A. OPENING

PRESENT: Crockett, Edwards, Hackett, Huyler, Rizzo, Rowe, Small-Miller

ABSENT: Golas, 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, Interim Human Resource Director Brindamour

A1. Call to Order
Ms. Hackett called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.

A2. Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Hackett led the Pledge of Allegiance.

Moment of Silence for Jonathan Hewey

Superintendent Ouellette told the Board that Mr. Hewey, an Art teacher at Manchester High School, who specialized in Metalsmithing and Jewelry, passed away last Thursday, December 8th. He had been employed with the Manchester Board of Education and taught at the high school since September 1970.

She mentioned that Mr. Hewey had many students win Scholastic Art and Writing Awards at the State and National level, as well as winning the American Visions Award and the University of Connecticut Best in Show award. She also said that he will truly be missed by staff, students, and the community. The Superintendent asked that everyone join her in remembering Jonathan with a moment of silence.

A3. Roundtable Singers
The Manchester High School Roundtable Singers, under the direction of Mr. Ed Tyler, performed the National Anthem, as well as three other selections.

A4. Student Recognition Award
The Superintendent asked Ms. Christina Hughes, a Manchester High School student, to come forward to be recognized by the Board for winning the Class LL Connecticut State Championship in the 100 Fly this year.

The Superintendent mentioned that Tina also recently won the Scholar Athlete Award for State High School Swimming, which was awarded at the All State Banquet last week. She is also under consideration for All-America honors in the 100 Fly, and has also been a letter winner for the past four years. She holds two individual and three relay school records, has earned all conference honors for four years, and earned all-state honors for three years. She represented the United States in the Macabbiah Games in Israel this past summer, bringing home several medals. Academically, Tina is an outstanding student, ranking number two in a class of 566 seniors. She is also a member of the State Championship Chemistry Team, as well as a member of the State Championship Math Team.

A5. Patriots Pen Essay Contest Winner Recognition
The Superintendent stated that tonight they are recognizing three students who participated in the Patriots Pen Essay Writing Contest and were chosen as winners for their essays. The Veterans of Foreign Wars sponsored this contest and awarded certificates and checks to the winning students. Representing the VFW Post was Mr. Terry Chetelat and Ms. Doris Robotto. Ms. Kate England, Language Arts Supervisor for the Board of Education, helped with the coordination of the contest at the various schools.

The three winners were:
Jake C. Nearing, a 7th grade student at Illing Middle School, who placed 1st and won $200.00.
Dylan Lang, an 8th grade student at Illing Middle School, who placed 2nd and won $150.00.
Joseph Wetherell, a 7th grade student at Illing Middle School, who placed 3rd and won $100.

Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to approve the revised agenda for tonight's meeting, which adds Item F1, under New Business - The Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, a presentation by Dr. Diane Kaplan deVries.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Board of Education approves the revised agenda for tonight's meeting adding on New Business Item F1 - The Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding. 7/0/0

A6. Minutes of November 28, 2005
Ms. Hackett asked for a motion to accept the minutes of November 28, 2005.

MOTION: Rizzo/ Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the minutes of November 28, 2005. 7/0/0

B. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1) Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. Mr. Perlman talked about the Proficiency Plan at the high school saying we should not accept mediocre work. He talked about putting the 6th graders back into the elementary schools, and was surprised at all the extra space we now seem to have to accommodate this.

2) Stephanie Knybel, 138 Bobby Lane. Ms. Knybel mentioned that she had concerns about closing Bennet Middle School the end of this school year, but after attending the Special Board of Education meeting on Dec. 6, 2005, her fears have been calmed. She asked the Board to keep the community updated on the construction. She also mentioned that she is in favor of changing the school calendar for 2006-07 to start after Labor Day, but would hope that the schools would close early in June if the heat and humidity reach over the 90-degree level.

3) Tom Stringfellow, 183 Hillstown Road. Mr. Stringfellow congratulated the Roundtable Singers for a wonderful performance. He mentioned the anniversary of Pearl Harbor and a documentary about it that was on television. He talked about a WWII magazine with an article about Soviet prisoners. He recommended a book called Silk and Guns, which describes the life of Frank Cheney.

C. CONSENT CALENDAR:

The Superintendent mentioned that there are 8 items on the Consent Calendar that she would like
to bring to the Board's attention tonight, and she recommend that the following items be approved by the Manchester Board of Education:

PERSONNEL ACTION

APPOINTMENT
Kristen Dergosits has been selected as a Grade 3 Teacher at Robertson School. Ms. Dergosits received her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education at SUNY/College at Old Westbury. Ms. Dergosits resides in Manchester.

RESIGNATION
Sherry LaPlaca, business education teacher, at Manchester High School, has submitted her letter of resignation for retirement purposes, effective the end of business on January 13, 2006. Ms. LaPlaca has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 29, 1989

LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Rebecca Fagan, Grade 3 Teacher at Washington School, has requested a maternity/childrearing leave of absence effective approximately March 25, 2006 through the end of this school year. Ms. Fagan has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 26, 1998.

Jennifer Beyer, Art Teacher at Manchester High School, has requested a maternity/childrearing leave of absence effective approximately April 10, 2006 through the end of this school year. Ms. Beyer has been with Manchester Public Schools since August 24, 2001.

C2. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $500
ExxonMobil Grant at Verplanck

C3. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $3,000
Savings Bank of Manchester Charitable Foundation Grant at Verplanck

C4. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $46,800
Out-of-Town Magnet School Transportation

C5. Appropriation for Education Special Projects - $1,350
Connecticut Association for the Gifted Grant at Martin

C6. Budget Transfer Among Categories

C7. Buildings and Grounds Supervisors' Contract Ratification for July 1, 2004 through June 30, 2008

C8. Extended Field Trip Request for Manchester High School Roundtable Singers and Jazz Choir - Washington, D.C. March 30 - April 2, 2006

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education approves the Consent Calendar as outlined by the Superintendent of Schools. 7/0/0

D. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

D1. CAPT 2005 Update - Carol Burgess
The Superintendent introduced Ms. Burgess, who gave an update on the 2005 Connecticut Academic Performance Test results for Manchester High School.

Ms. Burgess explained the hand out she passed around to the Board members titled, State Response and State Activities for Meeting Requirements. She explained that the participation, writing, and graduation standards do not change over the 12-year period. She also mentioned that the overall performance was excellent at the high school, and across the board for the school, we have made our CAPT goals. Ms. Burgess explained the CAPT scores for this year, which in Reading was 73%, Mathematics was 69%, Science was 79%, and Writing was 81% proficient and above. She stated that we have made our AYP goal in reading and writing area, and we are fairly strong in our math and science for the AYP for the high school. She also showed a graph for the years 2001 through 2005 for Math with fluctuations from 76% proficient and above to 69% for the year 2005, which is the AYP requirement. She reminded the Board that each year is a group of different children, and the test does vary from year to year. These graphs can show trends, but cannot be a direct comparison. For Science, the fluctuations were from 81% proficient and above to 79% for the year 2005, which also is well within the AYP goal. In Reading Across the Disciplines, the graph showed fluctuations from 77% to 73 % for the year 2005, and again AYP goal. In Writing Across the Disciplines, the graph shows very strong figures from 79% proficient and above to 81% for the year 2005. Ms. Burgess went on to explain the disaggregation scores for Math, Science, Reading, and Writing. She mentioned that when looking at the scores, it has to be taken into consideration that there are a lot of factors that go into that number, and it is not just one number and not always the same group of children. They are currently working with the proficiencies and working with instruction and curriculum, and the endeavors are to work with the individual groups and close the achievement gaps in special ed and the other populations.

Ms. Linette Small-Miller asked if the information was available for the public, and Ms. Burgess responded saying it was available on the Connecticut Department of Education website.

Mr. Rowe commented on the number of students taking the tests and how it affects the scores, where it can bring the scores down. Ms. Burgess responded saying that the participation rate has gone up.

Mr. Edwards asked why is it reported as aggregated data with percent of proficiency and above versus disaggregated with percent at goal. Ms. Burgess responded saying that is how it is reported on the State side, and she wanted to be able to show some disaggregated scores because we need to work in those areas. The goal is just "at goal", and that's the way they report it.

Mr. Edwards went over the various levels on the CAPT test, stating the top one is Mastery, next is Goal, then Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic, which is the lowest. He wanted to know what percent of the population is proficient and above, which he feels would be helpful. Ms. Burgess responded saying she would try to provide that information at a future meeting.

Mr. Edwards also asked about the trend line, which he says is flat, and asks how are we going to get that to 100%. Ms. Burgess said that it does fluctuate a bit, up and down, and it has been moving up, especially in the Reading and the Math. She said that the teachers are aware of the targets and proficiencies and are working to close the achievement gap. Curriculum and Instruction is being looked at on how it is written and how it is offered, and she hopes to see the scores go up by the end of the year.

Mr. Rizzo agrees that we have met AYP, however he notices that the scores are lower this year over last year. Ms. Burgess stated that the State raised the bar and changed the criteria, which gives that appearance. Mr. Rizzo stated that he would like to see the disaggregated numbers at proficiency.

Mr. Rizzo asked Ms. Hackett if this discussion could be held, less formally, at a Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting.

Ms. Small-Miller asked about the ratio of the other groups compared to the white population, and wanted to know how many of the other groups are included in this percentage, and how well they are doing. Ms. Burgess said she would get that information, which includes the proficiencies.

Ms. Hackett said that the good news is that it appears there is incremental progress, although the AYP target continues to move. She said that it sounds like we still need to analyze this data further. She asked Ms. Burgess to come back to a future Board meeting to present another update when she has further information.

D2. Controlled Choice Presentation - Diane Kearney
The Superintendent explained 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.

The redistricting option was presented at the November 28th Board of Education meeting by HMA Consultants. She stated that tonight, Ms. Diane Kearney, is here to present the Board with information on the third option of the Racial Balance Plan to be considered, which is Controlled Choice.

Ms. Kearney presented a PowerPoint presentation to the Board, which included the following topics:

What is Choice?

• Maximizes Parental and Student Choice
• Achieves Effective Desegregation
• Balances Elementary School Populations Racially and Economically

What is Controlled Choice?

• Students may gain admittance to preferred schools in or outside of residential neighborhoods
• All parents will be given equal opportunity in selection process
• No student is guaranteed an assignment to a particular school
• An Attractor (special program, theme, or idea) is used to attract students

Purpose:

• Desegregates a school system
• Controls enrollment in individual schools based on racial and ethnic demographics of the community
• Ensures that ALL students will have equal proportional access to ALL schools

Goal: Educational Merit

• Innovative planning tool to create effective magnet or specialized schools
• Provides a unique or specialized curriculum or educational approach
• Schools can improve and successfully integrate when coupled with equity of access for all students
• Opportunity to replicate successful programs among and between schools

Goal: Human Element

• Promotes diversity in all schools
• Children working with children of all races and socio-economic backgrounds, naturally benefiting by that exposure
• Learning in an integrated environment is necessary to thrive in an ethnically and racially diverse community, country, and world

Controlled Choice - Three Assumptions

• Students are likely to achieve at higher levels when schools provide a variety of learning methods and programs to match student needs
• A quality school system is one in which a diverse population is integrated in all schools
• More effective education occurs when students, parents, and school staff work together

Implementation Process - Some Considerations

• Consultant necessary to facilitate work and act as liaison to Board of Education
• A Town-wide "Schools of Choice" Committee
• Create "School-based Councils" at all elementary and middle schools:
  -Determine purpose and strengths of the school to create a focus program of choice
• Transportation plan
• Parent Information Center
  -Central registration, public relations
• Cost:
  -Facilities may need to be expanded
  -Transportation cost would increase

Assignment Criteria

• Criteria has to be established for selection process
• Controlled choice cannot assign all students to their first choice school
  -Sibling(s) in chosen school
  -Student's racial/ethnic background
  -Family resident
  -In-take of application

Strengths

• Provides incentive for schools to offer attractive educational programs and effective learning environments
• Promotes diversity in all schools
• Establishes a parent information center to facilitate the school choice and assignment process and provide parents a centralized clearing house for all information about schools
• Sensitive to all segments of the community
• Eliminates individual school attendance boundaries making all schools "Schools of Choice"
• Recognizes and addresses the need for upgrading, improving, and expanding school facilities
• Provides a solution to racial balance by continually reflecting demographic changes
• Contributes to the renewal of the town and its social and economic well-being
• Allows parent to choose the top schools they want their children to attend by their own rank order of preference
• Guarantees equitable desegregation of available seats by school and grade within flexible racial fairness guidelines
• Allows siblings to attend the same school if parents choose
• Identifies schools that are "least chosen" and helps them to develop specific school improvement measures
• Identifies schools that are "over chosen" and encourages the replications of those successful programs in other schools

Weaknesses

• Student may not get first choice school
• Capacity concerns may hinder optimum goal of integration
• Resources to develop themes may be costly

Mr. Rizzo stated that we had a Choice program before, and asked why it didn't work.
Ms. Kearney explained that we didn't do a great jog in developing the themes; we didn't have the funding and resources to make it work.

Mr. Rizzo asked how do we attract parents to schools out of their neighborhood schools.
Ms. Kearney responded saying it's all about marketing and quality of the program, and how the message is conveyed.

Mr. Rizzo mentioned that this option would cost a great deal of money for transportation and for creating the school themes, which would require a commitment from the Board.

Ms. Huyler stated that the "human factor" is very important, and that we would need a good marketing plan. She complimented Ms. Kearney on her vision, and thanked her for the presentation.

Ms. Small-Miller stated that we need to look at the big picture and look at the city of Manchester. We need to do whatever is necessary to make Manchester's school system the best in the state and country, and that we need to educate the community on this.

Mr. Crockett asked what is a good theme that would be marketable, and Ms. Kearney responded saying that technology is one good theme, as well as Media Arts and Distance Learning.

Mr. Edwards stated to the public that nothing has been decided tonight, and that the Board is exploring the various options to racially balance the schools.

Mr. Rowe talked about public concerns regarding Controlled Choice, saying it will be looked at as a forced choice plan when it comes down to picking three schools that their child may possibly go to. For those parents that get that third choice, they're not going to be happy. He doesn't feel this is the most logical choice of the three options; as he thinks it's going to be a very difficult sell to the people of Manchester. He also mentioned that this is a proposal, that the Board really needs the public to come forward and give them some ideas, and that he doesn't see this option as being the answer, just because of the cost involved and the nature of human beings.

Ms. Kearney explained that she was asked to present this option, and that she is not necessarily an advocate of it.

Ms. Hackett expressed her hopes of getting other possible ideas from the public and engaging them in the conversations ahead.

Mr. Rizzo asked the Superintendent to outline the next steps. The Superintendent explained that she and Ms. Kearney would meet with the consultant from Courageous Conversations in February; then Ms. Kearney will begin to plan out the rest of the year and into next year. She will need to include two members from the Board of Education and two members from the Board of Directors, as well as parents. The Courageous Conversations will take place in February with Community Conversations taking place in the fall.

The Superintendent mentioned that it could be possible, if necessary, to extend the time frame of the Racial Balance Plan.

Ms. Hackett asked the Board for their approval to postpone agenda Items D3 (School Closing Notification Update), and E2 (Establishment of Policy Committee) until the next Board of Education meeting on January 9, 2006. All were in agreement with her suggestion.

The Superintendent asked the Board to hear Item D5 (Middle School Accelerated Schedule Update) at this time.

D5. Middle School Accelerated Schedule Update
The Superintendent gave a brief update to let the Board know that the administration has begun meeting with the bargaining union representatives. They have received very positive feedback and comments since the December 6th meeting, and if the public would like to contact her with any questions or comments she can be reached at 647-3441, and her email address is kouellette@ci.manchester.ct.us. She stated that she would continue to update the Board and the public at each future Board meeting.

D4. Tentative Graduation Date and Site Update - Don Sierakowski
Mr. Sierakowski presented the tentative graduation date as June 13, 2006, and mentioned that he is in negotiations with the Hartford Convention Center as the place for the ceremony. He explained that the Bushnell is unavailable at that time, and the Jorgensen Auditorium is no longer

an option as our graduating class is larger this year. The Hartford Convention Center is also less expensive.

Board members asked about the possibility of having the ceremony outside, on our own football field. Mr. Sierakowski explained that since the field was redone and outfitted with a sprinkler

system, it could not be used for the ceremony since chairs would do damage to the system. He also mentioned that parents have stated their preference to him to have it indoors for a more controlled, safe, and dignified setting. The high school does not have an area large enough to have it indoors.

Ms. Hackett asked Mr. Sierakowski to investigate this further to see if any adjustments might be made to having it on our field. Mr. Sierakowski responded saying that after taking two surveys, parents overwhelmingly preferred to have an indoor ceremony.

E. OLD BUSINESS

E1. Proficiency Project - Don Sierakowski
The Superintendent stated that at the November 28th Board of Education meeting,
Mr. Sierakowski, and Dr. Gasper provided the Board with a proposal on the high school's Proficiency Project. She mentioned that as a reminder to the Board, this has been placed on the agenda as an action item.

Mr. Sierakowski gave a brief outline of the Proficiency Project to the Board.

Mr. Crockett said he supported the project, and asked if any thought had been given to using the days prior to and right after vacation and holiday breaks for staff development time, as he feels this time is least productive as far as teaching the students. Mr. Sierakowski said they had not, but it merits consideration.

Ms. Hackett and Mr. Edwards liked Mr. Crockett's suggestion and said it might be something to consider. Mr. Sierakowski explained that they looked into using the late start for the students because it has been shown that students do better at school when they get more sleep in the morning.

Mr. Rizzo noted to Mr. Perlman that mediocre work is not acceptable, which Mr. Perlman mentioned in his remarks during Public Comments, and that is precisely why this Proficiency model will assist the staff in helping students understand the subject matter.

Mr. Rowe asked how long the Proficiency Model in West Hartford has been implemented and how it is going. Mr. Sierakowski stated that West Hartford has not implemented the Proficiency Model, they have implemented only the structure for the past 40 years, where students, at one point, came in late twice a month, and teachers arrived first thing in the morning to design curriculum, collaborated on new initiatives, and received training on a variety of topics.

MOTION: Rizzo/Huyler s.v. The Manchester Board of Education moves to approve the Proficiency Project as presented by Mr. Sierakowski, with the intent to have quarterly progress reviews presented to the full Board at the discretion of the high school staff, and also to have
Mr. Sierakowski return to the Board with a schedule for the plan. 7/0/0

E3. Approval of the Revised 2006-07 School Calendar
The Superintendent mentioned that at the Special Board meeting on December 6, 2005,
Dr. Brindamour provided the public with possibilities of adjustment to the 2006-07 school calendar, in order to extend the building time frame during the summer, just as a safety net, to make sure some of the initiatives for building at our elementary schools could be fit into that schedule. She explained that this is to extend the construction time during the summer, in case there is bad weather and complications, to finish the buildings. She mentioned that she is looking at this as an action item by the Board tonight.

Dr. Brindamour explained that four calendar choices were presented to the Board at the December 6, 2005 Special meeting. Calendars 1a and 1b have students starting on September 5, which is the Tuesday after Labor Day. The calendars differ only in the placement of the April vacation. Calendar 1a has April vacation starting on April 16 and continuing until April 20. The last day of school would be June 21. Calendar 1b links April vacation with Good Friday and would run from April 2 until April 6. The last day of school would be June 20, so you save a day in June. This means that there would be 11 weeks at the end of school without a vacation break. Calendar 1a has nine weeks of school after April vacation.

He explained that they then developed two other calendars, which start school even later in case more time is needed for building renovations. Calendar 2a and 2b have students starting school on September 11. April vacation will be greatly reduced. Both calendars link April vacation with Good Friday. Calendar 2a has a vacation starting on Thursday, April 5 with students returning to school on Tuesday, April 10. The last day of school would be June 22. Calendar 2b only has two vacation days, Thursday and Friday, April 5 and 6. The last day of school would be June 21. Both of these calendars run the risk of having students attending school during the last week of June in the event of a snowy winter.

Mr. Rowe asked if the possibility of eliminating February vacation was looked at, and
Dr. Brindamour responded saying the school nurses want a February vacation so schools can be cleaned and disinfected during the cold and flu season.

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. The Manchester Board of Education moves to adopt calendar version 1a. 7/0/0

F. NEW BUSINESS

F1. Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding - Dr. Diane Kaplan deVries
The Superintendent explained that The Connecticut Coalition for Justice in Education Funding is a broad-based nonprofit coalition of municipalities, school districts, education professional associations, teachers and other unions, advocacy non profits, parents, grassroots organizations, and individuals who seek to move Connecticut from an outdated, inequitable, inadequate school funding system based on Grand Lists and property taxes, to a modern, equitable, adequately funded system based on the needs of students and the real costs of ensuring all students equal educational opportunity.

The Superintendent introduced Dr. Dianne Kaplan deVries, the Project Director of the coalition, who presented further information, as well as the shared financial and legal obligations from the Board, if the Board should choose to support this cause. She mentioned that there is a stringent timeline as to when this will be filed.

Dr. deVries explained that the coalition is the outcome of Johnson vs. Rowland, a finance lawsuit that Manchester was a partner and filed in early 1998. It was withdrawn in October 2003 because they ran out of money. It became clear that their was extraordinary data disparity, and determined not to let this go, they established a broad based coalition that would bring in many more communities than the first coalition did, and also to be a coalition run by the members rather than the law firm. This coalition would bring in the educational community, which the first coalition did not. Many educational organizations joined in this effort.

Dr. deVries explained that at the first meeting of the coalition last summer, it was decided that this coalition would be based upon data, and not just on claiming to the Legislature and the State that they need more money. They wanted to show what the cost was of an adequate education.

Dr. deVries explained their purpose, which is Leadership for Connecticut School Finance Reform. That entails:

• researching the cost of education adequacy, unmet educational needs, and disparities of inputs/outcomes
• fully evaluating the current school funding system and propose state-of-the-art improvements thereto
• building Executive, Legislative, and public support for school finance reforms consistent with the State's Constitutional responsibility to adequately fund the public schools.
• contributing to quest for tax restructuring to ensure ample, equitable, and taxpayer-fair revenue streams
• pursuing litigation, as necessary (CCJEF v Rell)

Dr. deVries explained the cost study findings for Manchester:

• For Manchester Public School students to meet 2007-08 NCLB AYP goals (starting level adequacy), the cost study estimates that an additional $974 per pupil in operating funds are necessary. This would amount to a $7.8M (9.1%) increase in the annual operating budget. However, this estimate excludes the cost of pupil transportation, which cost study has not yet been undertaken. Manchester costs may also increase once the magnet cost study that is currently underway has been completed.

Dr. deVries further explained why Manchester should join CCJEF:

• CCJEF efforts are aimed at bringing about systemic change statewide, at infusing substantial new dollars into our schools, and bringing major property tax relief to all communities. Thus all towns and BOEs should help the burden of funding this work and staying the course.
• Every municipality, school district, and community group needs to play an active role in the school finance reform debate. CCJEF seeks Manchester's participation in planning, strategy, research, advocacy, and public outreach. They offer a well-organized, expert-informed, innovative voice for moving the state forward with progressive tax structures and excellent schooling for every child.

Dr. deVries explained the cost of the membership:

• Municipality membership fees, which automatically include membership for their Boards of Education, are based on population: The Town of Manchester's cost would be $10,000. Local Boards of Education without town membership would cost $1,500.

Following a brief discussion, it was noted that the Manchester Board of Education had been listed as a member because of discussions with a prior Superintendent and former Mayor of Manchester. Mr. Edwards stated that he resented the fact that the Manchester Board of Education had been put on as a member without the Board of Education's permission.

Ms. Hackett stated that this item will come back to the Board at the January 9, 2006 meeting under Old Business, and if Board members have any further questions they can forward them to the Superintendent.

Mr. Crockett asked how this information is getting to the Town.

Ms. Ouellette stated that Dr. deVries has not been invited to present the information to the Town as yet.

G. COMMUNICATIONS
Ms. Huyler recognized and thanked the Superintendent for forwarding the Board information on Bennet Middle School being showcased with the design and architect team. She stated it was a great website, and that it was great to see Manchester highlighted.

H. COMMITTEE REPORTS

H1. Curriculum & Instruction Committee - None

H2. Personnel & Finance Committee - None

I. PUBLIC COMMENTS

1) Cheri Pelletier, Park Street. Ms. Pelletier mentioned the school programs with Sheff v O'Neil, and although it had honorable intentions and may work in theory, it was a disaster in practice, and Manchester can attest to that as we have a racial diversity in this town that is fabulous. She mentioned that we have a school with 25% minority, all the way up to schools that have 48% minority. She explained that there are towns that have a racial balance with no diversity what so ever. It's a tough task, as Manchester is considered unbalanced. She mentioned that if we don't get the funding for the Early Learning Center, she suggested maybe putting Head Start into our elementary schools to racially balance the future projections. Also, she suggested maybe thinking of Bennet as a K-8 Magnet School, instead of a 6th grade academy, with the 6th graders going back into the elementary schools.

2) Milt Perlman, 3 Sanford Road. Mr. Perlman stated that he thinks integration is very important because the world is very different than when he was in high school in the 1940's. He feels the world is becoming more globalized, with more and more people moving to different countries to get jobs, so the diversity of the world is going to play a big part. He talked about the different themes that New York City high schools have that could be used at our elementary schools. He talked about the proficiency standards, and asked why an important subject like that was not given an evening devoted entirely to talking about it, like the Special Board meeting devoted to Bennet Middle School.

J. ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS - None

MOTION: Rizzo/Edwards s.v. To adjourn: 11:20 p.m. 7/0/0

Respectfully submitted,

David Golas, Secretary
Manchester Board of Education