Board of Education Meeting Minutes

October 7, 2008

ATTENDANCE: Susan Hamilton, Chair; Rosa Murray, Vice Chair; Glenn Iannaccone, Secretary; Jack Chiaramonte, Greg Burnett, Migdalia Rivas, Shirley Mosby

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Bruce L. Mellion, NFT President; Paul Blumenthal; Ralph Valenzisi, Dan Cook, Susan O’Shea

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Hamilton called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Hamilton then led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Iannaccone presented the Spotlight on the Norwalk Public School to the Board.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda greeted everyone and said that he would like to elaborate on the information that was shared in the Spotlight in regard to ConnCAN, a non-profit, statewide outreach and research organization that works to close the achievement gaps found among students in public schools. Dr. Corda gave a brief overview of the history of ConnCAN, which researches the progress made by various schools as opposed to No Child Left Behind, which is based on a simple score. ConnCAN examines the progress of students in terms of the growth that has taken place from year to the next. Dr. Corda said that he was pleased and happy to congratulate the staff and the administration of Kendall, Brookside, and Tracey for the progress that they have made and which has been recognized and shared Statewide.

Dr. Corda then went on to speak about the five schools that made AYP in the State, three of them are located in Norwalk. This says something about the work of both the teachers and the administration, which Dr. Corda wished to acknowledge.

Dr. Corda then gave an PowerPoint overview of the instructional plan for the 2008-2009 School Year, which is closely connected to the District Improvement Plan.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Mellion came forward to address the Board. Mr. Mellion stated his specific comments at the last meeting about the District Improvement Plan that was presented with page numbers, content and comments was not included. He then said that all comments should be given equal level of detail.

Mr. Mellion then that there might be a discussion later regarding the 403b plan vendors might be discussed. He then said that the Union had given the Budget Advisory some concerns about ING as possible vendors. He then outlined these concerns to the Board.

Mr. Blumenthal came forward and addressed the Board. He said that he had read the District Improvement Plan on the website. He requested that the Board think about a way to have these documents posted automatically, copies of the report given to the libraries and other venues in order to allow the public to review these types of documents.

He then mentioned the Connecticut Plan, which is currently in the approval process at the State level and the impact to the District. Mr. Blumenthal said that there was a Student Success plan and that it was geared to Grade 6, but he felt this plan should be implemented in Grade 2 and listed his reasons. Mr. Blumenthal then spoke about the SOI (Structure of the Intellect) tests and encouraged the Board to consider this particular method of testing.

ACTIONS

A. Consent

Approval of personnel actions

** MS. MURRAY MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING PERSONNEL ACTIONS:

RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT:

PETERSON, MILA, (ABBY) – BROOKSIDE – PRE-SCHOOL – EFFECTIVE 09/19/08

KELTZ, KRISTEN – ROWAYTON – ART (.67 FTE) – EFFECTIVE 09/24/08

SCHRIVER, JENNIFER – BROOKSIDE – PRE-SCHOOL EFFECTIVE 10/06/08

MACKOWSKI, SANDRA – NORWALK HIGH – LIBRARY MEDIA SPECIALIST – EFFECTIVE 10/22/08

WACHOWSKI, JR.; EDWARD – SILVERMINE – ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL – EFFECTIVE 11/10/08

RESIGNATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT:

HENRY, ROBERT – NARAMAKE – PRINCIPAL – EFFECTIVE 01/31/09

REQUEST FOR MINI-CHILD REARING LEAVE:

CALLAHAN, SARA – ROTON – GUIDANCE COUNSELOR – EFFECTIVE 11/24/08 – 06/30/09

** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE, MURRAY AND BURNETT) AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (MOSBY AND RIVAS).

Approval of minutes (Minutes of September 16, 2008 and September 22, 2008)

September 16, 2008

** MR. BURNETT MOVED THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 16, 2008. ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED AS SUBMITTED WITH FOUR IN FAVOR (MURRAY, BURNETT, RIVAS AND MOSBY) AND TWO ABSTENTIONS (IANNACCONE AND CHIARAMONTE).

September 22, 2008

** MS. RIVAS MOVED THE MINUTES OF SEPTEMBER 22, 2008. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES AS SUBMITTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approval of field trips

Field Trip Nathan Hale Middle School to Nature’s Classroom:

** MS. MURRAY 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: NATHAN HALE MIDDLE SCHOOL TO NATURE’S CLASSROOM, IVORYTON, CT, MARCH 23-27, 2009.

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

Nathan Hale Middle School to Gettysberg:

** 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: NATHAN HALE MIDDLE SCHOOL GRADE 8 TO GETTYSBERG, PA HISTORICAL SITE, MAY 27 –29, 2009.

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

Norwalk High School Choir (Gr. 9-12) to Virginia Beach, VA:

** MS. MURRAY 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: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR (GR. 9-12) TO VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – NORTH AMERICAN MUSIC FESTIVAL, APRIL 16-19, 2009

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

West Rocks/Ponus Ridge to Egypt

** MS. MURRAY 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/PONUS RIDGE TO EGYPT, DECEMBER 27, 2008-JANUARY 5, 2009.

** MS. RIVAS SECONDED. **OPPOSED IANNACCONE, HAMILTON **PASSED

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

Report on Elementary Summer School

Ms. Sue O’Shea came forward and distributed a document titled “Summer Academy Board of Education Report 2008”. She then reviewed the details of the program, which is mandated by the State. 440 students attended the program and 167 had perfect attendance. The students were tested when they start the program and again at the conclusion of the program. The program is to give the student an extra month of school for reading skills. Ms. O’Shea reviewed the testing results and thanked Mrs. Hamilton for stopping by on the last day of the program.

Approval of Naramake roof replacement (possible action)

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO ADD THIS ITEM TO THE AGENDA FOR A VOTE. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Dr. Corda said that the roof had been replaced in 2003 but that there have been persistent problems. Despite the efforts that were made to repair the roof, the leaks continue. The manufacturer has recommended that the roof be totally replaced. Mr. Tavella, who is on the Norwalk Facility Construction Commission, is a roofer by trade and will be acting as a consultant for the project.

Ms. Rivas asked how old the roof was. Dr. Corda said that the roof was one that was replaced in 2002, as one of six schools roofs that were done.

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE PROPOSED REPLACEMENT PLAN FOR THE ROOF AT THE NARAMAKE SCHOOL AS DELINEATED IN THE ATTACHED LETTER FROM THE REGIONAL MANAGER OF TREMCO INCORPORATED DATED SEPTEMBER 22, 2008. ** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

Mr. Burnett stated it was important to confirm that there would be no cost to the District.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approval of Third Party Administrator for 403b plan

Dr. Corda reviewed the details of the resolution as recorded in his Friday report.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO ADD THIS ITEM TO THE AGENDA FOR A VOTE. ** MR. IANNACCONE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

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

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ING AS THE THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR IMPLEMENTATION INVOLVING IRS 403 (b) REGULATIONS.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED.

A discussion followed regarding the issue of having a firewall between the management of the 403(b) plan and investment opportunities.

Mr. Burnett pointed out that this was mandatory and that the deadline was by January 1, 2009. He added that there was no cost to the District. Ms. Mosby said that she had not had the opportunity to compare the other vendors. She then asked why the Board needed to vote on this tonight. Mr. Cook came forward and explained that it would take about a three-month period to get all the information entered and correct any problems that arise. Mr. Cook reiterated that the other two vendors would cost the District.

Mr. Burnett commented that the Budget Advisory Committee spent several meetings and vetting and considering the proposal and that he believes that all the information was present to make an intelligent decision. He said that the sales and management would be separated.

Ms. Rivas said that she felt that this information should have been presented at the previous meeting with a full presentation. She said that there were numerous meeting by the Budget committee and that there were concerns were expressed earlier in the evening.

Ms. Mosby said that she was not comfortable with just reading the information in the Friday report. Ms. Rivas said that she was uncomfortable with the proposal.

Mr. Burnett said that it was listed under Discussion Items, but that with the amount of work that has to be done will be in a tight time frame. He said that waiting to the next meeting would waste two weeks. Ms. Rivas reiterated that she felt it should have been presented to the Board earlier in order to have an open discussion about it.

Mr. Chiaramonte stated that the process had started when Mr. Opdahl was working on it and he had brought only one candidate forward. He reminded everyone that there would be a sixty day window to decide whether the company was right for the District. Ms. Mosby said that her concern was that there was sixty days to terminate the vendor, but that a critical issue could come up at the end of the time. Ms. Mosby said that she wanted to know that the issue would be addressed.

Dr. Corda said that steps had been taken to insure that ING would not have a competitive edge. Mr. Burnett said that there were concerns about how the plan would be administered and how the sales would be provided to the clients.

** MR. BURNETT WITHDREW HIS ORIGINAL MOTION.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO AMEND THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION FROM:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ING AS THE THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR IMPLEMENTATION INVOLVING IRS 403 (b) REGULATIONS.

TO:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF ING AS THE THIRD PARTY ADMINISTRATOR FOR IMPLEMENTATION INVOLVING IRS 403 (b) REGULATIONS AND ALSO TO INSURE THERE IS NO COMINGLING OF THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE PLAN AND ANY SALES TO THE CLIENTS.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO AMEND PASSED WITH THREE IN FAVOR (CHIARAMONTE, IANNACCONE AND HAMILTON) TWO AGAINST (MOSBY AND RIVAS) AND ONE ABSTENTION (MURRAY).

Ms. Rivas asked why the Board had not received the full documentation of his plan from Mr. Cook. Mr. Cook explained that the file was very thick and also clarified that this was not “his” plan, but was developed by several business managers from across the State. The managers reviewed hundreds of clients and selected the final recommendation list.

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO APPROVE THE RESOLUTION AS AMENDED. ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

IT Update/Business Office

Ms. Murray said that she had some questions about the time and attendance in payroll. After talking to the administrators about the payroll, she had more questions, so Mr. Valenzisi would give a presentation of the MUNIS system, which is used for payroll and tracking. Once the purchasing process is completed, the attendance module will be implemented.

Mr. Valenzisi then came forward and narrated a PowerPoint presentation on MUNIS for the Board.

Ms. Murray had several questions about the status of the data entry. Mr. Cook said that the District was about two months away from being completely being caught up with the data entry.

Ms. Mosby asked about the safeguards on the P.O.s. Mr. Valenzisi reviewed the audit trail with the Board.

Mr. Burnett said that he would like to see what the cost savings were in automating the activities. Mr. Iannaccone asked if the paper requisitions would be eliminated. Mr. Valenzisi said that the paper requisitions eventually would be. Ms. Rivas asked who decides which vendor is selected. Mr. Valenzisi reviewed the system.

Ms. Murray then said that the salaries were the largest part of the budget. She said that she could not believe that the District was not tracking this electronically.

Central Office Accountability

Mr. Chiaramonte distributed a document from Professional & Enterprise Versions with Data Management. He then explained that the system uses a thumbprint to track where employees are at any given time. This system operates in real time. He said that the District already owns the software but the District would need to purchase the hardware. Mr. Chiaramonte said that he had reduced his business costs significantly when he installed a Rapid Fire system in his former restaurant. Mr. Valenzisi said that he could do the initial research for this system. Ms. Murray said it was important to have continuity from building to building.

Naramake Family Resource Center

Ms. Rivas said that she had received an email saying that Mr. Henry would not be present. She said that she wanted to know the address of the Naramake Family Resource Center. She also asked if the Board could receive copies of the grant reporting for the Resource Center. The other questions she had would be answered by Mr. Henry.

Board member Announcement

Mr. Iannaccone said that he had attended two BEST Mentor Task Force meetings in Hartford. As of January 30th, the BEST Program will be discontinued. Mentoring will continue but that the teachers will now create modules for the students. As more information becomes available, Mr. Iannaccone will make it available.

Ms. Murray said that she had attended a meeting about the Norwalk Public Schools Mentoring Program and she asked for a mentor program status report.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes