MANCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 10, 2006
M I N U T E S
7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Center


A. OPENING

PRESENT: Rowe, Small-Miller, Crockett, Rizzo, Hackett, Huyler,
Edwards, Stafford

ALSO
PRESENT:
Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Director of Business And Operations Brooks, Student Support Services Director Tait

A.1 Call to Order
Ms. Hackett called the meeting to order at 7:30pm

A.2. Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Hackett led the Pledge of Allegiance

A.3. Minutes of March 27, 2006

Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of March 27, 2006

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approved the minutes of March 27, 2006. The motion carried unanimously.


B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part 1

B.1 Student Recognition Awards

Ms. Ouellette, with the assistance of Mr. Stafford and Mr. Crockett presented the following awards:

Mr. Stafford presented the following awards from the 2006 Connecticut Scholastic Art Awards Show:

Amber Bansavich - Gold Key Award in Ceramics
Melinda Carlson - Certificate of Recognition for an Honorable Mention In Jewelry
Christopher Fleming - Certificate of Recognition Gold Key Award in Sculpture
Jamie Lai - Certificate of Recognition: Honorable Mention Award In Drawing
Carolyn Lodge - Certificate of Recognition: Honorable Mention Award In Jewelry
Brendan Nichols - Certificate of Recognition: Silver Key Award in Product Design
Dagmar Cervena - Honorable Mention Award in Ceramics
Janelle Whitehead - Silver Key Award in Jewelry
Luz Velez - Honorable Mention Award in Ceramics
Dennis Sandiford - Gold Key Award in Portfolio
Maria Quintana - Silver Key Award in Ceramics
Kevin Nielsen - Honorable Mention Award in Product Design

Mr. Crockett, Coaches from the State Wrestling Team, The Boys' Indoor Coach Team and the Girls' Indoor Track Team were asked to present the following awards:

William Knight - Certificate of Recognition for Wrestling
Courtney Sims - State Title Indoor Track
Colin Burgess: Relay Track Team Event
Connor Malek
Robert Perry
Joshua Miller

Ms. Hackett called for a round of applause for the award winners. She spoke, for herself, and on behalf of the Board, saying this was a great opportunity for everyone to see the nice work of the students who bring their talents and their excellent performance in a variety of venues. It is important for the Manchester general public to be able to share in this. She paid tribute to the parents, teachers and coaches and wished the students success for the remainder of the school year.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education move to take a five minute recess.

Ms. Hackett called for a Motion to amend the evening's agenda to allow for the insertion of two unexpected items of business, namely:
1) Read into the record the resignation letter received from Mr. David Golas, Board Member;
2) Nominations for replacement of Board Secretary

MOTION: Edwards/Stafford s.v. The Board of Education approved the Motion unanimously.

Ms. Hackett pointed out for the record that discussion of the resignation and the taking of nominations for Board Secretary would now become Item C on the Agenda: Public Comments - Item D. Manchester PTA Council Report - Item E. Consent Calendar - Item F. Superintendent's Report, Part II - Item G. New Business - Item H. Communications - Item I. Committee Reports - Item J. Public Comments - Item K. Items for Future Agendas - Item L.

Ms. Hackett stated that those present may have already learned through the media that Mr. David Golas, Member of the Board of Education for a number of years, had submitted his letter of resignation to her as Board Chair. Ms. Hackett asked that his letter be placed on record.

"March 31, 2006.

Dear Mrs. Hackett:

Please accept this letter as formal written notice of my resignation from the Manchester Board of Education. My decision is for personal and business reasons. As you are aware, my wife Laura and I currently have a sixteen month-old daughter, Juliana, and we are expecting another child in July. Also my duties and responsibilities in my law practice have started to occupy a large portion of my time. These two reasons are the driving force behind my resignation. My time on the Board has been extremely positive. I have enjoyed working with the other members of the Board, Administration, teachers and students. I hope that during my service I have been able to enhance the educational programs for the children and improve the school system. Over the last three and a half years I have developed a great respect for board members, past and present. I would like to thank all of them for their time, knowledge, respect and dedication to the school system and the residents.

Although I am leaving the Board during a busy time, I am confident in your leadership and the skill of the Board and the Administration to continue to improve the infrastructure and curriculum.

Lastly, I would like to thank the residents of Manchester who elected me to the Board of Education. I always tried to strike a balance between the needs of the school system and the impact on taxpayers.

Very truly yours,
David A. Golas, II"

Ms. Hackett expressed her regrets at the resignation.

Mr. Rizzo paid tribute to Mr. Golas whose presence and contribution will be missed. Mr. Golas was always focused and kept things moving. Mr. Rizzo is aware of the commitment it takes to being a board member and with a growing family extra time is not always available for board business. Mr. Rizzo, in wishing Mr. Golas well, expressed the hope that he will see him in the future.

Ms. Hackett announced that the Board is required to fill the vacancy and called for nominations.

Mr. Edwards nominated Michael Rizzo and Mr. Stafford seconded the nomination.

Mr. Edwards said it was his distinct honor and privilege to nominate Mr. Rizzo for the position. Mr. Rizzo is in his third term as a board member and his service has been invaluable to both the board and Mr. Edwards personally. His accomplishments are too numerous to list. However, it should be mentioned specifically that he was instrumental in the construction of the Two Rivers Magnet School and other renovations taking place in the Manchester School District. He has done tremendous work on the various committees of the Board.

Mr. Edwards said he would be remiss if he did not share a thank you to the Democratic Members of the Manchester Board of Education. He sincerely hoped that Mr. Rizzo's nomination would be supported. It was a testimony to the board that they are considering a member outside of their own party for the position. It reflected another sign that the Manchester Board of Education is, and will continue to be, like no other in the State. It is a Board of Education, free from the constraints of partisan politics; a Board of Education that rightly has its #1 goal in the achievement and safety of its students.

Mr. Stafford said it was an honor for him to second Mr. Rizzo's nomination. He has known Mr. Rizzo for many years and thinks it would a wonderful thing if he were to fill the vacancy.

Ms. Small-Miller said that even though she has only known Mr. Rizzo a short time nevertheless his reputation in the school system is admirable.

Ms. Hackett commented that although Mr. Golas's resignation created a loss for the Board she would like to use the opportunity, as stated by Mr. Edwards, to continue to build upon the sense of bi-partisanship that she feels has defined the Manchester Board of Education. She is of the opinion that the selection of Mr. Rizzo as Board Secretary would be more than symbolic. It would send out an important signal to the residents of Manchester that they see bi-partisanship every day. It is a sign that as nine individual board members we are committed to working together to solve problems and keep a quality school system.

Ms. Hackett paid recognition to the Democratic caucus on the Board for having the good spirit and the vision to see the virtue of electing a very experienced and active board member of the opposite political party and she is pleased at the nomination.

Ms. Hackett called the vote and the Manchester Board of Education voted unanimously to accept the nomination.

Mr. Rizzo thanked every one for supporting his nomination and for all the kind tributes. He referred to the unprecedented action taken by the Board approving his selection as Board Secretary and he does not view this step lightly. He assured everyone present that he has only the best interests of the community, the public schools, and the children in the forefront of his mind.

Ms. Hackett extended her congratulations to Mr. Rizzo.

D. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1) John Tucci, 352 Hilliard Street stated he had come before the Board many times to talk about what was wrong with multi-cultural education. He quoted from an article taken from The Hartford Courant that made reference to a letter written to the American Defense Society dated January 3rd 1919 in which a former President of the United States talked about an immigrant becoming an American and discrimination.

Mr. Tucci referred to events that are currently happening in the United States with millions of people demonstrating and waving the American flag. The same thing is happening in France. Mr. Tucci mentioned that Presidents' Days are all being lumped together.

Mr. Tucci concluded his remarks by saying that this state of affairs is coming from the people in Washington; left-wingers, international Socialists, Globalists, call them what you will. He has no idea where it is coming from. He made the accusation "You people are just riding with it." He had no fault to find with local teachers because they loved the children and tried to do what is right. Basically local Boards of Education are helping with the demise of this country by are not uniting the American people under one flag - preaching multi-culturism. This is wrong and as a country we are going to pay for it some day.

2) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road reminded the audience that this month is Organ Donation month. The Department of Motor Vehicles is encouraging people to become donors.

Articles referred to by Mr. Stringfellow were as follows:
April 17, 2006 issue of Time Magazine titled "Dropout Nation" deals with the topic of drop-out rate throughout the country - a study conducted by Melinda and Bill Gates who will be guests on the Oprah Winfrey Show on Tuesday and Wednesday of the coming week, Channel 3, at 4:00 o'clock.

March 3, 2006 Christian Science Monitor titled "Why students Drop Out" - focusing on the State of Indiana.
The Week summarized national and international news May 2006 Attitude Magazine a cover story dealing with adults and children. ADD talks about self esteem among other issues. The magazine has been publishing for approximately six years. January 2006 issue of Education Digest titled "How we should teach about the war in Iraq." Spring 2006 Amnesty International Magazine features an article titled "Locked Away and Forgotten; Child Life without Parole." Book by Maurice Berger "White Lies Race and the Myths if Whiteness."
Farrar, Straus & Giroux.

Mr. Stringfellow concluded by stating that we are all immigrants who have built up this country and we should be alert for racism and bigotry.

E. MANCHESTER PTA REPORT
Mrs. Merrill Kidd and Nancy Fleming, PTA President, Illing School, were introduced by Ms. Hackett.

Mrs. Kidd gave an update on the community conversations about education. A committee of twenty people chose the topic for October, 2006. They will meet on April 25th in the Manchester Police Department Community Room. She thanked Mr. Rowe who had attended the March meeting and answered questions from concerned parents. This included Illing and school bus issues. Mr. Rowe followed up on everything and the Committee is very appreciative.

Ms. Hackett hopes to attend the meeting scheduled for April 26th in Highland Park Elementary School.

The town-wide PTA Nominating Committee is looking to fill positions on the Executive Board, namely President, Treasurer and Secretary. If a member of the public is interested in applying they are invited to attend the April 26th meeting.

Ms. Katz will be giving a Substance Abuse Presentation for 7th and 8th Graders at Manchester Community College for Illing School on May 1 at 9:00 a.m. and for Bennet School the morning of May 4.

Ms. Hackett suggested when the September meetings are being scheduled that the Board should be provided with a copy of the schedule. Board members would be happy to be represented at each meeting. Hopefully this would ensure that the PTA members get to see all nine members of the Board over the course of the year. Mrs. Kidd gave her assurance that the schedule would be provided.

Ms. Fleming mentioned upcoming events at the Illing Media Center. The PTA meeting is May 18th, at 7:00p.m. The meeting will be in the form of a Welcoming Reception for Bennet parents, guardians and teachers who are merging into the Billing community. All parents are invited, as are Board members. The PTA is desirous of reaching out to every individual group in Manchester that would like to be represented.

A barbeque is planned for May 31st for incoming Bennet 6th and 7th grade students coming to Illing. There will be a tour of the facility and orientation. This event is also open to any new students coming from outside the district. Students who are already at Illing; Student Council members and former Bennet students, who have already transferred to Illing will be present. They will be available to answer questions. The invitation is open to parents and guardians of Bennet students.

Additionally, the PTA is sponsoring a Slogan Contest, similar to the one organized by the High School last year. Bennet and Illing students will be asked to submit a slogan illustrating the merger. A committee consisting of one teacher, transferring From Bennet to Illing; a teacher from Illing who is remaining, and one parent, will evaluate the slogans submitted. They will draw up a shortlist of three finalists and select the prize winner. It is part of the plan to have the prize winning slogan printed on T-shirts for the students to wear on their first day at school to reflect the merger. The idea is to have a combination of colors, i.e., blue from Bennet and Green from Illing on a white T-shirt. The PTA is looking for donations to cover the cost of the T-shirts and would welcome any help in that direction.

Mr. Rizzo expressed his appreciation of the efforts the PTA is putting into the merger of the two communities and assured her that the Board will try to help in any way possible.

Mr. Rizzo asked how the PTA is planning to let the Bennet community know about the Barbeque and the PTA meeting in May and was informed by Ms. Kidd that a flyer had already been mailed to Bennet and would be included in their newsletter due out in the current week. The same information was going out in the Illing newsletter. Mr. Rizzo encouraged all those at Illing and Bennet to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to get together.

Ms. Ouellette thanked Mrs. Fleming for her report to the Board and the public and informed her that Mrs. Brooks may already have been approached about helping to fund the cost of the T-shirts.

Ms. Hackett referred to the timeline involving Bennet and the opening up of Illing as a different school. This involved an exhaustive list of details that require to be looked at. However, the thought and the pro-activeness that the PTA group, and other interested groups, has shown, is very much appreciated. Ms. Hackett believes we should start as soon as possible to promote a spirit of team unity.

F. CONSENT CALENDAR

Ms. Ouellette drew the board member's attention to four items on the Consent Calendar, namely:

1. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $54,495.38
Washington Media Arts Magnet School After School Program
2. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $33,339.62
Washington Media Arts Magnet School Early Bird Program
3. Educational Specifications - Manchester Regional Academy Fire Alarm
4. Educational specifications - Keeney Elementary School Fire Alarm

Mr. Edwards questioned Ms. Brooks about the Fire Alarm System and was assured that the system was being updated from the old manual system to one where a sensor sprinkler system will go off automatically and the Fire Department immediately alerted in the event of a fire. Ms. Brooks stated that these are the last two schools requiring to be updated.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar as outlined.

G. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part II
1. Graduation Date, Time and Place Update - Don Sierakowski
2. Dropout Prevention Update - Don Sierakowski
3. Proficiency Project Update - Don Sierakowski
4. Accelerated Middle School Schedule Update (Task Force)

Mr. Sierakowski in his opening remarks reminded the public and the Board that one hears a lot about the 2% of Manchester students who make the news with great ease but not so much about the other 98% and it was his wish to compliment them publicly on their fine work. He pointed out that we have all kinds of students, i.e., students from nineteen different countries; a diverse population and the students handle themselves very well.

F1. Graduation Date, Time and Place
Graduation is scheduled for June 15th. Ceremonies will be held at the Dodge Music Center in Hartford with plenty of free parking. The number of tickets can now be doubled for students and parents.

Mr. Sierakowski responded to Mr. Edwards that the ceremonies will be conducted indoors on the lower half of the facility. Students will receive their tickets for designated seats. The center to be used is much bigger than the Bushnell. Feedback about the change in venue had been favorable by reason of the increase in availability of tickets.

Mr. Rowe was assured by Mr. Sierakowski that the festivities following upon the graduation ceremonies will be handled by the PTA Sub Committee on Project Graduation to ensure a safe environment for the students. This is an emotional time for the students. There are raffles, games, music venues, and lots of food etc. The business community is going to support the event. Board members are all invited.

Mr. Rizzo was told that the starting time was tentatively 7:00p.m. depending on transportation, etc.

F2. Dropout Prevention
At the current time Manchester High School's annual dropout rate is at 1.1% which translates to about 25 students. This number is split evenly between male and female. They are split along racial and ethnic lines with twenty Caucasians; three Black and two Hispanic. The vast majority of the students who drop out go to a GED Program and about 20% of those simply disappear. If a student leaves the district without requesting a transcript to another high school they are counted as dropouts, even though they could be anywhere in the United States.

Mr. Sierakowski referred to an article titled "Making Good on a Promise" which he had tabled thinking it would make interesting reading for Board members who are charged with making policy. He mentioned there is a state-wide committee established by the Education Committee which is working on alternative assessments which will measure the skills students need to be successful in the college and the workforce. He said that the Proficiency Project is summarized in the second document he had tabled.

Mr. Sierakowski and Dr. Gasper are very pleased with the progress staff has made since the Board took the courageous step of voting to approve the proposal giving them time, on a monthly basis, to work on standards to establish consistency across the school for all students regardless of their individual skill level.

F3. Proficiency Project
Board members are invited to the April 26th Proficiency day and can let him know by email if they are coming. Teachers will arrive at 7:30a.m to work in various departments. Mr. Sierakowski said that The Proficiency Initiative Update ties in directly to accreditation and the last document tabled outlined the Accreditation Standards for NEASC.

Mr. Edwards pointed out in the past the Board had got an actual physical report of the dropout statistics that included historical data. He was informed that this is done annually and will be forthcoming in the fall with the rest of the graduate report. Ms. Hackett said it is her understanding that Administration also provides a report to the Board.

Mrs. Huyler asked Superintendent Ouellette if there was a system in place to track whether students have enrolled in another school." Ms. Ouellette said we have an extensive data base that keeps track within our district. It is not quite clear, however, if we have reached the point where we can actually follow from state to state. Ms. Tait said that this year each student is being given a state ID number, somewhat like a social security number. This stays with them wherever they move within the State of Connecticut. It is not known if other states are doing this as we have no control over other states. Mr. Sierakowski did not view this as a huge problem.

Mr. Rowe made the point that there had been previous discussion on the Proficiency development day and the possibility of scheduling a day closer to the weekend rather than at a time when a student's performance levels might not be at their highest. Most dates fell on a Wednesday. Mr. Sierakowski thought the suggestion interesting and they will take this into account next year. Afternoon sessions might also be considered as another option.

Mr. Crockett asked if enrolling in the GED Program was considered a dropout and was told it was. Night school is not. These students are not part of the statistical data base for any high school in Connecticut. However, this is being monitored, in conjunction with night school personnel, and this fall there was feedback that the number of registrants in night school from Manchester High School has dropped dramatically. The goal, however, is to keep students in a regular high school program.

Mr. Sierakowski proceeded to talk about the success rate of the Vernon Regional Program, with a satellite at Manchester High School.
Mr. Crockett asked if the 1.1% of students who dropped out were from senior or junior classes and was told that the number was over the total population. The number changes daily.

Mr. Sierakowski thanked the Board on behalf of the students for once again taking their courageous step on the Proficiency Initiative and their support for budget requests to fund the efforts to catch up with some of the NEASC requirements.

Ms. Hackett referred to a calendar that is circulated periodically which highlights the remaining meetings for the year and asked Ms, Ouellette if the May 18th invitation to Illing Middle School and the invitation from Mr. Sierakowski to attend the April 26th Proficiency Day could be included, together with any other invitations forthcoming. It would be helpful if the cumulative calendar could then be circulated to assist board members in scheduling their individual calendars.

Ms. Ouellette apologized in advance to the board and the public for her inability to be present on May 18th. This is a very important evening for her personally when she will be hooded as a Doctor of Education.

F4. Accelerated Middle School Schedule Update
Dr. Robert Spear, Executive Director of the New England League of Middle Schools (NELMS), was present at the March 20th Middle School Task Force meeting and provided an extensive review of research pertinent to effective middle school practice. Dr. Spear prompted thinking about how we would make decisions for our young adolescent learners.

Discussion occurred regarding the importance of acknowledging the achievement gap between white students and students of color and not confusing race and poverty.

Dr. Spear facilitated small group work around developing a mission statement for Illing Middle School. Four items are mandatory for an organization's mission statement: purpose, uniqueness, commitment and values.

At the March 20th meeting, the afternoon was devoted to subcommittee members grouping together to develop ideas and evaluations. The three subcommittees are: Learning Communities, Community Involvement and School Climate. Mrs. Fleming did an excellent job running that for the board and the public.

The most recent meeting of the Middle School Task Force took place on Friday, April 7th. The three subcommittees were very busy.

I Learning Communities
This subcommittee worked with Dr. Spear from NELMS to come to consensus on the recommendations concerning basic organization of Illing Middle School next year. The following conditions were agreed to:

Grade 7 and 8 teams will all include a special education teacher
Team time will be blocked for flexibility in scheduling
Flexible scheduling allows team teachers to group and re-group
students, depending upon the curricular, instructional, student needs
Each grade 8 team will have an algebra class

II School Climate
The following activities are planning for this year.
For teachers:
Team teachers who will be working together next year will meet
In April, May and June for planning purposes.
Bennet/Illing staff and students softball game is being planned
Pen Pals: Illing and Bennet students will write letters to each other
(Timeline: May)
Pictures will be taken at the May 31st barbecue to make posters
for hallways at both schools.

Mrs. Fleming reported that she will be meeting with certain groups within each parent organization.

As regards Personnel matters, on Monday, April 3rd the 2006/2007 "Other Salary" and Extracurricular positions that had been consolidated were posted in all schools. The Manchester Education Association requested an extension of the posting deadline because all middle level employees had not been officially notified. A new closing date for the posting has been extended to Friday, April 28 to provide equal opportunity for all faculty to apply for open positions.

April 13th, 2006 is the target date to complete all academic and instructional support personnel transfers. This will include art teacher, music teachers, family & consumer science teachers, technology education teachers, physical education & health teachers, World language teachers, library media personnel and guidance counselors.

May 31, 2006 is the target date for all other personnel transfers, which include school nurses, secretaries, food services and custodians.

Ms. Ouellette called upon Attorney Libby to update the board and the public with regards to the Assistant Superintendent and Illing Middle School Principal searches.

Ms. Libby affirmed that these two very important searches are progressing. This previous weekend she had advertised for an Assistant Superintendent in The Hartford Courant. It was specially timed to go into "Administrative Positions" and the gold standard is Education Week, where it will appear next Wednesday. The advertisement has also been placed in the Northeast Minority Journal which she believes is published every two weeks. The deadline for the Assistant Superintendent Position applications is May 16th, in order to give applicants a generous five weeks to get all the necessary information back to Personnel.

The Illing Middle School Principal postings have been advertised in the same locations but that deadline is May 5th to expedite that process.

Ms. Ouellette affirmed that the Middle School Task Force will continue to work with Dr. Spear with regards to the direction of the Middle School until the new Principal is in place. She anticipates an announcement by the end of May.

In response to a question by Mr. Stafford on Education Week Ms. Libby confirmed that this is a national publication and is the primary publication where educators throughout the country look for major positions. Education Week is used for national, and The Hartford Courant is used for area positions.

H. NEW BUSINESS

H.1 Charter Oak Park Resolution
Mr. Edwards requested that the Charter Oak Park Resolution be placed on record in its entirety.


"A Resolution Concerning Charter Oak Park
And The Bennet 6th Grade Academy

Whereas: Instructional time is dramatically decreased during physical education classes that utilize Charter Oak Park, as opposed to the ones that are held on the Bennet campus site, and

Whereas: Charter Oak Park is impractical for use as a wellness break area due to transit times that are as long or longer than the length of the State mandated breaks, and

Whereas: Student safety is increasingly compromised while students are in transit to Charter Oak Park, and

Whereas: Health and safety are compromised during physical education classes utilizing Charter Oak Park as nursing staff are not in close proximity to administer emergency treatments such as EpiPens for allergic reactions to bee stings and inhalers for acute asthma attacks, and
Whereas: Students who, for whatever reason, must leave Charter Oak Park during physical education classes must be assigned a student chaperone to escort the classmate while in transit, doubling the safety risk and loss of instructional time, and

Whereas: Co-located fields facilitate meeting the State standards for 6th grade physical education curriculum which include such criteria as running a mile and throwing/hitting a ball or object for distance and accuracy.

Be It Resolved that the Manchester Public Schools will no longer utilize Charter Oak Park for physical education classes or wellness breaks after the close of the 2005-2006 school year.

Be It Further Resolved that the Manchester Board of Education believes that the new 6th Grade Academy must have co-located fields in support of the curriculum needs for physical education and wellness breaks for our students."

Mr. Edwards felt very strongly about this Resolution. He stressed the importance of making a statement to the Board of Directors, Town staff, and the community, on the urgent need for green space. He asked that the Resolution be placed on record as written. It is New Business and he would like to see it under the heading of Old Business at the next meeting of the Board and voted upon. Mr. Stafford supported Mr. Edward's view.

Mr. Rizzo stated that the entire question about what to do with Bennet Middle School has always included the need to come up with a solution for the lack of co-located green space for a wellness break. We are currently using a facility which he considers is, and always has been, inadequate, and the problem needs resolving.

Mr. Rizzo is aware that the Board of Directors has this item on its agenda for the following evening and this Board needs to give them an indication of the direction in which they would like to go.

Mr. Rizzo made a motion that the issue of the Charter Oak Park be moved to Old Business on this evening's agenda and a vote taken.

MOTION: Rizzo/Stafford s.v. The Manchester Board of Education voted unanimously to approve the motion to add this item as Old Business on the evening's agenda.

Ms. Hackett for the record stated that Old Business would be Item I: Communications - Item J: Committee Reports - Item K: Public Comments - Item L and Items for Future Agendas - Item M.

I. OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Rowe was at a loss to understand the talk about green space without the money to acquire the property. He wanted to know if the plan was to attempt to acquire private residences. If so, he was of the opinion that the space (half a soccer field) was inadequate to conform to the physical standards laid down for a 6th grader. It would be premature to take action on Charter Oak Park at this time until there alternative space available.

Mr. Stafford supported the Resolution with the proviso that if by so doing we would not be giving up the right to use Charter Oak Park. He was assured by Ms. Ouellette that there is an agreement whereby any extra- curricular activity outside of the school day is treated as a field trip and such requests would be handled in the usual way.

Mr. Rowe reiterated his disapproval to the Resolution. He still thought it better to have some green space than none at all. Even if the buildings were to come down half a soccer field is inadequate for the specified requirements and not in the best interest of the students.

Mr. Edwards said the intent of the Resolution was not to prevent Charter Oak Park from being used for other activities, but simply to cease using it for physical education or wellness breaks. If the Resolution is adopted, in its present form, it would preclude the usage of Charter Oak Park. He would like to see the Board retain the right to move the date forward, if it becomes necessary.

Mr. Edwards felt that it was the Board's responsibility to inform the town as to our precise educational needs and re-emphasized the urgency for co-located space.

Ms. Ouellette stated that there should not be a case where 200 students would be using the facility at the same time but possibly fifty students in a physical education class.

Ms. Small-Miller supported the Resolution, but expressed bafflement that the question of land acquisition had not been resolved before the $44.3 million renovation project had been voted upon last summer.

Ms. Ouellette told Mr. Rowe that both gymnasiums could be made available for teaching stations and quite possibly the swimming pool. With regard to physical education national standards, state frameworks, etc. one of the key components of the Connecticut fitness is the cardio-vascular run and the aerobic workout which students need.

Mr. Rowe was extremely unhappy at the prospect that student activities would not take place outdoors with that scenario.

Mr. Edwards commented that Nathan Hale School no longer uses Charter Oak Park because of safety issues. He emphasized that nothing has happened yet but the threat is out there. If it has to come to students exercising indoors then he would reluctantly have to agree for safety reasons.

Mr. Rizzo was not in favor of using the Quad at Bennet and Ms. Ouellette agreed with him, mentioning some of the drawbacks to the proposal.

Mr. Rowe made the point that "It is not a question of what we do not want!". Rather, it is a case of "What we cannot have."

Mrs. Huyler expressed her support to the Resolution as it would bring us to the point where the Board will have to decide what it needs to do, and put it to the Board of Directors.

Ms. Hackett expressed her approval to the Resolution which she thinks is timely.
As advocates of education she feels it is important that the Board moves the dialogue to the next level. As a reminder, she stated that people had voted for this referendum hoping it would remedy the situation.

Ms. Hackett called the vote.

MOTION: Edwards/Stafford s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approved the adoption of the Charter Oak Park Resolution. 7/1/0

Ms. Hackett said the Resolution would be forwarded as soon as possible to the Board of Directors and other bodies involved in the co-located position, as written.

J. COMMUNICATIONS
There were no communications

K. COMMITTEE REPORTS

Personnel & Finance Committee Report - Mr. Rowe
Mr. Rowe read out the Minutes of the April 5, 2006 meeting of the Personnel & Finance Committee Report submitted by Ms. Brooks.

Linda Gejda presented the Committee with a copy of the Educational Technology Plan, July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2009. Mrs. Gejda informed the Committee of the budget needs identified in the plan. Mr. Rizzo confirmed that the Board of Education needs to make a commitment to fund a certain dollar amount for technology each year in the budget.

Attorney Libby told the Committee that she has advertised for an Assistant Superintendent and middle School Principal in Education Week, Hartford Courant, online, as well as The Minority Newspaper. Attorney Libby shared the results of an Assistant Superintendent's Salary Survey.

Attorney Libby gave the Committee a draft of the current interview process and recommended changes for filing certain building level and Central Office Administrative positions. The Committee discussed the appropriate participants for each interview committee. Attorney Libby will present a revised document at the next Personnel and Finance Committee meeting. The Committee confirmed the importance of reference checks and the inability to share the information resulting from the reference checks with members of the interview committee.

Mrs. Brooks presented the Committee with the March 31, 2006 FY2006 Budget Update. Currently there is still a projected deficit due to the cost of utilities. Mrs. Brooks informed the Committee that the freeze on purchase orders has been removed. However, she is closely monitoring the volatile line items on a weekly basis.

Mrs. Brooks requested the Committee ask their senator and legislators to support the current energy savings legislation. This legislation would award a grant to school districts to help with the rising cost of utilities.

The next meeting will be May 17, 2006 at 6:30p.m. in the Central office, prior to the 7:00p.m. Budget Workshop at Robertson School.

Curriculum & Instruction Committee-Mr. Stafford
Mr. Stafford read out the Minutes of the April 3, 2006 Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee.

Alternative Education Program: New Horizons
Diane Kearney and Bruce Thorndike spoke to the subcommittee about the New Horizons Program and will target students, including those with special needs, who have been expelled as well as those who are at risk for expulsion. A presentation to the full Board will be made at the May 8th meeting.

MHS Proficiency Project Update
Don Sierakowski updated the subcommittee on the work conducted by teachers on proficiencies during the two late start days at MHS. He invited BOE members to come to Manchester High School on April 26 to observe and interact with teachers working on proficiencies.

Summer School Update
Bruce Thorndike, administrator for the high school summer program, presented his tuition recommendation for the 2006 summer school session. Mr. Thorndike will make a presentation to the full BOE on May 8th.

Middle School Task Force Update
Linda Gejda presented an update on the progress of the Middle School Task Force. A draft mission statement has been developed and activities for 6th and 7th grade students and parents from Bennet and Illing have been planned. All parents will receive a newsletter about these activities. The schedule and implementation for next year's 7th and 8th grade programs is the next priority.

Music Curriculum
Keith Berry, K-8 Music Coordinator and Mary Walsh, music teacher, presented a draft of the K-5 music curriculum to the subcommittee. A presentation will be made to the full Board.

Educational Technology Template
A draft of the template that must be prepared for the state department of education was sent to subcommittee members for their feedback. A discussion of the draft template will take place at the next C and I meeting.

L. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Mrs. Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane commented that as a high school parent she still did not like the one day a month 10.30a.m. start for the Proficiency Project. She does not know how many students actually show up that day. She does not have the advantage of being at home all day so has to adjust her schedule. Many parents go to work with the assumption that their child is finding their own way to the school that morning only to discover in the evening they had not attended school. She is in favor of the idea of starting in the afternoon so buses run the regular time to enable children to get there.

She was glad that the Board had approved the Resolution on Charter Oak Park and applauds them for doing so. She quoted a number of unfortunate incidences involving Carter Oak Chevrolet dealership which the students have to pass on their way to the park. She suggested that the "No turn on Red" sign at the crossing be raised to make it more visible to motorists who are currently ignoring the sign.


Mr. Stringfellow extended his congratulations to Mr. Rizzo on his becoming the new Manchester Board Secretary.

Expressed his support for the following:
The Consent Calendar, as outlined in the agenda.
Mr. Sierakowski's Update on Dropout Prevention;
Proficiency Project;
Accelerated Middle School Update;
The New Horizon Program.
Mr. Stringfellow mentioned "The New Gender Gap - Are too few males getting into College?" Education Digest article on "How to Screen Students for Suicide - Prevention/Depression": "Healthy Student Sleep Habits": Current Health "Student Teamwork & Problems": "Gambling among Teenagers": "Dropout - Report on Truancy Rate (attendance)": "Incarceration, Welfare, Lower Pay, Minimum Wage":


M. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS

Mr. Edwards made the suggestion that the Board get a report on the high school's policy on attendance.

Ms. Hackett requested that Ms. Ouellette obtain some statistics on illnesses.

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. To adjourn: 10.10p.m. 9/0/0

Respectfully submitted,


Michael Rizzo, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education