Board of Education Meeting Minutes

April 21, 2009

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murray, Chair; Jack Chiaramonte, Secretary; Amy Jimenez, Greg Burnett, Susan Hamilton, Shirley Mosby (7:53 p.m.); Glenn Iannaccone (8:00 p.m.); Migdalia Rivas (8:13 p.m.)

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

CALL TO ORDER

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

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

SPOTLIGHT ON NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Mr. Chiaramonte presented the report to the Board.

Ms. Mosby joined the meeting at 7:53 p.m.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda said that he would like to comment on the recent reports that were given about the after school program. Dr. Corda said that there appeared to be an expectation that the after school program would be expanding, but that the model that is currently in place with the programs being provided by A.C.H.I.E.V.E (All Children Have the Intelligence, Enthusiasm, and Values to Excel) and the Y.M.C.A, is not planning to expand at this time.

Dr. Corda then presented a PowerPoint slide show on the Connecticut Accountability for Learning Initiative (CALI) to those present. The focus of the report centered on the Scientific Research Based Interventions (S.R.B.I.), which implements the “best practices”, and paying attention to how the students learn. Some of these methods include early intervention assessment, behavior management strategies, differentiation of instruction, focused Professional Development, school data teams, Professional Learning Communities, and the full range of the CALI model. The implementation of the SRBI process, as it relates to students, rests on a three tier systematic model. Tier 1 serves all students. Tier II serves a smaller group while Tier III serves the smallest group of students. Each of the groups receives a greater intensity of service.

Mr. Iannaccone joined the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

The various tiers of students each receive a greater intensity of service. The selection of services that any given student receives is based on the assessment of student performance based on data analysis. Dr. Corda then reviewed a pyramid diagram of the three tiers and the details associated with the various tiers.

Critical elements in the implementation of the SRBI program are: strong leadership, a clear understanding of the strategies based on effective professional development, expectation of implementation across all grades and schools, monitoring for systemic use, continuous dialogue among staff about their practice and data analysis must lead to a change in practice.

Ms. Rivas joined the meeting at 8:13 p.m.

Dr. Corda then reviewed some examples of how the classroom assessment could be performed.

The SRBI is part of the CALI model and focuses on what is done and on the impact on student achievement. The implementation of the SRBI process, as it relates to students, rests on a three tier systemic model. As a student moves through the tiers, it affects smaller numbers of students. Documentation of the steps taken to ensure student success is critical. Students may be referred to Special Education in any of the tiers, but what should most frequently occur is a referral after Tier III. Successful implementation takes leadership and practice.

Mrs. Murray asked how the transfer would happen from one model to the new model. Dr. Corda said that the training would take place on June 29th and the guidelines from the State had not arrived yet. This will be a State wide program. Dr. Corda said that this program incorporated some of the practices that the District has already implemented.

Mr. Burnett asked how the CALI model would help the District close the achievement gap. Dr. Corda then directed everyone’s attention back to the pyramid illustration in the presentation and pointed out that the needs of any given individual student would be addressed as they occurred.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Isaac Walcott of 534 Connecticut Avenue came forward and said that his daughter attends Columbus School. He said that he had wished to address the Board about the after school program, but Dr. Corda had already addressed the matter.

Mr. Walcott then read a written statement to the Board. Mr. Walcott said that he was also the treasurer for the Norwalk Education Foundation. He then said that he would like to see the relationship change between the after school providers and the District. This would mean that the District would collect the fees directly. He then listed several benefits that had occurred at Kendall School with the after school program.

Mr. Richard Fuller came forward and said that he was a teacher at large in the Bridgeport schools. He said that he was present to speak in support of the after school model. Mr. Fuller said that a great amount of effort had occurred to provide the current model. It provides diversity and choice for the parents.

Ms. Carolyn Fuller, a resident of Norwalk, came forward. She said that her son was currently teaching at Norwalk High School and a grandchild in the District. She said that she works with children with emotional needs. Ms. Fuller said that she was happy to hear Dr. Corda was not going to change the current after school model. She said that “her” children were incorporated into the A.C.H.I.E.V.E program just as its founder, Mr. Virgil wanted.

Rev. Marcellus Norris, the pastor of the Bethel A.M.E. Church and Rev. Roosevelt Ewell, who work with “at risk” youth came forward to address the Board. Rev. Norris said that he was present to support the A.C.H.I.E.V.E. program, which was showing how well it was working. On behalf of the A.M.E. Church, Rev. Norris stated that A.C.H.I.E.V.E. was achieving. Rev. Ewell stated that the Board should investigate whether A.C.H.I.E.V.E. needed anything in terms of support for their program.

Mr. Bruce Mellion, N.F.T. President, then came forward and distributed copies of a document to the Board. He said that he felt that while it was likely an oversight, there should be a moment of silence in memory for Mr. Reid, a former Board member.

Mr. Mellion then said that the Board should consider a policy regarding handouts because there were no copies of Dr. Corda’s presentation for the public.

He then addressed the information in the handout, which had an invitation for the Board members to visit the Saturday morning detention at Brien McMahon along with statistical information on the number of incidents at Brien McMahon and the number of students who attended Saturday detentions.

Mr. Mellion then went on to say that a calendar committee has been formed and the NFT’s position was that the President of the NFT should be at the table rather than merely observing.

As there was no one else present who wished to address the Board at this time, Ms. Murray closed the public comment portion of the meeting.

ACTIONS A. Consent

Personnel Actions

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING JOB SHARE PROPOSALS APPROVED FOR 2009-2010:

CARA O’NEILL/CARYN CZARNECKI – CRANBURY GRADE 2

PRISCILLA FALCONE/LISA RANDAZZO – MARVIN – KINDERGARTEN

ROSE CUBELLI/LEIGHANNE LEWIS – KENDALL – KINDERGARTEN

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

B. Approval of minutes (April 7, 2009)

The following corrections were noted:

Page 2, please replace the following sections:

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 was founded in 1999 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.

with the following paragraphs:

YMCA

Mr. Troy Calhoun, the Norwalk YMCA Youth and Family Director, came forward and addressed the Board. Staff Member Sue Straffolino was also present. He stated that the “Y” is the largest after-school provider. Some of the programs available are homework assistance, swimming lessons, tennis camp (April 18 to June 16), Scrabble tournament to name a few. The students 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. The program opens from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., then re-opens at 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. They do not turn away anybody, which is the purpose of the scholarships. This program serves the Columbus, Cranbury, Fox Run, Silvermine, and Tracey schools. Mr. Calhoun then read several statements from parents and students praising the program. The fees have been lowered to allow more families to participate.

Ms. Straffolino then spoke about her experiences with the YMCA program. The YWCA staff is already in the Norwalk school system and familiar with the curriculum.

ACHIEVE (All Children Have the Intelligence, Enthusiasm, and Values to Excel)

Mr. Jamal Reed, Operations Director for ACHIEVE then came forward and introduced himself and Tyra Williams Peterson, the ACHIEVE Program Director to the Board. ACHIEVE was founded in 2000 by the late Mr. Alonzo Virgil, who had the need to begin an after school program in the City of Norwalk. Mr. Reed then thanked the Board for their cards and expression of sympathy following the recent death of Mr. Virgil.

The program provides before and after school enrichment for over 300 children. Their motto is “Building Success for Norwalk’s Future”. The program serves Brookside, Jefferson, Marvin, Wolfpit and Nathan Hale Middle schools. These programs emphasize hands-on-learning and field trips. They are partnered with many companies and organizations such as GE, Stepping Stones Museum, and the Maritime Aquarium.

Ms. Murray asked if there is vacation care. ACHIEVE does offer a seven week vacation care program, which runs between June 29 and August 14. Academics are offered during the program along with other activities. The academic portion is limited and no homework is given.

Naramake Family Resource Center

Ms. Mary Oster, the current Director of the FRC and Ms. Colleen Rumsey, who is one the of the Naramake Family Resource Center Board Members came forward.

Ms. Rumsey explained that she was a first grade teacher at Naramake as well as on the Board for the FRC. Ms. Rumsey said that she had been asked in November of 1998 by Dr. Henry, the principal of Naramake to help form the Naramake Family Resource Center. Ms. Rumsey said she then became the first director of the FRC. This program was modeled on a concept developed 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, and TD bank money games to name a few

Ms. Oster then gave a brief overview of the current programs and reminded everyone that the FRC organization is a non-profit organization. There is a preschool program offered, along with a parenting program at Briggs High School and many other family services.

After The Bell

Ms. Peniston explained that there are approximately 120 students enrolled in the program. This program serves the Kendall and Rowayton schools. Ms. Peniston 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.

Page 12: please replace the section titled Committee/Representatives Reports with the following text:

Curriculum Committee

Ms. Mosby distributed a report to the Commissioners and stated that the meeting was held on March 18th. Ms. Mosby said that the agenda contained two items, the Math Curriculum and the ELL program along with a review of the CREC report.

Ms. Mosby said that Mr. Keough had reported that the Math program is doing well and the gaps have been narrowed. 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. Becker, the instructional specialist for the ELL program had then presented several ELL program bilingual social studies textbooks to the Curriculum Committee. Ms. Mosby passed around books that she wants used within the ELL program for next year. The adoption of these books will require board approval and will be purchased with grant funding. A vote regarding this will take place at the next meeting.

Ms. Mosby then gave a brief overview of the CREC report to the Board.

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

The next meeting of the Curriculum Committee will be held on April 22nd.

Human Services Council Mentoring Services Program

Mr. Burnett, who is on the Human Services Council Mentoring Program, said that GE and Pepperidge Farm are some of the local organizations that are involved. Discussion then followed about a four year grant opportunity.

Dr. Corda said that Ms. McCready will write the Grant application that is due by April 20.

Policy Committee

The Policy Committee is in the process of reviewing and updating current policies.

Norwalk Facilities Construction Committee

Mr. Iannaccone said the NFCC Commission meeting had been cancelled.

Norwalk Educational Foundation (NEF)

Ms. Hamilton announced that there would be an NEF Benefit Golf Outing on May 4th. Those who are not golfers but wish to support the NEF should consider attending the dinner.

Finance Committee

Dr. Cook announced that the next Finance Committee meeting would be held on April 23rd.

Page 11, under Discussion of Process for Approval of School Growth Plans, please replace the following:

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.

With:

Mr. Daddona opened the discussion by saying that it is best to keep it simple. Mr. Burnett suggested that the individual schools come before the Board and present their programs. Ms. Murray said that she recalled an Executive Committee discussion with Superintendent Corda about the direction that the program would move into. It would be important to have a template that insures the consistency of information coming from each school to insure that there is equity for all the schools. Mr. Iannaccone said that he felt the District Data Teams should do the review and present their finding synopsis to the Curriculum Committee.

Ms. Jimenez asked how the growth is determined. Dr. Corda explained that the School Growth Plans contain a specific objective that identifies a growth measurement goal for the end of each year. Usually this is measured by performance on the CMTs and the CAPTs. The strategies that have already been implemented have to do with meeting those measurement goals.

Mr. Daddona reviewed the current process with the Board. Discussion followed about the composition of the data teams and the participation of the parents during the walk through assessment. Ms. Bishop Pullan spoke in favor of having the information channeled through the Curriculum Committee.

Dr. Corda said that he understood there were three options:

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

Dr. Corda explained that there were four subcommittees, each of which visited at least four schools. Dr. Corda and Mr. Daddona then clarified the role of the Board in the process by stating that the Board needs to approve the District Growth Plans. Mr. Daddona pointed out that the Data Charts outline the plans and the methods for obtaining the goals.

Dr. Corda said that the District would inquire regarding the timeline involved with this project. He suggested that the Board review the document and then discuss a possible process at another meeting. Mr. Daddona then recommended that the Board consider keeping the system as simple as possible. A lengthy discussion followed.

Page 10, under Approval of the Minutes: please replace the following:

Page 10: add Mr. Burnett and Ms. Rivas, two BOE members to the BOE/BET Common Council Joint Committee.

With:

Page 10: add Mr. Chiaramonte and Ms. Murray, two BOE members to the BOE/BET Common Council Joint Committee. Mr. Burnett was the appointment to the HSC Mentoring Committee. Ms. Rivas was appointed to the Curriculum Committee. Ms. Bishop-Pullan has been appointed as the Chair of the Finance Committee. Ms. Hamilton will chair the Policy Committee. Ms. Jimenez has been appointed to the Finance Committee.

** MS. JIMENEZ MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 7, 2009 AS AMENDED. ** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

COMMITTEE/REPRESENTATIVE REPORTS

POLICY COMMITTEE

Ms. Hamilton said that the Board had copies of the corrected policies in their packets along with the back up material.

Mr. Daddona then said that in regards to Section 504, the law had been updated and that the policy needed to be updated. He added that this change in the law would affect other policies that the District had implemented, such as 0521. Mr. Daddona then recommended that Policy 0521 policy and Policy 5144 remain in committee for further review.

ELL Textbooks

Ms. Glass then came forward and recommended that the text books that were listed on the handout be approved at the next Board meeting for use for the ELL program. Ms. Murray stated that the action approval for the text books will be on the next agenda.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Curriculum Committee.

Ms. Mosby said that the next meeting will be April 22 at 7:30 in A330 and will have discussions on the Mano y Mano program

Human Services Mentoring Program

Mr. Burnett said that Mentoring Program with Human Services will take place on 4.22 at 8:30. The agenda will include discussions about bringing on new mentors. Based on the recommendations from Central Office, it was decided not to pursue a grant that would require having a third party partnership that the current model does not incorporate at this time. There are other grants that the District can investigate.

Policy Committee

The next meeting will be held on April 29th. The Committee will be reviewing the policies.

Finance Committee

The next meeting of the Finance meeting will be held on April in A300.

Norwalk Facilities Construction Committee

Mr. Iannaccone said that the next NFCC will be on the first Wednesday of month if it not cancelled.

D. BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Ms. Hamilton then distributed copies of a

Ms. Rivas then announced the Natalia Rodriquez International Dinner Scholarship Fundraiser Event on April 23, 2009 at 6 p.m. at West Rocks Middle School Cafeteria. as a fund raiser in memory of Natalia Rodriquez.

Mr. Iannaccone then reminded everyone that it was the 10th anniversary of the Columbine incident and suggested that the Central Office contact Ms. DeLuca regarding Emergency Management. He said that the last time the plan had been updated was in 2002. ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes