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MINUTES
WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING
WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
TECHNOLOGY CENTER
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2008 - 7:30 PM
PRESENT: Joseph Apicella
Gina Calabrese, Chairman
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Kevin Killeen
Thomas Lambert
Janice Pond
ABSENT: Mary Dzioba
Todd Griffith
Richard Mazzamaro, Vice Chairman
OTHERS PRESENT: Karen Baldwin, Superintendent of Schools
Thad Hasbrouck, Director of Curriculum and Professional Services
Shirley Oliver, Interim Director of Budget & Financial Planning
Richard Mastroianni, Student Council Representative
Sandra and Whitey Greenwood
A. Call Meeting To Order
Ms. Calabrese, Chairman, called the Regular Meeting to order at 7:30 p.m.
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Calabrese, Chairman, led the Pledge of Allegiance.
C. Report from Student Council Representative – Richard Mastroianni
I’m Rick Mastroianni. I just wanted to say it’s early in the year so there’s no major
issues. Things are running smoothly. I’ve been talking to students, teachers, parents to
see what’s on their minds. So far, the only thing I’ve got is parking outside but that was
inevitable. I’m sure in the next few weeks that will be sorted out by our administrators. I
also want to talk about what Student Council plans to do. We want to be the voice of the
student body and over the last few years, that really hasn’t happened so we created new
laws and by-laws and we’re trying to get students more involved in more activities.
Tomorrow is spirit day where we have to wear orange, white and black, and we also
have a meeting of the whole school in the gymnasium. In turn, I would just like to
continue to talk to students and teachers and parents and report that back to you.
Thank you very much.
Ms. Calabrese: Thank you.
D. Public Participation
Ms. Calabrese: We have public participation, so if anyone would like to address the board, please step up to the podium.
Sandra Greenwood: My name is Sandra Greenwood, 156 Belden St., Watertown.
I just have one major question to ask. Why is this air conditioner on so low, it’s very cold in here? And I mean it’s cold in here and it’s running right now and it’s not warm outside. It’s going off and on every 5 minutes.
Kevin Killeen: To your comment, I have been here when it has been very cold. I don’t necessarily feel that way right now, but I’ve been in here when it’s been quite cold.
Sandra Greenwood: When Janice came in, she said it was cold.
Kevin Killeen: Yeah, I have been in here when it’s cold. It may be that we have to balance the system better for this room.
Sandra Greenwood: If you’ll notice, it will come on every 5 minutes. It just went on right now. So, I don’t know what that means.
Ms. Calabrese: Is there anyone else who would like to address the board?
Ms. Calabrese, Chairman closed public participation.
E. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Calabrese: The budget summary has been placed in board members packets for
information; are there any questions, concerns or comments about the budget
summary?
Discussion: None
F. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, Mary Colangelo
Ms. Colangelo: No report.
2. Athletics and Facilities Committee, Joseph Apicella
Mr. Apicella: No report.
3. Budget Committee, Thomas Lambert
Mr. Lambert: No report.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Kevin Killeen
Mr. Killeen: No report.
5. Facilities Committee – Richard Mazzamaro
Ms. Calabrese: Mr. Mazzamaro is not here this evening.
6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo
Ms. Colangelo: No report, but Policy and Labor is meeting to hear a grievance on Thursday.
7. Cablevision – Mary Dzioba
Ms. Calabrese: Mrs. Dzioba isn’t here this evening.
8. PBC Representative – Richard Mazzamaro
Ms. Calabrese: Mr. Mazzamaro is not here this evening.
9. Education Connection Representative – Janice Pond
Ms. Pond: There was a meeting last week, but I was out of state, but I will be getting the minutes.
10. Town Hall Joint Committee – Thomas Lambert
Mr. Lambert: No report.
G. Communications - Secretary
Ms. Colangelo: No communications.
H. Action on Minutes
1. Special Board of Education Meeting – August 21, 2008
MOTION: (Ms. Colangelo, sec. Mr. Lambert) to approve the Minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of August 21, 2008.
Discussion: None
In Favor: Mr. Apicella, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Killeen, Mr. Lambert
Opposed: None
Abstain: Ms. Pond
Motion Carried (5-0-1)
2. Regular Board of Education Meeting – August 25, 2008
MOTION: (Ms. Colangelo, sec. Mr. Lambert) to approve the Minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting –August 25, 2008.
Discussion: None
In Favor: Mr. Apicella, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Killeen, Mr. Lambert,
Opposed: None
Abstained: Ms. Pond
MOTION CARRIED (5-0-1)
I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
Ms. Baldwin: You can see there is no action required here, but there is quite a comprehensive listing for the board’s review of appointments to positions as well as transfers and resignations. I would like to draw your attention to appointment letter O which is the appointment of Andrew Lees as the Interim Director of Special Education in the district. He did begin his work today and we are very pleased to
welcome him to Watertown. If you have any questions about appointments, transfers or resignations, I would be happy to answer them at this time.
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Andrea Brown to the position of Corridor Paraprofessional at Watertown High School starting September 3, 2008, for 6.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $12.82.
b. Ms. Catherine Calabrese to the position of .5 FTE Kindergarten Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective for the 2008-2009 school year, being hired on Step 7, with 6 years of experience, Masters Degree, at a contractual salary of $25,993.50.
c. Mr. Rick Casini to the position of My Access! Site Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,500.00 per year funded through the My Access! Grant.
d. Ms. Albana Demiri to the position of Pre-School (Just Friends) Paraprofessional at John Trumbull Primary School starting August 29, 2008, for 28.5 hours paid per week, at an hourly rate of $12.23.
e. Ms. Lisa Dorso to the position of School Counselor at Swift Middle School, effective for the 2008-2009 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Sixth Year Degree, at a contractual annual salary of $43,520.00.
f. Ms. Maria Druan to the position of Systemwide Mathematics Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $3,020.00.
g. Ms. Marnie Ford to the position of Grade One Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective for the 2008-2009 school year, being hired on Step 5, Masters Degree, at a contractual salary of $47,346.00.
h. Ms. Johanna Fitzpatrick to the position of long-term substitute Special Education Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective August 26, 2008, being paid the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per day for the first ten
days, and on the eleventh day, placed on the first step of
the Watertown Education Association’s contract of $38,815.00.
i. Ms. Mary Beth Gallo to the position of Co-Detention Monitor at Swift Middle School for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,791.50.
j. Ms. Mary Beth Gallo to the position of Grade 7/8 Navy Team Leader at Swift Middle School for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,779.00.
k. Ms. Pamela J. Hodorski to the position of Library Media Specialist at Swift Middle School, effective for the 2008-2009 school year, being hired on Step 11, with 12 years of experience, Sixth Year Degree, at a contractual salary of $66,393.00.
l. Ms. Anna Jedd to the position of Systemwide Music Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,509.00.
m. Ms. Joan Lagno to the position of Speech and Hearing Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,509.00.
n. Ms. Gina Lavallee to the position of long-term substitute Remedial Writing Teacher at Polk School and Judson School, effective August 26, 2008, through December 23, 2008, being paid the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per day for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day, placed on the first step of the Watertown Education Association’s contract of $38,815.00.
o. Mr. Andrew B. Lees, approved by the Board of Education at its meeting on August 25, 2008, to the position of Director of Special Services, effective September 8, 2008, at the per diem rate of $500.00.
p. Ms. Elizabeth Mark to the position of Science Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $3,020.00.
q. Ms. Shannon McDonnell to the position of Remedial Reading Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective for the 2008-2009 school year, being hired on Step 13, with 14 years of experience, Sixth Year Degree, at a contractual salary of $74,461.00.
r. Ms. Shannon McDonnell to the position of Systemwide
Reading/Language Arts Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school
year at a contractual stipend of $3,020.00.
s. Ms. Rose Marie Mikasauskas to the position of Spanish Teacher at Watertown High School, effective August 27, 2008, for the 2008-2009 school year, at an annual salary of $74,799.00 prorated.
t. Ms. Wendy Nield to the position of long-term substitute Special Education Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective August 26, 2008, through October 10, 2008, being paid the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per day for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day, placed on the first step of the Watertown Education Association’s contract of $38,815.00.
u. Ms. Marianne Pannoni to the position of Pre-School/Resource Program Paraprofessional (Category #2 – Special Ed Program) at John Trumbull Primary School starting August 29, 2008, for 21.5 hours paid per week, at an hourly rate of $12.23.
v. Ms. Susan Petrok to the position of Resource Program Paraprofessional (Category #2 – Special Ed Program) at Polk School starting August 29, 2008, for 5.5 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $12.23.
w. Ms. Sarah Powell to the position of long-term substitute Music Teacher at Watertown High School and Swift Middle School, effective August 26, 2008, through January 23, 2009, being paid the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per day for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day placed on the first step of the Watertown Education Association’s contract of $38,815.00.
x. Mr. Stephen Sorriero to the position of Systemwide Physical Education Coordinator K-12 for the 2008-2009 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,509.00.
y. Mr. Bohdan Wasiutynski to the position of Cafeteria Paraprofessional at Swift Middle School starting August 29, 2008, for 10.0 hours paid per week, at an hourly rate of $15.38.
2. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Mary Jean Mangione from Development Reading
Teacher at Swift Middle School to Assistant Principal at Swift Middle
School, effective August 25, 2008, being placed onStep2 of the
Watertown Administrators’ Association’s contract at an annual salary
of $85,254.00 prorated.
3. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Patricia Boudreau from the position of Paraprofessional at Polk School, effective August 25, 2008, for personal reasons.
b.. Ms. Stephanie Colella from the position of .5 Kindergarten Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, effective August 18, 2008, to accept another position.
c. Ms. Stephanie Thompson from the position of Spanish Teacher at Watertown High School, effective September 22, 2008, to accept another position.
d. Ms. Cheryl Woodruff from the position of school nurse at Polk School, effective September 12, 2008, to accept another position.
4. Three School Project Update
Ms. Baldwin: At this time, I can present the Board with an update on the three schools renovation project. The Judson Elementary School project has been proceeding well. The asbestos abatement in the addition area has been completed. The abatement in the existing front office, associated offices and corridor will commence shortly. The site security fencing is in place and the construction activity level will be increasing substantially this week at Judson. The Watertown High School project had its official kick off meeting today with the trade contractors, construction management team and the architect staff. The demolition and abatement in the front portion of the building is essentially complete and so contractor work in those areas will begin this week. The temporary traffic loop at Watertown High School here has improved over the first week of school. Some issues remain to be resolved, particularly in traffic exiting into the Pleasant View/Tower Rd. neighborhood and also controlling runoff from the worksite down Tower Rd.. These issues have all been addressed. Our aim is keep the abutting neighbors as happy as possible during the construction really and to model the concept of being good neighbors. The project manager for O & G is working on the water flow and drainage issues on Tower Rd. which is affecting residents. Public works is also involved and is prepared to clean up catch basins if that will remedy the problem, so we are monitoring this and working to resolve the problem with the appropriate (inaudible) whether it be the board through construction or whether the town can solve the problem.
5. Opening of School Report
Ms. Baldwin: We had a very positive start to the 2008-2009 school year. Our ability to open well is the result of a focused and committed community. I want to thank Ray Ceniccola and his staff for preparing our buildings and making them warm and inviting for our students and staff. Also, the school administrators who very simply know how to get the work done. They worked tirelessly all summer to make sure that we were appropriately staffed and had schedules and systems in place to welcome the children, families and staff. I also need to acknowledge the work of the people in central office who are involved in all aspects of the system from payroll and budgeting to transportation and personnel. Their efforts and skills are the foundation to a strong opening. Overall, we opened well. We did have challenges at Watertown High School with the arrival and dismissal plan. But with the help of the Police and Fire Department, we adjusted for Wednesday and the plan has been working better. Mr. Geary, the high school principal has sent a letter out to parents informing them of the arrival and dismissal plan and soliciting their assistance in following the plan and avoiding Tower Road to drop students off or pick students up. Trying to be good neighbors to the people of Tower Road and Pleasant View is important to us. We did have transportation problems on the opening day with John Trumbull Primary School and Swift students and the opening day problems was largely compounded by our problems here at Watertown High School. We were about 25-30 minutes behind schedule at the high school which has a ripple effect across the district. There were still problems on Wednesday and Thursday with transportation at both John Trumbull and Swift, and we have worked very hard with the transportation company to resolve those. We believe that as of today they are ameliorated. The bus company has been quite responsive to our needs. The Judson Elementary School relocation to Heminway Park went smoothly and teachers and students are becoming more familiar with their surroundings and routines each day. I was able to visit all of the schools over the course of the first several days and have been impressed with the level of student engagement, the commitment of teachers and staff and certainly the focus of hard work and rigor in all of our school. Overall, I am quite thrilled to say that we have that behind us and that we can now engage in the important work of teaching and learning. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them.
Kevin Killeen: Superintendent, just a comment. In attending a hockey practice this weekend, I encountered several parents who had commented on the transition of the district during a tough summer. I couldn’t agree with you more that what this district accomplished was nothing short of extraordinary, and it took everyone’s personal involvement and commitment and that’s the part that most people don’t get to see. It’s really unfortunate because it really is a consistent effort of professionalism on everybody’s part, and I for one gave it some thought this weekend and commented to those neighbors in that respect. To them, we, just as a board maybe want to convey that appreciation.
Ms. Baldwin: I agree, and it is extraordinary when we think about what was accomplished in less than four weeks of time and was little notice and scarce resources from July until August 5. Quite a bit of hiring was done, strategic
planning was in place and again speaks to the fine professionals that we have here in Watertown.
6. Enrollment Report
Ms. Baldwin: My last report is just an enrollment report to the board stating to you
number of children that have come into our schools to start the 08-09 school year.
This was at your place when you came in this evening. As you can see at
Watertown High School, 949 children in grades 9-12 came to school on September
2nd. When you look below at Swift, 863 students. The one thing I would draw the
board’s attention to, is the size of the senior class, the 12th grade that’s graduating
with 217 students and the size of the 8th grade that in essence that we will be rolling
up to the high school with 324. Over 100 more students coming into Watertown
High School next year in 2009-2010, so we have a well-timed renovation project
under way and can certainly accommodate these numbers but it is interesting to look
at the difference between grades 9-12 with the highest enrollment at grade 9 with
265 children and then you look at Swift Middle School, grade 6, 267 children, grade 7, 272 children and grade 8, 324. So our middle school is quickly approaching the size
of Watertown High School. The middle school enrollment is 863 and the high
school 949. You can some very robust and strong class sizes at Judson Elementary
School. A total enrollment of 367 children but by section you can see that for the
most part we have class sizes of 21 or 22 which I tell the board is a good class size for
intermediate grades 3,4,and 5 and that we need to continue to monitor our grade 5
enrollment with four sections of 25 children. Polk Elementary School very similarly
situated. Total enrollment of 371 children. Again, I would categorize the class sizes
as robust and strong and healthy and ready to service the diverse needs of all of our
children. Again you can see average class size appears to be about 21 or 22 children
in a grade and so that’s excellent. John Trumbull total enrollment of 759 children.
Again you can see with our pre-K we are balancing our special needs population with
our typical peers population, and class size varying between 11 children and 15
children by section. Our kindergarten enrollment is strong and well balanced and the
full day program servicing 21 children. Grade 1 and grade 2, ten sections each of
grade 1 and grade 2 and class size by section is anywhere between 21 children and
23 children. Pretty comprehensive report to look at how we opened school on
September 2nd and gives the board a sense of the community in which we serve and
if you have any questions, I’d be happy to answer them.
Ms. Colangelo: What’s the rate of attrition from 8th grade to parochial schools?
Mr. Hasbrouck: We typically lost around 20 or 30. The number looks higher this year.
Ms. Calabrese: We can get more accurate information.
Ms. Colangelo: I was just curious.
Ms. Pond: A lot to Kaynor, too.
Mr. Hasbrouck: It’s a pretty diverse school distribution. Kaynor, parochial schools,
Nonnewaug Vocation Ag program and a variety of independent schools.
Ms. Baldwin: We can get a sense of that information
Ms. Pond: That class was always high.
J. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Calabrese: Forgive me if it’s a little repetitive, but I was thinking along the same line as Ms. Baldwin. We have had a great deal on our plate this year with staff changes and construction projects yet, we are off to a good start. I want to commend Superintendent Karen Baldwin particularly to her attention to the transportation challenges at Watertown High School as well as her continued collaboration with Watertown Police Department and the Town Manager’s office in an effort to build understanding around our need to be good neighbors to the people of Tower Road. and Pleasant View Ave. I would also like to thank the bus company, First Student, for it’s responsiveness as well as our parents and families for their understanding and patience. Most importantly, our students are safely settled in and they are engaged in learning. Thank you.
K. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
1. Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
a. The Della Pietra Pharmacy would like to donate 2 Sony DSCS Cybershot Digital Cameras and 2 Sony Memory Stick Pro Duos Cameras, Memory Sticks, and 1 package of rechargable batteries with a total value of $293.89 to the Art Department at Watertown High School.
MOTION: (Mr. Killeen, sec.Ms. Colangelo) I make a motion that a gift be accepted from the Della Pietra Pharmacy. They would like to donate 2 Sony DSCS Cybershot Digital Cameras and 2 Sony Memory Stick Pro Duos Cameras, memory sticks and 1 package of rechargeable batteries with a total value of $293.89 to the Art Department of Watertown High School.
Discussion: None
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
b. The Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund would like to donate a check for $180.00 to the Watertown Public Schools. These funds were generated from the donation containers at Rite Aid in Watertown. The check represents proceeds generated for the 3rd and 4th Quarter 2007.
MOTION: (Mr. Lambert, sec.Ms. Colangelo) I would like to consider approval of the Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund for a check for $180.00 for the Watertown Public Schools.
Discussion: Mr. Killeen: As stated in our agenda this evening, these funds were generated from the donation containers at Rite Aid in Watertown. The check represents proceeds generated for the 3rd and 4th quarter 2007.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Ms. Calabrese: It is recommended that letters of thanks to be sent to these generous donors.
L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
None
M. Public Participation
None
Ms. Calabrese, Chairman, closed Public Participation.
N. Executive Session
Personnel Matter
MOTION: (Ms. Colangelo, sec. Mr. Lambert) to enter into Executive session with all of board members present and the Superintendent of Schools.
Present During executive Session:
Joseph Apicella
Kevin Killeen
Tom Lambert
Gina Calabrese
Mary Colangelo
Janice Pond
Karen Baldwin
Executive Session convened at 7:53 PM
N. Regular Session
The meeting returned to regular session at 8:26 p.m.
MOTION: Ms. Colangelo, sec. Mr. Lambert) To approve a general wage increase of 3.5% for nonaffiliated staff for the 2008-2009 school year.
Discussion: Ms. Baldwin: As the board is aware, we’ve been working hard at the central administration level to better understand the conditions of employment as they exist for our non-affiliated personnel and in so doing, help the board evaluate the decision before them this evening. I worked with Frank Nardelli, the Town Finance Director, to understand the terms and conditions for the town’s non-affiliated staff as it pertains not only to their wages but also to their health insurance, benefits, premium cost share. Additionally, through the Connecticut Association of School Business Officials, we went out on and used their list-serve to poll (inaudible) communities as well as communities here in the Waterbury area to see what sort general wage increases they have provided to their non-affiliated personnel and certified and non-certified positions. As I shared with the board during Executive session, across the communities that were polled, 3.5% general increase was quite normative and that there was also information available to us that tells us there is considerable work ahead in some our positions in terms of funding them more appropriately. All of this hard work over the past several weeks has helped the board evaluate and consider this information. We’ve also talked a lot about the internal structures and systems at play at the central administration level that can help the board during budget development process so that the board will be more readily available to make this decision perhaps in the spring in the future.
Mr. Killeen: It seems like over the past month or so, our concerns have been more about the internal systems that have been in play and simply not the performance of our professionals that in fact as we stated earlier in the meeting, we’ve felt that they have done a tremendous job and we wanted to make sure that we made that public comment after this meeting.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
O. Adjournment
MOTION: (Ms. Colangelo, sec. Mr. Killeen) to adjourn the regular meeting at 8:37 p.m.
MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Regular meeting adjourned at 8:37 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Board of Education
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Patricia A. Barber, Minutes Secretary
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