Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Terryville High School
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel,
Jennifer Zalaski, Dan Gentile and Gerard Bourbonniere
Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan and 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. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded
Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of March 11, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATION
Tonight's power point presentation to the Board was prepared by staff members at Plymouth Center School and focused on the school's Character Counts Program. The presentation featured the six pillars, (Respect, Fairness, Citizenship, Trustworthy, Caring and Responsibility) description and meaning of the pillars by the students, and the pledge for character. Also, a number of photographs from school-wide activities related to Character Counts were presented.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
The Board received in their packets copies of two letters which the Superintendent sent to Senator Colapietro and Representative Hamzy requesting their opposition to yet another unfunded mandate concerning the qualifications of school nurses. He asked that they both look to reduce the number of unfunded mandates that currently exist.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Appointments
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Michael Drury to the position of Special Education Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective April 9, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Alan (Joe) Dennis to the position of Assistant School Facilities Director effective May 1, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Ashley Wagoner, to the position of Girls' Track & Field Coach at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for the 2009 spring season. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
B. Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To approve a request for childbearing leave for Katie Breitkreutz grade 3 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School beginning on or about May 1, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
C. Additional Budget Reductions
MOTION: To approve the following budget reductions as recommended by the Superintendent in order to address the additional $125,000 of budget reductions imposed by the Board of Finance:
- $86,000 taken from the Stimulus money under the IDEA funds to supplant the money in the special education budget. According to the rules of the new IDEA Stimulus money, 50% of the increase of our Stimulus money in IDEA can be used to supplant the budget.
- $15,000 from Professional Development (taken from Title I Stimulus money)
- $10,000 by eliminating 2 lunch aides at the elementary schools
- $ 9,000 by eliminating Boys' Volleyball from the high school
- $ 5,000 cut from Internet Protection (use free service with our current program)
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere. At this time the chair asked to take a roll call, Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gentile all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
D. Out-of-State Field Trip
MOTION: To approve the trip to Faneuil Hall, Boston, Massachusetts for grade 6 band students at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School in order to perform at the Faneuil Hall Market Place on June 12, 2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair
In lieu of Mrs. Kulesa's absence Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, reported on the Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting:
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on April 1, 2009. The following items were discussed:
(1) Textbook adoption - Middle School Science and High School French; Two science book series were considered, Holt & Prentiss-Hall. The recommendation from the Science Chair, Mr. Tarantello was the Prentiss Hall Series since it is used by the high school and would bring consistency across the grade levels. At this time, Mr. Lovely asked for a motion to accept the Prentiss-Hall Series.
MOTION: To adopt the Prentice-Hall Series for the middle school, science grades 6-8. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
(2) Foreign Language Course Additions (high school); Since Conversational German I has been such a great success, Mr. Mabasa is making plans for a German Conversational II Course. He has also requested to pilot a Dutch Conversational I course for the next school year. If scheduling allows, these 2 courses will be incorporated into the high school offerings. (3) Kindergarten Registration - Harry S. Fisher Elementary School - 47students registered and Plymouth Center School - 46 students registered at Plymouth Center School. The registration figures are consistent with past years. A target figure of 60+ students for each elementary school is expected. and (4) e-Pals - The e-Pals network is a collaborative, safe environment for educational classroom communications. It allows classrooms and students to exchange ideas and information with others around the world.
B. Facilities - Mr. Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino called for the following motion:
MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools, on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, to send a letter to the Mayor of the Town of Plymouth turning over the fields at Main Street School to the Town of Plymouth. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded
Gerard Bourbonniere, motion passed unanimously.
- Anyone wishing to express his or her views with respect to the sale of Prospect Street and/or Main Street School, please contact the Town Facilities Committee, not the Board of Education Facilities Subcommittee.
- Both Harry S. Fisher Elementary and Eli Terry Jr. Middle School buildings have been accepted by the Board of Education. The Terryville High School building has not been accepted by the Board of Education
- The Terryville High School Girls' Softball Game was played at Main Street School because the field at the high school was not playable or safe.
- The sign for the high school is still in the hands of the Building Committee and Planning & Zoning.
- The lights at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School are on order and will be replaced in approximately 6 - 8 weeks. A grant by C.L. &P. will cover a third of the cost.
C. Finance - Mr. Gentile, 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. Perugino, Chair
The first negotiations session with the UAW Cafeteria Worker's Union will take place on -
April 23, 2009 @ 2:00 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices. Ground rules for negotiations and first proposals will be exchanged at this meeting.
E. Personnel - Mrs. Perugino, Chair
All matters were addressed under new business.
F. Policy - Mrs. Zalaski, Chair
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Wetzel
No Report
H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa
No Report - Excused Absence
I. Student Representatives
Aubrey McCarthy - Excused Absence
Elyse Santorso - Excused Absence
Alexis Cordone
- April 20th WWI project on presented by History students
- April 21st Trip to Spain
- April 6th - Student Council met with the Mayor and the Superintendent
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
- Compliance Review took place from March 30 - April 6, 2009.
- Official report to be received by the end of May, beginning of June
Mr. Lovely - Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator In Charge
All matters were discussed under Curriculum.
Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology
- Thank you to Connor Raymond and Jeff Telke from our Technical Department
- The updated Technology Information for the next 3 years has been reviewed by Education Connection and returned. It will be brought before the Board at the May meeting for acceptance. Deadline: Must be returned to the State on or before June 15, 2009.
Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager
- We are through ¾ of the budget year
- As always, concerns are: utilities and outplacements (special education)
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
- Terryville High School held its annual Honor Society Induction Ceremony on Monday, March 30, 2009. Eighteen students were inducted. Congratulations to the new inductees. Dr. Distasio thanked Mrs. Camp for the work she does with the Honor Society.
- On Wednesday, April 8th Harry S. Fisher Elementary School students participated in a "Walk to School" day which is part of the Safe Routes to School Grant. Over 150 students and a large number of parents and staff participated.
- Prior to the full Board Meeting, the Foods Class of Terryville High School treated the Board Members of a wonderful dinner. Many thanks for providing everyone with a delicious meal.
- Eli Terry Jr. Middle School held its annual Science Fair on March 18th. Congratulations to those students who participated in this event. Also, thank you to Dr. Doughty-Jenkins for organizing this program.
- For the first time, Terryville High School hosted the Academic Bowl. Congratulations to:
Elise Santorso, public speaking participant; Aubrey McCarthy and Alivia Rhault, poetry reading participants; Nicole Frenchette, singer in the music competition accompanied by Matthew Miskin; and academic bowl members - Jarrod Bridge, Zakary Kaplan, Kerry Leavenworth, and Captain, Elyse Santorso. Also, a number of participants took part in the art portion of the competition. Alivia Rhault received second place in poetry reading.
- There will be a Budget Hearing on Tuesday, April 21, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School auditorium. The Board of Finance will be presenting the town's budget. The public, parents and staff are encouraged to attend.
- Spring vacation will take place from April 16 through April 20, 2009. Classes will resume on Monday, April 20, 2009
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. Perugino - Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
- April 20th Book Fair
- April 21st PTA Meeting
- April 24th PTA Pizza & Movie Night
- April 28th Spring Pictures
- May 1st Bingo Night
Mrs. Zalaski - Terryville High School
No Report
Mr. Engle - Plymouth Center School
No Report - However Mrs. Collins reported there will be primetime reading for K-grade 2 students.
Mr. Wetzel - Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
No Report
Mr. Gentile - SEPTA
No Report
Dr. Distasio - PTA Council
No Report
13. Final Board Comments
Mrs. Perugino - Thank you to the Food Service Students for a fantastic meal; great job on the Plymouth Center School presentation; and the Public Service Announcement sent an overwhelming message for such a short period of time.
Mr. Bourbonniere - Congratulations Plymouth Center School on a wonderful presentation; hopefully the Public Service Announcement sent a message to all ages; e-pal presentation he attended was amazing; the Leo Club raised the following in the month of March (1) proceeds of $800 from a Pasta Supper to be donated to 2 charities in town and (2) proceeds of $750 from a Pancake Breakfast to be donated to St. Judes.
Mr. Wetzel - Nice presentation put on by Plymouth Center School; Public Service Announcement really touch him seeing that he has a child that will be graduating - drunk driving causes much destruction to family and friends.
Mr. Perugino - Food Service Group did an excellent job; the presentation by Plymouth Center School was wonderful; and on April 16, please attend the Town Board of Finance Meeting and support the Board of Education.
Mrs. Zalaski - Thank You to Mr. Perkins for allowing the middle school students to help with the scenery for "Alice In Wonderland". Have a Great Vacation
Mr. Gentile - The food was delicious; the Public Service Announcement was amazing; "Walk to School" will hopefully help to get a grant of $500,000 for sidewalks; and Unfunded Mandates - the public must get involved - voice your opinion - our children are going to pay for what you do.
Mr. Engle - The Academic Bowl, Dinner, Presentation and Public Service Announcement we4re great; attend the Town Board of Finance Meeting on Thursday, April 16th; April 21st, Budget Hearing to be held at 7 p.m. in the auditorium at Terryville High School and Have A Great Vacation.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on May 13, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded
Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary