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LITCHFIELD BOARD OF
EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING |
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A regular meeting of the Litchfield
Board of Education was held on 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; Dr. Stuhlman; Mrs. Longobucco; Mrs. Woolley; Mr. Zaremski; and members of the public. MOTION
made by Mr. Fairchild and seconded by Mr. Simone:
to approve the minutes of the MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Public Comment and
Correspondence Mr. Waugh reported on the school building committee including the following: walk through of LIS and LHS held this evening; checklist of concerns related to construction issues received; possible consultant to continue services for building project technology needs; more contingency money possibly available due to rebates and soft costs. Mr. Shortsleeve commented on the topic of bullying and a repeated issue occurring between his son and the same student. Incidents have been documented and one occurred this past week. He stated that Public Act 02119 requires incidents to be listed and he feels he has been denied the right to see the list. Litchfield’s policy 5131 concerning conduct regulations requires the school to notify a parent when incidents occur and he felt this has not been done. He was advised by the Board Chair Shuhi to contact the superintendent to discuss his concerns. Mr. Fabbri expressed concern over the new 7th grade math books not being distributed yet. Dr. Breslin noted that the books are available but the school was waiting for CAPT and CMT testing to be completed. Also, staff training took place this week so the books will be used as resources in the near future. Mrs. Penney asked when Dr. Stuhlman’s vacated position will be filled. Mr. Waugh commented about the possibility of cutting students from the track and field athletic program. He stated that students should not be cut because it is an incredible opportunity for any student to participate in sports and that a sense of inclusion is important for students who may not qualify in other sports.
Mrs. Fischer commented on
addressing a safe environment for kids when issues such
as power outages or loss of water occur. Also, how will
the position of second assistant principal be filled?
She also commented on the Mr. Murray commented that the first Mrs. McKenna commented that Dr. Vita has remarked that special education referrals are high and all day kindergarten may reduce the need for special education for some students. She does not feel the numbers for special education referrals are high in Litchfield. She stated that over identification of students in city districts is prevalent possibly due to “cultural retardation.” She did not feel this was the case in Litchfield. Mrs. Harrison made observations from the tour this evening including: items that have had to be redone; reimbursement issues; and questions about fire evacuation procedures. Mr. Shuhi noted that a joint meeting with the Building Committee will be held on April 19th to discuss the various issues. Dr. Vita noted that an emergency evacuation / fire drill plan is documented and is approved by the fire marshal. Students are not expected to exit the classrooms through the windows. Mr. Fabbri agreed with Mr. Waugh regarding not cutting track and field athletes because this goes a long way to their well roundedness. Mr. Shuhi noted that the letter received at the last meeting from a student regarding April vacations coinciding with other schools was from Dan Kressel. New BusinessMOTION made by Mr. Falcetti and seconded by Mr. Gorman: 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 and Mrs. Shuhi (Elementary Math Coordinator) updated the Board on the K-5 math program. Mrs. Shuhi distributed sample books from Growing with Math and Program of Investigations for Board members to review. The Math Committee was identified and a brief history of the process was outlined. The K-5 math program needs to be consistent with the new Impact Math program that is being implemented in grades 6-12. Both elementary programs will meet this requirement. The Math Committee looked for a primary source that is consistent with the curriculum, is aligned with the state, aligned with the CMT, vigorous, challenging, hands on, includes technology, student centered, teacher friendly, and provides for differentiation as well as remediation. The committee is leaning towards Growing with Math but is still negotiating cost and prices with the companies.
Dr. Vita noted that the committee is anxious to move forward to have the supplies on hand for teachers to become familiar with the program before next year when it is put in place. MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Gorman: to approve the purchase of the K-5 math program as selected by the Elementary Math Committee and administration. Board members discussed the following: no Impact Math program for K-5; all basics are there; spiraling provides for reinforcement of skills; resources and funding issues; initial and long term investment; recurring annual costs; budget implications; updated materials; and the fact that all Math programs were reviewed and that the committee narrowed them down to these two. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Board members reviewed policy # 5127.1 High School Graduation Requirements for a second reading. Board members reviewed policy # 5141.25 Accommodating Students with Special Dietary Needs for a second reading. MOTION made by Mr. Simone and
seconded by Mr. Fairchild: to accept the resignation
of MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Board members thanked her for her years of service. Mrs. Perusse reported on various unused equipment that needs to be removed from the schools.
MOTION made by Mr. Costa and seconded by Mr. Tourtellotte: to authorize the administration to dispose of unused, obsolete, un-repairable, and/or damaged equipment and appliances necessary. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Old BusinessDr. Vita reviewed the 2007-08
operating budget in preparation for presentation to the
Board of Finance on Superintendent’s ReportDr. Vita reported on the following:
Administrative ReportsDr. Breslin reported on a possible new forensics course at the high school. It is taught at Wamogo now but possible enrollment could be 38 from Litchfield. This would not allow any enrollment from Wamogo students so we have a teacher ready to teach that course at the high school. Wamogo is sharing the curriculum with us. Dr. Vita noted that this is an interesting variation as a result of the co-op that we didn’t anticipate. Costs should generally be a wash.
Committee ReportsFinance and Facilities CommitteeMr. Noone reported that he met with the Webster insurance representative to discuss property, casualty and liability. We are in good hand with this representative. He will meet periodically to see what is going on and will update the Board. MOTION made by Mr. Gorman and
seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to move to Executive
Session at
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Executive SessionPresent were all the above Board members and Dr. Vita. Open session resumed at No action was taken. MOTION made by F. Simone and
seconded by D. Falcetti: to adjourn the meeting at MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Respectfully submitted, Donald Falcetti, Secretary Joanne Bertrand, Recording Secretary
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