MINUTES

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

Excused Absence: Karen Kulesa

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 7:02 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

2. MOMENT OF SILENCE – There was a moment of silence in memory of Connie Blum and Felix Borkowski former Board of Education Members.

3. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

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

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 10, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.


5. PRESENTATION

Tonight’s presentation to the Board was prepared by staff members at Plymouth Center School and focused on Curriculum Integration in the elementary schools. The presentation highlighted the second grade cultural programs, which featured interesting facts, works of art, and songs from each class’ chosen cultural study.






6. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None


7. COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Distasio shared letters he had sent to Representative Hamzy and Senator Colapietro asking them not to support HB 5400 which seeks to reduce the minimum education budget required of any town losing student population by a factor of $3,000 per student. For example, if the Town of Plymouth lost 5 students, the town would lose $15,000 from the state. Losing 5 students results in no savings in the operational budget.


8. OLD BUSINESS

None


9. NEW BUSINESS

A. Resignations

Dr. Distasio accepted the following resignations: Laureen Janeczk, Paraprofessional in the Star Program at Plymouth Center School, effective April 23, 2010 and Linda Cox, Family & Consumer Science Teacher at Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2010.

B. Appointment

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Brian Falcone to the position of Principal at Terryville High School effective July 1, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time the Chair asked for a roll call: Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mr. Wetzel, and the Chair call cast “yes” votes. Motion passed unanimously.

C. Childbearing/Childrearing Leave

MOTION: To deny the request for an extension of Childrearing Leave for Corinna Grossman, Music Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School to August, 2011. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.






10. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

In lieu of Mrs. Kulesa absence, Mr. Orsini reported the following:

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on April 7, 2010 at 6:05 p.m. The following individuals were in attendance: Mrs. Kulesa, Chairperson; Mr. Orsini, Mr. Santorso and Mr. Berube subcommittee members and Mr. Perugino, Board of Education Chair. The following items were discussed:

(a) The data warehouse program Inform which allows teachers to access archived student’s data for educational decision making. With this program, teachers can track student progress over time and use the data for programmatic changes in instruction. Instructional strategies and resources can also be archived within the warehouse for immediate access by teachers and administrators

(b) TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring)program plan – this is a three year plan, required by the Connecticut State Department of Education, outlining the process for mentoring new teachers as they progress toward certification. After a brief discussion, the Curriculum Subcommittee moved to bring this program to the full Board for their approval;

MOTION: To approve a three (3) year plan for the TEAM (Teacher Education and Mentoring) Plan for the Plymouth Public Schools. Motion Daniel Santorso, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

(c) Summer School – a summer school program will be offered for high school and middle school students for credit recovery. The programs are tuition based and students need to provide their own transportation.

The meeting adjourned at 7:16 p.m.

B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

Mr. Engle informed the Board that the Capital Improvements/Municipal Facilities Committee met on April 5, 2010. He presented copies of the Town of Plymouth Financial Policy Statement: Capital Improvements, Plymouth Capital Projects and the Town of Plymouth Bonding Projects for the recording secretary to copy and include in each Board Members packet for May.

C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

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

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

The first negotiations session with the UAW Paraprofessionals and Secretaries Union will take place on – April 28th, 2010 @ 4 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices. Ground rules for negotiations and first proposals will be exchanged at this time.

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 – Everything is moving along safely and smoothly.


H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

Excused Absence – No Report

Mr. Engle reported: CABE presentation of Communications Award to Education Connection


I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone – Excused Absence


Lindsey Bordeau

Ms. Bordeau reported on the following:
o April 9 Spring Extravaganza (Talent Show (Miranda Caisse), Prom Dress,Fashion Show & Mr. THS (Douglas Sekorski)
o April 15 Pancake Breakfast @ Terryville Diner- proceeds benefit the scholarship program
o April 28 Cinderella’s Closet 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
o May 1 Leo Club Walk for ARF (Terryville Animal Rescue Foundation) @ Eli Terry Jr. Middle School; Registration 12 noon
o May 8 Junior Prom (Aqua Turf)
o May 8 Mother’s Day Flower Sale – 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Plymouth Congregational Green
o May 15 Senior Prom (Farmington Club)
o May 16 Plymouth Car Show @ Terryville High School 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ($8 registration fee for cars)
o April 28 Internet Crime & Safety – School wide assembly by a detective from Plainville – Thank you to Police Chief Krasicky for her help with this program
o Flamingos are being flocked almost every night. Visit our website for more information on how you can participate.

Karrick Lee

Mr. Lee reported on the following:

Spring sports are in full swing

o THS Baseball Team 3 – 4
o THS Softball Team 6 – 0
o THS Track Team 1 – 3

o April 21 Youth & Government Day (participants were members of the student council. Thank you to
Mayor Festa for sponsoring this event and to all of the Town Members, Board of Education Members and Center Office individuals who participated.
o May 6 Bloodmobile 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. sponsored by the Student Council



11. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION


Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge

On April 8 all special education individuals had the opportunity to have a demonstration in an IEP Management Tool known as IEP Direct. This system updates the type of tool that will manage IEP’s, alert individuals to deadlines and population data available at the click of a button. Feedback from staff members was favorable.


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

All items covered under the Curriculum Subcommittee Report.


Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

o Thank you to Mr. Oleksiw, Connor Raymond and Jeff Telke from our Technical Department for tonight’s live broadcast.
o Inform is moving along. Next upload will be test scores
o Thank you to the library paraprofessionals, secretary and Ms. Block, Library Media Specialist regarding the set up and running of the Destiny Library Series. This program is now fully functional. One of the advantages of using this program, students can submit reviews of books they have read.


Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

The Financial Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed portions of this year’s budget. They were pleased with the report. There have been no budget freezes this year. The budget seems to be in nice shape.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

o The Academic Bowl was held on Saturday, March 20th at St. Paul’s High School. The Terryville High School Quiz Bowl Team won first place. Members of the team were: Alexis Cordone, Captain, Clayton Hudak, Robert Hottbohm and Peter Hopko. Congratulations coaches: Mrs. Macinaus, Mrs. Ritchie and Mr. Keane for preparing the students who took part in the Public Speaking, Poetry, Art and Music portions of the competition

o Congratulations to Julia Salinger who was selected as one of the thirty Governor’s Scholars of Connecticut for 2010. She will be honored along with others at the Governor’s Scholars Luncheon on May 20th.

o The Board of Finance conducted a presentation of the Town’s Budget on Tuesday, April 20, 2010 at Terryville High School. Following the presentation, there was a joint meeting with the Board of Finance, the Town Council and the Plymouth Board of Education to set the budget for referendum. The Board of Finance Prepared Budget was approved. Please vote on May 4th.


12. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None


13. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino/Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

No report due to a conflict with the Budget Hearing on Tuesday, April 20th.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

o April 29 Next meeting @ Terryville High School @ 7 p.m.

o May 1 Leo Club Walk for ARF (Terryville Animal Rescue Foundation)
Registration begins at 12 noon, walk begins at 1 p.m. at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, 2 mile walk, and a donation of $5.00 will help AFT build a new facility

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School Meeting took place on April 6th .

o June 9 – 13 PTA Nationals
o Elections: Kari Nizzardo President
Peter Carpenter Vice President
Darlene Oakes Treasurer
Pam Sheehy Vice President
o May 7 State Reflections – Fairfield CT
o June 10 Field Day
o June 11 Awards & Pizza Party for grade 5 students





Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – Meeting April 1st

o April 6 Grade 5 students from Harry S. Fisher Elementary School to travel to Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for orientation
o April 7 Grade 5 students from Plymouth Center School to travel to Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for orientation
o April 7 Parent orientation at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School @ 6:30 p.m. for parents of grade 5 students at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and Plymouth Center School
o April 7 & 8 Annual CT PTA Convention @ Trumbull Marriott – PTA Seminar “How or Why of Inclusion”
o April 8 Drama Club Musical: Kokanut Kapers
o April 9 Enrichment Program – “Bach 2 Rock”
o April 26 – 29 Project Poetry Dance Program for 7th graders
o April 29 Drug/Alcohol Assembly for 8th grade students @ 9 a.m.
o May 5 Meeting for parents of students going to Washington, D.C. @ 6:30 p.m.
o May 6 Next Meeting 7 p.m.

Mr. Berube – SEPTA

No Report


Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

o April 22 PTA Reflections Program 7 p.m. @ THS
o April 25 Rotary Club Road Race @ 10 a.m.


14. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Thank you to Plymouth Center School was a wonderful presentation, congratulations and best of luck to Mr. Falcone, expressed how discouraged she was at the lack of parent attendance at the Budget Hearing, and encouraged taxpayers to vote “no” on the referendum and ask for more money.




Mr. Santorso – Pleased that the Board was able to restore the 4th day of school back to the preschool program. A parent spoke up to express his/her displeasure about the forth day being removed. The Board is here to listen, please speak up and voice your concern.

Mr. Wetzel – Congratulations to Mr. Falcone and Julia Salinger. Fantastic presentation by Plymouth Center School. Reminder: May 16th Plymouth Car Show 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Terryville High School. All proceeds benefit the After Grad Party.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Great presentation by Plymouth Center School. It just goes to show how teachers and students work together. Congratulations to Mr. Falcone, I’m looking forward to working with you in subsequent years. Just to mention some of the students and what they do for this district, Julia Salinger and the students that participated in the Academic Bowl proves how academics are first and foremost. Congratulations to the following athletes: Beth Grimes, Athletic of the Week; All Berkshire League - Jonathan Draper, Scott Lamarre, Dominic Folino, Meaghan Skidmore, Jason Pranulis and D.J. Russo.

Mr. Berube – Thanked Mr. Falcone for applying for the position of Principal at Terryville High School. Hope he is looking forward to a long and prosperous career.

Mr. Engle – Welcome and Congratulations to Mr. Falcone. Urged the public to go out and vote on May 4th no matter how you cast your vote.

Mr. Orsini – Excellent presentation by Plymouth Center School. Nice to see the children involved in constructive things. Congratulations to Mr. Falcone. Sure you will do an outstanding job. We will all be there for you.

Mr. Perugino – Mr. Falcone, the entire Board is here for you. Thank you to Plymouth Center School for a wonderful presentation. It’s nice to see children learning about other cultures.


15. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on May 12, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.


16. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:54 p.m. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary