A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Huyler, Holmes, O'Neill, Robinson, Thresher

ABSENT: Lok, Rizzo

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

ABSENT: None

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

Mr. Robinson led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Minutes of June 21, 2004
Mr. Robinson asked for a motion to accept the minutes of June 21, 2004.

MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of June 21, 2004. (6/0/1 - Hackett)

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 38 Sanford Road. He referred to a previous Board meeting in which an instructor from Bennet Middle School was telling about all of the problems at Bennet. He then referred to the report from the New England League of Middle Schools, which states that the students have pride in their schools. He commented about the success of two students at Bennet and stated that he has not heard about any students from Illing. He feels that the Board should support Bennet as a good school. Additionally, he commented about the Charter Oak Crossing stating that there isn't a sign showing that it is a school crossing. He wondered about the students who walk that way to and from school. Regarding No Child Left Behind, he stated that Federal Service Jobs are advertised as giving practice exams, materials and preparation books.

2. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. She reminded the public about the subcommittee meeting to be held regarding the Bennet Middle School and Manchester High School issues on July 15 at Lincoln Center. She also asked the Board to keep a close eye on t he DOT Bus Depot proposal at Charter Park as it was again in the newspaper. She is very concerned that this depot will be built there.

3. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated that the Amistad is docked in Hartford this week up until July 10, and that there is also curriculum that could be sent to schools as well as information on a website, www.amistadamerica.org. Regarding the July 4th holiday, he recommended, George Washington's War, two new biographies of Alexander Hamilton, and Benjamin Banneker, by Charles Cerami, as well as Founding Mothers by Cokie Roberts. He feels that it is important to talk about patriotism. As also stated that it is the 190th anniversary of the War of 1812, and he recommended The War of 1812, by Mr. Carl Benn. Regarding safety, he also warned children riding bikes not to cut out into traffic, and for drivers to also be aware of bikers and skateboards. He asked if Tom Alexander, President of the MEA, could make a presentation about No Child Left Behind.

C. CONSENT CALENDAR
Dr. Mistretta reviewed the items on the Consent Calendar. She recognized Mr. Amara and Dr. Brindamour on their retirement and for their years of dedicated service to the district. She stated that they would be greatly missed. There will be an interim principal at Bowers School to start the year. Both positions will be advertised in August. Regarding the field trips on the calendar, she stated there was staff present to answer the Board's questions. She explained that the revised Board of Education calendar has two date changes due to conflicts. She also stated that the district is in the middle of a five-year contract with First Student, and this action recommends extending the contract to 2007 at rates submitted with the original bid. She stressed that this was not a request for a bid waiver. In regard to the Buckley roof project, she stated the district was given information that was erroneous, which was if the district obtained a certificate of failure for the roof, that the district would be able to have the full 65% reimbursement rate which would go out to bid immediately. They have discovered that a ten-year roof had to be in place for 20 years, with a 48.75 reimbursement rate. She stated that Mr. Huot was present to explain financial information, and Mr. Lamson, Architect for the Town was available to answer questions.

1) Personnel Action

Resignations
Francis Amara, Principal at Keeney Elementary School, has submitted his resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective January 4, 2005. Mr. Amara has been with Manchester Public Schools since December 17, 1981.

William Brindamour, Principal at Bowers Elementary School, has submitted his resignation for retirement purposes, approved effective October 1, 2004. Dr. Brindamour has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 4, 1974.

Leave of Absence
Jennifer Louis approved for a maternity leave of absence effective approximately September 26, 2004 through November 22, 2004. Ms. Louis has been with Manchester Public Schools since January 2000.

Kristen Johnson approved for a childrearing leave of absence for the 2004-2005 school year. Ms. Johnson has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 2001.

William Brindamour approved for a personal leave of absence effective August 23, 2004 through September 30, 2004. Dr. Brindamour has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 1974.

2) Extended Field Trip Request - Girls & Boys X-Country
Manchester High School - 10/1/04 - 10/2/04

3) Extended Field Trip Request - Nature's Classroom
Bennet Middle School - 3/2/05 - 3/5/05

4) Revised Board of Education Meeting Schedule for 2004-2005

5) Extended Bus Contract Approval

6) Buckley Elementary School Roof Project
Educational Specifications

Mr. Robinson stated that Item C5 would be separated out for a separate motion. He asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar for items C1-4 and 6.

MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts items C1-4 and 6 listed on the Consent Calendar. (7/0/0)

Mrs. Holmes asked if the Board could hear more about the roof at Buckley School, for the public's benefit as well.

Mr. Huot stated the original budget for the roof was approximately $450,000, and it was a 2001 bond issue. The State has changed the rules on how a roof should be built on a pitch. When it was analyzed by a structural engineer, it was found that the typical roof would not work; therefore, a hipped steel roof has been recommended. The estimated cost of this is $990,000. He stated that between the bond issue and State reimbursement, which is expected to be $487,500, the Board is very close to having the total amount for the project. He stated there are two projects underway, the Nathan Hale and Verplanck fire alarms, which will generate approximately $75 in grant revenue for the 2004-05 school year. This will make up the difference. The action tonight is required. The Board approved the educational specifications for a flat roof, but because the design is so different, the State is asking for approval of the project. He presented diagrams showing the type of roof planned for the school.

Mrs. Hackett asked for more detail about the Verplanck and Nathan Hale fire alarms, and their part in this project.

Mr. Huot stated the total cost is $990,000. There is an original bond appropriation of $450,000, plus the State reimbursement of $487,500, which is short of the total cost by $70,000. When the district does school building projects that are eligible for grant money, the money goes back to the Town in a general fund. It is planned that the money from the fire alarm project will generate about $75,000 and completely fund the Buckley School project. These projects are expected to be completed on or about January 1, 2005. This means that the grant money will be available before the end of the school year, and be able to be used for Buckley School.

Mr. Robinson thanked Mr. Amara and Dr. Brindamour for their service and wished them well in their retirement.

Mr. Robinson explained that he would abstain from the vote on item C5, as his law firm has a relationship with the landowner of the bus lot. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar for item C5.

MOTION: Hackett/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education adopts item C5 listed on the Consent Calendar. (6/0/1 - Robinson)

D. OLD BUSINESS
1. Board of Education Self Evaluation
Mr. Robinson stated that the following items are two annual reviews: The Board of Education reviews itself, and The Board of Education evaluates the Superintendent.

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the item.

MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the Board of Education Self Evaluation. (7/0/0)

Mr. Robinson stated that the numerical score for the evaluation was 4.53.

2. Superintendent's Evaluation
Mr. Robinson stated that the Superintendent's evaluation is a composite, which generates a numerical value, which was a 4.42, with additional commentary, which is publicly available.

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the item.

MOTION: Hackett/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education adopts the Superintendent's Evaluation; specifically Mr. Alan Beitman. (7/0/0)

E. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Building and Sites Committee
Mr. Edwards stated the Building and Sites Committee met on June 8, 2004; in attendance was Sue Holmes, Lisa O'Neill, Dick Huot, Steve Edwards. The committee heard a recommendation on the revised building priorities. This revision includes holding off on the Buckley School student pickup project until after roof renovations are completed, due to drainage issues. The Committee discussed the use of school facilities by the Nutmeg Games and the Manchester Swim Club. A status report for the Bowers and Waddell work to be done this summer was given. Movers have been engaged to move classroom materials to other school locations for storage. The committee revisited the ductwork issue for Bowers and Waddell, and it was decided to get input from the Town Building Committee. A brief discussion regarding asbestos abatement grants for Bowers and Waddell was conducted. The Buckley roof project also went out to bid.

2. Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Mrs. Hackett stated that the Curriculum and Instruction Committee met on June 9, 2004. They discussed the revisions that were pending to math k-5, social studies k-5, health k-12, and math 3-5 curricula. They received presentations from different representatives of these disciplines. They were also provided with the revised Technology Plan and a full presentation of that plan will be given this fall to the full Board. They also were given a presentation regarding mathematics geometry textbooks that were selected for a pilot project for the 03-04 school year. They received a presentation from Bennet regarding the status of their Algebra pilot project, which will continue into the next school year. They also discussed an issue related to Bennet's master schedule that would result in World Language, grade 6, expansion. Because of a time factor, they held another meeting on June 14 to continue discussion of World Language, grade 6, expansion.

F. COMMUNICATIONS
1. MRA Construction Extension
Dr. Mistretta stated that approval was received from the Commissioner of Education to extend the deadline for starting construction at Manchester Regional Academy. The district went out to bid on this; however, the lowest bidder was $365 per square foot, which was found to be unacceptable. The bid will be reissued later in the year.

G. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 38 Sanford Road. Regarding the Bus Contract approval, he assumes that there is no increase in costs, just an approval to continue with the contract as is. In reference to the DOT taking over Charter Oak field to build a bus depot, he stated the Bennet students would not have a recreational area to use. He feels this would force the issue of a new building. He also feels that the Town should find out more from the Department of Transportation. He does not like the fact that they state it will build up downtown Manchester. He does not feel that a bus depot is needed there, and that Bennet should be kept, since the students like it. He also does not hear any discussion regarding the lack of education. He referenced lower CMT scores, and stressed attention needs to be given on the education in the town.

2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated that he agreed with Mr. Perlman that positive aspects of the educational system have to be recognized, and not just test scores. He feels parent support, engagement and lifelong learning is very important. He suggested that Dr. James Tatro give a presentation on Lifelong Learning. He stated that he passed on some articles to Ms. Tait regarding special education students preparing and moving on to college. He asked if the Guidance Department could make a presentation regarding this subject. He stated that he attended Bennet as a student, and he feels Ms. Ouellette is doing a good job as the principal. He feels that he received a good education from the school, and cautioned about pitting class against class in the district. He hopes that the district could look at examples outside of Connecticut on how to prepare for an exit exam for students for the Class of 2006. He has concerned about the No Child Left Behind act, and believes that there are many unanswered questions. He stated there is a college program, which starts to prepare students for college. He would give information to Dr. Brett. He also recommended The Futuristic Magazine.

H. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Mr. Robinson stated that there is a joint committee that has been working for many months on potential referenda for this fall or in the near future, particularly pertaining to the high school expansion and the Bennet complex and/or new middle school facility. He anticipated that the Board would likely have a special meeting for the purpose of forwarding a recommendation concerning such a referendum at the end of July or early in August. He stated that notice would be provided to the public of this special meeting on the referenda item.

MOTION: Robinson/ s.v. The Board of Education adjourned at 8:10 p.m.