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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, MARCH 13, 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, Hackett, Huyler, Rizzo, Rowe, Small-Miller, Stafford ABSENT: Golas ALSO A1.
Call to Order A2.
Pledge of Allegiance A3. Minutes of February 27, 2006 Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of February 27, 2006. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of February 27, 2006. 8/0/0 B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - PART I B1.
Manchester High School Double String Quartet Ms. Hackett thanked the string quartet and Ms. Maas for coming tonight, and for their dedication to the strings program. Mr. Edwards also thanked Ms. Maas and the string quartet for sharing their accomplishments with the Board. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education moves to take a short recess. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned that he enjoyed the string quartet, saying they are well trained with a good respect for classical music. He also mentioned that last year was the ten-year anniversary of the History Channel, saying it is a very good channel and it has a monthly magazine that can be subscribed to. He mentioned that this is the third week of Women's History Month and that Ms. Coretta Scott King was featured in the monthly magazine Ebony. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned a forum that he attended on ADHD at Cheney Hall, sponsored through CPAK, which had good information. He also talked about MySpace on the Internet and the meeting the police department is holding for parents on the safety and use of the Internet for their children.
Ms. Scribner mentioned that the Council has been working on a program for the middle schools about drug and substance abuse, and the presentation will take place in May for 7th and 8th graders. She mentioned that the location has not been decided as yet, and that Chief Berry will also be presenting. E. CONSENT
CALENDAR: E1. PERSONNEL ACTION RESIGNATIONS Mr. Bo Cuprak, Principal of Illing Middle School, has submitted his letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of this school year. Mr. Cuprak started working for Manchester Public Schools in January 1971 as a social studies teacher. He has been an administrator for more than 20 years, serving as Vice Principal at both Bennet Middle School and Illing Middle School. Mr. Cuprak was appointed Principal of Illing in July 2003. He has served admirably in that position, developing exceptional staff camaraderie, and working diligently as the district transitions Illing to a 7th and 8th grade middle school. The Superintendent said that everyone would miss his vast experience with middle school education and his commitment to his students. Anne-Louise Fournier, Special Education Administrator, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of this school year. Ms. Fournier has worked for Manchester Public Schools for 30 years, starting in September 1976 as a special education supervisor. She has been instrumental in developing our exceptional special education program, with particular focus on the elementary level in recent years. She has been an excellent resource for administrators, teachers and parents. The Superintendent stated that they would miss her knowledge and experience. Jean Lambert, social studies teacher, at Manchester High Schools, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on June 30, 2006. Ms. Lambert has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 6, 1967. Christine Mubaied, third grade teacher, at Robertson School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of business on June 30, 2006. Ms. Mubaied has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001. TENURE The following certified staff members have successfully completed the required length of service to receive tenure as indicated in CT General Statute Sec. 151: Thomas Gorham, Manchester High School; Beth Milton, Bennet Middle School; Cristina Rodriguez, Waddell Elementary School.
E3. Permission to apply for the Manchester Community College Tech Prep Grant E4. Permission to Participate in the Mathematics and Science Partnership Program 2005-2007 Grant (Title II Part B, Competitive) E5. Extended Field Trip Request - Manchester High School Track & Field Mr. Edwards acknowledged the retirement of Mr. Cuprak, saying that he is an exceptional educator and has done an excellent job as an administrator. He also thanked Anne-Louise Fournier for her dedication to special education services in Manchester. Mr. Edwards inquired about the field trip packet, which states transportation as bus and plane. He questioned the use of a plane. The Superintendent stated as a point of clarification that there is no plane being used as transportation, only a bus. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards 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.
Accelerated Middle School Schedule Update 1) Transitioning of Students The Superintendent mentioned that Ms. Holly Maiorano and Dr. Mary Lou Ruggiero would update the Board on the transition of students from Nathan Hale Elementary School to Buckley Elementary School, and students transitioning from Robertson Elementary School to Bower's Elementary School. She also mentioned that Ms. Margi Bialeck and Mr. Stuart Wolf were also present to lend their support and answer questions from the Board. Ms. Maiorano and Dr. Ruggiero gave the following report, which highlighted the: TRANSITION
OF GRADE 5 to 6 STUDENTS TO BUCKLEY AND BOWERS Inclusion of combined fifth grade students at various special events being held at the 'new' school. Some of the events include Buckley Bingo Night (3/31) and Bowers Jamboree (5/6). Additional activities being considered include possibility of Family Movie Night and Ice Cream Social. Initiation of Internet pen pals between the fifth grade students from the paired schools to allow structured, supervised, in-school 'getting-to-know you' communications between the students. Fifth grade
'Workshop' day at the receiving schools (5/19 at Buckley, 5/25 at Bowers)
combining students for special schedule of rotating activities including
the following: Ice Breakers, collaborative problem-solving academic
tasks involving Literacy and Numeracy, School Tours and Picnic Lunch.
Staff support for the workshops will include Central Office individuals:
District Language Arts Supervisor, Literacy Facilitator, Numeracy Facilitators
and District Equity Director. School-based staff involved includes the
fifth grade teachers, language arts consultants, and principals. Parents Informational letter sent home to paired fifth grade parents providing update regarding plans. Open invitation to Nathan Hale and Robertson parents to attend the April and/or May PTA meetings at the receiving schools. Consideration being given to an evening Fifth Grade Parent Orientation Night at the receiving schools to offer information, tours, visits, and opportunity to ask questions regarding the schedule, curriculum, staff and planned events for sixth grade. Staff Invitation to new sixth grade teachers to Staff Welcome Breakfast at the receiving school (Buckley, 3/21 and Bowers, 3/30). Planning meetings for collaboration between Bowers/Buckley principals and incoming shared Assistant Principal (Mike Saimond). Attendance by principal and special education staff at fifth grade Annual Review/Planning and Placement Team meetings at sending schools to assure for appropriate programming for sixth grade special education students (Bowers/Robertson on 5/2 and 5/9; Buckley/Nathan Hale on 5/19). Collaboration between fifth grade teachers at paired schools to facilitate class list development for combined sixth grade groups. Release time to be scheduled to enable incoming grade six teachers time to meet with Bowers and Buckley principals. In addition
to the transition activities as noted for students, parents, and staff,
the Bowers and Buckley principals have been involved in numerous meetings
and communication regarding building renovations, modifications and
facility requirements. Meetings with Central Office staff, architects,
facilities manager have and will continue to take place in efforts to
ready space in Ms. Huyler said it was important to point out what has been done, as far as the collaboration of the four school principals, as well as the staff, students, and parents. She asked what their feelings were as far as morale at the schools. Ms. Maiorano said it seems to be very positive. Dr. Ruggiero said the transition plans are moving very smoothly with students and parents. Mr. Edwards asked about mixing all the sixth graders together in the classrooms and what issues/opportunities this may present. Ms. Maiorano said that part is the easiest for them, as they do it for kindergarten, first, second, third, and fourth grades every year. They have a process in place by which they take a look at their students' skills and abilities and try to balance them. They also look at balancing between male and female, those with special education and ESL needs, as well as ethnicity. She said the goal is to have combined groups of students from each school. Mr. Rizzo
asked if having the extra number of classes has posed any particular
problems. Ms. Small-Miller mentioned her concerns about having the younger children on the buses with the sixth graders and whether it will be intimidating for the younger children. Dr. Ruggiero said that the buses would be based on neighborhoods, so the children would know each other already. She assumed the sixth graders from Robertson would take a separate bus from that area to Bowers. Ms. Maiorano explained that the younger students are seated in the front of the bus, with the oldest students riding in the back. Mr. Stafford acknowledged the work that has been done on this project, and thanked them for doing such a good job. Mr. Rowe
asked if the mealtime will be reduced in order to fit in additional
lunch waives. Ms. Hackett thanked them for their collaboration, thoughtfulness, and analysis of all the important details that are contingent on the success of this plan. She encouraged them to use the Board of Education website to help deploy information and help to unite the four schools into two. She also mentioned that we need to keep the bus company in the loop as to what we are doing and not leave anything to chance. Ms. Brooks mentioned that the bus transportation has been taken care of and the bus company has been informed of the upcoming changes.
Mr. Martin explained that his focus would be to update the Board on the personnel changes associated with the Manchester Accelerated Middle School Project. He began with: Reassignment
of Building Administrators Mr. Martin
further explained that the Superintendent then finalized the realignment
of building administrators, based primarily on two factors: (1) the
need to provide a balance of administrators from Bennet and Illing;
and (2) strong consideration regarding their individual preferences.
The result: Mr. Martin stated that on March 2nd, the Superintendent received notification from Bohdan Cuprak of his decision to retire at the end of this school year. Following a collaborative discussion between Human Resources and the Manchester School Administrators Association, it was agreed that a five-day internal posting period would be observed. On Thursday, March 9th, Human Resources posted the notice of vacancy in all internal sites. Candidate interviews, selection and the appointment procedure for the principalship would be finalized based on the applicant response. Reassignment
of Sixth Grade Teams Mr. Martin also mentioned that prior to the February recess, Tom Alexander, President of MEA & Tom Martin, Interim H.R. Director met with each newly formed sixth grade team and their receiving principal at both middle schools. The meetings served to introduce team members to one another and to their new principal as well as formally initiate plans to provide a smooth transition from a middle level environment to an elementary school setting. At the following monthly faculty meetings, elementary principals announced the names of the teachers who will be assigned to their buildings. Their names were also added to the elementary school faculty lists to ensure receipt of all future building communication. Tentative plans to invite the sixth grade teams to visit the school and meet with school faculty and staff are in progress at all sites. Reassignment
of Seventh and Eight Grade Teams He mentioned
that a plan is proposed to locate the newly formed teams throughout
the Illing facility so as to provide a sense of unity for all students.
The master schedule and the actual scheduling of students will ensure
total integration of students from Bennet and Illing Middle Schools.
Mr. Martin stated that on Wednesday, March 15th, Tom Alexander, President of MEA & Tom Martin, Interim H.R. Director will meet with each newly formed 7th & 8th grade teams at Illing Middle School. Similar to the notification of the sixth grade teams, these team meetings will also serve to introduce team members from both schools to one another. On Friday, March 17th, middle school teachers will participate in the Professional Day activities with their newly formed team colleagues. Mr. Martin also stated that on going discussions regarding the reassignment of certified support staff (psychologists, social workers, speech & language clinicians, guidance counselors, world language teachers) are moving closer to being finalized. Some special education teachers have been placed, primarily at the sixth grade level. Discussions and placements are still on going. He said that because of the closing of the Bennet Middle School for renovations, the reassignment of secretaries, food service workers, paraprofessionals and custodians would also be necessary. He also stated that personnel transfer language, in all collective bargaining agreements, has been reviewed. Human Resources will continue to provide union officials with information regarding the transfer process, procedure and timelines. To date: ¢
Seven (7) custodial positions have been eliminated and the impacted
employees were notified on December 30, 2005. Mr. Martin mentioned that all one-on-one paraprofessionals would accompany their student to the student's assigned school. A proposal for classroom paraprofessional assignments is not complete at this time. Tentative proposals for the reassignment of Bennet secretaries and food service workers have been proposed but have not been fully discussed. Mr. Martin stated that on January 3, 2006 - notice was given to impacted faculty and staff announcing the elimination of Middle School "Other Salary" and Extracurricular annual appointments. (Team Leaders, Instructional Facilitators, Club Advisors, Athletic Directors & Coaches, etc.) He stated that April 3, 2006 is the (Target Date) To POST the 2006 - 2007 "Other Salary" and Extracurricular positions that have been consolidated. To clarify the term consolidation, Mr. Martin used an example of a coaching and club advisor situation. He explained that this year we have a boys' basketball coach and a student council advisor at each school. Next year, we would only need one boys' basketball coach and one student council advisor instead of two. The new positions would be posted on or about April 3rd. May 31, 2006 - (Target Date) Mr. Martin stated that this is the target date to complete all personnel transfers. Mr. Rowe asked what "bump" means. Mr. Martin explained that a bump happens when a person with seniority has been eliminated from a position and is able to "bump" or push out a person with less years of experience within the organization. Once those positions of seniority have been "bumped" from the elimination of the Bennet Middle School positions, they will have a list of available positions, which will be brought forward at a meeting in April with the custodians, indicating these are the positions available for anyone whose has been "bumped" to bid on. Mr. Rowe asked about those that are not rehired and if they will receive any preferential treatment to be rehired at Bennet. Mr. Martin said that there is no plan not to employ the people who are on site, that all of the plans include the reappointment of all personnel. Ms. Brooks mentioned that custodians at Bennet were told that if they "bump" a position, they are in that position permanently, it is not a temporary position, and that they will not be going back to Bennet. If they bid on a temporary position, they will be going back to Bennet. A lot of the custodians at Bennet advised her that they do not plan on "bumping", as they want to return to Bennet. Mr. Rizzo asked if Waddell plans on having a teaming concept for their 6th graders. Mr. Martin said he believed they would, and mentioned that all schools will be approaching the collaboration effort with a teamed concept. Mr. Rizzo asked about future athletic teams at the one middle school, and if there would be more than one team. He asked if this could be looked into with further discussion at another time, as well as various clubs, now that we are combining both middle schools into one. Mr. Edwards asked about the "bumping" issue and who has rights to apply for the custodial jobs that are created when Bennet opens up again. Ms. Brooks stated that those custodians that were put in temporary positions have first opportunity to apply for those positions at Bennet, because their position was eliminated. Mr. Edwards asked if the custodial union has agreed to that in writing. Mr. Martin said that it was not put in writing, but rather a discussion that he and Ms. Brooks had with union representation, and it was an item the union had no concerns with it and agreed to it. Mr. Edwards said that they should not have any problem with putting it in writing then, and asked that it be done, since they don't know what the leadership in the union or the Board of Education will be two years from now. He feels it is important to get that agreement down in writing so there are no disagreements later. Mr. Martin said he would take care of it. Ms. Hackett mentioned that the Board currently receives a monthly enrollment report, and asked if Mr. Martin could put what was discussed tonight in that format, so they can see what the projections look like for the fall. Ms. Hackett said that this would help give a better idea of the configuration of the classes and teams, and will be interesting to see how it falls into the structure of that report, as a good visual for Board members. Ms. Hackett said that she has been hearing a lot of questions on sports and clubs, and how it will work with just the one middle school. She asked if at some point, additional information could be presented to the Board. The Superintendent said they certainly could do that, but reminded the Board that that was a huge consideration when they were moving towards a one middle school model, as well as a 6th grade academy, that there are not the same opportunities for interscholastic sports as you would have with two middle schools.
Ms. Gejda mentioned that last month the Superintendent directed that a Middle School Task Force be convened. She stated that a Steering Committee composed of the two middle school principals, Mr. Bo Cuprak and Dr. Ann Richardson, along with the three Central Office Supervisors, Diane Kearney, Kate England, and herself have met weekly since that time, to discuss both short and long-term goals for this committee. The short-term goals would include things that needed to be addressed immediately for school to open in the fall, with long-term goals to include programs and services for adolescent learners. She stated that the committee will be expanded beyond the present group, within a week, to include staff and parents from both middle schools, and ultimately, they want students to be included in the committee as well. Ms. Gejda said that the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS), a well recognized authority on middle level education, will be working with the task force next week to help articulate a vision, write a mission and belief statements, and they expect to meet with them two or three more times in the future. Some of the things that the committee has been working on are primarily for logistical items, such as the melding of the two middle schools. She mentioned that Ms. Brooks and Mr. Epstein have met with them to discuss the facilities and the moving procedures, and, in addition, the committee has been committed and has expressed concerns about easing the transition for staff, students, and families for next year. She stated that there have been several things planned and carried out between both middle schools, such as joint faculty meetings and an upcoming joint professional development day where both schools will be working together in the same location. Also there are planned student orientations for students who would be new to Illing next year, as well as the Illing Newsletter, which will be mailed out to Bennet parents starting next week. Also, the Illing Staff Letter has been sent out to Bennet staff members as well. Ms. Gejda mentioned that the Task Force expects to be working together through next year to implement a middle school experience for Manchester students that is student-centered, academically rich, and developmentally and instructionally appropriate. The task force will provide updates to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee periodically throughout the year. They are focusing "short-term" on opening in September, and then focusing "long-term" on putting programs into place that they feel will be very sound for 7th and 8th graders in Manchester.
Dr. Gasper provided the Board members with a handout titled Family & Consumer Sciences & Technology Education for Grade 6 in 2006-2007 and 2007-2008. He stated that for the next two school years, the curricula for Family & Consumer Sciences and Technology Education would be delivered in the general education classrooms. This is necessitated by the lack of specialized facilities in the eight elementary schools hosting 6th grade students. The plan outlined in the handout represents the work of a sub-committee that consisted of elementary school principals and program coordinators/directors. Dr. Gasper discussed the comparisons between the new implementation and the current implementation of these curricula.
Current
Grade 6 Implementation:
FCS and TTE will deliver 3-4 units from their existing curriculum, which are appropriate for instruction in a general-education classroom. Each of these units will have two options for integration: mathematics and language arts. Teachers and principals will be able to collaborate in customizing instruction to the needs of students. Instructional Time Current
Grade 6 Implementation: 2006-2007-2008
Grade 6 Implementation:
Current
Grade 6 Implementation: 2006-2007-2008
Grade 6 Implementation:
Mr. Rowe shared his concerns about the students not having laboratories available to them and if there experiences will be worthwhile. Dr. Gasper said that it is definitely a compromise, but assured him that these will be very worthwhile experiences for the students, as well as the teachers. Mr. Stafford asked if there was a state required mandate on instructional time. Dr. Gasper said that there are no state requirements, nor does the state collect data on it. Dr. Gasper stated that what has been proposed for instructional time will be adequate and productive for the students. The Superintendent reminded the Board and the public that this is a grade K-6 model, which being elementary does not necessarily get reported to the state for the school profile. Ms. Donna Fitzgerald spoke to the Board about increasing the amount of art that will occur in grades K-5, as a result of this particular plan. She stated that the 6th graders would have an art program, music, and physical education. There is also a proposal to benefit the entire school to add just a little more time in those areas for K-5. She stated that there are many benefits to it for the students, as higher order thinking skills of creating, analyzing, interpreting, and synthesizing really occur with and through the arts, and learning about the arts. She mentioned that they have seen great gains with the children through their use and learning of the arts. She also stated that it is a means of expression for them, and is very important within their day. Currently, kindergarten students receive twenty minutes of music. They receive no art instruction. With the middle school restructuring and the availability of the middle level personnel in the arts coming to the elementary schools, they will be able to increase the time that the kindergarten students have in music to thirty minutes, and the students will be able to have one of the art experiences every day, which they currently do not receive. With physical education, the amount of time will be doubled in movement and wellness. Ms. Fitzgerald stated that the benefits are great for the students, as well as the staff. The teachers will be able to have a planning period every day, which they don't have right now. That time will be utilized to consult with other teachers, the principal, and parents about student data, making calls, and plan better lessons. Ms. Diane Novak presented an example of the grade 6 class schedule, going over each day and explaining what courses are taught during the day. She mentioned that library time is held once a week, with everything else rotating every 6 days. She detailed for the Board the various subject matters and at what time during the day they would be taught. Mr. Rizzo said that he was impressed with the integration, and that this could be a model for the state. He would be interested in someone keeping tabs on how this might effect the testing. Ms. Hackett thanked them for their collaboration and for their presentation, and asked if the Board could get a copy of the draft schedule. 5) 6th Grade Report Cards The Superintendent introduced Dr. Ann Richardson who spoke on the accelerated programming regarding report cards for the 6th grade transition. Dr. Richardson talked about collaboration, as well as seamless transitions and the comfort levels for students, parents, and staff. They are looking at assessment as being the culminating piece. She presented the 6th grade report card process, saying that a large committee is looking at the report cards in the district, and from that a subcommittee was abstracted comprised of administrators and teachers, who began to work on looking at what a 6th grade report card would look like. She showed a sample of a 5th grade report card, which 4th and 5th grade students have been using already, and one that the students and parents are used to. The propose to move this model into the 6th grade for next year, as it presents a seamless transition and all elementary schools will have the same report card. The committees have been working together to make sure they are putting together a fine assessment tool. They will be showing all the 6th grade teachers to get their input as well. Dr. Richardson showed and explained the 5th grade report card, which is a prototype that they have been working on. She explained that the identification evaluation tool was different. Instead of receiving grades of A-F, students would receive a code identified as Mastery, Progressive, and Emerging, on a tri-semester approach that would identify a child mastering a certain subject matter by skill level, or benchmark, and then progressing and identified as emerging, so that parents, staff, and students reading the report card would have a clear communication. They propose that next year, 6th grade would start with a grade and then it would phase out as the end of the year occurred. The report card also has a section that talks about social and self-management. There is a section for teacher comments, attendance, and a note for next year. A lengthy discussion followed by the Board and Report Card Committee regarding the pros and cons of the M, P, F coding versus the usage of grades A-F that parent and students are used to, and whether or not parents will be more confused by the coding system. The Superintendent reminded the Board that at the next Board of Education meeting, Mr. Epstein would present an update on the facilities and how they are progressing with the renovations at the elementary schools.
Ms. Hackett mentioned an event on Saturday, March 18th, sponsored by the Manchester Foundation for Public Schools, which is a live auction to be held at the Manchester Country Club at 7:00 p.m. at $15 per person.
H1.
Personnel & Finance Committee
H2.
Curriculum & Instruction Committee
K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS - None MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. To adjourn: 10:35 p.m. 8/0/0 Respectfully submitted, David Golas,
Secretary |