BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 10, 2008
MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING
Attendance:
Gary Brochu
Julie Erickson (Absent)
Michelle Hartel
Gary Lukens
William Lutz (Absent)
Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss
Christopher Puzio
Anthony Recck
John Richards
Also in attendance: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Rena Klebart; Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta; Director of Pupil Personnel Services Margaret Butler; and Director of Human Resources Joseph Costa.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Board of Education (“the Board”) meeting room at 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A Moment of Silence was observed.
II. BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMUNICATIONS
Mr. Lukens reported on his attendance at the Realtor’s breakfast on March 7, 2008, indicating it was a positive experience.
Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on her attendance at the Realtor’s breakfast on March 7, 2008 wherein she raised the subject of the survey cards from the Communication and Alignment Committee.
Mr. Puzio reported on the Resources and Capacity-building Committee meeting held this evening.
Ms. Hartel reported on her attendance Saturday at an all-day meeting for the CT Northeast Organic Farming Association wherein she attended a workshop on wellness and food in the lunch cafeterias.
Mr. Richards reported the Public Building Commission will meet again on Thursday, March 13, 2008, regarding the high school educational specifications. Mr. Richards reported on the Resources and Capacity-building Committee meeting held this evening and the Committee’s discussion concerning the updating of the Policy Book.
Ms. Klebart shared a very positive email she received from Larry Ainsworth as a follow up to the work he did with the District. Ms. Klebart recognized Board of Education Member Appreciation Month, speaking for all administrators and staff members, for appreciation of the countless hours, thoughtful contributions and all the work the Board does for staff and students.
Mr. Brochu reported on his attendance at Larry Ainsworth’s session on March 5, 2008. Mr. Brochu reported he will be speaking to the Hubbard and Willard PTOs on Thursday, March 13, 2008. Mr. Brochu also reminded the Board of the Connecticut Association of Boards of Education’s A Day on the Hill on March 12, 2008. Mr. Brochu reminded Board members to contact Dr. Cicchetti, Ms. Klebart or Debbie Batista if they wish to participate in classroom visits. Mr. Brochu reported next Monday, March 17, 2008, the Board is meeting with the Town Council Budget Committee and will present and discuss its budget at that time.
III. AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS
Nothing to report.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
A.Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of February 25, 2008
B.Payment of Bills – Period ending February 29, 2008
C.Overnight Field Trip Requests – Berlin High School
1. Rhode Island and Massachusetts – AP U.S. History/Jr. Honors English Class, May
28-29, 2008
Principal George Synnott is requesting permission for the AP U.S. History/Jr. Honors English Class and chaperones to travel to Rhode Island and Massachusetts to supplement their studies in history, art and literature. Participants will leave on May 28th and return on May 29th.
2.Camp Woodstock – UpBeat Women’s Workshop, April 6-7, 2008
Principal George Synnott is requesting permission for female students and chaperones to travel to Camp Woodstock to participate in the Women’s Workshop on April 6-7, 2008.
D.Resignations
Maria Kelly, school counselor at Catherine M. McGee School, has submitted her letter of resignation to be effective June 30, 2008.
Kimberly Haskell, teacher of special education in the N.E.T. department at Berlin High School, has submitted her letter of resignation to be effective June 30, 2008.
Sarah Potanka, teacher of music at Emma Hart Willard, Mary E. Griswold, and Richard D. Hubbard Schools, has submitted her letter of resignation to be effective June 30, 2008.
Moved by Mr. Recck, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, to approve the consent agenda as presented absent Item IV B.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Lukens, the approval of the Payment of Bills for the period ending February 29, 2008.
A discuss took place as to the status, and further clarification, of the balances for Tuition and the Pre School 06-08 and Pre School 07-09 grants in the Status of Appropriations, Month to Date Expenditure Summary provided to the Board.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
V. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
A.Activity Fund Reports
1.Berlin High School Enterprise Fund – Period ending January 31, 2008
2.Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund – Period ending January 31, 2008
3.Cafeteria Fund – Period ending January 31, 2008
These reports were noted with interest.
B.Educational Specifications for New High School – Status Report
Resources and Capacity-building Committee Chairperson John Richards reported that at the Public Building Commission’s meeting on Thursday, February 28, 2008, the first look at the educational specifications was tabled for Thursday, March 13, 2008. The Statement of Need was adequate and appropriate. The Committee will present a calendar to the Public Building Commission outlining what needs to be accomplished for submission to the State by June 30, 2009.
C. Technology Bond – Status Report
Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported the Technology Bond appeared on the Town Council’s agenda on February 26, 2008, and no petition has been taken as of this date. Mr. Czuchta reported on his meeting with Dave Evon and Roger Kemp to begin the process of moving the Technology Bond forward and the items that need to fall in place. Another meeting is scheduled this Wednesday, March 12, 2008, with John Pajor to discuss the mechanical, electrical and HVAC pieces. Mr. Czuchta reported Berlin does have in hand a State bid for the fiber, which will allow movement to the Town Council. Mr. Czuchta reported Dave Evon and Barbara Sagan are working on a RFP for the actual switching and hardware that will be in each of the locations, along with the canopy system.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Recck, to adjourn the meeting at 7:42 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Hartel, Secretary, Berlin Board of Education
