|
MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, AUGUST 22, 2005 |
|
|
M
I N U T E S
|
|
|
7:45
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
|
|
A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT: Huyler, Golas ALSO
Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Mr. Robinson called for a change to the agenda. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education votes to remove agenda Item E-2 under New Business: Participation in Connecticut's No Child Left Behind Lawsuit. (7/0/0) Mr. Robinson recognized an addition to the agenda. MOTION:
Lok/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education votes to add an item to the
agenda under New Business, Item E-2: Discussion of the Board of Education
regular meeting, scheduled for October 31, 2005, for possible action.
(7/0/0) Minutes of June 27, 2005 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of June 27, 2005. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the June 27, 2005 Board of Education meeting. (7/0/0) B. PUBLIC
COMMENTS 2. Carl Stafford, 71 Broad Street, Manchester, CT. Mr. Stafford discussed issues that he felt impacted the taxpayers and children of Manchester. He spoke on the budget, and hoped the Board would continue to develop clearer communications with residents on the difficulties of maintaining and expanding the funding of programs, salaries, benefits, and property maintenance, which are all very difficult areas to fund, even in the best of times. He felt the public must be educated about State and Federal funding sources, and how precarious these funding sources can be. Mr. Stafford applauded the Board and citizens for coming together for the approval of the Bennet and Illing Middle School referendum, last June 7th. He also addressed the issue of student improvement. He believes we can do better by changing the way we think about educating our children, and by having school ready children, families, teachers, and learning ready schools. 3. Enrique Marcano, 10 Deepwood Drive, Manchester, CT. Mr. Montano commended the Board on the job they are doing in reference to the expansion of the high school, and the construction at Illing and Bennet Middle Schools. He thanked the Board for the positive efforts that have been put in place. 4. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road, Manchester, CT. Mr. Perlman talked about President Clinton and the republicans getting together, during President Clinton's term, to form a group to determine the biggest threats to the United States. The first threat was the terrorists. The second threat was that American students were not going into Science and Engineering. Therefore, the technical progress that this country has made is not going to be continued. He mentioned another program that concluded that 50% of the students that graduate are not prepared for work or for college. Mr. Perlman asked what kind of proof do we have that the bulk of the Manchester school students are receiving the kind of education that they are supposed to be getting. 5. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned, as a follow up to the 60-year anniversary of the ending of World War II, a couple of magazines: a special collectors' edition, called Victory in the Pacific and also Time Life Magazine with an article called V-J Day. He also mentioned two articles in the September edition of the Ladies Home Journal: How to Encourage Children to Read; and an article by Dr. Phil McGraw on how children can learn from their parents. Mr. Stringfellow mentioned the title cover story in Attitude Magazine, September 2005, Success at School. He also mentioned a book by David Levine, Rethinking Schools: An Agenda for Change, copyright 1995. 6. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane, Manchester, CT. Ms. Knybel wanted to make a public service announcement to make sure parents knew school starts on Thursday, August 25th. She asked drivers to be careful, on their way to work, of students walking to school and to their bus stops. She asked drivers to be sure to stop when school buses have their flashing lights on, and to be careful at all crosswalks. Ms. Knybel encouraged parents to join the PTA at their local school, and be active in their child's education. C. CONSENT
CALENDAR Bruce Thorndike
to be the Director of Manchester Regional Academy. Mr. Thorndike served
as Assistant Principal and Principal at Clarke Lane Middle School in
Waterford, CT for eight years. Additionally he served as a director
and teacher in a private facility for emotionally disturbed students.
Mr. Thorndike received his sixth year certificate at Southern Connecticut
David Yellen to be .50 Director/Bentley Alternative Education and .50 Vice Principal/Manchester High School. Mr. Yellen previously worked in Manchester Public Schools for eleven years as a special education teacher. For the past three years he has served as Principal of CREC Polaris School. Mr. Yellen received his sixth year certificate at Central Connecticut State University. Therese Streeter to be an English Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Streeter received her master's degree at the University of Phoenix. Trisha Bourcier to be an Elementary Teacher at Buckley School. Ms. Bourcier received her Bachelor's degree at Central Connecticut State University. Heather Saksa to be a World Language Teacher at Illing Middle School. Ms. Saksa received her bachelor's degree at the University of Hartford. Brooke Stevens to be a Spanish Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Stevens received her master's degree at the University of Connecticut. Gregg Oberlander to be a Special Education Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Oberlander received his master's degree at Virginia Tech. Elizabeth Nitschke to be a .50 FTE Elementary Teacher at Waddell School. Ms. Nitschke received her bachelor's degree at St. Joseph's College. Hillary Schnabel to be an Elementary Teacher at Nathan Hale School. Ms. Schnabel received her master's degree at Central Connecticut State University. Ryan Parker to be a Language Arts Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Mr. Parker received his bachelor's degree at Eastern Connecticut State University. Shay Belair to be a Math Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Belair received her bachelor's degree at Westfield State College. Elisa Haveles to be a Music Teacher at Highland Park and Washington Schools. Ms. Haveles received her bachelor's degree at the University of Southern Maine. Diane Ozmun to be an Elementary Teacher at Verplanck School. Ms. Ozmun received her bachelor's degree at Skidmore College. Natalie Dix to be an Elementary Teacher at Nathan Hale School. Ms. Dix received her master's degree at St. Joseph's College. Douglas Maher to be a .60 FTE Music Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Maher received his master's degree at the University of Miami. Deborah Weinberg to be an English Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Weinberg received her master's degree at the University of Connecticut. Nicholas Takacs to be a Math Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Mr. Takacs received his master's degree at John Carroll University. Andrea Birch to be a Music Teacher at Robertson and Verplanck Schools. Ms. Birch received her bachelor's degree at the University of Hartford. Catherine Mazzotta to be a Math Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Mazzotta received her master's degree at the University of Connecticut. Claudia
Millette to be a Reading-Language Arts Consultant at Keeney School.
Ms. Millette received her master's degree at the University of Cynthia Moss to be a Math Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Moss received her master's degree at the University of Connecticut. John Tedesco to be a Math Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Tedesco received his bachelor's degree at Holy Cross College. RESIGNATIONS Edward Zarolinski, technology education teacher, at Illing Middle School, has submitted his letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on June 30, 2005. Mr. Zarolinski has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 3, 1975. Pauline Pinard, math teacher, at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective July 27, 2005. Ms. Pinard has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 31, 1983. Karen Bebyn, elementary teacher, at Keeney School, has submitted her letter of resignation for early retirement purposes, effective July 30, 2005. Ms. Bebyn has been with Manchester Public Schools since February 23, 1987. Superintendent Ouellette wished these four teachers the best in their retirement and future endeavors. Yesenia Velazquez, world language teacher, at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of Public Schools since August 24, 2004. Stephen Armstrong, social studies teacher, at Manchester High School, has submitted his letter of resignation to accept another position, effective July 11, 2005. Mr. Armstrong has been with Manchester Public Schools since April 29, 1975. Laura Pedemonti, math teacher, at Bennet Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective June 30, 2005. Ms. Pedemonti has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 28, 2000. Rodican Rose Bonn, music teacher, at Washington/Highland Schools, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective July 7, 2005. Ms. Bonn has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 7, 2004. Michelle Middleton, language arts teacher, at Illing Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective July 1, 2005. Ms. Middleton has been with Manchester Public Schools since January 31, 2000. Ethan Spinelli, science teacher, at Bennet Middle School, has submitted his letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective July 14, 2005. Mr. Spinelli has been with Manchester Public Schools since January 29, 1999. Heather Davagian, math teacher, at Bennet Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective July 13, 2005. Ms. Davagian has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001. Nancy Gottung, science teacher, at Bennet Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective August 25, 2003. Ms. Gottung has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 25, 2003. LEAVE OF
ABSENCE Ann Leahy, elementary teacher, at Nathan Hale School, has requested a childrearing leave of absence for the 2005-2006 school year. Ms. Leahy has been with Manchester Public Schools since December 9, 1996. Stacey Haggerty, special education teacher, at Keeney School, has requested an extension of her childrearing leave of absence for the 2005-2006 school year. Ms. Haggerty has been with Manchester Public Schools since December 1, 1998. C2.
Permission to Apply - Connecticut Vanguard School Initiative
Title II
A: Teacher and Principal Training and Recruiting $ 249,150 Title II
D: Enhancing Education Through Technology $ 18,021 Title III:
English Language Acquisition and Academic Achievement $ 26,301 Title IV:
Safe and Drug Free Schools $ 37,689 Title V:
Innovative Programming $ 28,199 C4.
Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $244,929 Head Start C5.
Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $19,213 Ms. Lok requested that Item C-4 be treated separately. MOTION:
Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt Items C-1,
C-2, C-3, MOTION:
Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt Item C-4 on
the
Ms. Burgess expressed her pleasure in joining the Manchester Public Schools. She mentioned that she has spent most of her career in Winchester, CT, then Westchester, and now Manchester, and she sees it as a very good omen. She feels Manchester's children care to learn and learn to care. As the children take their journey from kindergarten to graduation, she looks forward to working with everyone. Ms. Burgess explained that we all have an important part in creating and maintaining our learning community. She is eager to participate. Mr. Thorndike said that he is very delighted to be a member of this community. He mentioned that this is a very professional community, and that the Superintendent is someone who is willing to look at the challenges that are facing the district, and not shy away from problems. He feels that he is getting involved in a district that is on the cutting edge and moving forward to the next level. Mr. Thorndike mentioned that MRA is a very professional learning community, and the faculty is very dedicated. Manchester has a great reputation for developing programs to meet the needs of all the students in the district. He said that he was looking forward to working in this community. Mr. Robinson
recognized Peter Tognalli, who stepped in as Interim Assistant Superintendent.
Dr. Reisman explained that in the last three years, the Board has been trying to figure out a way to increase the number of slots that are available for preschool children, so they are ready for the rigorous curriculum of kindergarten. The State of Connecticut has a statistic that he is not very happy about, that nearly 70% of children that enter kindergarten have a preschool experience. That means 30% do not. In Manchester, the figure is closer to 60%, and he feels that is not good enough. He explained the two ways in which a new facility can be built for children. One is being part of a school system. The State Department of Education has a School Facilities Grant that they offer, and our school system has been involved in that over the years. Another way is through a program called CHEFA, the Connecticut Health and Education Financing Authority. The problem is, the money from that program has not been available to municipalities until last year. Right now, our school system can apply for State reimbursement at only 60 - 70%, and it will go down over the next couple of years. The proposed $7 million dollar facility that Manchester would like to build, means we would have to pay for 30% of that. That is not possible at this time. He also mentioned that the State Department of Education indicates that high quality education starts with teachers who have a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree, which is something you don't necessarily find in any other preschool program, except with those that are connected with a school system. The problem in our community is that we don't have enough space to provide all day kindergarten, let alone early childhood classrooms. Dr. Reisman explained that we have to find a way to be able to finance such an endeavor that would not cost the Town money, would allow us to keep our schools from having to grow with preschools included, and to be able to fund it in a way that makes it possible for us to do that. He mentioned that we have been working with CHEFA and the State Legislature to get language changed so that a municipality could apply for CHEFA funds as well. This would mean that we could possibly come up with a 95% coverage of the project, which is something that he feels has been done. By the end of the 2005 Legislative Session, with the help of Senator Mary Ann Handley, we were able to convince them that change to the language of the CHEFA legislation was needed, and helped the legislators realize that Manchester should be in the running for such funds. With all the changes to the language, this had to be held off until the Special Session. Senator Handley was not able to attend the Special Session, and that's where the problems began. The legislators looked at our project without understanding the intent. On paper it looked like we were being greedy and wanted the entire project funded. We did want the entire project funded, not for self-serving reasons, but for creating a mechanism to create early childhood experiences for children in a quality environment, which Manchester Public Schools is. The Special Session ended with the legislators writing in that, yes we are eligible for school facilities reimbursement through the State Department of Education, and yes if we meet the rigorous requirements of CHEFA applications, that we would get that application approved, but we would have to repay the entire $2.1 million dollars that we requested from CHEFA. If that was the case, we could have done that through our own bonding issues. Dr. Reisman
said where it stands right now is that we will be getting State Department
of Education School Facilities reimbursement of 62.89%, with another
5% for early childhood. The remainder should come from CHEFA; however,
in the way the language has been written, we cannot take advantage of
the CHEFA loan. At a meeting last week, with the Speaker of the House,
other possibilities were looked at. He explained that we are looking
for some sort of relief and that should come in the form of thelLegislator
coming up with $1.5 million dollars so we can remain with the $500,000
maximum price tag that we thought we were going to get. Dr. Reisman explained that the best case scenario is that they decide that there is money to put towards it and we can proceed with the project. The worst case scenario is that we have to wait until the next legislative session and work with them for the next year to see how we can fund that remaining piece. Mr. Robinson thanked Dr. Reisman for all his hard work on this project. Ms. O'Neill asked if there was anything we could do to get started? Dr. Reisman reminded the Board that the Town and General Manager have been extremely supportive. Hanna Marcus, former Human Service Director for the Town, has worked very closely with him. He explained that we are in a holding pattern, and that there is nothing we can do further until the Speaker of the House speaks with the legislators who voted it down. Ms. O'Neill asked that Dr. Reisman keep the Board posted, and as to what they could do.
Mr. Epstein mentioned that this has been a very aggressive and productive summer at both of these schools. Both of the projects have been on track. The ceilings were taken down this summer, walls removed, doorways enlarged for handicap compliance, along with new handrails installed. New ducts have been installed for fresh air. Bathrooms have been modified, as well as offices. Ramps have been installed where needed. Sidewalks have been flattened out. With the start of school, construction workers are going onto a night shift. Sprinkler lines and fire alarms systems are being completed. Lockers are being added, as well as ceilings in the corridors and additional lighting. This aggressive schedule will go on throughout the school year, and will be monitored day to day. He explained that they hope to wrap the project up by the turn of the year. WalkThrough with the Fire Marshall has been scheduled so the opening of school can be on time. The project is on time, and we are within budget. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that a WalkThrough was scheduled for August. 23rd at 5:30 p.m., where the Board can see the progress in the two schools. Ms. Lok
asked if parents should have any concerns about the on-going work. Any
air quality issues or hazard issues, or possibility of left over tools
that might put children at risk? Ms. Lok asked if there will be any air quality or odor issues to be concerned about. Mr. Epstein said that that has been avoided by doing all the demolition during the summer, the painting, and laying down of the floors. Ms. Lok asked the Superintendent if an issue should develop over night with construction, if the schools would not be able to open the next morning, and is there a plan in place? Superintendent Ouellette commented that she and Mr. Epstein are in constant communication, and it would depend on what the situation was. Mr. Epstein does not foresee anything that would shut the schools down, as most of the items that would be of any danger have already been done and taken care of. The construction at night is a very controlled environment. Mr. Rizzo mentioned that he did take a tour of both buildings a couple of weeks ago and that he plans to take a WalkThrough again tomorrow night. He asked Mr. Epstein to explain what parents and staff are likely to see when school starts up. Mr. Epstein explained that where the ceilings are not in place, mainly in the corridors, there is temporary lighting, and some duct work is exposed. In the classrooms, all the ceilings are in place and walls are painted. New lockers are not in place yet, as well as new white boards. Mr. Rizzo thanked him for all the work done over the summer, and said that he was impressed with the amount of work done. D3.
Courageous Conversations - Closing the Achievement Gap - Jenifer Tait
and Diane Kearney Ms. Tait stated that the Board should have various materials on this presentation that she sent to them earlier. Ms. Tait told the Board that we are a changing town with many needs. We have a growing rate of poverty, a high proportion of rental properties with an increasing number of children who are Black, Latino, and speakers of other languages, and we have increasing homelessness. Because we are changing this gives us the opportunity to learn and grow personally together as our institutions change. We have a great opportunity to help orchestrate changes starting with physical plant, ideas for new grade configurations, etc. She mentioned that the Superintendent and other senior staff are committed to providing the tools for change: professional development, funding, facilities, programs, and parent and community involvement. We have many ongoing initiatives, and are creating new initiatives. Courageous Conversations is a process to change our own understanding and to reform our thinking patterns. Ms. Tait mentioned a letter from the State Department of Education on the P.J. monitoring changes. She asked the Board to note that we received some commendations for exceeding our goal in four out of the five P.J. areas. We exceeded the State goals in three of the five, which is a huge amount of growth in just a year's time. She mentioned that we need to look at the CMT and CAPT achievement gap, the disproportionate representation in special education, and the disproportionate representation in discipline. She noted that our Black children are being suspended almost three times more often than any other children. Also, our Black children with special needs are being suspended about three times more often than other children of color with special needs. She mentioned that this is a very serious concern that needs to be addressed. Ms. Tait presented thoughts and issues from the training about race: that race is; race exists - now and in the future. It is not the color but the interpretation of it that is the problem. In order to change, we need multiple perspectives and need to allow different perspectives. We expect all children to operate in a white world using a white perspective - this engenders frustration, anger, alienation, mistrust, and disengagement from the institution. This is the kind of thinking that we need to change with courageous conversations. Courageous Conversations started with four days with a national trainer, with additional sessions in between with facilitators from SERC, and small study groups were started. She mentioned that we all have a racial autobiography, no matter what color or culture we happen to be. Things that they looked at was: equity and anti-racism, and racism in the 21st Century. The training talked about what it means to be white, and about white privilege. Ms. Tait mentioned many steps that need to be taken for the Courageous Conversation leadership team to continue their personal growth journey in 2005-06, such as continuing to roll out the model with smaller study groups, and add other study groups to include parents, community leaders, and other interested people. We need to continue to converse courageously in all areas as we look at ways to close the achievement gap for all children. In addition, steps are needed to improve alternatives to suspensions and expulsions, and to increase modifications and accommodations that allow all children, including those with disabilities, to access high level curriculum. We also need to continue to provide professional development for all staff in understanding the meaning of race, and how to engage in actively changing school culture, etc. Ms. Tait told the Board that there are several drafts of an equity plan in process, also the Strategic School Plan has goal I and II that directly relate to equity - accountability and access to resources, a special education improvement plan for decreasing overrepresentation is in place, and the district improvement plan is also drafted. She said that this was all blended together so that the professional development and the technical assistance could help in all of the areas. Ms. Hackett mentioned that she has heard many good things about this program, and knows she would benefit with time to review this presentation. She wanted to make sure she understood the program, as providing the framework for staff to get a self awareness of where they are, instead of providing educational solutions, which then provides the inspiration for brainstorming for coming up with different ideas to meet our goals. Ms Kearney responded by saying it is very personal training, with an opportunity to reflect and make decisions based on that. Ms. Hackett asked if this will trickle down to every staff member. Is there a timeline where this will be fully implemented? Ms. Tait answered by saying this has to be done carefully, over time, to sustain the changed thinking. This is not a one day event. It's a very personal experience and each person starts at a different place. Ms. Kearney said she is very encouraged, and that we are becoming extremely progressive. We are talking about race now instead of poverty, which in itself is a transformation. Ms. Hackett asked about the cost of this program. Ms. Tait advised that SERC (Special Education Resource Center) is contracted with the State Department of Education to provide technical assistance. With them, comes the funding. The initial investment included the cost of substitutes. Ms. Hackett thanked them for their presentation and asked for future updates on the program. Ms. Lok said she got caught up reading all the information before the meeting, and that she doesn't know enough about the program to come up with a strong comment at this point, except to say that there are some very real numbers that are very discouraging. She said the numbers are good for us to have and know about, and that the information is well thought out. She feels it is a good thing that we are talking about this. She also asked if there was a timeframe for measuring success. Ms. Tait responded saying our discipline data should shift dramatically this year. It will take several years to see a change in our CMT and CAPT results. We should see families and children of color thinking more positively, with the children more engaged. Ms. Lok encourages the staff to be prepared for the response, from some folks, that we are making more behaviors acceptable, rather than addressing them. Ms. Tait says our view is not to change the child, but to change the adult. We are not advocating poor behavior. We are advocating that the adults need to rethink how they teach and interact with their students, and still expect excellent academic achievement and excellent behavior. Mr. Rizzo followed up by saying that the adults will be able to treat the student in such a way that the behavior, that is unacceptable, does not even occur. The student feels more welcome, more included. He is very encouraged with this plan and would like to participate in it. He would welcome any further information on this. Superintendent Ouellette agreed, and feels Mr. Rizzo's point is very well taken. D4.
Decreasing Disproportionality - Special Education Resource Ms. Tait explained that our district was asked to write an improvement plan for all of the staff. It was written as a grant for $25,000. This allowed us to take advantage of substitute time. She mentioned that we have a core administrative team consisting of the Assistant Superintendent, the Director of Equity, Director of Student Support Services, Supervisor of Language Arts and Reading, and Supervisor of Math/Science/Technology. They have worked with SERC to sort out what they were going to do. Tjey looked at inclusion, disproportionality in general and special education at courageous conversation, at early intervention, and technology assistance. SERC provided 10 days of in-district time, free of charge step-by-step training for 3 days to plan, accommodate, and modify for children with special needs, to be in the general curriculum and to have access to a level of higher curriculum. Several teams were sent to that training. At this point, this is a general education initiative. Training is ongoing, and they have widened the range of services to special needs children by having less of them in self-contained classrooms. Ms. Tait mentioned that they were able to take advantage of a workshop, with a national expert, on including children with multiple disabilities and severe needs in regular classes. Training on early intervention was provided at all 10 elementary schools, and she hopes to move it into middle schools this next year. Ms. Tait mentioned that the next big area of planning for is behavior. At the administrators' meeting there was a presentation on Positive Behavior Support by SERC, which will be put forth in one or two schools at a time, to help improve student achievement, behavior, and most of all will help all children that are non-white students to close the gap in all areas that are needed. D5.
Racial Imbalance Update - Kathy Ouellette Superintendent
Ouellette felt is was important to pursue an extension because she knows
that our In speaking
with the Bureau Chief of Office of Legal and Governmental Affairs and
Dr. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that after a discussion with Attorney Stapleton, a short term plan would certainly assist us with Buckley Elementary School, therefore working with Dr. Reisman; we were able to relocate one of our Head Start programs at Bentley and move them, without displacing any students, to a special education program at Buckley Elementary School. Superintendent Ouellette cautioned the Board that this is a short term plan, and we will be looking at long term initiatives that will be imbedded in this plan, and that a policy will be brought forward to the Board in October. We will begin our conversation in mid November, similar to our Strategic Plan. She asked Diane Kearney, Equity Director, to begin this courageous conversation out in the community beginning in September, with some of the Town officials, as well as the community members. She stated she will have a plan in place, both short term and long term, to present to the Board, and hopefully adopted the end of October.
Dr. Tognalli explained that under No Child Left Behind Laws, when a school does not meet Adequate Yearly Progress, there are certain consequences that affect the school. Since Bennet has been identified in the two sub-group areas that the superintendent mentioned, the school is now in need of improvement, year two. This past year, school choice was added to Bennet, meaning that parents have the option of transfering, space available, to another school in the district, Illing Middle School. Space was available, and we had 27 requests. That was mid-year. This year, when Bennet became a school in need of improvement, year two, and a third consequence was added, and that was adding supplemental education services. He mentined that this year, we have to continue offering school choice, provided there is room at the other middle school, and we have to offer supplementary educational services. The Manchester School System was notified of this final status of this Adequate Yearly Progress in the first week in August. Since the preliminary reports and the results of the CMT's, that we got in early summer, had indicated that we would, in fact, have consequences for year two, we were prepared to go forward to contact parents of Bennet Middle School. We did that, and received 94 requests. 55 requests were for transfers in the 6th grade level, 14 were for transfers in the 7th grade level, and 9 were for transfers in the 8th grade level. We also had 16 requests for supplemental education services. With those services, a student remains at Bennet and would be provided tutoring services or on-line services through programs that are sanctioned by the State of Connecticut. For those parents requesting those services, there will be a meeting in September at Bennet, and the program will be explained further. He wanted to facilitate the 78 transfers as soon as possible so the students could begin their school year at Illing on August 25th. Space, staffing, furniture were looked at, and both schools were rescheduled. Dr. Tognalli mentioned that a special accommodation needs to go to the administration at both of the middle schools, the guidance counselors, secretaries, and the transportation department. As of today, August 22, the schedules at both schools are completed, and they are ready to go. Staff, originally teaching at Bennet, had to be transferred to Illing, and there was cooperation from all parties. Dr. Tognalli explained that this will amount to monies being taken out of the Title I supplements that come to Manchester. Under the No Child Left Behind Law, we are required to set aside up to 20%, which is approximately $200,000, for the purposes of transportation and supplemental services, if needed. He didn't feel we would need all $200,000. We will need 2 buses, which will be $70,000. Mr. Rizzo asked about paying staff for coming back early, and Dr. Tognalli confirmed that they were paid for their services, and that money will come out of the Title I funds. He mentioned that it is not money out of the Board budget, but it comes from monies that, traditionally, have been split between schools. Mr. Rizzo asked if we know what we are not going to be able to provide, because we are taking this money from Title I funds. Dr. Tognalli said that he doesn't know that yet, since this money came in 2 weeks ago, and over the next two weeks the budgets will be looked at, with the school principals, to set priorities. Mr. Rizzo asked if the amounts of money could be tracked, and what they are used for. He feels it is important for the Board to have an idea of what this money is spent on and what is not being done, to get an understanding for an on-going basis. Also, this information would be helpful to communicate to the citizens at budget time. Dr. Tognalli said that specifics would be provided. Mr. Edwards asked about the 20% allocation of Title I funds, and if it was just for transportation costs, or for all expenses. Is it the largest penalty we will get? Dr. Tognalli responded saying that is as large a penalty that we get out of Title I funds. If we need to meet the demands, and cannot meet them just out of Title I funds, then monies would have to come out of the Board of Education budget. He assured him that we will be able to cover all costs out of Title I funds this year. If we continue to have schools that do not meet Adequate Yearly Progress, then we may have to cross over into Board funds in the future and prioritize some needs. Mr. Edwards asked if there were any upper limit, concerning students looking for tutoring services. Dr. Tognalli said we would have to provide services to as many students looking for such tutoring services, but there is a limited pot of money available for such requests, so the more students that we have make that request, a smaller pot of money is available to each student. Students who request the supplemental educational services also have to be economically disadvantaged sub-group students. We are limited to the number of students who can even apply for those services. The intent is that the students who least can afford the services, would have the advantage of having the services provided to them. Mr. Edwards asked if there was any deadline by which parents have to notify us that they want to change schools. Dr. Tognalli responded saying that a deadline has been set up. The day before school is the last day that requests will be considered, and only from parents that may have been on vacation, or have just moved into town. The parents that received the letter, already had a deadline to make their request. The deadline has now passed. Once school begins and children are in place, no requests will be honored. He mentioned that Illing had an orientation for students and parents, which was well attended with 50 out of 70 families attending. Once the transfer is complete, parents are asked to honor that transfer. Ms. Lok thanked Dr. Tognalli for his presentation. She mentioned that she is worried about the psychological impact on the students at Bennet, and she wondered what the school system is doing to address that. Also, have we thought about the possible psychological impact on staff? She feels we are caught in a vicious cycle, using dedicated funds in all of the wrong places, which is unfortunate. Dr. Tognalli commented that both middle schools offer very equal kinds of educational opportunities to children. He doesn't believe that either middle school is worse than the other. Both schools are very similar in terms of achievement and programming that they offer. They are both working very hard to show progress for student growth, and both schools offer a fine education. Ms. Lok agrees, but feels it is very frustrating. She asked if they were any information on the psychological issues she mentioned. Dr. Tognalli responded saying there certainly is an impact on a school when you have to go in and ask them to readjust their teaming, a week before school starts, and to readjust the plans they have made for the children, to readjust where they will be teaching those children, and to pull together in different ways. There probably is a psychological affect, and there is a period of time where everyone has to struggle to make those changes in the best interests of the children, and they do that. He doesn't feel it is the best possible scenario for either school. Ms. Lok advised the community and those parents who have moved their child from Bennet to Illing, to be cautious as to what is being told to the child, and what that child might be telling other children. It is a real important thing to be careful about. Students in both schools should be very proud of the school they are attending. Ms. O'Neill asked about the supplemental education program, and whether it will be an enhancement or an expansion to the before and after school homework clubs already established at both schools. Dr. Tognalli responded saying not necessarily, and probably not. The supplemental education services are providers who have petitioned the State of Connecticut to be providers. They have to be sanctioned by the State of Connecticut, and they have to agree to certain provisions, such as offering their services to a certain number of towns, and agree to a certain number of students in their programs. They don't have to be on-sight programs, so they don't have to be offered at one of our schools. The parent is responsible for transporting the student to those services. We also have on-line providers. We can petition the State to provide our own program, and that will take about a year to do, which we intend to do. Dr. Tognalli feels it would be in our own best interest to offer our own program, so that we could make them curriculum orientated to our own curriculum. The law allows the parent to choose the program that they want, and we are mandated to provide the entire list of providers. Ms. O'Neill asked if we had any idea of the cost of the different programs, and Dr. Tognalli said we do not as yet. The State is putting a list together for us. Ms. O'Neill asked for that information in the future. She also asked about class size, and if the size changed drastically at either of the two schools? Dr. Tognalli explained that the average class size at Bennet is 22 students in grade 6, 19 in grade 7, and 21 in grade 8. At Illing, the average class size is 23 in grade 6, 24 in grade 7, and 19 in grade 8. Mr. Edwards agreed with most of what Ms. Lok had mentioned. The perception is that Illing is the "preppy" school. Parents need to recognize that middle school transition is a difficult transition for students. As a community, we need to ease this transition, and make sure they know that the school they are going to is a good school. At this time, Mr. Robinson asked if there were any Committee Reports, Item G, to be brought forward. Seeing none, he removed Item G from the agenda. Under Item H, Mr. Robinson asked if there were any Communications to be brought forward. Seeing none, he removed Item H from the agenda. Mr. Robinson asked that Item E, under New Business be presented next, with Item I, Public Comments, presented after that, followed by Item F, Grievance Hearing (to be held in Executive Session).
Ms. Brooks
shared with the Board some of the discussions and recommendations that
she had. Ms. Brooks agrees that Management Partners has extensive municipal experience. In her opinion, this type of efficiency study would not be looking to provide the Board of Education with information on improving their effectiveness and efficiency, with utilizing monetary equipment and human resources within the Board. She believes this efficiency study would be to look at effectiveness, and the efficiency of combining certain business and operational functions between the Board of Education and the Town of Manchester. Ms. Brooks commented that she did not know if the Board was electing to participate in this study, but in her opinion, she would prefer that this study be done with an organization that had more experience with local school districts; those districts that were operated within a town, and preferable were Connecticut school districts. Ms. Hackett recalled that at the meeting with Management Partners, it was learned that should the Board of Education venture into an efficiency study, they would find or recruit some consultant who isn't necessarily on their staff. Ms. Brooks responded that one of the consultants would be the superintendent in Arlington County, Virginia, that used Management Partners to do their study and performance measures. Ms. Hackett asked if the superintendent in Virginia conducted the study in Chicago. Ms. Brooks responded that he did not. She mentioned that Chicago's Board of Education is appointed by the Mayor, and the study was to structure which services would be done with the town, and which services would be done separately. Ms. Hackett said her concerns remain the same, and we need to focus on a qualified company to do the study. It is important that the company be familiar with educational mandates and grants. It is very time consuming to work with a vendo, and for the vendor to become knowledgeable about the business they are doing the study on. She feels it is important for this to be a 50-50 proposition for the Board of Education and the Board of Directors, so she suggests working with the Board of Directors to find a suitable and qualified vendor to do the study. Mr. Edwards stated that he supports an efficiency study of the Board of Education, because it is a good time to do it with so many new staff on board. He asked what the nature of the offer is from the Board of Directors to fund this study. Is the choice of the vendor contingent on that money? Will the Board fund this only if we go with Management Partners? Ms. Brooks responded that she believed so. Mr. Edwards agreed with Ms. Hackett's comments and feels it would be a drawback to go with a company that does not have any experience with educational issues in this state. He suggests that the administration go back to the Town and explain to them again, that Management Partners does not provide an adequate evaluation organization to study the efficiency of the Board of Education, however, we are fully willing and capable to go forward with possibly a bidding process. We should put together a statement of what we feel the scope of the work should be, and we should put out a request for the proposal. Mr. Edwards favors involving the Board of Directors and Town administration in the selection process of an organization acceptable to both Boards. This needs to have the backing of both Boards. He feels we need to pursue with the Board of Directors what kind of financing they are willing to provide. Mr. Rizzo agrees with having an efficiency study, and he agrees with both Ms. Hackett and Mr. Edwards. He received information from CABE talking about efficiency studies, and this could be a source to look into. Ms. O'Neill suggested asking the Town about utilizing some of the things they have learned, since their study is just about done, that might help us; some of the same things that we both do that are non-educational. It might be very beneficial to us to read their report and see what we can learn from it, and in helping us to select a qualified consultant. Ms. Brooks commented that she had the Town's report, and she would make sure the Board members received a copy of it. Mr. Robinson mentioned that at the next meeting, he hoped we would have an answer as to whether the Board of Director's funding depends on whether we use Management Partners as our vendor for the efficiency study. If it is not dependent on that, the administrations will work together to find reputable and agreeable vendors for bidding. This will be taken up again as either New Business or Old Business. He feels the general consensus is that we want to move forward, but our administration needs to be comfortable with the vendor so it will actually yield value for the Board of Education. E2.
Change in Board of Education Meeting Date for October 31, 2005 MOTION: Lok/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education agrees to move Item E2 to Old Business. (7/0/0) Ms. O'Neill asked that this meeting be rescheduled as soon as possible, and that it is not just cancelled. MOTION: Lok/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education agrees to reschedule the October 31, 2005 meeting. (7/0/0) J. ITEMS
FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Ms. O'Neill asked for an update on accelerating the budget renovations up by a year. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned this was in reference to the swing space option for the middle school. She mentioned that she had this information on for tonight's agenda, but felt she would be more prepared to present it to the Board in September. Ms. O'Neill asked for an update regarding the swim club, and also on the availability of the high school pool to the public. Ms. Brooks responded that she would be giving an update. The Building & Sites Committee has approved the contract with the Manchester Swim Club. I. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1) Enrique
Marcano, 10 Deepwood Drive, Manchester, CT. Mr. Montano commented on
the 2) Stephanie
Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane, Manchester, CT. Ms. Knybel stated, as one of
those 3) Tom
Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, Manchester, CT. Mr. Stringfellow commented
on 4) Lou
Kelley, 146 Hamilton Drive, Manchester, CT. Mr. Kelley stated that on
his report MOTION: Rizzo/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education moved to go into Executive Session - 10:30 p.m. (7/0/0)
MOTION: Lok/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education voted to deny both grievances as presented, and furthermore, authorized the Board Chair to write up the decision. (7/0/0) MOTION: Rizzo/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education moved to adjourn - 11:14 p.m. (7/0/0) |