Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 8, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Lisbeth Leonhardt, Michelle Spencer, Velma McConnell, Martin Wetzel, Patrick Perugino, and Raymond Engle
Excused Absences: Leonard Morgan, Jennifer Zalaski and Daniel Gentile
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Carol Doiron, Gerry Perusse, and Keith Rafaniello
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 Velma McConnell, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of February 8, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed with an abstention from Mrs. McConnell.
4. PRESENTATIONS
The presentation for the month of March by Main Street and Prospect Street Schools was postponed until the May Board of Education Meeting due to the change in location of this month’s Board of Education Meeting.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 March 8, 2006
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Engle read a letter he received from Mr. Matthew Tellier of AMCI, Inc. a local business in town. Mr. Tellier praised members of the Terryville High School FBLA, in particular Kaitlin Palance and Kristi Pierzanowski, for helping to make the Plymouth Business Manufacturing Expo a success. Hors d’oeuvres for the expo were provided by Mrs. Rioux and her vocational foods students.
7. OLD BUSINESS
MOTION: To approve the school calendar for the 2007 – 2008 and 2008 – 2009 school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Childbearing Leave
MOTION: To approve Childbearing Leave for Melissa Gilbert, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School from August 23, 2006 through October 17, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
B. Appointment
The Personnel Subcommittee met prior to the Board meeting, interviewed the recommended candidate and moved to forward his name to the full Board for approval. At this time, the following motion was made:
MOTION: To appoint Gary Travers, Principal of Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective July 1, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell. The chairman conducted a roll call vote of the Board of Education Members: Michelle Spencer, Martin Wetzel, Lisbeth Leonhardt, Patrick Perugino, Velma McConnell and Board of Education Chair, Raymond Engle. All voted in favor of appointing Gary Travers, Principal of Harry S. Fisher Middle School.
C. Out-of-State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve the trip to Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA for grade 5 students at Main Street School for May 17, 2006. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the trip to Six Flags New England for band students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for participation in the band competition on May 19, 2006.
Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 March 8, 2006
D. Resignation
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Gina Plourde, grade 6 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective June 30, 2006.
E. Appointment
MOTION: To appoint Linda Farrington to the position of Boy’s Volleyball Coach at Terryville High School for this spring season. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
F. Board of Education Budget
After 3 budget workshops, which were held during the months of February and March in preparation for the Board of Education Budget, the Finance Subcommittee Chair has recommended the following:
MOTION: To approve the 2006-2007 budget for the Plymouth Board of Education for $21,667,748 and to approve a recommended increase of 6.4% over the current Board of Education Budget to the Plymouth Board of Finance for the fiscal year 2006 – 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on March 1, 2006 and discussed the following items: (1) Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel and Mrs. Vivian, Coordinator of the Family Resource Center, discussed “Helping More Children Reach the K Door Ready to Succeed”. Information was presented on a change in the 3 year old program. Rather than a one, four-day week program, there would be two, two-day a week programs. Since there were questions from Board members regarding the change, it was decided more information was needed before a decision could be made. and (2) Mrs. Lavery, Principal of Terryville High School, Mrs. Newcity, New England Association of Schools and Colleges Committee Chair and Mrs. Tracy, Terryville High School NEASC committee member presented a prelude of what will be forth coming with respect to the accreditation process of the high school. A visit will take place in the fall of 2008. The NEASC committee will consist of 10 to 12 persons who will evaluate the high school. Mrs. Lavery, Mrs. Newcity and Mrs. Tracy, initial presentation to the subcommittee outlined seven areas to be reviewed and the process to be used during the evaluation.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 March 8, 2006
B. Facilities – Daniel Gentile, Chair
Mr. Engle reported the following in lieu of Mr. Gentile’s absence. Digging has begun on at the site of the new high school and the foundation will begin to be poured on March 9th. Mr. Rafaniello will be taking pictures which will be aired on Plymouth 16.
C. Finance – Daniel Gentile, Chair
In Mr. Gentile’s absence, Mr. Engle reported that the Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair
Mrs. McConnell indicated a letter was received from the United Automobile Aerospace Agricultural Implement Workers of America wishing to open up negotiations for the Plymouth Board of Education Cafeteria Workers. More information will be forthcoming.
E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting. All personnel matters were handled under new business.
The Superintendent’s evaluation will be addressed in Executive Session.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
Excused absence
G. Safety & Transportation – Michelle Spencer, Chair
No Report at this time
H. Education Connection – Velma McConnell
No meeting due to the weather.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 March 8, 2006
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz – Excused absence
Kaitlin Palance – Oral History Club interviewed Mike Corey, a former Terryville High School Student. Mike told of experiences he had while over in Iraq; United Way Youth Board – a mini forum on Substance Abuse and Peer Pressure will be held on March 28th from 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m. at Nuchie’s Restaurant in Forestville; the Future Business Leaders of America together with the Plymouth Chamber of Commerce and the Plymouth Business Economic Commission participated in the Plymouth Business Manufacturing Expo on February 15, 2006; and tonight in the gym at Terryville High School, Lewis Mills Boy’s Basketball Team and Terryville High School Basketball Team will be competing in the state tournament.
Sean Link – Excused absence
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Acceptance letters were mailed to parents/guardians with respect to the four year old pre-k program at Plymouth Center School. Most the children were accepted into the program. There are 4 children on a waiting list. The FRC (Family Resource Center) has also mailed out letters of acceptance to parents/guardians for its 4 year old program.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Rotella & Maloney Interdistrict Magnet Schools
Closing date for Applications – March 10, 2006
WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School)
Closing date for Applications – March 22, 2006 @ 2 p.m.
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Many thanks to Mr. Warren Brayton of the Building Committee for taking and donating the March pictures of the project site for the new high school; photographs of the site can be accessed by logging on to the board of education website (www.plymouth.k12.ct.us/). Thanks also to Christopher Casola and Kyle Konopaske for filming tonight’s meeting.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 March 8, 2006
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
Legislation for the roofs will be presented to the Legislature this session. Since the roofs at Main Street and Prospect Street Schools have already been approved, this new legislation will not affect us.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio encouraged the public to attend the town’s budget hearing to be held in April and to vote in the referendum concerning the town budget which will be held in early May.
The Board’s Finance Subcommittee devoted many hours in developing the Board of Education budget. It is a time consuming process that they take very seriously. Many thanks go out to these individuals.
Thank you to those parents, PTA members, our town officials, Mark Goodwin from the Board of Finance and Sue Murawski, Town Council Member for attending some of our budget workshops and adding their input.
Kindergarten registration for the Plymouth Public Schools is as follows:
Prospect Street School
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Last names beginning with A – K
Thursday, March 30, 2006 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Last names beginning with L – Z
Plymouth Center School
Wednesday, March 29, 2006 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Last names beginning with A – K
Thursday, March 30, 2006 9 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. & 1 p.m. – 3 p.m.
Last names beginning with A – K
Please contact the appropriate school to make an appointment, if for some reason the above dates are inconvenient.
Dr. Distasio wished the Board a very happy Board of Education Week. A small token of appreciation for the work that is done each day on behalf of the youngsters of Plymouth was placed at each member’s seating area.
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The academic bowl will be held on Saturday, March 11, 2006 at Bristol Eastern High School @ 12 noon. Good luck to this year’s participants.
Community Conversation will be held on Saturday, April 8, 2006 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Terryville High School. The topic, “Drug Awareness and Substance Abuse”. Individuals who wish to participate should RSVP by doing the following: phoning 314-4451 or by
e-mailing [email protected]
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to the Schools
Mr. Perugino – Main Street School
Reflections Award Presentation – April 5th at 7 p.m. at Harry S. Fisher Middle School. This year’s theme “I Wonder Why”. Congratulations to the winners.
March 20th – Literacy Night
23rd – Spring Pictures
24th – Movie Night
29th – Town Meeting at Main Street School
Mrs. McConnell – Prospect Street School
Students have begun CMT (Connecticut Mastery Test) testing.
Mrs. Zalaski – Plymouth Center School
In Mrs. Zalaski’s absence, Mrs. McConnell reported the following: March 20th, spring pictures; March 22nd report cards go home; March 31st Family Bingo Night; and students in grades 3, 4 & 5 will be taking the Connecticut Mastery Test.
Mrs. Spencer – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Good luck to the students who are in the process of taking the Connecticut Mastery Test; thank you to the teachers for all the hard work; thank you to the PTA’s for providing snacks for each student during each morning of the testing; book fair, April 7 -13, buy
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 March 8, 2006
one get one free; Washington, D.C. trip is steadily approaching; Congratulations to Bonnie Doughty-Jenkins in obtaining her doctorate; Math Counts team placed 9th out of 14; the PTA is preparing to have a speaker or group come in as part of their Enrichment Committee and the topic will be on anti bullying and some funds will be distributed for Savings Bonds for high school seniors and will be sent out on scholarship night. Next meeting will be held at 6:30 in the Library on March 9th.
Mr. Engle – Terryville High School
The Parent Involvement Committee is very busy getting ready for Career Day which will be held on April 13th. Friends of Music Dinner Dance raised approximately $4,000 – thank you to those parents and students that helped.
Mr. Gentile – SEPTA (Special Education PTA)
No report – excused absence
13. Final Board Comments (if any)
Dr. Distasio thanked Mrs. Nicole Walsh, President of the PEA for the work she did over the February vacation putting up signs in local businesses in support of the CMT’s and CAPT tests.
Thank you to Mrs. Aiudi and member of the student council for attending tonight’s board meeting.
Mr. Engle thanked the union members and negotiations subcommittee for all the work that was done with recent negotiations with the Plymouth Education Association. It was a give and take situation on both sides.
Mr. Perugino urged members of the Board to drop in on any of the subcommittee meetings whether on that specific committee or not. It is a great learning experience for new members.
14. Executive Session
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:35 p.m. into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s evaluation. All Board Members and the Superintendent were invited to attend. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To reconvene at 8 p.m. into Regular Session. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 March 8, 2006
15. ACTION TAKEN FROM EXECUTION SESSION (if necessary)
MOTION: To approve the Superintendent’s evaluation and begin negotiations on his contract. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
16. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
April 12, 2006 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School in the cafeteria.
17. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary