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6/9/2010


Minutes

Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location: Terryville High School
Date:
6/9/2010 7:00:00 PM

United In Our Commitment to Excellence in Education
The Plymouth Public Schools’ mission is to ensure that all students learn to
the best of their abilities. We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled,
and contributing citizens capable of succeeding in their work, personal, and family lives.
Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Terryville High School

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Patrick Perugino, Mark Berube, Raymond Engle, Anthony Orsini, Roxanne Perugino, Gerard Bourbonniere , Martin Wetzel and Daniel Santorso

Excused Absence: Karen Kulesa

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent, Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education,
Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager and Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology



1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Perugino 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. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 12, 2010.
Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


4. PRESENTATION


Mr. Lovely introduced the Teacher of the year – Hope Bellantuono


5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None



Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 June 9, 2010 Minutes



6. COMMUNICATIONS

None


7. OLD BUSINESS

Mr. Bourbonniere brought up his concerns regarding Nature’s Classroom and the Washington D.C. field trips. He looked to Dr. Distasio for further clarification.

Dr. Distasio indicated the 90% attendance requirement was not a Board policy or a Board decision. The guidelines were put in place by the administrative team. Some of the concerns expressed by the administrators were: (a) the rising cost of the trips; (b) decreased student attendance; (c) cost of substitutes for Washington D.C.; and (d) disruption to the schools and school days. He explained legally the Board is obligated to fund the cost of trips either in full or in part for hardship cases for students who cannot afford the school trips. Unfortunately, the Board does not have funds to support a large number of these cases.


8. NEW BUSINESS


A. Resignations

Dr. Distasio has accepted the following resignations: Corinna Grossman, Music Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, effective June 30, 2010 and
Mark Fowler, Varsity Girls’ Soccer Coach at Terryville High School effective immediately.

B. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave

MOTION: To approve the request for Childbearing Leave for Jennifer Blekis from August 26, 2010 to September 17, 2010 and additionally, the approval of a Childrearing Leave for the remainder of the 2010 – 2011 school years. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

C. Superintendent of Schools Contract Extension

MOTION: To approve the contract extension of the Superintendent of Schools through the 2013 school year. The salary increase for next year will be a 0% increase.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.



Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 June 9, 2010 Minutes



Mr. Engle noted, for public knowledge, this is the second year the Superintendent has taken a zero increase.

D. Energy Educators

Mr. Sandshaw provided an overview to the Board Members with an update of the Energy Educator Plan for the 2009 – 2010 school years and outlined any cost savings that may have resulted from the program.

E. Participation in the National School Lunch Program

MOTION: To approve the authorization of the administration to participate in the National School Lunch Program for the 2010 – 2011 school years. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.


F. End of the Year Transfer of Funds

MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to make the necessary transfers and expenditures to close the books as of June 30, 2010, and to expend all appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2009 – 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

G. Authorization to Hire

MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to hire personnel, except administrators, during the months of July and August in conjunction with the Personnel Subcommittee Chair. Motion Anthony Orsini seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.

H. Budget Reductions

As discussed in the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which took place prior to the Board Meeting, the recommendations of the Superintendent to reduce the presented budget by $102,181 are as follows (a) to reduce the English Language Learner class to 60%, which is a savings of $15,000.00; (b) to institute a Pay for Community based pre-school, which will generate approximately $10,000; (c) there was a savings of $30,000 in the oil account; (d) the snowplowing account was reduced by $37,000; (e) retirements were received at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, Terryville High School and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, which should result in the remainder of the necessary budget reductions. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:

MOTION: To reduce the Plymouth Board of Education Budget by $102,181.00 per recommendations by the Superintendent as discussed in the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which took place prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 June 9, 2010 Minutes


I. Approval of Food Service Provider

MOTION: To approve Chartwell’s Food Service Provider to again provide the food services operations for the Plymouth Public Schools beginning July 1, 2010 and continuing through June 30, 2011. Motion Anthony Orsini seconded Roxanne Perugino with an abstention from Ray Engle.

J. Appointments

MOTION: To appoint Stephanie Konopaske to the position of Physical Education Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective August 23, 2010. Motion Anthony Orsini seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Diane Richards to the position of Family & Consumer Science Teacher at Terryville High School effective August 23, 2010. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum – Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

In lieu of Mrs. Kulesa’s absence, Mr. Lovely reported on the following:

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on June 2, 2010 at 6:03 p.m. The following items were discussed: (1) Summer School – Mr. Lovely updated the subcommittee on the summer school program. The elementary pre-K through 5 programs will be held at Plymouth Center School, the middle school and high school programs will be held at Terryville High School; (2) Textbook Adoptions – A new reading program was adopted last year for the elementary schools. It was a two year adoption cycle. The Board purchased kindergarten through grade three for the current school year and will be
purchasing materials from grades four and five for the upcoming year; (3) Curriculum Development (SERC – State Education Resource Center) – Work was done with the educational staff at the Special Education Research Center through the year on creating Common Formative Assessments at the middle and high schools. Two workshops will be conducted this summer for selected grade level representatives from the elementary schools. and (4) Teacher of the Year - Hope Bellantuono, second grade teacher at Plymouth Center School was selected as Plymouth’s Teacher of the Year.

B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

MOTION: To approve the final Plans dated June 8, 2010 for the roof replacement project at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – State Project Number Temp-111-KWHD.
Motion Raymond Engle seconded Anthony Orsini, motion passed unanimously.



Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 June 9, 2010 Minutes


C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities report for the month of May and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

The Finance Subcommittee also approved one transfer for the month of May and asked for the following motion:

MOTION: To approve the transfer as discussed during the Finance Subcommittee meeting of June 9, 2019. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

D. Negotiations - Mr. Wetzel, Chair

The next negotiations session with the UAW Paraprofessionals and Secretaries Union will take place on June 28, 2010 at 10 a.m. at the Board of Education Offices.

E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported all items were addressed under new business.

F. Policy – Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair

No Report – Comment – school year is ending in a smooth manner and hopefully there will be a smooth beginning to the new school year.

H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

No Report – Excused absence


I. Student Representatives

Lindsey Bourdeau – Excused Absence


Alexis Cordone – Excused Absence


Karrick Lee – Excused Absence


Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 June 9, 2010 Minutes



10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION


Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel

As the school year comes to an end, Mr. Meehan indicated he is currently focusing on the focus monitoring group from the State. He is working with Mr. Lovely wrapping up all the requirements that will begin to set the stage for continued collaboration for professional development between the gender and special education teachers as we move forward.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction/District Administrator In Charge

No Report – Items were addressed under Curriculum.


Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

Thank you to Connor Raymond and Jeff Telke for setting up for tonight’s meeting. Tonight’s Board Meeting is being taped. The Eli Terry Jr. Middle School Choral and Band Concerts will be broadcast live tonight on Channel 16. The Technology Department is getting ready to do maintenance work on computers throughout the district in preparation for the new school year.



Mr. Sangotatta, Business Manager

As reported during the Finance Subcommittee, our department is very busy closing out this year’s budget. The district is in nice financial shape. We’re looking ahead to next year’s budget and focusing on the July audit.


Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported the following:

The last day of school is on Monday, June 14th. Promotion exercises at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School will be held at 10 a.m. while the graduation ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School. The last 3 days of school (June 10, 11 & 14) are shortened days and no lunches will be served.




Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 June 9, 2010 Minutes



On behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, Dr. Distasio thanked administrators, teachers, students and staff for another wonderful and productive school year. It’s been a superb year with testing moving in a positive manner and the success of Chartwells, Energy Educators, our staff , and Mr. Santogatta’s hard work five to six teaching positions were saved.

Several Terryville High School History students under the direction of Mrs. Newcity and Mr. Nave have undertaken the task of transcribing over 200 pieces of communication (letters and v-mail from a resident of Terryville that were written by her father to her mother during WWII) into a readable and useable format. A complete copy of the letters will be housed in the Terryville High School Library-Media Center.

Dr. Distasio congratulated Mrs.Ritchie, Art Teacher at Terryville High School for receiving the Zukowski Family Foundation Award in the amount of $1,000.00. He also thanked the Zukowski Family for providing this award.

Dr. Distasio welcomed the new student representatives to the Board of Education for the next school year. They are: Michael Mastracchio, Bryan Kamens Tyler Tarnowicz.

The Lady Roos play St. Bernard at 12 noon on Saturday, June 12th in Stratford for the state title.

Finally, Dr. Distasio thanked the members of the Board of Education for their continued support, leadership, and hard work. He wanted them to know that their efforts are truly appreciated by the staff, parents, and children and wished them a wonderful summer vacation.


11. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA/NON AGENDA ITEMS

Kim Jobbagy
10 Frankie Lane
Terryville CT 06786

Mrs. Jobbagy questioned the assistant for Mr. Meehan, the loss of the speech and language pathologist and report from Futures HealthCore.

Dr. Distasio’s response: (1) We are not gaining an administrator; (2) The four special education coordinator positions will now be handled by one staff member. (3) Although we will be reducing an outside contracted speech/language pathologist, the remaining 3 individuals will be able to meet the needs of the student IEP’s and (4) the report from Futures HealthCore can be obtained by contacting Mr. Meehan.




Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 June 9, 2010 Minutes


Mr. Cerruto thanked both past and present Board Members for their support during his tenure at Terryville High School. This was a Board that set aside personalities and politics and performed in the best interest of the children of Plymouth.


12. BOARD LIAISONS TO SCHOOLS


Mr. Perugino/Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

Thank you to the PTA members for their support on this year’s budget.

Mr. Bourbonnire – Terryville High School

The THS PTA/after grad party committee are very busy preparing for the after grad party which will be held on June 14th in Shelton. Mr. Bourbonniere commended the parents and especially Mr. & Mrs. Borda for all of their hard work.

Mr. Orsini– Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – June 3, 2010

Chairpersons

Melanie Dunn Membership
Rosalinda Hunt Membership
Marissa Piper Fundraising
Holly Buckley Fundraising
Lori Carbila Enrichment
Shelli Tellier Enrchment
Lori Carbila Spirit Wear
Nancy Robinson Hospitality

June 2 6th grade Math Night – 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
June 3 Project Poetry (grade 7)
June 4 Project Poetry (Part 2) – Project Poetry exposes the children to the fine arts.
June 4 6th grade Band Trip to Boston
June 7 8th grade Awards Program – 7 p.m.
June 8 8th grade – Village In Bantham
June 8 6th grade Field Day 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.
June 9 7th grade Awards Program
June 9 Spring Concerts – 5:30 p.m. Band
7:30 p.m. Choral
June 10 8th grade social 6 p.m. – 9 p.m.
June 10 8th graders to receive Year Books
June 11 6th grade Awards Program – 9:15 a.m.
June 11 6th & 7th graders receive Year Books
September 2 Next PTA Meeting @ 7 p.m.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 June 9, 2010 Minutes



The Eli Terry Jr. PTA gave out four $200 scholarships to Terryville High School Seniors.

The last three days of school will be shortened days.

Have A Nice Summer



Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

Mr. Engle was unable to attend the PTA Meeting, however, he called upon Mrs. Collins to provide the Board with a recap of the meeting.

June 10 Field Day from 9:30 a.m. – 12 noon
June 11 5th grade Awards Assembly – 9 a.m. followed by a pizza party



Mr. Berube – SEPTA

June 2 SEPTA Meeting
Focus Program for the Fall (more information forthcoming)
Membership Report (new members)
June 6 Autism Walk (a success)
July 3 Leadership Training
August 7 Picnic – open to all special needs children and their families

It has been a pleasure working with the SEPTA parents. These individuals are extremely passionate about all special needs children. They are wonderful advocates for the Town of Plymouth and are a good group of people. Mr. Berube urges everyone to just attend a meeting and lend your support.

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

The new slate of officers for the PTA Council are:

Lisa Jaworski President
Kate Ruane Vice-President
Saundra Skempris Secretary
Jessica Piccirillo Treasurer

Thank You to Mrs. Daigle for her leadership on the PTA Council over the past year. Also, congratulations are in order as she was presented with the Connecticut PTA Life Achievement Award. Well deserved.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 June 9, 2010 Minutes


13. FINAL BOARD COMMENTS (if any)

Mrs. Perugino – Everyone have a great summer. Good Luck Mr. Cerruto

Mr. Santorso – Congratulations and good fishing Mr. Cerruto

Mr. Bourbonniere – Thank you to all staff members and congratulations on your retirement Mr. Cerruto.

Mr. Berube – Congratulations to Mrs. Bellantuono, Plymouth’s Teacher of the Year. You are a special teacher who has a passion for teaching and this is an award well deserved.
Mr. Sandshaw, remarkable job. Everyone, have a great summer.

Mr. Wetzel – To Mr. Cerruto and Mrs. Bellantuono congratulations. Thank you to everyone that participated in the Car Show. Wished everyone a good summer.

Mr. Engle – Mrs. Bellantuono, congratulations from Mr. & Mrs. Engle. Mrs. Collins thank you for tolerating me at the meetings. Mr. Cerruto, it has been an honor and pleasure knowing you. Your have made our job on the Board much easier. Thank You.

Mr. Orsini – Congratulations, to Mrs. Bellantuono, Teacher of the Year. Marty, excellent job, very impressed. Mr. Cerruto, you are going to enjoy retirement. Wishing everyone a very safe summer. I’ll see you all in the fall. I have really enjoyed being a Board Member. This is a great team with fantastic people.

Mr. Perugino – Per Mr. Sandshaw, the freezers will be consolidated into one, pilot lights will be turned off, refrigerators will be washed and shut down. Congratulations Mrs. Bellanutono. Thank you to the town’s people. Over $100,000 worth of scholarships were given out to students. Mr. Cerruto everyday is going to be a Saturday. Congratulations!

14. NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING

Mr. Perugino stated the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on the August 18, 2010 at 7 p.m., Terryville High School cafeteria.

15. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:13 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Raymond Engle, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere, Secretary

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