Board of Education Meeting Mintues

June 26, 2007

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

STAFF: Dr. Salvatore Corda, Superintendent of Schools

OTHERS: Bruce Mellion, NFT President; Ellen Gaber, Shirley Mosby, Donna Rydell, Marge Cavanaugh, Molly Medico, Acting PTO Council President, Alexander Rossner, NFT member, Mr. Rafferty, Dr. Karen Lang

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Bishop-Pullan called the meeting at Brien McMahon High School Center for Global Studies to order at 7:50 p.m.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Ms. Bishop-Pullan led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Ms. Hamilton presented the Spotlight on the Norwalk Public Schools report to the Board.

Marianna, a student who attended a weeklong World Affairs seminar at the University of Wisconsin at Whitewater, Wisconsin, then addressed the Board. The Rotary Club sponsored this trip. Marianna then reported that the theme was Global Health. Marianna then gave the Board an overview of the trip and the seminar.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

A. End of Year Report

Dr. Corda said that his report would be brief because the budget has occupied most of the discussion across the District. However, he did point out that this year the emphasis was focused on the curriculum and the implementation of curriculum rather than the writing of curriculum. This aspect of the work does not produce a document at the end of the course, but insures that the students have understood the course materials.

A District Improvement Plan has been developed. An Early Childhood Plan has also been developed and was the work of a large group of people. This provided an outline of the work that will need to be done over the next five years to eliminate the kindergarten achievement gap that already exists. As a result of this work, there is a strong possibility that Norwalk will be the recipient of significant State money. The Early Childhood Plan may also be used as an example statewide.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the impact that various programs have had in reducing school suspensions, others in making sure that after school programs are available, and still others in the collaboration in meeting the needs of Norwalk’s young people.

Dr. Corda then announced the upcoming staff changes and new hires with the Board.

Dr. Corda said that it was unfortunate that the discussion of the budget was accompanied by the kind of contentiousness that occurred. One of the lessons that became clear as the budget process unfolded was that it was a flawed process. He then reviewed the process and pointed out that much of the information is simply not available in January.

Above all, Dr. Corda said, that he felt there was a sense of anticipation, a sense of pride that goes throughout the District.

PUBLIC COMMENT

Mr. Mellion came forward and addressed the Board about the reconciliation of the budget. Mr., Mellion stated that it was the Union’s understand that a priority list of items to be returned to the budget. Mr. Mellion stated that the Executive Committee of the NFT met earlier in the day and had some comments that they would like to share regarding the priority list.

Mr. Mellion then reviewed the various items on the list and the ranking that the Union assigned each of the items on the list.

Mr. Mellion said in the original reconciliation recommendation, the reduction called for a loss of thirty teachers, either part or full time, along with thirteen members of the Norwalk Federation of Teachers personnel for a total of forty three staff members with direct services to students. Mr. Mellion pointed out that there has not been one comment regarding the reduction of administrators.

Mr. Mellion suggested that there be strong consideration regarding have a residency officer to handle the issue of who really belongs in the District. Mr. Mellion reminded everyone that the secretaries currently handled this and there have been a number of questions about this issue during the past spring.

Mr. Mellion also said that there were concerns about costs of materials and supplies have been excessive.

Mr. Mellion said that there were ongoing concerns regarding ticket takers and crowd control at athletic events.

He also reminded everyone that during a prior presentation, out of the 104 teachers that chose to return the operating budget reconciliation survey, that 103 stated that they did not agree with the Superintendent’s refusal to recommend any reduction in administration as part of the reduction.

Ms. Murray then announced the next speaker would be Ms. Ellen Gaber. Mr. Mellion then came forward and distributed a document to the Board. He then said that the document dovetailed with a report that the Board had received from the Superintendent done by Mrs. Contrafello about emerging scholars. Ms. Gaber was very involved in the program during the past school year and Mr. Mellion then said that if there were any questions, Ms. Gaber was prepared to answer them. Mr. Mellion then gave a brief overview of the report to the Board.

Ms. Murray then stated that the next speaker would be Ms. Shirley Mosby for Ms. Jill Griffin-Wells. Ms. Mosby said that Ms. Griffin-Wells was not able to attend the meeting tonight, but that Ms. Griffin-Wells had some concerns regarding the volunteer policy. Ms. Griffin-Wells would like someone to make a written copy of the policy available. The main concern is that the volunteers who are working alone or those who are supervised by someone. Ms. Griffin-Wells would like clarification in writing regarding whether someone who is being supervised would have to submit to a background check. A volunteer who is working directly with the student without supervision will have to submit to a background check.

Ms. Griffin-Wells also wished clarification about compensation for the volunteers who need to have fingerprints and background checks. Ms. Griffin-Wells felt that it is difficult to get volunteers; so having a stipend to help out might be a good idea.

Ms. Rydell came forward and greeted the Board and stated that she was the President of the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel. Ms. Rydell then asked why the budget was always balanced on the back of the Norwalk Federation of Educational Personnel. Every year the NFEP take the brunt of the reductions when positions are reduced or eliminated. These reductions affect the staff’s retirements, medical benefits and pensions. Not one administrative position has been reduced or eliminated. The NFEP, with a membership of close to 400, work day after day to support and maintain quality education for the children of Norwalk.

If the clerical positions in the Central Office are eliminated, as proposed, this will cause the load to become unmanageable; the every day tasks will cause a ripple effect throughout all the departments. The NFEP members are also Norwalk’s taxpayers and continue to make the least amount of money, but year after year are still have to worry about whether their current job will be continue, eliminated or reduced.

Ms. Rydell then reviewed the Special Education aide situation and pointed out that the Special Education student population was continuing to rise. She also reminded everyone that the middle school secretaries received a reclassification from a 10 month position to a 12 month position, only to have the additional time cut with the budget. During the summer months, the secretaries process incoming students along with all the other students for the upcoming year.

Ms. Rydell then urged the Board to reconsider the proposed Central Office, clerical, the middle school guidance secretarial positions and the Special Educational personnel reductions so that the future students of the Norwalk Public Schools can continue to have the same quality education.

Ms. Cavanaugh came forward and greeted the Board. She stated that she has worked at West Rocks Middle School as a guidance secretary for twenty three years. During that time, the enrollment has grown. She said that last year it was 810 students and this year it will be 760 students. Ms. Cavanaugh informed the Board that she is the only person in the Guidance office to process the work, particularly as the school year draws to a close. She then reviewed the details of what the counselors have to do. When school reopens in the fall, there will be difficulties because of the amount of work that has not yet been done. Ms. Cavanaugh encouraged the Board to reconsider giving the guidance secretaries a twelve month position so they will be ready for September.

Molly Medico came forward and stated that she was the Acting PTO Council President. She said that she would like to address the proposed policies both as the PTO President and a parent. Ms. Medico asked the Board not to approve the policies, especially the second chance testing. The parents are actively teaching their children that actions have consequences. Second chance testing undermines this. Children need to be prepared and they need to know that they need to prepare. Ms. Medico suggested giving pretests, not post tests. Everyone wants the Norwalk students to be successful, but this policy change as it stands right now is not good for the District.

Mr. Rossner came forward and stated that he was a member of the NFT. He informed the Board that he had spoken to them a number of years ago when the District was adding vice principals at the elementary schools during a budget crisis. He said that this was not the wisest thing to do and offered some alternative ideas, which he said were ignored. He then reviewed these suggestions with the Board. He then suggested that perhaps having one vice principal for two schools might be a good compromise.

Mr. Rossner said that he had taught for 31 years and that things had worked well without vice principals. Dr. Corda had stated that the vice principals help with teacher evaluations. Mr. Rossner said that if the teacher evaluation process was less than a 55 page book and simplified, the task would be easier. Mr. Rossner then repeated his suggestion that the number of vice principals be reduced from twelve to six; until such time that there is more funding available. These twelve positions account for a million and a half dollars in the budget.

Ms. Murray then asked if there was anyone else present who would like to address the Board. As there was no one present who wished to speak to the board at this time, the Public Comment portion of the meeting closed.

ACTIONS

A. Consent

1. Approval of Personnel Action

** MS. MURRAY MOVED THE PERSONNEL ACTION ITEM INCLUDING THE ADDENDUM THAT THE BOARD HAD RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE MEETING. ** MR. POLLEY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE PERSONNEL ACTION ITEM INCLUDING THE ADDENDUM THAT THE BOARD HAD RECEIVED PRIOR TO THE MEETING PASSED WITH SEVEN IN FAVOR (POLLEY, MURRAY, BISHOP-PULLAN, KIMMEL, BURNETT, RIVAS, VETTER) AND ONE ABSTENTION (HAMILTON).

B. Approval of minutes for May 29, 2007

** MR. BURNETT MOVED THE MINUTES OF MAY 29, 2007. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** THE MOTION TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MAY 29, 2007 AS SUBMITTED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

C. Approve agreement between Norwalk Board of Education and Norwalk Food Service Workers, Local 1748 of Council 4.

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED THE ITEM. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

D. APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT TO HIRE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, OTHER THAN ADMINISTRATIVE DURING THE SUMMER.

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO AMEND THE APPROVAL OF AUTHORIZATION FOR THE SUPERINTENDENT TO HIRE INSTRUCTIONAL STAFF, OTHER THAN ADMINISTRATIVE DURING THE SUMMER TO INCLUDE HOUSEMASTERS. ** MR. POLLEY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

E. APPROVAL OF THE FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER GRANTS FOR THE FOX RUN SCHOOL AND NARAMAKE SCHOOL.

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED THE ITEM. ** MS. MURRAY SECONDED. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

F. APPROVAL OF THE 2007-2008 BUDGET RECONCILATION

Dr. Corda said that if the State legislature approves the budget that was presented to it, the District is anticipating some $962,000 coming to Norwalk for education. The Mayor has indicated his support for a letter that the Finance Director will be sending to the Board of Estimate requesting that the $962,000 be submitted to the Board of Estimate as a special appropriation. These funds will then be turned over to the Board of Education for the School Year Budget 2007-2008. In addition to that, the Mayor feels that there is strong support from the Board of Estimate and from the Common Council.

Dr. Corda said that the Board was still required to approve a budget that is reconciled to the figure that was approved by the Common Council. Normally, the discussion would be a review of the items that were identified under the proposed reconciliation. Dr. Corda said that he felt the Board needed to discuss the items for reconciliation and the manner in which items will be restored once the Common Council approves the funding.

Dr. Corda then reviewed the details of the reconciliation of the budget, the projected enrollment and the proposed planning with the Board.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan then asked Dr. Corda about the various sources of funding such as the Priority School funding. Dr. Corda reviewed this and said that it was his understanding that the Priority School funding might be as much as $600,000, which would be more than enough to restore the literacy specialists.

Mr. Burnett asked Dr. Corda if the Board approved the reconciled budget as presented, would the Board be locked into the priorities. Dr. Corda replied that the priorities could be changed and adjusted at a later date. The vote would confirm the bottom line of the budget.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan pointed out that the Council was also meeting tonight and was scheduled to meet again in two weeks. At that time, the Board could meet to discuss the restorations. Dr. Corda agreed and said that he believed that early July was when the City would receive the funding.

Ms. Murray said that she had some concerns that many of the reductions were in the secondary level and that when the restorations were being done, that the secondary school positions would not be reinstated. Dr. Corda said that more efficient scheduling and the reduction in the number of study halls at Norwalk High School has resulted in several teachers being able to take on additional classes. Dr. Corda then reviewed the staffing strategy with her. Ms. Hamilton said that she also had concerns in this area.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan asked Dr. Corda to review the Priority School funding and how the grant funding would be used. Dr. Corda did so.

Someone asked Dr. Corda about the documentation of the meeting by the secretarial service. Dr. Corda replied that the Board meetings were taped and the public could have the opportunity to listen to the tape. He also said he believed that someone could purchase a copy of the tape if they wished. He then said that the requirement under the law would be to report the actions of the Board. Mr. Kimmel said he felt that it would be remiss not to include those funds in the restored budget to allow people to have easy access to the minutes. Having the minimum of what the law requires is nowhere near the ideal would be.

Mr. Burnett said that he would like to state that while he is in favor of the secretarial service, he would be supportive of putting $20,000 into the budget for athletic equipment. Mr. Burnett said that he felt the Board would have to look at the overall scope of the small ticket items before deciding what items will be funded. Ms. Murray said that it would be important to discuss a process for deciding what will be restored.

Dr. Corda suggested the Board realize that this isn’t business as usual. He then reviewed a number of concerns such as fuel oil crisis or the increased cost of electricity. By allowing the various heads of the department to transfer the budget amounts as necessary, some of the smaller problems can be resolved. He also encouraged individual Board members to express their preference for the individual items so that when the District goes through the process, the Board members can be told which of their concerns can be met and which ones can’t.

Mr. Vetter said that it would be important to get the individual items to the Superintendent as quickly as possible, so that the staff will know what the Board members priorities are.

** MR. VETTER MOVED TO ADOPT THE RECONCILATION AS PRESENTED. ** MS. RIVAS SECONDED.

Mr. Kimmel said that he knew many people worked hard on the reconciliation and it was hard to do. He said that he was pleased that it looked like there would be enough State aid so that most of the items on the priority list will be restored.

Mr. Kimmel then said that he had several reasons why he intended to vote against the reconciliation. One reason was because the four literacy specialist on the list, which Mr. Kimmel believed sends the wrong message. While he was pleased that there was a commitment to Priority School funding, but the positions are still on the list. Mr. Kimmel reminded everyone that he had said that if these positions were on the list, he would not vote for the reconciliation. The other primary issue which Mr. Kimmel was concerned about was his disagreement over the fact that the administrators from the reduction. He said that he was not suggesting that administrators should be cut, nor was he suggesting that teachers should or should not be cut. However, excluding a particular component of the school system sends the wrong message. Mr. Kimmel said that he was aware that most of the position cuts were through attrition.

Mr. Kimmel said that there were a number of issues that should be addressed next year. It will be important to discuss the Board of Education’s role when reductions are made and where those reductions will be made. Mr. Kimmel said that the role of the Board’s Finance Committee during the development of the Superintendent’s initial budget proposal. Also, the relationship between the Board of Education’s Finance Committee, the Common Council’s Finance Committee and the Board of Estimate should be examined. While the Board of Education is an independent authority of the State and is the only one that has line item authority over its budget, the Council and the Board of Estimate determine the amount of the Board’s budget and the impact on the taxpayers. Mr. Kimmel said that it behooves the Board to work as closely with the Council committees as possible during the course of the year.

Mr. Kimmel said that there were also particular issues that pertained directly to the Finance Committee. It will be important to examine the ways to increase the accuracy of the enrollment projections early in the budget cycle. There is also a need to break down and examine the overall cost of the Special Education programs. The Finance Committee also needs to understand the various line items for the Central Office. It would be wise to meet periodically with the insurance consultant to develop an accurate understanding of insurance costs and issues. Mr. Kimmel also suggested that the Finance Committee investigate the ability to combine resources with other City departments to generate savings and finally, the need to discuss the problems associated with crafting a large budget without a formal contingency fund.

Mr. Polley said that he would like to let everyone that had spoken earlier in the meeting and those who had contacted the Board members via email know that their words are heard even if the Board members do not always act on the particular suggestions. Having public input is essential to the process and Mr. Polley thanked everyone for their participation.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan then commented she had seen some of Mr. Kimmel’s suggestions being implemented.

Mr. Vetter thanked the administration for walking everyone through the budget process. It has not been a very easy task. He also thanked everyone involved in the process.

Ms. Rivas said that she had a responsibility to make recommendations that she believes are in the best interest of the school. She said that she was not opposed to anyone. Ms. Rivas said that a great deal of time has been spent in understanding the issues. In an ideal situation, the teachers would be able to teach their students and everyone would have what they need. But the District is not there yet.

Ms. Murray said that she wished to have some clarification about how the Board would receive the information on what would be restored to the budget and the various amounts involved. Dr. Corda said that this would be a separate issue from the adoption of the reconciliation. He then reviewed the process with the Board. Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that she would be more comfortable having a meeting to adopt the State funding. A discussion followed on when a special meeting could take place.

** THE MOTION TO ADOPT THE RECONCILATION AS PRESENTED PASSED WITH SEVEN IN FAVOR (POLLEY, HAMILTON, MURRAY, BISHOP-PULLAN, BURNETT, VETTER AND RIVAS) AND ONE OPPOSED (KIMMEL).

Approval of Policy 1240 – Volunteers in the Norwalk Public Schools

Ms. Hamilton stated that the policy had been brought back to the Board after some adjustments were made to the language.

** MS. MURRAY MOVED THE ITEM. ** MS. HAMILTON SECONDED.

** MS. HAMILTON MOVED TO AMEND THE POLICY TO INCLUDE THE STATEMENT THAT THE BOARD WILL REVIEW THE POLICY IN JANUARY OF 2008 BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION THAT WILL OCCUR AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER 2007. ** MR. VETTER SECONDED.

There was a brief discussion about including the review request in the policy motion.

** THE MOTION TO AMEND THE POLICY TO INCLUDE THE STATEMENT THAT THE BOARD WILL REVIEW THE POLICY IN JANUARY OF 2008 BASED ON THE IMPLEMENTATION THAT WILL OCCUR AT THE BEGINNING OF SEPTEMBER 2007 PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Burnett said he wished to respond to a comment made earlier about having the policies and information in writing. Mr. Burnett said that the document that the Board has before them was extremely clear in its language. The Board makes every effort to communicate as clearly as possible to the public. The background checks only apply to a very specific group of volunteers. He went on to say that he confused as to why there was concern when the Board was putting forth a policy that increased the comfort level of those volunteers that interact with the Norwalk students. Mr. Burnett then encouraged everyone to read the document before making comments.

Mr. Kimmel said that he agreed with Mr. Burnett and pointed out that the clarification about who is required to have a background check is in the second part of the document. Mr. Kimmel said that the first point was stated in such a manner as to imply that any volunteer working with the students would need to have a background check. Following some discussion, it was discovered that the statement referred to “out of school” events and was supposed to have been corrected.

Mr. Vetter said that a group that he works with had notified him that he would have to be fingerprinted. However, the hours are very limited. Dr. Corda said that he had spoken with Chief Rilling and that a time could be set up a time that would be more convenient for the volunteers.

Mr. Vetter then asked how all the groups that participate with the school would be notified, especially since the school is already out. Dr. Corda said that a mailing would have to go out.

Mr. Burnett then suggested that the PTO advise the Board as to how the policy is working out so that adjustments can be made if necessary.

** THE MOTION TO APPROVAL OF POLICY 1240 – VOLUNTEERS IN THE NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS AS AMENDED PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

INFORMATIONS AND REPORTS

A. Board Member Announcements

Ms. Bishop-Pullan then suggested that the Board move to the Curriculum and Textbooks proposals next and return to the Board Announcements. This was agreeable to all.

B. Curriculum and text book proposals for new course offering 2007-2008

Mr. Rafferty came forward and informed the Board that the information before them was for the two new high school courses, one of which was Drama and Culture and Conflict in Literature.

Mr. Rafferty then reviewed the Drama Course overview with the Board. Mr. Kimmel said that he had taught a course with older students about drama and felt that this course would be wonderful. Mr. Polley commented that there were a number of community theaters in the surrounding areas and hoped that the students could participate with them. Mr. Rafferty said that one thought was that the students from both high schools could come together to perform their final projects and possibly participate with the local theaters.

A discussion followed about how this program would interact with the musicals put on by the high schools.

Mr. Rafferty then said that the second course was Culture and Conflict in Literature. The students will be responding to a variety of media and examining different cultures as portrayed in literature. He then reviewed the highlights of this course with the Board. A discussion regarding the various titles on the list then followed. Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that she was happy to see this type of course being added to the schools.

A. Board Member Announcements Cont’d

Mr. Vetter then said that he had attended the Jazz Festival at Veteran’s Park and stated that after both high school performed, the MC said that he had never seen two more talented high school jazz groups. Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that it was an honor for the high school groups to be asked to participate in the Jazz Festival.

Ms. Bishop-Pullan said that Ms. Murray would be taking Mr. Fuller’s position on the Budget Committee and also on the Roton Building Committee.

ADJOURNMENT

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

The meeting adjourned at 10:30 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Sharon L. Soltes Telesco Secretarial Service

Category: Minutes