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LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING August 22, 2007 |
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LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 22, 2007
A regular meeting of the Litchfield Board of Education was held on Wednesday, August 22, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. in the Intermediate School cafeteria.
Board members present were: Mr. Shuhi, Chairperson; Mrs. Reardon; Messrs. Fairchild, Falcetti, Gorman, Katzin, Noone, Simone and Tourtellotte.
Also present were: Dr. Vita; Dr. Breslin; Mrs. Longobucco; Ms. Marinelli; Mr. Zaremski; the public and the press.
MOTION made by Mr. Fairchild and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to approve the minutes from the July 18, 2007 meeting and the July 25, 2007 special meeting as submitted and to table the approval of the August 14, 2007.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. Mrs. Reardon abstained from the approval of the August 25th minutes.
Public Comment and Correspondence
Mrs. Fabbri reported on the STPC activities including the following: welcome to Mr. Katzin to the Board; first fundraiser, Yankee Candle sale, will begin soon; the first meeting will be held on September 29th at 6:30 p.m.; and the new teacher liaison for this year is Diane Lauretano.
Mrs. Harrison commented on a possible restricted driving policy since the proposed parking lot could take funds away from the building project completion.
Mrs. Glassman commented on issues from the building project including the following: proposed parking lot; noise problems; exact number of the contingency fund available, as well as environmental and safety issues.
Mr. Murray commented on the attendance at the coach’s meeting compared to the Board meetings; and the need for the Board to allow comments.
Mr. Hatfield commented on his child beginning Kindergarten and how he is looking forward in participating in Board meetings.
New Business
Dr. Vita noted that Mrs. Perusse couldn’t be here this evening but the budget from 06-07 is in good shape with a final summary to be presented at the September 5th meeting.
MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mrs. Reardon: to move that the contract of employment of Kerri Anne Morris be terminated, effective immediately, as a result of the elimination of her teaching position, and that the Superintendent of Schools is directed to advise Ms. Morris in writing of this action.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions.
Dr. Vita noted that Ms. Woolley asked for a leave for personal reasons.
MOTION made by Mr. Katzin and seconded by Mrs. Reardon: to approve a teacher request for an unpaid leave of absence for the 2007-08 school year through June 30, 2008.
Board members discussed the following conditions of the leave: unpaid leave; no right to come back; never terminated; and was offered a teaching position.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative except Mr. Falcetti, Mr. Simone and Mr. Tourtellotte voted in the negative. There were no abstentions.
Dr. Vita reported on the current food program we have in the Litchfield schools along with the new ideas to be incorporated this year. Ed Connection does not recommend that we participate in Public Act No. 06-63 for this year. Their program meets our financial constraints with a variety of foods including the whole food program. Also, a majority of schools in the State did not decide to participate.
MOTION made by Mr. Tourtellotte and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to not have the district food services program participate in the Child Nutrition Program (healthy foods).
Board members discussed the following: farmers market; type of beverages available; reimbursement issues; state guidelines and compliance; need to follow most of these guidelines because they are good guidelines; and the need to update our policy booklet.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions.
MOTION made by Mr. Falcetti and seconded by Mr. Fairchild: to approve a six weeks tuition waiver for two non-resident children, Christopher and Tristan Coolbeth.
This is consistent with Board policy.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions.
MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mrs. Reardon: to approve the out-of-state field trip request (LIS 4th grade to Old Sturbridge Village).
Board members discussed the correctness of the objective regarding the Declaration of Independence and the 1830’s village dates.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions.
Old Business
Board members congratulated Mr. Katzin as representative (Ex Officio Executive Board member) to Litchfield Education Foundation.
MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Tourtellotte: to reschedule the special Board meeting from September 18, 2007 to Wednesday, September 26, 2007 due to statewide meeting for administrative personnel.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions.
Dr. Vita reviewed the action plans and priorities for 2007-08 related to the long-term plan for 5 years. This includes 6 goal areas that can be adjusted accordingly.
Board members discussed the following: differentiated instruction; individual needs; on going needs; redesign of the high school program with student input; core competencies; redirection of high school experience; need to measure differentiation; remedial opportunities; designing instruction for all students; accommodate all students; more qualitative analysis than quantitative; if differentiation is appropriate then all students shall perform at a higher level; enrichment program; curriculum accommodation range; priorities of curriculum coordinator; significant enhancements are necessary; strategies used; document a possible basis for evaluation; possible link of goals from administration and superintendent to the document; need for target dates, measuring tools and measuring dates; need for refinement in the document; possible third level needed; excellent very broad document; need concrete goals; progress is ongoing and could take years; need to implement and then refine; expectations for a year; and need to review in committee discussions.
Public Comment and Correspondence
Mr. Waugh presented an overview of the school building committee including the following: timing for turning the buildings over to the Board; technology; ceilings in principal’s office; flooring; gym vestibule area; ceilings at the high school; acoustical panels; wall panels; abatement issues; café floor; change in circulation equipment; windows fixed; painting of light areas; band room; kitchen/cafeteria; classrooms incomplete; flooring in the evening; paving completion; gym issues at the high school; contingency fund amount is in good shape; and punch list items.
Board members discussed the following: work up for sound in rooms; student needs; need to not pull workers off the job until it is complete; technology budget all approved; parking lot issues; need for lavatory walls to have washable paint; and projects need to be complete before turned over.
Old Business
Dr. Vita reported that the Kindergarten enrollment is greater than anticipated and it is recommended that the fifth section that has been budgeted should be filled. Presently there are 4 sections of 18, 18, 19, and 19. With 5 sections there will be numbers of 14 or 15 in each class. Because this is the beginning of the year, enrollment will likely go up and not down.
Board members discussed the following: need for a new hire; first grade 5 sections this year but probably 4 sections next year due to all day Kindergarten experience; 6 opted out of all day Kindergarten but 3 have shown interest in participating later in the year; candidates have already been interviewed so one is in place for hire; smaller class ratio is better; possible money saved in benefits; smaller classes are better for starting the new all day Kindergarten program; 2 new phone calls inquiring about Kindergarten registration; van transportation for students leaving early; first grade enrollment numbers; and understanding the need for the 5th section. This does not require board action since the 5th teacher was already budgeted and approved.
MOTION made by Mr. Katzin and seconded by Mr. Fairchild: to act upon the proposal to revise and extend the transportation services contract with All-Star Transportation for the 2007-08 school year through the 2011-12 school year.
Board members discussed the following: Kindergarten busing savings; gas, parking, age of buses; good budget move; fuel efficiency with 2008 buses; tax revenue increase due to age of buses; company has served us well; experience; financially solid; copies of current contract, 90% will remain the same; and reduction in cost of busing in town.
MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative except Mr. Shuhi who voted in the negative. Mr. Simone abstained.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Vita reported on the following:
Administrative Reports
Dr. Breslin updated the Board on the student parking restrictions and fees including the following: 50 spaces now for seniors; lottery to be held; loss of 40-50 spaces; Constitution Way issues; safety issues; input from business where students are parking illegally; parent input; and limits of authority.
Committee ReportsFinance and Facilities
Mr. Noone provided an update on the maintenance arrangement with the town and Mr. Paul’s interest in the town taking over the custodial responsibility for the schools. Further discussions will be held after the construction is completed and needs are analyzed.
Policy and Personnel Committee
Policy meeting is needed soon to work on developing an updated attendance policy.
Negotiations Liaisons
The administrators contract is now completed.
MOTION made by Mr. Simone and seconded by Mr. Falcetti: to adjourn the meeting at 9:05 p.m.
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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