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2/17/2010


Minutes


Meeting Type:Board of Education Meeting
Location:
Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
2/17/2010 7:00:00 PM

United In Our Commitment to Excellence in Education

The Plymouth Public Schools’ mission is to ensure that all students learn to the best of their abilities.

We support their growth into knowledgeable, skilled, and contributing citizens capable of

succeeding in their work, personal, and family lives.

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Terryville High School Cafeteria


MINUTES

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

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent; Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction; Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager; Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education and Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology


1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Perugino 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 Raymond Engle, seconded
Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of January 13, 2010. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATION

This month’s presentation was provided by Eli Terry Jr. Middle School. The presentation addressed students working with the teachers in creating a new enrichment class. For those students who excelled academically, the class afforded them the opportunity to learn new thought provoking concepts and subject matter beyond the regular curriculum. The experiences of this program were shared with Board Members.
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5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None


6. COMMUNICATIONS

None


7. OLD BUSINESS

None


8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Proposed Board of Education Budget

A PowerPoint Presentation was given by Dr. Distasio with respect to the
2010 – 2011 Budget.

Dr. Distasio explained the first proposal presented to the Finance Subcommittee on January 27, 2010 was an increase of 2.6% or $591,246 over the current Board of Education Budget.

Recommendations of the Finance Subcommittee from the budget workshop on February 9, 2010 were as follows: (a) reduce Vo-Ag Tuition - $15,894; (b) reduce ELL to 80% (4 days per week) - $15,000; (c) reduction of $20,000 in severance; and (d) eliminate one psychologist, the special education coordinators stipends, and create a coordinator of special education which results in a savings of $13,881.00. Reduction Total = $64,775.00.

Dr. Distasio also reviewed other possible reductions.

After the PowerPoint Presentation the following motion was made:

MOTION: To present an increase of 2.3% from the 2009 – 2010 budget or an increase of $526,471 for the 2010 – 2011 school years. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere. The Chair opened the motion for discussion. Prior to a full vote taking place, the following motion was made:

MOTION: To rescind the above motion. Motion Raymond Engle, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere. Motion passed unanimously

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After rescinding the first motion the following was made:

MOTION: To present an increase of 2.3% from the 2009 – 2010 budget or an increase of $526,471 for the 2010 – 2011 school years. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel. At this time the Chair entertained a roll vote: Mr. Berube, Mr. Orsini, Mr. Wetzel, Mr. Santorso, Mrs. Perugino and the Chair voted in favor of the motion. Mr. Engle and Mr. Bourbonniere voted against the motion. Vote: 6 for and 2 against. Motion passed.

B. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the appointment of the following coaching positions at Terryville High School: Thomas Morgan, Golf; Jeffrey Foulds, Boys’ Track; Angie Suffridge, Varsity Softball; and Stephanie Konopaske, Jr. Varsity Softball. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.

C. Resignations

Dr. Distasio has accepted the following resignations: Peggy-Ann Dragon-Blumenthal, Special Education Teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School, effective June 30, 2010 and Michael J. Cerruto, Principal of Terryville High School for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2010.


9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum - Mrs. Kulesa, Chair

In lieu of Mrs. Kulesa’s absence, Mr. Orsini, Curriculum Subcommittee Member reported the following:

The following individuals were in attendance: Mrs. Karen Kulesa, Subcommittee Chairperson; Mr. Anthony Orsini, Mr. Daniel Santorso, Mr. Mark Berube, Subcommittee Members; Mr. Patrick Perugino, Board of Education Chairperson; Mrs. Rebecca Holleran, District Reading Specialist; Dr. Anthony Distasio, Superintendent of Schools; and Mr. Peter A. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction.

The Curriculum Subcommittee met on February 3, 2010. The following items were addressed: (a) Title I Structure & Implementation – Mrs. Holleran, District Reading Specialist, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the Title I Program. The program provides extra support services for those students in grades kindergarten through eight who are struggling with reading. Support services are provided to approximately 450 students in approximately 140 small group settings per day; and (b) Pearson Inform Program – This is a Data Warehouse system that integrates


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with the PowerSchool Program and stores accumulated student assessment data. The system was purchased through a federal grant. It will allow the following: for teachers and administrators, district-wide, to have immediate access to student
assessment data and to track individual and group student progress over time. Full staff training and implementation of the system will take place in August of 2010.


B. Facilities – Mr. Engle, Chair

At January 25th Public Hearing funds were appropriated for the sidewalks at the new high school.

Mr. Dennis Klimkewicz is filling in as Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds due to Mr. Alan (Joe) Dennis’ absence. We wish Mr. Dennis a speedy recovery.

C. Finance – Mr. Bourbonniere, Chair

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the accounts by facilities reports for the month of January and will forward it to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

D. Negotiations – Mr. Wetzel, Chair

No Report

E. Personnel – Mrs. Perugino, Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported all items were discussed in subcommittee and were handled under New Business.

F. Policy - Mr. Berube, Chair

No Report

G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Orsini, Chair

A huge item being discussed is the “seat belt issue on school buses”.


H. Education Connection - Mrs. Kulesa

Excused Absence


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I. Student Representatives

Alexis Cordone – Excused Absence

Lindsey Bordeau - the following information was provided:

(a) February 17th - Fresh Start & Mentor Day
(b) February 18th - McDonald’s Night
(c) February 20th – 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Bottle Drive @ Terryville Congregational Church Parking Lot – sponsored by the THS PTSA
(d) February 24th – Fresh Start
(e) March 6th (snow date March 13th)- Bingo Night sponsored by the PTSA after Grad Committee @ THS Cafeteria – 5:30 p.m. & bingo games 6:30 p.m.- 9:30 p.m.- admission $3.00 - $1.00 per card – donations may be dropped off at the school office.
(f) March 20th – Easter Egg Hunt – 12 noon Terryville High School
(g) March 27th – Pasta Dinner 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the THS Cafeteria – proceeds benefit Leo Club Programs for the community
(h) CAPT Testing – March 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 9th, 10th, 11th
(i) Leo Club – Walk for the Animal Rescue Foundation


Karrick Lee – the following information was provided:

(a) All four basketball games will be held at Thomaston High School on Friday, February 19th.
(b) Jason Pranulis Terryville High School Senior Basketball player reached his1,000 career point while playing against Housatonic. Jason also grabbed a game-high 15 boards in the game. The play made ESPN Sports Center’s Top 10 Friday night. Jason is the leading scorer in the Berkshire League.
(c) February 5th, 6th, 7th – Leo Club Mid Winter Conference
(d) February 13th – Varsity Boys Wrestling Berkshire League Tournament
(e) February 19th – Varsity Boys Wrestling Class S State Tournament


10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mr. Trudeau, Director of Technology

We are broadcasting tonight’s meeting Live on Plymouth 16. Thank you to Nick Mendela and Connor Raymond for their help with tonight’s meeting.

Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel

No Report at this time.

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

A reminder to parents, Mastery and CAPT Testing begins in March. Student attendance is very important during this time.


Mr. Santogatta, Business Manager

Everything looks great regarding the budget.


Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio reported on the following: During the month of March, students in grades 3 – 8 will be taking the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT). Students in grade 10 will be taking the Connecticut Academic Performance Test (CAPT).

A dinner benefit for Michael Janacek will be held on March 6th at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School.


11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None


12. Board Liaisons to Schools


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

Next PTA Meeting will be held on February 23rd.


Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School

No Report due to his attendance at the Finance Subcommittee Meeting on February 9th.


Mr. Orsini – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School

The February 4th PTA Meeting was cancelled due to a number of illnesses. The next meeting will be held on March 4th.


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Mr. Bourbonniere – Terryville High School

No Report – The next meeting will be held on February 18th.


Mr. Berube - SEPTA

February 3rd – 7 p.m. – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School – Septa hosted a discussion with Beth Nyerick, Special Educator on the topic of “Open Discussion Regarding Respite Care Option and Social Outing Opportunities for Families with Children and Special Needs”. Respite Care are services provided by a qualified person in the family’s home for short evenings out or overnight care or weekend care. This affords a parent(s) an opportunity to leave the home in order to do other things.

Some upcoming events: March 3rd --- Movie Night at Terryville Library
June 6th – Autism Speaks – Walk for Autism
Walnut Hill Park in New Britain

Information for Plymouth SEPTA may be found on the following website: www.plymouth.k12.ct.us. For more information on Autism Speaks visit – www.autismspeaks.org.


Dr. Distasio – PTA Council

A meeting was held on January 20th. A deadline of March 1st is set for any new PTA Members to submit their dues. If you are not a member of your child’s PTA, please join now. The PTA State Convention will be held on April 8th and 9th, and the Reflections Program will be held on April 22nd at Terryville High School. The next PTA Council Meeting will be held on February 24th. Chartwells will be in attendance at 7 p.m. on that date to address any questions or concerns.

13. Final Board Comments

Mrs. Perugino – Best Wishes to Mr. Cerruto on his retirement. Thank you to the presenters of this evening’s program.

Mr. Santorso – Looking forward to listening to the CD prepared by the students.

Mr. Bourbonniere – Thank you to Mr. Travers and the staff at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for a great presentation. Hopefully, we can keep the Enrichment Program. At the Leo Conference, Katy Gudeczauskas, Leo of the Year, received her award

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and a proclamation from the governor. Best Wishes to Mr. Cerruto on his retirement. He’s been an asset to the school district and the high school.

Mr. Bourbonniere expressed that he is not happy with the budget. Indicated he is an advocate for placing money where it belongs. Money needs to be spent and placed on education.

Mr. Berube – Congratulations to Mr. Cerruto on his retirement.

Mr. Engle – Thank you to the staff at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School for a great presentation. Congratulations to Mr. Cerruto on his career and retirement. A “Day on the Hill” is scheduled to take place on March 3rd. Everyone, please contact your legislature and ask that they look at the unfunded mandates for these are things that we cannot control.

Mr. Orsini – Commended the students, staff and administration for an excellent presentation. Mr. Cerruto, you have earned a healthy and happy retirement.

Mr. Perugino – To Mr. Cerruto, good luck on your retirement. Great presentation by the middle school. Thank you to the Board Members and Administrators for working and putting together this year’s budget. It was not an easy task. The Board fought for what they thought was right and therefore, we will persevere.


14. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on March 10, 2010 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.


15. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Anthony Orsini motion passed unanimously.


Respectfully submitted,


____________________
Gerard Bourbonniere
Secretary
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