A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Golas, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher

ABSENT: Huyler, Lok

ALSO
PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Interim Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Gejda, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Business Manager Brooks, Director of Human Resources Attorney Libby

ABSENT: None

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

Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of May 9, 2005

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of May 9, 2005.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the May 9, 2005 meeting. (7/0/0)

B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - PART 1
1. Student Writer's Recognition Awards/Student Poster Recognition Awards
Ms. Ouellette introduced students from Manchester High School and Bowers Elementary School: Alex Williams, Kera Cecchini, and Sarah Gardner. These students were chosen to have their writing pieces published in the Connecticut Student Writer. She also introduced Kelly Cecchini to give a brief overview of the Connecticut Student Writer's Magazine Award. Mrs. Hackett assisted in presenting the awards.

Ms. Cecchini, an English teacher at Manchester High School, was awarded the Aetna Fellowship to the Connecticut Writing Project Summer Institute at UCONN in 2002. This is where she learned about the Connecticut Student Writer magazine. She encourages her students to submit work. She commented that last year, two MHS sophomores were chosen for publication.
Ms. Ouellette also recognized students from Illing Middle School, Keeney, and Bowers Elementary School for their participation and selection in a Drug Awareness Poster Essay Contest sponsored by the Elks Club. She and Mrs. Hackett presented the awards to the students.

C. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Jean A. Labutis, 27A Esquire Drive. She stated that she is a retired lawyer and she has been volunteering at Washington School for nine years. She established a liaison between her church and Washington School. The church gives the school camperships, new winter jackets, Christmas gifts, contribute to their emergency fund, and now have six volunteers in the classrooms. They have also delivered furniture to families in need. She stated that she is very familiar with the school, the staff and the children. They were very heartened when the Cedar Street Station program began. Because of the lack of funding, many children have had to drop out of the program. She feels that this program has been very beneficial to the students, and she urged the Board to approve the item on the Consent Calendar for the submission of the Neighborhood Assistance Act Proposal.

2. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. Regarding the last speak; he had an idea for Washington School. He stated that Don Sierakowski had a good idea to have National Honor Society students helping the freshman students at the high school. He suggested that the NHS students go to Washington School to help the elementary students, as well as the other elementary schools in town. He stated that he is going to vote against the referendum for Bennet Middle School. He read about the debt that Manchester is incurring, and noted that the household income has dropped and the poverty level has increased. He also noted the job loss in the communities. He reminded the Board that enrollments are decreasing.

3. Doris Robotto, 19 Oakland Street. She is the representative for the Ladies Auxiliary and introduced Terry who is associated with the VFW. For the last two years, they have tried to seek participation from the junior high and high school students in programs that the VFW sponsors. The program asks that high school students do a three-minute audiotape submitting it to the Post. There is competition on the local, district, State and national levels, with a chance to go to Washington D.C., expense paid for competition for a $25,000 scholarship. The middle school competition involves a $10,000 Savings Bond. For the past two years, they have sent packets to the schools, and they have only gotten one response one year. She stated they have followed all of the guidelines necessary to send the packets to the schools. She asked the Board for guidance on what to do to get more participation in the program. She stated they can be reached at the VFW, and the program starts in the fall.

Ms. Ouellette thanked Mrs. Robotto for bringing it to her attention and stated it would receive top priority.

4. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He spoke about Memorial Day, and stated that it should be a day of remembrance for the men and women that sacrificed their lives for the country. He commented that the Journal Inquirer had something for children regarding the holiday and the importance of it. This is the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II. He also noted that it is Asian and Pacific Islander month. He recommended the book, The Korean War, by Donald Goldstein. Regarding the Leave No Child Behind Act, he stated there was a CNN documentary that aired dealing with the states of Florida, Virginia and Texas and how they are dealing with it. He stated that an article on smoking came out in the Journal Inquirer, Teen Files: How to Quit Smoking, by the National Cancer Institute. He congratulated Alex Williams on the award he received. He welcomed Mark Moeremans and congratulated Devorah Donnell on her graduation.

D. PTA COUNCIL REPORT
Merrill Kidd presented the PTA Council Report. She stated that May has been a very busy month for the PTA Council. They have been going to all of the individual PTAs to discuss and encourage community members to vote at the June 7 referendum. They are also encouraging the community to attend the May 25 PTA Town Council Meeting at Verplanck School at 7:00 p.m. This is where Ms. Ouellette will answer questions in more detail. They are working on their telephone chain to encourage people to vote on June 7 as well. In April, she sent an email to the Board of Directors telling them that the PTA supported the recommended Board of Education budget. They were very disappointed that the 7.03% was not given to the Board to move forward with the educational needs. She thanked Ms. Ouellette and the central office staff for all their hard work. The Town Council recently joined the Manchester Chamber of Commerce. They feel that the PTA is a significant part of the community and this will allow them to have more opportunities to collaborate with the community. They also attended the Connecticut PTA Convention in Waterbury. This was a very important training and recognition event. Manchester had two PTAs recognized for their efforts this year, Verplanck for 100% teacher participation and Bowers for over 10% increase in membership. They encourage the participation in this event to understand PTA goals and how to work together as child advocates. She will also be attending the National Convention in Columbus, OH this June. The April PTA Council meeting was informative and she received a lot of positive feedback. There were presentations by the National PTA President, Linda Hodge, regarding No Child Left Behind; and the Connecticut PTA President, Kevin Daly, on IDEA. Both discussed the laws and what can be done at the local levels. The PTAs had a great year supporting their respective schools. Each PTA raised between $900 - $26,000. These funds were aimed at enriching the student's educational experience. She thanked all of the volunteers for their hard work this past year. The PTAs are now getting ready for the 2005-2006 school year, nominating and electing new officers, finalizing budgets, modifying goals and objectives, and updating bylaws. She provided a school report from Verplanck and shared their accomplishments: V is Verplanck book; a preschool story hour; homework club; PTA initiatives (annual fall barbeque, spaghetti dinner and ice cream social); Moms and Muffins and Dads and Doughnuts; Tuesday Tea; Dance the Night Away; Verplanck Views; Lunch Brunch: Raising Leaders; Theatres of the Mind; Senior Center Collaboration; and, My Journey to College. They also did a fundraiser, which was very successful and allowed them to send every child to the Barnum and Bailey circus.

Mrs. Hackett questioned the phone tree for the referendum, and asked what it involved.

Mrs. Kidd stated the PTA has a script, which they provide to the PTA Presidents. They call their members who in turn call family and friends.

Mrs. Hackett commented that this is a good idea and it is a good reminder to get out and vote. She stated she would help in the effort to remind people to vote.

E. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT
Devorah Donnell stated that this has been a year of many opportunities, much change and many student accomplishments. With less than one month left of school, the Class of 2005 is looking forward to graduation on June 16. The senior picnic will be held on May 25 in Cheshire, CT. There will be many awards ceremonies at the high school, as well as the scholar's luncheon and senior athletic awards dinner. The senior prom will be held on June 11 at the Radisson in Cromwell. Graduation will be held at the Bushnell in Hartford on June 16. She stated that she would attend UCONN next year in their 8-year medical program. She thanked the Board for all they have done for the past years, and she wished her classmates the best in their future endeavors.

Mark Moeremans stated that it is a very busy time of the year. Junior prom was held a few weekends ago, and was a tremendous success. It was the first time it was ever held at The Colony. They received great feedback from several outside sources, including Vernon Police. Last week, the Gay Straight Alliance held their equality week, and there was great participation. The music department has been very busy with performances, and he encouraged Board members to attend. He commented that on the previous week, the school experienced an abduction scare. He noted the increased communication between staff and students during this situation. The athletics department has had a lot of success, including the Journal Inquirer Track Meet where they came in first in many events. On the Boys Track Team, several members qualified for the national conference to be held in North Carolina. Additionally, some students have been contacted by the TV show TRL after attending a show taping their with Manchester High School. The Shattered Dreams program occurred a few weeks ago, and was successful in showing the effect of drunk driving especially during prom season. An upcoming event is the One Acts being held by the Performing Arts Department.

F. CONSENT CALENDAR
Ms. Ouellette recommended approval on the following consent calendar items (all details are included in the packet):

1) Personnel Action

Resignations
Kathleen O'Neill Reilly, mathematics teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective the end of business on June 30, 2005. Ms. O'Neill Reilly has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 21, 2002.

Karen Horowitz, speech language pathologist for Manchester Public Schools, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective the end of business on June 30, 2005. Ms. Horowitz has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 18, 1972.

Mary Allabaugh, elementary teacher at Washington School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective the end of business on June 30, 2005. Ms. Allabaugh has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 12, 2000.

Ann Marie Russell, curriculum specialist at Washington School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective the end of business on June 30, 2005. Ms. Russell has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 8, 1971.

Leave of Absence
Cristina Rodrigues approved for a childrearing leave of absence effective June 6, 2005 through the end of the school year. Ms. Rodriques has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001.

2) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects - $111,001
Carl D. Perkins Secondary Basic Grant, funded by the Federal Government

3) Approval on the Application Submission for the 2005 Connecticut
Neighborhood Assistance Act Proposal - $150,000

4) Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $70,000
Manchester Summer School Program, funded by Tuition Fees

5) Increase in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $13,824
for a total of $204,464 - Adult Education Grant

6) Approval of Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2005-2006

7) Extended Field Trip Request - Boys & Girls Cross Country
MHS to compete in the Thetford Invitational, 9/30/05 - 10/1/05

8) Permission to Apply for the Connecticut Association for the Gifted Grant - $2,500

9) Increase in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $47,360
For out-of-district tuition

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

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (7/0/0)

Mrs. Hackett clarified that the first seven items on the Consent Calendar are items F1-7 as opposed to items E1-7, which might have been alluded to by the Superintendent.

Mr. Edwards asked, with the regard to the request for the additional appropriation, if the money will be needed to stay in the black this budget year.

Mrs. Brooks stated that the increase in appropriation is needed to help stay in the black this budget year.

Mr. Edwards asked if there was a plan if the Board of Directors chooses not to appropriate that money.

Mrs. Brooks stated that she is hoping the Board of Directors does approve the revenue that was collected by the schools towards this line item. If they do not approve it, the Board of Education will continue to make do with what it has until the end of the year and hope it continues to stay in the black; there is no back up plan.

Ms. Ouellette added that she has not received any indication from the General Manager that it is not a possibility.

G. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part II
1. Point of Clarification for MHS Reduction in Square Footage - Keith Epstein
Ms. Ouellette stated that she wanted to bring a point of clarification to the Board and public's attention for the Manchester High School reduction in square footage. She stated that the building committee met with Design Partnership and Turner Construction on May 16, 2005 to review the schematic drawing and early construction estimates for the Manchester High School building. The plans were reviewed by the Board of Education and administrative staff on May 9 at the Board of Education meeting. Mr. Bell, the architect from Design Partnership, described the schematic design and explained the plan on how to save space without cutting programs. The plan is about 11,000 square feet smaller than the referendum plan. A big part of this was that the circulation design has more efficient use throughout the building. The savings in square footage can translate directly into renovating other parts of the existing building. She provided a memo to the Board members from the Town Building Committee Chair, Mr. Maffe, who also approved the schematics. She invited Mr. Epstein, Facilities Maintenance Town Manager to address the Board regarding any concerns.

Mr. Epstein stated that the recommended square footage reductions are based off of a pre-referendum conceptual plan. Design Partnership is looking more at designs and programs, and will do better than the previous plan. He noted that on a project like this, you could also end up adding square footage as well. Some of the square foot reductions include 6,000 square feet of circulation area, including reducing the amount of stairs anticipated. Everything stays within compliance. Some of the other areas of savings include the cafeteria with 1,400 square feet; reducing square footage of classrooms from 800 square feet to 750 square feet; looking at existing classrooms; and the sharing of space by programs.

Mr. Rizzo asked if the change in square footage is an unusual occurrence. He noted that the detailed work is only done after the money is appropriated for the project to happen. He feels that this process makes sense, and it has worked in the Board's favor to use less space than anticipated.

Mr. Epstein stated that was a fair assessment, as well as the school and staff has had more time to think about the needs.

Mr. Rizzo stated the new classroom size would be 750 square feet. He asked what the current average size of the classroom is.

Mr. Epstein stated the average current size is 680 square feet.

Mr. Rizzo asked about the Special Education tutorial space, which is fitted within the existing school space. Presently, closets and other non-typical spaces are used for this purpose.

Mr. Epstein noted that a series of spaces would be reconfigured. Spaces that are too small but adjacent to each other will be combined. Design Partnership analyzed what fits best at each site.

Mr. Rizzo stated that he was satisfied with this information. He believes this reduction is a good thing, and it shouldn't be something that the community gets upset about.

Mrs. Hackett asked how the analysis that was done determined the reduction of corridors and stairwells by 6000 square feet. She asked about the rationale and the data compiled.

Mr. Epstein stated it is derived from many things, including how the adjacencies work, how to reconfigure the existing school, and what is actually needed for the addition. Other items to provide efficiency include how to link corridors, how to link the classrooms, and how to stack them.

Mrs. Hackett stated that she is confident about the process used; however, two concerns she would have is student comfort and safety.

Mr. Epstein pointed out several efficiencies that have been developed since the conceptual plan.

Mrs. Hackett understood that this reduction was not a goal in and of itself. When it was put out to referendum, it was the "best guess", which is now being fine-tuned. She noted that student safety is put first and reviewed by the proper authorities.

Mr. Epstein stated that now the town has agreed to the plan, they would contact town officials and agencies and work with them.

Mrs. O'Neill stated that she attended the Building Committee meeting and they had addressed some of the questions in previous meetings. Regarding the number of classrooms, there are actually more than previously anticipated. The size of the classrooms is based upon newly designed classroom furniture requirements. She stated that it was a very positive meeting with the Building Committee. The whole project goes out to bid the beginning of next year, which will be when the project will start to materialize. She thanked everyone for their work and thanked the public for their inquiries.

H. OLD BUSINESS
1. Board of Education Self Evaluation
Postponed until June 15, 2005 meeting.

2. I.P. Telephony - Jack McCoy
Ms. Ouellette introduced Mr. McCoy. At the last Board of Education meeting, after discussing this topic, Board members made the motion to have the Personnel and Finance Committee study this item further and make a recommendation to the Board as to how to proceed. The Personnel and Finance Committee met on May 16, and held a lengthy meeting regarding this topic. She noted that Mr. McCoy was present to answer any further questions associated with the project. Additionally, Mr. Golas of the Personnel and Finance Committee would be making a recommendation.

Mr. McCoy distributed some information about the financial aspect and the network and functions.

Mrs. Brooks stated that at the Personnel and Finance Committee Meeting, they reviewed the cost the Board would have under the IP Telephony Project, and it was agreed that the cost to date for the telephone service is approximately $83,000 a year for the district. In the past couple of years, they have not been receiving a large E-rate credit. By participating in the IP Telephony Project, the district would avoid most of the $83,000 that is currently paid to the telephone company, SBC. The cost would approximately be $65,000 towards the project, realizing an approximate savings of $15,000-$18,000 a year. The Board of Education would increase the telephone service and the functionality that there is currently if they participate in this project.

Mr. McCoy stated that the material was reviewed with the financial subcommittee. He gave a short presentation on the functionality of the system and the network involved. He noted that they are moving the number of concurrent phone calls from 30 up to 96. There are also new items being added, including adding more information to a 911 call. Additionally, there are auto dial features to contact large numbers of people. There are also some free features including conferencing and conferencing bridges. He demonstrated two types of calls that are used within the district to show the difference between the current system and the proposed system. He noted that fax and email service can be included in the new system, as well as an unlimited number of voicemails available. He explained that it is a complex project and that it will all be tested out in the pilot over the next few months.

Mr. Edwards asked how much the phones would cost assuming this is a successful pilot.

Mr. McCoy stated they had bids that range from $190 to $50 to $80. The phones are a national standard. Additionally, computers may be able to be used as phones.

Mr. Edwards noted that classrooms would have the ability to call in emergency situations themselves. Additionally, exact information could be provided to the agency called noting the classroom number, location, etc. He likes the idea of using current computers for this project. He confirmed there is nothing in the pilot that shuts off anything currently in production, and that the pilot was an add-on program. He confirmed that if the pilot were successful, the Board would be informed of the next steps and the cost involved. He feels that this is a great plan and a great use of the fiber optic network that the Board has bought and is in the process of paying for. He believes it may not save a lot of money, but will increase functionality dramatically. As long as the pilot is being paid for out of the extra funds related to the fiber optic network, he does not have a problem moving forward.

Mrs. Hackett commented that at the Finance and Personnel Committee, they discussed the fact that this is a pilot and will not go into full implementation on its own. It will have to come back to the Board for a motion and some evaluation data to make a determination to move forward.

Mrs. O'Neill clarified that the money is coming from a grant that was left over from the implementation of the fiber project. She asked if there was a downside to doing the pilot. She asked if the grant money would be lost if it was not used.

Mr. McCoy stated that he could not see a downside to this project. He feels it is cost effective.

Mrs. Brooks commented that the grant money would not be lost, but it can only be used for something that would continue with the fiber optic project.

Mrs. O'Neill asked if there was anything else the Board could use this money for other than the pilot.

Mr. McCoy stated it could be used for additional phones, conference phones and software.

Mr. Rizzo believes the project would be good for the district as it enhances the functionality. He mentioned that the Personnel and Finance Committee indicated that a written agreement would be in order with the Town to proceed forward. He feels that this is a good idea.

Mr. Golas stated the Personnel and Finance Committee met regarding this issue. While there is a financial savings, it is minimal; however, it provides advanced technology to the district and the Town. If the pilot is successful, the technology will allow the district to do many things. The Committee is authorizing the Board to go forward with the pilot program. If the pilot program is successful, they will move onto written agreements with the Town, which will be reviewed regularly. He gave the following recommendation as the motion:

MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education recommends that the Board proceed with the pilot, and that there be a written agreement between the Town and Board of Education describing the services that will be provided, and the cost to the Board. In addition, Mr. McCoy should provide the Board with an update after the pilot, and the Board should evaluate the service annually and reauthorize continuation with the project. (7/0/0)

I. NEW BUSINESS
1. Revision to Policy 5127.1 (Graduation Requirements from MHS)
Mrs. Ouellette stated that Mrs. Gejda would brief the Board on revisions to the graduation requirements for Manchester High School, policy 5127.1.

Mrs. Gejda reviewed the requirements for graduation from Manchester High School and suggested several revisions. The changes pertain to English, math and social studies. They are putting forth a new graduation requirement in service learning. The revisions have been presented to the district-wide graduation requirement committee, composed of staff and parents. The revisions have also been brought to the Board's Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee. The recommended revisions are noted in bold in the copy distributed to Board members. The performance standards were increased to include Service Learning beginning with the Class of 2008; the Class of 2009 must meet six performance standards, which includes science. In the English graduation requirement, the Class of 2006 must meet graduation requirements in math, English and technology. One option that students have, if they do not demonstrate proficiency in CAPT in grade10, is to take a summer school course. In addition, Manchester High School also administers a CAPT-like assessment during the junior year. The Board of Education subcommittee for Curriculum and Instruction discussed this item, and wanted students to take advantage of every opportunity before taking a summer course. The new language states that the summer school course will be available only to MHS students who have previously taken CAPT and the district-administered assessment. This statement is also an addition to the mathematics section of the graduation requirements.

Mr. Steve Armstrong, social studies department chair at MHS, discussed the social studies graduation requirement change. He stated the proposal includes that every student would successfully complete a History Day project. History Day is a statewide and nationwide program that asks students to investigate a topic in history. This can be met in a number of ways: writing a traditional essay; creating a video; performance; and a poster. This can be done in groups or individually. Every year, History Day creates a theme for the projects. They feel that if the student is successful, that student is demonstrating proficiencies in the appropriate skills in social studies. They will be specifically working with students during this junior year to complete this when they are taking U.S. History. Students will be given several opportunities to complete this.

Mrs. Gejda added that there is a social studies graduation requirement, which is part of the policy. The major difference between the new version and the old version is that the older version had another option, which was a service learning or citizen action project. The graduation requirements committee felt there was some overlap between the old graduation requirement and the proposed service-learning project.

Mr. Robinson noted that the bold and italicized sections of the policy are new. The bold only was part of the formatting of the document.

Mr. Rizzo commented on the History Day project and stated they had discussed how it might interfere with the junior thesis that many honor students are taking. He asked Mr. Armstrong to comment on this.

Mr. Armstrong stated that it was an issue with some students this year. They have no problem with having the same topic for both the thesis and History Day project, noting that they may augment each other. He stated that the English department feels the same.

Mr. Armstrong explained the Service Learning graduation requirement. He stated that Service Learning is more than just asking students to volunteer to do things. It actually asks student either individually or in group to take a role in actually planning and implementing a project. An example of a project done includes organizing honor roll students to tutor elementary students. He noted that the skateboard park in town came from a service-learning project. This will have to be encouraged and mentored by teachers. They believe students should be more than in the classroom, and should be physically helping in the community. He stated that many students are already doing these projects in relation to courses such as Participation in American Society. This requirement will expand it to the entire senior class.

2. Textbook Adoption (Geometry and Science)
Ms. Ouellette noted the Board had information regarding the textbook adoption for Manchester High School geometry and science program.

Mrs. Gejda reviewed the information regarding the geometry textbook pilot. She stated the geometry curriculum was revised in 2002 and brought to the Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee for approval. Resources for the honors and CP level were adopted at that time. This recommendation is for the PSP level.

Mrs. Kathy Watson, math chair at Manchester High School, reviewed the proposed text with the Board. She selected items within the book to demonstrate what it is like, which included student self-assessment, setting up a portfolio, selecting homework assignments to demonstrate learning. The information included a model to use as a proficiency target. Additionally, there is a performance task benchmark activity that a student might use. She also reviewed more typical information that is usually seen. She stated that one teacher has used this with all of her PSP classes, and she suggests that the textbook is adopted based on her success.

Mrs. Gejda noted that the total cost of the textbook has been budgeted within next year's budget if approved.

Mrs. Gejda reviewed the textbook for the science program, grades 9 and 10. She introduced Roni Skerker, the MHS science chair. She has worked with science teachers to revise the grade 9 and 10 curriculum in a proficiency format. She stated that this work has been brought to the Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee.

Mrs. Skerker reviewed the new curriculum for grades 9 and 10. The new curriculum model they are suggesting is a core ninth and tenth grade science program. This is derived from the generation three CAPT size, which is integrated science in these grades. She noted the entire science department has worked very hard at developing the proficiency model curriculum. It focuses on students demonstrating skills and knowledge as a graduation requirement. For each activity, there is a performance assessment. They have reviewed numerous books to fit their curriculum. They also looked at the reading levels of each textbook. They are asking the Board to adopt multiple books for both the ninth and tenth grade classes. They feel that this will be a great advantage to the students because they will have a variety of textbooks to use. The textbooks are all online, so that students may not have to take the textbook home. Every student will also have their own CD to take home. The books will also be online in the library for student access.

Mr. Edwards commented that this was excellent work, which develops critical thinking skills in students.

Mrs. O'Neill asked if the materials were gender friendly.

Mrs. Skerker noted that most books available are gender and diversity aware. They did review materials with this in mind.

Mr. Robinson noted that both items would be considered under Old Business at the June 15 meeting.

J. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1, Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Mrs. Hackett stated the committee met on May 10 and discussed the new graduation requirements and policy revisions related to math, English, social studies and service learning. They reviewed a presentation made by Kathy Watson for the geometry textbook pilot. They received a report from Roni Skerker presenting the rationale and draft of revised science curriculum for grades 9 and 10. Lastly, they reviewed the Board of Education resolution on World Language at the middle school level, which was adopted May 30, 2002. Currently, level one of World Language is covered at the middle level. If students meet district standards, they receive curricular credit that allows them to be placed in level two at the high school. Pending the outcome of the June 7 referendum, the Committee recommended not making changes now in expanding the World Language program at the middle level. They will revisit this issue for the 05-06 school year.

2. Community Relations Committee
Mrs. Hackett stated the committee met on May 18 and discussed the progress on the Board of Education website. A demonstration was delivered by the Superintendent and more suggestions were provided. The Board of Education and community members were fairly pleased with the progress. The School Bell was discussed and recommendations were made to add bullets and highlight the Board of Education's initiatives on a quarterly basis, specifically in the area of student achievement. To clarify a previous discussion regarding Board members authoring content or submitting articles, the committee thought a compromise would be to ensure that every edition would include an article that describes what the Board is working on. This would be written by the person who develops and edits the content of the entire newsletter.

3. Buildings and Sites Committee
Mr. Edwards stated the committee met on May 11 and discussed the use of the pools by the Manchester Swim Club. They are gathering more information on this subject. They discussed the Bennet and Nathan Hale roofs. The drawing are complete and they will be asking the State for a waiver on the requirement of a one-half inch pitch instead of a one-quarter inch pitch due to expense. Improvements to the Bennet masonry on the Barnard, Franklin and Rec buildings has been approved by the Town. The project is about $200,000, which consists of replacing the masonry. It will be done in the evenings so that school classes are not impacted. Documents will be finished next week and bids will take place after that. There was also a brief discussion of the MHS addition.

Mrs. O'Neill clarified that the discussion regarding the roof pitch involved the Cone building at Bennet and the Nathan Hale gym. There is compliance on all other roofs.

K. COMMUNICATIONS
None.

L. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Ben Pilgrim - Senior at Manchester High School.
He thanked the Board for approving the Cross Country trip. He commented that it is one of the best experiences of Cross Country. Regarding the new school addition for MHS, he commented on the reduction of the size of the cafeteria. As a senior, he does not use the cafeteria but noted how crowded it is. He feels any increase in the size of the café is a good thing. He agreed that there is a lot of hallway overcrowding. Regarding the Service Learning project for graduation requirements and the effect of the junior thesis, he stated there is a lot of work in the junior year currently. He feels another project at this time would be too much for most students, especially those in higher levels.

2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road.
He supports the increase to the Adult Education Grant. He feels this will help in the dropout rate. He was impressed with Mr. McCoy's presentation, and asked about the increase in security with this new project. He stated that he is on the Community Relations subcommittee, and he was impressed with the spring edition of the School Bell. He feels the district website will continually improve. He supports the Day of Silence and Equality Day at the high school. He recommended two books: Learning to Sing Hearing the Music in Your Life, by Clay Aiken; and People Express Racism, by Dr. Donald Saucier.

M. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
None.

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adjourned 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Hackett, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education