Board of Education Meeting Minutes

February 15, 2005

BOARD OF EDUCATION

FEBRUARY 15, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murray, Chairman; Jody Bishop-Pullan; Susan Hamilton; Rob Polley; Marina Rivera; Judith Rivas (7:54 pm); Richard Fuller (8:00 pm); David Cole (8:05 pm); Thomas Vetter (8:24 pm).

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools; Craig Reichenbach; Stuart Opdahl; Joanne Garcia

OTHERS: Bill Silver, Silver Petrucelli; Mike O’Neil, McGladrey & Pullen

CALL TO ORDER

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

SPOTLIGHT

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

Ms. Rivas joined the meeting at 7:54 pm.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

There was no report this evening.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Councilman, Bruce Kimmel referred to a recent article in the newspaper regarding the current audit and how it has spiraled out of control. He noted for the record that he is chairman of the Finance Committee and is a member of the Audit Committee. As a member of the Audit Committee Mr. Kimmel indicated that they had met with the auditors of the city after receiving their report. He stated that there were technical accounting issues that were brought up primarily on the city side and a few on the Board of Education’s side, however they were not large problems and he reiterated that they have been blown out of proportion. Further more, he believed that Mr. Hamilton (Finance Director) had not talked about embezzlement although that word did appear in the newspaper story. Over the last few months when discussing the audit neither Mr. Hamilton nor the auditors at any time implied anything that was regarding wrongdoing or even the potential for wrongdoing.

For the record, Mr. Kimmel stated that he was not pleased with the atmosphere between the Board of Education and other city agencies and in this case there were efforts to go after the Board of Education on this audit issue and this was just not fair. Subsequent to this Mr. Kimmel pursued the issue about who received copies of the audit observation, a letter to Ms. Murray and members of the Common Council. He said he had no idea who leaked the piece of information or why it was leaked.

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

Over the last week there have a number of stories about the audit and not once did he (Mr. Kimmel) really read anything about investment policies of the city or the check writing procedures, however the press was more concerned with focusing on the lunch accounts. There were many issues and for some reason a double standard was applied and the Board of Education was singled out as lacking in accounting procedures.

Mr. Kimmel noted that it would be beneficial for a member of the Board of Education to become a member of the Audit Committee. Secondly, with regard to both the Board of Education and the City using the same audit firm, Mr. Kimmel commented that this is something that he can’t quite work this out adding that there would appear to be a problem with communication. Finally he said he would like to see the press take a more objective approach to the Board of Education issues.

Terry Quell thanked on behalf of parents of Norwalk High School Mayor Knopp, Chairman Murray and other members who attending their meeting in preparation for the renovation. She distributed photographs of the school in its present form. She asked that this Board look more closely at the project as there are a number of areas that are in need of work; she mentioned the following, classroom space, parking, gym space, cafeteria space, the auditorium, computers, phone, the swimming pool, furniture and lockers. In conclusion some of these items are in the planned project, once they receive cost estimates they will be able to determine the various aspects of the project within the current budget. She thanked the Board on improving all the schools in Norwalk and the staff from Gilbane and Fletcher Thompson.

Mr. Cole joined the meeting at 8:05 pm.

Bob Martinez representing many parents of Norwalk High School said they are excited about the plans and renovations for the school. Unfortunately the plans fall short of a 21st Century renovation plan. This is more of a glorified band-aid that is long overdue and what they are about to experience is an alternation, not a renovation. He mentioned the work being done at Brien McMahon High School and compared the money allocated for telephones and computers at both schools. Mr. Martinez said what they are getting is appreciated but it is not good enough and they are asking for additional funding to address concerns (mentioned earlier). He concluded by suggested that the Board consider a second phase funding allocation.

Daniel Tirpack and Arin Canbolat said on behalf of the Norwalk High School band said they wished to thank Board members for the support and presented each member with a t-shirt.

Shari Ulamn said she was concerned about the upcoming renovations at Norwalk High School. She mentioned the broken water pipe and the fire that both occurred in the last few weeks illustrating the poor condition of the building. She mentioned classroom temperature, noise, cafeteria space, specifications for computers and required wiring. She asked for the basic needs of students to be met.

Patrick Shields said he was here to speak about the budget for renovations at Norwalk High School. He said he was pleased that the Board of Education has a line item for the repair of the pool and understood it to be about $600,000 and it was his hope that this is actually used for the pool. The Norwalk High School pool is in need of serious repair, he listed all the current problems in the mechanical room and on the pool deck. The pool is the only public facility of this kind in Norwalk that is used regularly by students and the public, the Red Cross trains there and it hosts the most lifeguard training lesson in Fairfield County.

Shirley Mosby said was concerned about the renovations regarding academic parenting. She asked that the children who attend Norwalk High School have the same academic choices as those who attend Brien McMahon High School. She said she was here for students who would love to have a culinary art program and for those who want to speak Japanese or Chinese – she just wanted to make sure that that both schools have the same choices. She said she was here to make sure that the children will not suffer in the end because of certain wiring, small class sizes, small lockers and inadequate wiring.

Barbara Smith thanked those who attended the walk through at Norwalk High School and said there are many environmental issues that need to be addressed. She made reference to the noise and ventilation in classrooms, broken floor tiles and the smoke detectors in the classroom that did not work during a recent fire. She asked as a parent that the basic safety issues be addressed.

Claire Schoen stated that she was here to speak about the renovation project, as there is not enough money in the budget for what they need. She read a section from the current Facilities Plan. Regarding current maintenance in the building at Norwalk High School, Ms. Schoen mentioned the burst pipes, cold conditions, plaster coming off the walls, fire safety and missing light bulbs. She commented that it is an unsafe building and urged the Board of Education to look closely at the maintenance records.

Shamas Alam said he went around Norwalk High School and described the building as a weeping wound. He said he could see icicles and requested that something be done about the bad air quality.

Mr. Vetter joined the meeting at 8:24 pm.

ACTIONS

A. CONSENT

Ms. Bishop-Pullan requested that approval of the minutes be removed from the consent agenda.

2. Personnel Actions 3. Approve Budget Transfers 4. Approve field trip(s)

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED APPROVAL OF THE CONSENT AGENDA AS AMENDED. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

1. Approval of the Minutes (February 1, 2005)

** MR. VETTER MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005 AS AMENDED. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED.

The following corrections were made:

Page one, correct the spellings of Jason McKinnon and Mary Beth Crupi. Page one, last paragraph, third line correct the second sentence to …..closing the difference in the scores…. Page three, under Item A, at the end of the first sentence add regarding the substitute pay raise.

** MOTION PASSED EIGHT VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION (MR. COLE).

B. APPROVE SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR 2005-06

** MR. FULLER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED SCHOOL CALENDAR FOR THE YEAR 2005-06. ** MS. RIVAS SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. APPROVAL OF FINAL PLANS AND PROFESSIONAL COST ESTIMATE FOR KENDALL PROJECT NO. 103-0229EA, PHASE 2 OF 3.

** MR. FULLER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE FINAL PLANS AND PROFESSIONAL COST ESTIMATE FOR THE KENDAL RENOVATION PROJECT NO. 103-0229EA, PHASE 2 OF 3. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED.

Bill Silver, (Silver Petrucelli) explained that this is the formal process that requires the Board of Education to approve the plans so the ED045 can be signed and sent to the State.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. APPROVAL OF POLICY #1312 PUBLIC COMPLAINTS

** MS. RIVAS MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED REVISION OF POLICY #1312 – PUBLIC COMPLAINTS. ** MR. FULLER SECONDED.

Mr. Polley asked for the date on the first page to be changed to 2/15/05.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

E. APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH LAIDLAW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES – JULY 1, 2005 – JUNE 30, 2010

** MR. FULLER MOVED: RESOLVED UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE ATTACHED REVISED CONTRACT FOR PUPIL TRANSPORTATION SERVICES WITH LAIDLAW EDUCATIONAL SERVICES FOR YEARS 2005 – 2010 AT AN INCREASE PERCENTAGE AMOUNT EACH YEAR, NOT TO EXCEED 2.9%. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED.

Mr. Polley referred to the stipulation regarding the age of buses and asked how they would be able to check on this.

Mr. Reichenbach replied that they receive a comprehensive list of all vehicles including the age of the buses.

Mr. Vetter asked about the cost structure over the next five years.

Mr. Reichenbach said that the percentage is 2.9% for 2004/05 and will stay the same for the following years.

Dr. Corda thanked Mr. Seligson and without his gracious gesture they would not have been able to bring this in at the rate of 2.9%.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked what the savings are.

Mr. Opdahl replied that it is approximately $74,000; this is also due to the fact that every bus will carry 77 passengers now as opposed to 72 as in the past.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

F. APPROVAL OF EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR SPECIAL NEED SERVICES WITH HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM (HSTC) D/B/A PEOPLE TO PLACES FOR 2005/06

** MR. FULLER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICE WITH HUMAN SERVICES TRANSPORTATION CONSORTIUM (HSTC) D/B/A PEOPLE TO PLACES FOR THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR AT AN INCREASE PERCENTAGE OF 2.7% ** MR. VETTER SECONDED.

Mr. Reichenbach commented that this percentage is the result of negotiations. The services are excellent and therefore there is no reason not to move forward with the contract.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

G. APPROVAL EXTENSION OF CONTRACT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES WITH EXECUTIVE CAR SERVICES (ECS) D/B/A ECS TRANSPORTATION FOR 2005/06

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE THE EXTENSION OF THE CONTRACT FOR SPECIAL NEEDS SERVICES WITH EXECUTIVE CAR SERVICE (ECS) D/B/A ECS TRANSPORTATION FOR THE 2005-2006 SCHOOL YEAR AT 0% INCREASE. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED.

Mr. Reichenbach indicated that this year ECS have agreed to a 0% increase in the contract. He said they are very receptive to the needs of the district and that there was no reason to not extend the contract.

Mr. Cole asked if the nine out of district vans were for special education students or students attending the Global Studies facility.

Ms. Garcia replied that one van stops for the Norwalk students going to the Center for Global Studies.

Mr. Cole said given the new facility at Brien McMahon there is every possibility that the number of out of district students attending the Center will grow. He added that regarding the magnet school in Stamford, one of the provisions is that parents bringing their children will be reimbursed for transportation that is innovative and economical; he noted that this is something to be considered.

Mr. Reichenbach responded by saying they are aware of the problem and are keeping a close eye on the situation.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Dr. Corda said they have extended three contracts this evening, one for 2.9%, one for 2.7% and 0% - this will serve the district well and he commended Mr. Reichenbach and Mr. Opdahl in their negotiations.

H. MOTION TO RECONSIDER RESOLUTION OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005 CONCERNING COMPENSATION OF LONG TERM SUBSTITUTES FOR 2004-2005 AND 2005-2006.

** MS. RIVERA MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APPROVE A MOTION TO RECONSIDER RESOLUTION OF FEBRUARY 1, 2005 CONCERNING COMPENSATION OF LONG TERM SUBSTITUTES FOR 2004-2005 AND 2005-2006. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED.

Dr. Corda explained that the reason this is before them is that Ms. Hamilton realized that she should have not voted on this as her daughter is a long-term sub. She wants the record to accurately reflect her decision and this is the process by which that can occur.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

** MR. VETTER MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION INCREASE THE SALARY OF LONG-TERM SUBSTITUTES EFFECTIVE 2/1/05 – 8/31/05 TO $160 PER DAY; EFFECTIVE 9/1/05 – 8/31/06 $170 PER DAY. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED EIGHT VOTES IN FAVOR, ONE ABSTENTION (MS. HAMILTON).

I. DESIGNATING BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL AND NARAMAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS AS HANDICAPPED ACCESSIBLE.

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED: RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AGREE TO PLACE BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL AND NARAMAKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ON THE DISTRICT’S DESIGNATED ACCESSIBLE SCHOOL LIST AND REMOVE NORWALK HIGH SCHOOL AND TRACEY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL FROM SAID LISTING. ** MR. FULLER SECONDED.

Mr. Opdahl said this is request as they are renovating the building it is easy to make this accessible. At Tracy the building is difficult because of the number of levels to make this accessible whereas Naramake is very simple. The state is looking for a number of buildings to make accessible. In terms of Brien McMahon High School, this was filed as like new, Norwalk High School was filed including a statement was made that indicated the structure was not feasible to modify in all cases.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. AUDIT UPDATE

Mr. Opdahl stated that they are not looking to be confrontational they are looking for clarification. There are several divisions of this company and when he met with Mr. O’Neil and had asked them if they were aware of the audit that was going on – this was discussed.

Mr. O’Neil indicated that he worked for RSM McGladrey and they are affiliated with McGladrey & Pullen, they share employees but they are separate entities. To alleviate some of the confusion the city’s auditors are McGladrey & Pullen he represents RSM McGladrey. The project they conducted is an operation review, not an audit, even though those reading the report often refer it to as an audit.

Mr. O’Neil said regarding the time line, Mr. Opdahl had contacted them in October 2003 when he had some concerns with some of the procedures of the student activity funds and the school lunch fund. It wasn’t until the following March that the scope was agreed to and they were hired to do the review. During that same period of time they became the auditors of the city. He went through the objectives of the review.

Mr. O’Neil referred to the significant findings noting that the most problematic area was at Norwalk High School with regard to the student activity funds where the overall root cause of the issues was really a lack of resources regarding bookkeeping. There are about twenty bank accounts holding $450,000 (combined). They found that bank reconciliations had not been performed since the end of the previous fiscal year, this is a critical accounting procedure to flush out differences. They also found that the athletic accounts had about $40,000 transacted through it and there were no accounting records maintained for that account other than the checkbook. There were a number of payments made to employees and it was fairly clear that a number of them could be considered as compensation; he added there were cash transactions in both high schools where cash was collected in various activities where items were sold and then used to create purchases without going through the bank account. In many cases the check request was used without any support and the form was completed by the principal’s secretary, not the person who had initiated the transaction. The documentation at Brien McMahon was in better shape but they made the same recommendations going forward to both schools.

Regarding the school lunch fund, Mr. O’Neil said it was his impression that Mr. Harris runs a tight ship but when they looked at the procurement documents they were not all in place; he added that a policy for this should be in place.

Mr. Opdahl added that they are in the process of hiring person to train in Quick Books at Norwalk High School. With regard to the lunch fund they have put in new computers in central kitchen.

Mr. Fuller said some schools had more accountability and asked why this was.

Mr. O’Neil replied that in this particular case that at Norwalk High School maintaining the student activity records was not a high priority.

Mr. Vetter said it sounded like there are safe guards in place, but maybe there are policies not being followed properly.

Mr. O’Neil responded by saying that there are policies in place but they wouldn’t have prevented this.

Mr. Cole said this is a very great concern to him, as this appears to be an awful lot of cash being handed around. He said it was his own view that an organization associated with Norwalk public schools that they should have access to their books and should have be able to exercise some control of their accountability. Mr. Cole said they should have greater oversight and control over the operations.

Mr. Fuller commented that this is something that they needed to get a handle on as a Board member it made him feel confident that it is being done.

Ms. Murray referred to the directive that was handed out; she asked to how many people and if those directives are being followed.

Mr. Opdahl replied that Mr. Daddona sent out a large number of memos referring to the directives and that they are now being followed. He added that they would be coming back to the Board in the coming months with new policy and procedures.

B. BUDGET PROJECTIONS

Mr. Opdahl indicated that tonight the Board approved transfers in a large sum and they will be getting an additional transfer fund next meeting. What they are trying to close their books in a timely fashion this year. They anticipate ending the school year with about $.5 million in the fund balance. He said he was asking the health insurance consultant to come in and explain the lead and lag from Cigna going out and Anthem coming in.

C. BOARD MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Polley mentioned the Coalition for Justice in Education Funding, the cost study that the Mayor had referred to a couple of meetings ago. In relation to this he said that he had attended a panel where they had to determine staffing levels in a fictitious study; he noted that this was an enlightening experience and many different experiences of different districts were discussed.

Mr. Fuller announced that the National Fraternity honored Ms. Murray this weekend. She was given a distinguished service award and did an outstanding job as speaker.

Ms. Rivas stated that Norwalk Library is holding movie night for African American History month, the movie will be Remember the Titans. It is February 28, 2005 at 7:00 pm.

Mr. Vetter stated that on March 4, 2005 Norwalk High School will be holding their Jazz Festival.

Ms. Murray referred to the information in the packet regarding the conference on February 26, 2005 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at Grace Baptist Church.

D. RACIAL BALANCE INFORMATIONAL MEETING – MARCH 8, 2005

Ms. Murray said this will be their last informational meeting open to the public. They will have an interpreter there and it will be the entire presentation by Dr. Corda. She asked that all Board members be there. Location is yet to be decided.

NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

** MS. BISHOP-PULLAN MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION THE NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The Board went into executive session at 9:45 pm and reconvened into public session at 10:14 pm. No action was taken.

ADJOURNMENT

** MS. RIVERA 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