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Minutes
Watertown Board of Education
Special Meeting
Monday, July 14, 2008
Immediately Following Budget Committee Meeting
Scheduled for 6:30 PM
Watertown High School
Technology Center
324 French Street, Watertown
Present: Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board Vice Chair
Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary
Mr. Joseph A. Apicella, Board Member
Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Member
Mr. Todd A. Griffin, Board Member
Mr. Kevin Killeen, Board Member
Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board Member
Ms. Janice Curulla-Pond, Board Member
Mrs. Carol Parmelee-Blancato, Interim Superintendent
Absent: Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board Chair
Guests: Ms. Amelia Grover, Retired Director of Budget & Financial Planning
Ms. Shirley Oliver, 0rder Processing / Budgeting Assistant
Mr. Marc Balanda, Assistant Principal Watertown High School
Mr. James Perucci, Town Times
Ms. Tanya Beach, President Secretaries’ Union
Ms. Marylu Lerz, Principal Swift Middle School
Ms. Lisa Rommel, Assistant Principal Swift Middle School
Ms. Robin McKenna
Ms. Fran Palmer
Ms. Barbara Marciano, Recording Clerk
1. Convene meeting
Mr. Rich Mazzamaro, Board Vice Chair, called the meeting to order at 7:20 p.m.
Mr. Mazzamaro said, “There are 3 items to be discussed this evening. First, I need a motion for a discussion on possible action on proposed budget cuts for the 2008-2009 school year.”
2. Discussion and possible action on proposed budget cuts for the 2008-2009 school year
Prior to this Special Board of Education meeting, a Budget Committee meeting was held and the Budget Committee reviewed the budget cuts and now presents the budget cuts to the full Board for approval tonight. (See Attachment A.)
Subject: Consideration of the Approval of the Proposed Budget cuts for the 2008-2009 School year
Motion Presented by: Mr. Killeen
Motion Seconded by: Mr. Mazzamaro
Text of Motion: It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the Proposed Budget Cuts for the 2008-2009 school year.
Discussion:
Ms. Mary Colangelo said, “The proposed budget cuts need to be read into the record.
Mr. Thomas Lambert said, “I will read into the record the proposed budget cuts that need to be addressed, that we are to vote upon tonight:
Watertown High School:
.5 English Teacher $29,313.00
1.0 Cafeteria Monitor $ 4,987,00
Swift Middle School:
1.0 Cafeteria Monitor $ 4,987.00
Heminway Park School:
Grade 5 Administrator $93,780.00
Nurse $24,410.00
1.6 Substitute Secretaries $17,856.00
Bus $35,854.00
System-wide:
Salaries including 4 additional retirees $103,088.00
.3 FTE Art Teacher (new position) $ 13,153.00
Teacher conferences $ 5,200.00
Field Trips $ 3,097.00
Professional Development $ 5,000.00
Professional Development. Non-certified $ 500.00
Curriculum Development $ 2,000.00
Property/Liability Insurance $ 75,973.00
New figures based on fewer new staffing positions:
Social Security Matching Funds $ 7,500.00
Medicare Matching Funds $ 1,760.00
Pension (non-certified employees) $ 4,000.00
High School Athletics (3%) $ 9,128.00
Special Education:
Transportation for Summer Preschool $ 6,943.00
Full time para $ 15,969.00
Part time para (.67 FTE) $ 10,102.00
For a grand total of $489,600.00
Excuse me, I missed the bottom line cut of $15,000.00 that took the place of the John Trumbull Primary School repair of the exterior doors for a grand total of $489,600.00.”
Mr. Rich Mazzamaro said, “Is there any discussion or questions on any of the cuts? Again, I just want to read into the record for the special meeting that these cuts now are down to the next round of cuts. We would be looking at program and positions of certified and non-certified positions. We are in a dire situation now. Is there anyone who would like to comment?”
Mr. Thomas Lambert said, “I think also Rich that positions and also sports. I mean sports are definitely going to be looked at. We are hoping that the residents understand where we are right now. We are at the bottom of the bottom. There is just no where else to go and we are hoping that everybody can understand this and understand how much has been gutted so far out of the system, and we really need to get this budget passed. Thank you.”
Mr. Kevin Killeen said, “I think to add to that, any non-curriculum items would have to be addressed, and not simply what is offered for sports. It is a dire situation which I know it does not make any of us proud whatsoever.”
Mr. Rich Mazzamaro asked, “Anything further? With that being said, all in favor of the $489,600.00 cut to the education budget say Aye.
Motion passed unanimously
(8 in favor – 0 Opposed – 0 abstained)
3. Consideration of the Approval to Waive Board of Education Policy Personnel – General, BOE Approved May 27, 2003, Sec. 5-2
It is recommended that the Board vote to approve to waive Board of Education Policy Personnel – General, BOE Approved May 27, 2003, Sec. 5-2. (See Attachment B.)
Mr. Mazzamaro said, “The next item is for Consideration of the Board to Waive Board of Education Policy Personnel – General, BOE Approved May 27, 2003, Sec. 5-2. Is there a motion?
Ms. Colangelo said, “For the purpose of discussion, I’ll make a motion.”
Subject: Consideration of the Approval to Waive Board of Education Policy Personnel – General, BOE Approved May 27, 2003, Sec. 5-2
Motion Presented by: Ms. Mary Colangelo
Motion Seconded by: Mr. Kevin Killeen
Text of Motion: It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of Waiving the Board of Education Policy Personnel – General, BOE Approved May 27, 2003, Sec. 5-2.
Discussion:
Ms. Colangelo said, “Yes, I have discussion. The last 3 positions that we filled in Central Office, we waived the policy. If we are going to have a policy and continue to waive the policy, why bother to have a policy? There is a reason that this is in place, and I feel very strongly that we should not waive the policy. Does anybody want to add anything to that?”
Mr. Lambert said, “I would like to add to that. I tend to agree with that consideration because, you know, there is a reason why we should have a policy. The policy was put into place and many things were discussed during that time, all good things have a good reason. If we are going to have the policy, and we are going to have different issues in the policy, that we are to discuss, I think that we should not waive it unless it is under dire circumstances which I do not think remains here. I think we should keep the policy, discuss it, and go from there.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I have one more thing to add. Items 3 and 4 on this agenda should have been presented to the Policy and Labor Committee prior to bringing it to the full Board. In the interest of time, there should have at least been an Executive Session to discuss these items, for this is personnel, and it does qualify for Executive Session.”
Ms. Mary Dzioba said, “I think that we should waive the policy so that we can move on tonight.”
Ms. Carol Parmelee-Blancato said, “Can I clarify?”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Yes.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Let me clarify. The policy that I am making reference to is the Personnel Policy is for the hiring of a vacancy that we now have due to the fact that the elementary principal, Pat Corvello, has submitted her resignation, and this policy will allow us to begin the process of filling the position. It requires us to at least go statewide to secure a successful candidate for the position. Her letter of resignation indicates that she will be leaving August 11. I was recommending that the Board consider waiving this policy. There are bylaws that were required for the suspension of policies and regulations, and I see that this was done in the past to look at posting this position within the district making the position available to the Administration of the District, and also open it up to the teachers that are also certified with the 092 to allow the new superintendent coming into the District on August 1 to look at candidates within District so that we could fill this position prior to the opening of school. That is the reason why I was asking for the consideration of waiving this policy. If not, and the Board does not wish to do that, then we will post the position and post it statewide over a period of time. We may not be able to fill it prior to the opening of school. I did discuss this with the Superintendent Elect, and she had also felt that possibly that we could look in district first before going out. But again, this Board policy stops us.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I would be willing to fast track it, limit advertising it, and a shorter closing date. I think that we need to advertise it. We want the best possible candidate, and I think we need to look at that.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “As the Interim Superintendent, you do realize that I did bring this forward to the Board because you have done this in the past. But again, it is the decision of the Board not to waive it since it was done as early as last year; I thought it was something that could be brought to the Board.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “But, it gets to be a habit after a while, and then we are disturbing our policies and procedures.”
Mr. Killeen said, “Mary, I would like to add more on what you believe after I make a comment. What do you believe would be the advantage of fast tracking vs. not? But when we did make some key considerations this past year, those moves were made in retrospective with some heartfelt feelings within the district, and I for one want to be conscious at that fact, and not by pass a policy that is intended to be in the best interest of the District. That would be my consideration you know, because it had been done in the past and there were some wrinkles about doing it in the past that I would be reluctant to do so. You know, what did we learn from our past if we keep repeating, you know, those things? So, I would like to give up fast tracking.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Like some universities and some education publications are only published monthly, newspaper advertising would have a shorter than normal response time. Most people that are looking for positions would have their transcripts on hand. I would want to post it outside, as well as in the buildings. There is a shorter time for posting in the summer.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “There are procedures to follow to posting. The teachers’ contract and the administrators’ contract that do have a clause that opens to posting in the summer. So, we are able to post. But just to clarify though, there is a Board and again, it is the decision of the Board, but you do have a bylaw that states the abstention of policy and regulations which allows you by bylaws to suspend the policy if the Board does vote on that. The bylaws do indicate that the majority of the Board, and it doesn’t mean the majority of the Board that is here, it clearly means the majority vote, the vote of 5. It does also indicate that you have to receive in writing, which you have received this evening in writing, that would require 2/3 vote. So, there maybe other policies in the future that may not speak to personnel. There maybe policies that the Board would like to suspend or waive, due to circumstances. Then that is why we have the bylaws.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I am aware of that.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “I know, you are the Chair of the Policy and Labor Committee.”
Ms. Colangelo answered, “Yes, I am aware of that.”
Mr. Todd Griffin said, “I guess that I am a little confused about the situation. We just spent over the last three or four months making all the other moves, wanting to promote from within, and why wouldn’t we follow that, that same program?”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Because it didn’t work out the way we thought it was going to work out.”
Mr. Griffin said, “I still think that it is a good way to look at that. Whoever has the ability from within has the ability from within.”
Mr. Killeen said, “But to what extent are we waiving the policy? Because that would be my question. I want to make sure still that we look at our promoting from within as opportunities as Carol has stated, want teachers that first of all, administrators that would qualify as well as teachers who are not currently enrolled would have that opportunity. I don’t want to bypass our policy for the purpose of presenting, you know, one candidate or something like that within district. Again, because I think it was heartfelt when we made the consideration the last time, and I do not want to fall into that same foot trap again.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Your policy not only states right now that it has to be statewide publication, but your policy also indicates that the Superintendent has to bring in 3 candidates for the position. So, if the Board wants to consider to waive, the Board can still consider indicating that they would want 3 candidates from within to be brought as viable candidates. If there were not 3 viable candidates, then obviously, it would go back to the policy existing. You do have 2 stipulations in the policy which other districts do as well. I am not questioning your policy. I was just stating that many districts do require this policy. Boards do require this policy. Where I came from, it is a district where it was required as well. I was just looking at the statewide so that we can move forward with the process if the Board wants to look inside the district.”
Mr. Killeen said, “My understanding is that it is only to the extent that we would not be looking outside the district.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Yes, I would say that we post the vacancy within the district. If the Board still wanted to still require 3 candidates, they could. If they wanted to modify to at least 2 candidates, they could. But again, that is a decision of the Board. Yes, I was looking at not going statewide, just posting within the district to administration in the organization and teachers who are certified with an 092 certification.”
Mr. Killeen said, “Sorry, I would like to have a discussion.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “If you were to post it, I will give you an example. You could post it for 2 weeks. If you post it for tomorrow, you could post it to the twentieth-ninth which would be 2 weeks. The new superintendent is coming on board August 1, and could begin the process because the applications would be better available for her review. If you wanted to move the process forward and look within, if you decided to go statewide, it would be a little longer process because it does take time for people to get their papers. They do have their papers. I do agree with you, Mary, that they do have their resumes with minor modifications, but it would be a little longer process than 2 weeks.”
Mr. Killeen said, “What’s to prevent the Board from the conclusion of having 3 candidates saying that we would like to go outside.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “We would have to do posting and advertising at the same time.”
Ms. Janice Pond said, “I wasn’t on the Board before, so I am confused with on how you promoted from within, but I am thinking that it wasn’t posted last time, so I am not sure that that would be the problem. But if you post from within, you got great candidates within our school system K-12. So what does this say to them when you don’t, where you want to try to look at their strength first, and then if you don’t find good strength, then look outside. I wasn’t out of wits; I am a little confused as to how….”
Ms. Colangelo said, “To the extent that they will appoint, however, they will extend the process even further by waiting. If you do them both together, the posting and the advertising, and get all your applications at one time, then if the internal candidates do not fill what you are looking for, then you have a pool of candidates to be reviewed. Otherwise, you are going to have to wait another 3 or 4 weeks before you can get other candidates.”
Ms. Janice Pond said, “I think that you would be surprised that there are a lot of positive candidates inside.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I am sure that there are.”
Ms. Pond said, “So, I mean whatever you all feel, I feel that we can look inside first.”
Mr. Todd Griffin said, “How many instances already have we promoted from within? I would rather look at someone who knows the school system, that knows the district.”
Ms. Pond said, “I think that we should put it to a vote. We are all pretty sure about it.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “So, we would bring 3 candidates to the Board for interview sessions.”
Mr. Griffin said, “Let them bring in 3 candidates.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Did you want 3 or at least 2?”
Ms. Colangelo answered, “Three.”
Mr. Griffin said, “I am confused as to why you don’t want to promote from within.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Can I ask for a clarification? If the Board does go with posting in-house, and the new superintendent for example, only has 2 viable candidates, then the way that you write the motion is that the superintendent would have to go out of the system, still hold those candidates, go out for a third candidate for that process. I am just clarifying that if there happens to be only 2 candidates, it would be a matter of the superintendent coming to the Board and saying that the Board minutes of July 14, 2008, indicated that I had 3 candidates. I am only able to bring 2 candidates forward. Would the Board consider that, or should we go out?”
Ms. Colangelo said, “If there are only 2 candidates that apply, then that is all that she can bring forward. If there are 3 or 4 viable candidates, I am sure that she can bring 3 candidates. I mean, we can nickel and dime this to death, but I don’t want to be making too many waivers on policies. They are here for a reason.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “But Mary, I want to clarify too that based on my own experience, I will be honest with you that in my former district, I had that experience. I was asked to bring forward 2 candidates, and I went out, not only in district, but went out statewide, and could only come up with only one candidate. And what we did was to put that candidate on hold, and we went out another round for what the Board wanted, more than one candidate. So, I fully understand when the Board wants more than one candidate. So, sometimes you have to go through the process, and you might have to put a candidate on hold because you are saying that the requirement of the Board is for the Board policy to go out for another. So, I fully understand what you want.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I sincerely hope that the successful candidate is in-house because I would like to see that happen.”
Mr. Killeen said, “But, the Board policy is not consistent with the promoting from within strategy.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “No, it is not.”
Mr. Killeen said, “It simply means that the preference will be made to the internal candidates. We advertise, what Mary is proposing is to advertise externally at the same time, and that way, maintain the same timeline. Is that right Mary?”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Right, exactly. So, that if the successful candidates do not come from within, we have a pool of candidates to fall back on all ready without having to advertise.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “I have to be honest, Mary, we will extend the process a little. It won’t be exactly two weeks. It may go out for a month. It may go out for six weeks, but it will extend the process a little bit longer to be honest with you. But that is the preference of the Board.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “How many do you use? Maybe Barbara can answer that. How many do you use for a response time?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Barbara, can you answer that? When you go out of the District, what is the timeline on that?”
Ms. Barbara Marciano answered, “We need at least two to three weeks. We put it on the CT Reap, the CEA, the CT Job Central, which is owned by the state, and the Hartford Courant, the New Haven Register, the Waterbury Republican-American, and the Town Times. I would say at least two to three weeks you need. We can put it in Sunday’s papers, and if you want to do the closing date of the thirtieth so that they are all here by August 1.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “That sounds okay with me.”
Ms. Pond asked, “So, what are we voting on?”
Mr. Mazzamaro said, “The motion is whether or not to waive the Board policy. It is whether or not to waive the policy to look at just internal rather than having to go outside.”
Ms. Pond said, “If we waive the Board policy, then we can only go within.”
Mr. Mazzamaro said, “Right.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “If you waive the Board policy, then none of this needs to be followed. None of this needs to be followed if you waive the policy. Then the motion, if you waive this policy, then none of this needs to be adhered to.”
Ms. Mary Dzioba said, “I have just one question. Having just come from a brutal Budget Committee meeting, how much does it cost to advertise outside the district?”
Ms. Amelia Grover answered, “Between $1,500.00 to $2,000.00.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “And there is money in the budget for advertising?”
Ms. Grover said, “Yes, there is money in the budget.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Then we can do an in-column ad rather than display ads and that could save us a considerable amount of money, as has been done in the past.”
Mr. Killeen said, “For just for clarification purposes, if we vote to not waive the policy, the offset would be 3 to 4 weeks which isn’t too long.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Today is the fourteenth. If we have the closing date of the 30th, we can have candidates in here for Ms. Baldwin to interview.”
Mr. Mazzamaro asked, “What would be the ramifications have been if we didn’t have a principal in place by the start of school?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “I think that the Superintendent would have to come to the Board and recommend an interim person for that position. I think realistically that you are looking at least a month.”
Ms. Colangelo asked, “How long will the current principal be here for?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “The current principal is here for, she will be on vacation, but her letter of resignation is August 11, but she has indicated that she will be certain to come back to at least help a little with the transition for a few days here, but certainly come back to assist. Also, too, I guess another point that I wanted to make again before a decision is where we are with the building project and the moratorium on that, and if the moratorium is lifted, and Judson does go to Heminway, that particular administrative position is a critical one to have an administrator in place. That is another reason why I am forwarding this recommendation to look at as to whether to waive this policy again.”
Mr. Killeen said, “The only thing, I don’t see the timeline being an impact to the extent that it would be a hindrance to maintain the policy, but something that was mentioned about amending the motion. I would be more favorable to entertaining to amend on to the extent that we would initially require internal posting. If we add an amendment to the motion, it would do that, but then as Mary states in my own argument, I guess, and then we lose that timeframe for external advertising.”
Mr. Joseph Apicella said, “If we waive the policy, and outside candidates did apply, would you be able to look at them?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Yes.”
Mr. Apicella said, “Because people know. They find out whether you post it and the CT Reap.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “The purpose then asking that it be waived is that you could only post inside, and you would not consider outside candidates if you waive the policy. If you leave the policy as is, we post it tomorrow statewide going to all the job sites that we go on, and proceed with the process because the Board policy states this. So, an outside candidate could apply if you waive this policy to allow just an inside posting.”
Mr. Apicella said, “So, if we waive it, you would not accept outside candidates?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “No, the purpose of waiving it is to just to go in district for candidates.”
Mr. Apicella answered, “Okay.”
Mr. Mazzamaro asked, “Any further discussion? All in favor of waiving say Aye”
Motion does not pass. Tie vote.
(4 in favor – Janice Pond, Todd Griffin, Mary Dzioba, Joseph Apicella
(4 Opposed – Mary Colangelo, Thomas Lambert, Kevin Killeen, Rich Mazzamaro
(0 abstained)
Mr. Mazzamaro said that the next item is the appointment of an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning.
4. Discussion and possible action on the appointment of an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning
Due to the recent retirement of Ms. Amelia Grover, Director of Budget and Financial Planning, it is necessary to appoint an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning to fulfill the business transactions that need to be attended to on a daily basis.
#1 - Ms. Carol Parmelee-Blancato said, “I would like to provide some information prior to discussion. On June 11, excuse me, on July 8, was Amelia Grover’s last day as the Director of Budget and Financial Planning, and she is presently working on the ED001 to finish out the 2007-2008 budget. We are in need of someone to serve as the Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning. I have spoken to Karen Baldwin, Superintendent Elect, who supports having an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning for a short period of time. Karen will be reviewing with the Board, reviewing the District’s organization chart. You have received a copy due to the number of vacancies, the Director of Budget and Financial Planning and the Director of Special Education, and the upcoming vacancy of the Assistant Superintendent, and will discuss with the Board at length her thoughts on how to fill these positions. But at this time, we do need to have a Director of Budget and Financial Planning in place. Let me just outline some of the responsibilities or duties of that person:
1.) Assist the Administration in the monitoring of the 2008-2009 budget process;
2.) Develop the budget / calendar timeline for the 2009-2020 operating budget that does occur in August;
3.) Prepare statements of expenditures for grants which is the 141 grant;
4.) Assist in the day to day oversight of accounting, accounts payable and the payroll system so that is the processing of purchase orders as well as payroll assistance;
5.) Assist with special tuition programs. We have 2 programs here that are special tuition. It is the half day program where students attend full day kindergarten and one half day regular kindergarten and then the others are tuition cost;
6.) And also, the Interim Director would have to assist in talking with Amelia, may have to assist with the ED001 which is due September 1.
The computer system is not up and operation by the State until the first of August.
Subject: To approve of the appointment of an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning
Motion Presented by: Mr. Thomas Lambert
Motion Seconded by: Ms. Janice Pond
Text of Motion: To approve of the appointment of an Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning
Motion passed unanimously
(8 in favor – 0 Opposed – 0 abstained)
#2
Possible motion: It is recommended that the Board of Education vote to approve of the appointment of Ms. Shirley Oliver to the position of Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning, effective July 15, 2008, at a salary of $64,063.00 prorated, until a replacement is appointed.
Subject: Consideration of the Approval of the appointment of Ms. Shirley Oliver to the position of Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning, effective July 15, 2008, at a salary of $64,063.00 prorated, until a replacement is appointed.
Motion Presented by: Ms. Mary Dzioba
Motion Seconded by: Ms. Janice Pond
Text of Motion: It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the appointment of Ms. Shirley Oliver to the position of Interim Director of Budget and Financial Planning, effective July 15, 2008, at a salary of $64,063.00 prorated, until a replacement is appointed.
Discussion:
Ms. Mary Colangelo said, “Yes, I have several discussions. I can see what the recommendation is here, and what is on our agenda. This person moving from union to management. What happens with her benefits? Does she still get secretarial benefits or does she get….?”
Ms. Amelia Grover answered, “She would maintain her union status because it is simply an interim move. She would, according to the union, have to be paid my wages.”
Ms. Colangelo asked, “By her union?”
Ms. Grover said, “By her union if she is endowed into a non-union position, she would have to be paid the wages of that non-union position.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “She is not assuming your full position. She is only assuming a portion of your position. She is not assuming the supervision.”
Ms. Grover said, “She would have to because there would be no one there to supervise.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “But the person would report to the Superintendent. It is an interim position and the contract, the secretarial contract, says that if they hold a higher position, they have to be paid the salary of that position.”
Ms. Colangelo asked, “Would she be doing the pension plans and the medical plans?”
Ms. Grover said, “Yes, she will have to do it.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “She is going to be supervising her peers and then if the reorganization takes place, then she will go back to her position.”
Ms. Grover said, “Yeah. Right now, we…..”
Ms. Colangelo said, “That puts her in an awful tangled position.”
Ms. Grover said, “I made the original recommendation.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I have no trouble with the person, believe me.”
Ms. Grover said, “I made the original recommendation. I just think that the fiscal offices should not be unsupervised. There has to be somebody there to take responsibility for whatever comes up.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “Well, the Superintendent is there.”
Ms. Grover said, “Okay.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I am just concerned about the person supervising her peers and then having to go back to work with them with issues, and then being paid the salary and not taking on the full responsibility. She is not taking on the full responsibility.”
Mr. Killeen said, “You did say that it was a very brief period of time, correct?”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Yes, I did say that it was for a very brief period of time. Right now, we don’t have anyone. I did talk to everyone in the business office when Amelia’s last day was on July 8. I went down and I said that if there were any questions, they were to contact me. I have been reviewing the purchase orders and initialing them, and so if there is any question that comes up. Just to give you an example, we did receive a call this afternoon from a present employee that is thinking about retiring. The question came up as what would my retirement benefits be, the number of sick days, vacation days? What would my pension be? Obviously, that is the type of question that needs to be answered. You have to contact and find out about your pension plan. There are questions that come up that need to be answered in addition to overseeing. The new Superintendent is coming on board August 1, and would certainly meet with the Board fairly quickly to look at the organizational opening of the Assistant Superintendent on leaving on the twenty fifth of July. So that all of the positions would be looked at. If you try to look at something else, a stipend position which did not work out. You really need to have someone serving as the Interim and assuming the responsibilities of the position for a short period of time. If not all of it would be directed toward me if you do not want to put an interim in.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “I think that you need someone in that position. I agree with that. According to Shirley’s job description and her resume, she is well qualified.”
Ms. Parmelee-Blancato said, “Well, what I had outlined for you and, I want to emphasize then, I was really looking at July and August. What I indicated to you was to assist in monitoring the budget for 2008-2009, developing a budget calendar for and timeline for next year. We do begin next year’s process as early as August preparing the grant. This day to day oversight of purchasing. The purchase orders have to be reviewed prior to going out for any type of question or discrepancy, payroll, special tuition. That has to be looked at this time of the year and again, assisting with the ED001. That is really what the issues are and in answering any questions of the staff there for the rest of July and some of August. I try to clarify exactly what the interim would do for that period of time until the new superintendent comes on board to discuss this with you, and the organizational chart. So, those are the big chunks for the next six weeks. Again, Mary is obviously looking at the job description and like you say, the interim would have to serve in that capacity. I would expect that if there is an issue with personnel, that the Interim would come to the Superintendent and the Superintendent would deal with that issue over a short period of time, as short as July and August.”
Mr. Griffin asked, “Isn’t this a personnel matter? Shouldn’t this be an Executive Session?”
Ms. Colangelo said, “It is not on our agenda. We can’t. It should have come to Policy and Labor Committee, and we should have had an Executive session.”
Mr. Griffin said, “I could see that this really should have been a personnel issue.”
Ms. Colangelo said, “But it is not listed. This is a special meeting, and you cannot add to it.”
Mr. Killeen said, “To the extent that it is not address of the person’s performance or evaluation, we can make a motion in open session, but we would refrain from discussions otherwise.”
Ms. Pond said, “I think that it is a short term. I think that if this person didn’t think that she could handle this position, she would not accept doing it. We took Ms. Rommel, and we had her as an Administrator, and she knew that when Heminway closes, she would be going back to an assistant principal, and she knew that from the beginning, and she handled that really well. I think if Amelia recommended her, she certainly can do it. It is a short period of time.”
Mr. Killeen said, “Move the question.”
Motion passed unanimously
(8 in favor – 0 Opposed – 0 abstained)
5. Adjourn meeting
SUBJECT: Adjournment
Motion Presented by: Mr. Thomas Lambert
Motion Seconded by: Ms. Mary Colangelo
Text of Motion: Motion to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:00 p.m.
Motion passed unanimously
(8 in favor – 0 Opposed – 0 abstained)
Board of Education meeting adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
Submitted by:
Mary Colangelo
Board Secretary
Barbara Marciano
Recording Clerk
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