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, January 11, 2012
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present: Board: Mr. Raymond Engle, Mr. Anthony Orsini, Mr. Gerard Bourbonniere, Mr. Mark Berube, Mrs. Roxanne Perugino, Mrs. Karen Kulesa, Mr. Martin Wetzel and Mr. Patrick Perugino
Excused Absence: Mr. Daniel Santorso
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Parenti, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education 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 Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Martin Wetzel,motion passed unanimously
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of December 14, 2011 by amending them to include Gerard Bourbonniere’s name under Old Business. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Anthony Orsini, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATION
Harry S. Fisher Elementary School provided a presentation on innovative ways the student used to improve their reading scores.
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5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
MOTION: To approve Regulation 5131.911(a) Safe School Climate Plan. Motion Martin Wetzel, secondedRoxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointments
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Donald Jarvie to the position of Ecology Club Advisor at Terryville High School for the remainder of the school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Ronald Rice to the position of custodian at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective January 30, 2012. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
B. Retirements
Dr. Distasio has accepted the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Lorraine Santopietro, School Nurse at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and Head Nurse for the District effective the end of the school year.
Dr. Distasio has accepted the resignation for the purpose of retirement of Bettye Castle, School Nurse at Terryville High School effective at the end of the school year.
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9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
- Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair
No Report.
- Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair
The replacement of the boilers at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School is progressing.
- Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities reports for the month of December and will forward them to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
MOTION: To approve the transfer discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which took place prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
D. Negotiations
No Report
E. Personnel – Mr. Berube, Chair
All items were discussed in subcommittee and were handled under New Business.
F. Policy -
Mr. Berube reported all items were addressed under old business.
G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair
A meeting of the Safety & Transportation Subcommittee was held on January 9, 2011 at 6 p.m. The subcommittee moved to recommend to the full Board to rescind the Superintendent’s recommendation concerning the revised bus stops for the magnet, technical education and vocational technical schools and to return to
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the current system pending further investigation regarding the shortening of school bus routes. Transportation to follow the same procedure as done for in-house transportation. This recommendation was passed unanimously by the subcommittee. Therefore the following motion was made:
MOTION: To rescind the Superintendent’s recommendation concerning the revised bus stops for the magnet, technical education and vocational technical schools and to return to the current system pending further investigation regarding the shortening of the bus routes. Transportation to follow the same procedure as is done for in-house transportation. Motion Mark Berube, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time the Chair took a roll vote: Mrs. Perugino,
Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Berube, and Mr. Orsini, all voted in favor of the Motion. Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Engle, and the Chair voted against the motion. Motion passed with 5 in favor and 3 against.
H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Timothy King reported on the following: Exams will take place on January 20 & 23; January 24 – 26 will be half days; February 4 – Leo Mid-Winter Conference; Support Our Soldiers Campaign; Drama Club presentation in March “Wizard of Oz”; and Fresh Start Mentor Day, January 11, 2012. Junior Students and their parents will be meeting with guidance counselors to choose courses for next year in preparation for college; Alumni Day has already taken place; and Indoor track is having its best season with 3 students qualifying for State.
Tyler Tarnowicz –Excused Absence
Vannesa Kello reported on the following: Blood Drive – 30 pints to the Red Cross; Girls’ Basketball – 4/5; Boys’ Basketball – 4/4; and Wrestling – 8/1; February 3 – major rival basketball game – THS vs. Thomaston & Pep Rally; Scott LaMarre came in first at the Bristol Central Invitational Tournament and won the outstanding wrestling award; the Boys Soccer Team is the recipient of the George D. Ritchie Sportsmanship Award for 2011; Corie Scharpf won first place in the high jump at the Shoreline Invitational; Allyson Lafland placed second in the 55 meter hurdle; and we had a student win second place in the shot put.
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10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology
Mr. Trudeau thanked tonight’s crew and Mr. Brencher. He reported on a pilot program entitled Virtualization which can introduce more access to students.
Mr. Parenti, Director of Pupil Personnel
Mr. Parenti reported the following: he has been meeting with teachers, paraprofessionals and building administrators reviewing budgetary requests; working with out-of-district placement facilities ; state compliance issues i.e.: new Medicaid billing procedure that the federal government is mandating; out-of-district placement facilities and working with directors.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Lovely reported on the following: A new legislative law taking effect Students Success Planning for students in grades 6 – 12 is about developing an individualized plan for each student in grades 6 – 12 revolving around education, planning and health and physical safety. More information to come; and the Early Childhood Council invites you to attend a “Sauce on the Side” dinner is at 5:30 p.m. on February 2, snow date, February 9 and the program runs from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. and will take place at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School.
Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported: the Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting; this year’s budget looks good; he is currently working on next year’s budget; the purchasing of natural gas for 3 out of 5 of our facilities; and the burner and boiler replacements at Harry S. Fisher Elementary are going well.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported with the winter weather upon us school closings, late openings, and early dismissals will be broadcasted over cable Channel 16 and the major Television and Radio Stations. Parents and staff will receive a call from the AlertNow automated emergency system. Calls for staff will be made at approximately 5:15 a.m. and to parents at 5:45 a.m.
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He also informed members and the public that the first budget workshop will be held on Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education offices in Main Street School. All are invited to attend.
Best Wishes for a very Happy and Healthy New Year.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
The following individuals commented on the Boards decision to rescind the Superintendent’s recommendation concerning the revised bus stops for the magnet, technical education and vocational technical schools.
Jennifer Steinman – 250 Lake Plymouth Boulevard; Rebecca Colosanto – 234 Bemis; Lisa Jaworski – 437 Harwinton Avenue; Shela Mike – 471 South Eagle Street; Deb Whitford – 89 East Plymouth Road; and Cassandra Kirouac – 4 Liberty Street.
12. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
January 16 Martin Luther King Day – No School
January 20 Grade 5 Field Trip
January 26 Winter Concert – 1:45 p.m. & 7 p.m.
February 3 Harlem Wizards (v) Terryville Wildcats @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School @ 7 p.m.
The brick program is still active. Mrs. Worhunsky explained the “Walking Wildcats”.
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
The PTA currently has 82 members.
January 6 Arithmetickles Enrichment Program
January 13 After School Book Club for first grade students
January 20 Bingo Night 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m.
January 24 Winter Concert/Band & Chorus 2 p.m. & 7 p.m.
There were 4 winners in Reflections who will be going to the State in Hamden.
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Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
January 5 PTA Meeting @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School 7 p.m.
January 5 Coat Drive – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 6 Coat Drive – 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.
January 24 PTA Fundraiser at McDonald’s in Terryville
from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
February 2 Next PTA Meeting at the middle school starting at 7 p.m.
May 3 PTA to supply a breakfast or lunch for Staff Appreciation Day
(more information to follow)
Ms. Suffridge, Assistant Principal at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School gave a presentation on Bullying; announcement of Mr. Rob Parenti as the District’s new Director of Pupil Personnel and Aimee Schapp as School Psychologist; the Membership Committee reported a total of 92 members; the Enrichment Committee is investigating a possible Bullying Program for middle school students in March and the PTA is beginning to recruit PTA officers for the 2012 – 2013 school year.
Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School
The next meeting for the Aftergrad Party will take place on January 12, 2012.
Mr. Bourbonniere reported approximately $2,500 profit was made from the PTSA Northeast Professional Wrestling Night. Thank you to Mr. & Mrs. Borda and staff for an outstanding job.
Mr. Berube - SEPTA
No Meeting in December.
January 19 Next SEPTA Meeting
Mr. Santorso - CABE
Excused Absence
Dr. Distasio – PTSA Council
Dr. Distasio reported that the PTSA Council did not meet last month.
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13. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino – It’s nice to be back. With respect to the Magnet Schools – It’s a choice and a privilege for your child to have the option to attend the magnet, technical education and/or vocational technical schools. When making your decision to send your child to any of these schools, please weigh all of the consequences. As a Board, we need to do what’s best for the majority of the students.
Mr. Wetzel – A pleasurable presentation from Harry S. Fisher Middle School. The reason for the No Vote regarding rescinding the previous decision by the Board on the busing issue was that he was looking for more information regarding the cost and time. Again, it is a privilege for your child to attend a magnet school and sometimes you may need to make sacrifices.
Mr. Bourbonniere – Mrs. Worhunsky congratulations, awesome job. Mr. King you can thank the Board for the Indoor Track. With respect to the busing issue, the parents were commended for attending the Board and subcommittee meetings. Mr. Bourbonniere stated as a Board we try to save money. Parents were asked to remember, there are 270 students attending the magnet, vocational, and vocational technical schools and approximately 1,800 students attending Terryville public schools. Remember, your child attending a magnet school is a choice you chose to make.
Mrs. Kulesa – Very impressed with the presentation by Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and will take those ideas and use them for her classroom. Reminded parents that both sides of the bus issue were heard and encouraged everyone to attend the budget meetings and become a part of the budget process. Your feedback is needed and welcomed.
Mr. Berube – All the students love Mrs. Worhunsky for what she does and how she represents Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. Being on the Board for 2 years this was the largest turnout of parents tonight. He indicated he was glad the parents expressed their opinions but also informed them that the Board needs their support for the Budget. The Boards responsibility is to the students of the town.
Mr. Engle – Whether you agreed with him or not, he thanked the parents for attending the Board Meeting. The Board tries to make the best decisions that are necessary for the whole district. Thank you Mrs. Worhunsky for a wonderful presentation.
Mr. Orsini – Commended the parents for coming forward and sharing their feelings. Their input is vital especially during Budget time. Thank you and congratulations to Mrs. Worhunsky, staff and students for a wonderful presentation.
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Mr. Perugino – The students tonight were wonderful. Congratulations to Ryan McAdoo, All Berkshire League Soccer; Vannessa Kello and Liz Haylette, All Berkshire League Volleyball. January is mentor month and the district is in need of mentors. All mentors are invited to a picnic at the end of the year.
Mr. Perugino thanked the parents because the Board needs your input and comments.
Remie Ferreira – Board of Education Liaison – Thank you went out to the parents for coming to the Board Meeting. Congratulations on an awesome turnout.
Mr. Ferreira indicated he is looking forward to working with the Board.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on February 8, 2012 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:10 p.m. Motion Anthony Orsini, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary