Plymouth Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Wednesday, June 8, 2005
Terryville High School Cafeteria
MINUTES
Present:
Board: Roxanne Perugino, Patrick Perugino, Karen Kulesa,
Patricia Budnick, Velma McConnell, Dan Gentile, Ray Engle and
Lisbeth Leonhardt
Excused Absence: Lisa Moriarty
Administrators: Dr. Distasio, Carol Doiron, Gerry Perusse, and Keith Rafaniello
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 Velma McConnell, seconded Dan Gentile, motion passed unanimously.
3. . APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular meeting of May 11, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the special meeting of May 17, 2005. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To approve the minutes of the special meeting of May 21, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell, motion passed unanimously.
4. PRESENTATIONS
The CABE Student Leadership Award was presented to two Terryville High School Students. This award is sponsored by the Connecticut Association of Board of Education. It is awarded to one girl and one boy from participating high schools in the state. These students were chosen from among their peers for exhibiting leadership qualities, student achievement and potential. This year’s recipients are Mandy Lassy and Roshan Patel.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 2 June 8, 2005
A special award was presented to Mr. Louis Rascoe, Principal of Main Street/Prospect Street Elementary Schools who will be retiring at the end of this school year after 27 years of service in the Town of Plymouth. Mr. Rascoe brought a nurturing, caring and welcoming environment to Prospect Street School. This year Mr. Rascoe undertook an added responsibility as Principal of Main Street School. Due to his conscientious organization and talent as an administrator, he made this added responsibility work. We wish Mr. Rascoe best wishes on his retirement.
A Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Mr. Rascoe by Councilwoman Scoville on behalf of Mayor Covello.
A special award was presented to Mr. Anthony Orsini, Assistant Principal of Harry S. Fisher Middle School. Mr. Orsini began his career in Plymouth 38 years ago as a 7th grade teacher. Some of his other accomplishments were JV soccer and basketball coach, science department head, and Teacher of the Year in 1993. Mr. Orsini loved his job and the students as was apparent by the smile he wore each school day. Best Wishes to Mr. Orsini on his retirement.
Councilwoman Scoville indicated Mr. Orsini was presented his Certificate of Appreciation by Mayor Covello at his retirement dinner.
A special presentation was made to Mr. Keith Rafaniello, Director of Technology. Mr. Rafaniello took on the task of helping out as Principal of Prospect Street/Main Street Schools. He provided coverage from 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. at Main Street School and whatever else his schedule permitted. On behalf of the Board of Education, we thank you for your constant effort and support to the students of Plymouth.
A presentation was made to graduating seniors, Cassandra Huizenga and Sophia Sopczneski, for having served as Student Representatives on the Board of Education. Congratulations.
Individuals received hard hats at the ground breaking ceremony and since Mr. Engle was unable to attend the ground breaking ceremony, Mr. Perugino presented him a hardhat.
MOTION: To adjourn at 7:13 p.m. for a brief recess. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To reconvene at 7:26 p.m. into regular session. Motion Ray Engle, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 3 June 8, 2005
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
None
6. COMMUNICATIONS
Dr. Distasio shared with the Board a letter he received from Mr. Joe Sekorski, President of the Mike Glowa Babe Ruth League. Since Mr. Sekorski was in the audience, Dr. Distasio called upon him to present his request to the Board members. Mr. Sekorski requested the Board allow a stone monument be placed at a suitable location at the new baseball field at Harry S. Fisher Middle School bearing the following inscription:
The Mike Glowa Sports Complex
At Ray Malley Field
In addition, Mr. Sekorski requested the Board allow for the installation of a forty foot flag pole at the same field with an inscription to read:
Mike Glowa Sports Complex
Flag Pole
Donated by his beloved wife Dayle
June 2005
Mrs. Perugino requested a current list of field names, locations, when and why a field was named.
Mr. Engle, Facilities Subcommittee Chair will schedule a meeting with his committee to discuss this request. Mr. Sekorski and any one from the public is invited to attend. The results of the Facilities Subcommittee Meeting will be brought before the full Board.
7. OLD BUSINESS
None
8. NEW BUSINESS
A. Presentation by Jeter, Cook & Jepson
Jim Hoagland of Jeter, Cook & Jepson Architects, Inc. gave a presentation of the finished Phase 2 Construction Documents for approval to go forward to the Office of School Facilities for the Plan Completion Test at all three schools. Phase 2 is the architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and technology
Plymouth Board of Education Page 4 June 8, 2005
Infrastructure components of the project. At the conclusion of the presentation, the following Motion was made:
MOTION: To approve and go forward with the signing of Phase 2 of the construction documents for all three schools. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded, Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
B. Appointments
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Spanish Teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, Eleanor Riker, for the next school year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Grade Level Coordinators for the 2005 – 2006 school year:
Pam Wessman Kindergarten
Maria Davis Grade 1
Hope Bellantuano Grade 2
Cynthia Baran Grade 3
Dina Schaffrick Grade 4
Barbara Pescarmona Grade 5
Corine Mazon Title 1 Team Leader
Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Roxanne Perugino motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Athletic Director, Linda Farrington, and Angie Suffridge, Assistant Athletic Director, for the 2005 – 2006 school year. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of District Administrator In Charge, Carol Doiron, beginning July 1 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Elementary School Advisors for the 2005 -2006 school year:
Shari Kohl Art Main Street School
Diane Boylan Art Plymouth Center School
Robert Carter Music Plymouth Center/Main Street Schools
Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 5 June 8, 2005
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Special Education Coordinators for the 2005 – 2006 school year:
Amy Radke Terryville High School
Margrit Morley Harry S. Fisher Middle School
Irma Lesser Plymouth Center School
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Advisors at Harry S. Fisher Middle School for the 2005 – 2006 school year:
Dawn Alarcon & Carol Sieracki Drama (co-advisors)
Mark Fowler Boys’ Intramurals
Paul Schwanka Girls’ Intramurals
Tim Keane & Anne DeMichiel Music (co-advisors)
John Mordarski Student Council
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Advisors at Terryville High School for the 2005 – 2006 school year:
Senior Class Advisors: Amy Radke; Frank Naczi, Peter Veleas, Melissa Gilbert, Mike McGowan and Sue Glenn
MOTION: Roxanne Perugino, seconded Ray Engle motion passed unanimously.
Junior Class Advisors: Lisa Aiudi, Megan Lane, Mike Savo and Greg Shell
MOTION: Velma McConnell, Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Sophomore Class Advisors: Debra Cook, Jeffrey Foulds, David Denis and
Kathy Brown
Motion: Dan Gentle, seconded Ray Engle motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 6 June 8, 2005
Freshman Class Advisors: Amy Radke, Frank Naczi, Mary Baldyga and
Jocelyn Bullock
MOTION: Velma McConnell, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Gina Ritchie Art Club
Frank Naczi Future Business Leaders of America
Mary Marrone Majorettes
Mark Sconziano Boys’ Intramurals
Linda Farrington Girls’ Intramurals
Joshua Galusha MusicClub
Mary Barbieri National Honor Society
Mary Rioux & Sue Glenn SADD (co-advisors)
Sharon Newcity Student Council
Michael Grella Technology Student Advisor
Debra Cook Yearbook
Sandra Macinaus Academic Bowl
Sherry Didsbury Newspaper
Megan Charette Cheerleading Coach
Motion: Ray Engle, seconded Velma McConnell motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Kindergarten teacher at Plymouth Center School, Rikki Gath, for the 2005 – 2006 school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Mathematics teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, Heather McGaughan, for the 2005 – 2006 school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Kindergarten teacher at Prospect Street School, Jennie Fowler, for the 2005 – 2006 school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Social Studies teacher at Harry S. Fisher Middle School, Michael Weiss, for the 2005 – 2006 school year.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 7 June 8, 2005
MOTION: To appoint to the position of Elementary Assistant Principal, Brian Falcone, at Main Street and Prospect Street Schools, effective July 1, 2005. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Velma McConnell. The chairman conducted a roll call vote of the Board of Education Members: Mrs. Budnick, Mr. Gentile, Mrs. Leonhardt, Mrs. Kulesa,
Mrs. Perugino, Mrs. McConnell, Mr. Engle and the chair, Patrick Perugino. All voted in favor of appointing Brian Falcone, Elementary Assistant Principal Main Street and Prospect Street Schools.
C. Resignations
Dr. Distasio accepted the following resignations: Martin Pelosi, Girls’ Basketball Coach at Terryville High School effectively immediately; Angie Gottlieb, Speech & Language Tutor, effective June 20, 2005 and Judy Malinoski, Secretary at Main Street School, effective June 30, 2005.
D. Authorization to Participate in the National School Lunch Program
MOTION: To approve the authorization of the administration to participate in the National School Lunch Program for the 2005 – 2006 school year. Motion Dan Gentile, seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously.
E. End of the Year Transfer of Funds
MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to make the necessary transfers and expenditures to close the books as of June 30, 2005, and to expend all appropriate funds for the fiscal year 2004 – 2005. Motion Patricia Budnick, seconded Roxanne Perugino, motion passed unanimously.
F. Authorization to Hire
MOTION: To authorize the Superintendent of Schools to hire personnel, except administrators, during the months of July and August in conjunction with the Personnel Subcommittee Chair. Motion Velma McConnell, seconded Karen Kulesa motion passed unanimously.
G. Approval of Grant Application
The objective of the Primary Mental Health Grant is to foster positive parent/child/school relationships through creative classroom and/or small group activities, parent workshops and school-sponsored events. The Primary Mental Grant has been applied for in the past and has been received.
MOTION: To approve to make application for the Primary Mental Health Grant.
Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Lisbeth Leonhardt motion passed unanimously.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 8 June 8, 2005
9. BOARD MEMBER/COMMITTEE REPORTS
A. Curriculum – Karen Kulesa, Chair
The Curriculum Subcommittee met on June 1, 2005 and discussed the following items:
(1) School Improvement Plans and Professional Development – Mr. Lovely presented the District Professional Development Plan. This plan will provide teachers with training in new methodologies and conference time to plan for implementation of actions as detailed in the School Improvement Plan. The District Professional Development Plan ties into the curriculum and the school improvement plans; (2) Curriculum Summer Work and Updates – The following curricular areas will be worked on this summer, completing the K-5 Language Arts Curriculum, completing Grade 6, 7, & 8 Social Studies; first draft of Sociology and Psychology; middle school language arts; elementary mathematics and middle school mathematics; (3) Virtual High School – there are more students interested than available seats and next year we may have to allot more money for Virtual High School enrollment and possibly pay for a Virtual High School teacher certification; and (4) Magnet School Enrollments – Rotella – 30 students; Maloney – 51 students; and Waterbury Arts Magnet School – 25 students.
B. Facilities – Ray Engle, Chair
Mr. Engle reported Mr. Hoagland’s presentation covered most of his report, Martin Laviero Contractor, Inc. was the successful bidder with respect to Phase 1, Initial Site Work and Improvements and tasks in progress: Harry S. Fisher Middle School Conversion Phase 2 Plan Completion Test 06/20/05; Terryville High School Conversion Phase 2 Plan Completion Test 06/21/05; and the New High School Phase 2 Plan CompletionTest 06/28/05.
C. Finance – Patricia Budnick, Chair
The Finance Sub-Committee met prior to the Board of Education Meeting, reviewed the accounts facilities report and moved that it be forwarded to the Town of Plymouth Board of Finance.
MOTION: To accept the transfers made for the month of June. Motion Roxanne Perugino, seconded Dan Gentile motion passed unanimously.
D. Negotiations – Lisa Moriarty, Chair
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 9 June 8, 2005
E. Personnel – Roxanne Perugino, Chair
Mrs. Perugino reported all items were handled under new business.
F. Policy – Velma McConnell, Chair
No Report at this time
G. Safety & Transportation – Ray Engle, Chair
No Report at this time
H. Education Connection - Patricia Budnick
No Report at this time
I. Student Representatives
Cassandra Huizenga – excused absence
Sophia Sopczneski – Scholarship Night for Seniors – June 2
Senior Class Trip – June 3
Senior Class Night – June 13
1st Annual Sports Awards Banquet – June 14
Sean Link – Electron Competition – June 3 (Terryville High School Students placed 1st, 3rd and 5th)
Awards Day – June 11
Terryville High School American Idol Cancelled
Jr. Class Can/Bottle Drive/Car Wash – June 11
10. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS/REQUESTS/INFORMATION
Mrs. Doiron, Director of Pupil Personnel/District Administrator in Charge
No Report
Plymouth Board of Education Page 10 June 8, 2005
Mr. Lovely – Director of Curriculum and Instruction
No Report
Mr. Rafaniello, Director of Technology
Thanked his crew from Terryville High School and Harry S. Fisher Middle School: Denise Lyons, Rich Keator, Brian Luba, Conner Raymond, Patrick Knox, Caraline McGrane, Scott Mamrosh and Ms. Fran Block.
The following will be run on Channel 16: 2 Bicycle Safety Videos “Jello In the Jar”; Mentor Picnic; What’s Happening at Terryville High School and It’s All Good.
Mr. Rafaniello expressed his gratitude to the Board for their recognition.
Mr. Perusse, Business Manager
The auditors have begun their preliminary check of accounts. The fields have been fertilized; both softball fields have been seeded and cross seeded; the soccer field will be fertilized this week; the playground field at Main Street School has been redone with safety materials, tomorrow the same will be done to Prospect Street School. Mr. Perusse thanked all of the maintenance individuals for all their hard work and help in getting the fields in order. A special thank you to Mr. Ruot's class who help to spread all the materials.
Dr. Distasio, Superintendent
The following items were highlighted by Dr. Distasio:
Plymouth Center School
June 17 – Grade 5 Awards Assembly at 9:30 a.m. in the gymatorium.
Prospect Street School/Main Street Schools
June 16, 2005 - 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. – Kindergarten End of the Year Program
June 14 & 15 – grade 5 students to present their play at Main Street School at 6:30 pomp in the gym
June 17 – a farewell picnic for grade 5 students sponsored by the
Main Street School PTA
Plymouth Board of Education Page 11 June 8, 2005
Important Upcoming Events
? The last day of school for all students will be Monday, June 20, 2005. The final three (3) days of the school year, Thursday, June 16; Friday, June 17 and Monday, June 20 will be shortened days for all students. Lunch will not be served on these days. Elementary students should bring a snack.
? Harry S. Fisher Middle School Graduation – Monday, June 20, 2005
@10:30 a.m.
? Terryville High School Graduation – Monday, June 20, 2005 @ 7 p.m.
Dr. Distasio expressed how very proud we are of our students for their accomplishments during this school year. He went on to say that Plymouth/Terryville have wonderful students who are truly a credit to their parents, their families and their community as a whole.
Dr. Distasio thanked the Board of Education Members for their time, effort and dedication during this past school year.
On behalf of the Plymouth Board of Education, Dr. Distasio extended his sincerest best wishes for a restful, enjoyable and healthy summer vacation.
11. Public Comments Regarding Agenda or Non-Agenda Items
None
12. Executive Session
Not needed
13. Business of the Board
Mrs. Perugino – Wishes for a Happy and Healthy Retirement to Mr. Rascoe and Mr. Orsini. Best of Luck to our senior student representatives Cassandra Huizenga and Sophia Sopczneski. Congratulations to Mr. Falcone.
Mrs. McConnell – Congratulations to all of the award recipients and appointees. Welcome to Mr. Falcone. Praised went out to all participants of the Plymouth Center School Art Show.
Plymouth Board of Education Page 12 June 8, 2005
Mr. Engle – Welcome to all of the new hires, including Mr. Falcone. Best Wishes to all of our retirees. Best of Luck to the Class of 2005.
Mrs. Budnick – Congratulations to Mr. Rascoe and Mr. Orsini. Thank you to this years student representatives. Best wishes to the 2 senior student representatives. Good Luck to all of our retirees. Welcome to Mr. Falcone.
Mr. Gentile – It’s been a good year. Thank you to the Board of Education Members. Best Wishes to our retirees. Welcome to all of our new hires. Thank you to our student representatives. Have a Good Summer.
Mrs. Leonhardt – Congratulations to all our appointees and new hires. Best of Luck to all our retirees and to the Class of 2005. Congratulations to Sean Link on the Governor’s Scholar Award. Have a Great Summer.
Mrs. Kulesa – Welcome to Mr. Falcone and all of our other new hires. Congratulations to all of our high school and middle school graduates. Best Wishes to all of the retirees.
Mr. Perugino – Welcome to Mr. Falcone. We’re on the way to a new high school. Congratulations to the Class of 2005, to the retirees, Sean Link on the Governor’s Scholar Award and the CABE Award winners, Mandy Lassy and Roshan Patel.
Dr. Distasio recognized the following retirees and wished them best wishes: Mr. Rascoe, Mr. Orsini, Mrs. Hogan, Mr. Hurley, Mrs. Truelove and Mrs. Mazon.
14. Next Regular Board Meeting
Mr. Perugino stated the next Regular Board of Education Meeting will be held on August 10, 2005 at 7 p.m., Terryville High School cafeteria.
15. Adjournment
MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 8:20 p.m. Motion Roxanne Perugino seconded Ray Engle, motion passed unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Velma McConnell
Secretary