window. Students, etc. are asked to stop in and ask, for example, i.e. “Who their favorite character is”. The Plymouth Public Schools are looking forward to the community coming together as readers and to celebrate the joy of reading. Each Board Member was presented with a copy of the book.
Some of the funds for this project were provided through grant funding and the Rotary Club.
Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported: The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities report. Utility and payroll accounts are right on target with this year’s budget. The Board of Education will be presenting next year’s budget to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance at 7 p.m. on March 22nd.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 March 14, 2012
Minutes
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported on the following:
(a) Congratulations went to the Plymouth Local Prevention Council for receiving the LPC of the Year Award from the Substance Abuse Action Council. It received the award this morning at the annual meeting. Congratulations to: our LPC; LPC Director, Tatum Sherwood; Mrs. Aiudi for helping to coordinate the LPC; and the other members of the LPC that make our LPC an example for others to follow.
(b) Congratulations to Mrs. Linda Farrington who will be receiving the Outstanding Coaches of the Year Award from the Connecticut High School Coaches Association. Mrs. Farrington is one of 25 coaches who will be honored at a dinner in May at the Aqua Turf in Southington.
(c) March 14, 2012 – “Day on the Hill”, attended by Dr. Distasio, Mr. Perugino,
Mr. Orsini, Mr. Bourbonniere and Mr. Santorso
(d) The Academic Bowl will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Bristol Eastern High School.
(e) On March 22, 2012 @ 7 p.m. at Town Hall, there will be a joint meeting between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education to discuss the proposed budget for the next fiscal year. The Board of Education approved an increase of 0% for the next year.
(f) March 28, 2012 – Kindergarten Presentation 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. @ Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
A belated Happy 70th Birthday to Mr. Perugino.
A Happy Board of Education Week to all of our Board Members. Much appreciation goes out to each and every one of you for all the work you do throughout the year on behalf of the students and community of Plymouth.
10. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 March 14, 2012
Minutes
11. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
February 22 – March 26 Brick Sale
March 22 – 23 Kindergarten Registration
March 23 Report Cards Distributed
March 21-23 Parent Conferences (early dismissal)
March 30 – April 6 Scholastic Book Fair
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
Mr. Engle reported on the following events:
March 20 - 23 Spring Book Fair
March 21 Clothing Drive (8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.)/pick-up March 22
March 22 – 23 Kindergarten Registration
April 22 Recycling Program
May 11 Rockcats Game
A nominating committee is being formed for the upcoming year.
Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
The Eli Terry Jr. Middle School PTA Meeting took place on March 1, 2012.
The following are some of the highlights from that meeting:
- The Fundraising Committee is exploring selling gift cards for a spring fundraiser and a pie sale as a fall fundraiser.
- The Enrichment Committee will be scheduling “Scarlet Fade”, a young, high energy, pop-rock band that seeks to bring hope to young people through their music for some time either at the end of March or beginning of April.
- Hospitality Committee reported a Teacher’s Appreciation Breakfast for May 3rd.
- Middle School students are encouraged to read the book entitled “The Lemonade War”.
- A new program, with regard to school climate, is being implemented entitled “Get Caught…Doing the Right Thing” which will reward positive behavior exhibited by students.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 March 14, 2012
Minutes
- On April 12, 2012 at 6 p.m. an orientation for the parents of incoming 6th graders will be held at the middle school.
- May 4, 2012, there will be an 8th grade field trip to New York City to the Statute of Liberty and Ellis Island.
- On May 24, 2012, there will be a 7th grade field trip to the Natural History Museum in New York.
- There has been discussion of changing the monthly middle school PTA Meeting night from the 1st Thursday of the month to the last Wednesday of the month. More information will follow.
- The next Middle School PTA meeting will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at the middle school beginning at 7 p.m.
Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School
The PTSA met on March 8th.
Congratulations to the following students who participated in Indoor Track:
Alyssa Roland – 12th place in the State open; Aaron McCay – 12th place in State meet; Corie Scharpf – State open champion in the high jump and placed 8th in the New England meet.
Congratulations to Scott LaMarre who placed 4th in the State and 4th in New England.
Best wishes to all of our students who are participating in the Academic Bowl this Saturday at Bristol Eastern High School. Drama Club will be presenting the “Wizard of Oz” with performances at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on March 31stat Terryville High School. Good Luck to Mr. King on his nomination. Preparations are being made for an after prom breakfast for seniors at the Eagle’s Nest. Kudos to Mr. Falcone for the 5 AP courses which will be offered at Tunxis Community College with a cost of zero to the district.
Next meeting is scheduled for April 12th at 7 p.m.
Mr. Berube - SEPTA
Meeting took place on February 23rd
March 15 6 p.m. @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School in the cafeteria
Presentation w/creatively and wired and socially challenged.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 12 March 14, 2012
Minutes
Mr. Parenti introduced himself and explained his role as Director of Student Services. Officer Pat Walsh mentioned putting together a data base to help in case of an emergency situation.
Mr. Santorso
Mr. Santorso discussed the events that took place on “Day on the Hill”. Some of these discussions were regarding government proposals and changes in Education, teacher tenure, teacher training and the Educational Cost Sharing Funds.
Dr. Distasio – PTSA Council
A meeting took place on February 22, 2012. The following items were discussed: (a) The PTA Reflection’s Program will be held on April 25th at Terryville High School. and (b) The Spelling Bee will be held on April 5th @ 6:30 p.m. at Plymouth Center School
12. Final Board Comments
Mr. Berube – Congratulations to our student representatives who do a great job representing Terryville High School; to Tim King on his nomination; and Happy Birthday to Pat Perugino.
Mr. Engle – Good Luck to our students who will be participating at the Academic Bowl and congratulations gentlemen and lady.
Mr. Orsini – Congratulations to Mrs. Farrington on being named outstanding coach of the year. An award well deserved.
Mrs. Perugino – Ditto and congratulations to the Local Prevention Council and Dr. Distasio on their awards. I look forward to reading The Lemonade War.
Mr. Bourbonniere – Congratulations to the Local Prevention Council. Tatum and Lisa good job. Congratulations to Mrs. Farrington.
Mr. Perugino – Thank you to those Board Members who attended the “Day on the Hill”. They are Mr. Bourbonniere, and Mr. Santorso, who took the day off from work, Mr. Orsini and me. A lot of work is being done, a lot was learned, and however, the process is slow.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 13 March 14, 2012
Minutes
13. Executive Sessions: Negotiations Central Office Secretaries and Custodians Agreements and Grievance Hearing
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:58 p.m. to enter into first executive session regarding negotiations Central Office Secretaries and Custodians Agreements and Grievance Hearing. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously. The following individuals were invited into executive session.
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini, Mr. Perugino, Dr. Distasio, and Mr. Santogatta.
MOTION: To resume regular session at 8:05 p.m. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Anthony Orsini, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:07 p.m. to enter into second executive session regarding a Grievance filed on behalf of a terminated employee by UAW Local 376.
Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously. The following individuals were invited into executive session.
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini, Mr. Perugino, Dr. Distasio, Mr. Santogatta,
Mr. Parenti, Mrs. Collins, Attorney Mills, Mr. Langston, UAW Local 376 and
Mrs. Mozelak, UAW.
MOTION: To resume regular session at 9:20 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino,
seconded Raymond Engle, motion passed unanimously.
14. Action from First Executive Session
The following action was the result of the first Executive Session.
MOTION: To approve the agreement with the Plymouth Board of Education Central Office Secretaries from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015 with a 0% increase for the first year and a 2% increase for years 2 and 3.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Anthony Orsini. At this time, the Chair polled the Board Members: Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Bourbonniere,
Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the agreement with the Plymouth Board of Education Custodians and Maintenance Employees from July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015 with a 0% increase for the first year and a 2% increase for years 2 and 3.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel. At this time, the Chair polled the Board Members: Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini, Mrs. Perugino,
Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs.Kulesa and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 14 March 14, 2012
Minutes
Action from Second Executive Session
The following action was the result of the second Executive Session:
MOTION: That the Board deny the grievance filed by UAW Local 376 dated January 25, 2012 on the grounds that the Administration had just cause to terminate the grievant’s employment. Accordingly, the grievance is denied.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Raymond Engle. At this time the Chair polled the Board Members: Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel,
Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
15. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on April 11, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
16. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:23 p.m. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary