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Watertown Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Minutes - Corrected
Meeting Date: March 12, 2007
Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Watertown High Technology Center
Members Present: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Chairperson
Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board Vice Chairperson
Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board Member
Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Member
Mr. Kevin Killeen, Board Member
Mr. Chris Lafferty, Board Member
Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board Member
Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning
Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services
Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations
Mr. William Zeman, W.H.S. Student Representative
Absent: Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board Member
Ms. Kace DuPlissie, PTO Representative
Guests: Thad Hasbrouck, Patricia Corvello, Marylu Lerz, Mary Raola, Emily Judd, Kathleen
Scully, Fran Palmer, Lisa Rommel, Sandra Greenwood, Whitey Greenwood and Charlie
Beliveau
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Ms. Dzioba convened the Regular Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m.
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Dzioba led the Salute to the Flag
C. Public Participation
None
Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. William Zeman
Mr. Zeman: Thank you, first time there hasn’t been something on Tower Road in a long time, I don’t know how to react. Tonight I would like to focus in on something that is being done by the National Honor Society, one of the many service organizations at the High School. They do a lot of stuff throughout the year but I want to focus in on one thing specifically, the annual Blood Drive. Which is conducted along with the American Red Cross in an effort to get as many pints of useful blood for everything from transplants to surgery to whatever you need blood for, hopefully not vampires. The Honor Society has always been doing the blood drive, at least for the last couple of years, but they usually confine themselves to a single one over the course of the year, held in December or November. This Honor Society, for this school year, Class of 07 have already held more than one, they just completed their second one, which was held March 2nd. The first one was back in December, they have been staggering it because you can give blood every three months, every 56 days exactly. So the same people are eligible again and again. In December about 60 pints were collected, this time, March 2nd, 79 pints were collected. Which the increase is partially due to the fact that more people have turned 17 and/or are now over 110 lbs., which are the two limits. The students really come out for it in all facets. In addition to the donations where a lot of students give up their time and they lie down and they are willing to take the prick of a needle and give up a pint of blood. The organization is partially staffed by students, students are the escorts to get people off the beds and to the cantina. They serve food, they do registrations, they run sign ups, they solicit donations from neighborhood businesses all over town in order to make sure there is plenty of food for when you finish donating. It really brings the students together and it is a great symbol of student support and caring. They are planning to hold a third one, the Honor Society is planning to hold a third one in May where everyone is of course welcome to donate.
Also they are planning a pop-culture challenge if anyone is interested in that. Three person teams, $5.00 a person, winner will get a cash prize and will have their name put on a plaque in the Honor Society room as Watertown Pop-culture Champion for all time. So if you are interested in that it is March 21st at the High School. That is my report, I think Ms. DuPlissie left something here, so I am willing to read that too.
Report from PTA/PTO Liaison – Ms. Kace DuPlissie (Read by William Zeman)
Mr. Zeman: This is the report from the PTA/PTO. The whole school, Heminway Park School, participated in the annual field trip to the theater. This year the students saw the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe at the Guarde Theater in New London. Following the morning performance the students and staff traveled to Mystic Aquarium where they spent the afternoon learning about aquatic life. During the month of February many of the students participated in Wacky Wednesday, and weird hair day activities while they were working on a CMT challenge. The CMT challenge is carried over into the CMT exam period and the students are well on their way to earning a field day for all of their hard work.
On March 2nd, students from the peer advocate group and student council traveled to Polk, Judson and John Trumbull Schools to read to the younger students in celebration of Read Across America Day. At Heminway Park School everyone stopped for 10 minutes at 12:30 and enjoyed a good book. The parents group has been selling shelf sitters of Heminway Park School and pewter ornaments, a new fundraiser is starting this Thursday selling specialized breads and snacks. The parents group is also sponsoring another enrichment activity during March, a Brazilian Dance Troupe will be putting on two performances on March 29th. The last reward night of the school year is planned for March 30th with a DJ, prizes and a game room. Plans for April include a walkathon for Diabetes, field day and another enrichment activity.
D. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Dzioba: Budget summary is in the packet for all Board Members, if you have any questions you can call the Munson House.
E. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: There is no report this evening
2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair
Mr. Lafferty: No Report this evening
3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: The only report I have for budget is just to remind everyone that this Wednesday evening here in this tech center at 7:00pm we will be presenting our budget to the Town Council. So if anyone would like to come out and show their support, everyone is welcome.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese: There is no report this evening
5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair
Mr. Mazzamaro: There is no report this evening
6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair
Ms. Colangelo: No report this evening
7. Cablevision, Kevin Killeen, Chair
Mr. Killeen: No report this evening
8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro
Mr. Mazzamaro: There is no report this evening
9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba
Ms. Dzioba: There is no report
F. Communications – Secretary
Mr. Griffin: There are no communications this evening
G. Minutes
1. Special Board of Education Meeting – February 28, 2007
Motion Presented by Mr. Griffin seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to accept the Special Board of Education Meeting Minutes of February 28, 2007.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0 Abstained)
H. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Mrs. Dzioba. Item #1 and #2 are items that represent appointments, resignations and/or retirements. I just would like to bring to the attention to the Board of Education that item 2a, Mr. Tom Fix will be invited back to the Board of Education’s meeting in June. Tom represents a veteran teacher that has taught at Watertown High School for decades. We will honor his tenure and his service at the High School at a time when all our retirees in very similar fashion to what we did last year and the year before. They will have the opportunity to meet the Board and the Board will have the opportunity to say thank you. But items 1 & 2, information, if there are any questions or concerns.
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Christopher Begnal to the position of long-term substitute English Teacher at Watertown High School commencing on or about April 13, 2007 through the end of the 2006-2007 school year, being hired at the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per diem for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day, placed on the first step of the teacher’s contract at a salary of $35,350.00 prorated.
b. Ms. Lisa Durante to the position of long-term substitute grade 5 teacher at Polk School commencing on or about March 13, 2007 for six weeks, being hired at the substitute teacher’s rate of $65.00 per diem for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day, placed on the first step of the teacher’s contract at a salary of $35,350,00 prorated.
c. Ms. Barbara Kinloch to the position of One to One Special Ed Program Paraprofessional at Swift Middle School starting March 5, 2007 for 6.5 working hours per day at an hourly rate of $11.82.
d. Ms. Kathleen Lopes to the position of Early Learning Skills/Resource (Category #2 – Sp Ed Program) at John Trumbull Primary School starting March 5, 2007 for 6.25 working hours per day at an hourly rate of $14.86.
e. Mr. Brian Stanley to the position of Girls’ Junior Varsity Basketball Coach at Watertown High School for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,379.00 payable at the end of the season.
2. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Thomas Fix from the position of Technology Ed Teacher at Watertown High School effective at the close of the 2006-2007 school year for the purpose of retirement.
b. Mrs. Patricia Sullivan from the position of English Teacher at Watertown High School effective June 30, 2007 for the purpose of relocating out of state.
c. Mr. Peter Tomsheck from the position of Girls’ Varsity Tennis Coach at Watertown High School effective March 2, 2007 for personal reasons.
d. Ms. Lilyana Auster from the position of Math Teacher at Watertown High School effective April 5, 2007 for personal reasons.
The Board had no questions regarding Item #1 or #2
Dr. Erardi: Item 3 is the fun agenda item always on the Board’s monthly first meeting. Thank you and congratulations to our artists that we have on display in the Tech Center. We are hoping that the community takes the opportunity during the month of March to view the artwork that is so beautifully displayed by our art department. Congratulations to all of our artists.
3. Artwork on Display
The Board of Education would like to recognize the following young student artists who have artwork on display this evening:
Hannah Mehlin - kindergarten, John Trumbull School
Paola Dante - grade one, John Trumbull School
Rebekah Johnston - grade two, John Trumbull School
Matthew Maccione - grade three, Judson School
Emma Thermer - grade four, Judson School
Sarah Carew - grade five, Polk School
Alyssa Sosbe - grade six, Heminway Park School
Brittany Graboski - grade seven, Swift Middle School
Erica Breive - grade eight, Swift Middle School
Lauren Czarzasty - grade 11, Watertown High School
Christina Weaver - grade 10, Watertown High School
Jillian Mango - grade 12, Watertown High School
Carla Piel - grade 10, Watertown High School
The Board had no questions regarding Item #3
Dr. Erardi distributed a handout regarding Item #4 (See Attachment A)
Dr. Erardi: I want to take a minute if I could with item #4. The Board about four months ago, well before the winter, moved with an action item that allowed us to lock in Project Graduation. Just a bit of history on that, two years ago the Board found themselves in a dilemma of a graduation date that was two days different than the project graduation party. That was a discussion item for months at the Board Level. The last two years by statute allows the Board of Education to lock in a High School graduation date 5 days after the regularly scheduled 180th of the school year. It is important to know that Watertown has 181 school days. This is done because of winters that go on forever with snow. We had just the opposite winter this winter.
If the calendar holds as it, we would graduate Watertown High School on Wednesday June 20th. We have had two snow days, bringing the last school day to Friday, June 15th. I am concerned that the length of time between the last school day and graduation and Project Graduation is too long a time. I am very respectful that our senior class is a mature class and they will make good decisions but that whole feeling of invincibility I think is just prolonged too long. I would recommend to the Board that on March 26th that we bring back as an action item the movement of the graduation ceremony from Wednesday June 20th to Friday June 15th. This had been discussed with the High School Administration. Mr. Hasbrouck is here this evening. It also works surprisingly and thankfully, it also works for Project Graduation. They can move their contracts and the location of the all night party that was scheduled for the 20th to the 15th at the same venue with no loss of revenue and no loss of excitement. If we did that I think it makes a lot of sense, it truly does make a lot of sense. How that would impact Swift Middle School, Swift would graduate on June 14th, the High School would graduate on June 15th and the end of the calendar 06-07 school year would formally and officially end for students on Friday June 15th. I chose not to bring this as an action item tonight, feeling that if I did we would have three days of snow next week and here we go again. So I would suggest that the Board take some time, look at the calendar, look at the dates, if there are any concerns or questions give the Munson house a call, but I would like to be able to work through the chair to be able to bring this back to the Board on the 26th for your consideration.
I don’t know if there are comments, concerns or questions at this point?
Mr. Mazzamaro: Just one question, you said the 14th would be Swift, would they have to go to school Friday then?
Dr. Erardi: Absolutely. I am glad you asked that so I could say it publicly. Any other questions on the end of the year calendar?
4. School Calendar 2006-2007
Administration will update the Board of Education on the end-of-year 2006-2007 school
calendar and the Watertown High School graduation ceremony.
The Board had no further questions regarding Item #4
Dr. Erardi: I am really pleased with item #5, in September of 06 we were fortunate to receive a significant grant from the Woodward Foundation of $50,000. A number of things have happened since that time. The work at the High School, congratulations to the High School Administration and to the student body who took it upon themselves to help. If you attended, and I know a number of Board Members were in attendance, help me Mr. Zeman, the music…
Mr. Zeman: Music Under the Stars
Dr. Erardi: Music Under the Stars and Mr. Watertown, activities that were a lot of fun, great for school spirit and raised a significant amount of money for the lighting project. In September of 06 we talked about our time line of trying to get the auditorium in condition that we no longer had to rent lights. Through the real hard work of Mr. LoFrese, it truly has been hard work. Through the combination of the fund raising at the High School, the $50,000 from the Woodward Foundation and a number of other contributions, we are really pleased to announce to the Board and to the public that the purchase and installation will be completed by the time the production rolls this spring. The total cost being $62,664 at no cost to the Board and no cost to the community.
5. Watertown High School Lighting
Administration will update the Board of Education on the gift giving and timeline to replace faulty lighting in the Watertown High School auditorium.
The Board had no questions regarding Item #5
Dr. Erardi: Item #6 there are two documents I would like to share with the Board of Education, those in attendance.
Dr. Erardi distributed two handouts (See Attachment B and C)
Dr. Erardi: I would like to temper my remarks by letting the Board know that I am sure the information will change however I thought it was important to share what the Town Council is working with and what we have been asked to work with also. If you look to the last page that is going around “Fiscal Impact Watertown 2007” (Attachment B). The new information for the Board of Education that will be shared with Town Council on Wednesday evening talks about or addresses the additional revenue coming in to Watertown with the present Governor’s proposal. This is a double edged sword for Watertown, it is a double edged sword because as you look to additional revenue that will come in for the educational cost sharing, this is all predicated on the reduction in reimbursement on facilities. So in Watertown at this particular time, it is not going to be a pot of gold at both ends. If the Governor’s proposed budget holds or comes close to holding we will then expect a reduction in our reimbursement on the dollar for our school projects. That is important to know, what we are hoping to be able to do is to bring back on the 26th just how that sliding scale will look. We don’t have enough information at this point, we are gathering it and will bring it back on the 26th.
The “Fiscal Impact Watertown 07” tells you that with the additional proposed state revenue coming through the ECS that the actual cost to the community would be a 1.57% budget increase, represented by a .31 mill increase. This will be information that I shared with the Board through our Friday information newsletter. And just further information that I think Board members should know, is that a mill in Watertown is approximately 1.6 million dollars.
The second sheet (Attachment A) is a State overview of how money will be appropriated to all communities in the State of Connecticut. Watertown certainly being included and you can see that they have culled out the top ten cities and towns that would receive the greatest additional percentage reimbursement. This is just information for the Board, I thought it is explanatory text that will help us get through the next couple of weeks. I will share that similar information with the Town Council on Wednesday evening. I did think it was important though for the Board and the community to realize that the headline of additional funding coming into Watertown is potentially great news but we need to be very careful of our school projects. Questions at all?
Mr. Mazzamaro: Just one, does that effect our June 30th date?
Dr. Erardi: No, am I correct Todd?
Ms. Colangelo: I wouldn’t think so, this is for next year, the budget is next year.
Dr. Erardi: The question is I think on the facilities study, the 57.6%
Mr. LoFrese: It has the potential to, based on the current language of the law although there is a conflict between the existing law on the books and what Governor Rell’s proposal is. So that would need to be clarified.
Mr. Mazzamaro: Ok, and that is something you are waiting on still then.
Mr. LoFrese: Yes
Ms. Dzioba: Do we have a date on when this would be all set in stone?
Dr. Erardi: I have a meeting set up with our State Representative this week on Thursday and that is a question I will have an answer for. I don’t have an exactness to that this evening.
Dr. Erardi: Other questions at all on budget?
6. Proposed 2007-2008 Budget
Administration will update the Board of Education on the proposed 2007-2008 budget.
The Board had no further questions regarding Item #6
Dr. Erardi: The last item is just information for the Board and a refresher for the community. The Board of Education unanimously endorsed the three-school study to the Town Council. Members of the Board of Education and the Board Chair Mrs. Dzioba will be meeting with members of the Town Council and the Town Manager tomorrow, and that is to talk about the Government Center. At that time the Council Chair and the Board Chair will have calendars and look to establish a joint meeting that will allow KBA, the architect, to present to the Town Council with the Board of Education present. Questions at all on three-school study?
Mr. Killeen: Are we still under the gun for time, I know I discussed it with Mr. LoFrese about maybe trying to get under the wire for the June close of session with General Assembly.
Mr. LoFrese: We are under a very tight timeline as far as making a referendum prior to the end of fiscal year but we are still within reach of that goal. Just all parties need to be aware that things need to move along quickly if we do want to have that happen.
Mr. Killeen: If we are able to do that, that would be the pot of gold on both ends then wouldn’t it? Potentially?
Dr. Erardi: Could be.
Mr. LoFrese: Better sooner than later.
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Mrs. Dzioba.
7. Three School Study
Administration will update the Board of Education on the three school proposed building project.
The Board had no further questions regarding Item #7
I. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Dzioba: My report is continuing with the meetings with the Town Council. There is going to be a joint meeting for a Town Hall Center committee, I will be on that committee and I have asked Mr. Lambert to join me. We will be representing the Board of Ed at that joint meeting, the first meeting is tomorrow at 5:45pm. Also as the Superintendent indicated, the Town Council chair and I will be getting our calendars out and making an appointment for a meeting to start the ball rolling on the three school study and we will get that solidified as to when we are going to do that.
Wednesday night as Todd said, we have the presentation to the Town Council on our budget but we also have a conflict in that the Tower Road issue is pending information from the Police Commission. So I need a couple of Board members to go to that meeting on Wednesday and other Board members to attend the budget meeting. I think, Rich you are on the budget committee so I guess you would be here. Chris has said that he would go to the Police Commission meeting, anyone else that could volunteer to go to the Police Commission meeting?
Mr. Lambert volunteered to attend the Police Commission meeting
Ms. Dzioba: Tom that would be great, I appreciate that. Hopefully we will get the information that we need from the Police Commission and we will be able to vote on Tower Road once it is presented.
Mr. Lambert: What time does that start, 7 or 7:30?
Ms. Dzioba: 7:30 I believe.
Dr. Erardi: Mr. Beliveau will be there for Administration.
Ms. Dzioba: Hopefully with all these meetings we will be able to get some of these projects started and closed. That is it for my report.
J. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
a. Consideration of the Approval of Additional Access for Facilitation of High School Afternoon Traffic – Tabled February 12, 2007
This item is tabled until further information is brought forward
b. Consideration of the Approval of Acceptance of Gifts
1.) Mr. Henry Bissonnette wishes to donate photography darkroom equipment to Watertown High School with an estimated value of $300.00.
2.) The following businesses would like to donate to John Trumbull Primary School in the support of the school’s event, “Hats Off to Reading”, as part of the Read Across America celebration:
1.) Checkfree Pay Corp. $250.00
2.) Litchfield Bancorp $ 50.00
3.) Ledgewood Private Preschool $200.00
4.) T.L.C. Learning Center $ 50.00
5.) Special Effects and Finishes $250.00
6.) J.T.P.S. Staff Dress Down Fund $100.00
7.) City Line Food Distributors $100.00
8.) Therapy Unlimited, LLC $250.00
9.) Terri’s Hair and Now $ 50.00
10.) Davis Street Auto $ 50.00
11.) Amro Tool Company $ 50.00
12.) J.T.P.S. PTO $500.00
It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of appreciation to be sent to the donors.
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve of these generous gifts and letters of appreciation to be sent to the donors.
Discussion: None
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
c. Consideration of the Approval of Non-Renewal of Contract For Tenure Purposes Substitute Teacher
Under C.G.S. substitute teachers who have served up to or worked more than 90 consecutive days under a long-term substitute contract have to be informed that they should consider that their contract would not automatically be renewed.
It is recommended that the Superintendent be authorized to inform the following substitute teacher that her services will not be continued under the tenure laws:
Ms. Lauren Liberatore.
This is not any indication of job performance, but only a protection for the district required by law.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to approve of authorizing the Superintendent to inform the following substitute teacher that her services will not be continued under the tenure laws:
Ms. Lauren Liberatore.
Discussion: None
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
d. Consideration of the Approval to Accept the Polk School Roof Project, 153-0050 RR, as Complete
It is recommended that the Board of Education accept the Polk School Roof Project, 153-0050 RR, as complete.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to accept the Polk School Roof Project, 153-0050 RR, as complete.
Discussion
Mr. Killeen: This would complete authorized payment for the job complete, any indication or not if we have issues with the roof to date?
Mr. LoFrese: I can answer that, this is the required closeout process for the State School Facilities Unit. It will allow us to file the final grant application, get the retainage money that they have, that they are holding off until the final audit occurs. You are correct, the roof is doing great.
Mr. Lafferty: Would be normally hold off, actually before I ask that question, when was the project completed?
Mr. LoFrese: The roof was substantially completed in November 2004 and just for point of information, the Public Building Committee is also accepted this project as complete.
Mr. Lafferty: Because they were holding the grant money that was being held before this, is there a benefit to approving as complete earlier around the time when the project is finished?
Mr. LoFrese: It is a very small percentage that they hold and prior to bringing it to the Board of Education, administration, myself, I felt that we should make sure we didn’t have any problems with the roof that we needed to discuss with the contractors or bring stuff back to the Public Building Committee.
Mr. Lafferty: Thank you.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
e. Consideration of the Approval of Maternity Leave of Absence
Ms. Anna Lisa Barlow, grade 5 teacher at Polk School requests a maternity leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately March 12, 2007 for six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time.
It is recommended that the Board approve of a maternity leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately March 12, 2007 for six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to approve of approve of a maternity leave of absence for Ms. Anna Lisa Barlow, grade 5 teacher at Polk School, under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately March 12, 2007 for six weeks, with use of accumulated sick time and a medical doctor’s note to return.
Discussion
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
K. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
Mr. Lambert: I just want to comment on the Tower Road issue. Just a few points to think about. We are considering opening up Tower Road gate temporarily for only 20 minutes at the end of each school day. I think we have to weigh the risks of a very serious accident at the French Street exit with high speed and sight line issues in both directions. Tower Road exit is a relatively straight line with slower speeds. With just a 20-minute opening we could elevate many issues at the French Street exit. We could possibly approach the Town Council with considering a sidewalk project on Tower Road for one instance. I think we have to realize that our Police Department has the inherent duty to enforce speeding, loitering and any activity that violates the right of homeowners in the Tower Road area, we should expect that. Our School Administration should not only manage the gate opening and closing but encourage the students to drive slowly and the walking students to walk and act responsibly when leaving the school. We should expect that from our students. We should also discourage the parents and others from picking up students at the Tower Road gate area after school, possibly by letter. Our school administration should encourage the Student Council or possibly the students themselves to manage a project to help the neighbors with picking up trash and litter every few weeks in the Tower Road area. More or less, to show the Tower Road residents that we should encourage that type of thing from our students.
Those are just a few issues and things that I think we should think about. Thank you.
L. Public Participation
None
M. Executive Session
Nurses’ Negotiations
Executive Session Cancelled
N. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Griffin to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting of March 12, 2007
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Meeting adjourned at 8:02 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by
Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Bonnie Goulet, Board Clerk
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