Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 11, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Daniel Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Lisbeth Leonhardt, Jennifer Zalaski, Velma McConnell, Martin Wetzel, Michelle Spencer and Raymond Engle.
Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Gerry Perusse, Keith Rafaniello, Carol Doiron and
Peter Lovely
1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
Mr. Engle 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 Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 14, 2005. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Mr. Travers, Assistant Principal at Harry S. Fisher Middle School introduced
Ms. Fran Block, a computer applications teacher and Mr. Michael Weiss, an eighth grade social teachers who were tonight’s presenters. Ms. Block led a teacher in-service workshop which created a student friendly, on-line library. She and Mr. Weiss explained the use of technology through the internet; how the on-line library supports curriculum appropriate for students; and introduced worksites that support curriculum.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 January 11, 2006
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
The Board received a memo from the Mayor concerning the upcoming budget process. In addition, Dr. Distasio met with the Mayor regarding the budget process.
Dr. Distasio wrote letters to: (1) Foodshare, thanking them for their donation of some furniture to our school district; and (2) Diversified Project Management for their help in getting our school district various furniture items. Thank you also to Roxanne Perugino for making this possible through her contacts with the Foodshare Corporation and Diversified Project Management.
7. OLD BUSINESS
A. Nepotism Policy – 4112.8/4212.8
The Nepotism Policy revision(s) were reviewed at the Policy Subcommittee Meeting prior to the Board of Education meeting with the Superintendent’s recommendations.
MOTION: To approve Policy 4112.8/4212.8 with the recommended revisions.
Motion Jennifer Zalaski, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
B. School Calendar 2006 – 2007 School Year
The Board Members reviewed the 2006 -2007 School Calendar with the Superintendent with the following recommendations:
(1) Teachers will begin school on August 23-25, 2006. The first day of school for students is August 28th 2006.
(2) There will be February and April vacations.
MOTION: To approve the 2006 – 2007 School Calendar as presented to the Board by the Superintendent. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 January 11, 2006
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Notification of Resignations
Dr. Distasio accepted the following resignation for the purpose of retirement:
(1) Paul Schwanka, Technology Education Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective June 30, 2006. Mr. Schwanka has been employed in Plymouth since September, 1984; (2) Sheldon (Skip) Rackmill, Special Education Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective June 30, 2006. Mr. Rackmill has been employed in Plymouth since September, 1982; (3) Michael Grella, Technology Education Teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2006. Mr. Grella has been employed in Plymouth since 1967; (4) Philip Lyga, Science Teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2006. Mr. Lyga has been employed in Plymouth since 1975;
(5) Frank Naczi, Business Education Teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2006. Mr. Naczi has been employed in Plymouth since 1975; (6) Maria Pomianowski, World Language Teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2006. Mrs. Pomianowski has been employed in Plymouth since 1979; and
(6) Dr. Michael Buzzi, Principal of Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective June 30, 2006. Dr. Buzzi has been employed in Plymouth since September, 1989.
Dr. Distasio also accepted two resignations this past month: (1) Sara Armstrong, part-time secretary at Plymouth Center School, effective December 16, 2005; and
(2) Lisa Brayton, Pre-K Special Education Teacher at Plymouth Center School, effective January 13, 2006.
B. Appointments
The Personnel Subcommittee reviewed the following appointments with the Superintendent prior to the full Board Meeting. The following motion was made:
MOTION: To appoint Melissa Johnson to the position of part-time paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School for the Pre-K program, effective January 12, 2006; to appoint Siobhan Kalnin to the position of Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at Plymouth Center School effective January 17, 2006; to appoint Susan Kuczenski to the position of part-time secretary at Plymouth Center School effective January 12, 2006; and to appoint Linda Goff to the position of part-time secretary at Plymouth Center School effective January 23, 2006. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
C. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To approve childbearing leave for Melissa Morelli beginning May 30, 2006; and to approve childbearing leave for Cathy Driscoll beginning March 13, 2006 and childrearing leave through the end of 2005 – 2006 school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 January 11, 2006
D. Board of Education Liaisons
The following Board Members volunteered to be Liaisons:
Prospect/Main Street School Velma McConnell/Patrick Perugino
Plymouth Center School Jennifer Zalaski
Harry S. Fisher Middle School Michelle Spencer
Terryville High School Raymond Engle
Special Education PTA Daniel Gentile
PTA Council Vacant
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on January 4, 2005. The following items were discussed: (1) the new curriculum revision cycle and textbook replacement recommendation plan; (2) the HOUSSE Plan – administrators are in the process of completing the required documentation to make certain that all certified staff members are highly qualified as defined by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act. This process must be completed by June 30, 2006; and (3) initial discussion(s) have taken place with respect to NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) and the accreditation process for Terryville High School. Mrs. Lavery, Principal of Terryville High School and her subcommittee will make a presentation to the subcommittee at the March 1, 2006 meeting.
Mr. Lovely explained to Board Members that accreditation (an evaluation by ones peers) takes place every ten years; the process takes approximately four days; there is a visiting committee of approximately ten to twelve individuals; and the district is responsible for housing and feeding the committee members.
B. Facilities –- Daniel Gentile, Chair
Mr. Gentile reported the roofs have been approved for Main Street and Prospect Street Schools. Just a reminder to everyone, the Building Committee meets on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month.
Mr. Engle submitted materials, which will be in the next Board packet updating members with respect to the new high school.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 January 11, 2006
C. Finance – Daniel Gentile, Chair
The accounts by facilities report for December was reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair
No Report
E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved of all of his appointments.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
All items were addressed under old business.
G. Safety & Transportation - Michelle Spencer, Chair
No Report
H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell, Liaison
No Report – Mrs. McConnell was named liaison to Education Connection at this Board meeting.
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz – A Pep Rally will be held at Terryville High School on Friday, January 20th, 2006 ; January 13, 2006 Town rivalry Basketball Games – girls varsity @ 6 p.m./ boys @ 7:30 p.m./admission $5.00 general public; $3.00 seniors; and $1.00 students.
Sean Link – January 12th, 2006 – 7 p.m., Terryville High School 8th grade orientation; January 13 – 19, 2006, midterms at Terryville High School; and the Ski & Snowboarding Club meet every Friday at Mohawk Mountain.
Kailtin Palance – January 21st, 2006, Black/White Semi Formal 7 – 10 p.m. at Terryville High School - $12 per person or $20 per couple.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 January 11, 2006
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Mrs. Doiron reminded everyone that work is being done on the pre-k lottery. Materials will be sent out shortly. Individuals may apply in March, 2006. The Family Resource Center at Plymouth Center School has a 3 year old program and 2 sessions for 4 year old children.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Applications for Rotella and Maloney Magnet Schools may be picked up at the Board of Education Offices. Applications for the Waterbury Arts Magnet School will be available the first week in February.
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Thank you to Dr. Buzzi, Mr. Travers, Ms. Block and Mr. Weiss for tonight’s presentation of some of the technology taking place at Harry S. Fisher Middle School. Mr. Rafaniello reported 25 individuals took advantage of the excel training on December 28th, 2005. This was an outstanding number of individuals considering training took place over winter break. Mr. Rafaniello hopes to schedule training on power point and web design during the month of February on Tuesday/Thursday/and/or Saturday.
Tonight’s crew consisted of 3 high school and 3 middle school students.
Terryville High School
Brian Luba Producer/Audio
Brian Mamrosh Director
Christopher Casola Quality Control
Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Connor Raymond Camera C
Michael Trudeau Camera B
David Block Camera A
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
Mr. Perusse reported the Budget Process has begun and meetings have taken place with Administrators.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 January 11, 2006
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio discussed some of the events taking place at the various schools:
Prospect Street/Main Street
January 18 – Main Street School Winter Concert @ 7 p.m.
Plymouth Center School
January 17 – Winter Concert @ 7 p.m.
January 27 – Prime Time Reading for grades 3 – 5 from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Harry S. Fisher Middle School
January 12 – PTA Meeting
January 20 – Grade 7 & 8 grade dance from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Dr. Distasio reminded parents to turn to Channel 16 for school delays, cancellations and early dismissals. Announcements will also be made on the major television and radio stations.
On behalf of the Board of Education, Dr. Distasio wished everyone a Happy New Year!
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Business of the Board
Mr. Morgan – Excused Absence
Mrs. Spencer – No Comments
Mr. Wetzel – No Comments
Mrs. Leonhardt – Wished the retirees the best of luck, they will be missed and congratulations to the new staff members.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 January 11, 2006
Mr. Perugino – Best wishes to all the retirees.
Mrs. Zalaski – has heard many positive comments on computer usage in the classroom; best wishes to all the retirees you will all be missed.
Mrs. McConnell – enjoy the warm weather while it lasts and best of luck to all the retirees.
Mr. Gentile – wishes for a Happy New Year to all; excellent presentation by Ms. Block and Mr. Weiss, technology is very important; retirees will be missed, looking forward to the new people with new ideas.
Mr. Engle – this is an open Board. If any one has any issues, please go through the proper channels. The Board is here to
13. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on February 8, 2006 at 7 p.m. Terryville High School cafeteria.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded
Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary