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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2005 |
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M
I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Golas, Hackett, O'Neill, Rizzo, Robinson, Thresher ABSENT: Edwards, Huyler, Lok ALSO PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Burgess, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Director of Business and Operations Brooks, Director of Human Resources Libby Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Superintendent Ouellette asked for a moment of silence to think of Gloria Norbet, a retired teacher and volunteer who passed away this summer. She also asked for a moment of silence for Earl Yost, a long time sports editor for the Town of Manchester. Minutes of August 22, 2005 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of August 22, 2005. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the August 22, 2005 Board of Education meeting. (5/0/1) Dave Golas abstained. B. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, mentioned it is the 50 year anniversary of the Korean War conflict, and an article in Military History titled Inchon Invasion. He asked that the conflict not be forgotten. He also mentioned that it has been four years since the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center and the many memorial ceremonies that are going on around the country. He stated that we have to look at domestic terrorism and be on guard. He also mentioned that September 14th is ADHD Day, and it is talked about in the Parent Planner Newspaper, September 2005 issue. He recommended a book called What, Where, and When For College 2005-06, by Edward B. Fiske and Bruce G. Hammon. 2. Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane, urged teachers to be more cautious of backpack weight, to avoid muscle and back pain. She mentioned that she watched the 2005 Graduation CD and that it was interesting to see the prom, senior picnic, and the graduation party. She mentioned that the prom looked very crowded on the dance floor, and wondered what the capacity of the room was and how many tickets were sold. She also asked about the timetable for the closing of Bennet Middle School for construction. Superintendent Ouellette responded saying the timetable for the Bennet closing will be on the agenda for the September 26, 2005 Board of Education meeting. C. PTA
COUNCIL REPORT D. CONSENT
CALENDAR APPOINTMENTS Laurel Botting to be a Language Arts Teacher at Illing Middle School. Ms. Botting received her bachelor's degree at Hope College. Jacqueline
Cruickshanks to be a TechnologyEducation Teacher at Illing Middle School. Pamela Donnelly to be a Grade 4 Teacher at Keeney School. Ms. Donnelly received her master's degree at the Quinnipiac University. Joyce Dunklee
to be a Special Education Teacher at Robertson and Martin Schools. Beverly
Gans to be a .40 FTE Math Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Gans
will be on a one-year assignment for a staff member who is on a leave
of absence for childrearing Meghan Howard to be a Special Education Teacher at Keeney School. Ms. Howard received her bachelor's degree at Marist College. Ryan Jones to be a Social Studies Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Jones received his master's degree at the University of Connecticut. Megan Lamontagne
to be a .81 FTE Science Teacher at Bentley Alternative School. Leslie Papandrea to be a Social Studies Teacher at Manchester High School. Ms. Papandrea received her master's degree at the University of Connecticut. Megan Shorrock to be a Special Education Teacher at Keeney School. Ms. Shorrock received her master's degree at New York University. Bruce Sullivan to be a .60 FTE Science Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Sullivan received his master's degree at the College of New Jersey. The Superintendent welcomed all the new staff. RESIGNATIONS Nancy Maclean, elementary teacher, at Robertson School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on November 23, 2005. Ms. Maclean has been with Manchester Public Schools since September 2, 1992. The Superintendent extended her best wishes to Ms. Maclean in her retirement and future endeavors. Robert
John Sullivan, elementary teacher, at Washington School, has submitted
his letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of
business on August 11, 2005. Katharine Chambers, .30 FTE business education teacher, at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for personal reasons, effective the end of business on August 17, 2005. Ms. Chambers has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 20, 2003. LEAVE
OF ABSENCE Jennifer Murrihy, elementary teacher, at Verplanck School, has requested a maternity leave of absence from approximately November 11, 2005 through approximately January 16, 2006. Ms. Murrihy has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2004. The Superintendent expressed her best wish to these two teachers with their new families. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned Mr. David Yellen, .50 Director of Bentley Alternative Education and .50 Vice Principal/Manchester High School, who was appointed at the August 22, 2005 Board meeting. She noted that Mr. Yellen previously worked in Manchester Public Schools for eleven years as a special education teacher. For the past three years he served as Principal of CREC Polaris School. Mr. Yellen received his sixth year certificate at Central Connecticut State University. She told the Board that Mr. Yellen would formally address the Board and the public after the approval of the Consent Calendar. D2. Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $231,498 D3. Appropriation
for Education Special Projects - $59,910 D4. Increase
in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $16,466 D5. Increase in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $20,000 D6. Increase
in Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $1,000 D7. Acceptance of the Franklin Building Roof Project at Bennet Middle School as Complete D8. Acceptance of the Cone Building Roof Project at Bennet Middle School as Complete D9. Acceptance of the Buckley Elementary School Roof Projects as Complete D10. Acceptance of the Nathan Hale Elementary School Roof Project as Complete D11. Tutor Contract Ratification for July 1, 2002 - June 30, 2005 D12. Close of Year Line Item Transfers - FY 2005 Budget Mr. Rizzo congratulated Ms. Womack and Ms. Luce for getting the 21st Century Learning Grant back, and was happy that the fee to parents is affordable at $10. Ms. Luce thanked Ms. Womack for expanding it and including Verplanck Elementary School. MOTION:
Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt the Items on
the
D. Superintendent's Report E1.
Swim Club Update - Pat Brooks Mrs. Brooks advised the Board that an agreement was reached with the Manchester Swim Club for them to rent the high school pool for their practice sessions and swim meets. The flat fee will continue at $5,000 a year for the practice sessions, and they will be charged additional fees for any swim meets, including full custodial overtime, and water and electricity charges as agreed upon. She mentioned that there was no evidence found that there were outside organizations that were requesting the facility and being denied its use, therefore she felt that signing the contract with the Manchester Swim Club was serving a good population of Manchester children. The swim club's goal is to reach 50% of the Manchester residents, and that no Manchester resident is denied entrance into the swim club. Ms. O'Neill asked if the number of practice sessions was reduced for the Recreational Department. Mrs. Brooks responded saying that she is correct.
Superintendent Ouellette stated that the next two items under the Superintendent's Report are a review of the opening of school. E2.
Enrollment Update- Joan Libby Attorney Libby compared the Bennet and Illing Middle School figures to last year, and explained that the increase at Illing is due to the transfer of students from Bennet due to not meeting Adequate Yearly Progress. Ms. Burgess told the Board that, currently, 109 students have transferred from Bennet to Illing. Attorney Libby compared class sizes at the different school levels, and mentioned that at the elementary level, most class sizes are very comfortable. She also mentioned that due to relatively low enrollment at Verplanck and Waddell Elementary Schools, they are going to be able to institute either an all day kindergarten program, or an extended day program at these two schools. She told the Board that a concern at the high school is that they have some very large classes, although slightly less than the year before. Attorney Libby told the Board that because of the large number of transfers between the two middle schools, a large amount of time was spent looking at the class sizes and number of administrators and staff that would be needed at both schools. She is still in the process of looking for additional staff for Illing Middle School, as there are many classes at Illing that are over 25 students. Mr. Rizzo expressed his concern and said that classes at Illing, with over 25 students, is simply not acceptable, and was there room to do more transferring of staff from Bennet to Illing? He feels there should be some plan to reduce some of this inequity. Attorney Libby explained that Illing has a sizably larger number of special education students, and they have significantly increased their special ed staff, and many of the classes have students that are co-taught, and many of the classes have two teachers in the same classroom. Mr. Rizzo asked for more of a breakdown of classes at Illing that are co-taught, and a breakdown of the numbers between regular and special education students in those classes. Mr. Rizzo also asked for more information on the impact of the transfers from Bennet to Illing, and how it has impacted the class sizes at Illing Middle School. Attorney Libby said she would furnish that information at a future Board meeting. Superintendent Ouellette concurred with Attorney Libby that there were different philosophies in scheduling, and that was important to keep in mind, as she did not want to alert the public or the Board. The Illing administration was afforded the opportunity to request the amount of staff needed to service the Illing population, and that has been provided. E3. School Safety Update - John Bishop Mr. Bishop thanked the Board for the opportunity to update them on safety and security in the Manchester Public School System. Mr. Bishop mentioned that the opening of school went as planned, a smooth and successful beginning to the new school year, and that he is of the belief that safety and security is an integral component of any successful educational system. Students, staff, and parents who have concerns of safety due to harassment, bullying and violence will find difficulty succeeding in an academic environment. He assured the Board that this administration, under the guidance of Superintendent Ouellette, is proactive in addressing any issues of a similar nature. Mr. Bishop noted that new personnel joining security as of the opening of the school year include Mr. Mark McKinney, full time at Manchester High School, who replaces Ms. Karen Laski. Mr. McKinney joins Mr. Barry Mitchell and Mrs. Chris Zimmerman as the other fulltime security personnel at MHS. In addition, Mr. Keith Lane, Mr. Eric Gauruder, Mr. Tom Lucci, and Mr. Anthony Marone are employed on a part-time basis at MHS. Comments that he has received by students, staff, and administrators at MHS have been very positive toward the presence of the new personnel, and the positive educational environment at MHS that they help maintain. Mr. Bishop
also mentioned that Leon Haberski was hired full time at Bennet Middle
School. Mr. Bishop told the Board that they continue to work closely with the Manchester Fire, Rescue, and EMS Department, and that through the cooperation of Chief Bycholski, the Fire Marshal's Office, and Battalion Chief Heather Burford, security personnel have received certification in CPR and Automated External Defibulators, (AED for short), and training in the recognition of fire safety concerns. He stated that they continue to work closely with the Manchester Police Department, and that the Student Resource Officer (SRO) Program remains strong with dedicated police officers assigned. At Manchester High School, Officer Rob Johnson has been reassigned and has been replaced by Officer Michael Brouillard. Officer Marty Jordan is presently on light duty due to an injury sustained during the summer, and filling his position has been Officer Gerald Hollis. Officer Bernie Hallums continues at Illing Middle School and Bentley, while Officer Rick Rivard continues at Bennet Middle School and the Manchester Regional Academy. He mentioned that the SRO's are involved in coaching, volunteer programs, and along with the PAR Officers, community movie nights for the youth of Manchester. Chief Berry, Capt. Montminy, Lt. San Antonio, Lt. Morrissey, and Sgt. Foran meet on a regular basis with Mr. Bishop, and Secondary School Administrators, to keep all involved apprised of community issues. Mr. Bishop mentioned that since spring there have been increased efforts of communication, as they worked very closely with the Manchester Police Department in addressing the youth related concerns in the community. A sharing of information has taken place, which enabled them to take proactive measures in the schools, and in the community, to address mutual issues of concern. During the opening of school, additional motorized and bike patrols were utilized and have continued. The Manchester Police Department Traffic Enforcement Unit initiated its annual Selective Enforcement campaign, regarding School Bus Safety, Pedestrian Crosswalks, and Speeding. An invitation to the Manchester Police Department to present to the Board has been made for the September 26 Board meeting. He also told the Board that calls continue to be received through the Manchester Public Schools Safety Tips Line - 250-3019, and the callers are usually responded to within a business day. F. OLD BUSINESS F1. Change
in Board of Education Meeting Calendar Mr. Rizzo asked if the meetings in October could be changed to October 4th and October18th, but he was advised that due to the many holidays in October and the Board of Directors' schedule, this would not be possible. MOTION:
Hackett/O'Neill s.v. The Board of Education moves to change the October
31, Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that the Board meeting calendar would be posted to the Board of Education website for the public. G. NEW BUSINESS G1. Textbook
Approval - A.P. Calculus - UCONN Course at MHS Larson,
et al. Houghton & Mifflin: Calculus of a Single Variable, 8th Ms. Hackett mentioned that normally an item for new textbooks would come before the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, and she expressed her concern with Ms. Burgess that the Manchester Board has to accommodate Uconn with the purchase and expense of this item so quickly into the school year. She felt it would be important to let Uconn know that we cannot always "tap dance on a dime" every time they order a new book. She asked what was the normal protocol. Ms. Burgess responded by saying she felt we were lucky, as money was set aside for ordering A.P. books, and there is money in the account to order these books. She mentioned that it was a surprise to her, and she would to see if other districts have faced the same kind of dilemma as our Board. Ms. Hackett clarified that the funds put aside, were not for the purchase of these new books, and Ms. Burgess agreed with her, but that we were lucky to have these funds. She wanted Uconn to know they cannot make a habit or pattern of this. Mr. Burgess agreed, and said she would contact the professors at Uconn to see what the situation is, and to let them know of our concerns. MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moves to suspend the rules and move this item, G1. - New Business, to Old Business for purposes of a vote. (6/0/0) MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education approves the purchase of the A.P. Calculus textbooks for the Uconn course at Manchester High School. (6/0/0)
G2. Participation
in Connecticut's No Child Left Behind Lawsuit - Joan Libby The Superintendent said that her intent is to have Attorney Libby present the Board with further information, and outline the aspects and implications, should the Board choose to join the State Department of Education and Attorney Blumenthal's effort in readjusting the No Child Left Behind Act. She mentioned that at the September 26, 2005 Board of Education meeting, she has asked for a detailed cost analysis of the No Child Left Behind Act be presented to the Board by Ms. Brooks, Ms. Burgess, and Ms. England. This could be placed as an action item, should the Board choose to agree and support the State Department of Education lawsuit. Attorney Libby explained to the Board the nature and aspects of the lawsuit as stated in the Position Paper of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS), and adopted by the CAPSS Board of Directors in April 2005. She explained that they are suing over specific aspects of the NCLB Act. The first is that there are several unfunded mandates, and the fact that the NCLB Act states that no state or local agency should have to expend funds or incur costs not paid for under the Act. The second is that there is extensive testing requirements, and Connecticut has long required alternate year testing, which the State deems satisfactory. A third is in regards to special education testing, where Connecticut is requesting a waiver of testing special education students at their grade level, asking instead to test them at their instructional level. A fourth is in regards to testing of ELL students, where Connecticut has requested to give ELL students three years to learn the English language, before they take an appropriate standardized test in English, instead of the current requirement of 1 year. The fifth is regarding counterproductive sanctions and penalties for schools. When a subgroup of students, such as special education or ELL students, does not make Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), the entire school is penalized. The impact on the school and staff is severe and disruptive. This sanction does not provide support to the school in terms of improving student performance. Attorney Libby explained that the State Department of Education is asking districts to consider giving their support to this lawsuit, in asking that the No Child Left Behind Act be reconsidered and looked at more carefully, and looked at in terms of what is more appropriate in different states. There is no pressure to districts for this support, and there will be no retaliation if support is not given. She mentioned that as of the second week of September, 59 districts had pledged their support, including some of the larger districts in the state. Ms. Hackett asked if there was any guarantee that there will not be any financial request by the State in the future, even though they say now that there will not be. She would like to have something in writing stating that there will be no cost involved. Mr. Rizzo
agreed with Ms Hackett, and suggested that the Board could withdraw
their support if, in the future, the State asked for financial support.
He also asked Attorney Libby which Connecticut districts do not receive
Title I funds? She assured him she would find that out and bring it
back to a future Board meeting. H. COMMITTEE REPORTS - None I. COMMUNICATIONS - None J. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road, Manchester, CT. Mr. Stringfellow supported Items 2 and 5 on the Consent Calendar, and also Items 7 - 11. He approved of the A.P. Calculus textbook and hopes they can be purchased in time. He mentioned a letter to the Editor in the New York Times regarding the importance of math. He told the Board that he supported the NCLB lawsuit, and he also mentioned a recent study in Business Week on students going on to college. He wished Mr. Yellen well in his new position. K. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS Ms. O'Neill asked for an update on what is being done with the kindergarten classes at Verplanck and Waddell Elementary Schools. Ms. O'Neill asked for an update on Title I schools and funding. Ms. O'Neill asked for an update on Head Start and how many families are on the waiting list, and what is happening with the CHEFA funding. Superintendent Ouellette commented that Ms. England will be presenting an update on Title I funding and the NCLB Act at the September 26, 2005 Board meeting. MOTION: Rizzo/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education moved to adjourn -8:45p.m. (6/0/0) |
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