Berlin Board of Education
Regular Meeting
October 22, 2001
MINUTES
PRESENT:
Joseph Annunziata
Robert Argazzi
James Baranowski
Gary Brochu
Patricia DeVivo
David Martin
Kevin Porter
John Richards
Janice Zaccardo
I.
CALL TO ORDER
Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m.
A. Pledge of Allegiance – Moment of Silence
B. STUDENT REPORT – GRISWOLD STUDENT REPORT
Griswold
School students John McNair, Emily Courtney, Rosie Colangelo and
Francesca Pedemonti shared some of their experiences from the Ropes
Course they participated in last June. They were accompanied by 4th
grade teacher Graham Seekamp. The students shared a paragraph they
wrote about their favorite part of the Sister Schools Project, which
included a pen pal relationship and three visitations with the students
from Chamberlain Elementary School in New Britain. The goals of the
project were to create multi-cultural awareness and build self-esteem.
C. Audience of Citizens
No one wished to address the Board.
II. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
A. Regular Meeting of October 9, 2001
Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Baranowski to accept the minutes of the Meeting of October 9, 2001 as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0:2 Mrs. DeVivo and Mr. Martin abstaining
III. Recognition of Retiring Board Members
Bob
Argazzi has been a member of the Board of Education since 1995, serving
two consecutive 3-year terms. David Martin has served the Board at two
different times, this term being a one-year term since last November.
Mr.
Brochu thanked both for their service. Mr. Martin thanked everyone and
said it has been a wonderful four years. Mr. Argazzi said that the six
years went by fast. He has an appreciation for how difficult it is to
run an educational system and has a deep respect for administration.
IV. OLD BUSINESS
A. 2ND Reading for Adoption – Policy GBH
– Prohibition on Recommendations for Psychotropic Drugs
This
policy had a first reading on October 9, 2001. Superintendent
Paskiewicz said that this policy addresses the overuse of Ritalin and
other psychotropic drugs and the policy is required by new state
legislation. This policy prohibits school personnel from recommending
the use of psychotropic drugs for any child. It is being presented now
for a second reading and adoption.
Moved
by Mr. Baranowski, seconded by Mr. Annunziata to adopt Policy GBH –
Prohibition on Recommendation s for Psychotropic Drugs. This is in
compliance with new state legislation.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
B. Board of Education Self-Evaluation
Mr.
Brochu distributed the BOE Evaluation Comments confidential memo. Mr.
Brochu distributed a summary he had prepared from the six Board
evaluations he had received, listing the Board’s accomplishments,
disappointments, challenges, priorities and comments. Discussion
followed. It was noted that the timing was off on the self-evaluation;
it should have been completed prior to Board Goals.
Moved by Mrs. DeVivo, seconded by Mr. Baranowski to adopt the Board of Education Self-Evaluation.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
C. Update – Official School District Enrollment
Superintendent
Paskiewicz presented an update of the Official District Enrollment. In
response to Mr. Richards’ comment at the last Board meeting that the
numbers were not consistent in the original report presented at the
last Board meeting, he distributed a corrected copy of the Official
School District Enrollment, as of 10/1/01. The State Department of
Education projections are due late November based on birthrates,
housing starts and the Official District Enrollment submitted. The
Superintendent also noted that big birth years are coming up.
V. NEW BUSINESS
A. Request for Sunday Use of Building – Berlin High
School
Berlin Basketball Association – 12/2/01 – 3/17/02
Moved
by Mr. Annunziata, seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the request of the
Berlin Basketball Association and allow Sunday use of BHS “B” Gym for
the Travel Basketball Program, from December 2, 2001 through March 17,
2002, from 1-6 P.M.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
Mr.
Brochu inquired if we are waiving any fees. The Superintendent
responded that it is his understanding that this is at the discretion
of the administration. Mr. Paskiewicz said that all such program
requests will be reviewed in regards to fees.
B. Draft Board of Education Annual Report –
2001
A draft copy of the Berlin Public Schools Annual Report – 2001
had been distributed by Mr. Brochu. He noted that this is the
completion of one of the Board of Education’s goals. Mr. Brochu said
the report would be published and distributed at the Annual BOE Meeting
along with Board Goals.
Mr.
Argazzi said that it was in his opinion that the data is slanted.
While the figures are factual, if the text were worded differently, it
would present another view. Mr. Brochu responded that this data is
available at the State Department of Education website and that the
text is consistent with the Board’s presentations to the community.
Mrs.
DeVivo commented that she thinks the report is a great start and
commended Mr. Brochu on his efforts. Superintendent Paskiewicz noted
that the report would be posted on the website. Mr. Brochu said that
as more current information is made available by the state, he will
complete the appropriate charts.
Moved by Ms. DeVivo, seconded by Mr. Martin to approve the Berlin Public Schools Annual Report – 2001.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
C. Proposal Regarding Additional Evening Building
Supervision
The Superintendent reported that one of the district’s goals, prior to the tragic events of September 11th
was to review the safety procedures. He met with his Administrative
Council and with Town Emergency Response Units. Sporting events
currently have police on duty. However, the concern is BHS, with many
late afternoon and evening activities. They feel they need an
additional security person on duty at those times. The funds will be
from the remainder seen on the Teacher Turnover Spreadsheet.
Mr.
Richards cautioned about using these funds, as the “remainder” exists
only after the district “borrowed” against the unanticipated special
education tuition. Mr. Brochu remarked that this is a health and
safety issue, which is very critical. Mr. Porter asked if the police
department indicated that they have the resources to staff the
schools. Superintendent Paskiewicz responded that they do not have the
resources to staff the schools on a daily basis. We need someone
familiar with the students, staff and administration in the position.
Mrs.
DeVivo stated that this is something that has to be addressed
immediately and suggested that we speak with the Town Manager and
Council to address the safety issues. The issue was referred to the
Educational Resources Committee.
VI. EXECUTIVE SESSION
A. Superintendent of Schools’ Evaluation
Moved by Mrs. DeVivo, seconded by Mr. Baranowski to enter into
Executive Session, for the purpose of discussion on the
Superintendent’s annual evaluation, at 8:30 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
Present in Executive Session: Board members
Annunziata, Argazzi,
Baranowski, Brochu, DeVivo, Martin,
Porter, Richards, and Zaccardo.
Moved by Mrs. Zaccardo, seconded by Mrs. DeVivo to return to Regular Session at 9:00 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 8:0
VII. OPEN SESSION
A. Consideration of the Superintendent’s Evaluation
and Contract Extension
Moved by Mrs. DeVivo, seconded by Mr. Baranowski to accept the Superintendent’s Evaluation, as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 9:0
Moved by Mr. Annunziata, seconded by Mr. Richards to approve a one-year
extension for the Superintendent’s contract, to now include the
2003-2004 school year.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 9:0
At 9:05, Board President Brochu adjourned the meeting
Respectfully submitted by,
John M. Richards, Secretary
Berlin Board of Education
JMR:kac (Original 10/30/01; revised JMR 11/16/01)
