Board of Education Meeting Minutes

March 18, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Susan Hamilton, Chair; Glenn Iannaccone, Secretary, Jack Chiaramonte, Jody Bishop-Pullan, Bruce Kimmel, Greg Burnett, Migdalia Rivas (8:10 p.m.); Mayor Richard A. Moccia (8:33 p.m.)

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Bruce Mellion, NFT President, Dr. Victor Corso, Caitlyn Emro,

Kathleen Mitchell CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:58 p.m. She announced that Ms. Mosby and Ms. Murray were not able to be present tonight.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Hamilton led the assembly in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Iannaccone presented the report to the Board and presented one of the students with an achievement award.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda announced that March was Board of Education Month and that the Norwalk Board of Education works hard to insure that the Norwalk students were given the best education possible. He said that he would like to take the opportunity acknowledge the Board’s hard work.

Dr. Corda said that Mr. Hugh McKiernan’s resignation would be accepted tonight. His work has been very effective and it will be difficult to replace him.

Dr. Corda announced that the Norwalk Odyssey of the Mind Teams, two of which was led by Ms. Bishop Pullan, has received a number of awards and some of the teams would be advancing to the National competition.

Dr. Corda said that the District has been working hard on Norwalk District’s Improvement Models. To that end, Dr. Corda noted that the State has adopted Norwalk’s improvement model as a template. On April 16th, Dr. Corda and Ms. Hamilton will be traveling to Hartford to present this model plan to the State.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Mellion, the NFT president, came before the Board and presented the Board with copies of an NFT Director of Curriculum and Instruction Survey. He then reviewed this document with the Board and highlighted certain points.

Ms. Rivas joined the meeting at 8:10 p.m.

Mr. Mellion said that since the board was going to be involved in the selection process for a new Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, it would be important for the Board to review this survey.

Dr. Corso came forward and said that his contract was up for renewal. He said that this year he is teaching new subjects, including Advanced Chemistry. Prior to this year, he had an excellent performance prior to this but his most recent job performance stated that his skills were “basic”. He stressed how dedicated he was to student success and felt that the four-month job performance was not reflective of his past four years. He said that he was here to encourage the Board to keep him at Norwalk High School because he is committed to the students.

Ms. Kaitlyn Emro came forward and said that she had Dr. Corso when she was a student. She said that he was a very passionate teacher and involved with his students.

Another Norwalk resident came forward and said despite the sudden surge in the stock market, he felt that there was a recession coming. He asked how the education of the Norwalk students could continue with their proposed budget and still provide a quality education.

Ms. Kathleen Mitchell came forward and said that she was a representative of some of the Norwalk High School in support of Dr. Corso. She pointed out that Dr. Corso has an impressive background and pointed out that all of the AP Chemistry students have been accepted into college. She added that he had been a chemist for twenty years, and spent a number of years teaching in another school system with no problem. She encouraged the Board to consider his entire record and not just the most recent reviews.

ACTIONS

A. Consent

1. Personnel Actions

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ITEMS:

APPOINTMENTS:

MR. MICHAEL GASPAR TO THE NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL SPECIAL ED. EXTENDED RESOURCE, EFFECTIVE 1/10/08.

MR. STEPHEN JUHASZ TO THE NORWALK SCHOOL DISTRICT WIDE ELEMENTARY STRING PROGRAM, EFFECTIVE 03/07/08.

MR. SCOTT HURWITZ AS A BRIEN MCMAHON HOUSE MASTER EFFECTIVE 07/01/08.

MS. MARY MICHAILDIS AS A BRIEN MCMAHON HOUSE MASTER EFFECTIVE 07/01/08.

RESIGNATION:

MR. HUGH MCKIERNAN AS DIRECTOR OF ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE 06/30/08.

MR. MICHAEL LINKE FROM ROTON SCHOOL SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT EFFECTIVE 06/30/08.

MR. RANDY WHITMAN FROM BRIEN MCMAHON TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION/GRAPHIC COMMUNICATIONS EFFECTIVE 08/31/08.

JOB SHARE PROPOSALS APPROVED FOR 2006-2007:

DEBORAH BUTLER/LEIGHANNE LEWIS – KENDALL – KINDERGARTEN (RENEWING FOR YEAR 8)

PRISCILLA FALCONE/LISA RANDAZZO – MARVIN – KINDERGARTEN (RENEWING FOR YEAR 3)

NICKI GOTOUHIDIS/ MATINA PANAGIOTIDIS – WOLFPIT - GRADE 5 (RENEWING FOR YEAR 3)

CARA O’NEILL/CARYN CZARNECKI – CRANBURY – GRADE 2 – (RENEWING FOR YEAR 2)

FRANCINE HAKIM/PAMELA SERLIN – ROWAYTON - GRADE 3 (NEW FOR 2008-2009)

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE PERSONNEL ACTIONS AS PRESENTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES

MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 26, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 26, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Mayor Moccia joined the meeting at 8:33 p.m.

The following corrections were noted:

Page 11, paragraph 3, line 1 and forward: please change all references to “Ms. Mosley” to “Ms. Mosby”.

** THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 26, 2008 SPECIAL MEETING AS CORRECTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4, 2008 REGULAR MEETING

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4, 2008 REGULAR MEETING.

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN SECONDED.

The following corrections were noted:

Page 4, Item C.: please change the following from “Approve Police #6146 Graduation Requirements” to “Approve Policy #6146 Graduation Requirements”

Page 4, Discussion paragraph, line 2: please change “a young man on the West Coast” to “a young man in Washington, D.C.”

** THE MOTION TO ACCEPT THE MINUTES OF THE MARCH 4, 2008 REGULAR MEETING AS CORRECTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

BUDGET TRANSFERS

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

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

THE AMOUNT OF $32.00 FROM THE SILVERMINE PRINCIPAL DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP (ACCOUNT # 14424100-810-44) TO SILVERMINE SCIENCE INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES (14411130-611-44) FOR THE PURCHASE OF SCIENCE JOURNALS FOR STUDENTS IN ALL GRADES.

THE AMOUNT OF $129.00 FROM THE BMHS INDUSTRIAL ARTS INSTR. EQUIP. (ACCOUNT # 10311100-730-03) TO BMHS INDUSTRIAL ARTS INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCOUNT # 1031110061103) FOR AN EXTRA LARGE PERIODIC TABLE FOR CLASSROOM.

THE AMOUNT OF $648.00 FROM CRANBURY PRINCIPAL INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT (ACCOUNT # 12524100-730-25) TO CRANBURY PRINCIPAL CONSUMABLES/WORKBOOKS (ACCOUNT # 12524100-644-25) FOR THE PURCHASE OF CONSUMABLES.

THE AMOUNT OF $300.00 FROM CRANBURY PROF. DEVEL. ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS (ACCOUNT # 12528320-301-25) TO CRANBURY PRINCIPAL CONSUMABLES/WORKBOOKS (ACCOUNT # 12524100-644-25) FOR THE PURCHASE OF CONSUMABLES.

THE AMOUNT OF $30.00 FROM PONUS SOCIAL STUDIES INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCOUNT # 11611150-611-16) TO PONUS SOCIAL STUDIES DUES, FEES AND MEMBERSHIP (ACCOUNT # 11611150-810-16) FOR MEMBERSHIP FOR SOCIAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT WITH NATIONAL COUNCIL FOR THE SOCIAL STUDIES.

THE AMOUNT OF $10.00 FROM CRANBURY PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS (ACCOUNT # 12524100-690-25) TO CRANBURY PRINC. DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP (ACCOUNT # 12524100-810-25) FOR RENEWAL OF MEMBERSHIP ASCD.

THE AMOUNT OF $1,229.00 FROM BMHS ENGLISH LANG. TEXTBOOKS (SOFT COVER) (ACCOUNT # 10311050-645-) TO 10311050-730-03) FOR VIDEO MULTIMEDIA PROJECTOR FOR ENGLISH DEPT. (APPROVED BY RALPH VALENZISI)

THE AMOUNT OF $389.00 FRO BMHS INDUSTRIAL ARTS INSTR. EQUIPMENT (ACCOUNT #10311100-730-03) TO BMHS INDUSTRIAL ARTS INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCOUNT #10311100-611-03) FOR GEODISC CLIMBER FOR INDUSTRIAL ARTS CLASS.

** MR. BURNETT SECONDED.

Mr. Kimmel asked for clarification as to what kind of consumables were being purchased at Cranbury. Dr. Corda said that they were mathematic workbooks.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPROVAL OF THE LOTTERY PROCESS FOR THE SELECTION OF STUDENT BODY AT THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE LOTTERY PROCESS FOR SELECTION OF STUDENT BODY AT CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES AS OUTLINED ON THE ATTACHED DOCUMENT.

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN SECONDED.

Mr. Kimmel reminded the other members of the Board that they wished to look into the lottery process in depth at a future date.

Mr. Iannaccone asked whether any of the students at Briggs High School applied to the CGS and how that would be handled. Ms. McCarthy said that none of the students at Briggs had requested to attend the CGS and then proceeded to reviewed the process of student selection with the Board in the event that a Briggs student wished to attend the CGS.

Ms. Bishop Pullan asked Ms. McCarthy to review the CGS ratio of the out of district students to Norwalk CGS students. Ms. McCarthy then reviewed the current ratio of 50% out of district students and the State reimbursement amounts for these out of district students with the Board.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #1

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #1 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009.

**MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #1 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009 FAILED WITH TWO IN FAVOR (KIMMEL AND BISHOP PULLAN) AND FIVE AGAINST (HAMILTON, CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, BURNETT, AND RIVAS).

APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #2

** MR. BURNETT MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #2 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

** THE MOTION PASSED TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #2 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009 WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (RIVAS, HAMILTON, BURNETT AND BISHOP PULLAN) AND THREE AGAINST (IANNACCONE, CHIARAMONTE AND KIMMEL).

APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #3

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #3 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #1 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009 FAILED WITH ONE IN FAVOR (IANNACCONE) AND SIX AGAINST (HAMILTON, CHIARAMONTE, BISHOP PULLAN, KIMMEL, BURNETT AND RIVAS)

APPROVAL OF 2008-2009 SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #4

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED THE FOLLOWING:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #4 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009.

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN SECONDED.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR DRAFT #4 FOR THE YEAR 2008-2009 FAILED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Kimmel expressed concern following the conclusion of the votes regarding the number of full school days in June.

APPROVAL OF FIELD TRIPS

Norwalk High School to Spain

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL (SPANISH CLASSES GR. 10-12) TO SPAIN, FEBRUARY 2009 (DURING FEBRUARY VACATION TBD).

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

Norwalk High School to France

** MR. BURNETT MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL (FRENCH CLASSES I-V, GR. 9-12) TO FRANCE FEBRUARY 2009 (DURING FEBRUARY VACATION TBD).

** MR. IANNACCONE SECONDED.

Mr. Burnett expressed concern regarding the number of international trips that were being planned because the fund raising would be coming from the same pool. Mr. Kimmel said that he would like more information about the trips, including the amount of funds raised versus the percentage of students who were able to go on the trip.

Ms. Bishop Pullan asked if the District was receiving reports back about the trips. Dr. Corda replied that reports were being received.

Ms. Rivas commented that it stated in the paperwork that there were scholarships available from various community organizations.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Norwalk High School to Italy (Italian Classes)

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL (ITALIAN CLASSES GR. 10-12) TO ITALY, FEBRUARY 2009 (DURING FEBRUARY VACATION TBD).

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

Norwalk High School to Italy (Latin Classes)

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL (LATIN CLASSES) TO ITALY, FEBRUARY 2009 (DURING FEBRUARY VACATION TBD).

** MR. KIMMEL SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Norwalk High School Marching Band to FL

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING ITEM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL MARCHING BAND TO ORLANDO, FL (CHAMPS SPORTS BOWL) DECEMBER 26, 2008 – JANUARY 1, 2009.

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

NON-RENEWAL OF THE CONTRACT OF A NON-TENURED TEACHER

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED THE FOLLOWING

MOVE THAT THE CONTRACT OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE FOLLOWING NON-TENURED EMPLOYEE NOT BE RENEWED FOR THE COMING 2008-09 SCHOOL YEAR UPON ITS EXPIRATION AT THE END OF THE CURRENT SCHOOL YEAR AND THAT THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOL NOTIFY THIS INDIVIDUAL IN WRITING OF THIS ACTION: VICTOR CORSO.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Mr. Chiaramonte pointed out that when the evaluations were done during a limited period. Dr. Corda said that he was not able to comment about personnel issues in the public session.

Mr. Kimmel asked whether a contested evaluation went beyond the school. Dr. Corda said that occasionally this does go to the Central Office, but that he was reluctant to answer question in order not to violate confidentially. Mr. Kimmel then asked what the consequences were for AP classes when the students do poorly. Dr. Corda said that usually, if there is a poor performance by a teacher, then the District would replace the teacher. Mr. Kimmel has several other detailed questions about this.

Mr. Chiaramonte asked whether this should be handled in Executive Session.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan then said that there was a process beyond this. Dr. Corda agreed and then outlined the various steps.

Mr. Burnett said that this was a very difficult position to make a decision after hearing from the instructor and the parents involved. He said that he supported the process and pointed out that an appeal could be made.

Mr. Iannaccone said that he could not vote for something like this with so little information.

Mr. Kimmel asked if he voted affirmatively, would there be an appeal and then a discussion with more information. Dr. Corda said that would be very likely.

Mr. Burnett asked what the way to get full disclosure would be to affirm it and then wait for the appeal to have all the details. Dr. Corda said that he believed that the most effective way to facilitate this was to approve the motion and at the hearing, a comprehensive case would be placed before the Board. Dr. Corda said that the documents that the Board would most likely wish to see were not available for this meeting and some of the individuals involved were also not present. Dr. Corda then reviewed the details of the procedure regarding non-renewal and the procedure for termination.

Mayor Moccia said that he understood that if an individual is being discussed in Executive Session, then the individual needs to be advised of this and the individual could object and state that he wished to have it in public session.

Ms. Rivas asked for clarification regarding non-renewal and termination. Dr. Corda said that if the contract was not renewed, the contract would expire at the end of the school year. He then explained the details of the process of this.

The Mayor suggested that the Board consider move to table with a special meeting prior to April 1st with due notification. Mr. Burnett said that he felt that the Board members were not comfortable with voting on this without information. Mr. Chiaramonte said that he was in favor of this motion. Ms. Rivas said that she agreed and that it was hard to do when parents and students have come forth to support Dr. Corso. Mr. Iannaccone asked if all the staff needed would be available at the Special Meeting. Dr. Corda said that they would be.

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO TABLE THE AGENDA ITEM TO A SPECIAL MEETING BEFORE APRIL 1ST. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Ms. Rivas had a procedural question about whether the motion

** THE MOTION TO TABLE THE AGENDA ITEM TO A SPECIAL MEETING BEFORE APRIL 1ST. PASSED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, BURNETT, AND MOCCIA) AND THREE AGAINST (HAMILTON, BISHOP PULLAN, AND KIMMEL) AND ONE ABSTENTION (RIVAS).

A brief discussion followed and it was decided that Board would have a Special Meeting on March 25th at 7:45 p.m. Dr. Corda said that Mr. Corso would be advised in writing that there would be a Special Meeting on March 25th with a potential Executive Session scheduled.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Set a date for Superintendent’s mid-year report

Ms. Hamilton suggested the mid year report be scheduled for the next Board meeting on April 1st, 2008. Discussion about this followed. Mr. Burnett pointed out that the next meeting was scheduled for Rowayton. He expressed concerns about having the parents and general public being excluded outside the meeting location while Board is in the meeting for the mid year report.

Dr. Corda suggested that the Board consider April 8th for the mid-year report because they were already considering moving the Board meetings from the 15th to the 8th. Mr. Burnett said that April 8th was the first night for the CABE meetings in Meridan. Discussion then followed.

Mayor Moccia left the meeting at 9:37 p.m.

Ms. Bishop Pullan reminded everyone that the CABE three hours workshop would be on April 7th. Dr. Corda asked if the Board wished him to arrange food. Mr. Burnett said that he would like that “a lot”.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Rivas said that she would like to know about the status about the interview committee. Dr. Corda said that invitations have been sent out and a number of responses have been received.

Mayor Moccia rejoined the meeting at 9:44 p.m.

Invitations have been extended to the staff and a focus group has been scheduled for the teachers. He then reviewed the remaining process. Ms. Rivas asked if anyone has applied from the Norwalk School System. Dr. Corda said that he would prefer that

Ms. Hamilton said that at the request of the Norwalk After School Alliance, that she was appointing Ms. Murray as the Norwalk After School Alliance Liaison.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:47 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes