MINUTES
WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
Watertown High School
Technology Center
Monday, May 11, 2009
6:30 PM
Members Present: Gina Calabrese, Chair
Joseph Apicella
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Thomas Lambert
Janice Pond
Richard Mazzamaro, Vice Chair
Kevin Killeen
Others Present: Karen Baldwin, Superintendent of Schools
Thad Hasbrouck, Director of Curriculum
Gary Miller, Interim Director of District Operations
Fran Palmer, Swift Teacher
Marylu Lerz, Principal Swift Middle School
Matthew Geary, Principal W.H.S.
Mary Jane Miller, Teacher W.H.S.
Diane Andrew, R.N., Judson Elementary School
Carol Crean, R.N., Polk Elementary School
Lynn Kelly, R.N., John Trumbull Primary School
Mary Sklanka, L.P.N., John Trumbull Primary School
Ann Terzigni, R.N., Swift Middle School
Lisa Rommel, Principal, Judson Elementary School
Other interested guests
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 6:30 PM
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Calabrese led the Pledge of Allegiance
Ms. Calabrese: It appears that Public Participation was inadvertently left off the agenda, so to begin the meeting, I need a motion to place Public Participation on our agenda.
MOTION made by Mr. Lambert, sec. by Ms. Colangelo
TEXT OF MOTION: To place Public Participation on the agenda.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
Ms. Calabrese: We will now hold public participation.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION:
Ms. Miller: Mary Jane Miller, 99 Cannon Ridge Drive, Watertown, also World Language teacher at the high school. I just wanted to come and get back to you in regards to the trip that we just took in April to France. It was indeed an incredible trip. The children were absolutely wonderful, wonderful representatives of our country and our school. It was absolutely wonderful. I had two coming tonight, they just wanted to say a little something, one is now over at the HALO awards and the other one is not quite here, I don’t know if he’s in sports or whatever. I just wanted to express my thanks to Mr. Geary and all of you because I tell people ACIS changes lives and by your encouragement and support of this program, you’ve changed lives, so thank you so much.
C. Recognition
Governor M. Jodi Rell has proclaimed May 6, 2009, as School Nurse Day in honor of Connecticut school nurses’ outstanding contributions to our schools. Tonight, we would like to recognize the school health staff in the Watertown Public Schools for their dedication and efforts to improving the health and welfare of Connecticut’s students.
Diane Andrew, R.N. – Judson Elementary School
Linda Burmeister, R.N. – Watertown High School
Carol Crean, R.N. – Polk Elementary School
Lynn Kelly, R.N. – John Trumbull Primary School
Sue Mucciacciaro, R.N. – St. Mary Magdalen School
Mary Sklanka, L.P.N. – John Trumbull Primary School
Ann Terzigni, R.N. – Swift Middle School
Ms. Baldwin: I’m very pleased tonight to be able to share with the community and with the board, that last Wednesday, May 6th, the Governor of the State of Connecticut proclaimed it “School Nurses Day”, and I think it’s important across the school system to recognize the direct connection that nurses have on our student learning and classroom practice in keeping our entire community safe and healthy and well. The work of a school nurse professional is very challenging and has changed a lot since you and I were in school; medically fragile children, the allergies, the modifications, the accommodations that are to be met. It’s a demanding job. I’m just thrilled to be able to recognize them publically tonight and so many of them were able to join us. I would like to first ask those nurses that are here, to come up to the podium to join me and then I will read the governor’s proclamation.
· Diane Andrew, Judson
· Carol Crean, Polk
· Lynn Kelly, John Trumbull
· Mary Sklanka, John Trumbull
· Ann Terzigni, Swift
Thank you all very much for your dedicated and fine service to the children of Watertown and Oakville. You do make a difference in the lives of our children and our families and so I thank you and I will take a moment to read the governor’s proclamation.
“By Her Excellency, M. Jodi Rell, Governor an Official Statement:
Whereas, through their skills and expertise, our nation’s school nurses help to foster a healthy and nurturing community in which our children can learn and grow; and
Whereas, most often, school nurses are the first and sometimes the only, line of defense against illnesses and conditions our students face, making their contribution to the education and welfare of the student population invaluable; and
Whereas, the nature of their profession calls on their ability to take on roles beyond that of health provider – acting as teacher, confident, mentor and friend to the students of Connecticut; and
Whereas, today’s society presents students with an overwhelming number of physical, social and mental ills, school nurses have become an essential component of effective health programs both in and out of the classroom; and
Whereas, the overwhelming dedication school nurses show to their profession and the children they care for stands as a testament to their commitment to the success and wellness of Connecticut’s future generations; now
Therefore, I, M. Jodi Rell, Governor of the State of Connecticut, in honor of the Connecticut school nurses’ outstanding contributions to our schools, do hereby officially proclaim May 6, 2009 as School Nurse Day in the State of Connecticut. I urge all residents to support and commemorate the contributions of our state school nurses and dedicate our own efforts to improving our the health and welfare of Connecticut’s students.”
Again, I thank each and every one of you for the fine work that you do. On behalf of the Board Chair, Mrs. Calabrese and the entire Board of Education, I have certificates for each one of you in recognition of your work.
The certificates were handed out to the five nurses that were present.
D. Report from Student Council Representative – Richard Mastroianni
Mr. Mastroianni is not here this evening.
E. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee
Ms. Colangelo: No report.
2. Athletics Committee
Joseph Apicella: No report
3. Budget Committee
Mr. Lambert: The only thing I can bring up is the ongoing budget situation right now. Everybody is trying to work out numbers and different changes going on. I would like to see as people go to the Town Council meeting tonight at 7:30 p.m. at the Swift Library. If anybody can make it, it will be a good learning tool.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Mr. Killeen: No report
5. Facilities Committee
Mr. Mazzamaro: No report
6. Policy and Labor Committee
Ms. Colangelo: Policy and Labor has been very busy the last couple of months and from our meeting of April 13th, we bring to the full Board of Education this evening the following policies for second reading and action to adopt:
· The Bullying Policy
· The Tax Sheltered Annuity Policy
· The Purchasing Policy
From our meeting of May 4th, we bring to the full Board for action this evening the Change in job classification for the Payroll Officer and the Order Processing Budget Assistant. New job descriptions will be presented at a future board meeting.
Also requiring Board action this evening is the waiving of the personnel policy for the appointments of Business Manager and the Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Special Services. Since it has been necessary to waive this policy the past couple of years, the Policy Committee will be reviewing it to consider making some changes.
Also, the committee brings to the full Board, the following policies for first reading:
· Student Records Confidentiality Policy- This policy was updated due to the changes in the law at the federal level.
· Student Acceptable Use Policy – This policy which is related to computer and internet use by students was updated due to the new legislation and also due to requirements with the e-rate regulations.
We will be meeting on a monthly basis if possible to review all the policies.
7. Cablevision – No report
8. PBC Representative
Mr. Mazzamaro: No report
9. Education Connection Representative
Ms. Pond: There was a meeting held at the Education Connection last Thursday, and I was made an officer representing the Northern region. I was busy scoring Scholarship essays. You have a good representative there.
F. Communications - Secretary
None
G. Minutes
1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – April 27, 2009
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting of April 27, 2009
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: Ms. Calabrese
VOTE: Motion passed (6-0-1)
2. Special Board of Education Meeting – April 13, 2009
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of April 13, 2009
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: Mr. Killeen, Ms. Pond
VOTE: Motion passed (5-0-2)
3. Joint Meeting BOE / PBC – April 13, 2009
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To approve the minutes of the Joint Meeting BOE/PBC of April 13, 2009
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: Mr. Killeen, Ms. Pond
VOTE: Motion passed (5-0-2)
H. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
1. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Thad Hasbrouck from the position of Director of Curriculum & Professional Services, effective July 1, 2009, for the purpose of retirement.
b. Ms. Mary Patricia Hoey from the position of Paraprofessional at Polk School effective April 14, 2009, for personal reasons.
Ms. Baldwin: I would point out just so Board Members are aware, item
number 1, Mr. Hasbrouck has announced his retirement from the Board
of Education and I think we had in your packet on Friday, a retirement
party announcement. Just to remind you that it is June 3rd and I think the
deadline to get information in is this week. I want to thank Mr.
Hasbrouck for his years of dedicated service to the Watertown Public
Schools and to the children and families, and I looking forward to June 3rd
where we can come together collectively to recognize his fine work.
2. Three School Project Update
Administration will present an update on the three-school project.
Ms. Baldwin: There is quite a bit of extensive site work still going on here around the Mills Complex and also in the back here. Because of our concerns for the safety of the public, we are moving the June Board of Education meetings to Swift. June 8 and June 22 will be at Swift, and we will also be at Swift during the summer schedule and that’s just because of the site work.
The work continues here at the high school at the boys’ and girls’ locker areas and in the gymnasium. Areas A and B, the exterior walls in the front of the building and the associated roofing are nearly complete. The exterior veneers and glazing are a little more than 60% complete and auditorium sheetrock is now installed where we have the mechanicals in place.
Judson, Areas B and C are progressing nicely. Area C has received 2 coats of paints. The ceiling grids are installed, the lights are up and we should be getting power to those lights this week. The floors will be installed in Area C by the end of this week as well. Area B is moving forward with our painting schedule, so Area B will soon be catching up to area C. Area A, the addition, remains a concern. The steel connector area and the roofing area are not yet complete. That is a challenge for us. It’s leading to delays with the roughens and with the finished schedule in that area. The lack of a roof has allowed a severe amount of water to enter in the area that is scheduled for finishes. We are going to have a lot of moisture mitigation work that needs to be accomplished before we can move forward with finishes there. O & G is working aggressively with the steel contractor. We’ve put other contractors on the job. We are now expecting to incur overtime expenses related to this to accomplish the work. I do have a meeting with Mike Brennan of O & G this Wednesday. I’ll be walking the site with him as well. I do believe the Public Building Committee has a walk through on Saturday as well. As pleased as we are with the pace and the progress in Areas B and C, Area A is of significant concern at this point. We are working closely with PBC, Bob Porter, the chairperson and with O & G so that the August 14 date remains true.
Also, just for transition purposes, we do have on May 22nd a field trip planned for the Judson staff. May 22nd is an early release day for students. Transition is important as we move from Heminway to Judson. That’s the project update.
3. Student Records Confidentiality Policy – First Reading (Information Only – No Action Required)
At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Student Records Confidentiality Policy and presents the policy to the Board tonight for the first reading. (See Attachment A.)
Ms. Baldwin: This policy has come to you for a first reading. It is due to an updated FERPA regulation coming out of federal legislation.
4. Student Acceptable Use Policy – First Reading (Information Only – No Action Required)
At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Student Acceptable Use Policy and presents the policy to the Board tonight for the first reading. (See Attachment B.)
Ms. Baldwin: This policy deals with such topics that didn’t exist before such as cyber bullying and acceptable use of the internet that we need to revisit.
I. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Calabrese: This evening my report is very brief. Tonight’s meeting was scheduled at 6:30 pm so that the Board of Education might attend the Town Council Meeting at 7:30 pm at Swift Middle School Library. The Town Council has indicated that this evening they will recommend what the Board of Education’s percentage increase will be for this coming school year’s budget. However, they have also assured us that they will not make their final decision until after the public hearing which is scheduled for Tuesday, May 19th at 7:00 pm in the Swift Auditorium. We urge everyone who cares about the quality of the educational system in Watertown to attend the Town Council meeting this evening as well as the Public Hearing on the 19th.
J. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
1. Consideration of the Approval of Bullying Policy – Second Reading
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Killeen
At its meeting on April 13, 2009, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Bullying Policy submitted by Shipman & Goodwin. The policy was presented to the Board for the first reading at its meeting on April 27, 2009. The policy is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval. (See Attachment C.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Bullying Policy effective with the 2009-2010 school year.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
2. Consideration of the Approval of the Tax Sheltered Annuities Policy – Second Reading
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Killeen
At its meeting on April 13, 2009, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Tax Sheltered Annuities policy. The policy was presented to the Board for the first reading at its meeting on April 27, 2009. The policy is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval. (See Attachment D.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Tax Sheltered Annuities Policy effective with the 2009-2010 school year.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
3. Consideration of the Approval of the Purchasing Policy – Second Reading
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Killeen
At its meeting on April 13, 2009, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Purchasing Policy and presented the policy to the Board for the first reading at its meeting on April 27, 2009. The policy is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval. (See Attachment E.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Purchasing Policy effective with the 2009-2010 school year.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
4. Consideration of the Approval of a Medical Leave of Absence
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Lambert
Ms. Kathleen Scully, Principal of John Trumbull Primary School, requests a Medical Leave of Absence commencing May 4, 2009, for approximately two to four weeks with use of accumulated sick time.
It is recommended that the Board approve of a Medical Leave of Absence, commencing May 4, 2009, for approximately two to four weeks with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
5. Consideration of the Approval of a Change in Job Classification
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Killeen
At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed changes in the following job classifications and presents the changes in job classifications to the full Board for approval tonight. (See Attachment F.)
Payroll Officer from Secretary II – Grade IV to Secretary III – Grade V
Order Processing/Budget Assistant from Secretary III – Grade V to Secretary II – Grade IV
It is recommended that the Board approve of the change in job classifications for Payroll Officer and Order Processing/Budget Assistant as presented.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
6. Consideration of the Approval to Hold Religious Education Classes for 2009-2010 at John Trumbull Primary School and Judson School
MOTION made by Mr. Lambert, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
Ms. Theresa N. Morgado, Director of Religious Education at St. John the Evangelist School, requests permission to use John Trumbull Primary School and Judson Elementary School for religious education classes for school year 2009-2010.
It is recommended that the Board approve of Ms. Morgado’s request for St. John the Evangelist School to use John Trumbull Primary School and Judson Elementary School for religious education classes for school year 2009-2010.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
7. Consideration of the Approval to Waive Policy Personnel – General, Sec. 5-2
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Killeen
At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed waiving the Policy Personnel – General, Sec. 5-2, for the appointments to the positions of Business Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Special Services and now recommends it to the full Board for approval. (See Attachment G.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of waiving Policy Personnel – General, Sec. 5-2, for the appointments to the positions of Business Manager and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Special Services.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
K. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
None
L. Executive Session
a. Collective Bargaining – Discussion on Ratification for Local 1049 of Council 4 Cafeteria Negotiations
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To enter into executive session with the Board Members and the Superintendent.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
The Board Members and the Superintendent went into Executive session at 6:55 PM.
The Board came out of Executive Session and returned to Regular Session at 7:05 p.m.
M. Regular Session
Discussion and possible action on ratification of contract between the Local 1049 of Council 4 Cafeteria and the Watertown Board of Education following a discussion in executive session.
MOTION made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To approve ratification of contract between the Local 1049 of Council 4 Cafeteria and the Watertown Board of Education.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
N. Adjournment
MOTION made by Ms. Pond, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
TEXT OF MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 7:05 PM.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY
Meeting adjourned at 7:05 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Board of Education
Patricia A. Barber, Minutes Secretary
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