LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION

 

A regular meeting of the Litchfield Board of Education was held on Wednesday, July 19, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. in the Litchfield Community Center.

 

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

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Fairchild and seconded by Mr. Noone: to approve the minutes of the June 14, 2006 meeting with the addition of “with regret” to the resignations accepted.

 

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

 

Public Comment and Correspondence

 

Christine Horrigan presented a copy of the Litchfield Plan of Conservation and Development 2006.  A public hearing after October 1^st will be held.

 

Mr. Murray commented on renewal of Dr. Vita’s contract; executive sessions; pending litigation and web site.

 

The new reporter for the area for the Register Citizen was introduced, Mr. Kevin Roberts.

 

A letter from Susan Dichter complementing the LIS music program was received.

 

A note from Maurice Steinberg was received thanking the board for his retirement gift.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mr. Tourtellotte: to add under Special Presentation/s:  Building Project Technology Update.

 

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

 

Special Presentation/s

 

Technology Committee spoke with consultant; an outline of costs was distributed to board members; discussed video display and presentation systems and alternate flat panel LCD TV; recommendation was not to purchase flat screen for LIS.

  

Litchfield HS/MS Technology Equipment costs for video display and presentation systems including LHS/LIS digital video distribution system were reviewed.

 

Digital Video Distribution System options presented together with estimated costs.  Prices for 6 channels, 12 channels and 16 channels were reviewed.  Current system 8 years old and needs a great deal of work.

 

Discussed possible best use of available funds; should invest in technology where children can be creative; now investing in a broadcast system.  Need for 5-10 year future plan; discussed the process followed to get us to this point, which items would be provided by the Building project, wireless technology and possible meeting with Building Committee.  Discussed Ed Specs and all possibilities; Ed Specs are a “road map” and all items outlined may not be included in the project.  Board favors projectors and digital system in all classrooms; using older technology is costly.

 

New Business

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mr. Simone: to approve Educational Specifications for the roof replacement project at Center School.

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to approve and authorize the administration to submit FFE (PCT) plan to the State Department of Education for LIS and LHS school construction projects.

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Tourtellotte:  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.

 

                        MOTION made by Mrs. Reardon and seconded by Mr. Simone: to authorize the superintendent to communicate to Carol St. Amand-Romer and Larry Romer (completing home on 35 Buell Road South) the approval of a six week tuition waiver in accordance with board policy #5118

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

 

 

                        MOTION made by Mrs. Reardon and seconded by Mr. Simone: to go into Executive Session at 7:57 p.m. to discuss Superintendent’s performance evaluation, Board self-evaluation, and pending litigation (2 cases).

 

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

 

Present were all board members and Dr. Vita.

 

Open session resumed at 8:45 p.m.  No action taken.

 

Old Business

 

The status of the school bus parking for 2006-07 was discussed.  A letter was submitted to the chair by bus drivers regarding the proposed lot.  Further details will be obtained from the Town.

 

The discussion of the school building project and opening of school will take place at the next meeting.

 

Superintendent’s Report – None at this time.

 

Administrative Reports – None

 

Committee Reports – None

 

                                    MOTION made by D. Falcetti and seconded by J. Noone: to adjourn the meeting at 9:03 p.m.

 

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

 

                                                                                    Respectfully Submitted

                                                                                    Donald R. Falcetti, Secretary