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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, FEBRUARY 15, 2006 |
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I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Crockett, Edwards, Golas, Hackett, Huyler, Rizzo, Rowe, Small-Miller, Stafford ALSO A1.
Call to Order A2.
Pledge of Allegiance A3. Minutes of December 12, 2005, January 9, 2006, February 8, 2006, and February 9, 2006 Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of December 12, 2005. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of December 12, 2005. 8/0/1 (Golas abstained) Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of January 9, 2006. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of January 9, 2006. 9/0/0 Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of February 8, 2006. Mr. Rizzo mentioned that the February 8, 2006 minutes are from a Budget Workshop meeting, not a regular meeting. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of February 8, 2006. 7/0/2 (Golas and Edwards abstained) Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of February 9, 2006. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of February 9, 2006. 9/0/0
B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - PART I B1.
Washington School Camp Discovery Presentation Ms. Womack, along with Mr. Tom Weyrauch, a teacher at Washington School, and his students shared a slide presentation of the many activities at Camp Discovery, and discussed the opportunities the camp provided them in getting to know students from other communities and cultures through a Living-Learning Experience. They learned activities to strengthen team problem solving, self-discovery, and leadership skills, which helped them recognize the value of their differences and their similarities. Ms. Hackett thanked them for sharing their experience with the Board and public.
C1. Brenda Brown, 41 Jordt Street. Ms. Brown stated that the nature of her concerns are failure to implement the IEP's, and the Manchester School System. She stated that 3 of the 4 years of her son's attendance at Manchester High School, her son had an Individual Education Program (IEP). Mr. Golas interrupted with a point of order saying he thought her comments might be leading to personal matters or pending legal matters, and stated that comments should not be made on any legal matters. He asked Ms. Brown if her comments were about pending legal matters, and Ms. Brown stated they were not on legal matters, but on the special education in the Manchester Public Schools. Mr. Golas asked, through the Chair, that her comments be limited to general matters, not to specific individuals. Ms. Brown said that her experience with the Manchester School System and its special education services was that children were not treated equally. She stated that every child should have an equal opportunity, and she would like to see the approach with students standardized in some way. She also stated that every child that has an IEP should all have the same benefits, and she feels it is not the same, as some children are allowed to be placed in out-of-district placements, and she feels that every child should have that opportunity. She said that every child has a right to an appropriate education. 2) Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. Ms. Knybel said that she watched the last Board of Education meeting on Cable TV and she was taken aback by a mom who made a public comment about her financial problems and could not provide the money for her children to go on a field trip. Ms. Knybel said she believes that every child should be able to go on a field trip. She was under the understanding that schools have certain "pocket money" for children to attend field trips, and she was not sure if parents were aware of that. She felt the school should address that more strongly. Ms. Knybel also mentioned that she was taken aback by the approved budget, in that the Board was not funding the Dean of Students position at the high school. She feels it was needed as the high school is over crowded and the position would have been a plus there. She stated that she is concerned over the dropout rate and concerned with the freshman failing. She also was interested in knowing the success of the 10:30 a.m. start at the high school today. The Superintendent stated she indicated at the last budget workshop that with the reorganization of the Bennet staff, she was able to relocate an 11-month vice principal to the high school, which would take the place of the Dean of Students position with a cost savings to the Board. 3) Eileen Sweeney, 86 Hawthorne Street. Ms. Sweeney mentioned that she was concerned about an issue, which was coincidental; as it was the year her daughter took the CAPT's last spring. She understands that the State uses stories for the CAPT literature testing that are sometimes used for practice, and she wanted it to be taken into consideration when they are reviewing the results because there is a tendency, with the familiarity of the story, that it may cause some inflation in the response to literature scores. Ms. Sweeney also stated that increasingly, schoolwork at the high school is being assigned for implementation and completion outside of the classroom, and it is not merely traditional homework of material taught during classroom instruction. In many instances, curriculum work that would best serve students by being done during the school day is transferred into the realm of personal and family time. She believes that project tasks tackled in school affords students the opportunities to access resources more equitably and would be less stressful for students. Ms. Sweeney requested that the Board consider for the future an ombudsman for families to deal with their concerns. She also asked if the Board could look at the homework policy again and clearly explain it to the faculty and the parents.
The Superintendent
mentioned that there are 4 items on the Consent Calendar that she would
like PERSONNEL ACTION RESIGNATIONS Carol Burgess, assistant superintendent for Manchester Public Schools, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective January 26, 2006. Ms. Burgess has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 18, 2005. Bernadette Musseman, assistant principal, at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on or about June 25, 2006. Ms. Musseman has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 8, 1971. She began her career with Manchester Public Schools as a new Spanish teacher 35 years ago. During the course of her career, she taught, served as department chair, and most recently as a grade level principal. Her expertise in staff evaluation and curriculum development enabled significant progress at the high school. Always a positive, encouraging staff member, her "can do" attitude has provided guidance and support to generations of Manchester students. Equally adept in helping 20 students or 2,000 students, her presence and value will be missed by the staff and students of the Manchester High School learning community. The Superintendent wished her the best in her retirement. Jean Dehm, sixth grade teacher, at Bennet Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of business on January 20, 2006. Ms. Dehm has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 26, 1998. Jennifer
Murrihy, fifth grade teacher, at Verplanck Elementary School, has submitted
her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of
business on February 3, 2006.
Scott W. Gagnon to be the Principal of Keeney Street Elementary School. Mr. Gagnon has been serving as Interim Principal at Keeney School since October 31, 2005, prior to that, he had held the position of Assistant Principal at Bennet Middle School since July 2000. Mr. Gagnon originally came to Manchester Public Schools in July 1999 as a Mathematics Teacher for Bennet Middle School. Mr. Gagnon received his sixth year certificate at Sacred Heart University. Mr. Gagnon resides in North Franklin. He has provided outstanding administrative services to both staff and students at Bennet Middle School. Carolyn Owen to be a School Social Worker at Verplanck School. Ms. Owen received her master's degree in Social Work at Springfield College. Ms. Owen resides in West Hartford.
The following certified staff member has successfully completed the required length of service to receive tenure as indicated in CT General Statute Sec. 151: Kathleen Farrell, Washington Elementary School D2. Request Permission to Apply for The Wheels on the Bus, Transport to the Future Grant Amount of Grant: $19,920 D3. Request for Permission to Apply for the ESEA Hurricane Relief Program for Emergency Impact Aid for Displaced Students and Assistance for Homeless Children and Youth. D4. Custodial Contract Ratification (July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2008) Mr. Rizzo thanked Ms. Musseman for her years of service and wished her well in her retirement. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Consent Calendar as outlined by the Superintendent of Schools. 9/0/0 The Superintendent stated she wanted to personally congratulate Mr. Gagnon on his appointment, and asked him to address the Board and the public on his appointment. Mr. Gagnon came forward and thanked the Board, the Superintendent, and the community for his appointment, and said he is very honored by it. He mentioned that he has worked with wonderful teachers and students, along with great parents, and he looked forward to that continuing. He thanked them for this opportunity.
E1.
Middle School Accelerated Schedule Update The Superintendent stated that Bohdan Cuprak will continue in his capacity as principal and will have Barry Bernstein and Matthew Daly as vice principals. Ann Richardson has been appointed principal of the Sixth Grade Academy. Michael Saimond will work at both Bowers and Buckley Elementary Schools as a vice principal. She stated they were successful in honoring 80% of the administrators' first request. The Superintendent said that it is her intent to have all middle school sixth grade core academic teachers placed in new assignments at appropriate elementary, middle or high schools positions by the end of the business day on Friday, February 17th. As required by the MEA Agreement, Tom Alexander, MEA President and Tom Martin, Interim Director of Human Resources will begin to meet with teachers to formally share their new placements, as well as introduce them to their respective principals. She also mentioned that a district committee of supervisors and elementary principals were currently working to finalize the placement of specialty area teachers. Once completed, the same process of notification will be followed. She also mentioned that Bohdan Cuprak, Ann Richardson, Joan Libby, and Tom Martin have identified the teachers who will be assigned to Illing next year and are working to integrate the formation of new middle level teams, and that a master plan to fully integrate students and staff throughout the building would be implemented. In addition,
the Superintendent stated that a middle school task force has been started.
Community Data: Trends
Student Demographic Trends
Student
Performance Trends for Connecticut Mastery Test:
Percent at Goal - Writing
Percent at Goal - Mathematics
Student Trends
General District Information: Trends
Mr. Rowe asked about the preschool experience and how the number of children having a preschool experience has dropped by 9%. He asked if anyone has come up with any conclusive reason for that drop. Ms. England said it is for a variety of reasons, one being the disadvantage that daycare and preschool are extremely expensive, and Manchester does not have enough slots at Head Start. Another reason is that a lot of people are staying home and not sending their children to preschool, whether it's from unemployment, or extended families being able to care for the children, but she feels it is more the economic factor and the fact that there are not enough slots at Head Start. Mr. Edwards mentioned the Goal versus Proficiency and stated that Goal is the top two categories, or higher score bands, and Proficiency is the top three categories, with NCLB being Proficient and the Strategic School Profile being Goal. That's why the SSP numbers look low when compared to NCLB numbers where you include Proficient. He asked if there was any mention of bringing some consistency to these reports, and Ms. England said she had not heard of anything but that it would be nice to combine them, as it is confusing at times. Mr. Rizzo stated that the Strategic School Profile is a report that primarily compares the Manchester district to the Educational Reference Group (ERG) and the State, and he thanked her for her update, which showed comparisons from year-to-year in our district. He mentioned that in the CMT information presented, it showed that the district does less well than the ERG and the State in every category except grade 4 reading and writing. He also stated that the report shows that the district is spending more money, in total, primarily in salaries and benefits than it does with the ERG and he asked them to shed some light on it, as he would expect the scores to be better. Ms. Brooks
said the difference is that our district has a more mature staff, which
results in higher salaries. She also mentioned that under District Expenditures,
these expenditures are Mr. Rizzo said that he was happy to see that physical fitness scores were also brought out. He mentioned that Manchester has a vast amount of activities that children can do to stay fit, and it always puzzles him why the scores are always so low. He wonders if more time in physical education would help to improve it. Ms. England said that the Wellness Committee would be looking at solutions as a means to improve it. The Superintendent mentioned that at the last budget workshop, Mr. Berry reported that with regards to the physical education program, Manchester is last in the ERG with the amount of minutes, so there could be some correlation with the amount of time and how well our students are performing. Ms. Hackett stated that she is also concerned with the lagging results from performance in physical fitness, and she asked if at some point in the future the Board could hear more from the administration on the physical fitness tests and what can be done to try and make sure we are at the same level as our ERG and State level.
Description
of CAPT
Reading
Across the Disciplines
Ms. England explained various charts and graphs describing: Manchester High School results by Level Percentage of Students in Score Bands; Manchester Compared to ERG and State Percentage of Students in Score Bands; Percentage of All Students At/Above Proficient; Percentage of All Students Basic/Below Basic; Percentage of Black Student at/Above Proficient; Percentage of Black Students Basic/Below Basic; Percentage of Hispanic Students At/Above Proficient; Percentage of Hispanic Students Basic/Below Basic; Percentage of White Students
Ms. England
further explained:
Ms. Linda
Gejda presented on Mathematics highlighting the following topics:
Ms. Gejda went over different graphs for CAPT scores in Mathematics. Ms. Gejda
presented on Science:
Ms. Gejda explained various graphs for CAPT scores in Science. Ms. Diane Kearney presented on the Manchester Public Schools Initiative highlighting the following topics:
Ms. Kearney
discussed the programs in the Prevention Guide:
Middle School
High School
The BIG Questions:
Students fail because:
The Teacher Effect:
Changes in Initiatives
EQUITY: All Children Can Learn
EQUITY: Courageous Conversations:
Addressing the Gap (using existing programming)
The Board engaged in a lengthy discussion regarding the above presentations and some of the issues discussed were: the definition of students of color, the importance of implementing parent involvement, and closing the achievement gap. Mr. Edwards stated that every child could learn, that there are no racial difference in ability, and he believes the achievement gap is closeable. The Superintendent commented that there is an accountability piece that is in place now, where she meets with building principals and reviews each child's progress. She also meets with the curriculum team and reviews every grade level and every child's performance. This information and professional conversation will continue each month at the Administrators' meetings, where they will look at the common assessments across the district. They will look at benchmarks and at the rubrics to determine what is Proficient and what is below Proficient, and put indicators in place so that everyone is on the same page across the district. Ms. Huyler thanked them for their presentation and the way the information was broken down. She mentioned that it was important to focus on the information in the Prevention booklet, and asked the Board and the public to offer solutions or additional programs that they think may work to include parents on meeting the needs and helping children to learn better. Mr. Crockett
asked if there is any way to take the data and tell how minorities in
Manchester fair with minorities in comparable towns, and the same with
majority students. He also asked how Mr. Crockett also asked about the teachers who are not doing the job, and how will that be addressed in the next few years. Mr. Rizzo stated that this discussion has been the most passionate he has seen in years and he was impressed. He also feels parent involvement is a priority, but knows that the administration has very little control over that aspect, but the Board can encourage parents to attend conferences and do what they need to do to make sure their children learn. Ms. Hackett thanked them for their presentation. She mentioned the discussion on why students are failing and Ms. Kearney's statement that it certainly isn't the lack of programming, but more a problem with the delivery of the instruction. Ms. Hackett asked on what basis did she make that assumption, as she knows that Manchester is not doing program evaluation, and also if we are investing in programs that are not effective, or have not been explored as to whether they are effective or not, if any plans are in place to do thoughtful analysis of these programs. Ms. Gejda mentioned that the formative kinds of assessments or regular assessments would show, rather quickly, whether or not a particular strategy or program is working or is effective. Ms. Kearney talked about Responsive Classroom, which is a phenomenal program, but one that is only being done in certain places. She mentioned that things need to be systemic in order to truly be effective. She also mentioned that over the last two years, they have learned so much about difference that they have come to the understanding and belief that there is such a disconnect between teachers and students, as it pertains to culture and race, that it has impacted on how we do what we do. The teachers and administration are understanding that more because they have had opportunities to talk with each other on who we are as people. Ms. Hackett asked what the definition of student of color is. Ms. Kearney said that any student who is non-white is a student of color. Ms. Hackett asked what are they doing to share and explain this data with families and students of color, and with all levels. Ms. Gejda mentioned an impressive presentation by Ms. Kearney to all grade levels at Manchester High School regarding the achievement data. She stated the presentation was very powerful and very direct. Ms. Kearney said she would make that presentation to the middle schools at the end of the year. She stated that she also meets with the staff of color on a regular basis to share the data and she has asked them, on a voluntary basis, to
Ms. Hackett mentioned that she would like to entertain a discussion on this in the near future, regarding what else the administration would like the Board to do to help with these issues. F. NEW
BUSINESS Ms. Brooks stated that the Capital Improvement Plan was mailed to every Board member and reviewed by the Buildings and Sites Committee. The booklet breaks out all the Capital Improvement projects by funding source and by location. She stated that it would be sent to the Town with the regular budget. The funding sources are bonds that are currently in place, future bonds, and money out of the 3510 Account. Mr. Edwards thanked Ms. Brooks and the Central Office for the work that went in to putting the plan together. He stated that it is a plan to address the needs at all the schools, and he encourages the public to take a look at it. Mr. Rizzo stated that there is a lot of information in it, and over the last couple of years they have put together a very comprehensive review of all of the Capital needs for the district. He reminded the community that there is a plan in place to attack the issue with the elementary schools by renovating and doing code work and upgrades over the next eight years, and that is in the Capital Improvement Plan. He mentioned that the draft plan is available for the public to look at. The Superintendent stated that the Capital Improvement Plan needs to accompany the Budget document when that is sent to the Town, and she would appreciate moving this item to Old Business, with the Chair's permission. Mr. Edwards wondered how they "got here" and mentioned he is always reluctant to vote on something that has just come up under New Business. Ms. Brooks said she did not know how they "got here" and stated that the plan did go to the Buildings and Sites Committee, but with the budget workshops it got left off the next Board agenda. The Superintendent reminded the Board that there was one less Board of Education meeting in January due to a snowstorm. Mr. Edwards said he personally did not have an objection as he has reviewed it already, but asked why it has to go with the budget document. Ms. Brooks believes it states in the Town Charter that it has to go to the Town by the 21st of February. Ms. Hackett mentioned that the Board received the document for review a week and a half ago and to the Buildings and Sites Committee. Mr. Edwards said it was reviewed at the Buildings and Sites Committee on January 26, 2006. His concern was for the public who have not had a chance to look at it and come forward and make comments on it. Ms. Brooks stated that it would still be a working document, even after the Board approves it, and the plan can always be added to. MOTION: Rizzo/Golas vs. The Board of Education made a motion to amend the agenda and move Item F1 to Old Business, under Item G1. 9/0/0
Ms. Huyler asked where the public could find this document, and if it is on-line. Ms. Brooks said it will be put on-line, and the public could obtain the approved document in the Superintendent's office the beginning of next week. Mr. Edwards pointed out for the public's reference, regarding the elementary school projects, that there are eight renovations to do, and according to the plan Highland Park Elementary School would be next, with contemplating the renovation of one school per year instead of two schools every two or three years. Highland Park is estimated at a little over $6 million dollars, with Nathan Hale at $10 million, Washington at $13.5 million, Verplanck at $12.5 million, and Robertson at $11 million, just to name some of them. He stated that these are significantly bigger than what the Board had previously talked about. The estimates for these projects are much better figures and will result in a much better project in the end. MOTION: Rizzo/Golas vs. The Board of Education moves to adopt the Capital Improvement Plan. 9/0/0
I. COMMITTEE REPORTS I1. Personnel and Finance Committee - None I2.
Community Relations Committee - Linette Small-Miller The meeting began at 6:35 p.m. and new members were welcomed and introduced. In attendance were Linette Small-Miller, Mike Crockett, John Rowe, and Carol Burgess. Also attending were Vanessa Mohamed and Tom Stringfellow. The first
topic of discussion evolved from the previous meeting's minutes. The
committee Comments from committee members included:
The committee would like to keep the public informed as to progress in scores, testing, and other community issues of interest involved in state testing. Suggestions
for future meetings: I3. Buildings and Sites Committee - Steve Edwards Mr. Edwards read the minutes from three Buildings and Sites Committee meetings. Buildings
& Sites Committee Report - December 14, 2005 An update on the Waddell and Bowers projects was given. The town is looking for a modification from the State Fire Marshall to allow for heat detectors in the Waddell Gym rather than installing sprinklers. Design Partnership is down to one concept for the new Bennet complex and is working with staff on options for rooms. Illing seating plan options for the cafeteria were discussed. Also, modifications to the parking lot are being considered. A discussion about the High School project took place regarding the issue of being over budget by $600,000. The Town building committee will be taking up the discussion. Buildings
& Sites Committee-Report January 26,2005 The committee reviewed the Capital Improvement Plan including a discussion of education specifications for Highland Park. A discussion regarding Bennet furniture also took place. The Keeney fire alarm has obviously been moved to a high status on the priority list. If possible, this will be done this fiscal year if money is available in the budget. If not, then the request will be in the 06/07 budget and we will start the project in July. The committee asked that a tour of the Waddell and Bowers buildings be done during the February break for board members. An investigation into various air quality complaints took place at Waddell. A contractor (TRC) was called in and no readings were found to be out of compliance. This included a particulates test and mold samples. Also, air filters were checked and no undue build up was found.
The committee reviewed the Education Specifications for modifications to the elementary schools to house the 6th grade students. There is a new requirement to sprinkler the entire building when modifications are being done. We will be looking for a modification for these. Even if they are not given, they will only affect reimbursement, not disallow the projects from moving forward. The committee reviewed the high school building project. The first phasing plan is complete.
J. PUBLIC
COMMENTS K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Mr. Rizzo mentioned an article in the Journal Inquirer last Friday titled: Parents Warned of Web Space Dangers. He said he has also read in the newspapers about My Space.com. Mr. Rizzo mentioned that an Ellington middle school had a program for parents to come in where they taught them how to look on the web to see where their child has been. He thought it might be interesting if Manchester could have some type of program that like, where we could invite the parents to come in and some of our staff could teach them about some of the danger, and how to police their children on the Internet. He asked if the Superintendent could look into this. The Superintendent stated that the Manchester Police Department has, in the past, made presentations to our PTA's with regard to Internet safety. She will have Ms. Gejda look into this with regard to that particular website. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. To adjourn: 10:52 p.m. 9/0/0 Respectfully submitted, David Golas,
Secretary |