Mr. Chappelle called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. and the pledge of allegiance was recited. 

 Mr. Chappelle acknowledged and welcomed Board Extern Evelyn Ambriscoe and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction John M. Hennelly.  He also acknowledged the promotion of Superintendent of Schools Carol Parmelee-Blancato and Associate Superintendent for Administration Richard A. Cormier. 

 Mr. Chappelle asked if there were any comments on the minutes from the May 9, 12, and 22, 2000 meetings. 

 Mr. Thazhampallath asked that the following sentence be added to the discussion under New Business, Item #3, page 6; “Mr. Thazhampallath 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.”  Ms. Boske mentioned that on page 5, paragraph 3 should read Ms. Bobrick, and on page 9, paragraph 2 should read Mr. Chappelle. 

MOTION 
Mr. McMillan made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick and the Board VOTED with seven in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and one abstention – Ms. Derosier, to approve the minutes of the May 9, 2000 regular meeting as amended. 

 Mr. Filer asked that the summary of the May 12th Board retreat be amended to reflect that there was a brief discussion on televising Board meetings. 

MOTION  
Ms. Boske made a motion, seconded by Mr. Thazhampallath and the Board VOTED with five in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Mr. Filer, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and three abstentions – Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, and Mr. McMillan, to approve the summary of the May 12, 2000 board retreat as amended. 

MOTION 
Mr. McMillan made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske and the Board VOTED with three in favor –Ms. Boske, Mr. Chappelle, and Mr. McMillan, and six abstentions – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, to approve the minutes of the May 22, 2000 special meeting. 
 

 Mr. Chappelle reviewed the procedures for addressing the Board. 

 Mr. Michael Goldstein, Local #466 member, addressed the Board regarding the smoking policy and submitted a petition.  He also implied that because of her relationship with the Middlesex Hospital Ms. Weiss or the hospital might benefit from implementation of the smoking policies. 

 Mr. Cliff Derosier, Chair, Middletown Park and Recreation Commission, asked Board members to institute a “No Smoking Policy” in the bleachers at Little League games. 

 Ms. Lillie Mae Fitzpatrick, representing the NAACP, addressed the Board. 
 

1) Ms. Parmelee-Blancato informed the Board that “Blue Prints,” the Middletown High School newspaper has been awarded first place in the School Newspaper category of The Courant’s High School Journalism Contest. 

2) Ms. Parmelee-Blancato presented to the Board Chair a citation from Mayor Domenique S. Thornton recognizing the assistance of the Board during funeral services for Sergeant George Dingwall. 

3) Through the Chair, Mr. Filer asked if e-mail was considered communication.  Mr. Cormier said yes.  Mr. Chappelle cautioned Board members to use discretion with e-mail because it can be requested under the Freedom of Information Act.  He also asked the administration to obtain a legal opinion on how this impacts individual Board members. 
 

 Ms. Parmelee-Blancato presented the Personnel Report and Addendum that was distributed to Board members. 

 Mr. Duggan asked if it was difficult to fill some positions.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said Mathematics and Spanish.  Mr. Cormier also mentioned the discrepancy between a mathematics teacher’s salary and remuneration paid by a large corporation.  Mr. McMillan mentioned the constraints imposed upon Boards of Education by the State Certification Office.  Mr. Thazhampallath asked if data could be compiled showing the number of CT applicants, applicants from out-of-state, and where they attended school.  Mr. Cormier said that all things being equal the candidacy of a CT applicant would be considered over an out-of-state applicant for forwarding to the Superintendent. 

 Mr. McMillan extended good wishes from the Board to Middletown High School Principal Robert E. Kozaczka. 

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

 Resignation: 

 Robert E. Kozaczka, Ed.D., Principal of Middletown High School, employed since August 1991, effective June 30, 2000, to accept the position of Superintendent of Schools in East Granby. 

 Leave of Absence: 

 Jennifer Cecarelli, an Elementary Teacher, employed since September 1997, for the 2000-2001 school year for child-rearing, effective September 10, 2000. 

 Appointment: 

 Jennifer Canavan, Speech/Language Pathologist, Step 5 of the Sixth Year schedule, salary $44,921. 

 Steven J. Carvalho, School Psychologist, Step 1 of the Sixth Year schedule, salary $39,812. 

 Roberta C. Downer, Chemistry Teacher, Step 1 of the Master’s schedule, salary $38,464. 

 Linda C. Fountain, Biology Teacher, Step 6 of the Master’s schedule, salary $44,192. 

 Roger Fransson, Latin/English Teacher, Step 8 of the Master’s schedule, salary $49,877. 

 William E. Johnson, Jr., Special Education Teacher, Step 1 of the Master’s schedule, salary $38,464. 

 Daniel I. Kodish, Social Studies Teacher, Step 2 of the Master’s schedule, salary $39,238. 

 Susan E. Langhans, Guidance Counselor, Step 4 of the Master’s schedule, salary $41,058. 

 Sheila Ritter, School Psychologist, Step 1 of the Sixth Year schedule, salary $39,812. 

 Heather Rowe, English Teacher, Step 2 of the Master’s schedule, salary $39,238. 

 Jason T. Serra, Physical Education/Health Teacher, Step 1 of the Bachelor’s schedule, salary $34,413. 

 Douglas Van Gorder, Mathematics Teacher, Step 8 of the Master’s schedule, salary $49,877. 

 Michelle V. Velissariou, English Teacher for one year only, Step 1 of the Master’s schedule, salary $38,464. 
 

 2) Building Projects 
     a. Bielefield School 
Mr. Jackson reported that the project is progressing well and the contractor said the project would be substantially complete by August 23rd.  Ms. Weiss mentioned that the number of books per student in the Bielefield Library is very low and asked if increasing these numbers would be part of the project. 
 

1) New Policies – Approval 

a) Smoking - #1331, Community Relations 
b) Smoking - #4118.23, Personnel Certified/Non-Certified 
c) Smoking - #5131.6(a), Students Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol

 Ms. Weiss addressed her remarks to Mr. Goldstein and noted that the services offered by Middlesex Hospital for smoking cessation are at no cost to the community. 

 At this time Mr. Chappelle noted that Mr. Filer was taping the proceedings. 

 Discussion continued.  Mr. Duggan said he felt the current policy speaks for itself.  He asked if enforcement was discussed in the new policy.  He felt the same results could be achieved through procedures.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the school administration will be responsible for implementation, and the ramifications will be determined in the future.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato also said that her office surveyed the schools and approximately 80 employees smoke.  In terms of enforcement, Mr. Filer asked if this policy applied only during school hours and to all school property.  Mr. Chappelle responded that the policy would be in effect twenty-four (24) hours on school property.  Mr. Filer asked about regulating the public.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said signs would be posted.  Ms. Derosier said that a school system as large as Middletown cannot be run without policies.  Policies are needed for new hires and to set an example for the students.  Mr. Thazhampallath said he feels the current policy is strong enough.  This policy legislates over peoples’ bodies and the choices they make because it is still a legal substance. 

Ms. Bobrick asked committee members if they got the principals point of view.  Ms. Weiss said yes.  The administrators were surveyed and felt they could administer the policy.  Ms. Boske said we have other policies that affect the public and people respect them.  The administration enforces our policies.  What kind of role models do we want for our children?  Mr. McMillan wanted to know if we asked our insurers what they would do if we had this policy.  Would our premiums be affected?  Mr. Duggan asked for clarification regarding the penalty for violating this policy.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato addressed the issue. 

At this point Mr. Chappelle called for a vote on this item.  Mr. Thazhampallath said that he would like to table this item until the insurance information, mentioned in Mr. McMillan’s question, was obtained. 

MOTION  
Mr. Thazhampallath made a motion, seconded by Mr. Filer and the Board VOTED with three in favor – Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, and Mr. Thazhampallath, and five opposed – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. McMillan, and Ms. Weiss, and the motion to table this item until the insurance information is obtained is defeated. 

The original motion continued and the Board VOTED with five in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. McMillan, and Ms. Weiss, and three opposed – Mr. Duggan, Mr. Filer, and Mr. Thazhampallath, to approve the following policies:  Smoking - # 1331, Community Relations; Smoking - #4118.23, Personnel Certified/Non-Certified, and Smoking - #5131.6(a), Students - Drugs, Tobacco, Alcohol. 
 

d) Bylaws of the Board - #9311, Formulation, Adoption, Amendment of Policies

2) Budget 2000-2001 
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato went over the recommended list of budget cuts that was distributed to the Board.  They are as follows: 
 

 Mr. Thazhampallath asked about Item #9 on the list of budget cuts, Computer Technology Equipment.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that it would be purchased from the unexpended balance in the 1999-2000 Budget.  He also asked if there were any indications from City Hall that we would have been faced with the same level of cuts if we had not submitted a “Budget to Advance the School System.”  Mr. Chappelle said we could speculate but probably yes.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the non-public schools have asked us to look at nursing services, and Mr. Cormier will be meeting with the Supervisor of Pupil Services and Special Education William Penders to address that request.  Mr. Cormier said there is a state statute that requires equitability between public and non-public schools.  Mr. Duggan asked about cost sharing or reimbursement if we are required to provide comparable nursing services.  Mr. Cormier said the cost for non-public nursing services is approximately $116,807, and we receive 80% reimbursement that is paid to the City of Middletown.  At this time, Mr. Chappelle clarified for the Board that the Mayor presented the budget we submitted to the Council and our proposed budget was cut to what is before you.  Ms. Weiss said she felt this budget should pass but expressed her disappointment that the Dean of Instruction is not going to be realized.  She said that she will bring it forward in the 2001-2002 budget.  Mr. Thazhampallath asked what item must be taken out of the budget if we add another nurse?  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that funding might come from the teacher salary line (new teachers coming in earn less than a retiring staff member), maintenance, etc.  Ms. Derosier said that the only addition she would support to this budget would be the position of school nurse.  In reference to Item #2, Magnet School Program, Mr. Thazhampallath was concerned that if the school had opened in September 2000, we would have lost some current services because the $119,680 would not have been available to us. 

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 three opposed – Ms. Derosier, Mr. Duggan, and Mr. Filer, to adopt a budget of $46,822,779 for the 2000-2001 fiscal year. 

Mr. Chappelle said that it is incumbent on the administration to examine current services, and they would be wise to look at the position of Dean at a later point. 
 

1) Spot Redistricting 

 Ms. Parmelee-Blancato presented the Spot Redistricting Plan that would send students, currently districted to Macdonough School, who live on Grand Street to Moody School and students living on Wetmore Place to Spencer School.  Any students entering the 5th Grade in August 2000 would be allowed to remain at Macdonough School.  Macdonough School’s minority population on October 1, 1999 was 56.67%, Moody School’s was 31.94%, Spencer School’s was 26.33%, and our district average was 36.55%.  If a school is plus or minus 15% of the district’s average, by law, the district is in warning status, and the State of Connecticut can direct the redistricting.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that she discussed the spot redistricting with the President of the NAACP, all parents were notified of this proposal, and Macdonough School principal Claudia Norman notified all parents by telephone of tonight’s meeting. 

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

 Mr. Duggan asked how we decide which streets to redistrict.  Why aren’t students from Moody and Spencer Schools redistricted to Macdonough School?  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the principals, David Audette, Claudia Norman, and Sylvia Webb, look at the streets assigned to Macdonough School that are furthest away, the enrollment at Moody and Spencer Schools, and grade levels and discuss the best way to address this with the least impact.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said the proposed plan impacted the fewest number of students.  Mr. Duggan asked if parents had the option to keep students at Macdonough School.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said if the Board approves the plan it will not be an option.  In 1994 the Board Policy changed, and since that time, student waivers have only been allowed when there are extenuating circumstances.  The proposed plan targets grades K-4.  In the future we may have to look at this in greater detail.  Mr. Thazhampallath wanted to know the last time Macdonough School was involved in redistricting.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said last year.  He also asked why Farm Hill School wasn’t considered as an alternative to Moody and Spencer Schools.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said Moody and Spencer Schools already have a bus in that area.  Mr. Thazhampallath asked if this bus served other regular stops in the Moody and Spencer Schools’ area or does it just pick up Macdonough School students.  Moody School Principal David Audette said parents insisted that the bus run be direct so students do not spend a long time on the bus.  As educators, Mr. Thazhampallath wanted to know what kind of impact they are seeing on the redistricted students.  Are they interacting?  Mr. Audette said absolutely.  The children have made many friends and there are many success stories. 

 Mr. Filer asked who reported the warning status and is this in our Strategic School Profile (SSP)?  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said we report the numbers and it is in our SSP.  Mr. Chappelle mentioned that this is in direct connection to the Sheff vs. O’Neil mandate.  Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said it has been eight years since there has been a district-wide redistricting and it is usually done every ten years. 

At this time the motion continued and the Board VOTED with seven in favor – Ms. Bobrick, Ms. Boske, Ms. Derosier, Mr. Filer, Mr. McMillan, Mr. Thazhampallath, and Ms. Weiss, and one opposed – Mr. Duggan, to adopt the proposed Spot Redistricting Plan. 

 Mr. Chappelle said that the Chair charges the administration with the task of reexamining the entire redistricting process and recommended putting this in context of the Diversity Enhancement Plan. 
 

2) CT School Improvement Initiative Grant 
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that we must have Board authorization to apply for seven grants under the Connecticut School Improvement Initiative/Goals 2000 Educate America Act Program. 

MOTION  
Ms. Bobrick made a motion, seconded by Ms. Weiss, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to authorize the administration to apply for seven grants under the Connecticut School Improvement initiative as follows: a) Early Childhood; b) Alternatives for Suspensions and Expulsions; c) Increasing Minority Student Achievement; d) Connecticut School Leadership Aspirant Program; 3) Minority Teacher Recruitment and Retention; f) Implementation of NCATE Professional Development Standards; g) Comprehensive School Improvement Planning, and to participate in two consortium projects; h) ACES Curriculum Frameworks, and i) Parent Empowerment to Build Children’s Skills – Cromwell Schools. 

 Ms. Ambriscoe commented on the School Improvement Plans that were included in the Board packet as an “FYI” item.  She applauded all schools for their efforts and especially recognized the schools that listed a separate goal to expand parent involvement programs.  She recommended that all schools make this a separate goal.  Mr. Duggan said he also found the reports to be informative but would like them to include measurable outcome data. 

 Mr. Chappelle recommended placing the School Improvement Plans on the next Board agenda. 

3) Middle School Hours 
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the administration reviewed the 1999-2000 bus routes and school hours and feels that a five-minute change will assist the district with the problem of late buses at the elementary level. 

MOTION  
Ms. Weiss made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bobrick, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve the new starting and ending times for Grades 6 to 8 (8:05 a.m. to 2:41 p.m.). 

4) Vo-Ag Equipment Grant 
 Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said that the Board must approve the educational specifications for vocational agriculture equipment grants. 

MOTION  
Ms. Derosier made a motion, seconded by Ms. Boske, and the Board VOTED unanimously, to approve the educational specifications for the Vocational Agriculture Equipment Grant and request that the Common Council authorize the submission of the ED049 grant application, establish the Board of Education to serve as the Vocational Agriculture Purchase Committee, through its designee, the Vocational Agriculture Department Head, and request that the Committee be authorized to purchase the equipment outlined in the educational specifications. 
 

With no further discussion, Mr. Chappelle adjourned the meeting. 
Time: 9:17 p.m. 

REMINDER The next Board meeting scheduled for Tuesday, June 20, 2000, will begin at 7:00 P.M.