Board of Education Meeting Minutes

April 7, 2009

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murray, Chair; Jody Bishop-Pullan, Vice Chair; Jack Chiaramonte, Secretary; Glenn Iannaccone, Susan Hamilton, Shirley Mosby, Migdalia Rivas, Greg Burnett (8:45 p.m.), Amy Jimenez

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Education

CALL TO ORDER

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ms. Lisa Kaplan, a teacher at Tracey Elementary School, and Mr. Bob McCain, principal of Nathan Hale Middle School, were nominated to the SENG (Supporting Emotional Needs of the Gifted) Honor Roll. This is a prestigious national award by SENG. The Honor Roll provides national and local recognition to educators and schools that have demonstrated a commitment to serving the needs of a gifted child. These nominated people are pivotal in the lives of gifted individuals. They will receive a letter of honor, a listing on the national SENG website and a listing in the annual SENG Conference Program Book. The Board congratulated them for their achievement.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda talked about before and after-school providers. He said that school is not just what happens when you get up. The experiences children are involved in before school and after school give them additional support and an opportunity to try out new activities. Children that attend these programs are involved in and exposed to other activities they may not have during their normal school day. The programs are evaluated on how well they will serve the needs of children, and the quality of services. There has to be an on-going level of consistency. Representatives from After The Bell (ATB), ACHIEVE, Naramake Family Resource Center, and YMCA will be talking about their programs.

After The Bell

There are approximately 120 students enrolled in the program. This program serves the Kendall and Rowayton schools. Mary said their goal is to support academic achievement, high quality activities and enrichment programs, and to provide a safe, nurturing environment with quality staff leading the way. She pointed out that the program begins at 7:00 a.m. for the morning session, and in the afternoon it ends at 6:00 p.m. which is very good for working parents. Some of the programs are pilates, outdoor survival, technology and languages. There also is busing available. She pointed out that about half of the students qualify for free or reduced lunch rates.

ACHIEVE (All Children Have the Intelligence, Enthusiasm, and Values to Excel) Founded in 2000 by Mr. Alonzo Virgil, who had the need to begin an after school program in the City of Norwalk. The program provides before and after school enrichment for over 300 children. Their Motto is “Building Success for Norwalk’s Future”. They serve Brookside, Jefferson, Marvin and Wolfpit schools. There programs emphasize hands-on-learning. They are partnered with many companies and organizations such as GE, Stepping Stones Museum, and the Maritime Aquarium. It is an enrichment and academics program and do not give homework.

Ms. Murray asked if there is vacation camp. ACHIEVE does offer camp which runs between June 29 and August 14.

Naramake Family Resource Center This program, founded in 1999, is based on the work by Dr. Edward Zigler of Yale University. Over 200 families are served. It is licensed as a child day care center by the CT Department of Public Health. There are before and after-school programs. They provide child development services. Also offer vacation camps, and help at-risk families. They stay late for the late arriving parents. The core hours are from 7:30-8:30 a.m. and 2:50-5:30 p.m. The majority of the staff are employed as aides, certified staff or pre-school staff during the day. All staff members have had a background check. The staff is consistent. Hiring is done from within the district. This program serves the Naramake school.

Some of the activities provided are arts and crafts, baking, camera club, cooking, lego club, soccer, swimming, TD bank money games to name a few.

YMCA

The “Y” is the largest after-school provider. It was pointed out that Troy Calhoun, the Youth Family Director, has a talent for hiring very good staff. Some of the programs available are homework assistance, swimming lessons, tennis camp (April 18 to June 16), scrabble tournament to name a few. They take field trips to the Maritime Aquarium, Stepping Stones Museum, and the Bruce Museum. Staff is CPR trained. There is an on-call social worker. They open from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., then re-open at 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They do not turn away anybody. This program serves the Columbus, Cranbury, Fox Run, Silvermine, and Tracey schools. The fees have been lowered to allow more families to participate. The YWCA staff is already in the Norwalk school system.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Parties were asked to keep their comments to three minutes.

Sandra Vasquez Had praise for Naramake. She said that both she and her husband work and that this option is a blessing. She said that the on-site program is a big plus. Alice Hurley She has a pre-schooler and uses every service. Great praise for Naramake.

Lisa Chau Uses Naramake. She is a stay-at-home mom. The after-school program is very good and worth it. She likes the vacation camp too.

Lori Colleran Uses Naramkae. She said the on-site day care is excellent.

James Gian (left the meeting)

Lisa Kaplan (absent)

Mr. Burnett joined the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Angela Pia, C.P.A. She uses the YMCA. She believes it offers complete coverage for her current needs. If a snow day, it’s open; early dismissal, it’s open. She said there is a good mix of activities. The play is good. There is emphasis on Academics.

Lisa Arnold Utilizes the ACHIEVE program. Program works well with her schedule. It opens early which she likes.

Ginger Cox Said she is not a parent, but an educator at Stepping Stones. She wanted to share her experience in attending a conference on pre- and after-school programs which emphasized their value. She spent 5 days at this conference in New Orleans that had over 200 workshops. She mentioned that the YMCA was well represented.

Nicole Ayers said she formerly worked at ACHIEVE. She said that the late hours, emphasis on motor skills, social skills and reading are some of its best features. ACTIONS A. Consent

1. Personnel Actions

RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT EFF. 01/12/09 STEP SALARY 10 $75,324 Quatrella, Susan – Brien McMahon – Physical Science Posting # 2008-039 Education: University of Bridgeport – BS – Biology St. Joseph College – MS – Biology Experience 9 Years

RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT EFF. 03/18/09 STEP SALARY 9 $67,077 Waterhouse, Rosa – Brien McMahon – Special Ed. Resource Education: City College, NYC – BA – Liberal Arts (Education) Touro College – MS – Education/Special Education Experience: 8 Years

RESIGNATION EFF. 08/31/09 Bowley, Amy – Speech & Language Pathologist Duffy Hufnagel, Katherine – Rowayton – Grade 1 Lamothe, Marc – Norwalk High School – Physical Science Lavalle, Christopher – Brien McMahon – English Parkhurst, Robert – Norwalk High School – Special Education Resource Patrick, Michael – Brien McMahon – English

REQUEST FOR MINI-CHILD REARING LEAVE EFF. 08/31/09-06/30/10

Fusarelli, Melissa – West Rocks – Art

REQUEST FOR MINI-CHILD REARING LEAVE EFF. 08/31/09-01/20/10

Mumbach, Lindsay – Marvin – Grade 3

** MS. MURRAY MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ABOVE PERSONNEL ACTIONS. ** MS. JIMENEZ SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. Approval of Budget Transfers

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

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

Dan Cook reported that these should be the last transfers from schools and departments as they begin to close out the fiscal year.

From: West Rocks Professional To: West Rocks Attendance at Meetings Development Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 11928320 102 19 11928320 301 19 $199.00 Teacher to attend seminar. “Best Practices for Teaching Spanish Increasing Students Motivation and Achievement” in White Plains, NY From: Curriculum & Instruction To: Curriculum & Instruction Hard Attendance at Meetings Cover Textbooks Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15411130 133 54 15411130 641 54 $2,500.00 Next year a new science course – Anatomy and Physiology – will be running at both high schools. This course was approved by the Board of Education last fall. Although there was some money budgeted for textbooks next year, it was based on one section in each school but the enrollment numbers for this course have doubled. There will be two sections running at both high schools next year totaling about 95 students. In order to purchase the additional science textbooks we have reviewed remaining funds in the Curriculum and instruction accounts and wish to transfer them into the science textbook account in order to purchase the additional textbooks. This will allow the high school to have the books on site with the opening of school this coming September. We will be presenting the next textbook to the board this spring and then will purchase these books by June.

From: Curriculum & Instruction To: Curriculum & Instruction Hard Attendance at Meetings Cover Textbooks Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15411130 301 54 15411130 641 54 $2,000.00 Next year a new science course – Anatomy and Physiology – will be running at both high schools. This course was approved by the Board of Education last fall. Although there was some money budgeted for textbooks next year, it was based on one section in each school but the enrollment numbers for this course have doubled. There will be two sections running at both high schools next year totaling about 95 students. In order to purchase the additional science textbooks we have reviewed remaining funds in the Curriculum and instruction accounts and wish to transfer them into the science textbook account in order to purchase the additional textbooks. This will allow the high school to have the books on site with the opening of school this coming September. We will be presenting the next textbook to the board this spring and then will purchase these books by June. From: Curriculum & Instruction To: Curriculum & Instruction Hard Cover Other Prof. Tech Services Textbooks Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15411130 330 54 15411130 641 54 $4,000.00 Next year a new science course – Anatomy and Physiology – will be running at both high schools. This course was approved by the Board of Education last fall. Although there was some money budgeted for textbooks next year, it was based on one section in each school but the enrollment numbers for this course have doubled. There will be two sections running at both high schools next year totaling about 95 students. In order to purchase the additional science textbooks we have reviewed remaining funds in the Curriculum and Instruction accounts and wish to transfer them into the science textbook account in order to purchase the additional textbooks. This will allow the high school to have the books on site with the opening of school this coming September. We will be presenting the new textbook to the board this spring and then will purchase these books by June.

From: Curriculum & Instruction To: Curriculum & Instruction Hard Cover General Supplies Textbooks Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15411130 610 54 15411130 641 54 $6,000.00 Next fall a new science course – Anatomy and Physiology – will be running at both high schools. This course was approved by the Board of Education last fall. Although there was some money budgeted for textbooks next year, it was based on one section in each school but the enrollment numbers for this course have doubled. There will be two sections running at both high schools next year totaling about 95 students. In order to purchase the additional science textbooks we have reviewed remaining funds in the Curriculum and instruction accounts and wish to transfer them into the science textbook account in order to purchase the additional textbooks. This will allow the high school to have the books on site with the opening of school this coming September. We will be presenting the next textbook to the board this spring and then will purchase these books by June.

From: Briggs Princ. Dues, To: Briggs Graduation Expenses Fees, and Membership Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 10424100 810 04 10424100 692 04 $146.50 To cover the cost of printing 25 senior diplomas from Jostens Diplomas & Certificates.

From: Nathan Hale Instructional To: Nathan Hale Hard Cover Textbooks Equipment Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 11424100 730 14 11424100 641 14 $330.00 To purchase additional textbooks to cover predicted enrollment increased in primarily Social Studies, Science, and Math.

From: Nathan Hale Other Supplies To: Nathan Hale Hard Cover Textbooks And Materials Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 11432002 690 14 11424100 641 14 $1,250.00 To purchase additional textbooks to cover predicted enrollment increases in primarily Social Studies, Science, and Math.

From: Curriculum & Instruction To: Curriculum & Instruction Salaries Instructional Equipment Salaries and Workshops Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15412700 730 54 15412700 133 54 $900.00 To cover expenses related to an Academically Talented parents workshop “Coffee Talk” series with Joan Glass and facilitator Phonda Lehman Davenport. To be held on Friday mornings May 8, 15 & 22; Tuesday evenings May 5, 19 & 26. Presenter fee to a non-staff member for a presentation sponsored by the District.

From: Silvermine Other Prof. Tech To: Silvermine Instr. Supplies Services Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 14411020 330 44 14411020 611 44 $677.75 Purchase of needed art supplies – drawing sheets, pre-cut mats, beads, leather cord, yarn, colored paper, etc. in order to complete the year-end curriculum.

From: BMHS Interschol Repairs To: BMHS Interschol Instr. Equip. And Maint. Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 10332001 420 03 10332001 730 03 $1,605.00 Money needed to purchase a Ball Stopper System for the Lacrosse field. The Ball Stopper will protect the athletes and spectators. The fence that is there now has to be repaired every time there is a gusty wind. It has been repaired numerous times over the years, and has reached the end of its’ life expectancy. There have been close calls, where kids have been entangled in the fencing that has blown down. For the safety and well being of all, we need to purchase the new item.

From: Printing Other Prof. Tech To: Accts. Payable Other Supplies and Materials Services Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15725400 330 57 15725200 690 57 $3,500.00 To purchase copy paper for all departments within the Central Office administration. It includes the printing of all end of year reports and summer program preparation. Due to the lack of storage at Central Office, paper has to be ordered on an as needed basis.

From: Curr./Instr. Attendance at To: Curr./Instr. Travel Meetings Org. Code Object Proj. Org. Code Object Proj. Amount 15411150 301 54 15411150 580 54 $306.00 To cover expenses Joan Glass incurred attending the Northeast Regional Conf. for Social Studies on March 16-17, 2009.

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ABOVE TRANSFERS. ** MR. BURNETT SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Approval of Minutes (March 17, 2009)

The following corrections were made to the Minutes as follows:

Page 10 add Mr. Chiaramonte and Ms. Murray, two BOE members to BOE/BET Common Council Finance Joint Committee. Page 13, sixth paragraph, line 1 – replace with not a sense of urgency on the part of the Special Education. Page 14, fourth paragraph, line 3 - the last name for Brian is Cunnane Page 14, seventh paragraph, line 1 – add 626 Magnet School Page 14, seventh paragraph, line 1 – named Regional Magnet School Principal

** MS. BISHOP-PULLEN MADE A MOTION TO APPROVE THE ABOVE MINUTES OF MARCH 17, 2009 AS CORRECTED. ** MS. RIVAS SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. Approval of Field Trip

The purpose of the field trip is for the Odyssey of the Mind Program which promotes creative problem solving and divergent thinking skills in students. Teams work to create a solution to a given long-term problem. The solution is then presented at a state competition in the spring. During this competition the team is given several minutes to create a solution to a spontaneous problem as well and receives a separate scoring for that portion. The importance of teamwork is stressed here, where they learn to assess their own work and that of their peers.

The overall program takes in math, science, history, language arts, and fine arts. Students then brainstorm, research, experiment and think of the best solution.

The team represents the Norwalk School District in this academic competition against teams from the fifty states and twenty-five countries.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ABOVE FIELD TRIP: BMHS/ROTON (7 STUDENTS GRDS. 7-9) TO AMES, IOWA ODYSSEY OF THE MIND WORLD FINALS, MAY 27-JUNE 1, 2009

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

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Class Size Report

A report was passed out illustrating and outlining the classroom size at all levels and recommendations made to reduce excessively large classes. Dan Cook and Bruce LeVine Mellion recommended that consultation continue to take place between the central office staff and the NFT when the class setups are available for the upcoming school year rather than wait until October 2009 and then attempt to reconstruct the rationale of the previous decisions involving the deployment of staff. They said that it is important that building principals utilize the NFT building consultation forum to discuss all class size issues as the data becomes available and to share these discussions with the central office administration.

The class size data was collected and summary reports prepared by the Technology Department. Building principals verified the information.

B. Discussion of Process for Approval of School Growth Plans

Tony Daddona led the discussion. He believes it is best to keep it simple. The State Education Department advised that the Board does need to approve the School Growth Plans and there is no need to submit them to the State. There are 19 plans and what process to be followed is the question. After much discussion, it was narrowed down to three options and they are as follows:

- District Data team makes recommendations to Curriculum Committee - School and District Data team present to the Curriculum Committee - School teams to present to Board

The Executive Committee is recommending that the Board act on the recommendation of the District Data Decision Making Team for approving all of the plans in a single resolution and, over the course of a year have a presentation by six schools (with seven in one year). In this way, the Board will have an in-depth look at each school’s plan over a three-year cycle.

C. Committee/ Representatives Reports

A handout was made available. The Math program is doing well. The size of the committee members brought differences of opinion. The numbers ranged from 6 to 13 to be on the committee.

It was noted that in the elementary school - Grade 3 did particularly well. In the middle school there is a major improvement at all levels. At the high school level they ranked high in many different areas.

Ms. Jimenez said a focus should be made on special education. Mr. Dadonna said a Consultant was hired to be a member of Special Education-Parent Advisory Committee.

Ms. Mosby passed around books that she wants used for the ELL Program for next year. The books will require board approval. A vote will take place at the next meeting.

Mr. Burnett is on the Council on Mentoring/Human Services. He mentioned that GE and Pepperidge Farm are some of the local organizations that are involved.

Dr. Corda talked about the Grant mentoring program. The Grant is for 4 years and $500,000. He said that Sherry will write the Grant that is due by April 20.

The Policy Committee will be reviewing current policies.

Ms. Hamilton said there is a golf outing to benefit NEF what will be held on May 4. If not interested in golf, then try to come to the dinner.

Mr. Iannaccone said the NFCC meeting was cancelled.

Dr. Cook said there is a finance committee meeting on April 23.

D. Board Member Announcements

Mr. Burnett said he was late as he attended the All City Strings Concert and it was excellent.

The House of Representatives is voting on Mentors’ Bill. State Representatives support the funding.

DISCUSSION OF SUPERINTENDENT’S MIDYEAR EVALUATION

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR A DISCUSSION OF SUPERINTENDENT’S MIDYEAR EVALUATION. ** MR. IANNACCONE SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board entered Executive Session at 11:02 p.m. in order to discuss the superintendent’s mid-year evaluation. They returned to the public session at 11:23 p.m.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 11:25 p.m.

Future BOE Meetings April 21, 2009 May 5, 2009

Respectfully submitted,

Anne Hohlweck Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes