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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, JUNE 26, 2006 |
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M
I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Small-Miller, Crockett, Rizzo, Hackett, Stafford, Pohl ABSENT: Edwards, Huyler, Rowe ALSO Superintendent
of Schools Ouellette, Director of Business A.1 Call
to Order A.2. Pledge
of Allegiance A.3 Minutes of June 12, 2006 Ms. Hackett asked for a Motion to adopt the Minutes of June 12, 2006. MOTION: Rizzo/Pohl s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approved the minutes of June 12, 2006. The motion carried 6/0/0. B. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - PART I B.1 Student Essay - Samantha Paul Dr. Ouellette invited Samantha Paul to share the essay, which she had read at the Manchester Regional Academy Graduation Ceremony. The essay was entitled "What I Learned at Manchester Regional Academy." Ms. Paul was accompanied by Mr. Bruce Thorndike who said he was honored to be present. Manchester Regional Academy is a very unique place where, in addition to academic growth, they foster social and emotional growth and learning, enabling students to have a turnaround in their lives. Ms. Paul's essay was a reflection of this. A new graduation requirement had been established for all seniors to complete an essay by the end of their senior year. Ms. Paul's essay stood out above the others, not only in its structure, but also in recapturing the Manchester Regional Academy experience. Mr. Pohl expressed his personal pride in Samantha, as a human being. Mr. Thorndike was to be highly commended, and he thanked him on his own behalf, and that of the Manchester Community. Ms. Hackett thanked Samantha for coming and expressed her admiration for her poise and her beautiful essay. B.2 Student Awards Dr. Ouellette, assisted by Mr. Crockett and Ms. Small-Miller, presented award certificates to spring season State champions from Manchester High School: Shaquanna Applewhite, Shaina Barr, Leanne Crockett, Joshua Miller, Elsa Millet, Nana Ocran, and Courtney Sims. C. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Keith Carson, 45 Kane Road, Manchester stated he had no agenda or complaints. He was simply there, as a parent, to express a simple thank you on behalf of his children, who had been through the Manchester School system. He thanked the current Board members, and their predecessors, for the great education given to his children over the years. A lot of factors go into a child's education and most of the responsibility falls on the Administration and the teachers. He was speaking from personal experience because of his two children who had gone through the system and he believed that their lives were enriched because of this. Mr. Tom
Stringfellow, 183, Hillstown Road made reference to: Mr. Stringfellow
commended the athletes who had just received awards and wished them
the best of luck Ms. Mary Angeli, 65 White Street, stated she would be working with some students in Manchester and wanted to give out her telephone number so that parents could call her about their children, should they need help with their written language. Her telephone number is 643-9719, and she encouraged parents to call, if they desired their children, or themselves, to participate in a new strategy that she has piloted. She envisaged this would move them up a whole grade level or two. D. CONSENT
CALENDAR D.1 Personnel Action Resignations: Judith Lanning, Grade 3 teacher, Buckley School - for retirement purposes, effective June 30, 2006. Ms. Lanning had served with the Manchester Public Schools since September 8, 1971. Henry Resutek, Technology Education Teacher, Manchester High School - for retirement purposes, effective June 16, 2006. Mr. Rusutek had served with Manchester Public Schools since September 3, 1980. The Superintendent of Schools extended her best wishes to these teachers in their retirement and their future endeavors. Meagan McCormick, Mathematics Teacher, Manchester High School - for personal reasons, effective June 16, 2006. Ms. McCormick had served with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2004. Appointments: Erin Weybright,
Social Studies Teacher, Manchester High School. Ms. Weybright received
her Master's Degree in Social Studies Education at the University of
Connecticut. She resides in Middlefield. Lydia Ramirez, Grade 3 Teacher, Verplanck School. Ms. Ramirez received her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Hartford. She resides in Middletown. Pamela Fontaine, Library/Media Specialist, Manchester High School. Ms. Fontaine received her Master's Degree in Library Science at Southern Connecticut State University. She resides in Hampton. Tenure Alan Goldstein,
Manchester High School; D.2. Extended
Field Trip Request - Manchester High School The purpose of the trip was to have an authentic experience supporting academic curriculum. Twenty students would be participating, with three chaperones attending. Mr. Crochetiere was present to answer any questions D.3. Extended
Field Trip Request - Manchester High School The purpose of this trip was to view science in action. Approximately twenty students would participate, with four chaperones attending. Ms. Megan was present to answer any questions. D.4. Increase in FY '06 Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $4,298 Adult Education Grant, for a total appropriation of $229,941 funded by the State Department of Education Each year the State of Connecticut provided grants to Boards of Education who offered Adult Education Services. The Board had received notice of the final award in the amount of $229,941. The current appropriation was for the preliminary award of $225,643; therefore, it required an increase in the current appropriation in the amount of $4,298. This grant is paid based on the total dollars spent for Adult Education Services and these are important services in assisting to keep Manchester's dropout rate low. There is no financial impact to the town. The grant provides funds from the State of Connecticut. D.5. Increase in FY '06 Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $78,300 Medicaid Grant, for a total appropriation of $253,300 The Manchester Board of Education requested an increase in the appropriation for Medicaid. D.6 Approval of Law Firm to carry out Legal Services for the Board of Education as recommended by the Personnel and Finance Committee A Request for Proposal was sent out to law firms, and appropriately published, for comprehensive legal services to be provided to the Manchester Board of Education. Three law firms met all the initial requirements and submitted proposals for consideration. On June 21, 2006 the Personnel & Finance Committee interviewed all three firms: Kainen, Escalera and McHale; Chinni and Meuser, LLP, and Shipman and Goodwin. The focus of the interview was to determine which firm could provide comprehensive services in the most effective manner. All three firms were considered to be exceptional in their fields of school law and labor and employment issues. The Personnel & Finance Committee recommended that the Manchester Board of Education select the firm of Shipman and Goodwin as its legal representative. Legal Fees are a part of the budget. The selection of this firm will not impact the amount spent on legal services. Ms. Hackett called for a motion to approve the Consent Calendar. MOTION: Rizzo/Pohl s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approved the Consent Calendar, as presented by the Superintendent of Schools. 6/0/0. E. NEW BUSINESS E.1. East
Hartford Community Health - Free Dental Cleaning at Verplanck Elementary
School. Ms. Luce outlined the program, which, although not free, was low cost and would ensure that every six months children would have their teeth cleaned on site. It was aimed at children who had never had the benefit of dental care. It is an entirely new initiative. A doctor from East Hartford Community Health explained that an informational packet would be sent out to parents to see if they would be interested in the program. If so, a second packet would be sent out. The service provides for a hygienist to come to the schools; provide cleaning; give oral hygiene instructions and recommendations for further treatment. The goal would be to return to schools every six months for follow up. Mr. Rizzo wanted to know if the proposal was to present the program throughout all the Manchester Schools, and was told that it would start with Verplanck and then be extended to other schools. Mr. Rizzo asked when the Program was likely to be introduced to other schools. He informed that if it were to be extended, a second team would be required to cope with the additional Manchester Schools. Mr. Rizzo asked the cost associated with the program, and was told that the company would bill insurances. They accepted Husky programs, Medicaid programs, etc. - it was not their goal to steal patients away from private dentists. If a child turns out to be non-insured, a flat rate of $30 would be billed to parents. East Hartford Community Health is a private non-profit organization and receives federal and state funding. Mr. Pohl asked for clarification on the terminology "Free Dental Cleaning", and was told that it was not entirely accurate. If a child had some form of insurance the company would be billed. If the family did not have any kind of insurance they would be billed $30. Generally, care would not be refused. Ms. Hackett wanted to know if a child receiving dental cleaning would be accompanied by a parent; also queried how the company would obtain medical backgrounds of patients. She was told the second packet dealt with this aspect and required the consent and signature of parents. Ms. Luce responded to Ms. Hackett that the program would be open to all students and parents would be very welcome to accompany their children. Ms. Brooks had already met with Ms. Luce and Ms. Barry and requested them to explain any liability to the Board if the service was to be performed in the schools. Ms. Barry responded that the Board would have no liability. The company is covered through their Malpractice & Liability insurance through the federal government. They bring their own mobile equipment into the school. Mr. Crockett had a question on possible infection through the water being used and he was assured that nothing gets put back into the system so there would be no danger of this happening. Ms. Hackett confirmed that, if approved, the program would start next October. The process still needs approval from the Federal Government Bureau of Primary Health Care, and an application will be submitted to them; the process usually taking two to three months. The proposal would come before the Manchester Board of Education again at its July 10th meeting. Dr. Ouellette pointed out that the program, if approved, would have no financial impact on the Board of Education and not use any available resources in Verplanck School. Dr. Ouellette asked for a review of the billing process, as she needed assurance that the school would not become a collection agency. Ms. Brooks offered to research the question of other private entities offering the same service. E.2 Superintendent of Schools' Evaluation Ms. Hackett
informed Board Members that they would be starting the Superintendent's
evaluation process in the current week. Blank evaluation forms would
be distributed to Board members and they could be filled out on the
hard copy, or electronically. It would be desirable to have the forms
in her possession by the July 10th meeting. As a reminder, there are
three statutory requirements for Board members: 1) Adopt a budget; F. OLD BUSINESS F.1 Educational Technology Template Dr. Ouellette reminded the Board that at its June 12th meeting, Dr. Gejda presented them with an Educational Technology Template and, in compliance with the regulations of the State of Connecticut; it had been brought back under 'Old Business' for Board approval. Dr. Gejda was present to answer any questions. Mr. Rizzo moved the adoption of the Education Technology Template, complimenting Dr. Gejda on the very fine job that she had done. MOTION: Rizzo/Stafford s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Education Technology Template. 6/0/0 G. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - Part II G.1 Co-Curricular and Extra Curricular Staff for Illing Update Attorney Libby drew the Board's attention to a Summary of Stipended Positions Located at Illing Middle School, which had been tabled. Forty positions had been finalized, which included five that were shared. Twenty-three out of the forty attracted only one application, so interviews were unnecessary. The primary interviewers were the two Vice Principals who would be at Illing for the next year, Mr. Barry Bernstein and Mr. Matt Daly. In many cases an additional person had been asked to sit in as an observer. As of that afternoon there were three positions still to be finalized: Music Department Representative, Special Education Department Representative and Language Arts Facilitator. Additionally, there were eighteen positions for which no Manchester Education Association member had applied. Those would be reposted immediately after school commences, when people would be well entrenched at Illing and could take another look at the positions. It was known that a few people, who had not applied prior to the deadline, had subsequently declared an interest. G.2 Accelerated Middle School Schedule Update Ms. Brooks stated that, because of a Building & Sites meeting conflict she had just heard that Mr. Keith Epstein was just now on his way to the Board meeting to give his update on the Accelerated Middle School Schedule. Ms. Hackett expressed her concern about the conflict and suggested that the administrators in charge of scheduling should communicate to ensure that in future this did not happen. The best way would be for sub committees to steer clear of dates scheduled for Regular Board Meetings. Ms. Brooks suggested that the current conflicts had arisen because of Construction schedules. Mr. Epstein arrived and explained that he had been endeavoring to meet the Construction schedule and normally he would not have a conflict. Ms. Hackett stressed the importance of keeping the lines of communication open and receiving copies of the Minutes. Mr. Epstein said he would ensure that in future the minutes would be emailed to the Board. Dr. Ouellette requested Mr. Epstein to review the situation at Manchester High School. Mr. Epstein reported that the Contractors were moving along aggressively. Site work is progressing favorably. Mr. Epstein reported on the extensive damage that had been caused at Manchester High School. During a process being carried out on the roof; agreed with the State, and in an effort to save money, holes had been cut in the roof to carry out a moisture test. The process had almost been completed. Over the ensuing weekend, however, there was been torrential rain, causing the failure of one of the patches, resulting in flooding. Mr. Epstein cited ruined ceilings; books; carpets; damage in the main office, etc. Ms. Brooks and Building Maintenance had immediately been contacted. As much water as possible had been extracted and mop-up operations were carried out. The Town roofer had patched the roof with a temporary seal, and currently, all patches were now secure. The Town's Insurance Adjuster had been out and assessed the situation. Ms. Brooks confirmed there was a $50,000 deductible on the Board's insurance. Mr. Epstein was of the opinion that the situation would need further investigation in order to gauge the full extent of the damage before blame could be apportioned. Mr. Rizzo asked Ms. Brooks if she would be cataloguing the damage to estimate the total dollar amount involved. The Board would like to get this information. It appeared to him that the contractor should have known about possible risks with the process, and was puzzled as to why the Board should have to assume any liability. Mr. Epstein declined to comment on this aspect, as he did not consider himself an insurance expert. Personally, he felt the contractor had some liability but this was debatable. He will pursue the question of liability. Ms. Hackett asked about relocating drains if they were not in an ideal position. What would be the cost of relocating these? Mr. Epstein responded that this would happen in the project and was all part of the package of replacing the entire roof; adding new drains; proper locations; properly pitched, etc. Mr. Epstein said that the next step would be taking care of needed repairs this summer; ascertain what work is involved and talk to the Town's insurance agent; also meet with the roofer. Dr. Ouellette asked Mr. Epstein to share the status of the elementary projects. The swing space projects are moving aggressively. It was hoped to install the foundations for the modular classrooms in the current week. The contractors were building the modulars for Washington, Buckley and Bower Schools. It was hoped to have the classrooms out by mid-July; completed by the end of July, and ready for occupancy when school opens. With reference to additional work at Martin, Buckley, Waddell, Bowers, Verplanck and Keeney, Mr. Epstein is working very closely with Michael James Construction. It is a very tight schedule as some of the work is complicated. At Martin School the foundations are in and the steel should be up by mid-July; brick delivered by mid-August. Mr. Epstein promised to keep the Board updated. At Buckley School, where they are pulling apart the two locker rooms, asbestos had been found in the wall and three Abatement Contractors had submitted contracts to take care of the problem. The rooms should be fully occupied when school opens. Additional minor work is happening at Washington. At Keeney School they had been asked by the new principal to address the design. There were six open classrooms and the principal thought it would be more effective if they did not wall the classrooms off. He wanted another office to be added, and this was presently being priced. Work at Waddell had not started yet, but they are making sure the contractor does not extend himself. They are starting at Verplanck and Bowers right now, as far as the new partitions are concerned. Over the next two weeks he hoped to have a better handle on the situation when the remainder of the drawings come in. Mr. Pohl asked about the six open classrooms at Keeney. He thought it had originally been planned to close those classrooms. Was it the intention now to have them stay open? Mr. Epstein confirmed that this was the case. Mr. Pohl said there would be six delighted teachers, as they had not wanted to close the classes. Mr. Stafford wanted to know if we were on schedule for getting all the furniture into Bowers and Waddell. Mr. Epstein said the furniture had been ordered two weeks ago and he was awaiting a report as to the expected delivery date. He had every hope that the furniture would arrive in a timely fashion. Ms. Brooks suggested to Ms. Hackett that Mr. Epstein attend the July 10th meeting to give a further update; placing him later on the agenda. Ms. Hackett agreed this would be possible. Mr. Epstein reported that bids had just been opened for six of the phases at Illing School. H. COMMUNICATIONS Ms. Hackett reported that she had received a letter of resignation, dated June 22nd, from Board Member Mr. John Rowe, for personal reasons, effective immediately. I. COMMITTEE REPORTS I.1 Community
Relations Committee Committee discussions revolved around the Community Conversations on Racial Balance that would take place on Thursday, October 26, 2006. The Office of Equity Programming, together with the district-wide Parent/Teacher Association (PTA) and the School Readiness Council is sponsoring a fall Community Conversation about Racial Imbalance. Approximately 100 Manchester residents will be invited to participate. A planning committee of twenty people from a cross-section of stakeholders throughout the community will organize the fall program that will take place on Thursday, October 26, 2006 from 5:00pm-9:00pm approx. A light dinner will be served. This community conversation will be one way to bring the entire community of various organizations, perspectives, and backgrounds together, to have a facilitated discussion about a topic that can impact the entire Manchester Community in a very positive way helping all students succeed. Presently
facilitators and scribes are needed to help lead the discussions: training
will take place in September. For further information contact Diane
Kearney at The Board of Education, 860-647-5075. Members thought it was important to include a true cross-section of the community to include realtors and truly concerned citizens. Committee members would share the information with residents to help seek participants for the fall conversation. I.2 Personnel & Finance Committee Mr. Rizzo reported that the Personnel & Finance Committee had met the previous week and interviewed the three law firms who had responded to the Request for Proposal, for comprehensive legal services to be provided to the Board. As already reported, on the Consent Calendar, the firm of Shipman and Goodwin had been selected. J. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. Stringfellow
expressed his support for items 3, 4 and 5 on the Consent Calendar and
the proposed program for Free Dental Cleaning at Verplanck School. Manchester
Public Health Department had published an Oral Health Brochure. He was
impressed with Mr. Epstein's report about the renovations and roof repairs
at the Middle School and the compromise agreement with the State Department
of Education; modular classroom schedules and the bidding contract.
The upcoming Community Forum date may change to October 19th. Ms. Curry
should be contacted about community conversations. Mr. Stringfellow
urged that the Board listen to comments from the public on subjects
such as block scheduling at the High School and follow through, allowing
for the fact that they have to deal with budget matters, etc. The Board
should consider doing other presentations from time to time. Mr. Pohl suggested a future presentation on the musical performing groups at Manchester High School. Although it had not been widely publicized, Manchester had two 1st place, and one 5th place group, on the continent. With everything else that was going on, and other negative things being brought up about the Manchester community; when we have shining stars at the High School we should ensure that the Manchester taxpayers and parents know about it. MOTION: Stafford/Pohl s.v. The Manchester Board of Education enters into Executive Session at 9:25pm. 6/0/0. The Chairman made a motion to end the Executive Session. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Manchester Board of Education ended their Executive Session and resumed the public session at 10:30p.m. 6/0/0. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. To adjourn at 10:31 p.m. 6/0/0. Respectfully submitted,
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