Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Roxanne Perugino, Patrick Perugino, Daniel Gentile, Karen Kulesa,
Lisa Moriarty, Patricia Budnick, Velma McConnell and Raymond Engle
Excused Absence: Lisbeth Leonhardt
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Gerry Perusse , Keith Rafaniello, and
Peter Lovely
Excused Absence: Carol Doiron
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. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of March 9, 2005 . Motion Velma McConnell , seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
Mayor Covello presented Mr. Felix Borkowski with a Proclamation honoring him for his many years of service to the Town of Plymouth . In addition, Pat Perugino, Chairperson of the Plymouth Board of Education presented Mr. Borkowski with a mantel clock for his service to the community and children of Plymouth .
MOTION: Motion to recess at 7:10 p.m. for a brief reception for Mr. Borkowski. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Motion to reconvene at 7:23 p.m. Dan Gentile, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 April 13. 2005
Mrs. Collins, principal, Mrs. Wessman, Ms. Broderick, Ms. Hogan, Ms. Rimcoski, of Plymouth Center School and Ms. Vivian of the Family Resource Center provided this month's presentation to the Board of Education. The staff of Plymouth Center School is in the early planning stages of developing a Readers' Garden with the possibility of a Water Garden feature for the school. Staff members shared some of their ideas on how the dream began; making the dream realty; and the use of the garden as an outdoor classroom for the students of Plymouth Center School .
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Distasio shared with the Board Members a response to his letter from State Senator Colapietro and Representative Hamzy with respect to his request for their support for House Bill 5529 which is "An Act Concerning the Establishment of a Per Student Grant for Economically Disadvantaged Small Towns". He indicated that both gentlemen were very responsive to his letter.
Mr. Perugino shared an invitation he and other Board Members received with respect to the "Swearing In" ceremony for Ms. Karen Krasicky as Chief of Policy of the Town of Plymouth . He encouraged all Board Members to attend the ceremony on Friday, April 22, 2005 . Mr. Perugino asked Board Members Contact Mrs. Piskorski on or before April 20, 2005 with their response.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Childbearing/Childrearing Leave
MOTION: To approve a childrearing leave for Mrs. Jennifer Totten, grade 6 teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the 2005 - 2006 school year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.
B. Appointments
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Lois McCoy, Speech Pathologist for the Plymouth School District , beginning August 24, 2005 . Motion Velma McConnell , seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 April 13, 2005
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Anthony Norton, Boy's JV Baseball coach at Terryville High School for the 2005 spring season. Motion Lisa Moriarty, seconded
Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
C. Approval of Out of State Field Trips
MOTION: To approve a trip to New York City on May 3, 2005 for grade 7 students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School as a part of their academic enrichment.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a trip to Boston , Massachusetts on June 3, 2005 for grade 6 band students at Harry S. Fisher Middle School . Motion Roxanne Perugino,
seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a trip to New York City on April 15, 2005 from grade 9-12 students at Terryville High School in the Amnesty International Club.
Motion Velma McConnell , seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve a trip to Virginia Beach from May 5 - May 8, 2005 for grade 9 - 12 band and chorus students at Terryville High School to participate in an instrumental and vocal competition. Motion Velma McConnell , seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed with Mr. Engle abstaining.
MOTION: To approve a trip to France from April 14 - April 21, 2006 for grade 10 - 12 world language students at Terryville High School as an extension of the world language curriculum. Motion Lisa Moriarty, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
• Curriculum - Karen Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on April 6, 2005 and discussed the following items: (1) the CMT results/CAPT testing - some areas showed some growth and there were weaknesses in other areas which are currently being analyzed to improve instruction. More issues will be addressed when the principals make their presentations concerning School Improvement Plans; (2) Maloney, Rotella and the Waterbury Arts Magnet Schools are all holding lotteries this week. Parents will be notified either next week or the week after depending on the school; (3) Kindergarten screening for prospective students at Prospect Street and Plymouth Center Schools will take place in May. Any parent(s) who have kindergarten students are encouraged to call the schools to sign up for kindergarten screening. It is important that schools get an accurate count of kindergarten students as early as possible for planning purposes; and (4) Summer School - Grades 3 - 5 program will be the same as last year. Recommendation is made by the teacher. Grade 6 - 8 and Grades 9 - 10, brochures were printed. Teachers will be advertising for teachers shortly. Posting for positions will be set to all schools. We have been contacted by several other schools who are interested in having their students attend our summer school.
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B. Facilities - Ray Engle, Chair
There is a roof that will be going on the new high school. Phase 1 will be going out to bid as scheduled. A copy of the Task Completion Project will be in next month's Board packet for all members to read. If you have any questions, please call Mr. Engle at home or see him after tonight's meeting.
C. Finance - Patricia Budnick, Chair
The Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting. The accounts by facilities report was reviewed and will be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
The deficit balances were reviewed. There was nothing new of major concern. One new overage item in the amount of $3,500 which was discussed occurred due to the replacement of light fixtures at Main Street School . This item was not planned.
D. Negotiations - Lisa Moriarty, Chair
The Negotiations Subcommittee will address the Superintendent's contract in Executive Session.
E. Personnel - Roxanne Perugino, Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported that the personnel sub-committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved all of his recommendations.
The Superintendent's Evaluation will be addressed in Executive Session.
All applications for the positions of Assistant Principal at Harry S. Fisher Middle School and Principal of Prospect Street/Main Street Schools have been received and will be reviewed shortly.
F. Policy - Velma McConnell , Chair
No Report at this time
G. Safety & Transportation - Ray Engle, Chair
No Report at this time
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H. Education Connection - Patricia Budnick
The major discussion this time of year focuses on Budget. The biggest point of interest at last Thursday's meeting was a discussion of the comparison between Education Connection's budget and what's happening at our level. Mrs. Budnick feels we are very fortunate to have an 8% increase in medical insurance compared to Education Connection's increase of 18%.
I. Student Representatives
Cassandra Huizenga - absent
Sophia Sopczneski - April 25, 2005 - Bloodmobile; April 28, 2005 - Spring Concert; April 30, 2005 - Junior Prom; and April 30, 2005 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. - Senior Car Wash at Terryville High School .
Sean Link - CAPT testing for sophomores has concluded; College Fair - 7 p.m. April 14 2005 at Terryville High School; and April 14, 2005 @12:30 p.m. Job Fair at Terryville High School; Academic Bowl Challenge - Terryville High School placed second in the Quiz Bowl and Laura Kwasniewski of Terryville High School took home first place in the poetry competition. Spanish students will be in Spain from April 15 - April 24, 2005 . Spring sports are about to begin.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron , Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
Excused Absence
Mr. Lovely - Director of Curriculum and Instruction
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 April 13, 2005
Mr. Rafaniello , Director of Technology
Individuals can now go to the Board of Education website (Plymouth.k12.ct.us) and watch Plymouth 16 on the internet; 2 new shows have been introduced: "WHATS (What's Happening at Terryville High School) and It's All Good - informs you as to what is happening in the community; currently work is in progress to archive the videos; and thank you to the following students of FNN - Connor Raymond, Kyle Konopaske, Scott Mamrosh and Brian Luba and advisor, Ms. Block.
Mr. Perusse , Business Manager
Netting is being installed at the high school; materials are being brought in to work on the softball fields at Terryville High, Main Street , and Harry S. Fisher Middle Schools .
Dr. Distasio , Superintendent
The following items were highlighted by Dr. Distasio:
Plymouth Center School
• April 15, 2005 - Grade 3 students to travel to the Beardsley Zoo
Prospect Street School
• April 15, 2005 - Grade 4 students to travel to Mystic Seaport
• April 15, 2005 - grade 5 will hold a Colonial Day that will include a Colonial Luncheon
• March 31, 2005 - Congratulations to Matthew Volz, grade 5 and Joshua Kelley, grade 4, students from Main Street School who were honored as County Winners for the Connecticut Fire Prevention Poster Contest.
• April 28, 2005 - PTA's Reflection Awards Ceremony at Plymouth Center School will take place to honor our elementary students district-wide who participated in the program.
Harry S. Fisher Middle School
• Students of the month: Dylan Embleton & Matthew Zalewski - grade 6
Jennifer Armstrong & Frank Fuller - grade 7
Jillian Nearing & Corey Elias - grade 8
• Art Award Recipients: Kaitlyn Natzke, Jelena Muncan, andJoleen Lizotte
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Terryville High School
• Congratulations to Sean Link who was selected as one of the 30 Governor's Scholars of Connecticut for 2005.
Spring Break will be held during the week of April 18 - 22, 2005
Important Upcoming Meetings
• April 26, 2005 @ 7 p.m. @ Town Hall - Public Hearing for the town's budget
• May 2, 2005 @ 7 p.m. @ Terryville High School - Town Meeting for the town's budget
Dr. Distasio encouraged all citizens and interested parties to attend.
• May 21, 2005 - Bicycle Safety Program @ Plymouth Center School. Please watch local newspapers for times.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
Robert & Cheryl Nottbohm - 252 Preston Road - Terryville CT. Mr. & Mrs. Nottbohm have a child that attends Harry S. Fisher Middle School . They are new to Terryville. They inquired about a "Gifted Program" for students in the school system. Dr. Distasio indicated due to budget restraints this was not possible, however, he suggested they contact their child's guidance department and inquire about the possibility of their child taking a course(s) at the next grade level.
12. Executive Session
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:15 p.m. into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent's Evaluation and contract negotiations. All Board of Education Members and Superintendent were invited to attend. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Karen Kulesa, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To reconvene at 8:32 p.m. into Regular Session. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Mrs. Perugino provided the following explanation with respect to the Superintendent's Evaluation. As a Board, they discussed the Superintendent's Evaluation. They went through topics, i.e. relationship with the Board of Education, community relations, stall and personnel, business and support services, educational services, comprehensive planning, general management, and professional and personal qualities. Mrs. Perugino reported that as a Board they found Dr. Distasio above average in all areas. After her explanation of the Superintendent's Evaluation the following motion was made.
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MOTION: To approve the Superintendent's Evaluation. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Velma McConnell , motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To accept the Superintendent's contract for 2005 - 2008 as recommended by the Negotiating Committee. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.
13. Business of the Board
Mrs. Perugino - No comments
Mrs. McConnell - Terryville/Plymouth Little League opening ceremonies Saturday, April 16, 2005 at 9:30 a.m.
Mrs. Leonhardt - Excused absence.
Mr. Engle - Thank you to the Foods Group for a wonderful meal and the 50 th birthday cake and to the Board of Education for their acknowledgement.
Mrs. Budnick - Hoping for a safe trip home from Spain for everyone.
Mrs. Moriarty - Thank you to the foods group for a wonderful meal; to the Board of Education for such a positive meeting; excellent presentation by Plymouth Center School on Readers Garden and on the presentations on behalf of Mr. Borkowski, and congratulations to Dr. Distasio.
Mr. Gentile - A Happy 80 th Birthday to Mr. Borkowski. Congratulations to Mr. Engle on his 50 th birthday. It is amazing how Plymouth 16 has evolved; great job Mr. Rafaniello and volunteers; thank you to the Board of Education and the Superintendent for the excellent job that he does; thank you to Officer Kevin of the Dare Program for donating his time to the students of Plymouth ; and finally, volunteers make the school system tick.
Mrs. Kulesa - Congratulations to Sean Link, thank you to the Vocational Foods Group Students and Staff for a wonderful meal, encourages " Readers Garden "; and thank you to Mr. Borkowski for all his years of service.
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Mr. Perugino - Thank you to Mr. Borkowski for his many years of service to the Town and students of Plymouth . It was a pleasure having him at the meeting this evening. Congratulations to Sean Link. See you at the car wash. Encouraged Board Members to attend the "Swearing In" ceremony for Ms. Karen Krasicky as Chief of Police; and Mr. Rafaniello and the crew of FNN did a great job tonight.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on May 11, 2005 at 7 p.m. , Terryville High School cafeteria.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:40 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Velma McConnell , motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Velma McConnell
Secretary