| Watertown Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Meeting Date: November 13, 2007 Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m. Meeting Place: Watertown High Technology Center Members Present: Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board Chairperson Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board Vice Chairperson Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary Mr. Joseph Apicella, Board Member Ms. Janice Curulla Pond, Board Member Mr. Kevin Killeen, Board Member Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board Member Dr. Philip Pelosi, Interim Superintendent of Schools Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning Mr. Thad Hasbrouck, Director of Curriculum and Professional Services Mr. Todd LoFrese, Assistant Superintendent of Schools Ms. Mary Raiola, Director of Special Services Absent: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Member, Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Member, Ms. Kace DuPlissie, PTO Representative and Mr. Chris Terzigni, W.H.S. Student Representative Press: Tom Burns and Jim Taylor, Town Times Jonathan Shugarts, Waterbury Republican American Guests: Matthew Geary, Emily Judd, Fran Palmer, Sandra Greenwood, Whitey Greenwood, Anna Jedd, Ginny Russo and Elaine Adams. A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM Mr. Mazzamaro convened the Regular Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m. B. Salute to the Flag Mr. Mazzamaro led the Salute to the Flag C. Oath of Office Newly elected members of the Board of Education will be sworn in. Mr. Mazzamaro: I would like to welcome all the members back and welcome all the newly elected members as well. We have Ginny Russo, the Assistant Town Clerk, here to give the Oath of Office to all the newly elected members of the Board of Education. Joseph Apicella, Mary Colangelo, Janice Curulla Pond and Kevin Killeen all stood to be sworn in. Ms. Russo: Raise your right hand please. Do you solemnly swear to uphold your position as a member of the Board of Education to the best of your ability so help you God? All four members stated I do D. Reconvene Regular Meeting Mr. Mazzamaro: I need a motion to switch items D and E on the agenda this evening. Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of the change of items D and E in order to elect officers prior to the scheduled recess. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) E. Election of Officers Sec. 10-218. Officers. Meetings. “Each board of education shall, not later than one month after the date on which the newly elected members take office, elect from its number a chairperson and elect a secretary of such board and may prescribe their duties. The votes of each member of such board cast in such election shall be reduced to writing and made available for public inspection within forty-eight hours, excluding Saturday, Sunday or legal holidays, and shall also be recorded in the minutes of the meeting at which taken, which minutes shall be available for public inspection at all reasonable times. If such officers are not chosen after one month because of a tie vote of the members, the Town Council, or if there is no Town Council, the selectmen of the town shall choose such officers from the membership of the Board. The chairperson of the Board of Education or, in case of such chairperson’s absence, or inability to act, the secretary shall call a meeting of the Board at least once in six months and whenever such chairperson deems it necessary, or is requested in writing to do so by three of its members. If no meeting is called within fourteen days after such a request has been made, one may be called by any three members by giving the usual written notice to the other members.” The organization, according to this statute and policies of the Board of Education, shall be as follows: 1. A Chairperson of the Board Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Ms. Curulla Pond that the Board of Education accept the nomination of Gina Calabrese for Chairperson of the Board of Education. Other Nominations: None Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) 2. A Vice Chairperson of the Board Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Killeen that the Board of Education accept the nomination of Rich Mazzamaro for Vice Chairperson of the Board of Education. Other Nominations: None Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) 3. A Secretary of the Board Motion presented by Mr. Apicella, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board of Education accept the nomination of Mary Colangelo for Secretary of the Board of Education. Other Nominations: None Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) Ms. Calabrese: At this time we are going to call for a very brief recess to allow members of the Town Council to hold their organizational meeting so that the new members may be sworn in and they can also elect their officers. Thank you. I am going to change that, instead because we really did accomplish this very quickly, rather than having a break right now we really can go onto public participation at this point. Mr. Killeen: Question Madame Chair. For their benefit, we are going to continue on our agenda until a short recess at 8:00 p.m. at which time the posted time for their appointments will take place. Ms. Calabrese: What about 10 minutes to 8:00, to give them a chance to get settled? Ok. F. Public Participation None Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Chris Terzigni None due to absence Report from PTA/PTA Liaison – Ms. Kace Duplissie None due to absence G. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required) Ms. Calabrese: The Budget summary is included in all Board Members’ packets, are there any questions or comments about the budget summary? No response H. Committee Reports: 1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair No Report 2. Athletics Committee, No Report 3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair No Report 4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair Ms. Calabrese: The curriculum and instruction committee met on November 5th at 3:30 p.m. in the Watertown High School Library. It was the consensus of the committee to endorse the following items that were presented by staff: the proposed adoption of a new textbook Discovering French Nouveau for the French II course at Watertown High School, which is listed for first reading on this evening’s agenda. The investigation of required summer reading at Swift Middle School, which is listed for information only and changes to the Swift Middle School Promotion/Graduation Policy which are listed for information only but will be referred to the Policy and Labor Committee for review. Listed for Board approval under action items are; revisions to the music curriculum, pre K through 8, so it is aligned with State and National standards as well as with the understanding by design model. The modification of the Watertown High School Biology curriculum, so that it accommodates inclusion students, updates to the Watertown High School advisory program activities, the Watertown High School Video production curriculum, developed by Michelle Goldfarb and David Hoffman, which will utilize the technology center. The Swift Middle School Wood Lab Curriculum, grade 8, the Swift Middle School Family and Consumer Science Sewing Curriculum and the Swift Middle School Exploring Technologies Curriculum, grade 7. The previously mentioned items which are being considered for approval have been presented under separate cover to Board Members. Also being considered for approval this evening is a title change for the grade 7 & 8 reading course to “Exploring Literacy” in order to better reflect the content of the course. As well as the proposed pilot of an Advisor/Advisee program for grade 7 & 8. Information regarding the following was also presented to members of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee, the Watertown/Thomaston Perkins Grant Consortium and the establishment of grade 6 programming at Swift Middle School for the 2008-2009. Finally Dr. Pelosi informed the committee of a recent joint facilities committee meeting during which the use of Heminway Park School for grade 5 students during Polk and Judson’s renovation was discussed. Dr. Pelosi has attempted to meet with the Town Manager regarding this issue, once this meeting occurs, a meeting will be held with the Chair of the Town Council. 5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair Mr. Mazzamaro: The Facilities Committee met on Thursday, November 1st with a very full agenda. The committee discussed entering into a fuel consortium, by joining the consortium Watertown joins with several school districts to buy oil in bulk as a group at a rate that is lower than what one district can get on its own. Watertown has participated successfully in the past and the consensus of our committee was positive and recommended sending it to the full Board for consideration, there is an action item on tonight’s agenda. The committee also discussed the design of the Science wing at Watertown High School. Under the current design a wall that was scheduled to come down turned out to be a firewall that needs to be maintained. KBA was at our meeting and provided two options for the wing design. The first option presented to us was presented with 40 less lockers, smaller prep rooms and alcoves for the lockers. There is a design schematic in the Board’s packet for your review. This was the less desirable option of the two. Option 2 presents slightly smaller rooms, maintains a center corridor and the rooms would be roughly 14,000 square feet, which is good for 24 workstations. This option also requires less building of additional space potentially saving money on that portion of the project. This options maintains the prep rooms and gains storage space. The design also works better for the construction phasing. There will be about 70 less lockers but still maintaining about 1070 lockers, enough for the student population. This design also gains the school one additional classroom, again there is a design schematic in the Board’s packet of this option as well. This option was endorsed by the teachers and administration at Watertown High School, our committee agreed and the consensus was to send it to the full Board for consideration. There is an action item on tonight’s agenda for this as well. The third item we discussed were the fields at Watertown High School. I am referring to the proposed two new fields in the back. It turns out that there is a considerable amount of wetlands in that area, disturbing them requires permission from the wetland commission. Approval will be difficult, if not impossible, and take more time than we have with the project. If approved, we would be required to give back four times the amount of wetlands disturbed by the fields; this was not a desirable option. We would also, because of the large grade, have to build a 30-ft high wall and backfill at a huge expense to the project; this also was not a desirable option. A third option was to move the fields to the side of the building and the fourth option was to just swap the tennis courts and parking areas on the schematics and keep the fields on the side of the building. The fields would be bid with grass playing areas with irrigation, with synthetic turf as an add alternate option. Our committee agreed to send option 4 to the full Board for consideration and there is an action item on tonight’s agenda for that as well. 6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair Ms. Colangelo: The Policy Committee met on October 29th and brings to the full Board many items for consideration. Listed for first reading this evening are: Eligibility to attend Watertown Public Schools Policy – changes were made in alignment with the new State Law which clarifies “property” and “dwelling” as owned by residents whose property borders more than one town. Personal General Policy – changes made to position title from Director of Operations to Director of Curriculum and Professional Services, reflecting our new administrative positions. Charges for Copies of Public Records Policy – This policy was developed under the advisement of FOI to set a standard of charges for copying records. While this may have been a practice in the past, there was no set policy in place. Listed for second reading and approval is the Policy change for the Disposal of Excess Property. This change sets dollar amount of what items may be disposed of without full Board approval and the procedure for the same. Also listed for approval under action items are the following job descriptions: Facility Manager of Buildings and Grounds, Network Coordinator – 10 month, Network Coordinator – Full Year, Lead Network Coordinator. The changes in these job descriptions are housekeeping in nature under the section, “Works Under the Supervision of “ which was changed from Director of Operations to Assistant Superintendent to reflect our new administrative position. The committee also reviewed the Athletic Director position and it was decided that a time study should be conducted to ascertain whether the position needs to be increased from the current 1/5th position. The committee will continue to work on this in the future. The committee addressed the request of individual Board Members for copies of purchase orders and work orders and it was the consensus of the committee that in accordance with Section 1-17 of the Policy Handbook, which is take from Connecticut General Statutes 10-232 Board Member requests for information must come from the consensus of a subcommittee or the full board, or recognizing FOI, if an individual board member does make a personal request, that member would be responsible for the copying charges. 7. Cablevision, Kevin Killeen, Chair Mr. Killeen: No report this evening 8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro Mr. Mazzamaro: There is no report this evening 9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba No report 10. Town Hall Joint Committee, Mary Dzioba, Thomas Lambert Mr. Lambert: There is no report. I. Communications – Secretary None J. Minutes 1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – October 22, 2007 Motion Presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Mr. Lambert to accept the Regular Board of Education Meeting Minutes of October 22, 2007. Motion Passed (5-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 2 Abstained) In Favor: Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Killeen, Mr. Lambert and Mr. Mazzamaro Abstained: Ms. Curulla Pond and Mr. Apicella K. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report Dr. Pelosi: Congratulations to everyone on your elected terms and on your new positions. Under the superintendent’s report and recommendations this evening we have the following appointments and transfers. 1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required) a. Ms. Barbara Engelhard to the position of Cafeteria Paraprofessional at Polk School, starting October 29, 2007, for 1.5 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $12.82. b. Mr. Paul Kowalski to the position of Custodian, 3rd shift, at Watertown High School, starting November 5, 2007, for 8.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $17.54. 2. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required) a. Mr. Antonio Baratta from Custodian 2nd shift at Heminway Park School, to Custodian 2nd shift at Watertown High School, effective October 5, 2007, for 8.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $18.53. b. Mr. Tobie Nelson, from Custodian 3rd shift at Watertown High School, to Custodian 2nd shift at John Trumbull Primary School, effective October 12, 2007, for 8.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $18.53. c. Mr. John Marburger from Custodian 2nd shift at Watertown High School to Custodian 3rd shift at Watertown High School. d. Mr. Edward Stack from Custodian 3rd shift at Watertown High School to Custodian 2nd shift at Heminway Park School. The Board had no questions regarding Item #1, or #2 Dr. Pelosi: The next item is the strategic schools profile for 2006-2007. The State Department of Education requires us, each school to submit a strategic school profile as well as a district profile. The State then reviews it and returns these to the district. We finally received our final copy which had been edited and it is present to the Board at the first meeting in November after such receipt and you have all received a copy for you to review and at a later date as set with the new chair of the Board this will be detailed in such a manner as accepted by the Chair and the Board. 3. Strategic School Profiles 2006-2007 Board members have received a copy of the Strategic School Profiles 2006-2007 under separate cover. The State Department of Education has provided the final version of the 2006-2007 Strategic School Profiles for the Watertown School District. The law requires that profiles must be presented to local boards of education… at the first regularly scheduled public meeting following the receipt of these documents. Due to the complexity of the November 13 meeting and the State Board of Education requirements that it be presented to the Board of Education at the first Board of Education meeting upon receipt of the Strategic School Profiles, it is being presented tonight for informational purposes only. Dr. Pelosi will highlight the salient areas at a later meeting. The Board had no questions regarding Item #3 Dr. Pelosi: Next are the first readings of the Policies, which Mrs. Colangelo detailed for us. Eligibility to attend the Public Schools again the dwelling was in line with the State Law. Rather than owning property the dwelling itself must be within the Town. So if the dwelling is in both towns there is a choice, but if you live in one town and own property in another and it is not your dwelling then you do not have the right to attend that School System. There has been a change so this just aligns us with such change. Personal, again the Policy has been detailed by Ms. Colangelo and it brings us in line with the current administrative positions. Changing job titles and to whom people report. Charges of Public Records Policy, copying, there is a charge of $.50 per copy for any, there will be if the Board so approves at the next meeting. $.50 per copy for anyone who requests a copy under Freedom of Information and if the charges are to exceed $10.00 or more then we have a right to request for that amount of money before the copying is done. Ms. Colangelo: Dr. Pelosi, it is $.50 per page. Dr. Pelosi: Per page, correct, per copy, per page. New text books, first reading, there is a proposal to purchase the new textbook as presented in the World Language Department. There was no need for a textbook which has been returned, the amount of money is presently within the Board Budget, so there is no cost to the Board of Education with this proposal. That will be voted on at the next meeting. If there are any questions you can ask now or you can call and we will hopefully get the answers to you. 4. Eligibility to Attend Watertown Public Schools Policy – First Reading At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Eligibility to Attend Watertown Public Schools Policy and presents it to the full Board for the first reading tonight. 5. Personnel – General Policy – First Reading At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Personnel – General Policy and presents it to the full Board for the first reading tonight. 6. Charges for Copies of Public Records Policy – First Reading At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Charges for Copies of Public Records Policy and presents it to the full Board for the first reading tonight. 7. Proposed New or Revised Textbook for the 2007-2008 School Year – First Reading In accordance with Section 10-229 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a textbook is presented this evening to provide a minimum notification of one week of our intent to adopt said book for instructional use. This book will be proposed for approval at our next Board meeting. This book has been reviewed by all program leaders, administrators, and central office personnel. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed and endorsed this book and related material at its last meeting. Mr. Killeen: Just a comment, on the $.50 charge, that is in accordance with State Guidelines? Dr. Pelosi: Correct Mr. Killeen: That was not a price that we set as a Board or as a Town, that was established by the State. Dr. Pelosi: Right, we actually contacted FOI and asked them and that was what they gave us as a guideline Ms. Colangelo: I have a question on the textbook, you said there is no cost to the District? Dr. Pelosi: No cost in terms of additional costs from what has been budgeted. It is within the current budget, because books that were going to be ordered and arrived were not viewed as acceptable were returned. This amount of money is covered within our budget, so in that sense it is a cost but not an additional cost. The next item, the WATCH grant, that has been applied for, we haven’t heard yet whether we will receive it, in the amount of $3,300.00. It was written by Mrs. Raiola, the Director of Special Services, Mary perhaps you want to detail the grant a little bit. Ms. Raiola: It is really very straightforward, it is through our Watertown Action Team for Community Health and Janice is chairing that this year. We had are first meeting Tuesday night of last week. We are off to a good start, we looked at underage drinking and drugs and what we can do as a community to try to help with that endeavor. We also fund the peer advocates and mentors in the schools, who do a lot of great worth while things with the grant. 8. W.A.T.C.H. – (Information Only – No Action Required) Ms. Mary Raiola has filed an application for a grant for $3,300.00 for W.A.T.C.H. (Watertown Action Team For Community Health) from the Central Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council. The grant’s focus is on underage drinking and drug use, education and prevention. It was submitted to the Local Prevention Council which our W.A.T.C.H. Group is the local agency. The targeted group is students in grades 5-12 as well as adults. These funds will enable us to disseminate information, provide direct teaching (peer advocates and mentors), community involvement, Project Graduation and identification of students at risk. Board Members had no questions regarding Item #8 Meeting recessed at 7:47 p.m. to allow for the Town Council to complete their organizational meeting Meeting reconvened at 8:15 p.m. Ms. Calabrese: We will reconvene the meeting and ask Dr. Pelosi to continue his Superintendent’s Report. Dr. Pelosi: Item #9, continuing with the report is the investigation of the required summer reading list at Swift Middle School. The discussion at Curriculum and Instruction was that they would like to investigate requiring or suggesting that students continue to read during the summer. No one is opposed to this but if we require it there would be a charge, we would have to purchase the books, if we make a suggested reading list then the books would not have to be paid for. So at this time it has been brought back to the teachers to compile a list for a required reading list and also a suggested reading list. That will be brought back to curriculum and instruction for further discussion and then to the Board. 9. Investigation of Required Summer Reading at Swift Middle School – (Information Only – No Action Required) At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the investigation of Required Summer Reading at Swift Middle School. The Board had no questions regarding item #9 Dr. Pelosi: Item #10, change to the Swift Middle School Promotion/Graduation Policy. It was proposed at the C & I meeting on the 5th that reading or if the verbiage is changed to Exploring Literacy be included in a student being promoted that they must pass reading. At this point other subjects are included but reading is not and since this is a Policy it was felt that it was endorsed by C & I but it was felt that next step should be to move to Policy and Labor where it will then become a formalized policy if the committee so deems it. 10. Change to the Swift Middle School Promotion/Graduation Policy – (Information Only – No Action Required) At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the change to the Swift Middle School Promotion/Graduation Policy to include Reading (Exploring Literacy) as a required course for promotion/graduation, as attached. This will now be referred to the Policy and Labor Committee for its review. The Board had no questions regarding item #10 L. Report from the Chairman Ms. Calabrese: I would just like to say that I am confident that I speak for all of my colleagues on this Board of Education when I say that we intend to work as a team to ensure that the Watertown Public School System is one of the premier school systems in the state of Connecticut. We are committed to bringing a successful completion to Swift Middle School building project and are eager to tackle the renovate to new projects for Watertown High School, Polk and Judson Elementary Schools. Hard work and cooperation will keep this momentum going we are fortunate to have exceptionally talented and forward thinking administrators in our central office. Our building level administrators are dedicated individuals who strive each and every day to bring our schools to new levels of excellence. Our teaching staff is energetic, innovative and child centered. Our parents and families extend themselves at every turn to stand behind any initiative that will enhance the quality of their children’s education. Our students deserve nothing less than a community that stands unified behind its schools. As a town we have proven that we have the power to overcome forces that interfere with that vision. We look forward to a very productive term as members of your Board of Education who are proud to have the opportunity to serve you. I would also like to let my fellow Board Members know that we are going to past around a listing of subcommittees and other responsibilities so that everyone will be able to express his or her preference with regards to those subcommittees and responsibilities. I would ask that Board Members please hand those into me by the end of this meeting so that we can forge ahead at the next regular meeting when we will be ready to announce the subcommittees. Are there any questions? Board members had no questions M. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent a. Consideration of the Approval of the Disposal of Excess Property Policy – Second Reading At its meeting on October 9, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Disposal of Excess Property Policy and presented the policy to the Board for the first reading at its meeting on October 22, 2007. It is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval. It is recommended that the Board approve of the Disposal of Excess Property Policy, effective immediately. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of the Disposal of Excess Property Policy, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) b. Consideration of the Approval of the Change in Names on the Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Health and Nutrition and Child/Family/School Partnerships’ Form, ED-099 It is recommended that the Board approve of the change in names on the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition, Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Health and Nutrition and Child/Family/School Partnerships’ Form to reflect the names of Dr. Philip A. Pelosi, Interim Superintendent, as the Signature #1 authorized to sign the Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs and to sign claims for reimbursement, and Mr. Todd LoFrese, Assistant Superintendent, as Signature #2 authorized only to sign the claims for reimbursement in the absence or incapacity of the first designated individual. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of the change in names on the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition, Connecticut State Department of Education, Bureau of Health and Nutrition and Child/Family/School Partnerships’ Form to reflect the names of Dr. Philip A. Pelosi, Interim Superintendent, as the Signature #1 authorized to sign the Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs and to sign claims for reimbursement, and Mr. Todd LoFrese, Assistant Superintendent, as Signature #2 authorized only to sign the claims for reimbursement in the absence or incapacity of the first designated individual. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) c. Consideration of the Approval of Family Medical Leaves of Absence 1.) Mr. Michael Cerrato, History/Social Studies Teacher at Watertown High School, requests a Family Medical Leave of Absence commencing approximately January 8, 2008, for approximately four weeks, with use of accumulated sick time. It is recommended that the Board approve of a Family Medical Leave of Absence for Mr. Michael Cerrato, History/Social Studies Teacher at Watertown High School, commencing approximately January 8, 2008, for approximately four weeks, with use of accumulated sick time. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Killeen to approve of a Family Medical Leave of Absence for Mr. Michael Cerrato, History/Social Studies Teacher at Watertown High School, commencing approximately January 8, 2008, for approximately four weeks, with use of accumulated sick time. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) 2.) Ms. Janet Sweetland, Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School, requests a maternity leave of absence under FMLA, commencing approximately January 11, 2008, through May 1, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time. It is recommended that the Board approve of a maternity leave of absence under FMLA for Ms. Janet Sweetland, Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School, commencing approximately January 11, 2008, through May 1, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of a maternity leave of absence under FMLA for Ms. Janet Sweetland, Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School, commencing approximately January 11, 2008, through May 1, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) 3.) Ms. Beth Wolf, Speech/Language Pathologist at John Trumbull Primary School, requests a childbearing leave of absence under FMLA, commencing approximately December 8, 2007, through March 31, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time, and then leave without pay, and a medical doctor’s note to return. It is recommended that the Board approve of a childbearing leave of absence under FMLA, for Ms. Beth Wolf, Speech/Language Pathologist at John Trumbull Primary School, commencing approximately December 8, 2007, through March 31, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time, and then leave without pay, and a medical doctor’s note to return. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of a childbearing leave of absence under FMLA, for Ms. Beth Wolf, Speech/Language Pathologist at John Trumbull Primary School, commencing approximately December 8, 2007, through March 31, 2008, with use of accumulated sick time, and then leave without pay, and a medical doctor’s note to return. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) d. Consideration of the Approval of Acceptance of Gifts 1.) The Community Crusade for Children, Inc. would like to donate $465.75 from the Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund. These funds were generated from the donation containers at Rite Aid in Watertown for the 2nd Quarter 2007. It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board accept The Community Crusade for Children, Inc. donation of $465.75 from the Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund. These funds were generated from the donation containers at Rite Aid in Watertown for the 2nd Quarter 2007. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) 2.) Ms. Dorothy Stransky would like to donate books to the library at Judson School with an approximate value of $50.00. It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Lambert that the Board of Education accept Ms. Dorothy Stransky’s donation of books to the library at Judson School with an approximate value of $50.00. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) e. Consideration of the Approval of the Participation in the Fuel Consortium At the Facilities Committee meeting on November 1, 2007, the committee recommended that the Board of Education participate with the Fuel Consortium for the purchase of Diesel Fuel and Fuel Oil for the 2008-2009 school year. It is recommended that the Board of Education participate with the Fuel Consortium for the purchase of Diesel Fuel and Fuel Oil for the 2008-2009 school year. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of participation with the Fuel Consortium for the purchase of Diesel Fuel and Fuel Oil for the 2008-2009 school year. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) f. Consideration of the Approval of the Watertown High School Schematic Design for the Science Wing At the Facilities Committee meeting On November 1, 2007, the committee reviewed and endorsed changes to the Watertown High School schematic design that dealt with science rooms as presented in Option #2. (Board Members have received a copy under separate cover.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the changes to the Watertown High School schematic design with respect to the science rooms as presented in Option #2. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of the changes to the Watertown High School schematic design with respect to the science rooms as presented in Option #2. Discussion: None Motion Passed (6-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 1-Abstained) In Favor: Mr. Apicella, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Mazzamaro and Mr. Killeen Abstained: Ms. Curulla Pond g. Consideration of the Approval of the Watertown High School Schematic Design for the Athletic Fields At the Facilities Committee meeting On November 1, 2007, the committee reviewed and endorsed changes to the Watertown High School schematic design that dealt with the athletic fields as presented in Option #4 with the synthetic surface being an “add alternate.” (Board Members have received a copy under separate cover.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the changes to the Watertown High School schematic design with respect to the athletic fields as presented in Option #4 with the synthetic surface being an “add alternate.” Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of the changes to the Watertown High School schematic design with respect to the athletic fields as presented in Option #4 with the synthetic surface being an “add alternate.” Discussion Mr. LoFrese: I would like to add one thing in addition to what Mr. Mazzamaro had reported under his facilities committee report. I also spoke directly with the Public Works Director, Ray Cavanaugh. In addition to the wetland issue, because the magnitude square footage of wetlands would be disturbed this would require an Army Corps of Engineer permit. The Army Corps of Engineers requires that we examine all possible options so this, what is presented tonight for consideration or approval is one of those options. So this is something that we would have been forced to have done anyway. Mr. Apicella: Mr. Mazzamaro can you just explain between Scheme 3 and Scheme 4, the change in the tennis courts. Mr. Mazzamaro: I can defer to Todd LoFrese, he can probably explain it a little bit better. Mr. LoFrese: Basically the difference between Scheme 3 and Scheme 4 is where the parking and tennis facilities would be. The lower level off the back of the High School wing, where the current tennis courts are, is less than desirable for tennis court location. As they have done their survey work, a significant amount of water exists back there, and run off, so it was felt that by moving the tennis courts up higher on the side of the school we would get a better quality finished product. Mr. Apicella: Parking in Scheme 3, is that going to cause any issues if we loose those potential parking spots? Mr. LoFrese: No, if you noticed the parking area is now where those tennis courts would be. Scheme 3 and Scheme 4 it was a choice. So if you look at scheme 3, the tennis courts and the parking lot kind of have been swapped in comparison to 4. Overall on the site plan there is a minor reduction but the overall amount of parking in this facility is significantly higher than is current. Ms. Curulla Pond: I don’t feel comfortable with voting in favor, although I have complete confidence in the people that put this together, so I will probably abstain. Motion Passed (6-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 1-Abstained) In Favor: Mr. Apicella, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Mazzamaro and Mr. Killeen Abstained: Ms. Curulla Pond h. Consideration of the Approval of the Music Curriculum Revision, Pre-K - 8 At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Pre-K – 8 Music Curriculum Revision. (See Pre-K – 8 Music Curriculum under separate cover.) The Music Department staff updated the curriculum to align with the State and National Standards, as well as the Understanding by Design model. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Pre-K – 8 Music Curriculum Revision as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of the Pre-K – 8 Music Curriculum Revision as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion Ms. Colangelo: My usual question, is there any cost involved with any of these changes? Dr. Pelosi: The only cost would be to pay the people who participated, who spent hours in addition to the normal school day. Ms. Colangelo: No I meant in the changes itself. Dr. Pelosi: No, there is no additional cost. Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) i. Consideration of the Approval of the Modification of the Watertown High School Biology Curriculum At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the modification of the Watertown High School Biology Curriculum. (See enclosed notebook.) This modification was made to accommodate the inclusion students that are not on the same level as the regular class. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the modification of the Watertown High School Biology Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve of the modification of the Watertown High School Biology Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) j. Consideration of the Approval of the Update to the Watertown High School Advisory Program Activities At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the updated Watertown High School Advisory Program Activities. (See enclosed notebook.) The update includes the activities that proved to be most successful with the students, and eliminating the least successful activities. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the update of the Watertown High School Advisory Program Activities as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve the update of the Watertown High School Advisory Program Activities as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) k. Consideration of the Approval of the Watertown High School Video Production Curriculum At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Watertown High School Video Production Curriculum. (See enclosed notebook.) The course utilizes the Technology Center and was developed by Michelle Goldfarb and David Hoffman. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Watertown High School Video Production Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve the Watertown High School Video Production Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) l. Consideration of the Approval of the Swift Middle School Wood Lab Curriculum, Grade 8 At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Grade 8 Wood Lab Curriculum. (See enclosed notebook.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Grade 8 Wood Lab Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve the Grade 8 Wood Lab Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) m. Consideration of the Approval of the Swift Middle School Family and Consumer Science Sewing Curriculum, Grade 8 At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Grade 8 Family and Consumer Science Sewing Curriculum. (See enclosed notebook.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Family and Consumer Science Sewing Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve the Family and Consumer Science Sewing Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) n. Consideration of the Approval of the Swift Middle School Exploring Technologies Curriculum, Grade 7 At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Grade 7 Exploring Technologies Curriculum. (See enclosed notebook.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the Grade 7 Exploring Technologies Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve the Grade 7 Exploring Technologies Curriculum as presented under separate cover, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) o. Consideration of the Approval of the Title Change of the Grades 7-8 Reading Course At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the change to the title of the Grades 7-8 Reading Course. (See enclosed notebook.) Exploring Literacy is the suggested title change for the current Reading course, which would better reflect the content of the course. It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the title change of the Grades 7-8 Reading course to Exploring Literacy, effective Fall, 2008. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve the title change of the Grades 7-8 Reading course to Exploring Literacy, effective Fall, 2008. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) p. Consideration of the Approval of the Proposed Pilot of an Advisor/Advisee Program for Grades 7-8, 2007-2008 At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of November 5, 2007, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the proposed pilot of an Advisor/Advisee Program for Grades 7-8. (See enclosed notebook.) It is recommended that the Board of Education approve the proposed Pilot of an Advisor/Advisee Program for Grades 7-8, effective immediately. Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve the proposed Pilot of an Advisor/Advisee Program for Grades 7-8, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) q. Consideration of the Approval of the Job Description - Facility Manager of Buildings and Grounds At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Facility Manager of Buildings and Grounds Job Description and presents it to the full Board for approval tonight. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Lambert to approve of the Facility Manager of Buildings and Grounds Job Description as presented, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) r. Consideration of the Approval of the Job Description - Network Coordinator – 10 Month Job Description At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Network Coordinator – 10 Month Job Description and presents it to the full Board for approval tonight. Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of the Network Coordinator – 10-Month Job Description as presented, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) s. Consideration of the Approval of the Job Description - Network Coordinator – Full Year Job Description At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Network Coordinator – Full Year Job Description and presents it to the full Board for approval tonight. Motion presented by Mr. Lambert, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of the Network Coordinator – Full Year Job Description as presented, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) t. Consideration of the Approval of the Job Description - Lead Network Coordinator Job Description At its meeting on October 29, 2007, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Lead Network Coordinator Job Description and presents it to the full Board for approval tonight. Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve of the Lead Network Coordinator – Job Description as presented, effective immediately. Discussion: None Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) N. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments Ms. Colangelo: I would like to request if the Board pleases that when we get all these curriculum changes that we get the chart like we have gotten in the past which says what the changes are and what the costs are involved. It is a three-column summary that we have gotten in the past. Ms. Calabrese: That sounds like a very reasonable request, thank you. Mr. Killeen: Something that has come to my mind numerous times in the past and I had brought it up as an informal discussion amongst a couple other Board Members. The Town Council when it receives its packages on a weekly basis, they utilize an envelope or package that they recurrently use. I was thinking that we might be able to save the District some money if we weren’t continually using these (Mr. Killeen held up a manila envelope). Ms. Calabrese: You mean recycling the envelopes? Mr. Killeen: Yes and then what they do, they have a vinyl bag, their packages come to them in a vinyl bag. I am not sure, I think there would be a cost saving after the initial expenditure for the bags. But I believe that is why the Town Council and they are much more weather proof as well. Ms. Calabrese: Would you like us to investigate the cost of that and then come back to you for that, would that meet with your approval to investigate it? Board Members responded yes O. Public Participation Elaine Adams, 18 Hadley Street, Oakville I just want to say congratulations to all of the new members and to the current members, Gina and Rich and Mary. We have a lot of work ahead of us and I look forward to the relationship between the Watertown Town Council and the Board of Ed. Thank you. P. Executive Session Cancelled Q. Regular Session Not needed due to cancellation of Executive Session R. Adjournment Motion presented by Mr. Killeen, seconded by Mr. Lambert to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting of November 13, 2007. Motion Passed Unanimously (7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained) Meeting adjourned at 8:47 p.m. Respectfully Submitted by Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary Bonnie Goulet, Board Clerk |