Board of Education Meeting Minutes

August 3, 2005

BOARD OF EDUCATION

SPECIAL MEETING

AUGUST 30, 2005

ATTENDANCE: Rosa Murray, Chairman; Mayor Knopp; Robert Polley; Judith Rivas; Thomas Vetter; Susan Hamilton Rivera; Jody Bishop-Pullan; Richard Fuller (8:23); Bruce Kimmel.

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Sharon Cadden, Co-President for Norwalk High School and Building Advisory Committee member; Barbara Smith; Ms. Mikolic; Marilyn Liberatore; John Falcone; John Reynolds.

I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Murray called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Murray led the Board in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Mayor Knopp administered the oath of office to Mr. Bruce Kimmel.

III. DISCUSSION OF STUDENT PERSONNEL MATTER, UPDATE ON NEGOTIATIONS The Board suspended the regular meeting at 7:10 p.m.

** A MOTION WAS MADE FOR THE BOARD TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE DISCUSSION OF A STUDENT PERSONNEL MATTER AND NEGOTIATIONS. ** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The regular meeting reconvened at 7:45 p.m.

V. SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT

Dr. Corda stated his intention was not to give the regular Superintendent's Report but, because the SAT scores have been released to the public and the press has been calling for comment, he thought it prudent to make public information about the SATs before they distributed it to the press, as it is important information.

Dr. Corda said that the SAT scores in 2005 show that in verbal and math across the districts the students performed with a score of 485 at both high schools. At Norwalk High School the verbal score was 482 and the math score was 486; and at Brien McMahon High School the verbal score was 491 and the math score was 484. Dr. Corda stated that he would try to put this in context and that what they look for is the performance of the students over time. In 2000, Norwalk's main score was 474. In 2005, the score was 485. At Brien McMahon in 2000, the score was 466; in 2005 it was 485. This shows a marked improvement from year to year. Dr. Corda said that in the context of what was happening nationally, in the State of Connecticut the main score in verbal was 508 in 2000; in 2005 it was 517. Statistically he did not know if there was a significant change between the 508 and the 517; he suspected that with a discrepancy of that size there might very well be, but the point was that the difference here of 474 to 485 which was 11 points, and the difference statewide which was 9 points showed that the difference was not extreme. Dr. Corda said that what he is hoping he is seeing here is a continuation of the improvement of the scores to the point where it begins to approach that of the statewide determination. He said it appears as though, in relation to the statewide scores, the increase in Norwalk is somewhat higher than the statewide average. Dr. Corda said the same information was borne out between the scores from 2004 compared to 2005.

Mr. Kimmel asked if the Norwalk high schools had programs that assist students with preparation for SATs. Mr. Daddona said the school system offers a Kaplan course at a discounted rate, and Kaplan also gives Norwalk scholarships for low-income students. Mr. Kimmel inquired as to how many students took the courses and what time of day the courses were offered. Mr. Daddona replied the courses begin at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Kimmel inquired as to how students get to them and Mr. Daddona said they provide their own transportation to and from the classes. Mr. Kimmel said he understood that he was asking difficult questions but thought that the school system should make it easier for these students to get to the courses. Mr. Daddona explained they took into consideration that students may have after school activities and jobs and that the 6:30 time slot seemed to be the best overall. Mr. Daddona said that they send letters out to all juniors and seniors at both high schools to notify them of the prep courses.

VI. PUBLIC COMMENTS

Ms. Sharon Cadden of Norwalk, the Co-President of Parents for Norwalk High School and a Building Advisory Committee member was the first speaker. She distributed a letter to the Board, which she then read aloud. Ms. Cadden's letter addressed important points regarding the Norwalk High School renovations. Her concern was that the parents and staff felt that many of the items in the original Ed specs won't be covered by the current project and that Plan C doesn't address some of the priorities of the staff, students and parents. She said all concerned needed to develop a plan to handle the issues and items that are not going to be done by the building renovation. Her main question was, why were the project renovations not sent out as renovations "like new," and if this was so, was the current plan qualified to receive additional reimbursement funds from the state; was this considered when the Ed specs were modified; and, could it be changed to bring in extra money?

Ms. Cadden stated in her letter that it had been understood that additional outside funding would be pursued, but the BAC had gotten no word yet on alternate sources of funds. They worried that the money the City would save through grant implementation wasn't planned to come back to the school, and asked that the Board push to get this commitment from the City as it was needed to fund future Phase II projects, including a mini-gym for the JROTC, color guard and winter guard; additional outdoor phys ed space; a new playing field; and "add alternate" items that weren't handled in the current project. Parents strongly support a capital budget funding request for 2006 as funds are needed to outfit the new Culinary Arts space, new library carpets, an electronic marquis for the front of the building, replace walkways and cement stairs, purchase a baby grand piano, and obtain funds to pay to turf the back field at Norwalk High School. She also voiced concerns about the lighting of the school fields, which are used by many groups. Ms. Cadden said the lights are turned off early due to complaints by neighbors, which leaves the group playing on the field in the dark. She pointed out that the groups pay to use a lighted field and they aren’t getting the lighting.

Ms. Cadden stated she had been asked by parents and staff to also voice concerns about the building’s air conditioning problems and the frequent false alarms. She also requested that the parking lot be patrolled at night to cut down on damage and garbage accumulation due to being used as a hangout.

Ms. Barbara Smith of Norwalk was the second speaker. She addressed the Board on behalf of the Norwalk High School Building Project. She said there seems to be a misconception that the BAC and the parents are stalling the project, which has caused prices to increase. She stated that the time that was spent in review of the different plans was done with the best interests of the students in mind. Ms. Smith said that with the issue of expense and Plan C, the parents felt there were three areas that need to be considered for additional comment. She asked that the Board take a look at the energy grant and see if it was possibly reimbursable to Norwalk High School’s building project. She stated they would like to target funding planned for the next capital budget. Her third request was to have Phase II supported by the City. She also wanted to address concerns with the fire alarm malfunctions at Norwalk High School, saying students are put into a disadvantage of learning caused by the interruptions, and pointed out that since there has been no structural changes to the parking area, the school will again experience blockages that keep the Fire Dept. from accessing the front of the building. Ms. Smith asked Mayor Knopp specifically to see if the City could lend some support to the school system. She stated that, on a personal note, she was a parent who had paid for her son to play soccer on the high school’s field when the lights were turned off.

VI. ACTIONS

A. CONSENT

1. Personnel Actions 2. Approval of Modified Ed Specs – Norwalk High School

** MR. POLLEY MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT ITEMS. ** MS. RIVERA SECONDED. ** MOTION PASSED WITH ONE ABSTENTION (MR. KIMMEL).

Dr. Corda asked to comment about the personnel actions. He said he believed that Norwalk was one of the few districts, if not the only district in the State of Connecticut, that has a position devoted exclusively to the development and support of early childhood education. He felt that the Board’s appointment of Ms. Mary Budrawich this evening to the position of Instructional Specialist in Early Childhood Education was significant in that it is another example of when agencies or groups outside of the school system collaborate with the Board in the work they are committed to. Dr. Corda said the program “Kids Start Smart” is a Citywide collaborative focused on early childhood education. He said the financial support the City has received from the Graustein Memorial Fund is helping to make this position possible, along with the support of the United Way in recognizing that young children must have the kind of nurturing that is necessary for them to be able to come to school ready to learn.

Dr. Corda said the achievement gap is an issue that everyone is concerned about. He said that because of circumstances that do not enable some parents to nurture their children in the way they would like to, or to provide for them the experiences that many other children have, there are many children who come into the school system needing this kind of support and care. Dr. Corda stated that the Board’s goal is to acknowledge the fact that early childhood ed is in many ways different from that of youngsters in grade school and requires that they be thoughtful not only about the program that is offered but also that the school system engage, collaborate with, and embrace those that provide pre-kindergarten education in the city. Dr. Corda said that if we work together in this effort then we will be that much further along in supporting our youngest children before they come in the front door, and that is why this position is so important. He said that Ms. Budrawich has come to us well known and with a significant amount of expertise in early childhood education and is just one more example of how Norwalk is demonstrating its commitment to make sure that every child will learn.

Mayor Knopp said he joined Dr. Corda in congratulating Ms. Budrawich and said he felt this was a terrific appointment. He also congratulated the school system, the Board and Dr. Corda for creating the position and for obtaining both public and private funding to support it. Mayor Knopp said that Ms. Budrawich had extensive expertise in the field of early childhood ed and has done a terrific job in guiding Norwalk’s programs. The Mayor said that the area of early childhood education is one in which the City and the Board of Education are developing a very strategic partnership, and having Ms. Budrawich be a part of this is a great resource for the City and a wonderful decision. Ms. Murray recognized Ms. Betsy Bain, a member of the Common Council. Ms. Bain said she had the pleasure of serving as the chair of the School Readiness Council and had the pleasure of working with Ms. Budrawich while she held the chairmanship. She wanted to thank the Board on behalf of the preschool community in Norwalk.

VIIL. INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A. Magnet School discussion

1. Silvermine (possible action) Dr. Corda called Ms. McCulloch to speak to the Board in regards to the Mano-A-Mano program for Silvermine School. He said the recommendation that the Board was making was designed to create opportunity for students who do not have an access to Silvermine School and also to make sure that the Board, to the extent possible, have a population of students that will allow the program to continue to flourish. He said what the Board is recommending is to create the opportunity for youngsters across the Norwalk school district to access the Mano-A-Mano program to the extent that space is available. Ms. McCulloch said the only thing she would add was that, at the program’s inception, it was created at a time when any Spanish-speaking students were only going to two schools in Norwalk, split between either Brookside or Silvermine, and that is no longer the case.

Ms. Rivera said she had a question about transportation to the Magnet school. Dr. Corda said that if parents choose this option, then it was their responsibility to bring their children to the school, at this point they were not in a position to offer transportation. He stated that if the program developed as they hope and if they get to the point down the road where it becomes a necessity, it certainly would be something he would consider. Dr. Corda didn’t feel that right now the necessity was there, and a deciding factor in the decision would be the cost. He stated he could share that with the Board before they need to go forward. Dr. Corda said what they would like to do before the 2006-2007 year is to extend the invitation to parents to have their children attend the school, see what response they receive, and go from there. He said this would still be the school of attendance for those children living in Silvermine but the goal is to try to expand the population, depending on space availability, for parents who feel this is a choice they would like to give their children. Mr. Kimmel inquired about the current population of the school and was told approximately 480 students. Ms. McCulloch said the population averages in the 400’s but has been as high as 540 at its highest point. Mr. Kimmel asked how many students were currently enrolled in the dual language program. Ms. McCulloch said about half of the students were in the program. Mr. Kimmel made a suggestion that the school could work with the Silvermine Art Guild to develop collaborative programs in language plus arts, saying that the Silvermine Art Guild was a nearby resource and could benefit the school.

Mr. Polley asked Dr. Corda if the Mano-A-Mano program would have a positive or negative effect on racial balancing. Dr. Corda responded by explaining that the numbers were fairly small and if the increased number of students were Hispanic as well as those children for whom English is the first language, then it could certainly increase in terms of the State-defined minority population of Hispanic students; however, with the explanation that this is a Magnet program focusing on dual language, the State would not view that as being out of balance.

Mr. Fuller arrived at the meeting at 8:23 p.m.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked how students would be informed about the program. Dr. Corda said that if the Board was comfortable with it, they would publicize the program after the first of the year and then extend an invitation to those parents of kindergarten students that were interested.

Mayor Knopp said that he understood that the kids who have already been through Mano-A-Mano have graduated into middle schools and that was why the program can expand into West Rocks. He wondered if there was any differention of Mastery Test scores because representation as a theory has often been made that participation in the dual-language program should result in higher levels of performance by both Anglo and Hispanic students in that program. He thought it would be interesting to do a comparison of sixth graders this year to other sixth graders who were not in the program to see if there was a difference in the scores.

2. Columbus Dr. Corda began the extensive discussion by saying this was not a decision the Board was required to make this evening, but if there was any other information that they would like about it, it would be helpful to know so it could be put on the agenda for another meeting.

Mayor Knopp said that he and Dr. Corda had a brief discussion about this topic earlier in the day as there are things in the current school facilities program affecting Columbus, and if major changes are made, either not to use the Columbus facility for a Magnet school in the future, or to try to change the current focus to an inter-district Magnet school, then there would be information that was highly important to know. His hope would be that some of this information could be researched and made available to the Board prior to any decision to be made, one issue was whether or not the current school could become an inter-district Magnet school, or whether the only option for an inter-district school was if there was a new school built at a different location. Mayor Knopp felt this was an important question because they’ve had pending a $3.8 million dollar renovation project at the current school, with contracts signed with architects and a construction manager and tight deadlines from the State, which, if not met because of uncertainty or lack of information, might cause the Columbus project to be delayed. He said right now they were expecting to start construction at Columbus in the summer of 2006 and that requires the State to make certain decisions about the project within the next several months. He didn’t want certain options to be closed off because of inadvertence without this being understood. He hoped that in advance of the Board taking action, however it decided to act, that the information about the options will have been researched and made available. Mayor Knopp said he had discussed with Dr. Corda earlier this evening some of the issues he thought should be looked into.

Mayor Knopp said a representation has been made by some that an inter-district Magnet school could only be done in any place other than at Columbus School and he felt that was a critical piece of information to find out. He also suggested that what impact an inter-district Magnet school, whether at Columbus or some other location, would have in terms of enrollment issues, since the State, last year, increased its requirements for out-of-district students by a significant factor so that now approximately 30 percent of the students at an inter-district school had to be from another district, to qualify for the inter-district designation and funding. He said there were issues about how it would be determined whether that threshold could be met before deciding to go ahead, and what impact that would have on the current construction schedule. He said the timetable for the current construction schedule is not irrelevant and is approaching, and as they have a contract with an architect and with a construction manager, those funds are committed to the current facility and to the current plan. Mayor Knopp said he was not speaking for or against an inter-district Magnet program at Columbus or elsewhere, what he was saying was that the construction project has been proceeding for two years on a certain assumption, that the City has committed funds and signed contracts, and has hired professionals to carry on this work, and what he doesn’t want to have happen is the worst of both worlds, which would be that because of uncertainty or a good-faith change of condition, the current plan doesn’t get built and then because of failing to meet certain criteria, the inter-district Magnet plan doesn’t get built. He said there were a lot of issues that have to be resolved relatively quickly about this issue and he hoped everyone was aware of all of the ramifications. He reminded the Board that Norwalk has in the past attempted inter-district programs that have failed. He was very concerned that they don’t end up where Columbus gets neither the current renovation program, even though it may not be all they wish it to be, nor the inter-district Magnet program, and that the process of making these decisions ends up preventing us from giving the parents at Columbus the opportunity to at least have the upgrades and renovations they have been expecting.

Dr. Corda said that what the Board has shared with parents is essentially what the Mayor said, in that if the Board’s position is that an inter-district Magnet school is worthy of serious consideration, then there is some significant work that has to be done, and as the parents with whom he as met as well as the administration have discussed, the concern is that while the plans that are scheduled for the work to be done to the school address the updating issues in terms of code, etc., the funding is not available for the programmatic needs that the building has. He believed it is fair to say that, the thinking in terms of an inter-district Magnet school stems from the hope that, if an inter-district Magnet were instituted, then the funding would become available to create the facility, whether it is an expansion of the existing facility or in fact a new facility, that would enable the building to support the program.

Dr. Corda said the point that the Mayor raises is a very important one, if there are “X” amount of dollars available to be invested for the upgrades at Columbus, if a Magnet school were to emerge at a different site, it doesn’t make sense to put the money into the building, it is a waste of funds. On the other hand, if the Magnet opportunity exists, then it would create the opportunity for an appropriate facility. Dr. Corda says it seems to him that if the Board were interested in an inter-district Magnet, the steps that the Mayor indicated have to be followed. He said this is not a decision that can be made in two weeks, or in a month. Researching this will take time and would not happen within a year’s time. He said the most idea situation would be to find a way to expand Columbus beyond its present physical configuration for the additional space that would be necessary, which might be another discussion, but that the concern which was very eloquently expressed by the building administration which he knows reflects the concern of the staff as well as the parents, is that they have a good thing and they need to make sure that the space supports the program.

Ms. Marilyn Liberatore addressed the Board with concerns from the parents and administration. She said that parents become discouraged when their children can’t get into the school in kindergarten and may or may not return to try again in first grade. She said the gym is an all-purpose room used for phys ed, as a cafeteria and stage and it is very challenging. She said there is security concerns with people accessing the building, and concerns about installing a better air filter system and an elevator. She said the school was built in 1938 and they were trying to be creative and try to get a state-of-the-art building to a state-of-the-art school. She said that right now the way the funds stand, it was just not enough to do what needs to be done.

Mr. John Falcone, a former member of the original building committee, addressed the Board at Ms. Liberatore’s request. He said there were a series of initiatives that were originally on the list that didn’t make the cut. These included an elevator, painting, full abatement of the floors, air conditioning of the library, fixing the exterior of the building, air conditioning of the gym. Mr. Falcone said a preliminary estimate from very old numbers and working with Gilbane came to $950,000.00 just for this, and as Ms. Liberatore said, it doesn’t give them any new physical space for programs. He said they looked at building additional space perhaps in a parking lot or in the back of the school. He said they also considered and researched alternate locations for new construction and found eight properties that could possibly be used for this purpose, in the order of attractiveness: Fodor Farm, the former Norwalk Police Station, Fitch School, areas within the Reed-Putnam Development district, Hoyt Street, across the street from Cranbury Park, the old Norwalk Community College site and property at Roton School. Mr. Falcone said they know these sites have their own challenges and issues. Mayor Knopp pointed out that a number of the sites mentioned are not under the control of the City, such as the former NCC site. Mr. Falcone said that the funds were earmarked to make a number of code improvements to the school but that they’re really standing still as to making more of an impact, from the school’s perspective.

Mr. Kimmel said that in order to support the thirty percent enrollment required, that would mean an additional 130 students and he didn’t know whether or not the school as it is presently configured could handle 400 kids. Ms. Liberatore said it could only handle 400 maximum. Mr. Kimmel said the viability of it becoming a Magnet school in terms of the site was limited by the fact that the only way they could have it become a viable Magnet with a limitation of 400 means that approximately 135 students are out-of-district students, which means that the maximum enrollment of Norwalk students is about 265. He said if the enrollment is 265, what they are looking at is, two classes per grade, and if two classes per grade is acceptable right now, they’ve solved their space problem, there were different ways of looking at it. Mr. Kimmel said the viability of Columbus becoming a Magnet school is to be able to accommodate approximately 135 kids from outside of Norwalk, or reduce the number of kids from Norwalk, but if the option of reducing the number of kids from Norwalk is acceptable, then make it acceptable now. They don’t need to become a Magnet, there are only 260 kids in the school and that gives space within the existing building to be modified for programmatic requirements. He said there could be more significant interior modifications than what they are talking about as the clock is ticking.

Ms. Murray asked if the Board was looking at putting this on as an action item. Dr. Corda said the Board was ready to do that. Ms. Murray asked what was the timeline. Mayor Knopp said the State plans a committee meeting which meets every several months, not on a regular schedule, and Norwalk is scheduled to meet with them on Columbus in the near future. If they then approve it, bids for construction would be published in January or February with the idea of awarding a guaranteed maximum price construction contract that would enable construction to begin in the summer of 2006. He said there are many schools in the state competing and obviously the longer one waits in a construction season as it gets closer to the summer, and every school district plans to do all of its abatement in the summer, then prices go up, so the best price for a school project comes when it is put out to bid as early as possible.

Mr. Kimmel said his limited experience would lead him not to want to take a risk. He said Columbus has a lot of problems and he doesn’t want to jeopardize the current renovation. He suggested the Board pursue, look into and ask other districts but not let anything get in the way of the renovation project already planned.

Ms. Murray asked Dr. Corda how soon he could provide information to the Board. She said not to instigate a new process, but if he asked the administration to provide information to the Board, could they do so. Dr. Corda said do we wish to pursue an inter-district Magnet school if the renovations at Columbus are put on hold? If there’s no response, we can decide, but he can’t say how long it might take, we won’t know before three weeks’ time or in one month’s time. Also, funds could be found from some supplemental means to try to expand the building. Mr. Fuller said they have the school, they have the money to upgrade, not expand, but the funds may not be available in the future if they wait. After further extensive discussion it was decided not to put the item on the agenda for this meeting but to gather more information for a future meeting.

3. Jefferson (possible action)

Mr. John Reynolds addressed the Board on the possibility of Jefferson School becoming a Magnet school. He said the most important point he wanted to make was that the existing students that were coming to Jefferson similar to the Silvermine proposal would continue to come as in the past but they would also accommodate additional students in order to become more racially balanced. He presented an outline of a possible curriculum which would have a more science-based focus. Mr. Reynolds said that they work in conjunction with the Maritime Aquarium and they have the children going over there and performing data analysis on harbor seals, wetlands, different curriculum depending on which level. He said groups go to the Aquarium several times a year and the Aquarium sends staff over for lessons at the school. They were looking at expanding this type of curriculum. Preliminary discussions have also been held with Norwalk Hospital with the idea of adding them as possible resources.

Questions were raised regarding staffing and the issue of being elementary certified. Dr. Corda said that what they needed from the Board was the go-ahead to formulate a much more formal plan for the 2006-2007 school year. To support that, they were recommending the assignment of a Jefferson School teacher with a strong background in science to be assigned as the Magnet School Facilitator. He said this has not yet been discussed with the NFT in light of any salary implications, etc., because that would be premature. He said he felt that the o Category: Minutes