Board of Education Minutes Part 2

May 20, 2008

Mr. Morris then reviewed the process, which included identification, hiring and retention. Mr. Morris then displayed the flow chart, which indicated the hiring processing. He explained that the building committee would forward to the Superintendent at least two candidates but no more than three for interviews.

Mr. Kimmel had several questions about who was facilitating the process. Mr. Morris explained that it could be the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s designee.

Mr. Morris explained that historically when the committee looked at positions, there was a consensus of the Board as to what that process would be.

Ms. Hamilton said that it sounded like Mr. Morris and the committee were working on changes. Mr. Morris explained that currently the model was set up horizontally, but the new model that was being developed was vertical, with different groups determining which candidates should be interviewed by Dr. Corda. When there are differing opinions, Dr. Corda said that he has to make judgment calls and often there are nuances during the various committee interviews that help with this decision.

Ms. Mosby said that the District was not being consistent in the hiring process. Dr. Corda pointed that the process was being observed by two independent people, Mr. Morris and Ms. Rotolo. He said that Mr. Morris and Ms. Rotolo were the safe guards.

Mr. Kimmel left the meeting at 12:05 a.m.

Ms. Mosby said that she had concerns about Dr. Corda participating in the interviews as a facilitator. Dr. Corda said that he did not participate in the interview, he was there merely as a facilitator. Mr. Morris said that it would be important to consider the two unfilled positions. He suggested that the committee could consider emailing through the chair and the committee would get back to the Board. He said that he needed a timeframe.

Ms. Murray asked how far the hiring of the Director of Elementary Education had progressed. Dr. Corda replied that he believe the basis screening had been done and May 27th would be the start of the Central Office Interviews. June 4th would be the training for the committees and the committee would be starting their interviews after that.

Ms. Murray asked what the composition of the Central Office Team would be. Dr. Corda said that he would send her the list of the team in writing.

Ms. Rivas left the meeting at 12:15 a.m.

UTILIZATION ABOUT THE CENTRAL KITCHEN AS A CENTRALIZED SUPPLY WAREHOUSE Mr. Iannaccone said that the building was large, and the utilities were still connected. Mr. Gorian came forward and explained that because there was very little storage in the other buildings, the District was not able to take advantage of bulk purchases. It is also very difficult to manage the inventory with the supplies scattered throughout the school buildings. Mr. Gorian said that having a centralized location would help, particular with the rising prices.

Ms. Murray asked whether the building was being used. Mr. Gorian reviewed details. Ms. Murray asked if it could be used for instruction. Mr. Gorian then said that there would be code compliance issues. Mr. Chiaramonte asked if the kitchen equipment would be auctioned. Mr. Gorian said that was a possibility and the Board would have to decide. He said that the space was underutilized now.

Ms. Murray asked for some documentation from George in writing regarding this issue.

UTILIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR CULINARY ARTS PROGRAM (SPECIAL MEETING MAY 27, 2008.

Dr. Corda said that the bids came in much higher than budget that had been identified in the plan. Dr. Corda said that one proposal was to meet with the own culinary arts staff and the staff at Brien McMahon and other experts as a resource for the design that would not exceed $500,000. Dr. Corda said that it would be important to craft a plan that would have the best chance of being approved by the NFCC and the Council. Dr. Corda said that the culinary arts instructor believes that there could be one solid semester of the course without access to the kitchen.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked what would happen if the kitchen was not ready in time for the second semester. Dr. Corda said that if the kitchen was not completed, then the students would be enrolled in something like Hotel Management for the second semester.

UTILIZATION OF CONSTRUCTION FUNDS FOR SECURITY TO SUPPORT HOMELAND SECURITY GRANT.

Dr. Corda said that the District had applied for a Homeland Security Grant and had been award the funding of $175,000, based on the reimbursement rate. The amount only covers one third of the funds necessary and the District must come up with the remaining funds. The details of the grant are contained in the Supervisor’s Friday Report.

Mr. Burnett then said that he supported the plan because of the security aspect and that it involved a number of schools. Dr. Corda said that if the Board was comfortable with this, a resolution would be drafted for the June 3rd agenda.

CLASS SIZE REPORT

Mr. Chiaramonte said the information was contained in the Board’s packet.

BOARD MEMBER’S ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that she had attended the CABE conference and was able to sit in on a number of discussion. She said that the feed back she received was that Norwalk was on the right track.

Ms. Hamilton then distributed an evaluation form for Dr. Corda’s evaluation to the Board.

DISCUSSION OF NEGOTIATIONS FOR SUMMER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND UPDATE ON NURSES NEGOTIATIONS

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION IN ORDER TO DISCUSS THE NEGOTIATIONS FOR SUMMER SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR SALARIES AND TO RECEIVE AN UPDATE ON NURSES NEGOTIATIONS. ** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board and Dr. Corda entered into discussions regarding the negotiations for the summer school administrator salaries and to receive an update on the nurses negotiations at 12:43 a.m. The Board returned to public session at 1:00 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. BURNETT MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting adjourned at 1:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes