A. OPENING

PRESENT: Edwards, Golas, Hackett, Huyler, Rizzo, Small-Miller, Stafford

ALSO
PRESENT: Superintendent of Schools Ouellette, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Burgess, Director of Student Support Services Tait, Director of Business and Operations Brooks

A1. Call to Order
Superintendent Ouellette called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

A2. Pledge of Allegiance
Superintendent Ouellette invited Manchester Town Clerk, Joseph Camposeo, to lead in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Superintendent welcomed new Board of Education members: Carl Stafford and Linette Small-Miller, and told them she was looking forward to working with them.

Superintendent Ouellette asked for a motion to add Communications to the agenda.

MOTION: Hackett/Golas s.v. The Board of Education adds Communications to the agenda. 7/0/0

Superintendent Ouellette invited Timothy Thresher, former Board of Education member, to come forward. The Superintendent thanked Mr. Thresher for all his hard work over the past two years, saying that he unselfishly contributed his time and talents toward the advancement of public education. That he represented a continued commitment to local citizen control and decision-making in education, and has been dedicated to the continuing success of the Manchester Public Schools and students.

Mr. Rizzo also thanked Mr. Thresher for his dedication and commitment to the Board, and presented him with a plaque of recognition for his service to the Manchester Public Schools.

A3. Nominations to Fill Board Vacancies and Swearing-in of Appointed Board Members
Superintendent Ouellette asked for nominations to fill Board member vacancies to replace Lisa O'Neill and Tim Thresher.

NOMINATION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education nominated Michael Crockett to replace Tim Thresher as a member of the Manchester Board of Education for the term November 2005 through November 2006. 7/0/0

NOMINATION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education nominated John Rowe to replace Lisa O'Neill as a member of the Manchester Board of Education for the term November 2005 through November 2006. 7/0/0

The Superintendent asked Manchester Town Clerk, Joseph Camposeo, to administer the oaths of office.

The Superintendent asked for nominations to appoint a Chairperson for the Manchester Board of Education.

NOMINATION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education nominates Margaret Hackett as Chairperson for the Manchester Board of Education for the term November 2005 through November 2006. 8/0/0

Mr. Rizzo and Mr. Golas each spoke a few words about their confidence in Ms. Hackett serving as Chair, and Ms. Hackett thanked them and the rest of the Board for her nomination.

Ms. Hackett asked for nomination to appoint a Secretary for the Manchester Board of Education.

NOMINATION: Huyler/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education nominates David Golas as Secretary for the Manchester Board of Education for the term November 2005 through November 2006. 8/0/0.

Ms. Huyler and Mr. Edwards each made a few comments about Mr. Golas and his dedication to the Board of Education and the community, and Mr. Golas thanked the Board for his nomination.

A5. Reaffirming of Board of Education Bylaws and Policies
Ms. Hackett stated that each year, whenever the Board of Education changes membership and at the start of each school year, the Board of Education reaffirms that the current bylaws and current policies are the policies by which the Board of Education will attend to its tasks.

Ms. Hackett asked for a motion on reaffirming Board of Education bylaws and policies.

MOTION: Golas/Rizzo v.s. The Board of Education moves to adopt its current bylaws and current policies, until such time as they are modified and changed. 9/0/0

A6. Minutes of November 14, 2005
Ms. Hackett asked for a motion on the minutes of November 14, 2005.

Mr. Stafford asked for an amendment to the minutes on page 2 (correction - Ms. Merrill should be Ms. Kidd), and page 5 (spelling correction - the word and).

MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education adopts the amended minutes of the November 14, 2005 Board of Education meeting. (8/0/1) Mr. Crockett abstains.

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1) Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. Mr. Perlman congratulated and welcomed the new Board members. He talked about his concerns about building a new athletic field at Bennet, which would have to take over existing homes. His solution is to build an overpass over to the existing field at Charter Oak Park. This way no one would get hurt crossing the busy street. He also talked about Mr. Lou Kelly's remarks at a Board meeting, and feels the Town needs a dialog, as his remarks were disturbing to him.

2) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow congratulated the new Board members, and mentioned an article in the New York Times about the first Thanksgiving and what the American Indians had to eat that day. He also mentioned an article in Education Digest about keeping schools safe and civil.

3) Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. Ms. Knybel talked about the Bennet athletic fields stating her concern is for the 6th graders that will occupy the 6th Grade Academy, and their having to cross a busy street to get to Charter Oak Park. She mentioned that people are not being put out of their homes, and that as these homes become available, the Town could then purchase them. She also talked about the need for a traffic signal at the Pine Street intersection, and asked if a survey could be done.

4) Sherri Crain, 86 Barry Road. Ms. Crain thanked Ms. Hackett, Mr. Rizzo and the Superintendent for attending the meeting on November 15th with the parents at Buckley School, to discuss swing space and racial balance. She asked about the breakfast and after care programs and how they will be paid for. She asked when meetings will be set up for the community to talk and give their opinions about the racial balance options, and how parents and citizens can sign up and become involved in these meetings.

Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that a Special Board of Education meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, 2005 at the Lincoln Center regarding the accelerated middle school schedule. She mentioned that in February 2006, Diane Kearney would begin organizing the Courageous Conversation meetings for the community to participate in.

5) Keith Carson, 45 Kane Road. Mr. Carson thanked all the Board members for their efforts and time commitment to do the job they are doing. He mentioned the proficiency study that was on the agenda, and urged them to pay attention to the presentation and find out as much as they can about it, as he feels it is a "real winner" for the high school.

6) Cheri Pelletier, 145 Park Street. Ms. Pelletier congratulated the new Board members. She mentioned that she received some communications from community members about a new chapter of the COVE that opened in Manchester. The COVE is an organization that originated in West Hartford for children that have suffered a loss of a family member. She mentioned that their phone number is 1-800-750-COVE.

C. STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE'S REPORT

Mark Moeremans congratulated all the new Board members. He mentioned that the high school has raised $4,001 for Hurricane Katrina Relief, which will go to build a new high school in Louisiana. He talked about the fall sport season, and that the soccer and football teams will be receiving the sportsmanship award for Connecticut, and that the girls swim team finished 6th in the State of Connecticut. He mentioned that the winter concert season begins on December 14th, as well as auditions beginning for the spring musical - Little Shop of Horrors. He said that the Holly Ball is being planned for later in December, also the first winter Homecoming is being planned, as well as the Annual Middle School Retreat. He mentioned that former Student Representative Devorah Donnell said to say hello, and sends her best wishes.

Mr. Rizzo and Ms. Hackett wanted Mark to convey to the student body at MHS that they are very grateful for their efforts to help the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

D. CONSENT CALENDAR

The superintendent mentioned that there were five items on the Consent Calendar that she recommended for approval by the Manchester Board of Education:

D1. PERSONNEL ACTION

TENURE

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

Kellie (Grady) Beauregard, Robertson School; Paul Winiarski, District/Physical Education

APPOINTMENTS

Susan Buonanno to be a Special Education Teacher at Illing Middle School. Ms. Buonanno received her master's degree in Special Education at St. Joseph College. Ms. Buonanno resides in Manchester.

Chase Dunlap to be a Social Studies Teacher at Manchester High School. Mr. Dunlap received his master's degree in Education at the University of Connecticut NEAG. Mr. Dunlap resides in Hartford.

LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Kristin Miller, Language/Speech/Hearing Pathologist for the district, has requested a maternity leave of absence effective approximately March 27, 2006 through May 21, 2006. Ms. Miller has been with Manchester Public Schools since November 17, 1999.
Mr. Rizzo referenced item D5 - Approval of Budget Workshop Location Changes, and reminded

the Superintendent that in regards to the format for the budget workshops, there is a Program
Evaluation Policy that the Board adopted a number of years ago, and he would like to see the
administrators and staff that present any new items or programs to the Board of Education,
utilize that program evaluation form.

Ms. Hackett commented on item D5 and asked if the budget workshop dates could be put on the
Board's website, and also that the information be shared with PTA presidents and citizens.

Mr. Rizzo mentioned the possibility of taping the budget workshops and asked about an update
on it. The Superintendent mentioned that Ms. Chemerka was still working on the logistics of it,
and trying everything possible to have it taped.

Mr. Rizzo encouraged community members to come and give their input at the budget
workshops.

MOTION: Golas/Rizzo s.v. The Board of Education moves to adopt the
Items on the Consent Calendar. (9/0/0)

E. Superintendent's Report

E1. Foundation for Manchester Public Schools Update - Keith Carson

The Superintendent stated that the Foundation for Manchester Public Schools was established in June of 2004 exclusively for charitable and educational purposes to promote and enhance public education in Manchester, Connecticut by providing independent financial resources for educational initiatives.

She mentioned that the Foundation funds are not meant to replace tax dollars or to affect the school budgeting and tax-funding process in any way. The Foundation's role is to distribute supplemental funds that provide teachers with a way to try out a new concept, enhance a part of the existing curriculum, or otherwise strengthen the learning process in the classroom.

The Superintendent told the Board that Mr. Pattacini was not able to be at the meeting, and that
Mr. Keith Carson, a member of the Foundation, would give a brief update on the Foundation and on one of the grant awards.

Mr. Carson stated that in the Foundation's first year, they raised over $8,000, and $5,000
went to teachers as mini grants for supplies and software. They have worked with the Business Office on the disbursements of the funds. This being their second year, they hope to raise even more, and are expanding their membership into the business community. He mentioned that email messages are being sent to all principals to alert their teachers to apply for grants that will be awarded in May. The applications for grants will close on February 27, 2006. He also mentioned that they are developing a Newsletter that will be sent out, and that one of their big fund-raisers is the Art Auction at the Manchester Country Club on March 18, 2006.

Mr. Rizzo asked about the process and who gets the grant awards. Mr. Carson stated that they are looking at applications where students are learning something above and beyond the norm, where the grant will help expand the learning experience.

Mr. Rizzo asked if officers review the applications or a separate committee. Mr. Carson responded saying that a separate committee reviews the applications.

Ms. Huyler asked if there was a link on the Board of Education website to the Foundation.
Mr. Carson responded saying that there was and all the contact information is on it.

Ms. Hackett asked if teachers could reapply for funding for the same program. Mr. Carson responded that the only condition for teachers to reapply is that they have received their assessment.

Mr. Crockett asked for an example of one of the projects that was awarded a grant. Mr. Carson talked about the Astronomy Club's presentation of Mars with a software program, that was very interesting and well received by the students.

Mr. Rowe asked if the Foundation was tax deductible, and Mr. Carson said it was.

E2. NEAS&C Update and Student Status Report - Don Sierakowski

The Superintendent introduced Mr. Sierakowski who gave a brief update on NEAS&C, as well as an update on the graduating class of 2005, with regards to student achievement and plans after graduation.

Mr. Sierakowski handed out the Manchester High School Profile, which was put together by the Guidance Department at MHS, and is sent out to each college with every transcript. This profile lists information such as AP Scores, Courses, and Exam Participation; the marking system, facts on the student body, future plans of the various classes as far as going on to college, entering the Armed Services, other education, entering employment, and volunteering. It also lists Class Rank, SAT Scores, and describes the marking system and Block Scheduling.

Ms. Huyler asked how many of the textbooks that are used are also available on-line.
Mr. Sierakowski responded saying that some are on-line, and more are becoming available.

Ms. Hackett asked if it could be looked into about obtaining CDRoms and web access to the textbooks that are currently being adopted. She asked Ms. Burgess to give an update on this issue and Ms. Huyler's question, at a future Board meeting.

Mr. Rizzo asked about the SAT score patterns, and asked for Mr. Sierakowski's insight if test scores are down because more students took the tests. He also asked for an explanation to the erratic scores between the classes. Mr. Sierakowski responded saying that the time to get concerned is if they see trend lines that are trending strongly in one direction or another. The SAT is not enough of a predictor, as it has some inherent bias in the test. It was not designed to

measure overall student progress. It was designed to provide some predictability to show how students will perform in the college environment.

Mr. Rowe asked if the high school has contemplated having all students take the SAT's in order to graduate. Mr. Sierakowski responded saying there is money budgeted for PSAT's for every student, but the SAT's are more expensive, are privately funded, and we do not have the budgeted funds for them at this time.

Superintendent Ouellette added that the SAT's are part of the graduation requirements, and Mr. Sierakowski added that it is one of the ways to meet the minimum requirement, if the student does not pass the CAPT.

Mr. Edwards asked if there were any age limit for taking the SAT's, and Mr. Sierakowski answered that there was not.

Mr. Edwards also asked how this profile document compared with other districts, and Mr. Sierakowski stated that it is better, since they took the initiative to survey colleges two years ago, to find out what information they actually wanted. He mentioned that this document will soon be available on-line.

Mr. Sierakowski reported on the letter from NEAS&C, which is included below:

Dear Mr. Sierakowski:
The Commission on Public Secondary Schools, at its September 18-19, 2005 meeting, reviewed the Special Progress Report of Manchester High School and continued the school's accreditation. While the Commission acknowledges that progress has been made, until such time as it can demonstrate that all concerns have been satisfactorily resolved, the school will remain on warning for the Standard for Accreditation on Community Resources for Learning.
The Commission was pleased to learn of the following:
- the addition of various staff to reduce class size and provide more opportunities for students,
including the addition of 2.8, teachers, the addition of a full-time special education teacher and a .6
school psychologist, and the effective Increase of 3.2 teachers to academic departments, due to a
decision to restructure the Vertices program and replace it with a mentoring model
- the extraordinary and continued efforts of staff and students to engage with each other in an
overcrowded physical plant
- the addition of a .5 administrator to assist students in grade nine
- the provision of $28,452 in professional development funds for 2005-2006
- the use of on-line data bases to mitigate the small collection size of the library
- the steady progresses made towards bidding and groundbreaking for the school's additional ninth
grade wing
Nevertheless, the Commission expressed grave concern about the ability of Manchester to provide adequate staffing, materials, supplies, and textbooks through a continuing trend of reductions in the operating budget given the following:
- the freezing of supply budgets in October of the 2004-2005 school year, limiting teachers', ability to provide adequate materials, supplies and textbooks

- the reduction in instructional supplies funding for the 2005-2006 school year by 20 percent, resulting in many departments have insufficient funds to implement curriculum
- the continued reliance on grants for operating budget line items
- the inability of the school to provide adequate funds to support print and non-print resources in the library/media center, resulting in negative impact on student learning
- the absence of professional development funds over the 2003-2005 school years
- the inability of the school to provide adequate electives for students, causing some to have a free period when the students want a class, despite extraordinary efforts of the school to restructure programs to provide for the needs of students
- the projected increases in class sizes in core academic areas
While the Commission appreciates the community's commitment to providing adequate space for its students, support for the school must include an adequate operating budget. The Commission will monitor closely the adequacy of funding in the next budget cycle. If that budget fails to ensure appropriate staffing, materials, supplies, and textbooks, the Commission may be forced to review whether the school should be placed on probation.
The Commission requests that school officials submit another Special Progress Report by March 1, 2006 providing detailed information on action taken to complete the following:
- provide an update and time-line on the building of the new ninth grade wing
- provide a breakdown of class sizes for the 2005-2006 school year
- report steps taken to secure adequate staffing, textbooks, instructional supplies and materials needs for the 2006-2007 school year

The school's warning status will be reviewed when the Commission considers the Special Progress Report. Consistent with the Commission's follow-up procedures, the Special Progress Report should be signed by the principal and chair of the Follow-Up Committee and sent to the Commission office in duplicate by certified mail, return receipt requested.
The letter was signed by Pamela Gray-Bennet.
Mr. Rizzo asked about funding for print material for the high school library, and if the 5-year plan for its budget is all-inclusive. Mr. Sierakowski answered that it is.
Mr. Crockett asked Mr. Sierakowski what his professional opinion was on this, if he was worried, and are we on course. Mr. Sierakowski answered saying that NEAS&C is looking for significant progress on their concerns, more than a finished product by 2009.

Ms. Hackett mentioned an article that talked about MHS needing to add 15,000 volumes to its library, and she wanted to clarify that this past fall 2,000 volumes were added, and last spring 7,800 volumes were added for a total of 9,800, making our goal more attainable to reach the 15,000 volumes.

Mr. Golas asked the Chair if Items E4 and E5 could be removed from the agenda and presented to the Board at a future meeting.

Ms. Hackett asked if there were any objections on removing these two items. Seeing none, she treated it as a "friendly motion" and the items were removed.

E3. Redistricting Option Presentation - HMA - Richard Harrall

The Superintendent mentioned that at the October 20, 2005 Board of Education meeting, a report was presented to the Board on Paired Sister Schools, one of the three options of the Racial Balance Plan. A Board member requested that a report on the other two options of the plan, Redistricting and Controlled Choice, be brought forward to the Board as well for presentations. She mentioned that the Controlled Choice option would be discussed at the Dec. 12th Board of Education meeting, and that Mr. Harrall, from HMA, was here tonight to discuss the redistricting option, which she reminded the public, is just one of the options in the Racial Balance Plan that will be considered.

Mr. Harrall presented a PowerPoint presentation regarding the Elementary School Redistricting Scenario, which explained the current elementary school enrollment statistics and existing elementary school district boundaries. He addressed the current racial imbalance saying:
- Buckley Elementary School is listed by Connecticut State Department of Education as having a racial imbalance due to a low percentage of students of color.
- Four of the ten elementary schools are listed as having an impending Racial Imbalance due to high percentage of students of color.
o Washington Elementary School
o Robertson Elementary School
o Nathan Hale Elementary School
o Verplanck Elementary School

- Martin and Highland Park Elementary Schools have an impending Racial Imbalance due to a low percentage of students of color.
- Four elementary schools are currently over their stated capacity.

Mr. Harrall went over school district boundaries after redistricting, saying that:
- All elementary schools are no longer subject to racial imbalance/impending imbalance.
- All elementary schools, except for Bowers, show a significant change in racial breakdown.
- Washington, Martin, Highland Park, Nathan Hale, and Robertson Elementary Schools are slightly over their stated capacities.
- 1078 students or 30% of all elementary students would be redistricted under this scenario.

Mr. Harrall also went over a Summary Table of Enrollments After Redistricting, the number of students being redistricted from their current school, and some additional summary information about current conditions, and conditions after redistricting.

Board members asked questions regarding enrollment trends, bussing costs, closing a school-would we have to start over, and how long this plan would last. Mr. Harall responded saying that the enrollment trends are going down; that bussing costs were not looked at since most of the areas to be changed would be bus students already; initial work is in the data base, so if a school was closed, they would not need to start over; and that this plan would be good for 5 to10 years.

F. NEW BUSINESS

F1. Proficiency Project - Don Sierakowski

The Superintendent introduced Mr. Sierakowski, and Mr. Tony Gasper, who presented the Board with an update on the high school's Proficiency Project.

Ms. Hackett prefaced his presentation with the mention that the Curriculum Committee has been discussing this issue for the past year.

Mr. Sierakowski told the Board that this plan costs no money to the Board, just time, and he is looking for the Board to approve it.

Mr. Sierakowski explained that this plan is about establishing proficiency standards for all students at MHS, designing a development plan, and requesting monthly staff development time.

The following is the rationale behind the plan that Mr. Sierakowski explained to the Board:
o NEASC: Our plan to complete proficiency standards in alignment with state and national standards was commended by NEASC in their February, 2005 letter. The Manchester plan insures that higher expectations for student performance will be consistent across subject areas and classrooms. NEASC will expect that our implementation will be complete, or nearly complete, for their visiting committee in 2008-09. .
o Comprehensive School Reform: National research on effective schools supports that student achievement and staff effectiveness are highest when all teachers are involved in important change. Emphasis here is on revision of student work to raise expectations and achievement. The plan enables Manchester to remain at the leading edge of school reform in Connecticut.
o The Achievement Gap: Holding consistently high standards for all
students, while providing individualized support is the best way to address the achievement gap. Clear, consistent definitions of expectations for all students in all courses will assist parents and students to meet those expectations.
Section II: Status Summary
-Template design work and exemplars are complete
-Pilot use of the proficiency model began in 2003-2004
-Late arrival time would be at 10:30 AM, once per month
-Schedule will minimally impact any given block
-A digital monitoring plan is in place

Mr. Gasper went over the NEAC&C Re-accreditation Timeline with the Board members stating that prior to February 2004 the following items were completed:
- Revise and ratify MHS Mission Statement
- Create and ratify School-wide civic and social expectations
- Create and ratify School-wide academic expectations
- Create and ratify School-wide academic rubrics

He stated that in 2004-05 the following items were completed:
- Departments complete needs assessments for current curricula
- Develop system-wide template for Proficiency Units

He also stated that in 2005-2007 the School-wide curriculum revision was in progress, but in need of additional development time. He stated that all courses aligned with Mission, Expectations, Rubrics, and Proficiency Units, and that in 2006-2008 the implementation of new curricula with Proficiency Units was in progress, with some departments ahead of schedule. For 2007-2008 they would begin to write the NEAS&C self-study, and in 2008-09 NEAS&C would visit the school.

Mr. Gasper talked about the MHS Proficiency Project Update Brochure that was developed for the PTSA and other resources.

Further discussion followed, ending with Mr. Sierakowski stating that it will probably take two and one half years to complete the bulk of this plan.

F2. Board of Education Committee Assignments
Ms. Hackett read her list of committee assignments:

Buildings and Sites Committee
Dave Golas, Co-Chair
Steve Edwards, Co-Chair
Jodi Huyler
Mike Rizzo

Community Relations Committee
Linette Small-Miller, Chair
John Rowe
Mike Rizzo
Mike Crockett

Curriculum and Instruction Committee
Carl Stafford, Co-Chair
Mike Rizzo, Co-Chair
Linette Small-Miller
Mike Crockett

Finance and Personnel Committee
John Rowe, Chair
Mike Rizzo, Chair
Carl Stafford
Mike Crockett

Transportation Hearings
Dave Golas, Chair
Jodi Huyler
Steve Edwards
Mike Crockett

Board Liaison Positions to Other Committees and Organizations:

CREC: John Rowe
Two Rivers Magnet and International Baccalaureate Boards: Mike Rizzo
Great path Academy: Margaret Hackett

F3. Establishment of Policy Committee - Jen Tait
The Superintendent told the Board that she is looking to continuously review the Board's policies and procedures to incorporate changes in legislation and interpretations of laws. She suggested that the Board approve the establishment of a Policy Committee, Chaired by Jenifer Tait, to regularly review policies as they are revised and updated. This committee would bring the revisions to the full Board for their final approval. She stated she was looking for feedback from the Board to see if they support a Policy Committee, and having some members of the Board assigned to this Committee.

Mr. Edwards stated that his preference has always been to have the existing standing committee that is closest to the policy, review it; but understands there are policies that don't fit in with any of the committees. He stated that over the past four years that he has been on the Board, they have always wanted to update the policies, but it goes slower than anyone wants it to go. He asked if this committee will primarily be task-mastering the other committees to update policies, or is it a committee that primarily reviews policies directly. Superintendent Ouellette answered saying a little bit of both. She stated that over the past six months she and the Central Office team have been reviewing each policy, and have prioritized them. She is looking to work with the administrators and certified staff to address certain policies, and will certainly share the policy updates with the appropriate committees, but would like an additional set of eyes to be able to prioritize and streamline these policies in order to present them to the Board.

G. COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Hackett mentioned a request to put Student Handbooks on-line for the different schools. She put that suggestion forward to see how that could be accomplished. Superintendent Ouellette mentioned that it is already being looked into.

Mr. Stafford asked if it would be possible to have a schedule put out when the Superintendent will be addressing swing space at the different schools. The Superintendent answered that she can do this, and that usually at the PTA Council meetings and regular PTA meetings she discusses the Racial Balance Plan and swing space.

H. COMMITTEE REPORTS

H1. Community Relations Committee Report - Mr. Rizzo
Mr. Rizzo read the following minutes into the record:
Board members attending were Peg Hackett, Mike Rizzo, and Steve Edwards. Also attending were Diane Kearney, Equity Supervisor; Carol Burgess; Assistant Superintendent; Tom Stringfellow and Jack Benton, community members.
The first topic for discussion was the Manchester Public Schools website which has been reviewed and revamped to include more information. A list of Black colleges is posted on the website with links that lead directly to each college's site. Also, available scholarships are listed for all students to peruse. Each school is working on its website to help students, parents, and community members have access to more information about the schools.
The second topic included a discussion about the Racial Balance Plan. Diane Kearney explained that as part of the plan, there would be Courageous Conversations within the school district facilitated by Glenn Singleton, Courageous Conversations consultant. Later, Community Conversations will take place in small community forums, which will be offered throughout the district to give community members an opportunity to voice their views about the proposed plans.
Committee members encourage all stakeholders to review the proposed plan for Racial Balance and to "think out of the box," to find the best alternatives for the schools and community. Suggestions are welcome at any time as these discussions continue.
Lastly, the committee discussed the Swing Space plan which will entail sixth grade classes being housed in the elementary schools while Bennet is being renovated to become a Sixth Grade Academy. Details about Minor Modifications for the elementary schools will be forthcoming in the next meeting.

H2. Curriculum & Instruction Committee Report - Mr. Rizzo

Mr. Rizzo read the following minutes into the record:

In attendance were Peg Hackett, Mike Rizzo, Tim Thresher, and Carol Burgess. Also attending were Superintendent Ouellette, Pat Brooks, Don Sierakowski, Tony Gasper, Linda Gejda, Kate England, Attorney Joan Libby and Merrill Kidd.
The first item of discussion was a review of a plan for MHS to add staff development time to the school year using a two-hour delayed opening, once a month. Don Sierakowski and Tony Gasper presented the plan and the current data to support this proposal. After much research, resolution of questions, and discussion, the proposal will be presented to the entire School Board at the November 28th meeting. As MHS is going to be evaluated by NEAS&C in 2008, it is important to find professional development time for teachers to work together to share curriculum and create proficiencies for the achievement of all of our MHS students. The impact of implementing this professional development time will be reviewed at the end of the year.
Linda Gejda, Math/Science/Educational Technology Supervisor, and Kate England, Language Arts/English Supervisor, reported about the current professional development that is taking place across the district. Kate also shared an up-date about The BEST and Equity programs for Diane Kearney, who was unable to attend the meeting.
Kate is leading all elementary teachers by grade level in Reading Comprehension workshops, which are attended by teachers after school on a voluntary basis. There are approximately 10-15 teachers at each meeting. The middle school Language Arts teachers are meeting in a study group once a month to read and discuss Laura Robb's book, Reading in the Middle School. Teachers are encouraged to try new strategies in their classrooms to help students read more effectively.
Providing workshops and meetings for teachers, Linda is working with math and science teachers at all levels to enhance curriculum and instructional delivery to improve every student's achievement K-12. Linda also oversees the review and implementation of educational technology throughout the district.
Diane leads the first and second year teachers through professional development workshops designed to support new teachers and help them with their assessment portfolios, which are due to the state at the end of the second year. Diane also has made several presentations at MHS to students of color to show them the data about their current academic performances and to motivate all students to strive for excellence.

The last item of business was a discussion of the Illing Field Trip to Washington. Eric Bernstein, social studies teacher, has created the trip himself for the eighth graders at IMS. Because this is an independently planned program, there were many questions as to itinerary, liability, trip insurance and objectives for the trip. The trip was brought to committee as there were additional questions about liability, insurance and safety that continue to need to be answered. Eric will present his proposal for this trip to the entire School Board on November 14, 2005.

H3. Personnel & Finance Committee Report - none

H4. Building & Sites Committee Report - Mr. Edwards
Mr. Edwards read the following minutes into the record:
Attendees: Steve Edwards, Lisa O'Neill, Mike Rizzo, Dave Golas, Keith Epstein, Pat Brooks, Louise Guarnaccia, Carol Burgess, Kathy Ouellette, Bo Cuprak, Jen Tait, Roland Axelson, Mary Lou Ruggiero, Peg Hackett, Ann Richardson, Garsan Construction, Design Partnership
An update on the Waddell and Bowers projects and security issues in the buildings was given. Both projects are largely complete at this time, and various finish work such as door hardware and lockers remain to be completed. Also, Fire Alarm systems will be completed early next year. A fire watch has been in place at both schools due to new requirements from the 8th Utilities District Fire Marshall.
A lengthy review of swing space options was done, and a draft plan was hammered out. However, after the meeting took place, it was decided that a special Board of Education meeting would be convened to examine the issue.
A presentation of Bennet design options was given and it was found that the school could be built out to a total of 576 students or 8 teams. The committee agreed that we should build the space out for that number of students. Floor plans will be costed out and will be reviewed at the next meeting.
An Illing Space Review took place. With the transfer of students from Bennet this year, the school is at maximum capacity. There was a discussion of how many students would attend the school in the future, and further analysis will have to take place to ensure that the building will accommodate any "bubbles" in enrollment.

I. PUBLIC COMMENTS
I1. Cheri Pelletier, 145 Park Street. Ms. Pelletier asked about the SAT's and how are they gaged and what do they mean. She also mentioned that last year the Board addressed putting up some funding to do the PSAT's, and possibly doing some SAT prep. She remembers the cost was high, and didn't believe it was passed by the Board. She said that maybe one way to gage if the students were prepared for the SAT's, or felt they were prepared, would be to somehow survey the ones that took that test and get their opinion on it. She was encouraged to hear about the Proficiency Project.

J. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Ms. Huyler mentioned, as a point of clarification, about addressing the textbooks online.

Ms. Huyler also asked about school cancellations due to snow and how it is handled, as she is
not aware of what is in place. She would like to know how that is communicated to the public.

MOTION: Rizzo/Golas s.v. The Board of Education moved to adjourn -11:24 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

David Golas, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education