A. OPENING

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

ABSENT: None

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

ABSENT: None

*present for awards portion of the program at 6:30 p.m.

Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. and a quorum was established.

Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Sam's Club Award and Teacher Award
Mr. Robinson and Mr. Beitman presented the Sam's Club Award to teacher Jodi Clare of Robertson Elementary School as their Teacher of the Year. An award was presented to Robertson Elementary School in the amount of $1,000.00.

Mr. Robinson and Dr. Brett presented Pamela Potterton, teacher at Buckley School, with an award from Alpha Delta Kappa, which will formally be presented to her at a ceremony this spring.

Student Awards
Mr. Rizzo presented awards to students at Bennet Middle School: Julio Colon, Academic Achievement; Leonardo Marquez, Academic Achievement; and Jorge Juan Rodriguez V, Academic Achievement.

Ms. Huyler presented awards to students at Illing Middle School: Lucas Johnson, Academic Achievement; Karra Marie Hoar, Academic Achievement; Kathy Nguyen, Academic Achievement; Jacob DeValve, Academic Achievement; and Rachel King, Academic Achievement.

Mr. Robinson thanked the students and families for attending the meeting. He called a short recess before the business portion of the meeting.

Mr. Robinson called the meeting back to order at 7:30 p.m.

Minutes of April 26, 2004
Mr. Robinson asked for a motion to accept the minutes of April 26, 2004.

MOTION: Rizzo/Huyler s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of April 26, 2004. (9/0/0)

B. HEAD START QUARTERLY UPDATE - Suzanne Kunz
Postponed.

C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He referred to three articles in the recent newspapers and suggested that the Board read them. He commented on an article referring to plaster falling on students at Bennet Middle School and questioned if the school buildings are being taken care of. There was also an article that spoke about small and crowded classrooms. He stated that there is no plan to take care of small and crowded classrooms. He feels that Bennet does not have this issue on any given day. He also commented on science labs that are said to have plumbing problems. Additionally, he stated that he supports the secretarial union.

2. Keki Pagdiwala, 465 Buckland Hills Drive. He stated that his daughter attends Illing Middle School, and during the month of April, he witnessed two incidents in which students were almost hit by a car in the crosswalk. He spoke with the Assistant Principal who asked him to go to the Police Department. He did go there; however, several weeks passed and he feels nothing has happened. He stated that the students are unaware of the problem. He asked if anything could be done before the school year is over as he is very concerned about the safety of the students. He suggested crossing guards, reducing the speed limit or flashing lights.

Mr. Beitman responded to this speaker. He stated that the Police Department budget would carry a crossing guard, not the Board of Education budget. Additionally, the Police Department refused to provide crossing guards for any schools above grade six. There used to be a sign in the middle of the road that has been stolen. They are in the process of ordering a new one. He received Mr. Cuprak's letter today, and the school district is scheduling a meeting with the Chief of Police, the principal and the resource officer. Once the meeting takes place, he would update the Board on any decision. He stated that he would also ask all the principals to remind students about safety concerns.

3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He mentioned a case called Mendez vs. Westminister School district in 1947, where the plaintiff won his case against school segregation in California. He stated it was the 65th anniversary of the end of the Spanish Civil War in Spain. Additionally, it is the 60th anniversary of D-Day on June 6. He recommended documentaries on television and two magazines, World War II and Naval History Magazine. On June 2, the Multicultural Club at the high school is holding Soul Food Day starting at 10:40 a.m. He recommended a booklet, 101 Tools for Tolerance: Simple Ideas for Promoting Equity and Celebrating Diversity. He asked if a presentation could be done by Dr. Sally Reiss of UCONN and Dr. Brett regarding the gifted school program, as well as a special education presentation by Ms. Tait in regard to costs and efforts.

4. Barbara Stambo, co-president of Manchester Association of Educational Secretaries. She addressed the secretarial budget cuts stating that she had already provided spreadsheets detailing job ratios and responsibilities to the Board emphasizing no overlapping duties. She stated she also provided essential functions of the secretarial unit to support the daily operation of the school district. She also recognized that the union did not support the recent insurance proposals based on the fact that they are currently in negotiations. She commented that the integrity of the secretarial union should stand on its own when considering budget cuts. She presented the Board with a petition that supports the secretaries signed with 405 signatures, as well as an audience filled with those who stood behind the secretarial union.

D. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT
Justin Smith stated that he supported the Secretarial Union, as they are the first people to see and help students. He also stated that the Student Government Association held its elections and he would continue to the Board of Education Student Representative. He also reported that he job shadowed Leslie Wolfenden, occupational therapist. He also supports the job-shadowing program that is in the high school. He commented on May Madness, which he describes as crunch time for the students nearing the end of the school year. Regarding anti-violence, a group of students are starting a club called the Anti-violence Club. This club will meet every other week starting the next school year. They intend to have it start within the high school and expand it to the elementary and middle schools. Their goal is to have it as a community wide project. He commended the Roundtable Singers, who went to Florida over April vacation, on winning several awards and came home as national winners. Additionally, he stated the performance arts department would be performing at the Great East Festival hosted by Manchester High School this year on May 14.

Class Elections were held before April vacation and they were a huge success. The students gained a great learning experience. He announced the new class officers for each grade at the high school. He stated that he and Devorah would display electives work each month as part of their monthly report. They are also surveying how they can improve the Manchester High School community in relation to the NEASC report.

Mrs. Lok asked to hear more about the Anti-Violence club as it progresses. She asked how they plan to recruit students. Justin responded that there are peer mediators at the high school to resolve conflicts. With the anti-violence club, they will have situations given to them in which they will try to peer mediate, but then take it a step farther to prevent more violence. Mrs. Lok stated that she looked forward to hear more about this club. She asked if they were working with staff members. He stated that the students would present it at the next staff meeting.

Mrs. Huyler stated that the Anti-Violence Club was an excellent idea and she commended their efforts.

Mr. Rizzo commented on Justin's decision to continue as Student Representative. Justin stated that his peers suggested that he should run for other offices, but he believes he can effect more change at this level.

E. MANCHESTER PTA COUNCIL REPORT
Keith Carson, President and President-Elect for next year, delivered the report. He stated that the whole slate of officers would remain the same next year. He stated that it has been a good year at the high school under the new leadership of Don Sierakowski. He stated that their focus is on the students, and in order to do that, parents need to be involved. They continue to try to get as many parents as possible to attend meetings and other planned programs, and believes they made a lot of headway this year. It started with the marketing program and slogan contest, which received great feedback. They also heard from parents who were dealing with life issues with a teenager, and one of the topics was underage drinking. He believes it is an issue that needs direct attention, especially with prom season approaching. After speaking with school personnel, parents and the police force, they found they have a group of parents who condone this type of behavior. As a PTSA, they have tried to bring this awareness to the high school community. One item that they have endorsed is the MHS Parent Pledge, which was distributed to all families at the high school. Once parents pledge, it will be turned into a network for parents. They have received positive comments and over 70 pledges so far. They will have these pledges available at all school and community events. They are also working with the administration very closely, and researching the issue for speakers on the subject. PTSA will also take on the role of supporting the Shattered Dreams program, a reenactment of a crash scene due to drinking. They will support this every other year, and during off years, they will provide the other programs such as assemblies and speakers. They are also supporting an existing town ordinance, which is in effect in the Town of Manchester. This ordinance supports the Police Department in fining underage drinkers, or the parents of the property. They plan to spread this news throughout the town, while working with the Manchester Police Department. He stated that the administration and teachers have been very supportive of them throughout the year. They are also very concerned with the transition from the middle schools to the high school, as it contributes to the failure rate problem at the high school. They have met with all secondary schools, and after they do further research, plan to have a report to administration. To support this, they had the ninth grade complete a survey on their transition process. They are reviewing the data from those surveys. They will provide recommendations based on the results.

Mrs. Hackett thanked Mr. Carson for his voice on underage drinking. She applauds the group for taking on the Shattered Dreams program, and asked what the budget for the program is. Mr. Carson stated that it was approximately $5,000, in addition to all of the donated time and services. He explained the process of the Shattered Dreams program as it takes place in the high school. Mrs. Hackett asked when it is scheduled to take place. Mr. Carson stated it would happen next school year. Mrs. Hackett commented that she would support this program. In addition, she also stated that she would like to talk more about the ordinance when the Police Chief visited the Board.

Mrs. Lok congratulated Mr. Carson on his appointment and his advocacy for the students in Manchester. She stated that she is especially interested in the transition study, as it relates to the dropout rate. She asked him if he could give a sampling of the questions that were asked on the survey. Mr. Carson stated their goal was to understand from the students what was different from grade 8 to grade 9, as well as considering the level of courses they were taking from grade 8 to grade 9. They asked questions regarding the academics as well as the social component from the student's perspective. Mrs. Lok stated that it is important that students feel successful at the end of grade 9 before it becomes a point of no return. She believes it is important to take the information gathered and to act upon it so that each student feels connected with at least one adult. She is interested in the results of the report and the next steps to follow.

Justin Smith asked if there was a Student Representative on the PTSA. Mr. Carson stated that they did have one, but currently do not. Justin stated that it is important for a student to connect with an adult, but that it is just as important that a student connect with another student.

Mrs. Holmes asked if there were any questions with reference to the time frame of high school starting earlier than middle school. Mr. Carson stated that there were no direct questions regarding this, but there were comments regarding the expectations of high school.

F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Mr. Beitman reviewed the items on the Consent Calendar.

1) Buckley Elementary School Asbestos Abatement
Educational Specifications

2) Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $119, 270
MSP Program Local Competitive Funds - Title II B, Funded
By the CT State Department of Education

3) Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $600
ENC Campaign Mini Grant, Funded by the CT Academy of
Education in Math, Science, and Technology

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar.

MOTION: Hackett/Huyler s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0)

Mr. Rizzo asked about the Buckley Asbestos Project. He asked what brought this project to light.

Mr. Huot responded that when the Bentley boiler was tested, they also tested the boilers at Buckley because they were of the same make, and they had concerns regarding them. They found the boilers at Buckley not to be in very good shape. He stated that abatement is part of the process of replacing the boilers. He hopes to accomplish it this summer, and a year from now at least one of the boilers, maybe both, will be replaced, depending on finances. The list of projects has not been adjusted at this point, and won't be until the bids are received.

Mr. Huot stated that this is a reimbursable process, 64 cents on the dollar, so he would like to get this process started.

Mr. Rizzo asked if this project would be done during this summer.

Mr. Huot stated that it may or may not happen. However, there are two boilers, both operational, so if one fails, there is a back up. However, at Bentley, there was one non-operational boiler and the other that was original with the building in 1926. Therefore, they felt it was important to get another boiler at this location as soon as possible. The bid was opened the past Friday, and it is well within the budget.

Mr. Rizzo asked if all buildings have two boilers so that one is used as a back up in case of breakdown.

Mr. Huot stated that from year to year, the boiler use is rotated so they get even wear and tear. Only when the temperatures get very low, are both boilers operated. For the most part, the building runs with only one.

G. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
1. Budget Update
Mr. Beitman stated that the Town Board of Directors would make its appropriation to the Board of Education on Tuesday, May 11. The first budget workshop will be on Wednesday, May 12. They know there is additional ECS money, and language changes to Excess Cost; however, they have not received any confirmation from the State Department of Education or the State of Connecticut specific to funding changes. There is no immediate change to the current Board of Education proposed budget.

2. NEAS&C Update
Mr. Beitman read a letter sent to Frank Amara, Principal of Keeney Elementary School, from NEASC.

The letter read as follows:

At it's November 2003 meeting, the Commission on Public Elementary and Middle Schools reviewed and accepted the Special Progress Report submitted by Keeney Street Elementary School. Congratulations on your continued application.

The Commission acknowledges the work of the Keeney Street Elementary School in its continuing effort to improve the facility. The Commission commends the school for the completion of the roof renovation, the upgrading of the wiring, the establishment of a new computer lab and the reallocation of space for better utilization of storage.

The Commission encourages Keeney Street School to continue to address its facility needs.

The next report, which is due in the Commission office, will be the Five Year Summary Document on October 1, 2004.

In the meantime, congratulations on your commitment to the accreditation process. The New England Association of Schools and Colleges is always proud to have schools like Keeney Street Elementary School among its membership - schools that look to grow and improve to ensure that children are being served completely and appropriately. Thank you for your good work.

Mr. Amara thanked the Board for their support in this effort.

Mrs. Lok noted that it is not a requirement for elementary schools to be accredited. She stated that Keeney's accreditation is due solely to Mr. Amara's attention to the school when he first arrived.

Mr. Beitman read portions of a letter sent to Donald Sierakowski, Principal at Manchester High School.

The letter read as follows:

The Commission on Public Secondary Schools, at its March 28-29, 2004 meeting, reviewed the Five Year Progress Report of Manchester High School and voted to continue the school's accreditation. The Commission removed the school from warning for the Standard on Accreditation for Mission and Expectations for Student Learning; however, the Commission determined that the school should remain on warning for concerns related to the school facility. These concerns relate to the Standard on Community Resources for Learning. The Commission wishes to acknowledge the error in its correspondence dated November 18, 2003, which mistakenly cited the Standard on School Resources for Learning, rather than Community Resources for Learning as the area of concern.

The Commission was pleased to note the extensive work of all stakeholders involved in research and investigation for the school's new mission statement, expectations for student learning, and rubrics as well as the manner in which the school plans to use the new mission to inform every aspect of school governance.

Nevertheless, much needs to be done to find short and long term solutions to the school's facilities problem, which are exacerbated by fiscal constraints. School officials are requested to submit a Special Progress Report, due November 1, 2004, reporting action taken to complete the highlighted recommendations listed below:

He stated that there are several recommendations listed as well as several commendations. He read the conclusion into the record:

The school's warning status will be reviewed when the Commission considers the Special Progress Report. Consistent with the Commission's follow-up procedures, the Special Progress report should be signed by the principal and chair of the follow-up committee and sent to the Commission office in duplicate by certified mail, return receipt requests.

Mr. Beitman stated that they continue to meet with town officials, and the next meeting will be held on May 25 in the Manchester Room at Town Hall. He commended Mr. Sierakowski and his staff on their efforts to respond in a timely and professional manner.

Mr. Sierakowski wanted to convey the magnitude of the task and the time in which was given to achieve the task. He thanked all of the members of the staff for their effort on the mission statement, expectations and rubrics that will be used to drive curriculum development and student learning. In addition, there were a number of parents and students who served on the committees, as well as comments that were given while the materials were posted to the website. They are in the final phase of reviewing rubrics that will be used to guide development of instructional units by teachers. He stated the process of the evaluation in five years would be very different than it has been in the past. He submitted to the Superintendent a proposed budget for this process, totaling $30,000, which was rejected due to the budget problems.

Mrs. Hackett asked if he would provide Board members with a timeline of the NEASC process. She also asked if he needs to respond to physical plant issues.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that in the five-year report, there was a timeline given which highlights the issues. He commented that they are on schedule with that timeline.

Mrs. Hackett asked what their understanding is in regard to meeting the expectations of the physical plant issues.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that it is not about having a new building, but if the school has adequate space. The community needs to have a plan of action that has specificity and completion dates.

Mrs. Hackett commended Mr. Sierakowski on the numerous accomplishments listed in the NEASC letter and thanked him for his leadership. He stated that students also have stepped up to the task as well.

Mr. Sierakowski also commented on the ninth grade transition survey as he read all of the responses over April vacation. He stated that there are a number of initiatives that can be started sooner rather than later, and proposed the first day of school as a Freshmen Orientation only. He commented that they have developed some proposals, which would involve running an A Day, some common sessions, followed by a B Day schedule. Additionally, through a scholarship provided by a ring company, three staff members attended a three-day workshop called "Capturing Kids Hearts", which is about new ways to reach out to kids. This initiative reaches out to all students and has a proven track record as a research-based model. The three staff members who attended made a presentation at a staff meeting, and following that, 47 staff members expressed interest in attending a three day workshop on their own during the summer. He added that the parent partnership with PTSA has been extremely good.

Mr. Robinson thanked Mr. Sierakowski and stated that the Board is heartened through the work of the principal and faculty that one piece of the warning has been removed. He stated the letter brings into sharp focus the need for the upgrade and expansion at the high school. He asked what NEASC feels is an appropriate percentage of building use.

Mr. Sierakowski stated the architectural calculations yielded a number around 99 percent. This means that there is no extra space for anything. Their optimum definitions are 85.3 percent effective utilization. At the present time, there are students who cannot get courses they request due to space limitations and limited staff.

Mr. Robinson thanked him for putting the figures into perspective.

3. Dropout Prevention Update
Mr. Beitman distributed a chart detailing dropout figures. He stated there has been an increase in the number of dropouts in 2003-04. He noted that March, April and May are the months when dropouts increase due to loss of credit, truancy and non-attendance. The dropout figures are compared to the October 1 enrollments. The dropout figure is currently at 1.4 percent, which is up slightly from last year. It is still below the Connecticut and ERG percentage dropout rate; however, it is still an area of concern. There have been two meetings to examine the numbers and programs in place and to determine if there is anything further that can be done. He feels that the increase in the dropout rate is also due to an increase in enrollment as well as limited space for additional staff.

Mrs. Lok agrees that the increase in the dropout rate can be attributed to the increase in enrollment; however, upon looking at the chart, the number of students has consistently increased while the dropout rate decreased, until this year.

Mr. Beitman stated that they could not find any pattern. He commented that he cautioned the Board last year that going lower than last year's figure might not be feasible. He stated that they continue with all of their efforts to combat the dropout rate.

Mr. Sierakowski stated they are looking at students who have a very poor freshmen year, as this is a telltale predictor. One of the research studies they did, showed those students short credits in their freshmen year did not finish with their class. They are also putting into place online surveys for departing seniors to find out what was difficult and/or working well for students. They are also following up with the Adult Education programs. Coding issues dealing with GED students also accounts for a couple of the dropout figures this year.

Mrs. Lok stated it is not hard to look at the percentage of students; however, it is hard to look at the actual number of students who have opted out of the public school system. She asked if exit interviews are conducted with each dropout.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that it is in the process of being revised.

Mrs. Lok stated she would request at the end of the meeting a full report on this issue.

Mr. Rizzo stated it would be helpful to look at the specific class, as there is sometimes demographics in a class that might help explain the jump.

Mrs. O'Neill asked if the district keeps track of the students who go to other programs, as well as track Manchester residents if they graduate or drop out.

Mr. Beitman stated that a process was started in which they asked for permission to have access to these records.

Mrs. O'Neill stated she is looking for statistics on Manchester students who transferred to another program.

Mr. Beitman stated that if the students do not provide written permission to access these records, the information is strictly confidential.

Mrs. O'Neill asked for a line item showing students who transferred to other programs.

Justin Smith stated that after speaking with students who have dropped out, he believes a large part of the increase is due to the graduation requirements increasing. He asked how this could be prevented.

Mr. Sierakowski stated that one of the key patterns of dropouts is a lack of attendance. Manchester High School has begun two initiatives to support students in this regard: Operation Responsibility and Administrative/SRO visits to homes. He also commented that the Loss of Credit policy is being reviewed.

Mrs. Lok asked for information provided to the students on the graduation requirements included in the upcoming report. She feels the requirements were obtainable, and there were various means for the student to meet the requirement. She wondered if the students have this knowledge.

Mr. Sierakowski feels the freshmen year has been a great turning point.

4. Residency Investigation Presentation
Mr. Beitman stated the Board requested an update with regard to the residency investigation process. He commented that there are numerous pieces of the process that would not be shared with the Board in public due to privacy, but he would be happy to share them in another venue. He stated that a number of schools come to Manchester to learn from the district's procedures. This is an ever-growing problem with a time-consuming appeals process. This is the first year in the Board's history that residency hearings were held. This is due to using CT State laws to remove students that are attending illegally. The student stays in the district until the appeals process is complete.

Mrs. Tait distributed the forms and the policy that is used in the district. She stated that each year, there seems to be more of a reason to investigate where children live, due to the greater mobility of the state. As of the prior week, 370 investigations were completed in the current year. They denied approximately 15-20 percent of the students that were investigated. To date, they have had 18 homeless children. This is the first year formal residency hearings were held. The Board passed a school enrollment policy with revisions. Children who turn 5 during a school year through age 21 are entitled to public education, based on various assumptions. The burden of proof is on the student and the family who is claiming residency. Custody arrangements are also taken into consideration when deciding residency. Children residing with someone other than a parent/guardian within Manchester may attend school if the intent of the child's residency is intended to be permanent, is done without pay, and is done not for the sole purpose of attending school. Students residing in town, because they are placed by agencies, are also entitled to stay. Emancipated minors are allowed to attend if they have the proper legal documentation. Immigrants are allowed; however, they are warned that attending school violates the conditions of their visa. If they are caught, they are taking the risk of discovery and being deported. She reviewed the New Enrollee Verification of Residence Form, Certification of Residence, the Residency Affidavit, and the Request for Residency Confirmation, the Residency Report Form, and various cover letters to parents, and when the various forms are used. The residency investigator starts with home visits, knocking on doors, talking with landlords, and looking at town records. If this is completed and there still are questions, other methods are used to clarify the information. Eventually, the report goes to Mrs. Tait to determine next steps or to have a conversation with the parent. The responsibility of sending out disenrollment letters falls on various members of the staff. If students are denied based on residency, it starts a legal process, which is tied up in the parent's right to due process. Letters are sent through regular and certified mail. Families have ten days after they receive the letter to request a hearing. Most times, during the investigation process, people get nervous and disenroll or it leads them to provide better information. If they don't respond to the first letter, one other letter is sent. After that, they are disenrolled. Should the family request a hearing, the law states the student is allowed to remain. Very few people insist on a full hearing.

Justin Smith clarified that this is the first year for formal hearings. He asked if students are checked on more than once if suspected. He also questioned the techniques of interviewing owners of houses, etc., and if random checks are done.

Mrs. Tait stated that some are done on a multiple basis, and that landlords are usually very reliable when questioned about the residency of a student. She commented that no random checks are done, as they are time consuming, and that there have been instances where inaccurate addresses have been given and recognized as non-existent.

Mrs. Hackett thanked Mrs. Tait for her presentation. She believes people are very concerned about what are perceived to be situations of non-residency. She feels it is important that the community understands the situation and what is being done about it. She asked why the Residency Affidavit is presented later in the process.

Mrs. Tait stated they complete this in the residency process if they are a new enrollee. It is also given to people when it is discovered to be a residency violation.

Mrs. Hackett asked if there is more the Board could be doing as a deterrent to people who try to enroll, specifically because the enrollment process is decentralized.

Mrs. Tait stated that each location is using the same forms and the same list of requirements. She acknowledged that there is less consistency when it is decentralized; however, the bulk of the registrations occur in the summer. The middle and high school have students enrolling all year, and they are very diligent in getting information.

Mrs. Hackett asked if there was a problem in regard to people without adequate training in enrollment, and suggested that enrollment only be offered in some of the schools.

Mrs. Tait stated that decentralization occurred due to budget constraints, but feels everyone is doing a good job at various locations.

Mrs. Hackett stated the TIPS line is also available to report residency situations, and asked that this be explained to the community further.

Mr. Edwards asked if Manchester is aware when other towns disenroll their students and that the student is coming to Manchester.

Mrs. Tait stated the Superintendent or Principal is supposed to get a letter, as Manchester sends out when disenrolling a student, notifying that the student is coming.

Mr. Beitman stated that some school districts are particularly good at this, while others are not. They ask for assistance with this on a regular basis from the State Department of Education.

Mr. Edwards asked if Manchester is a district that parents try to sneak their children into. Mrs. Tait stated it is.

Mr. Beitman stated that disenrollments save the district and the taxpayer between $300,000 and $500,000 a year. The savings far outweigh the liability of students coming into Manchester from other districts.

Justin Smith asked if there are any other consequences imposed.

Mr. Beitman stated that it is theft of service; however, school districts and communities have been reluctant to impose these charges.

5. Board of Education Workshop Reminder
Mr. Beitman reminded the Board that the Board of Directors will appropriate a budget to the Board of Education on May 11 and the first budget workshop will be held on May 12 at Lincoln Center, 7-9 p.m. The second budget workshop is scheduled on May 19. They are working towards a June 7 adoption of the 2004-2005 budget.

H. OLD BUSINESS
1. Revision to Policy #1330 (Community Use of School Facilities)
Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on this item.

MOTION: Hackett/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education adopts the revision to Policy #1330 (Community Use of School Facilities). (9/0/0)

2. Board of Education Self Evaluation
Mr. Rizzo stated they worked on revising the Board's Self Evaluation last year. He would like to hand out the changes to the Board and get consensus that this is the document to be used.

Mr. Robinson asked that they be distributed and reviewed for the next meeting on May 24.

I. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Robinson stated that the agenda needed to be amended to include the appointment of an interim Superintendent, and for the process of selection of a permanent Superintendent. He asked for a motion.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education amends the agenda to include the agreement to hire the interim Superintendent. (9/0/0)

Mr. Robinson stated that there is a document to hire Dr. Anne Marie Mistretta as the interim Superintendent. He asked for a motion.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education execute the contract between the Board of Education and Anne Marie Mistretta as outlined. (9/0/0)

Mr. Edwards stated that he had a communication from a community member asking if travel to and from Montana was part of the contract. It was stated that it was not included.

1. Superintendent Search
Mr. Robinson explained the Board engaged NESDEC, a consultant firm, to conduct a search for the Superintendent candidates. The selection process for hiring a Superintendent is one of the few statutorily mandated jobs of the Board of Education. It is the Board that will oversee the selection process, the interviewing and reviewing of applicant materials. Through NESDEC, they plan a series of focus group meetings, where members of the community who are interested in articulating their views can participate. The Board expects that advertisement will be made toward the end of the month, developing a pool of candidates, and ultimately a new Superintendent will be in place by November 1.

J. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Curriculum Committee
Postponed.

K. COMMUNICATIONS
Mrs. Huyler asked the community to be aware of students and children on the roads during the spring and summer months walking and riding bikes, etc.

Mrs. Lok thanked Dr. Brett for providing Board members with the book "Eight Habits of the Heart". It is a book that was presented to the Board by a student being recognized from Verplanck School. She would like to see the town make use of the book through Study Circles and future discussions on race relations.

Mrs. Hackett commended two MHS juniors who were honored at Trinity College by the Hartford Chapter of the Society of Women Engineers for their outstanding excellence in math, science and community and civic engagement. The students were Devorah Donnell and Nicholas Olera.

L. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He thought is was interesting during the budget hearings that no one would move into Manchester because the budget was being cut; however, he stated reality notifications show many moving into Manchester. This is also shown that more parents try to sneak their children into Manchester schools. He feels that the best way to find out what students discuss is to go to the schools and speak directly with the students. He feels qualified teachers who are interested in their students are the single most important things necessary in education. He feels new buildings will not provide this.

2. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. As a parent of a high school student, classes for choice electives are few. Students are left to take electives that they have no interest in. She feels not enough electives are in the field of student interest. This may result in loss of credit and the risk of becoming an at risk student. She also feels better communication is necessary between parents and the guidance department. She feels the guidance department is overloaded and some of the at-risk students are lost. She likes the idea of absences listed on the report cards for parent information. Additionally, she stated there is a four-way no turn on red at Main Street near Bennet. She doesn't feel many people realize this, and asks that a parent announcement be given for the safety of Bennet students.

3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Regarding anti-violence, he recommended an article in the Christian Science Monitor regarding cyber-bullying. There is also a four-part series on Saturdays on ABC News regarding bullying, verbal harassment, bad rumors and insults. He mentioned a new movie, "Mean Girls" regarding this behavior. Regarding the dropout rate, he believes hearing, poor eyesight, increase of part-time work hours, sleep deprivation; home abuse can contribute to this. He showcased the parent pledge provided by MHS PTSA. He stated on May 20, the first graduation of Great Path Academy will be held at 5:30 p.m.

M. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Mrs. Hackett stated that she was very intrigued with the Freshmen Only orientation day. She feels this would help to ease the transition. She would like to have a report back to the Board on this and other ideas.

Mr. Edwards read in the newspaper about various modifications that are to be made in the quadrangle at MHS. He would like a report on this project. To his knowledge, the Board has not been informed of the project.

Mrs. Lok would like a report on the student dropout rate, including any new initiatives that Mr. Sierakowski is planning to bring forward.

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adjourned at 10:20 p.m.