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5/11/2011

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School
Date:
5/11/2011 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, May 11, 2011
Terryville High School

MINUTES

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

Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education Services 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 Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 13, 2011.
 Motion Raymond Engle seconded Daniel Santorso, motion passed unanimously.


4. PRESENTATION

(a) The first presentation acknowledged the CABE Student Leadership Award Winners. They are: Alexandra Albino and Adam Benson from Eli Terry Jr. Middle School and Haylee Ouellette and Timothy King from Terryville High School.

(b) The second presentation was made by Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. In conjunction with the district wide initiative on saving energy, the students and staff have been participating in a recycling program for the past three years. The students also joined with Team Greenlaces to make video promoting recycling in schools. In their presentation, the students shared the ways they save energy in school, recycle in their classrooms, the cafeteria, and how they have taken this project into their homes. The Board also saw and heard some of the favorite memories from the students’ visits with the members of Team Greenlaces.


5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 May 11, 2011 Minutes


6. COMMUNICATIONS

None

7. OLD BUSINESS

None


8. NEW BUSINESS


A. Resignations

Dr. Distasio informed Board Members that he has accepted the following resignations: (a) James Barbarito, Mathematics teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2011; and (b) Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2011.

B. Childrearing Leave

MOTION: To approve the request for a childrearing leave for Nicole Levesque, grade 5 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, beginning on May 9, 2011 through the end of the school year. Motion Martin Wetzel, second Anthony Ordini motion passed unanimously.


9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee did not meet in the month of May.


B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

Each Board Member was given two design prints from Laurentano Signs for their review. A Facilities Subcommittee Meeting will be scheduled sometime in June to review the designs. Also, on Tuesday, May 10th dedication of the new track was held at Terryville High School.



C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The April accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.


D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

No Report


Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 May 11, 2011 Minutes


E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

The Personnel Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting. All matters were addressed under new business.

F. Policy – Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair

No Report - However, everything is moving smoothly and safely.

H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

Mrs. Kulesa reported that the meeting centered around Board Goals and next year’s Budget. Also, since the current President and Vice-President are not seeking re-election, Education Connection is looking for candidates for these two positions.

I. Student Representatives

Bryan Kamens - reported on the following:

• May 10 Dedication of the Track and Pep Rally at Terryville High School
• May 21 Berkshire League for Track in Litchfield
• June 1 Sports Award Night
• June 2 Berkshire League Banquet

AP Testing is over – 9 students took English; 11 – European History; 2 United States History; 14 Calculus; and 2 English & Language Composition. Last Friday, the boy’s baseball team played at Muzzy Field against Litchfield. THS Boy’s won


Michael Mastracchio - reported on the following:

• May 15 Sr. Class Car Show from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• May 19 Block Party and Fundraiser for Tornado Relief
• May 20 Spring Extravaganza (Talent Show, Mr. THS and new this year, a Teacher’s Talent Show)
• May 26 Scholarship Night
• May 27 Sr. Class Trip to Holiday Hills
• May 31 Friends of Music Banquet @ Nuchie’s in Torrington
• June 2 THS Band and Chorus Concert
• June 4 Sr. Prom @ Cornucopia in Torrington
• June 7 Sr. Class Night
• June 14 Sr. Class Breakfast
• June 15 Graduation

Congratulations to the Senior Class for raising $1,588 toward the earthquake in Japan.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 May 11, 2011 Minutes


Tyler Tarnowicz – reported on the following:

• Career Explorations – Vocational Foods Class to Bristol Hospital
• May 12 National Honors Society Induction for Juniors at 6 p.m.
• May 14 Palace Theater – Waterbury – Digital Media Class students to showcase projects in film
• May 21 Junior Prom – 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m. – tickets on sale until 5/16
• May 21 E-Commerce Class & Informational Technology Research and Design Class to travel to Expo Centerto showcase projects
• Thank you to Mr. Rustowsky and his classes for the landscaping outside of the school grounds.


10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION


 Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Educational Services

The end of the year is slowly approaching. The 2011 Special Education Summer School Program will run from June 27th – July 21st.


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

• June 16 The Early Childhood Council has scheduled a family event at Town Hall from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. The council has been gathering information on early childhood education in Plymouth and would like to share their information with the community. Dinner, children’s events and door prizes will be part of the event.


Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

Nothing new to report. However, thank you to tonight’s crew for making the live broadcast of tonight’s meeting possible.


Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed portions of this year’s budget. The budget looks great. Payroll, utility, transportation and tuition accounts are all favorable.


Dr. Distasio, Superintendent


• April 26 Referendum – Plymouth Town Budget passed (thank you to our Board, staff, parents, and community for their continued support, to Mayor Festa and the Town Council and the Board of Finance for their hard work during these difficult economic times)

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 May 11, 2011 Minutes


• April 29 First School-to-Career, Career Day @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School (many thanks to our Community Career Volunteers for providing booths for the various careers, and to Mrs. Gudeczauskas, Mrs. Aiudi, Mrs. Licata, Mrs. Morley and Mr. Travers for helping to organizing the event)

Thank you to the foods group, Mrs. Rioux, Mrs. Aiudi and Mrs. Gudeczauskas for putting on the Annual Friendship Tea. Also, thank you to St. Casimir and Immaculate Conception Church for the use of the Lyceum.


11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino/Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School reported on the following:

• May 10 PTA Meeting 7 p.m. Election of Officers & Committee Chairs
• May 31 Pot Luck – Meet and Greet! 6:30 p.m.
• June 10 New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Game

Reflections Discussion; Enrichment Program and Lemonade Wars.


Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School reported on the following:

• May 4 PTSA Meeting
• May 15 Car Show 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (food, soda, chips) Car judging to take place at 3 p.m.

The PTSA is in need of a President. He urged junior parents to please step in because if there is no president, any money in the account gets turned over to the state. This will affect scholarships not only for the high school but for the other PTA’s as well.

The aftergrad plans are going well. The event will be held at the Sports Center. However, the committee is looking for chaperones and volunteers to pick up the food for the evening.


Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School reported on the following:

• May 12 Pot Luck Dinner & Meeting
• May 13 Sky Dome Enrichment Assembly
• June 10 New Britain Rock Cats Baseball Game

PTA is looking to update the playground equipment and $1,200 was raised for the Ethiopian Mobile Donkey Library Program.

The PTA has vacancies for a vice-chair and secretary.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 May 11, 2011 Minutes


Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School reported on the following:

May 5 Election of Officers for 2011 – 2012 school years

Preisdent Linda Hotchkiss
Vice President Becky Therirault
Treasurer Jennifer Zalaski
Secretary Lori Cabrila
Corresponding Secretary Nancy Robinson
Co-Membership Committee Roselinda Hunt & vacant
Co-Fundraiser Committee Marissa Piper & vacant
Enrichment Committee Dawn Brenner
Co-Hospitality Committee vacancies
Spirit Wear Committee Shelli Tellier


April Events

• April 11 Melissa Johnson PTA Representative reported the 2011 PTSA convention took place at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Southbury. Future Conventions may be held every other year. More information to follow.
• April 27 Grade 6 orientation
• April 29 Career Fair

May Events

• May 6 Grade 8 to Ellis Island
• May 9 – 11 Bench Mark Assessments
• May 12 Grade 7 to the National History Museum in NYC
• May 13 Grade 6 & 7 dance 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
• May 13 PTSA Hospitality Committee – Teacher & Staff Luncheon
• May 18 Support Staff Appreciation Day
• May 19 Spring Choral Concert 7 p.m.
• May 23 Spring Band Concert 7 p.m.
• May 24 Grade 6 to Mystic Aquarium
• May 31 – June 3 8th grade exams

June 2 Next meeting at 7 p.m.


Mr. Berube – SEPTA reported on the following:

The next SEPTA meeting is scheduled for June 16th at 7 p.m. at Town Hall.


Dr. Distasio – PTA Council reported on the following

The PTA Council is sponsoring a “Principal Kiss a Pig” Contest. The last day for voting was on Tuesday, May 10th. Daisy II will be coming to the school whose principal receives the most votes on May 17th. The winning principal is Mrs. Collins, Plymouth Center School. The next PTSA Council Meeting is May 17th at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. 

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 May 11, 2011 Minutes


13. Final Board Comments

Mr. Berube – Congratulations to the Student Leadership Award Winners. Thank you to Mrs. Worhunsky and the Fisher Staff – they just don’t talk recycling they actually take part in the process.

Mr. Orsini – Congratulations to the CABE Student participants. Mrs. Worhunsky, staff and students, thank you for going green and getting the message out to save the planet.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Just a reminder to students and parents – forms were mailed out to students to attend the after grad party. These forms must be received by May 27th in order for you to attend the after grad party. Please turn them into Mrs. Cook in the main office. No forms will be accepted after that date. Students 18 years or older still need their parent(s) signature.
 Thank you to Mrs. Worhunsky for a great presentation and great job by CABE recipients.

Mr. Perugino – Congratulations to the students on their achievement award. Great job
Mrs. Worhunsky.

14. Executive Session

MOTION: To adjourn at 7:48 p.m. into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s Evaluation, Board of Education Goals, Business Manager and Superintendent’s Contracts. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously. All of the Board Members, Dr. Distasio and Mr. Santogatta entered into Executive Session.

MOTION: To resume into regular session at 8:18 p.m. Motion Mr. Wetzel, seconded Mrs. Perugino motion passed unanimously.

15. Decision as a result of Executive Session

MOTION: That the Plymouth Board of Education approve a 3 year contract for the Business Manager to include a 3% increase for the year 2011-2012, a 3% increase for the year 2012-2013, and a 3% increase for the year 2013-2014 along with adjustments in benefits.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call: Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini, Mrs. Perugino, Mrs. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel,
Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion.

Comment from Mr. Engle with respect to the Business Manager’s Contract – In defense of this contract, the 3% over the last 2 years has saved us savings in excess of $600,000 since his employment with this Board. On top of that, that does not include any cost avoidance that have occurred due to other things that we have done along the line that have probably equaled or matched that.

MOTION: That the Plymouth Board of Education approve an extension of the contract for the Superintendent of Schools through the 2013 school year. For the next school year, the Superintendent will receive an increase of 1.3% over the 2010-2011 budgeted salary and remove the furlough day addendum from the Agreement with adjustment in benefits.
Motion Mr. Wetzel, seconded Mr. Orsini motion passed unanimously.
Roll Call: Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini and the Chair all voted in favor of the motion.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 May 11, 2011
Minutes



16. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated there will be a Special Board Meeting on May 18, 2011 at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices to discuss the Bus Contract.

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
June 8, 2011 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.


17. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:21 p.m. Motion Raymond Engle seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary

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