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Watertown Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Meeting Date: March 26, 2007
Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Watertown High School Technology Center
Members Present: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Chairperson
Mr. Richard Mazzamaro,Vice Chairperson
Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
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, Student Council Representative
Ms. Kace Duplissie, PTA/PTO Representative
Absent: Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board member
Press: Mr. Jim Taylor, Mr. Tom Burns, Town Times
Guests: Marylu Lerz, Swift Middle School principal, Christine Manalo, Shannon Pflomm, Hannah Koval and Ayame Whitfield
Other interested citizens: Mr. Thad Hasbrouck, Ms. Lisa Rommel, Mr. Eric Bernstein, Mrs. Emily Judd, Mrs. Pat Corvello, Mrs. Kathleen Scully, Mrs. Laura Meka. Mrs. Fran Palmer, Ms. MaryJean Mangione. Mrs. Mary Raiola and Mr. Charlie Beliveau, Mr. Mark Stoto and Mr. Bob Fortier
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. Recognition
The Board of Education would like to recognize three students from Polk School:
Christine Manalo, Grade 5 Connecticut Association of Schools –
Recognition for Visual Arts
County Winner for Fire Prevention Poster
Shannon Pflomm, Grade 5 Connecticut Association of Schools –
Recognition for Musical Arts
Hannah Koval, Grade 4 County Winner for Fire Prevention Poster
The Board of Education would also like to recognize the following student from Judson School:
Ayame Whitfield Grade 4 2007 National Readers Digest Word Power Challenge – State Winner Among All 4th Grade Students in the State of Connecticut
Ms. Dzioba: Thank you all for joining us tonight we have some special recognitions and I’d like to ask Dr. Erardi to present them.
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Ms. Dzioba and I’d like the following four students to stand and let us know if your Mom and/or Dad or anybody else that is special with you please introduce them. Then if you would come forward to the podium to my left. We’ll start with Christine Manalo and who is here with you?
Each student stood and introduced their families that were attending with them tonight.
Dr. Erardi: Our four students this evening, two are grade five students and two are grade four students. Christine Manalo, Christine, please raise your hand one time, thank you. Christine is being recognized this evening by the Board of Education because Christine was chosen as the outstanding student in grade five for Visual Arts. She was also chosen as the County winner for the for Fire Prevention Poster contest.
Shannon, if you could raise your hand please, Shannon was chosen at Polk School grade five for being the outstanding for Connecticut Association of Schools being recognized for Musical Arts.
Hannah Koval, if you could raise your hand please, Hannah’s a grade four student and she too is an award winner in the County Fire Prevention Poster contest, congratulations Hannah.
Ayame Whitfield, Ayame is in front of the Board actually for the second time, and is being recognized by the Board for the third time in the last three months, which is just incredible. Ayame had the outstanding score in the State of Connecticut, among all fourth grade students for the National Readers Digest Word Power Challenge.
Ayame, Hannah, Shannon and Christine, on behalf of the Board of Education; congratulations to all four of you. Please come forward, Ms. Dzioba has a nice certificate for you.
Ms. Dzioba presented each student with their certificate.
Dr. Erardi: We will take a thirty second break if the girls want to escort their parents out the door if they’d like to leave.
D. Public Participation
Ms. Dzioba: At this point I would like to open up the meeting to Public Participation, is there anyone who would like to address the Board? Please step up to the micrphone and state your name and address for the record please.
Mark Stoto, 45 Tower Road, Oakville
I’m just here to speak about the opening the rear of Watertown High School to let cars out, I heard that you guys are considering reopening that back emergency lot. Is that correct?
Ms. Dzioba: Yes.
Mr. Stoto: OK, well I know that we have taken some pictures and I can show you that it’s a very narrow road and there are kids walking on both sides of the street and there is not a lot of room. I think it would be a danger to those kids walking there and I have some pictures.
Mr. Stoto distributed three photos showing one to approximately seven students walking down Tower Road.
Mr. Stoto: You can see in the pictures that it would be very difficult for two cars to pass by; I believe we submitted a picture at the last meeting also with two cars parked side by side on the street showing how much room is there. You can see there is no sidewalks or anything and you can see cars travel down the middle of the road to avoid the kids as they walk down the street. I assure you also that this was a very slow day, it was a very cold day, and you can tell by the nature of the pictures how cold it was that day. I think you just should keep things the way they are if anything you should look at traffic control coming out of the front, either with a traffic light or police. I heard that somebody was going to monitor the cars leaving everyday, the head of Watertown High School, I mean if they were just going to do that I don’t see why they can’t monitor it out the front to expedite cars coming out in a quick manner. I just think that it is a danger and that’s really all I wanted to say, I won’t be coming up every single two weeks to re-say everything that I have said here today.
Ms. Dzioba: Is there anyone else who wanted to address the Board at this time?
Bob Fortier, Tower Road, Oakville
Good evening, it’s nice to see everyone; I too am one hundred percent opposed to opening the rear emergency gate of the High School due to the safety issues. I think we are all aware of them, I mean in the best conditions Tower Road wasn’t designed to handle this kind of vehicle or pedestrian traffic. After saying that, I had the opportunity to attend the last police commission meeting and the Board sent a representative, it appeared because of their by-laws they were unable to get involved at this time. So, we really didn’t gain any ground at that meeting. I am kind of confused now, in the beginning this started out as we wanted to expedite the traffic from getting out of the school, it took fifteen to twenty minutes to do this. In case of an emergency vehicles couldn’t get in with traffic leaving and coming from the High School but, it seems to have turned now. The representative you sent seemed to turn this to a safety issue in the front now, now I don’t know if that’s the case, can anybody explain? Is that the way, the direction you are going now with it? I don’t know.
Ms. Dzioba: The discussion that we are going to have is that we are going to open the gate for twenty minutes at the end of the day for a number of reasons.
Mr. Fortier: OK, well it’s changed now they are focusing it seems now on safety which this is our concern and I’m a hundred percent for the safety. We are told it’s not safe for the sixteen and seventeen olds that exit the front of the building but it would be safe for them to go out the back. It seems like we are talking out of both sides of our mouth, I don’t know how it could be good on one side and how it could not be good on the other.
Mr. Lambert: I think you probably are referring to me because I was at the police commission and I did bring up the safety issue, yes. The issue I brought up was when you are turning out of the front of the High School you have site-line issues, speed issues, cars that are coming up French Street from both directions quite fast. As compared with exiting the High School through the rear with speed issues that are not prevalent in that direction. The chairman of the police commission did bring up a traffic control as a possible fix but they were unable to do anything as you pointed out.
Mr. Fortier: The fact I was just trying to make is that if they could monitor it on Tower Road they should already be monitoring it on French Street. I am adamant about safety as the Board is, I think if we approached the police commission on a safety issue I think they would have a little more input, that’s the feeling that I got after speaking to a couple of them after the meeting. I have no problem with volunteering and helping out in any way that I possibly can because I do feel this is a major safety. I think that due to the fact that the school is hopefully, if the Budget passes, is going to be reconstructed, having a police officer directing traffic is going to be a short-term, it wouldn’t be an on-going for years to come. I think if we approach them with a safety issue they would be willing to take a step here. I drive by many schools in Waterbury, Kaynor Tech is going through reconstruction and they have two officers and they enter that parking lot in less than five minutes. I don’t know who is paying for it, probably the State, I don ;t know if we could approach our Representative and look for some funding in that nature, I’m not sure. One other issue that I wanted to bring up is that it appears as though Tower Road is becoming the back, or they want to make it the back driveway of the High School. I know that the Track team or Cross Country team have been using it for years, they used to run down the road, across Riverside and back up and around but last week I witnessed forty to fifty children just unleashed, going up and down the road, some are going up, some are going down and these are dragging behind and they had absolutely no respect for the vehicles on the road. I mean cars had to stop dead to let these kids wander up and down the road and I don’t know if the Board is aware of this but the last thing I want to do is turn Tower Road into the rear driveway of the High School. Thank you for your time and I probably will be coming every two weeks unfortunately, I’m not looking forward to it but I probably will be, thank you
Thad Hasbrouck, Principal, Watertown High School
Good evening, I would just like to take a moment if I may and address the Tower Road topic which has been on the Agenda for some time now. A little bit of a background as to how this evolved, last year as part of our Advisory group process we asked students to discuss and identify areas of concern for them and ways they’d like to see Watertown High School improved. Among juniors and seniors, notably those who drove to school, the issue of the length of time for egress was identified as a concern. The student council felt last spring that it was too late to begin to initiate that process and deferred to this fall when the process was begun. I commend Mr. Zeman for his work in leading the student council through a series of procedures that were rigorous, arduous and thorough to try to present as much information as possible, both supporting and identifying areas of concerns against opening the back gate for egress from the High School. As part of that process he posted some signs and I was the go-to person and did hear from a number of the neighbors when they expressed their concerns and they were forwarded to Mr. Zeman and included in his report to you. I’m very understanding of the concerns that they have, unfortunately their street abuts the school’s property and I must say this evening, I am in spite of some of the concerns the neighbors have expressed for safety, in support of opening the gate for the twenty minute window after school. Indeed it may not even be a twenty minute window for when the cars have cleared, the gate will be closed again and if that’s done in five to ten minutes, that’s the length of time it would take. The estimate would be the worst case scenario in taken that twenty minute window. Part of the process that Mr. Zeman and I discussed initially was that before this would be initiated we would have a meeting with all students who drove to school to make it very clear that this was:
A. on an experimental basis
B. they needed to be responsible and drive safely and drive respectfully as they left the school property. That would be the case whether they drive out the front or they drove out the back but notably, driving out the rear onto Tower Road.
One other thing, if I may just address the Track issue that was identified, last week on one day we did have a significant number of runners running up and down Tower Road, what great conditioning for early season, sucking wind running up and down those hills numerous times. The coaches recognized very quickly what they had created and remedied that the next morning in a discussion with me in which they are using Tower Road, and actually they had been out on the track today so hopefully, they are done with the hill climbs, but in the event that they do need to utilize the hill for running and training purposes, they would do so in smaller groups and the students would be instructed to stay to the side of the road. That was a one day occurrence that unfortunately did occur and we did take steps to remedy it.
In summary, I do support the student council’s initiative to open the back gate on the trial basis with instructions to students that they be responsible. Thank you.
Ms. Dzioba: Is there anyone else who would like to address the Board?
No one wished to address the Board, at this time Ms. Dzioba closed Public Participation at 7:52 p.m.
Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. William F. Zeman
Mr. Zeman: Thank you, two items; the first of which is really, really recent because it happened today. Today the Watertown Chapter of the Connecticut FBLA, Future Business Leaders of America, competed in the State leadership conference where FBLA students from all over the State come together in statewide competitions. I have some results for you, it’s a great experience for everybody because there are also workshops and all sorts of interesting things to be done but I just thought you’d like to hear the results first. In the Digital Media category, a team of CJ Saraceno, Jamie Kaiser and Justin Chere won first in the State and they will be going onto the Nationals held in Chicago in June. In the category of Impromptu Speaking, that is speaking with a maximum of ten minutes preparation time, Julie Kelly a sophomore, took second in the State. In the competition of Marketing, that is a test in basic theories in marketing and such, Jenny Sali a junior, took first in the State. In the competition of Job Interview where you do a mock job interview, William Zeman took fifth in the State. So that’s a great thing for FBLA and it’s one of the great things that FBLA really does because it brings everybody in the State together, plus it’s convenient for us because it’s in Waterbury.
As for Tower Road, at this point as Student Representative I’m seeing the same arguments getting rehashed again and again so the Student Council will not offer any new arguments at this point. We would simply like to thank the Board of Ed. no matter whatever happens with Tower Road for considering it and the Town for looking at it and even our opposers for coming and speaking about it. It shows that when students really take an initiative the community will listen and will seriously weigh the concerns of the students, which is great. No matter how Tower Road ends up it’s great to see that the Board of Ed. and the Town will really consider students. Finally, on a personal note, I’d like to thank Mr. Hasbrouck for his kind words about myself. Thank you.
Ms. Dzioba: Thank you and congratulations to all of the winners today.
Report from PTA/PTO Liaison – Ms. Kace Duplissie
Ms. Duplissie: I have things from two schools, the first one is Heminway. On March 29 they will have a Brazilian dance company, Ginga Braziliara coming to dance for the students. On March 30, they have their Reward Night, it’s three dollars and a canned food item for the Watertown Food Bank if the students would like to go. April 10-13 is their Book Fair and April 13 they are having a Field Day.
Polk School, they are having their Book Fair is April 2-5, it’s very short and their Garden Club will be starting up and they now have Puzzle Club and of course, the Yearbook Club. The last thing that I have is their PTO did host a Pasta Dinner for the Watertown High School volunteers last Thursday and it was well received. I’d like to introduce Lisa Cattaneo from Judson to talk about Judson School.
Ms. Lisa Cattaneo: Good evening my name is Lisa Cattaneo and I’m currently serving my second year term of president of the Judson PTA. The Judson PTA Enrichment Programs, otherwise known as JETS will present this week Dennis Kobray who will entertain the children masqueraded as Mozart. He will give a live piano performance and include recorded excerpts of his most famous works and mural backdrops. On April 10, 2007Anna Pasquale will present Liberty Bells. Inspired by her own grandmother’s tales, Anne’s program is based on the stories, as well as song, to explore this nation’s cultural diversity and common heritage. The PTA has once again sponsored a Spring Giving Baskets Program. The children participate by donating either a food item or toy. The baskets when put together will contain a full meal, gift certificate for the purchase of a main entrée as well as toys and candy for nineteen families in town. The Judson School Student Council is also sponsoring a Food Drive. This past Friday Judson’s annual Sock Hop was held, children danced to 50’s music and enjoyed 50’s styled decorations and it was a real fun night. Last week concluded a week long Book Fair which not only benefited the PTA but encouraged reading to all.
E. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Dzioba: Budget Summary is in Board member’s packets for information.
F. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: Thank you Ms. Dzioba, there is no formal Report this evening except that we will be scheduling a meeting very shortly.
2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair
Mr. Lafferty stated there is no Report this evening.
3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: Thank you Ms. Dzioba, the Budget Sub-Committee did meet this evening where we were presented an update on the volatile accounts for the 06-07 school year and an update on the 07-08 budget as presented.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese stated there is no Report this evening.
5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair
Mr. Mazzamaro: Thank Ms. Dzioba, yes the Facilities Committee met on March 21 to discuss the Three-School Study and update the Committee on timelines with regard to a Grant application. The Committee also reviewed for presentation the KBA will give to the Town Council on April 2, the presentation outlines the three sites and deficiencies noted by KBA as well as a fly-over slide show of Watertown High and hopefully, Judson by the 2nd. We also reviewed the project options and costs in preparation for the Town Council presentation. In addition to the Three-School Study the Committee also discussed the proposal by Energy Education to reduce energy costs in our school district. Todd LoFrese shared with the Committee a list of references; school districts who have contracted with Energy Education. The reference list also included questions asking the districts if they were pleased with Energy Education and if they actually saved what Energy Education promised. Copies of the reference list can be obtained through Todd LoFrese’s office for any Board members interested. There were ten references, three of which were in Connecticut and all responded positively to the program.
The last item we discussed was the turf installation at Swift; Todd LoFrese wanted to bring our Committee up to date on some questions that were raised by the sports community. One concern, the length of the right field wall, as currently designed the length of the wall was two hundred fifty feet, there were concerns raised by some of the sport community that this distance is too short. Mr. Joe DiCarlo from KBA made contact with CIAC; the CIAC responded that they have no jurisdiction over middle school athletics. They did comment that no games would be cancelled for field size, only for unsafe conditions. The High School baseball would not be affected as they will continue to play at Deland. Other questions discussed were baselines, should they be turf or dirt? Due to the anchoring of the turf around the edges, the concrete slab, it was agreed that keeping the area turf would probably be safer for the players.
6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair
Ms. Colangelo: The Policy and Labor Committee met on March 19 and discussed the salaries for Substitutes including Secretaries, Paraprofessionals, Nurses and Teachers. Additional information was requested by the Committee and this will be reviewed again at our next meeting and a recommendation will be brought forth to the full Board. We also discussed the need for a committee to negotiate with the Secretaries Union for contract renewal before Chair will make the necessary appointments. The Committee agreed to a pilot program to provide bus transportation for Swift Middle School and Watertown High School students from French Street and Riverside Street areas for a month beginning on March 26, the Committee will receive a status report at our next meeting. Our next meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 7:00 at the John Trumbull Conference Room to review the above and also to review guidelines regarding food in the classroom as related to student’s food allergies.
7. Cablevision, Kevin Killeen
Mr. Killeen: Madame Chairman I received notification of the meeting dates for Cablevision for 2007 and I’ll make that available for the Board upon our next meeting. They also provided Minutes of the meeting from March 8, but I was not privy to the meeting dates until about a week ago.
8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro
Mr. Mazzamaro: Thanks Mary, I attended the Public Building Committee meeting on Wednesday, March 21, Mr. Joe Vitro from O & G gave his monthly project update on the Swift Middle School. Mr. Vitro reviewed the expenditures for the month and reports that the project is on schedule and on budget. As far as the actual project itself, the exterior is complete except for the wash-down, the interior masonry is complete, the interior framing is complete, and sheetrock and taping is complete on the second and third floors. Ceiling grid installation is complete, electrical and mechanical rough-in is all complete on the second and third floors and the ceiling installation is complete on the third floor. Floor tile installation is started and the science casework installation is started. The District has taken over eleven rooms for cleaning as of today. The Auxiliary Gym exterior is complete except for the wash-down and the electrical rough-in is complete, all the HVAC rough-in is complete and the painting of walls and ceilings are just about complete at this time and the lighting fixture installation has begun.
9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba
Mr. Dzioba stated there is no Report this evening.
G. Communications - Secretary
Mr. Griffin stated there was not any correspondence this evening.
H. Minutes
1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 12, 2007
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of March 12, 2007 be approved as presented.
Discussion:
Mr. Killeen: Ms. Dzioba I have an exception to the Minutes; my name is spelled with three e’s instead of two and it’s phonetically correct but, thank you.
Ms. Dzioba: Any other corrections or revisions? We will vote on the corrections as noted with the corrections.
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of March 12, 2007 be approved as presented and corrected.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
1. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Betsy Hackett from the position of Director of Special Services, after 33 years, effective at the close of the 2006-2007 school year for the purpose of retirement.
b. Mr. Leonard Bruno from the position of Social Studies Teacher at Watertown High School, after 34 years, effective at the close of the 2006-2007 school year for the purpose of retirement.
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Ms. Dzioba, I’d like to move away from present practice which usually share with the Board the Recommendations and move directly onto the next Item. I need to do that for two reasons, the two staff members who will formally announce their retirement plans this evening are two members with a combined service of sixty seven years. Mr. Len Bruno, who will be recognized by the Board in June with other teachers within the cohort of retirees.
Ms. Betsy Hackett is here this evening as our Director of Special Services. I’d like to share for the Board and for the community and for our viewing and listening audience just a bit about the impact that Mary Elizabeth Hackett has had on the Watertown schools.
Betsy was hired on August 27, 1974, by then Superintendent of Schools, James Q. Holigan, her official opening act was the Learning Difficulties Teacher at Polk School, effective September 1974.
Since that time, Betsy was appointed Acting Supervisor of Special Education, effective September 1, 1981, Director of Special Services, effective July 21, 1987. From August 21, 1986 through January 1, 1987 Betsy served as the Interim Assistant Superintendent of Schools. She has a total of 33 years of educational service to the students in Watertown.
I’d also like to share with the Board of Education areas that either Betsy took responsibility to create, was the innovator or was the major driving force to make these things happen. Betsy continues to be involved in:
Project Graduation
W.A.T.C.H.
Partners in Education
Parks & Recreation and Best Buddies
Youth Leadership Council
Naugatuck Valley Regional Action Council
Family Intervention Center Board
H.E.L.P. Inc. Board
Drug Free Schools Grants
RAC Grant (Mental Health and Addictions)
Peer Advocates and Peer Mediator Programs
John Hopkins Talent Search Evening
Special Education Compliance Review, November 16, 1998
Lions Youth Outreach Certificate of Merit
Founding Participant of WASA
Lions Quest Program
Safe Homes Project
Oversees Guidance Program
Oversees Health Program
Community-wide Coalition for Substance Abuse Prevention
Here’s Looking at You, 2000
“Just Friends” Program for Early Intervention Students
Cholesterol Screening Program
Plan for Gifted and Talented Programs
Five-Year Professional Development Plan
“The Special Education Connection” Newsletter
August Extended Summer Program II
I think beyond all of what Betsy has accomplished, Betsy I would like to share two things with you. The first being, in an informal conversation as I entered the District I was told by one of your colleagues, “Joe, you do not need to worry about Pupil Services, we simply have the finest Director in the Sate of Connecticut.”
Number two Betsy, despite all of your program innovations and involvement I think of words such as character and class and compassion and dignity and I really believe that you are the person that has made a difference, one student at a time.
Om behalf of my office, your cabinet and this Board of Education, we thank you for thirty three outstanding years of service.
Mrs. Mary Raiola, Supervisor of Special Education presented Ms. Hackett with a bouquet of flowers.
Ms. Hackett: It’s been my pleasure to serve Watertown and I thank you all for the support that you have given each level of the children along the way. It has been a wonderful experience, they are wonderful kids and a it’s a wonderful community, they really are amazing people when it comes to supporting things that need to be done The only thing that I haven’t done is to ride down Tower Road so I am going to do that.
Dr. Erardi: Betsy, thank you.
2. CMT and CAPT Examinations
Administration will update the Board on the CMT’s and CAPT examinations.
Dr. Erardi: Approximately four months ago the Board of Education through Dr. Pelosi’s office and the administrative team presented to the Board our plan going forward for CMT and CAPT with a promise that we would be back in touch, either during or immediately after the testing period. This evening representing all administrators will lead a plan from Swift Middle School. Before we go to Swift, I would be remiss in not publicly thanking Dr. Pelosi’s office for the outstanding work of organizing the examinations and certainly, Pat Corvello our administrator who has oversight for the test distribution which is just an enormous job as we all know the testing is now in nearly every grade level. Ms. Lerz is here this evening with a presentation of their plan which went forward for Swift Middle School.
Ms. Lerz presented a PowerPoint presentation outlining CMT preparation, developing a theme called “Slam Dunk the CMT” culminating in a pep rally and volleyball game.
See Attachment #1.
Dr. Erardi: Do Board members have any questions?
Ms. Lerz: That is not my voice, I did not sing.
Mr. Lafferty: There goes question number one. Actually, not a question but can I make a comment? In college studying Theatre Arts there is a quite that was given to me early on and it said, “The only talent needed in acting is a talent for working hard.” I think that that is the message that you sent to the average student, who I know I was and even the below average student. That you don’t have to be a genius to do good at these tests. I think what this Slam Dunk the CMT did is, was it took everybody who did not feel connected in the classroom and it gave them hope that they could go into this test and they could prove that with a little hard work they make a great name for themselves. I’m just blown away by this because I wish I had something like this when I was in school because I know this would have helped me. On that note I can just say that you gained, the entire staff at Swift Middle School gained a lot of respect from a lot more students than they had before. So, congratulations to the entire staff this was just awesome and inspiring, thank you, you did great.
Mr. Lambert: One other thing, when I was younger, a while back, we showed up for school, “you have sixty minutes and you’ll start now” that’s the way we had a test. Well, I guess we’ve learned a lot since then and it really shows that we have learned a lot and that it actually can be fun. Studying for a CMT test can be fun that’s what it showed me and I’m proud of each and every one of you for the way you handled it. Thank you very much.
Mr. Killeen: I just want to say what a great idea; it was you know; the production of it and the involvement of everyone we saw on the video. I just think it’s a wonderful, wonderful way to engage the kids as Mr. Lafferty had said, outstanding, great job.
Ms. Dzioba: I too think it was a great video and it looks like a great event but I just have one question, who won the volleyball game?
Ms. Lerz: Teachers.
Dr. Erardi: Two closing comments, the first is that we are actually excited that our results come back sooner rather than later, the work by all of our administrators. Just to clarify, including the work of our primary school although we are not testing in grades pre-k, one or two, the initiative through Mrs. Scully’s office was at the same level of all of our schools, we are confident that the preparation that all of our teachers had for the last four or five months will result in optimal scores for our District. My second comment is, just wait until next year when Dr. Pelosi is the person slam-dunking.
Mr. Lafferty: Something that was just mentioned y Dr. Erardi about how we are anxiously waiting on the test results, it is interesting to see how they are going to come back. My one question would be, is there a celebration on plan for the hard work exhibited?
Ms. Lerz: Yes we have something but we won’t say what it is yet, the kids might hold us to it.
Mr. Griffin: The video looks fantastic and I think it was very well put together and I think that you have some very aggressive goals in mind that I think you can accomplish. You have all done a wonderful job. I would like to know possibly Todd, because there are not many people in the community who will see this, I’m not sure who watches publicly, is it possible to have that put on our website in flash?
Mr. LoFrese: Both the PowerPoint and the audiovisual file could be put on the website, yes.
Mr. Griffin: That would be just phenomenal to instruct the public to go and see the kind of work that our teachers and administrators are doing.
3. Update Three School Study Project
Administration will update the Board on the Three School Study Project.
Dr. Erardi: We have a brief update on the Three-School study from Mr. LoFrese.
Mr. LoFrese: Good evening, thank you, just a reminder to the community and Board of Education that Monday, April 2 at 7:00 in this room, Kaestle-Boos representatives as well as District administration and school Administration from Polk, Judson and Watertown High School will be present giving a presentation to the Town Council on the Three-School study. Board members are invited and also highly encouraged to attend. Thank you.
4. Update 2007-2008 Budget Calendar
Administration will update the Board on the 2007-2008 budget calendar.
Dr. Erardi: Just two things I would like to share with the community, on April 12 the Town Council Finance Sub-Committee will be inviting Board members to their final workshop, I believe that final meeting will be starting at 6:30 and is being held at the Town Hall Annex. The final date to share with the community would be April 16, that is the Town Council meeting and the date that the Council has targeted to set their budget for the Town and the Board.
J. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Dzioba: Thank you very much, we are starting to go into negotiations with the Secretaries Union and I have asked Tom Lambert and Todd Griffin to represent the Board for those negotiations. If any other Board member has any interest, comments or questions please seem me after the meeting, they will start soon. As Todd and the Superintendent have said there is a very important Town Council meeting concerning our Three-School Study on Monday, April 2 and we ask and encourage Board members to come and show your support for the Three-School project and have an opportunity to hear what their comments are and maybe get some information. Also, the same thing as our Budget meetings, we are going to have a schedule of meetings with the Town Council and public meetings and such, I ask Board members when you get these dates to put them on your calendars and come out and show support for all of our projects. That’s about it, except for a personal note, just about Betsy and how, not speaking as a Board member but speaking as a parent and all things that she has done for my children and other children in the school system, you will be nearly impossible to replace. I hope that we get a lot of postcards from the places you are enjoying in retirement and good health to you.
K. 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
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to Remove from the Table the Motion which was Tabled on February 12, 2007
Discussion:
Mr. Lafferty: Regarding taking it off of the Table?
Ms. Dzioba: Taking it off of the Table for discussion.
Mr. Lafferty: No.
Unanimously Passed (8-0-0)
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro for the Consideration of Approval to Access for Facilitation of High School Afternoon Traffic.
Discussion:
Mr. Lafferty: One, if this is approved, would we the Board set up our own policies as far as guidelines and parameters set for what we would constitute as, make our own parameters and then set what repercussions as far as violations would be to the students that are driving out of the High School? It was a concern mentioned before at a meeting, earlier about how. I just think that if we are going to go through with doing this that we should set up our own guidelines and not take the project as is.
Mr. Lambert: Well, as far as I’m concerned this is a public road, if there are violations that’s why we have a police department. They were notified of our intentions so far we didn’t get a response from them but I’m assuming because it’s a public road, we should expect the police department to act. We should expect our administrators to help; we should expect our students to follow the guidelines hopefully that are going to be set. Again, it’s a public road so I think the police department has to and will get involved, they should get involved.
Mr. Lafferty: I agree and also in attending the police commission meeting last week, it seemed that they were not going to take action or give an opinion until we took action and so in a sense we would be going back and forth if we kept asking them for recommendations. What they did mention at that meeting, the commissioners, were that they would like to see, check out Tower Road themselves before and get a feel for the situation before they would give us an official suggestion or recommendation as far as what they want. I don’t know if they scheduled anything or if they are allowed to, or if they are still planning in that, but I know that we were very interested in the Town’s perspective from that committee and I don’t, we haven’t gotten it for various reasons. I would hate to prolong this but I’m just not sure where we stand originally asking for an opinion and not getting one, where would the Board go without getting an opinion that we previously wanted?
Ms. Dzioba: Well, what I think we have to do is, I think the question before us is, it’s our gate to open and to remain closed, Tower Road is a public road. We do have our student council, our administration setting guidelines of expectations of good behavior leaving Tower Road. What happens after our students leave our facility would be the Town’s responsibility, the Police Department’s responsibility. I would have to say, you know as Watertown High School and the Board of Education, we want to be good neighbors, this is twenty minutes a day as Mr. Hasbrouck said, possibly even less than the twenty minutes, but it would be a maximum of twenty minutes. Certainly if there are a lot of problems, which I hope there won’t be because of the responsibility of the students, I think the students who will be using Tower Road are the students who would be benefiting from the direction that they would be going and they would be respectful of the neighborhood. We have a lot of narrow roads, a lot of problems throughout town with all of our roads being narrow and people walking in the street and such. As far as the Police Commission goes, we Tabled this and we waited for information from them and they did not want to provide it to us so I think it’s our responsibility. You know everyone is waiting for someone to take the first step and tonight I think we have to take the first step and either open it or keep it closed. I think what we basically have to do is vote on this tonight one way or the other.
Mr. Killeen: First of all I think that the discourse and the dialogue on this specific topic has been excellent, I had basically assessed my opinions based on all of that. I can’t say as how I have reached a this is a right or wrong decision. I think that everyone has presented themselves very, very well and it’s one of those cases, as I say, you can’t say it’s right or wrong. Mr. Lambert presented some ideas and we have spoken at length about it and we’ve had some opposing ideas but at all times this was something that I could refute any of his input. I think it’s the kind of debate that is important and to move forward and to decide it tonight is a good thing.
Ms. Colangelo: I too want to say that this has been a very difficult decision for me, there is, as Kevin said, no really right or wrong answer. I have listened to the students and I have listened to the residents and with the lack of police input as far as safety is concerned; I had to do all of the weighing of the facts on my own. I think I would be willing to go along with it on a trial basis; my decision would be based on the twenty minutes or less per day. The fact that it is a public road and that other schools in town are faced with some similar situations with very narrow roads. I would request the students to police themselves because they wouldn’t want to lose the privilege based on the actions of a few. I also would ask the residents to report any abuses to the Police Department.
Mr. Lafferty: If this is approved tonight would it go into effect tomorrow?
Dr. Erardi: No, I would hope that the Board would direct administration to follow through with the Police Commission in regards to appropriate signage and keep the gate closed until we are able to assure the Board of Education that signage is in place and that the maintenance of the back gate is in place, which I would get back to all Board members
Mr. Griffin: Also that the meetings have occurred with all of the students that drive and will have access.
Mr. Lafferty: To finish up a few of my thoughts. There is an idea presented to me which I thought was very valid one and I don’t think that whatever is voted on tonight, if opening Tower Road tonight is approved, I don’t think that would be the be all and end all solution and I understand and respect that. It’s not going to solve all of our problems as far as traffic and safety concerns on French Street. I think if we go ahead with the trial basis we should also keep open to, to keep active to looking for other solutions as to how we can make French Street safer as well and maybe eliminate the need for Tower Road. Like my stance has been from the beginning, as long as we can do this the right way and set up proper boundaries and guidelines for the Board as well, then I would be in favor. So, as long as we take the right steps before this gate is open, I would be in support of it.
Mr. Killeen: I would agree with Mr., Lafferty I think that was well stated and I think that we should approach the architects on the design of the egress from the facility and that be addressed in a very comprehensive way.
Ms. Dzioba: Anyone else have any comments or questions?
Mr. Lafferty: Can we just clarify how long it would take before the gate would be actually opened if approved?
Dr. Erardi: I would suggest that if the Board approves of the pilot of opening up the back gate that it be done on a Monday, which would most likely be either April 9 or April 16, I think that would give the students the opportunity convene with administration. The Maintenance Department the opportunity to coordinate with the Police Commission all of our signage and I believe the 9th or the 16th starts the school week. Actually I believe the 16th is the start of vacation so it would be the 9th or the 23rd.
Mr. Lafferty: Is there any communication in plan between administration, possibly the Board members or some Board members and the students themselves, the student drivers? As the liaison to the High School I am certainly interested and being involved in any discussions as far as what is expected if this is approved. I think communication would be vital before we just open the gate.
Dr. Erardi: The administration would certainly extend an invitation to any format that the Board would like to have in regards to the guidelines that would be presented to students and certainly Chris, as the liaison to the High School it is a place where we would hope that you would be involved with.
Mr. Lafferty: Can I ask one final question about it? How was the gate opened up last week or when it was?
Dr. Erardi: That is a good question, I think it was two weeks ago when I actually received a call from a neighbor questioning how the pilot started without the neighborhood knowing. I simply believe that the chain was damaged and as soon as it was brought to our attention it was repaired and restored. It was not an act of the opening that took place by any administration in any way. Mr. Hasbrouck, is that what correct information?
Mr. Hasbrouck: The chain link was actually broken at the end opposite of the lock.
Ms. Dzioba: Any other questions or comments?
Mr. Killeen: In the event that the vote is to open it on the trial basis, the caution I would have is also to the neighbors that our students are going to be out there and I know that they’ll take that into the utmost of their concerns as well.
Mr. Lafferty: Pardon me, I hate to keep harping but this has been just such an, it’s been a difficult decision and one that I have been thinking about a lot and with that a lot of issues come up. Another one is parking, there is a lot of parking on Tower Road and as we know I mean it’s a town road and it’s not in our jurisdiction but there are a lot of, there is student pick up within signs being violated. I mean I think that we need to also make it aware from a Board standpoint that if we are going to open this that not only should we have traffic be respected but also the laws of parking as well. There are students coming from our building to their parents who are residents, violating these laws. So, in a sense we are letting them out into this violation of traffic where they have their parents waiting for them. So, I just think that to sum it up, more communication would be needed if this goes forward and certainly a lot of groundwork would have to be laid before we open the gate literally.
Ms. Dzioba: The illegal parking along the side of the road is an issue with some of our other schools too, and that certainly is something that police should be involved with, they should be the ones to handle that situation. Any other questions or comments? All in favor of the Motion opening Tower Road for twenty minutes everyday at the High School?
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 1-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
In Favor: Mary Dzioba, Richard Mazzamaro, Todd Griffin, Gina Calabrese, Mary Colangelo, Chris Lafferty, Thomas Lambert
Opposed: Mr. Killeen
b. Consideration of the Approval of Acceptance of Gifts
1.) Ms. Pricilla McIvaney would like to donate a cello, bow and hard case with an approximate value of $750.00 to the Watertown Public Schools’ Music Department.
2.) Mr. Walkup, on behalf of Horns For Kids, would like to donate a cello, bow and case with an approximate value of $150.00 to the Watertown Public Schools’ Music Department.
It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of appreciation to be sent to the donors.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of appreciation to be sent to the donors.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
c. Consideration of the Approval of Watertown High School Graduation Date
At its meeting on October 10, 2006, the Board approved of setting the Watertown High School graduation date for June 20, 2007. Because we have used three inclement weather days for closing schools, it would bring the last day of school to Monday, June 18, 2007.
It is recommended that the graduation date for Watertown High School be moved from June 20, 2007 to Friday, June 15, 2007. Project Graduation will also be able to take place on that date. The time for the graduation ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the graduation date for Watertown High School be moved from June 20, 2007 to Friday, June 15, 2007. Project Graduation will also be able to take place on that date. The time for the graduation ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
d. Consideration of the Approval of Swift Middle School Graduation Date
It is recommended that the graduation ceremony date for Swift Middle School be Monday, June 18, 2007. The time for the graduation ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Colangelo that the graduation ceremony date for Swift Middle School be Monday, June 18, 2007. The time for the graduation ceremony will be announced at a later date.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
e. Consideration of the Approval of Single Session Days at the End of the 2006-2007 School Year
It is recommended that single session days be granted for students only at the end of the school year. Due to final exams at the High School, the compilation of credits for graduation, and the plethora of record keeping at all levels, the following schedule is recommended:
Grades PreK-12 five single session days: June 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18, 2007.
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that single session days be granted for students only at the end of the school year. Due to final exams at the High School, the compilation of credits for graduation, and the plethora of record keeping at all levels, the following schedule is recommended: Grades PreK-12 five single session days: June 12, 13, 14, 15, and 18, 2007.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
Mr. Mazzamaro; Ms. Dzioba: I would like to ask that we recognize if we could maybe on our next Agenda the FBLA winners.
Mr. Killeen: Madame Chair, I would to open for discussion in the future the school dress codes and possible uniforms.
Ms. Dzioba: That would be something that would have to go through Policy Committee first.
Mr. Killeen: So, we could make that recommendation?
Ms. Dzioba: Yes, we could make that recommendation that it go to the Policy Committee, if you could put that on your next Agenda.
Ms. Colangelo: The next one or the following one, I think we might have a full Agenda the next time, if there is room, fine; April 24 is the next one.
Ms. Dzioba: Any other comments? I have one comment that I meant to make during my Report. Board members, there are advertisements from two very good programs Watertown High School PTO and Watertown Police Department invite you to the Internet security, it’s an excellent program. They suggest all parents and community members be invited and look into the dangers and how to keep your loved ones and yourself safe on the Internet.
Also, the WaterOak Action Team for Community Health is sponsoring a watch to come together for a community forum on underage drinking a problem in all communities and that will be on March 28, and I hope that it is well attended as it is an important topic. That’s all I have and I will now open the meeting back open for Public Participation if there is anyone who would like to address the Board please come forward now.
M. Public Participation
Bob Fortier, Tower Road, Oakville
As you would expect I am upset with the decision the Board has made to open Tower Road. I had asked the Board and the Police Commission for an approved site plan showing this was an exit/entrance that the Town had approved on and I have been unable to obtain one myself, the records don’t show it. I don’t know if this something that the Board would be able to produce. We talked about guidelines, if you do set up guidelines, is going to be like your children? Well, OK you have been good for two weeks let’s open it up again or is this going to be a done deal if it doesn’t work out? I don’t want to see us back here every time we get a new Board of Education and the students approach them and we go down the same road because personally, I don’t think it was investigated completely, I think it was a one-sided deal and it was brought to our attention early on that this done deal prior to us even getting involved in it. I hope no one gets injured on it and I’d like to submit a letter to the Chairman if I may?
Mr. Fortier approached and presented a letter to Ms. Dzioba.
Ms. Marylu Lerz, Principal, Swift Middle School
As you realize I had all of our staff members stand up because they played such an integral part in the plan but I’d also like to thank Mary Jean Mangione for creating the PowerPoint that went along with the video, thank you.
Ms. Dzioba: Is there anyone else who would like to address the Board?
No one wished to address the Board, at this time Ms. Dzioba closed Public Participation at 8:50 p.m.
N. Executive Session
Personnel – Nurses’ Negotiations
Personnel – Litigation
Personnel – 2007-2008 Staffing
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to Enter into Executive Session.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
All Board members, Dr. Erardi, Todd LoFrese, Amelia Grover, Betsy Hackett and Attorney Jim Sconzo entered Executive Session at 8:50 p.m.
O. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to adjourn the regular Board of Education meeting.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Regular meeting of the Board of Education ended at 10:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk
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