MINUTES
WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING
Watertown High School
Technology Center
Tuesday, May 26, 2009 – 7:30 PM
Members Present: Gina Calabrese, Chairman
Richard Mazzamaro, Vice-Chairman
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Thomas Lambert
Janice Pond
Joseph Apicella
Kevin Killeen
Jacob Irwin
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.
Richard Mastroianni, Student Council Representative
Virginia Russo, Acting Town Clerk
Andrew Lees, Consultant, Special Services
Karen Clancy, Business Manager (effective July 1st)
James Collin, Ed.D., Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Special Services (effective July 1st)
James Perucci, Town Times
Other interested guests
Absent: Todd Griffin
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Ms. Calabrese convened the meeting at 7:30 PM
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Calabrese led the Pledge of Allegiance
C. Report from Student Council Representative – Richard Mastroianni
Mr. Mastroianni: Good evening Madam Chair, Superintendent Baldwin, members of the Board of Education and all those present this evening. I looked at my calendar today and I was shocked. It finally hit me. It’s the end of May already. Even though all of us students and teachers alike have the last day of school on our minds, we haven’t slowed down at all. In fact, this time of year is extraordinarily busy both outside and inside the classroom. First, outside the class, the Senior Senior Prom is our main event that is continuously being planned and organized. Last Friday, the group of us from Student Council took a trip to the Falls Avenue Senior Center after school. We walked around, spoke to seniors and really got a feel for the building and put ideas out of what we can do to the cafeteria on June 5th. It’s going to be a Hollywood themed night including food, dance and even students who will be the paparazzi. The Honor Society, the Interact Club and Student Council have agreed to split the cost including, but not limited to a D.J., decorations and pasta which we will be cooking and serving. From what we’ve heard so far, the event seems to be a hit with members of the center and June 5th will be an exciting night for everyone involved.
In the classroom, there seems to be an ongoing theme of public speaking. In classes like Business Law, four students will take Roe vs. Wade in front of several local lawyers, a judge and politicians. This very room will be set up as a court. Each pair of students will make their case in front of the court justices. Soon after, they will be asked many questions from these justices and of course, the students will have to answer them with what they’ve learned about the case.
More public events include the sophomore class debates which range anywhere from the topic of compulsory health insurance to alternative energy. Four entire history classes debate against each other in groups of two. Mr. Marko, Ms. Bellemare and Ms. Loughlin judge. A day or so later, the winners are announced.
As for the senior class, the senior presentations are occurring until the end of the year. These are required for all level II English classes and essentially each student talks for at least 10 minutes on the topic of their choice. For example, I did mine on Fairfield Hills Insane Asylum. I love to talk, so my presentation was 45 minutes long. The purpose of all these activities is to immerse students in an environment where they not only learn from a teacher but each other as well. Being able to talk in front of other people is helpful for such things as job interviews, college interviews. Essentially public speaking is not only a skill that students will use the rest of their time in high school but in the real world as well. Thank you.
D. Action Item
MOTION: Made by Ms. Pond, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
SUBJECT Consideration of the Approval of Mr. Jacob Irwin to Fill Vacant Position
TEXT OF MOTION: It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of Mr. Jacob Irwin to fill the vacant position left from the resignation of Ms. Mary Dzioba.
Ms. Calabrese: The Acting Town Clerk, Ms. Virginia Russo, is present this evening for the swearing in of Mr. Irwin.
Ms. Russo: Do you solemnly swear that you will faithfully discharge according to law your duty as a member of the Board of Education to the best of your ability so help you God?
Mr. Irwin: I do.
Ms. Russo: Congratulations.
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously.
E. Public Participation
None
F. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee
Mary Colangelo: No report.
2. Athletics Committee
Joseph Apicella: No report.
3. Budget Committee
Thomas Lambert: I have a small item to report. I would like everyone to make sure they are voting in the budget referendum on June 16th. That’s June 16th.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee
Kevin Killeen: The Curriculum & Instruction Committee did meet this past week. We went over, reviewed and approved for a first glance this evening, some textbooks. They were really awesome. I’m going to let Mr. Hasbrouck present later. If there are any questions, they can be addressed at that time.
5. Facilities Committee
Richard Mazzamaro: No report.
6. Policy and Labor Committee
Mary Colangelo: The Policy and Labor Committee met on May 4th and we bring to the full board this evening, for second reading and action the following policies: Student Records Confidentiality Policy and Student Acceptable Use Policy.
7. Cablevision
There is no one for Cablevision at this time.
8. PBC Representative
Richard Mazzamaro: We had a walk through a week ago Saturday at Judson Elementary. A lot of progress is being made on classrooms, a lot of painting; a lot of finish work was done. There were two concerns; one being some water that came in, there was a decision made to bring in dehumidifiers to prevent water. I know Mark was concerned about that. There is an overall concern about the timeline. The Superintendent can speak to that in her report. Overall there is a lot of progress being made, site work is being made, trailers being moved, the bus loops in the front.
9. Education Connection Representative
Janice Pond: There has not been another meeting. We meet next Thursday.
G. Communications - Secretary
Ms. Colangelo: I have a thank you note. “ Dear Karen and the Board of Education members: Thank you very much for the beautiful plant dish garden. I am recovering well at home and hope to return to school to enjoy all the end of the year events. Thanks again, Kathy Scully, JTPS”
H. Minutes
MOTION: Made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Killeen
SUBJECT: Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 11, 2009
TEXT OF MOTION: To approve the minutes of the regular Board of Education meeting of May 11, 2009
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: Mr. Irwin
VOTE: Motion passed (7-0-1)
I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Baldwin: We worked very hard to fill in the vacancies in the business office in terms of the Budget Order Processing position and the Payroll Clerk. You can see that Ms. Barker has joined us as the Budget Order Processing Clerk last week. We also began planning for our Credit Retrieval Summer School and Mrs. Legge was appointed to that position.
a. Ms. Lorraine Barker to the position of Order Processing/Budget Assistant (Sec. II, Grade IV) at the Munson House, effective May 18, 2009, for 7.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $16.80.
b. Ms. June Legge to the position of Director of Summer School for the 2009 Summer School at Watertown High School at a salary of $3,500.00.
2. Use of School Facilities Policy – First Reading (Information Only – No Action Required)
At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Use of School Facilities policy and presents the policy to the Board tonight for the first reading. (See Attachment A.)
Ms. Baldwin: In your packet is the School Facilities Policy for a First Reading. As Board Members are aware, currently we don’t have a policy; we have a statement of fees for outside use of our facilities. In the policy that’s in your packets tonight, the policy articulates our interest and commitment in serving the community and our schools. Once this policy is approved, we will address our rates in accordance with the policy. We anticipate using block usage charges in increments of four-hour periods for such services as custodial services as well as AV and technology. The policy does define usage as well as at a charge and usage without a charge. Right now we are requesting that people that use the facility provide us with a 50% down payment up front and then within 72 hours of the event, that they provide the remaining balance. That is also written into this policy. Mr. Miller has done a lot of work on developing this. I don’t know if board members have questions regarding this policy as a first reading. As Ms. Colangelo mentioned, we did work on this May 4th.
Ms. Colangelo: We did work on this May 4th and the only thing that wasn’t settled was the charges.
Mr. Miller: The only comment I would make is the form and the existing fees are included. Those will actually become part of a regulation, but not part of the policy so that we can change the fees. As you read the policy, you’ll see there is a requirement to adjust the fees annually to insure that all board costs are recovered for use under charge. It hasn’t really been the case. The rates go way back and haven’t been updated in years. We’ll be reviewing those and making a simpler process so that when people say “book the auditorium” it’s a flat fee which includes any personnel, any use, the utility cost. We won’t get into “how come we got the head custodian, or why this, why that”. This is the fee for these many hours and that’s it. 50% up front and we have implemented it and we haven’t met with any opposition. We’ve started to have some of the dance recitals, which are large, from people that do make a profit on that. Therefore they pay and we may end up doing away with the form because we have the school dues system we use for tracking and IT and maintenance jobs, that we have purchased the beginning of this year. Their facility use model which ties two things together and they have a whole online process. People can go online, they can see what’s available and they can do a preliminary booking online. They’ll know what the fees are up front and it will provide a much more comprehensive view of the use of our facilities so when it comes to budget time, you’ll actually be able to go to the system and find out what it actually costs to have the facilities used outside regular school hours.
Ms. Colangelo: How is the determination made if they need to use the police or fire department?
Mr. Miller: We really don’t have much say in that. We get told when we need to have a fire marshal, when we need to have police there and that’s all billed separately. That’s something that when people using our facilities are having an event that requires police presence or have enough people that require a fire marshal, they need to contact them directly and make those arrangements and they’ll get billed. They’ll also get billed separately by Food Service Director if they have any requirement to use the kitchens or the cafeteria facilities for food prep or delivery. They’ll have to make that arrangement. We’ll facilitate that but there will be a separate billing process for that.
Ms. Colangelo: I just raise that question because it says here the Business Manager or the Superintendent will determine if that is needed.
Mr. Miller: We’ll do that following the guidelines that the Police and Fire Departments go by. Typically it’s 50 people or more, you need a fire marshal present or an inspector and we’ll be following through.
Ms. Calabrese: At that point the Business Manager would speak to the group that wished to use the facilities and suggest that they get it.
Mr. Miller: We can enter all that information into the facility use software so that when they do book it, it will say, here are things that you need.
3. Proposed New/Revised Textbooks for the 2009-2010 School Year, Including Additions and Deletions to the 2009 Suggested Summer Reading Books – First Reading (Information Only – No Action Required)
In accordance with Section 10-229 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a list of textbooks is presented this evening to provide a minimum notification of one week of our intent to adopt said books for instructional use. The books will be proposed for approval at the next Board meeting. This list has been reviewed by all program leaders, administrators, and Central Office personnel. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed and endorsed these books and materials at its last meeting. (Please see Attachment B.)
Ms. Baldwin: Item number 3 is the Proposed Textbooks for the 2009-2010 school year. As previously mentioned, the Curriculum and Instruction subcommittee did meet last Wednesday and reviewed these. One thing I would point out in Attachment B in your packet is that all of these textbooks should seem familiar to you because they were part of our 2009-2010 budget request. It is a very positive experience for me to be sitting here on May 26th and be able to move forward with the Board’s review of textbooks in our 2009-2010 operating budget. Mr. Hasbrouck has done a lot of work with the corresponding principals at each level to get this moving forward. I will turn it over to him for any discussion and explanation of textbooks.
Mr. Hasbrouck: In Attachment B in your packet is a list of the books, albeit a fairly short list certainly by comparison to other school years. Nonetheless, as Ms. Baldwin said, it is pleasing to have books on the list to bring forward at this time.
The Art Department has Discovering Drawing. As you may recall from Approval of the art curriculum about a year and a half ago, they have incorporated each year of study, particular notable artists for each genre being studied and to date we’ve been utilizing the web, also photo copies from a variety of materials to bring forward to students. Mrs. Bartholomeo, the chair of the department came across this book. Davis Publications is probably one of the best, if not the best art publications for school systems. This book will be utilized in a variety of courses and it involves critical thinking and some rather in-depth analysis that will really probe students to really think at deeper levels in their art courses.
The English Department last year purchased a new 9th grade anthology. This is continuing that process and the materials are over in that large box. It is a significant textbook. In addition to that, it meets the needs of a variety of level students. It has a readability index that really spans the spectrum. There is something for everybody in that book. As you can see with the box of materials, it has tremendous amounts of support materials for students and for staff. Each book has a CD that accompanies it. With the CD, it provides a whole host of materials for students to have access at home as well.
The Pre-Cal book replaces one, which has been in use at Watertown High School for at least 15 years. It is not the Pre-Cal that has necessarily changed, but the methodology has changed. This book reflects current best practices.
The Humanities course was in place at Watertown High School a number of years ago and has not been offered for at least 6 or 7 years, has been retooled. It is now yearlong course. It is aimed toward the Freshmen Honors Cohort as an alternative for them and as well bringing in students who are interested in this. These texts are incredibly delightful, challenging and inspiring. I had to pry it out of Mr. Killeen’s hands.
At the middle school, the 6th grade program recognized the need to expand the offerings of reading materials, are adding a couple of novels, one to the language arts and the other as well.
At Trumbull, as you’re well aware from the budget process, the level readers are incorporated here. Farther along in the attachment, you’ll see a list of summer reading spanning grades K-8. These are voluntary on the part of students and it certainly offers parents a wonderful guide to literature for their children. It involves not only fiction, but non-fiction material as well so it is really a broad spectrum.
This is the first reading so if anyone has any questions. The books are available at the table after the meeting.
Ms. Pond: Just to make a comment, being part of the C & I team, it was very exciting at that particular meeting to see all these enrichment activities being put in place -- things that we’ve tried to get for so long, for example an Art textbook. The Art Department is so excited about that and the Humanities book, you open the pages, and that's why Mr. Killeen didn’t want to let it down. It just was alive. You saw history, you saw music, it was a wonderful book. And the science teachers, it was wonderful to see books for students in the Pre-K of John Trumbull. They have the visuals in science rather than just the teachers looking for anything. I thought that that meeting was very exciting and you did a great job, as did the principals and I’m very excited that this is a first reading.
4. Three School Project Update
Administration will present an update on the three-school project.
Ms. Baldwin: As Mr. Mazzamaro mentioned, we had a walk through with O & G and the Public Building Committee on Saturday, May 16th. We also, this past Friday, May 22nd, presented an opportunity to the Judson faculty for them to walk through. That was a very positive experience, generated quite a bit of excitement around the project. It was timely that we did that, so teachers know that this is real and we do intend to move into Judson Elementary School August 14th.
Significant progress has taken place in area A, the addition. If you’ve driven by, you can see that the media center has glass up and they’re glazing that. Also last Wednesday, the building inspector approved of putting sheetrock in the addition area where the studs and metal framing is all up so the office areas and conference areas will start to take shape there. Area C is moving very quickly with the finishes. As of last Friday, I saw six classrooms in that area that actually had the ceiling panels in, were painted and had tile in. They’re working on the cabinetry and wall units. So that’s progressing nicely. Area B continues with finishes. It’s a little bit behind area C. We started with area C. O & G remains confident that we will be in on August 14th. I have a meeting tomorrow with Mike Brennan with of O & G and will be at the trailer and probably walk through again. They continue to be responsive to concerns from Mr. Porter, the PBC chair as well as any concerns that I raise relative to the time line. We will learn a lot in this next month in terms of the progress of area A. They seem confident and at this juncture, we remain confident.
Polk, the bids came in last week and it appears our decision to move to a general contractor model versus the CM model is fruitful and productive for us at this juncture. There will be a special PBC meeting tomorrow. The agenda did come out today at 7:00 at John Trumbull Primary School to review the low bidder qualifications. Mr. Miller and I will be at that meeting tomorrow night and I would encourage any board members who have any interest in learning that process and reviewing the qualifications of the contractors, to attend at 7:00 at John Trumbull.
At the high school, you can see our latest change, driving in this evening. Significant site work continues. It did start today, our new traffic flow plan and we had a little bit of back up this morning. We have been trying to educate the parents and First Student Bus Company to our plans. We’re optimistic that our plan will go better. Every time that we put forward a change, it seems that it takes a day or so for it to become a little more fluid. Tomorrow we turn the track over to O & G. That’s a big change for community members who like to access the track and do their fitness walking. The track will not be available to the public, starting tomorrow and through the entire summer up until September. We hope to have the facility turned back to us sometime in September. I would remind community members that they could take advantage of Veterans Park or even the bus loop at Swift is an OK place to walk and is comparable to the ¼ mile track.
Just a reminder that our June meetings will take place at Swift because there is quite a bit of activity that you can see here so the June Board of Ed meeting will be at Swift as will our summer meetings.
That is my project update.
J. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Calabrese: On behalf of the Board of Education, I would like to welcome Business Manager, Karen Clancy and Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Special Services, Dr. James Collin, who we appointed this evening. We would like to welcome them to Watertown Public Schools. Also again, welcome to our new board member, Mr. Jacob Irwin who joins us this evening. We all have our work cut out for us but it is good work, as a wise woman frequently reminds us. Thank you to all members of the community who set aside the time to attend the May 19th public hearing for the town and school budget. No matter what your stance may happen to be, it’s important to take an active role in local government. Special thanks go to those who spoke in favor of 2.7% increase in our school budget. We must never give up the fight to provide our students with the excellent education that they deserve. This year the majority of the Town Council listened and responded to the sentiments that were expressed by a majority of the public who spoke. The members of VOICE have already demonstrated that they are a powerful force in town. Those who support quality education must join them in their relentless campaign to rescue our schools from slipping into mediocrity or worse. Vote yes on June 16th.
K. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
1. Consideration of the Appointment to the Position of Business Manager
Ms. Baldwin: Before the board takes action on these two appointments, I just wanted to publically introduce the two final candidates for these two positions before their appointments. I am very pleased to present to the full Board of Education this evening, the finalist candidate for the position of Business Manager and the position of Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Special Services. As board members of aware, the process to fill these vacancies began one month ago and these two individuals immerged from a comprehensive interview process as outstanding educational professionals, ready to engage in the work of continuous improvement and serve the Watertown community. Mrs. Clancy has worked in the Wethersfield Public Schools for the past 16 years serving as the Business Manager since 2006. She has extensive knowledge of business operations and will be a tremendous asset to the organization. One of Mrs. Clancy’s references said to me, “she is superb with establishing positive relationships with all stakeholders. She has a strong ability to work with people across the organization and her range of relationship skills is impressive”. I welcome Karen Clancy to the Watertown Public Schools and I am excited for our work together serving the children and families of the community. So, welcome in advance of your appointment.
Dr. Jim Collin has been a building principal at the middle school level for six years, most recently since 2005 at Silas Dean Middle School in Wethersfield. Dr. Collin has successfully implemented a professional learning community model of practice, has closed the achievement gap of students with special needs and non-disabled peers, eliminated ability grouping in lower level courses at the middle school and has been a leader of leaders in the systemic instructional improvement initiative in Wethersfield. One of Dr. Collin’s references shared, “He is a quiet, steady leader. Relationships are the cornerstone of Jim’s leadership style. He is masterful at taking challenges or dilemmas and making them into positive change”. I welcome Dr. Collin to the Watertown Public Schools and I’m excited for our work together serving the community and improving outcomes and opportunities for all children.
MOTION: Made by Mr. Lambert, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Appointment to the Position of Business Manager
TEXT OF MOTION: It is recommended that the Board approve of the appointment of Karen Clancy to the position of Business Manager, effective July 1, 2009, at an annual salary of $104,000.00.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
2. Consideration of the Appointment to the Position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Special Services
MOTION: Made by Mr. Mazzamaro, sec. by Mr. Lambert
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Appointment to the Position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Special Services
TEXT OF MOTION: It is recommended that the Board approve of the appointment of James Collin, Ed.D. to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Special Services, effective July 1, 2009, at an annual salary of $130,500.00.
DISCUSSION: None
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
Ms. Clancy: I just wanted to say thank you. I am so excited. I wish it
were July 1st already. I look forward to working with each and every one
of you and it’s a great team and we’re going to have some really great
accomplishments. Thank you all very much.
Dr. Collin: That’s exactly what I was going to say. It is very exciting. I
think the board knows that Karen and I have previously worked together.
Her abilities, her leadership, her approach at her commitment to public
education has really drawn us to your community and we’re committed to
doing our absolute best for each and every child in the Watertown Public
Schools.
3. Consideration of the Approval of the Student Records Confidentiality Policy – Second Reading
MOTION: Made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Student Records Confidentiality Policy – Second Reading
TEXT OF MOTION: At its meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Student Records Confidentiality Policy and presented it to the Board for the first reading on May 11, 2009. The policy is presented this evening for the second reading and for full Board approval. (See Attachment C.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Student Records Confidentiality Policy, effective July 1 for the 2009-2010 school year.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
4. Consideration of the Approval of the Student Acceptable Use Policy – Second Reading
MOTION: Made by Ms. Colangelo, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Student Acceptable Use Policy – Second Reading
TEXT OF MOTION: At it’s meeting on May 4, 2009, the Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Student Acceptable Use Policy and presented it to the Board for the first reading on May 11, 2009. The policy is presented this evening for the second reading and for full Board approval. (See Attachment D.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Student Acceptable Use Policy, effective for the 2009-2010 school year.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
5. Consideration of the Approval of the Watertown School Lunch Program Under Section 10-215f of the CT General Statutes
MOTION: Made by Mr. Lambert, sec. by Ms. Colangelo
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Watertown School Lunch Program Under Section 10-215f of the CT General Statutes
TEXT OF MOTION: The Watertown Public School District and pursuant to section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, hereby certifies that all food items offered for sale to students in the school(s) under our jurisdiction, and not exempted from the Connecticut Nutrition Standards published by the Connecticut State Department of Education will meet said standards during the period of July 1, 2009, through June 30, 2010. Such certification shall include all food offered for sale to students separately from reimbursable meals at all times and from all sources, including but not limited to, school stores, vending machines, school cafeterias, and any fundraising activities on school premises, whether or not school sponsored.
Pursuant to section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Watertown Public School District acknowledges that the Board of Education or governing authority will exclude from certification food items that do not meet the Connecticut Nutrition Standards, provided that (1) such food is sold in connection with an event occurring after the end of the regular school day or on the weekend, (2) such sale is at the location of the event, and (3) such food is not sold from a vending machine or school store.
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Watertown School Lunch Program pursuant to section 10-215f of the Connecticut General Statutes.
DISCUSSION: Ms. Colangelo: Can we get an update on this? We do this every year.
Ms. Baldwin: This is all part of the Healthy Food Certification process because we participate in the National School Lunch Program. Right now, how this works is the board, based upon what our school lunch costs are for 2008-2009, we get 10-cent reimbursement for every meal. I do know that that is pending in legislation in terms of how much reimbursement we may get. It could actually be a reduced amount, 5 cents per meal. It’s the right thing for Boards of Education to be considering in terms of healthy active lifestyle for children and providing healthy meal choices. It’s in front of you for action because we’ve done it in the past and even with the reduced funding rate, we think it’s the way to meet the needs of our children.
Ms. Calabrese: Thank you very much. Are there any other questions or discussion?
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
6a. Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
MOTION: Made by Mr. Mazzamaro, sec. by Ms. Pond
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
TEXT OF MOTION: Mrs. Ruth Getsinger wishes to donate a one year gift subscription for the Smithsonian Magazine to the library at Watertown High School valued at $40.00.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
6b. Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
MOTION: Made by Mr. Mazzamaro, sec. by Ms. Pond
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
TEXT OF MOTION: Mrs. Mary Dzioba wishes to donate $100.00 to Swift Middle School to support students in need by enabling eighth grade students to attend the annual three-day educational tour of our nation’s capitol.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
6c. Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
MOTION: Made by Mr. Mazzamaro, sec. by Ms. Colangelo
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
TEXT OF MOTION: Ms. Pamela Ciccio, and Ms. Pamela Demirs, on behalf of the Swift PTSO members, wish to donate $1,100.00 to Swift Middle School to support students in need by enabling eight grade students to attend the annual three-day educational tour of our nation’s capitol.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
6d. Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
MOTION: Made by Mr. Mazzamaro, sec. by Ms. Colangelo
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of the Acceptance of Gifts
TEXT OF MOTION: Mr. Thomas Costello, CFO, on behalf of the Siemon Company, wishes to donate $100.00 to the music department at Watertown High School.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
Ms. Calabrese: It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.
7. Consideration of the Approval of Porter and Chester Program Opportunity
MOTION: Made by Mr. Killeen, sec. by Ms. Pond
SUBJECT: Consideration of the Approval of Porter and Chester Program Opportunity
TEXT OF MOTION: At the Curriculum and Instruction Committee meeting of May 20, 2009, the Curriculum and Instruction Committee members endorsed the Porter and Chester Program Opportunity. The Porter and Chester Institute is offering an elective off-site technology program that provides an option for high school students who are not planning to pursue a post-high school college program.
This program
= Provides students with introductory level job skills in a trade,
= Affords students the opportunity to learn authentic job-necessary skills,
= Allows students to learn detailed information in career education for specific trades,
= Provides students with an understanding of post-high school non-collegiate education,
= Allows students access to more extensive technology resources that can be offered at Watertown High School.
The program is offered at no cost to the district and to the student.
Transportation is the student’s responsibility.
Watertown High School seniors may participate in this program.
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of the Porter and Chester Institute proposal as presented, effective with the 2009-2010 school year. (Please see Attachment E.)
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
Ms. Calabrese: At this point in our agenda, we will entertain any future agenda items or Board Members’ comments.
Mr. Mazzamaro: In reference to the Superintendent’s Pipeline; there was an item about getting the vote out which I thought was a very interesting. There was a suggestion about a question and answer period with board members at various events. There were six of them listed in May and June, where board members are available. I plan to attend a few of them myself. I think it’s a great idea to have a table set up and answer questions. I’m sure there will be a lot of people coming in asking questions.
Ms. Baldwin: I’ve been in conversation with Sue from VOICE on a regular basis and this was a brainstorm that she and her organization came up with and I think it has quite a bit of merit and that’s why I provided you with some dates that are going on in the district over the next couple of weeks. I think what we would envision is we would update our budget booklet which was provided to you to reflect the 2.7% increase. We would use a front and back one-page handout and have a table with a sign that says “Watertown Board of Education” so that they can see us and we can encourage them to pay attention to the June 16th referendum date, and if there are any questions that people may have and try this strategy as a new and innovative way to once again connect with the community and engage them in awareness around the good work of the schools.
Mr. Lambert: That date for the budget referendum is June 16th.
Mr. Killeen: Just a comment on some of the work of the Curriculum and Instruction Committee; I would like to say what a wonderful job they’ve done throughout the year. The work before them has been significant, we’ve met that challenge very well as a committee. They’ve accomplished so much together and I wanted to mention that to the board that they’ve been doing that kind of work. One of the things that also came out during our past meeting was the idea that we should look at some sort of program to replace all of our textbooks on a cycle basis. This is something that has not been done in the past and going forward, some preliminary things to consider would be the number of students in the district times approximately 5 textbooks per student and a basic cost of $115.00. If we did that as a whole, we’re looking at almost $2,000,000 over time to create that kind of change. I know during lean budget years, that’s probably not a real popular topic, but it’s something that our committee looked at and continues to look at and I think it’s worthy to note for the future that like building maintenance, it’s something that we can’t shirk from doing.
Ms. Calabrese: Thank you for your leadership on that committee.
Mr. Killeen: Leadership is so much easier when you’re working with such great professionals.
Ms. Calabrese: I would like to comment that in the past there was a great deal of discussion about putting the textbooks on a cycle. It did begin to become implemented; the problem is when we had severe budget cuts, some of our best plans, that cycle was interrupted a few times. There was an attempt to do that, but maybe we can be hopeful and we would be able to continue that.
Mr. Killeen: The committee has picked that up and hasn’t lost sight of that. The work that they’ve been doing is great.
Ms. Pond: Ms. Calabrese, I’d like to make a comment. Having been part of the educational system, knowing we have a very good educational system and knowing I was part of the process to bring this new Business Manager and the new Assistant Superintendent and I loved the others, into our system. My feeling having met them, interviewed and going through those long hours of interviewing, we are putting people in place tonight, we are making a team tonight and that is going to make our system great. I’m very excited tonight being on this board, that I was able to be a part of this.
Ms. Calabrese: Anyone else?
Mr. Lambert: First, there is a budget referendum coming up on June 16th. In all candor, I think our school building and grounds have to be very necessarily shaped up for this event. People, when they look at our schools, judge us on what they see on the outside as their first picture of what we are all about and that is a first impression. We really want to make our best impression. Our buildings and grounds really have to look as good as they can for this upcoming event, I would really stress to our buildings and maintenance grounds personnel to make an extra good effort this time to get the outside of our buildings in shape so that we shine like we know we do on the inside.
Ms. Pond: That’s a great point, when I was principal of Heminway, people would come and they would bring their cameras and take pictures of what needed to be painted on the outside because the inside was great, but very often the lawns, the painting was let go. They said, “Why should we vote for this?” So, that’s really a great point.
Mr. Mazzamaro: On those dates, how is it best managed? Is Barbara going to call us?
Ms. Baldwin: You can call Barbara. I provided for you in your Friday packets, six dates:
· May 28, 7:00, at J.T.P.S. Spring Concert
· May 29, 7:00, the J.T.P.S. PTO Silent Auction
· June 2, 6:30, the Swift Spring Concert
· June 4, 7:00, the WHS Spring Concert at Swift
· June 9, 6:00, the Judson Spring Concert and Art Show
· June 11, 6:00, the Polk Spring Concert and Art Show
I will coordinate my calendar accordingly if Mr. Mazzamaro has said he could attend two dates, and if board members could let Barbara know and we could have materials and the table requested. We don’t have to stay for the whole time, it’s a matter of catching people as they come into the function and bringing their attention to the good work and the June 16th budget referendum and we’ll see if we can’t mobilize and try this strategy. If you folks could check and maybe there’s one night; that would make a big difference. It’s a new approach and we’ll see if it has any merit.
Ms. Calabrese: It’s a great idea.
Ms. Mastroianni: I just wanted to say; I think having a table is a truly good idea. I know that there were several members of the Senior Center when I went to visit about a week ago, who asked me if the Board of Ed and the Town Council could maybe do something like that at a separate event for people to ask questions, or a school event. I just wanted to say I really think it’s a great idea.
M. Public Participation
None
N. Adjournment
MOTION: Made by Ms. Pond, sec. by Mr. Mazzamaro
SUBJECT: Adjournment
TEXT OF MOTION: To adjourn the Board of Education regular meeting at 8:15 pm.
OPPOSED: None
ABSTAINED: None
VOTE: Motion passed unanimously
The Watertown Board of Education Regular Meeting was adjourned at 8:15 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Mary Colangelo, Secretary
Board of Education
Patricia A. Barber, Minutes Secretary
|