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5/14/2008

Minutes
Meeting Type:
Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
5/14/2008 7:00:00 PM
Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES

Present:

Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel, Karen Kulesa, Jennifer Zalaski, Leonard Morgan, and Michelle Spencer

Excused Absence: Daniel Gentile Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio,

Superintendent, Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Carol Doiron Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education Services and Keith Rafaniello, 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 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 April 9, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION Since the presentation was not ready, Mr. Engle called for the following: MOTION: To move the Agenda. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 May 14, 2008

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6. COMMUNICATIONS Dr. Distasio wrote a letter to Mr. James Wilson thanking him for his generous donation of a Hammond Organ to the music department at Terryville High School. Dr. Distasio received a letter from State Representative William Hamzy regarding the HB 5826, “An Act Concerning School Learning Environment indicating he will do what he can to help delay implementation of Public Act 07-66 regarding in-school suspension. Dr. Distasio informed the Board that the In School Suspension Law has been postponed and will not take effect until July 1, 2009. 

7. OLD BUSINESS

This is the second reading of Policy 1330 – Community Relations. This policy was presented for first reading to the Board of Education at its April meeting. Board members have had the opportunity to review this policy over the past month. Approval of Policy 1330 will hopefully take place at the June Board of Education Meeting. Dr. Distasio suggested a meeting of the Policy Subcommittee take place in order for Policy 1330 to be approved by July 1, 2008.

4. PRESENTATION

Tonight’s presentation to the Board was prepared by staff members at Main Street School. As part of their curriculum, third grade students have been going on a walking tour of the Town of Plymouth. This has been a practice for the past 12 years. This field trip introduces students to the purposes and services of community government along with gaining an appreciation for the history of the Town of Plymouth. Students visit Town Hall, the Public Library, the Congregational Church and the Lock Museum. This field trip enables students to take a closer look at their Town as they walk through it. The tour also connects classroom studies with real life. 

8. NEW BUSINESS A. Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment A brief presentation from Ms. Emily Czarnecki and Mr. Steve Burgess of Jeter, Cook & Jepson was made with respect to the furniture, fixtures and equipment for Eli Terry Jr. Middle School and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School. A hand out was provided to the Board of the items being purchased for the schools. After the presentation Board Members asked Ms. Czarnecki for the following: (a) contact list of vendors and what each vendor provided to the school system; (b) spare parts list; (c) copies of full warranties and return policies; (d) a sample of the file cabinet; (e) all items will be inventoried; and (f) assurance that all will be in place when school opens in the fall. Ms. Czarnecki assured the Board all will be in place on the opening day of school. There being no further questions, the following motion was made:

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 May 14, 2008

Meeting

MOTION: To approve the Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment for Eli Terry Jr. Middle School and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School as presented by Jeter, Cook & Jepson. Motion Karen Kulesa seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously. At this time, the Chair requested a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mrs. Spencer and Mr. Wetzel all approved the motion. The next step is to receive approval from the Building Committee. Once the Building Committee has approved the furniture, fixtures and equipment for both schools, the furniture, fixtures and equipment will be presented to the State.

B. Appointment MOTION: To approve the appointment of Mrs. Amy Radke to the position of Assistant Principal at Terryville High School effective July 1, 2008. Motion Karen Kulesa, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously. At this time the Chair requested a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mrs. Spencer, and Mr. Wetzel all voted in favor or the appointment.

C. Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve the trip to Boston, Faneuil Hall for grade 9 – 12 students at Terryville High School for students in the Leo Club for June 2, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously. 

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair Mrs. Kulesa reported that the Curriculum Subcommittee met on May 7, 2008. A presentation was made on the topic of Response to Intervention which is the process to identify students in need of academic support. A program model has been established by the CSDE for Connecticut schools entitled, “Scientific Research-Based Interventions”. This program is a detailed plan for instructional personnel to identify students in need, based upon a collection of data, specific to the individual child. Plymouth has been working on an implementation plan for the past year and its initial phase will be brought forth in September. Mrs. Kulesa also reported that the Plymouth high school summer school plan has been finalized. Students in need of summer school will be receiving application packets immediately. Also, outside district application packets have been distributed. The high school summer school program is self-sustaining program.

B. Facilities – Mr. Perugino, Chair Mr. Perusse informed the Board Members that the oil tank project at Main Street School has been completed. With that said, the following motion was made: MOTION: To accept the oil tank at Main Street School as being completed. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

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Mr. Perugino informed the Board that the renovation work being done on Eli Terry Jr. Middle School is on schedule.

C. Finance – Mr. Gentile, Chair In lieu of Mr. Gentiles’ absence, Mr. Engle reported the following: The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The April accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance. The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting and approved forwarding the transfers to the full Board for its approval. MOTION: To approve the transfers as discussed during the Finance Subcommittee. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the amended budget as proposed by the Finance Subcommittee, total reductions to our initial proposed Budget $508,136, Budget totals $2,396,825.

Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously. At this time the Chair asked for a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Morgan, Mrs. Spencer, and Mr. Wetzel all vote in favor of the motion.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Perugino, Chair No Report

E. Personnel - Roxanne Perugino, Chair All matters were addressed under new business.

F. Policy – Mrs. Zalaski All matters were addressed under old business.

G. Safety & Transportation No Report

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 May 14, 2008 Meeting

H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa Mrs. Kulesa reported the meeting took place on May 1st at the Danbury office of Education Connection. Some items that were discussed are:

· The World Language Bill will probably become law. Any student who takes a world language from a private provider will be eligible to receive 2 credits toward his/her high school graduation. · The In School Suspension Act was discussed and the repercussions it will have on schools. The matter has been postponed until the summer of 2009.

· Two scholarships have been awarded to students in the Education Connection area: One to a New Hartford student the other to a New Fairfield student.

· The assistant executive director of Education Connection is retiring. This position will have a new title of Director of Student Services

I. Student Representatives Merissa Heslin

· May 10 Jr. Prom – Aqua Turf – Southington

· May 17 Sr. Prom – Holiday Hotel – Waterbury Juniors & Seniors attended a “Hard Truth Assembly” sponsored by the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corp which focused on the results of drinking and driving

· May 15 1st Annual Mr. THS Pageant @ 7 p.m.

· May 21 Psychology Students to visit Ellis Island & Statute of Liberty

· May 23 Sr. Class Trip – Holiday Hill

· June 3 National Honors Society Induction of new members – THS Auditorium @ 7 p.m. · June 5 Scholarship Night

Mr. Perugino gave Merissa some suggestions for next years Mr. THS Pageant to take back to the committee.

Robert Lutters

· May 13 Spanish Club Field Trip – Peabody Restaurant

· May 15 Student Council Field Trip

· May 30 THS Awards Ceremony – 12:30p.m. in the Auditorium

Flamingo Flocking was a success. Approximately $1,000 was raised.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 May 14, 2008

Meeting

Elyse Santorso

· April 27 Rotary Club Road Race

· May 17 Track Team to attend Berkshire League Competition. 

Question: What stage are we in with regard to finishing our athletic facilities and fields and when do you expect these facilities to be completely finished for use?

Answer: ( Dr. Distasio) We are waiting to see what is left in the budget. The track depends upon how much money is left in the contingency after completion of both projects. Currently, we are working with the Building Committee because the current fields were not seeded correctly and this is a concern. The fields will need to sit for one more year. 

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge Mrs. Doiron thanked the Board Members who attended the retirement party on May 9th. Congratulations to Amy Radke on her appointment as Assistant Principal at Terryville High School. It’s so nice to see a member of the community be appointed to this position.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

· The middle school summer school program has been finalized. Notices will be sent out within a week. · Grades 3,4, & 5 summer school requests will be sent to parents in a week should they want their child/children to participate

· Waterbury Arts Magnet School Lottery Results – grade 6 7 students accepted grade 9 4 students accepted

There were no other openings since the students moved up in grades

· Maloney Magnet School Lottery Results –

Pre-K 6 students accepted

Kindergarten 4 students accepted

 Grade 1 2 students accepted

Grade 2 1 student accepted 

There were no openings for grades 3, 4 & 5.

· Rotella Magnet School Lottery Results – pre-k figures only 10 students accepted. Grades K – 5 are still being worked on with respect to class size.

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

· New website is up and running – its looks beautiful – please go to plymouth.k12.ct.us to view the new website · Thanks to the dedication of Laura McBaine, Rich Trudeau and Jeff Telke the new websites for all of the 5 schools and Board of Education are up and running.

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· Sports events are posted daily; calendar updates; and announcements can be found on the website. 

· Please e-mail any suggestions to Mr. Rafaniello

· Board of Education Minutes; Agenda and Policies are also obtainable on the website

 · Thank you to the teachers who are willing to volunteer their time for training

· Thank you to tonight’s crew: Ms. Block; Brian Luba and Connor Raymond

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

· Thank you to the Board Members who attended the retirement dinner

· The budget year is winding down. Funds are being used for what they were intended. · Our staff is taking care of the grounds at Terryville High School. They have been fertilized by an outside company. 

· The grass that was planted is being relooked at by the Company who planted it.

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent Dr. Distasio thanked students and staff who participated and helped in the Annual Terryville Rotary Road Race that was held on Sunday, April 27, 2008. The race was an overwhelming success due to the help of many individuals volunteering their time. Special thanks to Mrs. Aiudi, Ms. Pelosi, Mr. Curtiss, Mr. Tunila, Ms. Breikreutz, Mr. Waldron, Ms. Boylan, Mrs. Mazur, Ms. Worhunsky and Ms. Andrews for their help. Congratulations went out to Mr. Perusse and Ms. Greaney for receiving the PTA’s “Spirit Award” and to Ms. Doiron for receiving the PTA’S Life Time Membership Award at the State PTA Convention on Friday, May 2, 2008. Dr. Distasio thanked these individuals for all they have done working with out parent groups. The annual CPR Night will be held on Monday, June 2, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Harry S. Fisher Middle School. An invitation has been extended to all Board Members. Open House for the new Terryville High School will be held on Sunday, June 1, 2008 from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m. There will be a brief ceremony with dignitaries and tours of the building to follow. Dr. Distasio announced the following: The last day of school for elementary and middle school students is Monday, June 16, 2008 and for high school students, June 19, 2008. Promotion exercises for Harry S. Fisher Middle School will be held at 10:30 a.m. on June 16th. Graduation Ceremony for Terryville High School will be held on June 19th at 7 p.m. Parents were reminded of the following: (a) the last three (3) days of school are shortened days and no lunches will be served on June 12th, 13th and 16th at the elementary and middle schools and (b) no lunches will be served on June 17th, 18th and 19th at the high school.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 May 14, 2008

Meeting

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

Dan Santorso – 20 Crescent Street – Terryville CT 06786 – Former graduate of Terryville High School. Expressed his delight to observe more local involvement in local government education. 

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

· May 16 Open House Prospect Street/Main Street Schools 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

· May 18 Open House Prospect Street/Main Street Schools 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.

· May 20 PTA Meeting 6 p.m. @ Main Street School

· May 21 Spring Concert 7 p.m. @ Main Street School

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School Pac Meeting has been cancelled for May 15, 2008

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

Next meeting will take place on June 10, 2008

Mr. Wetzel – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association) · Group indicated how much they will miss Ms. Doiron · Currently there are 42 members · Seeking ideas for future fundraisers

Mr. Gentile – Harry S. Fisher Middle School

No Report – excused absence

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council PTA Council will be meeting on Monday, May 19, 2008 at 7 p.m. at the Board of Education 13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Congratulations to Amy Radke and best wishes in her new position.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 May 14, 2008 Meeting

Mrs. Spencer – To our teachers, thank you for everything that you do for us

Mrs. Kulesa – Congratulations to Mrs. Radke. Thank you to the 3rd grade teachers for putting on a wonderful field trip. We appreciate all of your hard work.

Mrs. Zalaski – Congratulations to Mrs. Radke. An excellent presentation was given by grade 3 teachers. Students will remember this experience for the rest of their lives.

Mr. Perugino - In visiting colleges with his son and wife, Mr. Perugino found colleges are looking for students to be well rounded individuals. It becomes very frustrating when one sees what the colleges are expecting of our students and what we as a community have to offer. One needs to remember that you’re never too old to learn. 

Mr. Engle – Mr. Engle shared some of his personal experiences when he was growing up. He shared what happens to a community when it does not support education. One needs to look into the future and provide students with what they need in order for them to grow. 

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on June 11, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:25 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted, ____________________ Patrick Perugino Secretary

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