Page 1 Board of Education Regular Meeting September 15, 2009, 7:00 PM Middletown High School I. CALL TO ORDER Board Members Present: Sally Boske, Bill Boyd, Sheila Daniels, Corinne Gill, Renee Johnson- Thornton, Jay Keiser, Ryan Kennedy, and Ted Raczka Board Members Absent: Judy Russo Others Present: Superintendent of Schools Michael J. Frechette, Associate Superintendent for Teaching and Learning Barbara Senges, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education Ann Perzan, Business Manager Nancy Haynes, Special Education Supervisor Laurie Slade, Director of Facilities Ken Jackson, Director of Athletics and Student Activities Michael Pitruzzello, Manager of Transportation Mike Milardo, Middletown High School Principal Robert Fontaine, WWMS Principal Gene Nocera, Keigwin Principal Tracey Koff, Parent Resource Coordinator Donna Marino, Coordinator of Business and Technology David Reynolds, Middletown High School teachers Anita Vallee and Trevor Charles, Vocational-Agricultural Head Rebecca Isaacson and Vocational-Agricultural Teacher Courtney Johnson, Board Extern Rick Marx, MFT Representative Ann Lohrand, JCJ Architecture Representative Gregory Smolley, and approximately sixteen (16) visitors including representative(s) from the media. Chair Raczka called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM. II. SALUTE TO THE FLAG III. ADOPTION OF AGENDA MOTION: Mr. Boyd made the motion, seconded by Ms. Daniels to add Action Item X.D. Curriculum to the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. MOTION: Ms. Gill made the motion, seconded by Mr. Keiser to add Action Item X.E. Communications to the agenda. The motion passed unanimously. MOTION: Move to adopt the Agenda as amended passed with a motion by Ms. Boske and a second by Mr. Kennedy unanimous vote. IV. DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS GRAND OPENING OF FOUR SEASONS CREDIT UNION MINI-BRANCH Coordinator of Business and Technology David Reynolds noted his pleasure about the opening of the Credit Union mini branch and referred further remarks to Ms. Anita Vallee, Business and Technology teacher. Ms. Vallee recounted the time, efforts, and energy put into the project over the past year and thanked sponsors, students, and all who contributed to the program. Ms. Vallee noted that the official Grand Opening of the Four Seasons Credit Union Mini-Branch would be Monday, October 19, 2009 at 5 PM in the Middletown High School Cafeteria. V. PUBLIC SESSION Chair Raczka explained the rules of Public Session.
Page 2 Sal Caracoglia opened his remarks asking why Mr. Raczka and Mr. Keiser were still serving on the Board and proceeded to make derogatory comments about them. Mr. Keiser objected to Mr. Caracoglia s use of the public session to attack members of the Board and asked the Chair to call Mr. Caracoglia out of order. Chair Raczka called Mr. Caracoglia out of order for his disruptive behavior and following further derogatory and disruptive remarks from Mr. Caracoglia the Chair asked him to leave the speaker s podium. Upon refusing to do so the Chair called a five minute recess at 7:12 PM. RE-CALL TO ORDER: Chair Raczka called the meeting back into session at 7:16 PM. PUBLIC SESSION CONTINUED: Jennifer Mahr spoke as a parent, member of the Westfield Residents for Rational Development Executive Committee and as a writer for the Middletown Eye News Blog and expressed her thoughts on having transparency in the decision making process and having clear communications with parents well in advance of enacting new initiatives. In addition, Ms. Mahr asked the Board to be aware of the impact of school choice on redistricting and asked about the Superintendent s protocol for parents and journalists to express their concerns. Lee B. Smith commented on free speech issues and in local parentis as well as locking school bathrooms and issues of due process. Donna Gagnon-Smith expressed her thoughts and concerns regarding children s property right to education, transportation expenditures, and other matters impacting upon this right. Cheryl Miller expressed her thoughts to the 2009 seniors for their support and gave a handout to the Superintendent and Middletown High School Principal Robert Fontaine. VI. VII. COMMUNICATIONS VI.A. National Network of Partnership Schools Award Parent Resource Coordinator Donna Marino presented a plaque to the Board for the recent award for excellence in school, family and community partnerships. Ms. Marino discussed the programs and best practices associated with the award, cited the work of all involved in the program, and thanked the Board for their support. VI.B. NAACP - Education Award to Macdonough School Superintendent Frechette noted that the NAACP Education Award would be given to Macdonough School at their annual dinner on September 25, 2009 and that Macdonough School Principal Jon Romeo would be accepting the award. VI.C. FOI Issues Concerning Board of Education E-mails Ms. Boske referred to the letter from Attorney Christine Chinni clarifying questions concerning Board members personal computers, Freedom of Information, and communications between Board members. Ms. Gill noted that if Board members sent a copy of their communication(s) to the Superintendent s Assistant Marcy Poppel it would be on file for FOI purposes and could be deleted from the Board members personal computer. Ms. Boske agreed. CONSENT AGENDA
Page 3 MOTION: Move to accept the Consent Agenda was made by Ms. Daniels and a second by Ms. Boske. Mr. Keiser requested the removal of Agenda Item VII.E. Extended Field Trip MHS-FFA to Indiana. VOTE: Approval of the Consent Agenda, as amended, passed unanimously. VII.A. Minutes of September 1, 2009 BOE Special Meeting VII.B. VII.C. VII.D. Minutes of August 25, 2009 BOE Regular Meeting Personnel Action Bylaw #9325.2 Order of Business (revision) - First Reading VII.E. Extended Field Trip - MHS - FFA to Indiana Mike Pitruzzello, Courtney Johnson and Rebecca Isaacson came forward to answer questions. Mr. Keiser asked about students missing class work during the trip. Ms. Isaacson responded that students were required to get work in advance, teachers were notified in advance of the trip to have student assignments available, homework was done on the trip, and parents were made aware of these requirements in a pre-trip meeting. MOTION: Ms. Boske made the motion, seconded by Ms. Daniels to approve the field trip to Indiana. The motion passed unanimously. VIII. REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT VIII.A. Opening of School Superintendent Frechette reported on the successful opening day of school noting that it was easier for the high school in its second year than last year and particularly pointed out that students were immediately on task and quickly engaged in the work before them in the classroom. VIII.B. District Improvement Plan Initiatives - Year 2 VIII.C. District Effort to Assist & Support Schools with Student Achievement Associate Superintendent of Teaching and Learning Barbara Senges reviewed the information in her September 19, 2009 Teaching and Learning Report on the second year of the District s Improvement Plan and efforts to improve student achievement. Ms. Senges highlighted such items as: the District Data Team (DDT) meetings with the next one scheduled for November 16, 2009 to be attended by state, monitors; the top priority to complete scope and sequence in K-10 Math and Language Arts; October presentation of lesson plan rubric; the fact that year 1 plans were found to be a bit ambitious in all districts; and the reading assessments and state math bench mark assessments. Ms. Gill asked about plans for changes in leveling to which Ms. Senges responded that the DDT have been discussing the matter, would be looking at Meriden s 5 year plan, other districts plans and homogeneous versus heterogeneous grouping. Ms. Senges also noted that the Board would be kept apprised of developments. Mr. Keiser asked for some specifics on the fact that the district had been ambitious in year 1 plans. Ms. Senges noted
Page 4 that planned classroom walkthroughs did not occur in year one, plans for science benchmarks and scope and sequence for social studies needed to be cut back to accommodate completion of language arts and math plans. Mr. Raczka asked about new initiatives at Grade 4/elementary levels to which Ms. Senges replied that with the elimination of PROBE, work was being done on school-wide enrichment programs, Math Olympics and Odyssey of the Mind programs. VIII.D. Athletic Overview Director of Athletics and Student Activities Michael Pitruzzello reviewed his written overview on What s New in Sports in Middletown High School and Co-Op Hockey plans and elaborated on all items. By mutual consent of the members present Agenda Item X.C. Athletic Department Proposal for Co-Op Hockey Program was moved forward for consideration at this time. X.C. Athletic Department Proposal for Co-Op Hockey Program Director Pitruzzello elaborated on the efforts and assistance of Marco Gaylord in working on the programs and responded to questions from Ms. Gill and Mr. Boyd regarding program costs and the spread sheet. In response to Ms. Daniel s question, Director Pitruzzello noted that participating students would be eligible to earn a letter and attend a sports banquet. Responding to Mr. Boyd s question concerning administration and uniforms, Director Pitruzzello noted that Rocky Hill would be responsible for administration and that uniforms would be with the RHAM logo. MOTION: The Motion to accept the proposal to participate in the C0-Op Hockey Program was made by Mr. Keiser, seconded by Ms. Daniels and unanimously approved. Mr. Kennedy expressed his thanks for the spread sheet information and his support for the program. Ms. Daniels commended Director Pitruzzello and Mr. Gaylord for extending new opportunities to students. VIII.E. Fine Arts Overview Fine Arts Coordinator Marco Gaylord elaborated on his written Fine Arts Highlights report emphasizing the development of an after-school jazz band and responded to Chair Raczka s question on the location of the New England Drama Festival (New Hampshire). In addition, Coordinator Gaylord informed the Board that work was being done on a fine arts calendar that would be ready in the near future. At the request of Facilities Director Ken Jackson and by mutual consent of the members present Agenda Item VII.H. was moved forward to be considered next. VIII.H. Feasibility Study Update Gregory Smolley of JCJ Architecture briefly reviewed his written update of the District Feasibility Study with comments on: 5-8 grade arrangement, Keigwin and parent happiness with the school, the number of school transitions not being an issue, more concern over physical conditions such as air quality and desire for community schools and ownership and time students spend on buses. Mr. Smolley noted a meeting was planned with the Director of Transportation and three areas to be looked at include: attendance areas, open/semi enrollment system and magnet schools, and changes to buildings to
Page 5 accommodate program changes. It is not anticipated that there would be any major configuration changes recommended and that the draft proposal should be ready in October, Mr. Smolley noted. Mr. Keiser cited the State requirement to complete a plan by February to address imbalances and he would hope to have the completed Feasibility Study Report by November. Mr. Boyd cautioned against busing students across town to reach balances. Ms. Johnson-Thornton commented on the current grade 6-5 configuration and the balances achieved. Ms. Daniels asked if the report would be offering one or more recommendations and if a range of recommendations were offered would the ramifications of each recommendation be outlined. Regarding transition issues, Superintendent Frechette explained that the State s concern was on the lack of consistency in curriculum and assessment transitions, not in physical transitions. VIII.F. Building Project: Middletown High School Facilities Director Ken Jackson commented on his written New High School Vo-Ag Project Report and responded to questions. Ms. Gill asked about the on-going problems with the retaining wall and other design issues with the gymnasium, and boiler rooms. Ms. Daniels asked why costs for corrections were not being paid by the architect. Director Jackson noted a number of these issues might end up in litigation to resolve cost issues and that discussion on the matters should be limited. Ms. Daniels also wished to have it noted that the problems with the Science labs also negatively impacted upon student learning and teachers instructional efforts. VIII.F.1. Facilities Department Overview Facilities Director Ken Jackson commented on his written Facilities Department Update report with particular emphasis on pending roof replacements at Macdonough and Spencer Schools and future Capitol Replacement items. Ms. Boske asked about costs regarding future study of Keigwin improvement needs, as well as savings that could be achieved by combining the roof replacements into a single bid package. Director Jackson reviewed the process that reflected potential savings in the initial steps and the potential loss of savings with a larger referendum request. Ms. Daniels asked about metal roof replacements to which Director Jackson noted that the option had not been reviewed but similar to changing from a flat to a slanted roof, the change would likely be more costly. Ms. Daniels also asked about the continuous carpet replacement at Snow School and whether using tile had been considered. Director Jackson replied that only old carpet was being replaced and that the replacement carpet was doing well. Mr. Kennedy asked about the Farm Hill School roof and was advised that it had at least another 10 years of longevity. VIII.G. Honeywell Update Referring to his written Honeywell Update Director Jackson particularly made note of the invaluable assistance of the District s HVAC (Heating, Ventilation Air Conditioning) Technician Ken Wadowski. VIII.I. Summer School Report Anthony Menard, Summer School Coordinator, briefly reviewed his written report and responded to questions. Mr. Boyd asked about the suitability of the new high school and was informed that there had been no problems and that Summer School activities used
Page 6 only the first floor. Mr. Boyd also asked about the first year of the physical education (PE) offering and overall costs. Coordinator Menard advised that all PE students completed the course and that only administrative costs were covered by fees. Mr. Keiser expressed his thanks and appreciation for the continuous good job that has been done in running the Summer School program. VIII.J. Transportation Report - Opening of School Manager of Transportation Michael Milardo noted that during the first weeks of school there have been some problems due to road construction issues in some areas and a few routes had some timing issues that have been resolved by some bus swapping. Manager Milardo also commented on the ten-day backlog in office emails, faxes, and phone overload. Mr. Boyd asked a number of questions regarding the length of time students spend on buses, the pick-up times, and the time from pick-up to the start of classes and expressed his hope that the 1 hour and 10 minute times could be reduced. Ms. Daniels asked about the office operations and whether it was a staffing issue and what help was needed. Ms. Boske asked about the protocol for getting help to which Superintendent Frechette responded that if help were asked for it would be given. IX. COMMITTEES IX.A. Budget Committee Mr. Keiser, Chair of the Budget Committee noted that as a cost saving effort the annual budget book would not be issued this year. Mr. Keiser noted a change in the committee s meeting date to October 9, 2009 at 10:30 AM. In addition, Mr. Keiser commented on the committee s discussion of line item transfers, Board approval, and finalizing end of the year accounts. He informed the Board that Business Manager Nancy Haynes has been asked to draft a policy regarding transfers. In accordance with the Board s wish for indepth information on budget topics and in reference to the list of topics distributed to members, Mr. Keiser referred to Facilities Director Ken Jackson for a presentation on Line Item 543 Capitol Funding. IX.A.1. Line Item Transfers (Nothing was presented under this item other than in Mr. Keiser s Budget Committee report.) IX.B. Communications Committee Ms. Gill, Chair of the Communications Committee referred to her written report distributed to members before the meeting and noted that members would be asked to address a motion on the location of the October meeting under Action Items and that due to municipal swearing in ceremonies on November 10 the Board will need to consider a change of meeting date. Mr. Keiser added that the committee had also discussed a change from a five (5) to three (3) minute limitation on public remarks at Board meetings. It was mutually agreed by the members present that the Policy Committee should look into the matter. IX.C. Curriculum Committee
Page 7 Mr. Boyd, Chair of the Curriculum Committee referred to the August 18, 2009 Committee Minutes and the attached chart of Associate Superintendent s proposal of four levels of responsibility in the development and approval of curriculum. Mr. Boyd reviewed each level noting his belief that all the necessary knowledge for curriculum development resides in the District Data Team (DDT) and that he concurs with the MPS (Middletown Public Schools) Attorney that the DDT fulfills the state law. Mr. Boyd noted that a motion on this proposal would be considered under Action Items. X.D. Policy Committee Ms. Boske, Chair of the Policy Committee referred to the first reading of changes in the Order of Business Policy and the Committee being in sync with Board needs. IX.E. Representative Reports Ms. Boske commented on ACES (Area Cooperative Education Services) and on TEMS (Thomas Edison Magnet School) and noted that the Principal and Curriculum Director of TEMS were available to address the Board on CMT scores at the October meeting. By mutual consent of the members present it was agreed to add this items to the October Agenda. X. ACTION ITEMS X.A. Race to the Top Grant MOTION: To join the State and other districts in a consortium to file a Race to the Top application for grant funding from the Federal Government was made by Mr. Keiser and seconded by Ms. Boske. MOTION TO AMEND: Ms. Gill made a motion to amend the original motion to state that the Board would receive monthly reports as the application develops and definitive information on the impact Race to the Top programs would have on teachers. The motion was seconded by Ms. Daniels. Following a brief discussion on the amendment in which Mr. Keiser expressed his belief that the amendment was unnecessary the vote was taken. VOTE ON AMENDMENT: The motion to amend passed with a vote of five (5) in favor and three (3) opposed. Voting in favor were Ms. Daniels, Ms. Gill, Ms. Johnson- Thornton, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Raczka and voting in opposition were Ms. Boske, Mr. Boyd, and Mr. Keiser. VOTE ON MOTION: The original motion as amended was unanimously approved. X.B. Farm Hill Naming Committee Chair Raczka referred to the request from Farm Hill School to name their library in honor of Clara Sanders and to the policy requiring a committee to look into the request. To this end Chair Raczka appointed Board members Ms. Daniels and Ms. Johnson-Thornton to an Ad Hoc Naming Committee to look into the matter. X.D. Curriculum
Page 8 MOTION: Mr. Boyd made the motion to adopt the Draft Curriculum Development and Approval Process as presented. The motion was seconded by Ms. Daniels. Mr. Gill commented that she was not in favor of the motion as she believed it circumvented the intent of the State law to have boards of education responsible for curriculum. Mr. Boyd reiterated his comments made during his Curriculum Committee report in support of the motion. Ms. Boske commented on her belief to dissolve the current Curriculum Committee giving more review to the Board and to make additions to the District Data Teams. MOTION TO TABLE: Ms. Gill made the motion to table the item to the next meeting (October 13, 2009). The motion to table was seconded by Mr. Kennedy. VOTE: X.E. MOTION: Mr. Boyd reiterated his reasons in support of approving the Draft Curriculum Development and Approval Process and his opposition to the motion to table. The motion to table was approved on a vote of 7 in favor and 1 opposed. Voting in favor were Ms. Boske, Ms. Daniels, Ms. Gill, Ms. Johnson-Thornton, Mr. Keiser, Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Raczka and voting in opposition was Mr. Boyd. Communications Ms. Gill made the motion to hold the October 13, 2009 Board of Education meeting in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Building. The motion was seconded by Mr. Kennedy and unanimously passed. Mr. Kennedy expressed his appreciation to Mr. Keiser for his willingness to try out the Council Chambers. XI. FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS XI.A. New Items XI.A.1. New Teacher Recognition Following a brief discussion concerning acknowledging all new employees and not just teachers and the fact that it had become rather late to do anything formal it was mutually agreed not to pursue any plans at the present time. XII. DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE ACTION ON MIDDLETOWN SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS ASSOCIATION CONTRACT 2010-2013 MOTION: XII.A. MOTION: Public Session: A motion to go into Executive Session was made at 10:02 PM by Ms. Daniels, seconded by Ms. Boske and unanimously approved. Executive Session A motion to return to Public Session was made by Ms. Gill, seconded by Mr. Raczka and unanimously approved at 10:15 PM.
Page 9 MOTION: A motion to approve an agreement for 2010-2013 between the Middletown Board of Education and the Middletown School Administrators Association with the following general points was made by Mr. Boyd, seconded by Ms. Daniels and unanimously approved. - 2010-2011 No general wage increase and no advancement in step on the salary scale. - 2010-2011 Administrators shall pay the same amount for premium cost share for health insurance benefits that was in effect during 2009-020`10 for level of benefits selected for 2010-2011. - 2011-2012 Total administrators salary account shall increase by the same percentage rate equal to the cost of the incremental increase and one-time longevity increase in effect for teachers 2011-2012. This shall be paid as a general wage increase and no administrator shall advance a step on the salary schedule. - 2012-2013 Total administrators salary account shall be increased by 2.75 %. Each administrator not at maximum shall advance a step on the salary scale and monies remaining after the deduction of costs for this advancement shall be paid as a general wage increase. - 2011-2012 Administrators shall pay 18% of the cost of actual premium cost share for health insurance benefits. - 2012-2013 Administrators shall pay 19% of the cost of actual premium cost share for health insurance benefits. - 2010-2013 the Board shall offer a high deductible health plan. XIII. ADJOURNMENT MOTION: The motion to adjourn was made at 10:18 PM by Ms. Gill, seconded by Mr. Raczka and unanimously approved. Respectfully Submitted, CEG/mkp Corinne E. Gill Secretary