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MANCHESTER
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING MONDAY, OCTOBER 20, 2005 |
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I N U T E S
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7:30
p.m.
Lincoln Center |
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A. OPENING PRESENT: Edwards, Golas, Hackett, Lok, O'Neill (arrived 7:40 p.m.), Rizzo (arrived 8:15 p.m.), Robinson, Thresher ABSENT: Huyler ALSO Mr. Robinson called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Robinson led in the Pledge of Allegiance. Minutes of October 6, 2005 Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the minutes of October 6, 2005. MOTION: Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education adopts the minutes of the October 6, 2005 Board of Education meeting. (6/0/0)
B1. Relay
For Life Trophy Presentation C. PUBLIC
COMMENTS D. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT Mark Moeremans, the Student Representative to the Board of Education, said that it had been a great start to the school year, and that this year was the second time freshman had their own 1st day of school. He mentioned that Melissa Watson, of the Cross Country Team, broke a track record at Wickham Park, that the music wing has been busy, and the MHS Band has won a competition. Mark mentioned that Sock n' Buskin will be presenting Charlie Brown on Oct 27 - 29. He told the Board that the Homecoming festivities held a great parade and football game, and that there would be a blood drive in the MHS gym on Oct. 31st. He also mentioned a Sadie Hawkins dance on Nov. 5th, and that the MHS Handbook and Planner had won an award from CABE. Mark mentioned with the increased security at MHS this year, there are less problems and the focus is back on education.
Laurie Pels-Roulier, guidance counselor, at Manchester High School, has requested a maternity/childrearing leave of absence from approximately December 2, 2005 through the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Ms. Pels-Roulier has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 25, 1999. Jennifer Westfort, literacy facilitator, at Robertson School, has requested a maternity/childrearing leave of absence from approximately March 15, 2006 through the end of the 2005-2006 school year. Ms. Westfort has been with Manchester Public Schools since October 27, 1999. The Superintendent wished these teachers the best with their new families.
E3. Permission
to Apply for Education Special Projects - E4. Permission
to Apply for Education Special Projects E5. Appropriation
for Education Special Projects $100,000 E6. Extended
Field Trip Request - Bennet Middle School E7. Budget Transfers FY2005-06 E8. Acceptance of the Verplanck Elementary School Asbestos Abatement Project #077-0152 CV Ms. Lok mentioned that she was glad to participate in the approval of the Washington, D.C. trip for Bennet Middle School, and asked about the itinerary regarding a tour of the Capitol. Ms. Seanna Francoeur explained that it is a much greater job to get a tour of the Capitol, with many security issues to deal with, and that it depends on the size of the group. Ms. O'Neill asked if teachers and students paid the same amount of money for the trip. Ms. Francoeur explained that the chaperone fees are part of the cost of the trip. Through fund-raising, they have raised $1000 already, which will be put toward the chaperone fees once students are paid for. She explained that there is a scholarship program for students who cannot afford the trip fee, and that is kept confidential. MOTION:
Hackett/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt the F. Superintendent's Report - Part II F1. Community Safety Update - Chief James Berry The Superintendent told the Board that at the September 12, 2005 Board of Education meeting; Mr. Bishop presented information stating that, since spring, there have been increased efforts of communication with the Manchester Police Department, as the school system works very closely with them in addressing youth related concerns in the community. A sharing of information has taken place, which has enabled the police department to take proactive measures in the schools, and in the community, to address any mutual issues of concern. During the opening of school, additional motorized and bike patrols were utilized, and have continued. The Superintendent introduced Police Chief James Berry, who presented the Board with a safety update on youths in the Manchester community. Chief Berry stated that Manchester is a lot safer than what we hear, and crime has gone down since he has been here. He has brought the police, school system, and the Youth Services Bureau together to discuss issues in the community. Chief Berry told the Board that there are no organized gangs in Manchester. There are some concerns with youth being involved with drugs and weapons, and the police department is dealing with them as soon as they come up. They are looking at it from a prevention and intervention way. He mentioned that he would rather save a child than arrest a child. He also mentioned that this past summer the police department sponsored Friday night basketball, which was an effort that worked to keep kids off the streets and gave them something to do. They also hired outreach workers last summer, which was a huge success. The Chief explained that kids coming out of middle school are the toughest kids to deal with, and have the most arrests. He mentioned that they continue to look at family issues and case management issues to turn these kids around. Chief Berry wanted the Board to know that most of our young kids are good kids, and his department is looking into ways to reward those students that get A's and B's, as they are often overlooked for doing the right things. The Chief mentioned that he feels Manchester needs a multi-community service center for youth and seniors, and that we need to break down the territorial mind set. He stated that crime is a disease and we need to deal with the cause. Ms. Hackett thanked the Chief for updating the Board, and said we are fortunate to have him as our Chief, as he has a vast and deep experience in policing and criminal justice. She asked if these kids that are gang "wannabes" are more desperate. The Chief answered saying that is a good point, as real gangs send out recruiters all over the country to bring in these young gang "wannabes". He said his department needs to make it unpleasant for these "wannabes" to continue criminal behavior. Ms. Hackett asked how to handle and divert the "intimidation factor" that some neighborhoods run into, when large groups of youth are hanging out in the streets. The Chief said by having community centers that are open from 3:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m., which is a crucial time, to keep them busy and off the streets. Chief Berry addressed Ms. Hackett's concerns about what is happening at the Manchester Mall, saying there is a police sub station there with undercover police. Also, the mall hires extra security. He mentioned that we really don't have a lot of problems at our mall. Mr. Edwards thanked the Chief for his presentation and applauded his approach. He asked the Chief how far do we go with that small minority of kids to try to save them, and what will we tolerate from those kids that refuse to be helped. Chief Berry answered saying that some folks are a menace to society and they need to get them off the streets. He mentioned that he wants to continue the outreach workers through the school year. Ms. O'Neil asked if he was working with the schools and their social workers to help these youth. The Chief responded saying that the outreach workers this past summer were social workers from the Manchester School System, and they did a great job with the kids. Ms. Lok mentioned that his approach and experience make him successful, and that we need to follow his lead and follow in his footsteps so we can make greater progress. She asked him what the Board could to do to help at the middle school level. He responded by saying that Character Education is helpful and that the D.A.R.E. program helps the students to make the right choices. The Chief mentioned that having the men in the family be more involved in their families is very important, and could go a long way to help, as moms are over extended and doing a lot right now. The Chief asked the Board to think about putting a fifth Student Resource Officer in the school system. F2. Strategic Plan Update - Goal III- Promote Family Involvement and Community Partnerships - Carol Burgess Superintendent Ouellette explained that at the September 26, 2005 Board of Education meeting, Ms. Burgess presented an evaluation of the Strategic Plan, and started with Goal I. At the October 6, 2005 Board of Education meeting, she presented Goal II. The intention is to present one goal per Board meeting. Ms. Burgess presented an update on Goal III of the Strategic Plan, Promote family participation/community partnerships. Highlights included: A. Family-friendly
programs and opportunities across the district. Action
2: Multiple engagement of stakeholders
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Action: Work with Town agencies Action: What our
schools are doing: Back to school picnics, Grade level parent info nights, Family math and literacy nights, Celebration for learning - families, Principal's advisory committee, Junior Achievement, Fun Run - neighborhood/business involvement PTA meetings, Dr. Seuss night, Author visits, Various cultural programs, Advisory Board, Parent volunteers, Parent-child book club Ice Cream Social, School Fair, Pasta Dinner, Bingo Night, Family Movie Night, After School Enrichment, High School Interns Raising Readers Parents' Club, Week-end Family Literacy Field Trips, Lunch Bunch, Game Night, Family Read-in, Math Night, Lutz Museum, Mohegan Tribe Grant, First Day Program for Families, Husky Health Middle
Schools: Bentley:
MRA:
Ms. O'Neill questioned if we were looking at other vehicles for the community to communicate with the schools. Ms. Burgess said that we certainly can do more, and that all teachers are available to parents by email, and each school has its own website full of information. Also parents can become more involved by attending PTA meetings and attending curriculum nights.
Mr. Edwards said that the contract between the student, parent, and school, located in a section in the Student/Parent Handbook, which requires the signature of the student and parent, is full of negative information and doesn't state any goals. Ms. Burgess responded saying that this may need to be reviewed so that goals are stated, and in positive terms. Ms. Hackett shared a tool that she found very practical and effective, saying the role that the team leader played in being the first line in communication, as well as the outreach they have done at open houses, by handing out a card, like a business card, with email and phone numbers, is very helpful. They told parents how to communicate with them with this card. Ms. Hackett asked about Action Item 3, and how staff is communicating with parents when students are not doing well, especially after progress reports have gone out and the student's progress has deteriorated a bit. Ms. Hackett would like more information, at a future Board meeting, on how do teachers communicate with parents; what role do they play in communicating, especially with the transition of 8th graders into 9th grade. She wants to make sure we have a good two-way communication in place, and perhaps this might be a good item for the Curriculum and Instruction Committee to discuss first. F3. Sister School Plan - Margi Bialeck/Diane Novak The Superintendent told the Board that at the October 6, 2005 Board of Education meeting, Dr. Tognalli presented the Racial Balance Plan stating that the plan before the Board is a four-year plan. She mentioned that year one begins this year, in terms of engaging the community in Courageous Conversation, and moves into year two with further discussions and a decision as to how we would racially balance all ten elementary schools; year three will be a planning stage, with year four earmarking the start of the 2008-09 school year, and be designated as its implementation year. She further
explained that there are three positive options to this plan that has
been researched and reviewed for the current trends and demographics
within our schools: In option 2, the "sister" schools concept pairs a Title I school with a neighboring non-Title I school. Through this plan, the Board of Education has established timelines to realize racial balance in each of its schools. The Superintendent mentioned that at the October 6, 2005 meeting, a Board member asked for further information on the developmental, instructional, and fiscal benefits to the "sister school plan. She told the Board that Margi Bialeck, principal of Nathan Hale Elementary School, and Diane Novak, principal of Highland Park Elementary School, will present this information. She explained that both of these administrators were members of the original Advisory Committee on Avoiding Racially Identifiable Schools, in 1994, under former Superintendent James Kennedy, and that Ms. Bialeck will review the role of provider Committee Against Racial Imbalance Schools (CARIS), and briefly share 3 out of the 4 plans, and show why they were not successful in past years. Ms. Bialeck
stated that as we look ahead to resolving our growing concerns about
avoiding racially identifiable schools, it is critical that we look
back to the work we have done and the lessons we have learned. This
process was begun in 1993. In the 1994-95 school year, a committee called
The Committee to Avoid Racially Identifiable Schools was formed, which Diane Novak gave a PowerPoint presentation called Paired "Sister" School Option. She mentioned that the information was from ten years ago, which she has updated. Highlights of the presentation included: Sister
School Goal: The Plan: Considerations
for Pairing Schools: Paired
Schools (based on location, size, title I/non-title I): Schools
that meet prek-1 building code and space requirements: Ms. Novak discussed the various combined enrollment figures for the sister school pairs, as well as minority enrollment and available classrooms. Further highlights included: Paired
Schools in Connecticut: Some of
the reasons given for the development of paired schools: Some of
the positive factors given for the paired school configuration: Some of
the negative factors of paired school configuration: Recommendations
to enhance paired "sister" school success: Mr. Edwards asked that a copy of the presentation be sent to all the Board members. He mentioned that since we only presented this one option tonight, that the community might think the Board has a preconceived notion about this option being the best. He implored the public to keep an open mind. Ms. Lok explained that the report was based on her request made at the last Board meeting, to have this option presented in further detail. Since she has been on the Board almost ten years, she feels she has the knowledge that every other plan has not worked, and she feels the educational benefits of the sister school plan is more favorable. She mentioned that the community would need to support a plan before the Board would move forward with it. Mr. Rizzo said he hoped we could come up with more ideas besides these three options. Ms. Bialeck explained that after researching other communities, these were the options that were discovered, and that there were not any others. Ms. Hackett asked how prepared is the Administration to present each of the other two options to the Board at a future meeting. Superintendent Ouellette responded that the consultants from HMA could present the redistricting option, and the controlled choice option could be put together for a presentation as well. Ms. O'Neill mentioned there are logistical issues with kindergarten and their own bathrooms in the classrooms, which is a big piece to have the consultants research, in terms of cost. Superintendent Ouellette said the consultants are already looking at that.
G1. Board Policy - To Reduce Racial Ethnic and Economic Isolation - Joan Libby The Superintendent mentioned that at the October 6, 2005 Board of Education meeting, Attorney Libby outlined a proposal for a new Board of Education policy to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation. Ms. Libby told the Board that this policy is a necessary component for the Board to have on racial isolation and balance. There was discussion regarding the last sentence of the policy, and Ms. Lok felt is was troubling to her to have to balance the racial numbers by moving a Head Start classroom. She felt it was a bit disgraceful to use them as a solution. Ms. Lok proposed, and made the motion, that the last sentence of the policy be changed to read: The Board will also adhere to the concept that any inconvenience or burden to achieve racial balance in the district shall not be borne disproportionately by a specific minority group, including but not limited to, the Head Start population. The motion was not seconded. Mr. Robinson asked for a motion on the text as it stands and move to amend as needed. Ms. Lok explained her interest for the revision to the text was to address an issue they have faced and used to solve problems. Mr. Rizzo stated that the intention of the policy is good and that is serves as a guide, a work in progress, and that it should not be too rigid so future Boards would not be able to make decisions that they need to. He doesn't want to tie the hands of future Boards. Mr. Golas mentioned that the policy can not have the Head Start language in it, since in the Racial Balance Plan the Board did move a Head Start classroom to Buckley Elementary School to solve the balance problem. If we did that, then the Board would not be able to approve the Racial Balance Plan. He mentioned that since we are looking to reduce racial, ethnic, and economic isolation, the word minority should be taken out of the last sentence. Mr. Golas moved to amend the policy by having the word "minority" taken out of the last sentence of the policy. Ms. Hackett mentioned that it would be important to have a committee look at this policy to make sure we are on track, and to monitor and modify it when necessary. Ms. Libby stated that a committee to look at it further is a good idea, and sees this policy as a starting point to send to the State. Ms. Hackett asked if there was a timeline for when the administrative guidelines would be written up, and Ms. Libby responded saying they would be written up in a couple of months. After further discussion the Board approved the following motions: MOTION: Golas/Lok s.v. The Board of Education moved to approve the amendment to policy #5117 (Racial Balance in The Manchester Public Schools) by taking out the word "minority" in the last sentence. 8/0/0 Below is Policy #5117 as approved: Racial Balance in The Manchester Public Schools The Manchester Board of Education is committed to maintaining racial balance within all its schools and programs and is determined to provide quality education and equal educational opportunities for all students regardless of their race, ethnic background or economic backgrounds, in accordance with State and Federal laws. The overriding focus is to reduce racial, ethnic and economic isolation. The Manchester Board of Education firmly believes that a racially balanced student body is an important component of quality education. The Board realizes that the imbalanced concentration of racial groupings in schools, from whatever cause, is one of the factors which inhibits the educational development of the children involved and that the existence of racial imbalance is inconsistent with the democratic principle of equality of educational opportunity. The Board also recognizes that the solution to racial imbalance is a matter of total community concern and one for which the parents, students and staff of all schools must accept responsibility. The Board will also adhere to the concept that any inconvenience or burden to achieve racial balance in the district shall not be borne disproportionately by a specific group. G2. Racial Balance Plan - Peter Tognalli Superintendent Ouellette explained that this plan was brought before the Board of Education at the October 6, 2005 Board meeting under New Business, and it is being brought back tonight under Old Business. She asked the Board to consider this as an action item. The Superintendent mentioned that Dr. Tognalli and Ms. Kearney were present, if the Board needed further explanation or additional information. Mr. Edwards
explained to the public that this is a plan that needs to be submitted
to the State by November 10, 2005, or the Board will be in trouble with
the State Department of Education. He feels it's a good plan and a good
step forward. He mentioned some ideas that were brought to his attention
and should be considered: Ms. Hackett said that Manchester is on the cutting edge and that it is important to take the next steps and move forward, and that it is very important for the community to get involved and share their ideas with the Board. She asked what would happen if we did not comply with the State Department of Education and submit a plan. Dr. Tognalli responded saying that we would be breaking the law by ignoring the State statute. We could be referred to the Attorney General who, in turn, could initiate a lawsuit against the Manchester Public Schools for non compliance. The State would then come up with a plan that we would have to follow. Ms. Hackett asked if there were any financial consequences by not complying. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that the State would hold back $35 million dollars of funding to us. Ms. Hackett encouraged the public to get engaged and become involved with this plan and to come forward and share their ideas. MOTION:
Edwards/Hackett s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt the Racial
H1. I.P. Telephony - Jack McCoy Superintendent Ouellette told the Board that at the May 23, 2005 Board of Education meeting, this item was brought back to the Board for a decision to review and implement a pilot program, after it had been discussed at a Personnel and Finance Committee meeting. The Personnel and Finance Committee recommended the Board to move forward with the pilot program, and if successful, to move on to written agreements with the Town. The Board unanimously voted to proceed with the pilot and, if successful, that there be a written agreement between the Town and Board of Education describing the services that will be provided, and the future costs to the Board. She further mentioned that in planning for the future, Mr. McCoy will provide the Board with an update after the pilot program, and the Board should review and evaluate the service annually, and reauthorize continuation with the project upon the completion of the written agreement with the Town and fiscal obligations. The Superintendent
introduced Mr. McCoy, who presented the Board with an update on the
I.P. Telephony pilot. Mr. McCoy presented the following discussion points for the IP Telephony pilot: 1. Pilot
Results 2. Things
learned about Functionality 3. Phone
Counts Basis for Cost Shares of Operations 4. Report
to Board of Directors in November 5. Non-Pilot
Outcomes Mr. McCoy explained that he will be submitting a report to the Town Board of Directors in November, after the New Board of Directors are elected. He explained that the Town will be going out to rebid the telephone specifications, as he expects to get a better product at a lower cost, and he will present these production numbers to the Board of Education for their consideration. He considers the pilot to be a success.
Superintendent Ouellette explained that at the September 26, 2005 Board of Education meeting, this item was brought forward under the Superintendent's Report. It was explained to the Board and public that there has been an on going discussion of the possibility of accelerating the Bennet project over the past five months. She and the Central office team spent many weeks researching the feasibility of dissolving Bennet Middle School in June 2006. The Town Building Committee had given their authorization to examine cost analysis from an educational perspective. The Superintendent further mentioned that Mr. Bob Lamson, from the Town, conducted a space analysis at every elementary school to analyze whether sixth grades can be absorbed at each school, either within the facility or with relocatables. A cost and space analysis was submitted to the Board of Education. The Superintendent mentioned that Mr. Epstein, the Town Facility Manager, was present to discuss building and cost analysis that has been reviewed and analyzed, and the feasibility of dissolving Bennet by June 2006. She mentioned the possibility of the Board moving this item to Old Business tonight in order to give her a clear direction on how to proceed.
He further explained that during the 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 school years, Illing's sixth, seventh, and eighth grade enrollment reached 1013 and 989 students respectively. Through school years 2006-2008, the maximum projected total town student enrollment for seventh and eighth grade is 987 students. Due to the recent historical numbers, it is assumed the school can accommodate a town wide seventh and eighth grade program. Mr. Epstein stated that they have reviewed the elementary schools demographics, and have met with each principal to understand the current program allocation for classrooms and building spaces. Bowers, Highland Park, Keeney, Verplanck, and Washington have sufficient space to accommodate a sixth grade with an increased population equal to the larger of the current fourth or fifth grade. Nathan Hale, Robertson, and Martin cannot accommodate an additional grade level within the current building configuration. Buckley and Waddell can accommodate a sixth grade program, including their current students, with additional open classroom spaces that can be made available to others. Nathan Hale and Robertson both require three classrooms each. Mr. Epstein further explained that it is their current belief, with a number of minor building modifications and minimal additional bussing, the elementary schools can easily accommodate an additional sixth grade program. He projects that the three Nathan Hale sixth grade classes will attend Buckley. Until an additional space allocation review is complete, he anticipates modular classrooms will be added to the building. Robertson's three sixth grade classes will attend Waddell. Waddell's modifications entail converting the library back into two classrooms, and constructing a new library and one classroom in a lower level building area currently used for miscellaneous storage. Martin will have two modular classrooms installed to accommodate its own sixth grade students. Mr. Epstein
stated that they will continue to refine their data through discussion
with the principals and hope to capitalize on opportunities not fully
developed to date. Two major items that they are currently reviewing
are items similar to: He presented a spreadsheet to the Board members which detailed projected swing space for the 2006-08 school years with total projected costs of $890.000. The recommendations were that Martin Elementary School would receive two modular classrooms to accommodate sixth grade. Nathan Hale Elementary School's grade six students would attend Buckley Elementary School, and one modular classroom would be added. Robertson Elementary School's grade six students would attend Waddell Elementary School, and the partial lower level storage would be renovated into one classroom and a new media center; the existing first floor media center would become two sixth grade classrooms; and additional electric power would need to be supplied to the building. There was a brief discussion on what costs were reimbursable, the options involved with leasing versus purchasing portable classrooms, and all day kindergarten. Mr. Robinson mentioned that this item would come back to the Board under Old Business on November 14, 2005. I. COMMITTEE REPORTS 1) Curriculum and Instruction Committee Report: Ms. Hackett read the following committee report: The Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting began at 6:00 p.m. in the Central Office Board Room A. In attendance: Mike Rizzo, Peg Hackett, Carol Burgess, Also attending: Don Sierakowski, Ann Richardson, and Sally Reis. A proposal was presented to find more Professional Development time into which the committee will look further and will discuss at a later date. Dr. Sally Reis presented an overview of the literacy study that is occurring at Bennet Middle School and at Keeney Elementary. The goals of the study are: 1. To motivate
and excite students about reading through high interest content at appropriate
reading levels Dr. Reis has found at Bennet that the range of readers in one class goes from below second grade level to post-high school level. Teaching in a classroom with such a diverse ability grouping provides unique challenges for the teacher. This literacy program provides the strategies and the time management piece through which teachers can differentiate reading instruction, provide motivating tasks for the students, and improve reading levels. Past studies using this approach have shown great gains in students' reading abilities. A two-year program, Dr. Reis is working with Scholastic Books, who is providing over 100 fiction and non-fiction books to create classroom libraries for each classroom participating in the program. The school libraries will receive over 100 books from Scholastic as well. Dr. Reis expressed she would be more than happy to meet with the School Board in Executive Session to share more about the study. Lastly, the Committee briefly overviewed the book Almost Home, written by Bill DiYeso, a former Manchester teacher. It is the responsibility of the Curriculum & Instruction Committee to review all books that are proposed for the use in all of the classrooms before the books may be implemented into the curriculum. The high school is seeking approval of the book to be added to the English curriculum. Committee members received the book's Study Guide and synopsis. Carol is currently reading the book, and will make a full report to the Committee as to its content, appropriateness for our curriculum and, then, make a final recommendation to the Committee at the next meeting. The additional items on the agenda will be brought forward to the next meeting. The meeting was adjourned at 7:30.
K. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Al Benford, 25F Cliffside Drive, mentioned that both his sons were well prepared for college after attending Manchester Public Schools, and said that Manchester Public Schools have changed because Manchester has changed. He talked about diversity and "white privilege", and handed out an article by a feminist about her lack of privilege in this society. He also gave the Board members a pastoral letter from the Episcopal House of Bishops, entitled, The Sin of Racism, and a flyer for a forum on November 10, 2005 challenging the structures of racism, featuring John Powell, an internationally recognized authority on civil rights and issues relating to race, ethnicity, poverty, and the law. 2. Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road mentioned that he approved Item 2 on the Consent Calendar, and mentioned a report in USA Today on math and reading. He said he was impressed with the Police Chief's report, and he hoped the Racial Balance Plan will work out. He was pleased that the word "minority" was taken out of the Racial Policy. 3. Scott Perron, 59 Clover Lane, told the Board that his family moved into Town a year and a half ago, and one of the main conversations they had before moving here was the education in the Town. The main factor was where they would send their children to school in Manchester. They bought in an area of Town they thought they would like to be in, after they went to Martin Elementary School. They were very impressed with the school and how the schools were districted. He talked about Ms. Novak's presentation on sister schools, and asked the Board to look more closely at why only 14 out of 21 towns are still implementing the paired sister school plan. He said he would visit Washington School to get a better perspective on it, and he will become involved in helping with the plan. 3. Merrill Kidd, 158 Folly Brook Lane, reminded the public that the PTA and Town Council are sponsoring a Board of Education Candidate Forum on Oct. 24, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. at Lincoln Center. 4. Carl Stafford, 71 Broad Street, said it was great to have the Police Chief at the meeting tonight, and that he is glad that the Board has decided to have a whole year to have a conversation with the community to discuss this plan. He feels all three options of the plan have shortcomings and he has questions on all of them. L. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS 1. Ms.
O'Neill asked that teachers be given a refresher notice regarding equity
on homework 2. Mr.
Edwards asked for an update on the Head Start waiting list. Mr. Edwards
also asked for MOTION: Hackett/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moved to adjourn -11:47 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Margaret
Hackett, Secretary |
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