Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Terryville High School
MINUTES
Present: Board: Ray Engle, Dan Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino,
Karen Kulesa, Martin Wetzel, and Lenny Morgan
Excused Absence: Jennifer Zalaski and Gerard Bourbonniere
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Michael Santogatta, Business Manager and Richard Trudeau, Director or 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 adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded
Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of June 10, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Lenny Morgan, motion passed unanimously.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
5. COMMUNICATIONS
None
6. OLD BUSINESS
None
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 August 12, 2009 Minutes
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Notification of Resignations
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignations of the following individuals: For the purpose of retirement: Mrs. Norma Tanguay, cafeteria worker at Plymouth Center School, effective June 30, 2009 and Mrs. Donna Sears, cafeteria worker at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective June 30, 2009. The resignation of Mr. Michael Drury, Special Education Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective July 14, 2009; and Mrs. Melissa Gilbert, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School, effective July 31, 2009.
B. Summer Appointments
MOTION: To approve the following individual appointments: Jennie Fowler, Elementary Grade Level Coordinator for Grade 1 for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Jill Levandowski, Special Education Coordinator at Plymouth Center School for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Sharon Newcity, Social Studies Department Coordinator at Terryville High School for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Theodora Skoczylas, Language Arts Department Coordinator at Terryville High School for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Daniel Oleksiw, Technology-Student Advisor at Terryville High School for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Cynthia Crosby, Social Studies Department Coordinator at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the 2009 – 2010 school years; Donald Neveu, Maintenance Worker for the district effective August 13, 2009; Jennifer Briley, Computer Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective August 24, 2009; and Martin Sandshaw, Energy Education Specialist, effective August 13, 2009.
Motion: Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the following coaching appointments at Terryville High School: Mark Sconziano, Jr. Varisty Boys’ Soccer; Jeffrey Foulds, Varsity Boys’ Soccer; Mark Fowler, Varsity Girls’ Soccer; Ray Lapinski, Cross Country; Linda Farrington, Varsity Girls’ Volleyball; Angie Suffridge, Junior Varsity Girls’ Volleyball; Angie Suffridge, Girls’ Varsity Basketball; Damian Coggshall, JV Girls’ Basketball; Mark Fowler, Varsity Boys’ Basketball; A.J. Sirianni, JV Boys’ Basketball; and Anthony Blekis, JV Wrestling.
Motion: Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the following coaching appointments at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School: Richard Keater, Girls’ Volleyball; Dawn Alarcon, Cheerleading; Mark Sconziano, Girls’ Basketball; Jerry Curtiss, Boys’ Basketball; Brian Forman, Baseball; Mark Sconziano, Softball; and Ashley Wagoner, Girls’ Track & Field.
Motion: Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 August 12, 2009 Minutes
C. Organizational Chart
MOTION: To approve the Organization Chart as presented in the packet to Board of Education Members. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
D. Board of Education Goals
Dr. Distasio presented the proposed Board of Education Goals for the 2009 – 2010 school years. They are as follows:
The Plymouth School District will:
GOAL 1: Systematically improve student performance and accelerate academic achievement for all students.
GOAL 2: Promote collaboration among parents/school/community through proactive, on going, and open communication.
GOAL 3: Utilize technology to enhance instruction, information systems, and resource management.
GOAL 4: Develop a business plan that effectively manages district personnel and operations while improving fiscal responsibility.
GOAL 5: Implement Scientific Research Based Instruction (SRBI) to ensure that all students are receiving the necessary support and services in the classroom and outside the classroom to achieve mastery of the state and district standards.
E. Out-of-State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve the trip to Washington, D.C. for Grade 8 students at
Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for May 18 – 21, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino motion approved unanimously.
8. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Karen. Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting took place at 5:45p.m. prior to the Board Meeting. Mrs. Kulesa reported on the following: Professional Development – working towards a common assessment; Summer School – 78 students attended. 6 students were able to graduate. A small ceremony was held at the high school; and new text book – the remainder of the textbooks were purchased in April and May for the middle school and high school. Mr. Lovely is looking to purchase new language art textbooks for the elementary school from either Prentice Hall or Pearson.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 August 12, 2009 Minutes
B. Facilities – Patrick Perugino, Chair
The custodians have been working hard during the summer and the buildings all look to be in good shape. There was a water break at Plymouth Center School but that problem has been resolved.
C. Finance – Dan Gentile, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed the Final Report for 2008 – 2009 and the July accounts by facilities report and moved that they be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
D. Negotiations - Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported that negotiations with the Plymouth School Administrators’ Association will begin within the next several months.
E. Personnel – Roxanne Perugino, Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and all items were addressed under New Business.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
Excused Absence
G. Safety/Transportation – Martin Wetzel, Chair
No Report
H. Education Connection – Karen Kulesa
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Not in attendance at the August meeting.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 August 12, 2009 Minutes
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Meehan – Director of Pupil Personnel
Mr. Meehan discussed the following: a new program which will bring back out-placed students to the district; the district is still seeking to hire 2 special education teachers and interviews are taking place on Friday, August 14; and special education teachers in the district are scheduled to have some intensive workshops (these include teachers in grades K – 12, Apple and Swatt Programs.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum & Instruction/District Administrator In Charge
No Report
Mr. Trudeau – Director of Technology
Mr. Trudeau thanked the technical support team of Jeff Telke and Laura McBaine for all of their help in moving and setting up the computers over the summer. During the summer months, portions of our network were upgraded. In September, Mr. Oleksiw, Technology-Student Advisor and his group will begin broadcasting the Board Meetings and sports. Mr. Trudeau also reported that he is working with an electrical company in order that we may broadcast from other areas of the high school, i.e. auditorium.
Mr. Santogatta – Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported: the 2008 – 2009 budget has been closed and everything balanced out and is favorable; the district is in the process of launching a new cafeteria program; and the custodians have been busy painting, cleaning and repairing all of the facilities for the beginning of the school year.
Dr. Distasio – Superintendent
The Opening Meeting for all staff will take place on August 24, 2009 at Terryville High School from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Following that meeting, the staff will report to their respective schools for meetings and organizing their classroom. Professional Development activities for all staff is scheduled for August 25th and August 26th. New teacher orientation will be held on Thursday, August 20th, 2009 from 9 a.m. – 12 noon at the Board of Education Offices.
Dr. Distasio thanked Mr. Santogatta, Mr. Dennis and the custodians for doing such a wonderful job in preparing our school facilities for this school year. The buildings are in great shape and ready for our students.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 August 12, 2009 Minutes
The first day of school for students is Thursday, August 27th, 2009. We are again looking forward for another exciting and productive school year in the Plymouth School District.
Dr. Distasio welcomed Bristol Press reporter, Freesia Singngam to the Board Meeting.
Dr. Distasio asked parents to please look at the website because school hours have changed.
10. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
11. Board Liaisons to Schools
All Board Liaisons to Schools will remain the same until after the election .
Harry S. Fisher Elementary School Mr. Perugino
Plymouth Center School Mr. Engle
Eli Terry Jr. Middle School Mr. Wetzel
Terryville High School Mrs. Zalaski
Special Education PTA Mr. Gentile
PTA Council Dr. Distasio
12. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino – Congratulations to Mr. Meehan, welcome back students and ‘thank you’ Mrs. Webster for your kind letter.
Mr. Morgan – The district is off to a good start. Best Wishes to everyone.
Mr. Perugino – Excited about Chartwells; acknowledged an award Mr. Meehan received from the Conference of Education Administrators for his 28 years of service for the hearing impaired, and the custodians have done a good job in all of the schools.
Mrs. Kulesa – Looking towards a productive school year and best wishes to the students and staff.
Mr. Gentile – Let’s have a great school year.
Mr. Engle – Welcome Back – Administrators – everyone did a great job. Welcome Back students. Thank you to all for your many years of dedication to the Plymouth School District.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 August 12, 2009 Minutes
13. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on September 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
14. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Patrick Perugino, Secretary