Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Daniel Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Lisbeth Leonhardt, Jennifer Zalaski, Martin Wetzel, Leonard Morgan and Raymond Engle
Excused Absence: Michelle Spencer and Velma McConnell
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent, Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Gerry Perusse, Business Manager and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology
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 Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 10, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the special meeting of May 17, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the special meeting of June 7, 2006. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Dr. Distasio and Mr. Engle presented Jennifer Dutkiewicz and Sean Link, the two senior Board of Education student representatives, with a gift for their participation on the Board.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 June 14, 2006
At this time, Dr. Distasio welcomed the new student representatives Senior, Anna Plotnikova and Junior, Robert Lutters and returning student representative,
Senior, Kaitlin Palance.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Perugino shared a verbal communication from Master D’Amato with respect to the recent Karate event that took place at Terryville High School. Mr. D’Amato thanked the following individuals for their help and hard work in preparation for this event: Mrs. Barbara Pilbin; Mr. Rafaniello, the Plymouth 16 Team, Mr. Perusse, the Terryville High School custodians and Dr. Distasio. Many positive comments were made with respect to the cleanliness and upkeep of the high school.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointments
MOTION: To appoint Brooke Matuszczak to the position of Business Teacher at Terryville High School for the next school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Diana Nieves to the position of World Language Teacher at Terryville High School for the next school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Edward R. Rostowsky, Jr. to the position of Technology Teacher at Terryville High School for the next school year. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 June 14, 2006
MOTION: To appoint Darren Smith to the position of Computer Technology Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the next school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Maryanne Klimkewicz to the position of Custodian at Harry S. Fisher Middle School beginning within the next several weeks. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Charles McDermott to the position of Technology Education Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the next school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt motion passed unanimously.
B. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To amend childbearing leave for Mrs. Melissa Gilbert, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School to begin June 5, 2006 through the remainder of this school year and to approve a childrearing leave from August 23, 2006 – January 8, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.
C. Resignations
Dr. Distasio accepted the following resignations: Devon Smart, English Teacher at Terryville High School and Ann Petrin, Family & Consumer Science Teacher at Terryville High School, Janine Bracco-Cox, grade one teacher at Plymouth Center School and Amy Comeau, paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective June 30, 2006.
D. Authorization to Participate in the National School Lunch Program
MOTION: To approve the authorization of the administration to participate in the National School Lunch Program for the 2006 – 2007 school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 June 14, 2006
E. 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, 2006, and to expend all appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2005 – 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
F. 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 Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
G. Bus Contracts
MOTION: To approve the Worhunsky Corporation bus contract for the 2006-2007 to the 2008-2009 school year with an option to extend the contract through 2010-2011 school years. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve Wollenberg Company to provide transportation for our special needs students for the 2006-2007 through the 2008-2009 school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed with one abstention by Mrs. Zalaski.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on June 7, 2006 and discussed the following items:
(1) Handwriting without Tears – the Curriculum Subcommittee unanimously approved a motion to accept this program for kindergarten and grade one next year and to bring this matter to the full Board for their approval. Mrs. Leonhardt made the following motion:
MOTION: To approve the implementation of the Handwriting Without Tears program for 2006-2007 school year. Motion Jennifer Zalaski, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
(2) Presentation of the K-3 Three-year Early Literacy Plan – A draft of the Three Year Early Literacy Plan was presented to the subcommittee by Mrs. Holleran. She explained how the plan will update the district-wide assessments, improve instructional practices and support board, district, school and individual goal settings; and (3) Other – Coach’s course was completed in May. The Connecticut State Department of Education reported the program met all of their requirements. All coaches who attended will be certified.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 June 14, 2006
B. Facilities – Dan Gentile, Chair
Mr. Gentile reported he visited the site of the new high school, the project is on schedule, the steel is going up and the project is a head of schedule.
C. Finance – Dan Gentile, Chair
The Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting, reviewed the accounts by facilities report and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
Mr. Gentile thanked the committee, administrators, and teachers for all of their hard work This was a difficult year. Many volunteer hours were put into this budget.
D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair
Excused absence – no report
E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported all items were handled under new business.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
Mrs. Zalaski reported the Policy Subcommittee met at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Board meeting. The first readings of the following four policies were addressed: (1) Food and Allergy Management Plan, Policy 5141.6 (new); (2) Wellness Policy, Policy 5141.7 (new); (3) Administration of Medication Policy, Policy 5141.21 (revision) and (4) Student Health Service Policy, Policy 5141(a) (revision).
Mrs. Doiron reported: (a) the Wellness Policy (5141.7) needs to be approved by the start of the 2006 school year; (b) the following individuals contributed to the revisions of Policy 5141.21 – Administration of Medication Policy – counsel for the Board of Education, school nurse, and school physician; (c) Student Health Service Policy 5141(a) revision suggestions were from the school physician, school nurse and Mrs. Doiron; and (d) Food and Allergy Management Plan, Policy 5141(6) needs to be completed by January, 2007.
If anyone has any questions, please call or e-mail Mrs. Doiron.
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G. Safety & Transportation – Michelle Spencer, Chair
Excused Absence - No Report
H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell
Excused Absence – No Report
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz – Approximately $250,000 in scholarships were distributed to seniors on Scholarship Night. Spanish students donated approximately $50 to the Food Pantry.
Sean Link – Profits from the Empty Bowl Project went to the Terryville/Plymouth Food Pantry; an Art Show and a Fashion Show (Fabric & Textile Classes) were also held at the high school.
Kaitlin Palance – Congratulations to the graduating Board of Education senior representatives. Best wishes for a great summer to Board Members.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Summer school will take place from July 5 – August 3rd, 2006. There are different weeks for each program.
Grades 3 – 5 will run for three weeks (July 10 – August 3, 2006
Pre-kindergarten will run for three weeks (July 5 – August 3, 2006)
No classes will be held on Fridays except for the very first week which will be camp for Apple students.
Mrs. Doiron will report the number of students who attended summer school at the August Board of Education Meeting.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 June 14, 2006
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Summer school registration for high school will take place after the close of school.
Thomaston, Waterbury, Parochial, Technology Education and the Waterbury Arts Schools will be participating.
Registration for Middle School Summer School will be held on June 20 and 21 at Harry S. Fisher Middle School from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Middle School Language Arts and Mathematics will be available for 6th, 7th and 8th grade students. All classes will be held at Harry S. Fisher Middle School and will be held Monday through Thursday, beginning on July 5, 2006 and ending August 3, 2006.
Mr. Lovely reported he received many compliments from the owner of the Cornucopia, police, staff, wait staff, and photographer when chaperoning the Junior Prom. Everyone treated each other with respect and integrity. Plymouth should be extremely proud of its students.
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Interested parties can view pictures of the new high school site on ImprovePlymouth.com. Mr. Rafaniello is working on a summer project: Time lapse photography.
The promotion ceremony for the middle school will be on closed circuit television. It can be viewed in the afternoon and evening of June 15th.
Terryville High School Graduation will be shown live on Channel 16 on June 15th.
Parents of students in the elementary schools, please be patient. Events taking place at the end of the school year will be shown but at a later date.
Mr. Rafaniello thanked Mr. Kilduff for filming some of the baseball games. Eventually, events will be archived.
Tonight’s Crew: Ms. Fran Block Club Advisor/Camera C
Chris Casola Directing/Audio
Brian Luba Camera B/Quality Control
Scott Mamrosh Camera A
Josh Roland Text
A special thank you to Mr. Trudeau for all his work throughout the school year.
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Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
The auditors have begun their preliminary check of accounts.
Mr. Perusse attended his first Job Meeting. He reported how amazing it was to observe the contractors coordinating with one another.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio made the following announcements: (1) the last day of school for all students is Thursday, June 15, 2006; (2) Harry S. Fisher Middle School graduation will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 10:30 in the morning; and (3) Terryville High School graduation will be held on Thursday, June 15, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.
Dr. Distasio acknowledged the students, parents and community for their continued support of the Plymouth Public Schools. Plymouth is very proud of its students and the parents who have raised them. Teachers, administrators and staff are to be commended for their hard work, dedication and professionalism.
Dr. Distasio recognized Mr. Engle and the Plymouth Board of Education for their hard work on behalf of the students. These individuals volunteer their time and put in much effort for the students of Plymouth. On behalf of the students and staff, he thanked Board Members for their continued efforts, time spent and undying support especially given the difficult year of budget reductions.
Dr. Distasio, on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, extended best wishes for a restful, enjoyable and healthy summer vacation.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 June 14, 2006
12. Board Liaisons to the Schools
Mr. Perugino – Main Street
No Report
Mrs. McConnell – Prospect Street School
Excused Absence – No Report
Mrs. Zalaski – Plymouth Center School
With the school year coming to an end and tomorrow being the last day of school, events have already taken place.
However, Mrs. Zalaski reported the following:
June 8 Caribbean Day
Last day for pre-kindergarten
June 9 Field Day for students in grades 4 & 5 under the direction of Mr. Curtiss
August 21 Class placement information will be available
August 28 First day of school
Mrs. Spencer – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Excused Absence – No Report
Mr. Gentile – SEPTA (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)
Mr. Gentile reported that this has been an exciting year for SEPTA with many workshops and next year will prove to be even better. Ms. Kim Cook is the new SEPTA President. Mrs. Melissa Johnson, will be its liaison. On July 8th , the 2nd Annual Picnic by the Lake will take place for Special Needs Children. For more information, please contact Melissa Johnson at 584-0065 or Louise at 589-8444. A calendar of events is being put together for next year. A Special Education Symposium is scheduled for sometime in October, 2006 as a joint venture with the library of Plymouth.
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Mr. Engle – Terryville High School
Best Wishes to the graduates of 2006.
13. Final Board Comments (if any)
Mr. Morgan - Personal comments and congratulations to graduating seniors, Jennifer Dutkiewicz and Sean Link – your families should be very proud of you and good luck to the both of you in the future.
Mr. Wetzel – Good Luck to the 2 graduating senior representatives on the Board and to all of the graduating seniors of the class of 2006. Best Wishes for a good summer.
Mrs. Leonhardt – Happy Graduation, have a great summer and great success to the class of 2006.
Mr. Perugino - It was a pleasure to have Sean and Jen as student representatives on the Board of Education. You kept the Board Members up-to-date on the events and happenings at the high school. Good Luck in the future. The generosity of the people of Plymouth with regards to the amount in scholarships is amazing. Plymouth has a total of sixty mentors this year and I am proud to be among them. Please we need you, volunteer your time and become a Mentor.
Mrs. Zalaski – Attended the Internet Safety Program at Harry S. Fisher Middle School on May 31st. Urged parents to monitor how your children are using the Internet. You would be surprised how many children are using myspace.com. Jen, Sean and all students, good luck.
Mr. Gentile - The choir at Harry S. Fisher Middle School put on a wonderful performance. A gold medal was won at the convention this year. Good Luck to all our students. Cherish every moment. Best wishes to our retirees. Have A Great Summer.
Mr. Engle - Mr. Engle called for the following Motion:
MOTION: To have a Personnel Subcommittee Meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 5:30 p.m. for the purpose interviewing a candidate for the Principal of Terryville High School and a Special Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, June 21, 2006 at 6 p.m. regarding the possible appointment of a Principal for Terryville High School. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Engle thanked Mrs. Lavery for her twelve years of dedicated service to the students and the Town of Plymouth, retirees we applaud your many years of service; thank you to the Board Members and Administrators for all of their hard work, it’s been a pleasure.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 June 14, 2006
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on August 9, 2006 at 7 p.m., Terryville High School cafeteria.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary