LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

May 24, 2006

 

A regular meeting of the Litchfield Board of Education was held on Wednesday, May 24, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Center School library.

 

            Board members present were: Mr. Shuhi, Chairperson; Mrs. Reardon; Messrs. Costa, Fairchild, Falcetti, Noone, Simone and Tourtellotte.

 

            Also present were: Dr. Vita; Mrs. Perusse; Dr. Breslin; Dr. Stuhlman; Mrs. Longobucco; Mr. Zaremski; the public and the press.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Fairchild and seconded by Mr. Simone: to approve the minutes of the May 3, 2006 meeting with the following corrections on page 2493 the second motion’s third to the last word should be “in” and not “on,” and on page 2496 the first paragraph in the first line it should read the “committee met last week.” 

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  Mr. Tourtellotte abstained.

 

Public Comment and Correspondence

 

            Mr. Murray distributed copies of the first page of the April 19th Board meeting, of Dr. Vita’s website message, and of the State Department’s SAT performance memo.  He commented on his belief that the SAT scores for LHS students while higher than the average for the state, could be better, and suggested that the board discuss this at a future time.

 

Special Presentation

 

            Mr. Waugh reported on the school building committee including: on time and on budget; going well; difficulties with heavy rains; issues with the State Environmental Protection Agency and how it was resolved; wiring for all buildings; developing technology plan; glass issues resolved; carrying contingencies; developing a list to use contingencies; short term interest costs are less and will be put into the contingency; walk through will be scheduled; I. S. ahead of schedule; H.S. slightly behind; and project in good shape.

 

            Board members discussed the following: replacing ceiling tiles in the gym; including more items need costs to be accurate; and compliment to Bill Buckley and Louis Rosenblatt for their input into the project.

 

Mr. Gorman arrived at 7:20 p.m.

 

Mrs. Moore, Director of Information & Technology Literacy Department, introduced the staff from the different schools and distributed the “School Libraries Work!” booklet, “Variables Influencing Public Education in America,” and a copy of the curriculum chart for all grades. 

 

            Mrs. Benedict, Intermediate School Library Media Specialist outlined the evolution of the school library media program including library skills,

 

Deborah Benedict reported on the evolution of school library media programs including the traditional library skills and collaborative curriculum work with the teachers; information technology literacy program; shift in focus; information can be irrelevant or incorrect; no longer accessing information; now viewing, interpreting, and analyzing information; merit of web sites; curriculum reflects framework; streamlining curriculum; having a continuum; and working closely with the IT department, teachers and kids in a collaborative effort.  

 

Lisa Schia, Library Instructional Assistant LHS, reported on the local curriculum development and integration of technology; common goals; essential questions; developing a thesis; proper citations; align curriculum with STS curriculum grades 3 – 8; working with department chairs; Language Arts department Columbia to John Collins; NETS; ALA; and LPS long term plan.

 

Michelle Kruzer, Center School Library Media Specialist, reported on the following: community outreach; role in community; OWL connection and relationship; Education Foundation support; generosity of PTO and STPC; book sales at the high school; book fair; successful volunteer program and participating in community activities. 

 

A slide show presentation covered the mission statement and goals. 

 

New Business

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mr. Simone: to move item C to item A on the agenda.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Vita commented on the efforts of Kim Beres and Cynthia Tompkins and the Litchfield Education Foundation.  The Board appreciates their partnership and is looking forward to working further with them in the future.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mrs. Reardon: to issue a proclamation recognizing the outstanding efforts of the Litchfield Education Foundation related to their recent telethon and for their ongoing support of education in Litchfield.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Fairchild: to approve the payment of invoices and adjustments to line item expenditures as required.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions. 

 

            Dr. Vita noted that the July 19th meeting could be part of the retreat and during executive session the Board could discuss self-evaluation, personnel performance evaluation and priorities for next year.

 

            Dr. Vita reported on the 2 positions that need to be filled.  Board members reviewed their credentials and discussed salary steps.  Jamie Sidella would fill the LHS English teacher position and Leah Schultz the LHS math position.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mrs. Reardon: to approve the appointment of teachers (Jamie Sidella and Leah Schultz) for 2006-07 as recommended by the Superintendent.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Vita explained the need for 8 possible early dismissals for next year to accommodate curriculum development, team meetings, professional development, parent conferences, staff training, program improvement, NEASC follow up work, etc. and try it for a trial period next year to be evaluated in the spring. These days would also align with scheduled days for Region 6.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Tourtellotte and seconded by Mr. Costa: approve scheduling early dismissal of students on eight Wednesdays over eight months during the 2006-07 school year for the purpose of synchronization Litchfield’s schedule with that of Regional School District #6 for cooperative classes, professional development, parent conferences, staff training, curriculum development, and other purposes.

 

            Board members discussed the following: hardships for some kids; possible study hall or extra help for hardships; need for families to make adjustments; use of in school staff; P & R activities scheduled; show good faith with Region 6; issues of transportation considered; re-evaluate later in the year; possible joint meeting with Region 6 later in the year; Region 6 very cooperative with our building issues; and great spirit of cooperation with athletic director and coaches.

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Vita reviewed Nancy Basti’s request for a leave of absence for one year next year.

 

                        MOTION made by Mrs. Reardon and seconded by Mr. Noone: approve a request by Ms. Nancy Basti (school guidance counselor) for a one year leave of absence for the 2006-07 school years to follow her partial leave of absence (1.0 to .6 FTE) for 2005-06 school year.

 

            Board members discussed the following: contract issues; need to find someone to replace her for the year; setting a precedent; can’t pick and choose; need for continuity; have said no to others; difficulty in holding the position and issues down the road.

 

                                    MOTION denied.  All votes were in the negative.  There were no abstentions.

 

Old Business

 

            Mrs. Longobucco presented the District Technology Plan that needs to go to the State Department.  Changes were made as requested by the Board and being a living document, changes can be made when necessary.  Dates are target dates and will be put in practice after submission to the State.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to authorize submission of the District Technology Plan to the State Department of Education.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Vita reviewed the School Wellness policy for the third time with the Board.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Tourtellotte and seconded by Mr. Fairchild: to approve Policy #6180.1, School Wellness/Nutrition/Physical Activity policy as submitted.

 

            Board members discussed the following: also a living document; changes can be made when needed; people involved in the process; ideas from new people involved; and review set for next June.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Breslin reviewed the new high school graduation requirements including the following: changes in the schedule; redesign program of studies; opportunities at the high school; co-op with Wamogo; 27 credits now due to block scheduling; change to 20-22 eventually; consistent with State requirements for graduation; proposed requirement for class of 2007 is 25 credits; and computer applications to ½ credit rather than full credit.  Continued discussion to take place in Fall 2006 to establish credit and course requirements for future.

 

            Board members discussed the following: classes for seniors next year; 6 classes all day; teacher duties to consider; need to vote on progressive requirements in order to see how it plays out; provide continuum of studies to various students; and need to be a comprehensive high school for both ends of the spectrum and in the middle.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mr. Noone: to adopt a revised high school graduation credit and course requirements for the class of 2007 as presented.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

            Dr. Vita reviewed the adjustments and organization of non-certified positions for the 2006-07 school year including allocation of positions; a few reductions; targeted intensive effort; reallocation at the high school; need in PE program; cut backs temporary; building and ground maintenance; and using temporary staff. 

 

            Board consensus was to have the facilities and finance committee meet with the personnel and policy committee to find a better way to use the resources we have.  The meeting will be held on Monday, June 5th, at 6:30 p.m. in the Superintendent’s office.

 

            Dr. Vita commented on the certified extra-duty assignments for the 2006-07 school year and how the structure of this will fit our curriculum.  Further discussion will be held at an upcoming meeting.

 

Superintendent’s Report

 

            Dr. Vita reported on the following:

·         Leadership Team meeting held yesterday at OWL with 25 people in attendance to discuss numerous topics.

·         Title I requirements.

·         Math meetings

·         Special Ed staff.

·         Region 6 cooperation and a possible gesture for their cooperation.

 

Administrative Reports

 

            Dr. Breslin reported on the following at the high school: LHS phasing plan; scheduling goals; little changes in the fall; color coded map of the high school renovation; separating middle school students from high school students; cafeteria schedule; behavior concerns; possible activities during lunch time; concern about vandalism; and having faith in kids.

 

            Dr. Stuhlman reported on the following at the Intermediate School: transition activities; plans for next year; 4th graders transition activities; parents’ night tomorrow; June 7th chorus concert; June 8th band concert; June 21 moving up ceremony; Bronx Zoo for 5th graders coming up; attendance concerns; and the need for pre-referral strategies.

 

            Mrs. Longobucco reported on the following at Center School: Kindergarten play tomorrow and Friday; curriculum work; new frameworks accepted; instructional practices; math trip; K-6 supplemental skills; and June 14th Flag Day.

 

            Mrs. Longobucco reported on the following: new technology hire starts tomorrow (Jeff Deroschers); technology list will be ready for the building committee on June 1st; and ways to approach the summer work that needs to be done.

 

            Mr. Zaremski reported on the following: C14 circular letter; general fund appropriations 3.3% includes an increase in Special Ed funding; excess cost grant; above and beyond per pupil costs; and affects on budgets with outside placements.

 

            Mrs. Perusse reported on the following: placements for Special Ed; percent increases in reimbursements; LIS without heat since May 8th; FF&E starting to pull together; grant closures; preparation for the auditors in mid June; and financial software bids to be open at the Central Office.

 

Curriculum Reports

Finance and Facilities Committee

 

            Mr. Noone noted that the next meeting will be held on June 5th.

 

                        MOTION made by Mrs. Reardon and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to move to Executive Session at 9:06 p.m. to discuss Personnel matter/employment and pending litigation.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions.

 

Executive Session

 

Present were all the above Board members and Dr. Vita.

 

Open session resumed at 9:44 p.m.  No action taken.

 

                        MOTION made by F. Simone and seconded by R. Tourtellotte: to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  There were no abstentions. 

 

                                                                        Respectfully submitted,

                                                                        Donald Falcetti, Secretary

                                                                        Joanne Bertrand, Recording Secretary