Present

Elizabeth Bobrick, Sally Boske, Frederick Chappelle, Marie Derosier, Daniel Filer, Lloyd Duggan, Edward McMillan, and Geen Thazhampallath.

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 Ken Jackson, Assistant to the Superintendent/Board of Education Secretary Kathryn Eyles, two representatives from the Middletown Federation of Teachers, one representative from the Middletown Federation of Paraprofessionals, Middletown Press Reporter Laura Kennedy, and sixty visitors. Also present during the first part of the meeting were State Senator Thomas Gaffey, State Representative Joseph Serra, Deputy Mayor Gerald Daley, Common Council Members Garafalo, Patnaude, Robinson, Santangelo, and Szewczyk.

Mr. Chappelle called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m., and the pledge of allegiance was recited.

At this time, diplomas were awarded to five World War II Veterans. This is in accordance with P.A. 00-124. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato and MHS Principal Robert Fontaine joined Mr. Chappelle as he presented Middletown High School (MHS) Diplomas and Middletown Public School pins to George M. Byrnes, Donald E. Deming, John J. Gleeson, Edmund T. Kelly, and Osborne Frederick Tapley, Jr. Mr. Chappelle introduced Middletown Deputy Mayor Gerald Daley who presented each graduate with a City of Middletown Proclamation and a glass dish with the City of Middletown seal. Senator Gaffey and Representative Serra presented the gentlemen with a State of Connecticut Citation.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to take a brief recess.

Mr. Chappelle called for a brief recess at 7:32 p.m.

Mr. Chappelle reconvened the meeting at 7:37 p.m.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED with seven in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, Mr. McMillan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, and one abstention – Mr. Filer, to approve the minutes of the May 8, 2001 Regular Meeting.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Mr. McMillan, and the Board VOTED with three in favor –Ms. Boske, Mr. Chappelle, and Mr. McMillan, and five abstentions – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, and Mr. Thazhampallath to approve the minutes of the May 14, 2001 Special Meeting.

George Suoto, 56 Julia Terrace, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Margaret Plosky, 455 Butternut Street, an elementary teacher in the Middletown public school system, recognized the fine performance by the Middletown High School Concert Band and Concert Chorus when they performed with the Hartford Symphony Orchestra. She also expressed her support for the elementary band program.

Rosalyn Andrews, 3 Blue Orchard Drive, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Shaleen Abley, 104 Elizabeth Lane, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Anita Melchorn, 165 Plaza Drive, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Mr. Lestick, 48 Valley Drive, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Kelly Phillips, 1717 Country Club Road, thanked the Superintendent for addressing the high Kindergarten enrollment numbers at Moody School by adding two additional classrooms.

Sara Bacon, 26 Tower Road, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

Mike Augeri, 133 Sbona Drive, spoke in support of extending the wrestling program to the middle school level.

MOTION Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously to consider Agenda Item H-1, Middle School Wrestling Program, after Agenda Item G-1.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath, and the Board VOTED unanimously to add Agenda Item H-2, Board Participation in the Celebration of Middletown’s 350^th Anniversary Parade.

 C COMMUNICATIONS

1) Ms. Parmelee-Blancato mentioned that Middletown has recently completed district-wide Kindergarten screening. The numbers are higher than anticipated for 2001-02, and she will keep the Board informed of enrollment for the 2001-02 school year.

2) Mr. Chappelle mentioned the success of the second annual NAACP Recognition Awards and the positive influence this program has on the students.

3) Mr. Chappelle reminded Board members to try to be more diligent in attending activities in the community.

4) The Board discussed several dates for the upcoming Board Retreat. There were several conflicts; however, Mr. Chappelle asked Board members to hold Saturday, July 21, 2001, as a tentative date.

5) Mr. Chappelle informed Board members that the August meeting date would have to be changed from August 21, 2001 to August 28, 2001.

6) Mr. Chappelle informed Board members that there would be a meeting of the Policy Committee on Thursday, June 28, 2001, at 2:00 p.m.

7) Mr. Chappelle reminded Board members that the next Board meeting would be Tuesday, June 19, 2001.

 D PERSONNEL ACTION

Referring to the teacher that resigned to take a position in another district, Mr. Duggan asked if there were any retention procedures in place to keep teachers here. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said no. Mr. McMillan asked where teacher go. Mr. Cormier said closer to home. Mr. Thazhampallath said he spoke with recent graduates who applied to Middletown and did not feel they were given a firm look. Mr. Cormier said that Middletown has one of the most rigorous screening processes for the hiring of certified staff. Mr. Duggan asked if we were precluded from making a counter offer because of the salaries negotiated with the union. Mr. Cormier said yes; however, this is something that can be discussed at negotiation time. Mr. McMillan asked where the teachers Middletown hires are coming from. Mr. Cormier said it is an almost even split between in state and out of state. He also said that we predominantly get candidates from schools with education programs.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the following Personnel Action items:

Resignation:

Julie Machol, a Mathematics Teacher employed since January 2001, has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2001 to take a position in another district.

Leave of Absence:

Nicole Champagne, a Preschool Teacher employed since August 1993, requests an extension until August 2002, effective date was October 2000.

Kristin Menard, a Reading/Language Arts Consultant employed since August 1994, requests an extension until August 2002, effective date was February 15, 2001.

Appointment:

Tracey J. Barber, Mathematics Teacher, Step 8, Bachelor’s Salary Scale, $46,044.00.

 E COMMITTEE REPORTS

There were no items.

 F SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

1. Financial Statement

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the administration is closely monitoring the projected deficit in Purchased Services, due to Special Education Transportation costs, and Equipment and Maintenance, due to unanticipated replacement costs, as well as, Fuel Oil and Diesel Fuel. At this time, the administration anticipates a balanced budget. Mr. Chappelle asked if the report included Mr. Thazhampallath’s request. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said no. She will meet with Mr. Thazhampallath at the end of the school year to discuss the report which will be generated at the beginning of the 2001-02 school year.

2. Building Projects
1. Bielefield School

Mr. Jackson said the project is down to the final stages and moving towards closure. The subcommittee is working to finalize expenditures.

2. Lawrence School

Mr. Jackson said this project is in the design development phase, and construction is anticipated to start in the fall.

c) Wesley School

Mr. Jackson said this project is in the design development phase, and construction is anticipated to start in the fall.

3. NEASC Accreditation Report – Middletown High School

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that in September 1998, the Middletown High School (MHS) staff began the self-evaluation process for NEASC Accreditation. On March 18-19, 2001, the Commission on Public Secondary Schools reviewed the NEASC report on MHS. At this time, Ms. Parmelee-Blancato asked Mr. Fontaine to speak to this item. Mr. Fontaine said that MHS received accreditation; however, this is continuing accreditation with team visits occurring every ten years. He said that the fifteen-member NEASC team visited from November 12-15, 2000. The team met with Board members, administration, staff, parents and students. The team was impressed by the students and shadowed several students. The commission report highlighted the areas of diversity, initiatives relating to instruction and assessment and technology that they thought were excellent to mention just a few. The report also had recommendations which included linking the mission statement to curriculum, the need to develop a method of assessing, expansion in decision-making process to involve students and parents, and facilities issues. Mr. Fontaine said he is forming a follow-up committee to address the recommendations and that he would keep the Board informed. He also said that some things have already been addressed. Mr. Duggan commented on the size of the report and asked how many man-hours were used to produce it. Mr. Fontaine said many and added that every faculty member was involved in at least two committees.

 G OLD BUSINESS

Ms. Bobrick was asked to pick the name of the next Board Extern. Ms. Patricia Murray was chosen as the next Board Extern replacing Ms. Gwendolyn Eaddy.

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that in April of this year members of the community came forward to ask the Board to consider offering this program at the middle school level. The Board, in turn, asked the administration to look into the feasibility of offering this program including the cost. At this time, Ms. Parmelee-Blancato asked Mr. Koritkoski to speak to this item. Mr. Koritkoski said that there is a need for a winter program, at the middle school, that would gather students cut from basketball and cheerleading. Ms. Boske asked how many middle schools in our conference compete locally and could we participate with them? Mr. Mark Fong, Wrestling Coach, and a member of the Middletown teaching staff, said over twenty in the state, and we could participate. Mr. Chappelle asked why this would not be offered in Grade 6. Mr. Koritkoski said getting this program started is consistent with existing programs we have in Grades 7 and 8. Mr. Duggan asked what would happen with the Park and Recreation Wrestling Program? Mr. Koritkoski said that it would still exist. Mr. Fong said that the Park and Recreation Program is funded by the City and participants have to pay. The Board of Education program would be free. Mr. Chappelle asked how this program would be funded. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said they looked into stipend positions not being used, and equipment replacement cost items that could be deferred. Mr. Duggan asked if the money set aside for stipends is part of the money returned to the City. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said other stipend positions have been instituted over time. Mr. Thazhampallath clarified that the $8,330 cost for this program is not associated with the 2001-02 budget. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said it will be funded by reallocating monies.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion seconded by Mr. Filer, and the Board VOTED unanimously to implement a Middle School Wrestling Program.

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the Board needs to adopt a recommended budget of $48,326,603 based on funding approved by the Common Council. She said that she reviewed the March 2001 proposed cut list and felt that there were 5 items (#6 - $25,000 – Athletics/Student Activities Line Items within Program; #13 - $10,000 – Personnel Services Substitute Salaries; #17 - $25,000 – After School & Saturday Detention Program at WWMS & MHS; #18 - $12,000 – Late Buses, and #25 - $11,232 – Elementary Stipend Positions) the Board may not want to eliminate. The list presented to the Board was revised to reflect addition items to bring the budget cut to $1,449,824.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion seconded by Ms. Derosier, and Mr. Chappelle called for discussion.

Mr. Thazhampallath said that a teacher told him she had spend $200 buying materials for her class, and he thought this should be a cost borne by the Board. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that many educators voluntarily take money out of their own pocket to buy materials for bulletin boards, etc. She said that this Board has provided adequate funds. Mr. Duggan asked how our system would be impacted. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that this budget would not move us forward, it would provide us with what we presently have, and if all projections are accurate, it won’t impact class size. Mr. Duggan said the point needs to be made that we are maintaining and not moving the district forward Ms. Bobrick reminded the Board that these cuts did not originate from the Superintendent. She said that in light of economic realities with the City, Middletown came out amazingly well. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that this will be a tight budget. She also said that the salary line was reduced by 2% ($646,737) of the salary line to be funded at a 98% level as approved by the Board at the April 10, 2001 Board meeting. The Board has committed to looking at creative budgeting, and the Council did say that the Board could come to them if a problem arose with the budget. Ms. Boske said that Mr. Duggan is right, we are impacting kids; however, this is a compromise we had to make because we must work with the monies we get.

At this time, Ms. Derosier called the vote and the motion continued and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt a budget of $48,326,603 for the 2001-2002 fiscal year.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the following textbook adoptions.

Modern Biology, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2002

Kaskel, A.; Hummer, P.; and Daniel, L.; Biology, An Everyday Experience, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 1999.

This proposed, state-mandated policy reflects a change in the mandatory school attendance age, from 5 through 16, to 5 through 18, unless the student has graduated from high school or has received consent from parent or person with control over him. This new proposal will replace existing policy.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5111(a) Students – Admission/Placement, as amended.

This proposed new policy, again state mandated, would replace the present policy and reflects a change in the mandatory school attendance age from 5 through 16, to 5 through 18, unless the student has graduated from high school or has received consent from parent or person with control over him.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5112(a) Students – Ages of Attendance, as amended.

Revisions in present policy have been made to reflect state-mandated changes regarding the mandatory school attendance age from 5 through 16, to 5 through 18, unless the student has graduated from high school or has received consent from parent or person with control over him.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5113.1 (a-b) Students – Attendance/Excuses/Course Credit, as amended.

To reflect state-mandated changes, this policy has been revised to show the mandatory school attendance age from 5 through 16, to 5 through 18, unless the student has graduated from high school or has received consent from parent or person with control over him.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5113.2 (a-c) Students – Truancy, as amended.

Currently, as state mandated, a student’s expulsion is recorded on cumulative educational record (except transcript). The revision of policy will allow the expulsion to be expunged from cumulative record if the student graduates from high school, unless the expulsion was for possession of a deadly weapon. The definition of "deadly weapon" is also included in the policy.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5114 (a-k) Students – Suspension and Expulsion/Due Process, as amended.

Because our district receives federal Title I funds, we must have a policy indicating that all district schools provide substantially comparable services. This newly written policy complies with that requirement.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #6161.3 Instruction – Comparability of Services, as recommended.

This new policy was written to ensure the appropriate use of federal Title I funds toward improving the educational opportunities of educationally disadvantaged or deprived students.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #6161.31 Instruction – Title I Program, as recommended.

Although changes made to this policy are not state-mandated, revisions now delineate responsibilities for monitoring student immunization records. Building principals must ensure that each student has fulfilled health assessment requirements and the school nurse must check and document immunizations and assessments for all students.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5141.3 (a) Students Health Assessments and Immunizations, as amended.

It was a recommendation of CABE that our policy, although not required, be revised to delineate function of the surrogate parent program. Richard Cormier explained that the State assigns a surrogate parent to special education children without a parent. The surrogate parent has all the rights and responsibilities to oversee the child’s educational program and is the guardian of the child’s rights.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #5145.71 Students – Surrogate Parent Program, as amended.

To ensure the safety and well being of students, bus transportation is limited to eligible students of Middletown public schools and eligible students of private schools. All other persons cannot enter or ride school buses without the written permission of the superintendent.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED unanimously to adopt Policy #3541(a-b) Non-Instructional Operations – Transportation, as amended.

Graduation requirements necessitate that beginning with the Class of 2001, students must take and pass algebra, and effective with the Class of 2002, must take and pass algebra and geometry. The administration believes that some latitude in meeting these requirements must be given to juniors and seniors new to the high school.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Ms. Derosier, and the Board VOTED with six in favor—Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, and one opposed – Mr. Duggan, to adopt Policy #6146(a) Instruction – Graduation Requirements, as amended.

Mr. Jackson said the Common Council authorized the Snow School Building Committee to expend funds remaining in the account for bonding fees for installation of air conditioning in the cafeteria, music room, teacher’s lounge and work room as funds allowed. Due to the fact that when the City went out to bid the air conditioning project in the spring no bids were received and when the bid was extended an additional two weeks the only bid received was over four times higher than the funds available, this project cannot be completed by August 2001 which is one year after the Board’s original acceptance of the project. Therefore, to re-bid the air conditioning project at a reduced scope, the Board must rescind last year’s vote accepting the project as complete and then vote to accept the project as complete effective June 2001. This will provide sufficient time to revise the air conditioning specifications, bid and award the work, and complete the installation.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion seconded by Mr. McMillan, and the Board VOTED unanimously to rescind the August 2000 vote to accept the project as complete and approve the project as complete effective June 12, 2001.

Ms. Boske said that she was contacted by Sal Nesci and asked if the Board would like to participate in the parade. Ms. Boske said that she talked with Mr. Pillarella, who checked with DATTCO, and said that DATTCO would be willing to donate transportation for the Board members and central office administration to participate in the parade.

Mr. Chappelle asked Board members if they would like to participate, and a consensus of the Board agreed to participate in the Celebration of Middletown’s 350^th Anniversary Parade.

Mr. Chappelle asked for more information to accompany the FYI enrollment report showing all levels of high school academic courses (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies) compiled by race and gender.

Ms. Derosier commented that she was disturbed by the fact that the FYI enrollment report showing all levels of high school academic courses (English, foreign language, mathematics, science, and social studies) compiled by race and gender, indicates that the numbers of minority students taking advanced placement classes have not changed. Mr. Chappelle said that he too was aware of this. Both Ms. Derosier and Mr. Chappelle felt the Board should do more to increase the number of minority students taking advanced placement classes.

With no further discussion, Mr. Chappelle adjourned the meeting.

Time: 9:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Edward L. McMillan, Jr.

Vice President and Acting Secretary/kce

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