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LITCHFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR
MEETING APRIL 30, 2008 |
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A regular meeting of the Litchfield Board of Education
was held on Board members present were: Mr. Katzin, Chairperson; Mrs. Fabbri; Messrs. Falcetti, Gorman, Noone, Shuhi, and Simone. Ms. Carr and Mrs. Reardon were absent. Also present were: Dr. Vita; Mrs. Perusse; Mr. Johnson; Mr. Zaremski; Ms. DelleVolpe; Ms. Marinelli; Mr. Crowe the public and the press. MOTION made by Mr. Falcetti and seconded by Mr. Shuhi: to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2008 meeting as submitted with the following corrections: p. 2685 the second paragraph should read 06–07 budget instead of 07-08 budget. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Public Comment and CorrespondenceMr. Shuhi reported that the building committee reviewed the punch list, odds and ends, parking lot pricing and approved another $40,000 towards FF&E. Corey Creedon commented on the trip he just participated in to the rain forest and thanked the Board for supporting such a wonderful, life changing experience. Jamie Blake also commented on the rain forest trip he participated in and how it developed life skills and self-awareness skills. He thanked the Board for supporting such a challenging and rewarding opportunity. Mr. Sandrib commented on the special education staffing reduction and expressed his concerns over whether it was done for convenience since people resigned and one person passed away. He asked the Board to thoughtfully consider these cuts and reductions. Mr. Murray commented on the fact that this Board is reluctant to cut any positions. The Board does need to be concerned about the most remedial students. Mrs. McKenna asked if the number of special education students is down with the enrollment. Mrs. Wyse commented on the actual enrollment for 7th and 8th grade going from 7 sections to 4 sections. Mrs. Sandrib commented on the time element needed in the classroom for special education students and how fewer staff could impact the learning process for these students. If the school cannot provide the best education for these students then parents will have to go elsewhere. Mrs. Harrison commented on the Board of Finance putting adding pressure to make cuts in the education budget. Also, she asked the Board to find a way to get the buildings inspected before we take them over. The soldering defect occurred in the brand new wing and this major failure in new construction should not happen again if an inspection is done. Board members received several thank you notes for flower arrangements that were sent to the secretaries in the system for Secretaries’ Day. Superintendent’s ReportDr. Vita reported on the following:
New BusinessDr. Vita informed the Board that pending any new updates from the Board of Finance, the education budget could be revisited when student needs are finalized. The bottom line budget amount will not change. Board members discussed revisiting the Special Education needs after the public hearing next week. MOTION made by Mr. Shuhi and seconded by Mrs. Fabbri: to approve the “Adventure Education Challenge (experiential) Course” grant proposed to LEF for physical education as a grant to be submitted to Litchfield Education Foundation. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. MOTION made by Mr. Shuhi and seconded by Mrs. Fabbri: to approve the payment of invoices and adjustments to line item expenditures for 2007-08 budget as required. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. Mr. Simone abstained. Board members discussed the changes to the first page in policy #5127.1(a), graduation course requirements chart. The rest of the policy remain unchanged at this time. This is needed in order for the administration to plan courses. MOTION made by Mr. Shuhi and seconded by Mr. Noone: to approve the revised Board policy #5127.1(a) “Graduation Requirements” for a third reading. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Board members discussed the superintendent search process including: liaison from the Board of Finance; Mr. Katzin coordinator of Search Committee; request Mr. Johnson as co-coordinator; confidentially agreement and issues; possibly have Board of Finance look over contract; need for executive session; brochures distributed in the State and posted on 6 websites; and regional salary ranges are available. Committee ReportsMr. Shuhi reported that the Facilities and Technology Committee will be meeting next Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Also, Mr. Waugh asked the Board to think about a dedication ceremony that will be discussed and dates will be targeted. MOTION made by Mr. Falcetti and seconded by Mr. Shuhi: to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m. MOTION carried. All votes were in the affirmative. There were no abstentions. Respectfully submitted, Tina Reardon, Secretary Joanne Bertrand, Recording Secretary
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