MIDDLETOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION 8/22/00
REGULAR MEETING
TUESDAY, AUGUST 22, 2000
Dr. Alfred B. Tychsen Administration Building
7:15 p.m.
Present
Elizabeth Bobrick, Sally Boske, Marie Derosier, Daniel Filer, Edward McMillan, Geen Thazhampallath, and Barbara Weiss.
Also Present
Superintendent of Schools Carol Parmelee-Blancato, Associate Superintendent Richard Cormier, Assistant Superintendent John Hennelly, Director of Food Services and Transportation William Pillarella, Director of Facilities Kendall Jackson, Assistant to the Superintendent/Board of Education Secretary Kathryn Eyles, Student Representative Roisin Wisnieski, two representatives from the Middletown Federation of Teachers, one representative from the Middletown Federation of Paraprofessionals, Middletown Press Reporter John Christe, and four visitors.
A OPENING
Mr. McMillan called the meeting to order at 7:12 p.m. and the pledge of allegiance was recited.
MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick and the Board VOTED with four in favor - Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and three abstentions - Ms. Derosier, Mr. Filer, and Mr. McMillan, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2000 special meeting.
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier and the Board VOTED with four in favor - Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, and Ms. Weiss, and three abstentions - Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, to approve the minutes of the June 28, 2000 special meeting.
B PUBLIC SESSION
No one addressed the Board.
C COMMUNICATIONS
D PERSONNEL ACTION
MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and Mr. McMillan called for discussion.
Mr. Thazhampallath questioned the turnover of recent hires. Mr. Cormier said we lost five or six from those hired last year due to higher paying districts and for family concerns.
At this time the motion continued and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve the following Personnel Action items:
Resignation:
Stephanie Ahearn,, a Mathematics teacher employed since August 1999 has submitted her resignation effective July 1, 2000 to accept a position in another district.
Noreen Grenier, an Elementary teacher employed since August 1996 has submitted her resignation effective August 31, 2000 for personal reasons.
Kathryn Liburdi, an Elementary teacher employed since August 1998 has submitted her resignation effective August 7, 2000 for personal reasons.
Patricia Mastriano, a Special Education teacher employed since August 1997 has submitted her resignation effective July 14, 2000 for personal reasons.
Joanne Philips,, a Reading Consultant employed since September 1996 has submitted her resignation effective July 3, 2000 to accept a position in another district.
Samantha White, a Speech and Language Clinician employed since August 1999 has submitted her resignation effective July 11, 2000 for personal reasons.
Leave of Absence:
Nicole Champagne, a Preschool teacher, employed since August 1993, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective October 20, 2000.
Jodi DiMauro, a Language Arts/Math teacher, employed since August 1998, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective December 6, 2000.
Diane Taylor, an Elementary Music teacher, employed since August 1996, for the 2000-2001 school year for personal reasons.
Appointment:
James Barbarito, Mathematics teacher, Step 6 of the Master's schedule, salary $44,192.
Beverly Blount-Lawrence, Elementary teacher, Step 2 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $35,666.
Amy Carlson,, Elementary teacher, Step 2 of the Master's schedule, salary $39,238.
Janet Carrano, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Master's schedule, salary $34,413.
Peter Chapman, Social Studies teacher, Step 2 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $35,666.
Chris Freer, Science teacher, Step 2 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $35,666.
Joan Harvey, Business teacher, Step 3 of the Master's schedule, salary $39,965.
Cathy Hopperstad, Social Studies/Language Arts teacher, Step 5 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $38,362.
Pamela Ingersoll, Social Worker, Step 4 of the Sixth Year schedule, salary $43,464.
Jennifer Leigh, Elementary teacher, Step 2 of the Master's schedule, salary $39,238.
Stephanie Lisio, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $34,413.
Patricia McGrath, Spanish teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $34,413.
Robert Mitchell, Mathematics teacher, Step 3 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $36,320.
Colleen Monnes, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $34,413.
Bridget Moore, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Master's schedule, salary $38,464.
Christine Newton, Kindergarten teacher, Step 1 of the Master's schedule, salary $38,464.
Dipti Patel, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Master's schedule, salary $38,464.
Lisa Plourde, (.5) Preschool teacher, Step 2 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $35,666 (prorated).
Shannon Schmitz, Elementary teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $34,413.
Oletha Walker, Elementary teacher, Step 8 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $44,921.
Diane Watrous, Elementary teacher, Step 2 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $35,666.
Susan Works-Darden, Elementary teacher, Step 10 of the Bachelor's schedule, salary $50,455.
E COMMITTEE REPORTS
Sally Boske reminded Board members that the Budget Committee would meet on Wednesday, August 23, 2000, at 4:00 p.m.
F SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT
Dr. Hennelly introduced Dr. Phil Zarlengo, Consultant from Management Research and Marketing (MRM) Inc., who was hired to evaluate the district's progress in the Diversity Enhancement Plan. Dr. Zarlengo said that he looked at Middletown's progress over last year and the last four years in terms of three objectives in the Diversity Plan.
Dr. Zarlengo applauded Middletown's efforts and concrete progress this year. Dr. Zarlengo also mentioned the positive influence of the significant number of after school enrichment programs including tutoring and mentoring.
In Goal #1 - There has been a significant increase in the numbers of Hispanic students in the Gifted and Talented Program (PROBE); the number of minorities in college courses increased in all categories; at the middle school level gains have been made by African American students in language arts; at the high school level there is significant progress by Hispanic students; there are significant gains in enrollment of women in science, advanced physics, and chemistry; the drop out has decreased to under 2%, and this rate is shared by minority students as well; and the number of minority honor roll students has stayed the same or improved in all grades but one.
Goal #2 - Parent involvement has been exemplary. Middletown has a model that has been recognized by Brown and other universities for involving parents and other aspects of the community.
Goal #3 - Five elementary schools have increased the number of activities offered to students and the middle and high school offerings continue to be strong and well received.
Dr. Zarlengo's recommendations include a careful school-by-school analysis of racial enrollments and a further focus on those not yet participating fully in advanced courses; continuation and intensification of a professional development program for school staff around the issues of setting and achieving high multicultural outcomes for their schools; continuation of the strategies to increase minority parental community involvement in school affairs; hiring a part time K-12 diversity coordinator who can oversee Middletown's continued efforts and assist in collecting data; and a comprehensive evaluation of the effectiveness of academic and enrichment support programs, especially as they impact minority students and their families.
Ms. Bobrick expressed her concern that discipline is not necessarily meted out fairly, by race, in the classroom. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that Character Education focuses on a number of characteristics that are tied in through training in the classroom as well as staff development. Ms. Boske said that in Diversity Training there is a segment on discipline - understanding the way students react from different cultures. Mr. Filer asked how numbers could be increased in the advanced placement courses vs. college courses. He also asked if guidance counselors steered students one way or the other. Dr. Zarlengo said continued monitoring and more communication between high and middle school would pave the way for a more personalized transition for students.
Former Board member and member of the Diversity Enhancement Committee Linda Brooks expressed her pleasure at Middletown's advancement in this area. She said this is a living document and the main goals can be reached by 2003.
Mr. McMillan expressed the Board's appreciation to Dr. Zarlengo for his report.
Ms. Derosier asked if agenda item H-4, Administrator's Contract 2001-2004, could be moved to the next agenda item. A consensus of the Board agreed.
H NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Cormier reviewed the eight items agreed upon during negotiations. The areas covered include: reduction in sick leave to obtain a long-term benefits plan; substituting a generic description of medical and dental plans; changes in contract language in Article XII; deleting Article XIII, Paragraph C; adding Article II, Section G; wages; premium cost share; and increasing the high school principal's maximum salary. Mr. Cormier also mentioned that the administrators ratified this agreement on August 17, 2000.
MOTION Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and Mr. McMillan called for discussion.
Ms. Derosier said she has serious concerns and will not support a contract with high increases and low co-pay. Mr. Filer agreed and felt this contract will be a barometer for others that will follow.
Ms. Bobrick reminded Board members that our administrators put in long, hard hours. They act as CEOs of their building, and in reality, this is what principals earn.
At this time, Ms. Weiss called the question with Ms. Bobrick as second, and Mr. McMillan asked for a vote on agenda item H-4.
At this time, the motion continued, and the Board voted with five in favor - Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and two opposed - Ms. Derosier and Mr. Filer, to approve the contract between the Middletown Board of Education and the Middletown School Administrators Association for the period July 1, 2001 through June 30, 2004.
Mr. Thazhampallath asked if agenda item H-2, Board of Education Meeting Dates - 2000-2001, could be moved to the next agenda item. A consensus of the Board agreed.
Ms. Weiss asked about starting educational workshops for Board members at meetings with short agendas. Mr. Thazhampallath suggested a separate meeting to discuss the High School Committee's report to the Board in October.
It was suggested that the calendar be revised to reflect the following changes. October 10th meeting moved to October 3rd, and a meeting to discuss the High School Committee's report on October 17th. Another meeting was added in January 2001 on the 23rd for an educational workshop.
MOTION Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the Board of Education Meeting Dates for the 2000-2001 school year, as amended.
Ms. Derosier left the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
F SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT (continued)
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said this is a tentative list of items covered at monthly Board meetings. Mr. Thazhampallath said that at the end of the year he would like to see a collaborative report on support services showing how we are doing and where our needs might be.
Dr. Hennelly gave an overview of the professional development focus and the variety of professional development activities offered to staff members.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the contractor has assured us throughout the project that Bielefield School will open on time. Teachers will be in on Friday, August 25th, to set up their classrooms with assistance from our district custodial staff. Mr. Jackson said that some items may not be complete, but we are optimistic that Bielefield School will be open on time. Cold lunches will be provided until the kitchen is on line.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the building committee met on Tuesday, August 15, 2000. Mr. Michael Turner was appointed chair and Ms. Debra Sullivan was hired as recording secretary. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato and Mr. Jackson went over the project scope and timeline. This project should go to referendum in February or March.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the building committee is meeting on Wednesday, August 23, 2000. Mr. David Morgan has been appointed chair and this project will follow the same timeline as Lawrence School.
Dr. Hennelly reviewed summer curriculum work highlighting the importance of these projects and how these activities support communication among teachers and impact classroom instruction. He also mentioned the systematic support our certified staff received from the training center in language arts and mathematics. Dr. Hennelly also said that new CEU requirements mandate that virtually every elementary teacher must be able to do running records. Ms. Weiss commented on the lack of understanding teachers seem to have of staff members who teach at a different level (i.e., elementary to middle, etc.). She said she would like to see more interaction and a better understanding of what we are doing in the large picture among staff members.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the she was contacted by a representative from the LensCrafters store in Middletown asking permission to conduct a Vision Van Mission on September 25th and 26th in our school system. The Van is provided by the Give the Gift of Sight Program which is a not for profit organization sponsored by LensCrafters and the Lions Club. This program is for school age children unable to afford eye exams and eyeglasses. The Van will be located at Macdonough School, and identified students will be brought to that location from the district. They hope to provide services to 100 students each day.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato reviewed her four objectives for the 2000-2001 school year with the Board. At this time, they are presented to the Board for informational purposes.
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that she shared these objectives with Board members during one-on-one meetings. Mr. Filer asked if enrollment figures indicated closing an elementary school within the next five years. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said she does not see enrollment dropping in that way to necessitate closing a school. Mr. Cormier said that it is important to remember that the further out you go the softer the numbers get. Mr. Thazhampallath asked if Ms. Parmelee-Blancato envisioned any leadership changes (i.e. moving principals). Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said no.
The timeline for the filling Middletown High School Principal vacancy was discussed. Mr. Thazhampallath encouraged student involvement in the process.
Student Representative Roisin Wisnieski questioned technology guidelines given to teachers. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said these computers were recently purchased and not wired to the Internet.
G OLD BUSINESS
Mr. Jackson said that due to pending air conditioning work at Snow School the administration is recommending that the Board rescind its acceptance date of August 24, 1999 and accept the project as complete effective August 22, 2000. State Department of Education guidelines regarding project closeouts all require expenditure reports to be completed within one year of the acceptance date.
MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED unanimously to rescind its acceptance date of August 24, 1999 for the Snow School Building Project, and to accept the project as complete, effective August 22, 2000.
Mr. Cormier said that his office prepares the end of the year summary to show an accounting of all receipts and expenditures for the school year. He also mentioned that we received over 7 million dollars in grant funds.
MOTION Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the Fiscal Summary Report 1999-2000.
At this time, Mr. Cormier told Board members that State Statute requires comparability in nursing services between public and non-public schools. We have received requests for additional nursing services from two non-public schools and are currently about one position short. The cost for this position would be between $40,000 and $45,000.
H NEW BUSINESS (continued)
1) Board of Education Policy - First Reading and Approval
Ms. Weiss said that our Policy #6146(a) - Graduation Requirements has been revised, pursuant to Section 27-103, as amended, which allows the Board of Education to award a diploma to a veteran of World War II who left high school prior to graduation in order to serve in the armed forces of the United States and did not receive a diploma as a consequence of such service. The Policy Subcommittee recommends approval.
At the September Board of Education meeting World War II Veterans will be awarded a Middletown High School Diploma.
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the revised Policy #6146(a) - Graduation Requirements.
3) Board Representative to ACES Governing Board
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve Sally Boske as the Board representative to the ACES Governing Board.
5) Educational Technology Consolidated Grant
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath, and the Board VOTED unanimously to authorize the administration to submit the Educational Technology Consolidated Grant application.
MOTION Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously to authorize the administration to submit the IDEAS grant application.
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath, and the Board of Education/Building Committee VOTED unanimously to approve the Spencer School Playscape final plans and specifications.
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the revision of Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Program, as recommended.
MOTION Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the MHS Vocational Agriculture and American Politics Classes Field Trip Requests.
I ADJOURNMENT
MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Mr. Filer, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adjourn. Time: 9:40 p.m.
MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and the Board VOTED unanimously to reopen the meeting to revisit agenda item #H-8 for clarification.
8) Revise Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs
MOTION Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the revision of Authorized Signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Program, as recommended, and Agreement for the 2000-2001 school year.
I ADJOURNMENT
With no further discussion, Mr. McMillan adjourned the meeting.
Time: 9:44 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Weiss
Secretary/kce
REMINDER The next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, September 12, 2000, will begin at 7:00 P.M.