MANCHESTER BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
MONDAY, JUNE 12, 2006
M I N U T E S
7:30 p.m.
Lincoln Center

A. OPENING

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

ABSENT: Rowe

ALSO
PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Director of Business and Operations Brooks, Student Support Center Director Tait, Human Resources Director Libby

A1. Call to Order
Ms. Hackett called the meeting to order at 7:34 p.m.

A2. Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Hackett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to amend the agenda with two minor revisions.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education moved to amend the agenda by adding Item E5 Calendar Revision for the 2006-07 School Year to the Consent Calendar, and to move Item F3 Ed Tech Template under Superintendent's Report - Part II to Item H1 under New Business.

A3. Minutes of May 22, 2006 Board Meeting, May 24, 2006 Budget Workshop,
and May 24, 2006 Special Board Meeting

Ms. Hackett asked for separate motions to accept the above minutes.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Board meeting minutes of May 22, 2006. 8/0/0

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Budget Workshop meeting minutes of May 24, 2006. 8/0/0

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Special Board meeting minutes of May 24, 2006. 8/0/0

B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - PART I

B1. Tolland Vocational/Agricultural Awards - Kip Kolesinskas
The Superintendent told the Board that Mr. Kip Kolesinskas, from the Rockville Vocational/Agricultural School, was here tonight, along with three seniors in the program: Amanda Duvol, Crystal Diaz, and Samantha Essery to present them with awards and to speak on the program.

Mr. Kolesinskas thanked the Board for the opportunity to come and speak. He mentioned that he is recently appointed to the Consulting Committee to the Rockville Agricultural School, and that he is a resident of Manchester. He also mentioned that he is impressed with the quality of education that students receive at the school, and is very pleased and grateful to the Manchester Board of Education for their support of Manchester students and the opportunity for students to attend the school.

Mr. Pohl presented the certificates of recognition to the three senior students who will graduate from the Rockville Agricultural School this year.

The students commented on their experiences at the school and how much they enjoyed the program, and what a difference it has made in their lives.


C. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1) Mary Angeli, 65 White Street. Ms. Angeli thanked and commended the Board for providing the wonderful Summer Reading Program. She stated that she was pleased that it was in place, and that she was becoming certified as a Remedial Reading/Language Arts Teacher, and at the end of December, a Reading Consultant. She will be in contact with students, this summer, to conduct a study to improve written language, oral speaking, and reading.

2) Anne Kristine Blake, 29 Oakwood Road. Ms. Blake mentioned that her son, who is age 11, attends Buckley Elementary School, and has received straight A's this year and in the past and has scored "advanced" in all areas of the CMT testing. He also attends, since the age of 6, the Manchester Community College Summer Program Excursions for Gifted and Talented Children. Ms. Blake acknowledged certain teachers at Bowers who have gone out of their way, because of his high ability: Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Campbell, Mr. Brown, and Dr. Peck. One problem that she mentioned is that the Choice book is not getting home to parents, as it sits in a box in the office. She also mentioned that her son won the lottery, and will be at the Hartford Middle Magnet School for grades 6 - 12.

3) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned, as a follow up to Memorial Day, that last weekend NBC had a program about the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and that it is the 61st anniversary of the death of Franklin D. Roosevelt, who died in office. He congratulated the Rockville Agricultural students who are graduating this year, and stated that Ms. Linda Brown was mentioned in the Reminder Newspaper for "Family Day" at Nathan Hale School. He also mentioned an article in Education Digest, called Cost Free Financial Aide for students going to college. He mentioned that he is a member on the Board's Community Relations Committee, and would like to have his comments, as a member of the public, in the minutes that are shared at Board meetings.


D. MANCHESTER PTA COUNCIL REPORT AND RECOGNITION - Merrill Kidd and Cheryl Scribner

The Superintendent told the Board and the public that she would like to recognize both Merrill Kidd, PTA Council President, and Cheryl Scribner, PTA Council Vice President, for their tireless efforts and many hours of dedicated service to the staff, students, and parents of the Manchester Public Schools. She stated that they have worked closely and diligently with her and school PTA Presidents to help keep parents apprised of important issues and initiatives in the district, and she wanted to recognize, commend, and thank them for their work this past year.

Dr. Ouellette and Mr. Stafford presented flowers and certificates of recognition to Ms. Kidd and
Ms. Scribner.

Ms. Kidd gave her report and told the Board that at the last Town wide PTA meeting, Mr. Carl Stafford attended, and she extended her thanks to him for being there. She stated that she would like to have one Board member attend each PTA Council meeting next year and extended the invitation to them. She reported that PTA Council elections took place and that she would again be the PTA Council President and Ms. Scribner would be the PTA Council Vice President for the 2006-2008 school years. Ms. Kidd thanked the outgoing PTA officers and welcomed the new, incoming members.

Ms. Kidd informed the Board that October 26, 2006 is the date for the Community Conversation and that all is on track for that meeting. She is looking to recruit mediators, and is looking for a cross section of the community to participate.

Ms. Kidd thanked the Illing and Bennet Middle School PTA for hosting the Illing/Bennet picnic at Illing.

E. CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Superintendent mentioned that there were 5 items on the Consent Calendar that she would like to bring to the Board's attention tonight, and she recommended that the following items be approved by the Manchester Board of Education:

The Superintendent asked to present Items E2 through E5 first, with Item E1 last.

E2) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects- $250,000
E3) Budget Transfers
E4) Educational Specifications - Buckley Elementary School
E5) Calendar Revision for 2006-07 School Year

E1. PERSONNEL ACTION

RESIGNATION

Susan Gessay, grade 2 teacher, at Bowers School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on June 16, 2006. Ms. Gessay has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 8, 1971.

Richard Torsiello, guidance counselor, at Illing Middle School, has submitted his letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on June 16, 2006. Mr. Torsiello has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 8, 1971.

Dr. Ouellette wished them both the very best in their retirement.

Kathleen Rosewall, administrator, at Central Office, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of business on June 30, 2006. Ms. Rosewall has been with Manchester Public Schools since December 6, 2004.

Jennifer Pilkington, speech language pathologist, at Highland Park School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of business on June 16, 2006. Ms. Pilkington has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 23, 2005.

TENURE

The following certified staff member has successfully completed the required length of service to receive tenure as indicated in CT General Statute Sec. 151:

Kathleen Quarella-Ferreira, Nathan Hale School.

APPOINTMENT

Dr. Ouellette stated that after lengthy searches, they now have two new principal appointments to share with the public this evening:

Troy Monroe has been selected as the new Principal at Illing Middle School. Mr. Monroe has been the principal of Keigwin Annex, a middle school in Middletown, for the past four years, and was an Assistant Principal at the middle school level for the prior five years. He has a Master's degree in Urban Education/Personnel Administration from Norfolk State University and a Bachelor's degree in Middle School Science/Elementary Education from Hampton University. Mr. Monroe is currently enrolled in a doctoral program at Central Connecticut State University.

Kathleen E. England to be Elementary Principal at Nathan Hale Elementary School.
Ms. England has been an employee of Manchester Public Schools since January 2005, serving in the capacity of K-12 Supervisor of Language Arts and Title I. Ms. England will make the transition during the summer of 2006.

Ms. Hackett commended the staff for obtaining the $250,000 grant from Northeast utilities Foundation, and asked if this was a new grant or one that had been renewed. Dr. Gejda advised her that this was just a permission to apply for this grant and it was a new grant that they were applying for.

There was a brief discussion regarding the Budget Transfers and the Calendar Revision.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Consent Calendar as outlined by the Superintendent of Schools. 8/0/0

The Superintendent invited both newly appointed principals to address the Board and the public.

Mr. Monroe thanked the Town of Manchester, the Manchester Public Schools, Board members, and district leaders for the opportunity to become the next principal of Illing Middle School. He stated that he was very excited, and looked forward to working collaboratively with the district, community, and parents, with hopes of seeing the students continue to be successful. He assured them that they would not be disappointed, and that he comes to the town with a high degree of professionalism and commitment.

Ms. England expressed her gratitude to Dr. Ouellette and Board members for appointing her as principal of Nathan Hale Elementary School. She stated that she was thrilled to have this privilege and opportunity to work with the staff, students, parents, and community of Nathan Hale, and to be able to work with everyone very closely.


F. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part II

F1. Proficiency Project Update- Don Sierakowski
Dr. Ouellette stated that Mr. Don Sierakowski would update the Board and public on the Proficiency Pilot Project that was approved by the Board on December 12, 2005, and that he would also report on item F2:

F2) New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC)

Mr. Sierakowski reported on the NEASC Letter first, as the letter gives a little context to the Proficiency Project. He stated that the Commission, which is responsible for the accreditation of all secondary schools in New England, was very pleased with the high school's last report and have reported back commending them for the following:
" The renewed efforts to provide professional development for faculty, including the Capturing Kids' Hearts program for a number of teachers
" The development of a site-based construction monitoring team to anticipate areas of concern and to ensure health and safety of staff and students
" The school's continued efforts to reduce class size, despite current space concerns, including the addition of an English, Mathematics, Social Studies teacher, and an administrator, as well as two special education teachers
" The addition of two secretaries and a part-time nurse to reduce current staffing levels and provide more service to students and parents
" The provision of four delayed openings during which teachers focused on curriculum development in support of proficiency initiatives
" The provision of $150,000 to increase the size of the library collection

Mr. Sierakowski mentioned that the Commission requests that school officials submit another Special Progress Report by February 1, 2007 providing detailed information on action taken to complete the following:
" Provide an update, including a timeline for completion, on the construction of the ninth-grade wing
" Describe the process that has been used to review, and, if appropriate, revise the school's mission and expectations for student learning to ensure that they meet the Standard on Mission and Expectations for Student Learning and submit the updated document
" Report any areas of need that the school plans to address between now and the self-study so the school can demonstrate adherence to the Standards at the time of the 2009 decennial

Mr. Sierakowski reviewed the summary of the Proficiency Project, which he stated he reviewed with the Curriculum and Instruction Committee last week. He reviewed the four areas that provided the rationale for their movement towards this part of the curriculum revision process:

o NEASC: Our plan to complete proficiency standards in alignment with state and national standards was commended by NEASC in their February, 2005 letter. The Manchester plan insures that higher expectations for student performance will be consistent across subject areas and classrooms. NEASC will expect that our implementation will be complete, or nearly complete, for their visiting committee in 2008-09. .
o Comprehensive School Reform: National research on effective schools supports that student achievement and staff effectiveness are highest when all teachers are involved in important change. Emphasis here is on revision of student work to raise expectations and achievement. The plan enables Manchester to remain at the leading edge of school reform in Connecticut.
o The Achievement Gap: Holding consistently high standards for all
students, while providing individualized support is the best way to address the achievement gap. Clear, consistent definitions of expectations for all students in all courses will assist parents and students to meet those expectations.
o Digital Tracking of Student Progress: Implementing consistent
proficiencies for all students will enable a more complete monitoring of student achievement. We are committed to a new grading software package, which will enable teachers and administrators to collect data and make real-time changes to improve student achievement. Concise, detailed information will also be more easily accessible to parents.

Section II: Status Summary
Template design work and exemplars are complete
Pilot use of the proficiency model scheduled for 06-07, one course per area
Late arrival time would be at 11 AM, once per month
Schedule will minimally impact any given block
A digital monitoring plan is in place, with samples presented today
Grading will remain traditional during the pilot, at 30% of course grades

Mr. Sierakowski briefly went over the NEASC timeline and thanked the Curriculum and Instruction Committee for their support.

Ms. Hackett congratulated him for his NEASC report and said that she is pleased to see the positive gains that were made since the interim reports. She asked about electives and where they intend to go, once the freshman wing is complete in two years. Mr. Sierakowski said that it is a combination of things, of space and staffing. He stated that they have benefited in their elective programs this year, because of the Bennet changes, and a number of staff are being transferred to the high school, which is giving them the opportunity to open many more spaces in the elective program.

Ms. Hackett asked about the parental response to the change in the schedule. Mr. Sierakowski said that he has not heard about any issues, except that the people that he has spoken with said they would rather have their children home in the morning and go in late, rather than dismiss early. They are in the process of that proposal, and ironing out the wrinkles.

Mr. Edwards said that he understood from the NEASC letter that we have to provide another progress report by Feb. 1st, and assuming that we provide them a report, and by February we have gone quite far in the construction process and have informed them of that, do we have any expectation that we might come off special warning before that wing gets done, or do we just have to mark time until it is finished. Mr. Sierakowski stated that by the time the freshman wing opens, we will be at the point of having a self-study, and they have already put two teams of people down at the Connecticut Association of Schools (CAS) working on these accreditation standards, as well as a team of department heads and administrators at a NEASC workshop last month, to deal with what needs to be done.

Mr. Edwards stated that there seems to be nowhere off the list until all requirements are met, and Mr. Sierakowski said he was correct. Once you have made their list, it takes a good bit to get off the list, that they have to have solid evidence that everything is done.

Mr. Edwards told Mr. Sierakowski that he would appreciate it if he would share his opinion with NEASC, saying that he does not feel it's fair to leave us hanging like this, since we are taking care of the issues that we are physically able to take care of at this time. He would like some kind of acknowledgement from them that they will continue to look at our progress, but that we don't need to be on this "special progress report list", and that our accreditation is not hanging in the balance.

Mr. Sierakowski assured him that we are not the only high school on that list. We are on the list for some physical and financial constraints, which tend to be more difficult to resolve. The previous accreditation was under the old standards, and we made very little progress over a 5-year period toward resolving some


of the issues. He feels we will be on the list until all items of concern are done and finished. The good news is that we have not moved to probationary status, which is a very bad thing. Mr. Sierakowski said he would communicate Mr. Edwards' concerns to them.

F3) Accelerated Middle School Schedule Update - Joan Libby
The Superintendent stated that Attorney Joan Libby would update the Board on the co-curricular and extra-curricular stipended positions.

Attorney Libby stated that we have over 60 co-curricular and extra-curricular activities. She said that these positions were posted internally in the beginning of April, and had many applicants for 75-80% of the positions. With regard to those, they had between 46-48 positions that people applied for, and to date they have placed people in about 30-32 of them. Right now, there are 14-16 positions that have not yet been filled, and the two middle school vice principals, who will be at Illing Middle School next year: Mr. Barry Bernstein, and Mr. Matt Daly, will set up interviews to meet with the people who have applied for the various positions, and hopefully in the next two weeks will have a decision on who is the best choice. There are approximately 16 positions that no one has bid on, for a variety of reasons, mainly due to being unsure of their placement next year. It was decided that the best thing to do is to post them as soon as school reopens in the fall, as people will then know where they are and what they are doing, and there might be more interest at that time. There are a few positions that they have decided to place more than one person in that position. For example, the Illing Boys and Girls Choir, which is a very popular choir group. Both an Illing and Bennet person applied for it, and it was decided it would be a wise decision to have them both involved to bring the students together, to have continuity and work together.

Dr. Ouellette stated, for the record, that it was the Illing Singers and the Bennet's Boys and Girls Choir positions that were posted, which with all the student interest, allowed for two stipended positions to be held in place.


G. OLD BUSINESS

The Superintendent mentioned that items G1 and G2 were presented as New Business at the May 22nd Board of Education meeting, and were on tonight's agenda with the hope of having the Board approve them. She stated that Dr. Gejda was present to answer any further questions they might have.

G1) Music Curriculum
Mr. Pohl had a question on the D Major Scale and asked if there was a particular reason why a scale was selected, rather than allowing the music teacher to teach all the scales. Dr. Gejda stated that at the previous Board meeting, Ms. Walsh, an elementary teacher, presented a new method they are using, which did not specifically speak to any one scale. She felt that particular reference is used as an example. The curriculum was put together collaboratively, and the method and approach that the teachers will be using is particularly important. Mr. Pohl wanted to be sure the latitude was there, and he felt comfortable that it was.

Mr. Pohl asked about two particular films that are used in the curriculum, and if there were any other options the teachers could use, or are these just examples of things that can be used. Dr. Gejda stated that after talking with Mr. Barry, Department Head for Music, that he has a very collaborative approach and certainly relies on the teachers putting the program into place for their feedback, and would be open to something like that.

Mr. Pohl asked if there were performance standards and requirements in the curriculum, or can we get our children through general education. Dr. Gejda explained that there are classroom exercises and certain foundations that all students would be expected to demonstrate, and the teachers would be helping those students reach that level of understanding. Students have the option to participate in performance type clubs or activities, but it is certainly an optional activity.

MOTION: Pohl/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopted the revised Music Curriculum. 8/0/0


G2) Health Curriculum
Janice Uerz joined Dr. Gejda to answer any questions on the Health Curriculum.

Mr. Pohl thanked them for including in the health curriculum such things as self esteem and mental health. He feels it is vitally important that the socialization of our children occur along with their education, and this curriculum is wonderful when it comes to that.

Mr. Rizzo said that it has been two years that this curriculum has been worked on, and said it is a very professional job, and a lot of work has gone into creating it: that it is demonstrates the input of all of her staff, and he is very impressed with it.

Ms. Hackett thanked them as well for doing a great job and providing a modern day health curriculum, which reflects many of the complexities that our students face today in their lives.


MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopted the revised Health Curriculum. 8/0/0


H. NEW BUSINESS

H1) Ed Tech Template
The Superintendent stated that Dr. Gejda was present to update the Board and the public on the Ed Tech Template.

Dr. Gejda mentioned that the District Wide Technology Plan, which in the past she presented to the Board, is a 3-year plan, and the Board is required by the Federal Government to have on file with the State Department of Education, a Education Technology Plan as well, and they need to use the plan/template that the State Department gives to us. She stated that a lot of information for that plan, that they will submit to the State Department, is from our District Technology Plan.

Dr. Gejda stated that the Educational Technology Template is a 3-year plan, and was developed by a committee whose members represent many stakeholders in the school district, as well as the Town and the public. She mentioned that the Vision Statement is taken primarily from the District Wide Technology Plan, where they are careful at the end of the statement to hit upon, and draw carefully upon, the goals that this particular plan requires. She mentioned the Needs Assessment that they are required to do to report on how the district will be getting information about what the district needs. It was decided to conduct a district wide technology audit, and CREC will be conducting that audit in the fall. The State plan highlights seven goals that the district has to respond to, as well as technology funding sources and costs. The seven goals create this comprehensive technology plan, with respect to strategic initiatives, curriculum development and implementation, professional development, infrastructure, hardware, technical support, and software, as well as community involvement, fiscal planning, data management, and monitoring and evaluation as they relate to teaching and learning. The goals have been reviewed extensively with the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, and the plan has been brought before the Personnel and Finance Committee, as well.

Dr. Gejda stated that each goal has an objective that they have to state, the strategy for meeting that objective and how they are going to be held accountable, and a timeline. They are also asked, for the 3 years of this plan, to estimate to the best of their ability how they would fund it and where the resources would come from. She went over various possibilities for funding.

Dr. Gejda mentioned that the CREC Review Board has approved the document and template, and next they need the Board's approval, then the document needs to be sent to the State Department of Education by June 30, 2006. She gave the Board a copy of the Review Guide, which shows instances that they have met each of the areas that they have asked for.

Dr. Gejda thanked the Board for all of the support they have shown in the area of technology, and said she was looking for them to approve the plan at the next meeting on June 26, 2006.

Mr. Edwards thanked Dr. Gejda for this plan and her efforts on keeping this plan up-to-date, and stated that these goals are assembled because the Board has been forward-thinking when it comes to technology.

Mr. Stafford thanked Dr. Gejda, and asked her about T1 lines and if they are for all the schools and all connected, and if the two she mentioned are specific to one area, and if we have to pay for them for the whole year.

Dr. Gejda explained that if they have the T1 lines, then they are paying for them, whether or not they are always in use, but her feeling is that they are always in use. There are 3 in use throughout the district, and what was put in the plan are the T1 lines that are E-rate, which they get funds back for. What must be distinguished is that the E-rate funds come to the educational use for technology.

Ms. Brooks mentioned that they have to report, each year, what they spend on the T1 lines, and the Board's portion, not the Town's portion, is reimbursable.

Mr. Rizzo talked on the accountability measures that were outlined in the plan and the timeline that goes along with them, and asked if it was their intention to report back to the Board on the progress on meeting these objectives and the strategies that are being used. He also asked if this has to be reported back to the State on a yearly basis.

Dr. Gejda explained that they are required to review the plan on a regular basis, but the State has not asked them to report back to them as yet, but it is wise for the district to make sure that the plan is kept updated and revised. One of the reasons this must be kept on file is for E-Rate purposes, or if they were to apply for a competitive grant.

Mr. Rizzo said that he doesn't want this document to be put on the shelf and forgotten, but that someone needs to be monitoring where we are and where we're supposed to be with this plan. He feels it's a good look at where we are and where we want to go, as we need to measure the progress that we are making, to tell the Board and the community that this is the best expenditure of their resources, and that this is the best expenditure of their time for the students.

Dr. Gejda stated that the members of the committee that helped to put the plan together are very committed and interested in technology moving forward. She mentioned that they are required to review the plan annually, and it will be brought back to the Curriculum and Instruction Committee around budget time, and will be reported to the Board again.

Mr. Rizzo mentioned that the goals of the plan were not created by the district, but given to the district by the State, and he asked if the committee felt these goals were acceptable and the kinds of things we should be looking at.

Dr. Gejda stated that the committee felt very comfortable with the goals that they overlapped with the goals that the district has in its own Technology Plan. The State's plan asks for more detail then the district has in its own Technology Plan.

H2) Proposed Referendum for Bond Supporting Additional Costs for Bennet Middle School

Dr. Ouellette mentioned that at the May 22, 2006 Board of Education meeting, a Board member proposed that an item be brought forward to the full Board, under New Business, requesting that the Board of Directors consider a bond issue for November 2006, for an additional appropriation, to cover items that had been cut from the budget in order to allow the project to come in on budget, regarding Bennet Middle School.

Mr. Pohl mentioned that he had asked for this item to be on tonight's agenda with the anticipation that the Buildings and Sites Committee would have met on May 25th to discuss this item first, but due to conflicts, the Committee was not able to meet. He feels it is important for the Committee to look at what has been reduced from the project, and would anticipate further discussion of this at the June 29th meeting of the Committee, and if necessary, some kind of action by the Board after that.

Mr. Edwards stated that there has been a lot of talk about an additional referendum, and one school of thought is to take a "wait and see" approach, with another school of thought to "get out in front of it". He feels it would be wise for the Board to discuss whether or not they feel it is a good idea to recommend an additional referendum for the fall, and the reason he would like that discussion is that he would like to know where other Board members stand. He pointed out the list of cost reduction items that were handed out, and that the Building Committee accepted many of them, but tabled the window cost reductions and the fixtures and equipment. That brought them in line, but it meant that such things as the building connector and air conditioning came out of the project. He doesn't know what the timeline is, but he thinks the Board of Directors has to move soon on this.

Mr. Stafford said that his main concern is that one of the things he wanted to make sure happened, when he was elected, was that when they did do renovations or build something, he wanted to make sure it was built correctly. The last thing he would want to see happen is that they did a renovation or a building project and it wasn't to the standards that it should be. He doesn't want to see this project continually cut.

Mr. Rizzo noted that there are 12 items on the list, and the Buildings and Sites Committee did not recommend eliminating 5 of those items. He questioned if all of the items on the list were to be eliminated, would it seriously impact the educational quality that is going to go on in that building. He stated that they have not gone out to bid yet on all of the different pieces of the project, and he knows there is a time crunch if they are to have a referendum in the fall, and they may not have all of the bid results back in time. It doesn't mean that they can't come back to some of the items on the list at a later date, or maybe they will be lucky with the bids coming back much less than they are estimating at this point. He wants to keep the options open, but to act at this particular time he feels is a bit premature, and he feels they should wait to see what comes in on the estimates from the bids. He mentioned that if they don't put air conditioning in the building now, they could still do it at another point and time, and the skin on the Cone building would be a nice enhancement to the building, but it is not something that they have to have.

Ms. Hackett recommended that at the next Buildings and Sites Committee meeting, to have representatives from the Town at that meeting and start a dialog, so they understand what our needs are and that we understand what the timeline is. She stated that there are things she feels needs to happen, and that the Bennet project must meet modern educational needs, and the final product needs to be well built with good materials. She doesn't want it to be something they will regret later by trying to cut corners and costs, the materials have to last. She said that she didn't know where you could spend over $30 million dollars on a building and not put air conditioning in it, that it just doesn't make sense to her. Ms. Hackett agreed that some of the exterior work would not impact student achievement, but she feels that for those who support the Bennet project, it is important that they see that it has changed, that it has been renovated, and that it looks better.

Mr. Crockett asked what if this doesn't meet the modern educational needs that were proposed. He personally felt that another referendum would not pass in the town. He said that it doesn't look good that they are already 10% over, but it is not anyone's fault, with the war going on and the resource prices going up, but he doesn't think the voters would be sympathetic to it. He does think that they have to be proactive on it, and will support any timeline the Board feels is necessary.

Mr. Pohl stated that the Buildings and Sites Committee took a hard look at the list of reductions, and then the Town Building Committee cut further. He felt the air conditioning should be kept in, in order to help the students function in an educational setting. He feels they should support their teachers, staff, and students by giving them the best school possible, and he supports recommending to the Board of Directors an additional referendum in the fall, with the Buildings and Sites Committee looking at it to see what more they can do.

Mr. Edwards spoke on the ground floor enclosures that were eliminated from the plan, and also stated that if they open the Bennet 6th Grade Academy without air conditioning, he feels they will have failed. He feels that the Board needs to state that in no uncertain terms the building needs to have air conditioning in order for it to be occupied. He also spoke on the FFE reduction, which he feels is not acceptable. He also spoke on the green space, where he has read articles in the newspaper where a contingent of people in the community feel it is acceptable for the Board to put a fence around the front yard at Bennet and let the 6th graders play next to Main Street. He stated that this is unacceptable and he feels the Board needs to make a statement that they are not going to do that. He would like the Board to think about this for the next meeting.

Mr. Stafford mentioned there was a discussion that the windows in the renovated building would be fixed, and feels it is even more necessary that air conditioning be put in the building.

Ms. Small-Miller stated that the building needs to be built to specifications because we simply need these things. It is up to the taxpayers, if they want their children to be comfortable in school, to wrap their mind around it and help the Board do whatever is necessary to get it done.

Ms. Hackett stated that the Buildings and Sites Committee will discuss this matter at their next meeting on June 29th, and begin to lay the framework for another referendum, or at least, requesting that from the Board of Directors.

Dr. Ouellette asked for clarification if this item was to be brought back under Old Business at the June 26 Board of Education meeting.

Ms. Hackett stated that they need a clear understanding of the statutory requirements for this to happen, and because this isn't an issue that only the Board of Directors can authorize, she believed it is best to have someone who could provide them with the right guidance. That would determine when this issue would come back to the Board.


I. COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Hackett mentioned that she attended the Manchester Education Association Retirement Reception last Thursday at the Manchester Country Club, and said that it was a very pleasant evening.


J. COMMITTEE REPORTS

J1. Community Relations Committee - None

J2. Curriculum & Instruction Committee

Mr. Rizzo read the minutes of the March 6, 2006 Curriculum & Instruction Committee meeting held on June 5, 2006:

Manchester Board of Education
Curriculum and Instruction Subcommittee

June 5, 2006

Minutes

Present: Steve Edwards, Mike Rizzo, Lynette Small-Miller, Carl Stafford, Linda Gejda, Don Sierakowski, Ann Richardson


Proficiency Project Update
Mr. Don Sierakowski, principal of MHS, provided an update for the subcommittee concerning the MHS proficiency project. One course per department is expected to pilot proficiencies next year, although teachers may write additional tasks into courses. Mr. Sierakowski explained that common assessments help to maintain consistency throughout departments. At this time, the proficiency proposal states that 30% of a student's grade is made up of the proficiency grade. Students have numerous attempts to demonstrate proficiency. During the discussion, the importance of maintaining clear communication with students and parents was stressed. A proposed schedule of proficiency-writing dates during the next school year was presented. Mr. Sierakowski will return in the fall for an update.

Using Films in Classrooms
Mr. Sierakowski spoke to the BOE policy concerning the use of films in the classroom, specifically to the ban of r-rated films. He proposed the use of a resource called "Clean Flicks" which removes unacceptable language, graphics and violence from a film. He asked that consideration be given to this service. Under this proposal, there would be no r-rated films shown in classrooms unless secured through "Clean Flicks" and reviewed by a department head. The recommendation will be reviewed by the Superintendent.

MHS English Department Request for Additional Classroom Materials
Committee members continued their discussion of books brought for consideration last month by three MHS staff members: the English department instructional leader, media specialist and reading consultant. The committee decided to table this discussion and forego acting upon this request until the fall. They requested that the MHS staff be invited back to the September Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee meeting.

Educational Technology Template
Linda Gejda updated the committee on the feedback received from the reviewer of the district educational technology template. She will present the template for full Board consideration on June 12, 2006.

Middle School Task Force Update
Dr. Ann Richardson presented the proposed Illing Middle School schedule for next year. The schedule was developed with representation from teachers, parents, and administrators and, although still considered a draft, reflects the philosophy developed by the Middle School Task Force.

K. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1) Mary Angeli, 65 White Street. Ms. Angeli mentioned that Mr. Edwards was very concerned about the accreditation process. She mentioned that she has been through the accreditation process in Hartford, as she was a Chairman for one of the committees in a school. They too had a very long list, but they were approved. She stated that it takes time and money, and we need to be patient. She wanted those in "TV Land" to understand that Manchester High School is a solid high school, and she wants them to feel good about that. She stated that it is ok to be on a list, as things get done that way. She told the viewers to have confidence, as Manchester High School is a wonderful school, and she told Mr. Edwards that it is ok to be on a list.

2) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow supported Items 2 and 3 on the Consent Calendar, as well as supporting many items that Mr. Sierakowski presented with his report on Proficiency. He also supported the comments that the previous public comment speaker said about the high school and the accreditation process. He congratulated the three seniors from the Rockville VOAG program, and congratulated Ms. Kate England on her assignment as principal at Nathan Hale School, and Mr. Troy Monroe for his appointment as principal to Illing Middle School. He mentioned two articles from Education Digest: How To Handle a Bird Pandemic and How to Keep Cool in a Crisis.


K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS - None

MOTION: Edwards/Rizzo s.v. To adjourn: 10:00 p.m. 8/0/0

Respectfully submitted,

Michael Rizzo, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education