Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 9, 2009
Terryville High School
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Karen Kulesa, Roxanne Perugino,
Leonard Morgan, Gerard Bourbonniere , Martin Wetzel and Raymond Engle
Excused Absence: Daniel Gentile
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Michael Santogatta, Business Manager and Richard Trudeau, 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 amend the agenda to add item I. Resignation. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To adopt the agenda with the amendment. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere , motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 13, 2009. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
The two Terryville High School student representatives who will be graduating this month, AUBREY McCARTHY and ELYSE SANTORSO were presented with a small token in appreciation for their input at this years Board meetings.
Dr. Distasio introduced next year’s student representatives who will be sitting on the Board: Lindsey Bordeau, Karrick Lee and returning Alexis Cordone.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 June 10, 2009 Minutes
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Engle, Board of Education Chair presented a plaque to Felix Borkowski and his family naming the Terryville High School Auditorium in honor of the Borkowski Family for their many years of dedicated service to the Town of Plymouth.
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:20 p.m. to tour Terryville High School Auditorium.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To enter into regular session at 7:31 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Mr. Lovely introduced Pam Wessman, Kindergarten teacher at Plymouth Center School to Board Members. Mrs. Wessman was named Teacher of the Year.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
None
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointments
MOTION: To appoint George Bikakis to the position of Grade 8 Social Studies Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective July 1, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Cayla Brayton to the position of Grade 4 Teacher at Plymouth Center School effective July 1, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded
Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 June 10, 2009 Minutes
MOTION: To appoint Tina Raboin, to the position of night custodian at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, effective June 11, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint Larry Topazio, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School effective July 1, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointments of the following individuals:
Linda Farrington Athletic Director
Angie Suffridge Assistant Athletic Director
Peter Lovely District Administrator In Change
Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the following appointments at Terryville High School:
Terryville High School
Advisors
Senior Class Advisors – Michael McGowan
Michelle Luba
Kathy Brown
Jeff Foulds
Peter Veleas
Sue Glenn
Junior Class Advisors – Lisa Aiudi
Michael Blanchard
Melissa Gilbert
Meg Porcella
Sophomore Class Advisors – Donald Jarvie
Sue Kuczenski
Lori Rimiller
Sherry Dawson
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 June 10, 2009 Minutes
Freshman Class Advisors – Tim Keane
Deb Cook
Mark Sconziano
Gina Ritchie Art Advisor
Tim Keane Music Club Advisor
Barbara Camp National Honor Society Advisor
Susan Glenn/Mary Rioux Co-SADD Advisors (Students Against Destructive Decisions)
Sharon Newcity Student Council Advisor
Brooke Matuszczak Yearbook Advisor
Sandy Macinaus Academic Bowl Advisor
Kristina Padelli Newspaper Advisor
Christopher Perkins Drama Advisor
Brooke Matuszczak FBLA Advisor (Future Business Leaders of America)
Jacqueline Cook Majorettes
Jessica Clukey Cheerleading
Department Coordinators
(Grades 9 – 12)
Reyes Mabasa World Languages
Barbara Camp Math
Guy Tarantello Science
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
MOTION: Motion to approve the following appointments at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
Advisors
Carol Sieracki Drama Advisor
Lou Zbuska Boys’ Intramurals Advisor
Dawn Alarcon Girls’ Intramurals Advisor
Anne DeMichiel & Jason Hart Co-Music Advisors
Dawn Alarcon & Lou Zbuska Co-Student Council Advisors
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 June 10, 2009 Minutes
Department Coordinators
(Grades 6 – 8)
Nicole Walsh Language Arts
Shannon Surreira Math
Heidi O’Donnell Science
Team Leaders
Jennifer Totten Grade 6
Bonnie Doughty-Jenkins Grade 7
Cynthia Baran-Badenhop Grade 8
Angie Suffridge Unified Arts
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Elementary Schools
MOTION: To approve the following appointments at Harry S. Fisher Elementary and Plymouth Center Schools and Special Education Coordinators
Advisors (Harry S. Fisher Elementary School)
Shari Kohl Art
Peter Tunila Intramurals (grade 4)
Jill Levandoski Intramurals (grade 5)
Robert Carter Music
Advisors (Plymouth Center School)
Diane Boylan Art
James Eschert Intramurals (Grades 4/5)
Stephanie Fauss Music
Elementary Grade Level Coordinators
Pam Wessman Kindergarten
Hope Bellantuono Grade 2
Paula Allaben Grade 3
Candice Clukey Grade 4
Judy Cumiskey Grade 5
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 June 10, 2009 Minutes
District-Wide Positions
Special Education Coordinators
Sue Glenn/Kathy Brown Terryville High School
Margrit Morley/Kathy Brown Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
Elizabeth Platt-Suski Plymouth Center School
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
B. Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To extend the childrearing leave for Katie Breitkreutz, grade 3 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School to on or about March 31, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
C. Food Service Provider
MOTION: In order for the Board to provide a food service program for the Plymouth Public Schools in a more cost-effective and more efficient manner, I move that the Board discontinue its direct operation of the food service program for the Plymouth Public Schools, effective June 30, 2009, and appoint Chartwells Food Service Provider to operate the district’s food service program for the Plymouth Public Schools, effective July 1, 2009 and continuing through June 30, 2010, and I move further that the Board authorize the Superintendent to enter into a contract with Chartwells on behalf of the Board.
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel.. At this time the Chair entertained a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Bourbonniere and Mr. Wetzel all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Based on the Board’s decision to discontinue its direct operation of the district’s food service program, and to appoint Chartwells Food Service Provider to operate the district’s food service program, I move that the Board authorize the Superintendent and/or his designee to notify all Plymouth Board of Education food service employees that their positions with the Plymouth Board of Education have been eliminated, effective June 30, 2009 and thank them for their service to the Plymouth Board of Education
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino. At this time the Chair entertained a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino,
Mr. Morgan, Mr. Bourbonniere and Mr. Wetzel all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 June 10, 2009 Minutes
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 2009-20010 school. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
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, 2009, and to expend all appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2008 – 2009. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere 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 Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere. At this time the Chair entertained a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Bourbonniere and Mr. Wetzel all vote in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
. G. Revision of 2009 - 2010 School Calendar
MOTION: To accept the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to revise the 2009 – 2010 school calendar to include November 24, 2009 and February 10, 2010 as shorten days for the purpose of scheduling Professional Development. Motion
Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
H. Participation In 401A Defined Contribution Plan
MOTION: To approve participation by the Plymouth Board of Education in the Town of Plymouth’s 401A Defined Contribution Plan. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded
Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
I. Resignation
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Darren Smith, grade 7 Computer Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective June 30, 2009.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 June 10, 2009 Minutes
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Mrs. Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on June 3, 2009. The following items were discussed: (a) District Scientific Research Based Intervention Plan – This plan was developed to provide a systematic support structure for students who are having difficulty academically, socially, emotionally and/or behaviorally and (b) textbook adoptions for the middle school technology program.
MOTION: To adopt textbooks Adobe Illustrator and Adobe Photoshop, 2007 editions, published by Adobe Systems Incorporated to be used in the middle school technology program.
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
B. Facilities – Mr. Perugino, Chair
At this time, there will be no track. However, Mayor Festa is seeking funding to fulfill the track.
C. Finance – Mr. Gentile, Chair
In lieu of Mr. Gentile’s absence, Mr. Engle reported the following: the Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities report for the month of May and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting, reviewed a transfer and makes the following motion:
MOTION: To approve the transfer as discussed during the Finance Subcommittee meeting of June 10, 2009. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
D. Negotiations - Mr. Perugino Chair
No Report
E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported all items were handled under new business.
F. Policy – Mrs. Zalaski, Chair
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 June 10, 2009 Minutes
G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Wetzel, Chair
No Report
H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa
Mrs. Kulesa reported the following: She attended a meeting of Education Connection on Thursday, June 4, 2009. The following items were discussed: The status report of the Agency Goals for this year; Goals for the following year; and Personnel issues regarding the Executive Director.
I. Student Representatives
Elyse Santorso – (a) softball team lost to Canton; (b) track – 21 athletes qualified for the Class S Track Championship.
Aubrey McCarthy – (a) Senior Night – June 12th; (b) After gradnite – June 23rd; (c) class breakfast is approaching.
Alexis Cordone – (a) congratulations to Mrs. Wessman, (b) Zukowski Family Foundation presented Mr. Stefanski and Mrs. Newcity with $1,000 towards supplies for their classroom; and (c) Mr. Keane thanked Dr. Distasio and the Board Members for their support throughout the year.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel
(a) Summer School – Pre-K – Grade 2 – from June 29 – July 30, 2009/4 days per week for 5 weeks; (b) Summer School Apple Program 3 ½ hour sessions/4 days per week for 5 weeks; (c) Mr. Meehan and Dr. Distasio along with others attended a Focused Monitoring Improvement Planning – Academic Achievement workshop on June 9, 2009. Ideas were exchanged with respect to recommendations and areas of improvement. All in all a very productive day.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 June 10, 2009 Minutes
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction/District Administrator In Charge
High School Program – All classes will be held at Terryville High School, 33 North Harwinton Avenue Terryville CT 06786. The first week, classes will be held Wednesday – Friday, July 1, 2 & 3, 2009. Weeks 2 – 5, classes will be held Monday – Thursday, ending July 30, 2009. Seven courses will be offered for credit recovery. Tuition will be $150.00 per course.
Middle School Program – All classes will be held at Terryville High School, 33 North Harwinton Avenue Terryville CT 06786. The first week classes will be held Wednesday – Friday, July 1,2, & 3, 2009. Weeks 2 – 5, classes will be held Monday – Thursday, ending July 30, 2009. Tuition will be $75 per course.
Elementary School - Summer School Classes will be held at Plymouth Center School. Classes are offered in Language Arts and Mathematics for students in grades 3, 4, and 5. Teacher recommendation is required for participation. Classes are free of charge and run for 3 weeks Monday – Thursday, July 6th – June 23rd, 2009 from 8:30 a.m. –
11 a.m.
Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology
Thank you to Jeff Telke for helping with tonight’s broadcast.
Mr. Trudeau received a letter from the State of Connecticut Department of Education indicating the district’s educational technology plan has been reviewed and meets the standards and criteria. The plan is effective through June 30, 2012.
Mr. Sangotatta, Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported the following: (a) The district still struggles with out-of-district special education costs. (b) The high school was vandalized – a police report has been filed and pictures were taken. (c) Light replacement will take place the last week in June in the cafeteria of Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. The project is to be completed by July 1, 2009. and (d) Planning & Zoning will be meeting on Thursday, June 11, 2009 with regards to Lauretano Sign permit for Terryville High School.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported the following:
Dr. Doughty-Jenkins’ classes participated in the Connecticut Surfrider Foundation’s manual Storm Drain Marker Contest. The statewide winner is our own SARAH MARTIN. Look for Sarah’s design on storm drain markers placed throughout the state and Terryville. In addition, Sarah won an organic t-shirt and $50.00. Congratulations.
Also, the 3 honorable mention winners , Michelle Seeds, Austin Danko and Karen Littau, in this contest were from Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. Great Job!
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 June 10, 2009 Minutes
The mentor picnic took place during the month of June. Dr. Distasio thanked all of the mentors, Mrs. Aiudi for organizing the program and to the Lyons Club for donating the fairgrounds.
The last day of school will be Tuesday, June 23, 2009.
Harry S. Fisher Middle School promotion ceremonies will be held on Tuesday,
June 23, 2009 @ 10:30 a.m.
Terryville High School graduation ceremonies will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2008@ 7 p.m.
Parents were reminded that the last 3 days of school (June 19, 22 and 23) will be shortened days and no lunches will be served.
On behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, Dr. Distasio thanked the administrators, teachers, and students of the Plymouth School District for yet another wonderful and productive school year.
The most wonderful students in the world attend Plymouth Schools. Dr. Distasio thanked the parents for the wonderful example they set in raising their children, to our PTA’s for their support and leadership, and to our teachers, administrators and staff for their hard work with our students. The community of Plymouth should be very proud of the education that is provided for its youngsters. Also, thank you to Mr. Engle, for his dedication and leadership to the Board, to the Board of their voluntary time and hard work on behalf of the community.
On behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, Dr. Distasio wished everyone a restful, enjoyable and healthy summer vacation.
11. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA/NON AGENDA ITEMS
Bonnie Leroux, Chair of the Terryville Public Library
297 Scott Road
Terryville CT 06786
Concern regarding the bus load of children dropped off at Prospect Street School that are causing problems for the library. Dr. Distasio indicated he was aware of the problem and that the bus drop-off stops will be adjusted for the next school year.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 12 June 10, 2009 Minutes
12. BOARD LIAISONS TO SCHOOLS
Mr. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
June 17 PTA Meeting & Pot Luck Supper
June 23 Grade 5 DARE Graduation & Picnic
New Officers
President Erica Lumbard
Vice-President Rosalinda Hunt
Treasurer Christine Pilbin
Corresponding Secretary Becky Theriault
Recording Secretary VACANT
Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School
No Report
Mr. Wetzel– Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
PTA is looking for individuals to serve as officers. To date they have had no positive responses. Next years fundraiser will be pies.
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
There was a pot luck dinner last week and there will be a pizza party on June 22nd.
Mr. Gentile – SEPTA
Excused Absence
Dr. Distasio – PTA Council
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 13 June 10, 2009 Minutes
13. FINAL BOARD COMMENTS (if any)
Mr. Bourbonniere – Congratulations to all graduating seniors.
Mr. Perugino – Congratulations to the Borkowski Family; great job on the mentor picnic; more men mentors are needed; due to the courses taught by Dr. Bonnie Doughty-Jenkins, Douglas Sekorski was able to save his sister’s life by using CPR. It was good to see Life Skills being taught along with writing and math.
Mrs. Zalaski – Thank you to all of our teachers; congratulations to all graduating seniors; and “Great Teachers Breed Great Students”/ “Great Students Breed Great Teachers.
Mrs. Kulesa – A restful and inspirational summer to all.
Mr. Wetzel – Good Luck Seniors
Mr. Engle – Congratulations to the Borkowski Family for a well deserved honor and thank you to the student representatives and administration.
14. Executive Session (Superintendent and Board of Education Evaluation)
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:45 p.m. for the purpose of moving into Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent of Schools and Board of Education Evaluation. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To enter into regular session at 9:10 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
15. Decision as a result of Executive Session (if any)
None
16. NEXT REGULAR BOARD MEETING
Mr. Engle stated the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on the August 12, 2009 at 7 p.m., Terryville High School cafeteria.
17. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:12 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Leonard Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary