Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Terryville High School Auditorium

MINUTES

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

Excused Absence: Leonard Morgan and Daniel Gentile

Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Gerry Perusse, Business Manager; Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction and Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Excused Absence: Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education,

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Engle called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously. 

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 13, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the special meeting of March 5, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION

Tonight’s video presentation to the Board was prepared by the Mr. Travers, Principal and Mr. Falcone, Assistant Principal of Harry S. Fisher Middle School. The topic was the “Stay on Track Program” sponsored by the National Guard. This was the first year for this program. The program will expand to grade 7 next year and grade 8 the following year. The presentation provided a learning experience on drug, alcohol and tobacco prevention for grade 6 students. Members of the National Guard, grade 6 science teachers, Ms. Galpin-Barker and Ms. Baccei and students shared their experiences with the Board Members.

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5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

6. COMMUNICATIONS

None.

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Joann Basile to the position of Secretary at Main Street School effective March 13, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously. 

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Ferka Kolenovic to the position of Cafeteria Helper at Plymouth Center School effective March 13, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of the following individuals to coaching positions at Terryville High School:

Paul Helenski Varsity Baseball
Anthony Norton JV Baseball
Linda Farrington Varsity Co-Boys’ Volleyball
Richard Keator Varsity Co-Boys’ Volleyball
Jeffrey Foulds Co-Boys’ Track
Christopher Perkins Co-Boys’ Track
Raymond Lapinski Girls’ Track
Angie Suffridge Varsity Softball
Stephanie Konopaske JV Softball
Thomas Morgan Golf

Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of the following individuals to coaching positions at
Harry S. Fisher Middle School:

Paul Schwanka Boys’ Track
Kelly Vitale Girls’ Track
Mark Sconziano Softball

Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

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B. Out-of-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve the trip to New York City, New York to the Broadway show, Avenue Q, for grade 9-12 Drama Club students at Terryville High School for May 3, 2008. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Boston Science Museum for grade 9-12 Science Club students at Terryville High School for May 22, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to New York City for the students in the Amnesty International Club at Terryville High School for April 11, 2008. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Bronx Zoo in New York, for grade six students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for May 28, 2008. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.

C. Board of Education Budget

MOTION: To approve a recommended increase of 5.85% over the current Board of Education Budget for a total figure of $22,904,961 to the Plymouth Board of Finance for the fiscal year 2008-2009. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel. At this time, Mr. Engle, Board Chair called for a roll count: Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Karen Kulesa, Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel, Michelle Spencer and the chair all voted “yes”. Motion passed unanimously.

D. ED-099 Agreement in Accordance with Public Act 06-63

Dr. Distasio explained that Public Act 06-63, An Act Concerning Healthy Food and Beverages in Schools, requires that all Connecticut public school districts that are eligible to participate in the healthy food certification take action to certify whether all food items sold to students will or will not meet Connecticut Nutritional Standards. Therefore, the following motion was made:

MOTION: In accordance with Public Act 06-63, the Plymouth Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to sign the ED-099 Agreement for the Child Nutrition Program, and to sign any claims for reimbursement. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: In pursuant to section 10-34 of the general statutes that participates in the National School Lunch Program, we certify that all food items made available for sale to students in our school district will meet the nutritional standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

Dr. Distasio explained that in accordance with Public Act 06-63, the Board may allow the sale of items excluded from certification as long as such sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, such sale is at the location of such event and such food is not sold from a vending machine or school store.

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MOTION: The Plymouth Board of Education will permit the sale of items excluded from certification as long as such sale is in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular day school days or on the weekend, such sale is at the location of such event and such food is not sold from a vending machine or school store. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

• Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on March 5, 2008. The following items were discussed:
(1) NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) – the committee was presented an update on the progress of NEASC and the reports are in the process of being completed. The visitation from the committee is to take place in the fall; (2) Curriculum Web Page – a new series of web pages has been added to the district website regarding curriculum and instruction. The web pages outline the academic program in kindergarten through grade 8 in the core areas; and
 (3) Summer School – the summer school program for students in Pre-K through high school will continue and a discussion took place regarding financial obligations, making certain students who need to attend have the opportunity to attend.

• Facilities – Mr. Perugino, Chair

Mr. Perugino reported on the following: (a) the Facilities Subcommittee met on February 25, 2008 with respect to the sale of equipment at the old Terryville High School. This is work in progress. (b) trophies have been brought over to the new high school and are on display;
(c) no date has been set for the Open House at the new high school; (d) we are in possession of a temporary certificate of occupancy for the new high school; (e) the fire alarm system works well at the new high school; and (f) everything seems to be on track with the middle school.

• Finance – Mr. Gentile, Chair

In lieu of Mr. Gentile’s absence, Mr. Engle reported that the Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The February accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
 
D. Negotiations – Mr. Perugino, Chair

MOTION: To accept the contract for the new Business Manager as presented to the Finance Subcommittee. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel. At this time the Board Chair requested a roll vote: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Zalaski, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mrs. Spencer,
 Mr. Wetzel and the Board Chair voted “yes”. Motion passed unanimously.

E. Personnel - Roxanne Perugino, Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported that the Personnel Sub-Committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and all matters were covered under new business.

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F. Policy

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation

No Report

H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

Mrs. Kulesa reported she attended a meeting on March 6, 2008. However, the topics that were discussed were not relevant to the Board of Education.

I. Student Representatives

Merissa Heslin

• Teen Magician –Terryville High School will present “The Magic of Jonathan Jacques” at 7 p.m. on Friday, March 14 in the auditorium of Terryville High School. Tickets are available at all schools and at the door.
• Spanish Club – Salsa Dance, April 1st after school in the cafeteria
• Five members of the FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America) will be attending a conference in Waterbury on March 31st. They will be competing in business related activities.
• Freshman, sophomores and juniors are in the process of selecting courses for next year. They are excited about the new English elective offered at the high school.

Robert Lutters

• Food Drive sponsored by the Leo Club to support the local Food Pantry – March 17- April 25.
• Drama Club Presents “Caught In the Act” at Terryville High School, Saturday, March 29 @ 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.
• Leo Club Pasta Dinner, Saturday, March 29 @ 6:30 p.m. in the Terryville High School Cafeteria
• Academic Bowl, Saturday, March 15 @ 12 noon at Bristol Eastern High School
• Assemblies on New Drivers and Internet Safety – Wednesday, March 12 and Thursday, March 13.

Elyse Santorso

• CAPT Testing ends on Thursday, March 13
• There will be tryouts for baseball and softball in the upcoming months
• There will be an assembly for upper classmen in April sponsored by the Plymouth Volunteer Ambulance Corps on Drinking and Driving, entitled “The Hard Truth”.

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10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge

Excused Absence – No Report

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

All applications for the Rotella and Maloney Magnet Schools need to be returned to the Board of Education Office no later than Friday, March 14, 2008.

All applications for WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School grades 6 – 12) are to be returned to the Board of Education no later than March 27, 2008 @ 2 p.m... 

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

Mr. Rafaniello thanked tonight’s crew: Brian Luba, Rich Keator, Scott Mamross, Connor Raymond, Chris Casola and Ms. Fran Block.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

Mr. Perusse informed Board Members that he had received a visit from the DEP (Department of Environmental Protection) with respect to the five oil tanks and gave him some paperwork to complete.

On Saturday, March 8 and Sunday, March 9, he attended a 2-day disaster training exercise at the new Terryville High School. Participants included volunteer firefighters, the mayor, Town Council members, public works employees, volunteer ambulance members, the police chief and an emergency management director. Three mock scenarios took place over the 2-day period. One scenario: a severe storm covered the entire state; ice coated all surfaces, power lines were done; roads were blocked and many individuals were without power, etc.

 Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio wished the Board Members a “Happy Board of Education Week”. Each member was given a small token of appreciation. 

Students in grades 3 – 8 will be taking the Connecticut Mastery Test. While students in grade 10 are taking the CAPT (Connecticut Academic Performance Test). Everyone has been working extremely hard preparing for these tests. “Kick Off” programs were sponsored at all of the schools in preparation for the tests. Many thanks go out to all our staff members for all of their hard work in accomplishing the Board of Education and District Goals with regard to these tests.

The Academic Bowl will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at Bristol Eastern High School at 12 noon. Dr. Distasio wished this year’s participants the best of luck.

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A student from Main Street School has won the Fire Prevention Poster Contest for the pat 3 years. Congratulations go out to the following students: 2005-06 winners, Luke Boylan; 2006-07 winner, Mark Bunker; and the 2007-08 winners, George Andrews (grade 5) and Emma Wood (grade 4).

Dr. Distasio thanked the Board and school staff for their assistance in the development of this year’s budget proposal. With the high cost of utilities, health care, and contractual obligations, a 5.85% request is extremely fair. He urged everyone to come out and vote on referendum day to support the Board of Education Budget.

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

Linda Hotchkiss, 15 Curtiss Road, Terryville CT

• Questioned the procedure of how the Teacher of the Year was selected. Mr. Lovely provided an explanation.
• Inquired if the new Business Manager was going to be the contact for facilities. Dr. Distasio indicated “yes”, he will assume all of the responsibilities of the current Business Manager.
• Inquired about a survey indicating feedback relative to what’s taking place in the school and school system within the year. Dr. Distasio indicated that this is something that should be addressed by the PTA in accordance with the schools.
• They are looking for volunteers for the Plymouth Center School PTA.

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino – Main Street/Prospect Street Schools

No Report

Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School

No Report

Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

• March 17, Family Literacy Night – 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.

• March 28, Bingo Night – 7:00 p.m.
• April 24 in house field trip
• Topic of discussion: the hosting of a Coffee Hour the first day of school
• PTA National Convention to take place in San Diego
• Sign Up for State Convention is taking place
• April 7 & 8, students to visit Harry S. Fisher Middle School
• May 30, Book Swap
• Each PTA was asked to contribute $200 toward the Reflection Programs

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Mr. Wetzel – SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)

• Anyone going to Disney and looking for information, please contact Melissa Johnson. She is well informed with accommodations and how to get around Disney.
• Hopes the individual hired to take Mrs. Doiron’s place is well informed and will keep the programs that are in place.

Mr. Gentile – Harry S. Fisher Middle School

Excused Absence – No report

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

Next meeting is scheduled for March 24, 2008. Members were given a tour of the new high school.

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Enjoyed “Bingo Night”.

Mr. Wetzel – National Guard – good job.

Mr. Perugino –

• Thank you to the National Guard, great program. 
• Administration is doing a good job. 
• Article in the Waterbury-Republican on February 23 – Congratulations to Zack Goldberg, State Free Throw Champion. Zack is a student at Harry S. Fisher Middle School. Zack represented the Waterbury Elks Lodge #265. The event was the Connecticut Health Association Hoop Shot Competition and was for boys ages 12-13. Zack has Advanced to the New England Regional’s in South Portland, Maine.
•  Members of the Volunteer Fire Department do a great job for the community. We should give them our full support.

Mr. Gentile – Excused absence

Mrs. Spencer – No comment 

Mrs. Kulesa – wonderful, new auditorium 

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Mr. Engle –

• Concert was great
• Thank you to Mr. Keane and the Friends of Music
• Thank you to Jim Gaylord, the National Guard and the Administration of Harry S. Fisher Middle School.
• Attend the Academic Bowl and see our talented students
• Please support the Budget. Get out and vote.

14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on April 9, 2008 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.

15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:05 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino seconded Michelle Spencer, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary