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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING Monday, June 21, 2004 |
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M I N U T E S Executive Session - 6:30 p.m. - Lincoln Center - Personnel Matter |
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Huyler, Holmes, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT:
Hackett ABSENT:
None Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes
of June 7, 2004 MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of June 7, 2004. (8/0/0) Mr. Rizzo made a friendly amendment to drop items F and G from the agenda. There were no objections. B. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Tom Stringfellow, 138 Hillstown Road. He attended a VFW memorial program for World War II veterans, and he received a cap in his father's memory. He asked that everyone remember the veterans. Regarding special education, he recommended The Complete Handbook for Parents with Disabled Children by Sterba, John A. M.D., Ph.D. and Sterba, Janice, F., copyright 2002. He stated that June is National Safety Month by the National Council of Safety. He reminded everyone to be aware of the safety procedures for summertime activities. He presented an article from the New York Times, June 16, 2004, about improving the GED tests to make it more relevant to a young person's life. He reported that a final wrap-up forum for the Manchester Study Circles would be held in the coming week. He recommended the book, Erasing Racism, Asante, Molefik, copyright 2003. He hoped there would be a report on Study Circles in the future. C. FOUNDATION
FOR MANCHESTER PUBLIC SCHOOLS Mr. Chris Pattacini thanked Mr. Beitman for the opportunity to announce the inception of the Foundation for Manchester Public Schools. He stated that he would be president of the foundation, Keith Carson would be treasurer, and Carl Stafford could be secretary. He provided an informational packet to the Board containing a data sheet on the foundation as well as a press release that was distributed to the media. The foundation's mission is to promote and enhance public education in Manchester by providing independent financial resources for educational initiatives. According to the Connecticut consortium of education foundations, forty-eight Connecticut towns already have local education foundations. These foundations focus valuable community resources toward the common goal of improving public education. In CT, these foundations have been established in towns, large urban cities, as well as smaller, more suburban communities. As a federally recognized charitable foundation, Manchester's foundation will have its own Board of Directors and will remain non-partisan. This status will allow members of the community to make tax-deductible donations in accordance with federal law. While foundations must remain non-political, they also understand the importance of a coordinated effort with the local school board. As a result, most foundations include the Superintendent of Schools as an ex-officio member of their boards. He extended the invitation to Dr. Mistretta, who will be serving as acting Superintendent next year. These funds are not meant to replace public funds, but serve as an enhancement for existing programming. Many foundations distribute their funds directly to teachers through mini-grant programs. Under this program, teachers apply for education grants and the foundation then evaluates and selects worthy requests. Grants are funded annually based on the merits of each application. This program ensures that money goes directly to improving education program and promotes enthusiasm and creativity by the teachers. They have filed incorporation papers with the State and are begin to plan activities to fill the Board of Directors. He recognized Jim Spafford and Alan Beitman for their advice and council, and the law firm of Diana, Conti and Tunila, especially the efforts of John Tunila who provide legal support. He stated they have three main objectives for the summer: fill remaining seats on the Board of Directors; identify volunteers willing to help support the mission; and fundraise. Their goal is to be in a position to award grants in May 2005 at what they hope will become an annual event, an awards program honoring those teachers who have been awarded grants from the foundation. They asked to Board to talk about the foundation within the community and direct anyone interested in volunteering, serving on the Board, or making a donation to him and Mr. Carson. There is also a website: www.foundationMPS.org. Mrs. Lok thanked Mr. Pattacini and Mr. Carson and everyone involved in starting this foundation. She asked if the Board would determine which teachers receive grants, and if there is a process in place. Mr. Pattacini stated that they would be modeling the approach that West Hartford schools uses which is to release the grant applications in the fall, and allow any teacher in the school system to submit an application. There will only be one requirement that the applicant does not name the school in the grant so that they money gets evenly disbursed and is based on merit. There will be a distribution committee that will evaluate all the grant applications (a blind review). This committee will make recommendations to the Board of Directors of the foundation, and the Board will have the final decision to award grants. Mrs. Lok asked if there was any particular area of focus for the grants, such as academic or the arts. Mr. Pattacini stated that it is anything to do with education and what teachers are doing to improve education in the school system. Mr. Carson added that one of the things they are concerned about is that some people are good at writing grants while others may not be. They will be looking for the merits and expected results of the application, and how it is measured. Mrs. Lok asked about the follow-up that would be done with each grant. She stated that there is no intention for this foundation to supplement the educational program. Mr. Pattacini stated that one of the requirements to file a grant application after one has already been awarded, is completion of the benefit statement at the end of the grant. If this is not completed, a grant application cannot be submitted the following year. He stated that the foundation will not pay for the supplies in the schools, and it is not what the foundation is about. He stated they would need the Board of Education's support to ensure that they work together. The foundation will not respond to budget crises every year. Mr. Beitman presented a check to the foundation. Mr. Robinson asked if there are forced distributions that are mandated by virtue of the foundation's tax status each year. Mr. Pattacini stated that they would not have to worry about this initially. Some foundations that have been in existence have begun to build endowments. When this occurs in Manchester, it will have to be addressed as a separate issue. Endowment money will most likely be dedicated to support a particular program or initiative. Mr. Rizzo thanked them for leading this initiative. He believes it is a grassroots opportunity for the community to get involved. He asked how the foundation would raise the money for the grants. Mr. Pattacini stated the first step would be to send out a fundraising letter to a network established within the community to solicit seed money to get started. They also plan to hold some type of event in the fall to raise funds and create awareness in the community. A larger fundraiser in the fall will also take place. There will also be a mailing list on a regular basis. Mr. Rizzo asked what the target goal is to start the foundation. Mr. Pattacini stated they needed approximately $1000.00 to get started. The goal is to raise $6500.00 by May in order to give out about $5000.00 in grants. They believe this goal is achievable in the community, and they are hopeful that they can double it Mr. Rizzo wished the foundation the best of luck. Mr. Robinson thanked everyone who created this entity, as he believes it would greatly benefit students in the future. D. CONSENT
CALENDAR 1) Personnel Action Resignations Susan Frankenberg, a Grade 4 Teacher at Bowers School, has submitted her resignation for personal reasons, approved effective June 30, 2004. Ms. Frankenberg has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 21, 2002. Leave
of Absence 2) Board of Education Meeting Schedule 2004-05 3) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $883,961 4) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $736,714 5) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $12,526 6) Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $12,870 7) Increase
in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $42,000 8) Approval
of Bid for Legal Services MOTION: Holmes/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (8/0/0) E. SUPERINTENDENT'S
REPORT 1. State
Required Bullying Report 2. Summer
Projects Mr. Huot stated there are four sources of funds, Policy 3510, bond issues passed by the community, a joint effort between the cafeteria program and the Board budget, and a PTA effort. He reviewed the list by building, and stated that it the community is interested in receiving a copy of the projects, they could pick it up in the Business Office at 45 North School Street, or he would email it to them. He reviewed the list of projects by building (document attached to these minutes). Mrs. Lok thanked Mr. Huot for a comprehensive report and stated that it is helpful to the community to know exactly what is happening in the buildings over the summer. She asked about the helipad at the high school and stated that she is glad to be able to provide this at the high school. She asked if it was mandatory for the town to provide a spot. Mr. Huot stated that it is not mandatory. Mrs. Lok asked why the cost of repairing the pad falls on the Board of Education budget. Mr. Huot stated that it isn't the pad, but is part of the asphalt program for the whole school. Part of the hesitation is that the town is extremely busy, and the person who handles this is retiring. It is original asphalt with the building and is thirty years old. It is in terrible shape and needs a new base installed. Once this is done, there is a cost of $1500 for striping for the pad. This is also the staging area for many maintenance projects, and where many vehicles are stored. The MHS band also stages here for performances on the football field. With the work done on the field, it is a natural extension to complete this project. Mrs. Lok stated that she agrees it should be done, but feels the cost related to this should not be the Board's expense. She asked if there are any fees paid from those who use Life Star. Mr. Huot stated that he did not know, but that it is probably associated with health insurance benefits. He felt that this space is vitally important to the town. Mr. Edwards stated that there is about $3.1M worth of projects on the list. He commented that this is proof that the Board is spending money in maintenance and renovations of the schools. He feels it is important for the public to know this and he thanked Mr. Huot for providing the list. He also agrees with Mrs. Lok that the helipad expense should not be the Board's and suggested that Mr. Huot contact the Public Safety Department to take this expense, or share it with the Board. Mrs. Holmes commented on the change of plans with the Bennet window work, and hopes that this project will be dealt with soon. She asked what has been done with the Bennet roof. Mr. Huot stated that he was not aware of any leaking situations at Bennet. Mrs. Holmes stated that when they visited the school, there was a leaking problem in the Franklin Building. Mr. Huot stated it is a slate pitched roof, but he would check on it. Mrs. Holmes stated that there would be students in the Bennet building for a number of years while decisions are being made, and she asked for consideration of a small bond package to have work done as soon as possible. Mr. Huot stated that there have been comments about the noisy heating system, and noted that a year ago, they replaced all of the steam traps in the Franklin building. They are also working with an acoustical engineer to quiet down the Recreation building. A lot of money that has been invested to date has been behind the scene. They are now starting to do projects that show to the public. Mr. Rizzo asked how all the projects are managed and how it is working. Mr. Huot stated that it depended upon the project. If they are highly technical, it is managed by the engineer. He also visits the sites to observe the projects, along with the project coordinator, Mr. Cadman. The town is managing the abatement projects at Bowers and Waddell. Most of the smaller projects are being overseen by the Board of Education staff. The list was put together as a result of weekly meetings. Mrs. O'Neill
stated that during the tour of Bennet, there was a perceived leakage
problem; however, the paint cracking was due to old paint and no leak.
She asked about the bid for air handlers. Mrs. O'Neill asked when this work was to be done. Mr. Huot stated the work is over $1M, and would have to be done in conjunction with the windows. If it is decided that Bennet is to be renovated, it would have to be all tied together. Mr. Beitman stated that the second document distributed was from Mr. Huot and is a projection for the end of the year balance. Mr. Huot anticipates a balance of approximately $13,481 by the close of business on June 30. Mr. Robinson acknowledged Mr. Beitman's fine service to the district on behalf of the Board, and thanked him for all the service he has done for the students and the community. He wished him the best of luck in his new position. He also introduced and welcomed the interim Superintendent, Dr. Anne Marie Mistretta. Dr. Mistretta stated that she is very pleased that the Board is giving her the opportunity to work for the Board while they are searching for the next Superintendent. She also wished Mr. Beitman well. F. OLD
BUSINESS 1. Board of Education Self Evaluation 2. Superintendent's Evaluation G. COMMITTEE
REPORTS 1. Building and Sites Committee 2. Curriculum & Instruction Committee H. COMMUNICATIONS Mrs. Lok stated that she and Mrs. Holmes have attended the Study Circles on race relations. She stated that the public schools and the interim and future Superintendent would be involved in part of this initiative. Mr. Rizzo reminded the public of the public hearing of the Education Subcommittee for the renovation and/or replacement of Bennet Middle School to be held the next night, at 7 p.m. at Lincoln Center. I. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Tom Stringfellow, 138 Hillstown Road. He stated he supports the Education Foundation and hopes there is an outreach to non-parents as well. He congratulated Ms. Kearney's daughter on her graduation and commented that she will attend LSU on a full gymnastic scholarship. He hopes that the summer projects go well. Regarding bullying, he recommended an article from the Current Health issues, May and June 2004. He congratulated the salutatorian and valedictorian, Eleanor Waxman and Greg Perlstein, as the first two Jewish Americans to accomplish this together. He also wished Mr. Beitman well as the Superintendent in Monroe. 3. Milt Perlman, 38 Sanford Road. He congratulated the 428 seniors who graduated, and wished Mr. Beitman well. He also suggested that to increase parent involvement, students could be given more difficult homework at times so that they would have to ask parents for assistance. Regarding bullying, he believes it can be seen very easily in the school setting. At Cheney Tech, teachers took the role to supervise the common areas and the halls, and he believes it is important for teachers to do this. He also spoke about the maintenance projects and the roof projects at various schools. He stated that he would research more about the warrantees on the roofing materials. J. ITEMS
FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Mr. Beitman stated they have received test scores, but have not yet received the State and ERG scores. These are due by June 25 or 26, probably ready for the July or August meeting. There are some issues raised by school districts that the scores may not be reliable again. MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adjourned at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret
Hackett, Secretary |
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