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1/10/2007

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
1/10/2007 7:00:00 PM

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Daniel Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Martin Wetzel, Michelle Spencer and Raymond Engle.

Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan, Velma McConnell and Lisbeth Leonhardt

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Gerry Perusse, Keith Rafaniello, Carol Doiron and
Peter Lovely

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 13, 2006. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed with an abstention from Dan Gentile.

4. PRESENTATIONS

First Presentation – Mrs. Julie Tracy provided a brief update on NEASC (New England Association of Schools & Colleges) accreditation progress and reviewed the new mission statement for Terryville High School.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 January 10, 2007

Second Presentation - Main Street School fifth grade students and staff gave power point presentation on their Nature’s Classroom experience. Students worked on writing assignments based on their experiences. Students were interviewed by their fellow students for a short video.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

A. Policies

Following an explanation of the policies by Dr. Distasio, the following Motion was made:

MOTION: To approve the following policies: (a) Communication with the Public, Policy 1101.1; (b) Hazardous Materials in Schools, Policy 3524.1 (a); (c) Internet Acceptable Use: Filtering Policy 6141.323; (d) Migrant Students, Policy 6141.312; and
(e) Comparability of Services, Policy 6161.3. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave

To approve childbearing leave for Hope Bellantuono, grade 2 teacher at Plymouth Center School from February 1, 2007 through April 23, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.

B. Appointments

The Personnel Subcommittee reviewed the following appointments with the Superintendent prior to the full Board Meeting. The following motion was made:

MOTION: To appoint Sandra Monte to the position of cafeteria helper at Plymouth Center School effective, January 11, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 January 10, 2007

MOTION: To appoint Migdalia (Meg) Rivera to the position of secretary at Main Street School, effective January 11, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Sharon Lyons to the position of Cook/Manager at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, effective January 11, 2007. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Maureen Austin to the position of part-time bookkeeper at Central Office, effective January 4, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To appoint Melissa Armbruster to the position of part-time paraprofessional
At Plymouth Center School (Apple Program), effective January 11, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed with an abstention from
Jennifer Zalaski.

C. Approval of Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve the trip to New York City, New York to the Museum of Natural History for selected science students in grades 9 – 12 at Terryville High School for May 23, 2007. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to Washington, D.C. for grade 8 students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for May 1 through May 4, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

D. Amended Calendar 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 School Years

MOTION: To approve an amended school calendar for the 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 school years to include an additional Parent/Teacher Conference Day in February. This would include February 3, 2008 as the additional ½ session day in next year’s calendar and February 5, 2009 for the following year. Motion Michelle Spencer, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously,

E. Resignations

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Erin Putnam, guidance counselor at Terryville High School effective February 2, 2007.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 January 10, 2007

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair (excused absence)

Mr. Lovely reported that the Curriculum Subcommittee met on January 3, 2007. The following items were discussed: (1) Proposal for Additional February Conference Day – a proposal was made by the elementary staff and administration requesting the school calendars for 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 be amended to allow for an extra conference day in February of each year. Said request would require the reduction of one full day to a shortened day. A motion will be brought to the full Board for approval; (2) Elementary CMT Night – A Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT) night will be held sometime on January 31, 2007 at Plymouth Center School from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for K-5 parents. Included in this presentation will be an overview of the CMT; grade level presentations; distribution of materials; and ideas and suggestions will be presented by the staff to improve student academic skills and performance; (3) Science Materials (CMT/CAPT) – The science curriculum was revised based on the Connecticut framework. All materials purchased will be in alignment with the Connecticut frameworks and the district curriculum. and (4) Other - The subcommittee discussed a proposal by the administrators to help assist “at risk” students at Terryville High School. A pilot program will be instituted following the second term and will be evaluated at the close of the school year.

B. Facilities –- Daniel Gentile, Chair

No Report

C. Finance – Daniel Gentile, Chair

The accounts by facilities report for December were reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

MOTION: To accept the transfers recommended by the Superintendent at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting on January 10, 2007. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To offer any member of the Plymouth Education Association a one time retirement incentive of $5,000 a year for three years (2007-2008, 2008-2009, and 2009-2010) as long as the PEA Member notifies the Plymouth Board of Education by
February 16, 2007 in writing of their intention of retiring on June 30, 2007. The retirees’ health insurance benefits would also continue through August 30, 2007. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 January 10, 2007

D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair

No Report – (excused absence) Dr. Distasio informed Board Members of two pending negotiations.

E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair

Mr. Perugino reported the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved of all of his appointments.

F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation - Michelle Spencer, Chair

No Report

H. Education Connection - Velma McConnell, Liaison

No Report – (excused absence)

I. Student Representatives

Anna Plotnikova – (1) Boys’ Varsity Basketball – (a) Tuesday, January 9, 2007, Terryville Defeats Lewis Mills 50 to 49; and (b) Friday, January 12, 2007, Thomaston, Away Game; (2) Girl’s Varsity Basketball – Friday, January 12, 2007, Thomaston, Away Game and (3) CAPT Pep Rally was a success; and (3) from a student’s point of view, the CAPT Pep Rally was a success.

Robert Lutters – (1) Tug of War Pep Rally, Friday, January 12, 2007 and (2) FBLA members made wooden gifts and cards with personal messages for the elderly, the chorus sang carols while the students visited.

Kailtin Palance – (1) January 17, 2007 Four FBLA officers will attend a breakfast with the Chamber of Commerce to hear the new Speaker of the House; (2) February 14 2007 – Business Expo at the Lyceum from 12 noon to 5 p.m. and (3) Seniors please check the guidance department for new scholarships.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 January 10, 2007

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

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

Comment – Tremendous presentation by Main Street School staff and students on Nature’s Classroom. In the beginning years, students with severe disabilities were unable to attend this field trip. Fortunately, this program has expanded beyond anyone’s dreams. More students with disabilities were able to attend this year than in previous years. We are finding inclusion not only in our schools but on field trips as well.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

No Report

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Mr. Rafaniello highlighted the various ways to access information by using the Plymouth Board of Education website. A new addition to the website is the shared calendar. One can also find the Terryville High School Mission statement on the website.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

Mr. Perusse reported on the following: (1) the roof at Prospect Street School has been completed; (2) the new high school project is on target; (3) the Building Committee is looking into exploring security coverage for the area of the new high school; (4) the new point of sale machines at Plymouth Center School went into effect today; and (5) with respect to the new high school, Mr. Perusse is in the process of scheduling an appointment with the State for sometime in April to discuss Furniture & Equipment. He hopes to go out to bid in the summer and have the new equipment in the fall.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

It’s budget time once again. Dr. Distasio reported administrators and department heads are in the process of preparing their budgets. The first budget workshop will be held on Monday, January 22, 2007 at 6 p.m. in the conference room at the Board of Education. PTA Presidents, the Mayor, Town Council Liaison, Board of Finance Members, Union Leaders, and Administrators have been invited to attend. Anyone in the school community is also extended an invitation to attend.

As a reminder, Dr. Distasio reminded parents to stay turned to Channel 16 for school delays, cancellations and early dismissals. Announcements will also be made on the major television and radio stations.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 January 10, 2007

A Happy New Year was extended to all.

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

Linda Hotchkiss – 15 Curtiss Road – Terryville CT – Comments – Nice presentation of Nature’s Classroom by staff and students at Main Street School; observed the first day of point of sale at Plymouth Center School; and encouraged parents to attend a PTA meeting at their child’s school.

Sue Murawski – 143 Schroback Road – Plymouth CT – Comments – Enjoyed the presentation on Nature’s Classroom and Terryville students and teachers have a very good reputation with the staff at Nature’s Classroom.

12. Board Liaisons to the Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

January 10, 12, & 23rd Main Street School Field Trip to the Recycling Plant
January 16th Main Street School Winter Concert @ 7 p.m.

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

January 24th Band & Chorus Concert

There were approximately 1,800 ornaments sold during the holiday season. Just a note, PTA’s are constantly looking for volunteers. Mr. Engle urged parents to get involved, join your child’s PTA or help out at your child’s school.

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

No Report

Mr. Gentile – SEPTA

No Report

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 January 10, 2007

13. Final Board Comments

Mr. Perugino - Mr. Perugino and Dr. Distasio will be attending the Annual CABE Breakfast on Thursday, January 11th. At this time, they will present our case to state senators and legislators. The more we are able to meet these individuals face to face the better we can communicate with them. Mr. Perugino indicated this is going to be an exciting year with the new school. Also, we need mentors. Please if you have a half hour to spare, consider mentoring a child. Everyone needs someone to talk to.

Mrs. Zalaski – Impressed with the CAPT presentation. The presentation even brought questions from her sons.

Mrs. Spencer – Thanked Mr. Rafaniello for all he did with the CAPT Rally; Main Street School presentation of Nature’s Classroom was excellent. Thank you to teachers and everyone who was involved. Main Street School enrichment program featuring a magician was wonderful.

Mr. Engle – Mr. Perugino, Dr. Distasio and Mr. Engle have been meeting with various state representatives and legislatures expressing their concern regarding funding for the school system. Something needs to be done. Small towns are being short changed, neglected. Express your concern. Write your representative. Decisions affect the Board of Education Budget as well as the Town Budget and inevitably everyone’s pocketbook.

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated the next Board of Education Meeting will be held on February 14, 2007 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary
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