Board of Education Meeting Minutes

April 6, 2004

BOARD OF EDUCATION

APRIL 6, 2004

ATTENDANCE: Jody Bishop-Pullan, Chairman; Thomas Vetter; Robert Polley; Marina Rivera; Susan Hamilton; Rosa Murray (7:52 pm); Richard Fuller (8:00 pm).

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools; Craig Reichenbach; Tony Daddona

CALL TO ORDER

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

All present recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Update on administrative searches

Dr. Corda said with reference to their search for principals at Marvin and Norwalk High School this had taken a little longer as they wanted to be certain that they have the right candidates. Regarding the placement at Marvin, Dr. Corda explained that they now have a pool of candidates that will be interviewed by the end of next week. For the position at Norwalk High School, he said that they had contacted a large number of focus groups in the community and all of the gathered input will now be forwarded to the consultant; Dr. Corda said they anticipated that the position would be filled before the end of the school year.

Update on the Budget

After the events of the previous week, Dr. Corda stated that they are now seeking clarification from the Mayor and the chairman of the Board of Estimate and Taxation in terms of some of the particulars associated to the recommendations that have been made. Dr. Corda also stated that they have been in discussion with the teachers’ bargaining group and those conversations are continuing. As they get some kind of determination about the outcome of those negotiations then they will know how they can proceed with reconciling the budget to the number that was approved by the Board of Estimate. He said this is with the understanding that the $2.5 million that the Board of Estimate and Taxation took from the recommendation that had been made originally; this has been parked in a contingency fund that will be tapped into should the need arise.

Update on Bilingual/ESOL Plan for 2004/05

Dr. Corda stated that they would be deferring this topic of conversation to the next special meeting. He stated in terms of the impact on students who currently attend the Brookside School; one of the questions raised is that if a youngster lives in the South Norwalk area and has no home school of attendance where would that child be next year. Dr. Corda stated that a youngster in those circumstances, a child who attends the Brookside School in the bilingual or ESOL program, who does not have a home attendance area will continue at the Brookside School. If a child in the fifth grade next year at the Brookside School, irrespective of where their home attendance is, that child will remain at the Brookside School next year. In addition, if there are any siblings of youngsters who are in the fifth grade, those children will remain at the Brookside School.

Dr. Corda stated that the clarification of this is important so there is clear understanding for the parents. He added that at the next meeting they will review the proposal relative to the bilingual program and at that time they will be able to update the data they have in terms of the specific number of children that will be impacted.

Ms. Murray joined the meeting at 7:52 pm.

SPOTLIGHT

Ms. Murray presented an award from CABE to honor hardworking people to Sherry McCready and Dr. Eva Diaz-Edwards for their work on the Maritime Aquarium video.

The video was shown.

Mr. Fuller joined the meeting at 8:00 pm.

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

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Bruce Mellion (NFT) asked that in the future the Board should consider the first and second nights of Passover as holidays. With regard to the 2004/05 budget reductions there is the elimination of paid team leaders at the middle school, Mr. Mellion stated that they were categorically opposed to this as it is a vital role. He distributed a packet of information prepared by the NFT that included testimonies from four people; valid reasons why the position should remain in effect and what would happen if the team leader position is eliminated.

Don Kehoe, a resident of Norwalk and retired teacher said he too was here to speak in opposition of the elimination of the team leader position. He added that based on his experience he could see how successful this position is at the middle schools and that they could not function without them.

John Altieri gave some background information on how the position of team leader was formed and spoke of how effective it is at the middle school level. He asked that interdisciplinary team teaching be left the way it is.

Lisa Satolli an eighth grade team leader listed all of the important duties she has and how the role affects the lives of the students. She stated that if this position is eliminated it will destroy the team concept.

Jose Bermudez said over the last several years there have been many position changes for Hispanics in Norwalk. However, regarding the changes in the bilingual program this would be a step back and he asked that this proposal be put on hold for one year.

Rev. Giovanna Aurora asked Board members to reflect upon their decision regarding the bilingual program as it affects so many children in Norwalk.

Mark Stevenson offered a suggestion regarding the budget difficulties in that they host a page online asking people to sign petition to amend the bills regarding cost sharing so that Norwalk can get more money and also have the proper funding for the No Child Left Behind legislation. He further suggested that this information be clearly articulated to the parents, that it be posted in the libraries and a press conference be held. If successful this would benefit the entire city and be good for the Board of Education.

Patrick Shields spoke in favor of the international travel programs and said he hoped the trip to Spain would go ahead.

Emily Agular said regarding the proposal for the 2004/05 bilingual program she was not clear why such a change had to be made and also that she was not comfortable with it. She pleaded that careful evaluation be given of all of the facts and concerns of the Hispanic community. Ms. Agular said these changes are not consistent and will create more of a gap. She asked that they reconsider the proposal, look at all of the facts and make the appropriate decision.

ACTIONS

A. CONSENT

Ms. Rivera requested that item one be withdrawn.

2. Approval of Personnel Actions

3. Approval of Budget Transfers

4. Approval of Field Trip(s)

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

1. Approval of the minutes

** MS. MURRAY MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 24, 2004 AS AMENDED. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED.

The following corrections were made:

Throughout the document, correct to Dr. Corda (from Mr. Corda). Page six – second paragraph; change the name Foley to Polley.

** MOTION PASSED SIX VOTES IN FAVOR (MR. FULLER ABSTAINED).

** MR. FULLER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF MARCH 15, 2003 AS PRESENTED. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED SIX VOTES IN FAVOR, (MS. RIVERA ABSTAINED).

B. APPROVAL OF FIELD TRIP (ODYSSEY OF THE MIND)

** MR. FULLER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED FIELD TRIP(S): ODYSSEY OF THE MIND TEAMS FROM ROWAYTON ELEMENTARY AND ROTON MIDDLE SCHOOL TO UNIVERSITY OF MD FOR ODYSSEY OF THE MIND WORLD FINALS, MAY 29 – JUNE 2, 2004. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED SIX VOTES IN FAVOR (MRS. BISHOP-PULLAN ABSTAINED).

C. APPROVAL OF DATE CHANGE FOR APRIL 20, 2004 BOARD MEETING

** MR. VETTER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE CANCELLATION OF THE APRIL 20, 2004 BOARD MEETING AND SETTING APRIL 27, 2004 AS A SPECIAL MEETING DATE. ** MR. FULLER SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan added that the meeting would be held at the Brookside School and would start with an award ceremony at 7:00 pm.

Dr. Corda said with regard to the trip to Spain, they had contacted all nineteen families; thirteen were still in favor, three had changed their minds and there were three undecided. He added that the teachers leading the trip were all still in favor.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. UPDATED TECHNOLOGY IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

Mr. Reichenbach gave the following presentation:

· Norwalk Public Schools – Revised Technology Implementation Schedule April 6, 2004

· Background

· Assumptions

· Implementation Goals

· Projected Capital Spending

Mr. Daddona gave a presentation on Family and Consumer Sciences.

Mr. Polley referred specifically to the consumer finance section and if this could be taught to all of the children.

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan asked if the electives would be by semester. Mr. Daddona confirmed that this was correct.

Dr. Corda stated that he was pleased to introduce Ralph Valengisi, the new instructional specialist in technology who was appointed by the Board during the last meeting.

B. UPDATE ON ELEMENTARY RACIAL BALANCE MEETINGS

Ms. Murray said with regard to the public hearings, they have gone out to the community to try and co-ordinate public meetings for the Racial Balance Committee; they have looked at middle schools and community centers. She said they hoped to have this in place by the end of April and to move forward with this. Ms. Murray stated that she would keep the Board updated on this.

C. BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mrs. Bishop-Pullan indicated that Mr. Fuller was recognized as an exceptional leader yesterday by the Volunteer Action Committee; she added that she was proud to attend and it was a very nice event.

Mr. Fuller thanked everyone for attending.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

** MR. POLLEY MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSING PERSONNEL MATTER CONCERNING AN ADMINISTRATOR. POSSIBLE ACTION IN PUBLIC SESSION. NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE. DISCUSSION OF NAMING OF FACILITIES. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board went into executive session at 9:15 pm and reconvened into public session at 10:23 pm. No action was taken.

ADJOURNMENT

** MR. FULLER MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:24 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Kate Kye Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes