BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 24, 2008
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Attendance:
Gary Brochu
Julie Erickson Arrived at 8:03 p.m.
Michelle Hartel
Gary Lukens
William Lutz Arrived at 8:03 p.m.
Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss
Christopher Puzio
Anthony Recck
John Richards Arrived at 8:03 p.m.
Also in attendance: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Cicchetti; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Rena Klebart; Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta; Director of Pupil Personnel Services Margaret Butler; Director of Human Resources Joseph Costa; Principal of McGee Middle School Brian Benigni; Principal of Willard School Robert J. Sullivan II; Principal of Berlin High School George Synnott; Dean of Students of McGee Middle School James Sachs; Assistant Principal of Willard School Jennifer Derick; and Athletic Director James Day.
Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the cafeteria of Emma Hart Willard School at 1088 Norton Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student, Alexandria Perrone. A Moment of Silence was observed.
2007 CABE Award of Excellence for Educational Communications
Mr. John Pica Sneeden, a member of the Board of Directors for the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education, Inc. (CABE), presented the 2007 CABE Award of Excellence for Educational Communications to the District for the 2007-2008 McGee School Parent/Student Handbook. Dr. Cicchetti acknowledged the efforts of Principal Benigni and those staff members who worked to produce the handbook.
Ms. Hartel reported on the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee meeting held March 10, 2008 wherein revisions to the Suicide Prevention and Intervention – Policy JHFF and JHFF-R, Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect of Children – Policy JHFE and Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Mentally Retarded Adults – Policy JHFEA were discussed.
Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on the Communication and Alignment Committee meeting held March 10, 2008. Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on her attendance at the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education’s A Day on the Hill on March 12, 2008 where she had an opportunity to speak with legislators regarding issues concerning education.
Ms. Klebart reported on the district-wide professional development activities that took place this date.
Mr. Brochu reported that CABE, along with CIBA, is hosting a series of town meetings across the state. Mr. Brochu has information for anyone who is interested. Mr. Brochu reported that CABE, along with the Connecticut State Department of Education, has put together a series of three evening work sessions and seminars on April 8, 2008, May 13, 2008 and June 12, 2008 as a result of the work completed by an individual consultant who reviewed twelve at-risk schools in the state. Mr. Brochu recommends the Board attend. Mr. Brochu reminded the Board of this year’s CABE convention in November and indicated Berlin’s proposal to present a workshop on collaborative leadership for student achievement has been accepted. Mr. Brochu reminded the Board that April 8, 2008 is the annual Town meeting concerning the Budget. Mr. Brochu shared with the audience a very positive email Ms. Klebart received from Larry Ainsworth as a follow up to the work he did in district earlier that month.
Willard School is involved in a collaborative effort to enhance students' ability to use effective reading comprehension strategies with focused attention on making reader/text connections. The goal is to demonstrate what these efforts look like at all grade levels. Presenting were kindergarten teachers Eileen Cutler and Sheila Riley joined by students Meredith Blinn and Dylan Sartor. Grade one teacher Jeanne Danielson was joined by McKenna Evans and Abigail Wendehack. Grade two teacher Janet Root was joined by Maxwell Sartor and Victoria Lucco. Suzanne Heinkel and Michelle Wendehack from grade three presented with their students Katie Garrison and Danielle D'Angelone. The fourth grade team was represented by teacher Allison Sweeney and her students Alexandria Perrone and Kyle Mahoney. Grade five teacher Liz Salvatore was joined by students Suleyman Bozal, Stephanie Lesmes, Emily Lombardo and Michael Nowick.
From 7:50 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. a short recess was held for refreshments and to informally congratulate faculty and students and to meet with their family and friends.
Nothing to report.
Anticipated Appointments
Assistant Principal – McGee School
Dr. Cicchetti recommended Salvatore Urso as the candidate for Assistant Principal of Catherine M. McGee Middle School.
Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Recck, that the Board of Education appoint Salvatore Urso to the position of Assistant Principal for the Catherine M. McGee Middle School, effective July 1, 2008.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 9:0
Assistant Principal – Berlin High School
Dr. Cicchetti recommended James Sachs as the candidate for Assistant Principal of Berlin High School.
Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Ms. Erickson, that the Board of Education appoint James Sachs to the position of Assistant Principal for the Berlin High School, effective July 1, 2008.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 9:0
At this time, items VII. and VIII. A. were moved up in the agenda. Hearing no objection, these items were addressed.
VII. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of March 10, 2008
Valerie Salazar, teacher of special education at Mary E. Griswold School, has submitted her letter of resignation effective March 10, 2008. Mrs. Salazar was on childrearing leave for the 2007-2008 school year.
Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Lukens, to approve the consent agenda as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
VIII. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Status of the Board of Education’s Adopted Budget for 2008-2009
Mr. Brochu reported on the Board’s meeting with the Town Council’s Finance Committee last Monday at which time the Budget was presented. Mr. Brochu remarked the focus was primarily on the Operational Budget, and the Council is looking to put forth a lean budget to the voters. Their questions were thoughtful, and the Board has been invited back to meet with them again this Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. The Council is looking to complete their work and have a recommendation to the Committee by next week.
B. Non-renewal of Contracts for Non-tenured Teachers
Dr. Cicchetti explained to Board members that these non-renewals were for teachers who were given one-year contracts for the 2007-08 school year.
Moved by Mr. Puzio, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, that the contracts of employment for the following non-tenured teachers not be renewed for the 2008-2009 school year, upon their expiration at the end of the current school year: Amy Stevenson, teacher of integrated language arts at McGee School, Sarah Lupa, teacher of mathematics at McGee School and Kara Langan, teacher of special education at Griswold School.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
VIII. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Status of the Board of Education’s Adopted Budget for 2008-2009 (moved up in the agenda; see it after VII. Consent Agenda)
Project CHOICE Participation – Status Report
Dr. Cicchetti provided the Board with a document reflecting, by grade and school, his recommended number of CHOICE students for 2008-09. In addition to the nineteen (19) currently-enrolled students, who will advance one grade next year, Dr. Cicchetti recommended an additional ten (10) students. Dr. Cicchetti provided the Board with a breakdown of his recommendation for placement of these students within the three elementary schools. Dr. Cicchetti reported that there would be minimum impact on the first grade class sizes, as shown in the average class size data provided in the document.
Spring Hiring Process – Human Resources
Human Resources Director Joseph Costa provided Board members with an update regarding the ongoing recruitment efforts to fill current and anticipated job openings for the 2008-09 academic school year. Mr. Costa’s PowerPoint presentation reviewed the eight phases of the staffing process; focus area of standardization; planned short-term and long-term benefits of enhancement; spring 2008 certified staff update; and recent staffing related activities.
In response to Mr. Richards’ request, Mr. Costa will provide the Board with a paper copy of his presentation.
Educational Specifications for New High School – Status Report
Resources and Capacity-building Committee Chairperson John Richards reported on the Public Building Commission meeting held on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Mr. Richards reported that the Committee would appreciate the Town attorney and Public Building Commission putting together the RFP (request for proposals). Mr. Richards indicated the Commission is aware of what needs to be accomplished to meet the submission deadline to the State by June 30, 2009.
Technology Bond – Status Report
Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported no petition was filed and the Town-Wide Technology Committee continues to gather data for the RFP for the technology component for presentation to the Town Council in mid April. Therefore the Town will move forward with these projects.
Inter-district Hockey Program
Athletic Director Jim Day presented to the Board a proposal to enter into an agreement with the Newington Board of Education to establish a co-op ice hockey team. Mr. Day provided the Board with a document detailing the inter-district hockey program which included the program’s site; costs; miscellaneous items relating to funds to be paid to the BHS Athletic Boosters and By-Laws; the process for establishing a co-op ice hockey team; number of athletes needed for participation; practice schedule; varsity locker room rental; and the participation statement of the parents regarding the funding for the program. The program has been reviewed by the Resource and Capacity Building Committee. Mr. Day responded to questions from the Board. The Board requested that this item be placed on the April 14 Board meeting agenda for further consideration and possible action.
Policy Revision – First Reading
Suicide Prevention and Intervention – Policy JHFF and JHFF-R
Clinical Staff is directed to make a preliminary determination of the level of risk of youth who are potentially suicidal. Students who are determined to be “at risk of attempting suicide” must be referred for professional assessment and treatment outside of school. The Board must establish programs to assist staff to identify risk factors, intervention procedures and procedures for referral to outside services. Regulations concerning the process to be followed when any staff member becomes aware of a student who may be at risk have been established. This policy was reviewed by the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee on March 10, 2008.
Reports of Suspected Child Abuse or Neglect of Children – Policy JHFE
Certain educational personnel have been identified by CT Statute as those who are required to report to the Department of Children and Families (DCF) suspicions or beliefs that a child has been abused or neglected. The Scope of Policy has been expanded since prior versions to include those who were not previously identified as “mandated reporters.” It is now required that ALL EMPLOYEES of the Board of Education report suspected abuse and neglect. Reporting Procedures are specified for both Statutory Mandated Reporters and for Employees Other Than Statutory Mandated Reporters. The former group is required to report directly to DCF while the latter group has the option to report suspicions to the Superintendent or designee who will then make the report for the employee. This policy was reviewed by the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee on March 10, 2008.
Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Mentally Retarded Adults – Policy JHFEA
The distinction between Statutory Mandated Employees and ALL EMPLOYEES is described as above. The difference in this policy is that it applies to “any mentally retarded person between eighteen (18) and sixty (60) years of age. The state division to which suspicions of abuse or neglect of 18 to 60 year olds with mental retardation are made is Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for Persons with Disabilities. Reporting timelines differ as well. This policy was reviewed by the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee on March 10, 2008.
Ms. Butler reported that the above policy revisions result from changes in law that requires revisions to the policies periodically. Ms. Butler indicated she worked very closely with Shipman & Goodwin and used their prototype to develop these policies. Ms. Butler reviewed the revisions with the Board and answered questions. In response to a question from Mr. Recck, Mrs. Butler remarked that the law has not changed with respect to the new title for individuals between eighteen (18) and sixty (60) years of age as being developmentally disabled; therefore, at this point, the title is still listed as “mental retardation.”
Since these are first readings, action was not requested at this time. Board action will be requested at the April 14 Board of Education meeting.
Moved by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Recck, to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Hartel, Secretary, Berlin Board of Education