BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION

November 19, 2007

MINUTES

ANNUAL MEETING

Attendance: Gary Brochu

Julie Erickson

Michelle Hartel (non-voting)

William Lutz

Diane Mancini

Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss

Christopher Puzio

Anthony Recck

John Richards

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 Griswold School Laurie Gjerpen; Principal of McGee Middle School Brian Benigni; Principal of Willard School Robert J. Sullivan II; Principal of Hubbard School Alfred Souza; Principal of Berlin High School George Synnott; Assistant Principal of McGee Middle School Brenda Janik; Dean of Students of McGee Middle School James Sachs; Assistant Principal of Willard School Jen Derick; and Assistant Principal of Griswold School Eric Carbone.

I. CALL TO ORDER

 

Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the auditorium at Catherine M. McGee Middle School, 899 Norton Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a Moment of Silence was observed. This was the Annual Meeting of the Board of Education.

 

II. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

Mr. Puzio noted his attendance at a seminar for health, fitness, and dance.

 

Mrs. Mancini said she liked the Hubbard school newsletter included in the last Board package.

 

Mr. Richards noted his attendance at the CABE/CAPSS convention, held in Mystic, CT. He said he was proud to have earned the pin signifying his 10 years of service to the community on the Berlin BOE. Beyond that, he presented the “2007” plate for the second CABE Board Leadership award the district had earned, saying that he was pleased with the work of the entire Board and administration in support of continuous improvement and student achievement.

 

Mrs. Erickson noted her attendance at the CABE/CAPSS convention. She thanked both Mr. Richards and Mr. Brochu for their 10 years of service on the Board. She was pleased to see the McGee parent handbook had won a communications award and was shared at the convention.

 

Mrs. O’Donnell-Moss also attended the CABE/CAPSS convention, and echoed Mrs. Erickson’s comments on the McGee publication and the 10 year award recipients. She said that the Education Council had met the previous week.

 

Mr. Lutz and Mr. Recck had nothing to report.

 

Mrs. Butler said the district’s special education teachers had met to discuss student achievement, and the use of districtwide testing and curricula, as related to the “adequate yearly progress” provision of NCLB.

 

Mr. Czuchta reported the district had applied for a competitive State grant for funds related to Homeland Security to make all the school buildings keyless. He noted that this would allow the district to track entry and provide lock out codes. This is in addition to the grant that the police have applied for, which will provide cardreader entry to some entrances and “buzz in” capability.

 

Mrs. Klebart said the district had applied for a grant for the schools and CCSU to participate in instruction for American History and literacy. She said the district professional development day, November 6, was a success, providing an opportunity for independent study related to literacy initiatives.

 

Dr. Cicchetti commented on his participation at the CABE/CAPSS convention, noting that it continues to be apparent that the Board supports the district’s vision and focus on making education better for our students. He thanked McGee for making the night special, especially principal Brian Benigni, the McGee administrators and support staff, and Ms. Terlecky and Mr. Hartel, for the student musical performances. He thanked Mr. Prosinski for the refreshments and his secretary, Mrs. Batista, for organizing the evening and awards. He told the audience that five administrators had recently completed the 3-day Change Leadership training at Harvard, completing the team training for all administrators in the district.

 

Dr. Cicchetti introduced Mrs. Sue Weber, president of the Berlin Education Association. Mrs. Weber spoke on behalf of the 278 certified teachers in the district, as they celebrated American Education Week, last week. She made remarks regarding the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) legislation, and its expected renewal.

III. STUDENT PRESENTATION – McGEE MIDDLE SCHOOL

 

The McGee Middle School Jazz Ensemble and Sound Express Choral Group performed selections during the first half of the Board meeting.

 

IV. AWARDS & PRESENTATIONS IN CONJUNCTION WITH AMERICAN EDUCATION WEEK

 

A. Certificate of Appreciation Awards to Former Board Members William Lutz and Rachel Rochette

 

Certificate of Appreciation Awards were presented to William Lutz and Rachel Rochette to recognize and thank them for their service to the Board of Education. Mr. Richards introduced and spoke on behalf of Mr. Lutz. Mrs. Erickson introduced and spoke on behalf of Mrs. Rochette.

 

Mr. Brochu noted that the Board has a vacancy to fill, due to Mrs. Rochette being elected to the Town Council. He said a timeline would be drafted to allow for solicitation from the community, time for interested parties to apply by letter, and for the Board to interview candidates. He said the Board hopes for someone with the same passion for education, and ability to work hard, as exhibited by the departing board members, Mr. Lutz and Mrs. Rochette.

Mr. Lutz thanked parents for entrusting their children’s future to the Board of Education and the district’s public schools. Mrs. Rochette said her time on the Board was an invaluable experience and that she hopes to be able to be a liaison from the Council to the Board.

 

B. Superintendent’s CAPSS (Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents) Student Awards

 

Ten students received the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Superintendent “Certificate of Excellence” award. Students were selected for this prestigious annual award based upon criteria such as demonstrated leadership to the school community, community service and service to others, and academic prowess relative to ability. Building Principals and Dr. Cicchetti presented awards to fifth graders Michelle Reinert and Evan Hale from Griswold School; Hope Reed and Anthony Sisti from Hubbard School; and Megan Leary and Kevin Boninsegna from Willard School. Also recognized were eighth graders Lia D’Amato and William Cavedon from McGee Middle School; and seniors Alyssa Mazzarella and Michael Baczewski from Berlin High School. (Ms. Mazzarella was unable to be present.) Each student received a special CAPSS Diploma and a book store gift card.

 

C. Introduction of 2007-2008 Building Teachers of the Year and the District Teacher of the Year

 

Dr. Cicchetti recognized the following Building Teachers of the Year for 2007-2008: Christina Reilly-Fazzina from Griswold; Carol Batorski from Hubbard; Marie Little from Willard; Linda Germain from McGee; and Mary Salerno from Berlin High School. (Mrs. Salerno was unable to be present.) Linda Germain was recognized as the Berlin School District’s 2008 Teacher of the Year. They received a certificate of recognition, a book store gift card, and a copy of Parker J. Palmer’s book, The Courage To Teach.

 

D. Support Staff Recognition Awards

 

Dr. Cicchetti and Ms. Klebart recognized the following Support staff for their outstanding performance and dedication to the students, staff, and parents of the Berlin Public Schools: Joan Malizia, Griswold; James Campanario, Hubbard; Maureen Gacek, Willard; Charlene Warnke, McGee; Michele Pitkin, Berlin High; and Timothy Prosinski for the Board of Education Central Office. They were presented with a certificate of appreciation and recognition and a book store gift card.

 

E. “Friend of Berlin Schools” Awards

 

The “Friend of Berlin Schools” awards are awarded annually to those volunteers nominated by each school’s administration, PTO’s or community, and selected by the Board of Education for their outstanding contributions as a volunteer who has devoted time and energy to helping the children and schools of the Berlin Public Schools. Mr. Brochu recognized this year’s recipients: Virginia Loughlin, Griswold; Holly Comstock, Hubbard; Kate Barton, Willard; Cheryl Sylvain, McGee; and Tina Doyle for Berlin High. (Holly Comstock was unable to be present.) They were presented with a certificate of appreciation and recognition and a book store gift card.

 

V. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS FROM ACHIEVE FINANCIAL CREDIT UNION AND THE KENSINGTON-BERLIN SUNRISE ROTARY CLUB

Ms. Kyong Wilson, Vice President of Member Development for Achieve Financial Credit Union, presented a $5,000 donation to the Berlin Public Schools for the purchase of a set of five laptop computers that will be used instructionally by the district math coordinator and the math resource teachers.

 

Mr. Scott Skates, Sergeant at Arms and Chairman of “The Gift of Words” project, for the Kensington-Berlin Sunrise Rotary Club announced to the Board the Rotary Club’s donation of dictionaries to all third grade students as part of the National Rotary Dictionary Project. This is the first year that the Rotary Club generously provided dictionaries to each third grade student. A copy of a letter that will go home to parents from the Rotary Club was provided to the Board.

From 8:35 p.m. to 8:55 p.m. a short recess was held for refreshments and to informally meet the award recipients, and their family and friends.

VI. REORGANIZATION

 

A. MOTIONS for Annual Schedule of Meetings and Fiscal Management

 

1. Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Lutz, to approve the Annual Schedule of Regular Meetings in accordance with policy BCA .

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

2. Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Recck, that Roman J. Czuchta be designated Treasurer of the Berlin High School Enterprise Fund, the Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund, and the Cafeteria Account.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

3. Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Ms. Erickson, that Carol Ranieri, Deborah Batista and Judith Varley be designated Assistant Treasurers of the Cafeteria Fund.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

4. Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Recck, that each principal and the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction be designated Assistant Treasurers of the Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

5. Moved by Ms. Mancini, seconded by Mr. Lutz, that George Synnott, Alberta Landino, Mark Benigni and Marie Ralph be appointed Assistant Treasurers of the Berlin High School Enterprise Fund.

 

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

B. Appointment of Board Legal Counsel for 2007-2008

 

In accordance with Board Policy BCG, the legal counsel to represent the Board of Education for the next year, 2007-2008, should be selected at this time. Mr. Brochu did not take part in any discussion or voting.

 

Moved by Mr. Puzio, seconded by Mr. Richards, that the law firm of Shipman & Goodwin of Hartford, be appointed to continue as the Board of Education counsel for the 2007-2008 year and that they should be so informed.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0:2, with Messrs. Brochu and Recck abstaining.

VII. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS

Nothing to report.

VIII. CONSENT AGENDA

A. Approval of Minutes

1. Regular Meeting of October 22, 2007

B. Payment of Bills – Period ending October 31, 2007

C. Resignation

Lisa Ballard, teacher of special education at McGee Middle School, has submitted her letter of resignation effective October 25, 2007.

Moved by Mr. Recck, seconded by Ms. Mancini, to approve the consent agenda items as presented.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

 

IX. INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Activity Fund Reports

1. Berlin High School Enterprise Fund – Period ending Sept. 30, 2007

2. Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund – Period ending Sept. 30, 2007

3. Cafeteria Fund – Period ending September 30, 2007

These reports were noted with interest.

With regard to the Berlin High School Enterprise Fund, Mr. Richards renewed his request that attention be given to the accounts that have zero balances.

B. Superintendent’s Report on Strategic School Profiles for 2006-2007

 

As required by CGS 10-220c, Dr. Cicchetti presented the Strategic School and District Profile reports to the Board of Education “…no later than the first regularly scheduled public meeting of the Board following November 1, 2007.” These reports are derived from several annual state reports submitted by the district, including, but not limited to, the ED001 Fall School Report, the ED006 Student Census/Racial Survey Report, and the ED163 Teacher Certification Report. As such, some of the information in these reports is dated. Dr. Cicchetti indicated that there is overall consistency in the reports. He highlighted that Berlin continues to see an increase in students with non-English home language, particularly at the elementary level; a consistently high percentage (95.9%) of students who attended Berlin schools the previous year, indicating stability of our student population; a high percentage of our kindergarten students who attended preschool (88.2%); and per pupil expenditure that, although higher than last year, remains proportionally below the DRG and State Averages. Dr. Cicchetti also indicated that class sizes are stable and consistent; however, indicated that the district will continue to carefully monitor the kindergarten enrollment, not only from the data provided in this report but also from his October 1, 2007, District Enrollment report. Dr. Cicchetti noted that the information reported for the middle and high schools in the area of “remedial instructional services” is not consistent with what is in place. Mrs. Klebart is working with the principals to clarify this.

 

In response to Mr. Lutz’s inquiry concerning the decrease in the percentage of juniors and seniors working more than 16 hours per week, Dr. Cicchetti will request clarification from Mr. Synnott as to how that information is collected from students for the report.

 

Ms. Erickson was pleased to hear that the administration is looking into the reporting of remedial instructional services for the middle and high schools.

 

An additional question was asked regarding the School Processes section and the criteria used to determine “computer technology supported” instruction. The administration will provide this information to the Board via the Friday Update.

 

C. Update on Indicators of Success Related to Board of Education Goals

 

Members of the Board’s Goals Committee provided an update on the work that has been done to develop indicators to measure the Board of Education’s goals for 2007-2012. Dr. Cicchetti provided an update on the work the central office cabinet and administrative council have done in tandem with the Board’s work. Proposed indicators will be brought back to the Board for discussion and consensus at the December 10 meeting. A copy of the revised Proposed Activities and Timeline was provided to the Board. The Board’s Goals Committee will meet on December 3.

 

D. Educational Specifications for New High School – Status Report

Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta indicated there was nothing new to report.

 

E. Technology Bond – Status Report

Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta indicated there was nothing new to report.

X. RECOMMENDED ACTION

A. Adoption of Revised Board of Education Goals for 2007-2012

 

The Board of Education, at its October 22, 2007 meeting, adopted five-year goals for 2007-2012. There has been one revision in the Student Achievement goal, as noted in uppercase bold on the document enclosed with the agenda. The reference to “strategic readers” has been modified to read “independent strategic readers.”

Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Ms. Mancini, to adopt the revised Board of Education Goals as presented.

A discussion took place in response to Mr. Richards’ concern over the placement of “independent” as a modifier in the revision in the Student Achievement goal.

 

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 8:0, including President Gary Brochu

 

Mr. Brochu then gave the floor to Mrs. Mancini, who tendered her resignation to the Board. She said she would miss the work of the Board, noting the Board had several accomplishments in the past two years. She said she would remain active in the community in support of public education.

 

Board members and administration thanked Mrs. Mancini for her contributions to the school district during her tenure. Mr. Brochu noted her progress as a Board member, and said he respected her opinions. Dr. Cicchetti thanked her for her questions, as they made him think about what we do. Mr. Richards told her to take care of personal situation, for there will always be a place on the Board for her.

 

XI. ADJOURNMENT

Moved by Mr. Recck, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to adjourn the meeting at 9:45 p.m.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 7:0

Respectfully submitted,

John M. Richards, Secretary, Berlin Board of Education (JMR: bjd; bjd 11/20/07 MTC 11/21/07; JMR 11/28/07; MTC 12/3/07)

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