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9/14/2005

Minutes

Meeting Type: Board of Education Meeting
Location: Terryville High School Cafeteria
Date:
9/14/2005 7:00:00 PM

Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Terryville High School Cafeteria

MINUTES

Present:
Board: Roxanne Perugino, Ray Engle, Patrick Perugino, Dan Gentile, and Patricia Budnick

Excused Absence: Lisa Moriarty, Karen Kulesa, and Velma McConnell

Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Gerry Perusse, Keith Rafaniello, Carol Doiron and
Peter Lovely

1. CALL TO ORDER AND PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Mr. Perugino 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 Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION: To approve the minutes of August 10, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

4. PRESENTATIONS

Dr. Distasio introduced Mr. Lovely and Mrs. Walsh, President of the PEA who in turn introduced Mrs. Kellie Banche – Grade 3 Teacher at Main Street School, Plymouth’s Teacher of the Year.

At the same time, the following new staff members were announced:

Prospect Street School
Lynn Leavenworth Paraprofessional
Ana LeGassey Title 1 Tutor
Casey Lumley Grade 2 Teacher
Janice Ouellette Secretary
Phyllis Worhunsky Principal

Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 September 14, 2005

Main Street School

AnnSue DiVenere Paraprofessional
Brian Falcone Assistant Principal
Nicole Gerard Grade 4 Teacher
Robin Gudeczauskas Secretary

Plymouth Center School

Jennifer Dabrowski Title 1 Tutor
Jennie Fowler Kindergarten Teacher
Rikki Gath Kindergarten Teacher
Melissa Morelli Grade 2 Teacher

Harry S. Fisher Middle School

Heather McGaughan Mathematics Teacher
Eleanor Riker Spanish Teacher
Shannon Surreira Mathematics Teacher
Gary Travers Assistant Principal
Michael Weiss Social Studies Teacher

Terryville High School

Silvia Cancellieri Music Teacher
Pamela Thomas Spanish teacher

System-wide

Patricia Atkinson Special Education Coordinator
Lois McCoy Speech Pathologist

MOTION: To recess at 7:12 p.m. for the purpose of a brief reception. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To call the Board of Education Meeting back to order at 7:25 p.m. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS

None

Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 September 14, 2005

6. COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Perugino shared a thank you note he received from the staff and Board of Directors of the Learning Center expressing their gratitude for the support that was provided with respect to the recent tragic loss of a child last week.

7. OLD BUSINESS

None

8. NEW BUSINESS

A. Educational Specifications to Replace the Roof at Prospect Street School and Main Street School

Dr. Distasio provided the following background information with respect to this item: Upon Board approval, he will attend the October 4, 2005 Town Council meeting and request the following of the Town Council; (1) to establish a Building Committee, (2) authorize preparation of schematic drawings and; (3) authorize submission of the grant application for the roof replacements at Prospect Street and Main Street Schools. The importance of this grant being submitted in a timely manner is because the replacement will still be reimbursable from the State of Connecticut at approximately 72%. After the October 4th meeting, the Board will recommend, as they did at the Plymouth Board of Finance Meeting of August 18, 2005, that its budget surplus from the 2004 – 2005 school year be used to finance the Town’s portion of this project. After a brief discussion, the following motion was made:

MOTION: To approve the Educational Specifications to replace the roof at Prospect Street School and Main Street School and to request that the Plymouth Town Council establish a Building Committee, authorize preparation of schematic drawings, and authorize submission of a grant application for the roof replacements in both schools. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

B. Out of State Field Trips

MOTION: To approve the trip to Springfield, Massachusetts for Special Education and Music students in grades 9 – 12 at Terryville High School for September 19, 2005. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to Boston, Massachusetts for the Leo Club at Terryville High School as part of a reward for students participating in community involvement activities at Terryville High School for October 10, 2005 (Columbus Day).
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 September 14, 2005

MOTION: To approve the trip to New Hampshire International Speedway for students involved in the Electrathon Program at Terryville High School for October 25, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to South Deerfield, Massachusetts for Science Club students in grades 9 – 12 at Terryville High School to visit the Butterfly Gardens and Candle Making activities at Yankee Candle for October 29, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to New York City, New York for grades 9 – 12 Special Education and Physical Education students at Terryville High School as part of a cultural expansion and curriculum enhancement for April 12, 2006. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the trip to the Bronx Zoo in New York for Science Club members in grades 9 -12 at Terryville High School as an Extracurricular Field Trip on May 20, 2006. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

C. Appointments

MOTION: To approve the following coaching appointments at Terryville High School:

Mark Fowler Girl’s Varsity Soccer Coach
Mike McGowan Girl’s Junior Varsity Soccer Coach
Ray Lapinski Girl’s & Boy’s Cross Country Coach
Linda Farrington Girl’s Varsity Volleyball Coach
Angie Suffridge Girl’s Junior Varsity Volleyball Coach
Jeffrey Foulds Boy’s Varsity Soccer Coach
Mark Sconziano Boy’s Junior Varsity Soccer Coach

Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the following coaching appointments at Harry S. Fisher Middle School:

Donna Baccei Girl’s Soccer Coach
Damon Papp Boy’s Soccer Coach
Paul Schwanka Girl’s & Boy’s Cross Country Coach
Paul Schwanka Boy’s Track & Field Coach
Gina Plourde Girl’s Basketball Coach
Gina Plourde Softball Coach
Dawn Alarcon Cheerleading Coach
Megan Thibodeau Girl’s Volleyball Coach

Motion Ray Engle, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 September 14, 2005

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Casey Lumley, Grade 2 teacher at Prospect Street School effective August 24, 2005. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Lynn Leavenworth, paraprofessional at Prospect Street School and Annsue Divenere, paraprofessional at Main Street School effective August 24, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Jennifer Dabrowski, Title 1 Tutor at Plymouth Center School effective August 24, 2005. This is a grant position. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Richard Miecznikowski, Title 1 Tutor at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for 135 days of this school year. This is a grant position. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Amy Comeau, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective September 7, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Martha Pellegrino, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective September 2, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Rachel Kalish, Speech & Language Pathologist at Plymouth Center School and Harry S. Fisher Middle School effective October 31, 2005. Motion Lisbeth Leonhardt, seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.

MOTION: To approve the appointment of Brenda Malachowski, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective September 15, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.

D. RESIGNATIONS

Dr. Distasio accepted the resignations of the following individuals: Lisa Leone, Speech Tutor at Plymouth Center School effective August 12, 2005; Melissa Dion, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective August 15, 2005; Jamie St. Arnauld, Paraprofessional at Plymouth Center School effective August 4, 2005 and Damian Coggshall, Volleyball Coach at Harry S. Fisher Middle School effective August 11, 2005.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 September 14, 2005

9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS

A. Curriculum – Karen Kulesa, Chair

Due to the absence of Mrs. Kulesa, Mr. Lovely, Director of Curriculum & Instruction presented a report on the Curriculum Subcommittee Meeting of September 7, 2005.

Items discussed were: (1) Summer School – 50 students were eligible for the summer school program at Terryville High School. Forty-four students attended 61 class sessions. Only one student did not pass. Students were able to maintain placement in their grade level. At Harry S. Fisher Middle School, 15 students attended summer school. These students were also able to be placed in regular academic classes at the high school. All in all we were very pleased with the overall success of summer school. (2) Virtual High School – Nine students registered to take virtual high school this fall. These are courses not offered at the high school; however, students expressed an interest in them. The courses offered and number of students registered are: AP Biology – 3 students; Pre-AP Calculus – 1 student; Sports Management – 1 student;
AP Chemistry – 1 student; Contemporary Irish Literature – 1 student; and Creative Writing – 1 student. (3) Summer Curriculum Work and Updates – Curriculum work this summer included Terryville High School Sociology/Psychology; Language Arts K – 8; Mathematics K – 8; and Social Studies 6 – 8. (4) Professional Development – There were four main presentations district-wide; (5) CAPT and Mastery Tests – target goals were met in all areas. This year students will be tested in grades 3 – 8. Both CAPT and Mastery testing will take place between March 1st and
March 15th; and (6) Coaching Course – Ms. Angie Suffridge would like to offer a coaching certification course to Berkshire League coaches. The curriculum has been written and presented to the CSDE and has been approved. Certification would be provided by the Plymouth Board of Education. This is a motion item.

MOTION: To certify the participation of a coaching certification course offered by the
Berkshire League with Angie Suffridge as the instructor. Motion Patricia Budnick, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

B. Facilities – Ray Engle, Chair

Mr. Engle submitted two documents from Mr. David Yoder, Industrial Construction Company, Inc. which indicate the total of the bills to date. Copies of both documents will be in the next Board of Education packet.

The high school project will go out to bid in November. We should be breaking ground in December. We are still on track and have just about completed Phase 1.

We are working with parents on the quality situation of the softball fields.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 September 14, 2005

The Facilities Subcommittee met on August 23, 2005 with regard to the possible naming of fields maintained by the Board of Education. The Facilities Subcommittee voted to bring the matter before the full Board. The following motion was made:

MOTION: To approve the placement of a monument donated by the Mike Glowa Babe Ruth League with names to be determined once guidelines have been established. Motion Patricia Budnick, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.

It was noted that placement of names on the monument would be the responsibilities of the parties/organizations. The Board will bear no costs.

C. Finance – Patricia Budnick, Chair

The Finance Subcommittee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting, reviewed the August accounts by facilities report and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.

The subcommittee also reviewed the end of the year transfers for the 2004 – 2005 school year.

A budget surplus of $104,000 from the 2004 – 2005 fiscal year will be given to the Town.

The Finance Subcommittee was provided a sheet of three transfers for informational purposes.

D. Negotiations – Lisa Moriarty, Chair

The chairman called on Dr. Distasio to give a report on negotiations in lieu of Mrs. Moriarty’s absence. Dr. Distasio reported the Negotiations Subcommittee met on September 12, 2005. A review of some of the health care plans, possible plans which may be used during negotiations and proposals were discussed. The next meeting will take place on September 27th. At this time, we will begin negotiations with the PEA. Members of the Town Council, Mayor and Board of Finance were invited to attend.

E. Personnel – Roxanne Perugino, Chair

Mrs. Perugino reported that the personnel sub-committee met with the Superintendent prior to the Board meeting and approved of all of his appointments.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 September 14, 2005

F. Policy – Velma McConnell, Chair

In lieu of Mrs. McConnell’s absence, Dr. Distasio reported the Policy Subcommittee Meeting scheduled for September 7, 2005 at 6 p.m. in the evening was cancelled due to a death in Mrs. McConnell’s family. No date has been set to reschedule this meeting.

G. Safety & Transportation- Ray Engle, Chair

There will be a meeting of the Safety & Transportation Subcommittee on Thursday, September 15, 2005 at 6 p.m. at the Board of Education Offices.

H. Education Connection - Patricia Budnick

Mrs. Budnick reported a discussion took place with respect to grants and long term goals. A vote took place to accept the June minutes.

I. Student Representatives

Jen Dutkiewicz – excused absence

Sean Link – Terryville High School sports have begun. Boy’s Cross Country celebrated with a win. However, the girls cross country had a narrow defeat. Boy’s soccer celebrated a win. The girl’s volleyball game is scheduled for tomorrow at Lewis Mills.

Fresh Start Program – A group of 30 juniors and seniors were provided training. Each was assigned 10 freshmen to help them throughout the year with their transition to high school.

Kaitlin Palance – the Leo Club has 65 members. Students will be working at the Terryville Fair, i.e. potato and food booths, children’s games and lemonade stands. Amnesty International is raising money for the victims of Hurricane Katrina. The senior class of 2008 will have a candle fundraiser until September 30th.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 September 14, 2005

10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION

Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Educational Services/District Administrator in Charge

Mrs. Doiron reported the following: pre-k began the day after Labor Day. There are 5 sessions (2 Plymouth Center School Sessions and 3 Family Resource Center). We are servicing over 70 children at the moment. This has helped in balancing the Special Education compliance; and Elementary Summer School serviced 75 students at Plymouth Center School.

Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction

None

Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology

The first meeting of Plymouth 16 took place today. The following students took part in tonight’s filming of the Board of Education Meeting: Joe Kilduff, Director; Danielle Negro, Camera B; Chris Casola, Camera A and Brian Luba Text and Quality Control. Please look for the video highlighting the Plymouth Center School PTA. Please join the PTA at your child’s school and make a difference by volunteering some time. Sports schedules are now on the Terryville High School web pages as well as on the Plymouth 16 message board.

Thank you to Mr. Trudeau’s web production class at Terryville High School and especially Eric Bouchard.

Mr. Perusse, Business Manager

Mr. Perusse reported that approximately 4 years ago we entered into a performance contract for energy with TAC America, an energy management company. This was a guarantee that it would save us energy. To date, we have received over $40,000 in the guarantee they did not make. This year we received approximately $22,000 which turned out to be a good deal for us.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 September 14, 2005

Dr. Distasio, Superintendent

Dr. Distasio thanked administrators, principals and staff for a smooth and well organized opening day. The Opening Meeting with staff took place on August 24th at Plymouth Center School. Speakers were Ms. Sue Vivian, a member of the United Way Board of Directors; Mrs. Carol Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Educational Services & District Administrator In Charge; Mr. Michael Michaud, President of the Plymouth School Administrators’ Association; and Mrs. Nicole Walsh, President of the Plymouth Education Association. A video presentation was given by Mr. Rafaniello of events which took place during this past school year. Mrs. Kellie Banche was recognized as this years Teacher of the Year. Fifteen staff members were recognized with a small token for having perfect attendance last year. As in the past, the custodians and
maintenance personnel did a wonderful job in preparation for opening day. Dr. Distasio indicated how very fortunate we are as a district to have such a wonderful staff of administrators, teachers, and support staff.

With the opening of a new school year, parents were encouraged to discuss bicycle safety with their children. Drivers were encouraged to drive defensibly and to be cognizant of children riding bicycles.

Dr. Distasio publicly thanked Police Chief Krasicky, the Plymouth Police Department and the Police Commission for all of their help in the mornings and afternoons at Terryville High School in keeping that area of North Main Street safe for our students. He also personally thanked the Police Chief for her attendance at a variety of school activities.

The following are Open House Dates:

Harry S. Fisher Middle School September 6th
Plymouth Center School September 7 & 8
Main Street School September 13th
Prospect Street School September 15th
Terryville High School September 15th

Terryville High School Conference Dates October 5, 6 & 7th

Dr. Distasio indicated he is looking forward to working with the entire Board of Education, staff and students in making this a productive and successful school year.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 September 14, 2005

11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items

None

12. Business of the Board

Mrs. Perugino – Welcome back students, staff and Board of Education members. Happy 50th Birthday to Dr. Distasio.

Mrs. McConnell – Excused Absence

Mrs. Kulesa – Excused Absence

Mrs. Moriarty – Excused Absence

Mr. Engle – Thank you to the PTA’s, Booster Club and Friends of Music. Happy 50th Birthday Dr. Distasio. Stop by the potato both at the fair this weekend.

Mr. Gentile – Welcome back everyone. Welcome to new staff members. All of our schools have been involved in helping the victims of hurricane Katrina. Volunteer, join your school’s PTA, stay involved in your community.

Mrs. Leonhardt – Welcome to new staff members, i.e. teachers, paraprofessionals and secretaries to our district. Congratulations to Mrs. Banche, Teacher of the Year. Please look to participate in your child’s school, get involved, as a parent you have much to offer towards your child’s education.

Mrs. Budnick – Congratulations to Mrs. Banche, Teacher of the Year. Welcome new staff members to the Plymouth School System. I’m very proud of those students who attended summer school. Thank you to Dr. Distasio, and the police officers for their attendance in the morning at Terryville High School.

Plymouth Board of Education Page 12 September 14, 2005

Mr. Perugino – Congratulations and welcome to new staff members. As a Board, we are looking forward to a productive year. If you are in doubt of a particular matter or have any questions during the school year, please contact the Board of Education offices. If anyone has any problems or concerns and you would like to put them in writing to me, please sign your name.

13. Next Regular Board Meeting

Mr. Perugino stated that the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on October 12, 2005 at 7 p.m. Terryville High School cafeteria.

14. Adjournment

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:15 p.m. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt, motion passed unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

____________________
Velma McConnell
Secretary
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