Mr. Chappelle called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and the pledge of allegiance was recited.

The first order of business was approval of the minutes from the January 11, 2000, regular meeting. Mr. Chappelle asked if there were any comments.

MOTION
Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Mr. McMillan, and the Board VOTED, unanimously to approve the minutes of the January 11, 2000 regular meeting.

Mr. Chappelle reviewed the procedures for addressing the Board.

No one addressed the Board.

MOTION
Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and the Board VOTED, unanimously to add an item to the Board Agenda under New Business concerning the addition of two Board members to the screening committee for the position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction.

1) Dr. Larson read a letter from Meriden Superintendent of Schools Elizabeth Ruocco, stating that the opening of the Thomas Edison Magnet Middle School would be delayed for one year with a new opening date of September 1, 2001.

Ms. Derosier asked what impact this would have on our middle schools. Dr. Larson said that there is space to handle the students. Dr. Larson said that Keigwin Principal Patricia Charles said there would be 16 more students at Keigwin next year than there are this year, and he felt the number would be approximately the same at Woodrow Wilson Middle School. Mr. Duggan asked if parents of students applying to the school would be notified. Dr. Larson said yes.

2) Ms. Bobrick mentioned that Wesleyan University professors are ready and willing to come into the schools, at any level, to speak on topics in their area of expertise. Principals or teachers should contact Ms. Bobrick to make these arrangements.

3) Ms. Boske told Board Members that she has been appointed the Area Director of CABE and encouraged all Board members to attend the Legislative Breakfast on Friday, February 18th, at 8:00 a.m.

4) Mr. Filer mentioned that a list of subcommittee members has just been handed to him showing Ms. Boske as Chair of the budget subcommittee with Ms. Derosier and Ms. Weiss as members. He said his name was excluded. Mr. Chappelle explained that, as chair, he appoints committee members, and these were his appointments. He said subcommittee meetings are open to the public.

5) Mr. Chappelle reminded Board members that the Budget Workshop with the Common Council will be held on Thursday, March 9th, at 7:00 p.m. in Conference Room A (Room #7). He also mentioned that the 2000-2001 Board of Education Budget would be presented to the Common Council on Thursday, March 23rd, at 6:00 p.m., and the Public Hearing on the entire City budget will be held on Thursday, March 30th, at 7:00 p.m.

6) Mr. Chappelle reminded Board members that the proposed Board Retreat is scheduled for Saturday, March 4th.

Dr. Larson presented the Personnel Report and an Addendum that was distributed to Board members.

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

Resignation:

Joy R. Fearney, a Mathematics Teacher employed since August 1988 has submitted her resignation effective March 2, 2000 to accept a position in another district.

Sebastian V. Campisi, a School Psychologist employed since September 1969 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Santo J. Cassarino, a Social Studies Teacher employed since January 1970 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Doris B. Dooley, an Elementary Teacher employed since November 1977 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Sheila W. Farrell, an Elementary Teacher employed since January 1977 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Anthony J. Gioco, a Science Teacher employed since September 1968 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Thomas H. Greenlaw, a Science Teacher employed since September 1980 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Henry F. Hiller, III, a Physical Education Teacher employed since September 1967 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Robert W. Jones, Jr., a Social Studies Teacher employed since September 1965 has submitted his resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

David H. Larson, Superintendent of Schools employed since July 1992 has submitted his resignation effective May 31, 2000 for retirement purposes.

Patricia a. McCullough, an Elementary Teacher employed since September 1974 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Katherine B. McRae, an Elementary Teacher employed since November 1974 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Barbara M. Malone, an Elementary Teacher employed since September 1961 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Ruth S. Montgomery, a Foreign Language Teacher employed since September 1979 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Eloise G. Skarb, an Elementary Teacher employed since September 1963 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Rosalie R. Zigmund, a Reading Teacher employed since September 1986 has submitted her resignation effective June 30, 2000 for early retirement.

Leave of Absence

Lisbeth F. Scianna, an Elementary Teacher employed since August 1998 for the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year for child rearing purposes, effective March 12, 2000.

Meghan H. Slesinski, an Elementary Teacher employed since August 1998 for the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year for child rearing purposes, effective May 22, 2000.

Appointment:

Kim M. Sortino, Alternative Education Teacher, Step 7 of the Bachelor’s schedule, salary $42,404 (pro-rated).

There were no items.

1) Technology Report
Dr. Larson presented the interim report to the Board regarding the use of technology in the system. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato introduced Moody School Principal David Audette, Chair of the District Technology Committee, and Technology Coordinator Rob Callahan. Mr. Audette introduced the committee members present: Roberta Avery, Ann Lohrand, Kathy Rodriguez, and Jane Tonn.

At this time, Mr. Callahan highlighted the progress and impact of technology in this district with an accompanying PowerPoint Presentation. The name of the five-year plan is Project Universal Access. Important points highlighted by Mr. Callahan included: Vision / Goals, Transformation, Strengths in the Process, Present Area Focus, ACCESS According to Plans, Summer of 2000-2001, School Year 2000-2001, Professional Development, and Team / Resources. Mr. Callahan said that change is painful, and how we manage people through that change is what makes technology effective.

Mr. Chappelle asked the Board for discussion on this item. Mr. Thazhampallath mentioned that many parents have difficulty telephoning the school from work, and asked if teachers would, in the future, have direct e-mail to answer questions from parents in the evening? Dr. Larson said that with the next year, e-mail addresses would be accessible to all staff. Mr. Thazhampallath asked if there was a Board Policy for teachers regarding e-mail usage. Dr. Larson said no.

Mr. Duggan commended the committee for their comprehensive report and progress. Mr. Duggan asked to what extent the central administration would be incorporated into the Technology Plan. Mr. Audette said that central administration is represented on the Technology Committee, and the central administration offices are referenced in the Technology Plan. He said that we have electronic scheduling at the secondary level; however, confidentiality is a concern. These are concerns the committee must work through. Mr. Duggan asked Mr. Callahan if there were best practices used in school technology. Mr. Callahan said that we are building a capacity to have standardization throughout all schools. He cautioned that they are proceeding in steps to make sure that what they do is right.

Mr. Filer expressed his concern about confidentiality, especially in cases of special needs students and the sensitive material contained in their records. Mr. Callahan said that e-mail is considered a legal document. This spring the Policy Committee will meet about the acceptable use of e-mail.

Mr. McMillan mentioned the amount of e-mail that he receives and wondered how this is helping kids become adults. Mr. Audette said that there have been many examples citing the qualitative difference technology makes in the way students learn.

Ms. Boske asked if all of our schools had web sites. Mr. Audette yes. Mr. Callahan said that we have bus schedules and school cancellation / delay / early dismissal information on line.

Ms. Weiss questioned staffing in the computer labs. Mr. Audette said that the two (2) high school labs are fully staffed, but at the elementary level they rely on volunteers. Mr. Audette mentioned that he had a cadre of parent volunteers who are trained and have a set schedule. Ms. Weiss asked if we were going to have to rely on parent volunteers? Mr. Audette noted that there are limited resources.

Ms. Derosier asked about usage by Special Education students.

Ms. Bobrick referred to the use of volunteers and voiced her concern about relying on them to staff the labs.

Mr. Filer mentioned that colleges ask for an e-mail address. He asked what the amount of funding increase was for technology. Dr. Larson responded that there is $400,000 and two new positions in the proposed Board of Education budget.

Ms. Boske asked if professional development would help teachers utilize labs? Mr. Callahan said yes. The two new positions recommended in the 2000-2001 budget will provide follow-up support for teachers in the classroom during the regular school day.

Mr. Duggan asked if the new teachers we are hiring were expected to be computer literate. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said yes.

Mr. Chappelle thanked the committee for their excellent report.

2) Financial Statement
Dr. Larson said that we continue to have concerns. We are watching the tuition account very closely, as well as fuel oil prices.

3) Building Projects
a. Bielefield School
Dr. Larson said that Mr. Jackson’s latest report indicates that we hope to get a Certificate of Occupancy next week. It is our intention, during the February break, to move several classrooms into the new wing so the contractor can work on the old ones. Mr. Filer asked Mr. Callahan about the technology at Bielefield School. Mr. Callahan said that we are using existing models that are currently used at other schools.

b. Vo. Ag. Expansion
Dr. Larson said that the project is complete, and we are awaiting the Certificate of Occupancy. When the final punch list is completed, it will be brought to the Board. Mr. Jackson said that some items on the punch list are site issues which may not be resolved until May.

4) CMT
Dr. Larson said the report is not complete because the State just came out with comparative data last week. He indicated that Ms. Parmelee-Blancato will be doing a more detailed report by school that will be distributed to the Board. At this time, he asked her to speak to this item. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that Middletown continues to show progress. Overall, we have an increase this year with over 16% of students meeting goal over last year’s figures. We continue to encourage special education students to take the CMT Test. Looking at our scores since 1993, we have made significant progress and are very pleased with our scores. Dr. Larson said that the Longitudinal Comparisons Chart at the bottom of page 4 shows significant data. Fewer and fewer students are scoring at intervention level.

1) ACES – Magnet School Agreement
Dr. Larson said that when we joined the effort for the Magnet Middle School, the Board of Education voted to sign an agreement to be a partner in this project. This gave us the right to not participate by giving eighteen months notice. Mr. Peter Young, Executive Director of ACES, has requested that the Board extend the designation of ACES as the LEA for the operation of the of the Magnet Middle School through June 30, 2000 so they can borrow funds to pay for supplies and one principal.

MOTION
Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and the Board VOTED, unanimously to approve the extension of the designation of ACES as the LEA for the operation of the Thomas Edison Magnet Middle School through June 30, 2005.

1) Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Vacancy
Screening Committee Make up

MOTION
Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion to add one Democrat and one Republican Board member to the Screening Committee for the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Vacancy. Ms. Derosier seconded the motion and offered an amendment that Board members be represented whenever an administrator is hired. Mr. Thazhampallath indicated his acceptance of this amendment to his motion and read from Board Policy #4112, “Appointment and Conditions of Appointment.” Mr. Chappelle opened the floor to discussion.

Mr. Thazhampallath said he is bringing this issue before the Board because the Board is not scheduled to meet until March 21st. By that time, the screening committee for the Assistant Superintendent vacancy will have gone through an initial screening. The Board makes the decision to hire, and because of the importance of the position, it is critical that they be involved in the process at the beginning stages. Ms. Derosier agreed with Mr. Thazhampallath.

Mr. Filer asked who is on the committee. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato responded, a central office administrator, elementary principal, secondary teacher, special educator, teacher, parent, and community representative. Mr. Filer asked how many administrators we hire each year and were Board members on the search committee. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said one hiring this year and three last year. Dr. Larson explained that the screening committee is told that they are strictly advisory to the superintendent. Dr. Larson also said that by CT State Statute, the Board can not hire anyone not recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. Mr. Filer asked if there were any districts in CT that operated differently? Dr. Larson said he did not know. Candidates are screened by the full committee and narrowed to 8-10 for interviews. From this number, 3 are usually selected for on-site visits. Based on these results, candidates are brought to the Board. Background checks are done by Dr. Larson, Ms. Parmelee-Blancato and Mr. Cormier. Dr. Larson said that other towns are also looking to fill similar positions, which is why candidates sometimes withdraw. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato must feel comfortable with the person she is recommending to the Board. Mr. Filer asked Ms. Parmelee-Blancato if she would have a problem with Board members in this capacity? She said that, like Dr. Larson, she feels Board members should have equal opportunity to judge for themselves to see if they want a candidate brought from the superintendent, but she agrees with Dr. Larson.

Ms. Boske said that she would be voting against this because she sees the role of the Board to hire the best person for the job. We look to the screening committee for input. Middletown is one of the few districts that assembles this kind of committee. We depend on the administrators and the committee to bring us qualified people. She would not want to sit on the committee as a Board member.

Ms. Bobrick proposed an alternative. She suggested a meeting of the Board prior to the interviews. Board members can get a packet on each candidate, letters of recommendation and a summary of site visits. Then we can decide on our questions. We want to act as a body as much as we can. Ms. Bobrick said she will be voting against this motion and hopes to revise the process.

Mr. Duggan felt the proposal to have Board members on the screening committee missed the mark. The Board makes the ultimate decision. How objective can we be as a Board having put so much time in with the candidates. Mr. Duggan agreed with Ms. Bobrick’s suggestion for compromise. We have shown enough confidence in Ms. Parmelee-Blancato to elect her superintendent, why undermine her first official act.

Ms. Weiss said that there were times she wished she had more input or had seen the paperwork; however, in the end, she never really questioned that this was the best candidate. Ms. Weiss said she likes a compromise. She suggested having a Board delegation visit the successful candidate’s district before hiring the candidate.

Mr. McMillan said he liked Ms. Bobrick’s suggestion for a compromise. He mentioned that in the past he suggested hiring an outside consultant.

Ms. Derosier said that when the central office administration walk in with candidates, no one influences her more that those 3 people. She feels this is her responsibility as a board member.

Mr. Thazhampallath said this is not an attempt to micromanage the school system. He believes the Board has a responsibility to make an informed decision. He does not feel the interests of the Board, as a unit, as being served or heard here. He feels it is critical that the Board utilize their decision making power.

Mr. Duggan said in terms of expertise, the only experts are the administrators we employ. They are evaluating their peers.

Ms. Weiss felt the Board was having problems because they were personalizing this issue. She said that she is uncomfortable with talk about personalities, and felt this should be discussed in the retreat and a decision regarding future plans should be reached.

Mr. Filer offered a compromise. He said he was in favor of the original motion before Ms. Derosier offered her amendment. He suggested piloting the original motion and then coming back to the Board and evaluate if this was a good idea or not.

Mr. Thazhampallath was commended by Ms. Bobrick, Mr. Duggan, Mr. McMillan and Ms. Weiss for the way he approached this issue.

At this time, Mr. Chappelle reiterated the motion, to add one Democrat and one Republican Board member to the screening committee for any administrative position, inclusive of the current search for Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, according to Board Policy #4112, and the Board VOTED, with two in favor – Ms. Derosier Mr. Thazhampallath, and seven opposed – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. Chappelle, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, and Ms. Weiss, to defeat the motion.

Mr. Filer asked that the record reflect that he voted no because of the amendment added by Ms. Derosier to include Board members whenever an administrator is hired.

Mr. Chappelle said that Ms. Parmelee-Blancato is charged with the responsibility to come back to the Board with modifications, including the information requested, without violation of confidentiality laws. He also said that this item would be put on the retreat agenda.

With no further discussion, Mr. Chappelle adjourned the meeting.
Time: 9:30 p.m.

REMINDER The next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, March 21, 2000, will begin at 7:00 P.M.