Board of Education Meeting Minutes

March 2, 2004

BOARD OF EDUCATION

MARCH 2, 2004

ATTENDANCE: Jody Bishop-Pullan, Chairman; Robert Polley; Marina Rivera; David Cole; Thomas Vetter; Rosa Murray; Richard Fuller; Judith Rivas; Susan Hamilton

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Karen Lang; Tony Daddona; Dr. Eva Diaz-Edwards; Hugh McKiernan

CALL TO ORDER

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan called the meeting to order at 7:45 pm.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

All presented recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT

Mr. Vetter read the written report, Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools.

At this point in the meeting Mrs. Bishop-Pullan stated that she wished to make a special presentation to a very dedicated committee that has been working for the Board of Education, the Racial and Cultural Balance Committee, chaired by Mr. Cole. She went onto say that this committee has done a lot of hard work and the issues that arose will be addressed.

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan gave awards to the following: Carmen Bula, Gregory Burnett, Lorraine Cafero, DJ Carey, Jenna Chrzanowski, David Cole, Rev. Lindsey Curtis, Dr. Eva Diaz-Edwards, Chris Griffith, Dr. Paul Krasnavage, Curtis Law, Pat Lawler, Lynn Massey, Kathy May, Elaine Mintz, Liza Montgomery, Brenda Penn-Williams, Julianne Ross, John Tobin and Peter Toranno.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Corda commented that he had spent some of the day at Tracy School reading with children to celebrate the one-hundredth birthday of Dr. Seuss at the same time noting the importance of the budget that enables them to be able to concentrate on reading. The budget, Dr. Corda continued, is not a document unto itself, it is a document that supports and identifies their financial plan that the district has in order to serve students in the best possible way. He said they have received comments lately with regard to how could the Board of Education approve the budget of 9% in times of fiscal crisis and the answer, Dr. Corda said it is because that is their job. He said their job is to identify what it takes to get the work done in order to serve the students and that it is important for the community to understand what it is they the need to do to get the job done. He said since the budget was proposed and the Board adopted it they have made a reduction of $3.6 million because they were well aware that the proposal they made was not going to be funded. He went on to say that the Board of Estimate and Taxation adopted a number that will no go to the Common Council for its approval and number was 5.15% over this year’s expenditure. Dr. Corda explained that the request they made was $132 million; the amount that the Board of Estimate recommended for approval is $127.3 million. What he wanted to show tonight were the details of the reductions that total approximately $4.4 million and they still have about half a million to go. In terms of reductions, Dr. Corda said what they have tried to do is to keep their eye on the fact that their responsibility is to provide service to students, to meet their contractual obligations and to meet any state and federal requirements that they have. He said they have tried, to the best of their ability, to stay away from the instructional program as they could, he said they have not been entirely successful from doing that but the reductions they have made, will have the least amount of impact on students.

Dr. Corda showed on the overhead projector a break down of the figures entitled Potential Budget Reduction 2004-05 including a description, the department and the amount.

Dr. Corda said in the past, they had to go to the Board of Estimate because they did not have enough money and the Board of Estimate criticized them because they said, the Board of Education needed to manage it’s money better. At the last Board of Estimate meeting the Mayor made the observation that because the Board of Education does not have a contingency fund that if it should become necessary the decision would be made to support their request. Dr. Corda stated that if they find themselves in a situation next year, where, because they have budgeted so tightly and they don’t have the necessary dollars they will be knocking on the Board of Estimate’s door and they still have a half a million dollars to go.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Bruce Mellion said he was here tonight to talk about the 2004/04 calendar. He said it is the unanimous opinion of the NFT executive committee that the day before Thanksgiving should be shortened as has always been that way in the past. He said when they surveyed all Fairfield County towns for 2003-04 100% of those towns had either a short day or a half-day and they believe the same pattern should apply to Norwalk for the following reasons. This is the most heavily traveled day of the year. Parents have the option of taking their children out of schools. For 2004/05 Mr. Mellion requested that the Board of Education vote that the day before Thanksgiving be a shortened day.

Lois Flynn, said she had a daughter in the special education and asked the Board of Education to reconsider cutting any teachers or aides in the special education department. She went onto say that he daughter is doing very well and that is due to the tremendous work of the teachers and aides, commenting that they are both dedicated and patient. Ms. Flynn stated that it was her belief that if teachers are cut that would directly affect the safety of the children.

Janet Scabrini said she was here on behalf of her third grader and others like him who receive occupational therapy. She stated that her son has learning disabilities and some visual disabilities is very intelligent and like most kids with learning disabilities he learns in different ways. Ms. Scabrini implored the Board to re-consider where the cuts are made because if they cut the numbers of the occupational therapists more children may get left behind.

Joanna Cooper stated that she was there tonight in support of special education. She said it was the job of the Board to make sure that they are meeting the minimum requirements under the law. She said the reality in Norwalk is that the administrators are struggling to be in compliance of these laws. Eliminating any more teachers in special education will make it even more difficult to follow the minimum guidelines outlined by No Child Left Behind. She distributed a copy of her statement.

Nancy Scimeca stated that she supports the special education teachers and asked the Board to please not cut the special education budget. She said have a child with special needs is hard enough and they should not have to fight to get the appropriate services.

Karen McGowen expressed her concern regarding the cuts in special education. She said that each child’s need is different and the teachers are dedicated and attentive to those needs; she asked for those resources not to be diminished. Ms. McGowen also expressed her views regarding ESOL as having been an ESL instructor she said they cannot cut corners here either.

D J Carey, president of the PTO Council stated that they do not think the Board of Education has taken a leadership role in the present budget process. Because of the complexity of the budget and the severity of the fiscal process the PTO Council would like to hear from the members of the Board of Education. Ms. Carey applauded Dr. Corda’s efforts in communicating with parents about the budget and the proposed cuts. She said the silence from the Board of Education members sends a very negative message to the parents.

Caesar Ramirez thanked the Latino community for their strong support. He explained that the Latino community is now the majority in the minority communities and in Norwalk this community has gone up in numbers also. He said the need for ESL is a very serious need and they cannot perceive that cuts will made in this program. Mr. Ramirez acknowledged that the city is going through a difficult process and urged the Board to find some money to fund the ESL program.

Lance Kendall president of the Hispanic parents association at Norwalk High School stated that education is a way of fixing the inequalities in our society. Educate a child today so tomorrow you won’t condemn the adult. He said there would always be immigration issues; to they should maintain the bilingual program in the schools. Mr. Kendall asked for the Board of Education to re-consider where the cuts are made because the immigrants in Norwalk are increasing.

A Hispanic member of the audience said she has children in the Norwalk school system and they came here with dreams of seeking an education as a way to meet their needs. She said if cuts take place there would be a huge impact on the Latino community; children need the ESL services and without them they are not able to compete at the same level as regular mainstream students.

Mary Tressa voiced her opinion on various current issues she concluded by saying that too much is being spent on soldiers and not enough on the children.

ACTIONS

A. CONSENT

Ms. Hamilton requested that the minutes of February 10, 2004 be removed from the consent calendar.

2. Approval of Personnel Actions 3. Approval of Budget Transfers 4. Approval of Revised Charge to Educational Specifications Committee 5. Approval of Field Trip(s)

** MS. MURRAY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED. ** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

1. Approval of the minutes (February 10, 2004)

** MS. RIVAS MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 10, 2004 AS AMENDED. ** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED.

The following corrections were made to the minutes.

Page one – David Cole’s name should be moved to Attendance. Thomas Vetter and Susan Hamilton should be added to Attendance. Under Attendance correct the spelling of Marina Rivera. Under Staff, Roz McCarthy’s name should be deleted. Under Others, the following names should be added, Peter Toranno, Brenda Penn-Williams, Gregory Burnett, Bruce Morris and John Tobin. Under the Superintendent’s Report (and throughout) correct Mr. Corda to Dr. Corda. Page two – under Information and Reports correct the spelling of Bishop-Pullan. Page three – correct the spelling of Lawler. Page four – correct the spelling of D J Carey and the spelling of Jenna Chrzanowski. In the final paragraph, in the third line, strike the word pared and replace with paired. Page five – in the second paragraph, second line, strike the word fiscally and replace with physically.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

B. APPROVAL OF 2004-2005 SCHOOL CALENDAR

** MS. MURRAY MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 2004-05. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED.

Mr. Polley indicated that he had done some research on this and had found out that Norwalk is the only district to have a full day the day before Thanksgiving. He said many parents take their children out of school early on that day and if they day were shorter, teachers might have to modify what they teach as opposed to having to re-teach it.

Mr. Cole said he too was in favor of shortening the day before Thanksgiving as those parents who did choose to take their child out for the entire day, might in the case of a shortened day, keep them in school. He added that it is also a hardship on the teachers who want to travel.

Dr. Corda said in the past when the day before Thanksgiving was shortened it was done so by ninety minutes.

Mr. Vetter said he was in favor of leaving the calendar with a full day before Thanksgiving as reducing classroom time comes at a cost and they should not let go of any of it.

** MOTION FAILED, THREE VOTES IN FAVOR (MR. VETTER, MS. MURRAY, MRS. BISHOP-PULLAN) AND SIX VOTES OPPOSED (MR. POLLEY, MS. RIVERA, MR. COLE, MR. FULLER, MS. RIVAS, MS. HAMILTON).

** MR. FULLER MOVED TO AMEND THE CALENDAR FOR 2004-05 BY MAKING THE DAY BEFORE THANKSGIVING EARLY DISMISSAL OF NINETY MINUTES. ** MR. POLLEY SECONDED.

Mr. Polley suggested that a time not be specified. Dr. Corda stated that historically it had always been an early dismissal time of ninety minutes on that day.

** MOTION PASSED, SIX VOTES IN FAVOR (MR. POLLEY, MS. RIVERA, MR. COLE, MR. FULLER, MS. RIVAS, MS. HAMILTON), THREE VOTES OPPOSED (MR. VETTER, MS. MURRAY, MRS. BISHOP-PULLAN).

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. ESL PROGRAM FOR 2004-2005

Dr. Lang, Dr. Diaz-Edwards, Mr. Daddona and Mr. McKiernan gave a presentation entitled Proposed Changes in Bilingual/ESOL Program.

Dr. Lang stated that the fiscal crisis was compounded after last year’s losses and has required them to examine all of the programs in terms of what they are required to do and how efficient they are running all of their programs. She said tonight is the result of an internal analysis and review of the bilingual and ESOL Programs. She said this was a very complex program and they had started by looking at exactly what the law requires, examining the variety of models being used throughout the district, looking at how students were progressing and comparing case loads with teachers and staff in all of the schools. She said they will now try to share what they found and the changes they intend to make.

Dr. Lang said that tonight they wished to share their findings and wanted to preface the report by saying that that these are programmatic issues, not in any way intended to reflect negatively on our highly talented ESOL staff members.

The presentation was made of the following:

· In terms of law, what services must be provided to English Language Learners? · Bilingual Education at State Level · If more than twenty students, we must provide bilingual education – if less than twenty students, we choose to provide English as a second language to speakers of other languages. · Definition · Eligibility is determined by testing. · The Requirements of Bilingual Education · How do we do it now? · In schools where we did not have a bilingual education program, parents were strongly encouraged to send their children to Brookside. · How will we do it? · Definition · How do we do it? · How will we do it? · Out proposed Model for Bilingual/ESOL for Elementary · 03-04 Distribution of ELLS at the Elementary School Present Model · 03-04 Distribution of EELS at the Elementary School Present Model (with students returning to home schools) · Out Model for Bilingual/ESOL for Middle School · Proposed Staffing Changes for Middle School · 03-04 Model for Bilingual/ESOL for High School · 04-05 Model for Bilingual/ESOL for High School · Implications of High School Model · Conclusion

Dr. Corda said in an earlier version of the budget revision they had indicated a reduction of 10.6 ESL/Bilingual teachers and tonight he pointed out that they have said eight. The reason for this is that when they went through this analysis is that when they went through their first pass, this would not result in this kind of reduction. Dr. Corda added that in the data they used to tonight it was accurate in November so therefore they have to update the data. He said they will need to analyze the service requirements for each bilingual/ESL student based on where they fall in terms of the amount of service they need to receive because that will govern their ability to assign teachers and to make sure they have adequate staffing. This number of eight could change again; it could be more or less, they do not know yet until they finish this analysis.

Mr. Fuller said they have just received information regarding number for the minority drop out rate and said he had concerns regarding how this program is going to effect minority students. Also will they be able to handle the growing number of (Hispanic) students as the system is affected. He said staff development and staff training has to be key.

Dr. Lang replied that they are going to monitor this and develop a professional plan for the system; she said they are still going to have to look at where every child is and they are going to have to be flexible. She said would get back to Mr. Fuller with some answers.

Ms. Rivas said she was concerned that the program relies on tutorial support and they are now proposing cuts.

Dr. Corda interjected saying that is why at the High School they left it at two.

Ms. Rivas continued to say that she was concerned that this should be addressed before the kids get to high school. She also suggested that they should be looking for more parental involvement, as parents are more comfortable talking to teachers that are bilingual and who can help the Spanish speaking population. With regard to putting kids into their home schools, Ms. Rivas said she wasn’t sure where they all are because when they first arrive they come to South Norwalk. With regard to the middle school model she asked how well that had been working for the last year or two and asked if they had the results.

Ms. Diaz-Edwards said with regard to the ESOL content the children used to be grouped by proficiency; now they are trying to work with, in the middle school, with mixed proficiency based on content. She added that this is working out well.

Ms. Rivas asked if the self-contained model had been compared to a pull out model.

Mr. McKiernan said there is no comparison at the moment, but they could take a look at the information and get back to her.

Ms. Murray said with regard to the high school model, how would this work with the current Stanine; how would this be pulled together.

Mr. Daddona said the Stanine issue is one they will have to deal with regardless and they will have to work with the principals to make sure the students are in average classes.

Mr. Polley asked if it would be fair to summarize the difference in instruction as being more rigorous.

Dr. Corda replied that it will be much more consistent in terms of the level of service that youngsters receive.

Mr. Polley said they have not alleviated all the concerns of parents involved and he would like to be able to tell them that this is based on a best practice model and that they have looked beyond what they teach in Norwalk and these are the best models to follow.

Dr. Diaz-Edwards said she had previously presented to the Board different models for English language learners and in the long run students tend to do better in programs that teach both languages. She said they are encouraging the dual language programs.

ACADEMIC SUPPORT – HIGH SCHOOL 2004-2005

Mr. Daddona said when looking at gap issues, one of the main issues academically is the math area. He said they are now requiring next year for all ninth grade students to take algebra one and they need to offer support to those students who are not there yet. Mr. Daddona said in the math area that will determine what classes the students can take so therefore one area they need to cover is offering support to students in math.

Mr. Daddona said they propose to do this by teaching a tutorial class to those students who need support in their area of deficiencies. He said they have also looked at No Child Left Behind in the area of language arts and to provide support to those students who need it.

Mr. Vetter asked if the tutorial classes would be considered as classes.

Mr. Daddona replied for attendance yes, for credit no. He added that if you raise the bar you have to offer support.

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan said if the Board has any questions about this they should contact Mr. Daddona and with questions on ESL they should contact Dr. Diaz-Edwards.

Dr. Corda said there would be updates throughout the year.

Mr. Fuller asked how this would affect the minority teacher ratio.

Dr. Corda replied that bilingual certification does not necessarily mean that a person belongs to any particular group.

Dr. Diaz-Edwards said the bilingual teachers now have dual certification.

BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

There were no announcements this evening.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. COLE MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MR. POLLEY SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:15 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Kye Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes