Board of Education Meeting Minutes

May 3, 2005

BOARD OF EDUCATION

MAY 3, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murry, Chair; Susan Hamilton; Judith Rivas; Richard Fuller; Tom Vetter; Marina Rivera; Robert Polley; Jody Bishop-Pullan (8:15 p.m.)

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools; Mayor Alex Knopp (7:55 p.m.)

The meeting was opened at 6:10 p.m.

** MR. FULLER MOVED TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION ** MR. VETTER SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

The members came out of Executive Session at 7:50 p.m.

CALL TO ORDER

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

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Pledge of Allegiance was not recited.

SPOTLIGHT

Mr. Vetter announced the winners of the Ettinger Scholarships.

SUPERINTENDENT REPORT

Dr. Corda said that he understood the reason so many residents were present this evening relative to student behavior. He urged everyone to look at this from the perspective as Norwalk as a community. He spends a good deal of time reinforcing expectations of behavior, and as a society there are rules each of us has to follow.

Due to the unfortunate events that have taken place in Norwalk, it is understandable that everyone is looking at what is taking place in the schools and asking if it is safe for the students. It is important to acknowledge that fortunately our schools, while there is an increase of inappropriate behavior, he has not seen it in the schools, nor has it been reported that there is any evidence of organized activity.

Dr. Corda said that he recognizes that there may be forces operating at a low level; however, what they are seeing are symbols that accompany gang involvement. It is crucial to keep things in the proper perspective, but at the same time acknowledge that there are concerns with the current behavior.

Mayor Knopp arrived at 7:55 p.m.

Dr. Corda said that they have to develop in our youngsters respect for what is expected of them. The school system is a participant in addressing inappropriate behavior. This is a City problem. Norwalk as a community is not an unsafe community, but there are things happening. They are working in the elementary schools to create an environment of what is and what is not appropriate behavior and to develop a sense of respect for each other.

Dr. Corda said that the course of action is to listen carefully to the concerns expressed and try to gather the factual data and develop strategies to deal with this. It is not a school problem, it is a City problem. The Mayor and the Police have taken positive steps. It is important that as a community people continue to speak out and share their concerns and work together to address their concerns.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Debbie Greenwood and Mr. Anthony Tyson of the YMCA, spoke about their concerns regarding the After School Achievement program at the YMCA. They asked the Board of Education to support their issues outlined in the memo they distributed. Mr. Tyson read a letter addressed to Mr. Hugh McKiernan from Ms. Betty Grey.

Reverend Artie Kasimas, Mr. Kevin Darmfal; Mr. D. L. Parks, Mr. Mark Christian, Mr. Sal Galaz and Ms. Laura Romeo spoke about gang problems in the middle schools and their concerns.

Mayor Knopp apologized for arriving late to the meeting, but he was in South Norwalk meeting with parents about gangs.

Mayor Knopp told those present that the more they address City officials, the better. He believes that the City and the schools have to work to address the situation. Part of the issue is that it is inappropriate for the City to stick its head in the sand and deny that there are no gangs; however, it is also wrong to over-identify everything as gang related.

Mayor Knopp outlined the steps the City is taking to prevent violence. There is a lot of planning and program building going on. He said that you can not arrest your way out of gang problems. He feels that the response in the community is very positive.

Mayor Knopp thanked everyone for attending tonight’s meeting and for going to the Common Council meeting last week. He told them that a lot of things are being done and their involvement is very important.

ACTIONS:

A. CONSENT

** MR. VETTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING CONSENT ITEMS

Personnel Actions

Approve Budget Transfers

** MS. RIVERA SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MR. VETTER MOVED TO ADD AN ITEM TO THE AGENDA ** MR. FULLER SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. BISHOP-PULLEN MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF SARAH RILEY AS THE PRINCIPAL OF ROWAYTON SCHOOL ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

Approval of Minutes

** MS. BISHOP-PULLEN MOVED TO TABLE THE MINUTES FOR CLARIFICATION OF THE DATE ON PAGE 1 – FIRST PARAGRAPH ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING ITEM

B. Approve Technology Education Curriculum 9-12 and textbook adoption

** MR. VETTER SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MS. RIVAS MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING ITEM

C. Approve Policy #3542.34 Healthy Eating & Policy #6142.61 Physical Activity

** MS. BISHOP-PULLEN MOVED TO INSERT THE WORD “PREVENTING” IN THE MEMO BEFORE THE WORD INJURIES ** MS. RIVAS SECONDED ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MOTION AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

** MR. VETTER MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING ITEM

D. Approval of Safe Schools/Healthy Students Grant

** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED

Ms. Murry said that this has been worked on by the Mayor’s office, the administration and Dr. Corda. Dr. Corda explained the grant application. The intent is clear and addresses the needs heard tonight. Dr. Corda said that this is a highly competitive grant and he hopes they receive a positive response.

Dr. Corda said that they will concentrate in the middle schools because they feel that this is the area where they can have the greatest impact.

Mr. Fuller said that this is not a new issue and he is looking forward to this coming to fruition.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY

INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Kendall School Closing – June 21, 2005

Dr. Corda explained that renovations will start at Kendall School. He recommended closing for students on June 21st. The school calendar permits the closing. The teachers will be there on the 21st to pack their classrooms. He will check with the Corporation Counsel to determine if this item has to be added to the next agenda.

Mayor Knopp announced that the got the trade bids back on Kendall School. Gilbane and Turner are going over the bid responses.

B. After School Programs

Mr. Hugh McKiernan distributed and explained a memo outlining the after school program providers selection. He said that it was brought to his attention that a breech of confidentiality occurred. As a result, members of the selection will have to sign a confidentiality form next year.

Mr. McKiernan said that he spoke with the principal at Brookside School and told him that a breech of confidentiality had taken place.

Mr. Fuller said that the ultimate decision lies with the consumer. Mr. McKiernan said that the primary provider is chosen at the school by the team. Mr. Fuller said that this is very important, but it is an enrichment program vs. doing homework. Mr. McKiernan said that the intent is to voluntarily provide enrichment for the students.

C. World Languages curriculum (6-12) and textbook presentation

Ms. Yvette Mateas introduced the curriculum committee and gave the background as to how the committee put the documents together. The document is teacher made and teacher friendly.

Mayor Knopp left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.

Ms. Mateas gave a presentation about the World Languages curriculum.

D. Update on Magnet School Effort

Dr. Corda said that he met with the faculty at Jefferson School to discuss the concept of a magnet school. They need to identify a variety of themes for the school. Two meetings have been scheduled with the parents; one in the evening and one in the afternoon. The dates will be announced. The goal is to identify a theme by the end of the school year. That will put the Board of Education in a position to move forward.

The theme for the school needs to be enticing for the entire Norwalk community. Dr. Corda said that he will provide updates at future meetings.

E. Board Members Announcements

Mr. Vetter urged everyone to do themselves a favor and see the Norwalk High School production of Les Miserables.

Dr. Corda will send the graduation dates to the Board.

ADJOURNMENT

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

There was no further business and the meeting was unanimously adjourned at 10:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Rosemarie Lombardi Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes