Watertown Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Meeting Date: June 13, 2005
Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: John Trumbull Primary School Library
Members Present: Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Board Chairperson
Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Vice Chairperson
Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary
Ms. Maureen Caine, Board member
Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board member
Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board member
Mr. Charles Fenn, Board member
Mr. James Marks, Board member
Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board member
Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent
Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning
Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations
Absent: Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services
Ms. Jenna Apicella, Student Council Representative
Press: Mr. Tommy Valuckas, Waterbury Republican
Mr. Jim Taylor, Town Times
Guests: Ms. Marylu Lerz, Mrs. Karen Hosking and
Ms. Lauren Brown
Other interested citizens: Mr. Whitey Greenwood, Mrs. Sandy Greenwood,
Mrs. Fran Palmer, Mr. Scott Nozik, Ms. Fayne Molloy, Mr. Richard Sansoucy, Mr. Thad Hasbrouk, Mrs. Janice Pond, Mr. Bob Grady and Mr. Bill Brown. Ms. MaryAnn Chiarella, Mrs. Nancy Rowan, Mrs. Judy White, Mrs. Pat Corvello, Ms. Lisa Rommel, Mrs. Tanya Beach, Mrs. Kathleen Scully and Mr. Russell Ericson.
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Chairman, convened the meeting at 7:30 p.m.
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Ashley Petruzello, Ms. Libby DiPaolo and Ms. Sara Bovat, 7th grade Swift Middle School students were asked by Ms. Rosa to lead the pledge to the flag.
C. Recognition
Dr. Erardi introduced all of the following students; gave a small bio. of each recipient and also introduced their families.
The Board of Education wishes to recognize the students from the elementary schools that are the recipients of the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents (CAPSS) Award for 2005. The high school and middle school participated last fall.
John Trumbull Primary School:
Megan Lynne Bliss, grade 2
David Guo, grade 2
Polk School:
Sheriban Kulla, grade 5
Daniel Favale, grade 5
Judson School:
Kristen Baclawski, grade 5
Austin Troisi, grade 5
Heminway Park School:
Lauren Bly, grade 6
Jamin Mclaughlin, grade 6
Dr. Erardi also introduced the following three students and again gave a small bio. of each of these recipients while introducing their families.
?The Board of Education wishes to recognize students from Watertown High School for receiving The 2005 Halo Awards for their outstanding performance or production in the high school musical, “Annie Get Your Gun.”
William Zeman, grade 10, Best Male Featured Performer In a Musical
Matthew Dzioba, grade 11, Best Crew and Technical Execution
Bridget Helsley, grade 12, Best Crew and Technical Execution
Dr. Erardi introduced the next two honorees along with their families and gave a brief recap of their academic achievements.
The Board of Education would like to recognize the 2005 Class Valedictorian and Class Salutatorian of Watertown High School:
Rickinder Grewal, Valedictorian
George Tinios, Salutatorian
Dr. Erardi: I’d like to introduce the Staff and Faculty that will be leaving us this year, they are irreplaceable. The total number of dedicated years of service that these soon-to-be retirees have given to the Watertown Public Schools is 731 years. We thank them for their dedication and wish them a happy and healthy retirement.
?The Board of Education would like to recognize staff members that will be retiring at the end of the 2004-2005 school year:
Mary Ann Chiarella, Principal John Trumbull Primary School, 26 years
Susan Banda, Judson School, 35 years
Sandra Banik, Watertown High School, 26 years
Charles Brown, Swift Middle School, 37 years
William Brown, Heminway Park School, 36 ½ years
Joyce Crebase, Swift Middle School, 23 years
J. Russell Davey, Watertown High School, 35 years
Catherine Davis, John Trumbull Primary School, 35 years
Cheryl Dering, Watertown High School, 35 years
Rosalyn Gargano, John Trumbull Primary School, 23 ½ years
Douglas Henderson, Judson School, 35 years
David Hoffman, Watertown High School, 34 years
Dorothy Hoffman, Watertown High School, 20 years
Betsy Maxwell, Watertown High School, 28 years
Carll Pallokat, Watertown High School, 38 years
Barbara Perkinson, Swift Middle School, 34 years
Peter Perkinson, Swift Middle School, 39 years
Judith Post, Watertown High School, 38 years
Christopher Ranft, Watertown High School, 32 years
Thomas Shea, Swift Middle School, 38 years
Merry Tamburo, Judson School, 28 years
Wayne Twerian, Watertown High School, 35 years
Cynthia Whitaker, John Trumbull Primary School, 20 years
Dr. Erardi thanked the following Staff members for their dedication to the District.
?The Watertown Board of Education would like to recognize several other staff members who will be leaving at the end of the 2004-2005 school year:
Ms. Fayne Molloy, Principal of Watertown High School
Mr. James Hamel, Music Teacher at Watertown High School
Ms. Tricia Smith, Swift Middle School Art Teacher
Dr. Erardi introduced the three musicians listed below and thanked them for the lovely music provided at various receptions.
?The Watertown Board of Education would like to recognize the three Watertown High School students that played the lovely background music for the reception under the direction of Ms. Marianne Michael. If they could please come forward, the Board of Education would like to present them with a Certificate of Appreciation:
Chelsea Donovan, grade 10
Christopher Sforza, grade 9
Julie Henion, grade 10
Ms. Rosa: I don’t think there are adequate words that the Board can express to the members of the Staff that are retiring for their numerous years of dedication. I hope that you enjoy your retirement in good health. Thank you. We are going to take a five minute recess so if there is anyone who would like to leave they can do so.
D. Public Participation
Report from Student Council Representative – Ms. Jenna Apicella
No Report, Ms. Apicella was absent.
Mrs. Tanya Beach, President of the Watertown Educational Secretaries, Orchard Lane, Watertown
The Referendum has been defeated and cuts to the elementary and Swift Middle School library clerks are being considered. The clerks and I have spoken at recent Board meetings explaining the services to students and staff in their perspective schools. A letter with their duties and their responsibilities has been sent to the Board of Ed. Members for review, their expertise noted. Staff members had an opportunity to write suggestions where possible cuts and savings’ areas might be addressed. I’m asking Board members to again review these suggestions and to look into other areas to ensure that students have the same opportunities as past students; utilizing the library facilities in our school system. Also I am a secretary at Swift Middle School and I know that Unified Arts program is being looked at. I have seen students come in with projects, sewing, graphic arts, music, artwork and even the cooking; they are so proud of their projects. They use all academic areas whether it is Math calculations for measuring. I ask the Board members, this program was started when Swift was built over 50 years ago; it’s expanded to incorporate other aspects. Students, many students have gone through this program; some might have had a spark of what they might want to do in their future. I know you Board members have a difficult, difficult position and I am asking you to review the line items and suggestions so that these positions, the library clerks and other staff can be restored
Mr. Russell Ericson, 39 Pleasant View Avenue
I am here tonight about the back gate at the High School. I was at the Town Council meeting last week and I presented them with a petition which was signed by the majority of my neighbors to do something about the amount of traffic and the hanging out at the back gate and the students wandering the neighborhood during the day while they should be in school. They are smoking cigarettes at the back gate and they leave their trash out there and it’s unsightly at times and it’s a nuisance. You should have a copy of that by now; Rob Kane said that he would get you a copy. Do you have a copy of that petition?
Ms. Rosa: I don’t recall seeing that, if you gave that to the Council on Monday night I’m sure they will but that takes a little bit of time.
Mr. Ericson: I’ll be sure that you get one. I want to tell you that 95% of the neighbors did sign it and we ask that you fence the High School off where it borders Pleasant View Avenue and Tower Road to stop this all from taking place. The traffic starts first thing in the morning at 7:30 in the morning, they don’t obey the speed limits and then it starts up again in the afternoon. There has been a police presence out there to stop this from taking place and that’s the only thing that has managed to stop it but they are up there everyday. We are asking that you fence it off.
Ms. Rosa: That is what you asking from us, that we fence it off?
Mr. Ericson: Yes to come up with a permanent solution because this is a band-aid, they put band-aids in the past and it doesn’t stop it from taking place; it keeps happening, time and again. You have students wandering the neighborhood during the day when they should be in school; they go to the end of Pleasant View Avenue in the woods at the bottom of the hill. I don’t know why they have to go into the woods during the day and I don’t know what they are doing down there. Friday I witnessed Mr. Hasbrouk escorting 5 or 6 students out of the woods on Tower Road from behind a house. What if one of those kids falls? Who is liable? Where does the liability fall, does it fall with the homeowner or does it fall with the Town? Can we afford another lawsuit? I can’t afford a lawsuit, I found kids in the back of my property and I told them to stay out of there but I can’t be there all of the time. What if one of those kids falls? Who is going to be liable? I’ll tell you who is going to be liable the homeowner will be liable. So we are asking that you fence it off and be done with it. There are a few students that do get picked up, I would say instead of putting that officer at the back gate why not put him up in French Street and have him direct the traffic out? He’d have them in and out of there in 10 minutes, this would help the parents because I do feel for the parents; they don’t want to sit in those lines waiting for the buses to go. That is our proposal.
Ms. Rosa: Thank you and I’ll check with the Town Council about that petition.
E. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
There no questions regarding the Budget Summary.
F. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, James Marks, Chair
Mr. Marks stated there was no Report tonight.
2. Athletics and Facilities Committee, Victor Vicenzi, Chair
Mr. Vicenzi stated there was no Report tonight.
3. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese: A meeting was held Thursday June 9th at 3:30 p.m. in the John Trumbull School Library. At the meeting the new textbooks for the 2005-2006 school years were reviewed. There was also a report by the Watertown High School Committee, Dr. Pelosi reviewed a list of the Summer Curriculum initiatives. The textbooks that we reviewed were presented for the first reading on this evening’s agenda.
4. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair
Ms. Colangelo: We will be meeting this Wednesday, 6:30, in the conference room of this building.
5. Cablevision, James Marks
Mr. Marks: We met in Litchfield last Thursday evening and most of the discussion was about the physical problems in various towns. I did suggest and report the success of the two students from Watertown High School had in winning the essay contest relative to civil rights and security and suggested that that might be the basis for a good panel discussion, including some security experts and maybe a couple of First Amendment people. The suggestion was well received but I haven’t heard any specifics, but hopefully that will happen.
G. Communications - Secretary
Ms. Colangelo read one piece of correspondence, a thank you note from the family of Mr. Richard Sansoucy; See Attachment A-1
H. Minutes
1. Special Board of Education Meeting – May 23, 2005
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Ms. Calabrese that the minutes of the Special Board of Education meeting of May 23, 2005 be approved as presented.
Motion Passed
(6-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 3-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Rosa, Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Mr. Fenn and Mr. Marks
Abstained: Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Pannone and Mr. Vicenzi
2. Regular Board of Education Meeting – May 23, 2005
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Ms. Calabrese that the minutes of the Regular Board of Education meeting of May 23, 2005 be approved as presented.
(5-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 4-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Rosa, Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese and Mr. Fenn
Abstained: Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Marks, Ms. Pannone and Mr. Vicenzi
I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Steven Chapman to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 6, 2005 through September 2, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
b. Mr. Brian Gaulzetti to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 6, 2005 through September 2, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
c. Mr. Jason Lane to the position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 20, 2005 through August 31, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
d. Mr. Thomas Murphy to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 6, 2005 through September 2, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
e. Mr. Charles F. Beliveau to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 20, 2005 through August 31, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
f. Mr. Victor Preato to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant with work duties assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective June 20, 2005 through August 31, 2005 for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
g. Mr. Victor S. Vicenzi, III to the position of Ice Hockey Varsity Coach at Watertown High School effective for the 2004-2005 school year at a contractual stipend of $3,342.00 payable at the end of the season.
h. Ms. Roseann Mancini to the position of One to One Paraprofessional (Category #1 – One on One Special Ed Program) at Judson School effective June 13, 2005 for 5.75 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $11.09.
2. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Scott McQueeney from Physical Education Teacher at Swift Middle School to Physical Education Teacher at Watertown High School effective with the 2005-2006 school year.
b. Ms. Deborah Ciochetti from Category #1 para to Category #2 Para in the Special Education Program at John Trumbull Primary School, effective May 31, 2005 for 6 hours paid per week, at an hourly rate of $12.24.
c. Ms. Lori Lampron from computer para at John Trumbull Primary School to Early Learning Skills Para, Category #2 Special Education Program, at John Trumbull Primary School, effective June 20, 2005 for 5.75 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $13.94.
3. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Fayne Molloy from the position of Principal of Watertown High School, effective June 30, 2005, to accept the position of Director of Special Programs for the District of Salem, CT.
b. Ms. Kristina Olmstead from the position of grade six teacher at Heminway Park School effective June 30, 2005 for personal reasons.
c. Ms. Tricia Smith from the position of Art Teacher at Swift Middle School effective June 30, 2005 for the purpose of relocating out of state.
4. Cafeteria Report – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Attached for your information is a copy of the Watertown Student Lunch Program for April, 2005. (See Attachment A.)
5. Swift Middle School’s Involvement with the Watertown Community – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Marylu Lerz, Principal of Swift Middle School, is present this evening to give a report on Swift Middle School’s involvement with the Watertown Community.
Dr Erardi introduced Ms. Lerz so she could begin her presentation.
Ms. Lerz: Good evening and thank you for inviting us to present tonight. At Swift our students are involved in many activities in addition to their academics. This morning our 7th grade Peace Pals put on a character ed. Program for the visiting Heminway Park students. Here to talk about another wonderful program is Leaders for Tomorrow and our school counselor, Karen Hosking who is also involved with the Peace Pals and our school psychologist, Lauren Brown are instrumental in getting this program on its feet. We are also delighted to have three students join us in this program. We have Libby, Ashley and Sara who will be introduced to you later. Now I would like to have Karen Hosking introduce us to this program.
Mrs. Hosking: In 2001 Central Naugatuck Valley and the then Waterbury Foundation joined forces to conduct an extensive assessment of resident needs. Eight key items were identified, so that community founders, policy makers and local service providers could be educated on the needs, priorities and perspectives of those living and working in our 21 town region. Watertown and Thomaston together formed a circuit school, one of 10 that met across the region and concluded that using family as number one on the priority items. The community concerns report published in 2002 states that providing before and after school, weekend and summer programs for our youth was a major area of need. The Waterbury Foundation brought with me to a small circuit school of specific community members to discuss and recommend a plan or a solution. This committee identified youth development needs deserved the highest consideration. The focus group also felt that the most beneficial way that this need could be met was to develop a leadership program at the middle school level.
Ms. Brown: Together Karen, myself and the former Superintendent Dr. Ramos put our heads together and wrote a grant. We developed a belief statement that all young people can and should develop leadership skills in order to become active voices within their communities and active role models and mentors to others. The grant was modeled after other programs in Connecticut such as Youth in Action programs in Cheshire, New Milford and Woodbury. It also aligns with the Strategy 6 of our School District Strategic Plan specifically focusing on getting our youth involved in their community and peer advocacy. Once the grant was awarded our next task was to select and identify students for this important program. Through Ms. Lerz’s support we began with a 7th grade assembly to explain the program to all 7th graders. Every student was then surveyed during homeroom and asked to name 5 classmates that demonstrated the characteristics of good leaders, such as; being fair to everyone, being open to everyone’s ideas, trying new things and those who have good communication and listening skills. Our goal was to select students who were considered leaders among their peers or have the potential to become leaders. After the surveys were tallied students were selected to participate based on receiving the most nominations by their peers. Those students then filled out an application form which enabled them to really think about their priorities and why they wanted to be trained as leaders. It required them to talk about special strengths they have, why the training is important to them and to expand upon issues that they think adolescents frequently face today. After reviewing their application and seeing what insightful and caring students were selected, Karen and I were sure the program would be a success. You have examples in your packets of the application and the grant application and the parent permission form.
Mrs. Hosking: After selection our meetings began which also in the packet, are the outline for our schedule. Please note that we met at least once a month, this schedule was recommended from Cheryl O’Donnell under her consultation. Once we got involved however we found that we needed to at times, meet more often. The key areas that we highlighted are: self-esteem and self-awareness, character building, listening and communications, decision making and problem solving, team building and finally, our awarding of mini grants. Our goal was that these individuals gain the confidence and sense of self to indeed become leaders. Lauren and I decided to use the workbook written by Sean Covey, The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Teens, as our resource and our guide. We found that it allowed each member to improve self image, improve team work, resist peer pressure, to achieve personal goals in a step by step entertaining format. What are the seven habits? The habits build upon each other, the habits 1-3 deal with self mastery, this incurs the private victory. Habits 4-6 deal with relationships and teamwork together and they form the public victory. The final habit is renewal, it supports the previous six. These habits are designed to help each leader gain control of their life, improve relationships, make smarter decisions, define your values, get more done in less time, increase their self confidence, be happy and find value in life. All seven habits begin with finding yourself, how? By looking at the man in the mirror.
Ms. Brown: One of the highlights of our program this year was taken from the Seven Habits’ workbook, called the Great Discovery. It taught the difference between the public victory and the private victory. This activity helped the students get to know themselves better and understand their own strengths and weaknesses. It focused on Habit 2, Begin with the end in mind, which is how you need to live your life with hope and purpose. To begin with the end in mind you must know where you want to go, you must need to know what you want to achieve in life. The students will read their lessons learned during their Great Discovery. Sara Bovat will read 1-3, Libby DiPaolo will read 4-7 and Ashley Petruzello will read 8-10.
Sara Bovat: #1, my Mom made a positive difference in my life, I would like to be helpful, caring and generous like her. #2, I would be a good friend, I would be done with college and maybe have kids. #3, I would be there for someone very close to me, a sibling, parent or a friend.
Libby DiPaolo: #4, Because I am a ballerina I would want to look at books on ballet, I like to watch and do ballet but I really need to learn more about the history of it. #5, 10 things I love to do are dance, sing, draw, play basketball, tennis, swim, shopping, hang out with friends, problem solve and go to the beach in the summer. #6, I am not great at coming up with poems or songs but one time I was just lying in my bed and I was staring at the ceiling and all of a sudden I came up with a great poem. #7, I would spend an hour with Mikhail Baryshnikov because he so far he is the greatest male dancer ever, I would ask him what his emotions were as he performed lead roles in big ballets all over the world.
Ashley Petruzello: #8, I want them to say that I made at least a small difference in their lives, also that I lead them in the right direction. #9, something that represents most would probably be a plant, as the plants I grow and mature, turning into a flower. #10, my talent would be gymnastics, it’s a really dedicated sport, also in our school there is a lot of attention on competition, helping kids at school is another one of my strengths.
Ms. Brown: The students have developed a vision for themselves and how they can change their world. This is the Personal Mission Statement that the students wrote; in designing this the students answered these questions.
Mrs. Hosking: In addition to our curriculum and training sessions, outside opportunities were built into the grants. In March, seven of our leaders were selected to travel to Quinnipiac University to participate in a daylong conference with students from all across CT. That same day when we returned our students committed to an extend day until 6 p.m. to complete the 7 Habits and to introduce the concepts. After that introduction, Carol O’Donnell provided a workshop on writing and awarding of mini grants. She has been invaluable to us as we have been designing, implementing and awarding $1,000 worth of grants this Fall to worthy organizations in our community. Most recently, we attended (inaudible) with Mike Miller of the YMCA, a day that included a high and low road course, team problem solving dilemmas and a cookout was enjoyed. At the end of this exhausting, challenging and as the kids put it, awesome day each leader asked, when would we do this again? Although this has just been the first year, Lauren and I are learning from these students who are dedicated young people. It is our hope that the success, interest and energy of our leaders will sustain the program. Our community and our world depend on it.
Dr Erardi: Thank you very much, that was an excellent presentation.
6. First Reading of the Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2005-2006 School Year
In accordance with Section 10-229 of the Connecticut General Statutes, a list of textbooks is presented this evening to provide the minimum notification of one week of our intent to adopt said books for instructional use. This list will be proposed for approval at our next Board meeting. This list has been reviewed by all program leaders, administrators, and central office personnel. The Curriculum and Instruction Committee reviewed and endorsed these books and materials at its last meeting. (See Attachment B)
7. Superintendent’s Evaluation & Goals and Objectives
The superintendent (as per agreed upon contract) would like to meet with the Board of Education Chair and two additional members to finalize the evaluation tool that will be used to measure performance and to mutually agree on a goal’s format for the 2005-2006 school year. Ideally, the meeting will take place in June, which would allow the entire Board of Education to endorse the format for the start of the new fiscal year.
8. Watertown High School Graduation
Ms. Fayne Molloy will be available to answer any questions that Board of Education members may have regarding the commencement plans scheduled for June 22, 2005.
9. E-mail Correspondence
Central office would like to transition present practice (hard copy – courier) with weekly Board of Education packets to electronic mail.
10. Watertown High School Evacuation
The superintendent and the Watertown High School administration will answer any pending questions Board of Education members may have regarding the recent evacuation of Watertown High School on Tuesday, May 31, 2005.
11. NEASC Report
An update on the status of the NEASC report will be shared with the Board of Education.
Dr. Pelosi: A specific timeline is being distributed at this point. As you know on March 13 the visiting committee members began their review of the High School. In their visit they met with Board members, staff and community members and during that week up through and including the 16th they attended classes, conducted interviews and completed their reports on each of the seven standards for accreditation. On May 24 a preliminary draft of the Visiting Committee was received by Principal Fayne Molloy. A cover letter stated that the principal should meet with the committee chair, Ann Hushin of Maloney High School in Meriden within two weeks to discuss the accuracy of the report. All that can be addressed at that time are any inaccuracies, not perceptions. On June 2, Fayne and I met with the Visiting Committee Chair, Ann Hushin and the Assistant Chair, Jose Martinez at Watertown High from approximately 12:00 till 2:00 to review the preliminary draft of the report and to comment on the accuracy or inaccuracies. We were instructed that nothing at that point could be shared with anyone because it was a draft and it was not open to Freedom of Information. The projected timeline for receipt of the final report of the Visiting Committee is supposed to be this week and that report will go directly to the principal, only. The report will contain all of the recommendations and commendations, as well as an extensive narrative on each of the accreditations standards. Within sixty days of such receipt the report will be released in it’s entirety to the Superintendent, the School Board, Staff, each member of the Visiting Committee, Public Library or Town Hall and appropriate news media. In addition, a copy must be sent to Patricia Zimmerman, a consultant at the State Department of Education, the printing and mailing of the report is the responsibility of our School District. Not until September or October the commission will read the report at their September meeting, they only meet twice a year, so NEASC will read the report and then they will take action at that time regarding the accreditation or the continued accreditation. So the report that you see this week will have all of the recommendations and commendations but it will not say accredited, probation, warning or anything like that, that has to be voted on and that won’t be voted on until the September meeting and we won’t be notified as a District or Board of Ed. until October. Then there will be follow up workshops next September that the new principal and two other individuals need to attend. That’s an overview of what has happened and what is to come.
12. Principal’s Search (Watertown High School / Assistant Principal Search – John Trumbull Primary School)
An update on the status of the timeline and process will be shared with the Board of Education.
Dr. Erardi: The search will close on June 27 which is a Monday and the most important date for the Board and the best date which we think has at least seven of the nine Board members available; would be July 13. That would be the evening that Administration would bring to you the three finalists that will be acted upon as quickly as we possibly can. At our next Board meeting on June 27 in Executive Session, Administration will be prepared to share with you an interim plan to be sure work is done and done well this summer. The application process is ongoing at this particular time.
13. Hiring Update
The superintendent will share with the Board of Education an update on the hiring plan for 2005-2006.
Dr. Erardi: Just to give you a sense of the work that has taken place out of Dr. Pelosi’s office, Mr. LoFrese’s office, Ms. Grover’s office and my secretary, Mrs. Marciano. When the process ends for the start of the new school year we are anticipating approximately 50 moves and that is an inordinate number. What happens is because of retirements, return from leaves, resignations and because of requests for transfers, the document at this time is in excess of 50 moves. We are looking to do our best work as quickly as we can knowing that the competition for the best teachers is certainly under way and ongoing. Again with the Referendum that did not pass this past Tuesday that just becomes a little bit more of a problem going forward with the open positions that still need to be discussed by the Board of Education.
14. Budget 2005-2006
The Superintendent will share with the Board of Education the action taken to date that has reduced the Watertown Board of Education’s operational plan for 2005-2006.
Dr. Erardi: I think we should take a minute to talk through, Amelia has a handout for the Board and we had felt that it was really important to have a starting point going forward for your next Budget meeting. What is coming around to you is new and updated information. I’d like to talk to the first 2 pages; Ms. Grover is prepared to certainly share details of the entire document.
Ms. Rosa: We anticipate calling a Budget meeting this Thursday evening. I thought I would say that now so that you would understand that you have time to look at this for a couple of days and then hopefully we will have word from the Town Council’s meeting tomorrow night and then we will have our meeting on Thursday.
Dr. Erardi: Tonight’s intent is just information for the Board, the Board of Education discussed and then acted upon a reduction in Grade 4 Judson and then learned subsequent to their actions that there was an error in calculations regarding numbers. I provided for the Board of Education the update as recent as the end of last week and with that reduction the Judson Grade 4 projected with a minimum class size of 28. In addition, numbers have changed for the Judson Grade 3 position; that is on the second page, I would suggest that the Board pays a bit of attention to both of those areas as with the present level of staffing for next year, 3rd Grade would have 29 students at Judson.
In addition, the cuts that the Board of Ed. made to reduce the Budget by $51,000 regarding the elimination of Interns, I think that to be fiscally sound with that reduction, the $51,300, much if not all of that would have to move over to your Substitute line item. In essence, the Interns fill the role, or the void of the Substitute Teacher. The savings from this reduction is almost a wash, I don’t think that was fully understood or explained and that again is in this information.
Item # 3 on page 1 is information after meeting with Bargaining Unit of the WEA and the WAA, the Teachers Association and the Administrators, none of the groups at this particular time are interested in opening up contract negotiations to coordinate half-time responsibilities. Again I’m suggesting with that information, concurrent with the new leadership at the John Trumbull School and Watertown High School, that reconsideration for half-time responsibilities may be looked at by the Board.
Lastly, with the information that is provided within this document, the four areas represents $169, 952, what that means, if your Referendum did pass last Tuesday, your Budget meeting would look to solidify the $169,952, if you look to make changes from the information that I provided for you.
I think the final clarification that Board members need to have is that the reduction with your Library Clerks and Computer Paraprofessionals was acted upon as a reduction. There was discussion by this Board to have perhaps, a put-back of many, if not all of these positions; however your latest and only action is to reduce or to eliminate the clerks and the paraprofessionals. I think that information is important for you to have for the next Budget meeting, our Central Office is certainly available for any questions you may have between now and your meeting on Thursday evening. Ms Grover is prepared for further questions that Board members may have regarding the $169, 952.
Ms. Rosa: Am I understanding that we have to cut $169,952 from somewhere else, is that what you are saying?
Dr. Erardi: If you agree to the considerations that are presented yes, that is correct.
Ms. Rosa: So if we get a $300,000 cut tomorrow night then we would have to add $169,000 to that for a cut of $469,000?
Dr. Erardi: Yes that is correct.
Ms. Rosa: Plus the clerks and the computer people.
Ms. Rosa: OK then that is something to think about in the next day or two.
Dr Erardi: Are there questions on the Budget?
There were not any questions from Board Members.
15. Student Artwork on Display
The artwork on display this evening has been done by the following students:
Angela Nozzolillo, grade 1, John Trumbull Primary School
Sara Barnick, grade 5, Judson Elementary School
Kayla Salvietti, grade 5, Polk Elementary School
Christine Pitino, grade 6, Heminway Park School
Nick Sarlo, grade 8, Swift Middle School
Mallory D’Alessandro, grade 11, Watertown High School
16. WEA Negotiations
We are once again starting WEA negotiations. Two Board of Education members will be required to serve on the negotiations committee.
Dr. Erardi: The Central Office has met with Attorney Summa to commence negotiations with the Teachers Association and two Board of Education members are needed to be recognized by the Board in the very near future to go forward with the negotiations. There are three dates that Attorney Summa has suggested once the Board finalizes their two representatives. They will be June 16, June 21 and June 23 and again, one of those two dates will be an organizational meeting with legal counsel.
J. Report from the Chairman
(Ms. Rosa comments are inaudible on the tape.)
Ms. Rosa was seeking two Board Members as volunteers for the dates presented by Dr. Erardi for the WEA negotiations. Ms. Caine and Ms. Colangelo were appointed by Ms. Rosa.
Ms. Rosa was seeking two Board Members as volunteers for the Superintendents’ Evaluation. Mr. Marks and Mr. Vicenzi volunteered for this duty.
K. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
a. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts
1. Mr. Mario Mucciacciaro, a local fireman, would like to donate the monetary gift of $50.00 to the Watertown High School Art department.
2. Dr. Thomas F. McCarthy, III would like to donate the monetary gift of $20.00 to Watertown High School for the Future Business Leaders Association.
3. Mr. Richard C. Shaw would like to donate the monetary gift of $50.00 to Watertown High School to purchase supplies for the high school Art department.
4. The John Trumbull Primary School Parent Teacher Organization would like to donate to John Trumbull Primary School the following landscape materials with an approximate value of $950.00:
a. Two shade trees to be professionally planted on the upper playground;
b. A butterfly garden maintained by the PTO to be located on the back playground adjacent to the library windows;
c. A small decorative tree in memory of Ms. Lucy Sampson, the John Trumbull Primary School crossing guard, who recently passed away.
It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.
Motion presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Ms. Pannone that the Board accepts these generous gifts with letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(9-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
b. Consideration of Approval of Medical Leave of Absence
Mr. Matthew Saccoman, Special Education Teacher at Watertown High School, is requesting a medical leave of absence effective May 19, 2005 through the end of the 2004-2005 school year, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay and with a medical doctor’s note to return.
It is recommended that the Board approve of a medical leave of absence for Mr. Matthew Saccoman, Special Education Teacher at Watertown High School, effective May 19, 2005 through the end of the 2004-2005 school year, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay and with a medical doctor’s note to return.
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Ms. Pannone that the Board approve of a medical leave of absence for Mr. Matthew Saccoman, Special Education Teacher at Watertown High School, effective May 19, 2005 through the end of the 2004-2005 school year, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay and with a medical doctor’s note to return.
L. Future Agenda Items
(Conversation was inaudible on the tape)
A meeting was set for June 16 at 6:30 p.m. to meet with Dr. Erardi for the purposes of evaluation.
A Budget Meeting was set for June 16, Thursday 7 p.m., John Trumbull Primary School.
M. Public Participation
There was not anyone who wished to address the Board at this time.
N. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Vicenzi, seconded by Mr. Marks that the Regular Board of Education meeting adjourns at 8:48 p.m.
Meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary
Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk