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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 08, 2004 |
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M
I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett*, Holmes, Huyler, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT:
None ABSENT: Business Manager Huot *joined the meeting at 8:50, during Magnet School discussion Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and a quorum was established. Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Awards Mrs. Holmes and Mrs. Guzy presented the awards to Bennet Middle School students; Mr. Rizzo and Ms. Haughn presented the awards to Illing Middle School students; and Mr. Edwards and Mr. Sierakowski presented the awards to Manchester High School students. Mr. Robinson presented a CABE award to Donald Sierakowski, Principal, MHS, for Honorable Mention for the Manchester High School Student/Parent Handbook. Mr. Sierakowski shared the award with Mrs. Stambo of MHS. Minutes
of February 9, 2004 and February 23, 2004 MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of February 9, 2004. (8/0/0) Mrs. Lok offered a friendly amendment on page 7, replacing the word "Board" with "Calendar" in her comments. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of February 9, 2004 and February 23, 2004. (7/0/1 - Robinson) B. PUBLIC
COMMENTS Mr. Beitman noted that as part of the agenda, the current status of the magnet school grants will be reviewed. He stated they do believe they can maintain the same level of student enrollment. 2. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He congratulated the students on their receipt of the awards and wished them well in their future. He stated that every year, citizens see an increase in the education budget. However, he feels that a very little portion is used for textbooks. He feels that taxpayers should see proof that when students graduate, they should be capable of doing grade 12 level work. He feels that an exit exam would accomplish this. 3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated that it was International Women's History Day, which lasts throughout the month of March. He recommended a movie entitled "Iron Jawed Angels", as well as the book Mercury 13. He also recommended the biographies of Harriett Tubman, Pocahantis and Sacagewa. He stated he supports the Manchester School Arts Program. This is the 100th birthday of Dr. Seuss, and in the weekly reminder, there was a cover story feature on it. USA Today also had an article on how it relates to student's reading styles. He spoke about an article featured in the New York Time entitled Taking Time off Before Entering College. He attended the forum on racism and stated that some good recommendations were made there. Study Circles will be starting in April. He recommended the book Race Code War, by Khari Enaharo. He believes the issue of prejudice should be addressed at home. C. STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT Justin Smith stated that the MHS Drama Department is presenting their annual musical, which will be My Fair Lady, on March 18-20. The Arthritis Foundation has invited members from the MHS band to play at a fundraiser. Regarding class elections, he proposed a bill to the Student Government Association to change the class election process. The bill was passed. They established an election committee, and elections will be held inside of the auditorium so that social studies teachers will have the opportunity to bring their classes to vote. They will also start a debate process to make it more closely aligned to an actual election. They will use real voting machines as well. He also shared a letter regarding a student writing a letter to the Board of Education regarding starting high school classes later in the day. He commented that research supports the later start for high school students. He asked that the Board of Education consider this switch, and stated he would do more research to present to the Board. Mrs. Holmes stated that some members of the Board have discussed the later opening for the high school students. Although logistics might be hard, she would like to see more ideas regarding the issue. This also might help with space issues at the school. She suggested they talk with the administration about surveys, etc. Mrs. Lok thanked the students for their comprehensive report. She supports the statements made by Mrs. Holmes and looks forward to a survey or hearing more information. She asked the students consider some parental input, as well as from teachers and administrators. She stated that this type of decision has a district-wide impact. She also offered, as students are preparing for debates, the assistance from Board members who have gone through the political process. Mr. Rizzo asked what changes were proposed for the election process, and what has happened thus far. Justin Smith stated that over the past few years, the elections were more of a popularity contest. They have established an election committee, developed new rules and regulations and responsibilities of the officers. They were able to secure the voting machines for student use to teach about the voting process. Devorah Donnell stated that in the past, students filled in bubbles on Scantron sheets only during lunch waves. Not many students voted this way, and at times, it became a popularity contest. She feels that students may take the process more seriously with the new process in place. She hopes that with the debates, the students will get to know the candidates better as well as their ideas and principles. Mr. Rizzo congratulated both students for their initiative in this process. Justin Smith stated that the candidates would do public service announcements, which will air on cable access for the town to view, and also for students as well. Mrs. Huyler advised that the important things when running for office, it is important to shows your views and passion for the position, rather than base it on popularity. Mr. Robinson congratulated the students on their initiative, and wishes Devorah well at the leadership conference. D. MANCHESTER
PTA COUNCIL REPORT E. CONSENT
CALENDAR 1) Personnel
Action Peri Comollo, Bowers School; James Fromme, Bennet Middle School Appointments Nicole Fisher to be a Special Education Teacher at Illing Middle School. Ms. Fisher received her bachelor's degree in Industrial Technology at Keene State College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective March 11, 2004 (BA+30, Step 3 $41,899, prorate to her date of hire). Leave of
Absence Susan Larson approved for a maternity/childrearing leave of absence effective approximately August 24, 2004 through approximately January 18, 2005. Ms. Larson has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 1997. Shannon Rodowicz approved for a maternity leave of absence effective approximately June 7, 2004 through the end of the school year. Ms. Rodowicz has been with Manchester Public Schools since February 1998. Kristin
Urban approved for a maternity/childrearing leave of absence effective
approximately May 27, 2004 through January 2, 2005. Ms. Urban has been
with Manchester Public Schools since August 1999. 4) Buckley
Elementary School Roof Replacement - 5) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $558,831 6) Permission
to Apply for Education Special Projects - $25,000 Mr. Robinson 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. Lok asked about item E2 in that the document states that this is similar to prior Board actions. She asked what the differences are. Mr. Beitman stated the major difference is the salary amount. Mr. Edwards asked if the Great Path Academy would be covered in the Magnet School presentation. Mr. Beitman stated that he would. F. SUPERINTENDENT'S
REPORT Manchester has approximately 250 students enrolled in part-time and full-time programs. Approximately 190 of these students are in CREC related programs. Because of costs passed on, enrollment would have to be reviewed and tuition rates to the town would be raised. He proposes not to reduce the number of students currently enrolled, but suggests that no additional students be added until the dilemma is resolved. This would keep Manchester's commitment to the current level. The only school that Manchester is looking to add enrollment to is Great Path Academy. It started at 6 students, rose to 12 and is scheduled to have 16 in the next year. He has told Dr. Daube and Principal Carter that his recommendation would be to stay at 12 students for the upcoming year. Great Path is not operated by CREC; however, the partners in Great Path Academy are members of CREC-funded and CREC-operated schools. He believes that students and parents are very happy with the magnet schools and students are benefiting greatly. Mr. Robinson commented that he received a telephone call from Principal Kate Carter of Great Path Academy, who wanted the Board to know that her absence was due to the recruitment fair at the program. Mrs. Lok stated that she is saddened by the report and the situation of magnet school funding. She reminded everyone of the Board's interest in Great Path Academy. It was originally founded to assist with the dropout rate at the high school, and was based on the idea that students would benefit from a more mature campus, in an environment that relied more on the student's commitment. She believes the program has been successful based on the graduation of students and their continuing education plans. She is greatly concerned about Great Path Academy and Manchester's participation in the program. She feels that increasing enrollment in the program is something for the Board to consider. She also offered a correction printed in the Hartford Courant, that Manchester is paying $1500 per year per student, and not $3000. In regard to Two Rivers Magnet School, Mr. Edwards stated that the State pays a certain portion of tuition, and Manchester also pays a certain amount, in order to fund the school. He asked if this was correct. Mr. Beitman stated there are some additional funds that are through grants that are managed by CREC. Mr. Edwards asked if Manchester's portion of the tuition is $1500. Mr. Beitman stated tuition is $3000 for Two Rivers Magnet School. Mr. Edwards stated that his understanding is that the legislation has not yet passed, but has been introduced. Additionally, it is two-fold in that towns cannot withdraw students because of financial reasons, and that the town would be responsible for per pupil cost overruns. Mr. Beitman stated that the major difference is that $5300 is guaranteed by legislation. Manchester's contribution is based upon their formula. When there is a shortfall in the operating expense by the school, it has always been previously paid by the State as a supplemental payment. It is this supplemental payment that is in question, that could be passed onto the school districts. It could mean an extra $400,000 payment. Mr. Edwards stated that the conditions under which the Town entered into magnet schools have changed. He is interested in hearing some background on withdrawing a student, and asked if it is a student or a position that is withdrawn. He asked if all the positions designated must be filled or if the Town can begin filling fewer positions. The asked if the Board should consider lowering the positions before the legislation passes. While he is not in favor of this, the question could send a very serious message to the legislators to let them know that these line items in the local budget cannot go up. Mr. Beitman stated the Town pays for positions. If the seats go unfilled, there are two options depending upon the contract with the school. One is that the Town does not have to pay for the seat, and the other is the seat can be sold to other school districts. They also have looked at the legality of changing the rules after the fact, and they are fairly confident that the type of action in the Governor's proposal would not stand the scrutiny of the court system. Mrs. Lok added that the Board needs to be careful of the message they are saying, and does not want anyone to perceive that it means limited support for magnet schools in general. Although the Board needs to be mindful of budget dollars, it is important to send the correct message to legislators. Mr. Rizzo stated he attended a meeting regarding magnet schools, and stated that the legislative session is a short session. Therefore, there are not a lot of times for the various bills that will come before them. The Executive Director of CREC encouraged letter writing and lobbying legislators to address this issue. Magnet schools are an answer to Shef vs. O'Neill, and also enhance the education provided in Manchester. He stated he had examples of letters to be written and urged Board members to take part in this campaign. 2. Budget
Update 2003-04/2004-05 3. NEASC
Update Mrs. Lok asked who she should direct comments to regarding the report. Mr. Beitman stated that they should be directed to his office. Mr. Sierakowski will prepare and send revisions to NEASC. G. OLD
BUSINESS Mr. Robinson asked for separate motions for each policy.
Mr. Edwards stated that in section two of the Administrative Guidelines for high school attendance procedures, it refers to the Manchester High School Student/Parent Handbook. He asked for a copy of that handbook.
Mrs. Holmes stated that in reading the school enrollment policy, she questioned whether or not illegal aliens should be enrolled in the Manchester school system if they reside in Manchester. She stated that they must be enrolled according to law, and she wanted to make the public aware of it in hopes that changes could be made in that regard. 2. Adoption
of the 2005-06 and 2006-07 School Calendars In light of the serious budgetary issues seen for the 2004-05 school year, and the cautionary information given to the Board of Education by the General Manager and the Mayor, I anticipate that there will be a significant impact of lost services and staff for the school district. Because of this climate, I am modifying my original recommendation on adding professional development days to the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school calendars. I believe that with these diminished resources, maximum instructional time is needed. I recommend that the student school year remain at 183 days and professional development days for teachers remain at 4 days for the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years. We continue to support Version #1 for years 2005-06 and 2006-07. He stated that his major concern is that if the budget cuts sustain, there will be diminished resources and services and the actual contact time between staff and students becomes even more critical than ever. He is therefore reluctant to reduce the contact time. However, in the next set of three-year calendars, he would consider the change again if the budget becomes stronger.
Mrs. Lok stated that she would have liked to support the idea brought about by the Republican caucus as it moved the discussion of the calendar closer to student achievement and instructional time. She appreciates the Superintendent's change in recommendation. She reviewed a number of documents regarding the calendar, and she believes it is premature to reduce the amount of instructional time. However, professional development time also needs to be reviewed based on the limited resources and days. Mr. Edwards stated he would support the motion although he is a bit disappointed in terms of professional development days. He believes it was a good idea, but understands why the Superintendent changed his recommendation. He stated that it is clear to him that increased instructional time and more professional development ought to increase student achievement. He feels it is hard to vote on such items while it is not known how the decisions affect student achievement. Mr. Rizzo thanked Mrs. Holmes for the original idea and putting forward the proposal. He believes it was a good idea to help with professional development. He reminded the Board of their commitment to fund professional development at 1 percent of the budget. He saw this as a good way to make progress towards this commitment. He doesn't like the calendar and prefers that the vacation be in March rather than February and April. He believes there are a lot of ways to utilize the calendar to increase student achievement. He stated he would reluctantly support the motion. Mrs. Lok thanked Mr. Rizzo for expressing his opinion regarding the March vacation. Mrs. Hackett stated that she greatly opposed adding more professional development days because of the trade-off for instructional hours. She is pleased to see the Superintendent's recommendation is such that an extra day will not be added. She would like what the future training will be on professional development days and how it is tied to the strategic plan. She feels that if the Superintendent has proposed specific plans for adding another professional development day, she might have supported it. She feels that the Board has to hold on to any instructional time there currently is with No Child Left Behind and the new CMT science component. She spoke with various staff, administration and bargaining units who had an interest in getting more professional development for specific initiatives, and believes there are a variety of ways to achieve some of these goals. They would like the Board to be supportive of these needs. H. COMMITTEE
REPORTS 2. Curriculum
Committee I. COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Holmes stated how wonderful it was to read to the children at Buckley School and Verplanck School for the birthday of Dr. Seuss. She commented on both books that she read. Mr. Robinson stated that he was at Verplanck School with Mrs. Holmes, and he thanked the staff and students there. Mrs. Lok stated she attended Illing Middle School's Young Authors Night, and stated that there are tremendous young authors in town. She commented on one student who presented a story or poem she had written regarding diversity, comparing two birds. She would like to invite the student to share it with the Board. Mr. Thresher stated that he read to students at Robertson School for Dr. Seuss day and was moved by the experience. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion for a brief executive session on a personnel matter following adjournment of the meeting.
J. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He supports the NEASC report. He congratulated Mr. Cuprak on his appointment of principal at Illing Middle School. He believes other areas for draft policies need to be addressed that affect student learning, such as domestic abuse, mental health and depression. He recommended an article When Depression Brings Teens Down from Education Digest, December 2003. He believes the initiative of the National Youth Anti Drug Media Campaign is important in keeping students drug-free. He believes community school partnerships are important as well as Home Enrollment. He recommended articles in Education Digest, February 2004, Home Enrollment with the Public Schools and School, Family and Community Partnerships. K. ITEMS
FOR FUTURE AGENDAS MOTION: Edwards/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education adjourns to Executive Session at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret
Hackett, Secretary |
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