ENFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION



ENFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION

MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING

March 14, 2006

A regular meeting of the Enfield Board of Education was held at Edgar H. Parkman Elementary School, All-Purpose Room, 165 Weymouth Road, Enfield, CT. The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Racine at 7:30 PM.

MEMBERS PRESENT Judith Apruzzese-Desroches, Donna Corbin Sobinski, Andre Greco, Joyce Hall, Albert Harrison, Charles Johnson III, Susan Lavelli-Hozempa, Samuel McGill, Sharon Racine

MEMBERS ABSENT none

ALSO PRESENT Dr. John Gallacher; Superintendent of Schools, Anthony Torre; Assistant Superintendent, Student Representatives, Megan Cooper, EHS and Olga Ndoci, FHS.

1. CALL TO ORDER Sharon Racine

2. INVOCATION OR MOMENT OF SILENCE Mrs. Lavelli-Hozempa

3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Mrs. Lavelli-Hozempa

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Mr. Greco, that the special minutes of February 28, 2006 be approved. There were no corrections, omissions or changes.

A vote by show of hands, 9-0-0, motion passes.

5. BOARD GUESTS

a. Suffield Regional Vocational Agriculture Center

Suffield Vo-Ag students, Michelle Kelly from Enfield, Heidi Wolfe from Granby and Brandon Clark and Gabrielle Howe from Suffield presented an overview of the Future Farmers of America (FFA), the Supervised Agriculture Experience Project (SAEP) and the Career Development Event (CDE).

Laura LaFlamme, Suffield AgriScience Teacher, explained the guidelines for each grade level. Most classes are agriculturally related. There are 168 students enrolled in the Vo-Ag program with 58 students from Enfield.

Ms. LaFlamme invited the Board Members to the Ag - Expo on April 11 and 12th. There will be tours for students and a chance to see the center and the works of the students.

Mr. McGill thanked everyone for the presentation to the Board. He stated that he toured the facility in December and it was quite impressive.

CORRESPONDENCE AND COMMUNICATIONS

1, Memo from Art Pongratz referencing Grounds Maintenance Questions

2. Minutes of the Suffield Regional AgriScience Center Consulting Committee Meeting of January 25, 2006.

6. AUDIENCES

Gina Reale, Brook Rd., Enfield Mrs. Reale urged the Board to support MLC. She stated that she understands the wants verses the needs of a budget. There are currently 22 applications pending for admittance to MLC this fall. She would like to see all 22 students be given the chance to attend but she understands that to be a want, not a need. She urged the Board to fund as many seats as possible. Children should be allowed choices in their education. She hopes the Board will fund at least 10 seats. She will be attending the Town Open Forum for next year’s budget to discuss the way the grant funds are being used. She urged the Board to call her if they have any questions regarding Schools of Choice.

Diana Labich, Clinton Lane, Mrs. Labich read a letter, signed by the parents of student members of the BUZZ Robotics team, thanking the Enfield Board of Education, Fermi and Enfield High School and Hamilton Sundstrand: Space, Land and Sea for their support of the BUZZ Robotics Team. She outlined in her letter all the personnel involved in the success of the program as well as the students work involved. Mrs. Labich submitted said letter as record for the Board. A hardcopy is attached. Mrs. Labich urged the Board to continue their support of the Robotics program.

Alan Cloutier, Gary Rd. Enfield Mr. Cloutier urged the Board to continue support of the BUZZ Robotics program. He stated that the personnel at Hamilton Sundstrand truly inspire the students to be involved. His son has been a part of the program for 4 years and has remained enthusiastic since the first day. The program is so successful because of the mentors and support of parents, teachers and the Board.

7. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Mr. McGill stated that he recently attended the retirement party of Eleanor McDaniel. Mrs. McDaniel served the Enfield Public Schools for 33 years as the Nutritional Director. We thank her and wish her the best.

Mr. McGill attended the Fermi Jazz Festival that included a performance by the FHS/EHS Jazz Combo, Voices, Inc. and students from Hazardville Memorial School. It was a successful and inspiring day.

Mr. McGill visited the Robotics Team before they left for competition. The team was very busy preparing for the competition. The activity and teamwork were also very inspiring.

Mr. Harrison commented that the FHS Breakfast pilot program got off to a slow start this week because of the schedule changes due to CAPT testing. The response is good and should pick up soon.

Mr. Harrison commented that the Robotics Team is a truly amazing program. The engineers and volunteers do a great job. He wishes them the best of luck in their competition in Annapolis, MD.

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski wished the Robotics team good luck in the Annapolis competition.

Mrs. Lavelli-Hozempa thanked the parents who came out to support the Schools of Choice program as well as the BUZZ Robotics Program.

8. BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS

Mr. McGill reported that the Fields Committee is expecting the RFP’s on March 22nd. The committee will review the proposals and take the next step towards refurbishing our athletic fields.

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski reported that the IT Sub Committee finalized the Technology State Plan. It will be presented to the Board shortly.

Mr. Harrison reported that the Policy Committee reviewed the Alcohol Protection Policy to be presented for a first reading tonight. The Policy Committee will start to review a draft of a Wellness Policy that will be presented by the Policy Sub-committee that is required by the State. It will impact some of the ways we do classroom celebrations, food items being sold and general activities on school grounds. He will update the Board on the progress of this draft policy.

Chairman Sharon Racine reported that the Mini-Grant Committee has issued over $17,000 for this school year. If the Town funds this program again next year, the committee needs to tighten up the process and provide more information regarding what the funds are to be used for. The application process will change to accommodate the requirements of the committee and speed up the process for issuing grants.

9. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

As presented in the Board Packet.

Parkman Elementary School Principal, Maureen Sampl, welcomed the Board and audience to Parkman School. Principal Sampl introduced several staff members, PTO President, Pam Leito and PTO Treasurer, Shannon Maloney.

By consensus, the Board agreed to allow the Superintendent to increase the bus fees for Non-Resident Students to $2.00 per day.

10. APPROVAL OF ACCOUNTS AND PAYROLL

a. For the Month of February 2006

Mr. McGill moved, seconded by Mr. Harrison, that the Enfield Board of Education accepts the Superintendent’s certification as follows:

“I hereby certify that in the month of February for FY 2005-2006, total expenditures amount to $5,592,895.76, broken down between payroll totaling $3,902,322.55 and other accounts totaling $1,690,573.23. All payments have been made in accordance with the approved budget and are properly accounted for within the books of accounts. Copies of approval for check invoices are properly documented.” A vote by show of hands 9-0-0, motion passes.

Mr. McGill moved, seconded by Mr. Harrison, that the Enfield Board of Education accepts the Superintendent’s certification as follows:

“I hereby certify that in the month of February for FY 2004-2005, total expenditures amount to $2,249.68, broken down between payroll totaling $0 and other accounts totaling $2,249.68. All payments have been made in accordance with the approved budget and are properly accounted for within the books of accounts. Copies of approval for check invoices are properly documented.” A vote by show of hands 9-0-0, motion passes.

b. Line Item Transfer

Mr. McGill moved, seconded by Mrs. Corbin Sobinski, that the Enfield Board of Education approves the following line item transfers:

From: Certified Salaries $120,000

New Equipment $ 719

Total: $120,719

To: Supplemental Certified Salaries $120,000

Educational Services $ 719

Total: $120,719

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS

a. Creating a Demographic Study Advisory Committee

Ms. Hall moved, seconded by Mr. Greco that the Enfield Board of Education approves the Demographic Study Advisory Committee as outlined in Dr. Gallacher’s memo dated 3/14/06.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0 motion passes.

13. NEW BUSINESS

Set Tentative Number of New Seats at Participating Magnet Schools

Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches suggested that a formula be created to apply the same standards of allowing students to go to Schools of Choice for every school. Dr. Gallacher stated that it would be hard to accomplish that task because the Schools of Choice are so diverse. There is a 4 year, ½ day program, a 4 year full time program, a 6 year full time program and a program with no tuition costs at all.

Dr. Gallacher further stated that Cheney Tech has no tuition or SPED costs at all but the Board pays to transport students there. If enrollments exceed the bus limits, we would need to add another bus at an additional cost to the Board’s budget.

Chairman Sharon Racine requested information about the Vo-Ag program in Bloomfield and Rockville so we can see the options available to us for our students. Dr. Gallacher stated that he believes the programs are ½ day programs. If the Board wanted to pursue those programs, you would have to petition the State to change regions.

By consensus, the Board did not take action on Suffield Vo-Ag because of a 60 student contract. The Board will re-open the contract with Suffield by September, 2006.

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches, that the Enfield Board of Education set the number of new enrollments to MLC at 10 seats.

Ms. Hall stated that she would like to establish and support adding 10 seats every year so parents know what to expect when applying to MLC.

Mr. Harrison stated that the number of seats being approved tonight is a tentative number of seats until the Board sets the budget in May.

A vote by roll call 8-1-0, with Chairman Sharon Racine in dissent. Motion passes.

Mrs. Lavelli-Hozempa moved, seconded by Mr. Johnson, that the Enfield Board of Education approves 5 new seats for the Hartford Academy of Performing Arts, bringing the total of Enfield students to 8 for tuition of $3,850 each.

Chairman Sharon Racine stated that this is also a tentative number of seats being approved until the Board sets the budget in May.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

By consensus, the Board did not take action on Howell Cheney Tech because there are no tuition fees.

a. Acceptance of State Project #049-0134 EC/CV as Complete and Authorization to Submit Final Grant Application

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Ms. Apruzzese-Desroches, that the Enfield Board of Education accept State Project #049—134 EC/CV, Stowe School Energy Conservation Project, as complete.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Ms. Apruzzese-Desroches, that the Enfield Board of Education authorizes the School Superintendent to submit State Form ED049F “Final Grant Application for a School Building Project” on behalf of the Enfield Board of Education.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

b. Receipt of and Action Upon Recommendations of Superintendent of Schools Concerning Teacher Contract Non-renewal in Accordance with Connecticut General Statutes 10-151

Ms. Hall moved, seconded by Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches that the contract of employment of:

Devon Aloisa / Parkman-Grade 6 Aimee Lechowicz / EHS-English

Amy Bartholomew / Memorial-PE/Health Erin Loya / Parkman-Grade 3

Bryan Boucher / FHS-Social Studies Katie Martin / Memorial-Grade 6

Sabrina Calado / Crandall-Elementary Level Brian Mazzone / FHS-English

Elijah Clapp / Whitney-Grade 3 Heather Murphy / EHS-Social Worker

Connell Clark / JFK-Math Laura Nelson / Enfield Street-Grade 6

Marilu Coccia / Memorial-Elementary Level Jennifer Pickering / FHS-Social Studies

Christine Furey / Crandall-Grade 5 Kathleen Schermerhorn / Alcorn-Kindergarten

Maria Giarrantana / FHS-Business Andrew Snyder / Barnard-Grade1

Anna Karpiej / JFK-Social Studies Gray Wanzer / EHS-Social Studies

Sara Kilty / Stowe-Grade 4 Robert Whinnem / Crandall-Music

Casey Kwiecienski / Parkman-Grade 5

…not be renewed for the following year upon its expiration at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, and that the Superintendent of Schools be directed to advise such persons in writing of this action.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

c. Head Start Radio

Mr. Greco stated that a radio system for Head Start will cost approximately $5,200 to purchase and install. Head Start will be able to fund $2,000 from their budget. Mr. Drezek, Business Manager stated that the money would have to be taken from another area in the budget as line items are extremely tight and utility costs will absorb any amounts left over. Mr. Drezek stated that it can be done but he cannot determine at this time where the funds will come from. Dr. Gallacher stated that there is a cushion in the Excess Cost fund and if push came to shove, the Board could dip into it to relieve the utility costs. Dr. Gallacher stated that Head Start just received an award from Wal-Mart for $1,000. He hopes that amount can be added to what Head Start can provide for the system so the cost to the Board could be less than the $3,200.

Mr. Greco moved, seconded by Ms. Hall that the Enfield Board of Education approves up to $3,200 to provide a radio system for the Head Start building.

A vote by roll call 8-1-0, with Mrs. Lavelli-Hozempa in dissent. Motion passes.

d. Proposed New Policy #5131.62 Alcohol Detection Devices – First Reading

Mr. Harrison moved, seconded by Mr. Greco that the Enfield Board of Education approve as a first reading, Policy # 5131.62 Alcohol Detection Devices and further, authorize the administration to apply this draft policy, on a pilot basis, at the upcoming proms.

Mr. Harrison stated that the comments on this policy have been split for and against. EHS Student Representative, Megan Cooper questioned if all students would be subject to the breathalyzer. In the past, only select students were screened. Dr. Gallacher stated that all students would be screened if the policy is put into place. Ms. Hall requested that the students provide feedback as to how it was handled and their opinion of it. Mr. Torre added that the only driving factor behind this action is the safety of our students.

Mr. Harrison stated that the equipment has been purchased with funds from Enfield Youth Services, a grant from the Enfield Community Partnership to Prevent Underage Drinking, private donations and student activity accounts at EHS and FHS. There will be no expense to the Board.

The Policy will be placed on the Enfield School Web Site for the community to view.

A vote by roll call 9-0-0, motion passes.

e. FY06-07 School Calendar

Dr. Gallacher presented the Board with three different school calendars to discuss. The Board will make a final decision on March 28th after the administration receives feedback from some of the employee groups. All three scenarios have a school start date of September 5, 2006 and remain the same through March 30, 2007. All the in-service days have been scheduled according to the teacher’s contract. The scenarios start to change with the April vacation. Proposals are as follows:

Draft # 1 - April Vacation - second week of April – (9-13), following Good Friday, April 6th. The last day of school would be June 20th.

Draft # 2 - April Vacation - first week of April – (2-6) includes Good Friday. The last day of school would be June 19th.

Draft # 3 - April Vacation - third week of April - (16-20). The last day of school would be June 20th.

Dr. Gallacher is also requesting feedback from the Board in regards to using some ½ days in the Spring for additional in-service opportunities for teachers. The teacher’s union is also reviewing this opportunity.

Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches stated that the third week of April for vacation seems to be the most common with surrounding districts and MLC. Dr. Gallacher stated that the third week of April is also the preference for the Athletic Director.

Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches questioned the kindergarten shift change. Dr. Gallacher stated that there is still a proposal not to switch sessions for kindergarten anymore. He would like the Board to keep that option open.

The testing day parameters are indicated by asterisk in March. The administration will be discussing the testing procedures before picking which days to administer the tests.

Mr. Harrison would like to see changes made in the high school levels regarding testing procedures. There is a lot of free time for upper classmen. Dr. Gallacher stated that the Principals are looking into ways to optimize the scheduling at the high schools.

Dr. Gallacher stated the popular choice among the administration is draft # 3. The elementary PTO’s would like to see draft # 2.

14. EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Mrs. Apruzzese-Desroches that the Enfield Board of Education enter into Executive Session to discuss the following items:

Pending Claims and Litigation

Document Protected by Attorney-Client Privilege

A vote by show of hands, 9-0-0, motion passes.

The Board adjourned to the Staff Lounge for Executive Session at 10:00 PM.

Dr. Gallacher, Mr. Torre, Facilities Director, Arthur Pongratz, Business Manager, Chris Drezek and Human Resources Director, Craig Cooke joined the Board in Executive Session.

Mrs. Corbin Sobinski moved, seconded by Chairman Sharon Racine to end Executive Session at 10:30 PM and return to Open Session. All ayes, motion passes. There were no other actions while in Executive Session.

15. ADJOURNMENT

Ms. Hall moved, seconded by Mrs. Corbin Sobinski, that the Enfield Board of Education adjourns the Board Meeting at 10:31 PM. All ayes motion passed unanimously.

Meeting stood adjourned at 10:31 PM.

Donna Corbin Sobinski

Secretary

Enfield Board of Education Respectfully Submitted,

Patricia West, Recording Secretary

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