Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Dan Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Roxanne Perugino, Lenny Morgan, and Martin Wetzel
Excused Absence: Michelle Spencer and Karen Kulesa
Administrators: Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education and Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
Excused Absence: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Mrs. Doiron called the meeting to order at 7 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
3. ELECTION OF OFFICERS FOR PLYMOUTH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Mrs. Doiron welcomed new and re-elected Board of Education Members, Mrs.Roxanne Perugino, Mrs. Karen Kulesa, Mr. Ray Engle and Mr. Pat Perugino
(a) NOMINATIONS FOR TEMPORARY CHAIRPERSON
Nomination: Patrick Perugino as Temporary Chair. Nomination, from Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile. Motion: To close nominations, Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Perugino was unanimously appointed Temporary Chair.
MOTION: Patrick Perugino called for a Motion to Recess at 7:05 p.m. for the purpose of caucus to nominate a candidate for Chair of the Plymouth Board of Education. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Perugino called the meeting back to order at 7:10 p.m.
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(b) NOMINATIONS AND SELECTION OF CHAIR OF THE PLYMOUTH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Nomination: Raymond Engle as Permanent Chair. Nomination, Martin Wetzel, seconded Dan Gentile. Motion: To close nominations, Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile ,motion passed unanimously.
A paper ballot was taken and Raymond Engle was elected unanimously as Chair.
Mr. Engle took over the meeting as Chair.
(c) NOMINATION AND SELECTION OF VICE-CHAIR AND SECRETARY TO THE PLYMOUTH BOARD OF EDUCATION
Nomination: Daniel Gentile for Vice-Chair. Nomination: Jennifer Zalaski, seconded Martin Wetzel. Motion: To close nominations: Patrick Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
A paper ballot was taken and Daniel Gentile was elected unanimously as Vice-Chair.
Nomination: Patrick Perugino for Secretary. Nomination: Martin Wetzel, seconded Daniel Gentile, Motion to close nominations: Martin Wetzel, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
A paper ballot was taken and Patrick Perugino was elected unanimously as Secretary.
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of October 10, 2007. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 7, 2007.
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
5. PRESENTATIONS
This month there were three presentations.
The first was a plaque presented to the Thomaston Savings Bank on behalf of its support of our schools and the community of Plymouth. Mrs. Joan Fowler accepted the plaque on behalf of the Thomaston Savings Bank. Mr. Dave Merchant explained the process involving the distribution of the grant monies and read of list of items purchased with the monies.
The second presentation were plaques presented to Mrs. Velma McConnell and Mrs. Lisbeth Leonhardt in appreciation for their service on the Plymouth Board of Education.
The third presentation was the introduction of the CAPSS Superintendent/Student Award Recipients. These students were selected for their academic prowness, school citizenship, and community service. The students and parents are attending a dinner this evening at the Cornucopia in Torrington.
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Congratulations to:
Main Street School Plymouth Center School
Seneca Ouellette Monica Oakes
Paul Tuper Emily Armbruster
Harry S. Fisher Middle School Terryville High School
Abigail Wood Michelle Labbe
Alexander Huizenga Scott Dubowsky
6. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
7. COMMUNICATIONS
Update: Mr. Engle indicated at the last meeting of the Plymouth Board of Education, the Board voted unanimously to request that Mayor Krampitz place an item on the Town Council Agenda concerning a Special Appropriations request. Mayor Krampitz in a letter dated October 16th indicated additional and more detailed information needed to be provided. Dr. Distasio responded to this request, after speaking with Mr. Dennis, the Mayor’s Administrative Assistant, by letter dated October 17th, 2007. Mr. Engle informed Board Members that he is still waiting for a response from the Mayor’s office concerning this matter.
8. OLD BUSINESS
None
9. NEW BUSINESS
A. Out-of-State Field Trip
MOTION: To approve the trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia for band students from Terryville High School to participate in the North American Music Festival at Norfolk State University Performing Arts Center from April 24, 2008 – April 27, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
B. Appointments.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Susan Kuczenski as secretary at Main Street School effective November 15, 2007. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
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MOTION: To approve the appointment of Thomas Zagurski to the Agricultural Advisory Board for WAMOGO. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed with Martin Wetzel abstaining.
C. Leave of Absence
MOTION: To approve a leave of absence for Janice Poulin, Ala Carte Manager at Terryville High School from October 18, 2007 – December 31, 2007. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a leave of absence for Nicole Gerard, Grade 4 teacher at Main Street School from October 26, 2007 to November 26, 2007. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
D. Notification of Resignation
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of the following individual: Robin Utley, Part-time Paraprofessional in the Apple Program at Plymouth Center School effective November 9, 2007.
E. Plymouth Board of Education Meeting Dates for the 2008 Calendar Year
MOTION: To approve the Plymouth Board of Education Meeting Dates for the 2008 Calendar Year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
F. Strategic School Profile –
Board Members received a copy of the Strategic School Profile for 2006 – 2007 in their packet. Mrs. Doiron indicated the profiles were available in all of the schools for parents or the community to review. She explained the profile discusses a variety of issues from community data, student enrollment, and racial composition, district resources, student achievement, district revenues and expenditures. Mrs. Doiron also noted the Strategic School Profile for 2006 – 2007 can be found on line.
10. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
No Report
Mr. Perusse indicated the oil tanks at Plymouth Center and Harry S. Fisher Middle Schools have been removed and replaced. In order to replace the oil tanks at Main Street and Prospect Street School, an additional appropriation is needed. If the replacements are not completed by August of 2008, 72% of the reimbursement from the state will be lost. Therefore, Mr. Perusse recommended to the Board that the Superintendent and the Board approve having the Superintendent write a letter to the Mayor requesting that the oil tanks be placed on the Town Council Agenda and then for the Town Council to recommend that the Board of Finance appropriate the necessary funds to replace the oil tanks at Prospect Street and Main Street Schools. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
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Mr. Perusse also reported on the following with respect to the new high school: the ceiling on the third floor is 99% complete; the ceiling on the 2nd floor is 75% complete; vinyl tiles are being installed on the 1st floor; lockers are being put in place in the hallways, auditorium seating is being installed on Thursday, November 15, 2007, and the stage flooring began on Wednesday, November 14, 2007.
Mr. Gentile reported that the Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The October accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations
None
E. Personnel
Mr. Perugino reported that the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved all of his recommendations.
F. Policy
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation
Mr. Perugino reported that the Safety & Transportation Subcommittee met on November 7, 2007. Items were addressed and taken care of and all parties were in agreement at that time.
H. Education Connection -
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Merissa Heslin – The Yearbook Committee is in the process of its advertising sales; Please contact the Terryville High School Yearbook Advisor if you are interested in placing an ad or wish to make a donation; and FBLA is looking forward to opening the school store at the new high school.
Robert Lutters– Haunted Hallway at Terryville High School was a success, $1,000 was raised; Leo Installation Night is scheduled to take place at the Lyceum on November 28th; and Haunted Fairgrounds was a success.
Patricia Kuhn – Fall sports have come to a close. We’ve said good-bye to cross-country; boys’ and girls’ soccer and volleyball. Upcoming sports are wrestling, girls and boys basketball and the
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activities of cheerleading and dance. SADD is sponsoring, for the first time, a homecoming Flag Football Game between the seniors and juniors on Thursday, November 15th after school at Harry S. Fisher Middle School. Freshman and sophomores can sign up for a tug of war game planned at halftime.
11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Mrs. Doiron reminded parents that winter is slowly approaching, so please stay tuned to the major television channels, radio stations, and Plymouth’s own Channel 16 for school closings, early dismissals, and late openings. Also, she mentioned this year parents will receive a personal telephone call via the AlertNow Program announcing any type of dismissals (i.e. early dismissal, delayed opening) or closings.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
No Report
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Excused Absence
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
No Report
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Excused Absence
12. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
Linda Hotchkiss – 15 Curtiss Road, Terryville, CT – Question: Mrs. Hotchkiss - Has a decision had been made with respect to the running track at the new high school? Response from Mr. Perusse: Nothing will be known until the bids are open on November 20th for Terryville High School and Harry S. Fisher Middle School as to how much funds there are. This will determine how much money remains and if there are enough funds available for these 2 buildings. Response – Mrs. Hotchkiss - The last time she spoke with Dr. Distasio, he indicated he was 99.7% sure there would be a running track and there were already moneys set aside for it, like a million point whatever. Response – Mr. Perusse _ Again, we need to wait to see how much money these two project are going to cost. Question: Mrs. Hotchkiss – She drove around the new high school site last week and noticed a lot of shrubs and bark mulch. Where is the funding
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coming from to upkeep this in the future? It looks nice now. Plymouth Center School has a garden club with 5 people and they cannot seem to keep up with maintaining the grounds (shrubs, flowers bark mulch). Response – Mrs. Perugino – It all depends on budget.
Plymouth Center School PTA is looking for chairs for the townwide spelling bee and reflections; the PTA is also looking for volunteers.
Mrs. Hotchkiss thanked Board Members for all of their hard work.
13. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools
- November 16th Town Meeting 10 a.m. @ Main Street School
- November 20th PTA Meeting 6 p.m. @ Main Street School
- November 20th Grade 2 Field Trip to Institute for American Indian Studies
Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School
Mrs. Zalaski was not in attendance, but indicated the Terryville High School Parent Advisory Council sponsored an internet safety program on November 1st . The public was invited and the program was well attended.
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
- New software packet for budgets – “Money Minder” (information to be included in December BOE Packet)
- Teachers asked for the PTA to look at some regulations for a plaque for the playground equipment that is being installed. (Information to be included in December BOE Packet)
- Ski Club is looking for volunteers. This club is offered to children ages 5 and older and is a 7 week program.
- Automated Lunch Program
- School Alert
- February PTA Council enrichment program
- Movie Night is Friday, November 16th
- SEPTA, December 6th
- PTA Meeting, December 11th
Mr. Gentile – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)
November 1st – Connecticut Parent Advocate, Kathy Slade – spoke on how to create a home file for your child, (i.e. medical records, PPT, IEP). Very information program.
Mr. Gentile – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
- PTA Meeting November 15th in the library
- “Do Your Own Thing” in New York City, December 1st
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14. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino – Happy to be back on the Board. Thank you to all who voted for her. She is looking forward to another 4 years.
Mr. Wetzel – Welcomed everyone back and congratulations to newly elected officers. Look forward to working with everyone.
Mr. Morgan – Glad to see the tag team of Perugino and Perugino back. Good luck to old faces and new faces alike.
Mr. Perugino – Thank you to Mrs. Aiudi and the Terryville High School School-to-Career Program, student helpers and volunteers, with respect to the swearing in ceremony for the new town officials. The National Anthem was sung by RosaSlie Veneziano. Also, there was a performance by Guitarist, Matthew Miskin; Thank you to the Thomaston Savings Bank for everything they do for not only our school district but our town. Congratulations to the newly elected officers on the Board of Education. We have four more years of hard work ahead of us.
Jennifer Zalaski – Welcome back everyone. Congratulations, Roxanne, I am looking forward to working with you.
Mr. Gentile – Welcome everyone including newly elected officers.
Mr. Engle – Welcome new and returning members. Good to be back for another four years. There are going to be many changes, i.e. new administrators, new high school, redistricting, NEASC. We are looking for more audience participation in the coming months.
15. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on December 12, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
16 . Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary