching levels.

Mr. Edwards asked if there is a prerequisite in the AP course for calculus and do any of these books use calculus as a basis.

Mrs. Gejda stated they did not.

G. OLD BUSINESS

1. Superintendent's Goals
Ms. Ouellette stated she provided the Board at the last meeting with a six-page document of her intended goals for the 2005-06 school year to continue into the next year. It was suggested that she try to include in these goals some responsibilities of the parent/guardian in regard to student achievement and to closely tie it to family and parents. She stated it was her intention as Superintendent to encourage families towards increasing support in their child's education. She explained she had a difficult time crafting that statement. She reviewed the document and there are 6-7 goals that reflect the parent responsibilities or working collaboratively with partnerships with the parents. However, the school cannot mandate what parents will do or what level of participation a parent chooses to support their child's education. She stated they have been working with a lot of different initiatives that reflect some of the goals provided in the previous document, cited goals 1 and 3 in particular. They create environments that expect certain things of parents, such as parent conferences, student portfolios and design of report cards that clearly communicate student skills. This is done well at the elementary schools and she would like to see it move toward the middle schools. She would like advice from the Board as to any adjustments they would like to make.

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item.

MOTION: Rizzo/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education adopts the Superintendent's Goals as presented by the Superintendent. (8/0/0)

Mrs. Lok stated she is satisfied with the Superintendent's goals as presented. She does not recall the comment about adding information regarding what is required of parents. She agreed the Board could not regulate parents or require them to do anything, nor would there be a way to enforce this. She likes the goals, action steps, and looks forward to the implementation.

Mr. Edwards stated he was the Board member who suggested some language to incorporate parent involvement. He stated the items listed satisfy his request. He understands the Board cannot mandate parent participation. His goal was to reach out to parents to help increase student achievement.

2. Capital Improvement Plan

Mrs. Brooks provided a new revised draft of the Capital Improvement Plan. The revisions are noted on the first page. The revisions were an eleven year history of State Department of Education construction reimbursement rates for Manchester by location; the Bennet window repair funding changed from construction reimbursements to the operating budget; the Bennet stair project had to be delayed until the 06-07 with a funding change from construction reimbursement to a future bond; Bennet lead paint abatement, the budget amount for 05-06 decreased from $50,000 to $30,500 to be funded by reimbursement from Barnard roof; budgeted amounts from 07-08 through 09-10 increased from $50,000 to $56,500 for a total of $200,000, funding changed from construction reimbursements to operating budget; Bowers classroom furniture was removed from the capital improvement plan; Waddell classroom furniture was removed from the capital improvement plan; the vehicle capital replacement detail sheets were added by fiscal year.

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the Capital Improvement Plan as presented. (8/0/0)

Mr. Edwards thanked all those who were involved in the process. The plan is much improved and extremely comprehensive. This will become a living document as new needs arise.

3. Board of Education Recommended 2005-06 Budget
Ms. Ouellette asked the Board if they had any specific questions on the 2005-06 Superintendent's Recommended Budget.

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item.

MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the Recommended 2005-06 Budget. (8/0/0)

Ms. Ouellette commended the Board and stated they are committed to excellence in teaching and learning. The district strongly values each student's capacity for high educational achievement. This 9.33% budget supports the Board of Education's district initiatives that measure and support a level of success for all students. It defines standards, targets for instruction and creates accountability systems at all levels. This budget has been built to focus resources where they matter most, continuing the support systems that the district has found to be effective in educating the students. This budget supports and is a starting point for the four recommendations to Manchester High School from the New England Association of Schools and Colleges related to staffing, instructional supplies, materials, textbooks, particularly print and non-print materials, providing and funding professional development during 2005-06, and access to an appropriate and adequate schedule of courses. As elected officials to serve on the Board of Education, members have demonstrated a desire to serve the children and to make decisions that provide guidance and formulate policies that both protect and achieve the goals in education and the initiative of the schools. The Board's decision in this budget session is a difficult one based on the community's economic future. However, as a combined body, the Board carries a sincere dedication to excellence in the schools and the best possible education for all students, not one that is simply the most economically popular. Separately, Board members may have their varied differences as to what is believed to be a budget priority, and members have demonstrated a sincere interest in the student's futures by probing for clarification in order to gain a better perspective of the budget needs. Board members have listened and asked questions about this proposed 2005-06 budget, gained additional knowledge that would help reaffirm beliefs. She stated that she hopes she has provided solutions to solve some of the urgent issues and painted a picture for a hopeful future. Whatever choices the Board continues to make, and whatever action is taken at this meeting, she asked the Board to take comfort in the knowledge that represents that best the community has to offer. She stated the Board is an active part of the community and part of the student's lives, hopes, desires and aspirations for the school system. The Board is committed to work diligently on behalf of all the students and ultimately give citizens the type of government they deserve. She thanked the Board for caring for the student's future, and she respectfully asked the Board to support the budget.

Mr. Robinson thanked Ms. Ouellette and her staff for putting together a solid and comprehensive budget, which brings the Board up to a level for good, standing this year.

Mrs. Lok asked if the process could be outlined from this point forward for the public.

Mr. Robinson stated that once the Board votes on the budget, they would communicate it to the General Manager. There will be a public presentation of it on February 24, and the Board of Directors will do their deliberations in the context of all other Town departmental budgets that are presented. In May or June, the Board will get the appropriation from the Directors, and they will deliberate on the bottom line and make any adjustments necessary.

H. COMMITTEE REPORTS

1. Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Mrs. Hackett provided a copy of the minutes to Board members. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on February 7 and discussed many items, including the recommendation of the Physics textbook; a draft of the proposed science curriculum for grades 9 and 10 to be implemented next year which is aligned with the new science frameworks and the grade 10 CAPT assessment; a report from Tony Gasper regarding the proficiency project options that are underway at Manchester High School in which the staff is reframing curricula in a standard proficiency format and reviewing proposals for professional development and budgetary impacts; a report on summer school programming to meet the new graduation requirements, programs designed specifically for this purpose and fees for these courses which will be brought to the full Board very soon; the district elementary bilingual position; a report on the Bennet Middle School Improvement Plan. The next meeting is February 21, 6:00 p.m. at Central Office.

2. Personnel & Finance Committee
Mr. Golas stated the meeting was an emergency meeting to approve a contract for a demographic study. They reviewed the bids and spoke with Mrs. Brooks about the proposals. The company she recommended was hired, and they were able to do the study within the time frame of 30 days and they were the least expensive. They will be meeting again in March.

3. Community Relations Committee
None

I. COMMUNICATIONS

Mrs. O'Neill attended the Martin School poetry reading and she stated they did a terrific job. She commended the staff and student on this program. She believes the Board should continue to support this grant.

J. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated he supported the bilingual position on the Consent Calendar. He is encouraged by the report of recruiting minority staff. Regarding the dropout rate, he hopes a new report can be given about anti-dropout initiatives. He feels that the curriculum should be updated in regard to Human Rights. He recommended the book, Facing the Rising Sun, regarding the Arts.

K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

Mrs. O'Neill asked for a report about Robertson School and the parking lot problems, and any other school that has a similar issue.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adjourned 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Hackett, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education