MINUTES

Present:
Board: Raymond Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Martin Wetzel,
Mark Berube, Daniel Santorso, Gerard Bourbonniere, Karen Kulesa and Anthony Orsini

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. Perugino called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.

Mr. Perugino called for a moment of silence in remembrance of Pricilla Kinney who served on the Plymouth Board of Education in the late 1970’s.

2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA

MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of April 21, 2010. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


4. PRESENTATION

Dr. Michael Neiman, Senior Vice-President of Future’s HealthCore and Dr. Dom Vita, former Superintendent of Schools and current consultant with Future’s presented their findings regarding the Special Education Program in Plymouth. Future’s spent the better part of one month speaking with staff, parents, and administrators about the Special Education Program in Plymouth.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None



Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 May 12, 2010 Minutes



6. COMMUNICATIONS

Dr. Distasio received notification from the Connecticut State Department of Education that the Plymouth School District is the recipient of the Carl D. Perkins Innovation Competitive Grant. The district was selected to receive an award for the E-Commerce & Entrepreneurship model: an award of $13,645.00. Congratulations to Mr. Trudeau for his work in writing this grant.


7. OLD BUSINESS

None


8. NEW BUSINESS


A. Resignation

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Carolyn Kosswig, English Language Learner’s Teacher for the Plymouth School District, effective June 30, 2010.

B. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Angie Suffridge to the position of Assistant Principal at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective July 1, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere. At this time the Chair asked for a roll call: Mr. Berube, Mr. Engle, Mr. Orsini,
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Santorso, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Wetzel, and the Chair cast “yes” votes. Motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Tara Sullivan to the position of Language Arts Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective July 1, 2010. Motion Gerard Bourbonniere seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Rosemary Mulvey to the position of Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective May 13, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

C. Out-to-State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip to Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts for grade 5 students from Harry S. Fisher Elementary School for May 25, 2010. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip to Six Flags New England in Agawam, Massachusetts for select students in grades 11 and 12 at Terryville High School for May 27, 2010. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve an out-of-state field trip to Boston, Massachusetts to Faneuil Hall for grade 6 band students at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for June 4, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 May 12, 2010 Minutes


D. Field Trips

Dr. Distasio shared the following information with respect to a recent examination of field trips in the district . In particular, the issues relative to overnight field trips and class trips with respect to i.e. the Grade 8 Washington, D.C. trip and the trip to Nature’s Classroom.

These two trips: (a) are full class trips; (b) have increased in cost; (c) a larger percentage of students who are eligible to attend choose not to; (d) 25% or more of the classes are choosing not to attend the trips; (e) cost Washington, D.C. $725; and (f) Nature’s Classroom cost $289.

Dr. Distasio indicated that after speaking with the principals the following set of guidelines were developed in order to better minimize the disruption of the educational process of all students and to better address the costs associated with the trips. They are as follows: (a) in order to minimize the disruption to the educational process of all students, field trips involving entire grades must have at least 90% participation by students. If at least 90% of the students have committed to attend the trip, the trip will be permitted. (b) coverage for any field trip with regard to costs for substitute teachers, if needed, must be factored into the cost for the entire field trip. (c) cost for teacher-chaperones on overnight field trips must be factored into the cost of the entire field trip. (d) when field trips involve large groups of students, measures must be taken to minimize the disruption to the educational environment of the school. Therefore, in trips involving an entire grade, teachers in that grade must provide supervision for the trip. Any exception to this guideline must have the approval of the superintendent of schools. and (e) in order to minimize the loss of instructional time, overnight trips, whenever possible, should take place during school vacations and non-instructional days.

Dr. Distasio indicated these guidelines would go into effect for the 2010 – 2011 school years.

E. Race to the Top (RTTT)

The State of Connecticut is once again requesting area district Boards and Teacher Unions to support the new Race to the Top Plan. If accepted by the Federal Government, Connecticut would be eligible to receive $175 million. If the plan is accepted, Plymouth would be eligible to receive $140,000 over the next four years. Therefore, Dr. Distasio asked for the following:

MOTION: That the Board approve and support for the new Race to the Top Plan and authorize Mr. Perugino to sign on behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Daniel Santorso motion passed unanimously.

F. Safe Routes to Schools Grant

Dr. Distasio shared the following: Mr. Lorenzetti, Director of Public Works was notified by the State Department of Education that the Town of Plymouth received approval for funding for sidewalks in and around Fisher Elementary School and Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. The approval is for $430,000 as part of the Safe Routes to Schools Program.


9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

No Report

Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 May 12, 2010 Minutes



B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

The following Motion was made with respect to the roof replacement at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.

MOTION: To approve the firm of HANKS Incorporated of Middletown, Connecticut to develop the architectural drawings and specifications for the roof replacement at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.


C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Sub-Committee 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.

MOTION: To approve the transfer discussed at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting which was held prior to the Board Meeting. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

The first negotiations session with the UAW Paraprofessionals and Secretaries Union took place on – April 28th, 2010 @ 4 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices. Ground rules were signed and proposals were exchanged. The next session will take place on May 18, 2010 at the Board of Education Offices.


E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

The Personnel Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting. All matters were addressed under new business.


F. Policy – Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report


G. Safety & Transportation – Mr. Orsini, Chair

No Report - Everything is moving along safely and smoothly.



H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa

There was not a quorum for a regular meeting. However, a conference call was held and the group reviewed administrative items.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 May 12, 2010 Minutes



I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone reported on the following:

• Summer reading lists are posted on the Terryville High School Home Page. All books will be available at the Terryville Public Library.

• The Public Library donated 172 contemporary/literary criticism books and 129 volumes of the 19th century literary criticism books to the Terryville High School Library.

• Reminder: Use the library catalogue “Destiny” and post star ratings on books read from the library. Website: http://destiny.plymouthschools.us

• SpanishV class to meet with Spanish Pen Pals from Litchfield High School

• May 12th- - Law Day (topic: “Children and The Law”)

• Advanced Placement Tests are over

• May 14th – Awards Ceremony

• May 20th – Band & Chorus Concert at 7:30 p.m.

• June 4th – Senior Exams

• June 5th – Underclassman Exams


Lindsey Bourdeau

Ms. Bourdeau reported on the following:

May 06 The American Red Cross Blood Drive sponsored by the Student Council was a success

May 15 Senior Prom will be held at the Farmington Club
May 16 “Plymouth Car Show” 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Terryville High School
May 28 Terryville High School Class of 2012 “Class Trip” to Holiday Hills

Student Council Representatives for 2010 – 2011 are:

Bryan Kamens President
Julie Salinger Vice President
Mike Mastracchio Treasurer

The Leo Club helped the Lions Club with the Annual Mothers Day Breakfast along with the Historical Society in their anniversary celebration. WWI committee will be attending the Washington DC Trip next week from Wednesday – Sunday. Goal – get the memorial rededicated as a “National Memorial”.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 May 12, 2010 Minutes



Karrick Lee

Mr. Lee reported on the following:

Sports:

o Baseball Team 9/4
o Softball Team 12/1 – tied in 1st place in the Berkshire League. The team had its first loss against Lewis Mills – Bethany Grimes – Athlete of the Week
o Golf 8/4

May 8 Junior Prom was held at the Chrystal Room in Naugatuck

Assemblies

• Plainville Police Department Detective presentation: “Dangers of People on Line”
• Terryville Ambulance Corps: “The Hard Truth” presentation about the dangers of drinking and driving.

Walk for ARF raised approximately $1,700.00.

Mr. Oleksiw’s students participated in the Connecticut Youth Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center ‘It Academy” and “Television Production” students attended.

At this time, Mr. Perugino presented seniors, Alexis Cordone and Linsdey Bourdeau with a small token gift for their input on the Board this year.


10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION


Mr. Meehan - Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge

Mr. Meehan was pleased the Board had the opportunity to hear from Futures. Their report will set the tone for the next few years with respect to Special Education and the work that needs to be done in this department.


Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction & District Administrator In Charge

Mr. Lovely discussed the compliance reviews on two grants. (a) the Carl D. Perkins Grant - $20,000 (recommendation was to continue) and (b) Drug Free Communities Grant ($100,000 per year for 5 years/3 years left). (positive review)

Diversity Grant Field Trips – (a) Bronx Zoo on May 15th ; (b) end of May New York City for 3 days to take place on a Friday afternoon, Saturday and Sunday; (c) 4 days in Pennsylvania which already took place.

Dr. Distasio commended Mr. Lovely for taking his free time to chaperone these trips.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 May 12, 2010 Minutes


Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

Tonight’s crew: Nick, Jeff and Connor

The Innovation Grant Funds will be used for an “E-Commerce Course” at the high school.

Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed portions of this year’s budget. The budget looks good, everything seems to be on target and we’re in pretty good shape. Due to the change in weather, the heat needed to be turned on in all of the buildings. We are working with CL&P on a grant application to get about 50% matching funds to replace the lights in the gyms at Plymouth Center and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School.


Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

o Mrs. Cynthia Badenhop and Mr. George Bikakis, both teachers at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, received the Century Club Grant for this year. Each will receive a grant of $500 to help fund programs in their respective classrooms. Congratulations!

o The recipients of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education Student Leadership Awards went to Katelynn Mangassarian and Tyler Tarnowicz. Both students will receive their awards at the Annual Awards Program at Terryville High School. Congratulations!

o The recipient of the Education Connection Scholarship went to Margo Lyga. Margo will receive a $750 scholarship for her written essay concerning her understanding of 21st century skills and the importance of student acquisition of these skills. Congratulations!

o Mr. Robert Nave is the recipient of the U.S. House of Representative’s Fellow Award. Mr. Nave will spend an all expense paid week in July in an intensive program learning about the history and function of the U.S. House of Representatives. As a House Fellow he is required to develop a set of lessons for our U.S. History Curriculum. Congratulations!

o Mr. Michael Santogatta is the recipient of the “Rising Star” award by CASBO (Connecticut Association of School Business Officials). Mike was selected by a committee of Business Managers, Superintendents, and Board of Education representatives from the State of Connecticut. Mr. Santogatta will be recognized at the President’s Dinner on June 3rd in Hartford.

o A number of students participated in the annual Connecticut Student Innovation Expo at the Connecticut Convention Center in Hartford on May 8th. Many thanks to:
Mr. Oleksiw, and students, Aaron McCay, Ian Ross, Laura Beck, Tyler Pulsifer, Anthony Lane, Dave Block, Jay Majersky, Connor Raymond, Kyle Siedzik and
Josh Lopez for participating and developing their Environmental video game, Trashmaster.

o The next public hearing concerning the Town’s Budget will be held on Monday, May 17th, at 7 p.m. at Town Hall. Everyone is encouraged to attend.


Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 May 12, 2010 Minutes



11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

12. Board Liaisons to Schools

Mr. Perugino/Mrs. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School

Attended the PTA Meeting and discussed the Town Meeting and Budget with parents.

May 18 Next meeting at 6:45 p.m.
May 25 – 27 Art Show
May 26 Spring Band and Chorus Concert @ 7 p.m.
June 11 Field Day

Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

o May 13 Next meeting @ Terryville High School @ 7 p.m.

The After Grad Program is doing well. The Plymouth Car Show 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. @ Terryville High School. There will be a Tractor Show coming up. More information to follow.


Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

No Report

Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School – Meeting May 6th

May 5 Election of Officers for 2010 – 2011 school years

Linda Hotchkiss President
Rebecca Theriault Vice President
Donna Lane Secretary
Jennifer Zalaski Treasurer

May 04 Student Internet Safety Assembly
May 05 Meeting for parents of students going to Washington, D.C.
May 07 Staff Appreciation Breakfast
May 13 Spring Photographs
May 13 8th grade parent orientation at Terryville High School @ 6:30 p.m.
May 14 Day of Caring
May 14 Grade 6/7 dance from 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.
May 27 Grade 8 Alcohol Drug Assembly
May 27 Grade 6 Band Trip to Boston
May 27 Grade 7 Field Trip to Lake Compounce
May 28 7/8 Grade Chorus & Band – Six Flags



Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 May 12, 2010 Minutes



(a) New planters filled with flowers grace each side of the front entrance at the middle school. and (b) student planners and organizers have been ordered by the PTA


Mr. Berube – SEPTA

May 05 Meeting
June 06 Walk for Autism – parties interested in participating please contact
Kim Jobbaby

Meeting date for next year will change to either the 1st or 3rd Thursday of the month. This is to finalized by the next meeting. SEPTA currently has 30 members. Think about becoming a member, getting involved, find out what SEPTA is all about and what it does.

Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

There will be a fundraiser sponsored by the PTA Council on May 14 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. at the Bristol Carvel’s on Farmington Avenue.

13. Final Board Comments

Mr. Berube – Congratulations to Ms Suffridge and Mr. Santogatta.

Mr. Orsini – Congratulations to Ms. Suffridge, good choice. She will do an outstanding job and is a very dedicated individual. Mr. Santogatta, great job.

Mrs. Perugino – Reminder, May 25th Mentor/Mentee Picnic.

Mr. Santorso – Congratulations to Ms. Cordone on her performance as captain of the Academic Bowl. Expressed he would miss if field trips were discontinued. He feels they are a good source for students to learn respect and cooperation. Possibly we could explore another way to provide students with a brotherhood experience and look back on classmates of the past and have fond memories.

Mr. Wetzel – Congratulations to everyone that won an award and/or was promoted. Remember, Plymouth Car Show, 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. Spectators are welcome.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Mr. Meehan great job with Futures. Congratulations to Margo Lyga on her scholarship and Bethany Grimes, athlete of the week. Christina Hall great game against Wolcott Tech. Terryville High School students in the Leo Club hosted a fundraising walk for the Animal Rescue Foundation. Freshman, Tim King was the individual behind this event which brought in a little over $1,800.00. Thank you to Teresa Labarbera from WFSB who hosted the event.
Mr. Santogatta, “What can I say?”. Ms. Suffridge, congratulations. This is a challenging step for you. Hopefully you can make the students of Eli Terry Jr. Middle School “Rising Stars”.

Mr. Perugino – Congratulations Ms. Suffridge. As we indicated to Mr. Falcone, the Board is here for you. Mr. Nave, congratulations. The flamingo’s are still out there, I can attest to that, because my house has been flocked.




Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 May 12, 2010 Minutes


Mr. Zagurski – Town Liaison – Very important members and the public attended the budget hearing on May 17th. To the Board Members, you need to get the word out. The second referendum is scheduled for Monday, May 24th. On another note, he’s looking forward to working on the “Safe Routes to Schools Grant”.


14. Executive Session

MOTION: To adjourn at 8:45 p.m. into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing the Superintendent’s Evaluation and Board of Education Goals. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously. All of the Board Members and Dr. Distasio entered into Executive Session.

MOTION: To resume into regular session at 9:20 p.m. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.


15. Decision as a result of Executive Session

No decision.


16. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
June 9, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.


17. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 9:22 p.m. Motion Martin Wetzel seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary