A. OPENING

PRESENT: Golas, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher

ABSENT: Edwards, Hackett, Huyler

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 Libby

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

Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of May 23, 2005 Regular Meeting and June 1, 2005 Special Meeting

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of May 23, 2005 and June 1, 2005.

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the May 23, 2005 meeting. (5/0/1) Lok abstains

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of
June 1, 2005 Special Meeting. (5/0/1) Golas abstains

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Dorothy Brindamour, 6 Morse Road, She thanked everyone regarding the referendum so children and citizens of Manchester will have a historic neighborhood school that they can be proud of for many years to come. However, I do believe we should go at this work with intelligence and diligence. A historic Architectural firm should do the work. Renovations should be done by someone who has this special type of experience. Boilers, if not necessary should not be replaced. The houses behind Bennet should be left where they are. You have heard the sensible reasoning from one of the owners. Good fields are already in place and if safety is a factor you should consider building a bridge across Charter Oak Street. No accidents to date have been reported from the traffic there. A bridge is cheaper than the inappropriateness of putting people out of their homes and the town loosing tax money. The town owns the land across Main Street opposite the Franklin Building which could be used for teacher parking. The Cheney Building should be kept in good condition because sooner than later it could be put to practical use. Please consider theses ideas when renovations are to be done, they need to be done right. One huge mistake we do not want to make is to use money allotted for this project unwisely or foolishly. We do not need the problems that occurred at UCONN or in some of the other statewide schools.

2. Eileen Sweeney, 86 Hawthorne Street. Ditto to Mrs. Brindamour, and I want to thank the board and everyone in town who worked so hard to get the referendum passed. We are on a good path with the schools. We should be saving beautiful buildings on Main Street. I would like to know if there is a possibility regarding hot weather and humidity in the classrooms, if we could look at putting fans in the classrooms? Students and teachers are really affected by the heat and humidity. Teachers have to bring their own fans to the classroom.

3. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. I would like to congratulate the Seniors who have graduated. This is a big wide world and we can use new ideas. I echo Mrs. Brindamours discussion about the bridge over Charter Oak Street. Students have had to cross streets for many years. Why not build a bridge to a big beautiful play area instead of buying small houses and making the area restricted? You might want to consider an incentive program for students at MHS where they can get out of school in 3 years instead of 4. There would be a lot of kids who are presently not doing very well that might say, if I can get out of school in 3 years instead of 4 years I think that would be great. Plus there is savings of money. Part of the savings could go toward college which would be more of an incentive. Give people incentives to do something. They can go to college sooner or maybe get a job sooner. The Consent Calendar for the town agenda has public hearings, appropriations etc., and gives more information to people as to what some of these things are. I would like to see the Board of Education Consent Calendar give more information.

4. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. Tomorrow the Class of 2005 will graduate. What a proud moment for many. Is Manchester settling for "just good enough" quoted by Mr. Edwards? Voters agreed to renovate Bennet Middle School in a poorly turned out referendum. I will not disagree that Bennet needs work, but with this renovation our school children still face safety issues. We will displace many families to get on site fields and we will renovate a not up to code pool. As we saw with renovating the Town Hall, if not done properly the price can escalate. We will overcrowd elementary schools with 6th graders and place others in portables at Illing. Yes we will have a renovated like new school, but at what price will we pay? I hope we will answer our high school accreditation problem and address soon the racial balances in our schools. I hope all of these transitions take place soon, so that just not good enough does not become a norm for my town. I wanted new, but I am willing to work to get back Manchester's reputation as one of the better educational systems in our area. I hope too that we can use Title I fund monies to bring back DARE to middle schools. I think we have to address what is happening in this town as to what was reported at the Board of Directors meeting the other night. Like Mrs. Sweeney said I hope we can address something not this year but maybe for next year regarding the humid weather? Without air conditioning the kids and staff are working under abnormal conditions and many buildings have insufficient air quality. We are putting kids and teachers in danger. Many offices are air-conditioned an people do not realize what our students are under. Many of us too as working parents work in air-conditioned offices and we are not sweltering in the heat.

C. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Mark Moeremans reported that the Senior Picnic was on May 25th and the weather was not quite what they had hoped for but they made what they could of it. Fun and many senior memories happened. The Senior Prom was last Saturday, June 11, 2005 it was a lot of fun, good food and extremely long, but everyone enjoyed themselves and stayed safe. The Shattered Dreams program helped educate students on how to act before and after the prom. This was MHS final exam week, tomorrow is my last exam, and Friday is exam make-up day. Tomorrow is graduation for seniors at the Bushnell and will feature Dan Wakefield, Class Valedictorian and Devorah Donnell, Class Salutatorian as speakers. All speakers will be excellent. This is a very exciting time. My personal experience on the year is that it went by so fast and I have been through 2 years of high school and I am half way done. Education is getting better and the learning going on is exciting to see.

Devorah thanked Mr. Perlman for his kind wishes, and it is very hard to imagine that it is my senior year and tomorrow is graduation. It seems like yesterday that I entered MHS. Time has flown by. I would like to wish the Class of 2005 my sincere wishes for the very best for all of them. Much safety, happiness, and health and much luck with all their future endeavors. My classmates have so many varied talents and such high aspirations. My classmates will go on to achieve great things. I also would like to thank all of the Board of Education members, the faculty of Illing Middle School, Buckley Elementary School and MHS. The past 12 years of education here in Manchester have been great. I have grown so much, I have learned so much through courses, and through experiences with people that I have interacted with. I feel so well prepared for the coming years at UCONN in the medical program. I feel I am ready to move on and I am prepared to enter the next stage. I would really like to thank you all for all you have done. The Board of Education Representative experience has been probably one of my favorite experiences throughout high school. It is such a valuable opportunity for growth, experience and a glimpse of behind the scene actions. Also as a Board of Education Representative I am able to see that the BOE members are almost like extended family. They are like other parents watching over all of the Manchester school children. It is nice to see great people making decisions for our education. Thank you for everything. Thank you for allowing me to work with you and meet with Superintendent Ouellette prior to each BOE meeting, and Mr. Sierakowski and other grade principals prior to BOE meetings. I have learned so much. I would also like to wish Mark, my very best, I wish you much luck and I know that you will do very well these coming years as BOE representative. You are a very capable young man and a great person and I know you will go on to do very well. Good Luck. Throughout my past years here in Manchester there have been certain teachers who have stood out and truly made a difference. Buckley teachers Mrs. Gearin and Ms. Rohlf were so kind and amazing teachers and great role models. At Illing Middle School Mr. Almeida and Ms. Duna always went above and beyond to be there as a person and a role model, teacher and friend. At MHS Ms. Purviance, Dr. Rascher, Ms. Watson, Ms. Bars, Ms. DelNegro, Mr. Sierakowski, Mr. Stetson always went above and beyond and always fulfilled that example of being a good teacher, good guidance counselor, good principal. They were always there for you and you could always look up to them and learn from them. Tomorrow I will be graduating, tomorrow is our graduation and next year I will actually be a college student at UCONN. Thank you for all you have done.

Mr. Robinson thanked Devorah and states we will miss your smile, your enthusiasm, and insight that you have brought to every meeting. It has been sincere and we know that as you go forth you will be a terrific ambassador for the public schools of Manchester. You have done us proud and I know we all look forward to tomorrow night to see you graduate and to hear that speech that is reported to be excellent and we have no doubt that it is. Thank you and it has been a pleasure for this Board to have you. Superintendent and Mrs. Lok wish to do some honors.

Superintendent Ouellette, asked Devorah to join Mrs. Lok at the podium. We have a few tokens of appreciation. The word "special" comes to mind when I think of your services to the BOE, special means out of the ordinary, a cut above the regular and there is no doubt in my mind that Devorah is a very special and outstanding student. I cannot think of a finer person to represent Manchester students. Thank you for caring, for being the warm, understanding, capable and dedicated student leader that you are. I am extremely thankful for your commitment to excellence in keeping the board apprised of the high school activities and happenings over the past 2 years. Again, thank you for giving me the opportunity to work with a very special person. I wish you the best at college and in all your future endeavors.

Mrs. Lok, stated, Devorah, I was hoping for a preview of tomorrow nights speech, I am a little disappointed. However, I am very, very pleased, as I have been throughout with your service to the Board. Your comments tonight are in your usual style of being very complimentary to others and focusing attention on the good work of others. I think tonight you are certainly deserving of this recognition by the Board. The plaque that I have for you states it is being given "in appreciation of your dedicated service to the Manchester Board of Education, 2003-2005" and this is in addition to everything you have done within our public schools, for yourself and for others. You have done a tremendous job to service this Board. You have provided this Board and its members with a snapshot at various times of what is actually happening at MHS and how our students actually feel about what we are talking about at this table. In addition, while doing that you have managed to excel academically, to be accepted at UCONN and I understand other schools as well and have chosen UCONN. I am glad you are staying in the state. I can only do this Board a service by encouraging you after you have finished UCONN, to come back to Manchester and to consider if not some public office, some elected seat where you actually play a more significant role. There is a discussion in the legislature and a bill proposed that each Board have a student representative. I think that is significant and it is something to think about. I am appreciative of your service and of all of my years on the Board, you rank right up there with the best students. This plaque is for you as well as this gift card to a bookstore.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR

Ms. Ouellette states there is an addendum item D3.

1.) Personnel Action

Resignations

Rhoda Grossman, elementary teacher at Buckley School, has submitted her letter
of resignation for retirement purposes effective June 30, 2005. Mrs. Grossman has
been with the Manchester Public Schools since February 2, 1982.

Juan Sanchez, science specialist for Manchester Public Schools has submitted his
Letter of resignation also for retirement. Mr. Sanchez has been with the
Manchester Public Schools since September 3, 1969.

I would like to personally recognize and thank these teachers for their service to Manchester Public Schools and wish them well in their retirement and their future endeavors.

2.) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects for $100,000
Early Reading Success Grant, supports home-based, school-based and community based learning experiences and focuses to encourage families to participate in school based family literacy seminars, and activities, as well as school and community sponsored literacy activities and to use community resources throughout the year. Second focus is to provide in-service training, classroom modeling and
coaching to primary students, teachers and staff. Also, to provide a Literacy Facilitator at Washington School.

3.) Increase in appropriation for Education Special Projects of $2,770 for a total of
$96,986. This is for the annual Head Start Enhancement Act Grant to Enfield from
CSDE and was originally requested in the amount of $94,216. The award letter
stated the grant amount was actually for $96,986 That amount is an increase of
$2,770 more that the Board would need to appropriate. We will begin on June 30th
to spend the additional $2,770 and there is no financial impact to the Board of
Education.

MOTION: Lok/Rizzo s.v. To add item D3 to the Consent Calendar (6/0/0)

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the
Consent Calendar. (6/0/0)

E. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

I would like to formally introduce our new recording secretary Cheryl Crickmore, she will be recording and transcribing all minutes for all Board of Education meetings. She has been employed with the Manchester Board of Education for 16 years and is currently Administrative Assistant in the Superintendent's Office. Please join me in welcoming her this evening.

1. Chief Berry was not able to attend this evening to provide a community update
with issues regarding safety concerns, but we are looking forward to his report at an
upcoming Board of Education meeting.

2. Budget Update - Mrs. Brooks
Thank you, I gave you a June 15, 2005 year to date budget
update and as you can see we are still on a positive balance by a hare under
$60.00. Every grouping is in the black except the grouping with Special Ed
tuition in it and the areas in the black are supporting the Special Ed overruns.
As it appears right now we will not need to go to the Board of Directors for an
additional appropriation unless something happens that I am not aware of at
this time. These updates will be done daily.

Mr. Robinson, stated I would like to commend you for doing a tremendous job this year
.
F. OLD BUSINESS

1. Adoption of Board of Education Self Evaluation
Mr. Robinson stated that this began under Mrs. Lok's chairmanship some years back and is rated on a score of 1-5. This is a public document. We as a Board gave ourselves an overall average of 4.57 that is broken down in more detail and is available for the public. The seven different topics are Board Relations, Policy, Superintendent Relations, Community Relations, Staff and Personnel Relations, Instructional Programming and Physical.

Mrs. Lok stated the Board Self Evaluation idea actually came from a CABE workshop that she and Susan Holmes attended. The document currently used was originally a sample that we obtained permission from CABE to use. I encourage this Board
as it moves forward in the future to revise that evaluation so that it more closely resembles the work that this Board does and this Boards particular style of conducting business. For example, for each year that we have completed the evaluation there has been one question regarding this Board having a Code of Ethics. The fact is this Board does not have a Code of Ethics. When I rate the question 1 to 5 I don't know whether it is not applicable. I never know what answer is a good answer. This is not a good question for self-evaluation and I look forward in the future for the Board to review this process.

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education adopt the most recent Board Self Evaluation, dated 2005. (6/0/0).

2. Revision to Policy 5127.1 Graduation Requirements
At the May 23, 2005 Board of Education meeting under new business, Interim
Assistant Superintendent Gejda provided the Board with an update on revisions to Math, English and Social Studies sections and also reviewed the possibility of the adoption of the Service Learning Requirement that was added to the policy.

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. Move the Board of Education adopt Policy 5127.1 revision of Math, English and Social Studies. (6/0/0).

Mr. Rizzo thanked Mrs. Gejda for the efforts that have been made here. A lot of work has been done over the last few years and it is work in progress. We are constantly looking at these graduation requirements and we have made great strides here. The staff has done an excellent job and there is enthusiasm for it and I attribute it to the leadership that they have had particularly this past year and I am excited about what we have here. We are out in the forefront on this and I wanted to recognize your efforts with this. I have a question, so far we have Math, English, Social Studies, Technology, Science and Service Learning are there any others coming up or is this it? Mrs. Gejda stated this is it. Mr. Rizzo stated we will be going over graduation requirements one more time and can you elaborate your plans for that?

Mrs. Gejda, stated more of the revisions have been moving us toward a portfolio type of graduation requirement and moving us away from a sitdown test assessment. As the high school is working on a proficiency model we are asking students to demonstrate the application of skills which is really in line with the philosophy for what the graduation requirement was. We are looking at ways students can demonstrate their proficiency over time so during the course work that they are taking, there will be opportunities for them to demonstrate their proficiency within the course itself rather than simply sitting for the CAPT or District Assessment that is administered. We are trying to weave the competencies into the daily curriculum. All graduation requirements are identified and it gives the opportunity for students to demonstrate their competency. Students should have many opportunities to do that over the course of 3 or 4 years.

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. Adoption of Policy 5127.1 Graduation Requirements the adoption of Service Learning requirement. (6/0/0).

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. Adoption of the Science Program and Classroom Resources Textbook. (6/0/0).

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. Adoption of the textbook for Geometry.
(6/0/0).

G. NEW BUSINESS
1.) Superintendent Evaluation Tool Mr. Robinson stated that he distributed the annual Superintendent Evaluation Tool to all Board members and we should be taking this up as old business at our June 27, 2005 meeting. If Board members did not get a copy, please call me. Return them to me by Friday, June 24, 2005.

2.) Bennet and Iling Ed Specs Superintendent Ouellette thanked the Manchester community for their support in investing in our schools by supporting the renovations to Bennet Middle School and Illing Middle School and for the purchase of furniture for Bowers and Waddell Elementary Schools. Here tonight we have education consultants Carl Trombley and Tom Jokubaitis to give an overview of educational specifications for Bennet and Illing Middle School renovations.

Tom Jokubaitis and Carl Trombley both extended congratulations to Superintendent Ouellette on the successful referendum. It is difficult work and a lot of time invested over many, many years to bring you to this point in time with school facilities. We also extend our congratulations to the soon to be graduate as well. Manchester Board of Education is actually in the loop a little earlier than usual with development of educational specifications. The document you received over the weekend was the first preliminary rough draft. We are working under a compressed timeline in order to get this done correctly and to the State Department of Education for your construction grant application in the form that would be appropriate. We have received feedback from administrative staff and we have incorporated that feedback to a great extent in a revised copy distributed to you earlier this evening. This is a preliminary, rough, refined document that will continue to be refined as time moves on until you finally adopt ed specs for the project. We hope to meet with administrative staff again to review revisions and fine tune them in a way that will reflect what it is you want in these particular construction projects.

Mr. Trombley stated they started on the project knowing what the bottom line was which is kind of a way of working backwards. Dollars allocated and passed in referendum are really hard numbers and we worked within those numbers to come up with space specifications. Some space specification in the original work was done by the Downes Group, and we supplied those space specifications for them so we have been in the loop as this project moved along. Illing was as defined within the referendum which is cafeteria and kitchen addition, we also recommended some existing space be converted from Tech Ed and Family Consumer Science into Science classrooms. In talking with personnel and Ann Richardson we have come up with a 5 member team. We looked at existing classrooms, Family and Consumer Science and Tech Ed and believe they can be easily converted into Science classrooms. Illing project and dollars allocated for this are easy to do when the architectural firm comes in. Included is circulation space 40% and I believe we talked with Mr. Rizzo at Building and Sites Committee meeting that this is a generous amount because it is just a matter of knocking down some walls. There is room to maneuver within Illing.

Mr. Jokubaitis stated that one of the things the Board and Administration will need to come to grips with soon is the configuration of the school organization. We talk about grade 6,7,8 middle school and there is a difference in kinds of space for various programs at the various grade levels. Science labs are more sophisticated at the 8th grade level than at the 6th. Understanding and knowing what the configuration is going to be early on will certainly help the design professionals and be a more efficient cost effective way for you to plan those schools. Over the next several days we will be working hard to refine the second draft and get a final copy for your approval on the 27th of June. We welcome input.

Ms. Ouellette stated it will be presented at the Building and Sites meeting next week.

Mr. Trombley stated it would be their joint recommendation to select an architect that will keep in mind that it will be a unique school with a historic background and has tremendous value to the community. You need to select very carefully and honor what is there now.

Ms. Ouellette thanked them for the time limits and return of the second draft.

Mrs. Lok asked are the revisions marked in these documents? Mr. Trombley replied they are not marked and that they would mark them for future revisions.

Mr. Rizzo asked about grade configuration of the 2 buildings. The biggest thing I would like to convey is the flexibility at this particular grade level. Anything you can do to allow us to use those buildings for whatever grade configuration we may come up with now or 10 years from now enhances its functuality. We have particular concern with the Science program. I think if you are guided by that concept when you are looking at this and can make it flexible for example, if some particular item is needed in Science Lab for 8th grade but not really for 6th grade.

Mr. Jokubaitis stated that Science and Tech Ed are the challenges.

Mr. Trombley states because Bennet is a renovated project it leaves much flexibility to add as you go along. The 50% circulation is walls, halls and to add square footage, and add Science classrooms or make cafeteria larger you can add as you go along.

H. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Mr. Rizzo stated the committe met June 8, 2005. We had 2 staff members visit, Mr. Tony Gasper, Director of Career and Technical Education at MHS and Ms. Janice Uerz, Family, Consumer Science teacher at Illing Middle School. They presented a very interesting overview of the whole Family, Consumer Science Program to the committee and it was very engaging and eye opening process of what they actually go through. They showed the work students are doing.

They connected the student activities which reinforce the CMT skills and connect between what the students are doing in Family, Consumer Science with Math, Social Studies and English.

Mrs. Gejda presented a draft of the District Improvement Plan which is being developed in response to the "No Child Left Behind" legislation. A committee is working on integrating Manchester's Strategic Plan, the Special Education Improvement Plan and the Bennet School Improvement Plan into the document and the final draft will be presented to the Board at the June 27th meeting.

Two pilots were discussed. First, several classes at Bennet and Keeney Elementary School have been invited to participate in the school wide enrichment model reading program. A study conducted by Dr. Sally Reis of UCONN. It seeks to increase reading achievement using high interest, self selected books. Students would be reading books on subjects that are interesting to them and they can then engage more in reading activities. Participating teachers receive professional development and classroom support and the classes receive a selection of books for their libraries. Kate England has met with Dr. Reis and building administrators about the study and the results will determine whether or not the approach will be extended to other schools in the district.

Secondly, an academic study hall will be available to a section of Freshman students at MHS. Support will be offered in Science. There will be limited availability and students and parents will be notified of the opportunity to sign up.

I. COMMUNICATIONS
Mrs. Lok stated the Board received a very nice thank you note from Judy Morganroth who worked in Manchester for 35 years, and retired January 1, 2005. It was a very sweet gesture.

Mrs. O'Neill reported on receiving a call from a distraught student/parent regarding not being able to purchase tickets to the prom. Tickets were sold out and they were upset they could not attend.

Mrs. O'Neill stated their was a fire in a bathroom at MHS and the question was raised by a parent why are students smoking in the bathrooms?

J. PUBLIC COMMENT
1. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road
Mrs. O'Neill, mentioned smoking at MHS and someone also wrote to Mr. Sierakowski asking why something is not being done about the smoking in restrooms? Apparently there is a problem. I was wondering about gutting the Bennet building? Planning and Zoning Commission stated whenever there is a building in a historical area and you want to remodel it you have to get the permission of Planning and Zoning. You are changing the character of the building inside, and what is historical is not only the outside but the interior as well. That is what makes it historical, so people can see how buildings were built at that time. Several weeks ago there was a report regarding the number of failures at the high school and if you look at percentages it comes out to be 750 students failed 2 or more courses. That is almost 1/3 of the population of the high school. This does not include the students who failed 1 course. Students are not given failures by some teachers. What are we doing to make sure that we do not get 750 kids failing 2 or more courses? Seems to be quite a large number. How is this going to be resolved? Overview of renovation recommendations that are being made should be given out to the public. The public has passed the referendum and the public is going to pay the taxes for it and I think if you are going to have a meeting and a subcommittee to look at revisions then something should be done to include the public as well as they are paying for it.

2, Devorah Donnell
A few weeks ago a student from another school in Connecticut called about the Board of Education Student Representative position and I highly encouraged it. I think the Board of Education Representative position is so important and so educational and such a valuable opportunity for all students. Any questions, recommendations regarding this position please feel free to contact me. Thank you all again. I remember when I started this position 2 years ago I was so nervous. It was so comforting to look out and see your warm smiles and it helped with the nerves. This experience has opened my eyes and I can see how Manchester has so many opportunities and your school experience is what you make of it. It has been an honor working with you all and I have seen so many good decisions and changes through the past years and I appreciate all your long hours and much effort. Manchester School system is in good hands and thank you again.

3. Tom Stringfellow
I was not here for entire meeting but Chief Berry did give a good presentation at the Board of Directors meeting regarding youth violence and gangs. I think what he did emphasize about the importance of getting a good education and getting into the right peer crowd, I endorse also. I was a former Corrections Officer and to make a bad choice the criminal record stays with you for the rest of your life. When you get a second chance from employers you need to respect others and yourself. Parental involvement is important. He talked about prevention and intervention and it is good that it is not being swept under the rug. In the N.Y. Times this weekend there was an article about an elementary school that brought up Math scores and I will pass this on to Ms. Gejda. Math and Science are very important. Hands-on approach in Science is good on how it is relevant to the world and students lives. Financial literacy, family budgets are important. In dealing with children of color there is a book by Gary Howard, called You Can't Teach What You Do Not Know, it deals with white teachers of students of color and to know how to approach that subject and watch out for own biases. When you talk about hiring teachers of color that is one area regardless of teachers background they should know about culture and someone background and watching out for prejudices. It happens both ways regardless of background. To know the student as a whole, not just academically, culturally socially and have a good repore with parents. Is important. White middle class standards are the basis of what we go on but you need to understand that we are individuals. I speak for myself as a black, college educated male. The one thing I am not going to give up is my heritage. Best of Luck to Ms. Donnell and Mr. Wakefield.

K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Mrs. O'Neill stated in light of the smoking incident and a pet peeve of mine I really think we need to look at what we are doing at the high school and middle schools to prevent smoking. I am hearing from students, especially those with breathing problems they do not want to go into the bathroom because they are not able to breath very well in the bathrooms. We are creating unhealthy habits. I also received comments from people who live on Summit Street that say the smoking lounge is their front lawn and that is not acceptable to our neighbors of MHS.

I would like to see a comprehensive plan of what we are doing to curb the smoking of the high school students during school hours.

MOTION: Rizzo/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education adjourned 8:40 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Margaret Hackett, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education