Board of Education Meeting Minutes

March 3, 2009

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murray, Chair; Jody Bishop-Pullan, Vice Chair; Glenn Iannaccone, Greg Burnett, Shirley Mosby, Susan Hamilton, Migdalia Rivas (8:03 p.m.)

STAFF: Dr. Sal Corda, Superintendent of Schools

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Murray called the meeting at 7:54 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Murray led all those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ms. Hamilton presented the report to the Board.

At the conclusion of the report, Ms. McCready then came forward and stated that March was Norwalk Board of Education Month. She then read a statement about how the Board of Education is vital for the education of students. Ms. McCready then listed many of the tasks and responsibilities that Board Members assume when they serve. She reminded everyone that the Board members contribute hundreds of hours in service to the District, including seminars and training sessions. She then presented the members of the Board with certificates of appreciation.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda then announced the two newest principals for the Norwalk Public Schools were present at the meeting. He said that both new principals had served as assistant principals in the District. Dr. Corda then said that when he was conducting interviews, he had been pleased to have both principals articulate the philosophy that the District has been working.

Ms. Rivas joined the meeting at 8:03 p.m.

Dr. Corda then introduced Ms. Ocaski, the new principal of Naramake, and Mr. Martinez, the new principal of Fox Run, to those present.

Dr. Corda then used a PowerPoint presentation outlining the current status of the District Instructional Plan. Key points were the high expectations for all students, challenging content, and closing the achievement gap by focusing on the performance of all students who have not met expected standards.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the Curriculum Development and Instruction. He stressed that this is done by Evaluation, followed by Development and implementing Professional Development. Dr. Corda said the various reviews stages of curriculum is District wide. Dr. Corda also noted that the new Pre-K program at Brookside has been very popular and that enrollment is strong.

Dr. Corda defined the term “Best Practices” and explained that it was the District’s goal to familiarize the staff with these teaching strategies. The sum and substance of student achievement is summarized by the interaction between students and teacher in the presence of content.

Dr. Corda then gave an overview of the integration of technology into the curriculum and training the staff in the new technologies. He also then gave a review of the Instructional Work that has been done in the school, including the school walkthroughs. These walkthroughs are done by a group of people who tour the school with a checklist of 46 different items that affect overall welcoming atmosphere.

The final aspect that Dr. Corda addressed was the list of Multi-Year Priorities, which will remain over the next few years.

Mr. Burnett asked how the Instructional Plan would be affected by the reduced amount of funding in the present economy. Dr. Corda said that he believed that the majority of the program would not be affected by the budget reductions because they are focused on providing instructional leadership. The reduction of the assistant principals will have an impact on the strong leadership in each school. As the discussion progressed, Dr. Corda said that there would be implications in terms of execution, but not of content.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Ms. Sharon Stea came forward and greeted the Board. She said that she was mentoring a young man and had been found out that her student had been expelled from school for having a pocketknife on his person. The student is now ineligible for most of the vocational training programs because of the expulsion. Ms. Stea said that there was something wrong with the system because this child was in need, but that he had been labeled as a troublemaker. She then encouraged the Board to take a good hard look at the policies that punish children in need.

Ms. Sue Haynie came forward and read the following statement into the record:

Dear Board of Education and Dr. Corda:

My name is Sue Haynie. I’m the President of the Norwalk PTO Council. We on the PTOC Executive Board have two requests that we hope you will take under consideration.

The first request involved the 2009/2010 School Calendar. I want to thank Dr. Corda for his help and for planning to convene a committee of stakeholders to discuss the 2010/2011 Calendar. I also want to thank the Board for showing an interest in this issue as it pertains to the PTO’s. In my memory, I do not know of another instance when this level of communication regarding the Calendar occurred.

I have forwarded all you the most current update of the Calendar Questions & Answers that the PTOC collected regarding the Calendar; the information is quite informative. This same updated information was just sent to the PTOC membership today. Collecting this information was suggested at our January PTOC meeting; the membership wanted to get a better sense of Calendar development and what requirements are inherent to the process. It took a while for us to generate this data. With that in mind, we would humbly request that either #1, you, the BOE, wait to approve the 2009/2010 Calendar until after the committee of stakeholders that Dr. Corda plans to assemble has formed and has had the time to discuss and obtain a broader consensus on the 2009/2010 Calendar, or, conversely, #2, approve the Calendar tonight, as it now stands, but with the understanding that there might be revisions based upon the feedback and communications with the stakeholders, parents and the PTOC.

The second request involves Growth Plans. We understand that all 19 schools have developed their own Growth Plans for this year; the Growth Plans also track the path of the Data Teams. We on the PTOC believe that these Growth Plans should be posted online on each school’s website. Parents, teachers and community members should have ease of access to this crucial information but currently only a very small number of schools have provided this information online, to their school community. Having it available at the front office or at the principal’s office is not convenient. We all, parents too, would like to have a part of this Growth. These Growth Plans are rubrics for a schools [sic] vision and for its plans for progress, for change and for moving forward. So, again, we humbly suggest that since these Growth Plans should be posted online, for each school, and as soon as possible.

Thank you.

Mr. Mellion came forward and distributed a document containing a chart regarding the number of Students Incidents from 2005-2009. He then reviewed the numbers cited in the chart with the Board and stated that this was an indication of why the House Masters were so vital. The second chart on the document gave the figures for Saturday Detention from 2007-2009.

Mr. Mellion then said that the NFT would like to be part of the Calendar Committee.

ACTIONS

Consent

Personnel Actions

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

APPOINTMENTS:

OCASKI, KAREN AS PRINCIPAL FOR NARAMAKE SCHOOL, EFFECTIVE FEBRUARY 23, 2009.

BRYNE, CHARLES, NARAMAKE GRADE 5, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 5, 2009.

RESIGNATION:

HAUGE, JACQUELINE, NATHAN HALE SPECIAL EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE AUGUST 31, 2009

REQUEST FOR MINI-CHILD REARING LEAVE:

ROMERO, JARLYN, JEFFERSON, SCHOOL SOCIAL, EFFECTIVE 02/03/09 – 06/03/09

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

Approval of Budget Transfer

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED THE FOLLOWING TRANSFERS:

THE SUM OF $649.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10522220-642-05 (NHS LIBRARY- LIBRARY BOOKS & PERIODICALS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10522220-730-05 (NHS LIBRARY – INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT) FOR COMPUTER WITH MONITOR FOR STUDENTS USING LAPTOPS IN THE LIBRARY.

THE SUM OF $1,000,00 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 10511150-690-05 (NHS SOCIAL STUDIES – OTHER OFFICE SUPP. & MATS.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511150-641-05 (NHS SOC. STUDIES – HARD COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR WORLD HISTORY BOOKS.

THE SUM OF $375.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-614-05 (NHS PRINCIPAL – POSTAGE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-810-05 (NHS PRINCIPAL – DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP) FRO THE COLLEGE BOARD MEMBERSHIP FOR 2009.

THE SUM OF $370.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511060-810-05 (NHS FOREIGN LANGUAGE, DUES AND FEES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511060-611-05 (NHS FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES) FOR PAYMENT FOR NATIONAL LATIN EXAM APPLICATION.

THE SUM OF $2,345.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-611-03 (BMHS BUSINESS INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-645-03 (BMHS BUSINESS SOFT COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR PURCHASE OF THE UP-TO-DATE MICROSOFT TEXT FOR STUDENTS.

THE SUM OF $1,184.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-644-03 (BMHS BUSINESS CONSUMABLE/WORKBOOKS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-645-03 (BMHS SOFT COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR PURCHASE OF THE UP-TO-DATE MICROSOFT TEXT FOR STUDENTS.

THE SUM OF $315.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15928101-600-59 (ADMINISTRATION TESTING) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 16127003-510-61 (TRANSPORTATION STUDENTS) FOR WHEELS TOKENS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO NEED EXTENDED TIME DURING THE CAPT TESTING.

THE SUM OF $310.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-611-05 (NHS PRINC. INSTR, SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-430-05 (NHS PRINC. REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES) FOR THE REPAIR OF THE ATTENDANCE CLOCK.

THE SUM OF $205.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10328320-102-03 (BMHS PROF. DEVELOPMENT) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10328320-690-03 (BMHS PROF. DEVEL. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE FOUR CONNECTICUT SCHOOL LAW BOOKS.

THE SUM OF $2,955.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15411000-690-54 (ELEM. EDUCATION OTHER SUPPLIES & MAT.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15411120-510-54 (STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERV.) FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION TO COLLABORATIVE NORWALK SYMPHONY CONCERT.

THE SUM OF $325.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15328310-739-53 (PERSONNEL NON INSTRUCTION EQUIP.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15326310-301-53 (PERSONNEL ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS) FOR REGISTRATION FEES FOR DEBBIE PLONOWSKI TO ATTEND CASPA MEETING.

THE SUM OF $1,332.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511110-641-05 (NHS MATH HARD COVER TEXTBOOKS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511110-611-05 (NHS MATH INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO PURCHASE 120 CALCULATORS FOR THE MATH DEPARTMENT.

THE SUM OF $254.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311080-611-03 (BMHS P.E. INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311080-730-03 (BMHS P.E. INSTR. EQUIPMENT) FOR EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN P.E. CLASSES.

THE SUM OF $15.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 12524100-611-25 (CRANBURY PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 12524100-810-25 (CRANBURY PRINC. DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP) FOR RENEWAL FOR ROBIN IVES ASCD MEMBERSHIP.

THE SUM OF $250.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-733-37 (MARVIN PRINC. INSTR SOFTWARE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

THE SUM OF $2,000.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-614-05 (NHS POSTAGE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15725200-614-57 (ACCOUNTS PAYABLE POSTAGE) TO KEEP SUFFICIENT AMOUNT IN POSTAGE MACHINE.

THE SUM OF $297.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-810-37 (MARVIN PRINC. DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIPS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

THE SUM OF $1,297.76 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PROF. DEVELOP. SALARIES & WORKSH) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN SECONDED.

Mr. Burnett asked about the transfer amount for copier paper for Marvin School. Dr. Cook said that he did not have an immediate answer, but would talk to the principal and get back to Mr. Burnett with the data.

Ms. Mosby said that she would like to have a breakdown of all the transfers for each of the schools. Dr. Cook said he would be able to develop that report for Ms. Mosby. He added that there have been discussions with some of the principals regarding the items that apparently need more funding for various other items.

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION BY OMITTING ALL THE ITEMS ON PAGE THREE AS FOLLOWS:

THE SUM OF $250.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-733-37 (MARVIN PRINC. INSTR SOFTWARE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

THE SUM OF $2,000.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-614-05 (NHS POSTAGE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15725200-614-57 (ACCOUNTS PAYABLE POSTAGE) TO KEEP SUFFICIENT AMOUNT IN POSTAGE MACHINE.

THE SUM OF $297.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-810-37 (MARVIN PRINC. DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIPS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES AND MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

THE SUM OF $1,297.76 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PROF. DEVELOP. SALARIES & WORKSH) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 13724100-690-37 (MARVIN PRINC. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE COPY PAPER.

** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE AMENDMENT OF THE TRANSFER AS NOTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING TRANSFERS AS AMENDED:

THE SUM OF $649.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10522220-642-05 (NHS LIBRARY- LIBRARY BOOKS & PERIODICALS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10522220-730-05 (NHS LIBRARY – INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT) FOR COMPUTER WITH MONITOR FOR STUDENTS USING LAPTOPS IN THE LIBRARY.

THE SUM OF $1,000,00 FROM ACCOUNT NO. 10511150-690-05 (NHS SOCIAL STUDIES – OTHER OFFICE SUPP. & MATS.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511150-641-05 (NHS SOC. STUDIES – HARD COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR WORLD HISTORY BOOKS.

THE SUM OF $375.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-614-05 (NHS PRINCIPAL – POSTAGE) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-810-05 (NHS PRINCIPAL – DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP) FRO THE COLLEGE BOARD MEMBERSHIP FOR 2009.

THE SUM OF $370.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511060-810-05 (NHS FOREIGN LANGUAGE, DUES AND FEES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511060-611-05 (NHS FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES) FOR PAYMENT FOR NATIONAL LATIN EXAM APPLICATION.

THE SUM OF $2,345.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-611-03 (BMHS BUSINESS INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-645-03 (BMHS BUSINESS SOFT COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR PURCHASE OF THE UP-TO-DATE MICROSOFT TEXT FOR STUDENTS.

THE SUM OF $1,184.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-644-03 (BMHS BUSINESS CONSUMABLE/WORKBOOKS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311030-645-03 (BMHS SOFT COVER TEXTBOOKS) FOR PURCHASE OF THE UP-TO-DATE MICROSOFT TEXT FOR STUDENTS.

THE SUM OF $315.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15928101-600-59 (ADMINISTRATION TESTING) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 16127003-510-61 (TRANSPORTATION STUDENTS) FOR WHEELS TOKENS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WHO NEED EXTENDED TIME DURING THE CAPT TESTING.

THE SUM OF $310.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-611-05 (NHS PRINC. INSTR, SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10524100-430-05 (NHS PRINC. REPAIR & MAINT. SERVICES) FOR THE REPAIR OF THE ATTENDANCE CLOCK.

THE SUM OF $205.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10328320-102-03 (BMHS PROF. DEVELOPMENT) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10328320-690-03 (BMHS PROF. DEVEL. OTHER SUPPLIES & MATERIALS) TO PURCHASE FOUR CONNECTICUT SCHOOL LAW BOOKS.

THE SUM OF $2,955.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15411000-690-54 (ELEM. EDUCATION OTHER SUPPLIES & MAT.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15411120-510-54 (STUDENT TRANSPORTATION SERV.) FOR STUDENT TRANSPORTATION TO COLLABORATIVE NORWALK SYMPHONY CONCERT.

THE SUM OF $325.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 15328310-739-53 (PERSONNEL NON INSTRUCTION EQUIP.) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 15326310-301-53 (PERSONNEL ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS) FOR REGISTRATION FEES FOR DEBBIE PLONOWSKI TO ATTEND CASPA MEETING.

THE SUM OF $1,332.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511110-641-05 (NHS MATH HARD COVER TEXTBOOKS) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10511110-611-05 (NHS MATH INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO PURCHASE 120 CALCULATORS FOR THE MATH DEPARTMENT.

THE SUM OF $254.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311080-611-03 (BMHS P.E. INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 10311080-730-03 (BMHS P.E. INSTR. EQUIPMENT) FOR EQUIPMENT FOR USE IN P.E. CLASSES.

THE SUM OF $15.00 FROM ACCOUNT NUMBER 12524100-611-25 (CRANBURY PRINC. INSTR. SUPPLIES) TO ACCOUNT NUMBER 12524100-810-25 (CRANBURY PRINC. DUES, FEES & MEMBERSHIP) FOR RENEWAL FOR ROBIN IVES ASCD MEMBERSHIP.

PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approval of minutes (February 10, 2009)

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2009. ** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2009 AS SUBMITTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approval of Field Trips

1. Norwalk High to Italy, Feb. 11-20, 2010

** MR. IANNACCONE MOVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES (GRADES 9-12) TO ITALY, FEBRUARY 11-20, 2010.

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

2. Brien McMahon Golf Team to Jacksonville, FL. April 14-17, 2009

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP: BRIEN MCMAHON GOLF TEAM TO JACKSONVILLE, FL. APRIL 14-17, 2009

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

Approve the 2009-2010 School Calendar

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 2009-2010.

** MS. RIVAS SECONDED.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked Dr. Corda about the number of half days for the middle schools. She said that it would be important to know this. Also, while she supported the calendar, she would also support having a study group to look at the calendar in terms of instructional time.

Mr. Burnett said that he was under the impression that the sub-committee would be looking at the 2010-2011 calendar not the 2009-2010 calendar. Ms. Murray agreed this was so.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Dr. Corda said that from the input for the 2010-2011, it became apparent that there needed to be a group of people working on this. He reminded everyone that this would be a recommendation to the Board. In an ideal scenario, it might be possible to look at the calendar early in the year IF there were additional changes, it would give people as much lead time as possible. He added that the current school year was now extended by two days.

Mr. Burnett asked who would make up the team. Dr. Corda then listed a number of representatives from the elementary schools, middle schools and high schools and said that he would like to have the committee functioning not later than April.

Accept resignation of Bruce Kimmel and declare a vacancy on the Board of Education.

** MS. RIVAS MOVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

RESOLVED, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION ACCEPT MR. BRUCE KIMMEL’S LETTER OF RESIGNATION FROM THE NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION AND DECLARE A VACANCY IN THE OFFICE CURRENTLY HELD BY BOARD OF EDUCATION BRUCE KIMMEL.

Ms. Murray said that she would like to thank Mr. Kimmel for his years of service. Ms. Mosby said that she would miss him

SECOND MS. BISHOP-PULLAN

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approve Board Policy - Outside Consultant/Service Providers

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED THE FOLLOWING RECOMMENDATION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE POLICY – OUTSIDE CONSULTANTS/SERVICE PROVIDERS.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that while there was still some discussion about this in the committee, the committee did not want to hold up the policy in response to the recent problems. She then recommended that this be placed in Section 4126.

SECOND MR. BURNETT

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

District Technology Plan

Mr. Valenzisi then came forward and gave a brief overview of how the present plan differed from the previous plan. Every three years the District IT must have a current copy of a plan on file in order to receive State funding. Mr. Valenzisi said that the Plan was a collaborative effort.

The biggest difference in the plan from the previous plan was building the foundation of the system. The next three years will be focused on training for faculty and staff. In the last three year the District has refreshed over 2, 400 computers. Attendance and grading is all done online.

Mr. Valenzisi then reviewed the State technology requirement. There were several questions about the student technology competency portfolio and what skills this covers, which Mr. Valenzisi reviewed. The discussion then moved to the emerging use of iPods in the Language Labs.

One new aspect is Distance Learning and the use of Audio Visual learning. It will be important to provide the teachers with the support they need to learn about these new tools. Another major change is the introduction of Web Collaboration Tools.

Mr. Valenzisi then reviewed the funding aspect of the Plan and the shift from Capital funding in terms of hardware to the Operating Budget in terms of subscription based services. It will also be important to keeping up with the current technologies.

Ms. Rivas asked about the back up systems. Mr. Valenzisi then gave a brief overview of the back up systems. There were some concerns about having a list of where the backups where located and how to access the various back ups. Mr. Valenzisi said that he could have that report ready for April 1st. Ms. Rivas asked about viruses and Mr. Valenzisi explained that the various systems are separate and have redundancy factors built in.

He then recommended a new book called “Disrupting Technology”. He explained that up until now, students have been consumers, but now students are producing the information.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that many of the parents were concerned about the quality of the student classes in Web developments. Mr. Valenzisi said that these courses will be reviewed and evaluated in the near future.

Regulations for Board Policy – Outside Consultants/Service Providers

Ms. Bishop-Pullan explained that there had been a significant amount of work by Dr. Corda, Mr. Daddona and others regarding breaking this down into manageable pieces.

Board member presence on HSC Advisory Board from Mentor Program

Dr. Corda said that the Human Services Council was developing a mentoring program. Mr. Burnett asked for some clarification because when the program was move to the HSC with the understanding that Ms. McCready would be part of the Advisory Board. He said that the Board had inquired about having a Board member for interfacing with the Advisory Board. Ms. Murray said that she would like to bring this back to the Board as an Action Item.

Financial Update

Dr. Cook came forward and reviewed the financial reports with the Board. The print out listed the accounts by series, such as the 100 series (Salaries, Degree changes) or 200 series (Health and Insurance). Dr. Cook highlighted which accounts appear to be operating on the plus side and those that are in the red. He also indicated which accounts might have a surplus that could be applied to the deficits. Dr. Cook said that the report was started four months ago, and as the data has come in, the information in the report has expanded. He said that the books will be closed out in July and that he expected to present the final numbers to the Board in August. This is because there needs to be time for payments to be made and received and the documents entered. Discussion about the details of the financial report then followed.

Ms. Murray asked Dr. Cook to add more detail to the transfers, such as the reason why the transfer was needed. The discussion then moved to the authority of the principals in transferring funds from one account to another. Dr. Corda then cautioned the Board about not allowing the principals to be flexible with their funding. If the Board decides to change the premise, then this will be a change in management style. Ms. Murray said that this conversation should be held early next year.

Update on the outcome of Spectrum inquiry

Dr. Corda said that there were five recommendations as a result of the inquiry. The first one was that there would be an executed contract. He explained that there are eight service organizations providing services. There are two contracts that have been completed and there are six contracts that are in the process of being revised to the District’s standards.

All Background Checks for all service providers have been completed. In addition to that there were no new services provided by any provider until a contract is in hand.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the remaining recommendations with the Board, many of which are currently in progress. The upcoming Friday report will include the names of the providers and the amounts involved.

Ms. Rivas said that she would like to see the current contracts and the invoicing involved. Ms. Mosby said that she wanted to follow through on this. She said that there had been several requests for the contracts and the contracts have not been completed. Dr. Corda said that the District’s attorneys have been moving forward with the matter, but that the contracts go back and forth between the two entities.

Board member announcements

Ms. Murray asked that the Committees make their reports.

Mr. Burnett said that there had been a recent email about the Employee Assistance Program. Dr. Corda said that this would be included on the next agenda.

Mr. Iannaccone said NFCC would be meeting on March 4th. On Sunday March 8, the NHS Alumni will be honoring a number of distinguished alumni at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Norwalk.

Ms. Hamilton said that said that CES would be meeting soon and that the minutes had arrived earlier in the day.

Ms. Bishop Pullan announced that the Policy Committee will meet on March 26th to continue the discussion on the student policies.

Ms. Murray said that Ms. Glass had sent copies of a newsletter that has an article about the NPS for the Board. She then distributed copies of the document to the Board members.

Ms. Murray said that the Finance Committee would have a meeting on March 12th.

Ms. Mosby said that Curriculum Committee would be meeting on the 18th.

Ms. Bishop Pullan reminded everyone of the upcoming BET public hearing on the budget and that April 9th will be the day that the BET approves the final budget.

DISCUSSION BY PARENT/GUARDIAN WITH BOARD: RE STUDENT PERSONNEL MATTER.

** MR BURNETT MOVED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSES OF DISCUSSING A PERSONNEL MATTER. ** MR. IANNACCONE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board and Dr. Corda then entered into Executive Session to discuss a student issue at 10:54 p.m. They returned to public session at 12:30 a.m.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 12:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes