PLYMOUTH BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
WEDNESDAY, August 20, 2008
TERRYVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
MINUTES
Present: Board: Ray Engle, Dan Gentile, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino,
Karen Kulesa, Jennifer Zalaski, Martin Wetzel, and Lenny Morgan
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum, 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 Patrick Perugino, seconded
Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of June 11, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
4. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
Jeff Covello, 32 North Street, Plymouth CT 06782 - North Street Student Walkers - read a letter he had sent to Mr. Perusse, former Business Manager. The same is attached hereto and made a part hereof as if fully stated herein.
Mr. Santogatta is aware of the issue and the site lines were investigated. A Safety/Transportation Subcommittee will be held if necessary.
5. COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Engle received correspondence from Emily Czarnecki, of JCJ Architecture indicating that all items for the middle school will be received between August 21st and August 28th, 2008. Also, all furniture, fixtures and equipment will be received between August 20th and August 28th, 2008 for the elementary school. The Chair indicated he has been receiving updates on a daily basis.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 August 20, 2008
After Mr. Engle read a letter from Mrs. Michelle Spencer, Board of Education Member, he called for the following motion:
MOTION: To accept the resignation of Mrs. Michelle Spencer. Motion Lenny Morgan, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Best Wishes to Mrs. Spencer, she will be missed.
The Chair asked the recording secretary to forward Mrs. Spencer's letter of resignation to the Mayor.
6. OLD BUSINESS
None
7. NEW BUSINESS
A. Notification of Resignations
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignations of the following individuals: Mrs. Julie Tracy, District-Wide Library Media Specialist effective July 2, 2008; Mr. Nick D'Andrea, Biology Teacher at Terryville High School effective July 22, 2008; Mrs. Jocelyn VanBuren, Math Teacher at Terryville High School effective August 1, 2008; Mr. Peter Ruot, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School effective August 7, 2008; Ms. Brooke Alfano, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective August 22, 2008; Ms. Denise Morin, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective August 22, 2008; Ms. Cathy Driscoll, Special Education Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School effective August 7, 2008; Mrs. Letitia Galpin-Barker, Grade 6 Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective August 13, 2008; and
Ms. Elizabeth Campbell, Cafeteria Helper at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School effective
August 12, 2008.
B. Summer Appointments
Terryville High School
MOTION: To approve the following appointments at Terryville High School:
Sports
Linda Farrington Athletic Director
Angie Suffridge Assistant Athletic Director
Angie Suffridge Girls' Varsity Basketball
Jeffrey Foulds Varsity Boys' Soccer
Mark Fowler Varsity Girls' Soccer
Michael McGowan JV Girls' Soccer
Ray Lapinski Cross Country
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 August 20, 2008
Linda Farrington Varsity Girls' Volleyball
Angie Suffridge JV Girls' Volleyball
Damian Coggshall JV Basketball
Mark Fowler Varsity Boys' Basketball
A. J. Sirianni JV Boys' Basketball
Peter Veleas Varsity Wrestling
Advisors
Senior Class Advisors - Katherine Brown; Susan Glenn; Melissa Gilbert; Ed Rostowsky, Guy Tarantello and Robin Gudeczauskas
Junior Class Advisors - Michael McGowan; Elizabeth Bartholomew; Peter Veleas and
Michelle Luba
Sophomore Class Advisors - Melissa Gilbert; Lisa Aiudi; Michael Blanchard;
Elizabeth Bartholomew
Freshman Class Advisors - Donald Jarvie; Susan Kuczenski; and Sherry Dawson
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
Sandra Macinaus Academic Bowl Advisor
Susan Glenn/Melissa Gilbert Co-Newspaper Advisors
Silvia Cancellieri Drama Advisor
Brook Matuszczak FBLA Advisor (Future Business Leaders of America)
Christopher Perkins Drama Advisor
Department Chairs
Sharon Newcity Language Arts & Social Studies
Barbara Camp Mathematics
Guy Tarantello Science
Reyes Mabasa World Languages
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 August 20, 2008
Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
MOTION: Motion to approve the following appointments at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
Advisors
Carol Sieracki Co-Drama Advisor
Dr. Bonnie Doughty-Jenkins Co-Drama Advisor
Lou Zbuska Boys' Intramurals Advisor
Dawn Alarcon Girls' Intramurals Advisor
Jason Hart Co-Music Advisor
Anne DeMichiel Co-Music Advisor
Dawn Alarcon Student Council Advisor
Sports
Richard Keater Volleyball
Paul Schwanka Boys'/Girls' Cross Country
Damon Papp Boys' Soccer
Brian Forman Baseball
Jerry Curtiss Boys' Basketball
Mark Sconziano Softball
Paul Schwanka Boys' Track & Field
Dawn Alarcon Cheerleading
Team Leaders
Nicole Walsh Grade 6
John Mordarski Grade 7
Cynthia Baran Grade 8
Angie Suffridge Unified Arts
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Elementary Schools
MOTION: To approve the following appointments at Harry S. Fisher Elementary and Plymouth Center Schools:
Advisors
Shari Kohl Art
Diane Boylan Art
Peter Tunila Intramural (grade 4) /Harry S. Fisher Elementary
Jill Levandoski Intramural (grade 5)/Harry S. Fisher Elementary
James Eschert Intramural/Plymouth Center School
Robert Carter Music Club Harry S. Elementary School/
Plymouth Center School
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 August 20, 2008
Grade Level Coordinators
Pam Wessman Kindergarten
Jennie Fowler Grade 1
Hope Bellantuono Grade 2
Paula Allaben Grade 3
Candice Clukey Grade 4
Judith Cumiskey Grade 5
Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
District-Wide Positions
MOTION: To approve the following District-Wide Positions:
Special Education Coordinators
Katherine Brown/Susan Glenn Terryville High School
Margrit Morley Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
Elizabeth Platt-Suski Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Irma Lesser Plymouth Center School
Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Sherry Dawson, Math Teacher at Terryville High School effective July 1, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Stephanie Fauss, Music Teacher at Plymouth Center School, effective July 1, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Allison Pelosi, Grade 4 Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, effective July 1, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Kristina Padelli, Special Education Teacher at Terryville High School, effective July 1, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Daniel Oleksiw, Computer Applications Teacher at Terryville High School, effective July 1, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Sarah Dyer, Speech/Language Pathologist at Plymouth Center School, effective July 1, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 August 20, 2008
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Denise Przystawski, Hall Monitor at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective September 2, 2008. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Margaret Way, In School Suspension Monitor at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective September 2, 2008. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Mary Ann Clark, Cafeteria Helper at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective September 2, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Tyson Stoddard, Special Education Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School, effective August 21, 2008. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Samantha Kubeck, Science Teacher at Terryville High School, effective August 21, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
C. Organizational Chart
MOTION: To approve the Organization Chart as presented in the packet to Board of Education Members. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
D. Student Parking Fee
MOTION: To approve the regulation regarding the Student Parking Fee at Terryville High School to be added to Board of Education Policy 5131.3(a) & (b). Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time, the Chair requested a roll call: Mr. Perugino,
Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gentile all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
E. Third Party Administrator/Tax Sheltered Annuity Retirement Program Administration
After a brief presentation by Mr. Ray Powell, Certified Financial Planner and Income Tax Accountant with respect to a new federal law which takes place on January 1, 2009 which requires local districts to administer tax shelter annuity plans, the following motion was made:
MOTION: To approve the hiring of Ray Powell, Certified Financial Planner and Income Tax Accountant as a Third Party Administrator to administrator our district's Tax Shelter Annuity Retirement Programs for our staff. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time, the Chair requested a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gentile all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 August 20, 2008
8. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum - Karen. Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting took place at 5:30 p.m. prior to the Board Meeting. Mr. Lovely reported on the extensive curriculum review that was done at all levels. Copies of the revised curricula in math, language arts and science for grades K-8 and high school math, history and social studies were given to subcommittee members. The K-8 curricular, grade level expectations and how they are reflective of the CSTD grade level expectations.
B. Facilities - Patrick Perugino, Chair
Board Members, Karen Kulesa, Patrick Perugino, Lenny Morgan and Ray Engle, Chair along with Dr. Distasio toured Harry S. Fisher Elementary School and Eli Terry Jr. Middle School at
2 p.m. on Monday, August 18, 2008. Everything seems to be on schedule. Both schools are on target to open on September 2, 2008.
With respect to the oil tanks at Prospect Street School, Mr. Perugino made the following motion:
MOTION: To approve the acceptance of the oil tank at Prospect Street School in order to close out and finalize the application for the state grant. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
C. Finance - Dan Gentile, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and reviewed the Final Report for 2007 - 2008 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 for the Plymouth Education 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 reviewed all of his appointments.
F. Policy - Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
No Report
G. Safety/Transportation
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 August 20, 2008
H. Education Connection - Karen Kulesa
No Report - First meeting to take place the week of September 1st.
I. Student Representatives
Not in attendance at the August meeting.
9. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel
Mr. Meehan reported that hopefully, all personnel positions for Special Education will be wrapped up by Friday.
Mr. Lovely - Director of Curriculum & Instruction/District Administrator In Charge
Mr. Lovely reported that Mr. Trudeau was in charge of the summer school program for middle school and high school students. Both programs were very successful. The summer school programs afforded students both inside and outside of our district to regain their academic credit to progress into the next grade or to graduate.
Mr. Trudeau reported that four students out of district participated in the summer school program. Letters to principals, guidance counselors of the technical school, St. Paul's, Holy Cross, Sacred Hart and other schools looking for a summer school program were notified.
Mr. Lovely informed Board Member that this has been a busy summer with respect to curriculum development. Twenty-seven teachers came in over the summer months to work on curriculum. The State standards were reviewed. The State has updated the curriculum guidelines in Math, Science and Language Arts. Our curriculum has been updated using the expectations per grade level which will help us in our instructions in the coming year.
Mr. Trudeau - Director of Technology
Mr. Trudeau thanked all the teachers who participated in the summer school program for their efforts and dedication. He also thanked custodial staff (Dennis Klimkewicz, Mark Coer and Bob Cook) and the technical support team of Connor Raymond, Jeff Telke, Brian Luba and Laura McBaine for all of their help in moving and setting up the computers are both Harry S. Fisher Elementary and Eli Terry Jr. Middle Schools.
He also thanked Dan Oleksiw who replaced him as computer technology teacher at the high school for creating a video of the car show which will be shown on Plymouth 16.
The student information system is being updated; staff training will take place on Thursday, August 28th and August 29th for Microsoft Office and PowerSchool.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 August 20, 2008
Plans for Plymouth 16 for the fall are taking place. Board of Education website is being updated. Any information or requests, please forward to Mr. Trudeau.
Mr. Santogatta - Business Manager
Mr. Santogatta reported that the 2007 - 2008 Budget year has been closed out. He is in the process of preparing the end of the year ED001 report. The auditors have already been to Central Office. Construction meetings are attended every Wednesday at 9 a.m. Everyone is working very hard for the opening of a new school. The custodial crew is a tremendous group of guys. We have every intention of being ready and on time for the first day of school, September 2, 2008.
Dr. Distasio - Superintendent
Due to a previous commitment, Mr. Lovely read the following report on behalf of Dr. Distasio.
The Opening Meeting for all staff will take place on August 27, 2008 at Terryville High School from 8 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 28th and August 29th. New teacher orientation will be held on Monday, August 25th, 2008 from 9 a.m. - 12 noon at the Board of Education Offices.
The first day of school for the students of Plymouth is Tuesday, September 2, 2008. We are looking forward to another exciting and productive school year.
Mr. Lovely added that from the close of the school year to the present a tremendous amount of work has been performed in the district over the summer months. He thanked all for their pride, dedication and efforts.
10. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
Melissa Johnson, 20 Woodside Lane, Terryville - Mrs. Johnson welcomed all new administrators, encouraged parents to join their school's PTA because parental involvement is important; asked Board Members to delegate an alternate if they were unable to attend a PTA meeting, welcome back to a new school year and MetLife is to do a presentation in September.
11. Business of the Board
Mr. Perugino - Welcome Mr. Trudeau, Mr. Meehan and Mr. Santogatta. Terryville Fair is this weekend, if you should see your state representatives, please remind them of the unfunded mandates. Get the word out.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 August 20, 2008
Mr. Morgan - Welcome new staff members. Michelle will be missed on the Board of Education.
Mrs. Perugino - Thank you to Southern Connecticut State University for the donation of library furniture to our middle school; may everyone have a happy, healthy school year and go out and support the Terryville Fair.
Mrs. Kulesa - Just a reminder, all issues are addressed under the respective subcommittee. Please, if any one has any questions, comments or concerns, please contact a Board Member.
Mr. Gentile - Welcome new administrators, teachers and staff. Everyone did an excellent job over the summer months.
Mr. Engle - Thank you to Michelle Spencer and the contributions she has made to this Board and to Mrs. Perugino for contacting Southern Connecticut State University for the donation of furniture to the middle school library. Remember parents, the schools are only proxy parents to your children, you need to take responsibility. A reminder, in July of 2009, the In School Suspension will take effective. Please contact your state representatives regarding unfunded mandates.
12. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on September 10, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
13. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Lenny Morgan motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
___________________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary