Present

Elizabeth Bobrick, Sally Boske, Frederick Chappelle, Marie Derosier, Lloyd Duggan, Daniel Filer, 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, NAACP Education Chair Lillie Mae Fitzpatrick, Board Extern Evelyn Ambriscoe, one representative from the Middletown Federation of Teachers, one representative from the Middletown Federation of Paraprofessionals, Hartford Courant Reporter Colin Poitras, Middletown Press Reporter Laura Kennedy, and sixteen visitors.

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

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske and the Board VOTED with six in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Filer, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and one abstention – Mr. Duggan, to approve the minutes of the October 30, 2000 Public Informational Meeting.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Mr. Duggan and the Board VOTED with six in favor –Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and one abstention – Ms. Bobrick, to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2000 special meeting.

MOTION Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick and the Board VOTED unanimously to approve the minutes of the November 1, 2000 regular meeting.

Mr. Chappelle reviewed with the public the procedures for addressing the Board.

Sue Peterson, 60 Park Place, spoke concerning the composition of the Macdonough School Advisory Committee.

Jennifer Alexander, 110 Washington St., spoke concerning the composition of the Macdonough School Advisory Committee.

Lillie Mae Fitzpatrick, NAACP Education Chair, spoke concerning the composition of the Macdonough School Advisory Committee.

Raquel Adorno, 241 Pearl St., spoke concerning the composition of the Macdonough School Advisory Committee.

Mr. Chappelle presented the names/positions of those people serving on the Board’s Subcommittee for the Macdonough School Advisory Committee. Chair will be Sally Boske and Board member Barbara Weiss will also serve. The first meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 28, 2000, at 4:15 p.m., at the Dr. Alfred B. Tychsen Administration Building, 311 Hunting Hill Avenue (Room #1).

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato mentioned and passed around a copy of a Wesleyan University PIMMS Pamphlet promoting excellence in science and mathematics that has three Middletown High School (MHS) students and one MHS teacher on the cover.

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato mentioned that several MHS Vocational Agriculture (Vo Ag) students received awards at the National FFA Convention in Louisville, KY. On behalf of the Board, Mr. Chappelle asked Ms. Parmelee-Blancato to send a letter to Vo Ag Director Daniel A. Digiulio acknowledging the achievements of his students.

Mr. Chappelle mentioned that several Board members met with the NEASC Team on Sunday, and their visit would conclude on Wednesday afternoon.

Mr. Chappelle asked Board members to note the date of the Bielefield School Dedication scheduled for Thursday, January 11, 2001, at 1:30 p.m.

Mr. Chappelle asked Board members to consider dates for a possible retreat.

Mr. Chappelle informed Board members that December 4 and 6, 2000 were tentative dates for the Legislative Breakfast.

Mr. Duggan asked what the administration was doing to retain teachers. Mr. Cormier said that in the past three years, Middletown has hired over one hundred teachers and only a few have left. Ms. Derosier asked about the cost of child-rearing leaves of absence. Mr. Cormier said the cost is minimal.

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

Foreign Language teacher employed since October 1998 has submitted her resignation effective October 27, 2000 to accept a position in another school district.

a Music teacher employed since August 1998, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective April 5, 2001.

a School Psychologist employed since August 1998, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective March 9, 2001.

an Elementary teacher employed since August 1998, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective March 17, 2001.

an Elementary teacher employed since August 1998, for six weeks for child-rearing, effective March 11, 2001.

a Reading/Language Arts Consultant employed since August 1994, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective February 15, 2001.

a Spanish teacher employed since September 1992, from January 1, 2001 to March 31, 2001 for child-rearing, effective January 6, 2001.

an Elementary teacher employed since September 1994, for the remainder of the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective February 6, 2001.

Nicole Hinkle, (.6) Foreign Language teacher for one year only, Step 1 of the Bachelor’s schedule (prorated), salary $12,793.

Kelley Quinlan, Mathematics teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor’s schedule, salary $34,413.

Ms. Boske reported that the Budget Committee was in the process of putting the 2001-2002 Budget together.

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the budget is being monitored closely, and a hold has been put on some areas in our present budget to cover the projected deficit. The projected deficit areas are in Special Education Transportation, Fuel Oil and Diesel Fuel, Paraprofessionals, and Tuition.

Each year, the eleven (11) schools are required to develop Improvement Plans that must include goals that address student Achievement, The Diversity Enhancement Plan, and Teacher Evaluation. This year, the Improvement Plans reflect a change in format and focus. While they still include some initiatives not directly tied to student learning, a greater number of initiatives and indicators focus clearly on improved student learning. The five goals are: Set high academic expectations for all students; Implement Phase II of district’s educational technology plan; Strengthen and coordinate instruction through best teaching practices and research-based curricula; Set high performance standards for teachers and administrators, and Promote a socially responsive and responsible learning community. With the aid of a power point presentation, Dr. Hennelly said that the format was changed to show connections among the many school and department improvement plans, and to focus on what could occur within the year. The new format provides a district-wide focus and coordination, and the initiatives are connected to student performance. Ms. Bobrick asked if there was an outline of the new Teacher Evaluation Plan. Mr. Cormier stated that the plan is being piloted at Spencer School and should be finalized in January and go into effect in the 2001-2002 school year. He noted that the state emphasis has changed from CCI to Common Core Learning and Common Core Teaching, and both are reflected in the new document. Ms. Bobrick also questioned the K-5 Science Indicators that refer to students engaged in science activities and the lack of K-5 program initiatives under Social Studies Goals. Mr. Duggan asked if the document can be posted on our web site for parental access. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said yes. Mr. Thazhampallath commented on the differences at the elementary level. Dr. Hennelly said he did not think this was a cause for concern because there are a lot of common denominators. Mr. Filer, referring to special education goals, asked how special needs students would be appropriately identified. Dr. Hennelly said students could be identified by teachers who would alert special educators to any difficulties or concerns, through the screening process, or sometimes we know when a students arrives at school. Mr. Filer asked if parents would be used as a source, and Dr. Hennelly said yes. Mr. Filer asked how students would be appropriately exited from special education services. Mr. Cormier said that is determined through the PPT and IEP process. Ms. Derosier commented that she was pleased to see a five-year graduate follow-up survey as an indicator for the Vocational Agriculture Goals. She also commented on the character building curriculum. Through Diversity Training the schools try to promote a socially responsible community and character values. They also reach out to the parent community for support. Mr. Chappelle said that, like his colleagues, he feels the new format is more conducive to "our" learning.

Dr. Hennelly thanked his colleagues for helping prepare the CAPT Report and for driving the instructional initiatives, and introduced MHS Department Heads: Milton Davis, 9-12 Science, Delores Allen, 9-12 Social Studies, Helen Carpini 9-12 Mathematics, and Claire Shea 9-12 Language Arts. He told the Board that the State of CT requires all students in Grade 10 to be administered the CAPT which measures the academic achievement of students in Grade throughout the state in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, and interdisciplinary. Dr. Hennelly noted that Connecticut CAPT has the highest standard in the nation. Test results become part of each student’s high school record. Students in Grades 11 and 12 also had the opportunity to retake those tests in which they had not previously achieved goal. Dr. Hennelly reported that Middletown’s performance showed moderate but significant improvement in all four achievement areas, and the Class of 2001 has demonstrated the highest achievement thus far. CAPT performance statewide has improved 6.75% over the past six years; and Middletown’s performance reflects a 7.25% improvement. Both in instruction and curriculum revision, Middletown continues to emphasize reading, writing, and problem solving – across disciplines. Middletown attempts to incorporate skills and content outlined in the state’s learning objectives into its curricula. With the assistance of consultants in mathematics, science, and language arts, Middletown teachers are enriching their programs with performance learning activities that provide students with fuller and more practical applications for learning. At this time, Mr. Chappelle called for discussion.

Mr. Duggan asked if the CAPT had an impact on college acceptance. Dr. Hennelly said the SAT has more bearing. Ms. Weiss commented on the low number of students being retested. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that they are looking at incentives (e.g. acknowledge high standard at graduation) to encourage students to take the test seriously. Mr. Filer requested information regarding the exemption rate on CAPT. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that exemption rate information for the past six years is available and would be provided to the Board.

Dr. Hennelly said that as many as 120 (40 per grade level) Middletown students can attend the magnet school next fall. To date, we have received 117 applications for grade 6, 72 applications for grade 7, and 28 applications for grade 8. The application deadline is November 15^th and may be extended for grade 8. Students will be chosen by lottery that will take place on December 1^st, and parents will be notified by December 4^th. Parents will be notified when and where the lottery is being held so they can attend if they so choose. At this time, only applicants for grades 6 and 7 will be chosen by lottery. Dr. Hennelly also mentioned that transportation costs will be covered by the district’s magnet school grant and late buses will be provided. Ms. Boske and Mr. Duggan asked how the lottery would work in relation to diversity. Dr. Hennelly said that the pool reflects diversity, and Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the district has to follow the set protocol and could not tamper with the lottery. Dr. Hennelly mentioned that we are participating in the Edison teacher exchange program, and three Middletown teachers may join the Edison faculty for two years. Mr. Duggan asked if we would monitor students attending the magnet school. Dr. Hennelly said yes. Mr. Filer asked how much Middletown would save in terms of per pupil cost. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato stated that the district tuition cost is $9,070 and the tuition cost for students attending the magnet school is 3,568. Ms. Boske mentioned that one of the reasons Middletown entered into this program was because Woodrow Wilson Middle School was approaching capacity.

Mr. Jackson said they are still resolving final project issues, and there is a large punch list remaining. The building committee is finalizing the final expenditures. Mr. Chappelle asked when the playscape would be installed. Mr. Jackson said it would depend on the weather; however, every attempt will be made to have it installed in December.

The Request For Proposal/Qualifications have been received by the City and distributed to the building committee. The building committee has formed a subcommittee to review them and develop a "short list" for subsequent interviews by the full committee.

The Request For Proposal/Qualifications have been received by the City and distributed to the building committee. The building committee has formed a subcommittee to review them and develop a "short list" for subsequent interviews by the full committee.

Ms. Ambriscoe was asked to pick the name of the next Board Extern, and The Reverend W. J. Young was chosen. Mr. Chappelle thanked Ms. Evelyn Ambriscoe for her efforts in this position. Ms. Ambriscoe said she learned a lot from this position about the workings of the Board and the City of Middletown.

Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said this is a one-year grant to fund a pilot Youth Mathematics Academy and will include grade 6 students from Middletown and Cromwell.

MOTION Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Mr. Duggan and the Board VOTED unanimously to authorize the administration to apply for an Inter-district Cooperative Grant to fund a Youth Mathematics Academy.

Mr. Cormier said his office is undertaking, for the first time, an analysis of attendance for every teacher and administrator in the district. On a daily basis, they are charting the day, time of year, and length of absence to see if there are problem areas. He felt that by January 2001, he could provide the Board with some information. Mr. Cormier said that the union has been assisting in this effort.

Mr. Thazhampallath asked about the applicant pool for the position of Assistant Principal at MHS. Mr. Cormier said the deadline for applications is December 1^st.

Mr. Chappelle commented on the Minority Comparison Report noting the slight increase over three years. He asked if the numbers reflect self-identification. Mr. Cormier said yes.

Mr. Chappelle asked Board members to choose December 9, 2000 for a retreat.

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

Time: 9:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,
Barbara M. Weiss
Secretary

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