Board of Education Meeting Minutes

March 4, 2008

BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR MEETING

MARCH 4, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Susan Hamilton, Chair; , Rosa Murray, Vice Chair; Glenn Iannaccone, Secretary; Jack Chiaramonte, Jody Bishop-Pullan; Bruce Kimmel, Gregory Burnett, Migdalia Rivas; Shirley Mosby

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Alex Thompson, Ms. Sumpter, Ponus Ridge Principal, Molly Medico, Bruce Mellion, NFT President; Mr. Jean Toussand, Ms. Roz McCarthy, Brien McMahon Center for Global Studies; Dr. Karen Lang; Anthony Daddona; Michael Pisseri, Ponus Ridge Assistant Principal

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:53 p.m. Ms. Hamilton led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Iannaccone presented the Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools, which highlighted the winner of the Ponus Ridge Middle School School-wide Geography Bee, Mr. Alex Thompson. Mr. Thompson was presented a certificate from the Board.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda welcomed everyone to Ponus Ridge Middle School, which has been designated a Vanguard School. Ms. Sumpter, the principal then greeted everyone. She introduced Mr. Mike Pisseri, the new Assistant Principal. Ms. Sumpter then gave a PowerPoint presentation about Ponus and how it had progressed to being a Vanguard School. She stated that Ponus is a now a comprehensive school. This included reviewing the demographics, ELL programs, extra curricular programs and special education. The Comprehensive School grant requires 100% of participation, so the first year, surveys were taken instead. When a second opportunity became available, the school was able to apply for the grant. She also reviewed the requirements of the Vanguard Initiative for those present.

Receiving the Vanguard School Status means that the school is significantly improving and it also includes a monetary grant to continue professional development. Both West Rocks and Ponus received additional funding to for professional development from the private sector.

Mr. Pisseri then outlined the various steps that the School was planning to take in the future. This included the creation of a data team and differentiating instruction.

Ms. Bishop Pullan said that she applauded the fact that Ms. Sumpter was able to pull the staff together to create the necessary team effort. She then asked about time investment. Ms. Sumpter said that there is a significant time commitment and that the staff takes advantage of every faculty meeting. Ms. Sumpter then gave a brief overview of how this is handled.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Jean Toussand came forward and said that he had two sons at Kendall Middle School. There had been an on-going issue with the principal. Mr. Toussand said that he had previously contacted Ms. Bishop Pullan and emailed the Board about this situation. He said that the principal had been avoiding him and would not speak to him. Mr. Toussand said that he felt there was a xenophobic attitude at Kendall and that he felt that the principal was avoiding him because he was a foreign born man who spoke with an accent. He stated that he was an American citizen and added that both of his sons were American born. Mr. Toussand said that he was a Spanish teacher and had been teaching for five years. He said that at Kendall, parents that are active are not welcomed. He pointed out that grammar needed to be taught in the schools. He added that the problem with his sons has escalated.

Ms. Molly Medico came forward and said that she was present as a parent who was involved in some conversations about the calendar. Some of the parents have expressed concerns about the number of days the children have off.

Mr. Bruce Mellion said that the NFT was favorable with Draft 2 for the calendar. He then gave a clarification on a statement that was included in the minutes regarding an unannounced visit to Norwalk High School.

ACTIONS A. Consent

1. Personnel Actions

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ITEMS:

RESIGNATION OF MONIQUE BRUNSON AS A LITERACY SPECIALIST FROM CRANBURY EFFECTED 02/26/08.

RESIGNATION OF JENNIFER STARKEY AS ASOCIAL STUDIES/LANGUAGE ARTS INSTRUCTOR FROM ROTON EFFECTIVE AS OF 03/26/08.

RESIGNATION OF D. JONATHAN HIGGINS AS A BUSINESS INSTRUCTOR FROM NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL, EFFECTIVE 06/30/08.

B. Approval of the minutes of January 8, 2008

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 8, 2008. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

The following corrections were noted.

Page 1, and forward, please change the date of the meeting from January 8, 2007 to January 8, 2008.

Page 2, paragraph 1, line two: please change the following from: “that there were grants to help pay for the program.” To “that the Fire Department had been able to get funding for a Wellness program.”

Page 4, motion: please change the following motion from:

**THE MOTION TO INCREASE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FROM $149,554, 772 TO $149,674,722 IN ORDER TO INCLUDE THE POSITION OF A FINANCIAL DIRECTOR FAILED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, KIMMEL AND HAMILTON) AND FIVE AGAINST (BURNETT, RIVAS, BISHOP-PULLAN, MOSBY AND MURRAY).

**THE MOTION TO INCREASE THE SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDED BUDGET FROM $149,554, 772 TO $149,674,722 IN ORDER TO INCLUDE THE POSITION OF A FINANCIAL DIRECTOR FAILED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, KIMMEL AND MOSBY) AND FIVE AGAINST (BURNETT, RIVAS, BISHOP-PULLAN, HAMILTON AND MURRAY).

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Approve Policy #6146 Graduation Requirements

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE POLICY #6146 GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS.

** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. Approve the Expansion of Norwalk Smiles to remaining District Schools.

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE EXPANSION OF THE NORWALK SMILES PROGRAM TO THE REMAINING SCHOOLS IN THE DISTRICT WITH QUARTERLY REPORTS TO BE REPORTED TO THE BOARD OF EDUCATION.

** MS. RIVAS SECONDED.

Ms. Bishop Pullan said that this was a very important program and reminded everyone that a young man on the West Coast had died in the past year from complications arising from an abscessed tooth that had not received treatment.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

E. Approve procedure for diploma choice for students attending the Center for Global Studies.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE PROCEDURE FOR DIPLOMA CHOICE FOR OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Ms. Mosby and Mr. Kimmel had questions about the sports participation, which Ms. McCarthy answered.

Ms. Rivas suggested that certificates of completion be issued rather than a diploma. Ms. McCarthy explained that every student must complete graduation requirements, either in their home school or from Brien McMahon. The CGS students often complete all the graduation requirements for Brien McMahon. When the students chose to receive a diploma from their home school, a letter is included with the transcript describing the CGS program.

Mr. Burnett asked about changing the requirements if a family situation changed. Ms. McCarthy explained that decision in each case would be determined by the graduation requirements.

Ms. Murray said that she felt there were grey areas with students moving between BMHS and the CGS. Ms. McCarthy said that she felt that things were clearer because the guidance counselors have a clearer idea of the requirements needed.

Ms. Mosby said that she would feel more comfortable after the Policy Committee investigated this policy, particularly in terms of valedictorian. Ms. McCarthy said that it was her understanding that the valedictorian issue applied to transfer students. Discussion followed.

** MS. MOSBY MOVED TO TABLE THE ISSUE. ** MS. RIVAS SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO TABLE FAILED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, MURRAY, RIVAS, AND MOSBY) AND FIVE AGAINST (BURNETT, HAMILTON, IANNACCONE, BISHOP PULLAN AND KIMMEL).

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE PROCEDURE FOR DIPLOMA CHOICE FOR OUT-OF-DISTRICT STUDENTS ATTENDING THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES.

PASSED WITH FIVE IN FAVOR (BURNETT, HAMILTON, IANNACCONE, BISHOP PULLAN AND KIMMEL) AND FOUR AGAINST (CHIARAMONTE, MURRAY, RIVAS, AND MOSBY).

F. Approve the Field Trip.

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: BRIEN MCMAHON NJROTC TO NIANTIC, CT – CAMP RELL – BASIC LEADERSHIP TRAINING, MAY 2008 (FOUR DAYS – SEE ATTACHMENT FOR DATE EXPLANATION).

** MS. MURRAY SECONDED.

It was pointed out for the record that Niantic is in Connecticut; therefore this would be an in state trip. Dr. Corda apologized for the oversight.

** THE MOTION PASSED WITH EIGHT IN FAVOR (HAMILTON, MURRAY, IANNACCONE, BURNETT, BISHOP PULLAN, RIVAS, CHIARAMONTE, AND MOSBY) AND ONE AGAINST (KIMMEL).

G. Budget transfers.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED BUDGET TRANSFERS:

THE SUM OF $128.00 FROM SPEC. ED HEALTH INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCOUNT # 15621300-611-56) TO SPEC. ED. HEALTH ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS (ACCOUNT # 15621300-301-56) FOR ONSITE TRAINING 3/28/08 FOR SNAP PROFESSIONAL SOFTWARE FOR NURSES.

THE SUM OF $1,543.00 FROM MARVIN PRINC. CONSUMABLES/WORKBOOKS (ACCOUNT # 13724100-644-37) TO MARVIN LIBRARY BOOKS AND PERIODICALS (ACCOUNT #13722220-642-37) TO UPDATE THE LIBRARY COLLECTION.

THE SUM OF $1,660.00 FROM MARVIN INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCOUNT # 13711020-611-37) TO MARVIN LIBRARY BOOKS AND PERIODICALS (ACCOUNT #13722220-642-37) TO UPDATE THE LIBRARY COLLECTION.

THE SUM OF $170.00 FROM MARVIN PRINC. DUES, FEES AND MEMBERSHIPS (ACCOUNT #13724100-610-37) TO MARVIN LIBRARY BOOKS AND PERIODICALS (ACCOUNT #13722220-642-37) TO UPDATE THE LIBRARY COLLECTION.

THE SUM OF $1,170.00 FROM MARVIN PROF. DEVELOP. SALARIES & WORKSHOPS (ACCOUNT #13728320-133-37) TO MARVIN LIBRARY BOOKS AND PERIODICALS (ACCOUNT # 13722220-642-37) TO UPDATE THE LIBRARY COLLECTION.

THE SUM OF $955.00 FROM JEFFERSON DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP (ACCOUNT # 13222199-810-32) TO JEFFERSON STUDENT TRANS SERV. PUBL. (ACCOUNT # 13222199-510-32) FOR MARINE SCIENCE PROGRAM FIELD TRIP AT AVERY POINT (UCONN).

** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. 2008-2009 School Calendar

Dr. Corda said that there had been concerns about the school calendar expressed by the parents. He added that moving the February recess to the 9th at this time might be problematic. Each of these changes would extend the school year in June, which he was reluctant to do.

Mr. Kimmel said that there would only be five weeks of school following the December break. He also pointed out that there are only 10 full days for the month of June. He then gave several examples of calendar changes that have been happening in New York City.

Dr. Corda said that in order to get a resolution before the Board at the next meeting, he needed a sense of the Board. He said that he needed to know which one of the Drafts the Board would prefer to consider. After some discussion, it was suggested that all four calendars be brought for vote.

B. Policy 5131.6 Tobacco

Ms. Bishop Pullan indicated that the changes were on the second page of the policy. She pointed out that the suspension should be an in school suspension.

Mr. Kimmel expressed concern that there was almost no consequence for the adults found to be using tobacco. The adults are given a verbal warning, but the student would have a two day in school suspensions along with a $10.00 fine. He also asked if there were other monetary fines in the policies. Mr. Daddona reported that there were no other monetary fine, but point out that the fine was attached to the student’s end of the year charges. There was a question as to whether the Policy Committee had considered this.

Mr. Burnett replied that the Policy Committee had considered this carefully and that the Committee had equated the fine to losing a library book, which would require financial remuneration. Ms. Bishop Pullan said that when the policy was started, there was a problem with students smoking directly outside the buildings and the other students had to pass through the smoke to get into the building.

Mr. Daddona said that by changing the consequences would send the wrong message to the students. Mr. Kimmel said that the issue would be changing the consequences for those adult who use tobacco on campus.

C. Grading for ELL Students

Dr. Lang came forward and addressed the Board about the ELL students receiving an alternative report card for their first year. It became apparent that not all the students had become proficient by the end of the first year. Dr. Lang pointed out that after some discussion, three different options would be presented. A brief discussion followed.

D. Discussion of search process for Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum

Dr. Corda said that he had compiled a list of qualifications that would be needed for the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum. Dr. Corda said that invitations to participate in the interviewing three committees. Ms. Mosby said that she would be more comfortable with multiple candidates. Discussion followed.

After some discussion, it was agreed that the Board would be interested in interviewing multiple candidates at the beginning of the process and would also include the interviews with consultants if the situation warranted.

E. Videotaping of Board of Education meetings

Ms. Rivas left the meeting at 10:00 p.m.

Dr. Corda said that this was a proposal that the Board needed to consider. Mr. Chiaramonte said that he was definitely in favor of this. It would help get more parental involvement. Mr. Iannaccone agreed. Mr. Burnett said that if this was done, it would be important to have high quality filming done. Mr. Iannaccone said that it was a direction worth pursuing. Ms. Murray said that she would like to see a presentation from a professional about this. Mr. Burnett said that he would like to see a cost estimate.

F. Board member announcements

Ms. Bishop Pullan said that no date had been set for the CABE workshop at this time.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ADJOURN ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting adjourned at 10:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services Category: Minutes