Board of Education Meeting Minutes

February 27, 2007

ATTENDANCE: Jody Bishop-Pullan, Thomas Vetter, Migdalia Rivas, Susan Hamilton, Robert Polley, Rosa Murray, Gregory Burnett, Richard Fuller, Bruce Kimmel

STAFF: Dr. Karen Lang

OTHER: Mr. Richard Lere, Richard Lere Education Consulting Services

I. CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Bishop-Pullan called the meeting to order at 7:50 p.m.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Bishop-Pullan led the Board and the audience in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. ACTION

A. APPROVAL OF JOB DESCRIPTION

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO APPROVE THE BOARD OF EDUCATION JOB DESCRIPTION FOR THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE CENTER FOR GLOBAL STUDIES AS PRESENTED TO THE BOARD. ** MR. KIMMEL SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

IV. DISCUSSION OF THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSTION OF PRINCIPAL AT BRIEN MCMAHON HIGH SCHOOL. Mr. Lere came forward and introduced himself to the Board. He reminded everyone that his firm had just assisted the Board in locating a new principal for Norwalk High School. He also said that he had spent a number of hours at Brien McMahon (BMHS), speaking with students, teachers and parents.

Mr. Lere then gave an overview of the steps that have already been taken to advertise the position. He then asked the Board for their perspectives regarding the new principal.

Mr. Kimmel spoke first because he had to leave to attend another meeting. He said that it was vital to have the morale of the staff in mind. He felt that this was a key indicator.

Mr. Kimmel left the meeting at 8:00 p.m.

Mr. Fuller stated that he was a former Brien McMahon teacher and that it would be important to be aware of how the school has changed over the years. He also felt that the new principal would need to be aware of the high school’s place in the community. Mr. Fuller said that BMHS is a diverse community and it is important to keep it that way. The new principal should be committed to insuring a diverse background and should recruit minority staff. It was important in order to close the gap, Mr. Fuller concluded.

Mr. Vetter agreed with Mr. Kimmel’s statement and said that it was important to keep a long-term focus on the goal. He reminded everyone that the current principal had occupied the post for ten years and that the one before him had been in the position for a long time also.

Ms. Hamilton said that it would be important to have the principal maintain open lines of communication with the parents, students and teachers.

Mr. Burnett commented that BMHS has been a very stable environment and that the next principal should be an innovator who could take the school to the next level. The new principal should not rest on the laurels of the retiring one. A strong leader and a good coach would be important since all the house masters will also be newly hired.

Mr. Lere mentioned that when he had been at BMHS, he had been very impressed with the new facility. He complimented the Board and the faculty for the beautiful job that had been done.

Ms. Murray commented that the new principal would have to be someone who can work with the Center for Global Studies (CGS). She also asked Mr. Lere about his opening comment when he stated that he had spoken with BMHS parents. She wished to know how Mr. Lere had come in contact with those parents. Mr. Lere replied that Dr. Corda had sent out a flyer about his visit to the parents. He also commented that building a team from the ground up can be a very positive experience and that the new principal will have the opportunity to do exactly that.

Ms. Murray left the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan commented that she also agreed with Mr. Burnett and Ms. Murray’s comments about the CGS. The CGS is unique and when BMHS had their recent accreditation review, the reports commented on the culture of the school and how well the student body worked together. She encouraged Mr. Lere to find a principal that would ensure a high academic standard for all the students.

Mr. Fuller commented that he would like to see someone bring cohesion to the school. He stated that opportunities should not be limited by the high school that a student attended.

Mr. Burnett asked for a time frame for this process. Mr. Lere replied that the ads had a deadline of March 16th. He went on to say that he hoped to have a slate of 3 to 5 candidates to present to the Board by the first week in April.

There being no further questions or comments, Mr. Lere thanked the Board for their time.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Services

Category: Minutes