Board of Education Meeting Minutes

May 20, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Susan Hamilton, Chair; Rosa Murray, Vice Chair; Glenn Iannaccone, Secretary, Bruce Kimmel, Jack Chiaramonte, Jody Bishop-Pullan, Gregory Burnett, Shirley Mosby, Migdalia Rivas (8:08 p.m.)

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Britney Mellenec, Chelsea Cardis, Sarah Stonewell and Lorraine Martinez, Diana Walenuski, Daisy Bennett, Cindy Armelho, Bruce Mellion, Joan Monty, Atty. Jeffrey Sparh, Irwin Libish, Caroline Fuller, Richard Fuller, Bruce Morris

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Iannaccone presented the Spotlight on the Norwalk Public Schools report to the Board.

Certificates of recognition were presented to Britney Mellenec, Chelsea Cardis, Sarah Stonewell and Lorraine Martinez for their participation in the Center for Youth Leadership.

Ms. Martinez said that on behalf of the 194 members of the Youth Leadership group, she would like to thank the staff and administration for the opportunity to create the largest youth organization in the State of Connecticut.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda said that there was a way of thinking of education, which believes that giving the young people problems to solve. This teaches young people the skills that they need to learn and how to live as productive citizens. He said that the Center for Youth Leadership personifies this philosophy. This is not an effort on the part of the participants to do something to make their resumes for college look good. Dr. Corda said that these students are working towards becoming active citizens. Dr. Corda then thanked the students for their participation and their work.

Dr. Corda then gave a PowerPoint presentation about the CALI model (Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative) Guiding the Work of District Improvement. This model takes the district beyond the Cambridge Report and outlines how the work will be done to improve the district.

Dr. Corda said that there has been a group of between 15 and 20 administrators who have been working on developing plans and crafting improvements. The work to date has primarily been focused on setting up the framework. What follows from here will involve the teaching staff. The emphasis will be on the improvement of performance for all students. The CALI model refers to Power Standards, which the District has previously referred to as Priority Standards.

Ms. Rivas joined the meeting at 8:08 p.m.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the concept of Power Standards and how the District will be reviewing the curriculum in every grade level in terms of the Power Standards. This is a multi-level and multi-year task. Dr. Corda explained that the various data teams that will be analyzing the data of all the students in each of the schools.

Because this is a team effort, it requires commitment to a common purpose with expertise obtained from a variety of participants who hold themselves mutually accountable to the achievement of their goals. Effective teams operate using agreed upon norms, share leadership, and continually challenge each other in a professionally way in order to ensure effective practice. Dr. Corda then reviewed the details of this concept.

He then reviewed the aspect of Formative Assessments and Effective Teaching Strategies. Dr. Corda then explained how these would be utilized in the District. The Data driven decision Making will be a guiding principle to inform our decision making. CALI will provide the conceptual underpinning to our District Improvement Plan and our School Growth Plans.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the District Improvement Plan, which will improve the performance of the student across the District in (1) literacy, (2) numeracy, and (3) to create strong and viable linkages between the District and parents and the community. The School Growth Plan is the specific and focused articulation of the work to be done in the areas identified as District goals to improve the performance of the students in the school as determined by the data analysis, and to create a strong and viable linkage between the school and its parent community.

Previously, the expectations across the district have been uneven. Now it is important to create uniformity in both expectation and practice. Dr. Corda then reviewed the various areas that the District will be focused on in the coming years. This challenge will be accomplished by the focused collaboration by teachers and administrators in instructional issues of urgency. This type of development and skill building takes time.

There were several questions about the issue of sensitivity to cultural differences, which Dr. Corda answered for the Board.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the Priorities for 2008-2009 School Year, which included establishing fully functioning District and building data teams, identifying power priority standards, full implementation of District Benchmark Assessments in Numeracy and Literacy and establishing parent friendly district and school handbooks to create a welcoming school atmosphere.

A discussion then followed regarding the selection of the data teams and the criteria involved. Dr. Corda said that the Board would receive periodic updates about the progress to the Board.

Dr. Corda then said that one of the questions that the State had raised regarding how the District would find the time to implement CALI. This is a challenge for every district across the State. He added that without the involvement of all the teachers in the District, then the data will be perceived as the work of some and not everyone.

The expectation and needed actions from the Board of Education will be endorsement of this work through adoption of the Instructional Plan for 2008-2009 and approval of Early Dismissal Days once a month (within legal limitations) for professional development and District/School Improvement work. Discussion about this then followed.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Walenuski came forward and explained although she is not a Norwalk resident, she works at 201 Merritt 7. Ms. Ms. Walenuski explained that she was a mentor of a Norwalk student and the student was here to also speak about the program. She said that it was important to have this resource for the children. Ms. Ms. Walenuski explained that there needs to be some kind of coordinator for the program, but added that she intended to continue to work with her student until the student finishes high school. The companies that allow the mentor program need to feel that the City is also investing in the program. The program needs to be promoted. If the companies see the program doing good things, then they will support it.

Ms. Daisy Bennett came forward and said that she was a sixth grade student. She has had a mentor for the last four years. Before that she did not speak about things very much because she was afraid. After Ms. Diana came, she began to understand how to talk to people. Ms. Diana also helped Daisy with her reading disability.

Ms. Bennett went to say that she felt keeping the program to help the students like herself. She concluded by saying that she hoped to stay with her mentor for the rest of her life.

Ms. Cindy Armelho, the new CEO of the YMCA, then came forward to greet everyone. The mission of the YMCA is to provide programs that strengthen the community that reinforce the core values, which are posted in the lobby of the Y. This year, the Y provided before school and after school care for an average of 250 children a day. This also includes a weekly swim lesson and a family membership at the YMCA.

Ms. Armelho explained that she has been working on a partnership with Dr. Corda to serve the children of the community. She concluded by saying that she hoped to continue to build on this partnership.

Mr. Bruce Mellion then came forward and distributed copies of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers Scholarship and Awards Program. He then gave a brief overview of the scholarship program.

A second sheet was a summary of the NFT Student Achievement Gap Survey Results, which Mr. Mellion then reviewed briefly by highlighting the first four responses on the list.

Ms. Joan Monte came forward and said that she was an advocate of the mentor program and had been one for three years. She also said that she was able to work for the program for the first year of the grant. Norwalk is the flagship for the mentor program and many of the standards have been duplicated across the country. There are nineteen schools to support and many mentors have come and gone during the last few years.

Ms. Monte said that between reference checks and the training along with the mentor appreciation takes time and effort. She concluded

Atty. Jeffrey Spahr said that he was a member of a committee that was used to search for a successor for Mrs. Libertore. He thanked Dr. Corda for allowing him to serve on the search committee and very impressed with the committee members. Particularly, there was a real feeling that the program had been nurtured along or supported.

Atty. Spahr said that he would like to recommend Ms. Emily Lopez as a candidate for principal. The committee members were quite impressed with her skills and experience. She has a very strong background in data collection and presentation.

Mr. Irwin Libish, a mentor in the program, came forward and said that he had been a mentor for eleven years. He is a Westport resident. He explained that sometimes it is difficult to realize how much value there is in a mentor. He said that he believes that there should be a full time administrator for the program to guide the mentors and publicize the program. He then thanked the Board for their time.

Ms. Caroline Fuller came forward to support the Norwalk Public Schools Mentoring program. As a mentor for the last three years, she said that she found it interesting that Mr. Mellion had mentioned parental involvement as a key factor. Many parents can not participate in their child’s education for a variety of reasons. Ms. Fuller said that she was not sure how the program would work without a coordinator because when she had a problem, she could always pick up the phone and ask Ms. Penn-Williams how to handle the situation.

Mr. Richard Fuller came forward and said that he was present to support the mentoring program. Mr. Fuller said that the students need mentors because the children need adults to bridge the gap and fill the lack of parental involvement. Not only does it close the achievement gap, but also the generation gap.

ACTIONS

CONSENT

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR THE BOARD APPROVAL:

Recommended for Appointment

Lopez, Emily – Columbus – Principal

Resignations

Skarbek, Valeria – Ponus – Language Arts

Resignations for the Purpose of Retirement

Triedel, Al – Fox Run – Principal Codeghini, Donna – Speech & Language Pathologist

** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH SIX (CHIARAMONTE, BISHOP-PULLAN, KIMMEL, IANNACCONE, HAMILTON, AND BURNETT) IN FAVOR AND THREE ABSTENTIONS (RIVAS, MOSBY AND MURRAY).

Dr. Corda then introduced Ms. Lopez and congratulated her. He also acknowledged the retirements of Mr. Triedel and Ms. Codeghini.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING BUDGET TRANSFER REQUESTS:

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

The transfer of the sum of $236.00 from BMHS Principal Instr. Supplies (Acct. No 10324100-611-03) to BMHS Princ. Non-Instr. Equipment (Acct. No. 10324100-739-03) for the replacement printer for the House Master’s Secretary.

The transfer of the sum of $857.00 from BMHS Guidance Instr. Supplies (Acct. No. 10321200-611-03) to BMHS Guidance Non-Instr. Equipment (Acct. No. 10321200-739-03) for a TV and Wall mount for placement in the Guidance Office.

The transfer of the sum of $1,500.00 from Natural Science Textbooks (hard cover) (Acct. No. 15411130-641-54) to Natural Science Attendance at Meetings (Acct. No. 15411130-301-54) for registration fees for Maritime Aquarium and Integrating Language Arts & Science.

The transfer of the sum of $550.00 from Wolfpit Princ. Instr. Supplies (Acct. No. 14924100-611-49) to Wolfpit Princ. Instr. Equipment (Acct. No. 14924100-611-49) to Wolfpit Princ. Instr. Equipment (Acct. No. 14924100-730-49) for a locking file cabinet.

The transfer of the sum of $1,020.00 from Roton Princ. Dues, Fees, & Membership (Acct. No. 11824100-810-18) to Roton Princ. Instr. Supplies (Acct. No. 11824100-611-18) for supplies.

The transfer of the sum of $395.00 from Marvin Prof. Dev. Attendance at Meetings (Acct. No. 13728320-301-37) to Marvin Princ. Instr. Supplies (Acct. No. 13724100-611-37) for the Scholastic Book Fair warehouse sale.

The transfer of the sum of $800.00 from NHS Interschol. Rental of Land & Buildings (Acct. No. 10532001-441-05) to NHS Interschol. Instr. Supplies (Acct. No. 10532001-441-05) for FCIAC Banner and Blanks for starter pistol.

The transfer of the sum of $1,330.00 from Jefferson Other Prof. Tech Services (Acct. No. 13224100-330-32) to Jefferson Textbooks Hardcover (Acct. No. 13224100-641-32) for Scholastic Books.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Mr. Kimmel said that he had some concerns about the transfer of $1,020.00 from Roton Princ. Dues, Fees & Membership. To Instr. Supplies. He said that he would like to see a discussion about the object code to understand the allocation of the funding.

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO AMEND THE PROPOSED BUDGET TRANSFERS BY REMOVING THE FOLLOWING REQUEST:

TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $1,020.00 FROM ROTON PRINC. DUES, FEES, & MEMBERSHIP (ACCT. NO. 11824100-810-18) TO ROTON PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 11824100-611-18) FOR SUPPLIES BY SENDING IT TO THE BUDGET COMMITTEE.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

** THE MOTION FAILED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, KIMMEL AND IANNACCONE) AND FOUR IN FAVOR (BISHOP-PULLAN, MURRAY, BURNETT AND RIVAS) AND ONE ABSTENTION (MOSBY).

** MR. KIMMEL MOVED TO TABLE THE REQUESTED BUDGET TRANSFERS. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION FAILED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, KIMMEL, BISHOP-PULLAN) AND FIVE AGAINST (IANNACCONE, MURRAY, BURNETT, RIVAS AND MOSBY).

Mr. Kimmel then had several concerns about the object codes and when the supplies would be used. He said that he was concerned about the fact that the dues were not used. Mr. Burnett said that this issue did need to be discussed about the budget preparation but that he also said that if the Board members had questions about the transfers, they should send a note to Dr. Corda in order to have someone present at the meeting to answer the Board members’ questions. Discussion then followed.

Dr. Corda then reminded the Board members that the principals have the authority to make decisions regarding certain object codes. He said that he had faith in the principal’s judgment on how the funding should be spent. Building principals receive an allocation based on the number of students and they have the right to allocate the funding as they see fit. He also asked whether it was worth the time to justify a transfer of $1,000 from one account to another. Mr. Kimmel said that he wanted to know what other schools did and whether or not the other schools spent the money and how they spent the money.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING TRANSFERS:

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

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $236.00 FROM BMHS PRINCIPAL INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO 10324100-611-03) TO BMHS PRINC. NON-INSTR. EQUIPMENT (ACCT. NO. 10324100-739-03) FOR THE REPLACEMENT PRINTER FOR THE HOUSE MASTER’S SECRETARY.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $857.00 FROM BMHS GUIDANCE INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 10321200-611-03) TO BMHS GUIDANCE NON-INSTR. EQUIPMENT (ACCT. NO. 10321200-739-03) FOR A TV AND WALL MOUNT FOR PLACEMENT IN THE GUIDANCE OFFICE.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $1,500.00 FROM NATURAL SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS (HARD COVER) (ACCT. NO. 15411130-641-54) TO NATURAL SCIENCE ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS (ACCT. NO. 15411130-301-54) FOR REGISTRATION FEES FOR MARITIME AQUARIUM AND INTEGRATING LANGUAGE ARTS & SCIENCE.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $550.00 FROM WOLFPIT PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 14924100-611-49) TO WOLFPIT PRINC. INSTR. EQUIPMENT (ACCT. NO. 14924100-611-49) TO WOLFPIT PRINC. INSTR. EQUIPMENT (ACCT. NO. 14924100-730-49) FOR A LOCKING FILE CABINET.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $1,020.00 FROM ROTON PRINC. DUES, FEES, & MEMBERSHIP (ACCT. NO. 11824100-810-18) TO ROTON PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 11824100-611-18) FOR SUPPLIES.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $395.00 FROM MARVIN PROF. DEV. ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS (ACCT. NO. 13728320-301-37) TO MARVIN PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 13724100-611-37) FOR THE SCHOLASTIC BOOK FAIR WAREHOUSE SALE.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $800.00 FROM NHS INTERSCHOL. RENTAL OF LAND & BUILDINGS (ACCT. NO. 10532001-441-05) TO NHS INTERSCHOL. INSTR. SUPPLIES (ACCT. NO. 10532001-441-05) FOR FCIAC BANNER AND BLANKS FOR STARTER PISTOL.

THE TRANSFER OF THE SUM OF $1,330.00 FROM JEFFERSON OTHER PROF. TECH SERVICES (ACCT. NO. 13224100-330-32) TO JEFFERSON TEXTBOOKS HARDCOVER (ACCT. NO. 13224100-641-32) FOR SCHOLASTIC BOOKS

PASSED WITH FIVE IN FAVOR (BISHOP-PULLAN, RIVAS, BURNETT, HAMILTON, AND MURRAY), THREE OPPOSED (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE AND KIMMEL) AND ONE ABSTENTION (MOSBY).

APPROVAL OF FIELD TRIPS

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

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: WEST ROCKS GRADE 1 (PURPLE AND SILVER) TO NATURE’S CLASSROOM – COLEBROOK, CT, SEPTEMBER 15019, 2008.

** MS. BISHOP PULLAN SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

APPROVAL OF USE OF DESIGNATED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS FOR COMMUNITY PROVIDERS OF BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL SERVICES FOR 2008-2009

** MS. MURRAY MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE USE OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS PER THE ATTACHED LIST OF AGENCIES AS BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL PROVIDERS AT THE INDICATED SCHOOLS:

ACHIEVE:

JEFFERSON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARVIN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BROOKSIDE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL WOLFPIT ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

YMCA:

COLUMBUS MAGNET SCHOOL CRANBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FOX RUN ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SILVERMINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TRACEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

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

APPROVAL OF MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT RE: EMPLOYEE #10434

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

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE NORWALK FEDERATION OF TEACHERS CONCERNING EMPLOYEE # 10434.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, KIMMEL, BURNETT, IANNACCONE, AND MURRAY), THREE AGAINST (BISHOP-PULLAN, RIVAS, AND MOSBY).

APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF SEVERANCE BENEFIT RE: EMPLOYEE # 15041

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

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF SEVERANCE BENEFITS TO EMPLOYEE #15041 IN ACCORDANCE WITH ARTICLE II, PARAGRAPH C, 4 OF THE CONTRACT BETWEEN THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AND THE NORWALK ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATORS.

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

ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS PILOT

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked for some clarification about the program. Ms. Hamilton said that Ms. Peniston was present to the program. She came forward and said that after the last board meeting, the Mid Fairfield County Child Guidance Center approached the District about forming a partnership. Ms. Peniston then distributed copies of documents titled Norwalk Public School After School Partnership Model: Pilot at Kendal and Rowayton and a Preliminary Budget for NPS Elementary After School Model.

Mr. Iannaccone asked about the negotiations that were ongoing at the last meeting. Mr. Kimmel had several questions about the costs of the program for the families. Ms. Peniston reviewed the various figures with Mr. Kimmel.

Ms. Rivas said that she had requested data and the data that had been sent to her was not current. Ms. Peniston said that the first survey had been done in 2001 and the second survey had been done in 2004 and 2004 survey was the most recent survey.

Ms. Peniston then went to make several suggestions about alternative manners to handle the situation. She reminded everyone that ACHIEVE and the YMCA would need to let the families know about whether the programs would be available.

Ms. Mosby said that she was concerned that all the schools were lumped together rather than separating out Kendall and Rowayton programs, which have the current changes.

** MS. MOSBY MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO REMOVE THE TWO SCHOOL PROGRAMS KENDALL AND ROWAYTON FROM THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS PILOT PROGRAM WITH THE INTENTION OF DISCUSSING AND VOTING ON THEM AT THE NEXT MEETING. ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED.

Mr. Burnett then asked about the impact of the program at Kendall. Ms. Peniston explained that Kendall would continue to have a program. At Rowayton, the Y had been providing services for a small group of students. The school system would be running everything. The proposed change would be that Fairfield County Child Guidance Center.

Mr. Iannaccone asked why this item was included on the agenda, when there had been a lengthy discussion about the model at a previous meeting. Ms. Mosby said she had a problem with the fact there had been a discussion but the item was included on the agenda with new information and the expectation of a vote on the same night.

Ms. Rivas said that she had asked for information at the Rowayton meeting, she was not given the information she had requested.

** THE MOTION TO AMEND THE SCHOOLS PILOT PROGRAM BY REMOVING THE KENDALL AND ROWAYTON SCHOOL PROGRAMS FROM PLAN WITH THE INTENTION OF DISCUSSING AND VOTING ON THEM AT THE NEXT MEETING PASSED WITH FIVE IN FAVOR (MOSBY, CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, MURRAY AND RIVAS) AND FOUR AGAINST (BISHOP-PULLAN, KIMMEL, BURNETT AND HAMILTON).

Ms. Murray said that it would be important to have the minutes of the Rowayton meeting. Mr. Kimmel was disappointed about the inequalities regarding the finances. He said that there were a lot of variations between the school districts.

Ms. Mosby said that this was still a viable option. She said that she was for the children and the parents. She said that the process needed to be done in the right way. The Board needs to be consistent to be an efficient board.

Ms. Rivas said that the vote has been cast and that it was important to listen to everyone one

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE SCHOOL PILOT PROGRAM AS AMENDED PASSED WITH 7 IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, BISHOP-PULLAN, KIMMEL, IANNACCONE, MURRAY, RIVAS AND MOSBY) IN FAVOR AND ONE OPPOSED (BURNETT).

CURRICULUM PRESENTATION AND OR TEXTBOOK RECOMMENDATIONS FOR THE FOLLOWING:

1. MATHEMATICS – LOGIC 2. SCIENCE – HONORS BIOLOGY, MARINE BIOLOGY 3. ART - ART HISTORY, AP ART HISTORY 4. SOCIAL STUDIES – COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS, THEMES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & HERITAGE AND AP PSYCHOLOGY

1. MATHEMATICS – LOGIC

A staff member came forward and said that the Board members had information in their packets about the Logic course. The District is one of the few that offers logic because normally it is a college course. The price of the texts usually is over $100. The particular text that was chosen is one that provides solid instruction but is not as expensive as the others.

2. SCIENCE – HONORS BIOLOGY, MARINE BIOLOGY

Mr. Martinelli came forward and introduced himself and the marine biology teacher. He then passed around the Advanced Biology Course and the Marine Biology course. Marine Biology tends to be a college level course. Mr. Martinelli said that he felt that the text books would serve the students very well.

3. ART - ART HISTORY, AP ART HISTORY

Ms. Michelle Garner came forward and explained her reasons why she had chosen the Art History and AP Art History. She then gave a quick overview of the art history syllabus that she had designed. She said that when she had checked the online reviews and found that Gardner’s was used on the East Coast for classical studies.

4. SOCIAL STUDIES – COMPARATIVE RELIGIONS, THEMES IN AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY & HERITAGE AND AP PSYCHOLOGY

Dr. Corda said that Ms. Glass and Dr. Lang were not able to attend the meeting because they had gone home ill earlier in the day. Ms. Murray said that she would like to thank Ms. Glass for providing her with a copy of the text for the Themes in African American History and Heritage.

HIRING PROCESS FOR THE CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (OR OTHER ADMINISTRATOR RESPONSIBLE FOR FINANCE/OPERATIONS), DIRECTORS AND PRINCIPALS.

Ms. Murray said that the item has been placed on the agenda because two Board members had requested it.

Ms. Mosby said that she had concerns about the process being consistent going forward. She said that she was unclear about the hiring process and there had been one change because of a particular situation. Ms. Mosby said that she would like to know whether the previous process of the hiring was being used or the hiring exception process was still being used.

Ms. Murray pointed out that the next item was an update and asked if this could be done first. Dr. Corda then said that the diversity practices were used for hires below the cabinet level. Ms. Murray said that she thought the outline was being used for all hires. Dr. Corda said that there had never been any question about that, and the single exception was when the search for the Norwalk High School principal because a consultant had been used.

Dr. Corda then pointed out that when the Board had expressed a desire to interview multiple candidates for the Assistant Principal, it was included. Ms. Mosby said that she felt the Board should be interviewing all the candidates for all the positions. Discussion then followed about the process and the role of the Superintendent in hiring interviews.

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO EXTEND THE MEETING PAST 11 P.M. ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Iannaccone then reviewed the requirements listed in the hiring guidelines. He pointed out that for cabinet level appointments the inclusion of parents and faculty was encouraged. Ms. Mosby expressed her concerns about the fact that Dr. Corda was present on each of the committee. Dr. Corda said that there was nothing that prevented him from attending the committees. He then said that Mr. Morris could verify the fact that the committee fills out a reaction sheet. After that, Dr. Corda then facilitates the discussion by asking several questions and recording the comments. Dr. Corda then said that he understood that the question was whether or not the Superintendent’s presence was influencing the interview.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked if there had always had been a facilitator at the interviews. Dr. Corda then said that he had done it several times, and Dr. Lang had done it other times. He also said that Ms. Rotolo had been present along with Mr. Morris to insure that the hiring practices were followed.

Dr. Corda said that he did not recall at Ponus that there was a determination by the Board that they wished to see multiple candidates for all of the positions, or if it was just for the position under discussion. Dr. Corda said that the word “qualified” needed to be clarified. Mr. Burnett reminded everyone that he would prefer “qualified” rather than “competitive” be used. He said that the change had been voted down at the previous meeting.

Mr. Burnett said that the Board had a two fold mission, to hire and fire the Superintendent and to make policy. He said that the Board must allow the Superintend to build his own team. If the Board takes the responsibility from the Superintendent, why have a Superintendent. Discussion of this issue then followed. It was decided to ask Mr. Morris to come forward to give the Board his input on the hiring practices.

UPDATE ON DIVERSITY RECRUITMENT PLAN

Mr. Morris then came forward and distributed copies of the Diversity Employment Plan for Administrative and Commitment Affirmative Action and a flow chart of the Supervisory Positions. Mr. Morris sai Category: Minutes