A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Hackett, Holmes, Lok, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher

ABSENT: Huyler

ALSO
PRESENT: Interim Superintendent of Schools Mistretta, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Brett, Interim Business Manager Pinzone, 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 July 7 and July 29, 2004
Mr. Robinson asked for a motion to accept the minutes of July 7, 2004.

MOTION: Hackett/Lok s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of July 7, 2004. (6/0/2 - Rizzo/Lok)

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion to accept the minutes of July 29, 2004.

MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education accepts the minutes of July 29, 2004. (6/0/2- Holmes/Thresher)

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. He stated that he sent a memo to Mr. Beitman asking for the latest report for the Head Start Program that shows the accomplishments of the grants. Mr. Beitman responded that there is no report; however, he stated that he would get a list of accomplishments to him. Mr. Perlman did not receive this. He sent an email to the Department of Education, and they responded that the ESA reauthorized by No Child Left Behind requires all school districts to make annual report cards publicly available. He asked the Board for these reports. He also stated that he requested to videotape Bennet Middle School to show the building and he was refused. He would still like to do this and stated that no students would be shown in the tape.

2. Joan Maloney She stated that she was present to show support for the construction of the new middle school. She feels that there are so many factors going into the decision to either build or renovate that it is difficult to focus on one. She stated that she would like to hear more about the swing space aspect. She is concerned about the type of education the children would be given with the use of swing space. She asked how a quality middle school curriculum could be provided when students are scattered throughout the district; i.e. computer labs, science labs, library materials, elective areas, band and choir, and after school sports. She stated that construction schedules are often delays and asked how long the children would have to be displaced. She feels they already attend a school greatly inferior to the other middle school. This is compounded by the roof falling in this summer. She stated the price to build new or to renovate is so close, she feels the Bennet district cannot be denied the same type of facility that other students enjoy in town. Since most of the meetings have taken place during the summer months, she asked that information be distributed to the elementary schools so that everyone could be up to speed on the discussion.

3. Debbie Streeter, 25 Eastfield Street. She is a teacher's aide at Bennet Middle School and has worked throughout the school system for 15 years. She feels it is a great school, however she asked when the Board would stop pouring money into it, as she feels that at some point it makes sense to stop doing this as things continue to break down. She believes the building might serve another purpose, but has outlived its usefulness as a school building. Regarding busing costs, she feels those students on buses are safer because of the high volume of traffic. She stated that even though it might be more expensive to bus students, she feels it might be safer. She questioned the inclusion of an elevator and handicapped bathrooms throughout the building in a renovation.

4. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. She stated that she was not speaking as the PTA President, but as a parent. She discussed the CMT testing that would take place in the fall. She stated parents have not yet received the CMT scores from last year. She asked why parents would want to put their children through a week of nervousness and anxiety if they cannot get the test scores back in time to help the students in the coming school year. She personally feels that she would not send her student for CMT testing.

Dr. Mistretta responded to this comment. She apologized for parents and students not receiving last year's CMT results. Although the students took the test, but because of the number of difficulties that the State encountered with the testing contractor, the reports did not come in until the afternoon of June 16, a day before school was dismissed for the summer. There was not a way to distribute these scores through the summer. She agrees that the results should have been back to the district and out to parents by December 2003/January 2004; however, it was out of the district's control.

5. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated the Smithsonian Magazine, Sept. 2004 issue, had an article about Francis Scott Key. He added that this is the 80th year that Native Americans were allowed to vote. The National Museum of the American Indians is being built near Washington DC, with the opening being scheduled in October 2004. Additionally, there is the Underground Railroad Museum that opened to the public in Cincinnati, OH in August. He recommended the book, The Real High School Handbook; How to Survive, Thrive and Prepare for What's Next, by Susan Abel Lieberman, copyright 1997. Regarding the No Child Left Behind Act, there was a story on Channel 3 today regarding some issues with it in Hamden, CT. There was also an article regarding this topic in Black Enterprises Magazine, August 2004. He referred to an article in the summer, 2004 edition of Intelligence Magazine called Educational Extremism regarding racism and violence. With Labor Day approaching, he asked that inventors and volunteers also be remembered. He cited a documentary entitled The Mother's of Invention in March 2004 on the History Channel about female inventors over the last 150 years.

6. Jean Mangan, 453 Spring Street. She stated that she supported building a new middle school. She spoke about the health issues at the current building. She has two sons, one currently in Bennet and one at the high school. She stated that one of her sons was very sick last year at Bennet with asthmatic bronchitis, which he never had before and required an inhaler and many medicines. Since he has been home during the summer, he has not been sick and does not need the inhaler or medicine. Her other son was also very sick when he attended Bennet; however, since he has been at the high school, he is 100 percent improved. She questions if these illnesses are associated with the building. She feels the Board needs to take action soon on building a new school. Additionally, regarding the school calendar, she would like school to start after Labor Day.

7. Alan Watson, 23 Bramblebush Road. He commented that over 50 percent of the Bennet staff are also Manchester taxpayers. He does not feel that it is a good use of town money to renovate Bennet, and does not feel that it will increase his property value to renovate a 100-year-old school. He does not feel that just because it is centrally located that the town should abandon the idea of picking another site, even if there is more busing. He feels that Manchester should own its own buses due to the size of the district. He is appealing to the Board to do the right thing of building a new middle school in town. He stated when students and staff talk about their pride in Bennet, they are talking about what they've accomplished with the hand they have been dealt with. He feels more can be accomplished in a new building. He stated he would vote no to a renovation, even though he is a staff member. He feels strong leadership is needed in town to tell the voters what is needed, rather than what they feel would pass on a referendum. He would rather fail at doing the right thing than succeed at doing the wrong thing. He feels the inequity between the two schools is indescribable.

8. Ms. Culver, 791 Center Street. He has a daughter transitioning from a private school to sixth grade in Bennet. She stated that their first impression was how awful the school looked on the outside. After seeing the inside, she believes the town needs a new school. She is also worried about her child's safety because of the location of the school and the traffic surrounding it. She believes if taxes go up, it is an investment in the town.

9. Felacino Petito, 177 School Street. She is a former student of the Manchester school district, and has had the experience of seeing what other schools are like overseas and across the country. She has returned to Manchester and now works for the district at Bennet. She finds it very difficult that many people do not get involved and stated the audience is not a representation of the town or of the area surrounding Bennet. She is concerned about the morale and the message sent to the students if a new school is not built. Students already feel that they are in the poor school. She feels the town is making a poor choice if they do not build a new school. There are blatant inequities between the two middle schools, and the town needs to be sure that students are safe at the school. She feels that the future of the town should be considered, and that by not building a new school, if will affect current and future property owners as well as business owners.

C. CONSENT CALENDAR
Dr. Mistretta reviewed the items on the Consent Calendar. She commented that there are 34 appointments of teachers, which does not constitute the entire number of teachers hired this year; 37 teachers that are receiving tenure; and 19 resignations. She highlighted the resignations of Richard Huot, Business Manager and Peter Tognalli, K-12 Language Arts/Reading Supervisor. She stated Anthony Pinzone has been hired as the Interim Business Manager.

1) Personnel Action

Appointments
Christopher Adams to be a Special Education Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Adams received his bachelor's degree in Special Education at Southern CT State University and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37,528).

Trisha Bagley to be a Special Education Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Bagley received her master's degree in Education at the University of Connecticut and resides in East Hartford. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 1, $40,035).

Dania Bartholomew to be a World Language Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Bartholomew received her master's degree in French at SUNY and resides in Farmington. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 9, $54,412).

Kimberly Berlepsch to be a Speech/Language Clinician at Bowers School. Ms. Berlepsch received her master's degree in Communication Disorders at Southern CT State University and resides in Orange. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA+30 Step 1, $44,159).

Jennifer Beyer to be a .40 FTE Art Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Beyer received her bachelor's degree in Art and Design Education at the Pratt Institute and resides in East Hampton. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 2, $39,089, prorated to her FTE $15,636).

Sarah Brading to be a Kindergarten Teacher at Washington School. Ms. Brading received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Ohio University and resides in Glastonbury. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 8, $47,558).

Michael Breen to be a Social Studies Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Breen received his bachelor's degree in Political Science at Trinity College and resides in East Hartford. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 2, $39,089).

Linda Bride to be a Kindergarten Teacher at Martin School. Ms. Bride received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Central CT State College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 3, $40,425).

Ted Brindamour to be a Mathematics Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Brindamour received his master's degree in Math Education at the University of Connecticut and resides in Glastonbury. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA+30 Step 7, $53.743).

Melissa Cannon to be a Music Teacher at Washington School. Ms. Cannon received her bachelor's degree in Music Education at Central Connecticut State University and resides in New Britain. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37,528).

Jennifer DeDominicis to be a Biology Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. DeDemonicis received her master's degree in Education at St. Joseph's College and resides in Tolland. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 1, $40,035).

Tracey Durbas to be a Grade 2 Teacher at Verplanck School. Ms. Durbas received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Central Connecticut State University and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA+30 Step 1, $40,035).

Kristin Eggleston to be an English Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Eggleston received her master's degree in Education at Virginia Tech and resides in Middletown. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 1, $40,035).

Melissa Emmerich to be a Grade 5 Teacher at Bowers School. Ms. Emmerich received her master's degree in Teaching at State University of New York at New Paltz and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 5, $46,388).

Kendra Heim to be a Grade 2 Teacher at Washington School. Ms. Heim received her master's degree in Special Education at Southern Connecticut State University and resides in Marlborough. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 5, $46,388).

Sarah Kenney to be a Kindergarten Teacher at Nathan Hale School. Ms. Keeney received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at Wheelock College and resides in Vernon. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 2, $39,089).

Taryn Kutniewski to be a Mathematics Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Kutniewski received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education/Mathematics at Central Connecticut State College and resides in New Britain. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37,528).

David Lang to be an English Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Lang received his bachelor's degree in English Education at Temple University and resides in Glastonbury. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37,528).

Michelle Lesisko to be a Special Education Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Lesisko received her master's degree in Special Education at the University of Hartford and resides in Hebron. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 13, $67,846).

Angella Manhertz to be a School Psychologist for Manchester Public Schools. Ms. Manhertz received her master's degree in Education/School Psychology at the University of Connecticut and resides in South Windsor. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA+30 Step 5, $50,176),

Lauren Mazzaferro to be a .80 FTE Guidance Counselor/.20 FTE Career Services Coordinator at Manchester High School. Ms. Mazzaferro received her master's degree in School Counseling at the University of Hartford and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA+30, Step 1, $44,159).

Kelly Melesko to be a Grade 5 Teacher at Bowers School. Ms. Melesko received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at St. Joseph's College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA+15, Step 1, $37,863).

Marie Mieses to be a Guidance Counselor at Manchester High School. Ms. Mieses received her master's degree in Guidance and Counseling at Brooklyn College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 8, $52,183).

Amy Montague to be a Speech/Language Pathologist at Nathan Hale School. Ms. Montague received her master's degree in Communication Disorders at Southern Connecticut State University and resides in Bloomfield. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 3, $43,156).

Jennifer Murrihy to be a Grade 2 Teacher at Verplanck School. Ms. Murrihy received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at St. Michael's College and resides in Wethersfield. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA+30, Step 2, $40,035).

Linda Savastano to be a Grade 7/Math Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Savastano received her bachelor's degree in Accounting at the University of Connecticut and resides in West Hartford. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA+30, Step 1, $40,035).

Lori Swanbon to be a ,50 FTE Grade 5 Teacher at Waddell School. Ms. Swanbon received her bachelor's degree in Child Development at the University of Maine and resides in Bolton. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $18,764, prorated to her FTE).

Amy Tebecio to be a Special Education Teacher at Bennet Middle School. Ms. Tebecio received her bachelor's degree in Special Education at St. Joseph's College and resides in West Hartford. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37,528).

Yesenia Velazquez to be a Spanish Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Velazquez received her bachelor's degree in Spanish at St. Joseph's College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA Step 1, $37, 528).

Fabiola von Hollen to be a Spanish Teacher at Illing Middle School. Ms. Von Hollen received her master's degree in Spanish at the University of Connecticut and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA+30 Step 3, $46,945).

Barbette Warren to be an English Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Warren received her master's degree in Secondary Education at the University of Massachusetts and resides in South Windsor. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 4, $44,382).

Michelle Wlochowski to be a Kindergarten Teacher at Waddell School. Ws. Wlochowski received her bachelor's degree in Management at Bentley College and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (BA+30 Step 1, $40,035).

Heather Wohlgemuth to be a Social Studies Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Wohlgemuth received her master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction at the University of Connecticut and resides in Manchester. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 1, $40,035).

Leigh-Anne Young to be a Special Education Teacher at Manchester Regional Academy. Ms. Young received her master's degree in Special Education at St. Joseph's College and resides in Coventry. Approved effective August 23, 2004 (MA Step 3, $43,156).

Tenure
The following certified staff members have successfully completed the required length of service to receive tenure as indicated in CT General Statute Sec. 151:

Donna Acker, Head Start; Danielle (Plona) Alfano, Bennet Middle School; Alicia Almagro, Bennet Middle School; Eric Bernstein, Illing Middle School; Julie (Tjagvad) Campbell, Psychology Dept.; Rachel Cion, Highland Park School; Corinne Colman, Nathan Hale/Waddell School(s); John Crockwell, Bennet Middle School; Laura Feeney, Keeney School; Susan Frankenberg, Bowers School; Amy Gallagher, Verplanck School; Laura Garrahan, Manchester High School; Amy Gates, Speech & Language Dept.; Selena Melvin, Bennet Middle School; Jennifer Jalbert, Keeney School; Joanne Jones, Bennet Middle School; Michael Kakalow, Bennet Middle School; Barbara Kastner, Bennet Middle School; Nicole Krenichyn, Nathan Hale School; Amy Little, Illing Middle School; Laurie Margolis, Kenney School; Teresa Maturino-Buschman, Washington School; Deborah McDowell, Bennet Middle School; Jennifer Osella, Robertson School; Laura Pedemonti, Bennet Middle School; Felicina Petito, Bennet Middle School; Jermol Proctor-Floyd, Manchester High School; Megan Rader, Manchester High School; Jessica Reever, Illing Middle School; Laura Ridarelli, Bennet Middle School; Joel Roy, Manchester High School; Mark Ruede, Manchester High School; Karen Saunders, Manchester High School; Janet Starr, Martin School; Shirley Vesel, Manchester High School; Christopher West, Bennet Middle School; Cynthia Woods, Verplanck School.

Resignations
Richard Huot, Business Manager for Manchester Public Schools, has submitted his letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business on August 16, 2004. Mr. Huot has been with Manchester Public Schools since October 1, 1999.

Peter Tognalli, K-12 Language Arts/Reading Supervisor at Central Office, has submitted his letter of resignation for purposes of retirement, approved effective end of business January 3, 2005. Dr. Tognalli has been with Manchester Public Schools since November 8, 1974.

Jacqueline Wallis, a Grade 3 Teacher at Bowers Elementary School, has submitted her letter of resignation for purposes of retirement, approved effective end of business on June 30, 2004. Ms. Wallis has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 4, 1974.

Linda Hennigan, a Spanish Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for purposes of retirement, approved effective end of business June 30, 2004. Ms. Hennigan has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 2, 1981.

Barbara Clark, and Environmental Educator at Martin School, has submitted her letter of resignation for purposes of retirement, effective end of business on September 30, 2004. Ms. Clark has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 2, 1981.

Kate Carter, Principal of Great Path Academy, has submitted her letter or resignation, approved effective July 1, 2004. Ms. Carter is an employee of Great Path Academy for which the Manchester Board of Education has been acting as fiscal agent. Ms. Carter will remain in the position of Principal of Great Path as an employee of CREC.

Allen Hoffacker, an English Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted his letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business on July 25, 2004. Mr. Hoffacker has been with Manchester Public Schools since July 1, 1995.

Katherine Balula, a Grade 2 Teacher at Verplanck, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business on July 17, 2004. Ms. Balula has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 26, 1998.

Meagan DuBaldo, a Reading Teacher at Verplanck School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business on December 23, 2004. Ms. DuBaldo has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 21, 2003.

Chrystine LoVoi, a Special Education Teacher at Highland Park School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business on June 30, 2004. Ms. LaVoi has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 29, 1994.

Aloysius Leong, a Music Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted his letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business June 30, 2004. Dr. Leong has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 21, 2002.

Brian Reynolds, a School Social Worker at Manchester Regional Academy, has submitted his letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business June 30, 2004. Mr. Reynolds has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 25, 1999.

Sheri Winchell-LaPlaca, a Mathematics Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business on July 28, 2004. Ms. Winchell-LaPlaca has been with Manchester Public Schools since March 11, 2002.

Stephanie Kennard, a Mathematics Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business on August 5, 2004. Ms. Kennard has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 20, 2003.

Kimberly Lewis, a Literacy Facilitator at Washington School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business June 17, 2004. Ms. Lewis has been with Manchester Public Schools since October 28, 2002.

Edward Kravitz, a .60 FTE Health Teacher at Illing Middle School, has submitted his letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business August 4, 2004. Mr. Kravitz has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 21, 2002.

Kristi Moran, Guidance Counselor at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business August 18, 2004. Ms. Moran has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 29, 1994.

Stacey Anderson, an English Teacher at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation to accept another position, approved effective end of business July 30, 2004. Ms. Anderson has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001.

Mark Hedrick, Special Education Teacher at Keeney School, has submitted his letter of resignation for personal reasons, approved effective end of business July 28, 2004. Mr. Hedrick has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 26, 2002.

2) Extended Field Trip Request - Bennet Middle School
Washington, DC - May 4-6, 2005

3) Increase in Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $80,000
for a total of $320,000 - Summer School Account, funded by Tuition Payments

4) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $68,890
IDEA 619 Grant for Special Education Students, funded by the
State Department of Education

5) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $18,125
Student Engineers Interdistrict Cooperative Grant, funded
by the State Department of Education

6) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $100,000
Early Reading Success Grant, funded by the CT State Department
Of Education

7) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $147,943
Head Start Expansion Grant, funded by the CT State Department
of Education

8) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $94,216
Head Start Expansion Grant, funded by the CT State Department
of Education

9) Appropriation - Education Special Projects - $62,611
Head Start USDA Grant, funded by USDA

10) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects - $37,720
Head Start Positive Youth Development Grant, funded by the
Federal Head Start Bureau

11) Permission to Apply for Education Special Projects - $1,417,142
Entitlements I, II A, II D, III, IV, and V under the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act (ESEA), funded by the U.S. Department
of Education

12) Lease Purchase Agreement - $16,000 per year for a total of $47,238
Truck Lease for the Maintenance Department

13) Approval of Nurses' Contract - July 1, 2004 - June 30, 2007

14) Approval of Consolidation of BOE Reserve Fund Accounts - $96,356.76

15) Approval of Utilization of End-of-Year Funds
And Deposit of Balance into BOE Reserve Fund - $120,600

Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the Consent Calendar.

MOTION: Hackett/Holmes s.v. The Board of Education adopts the items listed on the Consent Calendar. (8/0/0)

Mrs. Holmes noted that a great many of the new teachers hired reside in Manchester and neighboring towns. She questioned items 7 and 8 related to the Head Start Grants. She stated they seem to be for similar things, one for Manchester and one for Enfield. She believes that some explanation is needed why there is almost $150,000 for 15 students in Manchester. She also would like more explanation of full day and full year. The same type of program is offered at Enfield for 30 students for less than $100,000.

Dr. Jerry Reisman responded stated the State Department of Education differentiates between expansion and enhancement monies. The Manchester $140,000 is for expansion: this will be used to create a new classroom for a new group of 15 children. They insisted that this would be for a full-day program in order to accommodate the needs of working families, especially those transitioning from welfare to work. This classroom would begin at 7:30 a.m. and end at 5:30 p.m., which will require full staffing for mornings and afternoons, as well as an infrastructure. This would include a half-time family advocate, a half-time nurse, and two members of the staff to work in the afternoon. The enhancement money that Enfield gets is not for any new children, but an opportunity to take 30 existing children in the program and allowing them to stay a couple hours extra.

Mrs. Holmes asked if it is expected to cost this same amount every year, or if once the program is established, it would cost less per child in future years.

Dr. Reisman stated that he expects it to go up incrementally as salaries go up, and he also has concerns about the kind of reimbursement that they receive from the Department of Social Services in terms of subsidized daycare. Over the years, the daycare subsidies have dwindled.

Mr. Edwards noted one of the resignations, Barbara Clark, the Environmental Education Teacher for many years in conjunction with the Lutz Museum. He thanked her for her service and wished her well in her retirement.

D. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
1. Strategic Plan Update
Dr. Mistretta distributed to the Board a copy of the document and PowerPoint presentation. She stated the Board adopted this plan on January 26, 2004 as a working document. She stated that she, Dr. Brett and the goal chairs have worked on the document to put it into a more formal plan for the Board. Over 80 educators and community members, out of 125 who originally signed up, participated in discussion on March 25, 2003. Some of the participants joined Goal Committees to continue discussion throughout the spring examining strengths, weaknesses and developing action items. Those action steps were compiled into the Strategic Plan, along with persons responsible, timelines, and evidence of accomplishment. She asked Kathy Ouellette, Principal of Bennet Middle School, to speak about Goal 1.

Ms. Ouellette stated this goal would be truly significant as the district faces the nation's biggest school reform and accountability system with No Child Left Behind Act. She stated the committee focused their attention on the positive side and always kept consistent with the Manchester Mission Statement, values, and the vision of the school system. They had three objectives: to design objectives that would optimize the quality and quantity of shared services and programs currently in place in the Manchester Public Schools; to think bigger and better to enhance the Manchester Public School's capacity and infrastructure to achieve the mission; and, to increase the public's awareness and understanding of the Manchester mission and the effectiveness. Strategic Goal I states the Manchester Board of Education will continue to establish accountability structures for students and staff, designed for the success of every student. The objective includes the belief that all students have the ability to learn. This is significant in meeting 100 percent proficiency in all subgroups of the student population, stressing the efficacy philosophy, creating cultural learning opportunities, and alternative education options. Student achievement data will be used to drive improved instruction, where CMT, CAPT, SATS scores will be critical to monitor, as well as the student failure rate and dropout data. It expects more students to enroll in and achieve in higher-level courses. There has been some articulation between the middle school and the high school. There would be an increase in rigor in all courses, monitored by the professional walkthrough model. The committee felt that the evaluation process of the Strategic Plan is essential and necessary to be done on a continual basis in order to judge the effectiveness of how funds are allocated, and how the organization is restructured to provide the best for the students.

Mrs. Tait spoke about Strategic Goal II: Equal Access To Resources - Students, staff and school will have adequate access to resources and programs in order to support their success. One of the concerns of this committee is to have adequate space for alternate teaching and learning and for student support from pre-school through high school. As students and programs change, space needs also change. They believe they need additional staff and resources in order to improve student access to academic and support programs. Some of the resources and staffing are in specialized areas. It is also important to grow all support staff in areas that support student learning and high expectations. They feel that they are doing an excellent job in the area of equity programming, focusing on all students.

Dr. Mistretta spoke about Goal III: Promote Family Participation and Community Partnerships. The intent is to develop a wide range of programs for students, families and other community members. With the closing of the Family Center, the district lost a critical piece of infrastructure. The district is able to continue relationships with School Readiness Council, Manchester Memorial Hospital, Town Government Offices, Town Libraries, School-to-Career Partners, and MCC, UCONN and CCSU. She stated that Manchester is very connected with a long and strong track record of collaboration in town. They can also do active recruiting of parents that need adult education, English as a second language and GED diplomas. The district can continue school based initiatives, as well as PTAs and School Advisory Councils. What was lost with the Family Center includes field trips and formal training; new birth family book project; resources to parents for information about education, health and community agencies; resources to staff members for family-friendly practices; grant writing and program innovation and coordination, such as home visitation by school nurses; and parent networking. She stated they hope to recapture these items if and when they are able to build a new preschool center.

Mr. Sierakowski spoke about Goal IV: Develop Student Attitude, Character, and Ownership in the School Community. The first part of this goal is articulating social developmental expectations. The second part is respect for the learning process and people. The district must have an articulated plan and publish performance expectations K-12. It ensures integrated, diverse learning communities, and implements bias/violence prevention and school safety programs. The school builds seamless character education programs and practices, and designs innovative community service experiences. The educators celebrate and market school positives, and teachers design personalized environments that challenge students to examine critical, real-world issues. Students take ownership and hold high expectations for themselves. The entire community will expect parents to be involved with school, to know the child's teachers and work expectations and to attend conferences. It is the relationship of what educators, teachers, parents and students have to do to produce better results for the students. He stated there are a number of initiatives in the district now, such as Megaskills, Aspirations Program, and the Freshmen First Day.

Dr. Reisman spoke about Goal V: Prepare Children for School. As educators, it is recognized that children at a younger age are expected to know more, and that not all children come to school with the same skills. The work of the School Readiness Council is to work with preschool community provider to make sure children get a quality preschool education, and are ready to start kindergarten. They have been working with preschool providers to increase their understanding of what it takes to teach a child, and the range of curriculum that children can be exposed to. The district wants to create a public awareness, improve the data collections procedures and assessment, recreate the family center, study all day kindergarten toward expansion, create a directory of early childhood programs, have a relationship with the School Readiness Council, and have technical consultation and community outreach.

Dr. Mistretta stated that an important question is if there are financial costs involved. She stated there are, but to a large extent, they have been operating under this plan and many of the steps can take place through the normal budget that the Board has adopted. The Strategic Plans does include some items that will incur additional costs: increased counseling services; graduation requirement summer courses; teacher stipends for expansion of elementary chorus; transportation to support after-school programming; construction of an early childhood/family resource center; construction of adequate space; and reinstatement of programs lost due to recent budgetary considerations. She stated the Strategic Plans allows the district to operate, and that the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent should report annual progress to the Board. She stated that this document, along with Policy 6180, should be the two documents that help the Board determine what should stay and what should go in the next budget deliberations.

Mrs. Holmes stated the big goal is to get 100 percent proficiency for all students in all subgroups. She asked if this would be used as the ultimate measurement tool to determine the results.

Dr. Mistretta stated that proficiency is the target the district should be looking at as it helps educators to see a linkage between the Strategic Plan and the CMTs and No Child Left Behind legislation. They would like to see more students at goal and advanced, as the graduation requirements talk about proficiency as the target. The Efficacy initiative also addresses proficiency targets.

Mrs. Holmes stated that the district has learned they cannot depend on CMT scores, as it is not known when they will be received. She asked if the district should develop its own set of assessments that the Board can read on a regular basis to know that progress is actually being made by the students in terms of their achievement.

Dr. Mistretta stated that she hopes not to have trouble in receiving CMT scores again. She stated the students are tested every year, so that off year mastery tests can be used. She would not like to develop another system. This information is pulled together for the Board to analyze.

Mrs. Holmes asked that the Board get the results as the administration does.

2. Update on Bennet's Barnard Roof
Dr. Mistretta stated that she would expand this report in order to update the Board on the summer projects at Waddell, Bowers, and Buckley. She stated that Mr. Keith Epstein, the Facilities Coordinator, and Mr. Cadman, Project Coordinator, and Mr. Pinzone, Business Manager were present to provide updates.

Mr. Epstein spoke about the Barnard Roof project. He stated the contract was awarded the previous week, and the contracted started on that Thursday and worked through the weekend. Flashing work is left to be done and he believes the roof will be complete by the start of school. He feels the only work that may remain will be minor in nature, and the contractor will complete it while school is not in session but rather on the following weekend. The Town Charter has been amended for this project to be completed on a weekend.

Mrs. Lok asked if the work on the Barnard roof had any impact on other parts of the building.

Mr. Epstein stated there were no impacts on other parts of the building.

Mrs. Lok asked if parts of the building that previously had ceiling tiles or plaster fall been re-inspected.

Mr. Cadman stated that the Buildings and Grounds committee is reviewing a list of items. The ceiling tiles that fell have been inspected and corrected.

Mrs. Lok referred to items that were listed on the safety walkthrough, specifically checking the ceiling tiles and plaster.

Mr. Cadman stated that it has been done.

Mrs. Lok asked Mr. Cadman if there were any items on the list that should be done before school opens and will not be complete.

Mr. Cadman stated that the vast majority of items would be completed.

Mrs. Lok asked if the contractor had equipment on site.

Mr. Epstein stated there are two dumpsters in the back of the building, but will be removed before school starts. All debris is removed from the site. Small roofing equipment remains on the roof. The contractor will sweep the site before school starts.

Mrs. O'Neill asked that if it rains before the detail work is completed, would the roof be secure and free of damage.

Mr. Epstein stated the roofer is responsible to take off only as much as he can put back in a day to make the building weather-tight. The building is weather-tight, and the weather is projected to be clear.

Mr. Rizzo stated that he did not feel a great level of comfort, as he did not hear anyone say that the Barnard Building is ready for the start of school.

Mr. Epstein stated that there is no reason that school can't occur as scheduled.

Mr. Rizzo stated there was some talk about not using the third floor of the building, and asked if this was still necessary.

Dr. Mistretta asked Mr. Epstein to again review the work that would remain after Wednesday, to help the Board understand if there should be concern about using the third floor of the building.

Mr. Epstein stated that after Wednesday, the only work that may still be place is the metal cap surrounding the roofline. It is very minimal work.

Dr. Mistretta stated that students do not have to be on the third floor until everything is done as the Bennet staff created alternate scheduling if necessary. She stated that her preference would be not to have the students use this floor until all of the work is completed,

Mr. Epstein stated that there is no reason that school cannot occur on the third floor. The roof is not in danger of leaking or hurting anybody. Additionally, if someone were to work on the roof, they would not be heard in these classrooms. Everything has been replaced and inspected.

Mr. Pinzone stated that the contractor has assured the district that they would not do any work while students are in school, therefore eliminating any concerns.

Mrs. Hackett confirmed that school would be held as usually on the first day of school.

Mr. Pinzone stated that the work the staff has done during the summer has been remarkable. He feels the Board should be proud of the work, and the complexity of it, that has been accomplished by the staff. He publicly commended them for their work.

Dr. Mistretta asked for a review of the work at other schools.

Mr. Epstein stated that at Buckley School, the roofing contractor stripped off the existing roof and put on a new, temporary roof. They will apply a light coat of asphalt and be done with the site. Within the next month, metal components will start arriving that will be assembled on site. This will start the assembly of the metal roof. They have spoken with the principal and are aware of the testing dates. Construction will not occur on testing date or any other date specified by the principal. The project is projected to end in November. Bowers and Waddell underwent an asbestos abatement project over the summer. Bowers went well and all of the asbestos is out of the building and everyone is moved back in. Carpet was installed in the kindergarten rooms and six area rugs will arrive shortly. The rest of the project will commence construction in February. At Waddell, there was more of a difficult time as a sub-flooring was encountered. On the main floor, a carpet was installed and will be completed before school. On the lower level, because of the sub-floor, they did not pursue removing the asbestos tile. This will happen next summer as a phase in to the project. All the pipe insulation was removed.

Dr. Mistretta stated that Bowers and Waddell are the first two schools to be worked on to renovate. She feels it will be a challenging year but encourages everyone to look ahead to this time next year. She stated there will be new lockers, new cabinetry, new floors, new ceilings, new furniture, new windows, and both of the schools will be showcase schools before the district moves onto the next two schools.

Mrs. Holmes asked if the Board of Education could be assured that they are making the final decisions on what actually does get changed.

Dr. Mistretta stated that a number of administrators are working very closely with Mr. Epstein and Mr. Lamson, the Town Architect. They are constantly looking at what is reimbursable and what is not. She stated they have a close eye on the projects.

E. OLD BUSINESS
1. Items for Referendum - Bennet Middle School
Mr. Robinson stated that this is a continuation of discussion from the Special Meeting of July 29. He opened the floor for more discussion or motions.

Mrs. Lok stated that she has been giving this item a great deal of thought. She had planned to make one motion; however, at the beginning of the meeting she decided to make another motion. She stated she would make one motion and follow it up with another that she would share with the Board beforehand. She feels this is one of the hardest decisions the Board will face in the very near future, as whether to renovate or build a new middle school. She has concerns about the direction the Board seems to be going in.

MOTION: Lok/Robinson s.v. The Board of Education recommend to the Board of Directors that they plan to put the Bennet project to referendum as early in 2005 as is possible. (6/1- Holmes/1-Edwards)

Mrs. Lok apologized for any confusion, but she feels that it is beginning to look to her that support by elected officials for a new Bennet Middle School is in the decline. She has listened to community comments at this meeting, has read emails, and has had communications with other elected officials and those in the community. She received one troubling communication from someone who has always been an advocate of the school system stating he could only support the renovation of the middle school because he feels that is all that would pass. She feels this is a sad commentary of where the town is at this time. She decided to place both motions on the table as she was encouraged by public comments and common sense used. She suggests to community members that feel strongly about a new school, that they put serious effort into contacting elected officials to get their message across. She also feels it is important for the teachers to voice their opinions as they are in the school all day. She feels that the theory used on the high school of voting down a new school and electing an addition instead is the theory people are adapting to Bennet. She cautioned that the theory on the high school is not yet won. She stated that all of the issues have been studied and discussed, and that it is up to the public to tell the elected officials what they support so that it can be placed on referendum.

Mrs. Holmes thanked Mrs. Lok for proposing two different motions. She feels the first motion should be voted down, as it is pointless. She feels the Board of Education needs to be precise in what the referendum should be, and it should be placed on the ballot in the fall. She agreed that the most important questions are cost and location. She feels the sooner the town knows the decision on building a new school, the sooner the town can move forward. She strongly supports building a new middle school, and bringing this item to the public to make a decision. She would offer an amendment to encourage the new middle school be put on a fall referendum.

Mrs. Lok stated she would be happy to reverse the motions. Should the recommendations to build a new Bennet pass, there would be no need for the second motion. However, she feels the Board should have a conversation to make the public aware of their thoughts on the issue.

Mr. Robinson stated the motions would be taken in order.

Mr. Edwards asked for clarification of the first motion, and asked if it was a renovation of Bennet.

Mr. Robinson clarified that it was a recommendation to the Board of Directors to do something on a referendum for Bennet early in 2005.

Mr. Edwards stated he shares Mrs. Holmes concerns about the timing of the referendum. He supports putting a referendum forward this November, as there will be more voters than in a special election or a regular November election in 2005. He feels that if this November is not taken advantage of, it may put the referendum in jeopardy in a special election in the spring based on number of votes required. He definitely does not want to wait until next November. He feels the voters are smart enough to know that the Bennet referendum will follow the high school referendum. He stated he would support an amendment to either motion to put the question on the November ballot.

Mrs. Hackett stated she agreed with Mrs. Lok's comments. She also thanked members of the public who took the time to contact her and other Board members to share their opinions. She stated that she very actively campaigned for the last two referendums. She feels the decisive issue between renovating and replacing is the swing space. She does not know of a solid plan for swing space as it has always been spoken about hypothetically.

Dr. Mistretta stated there has not been a plan for swing space because administration is not pleased with the idea of it. It would require 140,000 square feet, and the estimated cost for swing space would $8.4M, with only half of it reimbursed. The students would be put in places where the administration does not feel they would receive optimal education, or even satisfactory education. There were a number of things discussed such as trying to renovate the parkade, renovating the bottom of Waddell, and placing students in portable classrooms around the district. She stated that all of this would seriously dissolve the program for the Bennet students during several years of construction, and they find that unacceptable.

Mrs. Lok feels the question about swing space is good, and believes that this type of question is one reason that it is not a good plan to put the item on the ballot this November. She does not feel the Board has the amount of information and the facts that are needed for either direction. One suggestion she has heard is that there is room in the elementary schools for swing space. She has asked the administration and has not gotten an answer yet. She believes that statements such as these are made so that the renovation of Bennet does not seem like a problem at all. She does not feel the Board is ready to put this question on the ballot in November. She questioned if there was time to get the question into the legal format and the ed specs prepared. She does not feel there is enough time.

Mrs. O'Neill clarified that when it was said there is available space in the elementary schools, it was meant that there are some classrooms in some elementary schools, but not for all 800 students. She stated that it may be possible to move 6th grade students offsite back to the elementary schools to how they were a few years ago. Another thing that was considered was the heating and plumbing system, as it was said that everyone would have to move offsite. They discussed this at their meetings and needed to work further on it. She feels that everyone involved needs to meet to solidify some of the plans. She feels that it is not so definitive to say there so no swing space, as it has not been explored enough to get concrete answers. She feels the Downes Group did the best with what they had, and suggested that it has to be considered who funds the Downes Group, as they will come up with the solution of the biggest advocate who is funding them. She feels that November is too early to put something on the ballot for Bennet because there are too many unknowns.

Mr. Rizzo stated that one of the interesting items that came out of the joint committee was the issue of swing space on the renovation of Bennet versus the land acquisition for the construction of a new Bennet. Neither of the issues was discussed in great deal because it was more or less like it washed each other out. This may not be the case as no in depth study was done to determine the costs of each. He believes most of the committee members were comfortable disregarding swing space and land acquisition were hand in hand. He does not feel the Board is prepared to put a referendum on the ballot in November for Bennet. Another question is what is to be done with Bennet if it is not a school. All of the ideas sound feasible; however, it has not been decided. He believes that to come out of the whole process without one new school would be a shame, as it is an investment in the community. Most of the public comments have supported a new Bennet, which encourages him. He believes that the large amounts of money scare voters, and he believes people like to be more conservative and take the issues slowly. He does not want to put a referendum to vote for a new Bennet unless it has a good chance of passing. He stated he would support a new Bennet on a referendum in 2005, preferably in the fall.

Mr. Edwards stated that the idea that students should be attending Bennet while construction is occurring is something that the Downes Group emphatically said should not be done. It makes the project more complex and puts the children at risk. He feels it is more troubling to hear those who say that not all the walls, lockers, etc. need to be taken down in a renovation. He would not support this. He feels that if more info is needed on swing space costs and what will become of the old building, then the motion should be tabled. With regard to the second motion, he feels that the Board should represent the students' best interest and suggest what type of project should be done. He feels it is the Board of Education's place to suggest what should be done, and it should be respected by the other Boards. When considering the needs of the children, he asked if it was better to renovate Bennet, or better to give them a new middle school. He feels the best thing for children is to give them a new middle school. The taxpayers have to be considered as well, and the costs of renovating and building new are relatively the same. He stated that renovating Bennet for use as a school will be more costly than renovating it for another purpose. He truly feels it should be on a November ballot and that the Board is dooming the students to a renovated Bennet by waiting.

Mrs. Lok feels the wording on both motions is clear. There has been much debate as to when is the best time to put an item up for referendum. She feels the sooner a decision is made, the better. It is her hope that both motions pass, and she asked the chair for a vote.

MOTION: Lok/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education recommend to the Board of Directors that the Board of Directors place on referendum, as early in 2005 as possible, the building of a new Bennet Middle School. (6/1-O'Neill/1-Hackett)

Mrs. Holmes asked to amend the motion.

Once the amendment was defeated, Mr. Lok repeated the motion.

Mrs. Hackett shared her disappointment that some of the critical information is missing, such as the concept of swing space. It would also disturb her to vote against the opportunity for students to have a new school. She stated she would abstain from the issue, as she is not prepared to vote without complete information.

Mrs. Holmes stated she would support the motion. She feels the current Bennet is located on an inadequate site and would be costly to purchase more property around it. She believes it would never be equal to Illing.

Mr. Robinson stated he would support the motion as he feels it is the right direction for the Town to be heading in.

AMENDMENT: Holmes/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education recommends to the Board of Directors that the Board of Directors place on referendum, on the November 2004 ballot, the building of a new Bennet Middle School. (3/5/0)

Roll Call: O'Neill - no; Edwards - yes; Rizzo - no; Hackett - no; Robinson - no; Lok - no; Holmes - yes; Thresher - yes.

Mrs. Holmes stated the excuses not to have this on the November ballot included too many items on the ballot, sticker shock, giving the public the opportunity to vote yes for one item and no for the other, and that all questions are not answered. She feels that either the public supports a new middle school, or they do not. She feels the more people voting, the greater the chance it has of passing. A public hearing could be held at every meeting to disseminate information regarding the project.

Mr. Robinson stated that he supports a new middle school; however, he opposes the amendment. He feels it has a better chance of passage in 2005 for many reasons stated by Mr. Rizzo, and the fact that anything new requires more energy to get educated on and inspired to do. The high school is not a done deal and will be a fight. He feels each one is a fight, and must be done one at time.

Mrs. Lok made a final comment after all votes were taken. She encouraged everyone who is interested in the topic to get in touch with elected officials.

Mrs. Holmes proposed another motion

MOTION: Holmes/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education recommend to the Board of Directors that they put up to $2.5M for capitol improvement projects at the Bennet campus. (5/3/0)

Roll Call: O'Neill - yes; Edwards - yes; Rizzo - yes; Hackett - no; Robinson - no; Lok - no; Holmes - yes; Thresher - yes

Mrs. Holmes stated that currently in the Capitol Improvement Plan, there is about $2.5M. The work includes roof replacement on two more buildings, and it was requested by the General Manager that this is included in the budget. It also includes fire alarms replacement, window replacement, asbestos abatements, emergency generators, carpeting, boilers, and ventilation improvement. She stated that all this work needs to be done regardless of it staying a school or not. In addition, in the event a decision is made, it will still be a while before anything gets accomplished.

Mrs. Lok stated that she would oppose the motion because she feels a bond in the amount of $2.5M toward renovations and repairs is an insult to the Bennet community. She feels that any necessary repairs needed can and will be made by the Board of Education and Board of Directors. She feels this motion for a $2.5M bond complicates the matter, and might make voters think the problems at Bennet were resolved.

Mr. Rizzo feels the community should be expecting and used to approving a small bond referendum every couple of years, similar to what the Town does for the roads and sidewalks. He feels $2.5M will help to relieve some of the problems at Bennet. He stated he would support the motion, as it is the most needy of all of the school buildings.

Mr. Edwards stated he would support the motion, believing there should be some study as to what needs to be done. He stated he would be less likely to support this motion had the date of the new middle school referendum been on the November 2004 ballot. He feels that if the new school fails, the Plan B would be to renovate Bennet at the existing site.

Mr. Robinson asked for confirmation that if this motion for a referendum question was to pass, the Board of Directors would need to act quickly as well to fit into a legal timeframe.

Attorney Libby stated that at the last Board meeting, when there was discussion about both the high school addition and the possible Bennet question, she contacted the Town and they informed her that in order to get a question on the ballot for November 2, the drop-dead time to be voted on was this meeting. This was premised on the fact that they told bond council that they were going forward with the MHS referendum and to start preparing it. She stated there are different publication dates and other deadline dates. They have prepared the MHS question, and held back on the Bennet question since it was not decided at that point. She stated that this is a very different and less complex issue. She would have to call on the next business day to inquire.

Mr. Robinson confirmed that the Board of Directors would have to be separately impaneled immediately. Attorney Libby agreed. Mr. Robinson stated that he has been struggling with this question based on what has happened at the facility over the summer. They met on July 29 regarding the state of affairs at Bennet, learning that the Barnard roof would be complete and that there were sufficient funds in the operating budget over the next year to pay for the other roofs as well. He stated he would oppose the motion.

Mr. Edwards confirmed that the General Manager stated that the two other roofs at Bennet should be paid through the Board of Education budget. He did not hear him say that the budget would be fully funded without any other cuts. He has a great concern regarding this in terms of losing programs over funding a roof. He stated he would support the motion.

Mrs. O'Neill stated she would support the motion. She believes money has been diverted from Bennet.

Mrs. Holmes reviewed the minutes of the meeting on the July 29th, in which the General Manager stated that the work on the two roofs has to be done next summer, and should be part of the planning and budget process for this coming fall in the 2005-06 budget, and the estimated cost is $200,000, with reimbursement from the State offsetting some of the costs.

F. NEW BUSINESS
1. Preschool Resolution
Dr. Mistretta stated in preparation for going forward with a possible preschool facility, she and Dr. Brett reviewed all of the work regarding preschool over the past several years. Dr. Brett has prepared a document that details some of the specific work and the dates the business was conducted. Documentation is also provided. This is preparatory to the Board's first reading at a resolution about preschool. She stated Dr. Reisman would talk about the vision for preschool and a new facility.

Dr. Brett stated in terms of overall support for quality preschool education, she feels that every adult would support it at all levels. She referred the Board to the preschool presentation packet that was distributed. It outlines the parent's role and parent/student expectations. It also includes the position statement on preschool learning, and a resolution that was taken directly from the preschool statement.

Dr. Reisman emphasized the importance of preschool education and the value the Board of Education receives from the children who come to the school system with a preschool experience behind them. He stated that he sees an early childhood center as being a focal point for children and families. Over the next few years, skills and tools will be provided to preschool centers throughout the community. Over the last two years, they have been discussing how to build a preschool center that would bring together existing resources, such as Head Start, daycare, family centers and programs. They know that reimbursement is enhanced to a potential 65 percent reimbursement on a building. CHEFA has been charged to leverage bond money to assist in the building of early childhood centers. CHEFA initiated new language that would allow funds to be filtered to municipalities. These funds put together would allow about 90 percent reimbursement for a facility. This project would not only bring back the lost family components, but would offer an ongoing process by which early childhood educators, parents and children are prepared for school. At this point, they have received a commitment from the legislature for $100,000 to look at a feasibility study. He feels it is time to look at the project, taking into consideration the needs of the community, which are growing.

Mr. Robinson thanked Dr. Reisman and for his leadership on the issue. He stated that it is a first reading, and will be taken up as Old Business with a formal resolution at the next meeting.

Mrs. Hackett stated that as Chair of the Curriculum Committee, she thanked those members who helped craft the resolution. She highlighted a few items to demonstrate the give and take that occurred when putting together the resolution.

G. COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Mrs. Hackett stated a meeting was held on July 19. They discussed the preschool readiness resolution and the proposed meeting in New Haven with CHEFA.

H. COMMUNICATIONS
None.

I. PUBLIC COMMENTS
1. Leslie Frey, 30 Florence Street. She stated that she favors renovating Bennet. She appreciates that approximately half of the teachers live in town and vote. She feels the implication that renovating Bennet is inferior is false. She believes appearance and safety would be addressed in a renovation project. Assuming the high school referendum passes, the space at the high school could be used as swing space. She takes exception with labeling Bennet School as the poor school in the poor neighborhood. She feels a renovated Bennet would be standout school in the State. She feels the Town currently owns the Bennet complex and the taxpayers will have to pay for renovation of the building regardless of its future use; therefore, if the Town builds new, the costs will double. She believes there are issues at Hillstown Road concerning the cemetery, the need for sewers, sidewalks and continual busing costs, in addition to current traffic problems in the area that would be escalated.

2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. He stated that he supported the Strategic School Profile. He was on one of the subcommittees, and attended the forum on March 23, 2004 at Manchester Regional Academy. He referred to two articles in the Journal Inquirer about teachers making connections with students, and from Commission Sternberg about goals for school superintendents. He hopes that another alternative site for Bennet is looked at besides Hillstown Road, as he feels that it is a forced issue. He feels that no matter when the referendum is held, all of the votes count. He feels all groups throughout the town should be listened to, as they are all taxpayers. He referred to articles in the August 22, 2004 Boston Globe regarding the GED test and foster care. In addition, the August 22, 2004 Parade Magazine had an article about ending child abuse.

3. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. She stated that she is glad to hear the roof on the Barnard building will be done before school starts. She stated that it had been said that Bennet could be used during construction renovation; however, the Business Manager stated earlier in the meeting that the construction company would not even work on a roof with children in a building. She questions how Bennet can be made a construction site while children are asked to remain on site. She does not think the MHS addition should be looked at as swing space. She feels the addition has a purpose, and addresses the NEASC accreditation problem at the high school. She feels the accreditation and space for the ninth grade class cannot be jeopardized to use this space as swing space. She stated that unless the Board can guarantee that money set aside in a referendum for capitol improvements at Bennet will actually go there, she feels the referendum has no way of passing.

4. Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Street. He congratulated the group that voted for the money for Bennet, as students will still have to attend Bennet for a while before anything is actually done through referendum. The building requires quite a bit of work to make it a viable building. He referred to the NEASC report, stating that the overcrowding issue at MHS was last on the list. He stated that this report came out five years ago and feels that nothing has been done with it yet. With all the empty industrial and commercial properties, he feels there are plenty of places that have closed down in the area and are available for development. However, with many lost jobs, families are not making as much money as they had before and they have great concerns about higher taxes. Economically, people are not as well off as they were years ago.

5. Alan Watson, 23 Bramblebush Road. He commended the Board for their recommendation to go to the Board of Director and recommend that a new middle school be built. He hopes that other leaders in town will go in the same direction. He is encouraged by the discussion. Regarding the swing space issue, he feels families that will be affected by this will vote down a renovation to Bennet. He does not feel it is a feasible alternative for middle school students.

6. Felicina Petito, 177 School Street. She commended the Board for their decisions at this meeting and for their foresight for some money in the interim to address some of the needs at Bennet. She feels that the Bennet community is intelligent enough to know that $2.5M is not enough to take care of all of the problems. She stated that although inspections are done, problems do keep occurring. There is no guarantee that nothing else will happen at Bennet. She does not feel renovation will address all of the issues. She feels that Bennet is a Title 1 school, which translates to 50 percent poverty. She stresses that many of the students to attend Bennet already have to do without, and they deserve to have something. She stated that pride does not substitute inequity.

7. Eileen Sweeney, 86 Hawthorne Street. She stated she attended Nathan Hale School, St. James School, Bennet Middle School, and Manchester High School. She has children in the school system and they have attended Waddell, Nathan Hale, Bennet and the high school. She feels that Manchester is fortunate to have historic buildings and she regrets that they have not been maintained. She has been in all of the buildings, and many of the issues of concern exist is all of the school buildings, and are not unique to Bennet. She would like to see Bennet restored, improved and maintained. She feels air quality issues also exist at Illing and MHS, as well as in Nathan Hale. She checked with Manchester Police regarding the safety on Charter Oak Street, and there were no incidents of any students being hit there. She feels there is more of a traffic safety risk at Illing.

J. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Mrs. Hackett stated that before Mr. Beitman left, he had asked her and several staff members to begin discussion on the Bailey Auditorium renovations. She stated there is a meeting next week with Dr. Mistretta to continue discussion. She would like a presentation specifically on the Bailey Auditorium aspects of the proposed package for MHS.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adjourned at 11:05 p.m.