Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Michelle Spencer, Velma McConnell, Martin Wetzel, Patrick Perugino, Jennifer Zalaski, Daniel Gentile, Lisbeth Leonhardt, and Raymond Engle
Excused Absences: Leonard Morgan
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Superintendent; Gerry Perusse, Business Manager;
Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology and Peter Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
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 7:03 p.m. The group joined in the Pledge to the Flag.
2. ADOPTION OF THE AGENDA
MOTION: To adopt the agenda as presented. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of April 12, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Daniel Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
This month’s presentation was conducted by Main Street and Prospect Street Schools. One of the school goals at both schools is to start to bring both schools together in anticipation of moving to the renovated middle school. The Charter Education Program will help both schools work towards the goal of one community. The presentation explained each character trait, how they were introduced in positive and fun ways for students and staff; explanation of the sticker and bracelet system. A slide show, PowerPoint presentation, and short video were presented.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 May 10, 2006
Former Board of Educations Members, Patricia Budnick, Karen Kulesa, Roxanne Perugino and Lisa Moriarty were presented plaques for their many years of dedicated service to the children of Plymouth.
Dr. Distasio recognized Allison Beal, an intern at Main Street School, who was chosen as Intern of the Year for the State.
MOTION: To recess at 7:30 p.m. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To reconvene at 7:38 p.m. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Distasio shared a letter he received from State Representative William Hamzy which was in response to his letter asking State Representative Hamzy to support repealing the examination start time law. A letter was received from Attorney General Blumenthal concerning an awareness of internet use by our children.
Mr. Engle received correspondence from the State of Connecticut Department of Education regarding a Notice of Mediation and Arbitration for the Plymouth School Administrators Association.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Approval of Childbearing/Childrearing Leaves
MOTION: To approve childrearing leave for Mrs. Melissa Morelli, grade 2 teacher at Plymouth Center School for the 2006-2007 school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 May 10, 2006
MOTION: To approve childbearing leave for Mrs. Katherine Brown, psychologist, beginning May 29, 2006 for the remainder of the school year. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
B. Appointment
MOTION: To approve the appointment of Don Jarvie, Physics Teacher at Terryville High School, beginning August 23, 2006. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel, motion passed unanimously.
C. Out-of-State Field Trip
MOTION: To approve the trip to New York for grades 9-12 band, chorus, drama and art students at Terryville High School for May 17, 2006 to attend the musical “Hairspray” as a cultural excursion. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
D. Resignation
Dr. Distasio accepted the resignation of Mrs. Andrea Lavery, Principal of Terryville High School, effective June 30, 2006. Mrs. Lavery has been employed in Plymouth since 1993. Dr. Distasio wished Mrs. Lavery the very best in her new assignment and thanked her for the years of dedicated service to Terryville High School.
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Lisbeth Leonhardt, Chair
Mrs. Leonhardt reported the Curriculum Subcommittee met on May 3, 2006. The following items were discussed: (1) Handwriting Without Tears – Ms. Wessman and Ms. Garth, kindergarten teachers at Plymouth Center School presented a program “Handwriting Without Tears” (a writing program) which has been piloted this year in kindergarten and will be implemented in kindergarten and first grade next year;
(2) End of the Year Testing – an overview of the in-district testing program was provided by Mr. Lovely. The four tests given three times per year to track student progress are: (a) Developmental Reading Assessment; (b) Reading Progress Indicator (10 indicators associated with reading comprehension); (c) Writing sample (duel scoring based on CMT writing rubrics (2-12)); and (d) Spelling (120 words per grade level including mathematical and scientific words); (3) Early Literacy Plan – final draft to be presented at the June meeting.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 May 10, 2006
B. Facilities – Daniel Gentile, Chair
Mr. Perusse received the plans for the roofs at both Main and Prospect Street Schools. The following motions were made in order for him to submit to the State Board of Education for reimbursement.
MOTION: To approve the final plans and professional cost estimates for Prospect Street School roof replacement dated April 25, 2006, prepared by Jetter Cook & Jepson. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the final plans and professional cost estimates for Main Street School roof replacement dated April 25, 2006, prepared by Jetter Cook & Jepson. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
C. Finance – Daniel Gentile, Chair
The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board Meeting and reviewed the Accounts by Facilities Report and will be forwarding the same to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
There will be a Special Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, May 17, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. at Terryville High School in the cafeteria to look over the budget and potential budget cuts. The Board will review the initial cut of $500,000 along with $200,000 for an actual reduction amount of $700,000. The public and all interested parties are invited to attend.
D. Negotiations – Velma McConnell, Chair
No Report. The full Board will be meeting in Executive Session.
E. Personnel – Patrick Perugino, Chair
Mr. Perugino reported that the Personnel Subcommittee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting. All personnel matters were handled under new business.
F. Policy – Jennifer Zalaski, Chair
No Report
G. Safety & Transportation – Michelle Spencer, Chair
No Report
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H. Education Connection – Velma McConnell
No Report
I. Student Representatives
Jennifer Dutkiewicz – May 19 Senior athletes will go to Prospect Street
School to read to the students and to
promote healthy living
May 23 Mrs. Skoczylas’ English classes will have a
guest speaker act out the Victorian Era
which will coincide with the books the
students have been reading.
May 31 Senior Night
June 6 Athletic Banquet & Senior trip to Mountain
Side
June 8 Berkshire League Awards at the Aqua Turf
Kaitlin Palance – May 4 Oral History Club interviewed Vietnam War
Veterans
12 Youth in Government Day
26 Awards Day
June 9 Junior Prom
Sean Link – April 28, 29 School Play, Beauty and the Beast
May 3, 4, 5 AP Exams (Calculus, English, History)
May 13 Science Club, Bronx Zoo Trip
May 15 Ellis Island Field Trip (Mr. Nave’s
History Classes)
May 19 SADD Annual Grim Reaper Event
May 20 Senior Prom
May 25 Induction of juniors into National Honors
Society
Reminder: Seniors, who have not paid their dues, please bring in your money as soon as possible.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 May 10, 2006
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
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Tonight’s crew for Channel 16: Brian Luba Audio & Directing
Scott Mamrosh Text & Setting up of presentation
Connor Raymond Quality Control
Tyler Raymond Camera B
Kevin Luba Camera A
David Block Camera C
Mrs. Block Plymouth 16 Coordinator
Mr. Rafaniello provided some tips to the community to help them keep their computer virus and spyware free. We all want our students to be safe at home as well as in school. Some sites one can access for free are: (antivirus) avast.com and lavasoft.com (adaware) cleans up spyware. Mr. Rafaniello will place these sites on the Board of Education website.
Mr. Rafaniello reported the Community Conversation follow-up discussion was postponed. A new date has yet to be determined. Please stay turned to Channel 16.
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 May 10, 2006
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
Dr. Distasio thanked the students who participated in the Annual Terryville Rotary Road Race on Sunday, April 30, 2006 and to the following staff members who volunteered their time: Mrs. Farrington, Ms. Suffridge, Mrs. Aiudi, Mrs. Lane,
Mr. Waldron, Mr. Tunilla, Mr. Lapinski, Dr. Doughty-Jenkins, Mr. Schwanka, Mr. Jarvie Mr. Curtiss and Ms. Beal.
Congratulations to the over one hundred students who graduated from the CPR class at Harry S. Fisher Middle School on April 26th. Dr. Doughty-Jenkins has certified approximately one thousand students in CPR over the past ten years.
Dr. Distasio encouraged the public to and vote in the upcoming referendum on Friday, May 19th, 2006.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Board Liaisons to the Schools
Mr. Perugino – Main Street School/Prospect Street School
May 3 A.C.E.S Program
17 6th grade orientation at Harry S. Fisher Middle School
22 Grade 3 orientation at Main Street School
24 Spring Band & Chorus Concert
June 4 PTA is sponsoring a family fun day at New Britain Stadium
Mrs. McConnell – Prospect Street School
Covered under Mr. Perugino’s report
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Mrs. Zalaski – Plymouth Center School
May 9 PTA Meeting & reception
15 Peacemaking Field Trip (Plymouth Center School/Main Street School & Clara T. O’Connell Elementary School)
28 Grade 5 students to participate in the recitation of the Gettysburg Address on the Plymouth Green
June 1 9:30 a.m. kindergarten registration
5 – 7 Art Show
Mrs. Collins discussed the back to school picnic in September.
Mrs. Spencer – Harry S. Fisher Middle School
May 8 – 12 National Teacher’s Appreciation Week
14 Mother’s Day
24 6th grade Math Game Night
25 Final PTA Meeting and election of officers, 7 p.m. in the library
31 Internet Safety Program – 7 p.m. – 8 p.m. Harry S. Fisher Middle School cafeteria – Adults Only
June 1 Harry S. Fisher Middle School Drama Club – “Blue Suede Paws”
5 Band Concert
6 Chorus Concert
8 8th Grade Awards Night
9 8th Grade Social
Mrs. Carol Sieracki, Library-Media Paraprofessional received the Spirit of PTA Award at the State Convention Gala on April 28th for her volunteer service to the PTA and Harry S. Fisher Middle School.
Mr. Engle – Terryville High School
Events are coming to a close.
June 15 Graduation
Mr. Gentile – SEPTA (Special Education PTA)
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 May 10, 2006
13. Final Board Comments (if any)
Mr. Perugino – On April 29th, Mr. Perugino attended the Leo Club Dinner and Beauty & the Beast performance with his wife and son. The meal and performance were both excellent. Mr. Perugino thanked former Board of Education Members Karen Kulesa and Patricia Budnick for attending tonight’s Board Meeting; it was nice to see them both. The both of you were a big asset to the Board.
Mr. Engle- Reminder, Friday, May 19th, 2006 is the Referendum. Please cast your vote. The Board of Education has worked very hard for the public and students of Plymouth on the budget to try and provide the students with everything a town can offer within the budget. There will be a Special Board of Education Meeting on Wednesday, May 17th, 2006 at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria at Terryville High School. The public is invited to attend. The Board wants to hear and welcomes your comments and suggestions.
Mr. Gentile -
As a point of information, there is money that comes back to the Town as revenue which is 48%.
14. Executive Session (discussion of negotiations)
MOTION: To adjourn at 8:18 p.m. into executive session for the purpose of discussing central office and custodian agreements, and superintendent’s contract. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent of Schools and Mr. Perusse, Business Manager were invited to attend the Executive Session.
15. ACTION TAKEN FROM EXECUTIVE SESSION (if necessary)
MOTION: To reconvene at 8:40 p.m. into regular session. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
The following Motions were made when the Board reconvened:
MOTION: To approve the Agreement for Central Office Secretaries from 2006 – 2009. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
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MOTION: To approve the Agreement for the Custodians from 2006 – 2009. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Patrick Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the extension of the Superintendent’s Contact for one year until 2009. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Martin Wetzel motion passed unanimously.
16. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Engle stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on
June 14, 2006 at 7 p.m. at Terryville High School in the cafeteria.
17. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:42 p.m. Motion Patrick Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
_______________________
Patrick Perugino
Secretary