A special meeting of the Litchfield Board of Education was held on Tuesday, September 12, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Center School Library.

 

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

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Falcetti and seconded by Mr. Simone: to approve the minutes of the August 23, 2006 meeting as submitted.

 

                                    MOTION carried.  All votes were in the affirmative.  Mrs. Reardon and Mr. Gorman abstained.

 

Public Comment and Correspondence

 

            Mrs. Penney asked about all day Kindergarten and if the State will be mandating in the future. 

 

            Dr. Vita noted that the State highly recommends a comprehensive PK-K early childhood experience.  The full day kindergarten program proposed for Litchfield will feature a substantially expanded curriculum as compared to the current half day program. which will include a whole different curriculum in the near future. 

 

            Mrs. Harrison noted in reference to the “code of conduct” she believes that outside of school it is up to the parents to handle their children’s behaviors.. 

 

Special Presentations

School Building Committee

 

            Dr. Vita reported that the Committee is meeting this evening to decide on the issue of the gym wall. 

 

            Mrs. Longobucco reported that at the last meeting the technology information was presented, but before it was approved, it had to be presented to the Board of Finance for a decision as to whether the Building Committee should have the technology in its budget.  The Board of Finance decision was that the technology budget should be the responsibility of the Building Committee.  Now it will go back to the Building Committee for the break down on the funding.

 

            Board members discussed the following: input from the Board to the Building Committee; reimbursement items; issues of the technology budget; issues within the building  needing to be done; need for a special meeting with the Building Committee; expenses in the long run if not done correctly now; appreciate volunteers and their efforts; and no second chance to get it right. 

 

New Business

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Tourtellotte and seconded by Mr. Simone: to approve the payment of invoices and adjustments to line item expenditures for August 2006 as required. 

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Tourtellotte: to authorize the Chairman of the Board to authorize a technical revision to the language in the current contract of employment with the Superintendent as necessary to be in compliance with the state TRB requirements – no change in salary or benefits.

 

            Dr. Vita reviewed the changes in the position of the Teachers’ Retirement Board and the need to align with these changes.

 

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

 

            Board members reviewed the updated list of tenured teachers as of September 2006.

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to reschedule the Board of Education meeting from Wednesday, October 25, 2006 to Wednesday, November 1, 2006.

 

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

 

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to schedule the annual “Welcome Back” staff reception for Thursday, November 2, 2006 from 3:30 to 5:30 in the evening at Litchfield Community Center. 

 

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

 

Old Business

 

            Mr. Tourtellotte reported that the Policy/Personnel Committee met to review the possible “Code of Conduct” policy and noted further info gathering is needed.  STPC, PTO and community input will be sought with a goal of being helpful and not punitive.  More meetings are still needed.

 

            Mr. Simone distributed a packet of information from the law office of Shipman & Goodwin regarding “What are the rules for making school rules?” by Thomas B. Mooney and directed the Board to page 7-D. “The limits of statutory authority.”

 

            Board members discussed the following: commitment students make when on a team or participating in extra curricular activity; voluntary, non-academic activities; philosophies were discussed; need for public involvement; possible open meeting; and need for counselors to make sure the code is in compliance. 

 

Superintendent’s Report

 

Dr. Vita reported on the following:

• Sample of “Litchfield” canvas bags given to the staff, presented to Board members.
• Status of school bus parking lot includes the telephone pole, lights, and pump house that need further work.  The town will let the Board know when everything is completed.  Snow removal will be the responsibility of Laidlaw and the town.
• Update on curriculum coordination and revision process including: responsibilities of coordinators; K-12 initiative; long term plan to develop cohesive, sequential program of studies; differentiated instruction; touch all types of students; rigorous program; students with difficulty learning; more hands-on programs; graduation requirement issues; will present to the Curriculum/Technology Committee; bring forth best education possible for K-12 students; make Litchfield lighthouse system, driven by students, parents and community.
• Announcement of appointment of School Facilities Manager, Tony Crowe, and plan of action, including: an outline of his responsibilities; need for well maintained schools; custodial positions; need to coordinate with town maintenance; issues at Center School; cleaning techniques; background appropriate; K-12 responsibilities; condition or rooms; responsibility to the building committee; rooms need to be turned over to school; need to be proactive and not reactive; and accountability issues.
• Community Conversation on Education to be held on November 4, 2006 with a wide-range of community members on the sub committee but only 2 associated with the school district. 
• Review of status of vacant certified positions including interviews for the K-6 guidance counselor and the special education position will start as a sub on Monday until paper work can be completed for the individual.

 

Administrative Reports

 

            Mrs. Longobucco reported on the following at Center School: smooth opening; new staff members; people in new positions; meet the teacher night last Thursday; high number of parents attended; analyzing CMT data; supplemental skills; early dismissal tomorrow; presentation on reading comprehension; and thanks for hiring Tony.

 

            Dr. Stuhlman reported on the following at the Intermediate School: smooth opening; building ready for students; open house done by classroom; parents very supportive; early release time to work on math coordination; delay of AE; high interest in musical instruments; new restrooms in use; fields are fabulous; and carpet advantage.

 

            Dr. Vita reported that the parent meeting on math is tentatively planned for September 28^th in the Intermediate School, most likely.

 

            Dr. Breslin reported on the following at the high school: opening went well all things considered; great deal of planning for the schedule; students reacted well to the schedule; timing issues with the co-op; meeting with Wamogo on Thursday; time for teacher collaboration in the schedule; NEASC outline and scheduled workshops; parking space issues; great drop off; M.S. wing to open soon; possible parking in lot across from the I.S.; and timing for cleaning the gym.

 

            Mr. Zaremski reported on the following: U.S. Department of Education IDEA 2004 alerted by Shipman & Goodman re: children enrolled in private schools and increasing ability to service in non-academic settings.

 

Committee Reports

Curriculum & Technology Committee

 

            Mr. Shuhi requested that an October meeting should be scheduled.

 

Finance and Facilities Committee

 

            Mr. Noone reported that a meeting should be scheduled soon.  He also complemented the efforts of everyone involved in having a successful opening day.  A welcome was extended to Tony on his new position and participating in the committee process. 

           

                        MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to adjourn the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

 

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

 

                                                            Respectfully submitted,

                                                            Donald Falcetti, Secretary

                                                            Joanne Bertrand, Recording Secretary