Mr. Chappelle acknowledged and welcomed Student Representative Trevor Charles.

Mr. Chappelle asked if there were any comments on the minutes from the April 11, 2000 regular meeting.

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

At this time, Mr. Chappelle presented The Connecticut Association of Boards of Education (CABE) Student Leadership Award, which recognizes student achievement and potential, to Middletown High School students LaVickie Jefferson and O’Neil Palmer. Dr. Larson said that this award is made available by CABE and members of the high school faculty select the students.

Mr. Chappelle reviewed the procedures for addressing the Board.

Sal Caracoglia, 19 Park Place, Middletown addressed the Board.

Alexander Tucci, Language Arts Teacher at Middletown High School (MHS) addressed the Board concerning the Academic Probation Policy Report. He felt it was redundant, wasteful, and short sited. Coaches in all programs already have highly structured provisions for monitoring their individual athletes progress. He also feels that this policy misses the mark because students participating in athletics and extracurricular activities are under the tutelage of teachers and coaches. The students who leave at 2:00 p.m. and have no supervision are the ones that need to be addressed. For many students at MHS athletics is a lifeline. Also, Mr. Koritkoski could better spend his time recruiting students for athletics and extracurricular activities.

1) Dr. Larson read a CT Department of Education press release concerning the Title I Distinguished Schools Recognition Award that Macdonough School received. Macdonough School was cited two years ago as a state award winner.

2) Dr. Larson read a memorandum from Vocational Agriculture Director Daniel Digiulio indicating that three teams placed first in a recent Vo Ag Competition.

3) Mr. Thazhampallath mentioned that he has recently attended several PTA/PTO meetings and had concerns regarding fundraising. He expressed serious concerns about the amount of time and energy they put into this because the onus seems to be on them to raise money. Ms. Weiss said that trips related to education are paid for by the Board of Education. The trips they finance through fundraisers are above and beyond. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that at the elementary level there are trips that support the curriculum or are tied to it. At the high school level they are solely funded through the high school budget for a specific course. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato mentioned the tour of Middletown offered at the elementary level. Mr. Thazhampallath asked about a 5th grade class going to the Bushnell at the end of the year to see a play. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the cost is split between students and the PTO. She also said that the cultural council funds some field trips. PTO’s do raise money, and they tell the school how they want it used. Dr. Larson said that no child is ever denied the opportunity to go on a field trip because of funds. Mr. Parmelee-Blancato mentioned that DATTCO gives each elementary school two (2) free field trips. Mr. Duggan said that fundraisers are part of the PTA experience and mentioned that this is a good way to teach financial literacy. Ms. Weiss mentioned a policy against children going door-to-door. Mr. Chappelle recommended that this issue be referred to the finance committee and asked the central office to explore options.

Mr. Filer mentioned that he has been approached by people interested in televising Board meetings. Mr. Chappelle said the Board could address this issue in a retreat.

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

Leave of Absence:

Lisa Carlson, an Elementary Teacher, employed since September 1995, for the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective September 11, 2000.

There were no items.

Dr. Larson said that as this will be his last Board meeting he would like to take this opportunity to thank the current Board and previous Boards that he has worked with because together they have done some good things for the school system. He said, “It does take a village; and he has worked in a wonderful village for the past eight years.”

1) Financial Statement
Dr. Larson said that we are projecting an unexpended balance of $400,000 which is less than 1% of the entire budget. This is very good considering the fact that the Budget is prepared eighteen months ahead of time. This figure can go up or down, however, we don’t want to over expend. Mr. Duggan commended the administration for their professionalism and for the current budget status.

2) Building Projects
a. Bielefield School
Dr. Larson said that Bielefield is on schedule. The building committee voted to expend some additional monies to approve overtime so the project can be completed for the opening of school. This means that the cafeteria will be up and running. He also said that the contractor did loose some time due to weather, and there is a clause in the contract about weather related delays. Dr. Larson invited Board members to go out to the school to see what is being done. Mr. Chappelle wanted to recognize what the staff and especially the principal have had to endure. He said it is difficult enough to take over a new position, but to take it over during a building project is grueling. Mr. Jackson wanted to clarify that the Board and Haynes Construction Company entered into an agreement for substantial completion of the project. There will still be a punch list.

MOTION
At this time, Mr. Duggan made a motion, seconded by Mr. McMillan, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve moving agenda items G-4 and H-3 (a)(b)(c).

4) Academic Probation Policy Report

Mr. McMillan thanked Mr. Tucci for speaking during the public session. Referring to Mr. Tucci, Mr. McMillan said here is a successful teacher who values education and he is recommending that we do not drop students going through other difficulties who cannot attain the grades we are insisting on. We want students who can work through problems and a caring teacher can help a lot instead of a rigid rule. Ms. Boske asked to hear Mr. Koritkoski’s report before discussing this item.

Mr. Koritkoski said that this is the second year of piloting the Academic Probation Policy #6145.2. The percentage of students on academic probation for 1999-2000 shows a decrease for the second term when compared to 1998-99. In the third term of 1999-2000, there was a slight decrease of students on probation in athletics when compared to 1998-1999. The program was implemented in Grades 9, 10 and 11.

For this school year, 85% of the students participating in athletics met academic probation requirements for the first term, 71% for the second term and 95% for the third term, which is significantly higher when compared to 1998-1999 data. When analyzing the 1999-2000 extracurricular activities data for the second and third terms, the results also show an increase in the percentage of students meeting academic probation requirements from 1998-1999l.

The academic probation policy is producing positive results. The academic standards have been raised for students to participate in student activities and athletics. Students are aware that academics need to be their first priority at school. Teachers, guidance counselors, coaches, parents, and the athletic director assist students on academic probation to continue their participation in activities or athletics. Mentors work with students to address their academic difficulties. Also, teachers are available to support students after school. Coaches and advisors encourage students to get extra help after school when necessary. These adults have positively impacted our student’s academic behavior. Mr. Koritkoski recommends adding Grade 12 to the policy for full implementation. Mr. Koritkoski also mentioned that MHS received the Michael’s Achievement Cup because they are in the top 10 in wins vs. losses, student participation, athletic and scholarship, and medical in all sports.

MOTION
Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and discussion continued.

Mr. Duggan thanked Mr. Tucci for his comments and attendance. He expressed concerns about the policy including how much more of Mr. Koritkoski’s time is involved and asked for more information before making a final judgment. Mr. Charles said that some students are concerned that they cannot participate in sports and maintain their school average. He also mentioned that athletics and extracurricular activities are beneficial for students – teaching them discipline, communication skills, and how to keep to a schedule. Ms. Weiss said that the committee did look at the time element involved to implement this policy. This is not a punitive plan, this is a policy that is supportive of the students, helping them achieve better grades rather than telling them they can’t participate. Ms. Bobrick asked if students were lost due to this policy? Mr. Tucci said 1 in football. Mr. Koritkoski said during the first term of 1999-2000, 260 students were participating in athletics and extracurricular activities. Thirteen were on probation and 11 completed it. Two were dismissed from teams. Mr. Tucci said it is a well-intentioned program, however, once a student is gone, our contact with the student is gone. Ms. Boske mentioned sitting on the original committee as a parent representative. The policy in place, at that time, allowed students to fail a course and still participate. Public meetings were held with parents. Ms. Boske felt a positive message was put forward with the policy. Mr. Filer applauded Mr. Tucci and expressed his reservations about this policy. Although he voted for the pilot policy, several teachers have spoken to him about the policy being discriminatory. Mr. Chappelle asked Dr. Kozaczka if he had heard this. Dr. Kozaczka said no. Mr. McMillan felt the Board was adding on an administrative burden that will not make a difference. Mr. Duggan agreed. Ms. Weiss said the policy has raised expectations and standards. Dr. Kozaczka may have anecdotal stories of students who have raised their scores, but a teacher has never come up to her and said this was cumbersome. Ms. Weiss feels the policy is working and asked Board members not to through out the policy because of 20% of the students. Ms. Weiss asked the Board to consider directing the policy committee and those responsible to work something out during the summer to see if they can embrace all students. She would like to see the Board implement the full program and revisit it next year. Mr. Chappelle cautioned that the Board is for the greater good. Ms. Bobrick mentioned sending it back to committee, and asked if that would serve a purpose. Ms. Weiss suggested implementing the policy and then directing it back to committee. The wording in the high school handbook and athletic department must address this over the summer. Mr. Duggan asked if we fixed anything that was broken? Dr. Larson said under the CIAC, students were required to pass four (4) subjects in order to participate in state tournaments – passing is a D. The new policy basically says that in order to participate in CIAC and MHS athletic/extra-curricular activities, students must maintain a C average.

At this time, Mr. Chappelle called for a vote to approve full implementation of this policy. The motion continued and the Board VOTED with three in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske and Ms. Weiss, and four opposed – Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, to defeat the full implementation of Policy #6145.2, Athletics/Extracurricular Activities.

MOTION
Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED with five in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, and two opposed – Ms. Boske and Ms. Weiss, to refer the policy back to committee for reworking and more data.

3) New Policies – First Reading
a) Smoking - #1331, Community Relations
b) Smoking - #4118.23, Personnel Certified/Non-Certified
c) Smoking - #5131.6(a), Students Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol

Ms. Weiss introduced Ms. Maeve Magee representing the Middlesex Hospital prevention service and asked her to speak to this item. She said that this is a free service based on the Mayo Clinic model for intervention and individual attention. The center for disease control has also issued guidelines for prevention.

MOTION
Mr. McMillan made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and discussion continued. Mr. McMillan felt this was a sensible policy. Mr. Duggan said he appreciated what the committee is trying to do, but expressed concerns about how the policy would be enforced. Ms. Magee said in the school system. Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said she had a staff member call our schools to see how many staff members were smoking. The number was approximately 80 out of 650 or about 15%. When the first policy came out, a number of people did give up smoking. Currently there is no smoking for all staff and students in buildings or on school property. Mr. Thazhampallath asked if this policy was just for teachers? Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that it is for all staff. Mr. Thazhampallath said that at some point people have to make adult choices. He stated that the current policy, which designates a smoking area for faculty, is very strong and this proposed extension of this policy is over regulation. He feels the choice should be open to the person. Ms. Bobrick mentioned the increased cost of health care that makes this a financial issue. Mr. Filer expressed concerns that people aren’t visible when smoking and that all are treated equally. Mr. Boske mentioned that by contract we negotiate teachers’ dress code and it is our right to do that. Mr. Duggan mentioned negotiating extra time for a small minority to go off the property to smoke. Mr. Cormier said the union can request to negotiate the impact of this issue. Ms. Weiss said it seems obvious whey you would want a smoke free environment. It sends a terrible message to students that outside the door a teacher is smoking but you cannot. This is a health issue. Dr. Larson said that currently students can not smoke on school grounds. Mr. Chappelle wanted to add that from his viewpoint this is an issue of addiction vs. habit. It is a reflection of the way our society deals with smoking. In terms of long term effects, there is a tremendous impact on health.

At this time the motion continued, and the Board VOTED with four in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. McMillan and Ms. Weiss, and three opposed – Mr. Filer, Mr. Duggan, and Mr. Thazhampallath, to approve the first reading of Policy #1331, Smoking, Community Relations, Policy #4118.23, Smoking, Personnel Certified/Non-Certified, and Policy #5131.6(a), Smoking, Students Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol.

MOTION
At this time, Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve moving agenda item H-2.

2) Graduation Requirement

Dr. Larson said that Dr. Robert E. Kozaczka, Principal of MHS, has submitted a request to allow MHS juniors and seniors who take college courses at Wesleyan and Middlesex Community College to increase from two to six the number of credits they can earn and apply toward our graduation requirements. We also had a request for a student to take his senior year at college. There is a program where a student can earn college credit and apply credits to the high school senior year requirement. The administration feels that this is a valid request and recommends that the Board approve not only the increase of two to six credits that juniors and seniors may earn from an institution in concert with the CT State Statutes, but also our participation in this college program.

MOTION
Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and discussion continued. Mr. McMillan asked if this was discussed with faculty and students concerning potential problems or are there none? Dr. Kozaczka said he did not discuss this with the faculty, however, he did check with his peers at schools that have participated in this program. He said that this program has been in existence for six or seven years and does not target a large number of students. Each colleague said that this is a good program.

At this time, the motion continued and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve the increase of two to six credits that juniors and seniors may earn from an institution accredited by the Department of Higher Education or a regionally accredited institution and apply toward graduation requirement, and participation in the college program where a student enters college his senior year of high school and earns college credit that can be applied to the senior year requirement.

3) New Policies – First Reading (continued)
d) Bylaws of the Board - #9311, Formulation, Adoption, Amendment of Policies

Ms. Weiss said that the current by-laws of the Board of Education require that proposed policies be presented at one meeting and adopted at the following meeting. The Policy Committee is asking that if state statute necessitates a new or revised policy, only one meeting of the Board of Education is required to adopt or amend said policy.

MOTION
Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve only one meeting of the Board of Education be required to adopt or amend Bylaws of the Board – Policy #9311, Formulation, Adoption, Amendment of Policies if state statute necessitates new or revised policy.

1) Textbook Adoptions – Second Review

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

English
Ferguson, Patten, Wilson; Journalism Today, National Textbook Company, Lincolnwood, Illinois, 1998.

Mathematics
Smith, Robert D.; Technical Mathematics, 3rd Ed., Delmar Publishers, 1996.

Larson, Ron, Boswell, Laurie, Kanold, Timothy, and Stiff, Lee; Algebra I,
McDougal Littell, 2001.

Swokowski, Earl W. and Cole, Jeffery A.; Pre-calculus: Functions and Graphs,
Brooks, Cole Publishing Company, 1998.

Foerster, Paul A.; Algebra I, Expressions, Equations, and Applications,
Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1999.

Bass, Laurie and Johnson, Art; Geometry Tools for a Changing World,
Prentice Hall, 2001.

Stewart, James; Calculus, Fourth Edition, Thompson Learning, 1999.

Science
Spaulding, Nancy; Earth Science, McDougal Littell, 1999.

Physical Science, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 1997.

Dobson, Ken, Holman, John, and Roberts, Michael; Science Spectrum, A Physical Approach; Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2001.

Social Studies
Bednarz, Sarah; Clinton, Catherine; Hartoonian, Michael; Hernandez, Arthur; Marshall, Patricia L.; and Nickell, Pat; Build Our Nation, Houghton Mifflin Company, 1997.

Ritchie, Donald A. and Broussard, Albert S.; American History, The Early Years to 1877, Glencoe McGraw-Hill, 2001.

Hine, Darlene, Clark, William C., and Harrold Stanley; The African-American Odyssey, Prentice-Hall, Inc., 2000.

Spielvogel, Jackson J.; World History, The Human Odyssey, West Educational Publishing; 1998.

Ellis, Elisabeth Gaynor, and Esler, Anthony; World History, Connections to Today, Prentice Hall, Inc., 2001.

2) Board Extern Program

Mr. Charles was asked to pick the name of the next Board Extern. Ms. Evelyn Ambriscoe was chosen as the next Board Extern replacing Ms. Charlotte Warmsley.

3) Close-out/Change Orders Vo-Ag Expansion Project

Dr. Larson asked the Board to approve two change orders and vote to accept the project as complete. He also mentioned the dedication on Wednesday, May 17th.

MOTION
Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve the two change orders and to accept the Vocational Agriculture Center Expansion Project as complete and authorize the administration to close out the project with the State Department of Education.

1) Unexpended Budget Balance
Dr. Larson said the Common Council has requested that the Board of Education return $250,000 of the unexpended balance in the 1999-2000 Budget to the City. Furthermore, the administration is asking the Board to authorize the purchase of items in the 2000-2001 Budget and made the necessary transfers from any additional fund balance.

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

Mr. Filer expressed his opposition to this agenda item feeling these funds could be used for students. Mr. McMillan adamantly disagreed with Mr. Filer. Mr. Thazhampallath agreed with Mr. McMillan. He said that this is the taxpayers money and it shows that we understand, as a Board, that we are part of the City organization. We have a responsibility to return the money. Ms. Bobrick, referring back to Dr. Larson’s statement that the budget is prepared 18 months ahead of time, said $400,000 is a lot of money for an individual but not for an entity like ourselves. Mr. Chappelle reiterated that the budget process is an estimate. Ms. Boske said that at the beginning of the year we do not know what competitive grants we are going to get. To come this close is very admirable. Mr. Duggan felt it was good management that let us come so close. He said he would vote to return the money as a show of good faith. Next year, we may not be as fortunate.

At this time, the motion continued and the Board VOTED with six in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. Duggan, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and one opposed – Mr. Filer, to return $250,000 of the unexpended balance in the 1999-2000 Budget to the City, and authorize the administration to purchase items in the 2000-2001 Budget and make the necessary transfers from any additional fund balance.

Mr. Chappelle reminded Board members to look at their calendars to see if Friday, May 12th, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. was a good date for the in-district Board retreat. Board members confirmed the date.