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1/9/2008

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
1/9/2008 7:00:00 PM

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 9, 2008
Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Roxanne Perugino, Leonard Morgan, Martin Wetzel, Michelle Spencer, Karen Kulesa and Daniel Gentile

Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan

Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To amend the agenda by adding the following under New Business: Discussion of Prospect Street School Building and Main Street School Building once our students move out. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 12, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATIONS

This month’s presentation to the Board of Education was by students from Prospect and Main Street Schools. On October 19, 2007, students from both schools participated in Wheels at Work enrichment program which was sponsored by School-to-Career. 

Several companies donated their equipment and their staff for a half day of exploring and learning. Each operator spent a few minutes explaining to students how they operated their particular piece of equipment. 

Students from both schools shared their experience of the day through a writing assignment.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 January 9, 2008

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

The Board Members received copies of a letter Dr. Distasio sent to Representative Hamzy and Senator Colapietro regarding the new law concerning suspension of students that will begin on July 1, 2008. Dr. Distasio explained how the new law prohibits out-of-school suspension of students for all infractions accept for incidents of extreme violence and drug issued. His letter asks that the legislature consider two changes to the law: (1) the legislature consider permitting out-of-school suspension for repeat offenders of school rules and regulations; and (2) consider funding this new law. Dr. Distasio explained that the law mandates that in-school-suspension be monitored by a certified teacher, an additional cost to the district of approximately $130,000 (this is the cost of two teachers with benefits). The cost does not include cost of monitoring in-school suspension at the elementary level; however, suspension for elementary students is not very common in our district.

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Leonard Eldrigde, to the position of custodian at Terryville High School effective January 10, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Beverly Studer, to the position of Paraprofessional in the Apple Program at Plymouth Center School effective January 10, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

B. Out-of-State Field Trip

MOTION: To approve the trip to Springfield, Massachusetts for 7th and 8th grade students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for May 30th, 2008 for participation in the Great East Festival. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 January 9, 2008

C. Educational Cost Sharing Grant

Discussion concerning the State Educational Cost Sharing Grant that come from the State that help support education for our town. 

MOTION: To send a letter to the Mayor requesting that all allotted ECS Grant monies be disbursed to the Board of Education to be used toward educating students as was intended. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel. Motion opened for discussion.

MOTION: To amend the original motion: To draft a letter to the Mayor requesting that any increase of ESC Grant monies allotted be disbursed directly to the Board of Education to be used toward educating the students as was intended and to present said draft to the Board at its February meeting for their approval. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

D. Oil tanks at Plymouth Center School & Harry S. Fisher Middle School

MOTION: To approve the acceptance of the oil tanks at Plymouth Center School and Harry S. Fisher Middle School in order to close out and finalize the application for the state grant.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

E. Roof Projects are Main Street School and Prospect Street School

MOTION: To approve the acceptance of the roofs at Main Street School and Prospect Street School in order to close out and finalize the application for the state grant. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Daniel Gentile motion passed unanimously.

F. Prospect Street School Building

MOTION: That the Plymouth Board of Education turn over the use of the Prospect Street School Building to the Town of Plymouth in order that the Town may determine future use of the facility as of August 30, 2008 or when the Board of Education has vacated the building and that the Plymouth Board of Education retain control and use of the soccer field and tennis courts located on the Prospect Street School property. Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

G. Main Street School Building

MOTION: That the Plymouth Board of Education turn over the use of the Main Street School Building to the Town of Plymouth in order that the Town may determine future use of the facility once an acceptable plan is developed by the Town for the relocation of the Board of Education Offices which are currently located at the Main Street School and that the Board of Education retain control and use of the softball field located on the Main Street School property.
Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Daniel Gentile motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 January 9, 2008

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

  1. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on January 2, 2008. The following items were discussed:
 (1) Election of Subcommittee Chair - Mrs. Kulesa was unanimously elected chair; (2) New Course Offering at Terryville High School: (3) New Texbook for Family and Consumer Science :(4) Terryville High School Alternative Disciplinary Program ; and (5) Title 1 Application and Budget .

At this time, Mrs. Kulesa entertained the following motion before the full Board:

MOTION: To approve the following: (1) a new Astronomy course (one semester ½ credit course), open to all 11th and 12th grade students to be added to the science department elective offerings; (2) the purchase of the following textbook for use in the Child Development I and II courses at Terryville High School. Parents and Their Children, Ryder and Decker, The Goodheart-Wilcox Company, 2006; (3) to pilot an Alternative Disciplinary Program at Terryville High School which will establish an extended day(s) (2:35 – 5:15) for students who may otherwise be assigned either in-school or out-of-school suspension; and (4) the restructuring of
the 11th and 12th grade English courses which provides for all students to take ½ credit of standard composition and literature; the second ½ credit to be by student elective.
Motion Daniel Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

  1. Facilities

Mr. Perusse reported on the following: (1) an update on the opening of the New Terryville High School; (2) work has begun on the old high school, i.e. all equipment and supplies have been moved out; abatement for removal of asbestos; removal of floor tile, moving of industrial art and home economics equipment; mazonite to be installed on floors in the gym; (3) disposal of unwanted goods – old Terryville High School (Facilities Subcommittee Meeting needs to be scheduled) and (4) oil tanks at Prospect Street & Main Street Schools – one to be done in the winter the other in the spring.

  1. Finance – Mr. Gentile, Chair

Mr. Gentile reported that the Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The December accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

MOTION: To approve the transfers discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which was held prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously.

D. Negotiations

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 January 9, 2008

E. Personnel - Roxanne Perugino, Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported that the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and all matters were covered under new business.

F. Policy

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation

No Report

H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

No Report

I. Student Representatives

Merissa Heslin – Exciting days at the New High School; students have access to 2 computers in each classroom; January 10th, First Aid Night in the Cafeteria @ 7p.m. ; January 11th – Alumni Day at the high school; Boys’ and Girl’s Basketball games will be played at Thomaston High School & Student Council will be helping out at Open House for the new high school.

Robert Lutters– Very smooth transition to the new high school; highlight of the new high school for Robert was having paper towels in the restrooms; pictures of the auditorium appeared in the Bristol Press; January 10th speaker on Gay/Straight Alliance; Senior Prom meeting in January i.e. favors, choice of song “Don’t Want To Miss A Thing” by Aerosmith; and sashes for king & queen;; and Robert read notes from the Music Department about the progress it has made since the beginning of the school year & some upcoming events are (a) a concert on Thursday, January 31st at 7 p.m. in the new Terryville High School Auditorium; and (b) a four (4) day trip to Virginia Beach, Virginia where the band and chorus will participate in the North American Music Festival.
 

Patricia Kuhn – excused absence

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge

Redistricting has just begun. Mrs. Doiron indicated she would be more than willing to assist the parents of special needs students with the transition by speaking or meeting with them to discuss their child (ren). Mrs. Doiron can be reached at 314-8003 or by calling the Board of Education Office at 314-4783.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 January 9, 2008

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

The State of Connecticut will be operating its own Virtual High School. The date for enrollment is January 23rd. Mr. Richard Trudeau will be the contact person for our district. Twenty-two (22) – (24) twenty-four courses will be offered (these would be make-up courses for Science, Mathematics and English); cost – free to all Terryville High School Students.

Applications for WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) will be coming out the middle of February.

Applications are still being accepted for the Rotella and Maloney Magnet Schools.

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Unfortunately, tonight’s broadcast is not live. However, Mr. Rafaniello thanked his crew:
Brian Luba, Director; Fran Block, Advisor; Scott Mamross and Rich Keater. 

He also thanked his technical staff; Rich Trudeau; Laura McBaine; Jeff Telke; Eric Dolecki and Brian Luba for all their help with the new high school. 

Mr. Rafaniello thanked the Board on behalf of the students. Students appreciated all the workers and efforts they put in in getting the new high school ready for them. But most of all, Mr. Rafaniello thanked Board of Education Members, Town Officials and Residents.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

No Report

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio thanked Agnes Zimmerman for donating a school flag to the new high school in loving memory of her husband, Richard Romeo Vettero. 

The first redistricting meeting was held at Harry S. Fisher Middle School on Tuesday, January 8, 2008 for the parents of Prospect Street/Main Street or the East Side of Town. The next redistricting meeting will be held on Monday, January 14, 2008 for parents of Plymouth Center or the West Side of Town at Plymouth Center School at 6:30 p.m.

The opening of the new high school took place on Monday, January 7, 2008. Dr. Distasio thanked the parents and students for being flexible concerning the postponement of the opening. He also thanked the faculty and staff for cleaning, unpacking and preparing their classrooms prior to the students returning to school. Special thanks to Krista Noyce, Food Service Director and the cafeteria staff; Dennis Klimkewicz and the custodial staff; Linda Farrington and the athletic coaches; Clarence Atkinson, Building Inspector; Jack Schubert, Fire Marshall; Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education; Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction for giving up his vacation, Michael Cerruto, Principal, and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology for the work they put into making certain the new building was ready for our students. A final thank you to William Allread and the Building Committee for the hours and hours of time and effort they put into making certain this project came to fruition.

Dr. Distasio announced there will be half days at Terryville High School on January 22, 23 and 24th. Postponement was due to the later opening of the new high school.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 January 9, 2008

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

Mr. Gerry Bourbonniere, 6 Fairmount Avenue, Terryville CT – Mr. Boubonniere commented
on the Board’s decision not to eliminate the position of Secretary for School-to-Career in last years budget, indicating the value of the position not only to the students but to the community as well. 

He also questioned the possibility of an additional late bus for students in extra-curricular activities. Dr. Distasio responded that there was a possibility of a federal grant of $100,000 for 5 years, but, if this does not come to fruition it would then be a budget item.

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

January 11th Dinner & a Movie Night @ Fisher School @ 6 p.m.
January 15th PTA Meeting @ 6 p.m. @ Main Street School
January 16th Winter Concert @ Main Street School @ 7 p.m.

As always, mentors are needed.

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

No Report at this time

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

Meeting for January has been rescheduled to Tuesday, January 15th.

Mr. Wetzel – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)

The main topic of discussion was the redistricting.

Mr. Gentile – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
 
January 11th PTA Meeting – 7 p.m. in the library
January 22nd PTA Fundraiser, 4 – 8 p.m. @ McDonalds

PTA information may be obtained by accessing the Plymouth Board of Education website @ www.plymouth.k12.ct.us and clicking on Harry S. Fisher Middle School

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

Meeting took place on January 7, 2008. Redistricting was discussed, restructuring of the spelling bee, and the annual enrichment program at the new high school.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 January 9, 2008

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino –

Thank you to the staff, students, Building Committee Members and all those you made the opening of the new high school a success. Best Wishes to all students. Looking forward to the transaction of the middle school and the merger of Prospect and Main Street Schools.

Mr. Wetzel –

Best Wishes to all students in the new high school.

Mr. Perugino –

Thank you to Mrs. Worhunsky and students of Main Street and Prospect Street Schools for the wonderful presentation. A many thanks to the vendors who participated in Wheels at Work Enrichment Program. The students had a wonderful time. 

Mr. Perugino observed students entering the new high school excited with smiles on their faces.

Mr. Gentile –

WOW – Amazing – Worth Every Penny and then some – these were words used by Mr. Gentile to describe the new high school. He cannot begin to thank everyone who was involved with the project.

Mr. Engle –

Everyone – Happy New Year, Welcome Back, Thank You to everyone for all their hard work including but not limited to administrators, all staff members, current and past Board Members for the many devoted hours of work.

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on February 13, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary

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