Attendance: Gary Brochu

Julie Erickson

Michelle Hartel

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 Hubbard School Alfred Souza; and Principal of Berlin High School George Synnott. Also in attendance were high school staff members Deborrah Ramirez, Patricia Pires, Christopher Wolfe, and Ruth Kidwell and student presenters.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Board of Education (“the Board”) meeting room at 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student, Kevin Moss. A Moment of Silence was observed.

II. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

Ms. Hartel reported the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee met on November 28, 2007 and discussed three items on tonight’s agenda: (1) Berlin High School 2008-2009 Program of Studies; (2) Berlin High School Graduation Requirements; and (3) Textbook Adoption. Ms. Hartel reported the town’s library will now have Sunday hours and a flyer will be going home with elementary and middle school students regarding same.

Ms. O’Donnell-Moss thanked Dr. Cicchetti and his family for hosting the recent holiday party. Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on her attendance at Sports Night on December 4 at the high school, noting that, in addition to the student’s recognition for athletics, many students filled the stage as scholar athletes. Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on the Goals Committee meeting held last Thursday morning.

Ms. Butler acknowledged her new secretary, Diane DeCarlo. Ms. Butler reported on the preschool screening advertising process, which has begun. Ms. Butler reported the State Department of Education has found Berlin in excellent standing for the number of expulsions and suspensions for students with disabilities and without disabilities. Ms. Butler reported the 0.2 FTE physical therapist position at the high school has been filled through a contracted service. Ms. Butler updated the Board on the middle school special education teacher vacancy. Ms. Butler reported on the reading and math training conducted with elementary teachers as related to AYP.

Mr. Costa reported that, looking towards to 2008, he is working with the cabinet and administrative council to propose centralization of key human resource procedures as they relate to the new hire/rehire process; leave of absence and return from a leave of absence process; pay rate change process; and the termination process, both voluntarily and involuntarily.

Mr. Czuchta reported a contract has been signed with Blum Shapiro to assist in the writing of an RFP for a new software package in cooperation with the Town. Representatives from Blum Shapiro will be meeting with Berlin’s staff on Wednesday.

Ms. Klebart reported on the leadership retreat she conducted along with George Synnott and Janet Parlato for the department chairs at the high school. Ms. Klebart reported that the district took possession of twenty computer laptops, which were purchased from the legacy grant money as well as gifts to the Board of Education, i.e. Achieve Financial. These laptops will be used by the math instructional support staff and middle school and elementary school students at risk in math. Ms. Klebart reported final interviews have been completed for the data specialist clerk positions.

 

Dr. Cicchetti reported on his attendance at the UpBeat Expo, thanking the students for all they do for the greater Berlin community as well as Alice Mitchell for her coordination. Dr. Cicchetti reported on his attendance at the football banquet last week, noting the exceptional tone of the banquet and character of the team. Dr. Cicchetti reported on his opportunity to visit one of the high school band rehearsals, crediting the students on their focus as they prepare for the January 9 concert. Dr. Cicchetti reported on his opportunity to read to one of the first grade classes at Hubbard School.

Mr. Brochu reported on the Board’s opportunity to meet with all the administrators to discuss the Board’s goals and indicators of success, noting it was a wonderful opportunity to work with them. Mr. Brochu reported on his attendance at Hubbard School’s open house last Thursday. Mr. Brochu encouraged Berlin’s citizens to vote tomorrow regarding the capital improvement bond.

III. STUDENT PRESENTATION – BERLIN HIGH SCHOOL

Ruth Kidwell, teacher of English and Chris Wolfe, teacher of Technology Education, provided a brief overview of the Broadcast Journalism course; a team-taught, interdisciplinary course taught between the Technology Education department and the English department. Students recently worked on an interdisciplinary project between their own class (Broadcast Journalism), a Family and Consumer Sciences class (Playschool program), and the Berlin Fire Department. Students in attendance were Chris Sargis, Alyssa Mazzarella, Liz Allocca, Ani Hovhannisyan, Kevin Moss, Rachel Miller and Samantha Smolicz. The students worked in four areas: WERB radio, TV studio, handouts for younger students (developed coloring book), and production skills.

IV. SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS

A. “Friend of Berlin Schools” Award – Holly Comstock – Hubbard School

The “Friend of Berlin Schools” awards are awarded annually to those volunteers nominated by each school’s administration, PTO’s or the 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. This year’s recipient from Hubbard School is Holly Comstock. She was presented with a certificate of appreciation and recognition along with a book store gift card. (Holly was unable to attend the November Annual Meeting to receive her award with the other award recipients.)

B. MetLife Presentation

The Berlin Public Schools received a generous donation from MetLife. Board of Education member Anthony Recck arranged for the donation of a substantial number of copies of the book entitled The Special Needs Acceptance Book – Being a Friend to Someone with Special Needs, written by Ellen Sabin. The books will be used with individuals and groups of students in kindergarten through grade 12. This book is designed “to help children to learn to take the time, and make the effort, to understand their peers with disabilities”. The author is attempting to convey a universal message: Every child is unique and deserves to be understood and treated with kindness and respect. Psychologists and social workers across the district will use the books with students as well as share them with classroom teachers. Mr. Recck and his associate from MetLife presented the books to Margaret Butler, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, who thanked MetLife for their generous contribution to the school system.

From 7:44 p.m. to 7:53 p.m. a short recess was held.

V. REORGANIZATION

1. Annual Election of Officers

Mr. Brochu reconvened the meeting. The election of officers shall be conducted in accordance with State Statute 10-218. Elections shall be in open session. Board of Education past practice has been that elections are carried out using signed ballots. Also, according to Policy BCB, officers shall be elected from the Board, “…each of whom shall be elected by majority ballot.”

1. President: Ms. Erickson nominated Mr. Brochu. The Superintendent collected the signed ballots and announced that Mr. Brochu was unanimously affirmed, 7-0.

1. Secretary: Mr. Richards nominated Ms. Hartel. The Superintendent collected the signed ballots and announced that Ms. Hartel was unanimously affirmed, 7-0.

1. Revised Annual Schedule of Regular Meetings

A revised annual schedule of regular meetings was provided correcting the date of the November 2008 Annual Meeting at McGee School. The meeting will be held on November 24^th.

Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Recck, to approve the revision to the Annual Schedule of Regular Meetings.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

1. Board of Education Vacancies

Mr. Brochu reported that articles have appeared in the three local newspapers and the Board has sent out press releases regarding the two Board vacancies. Candidates have until Friday, December 21, to apply. The Board has received two new applications. The Board will conduct interviews on January 7, 2008, prior to the special Board meeting that same evening.

VI. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS

Nothing to report.

VII. CONSENT AGENDA

1. Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2007

1. Payment of Bills – Period ending November 30, 2007

1. Resignation

Kristen Golimowski, teacher of pre-school/kindergarten at Emma Hart Willard School, has submitted her letter of resignation effective November 30, 2007.

Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Recck, to approve the consent agenda as presented.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

VIII. INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Activity Fund Reports

1. 1. Berlin High School Enterprise Fund – Period ending Oct. 31, 2007

   2. Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund – Period ending Oct. 31, 2007

   3. Cafeteria Fund – Period ending Oct. 31, 2007

These reports were noted with interest.

B. Naviance College Admissions Software Program

Deborrah Ramirez, BHS Director of School Counseling, and Patricia Pires, BHS School Counselor, presented an information session and PowerPoint presentation and answered questions from the Board on the recently purchased Naviance Workspace K12 Counselor’s Office program. The Naviance Counselor’s Office allows the counselors to collect and organize students’ post-secondary plans and information. It also helps the counselors manage the counseling process; track students’ records; prepare reports and graphs; and collect data to help improve counseling outcomes. The individual student accounts allow students (1) to have access to important information and data and (2) to take greater ownership and responsibility for their post-secondary plans.

C. 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. A copy of the Indicators of Success for Board of Education Goals (Student Achievement and Communication) as proposed by the Board of Education’s Goals Committee was provided in written form. After a discussion of the

proposed indicators, the Board did reach a consensus with modifications to be made to some of the indicators. The Committee reported on the discussion that has begun concerning the Board’s Facilities and Educational Adequacy goal; however, additional conversations need to be had before the Committee can bring forward proposed indicators for those areas.

 

D. Educational Specifications for New High School – Status Report

Mr. Brochu reported on his conversation with Mayor Adam Salina. Mr. Brochu reported Mr. Salina is looking for a date in January at McGee Middle School at which time the Board of Education can make a formal presentation to the Council.

E. Technology Bond – Status Report

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

IX. RECOMMENDED ACTION

A. Berlin High School 2008-2009 Program of Studies

Principal George Synnott presented to the Board of Education, for its consideration and approval, new course offerings and changes to the Berlin High School Program of Studies for 2008-09. Mr. Synnott highlighted the changes and responded to questions from Board members. A summary sheet of proposed changes accompanied the agenda. The changes were reviewed and discussed by the Leadership, Accountability, and Measurement Committee.

Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to approve the new course offerings and revisions to the Berlin High School Program of Studies for the 2008-2009 school year as presented.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

B. Berlin High School Graduation Requirements - Science

Principal George Synnott presented to the Board of Education, for its consideration and approval, a change to the Berlin High School graduation requirements that will increase the required science credits from two to three, effective with the Class of 2011. This will result in the reduction of required elective credits from six to five, thereby maintaining the total required graduation credits at twenty-three. The proposed change in graduation requirements was reviewed and discussed by the Leadership, Accountability, and Measurement Committee.

Courses Current Credits Proposed Credits

English 4 4

Mathematics 3 3

Social Studies 3 3

Science 2 3

Physical Education 3 3

Cluster 2 2

Electives 6 5

Senior Writing Portfolio 0 0

Total required credits 23 23

Moved by Mr. Puzio, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, to approve increasing the required science graduation credits from two to three and reducing the required elective graduation credits from six to five effective with the Class of 2011.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

In response to Mr. Richards’ question concerning what are “Cluster Courses,” Mr. Synnott indicated Cluster Courses are courses in Music, Art, Technology Education, Business, and Family and Consumer Sciences.

C. Textbook Adoption

Berlin High School Principal George Synnott and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Rena Klebart recommended that the textbook, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of A Soldier, by Ishmael Beah and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux be adopted for use as part of the grade 9 Social Studies course, World and People. The recommended textbook adoption was reviewed and discussed by the Leadership, Accountability, and Measurement Committee. A copy of the Textbook Evaluation and Recommendation Form was included in the agenda packet. Mrs. Klebart indicated that the textbook adoption process is being reviewed and that a revised policy would be brought to the Board for their consideration.

Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Recck, to approve the adoption of the textbook, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of A Soldier, by Ishmael Beah, and published by Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

X. EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 9:53 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Recck, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to go into Executive Session to discuss the mid-year evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

In attendance for Executive Session were Board members Brochu, Erickson, Hartel, O’Donnell-Moss, Puzio, Recck and Richards, along with Superintendent Cicchetti.

At 11:15 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Recck, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to return to regular session.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED: 6:0

XI. ADJOURNMENT

At 11:17 p.m., the meeting was adjourned by the Board President.

Respectfully submitted,

John M. Richards, Secretary, Berlin Board of Education

(Orig 12:11 JMR/brd; reviewed by Supt 12/13/07; final JMR 1/20/08)

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