A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Holmes, Huyler, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Thresher

ABSENT: Robinson

ALSO
PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Beitman, Business Manager Huot, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Brett

ABSENT: Director of Human Resources Attorney Libby

Mrs. Hackett called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and a quorum was established.

Mrs. Hackett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Awards
Mrs. Hackett announced that the awards would be postponed until the next meeting.

Minutes of January 26, 2004
Mrs. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of January 26, 2004.

MOTION: Rizzo/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of January 26, 2004. (8/0/0)

B. HEAD START QUARTERLY UPDATE - SUZANNE KUNZ
Mrs. Hackett invited Ms. Suzanne Kunz and Dr. Jerry Reisman to give the report. Ms. Kunz, the policy council chairperson, delivered the report to the Board. She stated they have full enrollment; 132 children in eight classes. Two of the classes are running between the hours of 7:30 and 5:30 to accommodate working parents. They hold their Center Meetings each month at each of the four sites: Bentley, Robertson, Verplanck and Highland Park. At these meetings, parents have the opportunity to meet with their child's teacher and family advocate. The teachers have just completed the second round of the benchmarks assessment protocol, which is used for further curriculum planning and parent/teacher conferences. A training session was held for parents on the benchmarks to inform parents about what skills are important for preschoolers to learn to prepare for kindergarten. Thursday morning workshops at Bentley continue, offering parents a variety of skills and experiences. They completed another ten-week college prep course with five students going on to local colleges. Another ten-week session is underway. The GED classes operate throughout the year. The GED and college prep classes are offered at Bentley School and are open to the public, run by staff at the Vernon Adult Education Center. The classrooms had visits from the library and Lutz Museum. The fatherhood initiative is a joint project between Manchester Head Start, MELC, Early Head Start, Manchester Memorial Hospital and Vernon Head Start. It is an opportunity for kids to spend time with positive male role models. The Policy Council is in the process of approving the updated component plans, which outlines each department's activity throughout the year. They are available for review at the main office. The registration process for next year is about to begin on March 4 and 5, followed by open enrollment as needed. This year, registration will also be offered directly at Squire Village to encourage more families. There are 20 families that remain on the waiting list for the current year. Twenty students will be returning to the program next year, and 71 families have already asked to be considered next year. She thanked the Board for their support in recognizing the value of early childhood education. She invited the members to visit the program.

C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. John Tucci, 30 Castle Road. He addressed the Board regarding the changes to the Professional Development schedule. He would like the Board to review content and the dividends to the student that translate into a better, smarter student. He stated that he sat in on a professional development session and believed it was nothing more than pop psychology and socialization. He feels this is typical of the National Association of Education's agenda. He would like the Board to go to the Professional Development sessions and report to the taxpayers what the teachers actually learn. He wants knowledge-based information to come from these sessions. He feels taxpayers should not pay if the information is something other than knowledge-based. He stated that he is a consistent critic on multicultural education. He believes that students should be taught American History to avoid problems in the future.

2. Stephanie Knybel, 38 Bobby Lane. She addressed the Board as a parent and spoke in regard to the Downes report on the high school and the study on Bennet Middle School. She reminded the Board that Bennet is an open campus with security and weather issues. There are classes in the Recreation Building, disturbed by the sound of bouncing balls. There is limited to no parking available, and there are no on-sight fields for gym. The radiators are noisy and the windows rattle, shake and do not open. There are terrible conditions in and out of the building, but teaching continues on a daily basis. She stated that Bennet does not want to be neglected. She reminded the members that before the election, many said that Bennet would be in the forefront.

3. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He commented positively on the Head Start program. He spoke about NCLB and the annual year progress. A report stated that schools could make yearly progress if they reduce the percentage of students who are not proficient by 10 percent over the previous year. He feels this is a good target. He feels the Board should come out with a program or system that gives proof that the students graduating in June know reading, writing, and some math. Many employees are complaining that students are exiting schools with no or very poor skills. He stated that there are many remedial classes in colleges.

4. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He followed up on Black History month and reported that he attended the event at the Hartford Public Library honoring the late Paul Roberson with a stamp. He wrote two books about his late father: Speaks to America, and The Unknown. A biography was also written about him by Martin Duberman, Ph.D. Additionally, he mentioned the late Ralph Bunche, Ph.D was the first black to win the Nobel Peace Prize in 1949 for brokering peace between Israelis and Arabs, and the late Shirley Chisholm was the first black female U.S. Congresswomen. He reported that a new Underground Railroad museum just opened in Cincinnati, OH. He spoke about child abduction and mentioned an upcoming news story, which would highlight safety precautions. In response to Mr. Tucci, he believes teachers do the best job that they can. He hoped that learning also takes place at home and parents are involved. He believes multiculturalism is vital and stated that a Healing Forum would take place on March 3 at Community Baptist Church from 6 - 8 p.m. This is in relation to a community incident that occurred in January.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mr. Beitman reviewed the item on the Consent Calendar. He stated that this represents an account transfer from the Health and Hospitals Insurance account to the Tuition account. The reason is to cover the project deficit in the Special Education Tuition account.

1) Approval of Transfer of Budget Funds Among Categories

Mr. Huot distributed the latest budget projections to the Board. He stated that improvements are being made in a number of areas, including salaries, benefits, and professional services. However, the budget is eroding in the area of Special Education Transportation and the tuitions. There is a balance in Blue Cross and Major Medical. The transfer recommends moving this balance into the Special Education account to offset some of the deficit in that account.

Mrs. Hackett asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar.

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

Mrs. Huyler asked about the growth in line 110, Certified Salaries from $10,500 to $110,000.

Mr. Huot explained that the gain was due to several maternity leaves and a slight staff turnover.

E. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
1. Grants Quarterly Update
Mr. Beitman referred to the Manchester Public Schools Grant Listing dated 2/17/2004. He explained that this is a new report at the request of Board members. It lists grants that require Board of Education approval, and grants that the town is entitled to, or Entitlement Grants. These grants do not require Board of Education approval, and come from State and Federal agencies. The Entitlement grants support a great deal of staff salary. This report will be provided on a quarterly basis.

Mr. Rizzo thanked Mr. Beitman for compiling the information and believes it gives the Board a good idea of the supplemental funding in Manchester. He questioned if all listed on the bottom were Entitlement grants.

Mr. Beitman stated that some are straight appropriations, revenue appropriations or entitlements. These are grants that Manchester does not have to apply for, but is eligible for. The grants listed at the top of the chart are called competitive grants. Manchester is often asked to apply for them as it has a certain criteria that the granting foundation is looking for. He noted that there are three grants Manchester applied for, and did receive funding for.

Mr. Rizzo noted for the public that the district has applied for $654,000 in grants in the last eight months, notably three in particular are well over $100,000. This is in addition to the $8,232,000 received through the entitlement grants. He stated that this is sizable supplemental funding for the budget that should not go unnoticed.

Mr. Beitman stated that the competitive side of grants has become very competitive because there are very few dollars available. The entitlement grants vary from very small amounts to very large sums of money.

Mr. Rizzo stated that on some of the competitive grants, the district is actually asked by the grantor to apply. He asked how the grantor would know if Manchester is eligible.

Mr. Beitman stated that demographics plays a role in qualifications for applications, as well as reviews from State Department files. Notifications of grant applications go to Dr. Brett first to identify the staff who would be best suited to apply for the grant. More requests are received than the district actually applies for. A grant only comes to the Board for approval because it is believed that the grant either meets the strategic plan, the mission, or is one of the Board's priorities. The additional funded also helps take pressure off of the taxpayers.

2. Budget Update
Mr. Beitman stated that concerns relative to the Excess Cost Grant and the Governor's budget were presented over the past few weeks. Mr. Huot is providing monthly updates of where the Board is within the budget. He asked the Board if they had any questions about the budget.

Mrs. Lok asked Mr. Huot to review where the areas of concern are in the current budget.

Mr. Huot stated that because of the tight budget, he has given the most recent budget figures along with the previous projection for comparison purposes. Based on this, he commented that the budget is improving in salaries, benefits, and professional services. He stated the real problem occurs with the Special Education Transportation, CT District Tuition, and Private Placement Tuitions. The cost of placements has grown 87 percent. The State has capped the Excess Cost and Agency Placement grant and the Board is losing about $450,000 worth of revenue.

He stated that purchases are being allowed for direct classroom activities, but are restricting all others. The purchase orders were closed on the Friday before February break, which usually stops on April 15. Manchester has received notice that they will receive some Medicaid Reimbursement, which traditionally goes to the tuition accounts. He stated he is hopeful that by the end of the year, the budget will break even. The Town is experiencing the same problems that Board is.

Mrs. Lok stated that she appreciated the fact that this has been a regular item on the agenda and that the Board is kept posted on the progression.

Mr. Rizzo asked Mr. Huot if projection #7 reflected the reduction in the Excess Cost grant. He stated that he put a lot of hope in Mr. Huot's efforts.

Mr. Huot stated that it does reflect this reduction.

F. OLD BUSINESS
1. Draft Policies - #5125 (Student Records; Confidentiality); #5141.2 (Child Abuse and
Neglect); #5141.5 (Suicide Prevention)
Mr. Beitman stated the members had revised copies of the three policies. He stated the purpose of policy changes is to present them as new business in order to give the Board the opportunity to express any concerns. He reviewed the three policies to be voted upon.

Mrs. Hackett asked for separate motions for each policy.

MOTION: Rizzo/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education approves Draft Policy - #5125 (Student Records; Confidentiality) (8/0/0)

MOTION: Rizzo/Huyler s.v. The Board of Education approves Draft Policy - #5141.2 (Child Abuse and Neglect) (8/0/0)

MOTION: Rizzo/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education approves Draft Policy - #5141.5 (Suicide Prevention) (8/0/0)

Mr. Edwards noticed at the end of the policy that there are several pages to identify potential suicide situations. He asked what training is given to staff members and what staff members receive this training.

Mrs. Tait stated that once a year, every new staff member is training. During the year at each school, there is a school-wide faculty meeting including all staff to review the suicide prevention policy and the child abuse policy. She stated there is an executive summary of each policy.

2. Proposed Changes in Summer School Tuition Fees
Mr. Beitman referred to a schedule of proposed changes in summer school tuition fees for the summer school program that is offered at Manchester High School, grades 9-12. The proposal shows current fees along with recommended changes. Many of the changes are due to increased costs. Summer school is intended to break even and not generate any revenue for the Board of Education.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education approves the proposed changes in summer school tuition fees (8/0/0)

Mrs. Lok asked if there were any means for assisting a student who cannot afford the courses although they need them for graduation.

Mr. Beitman stated students are permitted to provide to the Director of Summer School information very similar to that requested of free and reduced lunch. The Director has the authority to recommend to the Business Manager, Dr. Brett and the Superintendent that additional adjustments may be needed.

Mr. Edwards recalled that there was a graduated fee schedule, but no situation where the entire fee had been waived.

Mr. Beitman stated the Board has never been in this situation, as it has always been possible for the family to partially pay. There should be at least a minimal contribution by the family to display a commitment to the program.

G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Draft Policies - #5110 (Attendance Policy for Students); #5113.2 (Truancy); #5112.4
(Disenrollment); #5118 (School Enrollment)
Mr. Beitman stated that this is the first time the Board would be reviewing these four policies. He encouraged the Board to review them and to direct comments or questions to Mrs. Tait or his office. He stated the adopted policies are posted on the Board's web page. The policies that are under review are available from the Superintendent's office. These can be made available to community members for review.

Mr. Edwards had a question regarding the Administrative Guidelines, item 6, in the Truancy policy #5113.2. It states that the Superintendent should file a written complaint for each habitual truant enrolled in the schools. He asked where this complaint is filed.

Mr. Beitman stated that it is filed with DCF and juvenile court. He also invited Mrs. Tait to speak about the Truancy Board. When students are identified as truant, their parents are asked to come in and efforts are made to improve their attendance. This is a final plea before the courts are asked to intercede.

Mrs. Tait stated the Attendance Department was disbanded because of budget cuts. The only part retained was the Truancy Board because the community and the principals felt it was extremely important. It is a community-based group, with representatives from juvenile court, DCF, the police department, the child guidance clinic and some other social service agencies. If the parents do not show at the meetings, an automatic referral is made to juvenile court. This is a last attempt to help parents get their child to school on time everyday. They are only allowed to go before the Truancy Board once. The Board has found a variety of outcomes and supports that families require.

Mr. Beitman stated that this item would come before the Board at the first March meeting.

H. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Buildings and Sites Subcommittee
Mr. Edwards reported the subcommittee met on February 10 and discussed the following items: a brief discussion regarding the lead windows at Bennet Middle School; a report that town officials had met to discuss the Buckley student pick-up plans with a meeting scheduled with parents for March 1; radon testing was completed in eight buildings and no problems were found; a discussion of the Robertson freezer project which is on schedule to go out to bid; discussed the Building Use policy; discussed the Bowers and Waddell projects which were approved via the 2003 Bond Referendum in which fire alarms will be replaced in those schools as well as in Verplanck and Nathan Hales schools. The next meeting will be held on March 2.

2. Curriculum Committee
Mrs. Hackett stated that Board members received minutes from this meeting. The Curriculum Committee is busy looking at a number of different initiatives including Efficacy. D. Kearney informed the Committee that 35 secondary staff members have been trained, and proficiency and behavioral targets are being written for science, math, English, world language, and elective areas. Some teachers are using efficacy targets as their performance objectives. She also delivered a status report regarding what is happening at Bentley Alternative Education. She explained that accomplishments have been made at Bentley, including technology, physical plant, aesthetics, staffing, curriculum and communication. Attached to the minutes was a chart that noted all of the accomplishments. There was also a revised curriculum cycle chart to demonstrate a user-friendly visual display of all curricula throughout the entire district. They also received a summer school update, and there is an effort on the part of Curriculum and Instruction to unify all of the school district's course offerings for summer school. The next meeting will be held on March 1, 2004 to discuss the promotion and retention policy as well as science curriculum revisions.

I. COMMUNICATIONS
None.

J. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 38 Sanford Road. He stated that after listening to some of the negative balances in the budget, the Board should realize what private businesses go through. However, in private business, there is no option to raise taxes. As the Board looks towards building at the high school and a new middle school, they look to raise taxes. He believes cuts need to be made if funding is not available.

2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. In regard to suicide prevention, he commented on an article in the Fall 2003 Christian Science Monitor. He stated primetime television shows highlight child abuse and recognize it as a problem in society. He asked about post-traumatic counseling in town after a death or tragedy. He recommended an article in the March 2004 edition of Attitude Magazine regarding students getting rest and eating properly, as well as students with ADD. A special education PTA will be forming next month and he looks forward to their reports. He recommended articles from the March 2004 edition to Education Digest: "Welcoming Disabled Children", "School Parent Partnerships" and an article dealing with the dropout rate.

K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Mr. Rizzo stated that prior to the meeting, he was at a CREC meeting. The subject of that meeting was the proposed reduction in funding for the magnet schools that Manchester and other districts participate in. He asked Mr. Beitman for an updated presentation on this subject,

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adjourns the meeting at 8:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Hackett, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education