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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JANUARY 27, 2006 |
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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, Golas, Hackett, Huyler, Rizzo, Rowe, Small-Miller, Stafford ABSENT: Crockett ALSO A1.
Call to Order A2.
Pledge of Allegiance A3.
Minutes of February 15, 2006 MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of February 15, 2006. 8/0/0 The Superintendent mentioned that this is Connecticut's Board of Education Member Appreciation Week. She recognized the Board members for their time and effort that they devote to Board business during the course of the year. She recognized their skills and knowledge that help them give the best service to the Manchester Public Schools and the community. She also stated that their role as Board members is a large responsibility and their tasks are many, but their dedication to the staff, students, and parents of this community is evident, and she personally commended and thanked them for all they do.
B1.
Student Recognition - Illing Middle School-Budget Book Cover Artwork B2.
Student Recognition - Illing Middle School - Hurricane Katrina Relief B3. Student Recognition - Illing Middle School - Senior Citizen Center Visits The Superintendent explained that students at Illing Middle School helped collect over $10,000 for the victims of Hurricane Katrina in a fund raising effort, along with water, food, and teddy bears. Also, members of the Illing Student Council and their advisor, Cheryl White, have spent countless hours donating their time and talents improving the quality of life at the Manchester Senior Center. The Superintendent introduced Mr. Bo Cuprak, who along with some of his staff and students shared these two projects and experiences that they were involved in. A slide presentation followed showing pictures of the activities the students participated in. Ms. Hackett thanked Mr. Cuprak, his staff, and students for a wonderful presentation, and for "rising to the call of action" to help the community and those in need. Mr. Rowe also thanked them for coming, said they did an outstanding job, and showed a perfect example of people liking to help, without getting anything in return but a good feeling for doing it. He hopes their actions will show other people how to be more generous as well. MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo vs. The Board of Education moved to take a short recess. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1) Eileen Sweeney, 86 Hawthorne Street. Ms. Sweeney mentioned that Feb. 28th is the last day to see a wonderful exhibit called "The Hispanic Experience" in the Manchester Historical Center at 175 Pine Street. She explained that the exhibit was put together by community members and teachers. Ms. Sweeney talked about homework and equity, as far as the quantity and quality of homework, saying it has become a national discussion. She mentioned she had read how homework disrupts families, overburdens children, and limits learning. The book also mentioned that, increasingly, students and their parents are told that homework must take precedence over music lessons, religious education, and family and community activities. She further mentioned that as the homework load increases, and studies show it is increasing, these family priorities are neglected. She stated that backpacks are bone-crushing, sometimes weighing as much as the child, and that the increasing amount of homework may not be helping students to learn more, that it often undermines the student's health, development of personal interests, and the quality of family life. She feels it is an important issue for the Board to look into. 2) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned that February 28th is the last day of Black History Month, and it is the 88th year anniversary of it with many documentaries on television and at various Universities and Colleges. He also mentioned two publications, Black Enterprise, and African Business. He stated that he visited The Hispanic Experience and was very impressed with the displays. Mr. Stringfellow talked about an article in Education Digest titled Code Red that dealt with preparedness if and when you have an emergency or lock down. He passed the article on to Mr. John Bishop. He also mentioned the Manchester Community College newsletter called Live Wire that had a front-page article on diversity and how it has changed in the last 30 years at the college. He thanked the Illing students for helping out the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to add an addendum item to the agenda, Item E5 under the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo vs. The Board of Education approved adding the addendum item, Item E5, to the Consent Calendar. D. STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT E. CONSENT
CALENDAR: E1. PERSONNEL ACTION RESIGNATION The Superintendent mentioned that Ms. Bialeck spent several years as a Title I Reading Teacher and a Reading Consultant. She told the Board that Ms. Bialeck participated in Manchester's Administrative Intern program in 1989, and gained her first administrative experience at Verplanck and Buckley Elementary Schools. She became principal of Nathan Hale Elementary School in August 1991. The Superintendent stated that Ms. Bialeck expanded the Special Focus program of Nathan Hale, and that she has been very actively involved in the administrators' union, with particular leadership for the elementary principals group. She has always been an excellent sounding board for central office administration, and the Superintendent values her many years of excellent service. The Superintendent
wanted to personally thank Ms. Bialeck for her 35 years of dedicated
service to the children, staff, and parents of the Manchester Public
Schools. She mentioned that APPOINTMENTS Amanda
Racht to be a Special Education Teacher at Nathan Hale School. Ms. Racht
received her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education with an
endorsement in Special Education at Elmhurst College. Ms. Racht resides
in Ellington. The Superintendent read into the record the following resolution: WHEREAS, Martin Elementary School is a HOT Network School and is participating in the Connecticut Commission on Culture and Tourism HOT Schools for FY2005-06 WHEREAS, The Business Office of Manchester Public Schools has agreed to accept this grant on behalf of Martin Elementary School, and has agreed to redistribute 100% of the funds for the intended purpose. THEREFORE, Through this certified resolution approved by the Manchester Board of Education, the Federal Employee Identification Number (FEIN) Signing Authority Patricia Brooks, Director of Business and Operations, names Donna M. Fitzgerald, Principal of Martin Elementary School, as the authorized official to sign on behalf of this grant.
E4. Approval of Appointment to the Rockville Regional Agricultural Consulting Committee E5. Approval of Appointment to the Rockville Regional Agricultural Consulting Committee Mr. Rizzo
explained that he met Ms. Bialeck on his son's first day of school,
and has valued her advice and mentoring as he contemplated running for
the Board of Education. He thanked Mr. Edwards wished Ms. Bialeck a happy and healthy retirement. Ms. Hackett
stated that since she has been on the Board, she has found Ms. Bialeck
to be a leader in their district, especially among the elementary principals.
She always found a way to connect with the Board and the issue at hand
to help them problem solve. She stated that Ms. Bialeck Ms. Hackett said they will miss her talent and her professionalism, and wished her well. Ms. Hackett asked about the ratio of chaperones to students on the trip to Mexico and if they felt they would be able to accomplish meeting the ratio of 1 to 8 chaperones per student, and what the cost is to chaperones. Mr. Frost, Athletic Director, and Brooke Stevens, the Head Spanish Teacher at the high school explained that maintaining the ratio of 1 to 8 chaperones per student is very important. If they cannot find enough chaperones the trip would be cancelled. They did say that there has been a good response for chaperones. The chaperones don't have to pay as long as the ratio is 1 to 8, otherwise they would pay a percentage of the fee, and that the tour company picks up the fee for the chaperones. MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Consent Calendar as outlined by the Superintendent of Schools. 8/0/0 F. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part II F1.
Volunteers for Town Drill - Steven Caron Mr. Caron,
along with Maryann Cherniak Lexius, Director of Health for the Town
of They explained
that Manchester and Glastonbury constitute one of seven health departments Different
components of the full-scale exercise will be tested throughout the
State starting The exercise
will measure the readiness to respond to a major disaster or incident
that requires Anyone
interested in volunteering for this important exercise, or looking for
more information, Mr. Edwards stated this was very interesting as everyone is talking about the Avian Flu. He asked how they manage something like this that is a communicable disease, where you wouldn't necessarily want to bring everyone together to dispense medication. He also asked if this is meant for something like that, or would there be a different strategy. Ms. Cherniak-Lexius said that it is meant for a communicable disease but the difference is the Public Health Department is also working closely with the hospitals, and a clinic like this is meant to treat people who are well, who aren't showing any symptoms. The people exhibiting symptoms would be directed to the hospital or a community center to receive clinical care. At the entrance of a clinic like this, they have triage and greeters with specific questions that relate to how the person is feeling. The intent is to keep people out who are not well. Mr. Edwards asked if something has been put in place if drastic action had to be taken. He mentioned that it has shown that epidemics go through the schools. The studies he has read say that schools should be closed early, rather than late, as the population could be severely impacted if the schools don't close early. Ms. Cherniak-Lexius responded saying that part of the responsibility of the local Health Department is surveillance of the disease burden in the community, and that piece has grown and connected with important players in the town since this emergency preparedness has come into play. The Health Department and the School Head Nurse also have a close working relationship. Ms. Huyler asked what number of people would be needed for a successful drill. Mr. Caron said that the State has set the number at 100, but they would like 250-300 "patients" at a minimum and then keep circulating them through the drill. Ms. Huyler asked how many volunteers they had to date. Mr. Caron said they had about 40 "patients" right now. He has received a call from the Boy Scouts who will recruit for this, as well as the media who will try to have people respond to it. Ms. Huyler said prevention is very important and she is glad the Board will be a part of this drill. She mentioned it would be a good idea to put it on the Board's website. Mr. Caron asked people to respond back to him by April 12th. Ms. Hackett said she was pleased to hear that students are being asked to participate. She asked if flyers are available to hand out at the schools. Mr. Caron stated that the State has set an age of 16 years old to participate. They will look at setting up transportation to transport student volunteers to the drill. Ms. Hackett asked if some type of documentation would be provided to show that students participated in a community service project, if they request it. Mr. Caron said that they could provide that. Ms. Hackett asked how the POD ended up in Glastonbury. Mr. Caron responded saying that their main site for a dispensing clinic is Manchester Community College, but they are in session at the time of the drill, and Smith Middle School, a POD location, is on vacation at that time. Ms. Hackett thanked them for sharing this critical initiative, and assured them that the Board will do their part to help support it and encourage participation.
Ms. Kearney reminded the Board that the way the district plans to address racial imbalance is to create a setting that ensures a systemic approach that will be in the best interest of students, as well as the community, in the long run. The best way to do that is to begin a discussion of what is best for the community through Courageous Conversations, and then move to the issue at hand, which is racial imbalance. She mentioned that Courageous Conversations help provide meaning of race. It is an opportunity to talk about race and the impact that it has on each person individually, and it is the hope that Courageous Conversations will help change attitudes and perceptions about difference as it pertains to race. She mentioned that it is felt that without these conversations, inaccurate views are formed about what others are thinking and/or experiencing. The district wants these conversations to help create conditions in which educators, as well as others, can be comfortable in sharing true thoughts, as well as feeling comfortable about asking difficult questions so that when racial imbalance is talked about, it will be positive, productive, and will serve the students of Manchester both academically, as well as socially. Ms. Kearney mentioned that what has been done to date is that a Leadership Committee was formed and a meeting was held on February 6. The committee was made up of about 20 people, which included the Manchester Public School Equity Team, a group of administrators, including the Superintendent, Town representatives such as Mary Roche, Director of Human Services, community members, and organizations that included the Parent Group of Students of Color (SOC), Reverend Josh Pollock, who is the pastor of the Unitarian Universalist Society, Tom Stringfellow, the Interracial Council members John Foley and Richard Blade, and Board members Mike Crockett, Carl Stafford, and Enrique Marcano, as well as a representative from Manchester Community College Alfred Carter. At this meeting, there were many courageous conversations about race and the role that is plays in our lives personally. Ms. Kearney
said it is important to understand where everyone is racially, so that
they can become effective facilitators and leaders when they have those
conversations about racial imbalance during the 2006-07 school year.
At the meeting, the Superintendent discussed what racial imbalance is
and why it exists. They talked about what steps may be taken to address
and eliminate the imbalance, which included understanding their own
points of views on race. It was decided that they needed to get more
voices involved and to adjust the leadership team slightly to include
those additional voices, so that moving to the discussion of racial
imbalance will be smooth and productive. This committee will meet again
before they begin Community Conversations about racial imbalance, and
if anyone is interested they can get in touch with Mr. Rizzo asked how Ms. Kearney goes about the process of taking the information from the opinions and feelings that are shared in a conversation, like at the leadership committee, assuming everyone is honest with sharing some difficult feelings and stereotypes on how race impacts them, and direct that positively. What does she do with this information? Ms. Kearney said that's why it is important that they have some of the concerned citizens also be part of this conversation. The leadership team was primarily made up of people who are advocates of students of color, because that is where racial imbalance starts, and for that reason, through the conversation on that day, they recognized that they do need to have the different voices. She said it is a process and they have learned that it cannot happen in one conversation. Instead, people have to have a forum to vent, and personal concerns have to be addressed first. It is not an easy task but it is the only way that is going to be effective if we are going to make systemic change. She said she was not sure it they would have a plan, per say, by 2008 but it is important that they continue to have conversations so that perhaps by the fourth time, the nay-sayer may look at things a little bit differently and then be able to sit down and talk about the options. Mr. Rizzo said that this committee's work is crucial and vital for the district to be able to move forward and have everyone understand, support, and agree with whatever decision is made to racially balance the schools. Mr. Rowe asked if there would be core members to the Leadership Committee, even though its membership will expand over time, and Ms. Kearney said there would be. Mr. Rowe asked if this Leadership Committee plans on giving presentations at various schools or functions to try to reach out to a wider audience. Ms. Kearney said that not all the logistics have been worked out but the basic idea is to at least have an initial presentation where they would each be responsible, or in pairs, to meet with a group of people, then hopefully that group of people will meet with another group of people, and so on. That's why it will take quite a while to meet their goal, but it will be systemic, and she feels the State will take heed. Mr. Rowe asked what group of people does the Committee want to reach first; are they students, parents, or the population in general. Ms. Kearney said the population in general. It will be a cross section of people, so it will include all of the above. The Superintendent
mentioned that Ms Kearney was being cautious with her schedule, as there
are some concerns where details are being worked out with the leadership
team. The anticipated time frame may need to be adjusted based on what
the consultants have shared with them, that they need to slow it down
a bit and really take a good look and experience each others view points. F3.
Kindergarten Registration Update - Diane Kearney Mr. Rizzo asked where a parent could pick up the State of Connecticut Department of Education packet. Ms. Kearney said they could pick it up at the Board of Education building. Mr. Rowe asked if there is a certain date by which the children entering kindergarten have to have their shots by. Ms. Kearney said she believed it is October. Ms. Jen Tait said there is a certain date, but they realize that pediatricians get backed up, so if parents have the appointment made, their children are allowed to start school with the physician sending the completed form to the school. The blue health forms can be picked up at the doctor's office. Ms. Huyler asked if this information could be put on the website. The Superintendent said it would be put on. Ms. Hackett also mentioned that in years past it has been put on public access television and reminded Central Office that there are multiple ways to reach out to families of the importance of kindergarten registration. Mr. Rizzo mentioned that a banner is usually put across Main Street with the information.
grade Teams
of core academic teachers with their new elementary school principal.
She stated that the meetings were held prior to the winter vacation
and went very well. These meetings The Superintendent said that a district committee of supervisors and elementary principals plan to finalize the placement of specialty area teachers this week. Once completed, a similar process of notification will be followed. Mr. Cuprak, Dr. Richardson, Attorney Libby and Mr. Martin have identified the teachers who will be assigned to Illing next year and are still working to integrate the formation of new middle level Teams. A master plan to fully integrate students and staff throughout the building will be implemented. The target date of completing all transfers, assignments and notifications is prior to the spring recess. The Superintendent
stated that she met with Kate England, Ms. Bialeck, Ms. Maiorano, At these
meetings on February 14th and 16th some of the topics discussed were: The Superintendent mentioned that the Middle School Task Force (MSTE), Chaired by Linda Gejda, met on February 16th. She stated that the purpose of the meeting was to review the structure and function of this middle school planning team. The New England League of Middle Schools has been invited to assist them with the transition, and a formal report will be presented to the Board at the March 13th Board of Education meeting. The Superintendent explained that the 6th Grade Report Card Committee met on February 13th and discussed the grading system for 6th grade, connecting the report card with the proficiency standards, staff development, and writing out response cards versus an electronic approach. Also discussed were teacher needs to complete new 6th grade report cards, pacing guides and quarterly assessments, and changing the 6th grade report card format. She also mentioned that a draft of the new 6th grade report card format would be sent to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee for their March 6th meeting, with the full Board seeing the draft at the March 13th Board of Education meeting. The Superintendent stated that her intent is to invite the full staff to give a more formal presentation of the accelerated middle school schedule Board at the March 13th Board of Education meeting. Mr. Rowe asked if there is any plan in place at the elementary schools, that will be taking on the 6th graders, for the 5th graders who usually had some type of ceremony or yearbook before going on to a different school. Since they won't be going on to a different school, has there been any discussion of having any type of yearbook for these 5th graders. The Superintendent said that has not been discussed, per say, and that she is allowing the flexibility within each building to address the issue. Some schools have planned field trips as they have in the past for exiting 5th graders, to celebrate their successes in elementary school. She mentioned that the principals and the PTAs are working on this together. Mr. Rowe mentioned that he thought the Board would be updated as to how the construction is progressing, such as ordering materials. The Superintendent said that would be part of the presentation with Mr. Keith Epstein on March 13th, and she asked Ms. Brooks to comment. Ms. Brooks said they are still meeting with the architects, and that the Board approved the Educational Specifications and the ED049 changes that were sent in to the State for the changes to the elementary schools to accommodate the 6th graders. The next Building Committee meeting is coming up in a week or so and she will have more information after that. Mr. Rowe stated he was sure the entire curriculum will be in place, but he feels there might be some concern from the public regarding all the construction being done. The Superintendent stated that she would be happy to update the Board at each Board of Education meeting if they wanted, but she asked if the updates could be given only when there was significant progress made. Ms. Brooks said that they are right on schedule. Ms. Hackett
commended the Superintendent for the extraordinary work she has done
thus far, as well as her staff, for their efforts in accelerating this
plan as it has taken a tremendous amount of work. She said that the
Superintendent's command of the project is also extraordinary and she
couldn't thank her enough for being on task and having the answers to
the questions. The Superintendent thanked her for her kind remarks.
H. COMMITTEE REPORTS H1.
Personnel and Finance Committee Attendees: John Rowe, Michael Crockett, Michael Rizzo, Margaret Hackett, Kathleen Ouellette, Pat Brooks, Ann Richardson, Principal Bennet Middle School. Mrs. Brooks reviewed the FY2005 audit report and explained the adjustments to the End of School Year Report, Form ED001, and ED001 PC ISSIS. Ann Richardson reviewed her need for an additional administrative support at Bennet. Superintendent Ouellette confirmed that with merging Illing and Bennet's 7th and 8th grades as well as returning the 6th graders to their elementary schools, Dr. Richardson's attendance at meetings has increased. Unfortunately, when Dr. Richardson leaves the school for these meetings, the school is left with only one administrator. If Mr. Gagnon is appointed Principal of Keeney, a current Bennet teacher will be moved into the .5 Assistant Principal position. Additional funding is not needed; the open Media Specialist position will not be filled. The December
31, 2005 Year to Date Budget Report was reviewed. Utilities continue
to be projected over budget. There is a budget freeze until Mrs. Brooks
can perform a thorough review of current costs. Mrs. Brooks reported that the agreement reached last spring with the Manchester Swim Club has worked out well this school year. Manchester Swim Club agreed to a flat fee of $5,000 for the use of the pool at Manchester High School from October 3, 2005 through May 26, 2006 for practice sessions and additional fees for swim meets including custodial overtime as well as water and electricity. Mrs. Hackett
reviewed Board Policy #3110 on the Budget Process as well as the Budget
Time Lines. The next meeting will be February 15, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. at Lincoln Center. The Superintendent stated, as a correction, that after the January 18th Personnel and Finance Committee met, she met with Dr. Richardson and the administrative team and an adjustment was made adding just an additional security guard, not adding a .5 vice principal, just for cost effective measures.
I. PUBLIC
COMMENTS K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS - None MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. To adjourn: 9:33 p.m. 8/0/0 Respectfully submitted, David Golas,
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