Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Roxanne Perugino, Gerard Bourbonniere, Karen Kulesa, Dan Gentile, and Martin Wetzel
Excused Absence: Lenny Morgan and Jennifer Zalaski
Administrators: Dr. Anthony W. Distasio, Superintendent, Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, Thomas Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Education
and Richard Trudeau, Director of Technology
Excused Absence: Michael Santogatta, Business Manager
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 Martin Wetzel, seconded
Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of February 11, 2009.Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonnier motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATION
At this month’s meeting, representing the Connecticut Associationof Board of Education, Inc. (CABE), Ms. Rose Molinelli, Chairpersonof the Winchester Board of Education and a member of the CABE Board of Directors presented the Board of Education with the CABE Award of Excellence for Educational Communications.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Distasio shared a letter he received from Representative Jason W. Bartlett asking him to support House Bill 5769 which deals with school drop outs. Also, included in the Board Packet was Dr. Distasio’s response.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 March 11, 2009 Minutes
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Resignation
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Mary Rimcoski, grade 3 teacher at Plymouth Center School. Mrs. Rimcoski was selected Teacher of the Year in 2007 and has taught in the Plymouth School System since September of 1974.
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Michael Weiss, grade 8 teacher at Eli Terry Jr. Middle School effective June 30, 2009.
B. ED-099 Addendum to Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs
Section 10-215f requires that participants in the National School Lunch Program, including each local and regional board of education, to certify each year in its annual application to the Connecticut State Department of Education whether all food items made available for sale to students will meet the nutritional standards. It also provides additional funding
to National School Lunch Program participants who annually certify compliance with the Connecticut Nutrition Standards.
MOTION: Pursuant to Section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Plymouth Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to execute the ED-099 Addendum to Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs and to execute any claims for reimbursement.Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: Pursuant to Section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Plymouth Board of Education hereby certifies that all food items made available for sale to students during the period of July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 will meet the nutritional standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
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 or on the weekend; such sale is at the location of the event; and such food is not sold from a vending machine or school store. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded
Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
C. Board of Education Calendar 2008 – 2009
Since Veteran’s Day falls on November 11, 2009 which is a scheduled Board of Education Meeting date, the following motion was made:
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 March 11, 2009 Minutes
MOTION: To move the Board of Education Meeting of November 11, 2009, which is Veteran’s Day, to November 18, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Mrs. Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on March 4, 2009. The following items were addressed:
(a) Scientific Research Based Intervention;
(b) Drug Free Communities Grant – Health Instruction; and Summer School.
B. Facilities – Mr. Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported the following:
(a) Certificates of Occupancy have been received for Eli Terry J. Middle School and Harry S. Fisher Elementary School;
(b) no certificate of occupancy for Terryville High School have been issued as of yet;
(c) the cafeteria and music room at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School have been painted; and
(d) the floor of the music room at Harry S. Fisher Elementary School has been tiled.
C. Finance Subcommittee – Mr. Gentile, Chair
Mr. Gentile reported the Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting, reviewed the Accounts by Facilities Report for the month of February and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
MOTION: To approve the transfer reviewed by the Finance Subcommittee on March 11, 2009. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
D. Negotiations – Mr. Perugino, Chair
There will be an executive session to discuss:
(a) Central Office Secretaries Agreement;
(b) Superintendent’s Contract and
(c) Custodians Agreement. Negotiations with the Cafeteria Workers will begin sometime in April.
E. Personnel - Mrs. Perugino, Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and all matters were covered under new business.
F. Policy - Mrs. Zalaski, Chair
No Report – Excused Absence
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 March 11, 2009 Minutes
G. Safety & Transportation - Mr. Wetzel, Chair
No Report
H. Education Connection – Mrs. Kulesa
Mrs. Kulesa reported she attended a meeting of the Board of Directors of Education Connection on March 5, 2009. The bulk of the meeting was a discussion on the new act concerning Regional Education Service Centers. This act would encourage Boards to work together on i.e. purchasing supplies, food/food services, transportation contract and services. Education Connection would act as the governing piece to put these items together.
I. Student Representatives
Aubrey McCarthy
o Terryville High School will be hosting the Academic Bowl on Saturday, March 14, 2009 at 12 noon.
Alexis Cordone
o CAPT Testing ends on March 12, 2009
o The high school band will be marching in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New Haven
Eylse Santorso
o The Student Council met with the Superintendent and Mr. Cerruto and discussed how the Board went about making decisions
o The Student Council has invited the Mayor to the next meeting
o The Student Council will be taking part in Youth & Town Government
Day
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mr. Meehan, Director of Pupil Personnel
o The Special Education Compliance Review is scheduled to take place beginning March 30th – April 6th.
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction/District
Administrator in Charge
o Maloney and Rotella Magnet School applications are due on March 13, 2009 @ 4 p.m. (lottery to be held April 7th);
o WAMS (Waterbury Arts Magnet School) applications will close on March 19, 2009 @ 2 p.m.
o Drug Free Community Grant Health Program is to be incorporated into the 10th grade program.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 March 11, 2009 Minutes
Mr. Trudeau - Director of Technology
o Brian Luba, Jeff Telke and Connor Raymond were televising tonight’s meeting. Thank You
o The technology department is very proud of Communications Award the District received from CABE
o The updated 2009-2010 Technology Plan has been submitted for review. It will be presented to the Board in June for acceptance.
Mr. Santogatta - Business Manager
No Report – Excused Absence
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio reported the following:
o March is Board Appreciation Month – Many thanks for all you do for the Town and the children of Plymouth
o Mrs. Aiudi will be receiving the Spirit of Caring Award by the United Way of West Central Connecticut on April 2, 2009 at the Annual Builder’s Reception to be held at the Clarion Hotel in Bristol – Congratulations Mrs. Aiudi
o Leo Club Induction Ceremony was held on Thursday, February 12, 2009 at
Terryville High School. Mr. Bourbonniere, Board of Education Member and member of the Lion’s Club spoke at the ceremony
o Family Mathematics Literacy Night will be held on Monday, March 16th from 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Harry S. Fisher Elementary School Gym
o A joint meeting between the Board of Finance and the Board of Education will take place on March 24th to discuss the proposed budget for the next
fiscal year. The Board of Education approved an increase of 1.3% for the next year.
o Substance Abuse Council Meeting took place on Thursday, March 11, 2009.
Mrs. Aiudi, Mrs. Lakowski and Dr. Distasio were in attendance. Some events:
a contest was conducted in the district to develop a LOGO for the program; working with COMCAST in developing a commercial to air on the major networks with respect to prom night and the prevention of drinking and driving and the Hard Truth Program which focuses on the prevention of drinking and driving. The program is funded through the ambulance core in Plymouth. This year, because of the DFC grant, the program will be offered to parents, too.
o Thank You Mr. Lovely for your involvement in coordinating the DFC Grant;
the summer school program which involves 15 days in Florida where high
school students will be able to earn one high school science credit and
for all you do for the children of Plymouth.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 March 11, 2009 Minutes
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
Mrs. Jacqui Denski, Liason to the Board of Education – 6 Hoye Street – Terryville,
CT
Mrs. Denski asked if there was a Disciplinary Policy regarding Bullying. Dr. Distasio suggested she check the Board of Education website where she can access the Board Policies.
12. Board Liaisons to Schools
Mr. Perugino – Harry S. Fisher Elementary School
o PTA Meeting March 24, 2009 @ 6:45 p.m.
o Walk-to-School sponsored by Safe Routes Committee – April 8, 2009
Mrs. Zalaski – Terryville High School
Excused Absence – No Report
Mr. Engle – Plymouth Center School
o If interested in the Big Brother /Big Sister Program please call 584-1598
o April 9th – Spring Pictures
o School Store is opened on the 3rd Thursday of each month
o Grade 5 students will be visiting Eli Terry Jr. Middle School on April 7th
o Rock Cats Fundraiser May 3, 2009
o State Convention is slowly approaching
o Next Meeting April 14, 2009 @ 7 p.m.
Mr. Gentile– SEPTA – (Special Education Parent Teacher Association)
No Report
Mr. Wetzel – Eli Terry Jr. Middle School
o Eli Terry Jr. Middle School PTA donated funds to provide a snack for the students each morning of the CMT testing
o Eli Terry Jr. Middle School PTA is raffling off a Sony Bravia 32” LCS HDTV
o Plymouth-Terryville PTA Council will present an adult-only program on “The Stranger You Know from 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. on March 17th at Terryville High School. Free Babysitting will be available.
o Next Meeting March 12, 2009
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 March 11, 2009 Minutes
Dr. Distasio – PTA Council
The PTA Council met on February 26, 2009.
o The program entitled “Stranger Danger” will take place on March 17. 2009
at Terryville High School
o Annual Reflections Ceremony will be held on March 26th at Terryville High
School
o State Reflections Ceremony will be held on May 7th, 2009.
o Congratulations to Alexis Cordone for receiving second place in the
Literature portion of the Senior Division. Alexis will be honored with
the other winners on May 7th at the state PTA Reflection’s Ceremony
13. Final Board Comments
Mr. Perugino
o Both Mr. Perugino and Dr. Distasio attended “Day on the Hill” on March 4th.
They met with Representative Hamzy. All in all it was an interesting day.
In the future, teachers may want to consider taking students to the Capitol.
It would be a great experience.
o Alice In Wonderland will be presented on March 20 & 21st at Terryville High
School
o The Leo Club is also sponsoring a pasta supper on March 21st from
5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Mr. Gentile
o The Leo Club Induction Ceremony was outstanding. Terryville High School’s
Leo Club is one of the largest in the State
o Ms. Rimcoski will be missed but is wished a happy and healthy retirement
o Thank you to Mr. Trudeau and his staff for all they do with respect to
the technology in the district.
Mr. Engle
o Dr. Distasio and Mr. Engle met with Dr. Mitchell, Superintendent in Thomaston, to discuss where both communities may be able to come together, benefit and save by working together, i.e. transportation costs and summer school
14. Executive Session
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:55 p.m. to enter into Executive Session for the purpose
of discussing the following:
(a) Central Office Secretaries Agreement;
(b) Superintendent’s Contract and
(c) Custodial Agreement. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Martin Wetzel motion
passed unanimously.
MOTION: To re-enter into regular session at 8:25 p.m. Motion Dan Gentile,
seconded Gerard Bourbonniere motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 March 11, 2009 Minutes
15. Action Taken From Executive Session
MOTION: To approve the Agreement with the Plymouth Board of Education Central
Office Secretaries from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012 Motion Patrick
Perugino, seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time, the Chair requested a roll
call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gentile all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the Agreement with the Plymouth Board of Education Custodians
from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2012. Motion Martin Wetzel, seconded Roxanne
Perugino. At this time the Chair requested a roll call: Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Bourbonniere,Mr. Wetzel and Mr. Gentle all voted in favor of
the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the one year contract extension of the Superintendent of
Schools at the same salary level of the current school year. Motion Martin Wetzel,
seconded Roxanne Perugino. At this time the Chair requested a roll call:
Mr. Perugino, Mrs. Kulesa, Mrs. Perugino, Mr. Bourbonniere, Mr. Wetzel and
Mr. Gentile all voted in favor of the motion. Motion passed unanimously.
16. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be held
on April 8, 2009 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School.
17. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:27 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded
Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary