Watertown Board of Education

Regular Board of Education Meeting

Minutes

Meeting Date:June 27, 2005

Meeting Time:7:30 p.m.

Meeting Place:John Trumbull Primary School Library

Members Present:Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Board Chairperson

Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary

Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Vice Chairperson

Ms. Maureen Caine, Board member

Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board member

Mr. James Marks, Board member

Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board member

Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent

Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of SchoolsMs. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning

Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations

Ms. Jenna Apicella, Student Council Representative

Absent:Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board member

Mr. Charles Fenn, Board member

Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services

Press:Mr. Jim Taylor, Town Times

Guests:Ms. Dorothy Rinaldi, Mr. Tony Antonucci,

Ms. Maggie Dreher and Mr. Charlie Beliveau

Other interested citizens: Mr. Whitey Greenwood, Mrs. Sandy Greenwood, Mrs. Fran Palmer, Mr. Bill Brown, Mr. Bob Grady and Ms. MaryAnn Chiarella.

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. Rosa led the salute to the Flag.

C.Recognition: Tonight will be the last meeting for our Student Council Representative, Ms. Jenna Apicella. The Board of Education would like to recognize Jenna for taking time to come to all the meetings and for her valuable participation and input. If Jenna would please come forward, the Board would like to present her with a Certificate of Appreciation and a gift.

At this time Ms. Rosa presented Ms. Apicella with the gift and certificate.

D.Public Participation

There was not anyone present who wished to address the Board.

Report from Student Council Representative – Ms. Jenna Apicella

Ms. Apicella: I don’t have a report tonight but I would like to thank everyone for their helpfulness and kindness over the year and I hope that my input has made a difference.

E.Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)

There weren’t any questions regarding the Budget Summary.

F.Committee Reports:

1.Advertising Committee, James Marks, Chair

Mr. Marks: Advertising Committee has met a couple of times since the last Board meeting.We are in the process of putting together packages to offer to potential advertisers at the High School football field, the Gym and Swift Gym. We also have scheduled a date with a potential major corporate supporter about which I hope to be able to report to the Board at our next meeting. Things are looking very good and we hope to employ perhaps, some of the students in advertising sales when we get the whole thing together. One thing that we need help with from the Town Council is setting up a fund where we can put the advertising money and spend the money ourselves rather than have it go into the General Town Budget. I don’t know if now is the time to officially make a Motion to that effect or not?

Ms. Rosa: You can make a Motion that we add an item to the Agenda.

Mr. Marks: OK, then I make a Motion to add that item to the Agenda.

Ms. Rosa: Item added to the Agenda to write to the Town Council requesting that they establish a fund for the receipt of advertising dollars.

Motion Presented by Mr. Marks seconded by Ms. Colangelo to add this item

to the Agenda as K-e to authorize the Superintendent to write a letter to the Town Council to establish a fund to accept the receipt of advertising funds with the ability of unexpended funds rolling into subsequent years.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Ms. Rosa: Let’s add that as the last item to the Agenda as K-e.

2.Athletics and Facilities Committee, Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Chair

Mr. Vicenzi stated there was no Report tonight.

3.Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair

Ms. Calabrese: This evening under Action Item K-b; the proposed new or revised textbooks for the 2005-2006 school year are being presented for their second reading and for approval by the entire Board.

4.Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair

Ms. Colangelo: The Policy and Labor Committee met on June 15th and we reviewed several policies which need a little bit more work but one we are presenting tonight; for the first reading is the Termination of Coaches policy.

5.Cablevision, James Marks

Mr. Marks stated there was no Report tonight.

G.Communications - Secretary

Ms. Colangelo read three pieces of correspondence tonight -- thank you notes from Merry Tamburro, MaryAnn Chiarella and Betsy Hackett.

H.Minutes

1.Regular Board of Education Meeting – June 13, 2005

Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Ms. Pannone that the minutes of the Regular Board of Education meeting of June 13, 2005 be approved as presented.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

I.Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

1.Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)

a.Mr. Anthony Antonucci to the position of Professional Development Coordinator (K-12) for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,846.00.

b.Mr. Leonard Bruno to the position of Social Studies Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

c.Ms. Joanne Chenkus to the position of World Language Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

d.Ms. Elisha Gesseck to the position of Grade 5 teacher at Judson School effective with the 2005-2006 school year, on Step 8, with a Master’s Degree, at a contractual salary of $50,883.00.

e.Mr. Thomas Hogrefe to the position of Science Coordinator at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,676.00.

f.Ms. Anna Jedd to the position of Systemwide Music Coordinator for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

g.Ms. Joan Lagno to the position of Speech and Hearing Coordinator K-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

h.Ms. Betsy Mark to the position of Systemwide Science Coordinator K-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,846.00.

i.Mr. Thomas Mathews to the position of Vo-Ed 9-12 Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

j.Ms. Judith Moeller to the position of Systemwide Reading/Language Arts Coordinator K-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,846.00.

k.Ms. Sally Rinaldi to the position of Mathematics Coordinator K-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,846.00.

l.Ms. Louisa Gae Smith to the position of Mathematics Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

m.Mr. Max McLenna to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, effective June 22, 2005 through September 2, 2005, at an hourly rate of $9.00.

n.Ms. Colleen Spieler to the position of English Department Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

o.Mr. Vito Taccardi to the position of Math Coordinator at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,676.00.

p.Ms. Donna Wright to the position of Art Coordinator K-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.

q.Ms. Carole Weaver to the position of English Coordinator at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,676.00.

r.The following people have been appointed to positions in the 2005 August Program beginning July 25, 2005 and going through August 17, 2005:

Ms. Cynthia Jackson, Children’s Therapy Services to the position of O.T./P.T. Children’s Therapy Services at the salary of $43.00 per hour.

Ms. Katherine Rinaldi to the position of Intern at the salary of $900.00.

Ms. Lauren Whittemore to the position of Speech and Language Pathologist at the salary of $3,000.00.

Ms. Annette Pietro to the position of Program Teacher at the salary of $3,000.00.

Ms. Lynn Kelly to the position of Program Nurse at the salary of $1,920.00.

s.The following people have been appointed to positions in the 2005 Summer Developmental Program at John Trumbull Primary School to be held from June 27, 2005 through July 21, 2005:

Regular Education Teachers for a 2.5 hour program for 15 days at a salary of $1125.00:

Ms. Janet Gerace

Ms. Diane Gaulzetti

Ms. Cindy Murphy

Ms. Maria DuBois

Ms. Sherri Marquardt

Ms. Cynthia Daddona

Ms. Catharine Camp

Ms. Alisha DaSilva

Special Education Teachers for a 2.5 hour program for 15 days at a salary of $1125.00:

Ms. Deborah McKenna

Ms. Jodie Angiolini

Special Education Teacher for a 4.0 hour program for 15 days at a salary of $1800.00:

Ms. Layne Allison

Paraprofessionals for a 37.5 hour program at an hourly rate per contract:

Ms. Sharon Amos

Ms. Beverly Bouffard

Ms. Barbara Kinloch

Ms. Sharon St. Martin

Ms. Denise Mitchell

Ms. Donna Tartaglia

Paraprofessionals for a 60 hour program at an hourly rate per contract:

Ms. Dianne Bigham

Ms. Patricia Mennis

Ms. Kathy Pilecki

Ms. Marisa Sinopoli

Ms. Cynthia Jackson, Children’s Therapy Services to the position of Occupational & Physical Therapist Services at the salary of $43.00 per hour.

Ms. Katherine Rinaldi to the position of College Intern for a 4.0 hour program for 15 days at the salary of $512.94.

Ms. Cassandra McKenna to the position of College Intern for a 2.5 hour program for 15 days at the salary of $320.59.

Ms. Susan Mucciacciaro to the position of School Nurse for a 4.0 hour program for 15 days at the salary of $1,500.00.

Ms. Marilyn Ebreo to the position of Secretary at the salary of $1,150.00.

Ms. Judith Moeller to the position of Reading Consultant for the salary of $30.00 per hour on an as needed basis.

Ms. Lauren Whittemore to the position of Speech/Language Pathologist for a 4.0 hour program for 15 days for the salary of $1,800.00.

t.Mr. Andrew Hennessey to the position of Social Studies Coordinator at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,676.00.

u.Mr. Anthony Magnano to the position of Conservation/Biology Teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Masters Degree of BA + 30 credits, at a contractual salary of $39,100.00.

2.Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)

a.Ms. Chryll Beliveau from ½ Kindergarten and ½ Development Kindergarten to ½ Kindergarten and ½ Kindergarten at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

b.Ms. Stacey Cronin from Grade 2 Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to Remedial Reading Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

c.Ms. Alisha DaSilva from Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School to Grade 4 Teacher at Judson School effective 2005-2006.

d.Ms. Mary Beth Gallo from Grade 3 Teacher at Judson School to Grade 8 English Teacher at Swift Middle School effective 2005-2006.

e.Ms. Elisha Gesseck from Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School to Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School.

f.Ms. Anne Gibbons from Library Media Specialist at John Trumbull Primary School to Grade 2 Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

g.Ms. Cynthia Gubbiotti from Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School to Grade 3 Teacher at Judson School effective 2005-2006.

h.Ms. Jennifer Guerrera from Grade 3 Teacher at Polk School to Grade 3 Teacher at Judson School effective 2005-2006.

i.Ms. Donna Iacoviello from ½ Kindergarten and ½ Kindergarten at John Trumbull Primary School to ½ Kindergarten and ½ day Day-Care Program at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

j.Mrs. Dawn Kelly from Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School to Grade 8 Science Teacher at Swift Middle School effective 2005-2006.

k.Ms. Sharon Lanese from Grade 4 Teacher at Polk School to Grade 5 Teacher at Polk School effective 2005-2006.

l.Ms. Kim Mastropietro from Grade 8 Science Teacher at Swift Middle School to Grades 7-8 Social Studies Teacher at Swift Middle School effective 2005-2006.

m.Ms. Stacey Payne from Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School to Basic Skills Writing Teacher, .5 Polk School and .5 Judson School effective 2005-2006.

n.Ms. Nancy Rowan from Transition One Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to Grade 1 Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

o.Ms. Lauren Starsiak from Grade 1 Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to Grade 2 Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.

p.Ms. Molly Stepka from Basic Skills Writing Teacher at Judson and Polk Schools to Full-Time Remedial Reading Teacher at Judson School.

q.Mr. Gary Reznik from the position of Technology Education – Industrial Arts at Swift Middle School to Technology Education – Industrial Arts at Watertown High School effective with the 2005-2006 school year.

3. John Trumbull Primary School’s Involvement with the Watertown Community – (Information Only – No Action Required)

Ms. Dorothy Rinaldi, President of the 2004-2005 John Trumbull Primary School PTO, is present this evening to give a report on John Trumbull Primary School’s involvement with the Watertown Community.

Dr. Erardi requested that Ms. MaryAnn Chiarella introduce John Trumbull Primary School PTO President, Mrs. Dorothy Rinaldi.

Ms. Chiarella: It’s my pleasure to introduce Mrs. Dorothy Rinaldi, our President for the PTO for the 04-05 school year and she is going to tell you all of the interesting things that went on this year.

Ms. Dorothy Rinaldi: Thank you Mary Ann.It has been a great year at John Trumbull. However, we must say goodbye to some terrific educators who are retiring this year. We bid farewell to MaryAnn Chiarella, Cathy Davis, Cindy Whitaker and Roz Gargano. We would like to congratulate Kathy Scully on her new role as Principal and wish her great success in the upcoming year.

We believe that one of our most important jobs is to encourage parents and families to volunteer in the school.It is important that we begin their years at John Trumbull by inviting them to get involved. Our hope is that by getting involved at this early stage in their child’s education that parents will continue to stay involved as their student progresses through our Watertown Schools.

We often turn our attention to the community at large to show our students that even they can make a difference.You may recall we held a Coat Drive last year and collected over 500 coats which were donated to those in need in our local community. In addition, we held such activities as the Holiday Giving Tree, annual food drive, and collected funds for victims of the Tsunami. We also donated funds to the Family Literacy Team.

I would like to provide you with a brief year in review.Throughout the year we bring several educational assemblies to the children of the school. This is where the bulk of our funds are spent.

We begin our school year over the summer planning for the next year. We weeded and planted to beautify the school. We provided each child with a pencil box, pencil, glue stick and a folder. We hosted an ice cream social for the incoming Kindergarteners during the last week of the summer. In September, we held our annual fundraiser and PTO membership drive. This year we were thrilled to have every classroom teacher as a member in addition to over three hundred families. We then hosted additional ice cream socials for the 1st grade, 2nd grade and preschool students and their families. We moved on to our Annual Halloween Party and Holiday Giving Tree. We held our Family Bingo Night and Family John Farrell Concert during the winter months in an effort to give families an inexpensive evening out. We held book fairs and staff appreciation luncheons. We recently dedicated a memory stone and beautiful tree in memory of our Crossing Guard Lucy Sampson who passed away earlier this spring, which is located right near the crosswalk. We concluded the year by providing over 40 volunteers for Field Day, a terrific fun day for the kids. This year if you drove by you might have seen a sea of orange. The PTO provided each student in the school with a field day T-Shirt; which are used at other times to help identify the kids at various outings, such as the Circus.

The PTO also tries to get more parents to the voting booth. We placed the date for the budget vote on our school calendar and sent a reminder home with tomorrow’s date. We have also made several phone calls in the past few days to remind parents to get out and vote. We hope that this effort was successful.

Thank you for your time and I wish you all a very nice summer.

4. First Reading of Termination of Coaches Policy

At its meeting on June 15, 2005, the Policy and Labor Committee reviewed the Termination of Coaches Policy and now presents it to the full Board of Education for the first reading. (See Attachment A.)

Dr. Erardi: This is a policy that the Board must have in place for the start of the next school year.

5. Superintendent’s Annual Report Relative to Professional Development/Teachers’ Evaluations

Annually, the Superintendent of Schools updates the Board of Education in the areas of teachers’ evaluations and professional development activities.Board Members have received a report under separate cover. Mr. Anthony J. Antonucci, Professional Development Coordinator, is present tonight to give the report and answer any questions.

Dr. Erardi: Before I defer to Dr. Pelosi who will be sharing the annual report with the Board, I’d like to share an editorial comment from the outside looking in.I was not with you during the 2004-05 school year but I took some time this weekend to read the report that was prepared for Dr. Pelosi by Mr. Antonucci and there are not many places in public schools that supersede this work. It is comprehensive, it makes sense to teachers, it is applicable for what they do tomorrow and I think it is something that the Board should be very proud of.

Dr. Pelosi: Thank you, good evening, we’ll present a very brief report tonight, you have all received the document on Professional Development and we are required to present this to the Board annually.I would like to point out a few things from my point of view.

The Committee first of all consisted of the largest Committee in the District; it is an excellent cross-section of Teachers, Administrators and includes Special Education and of course the WEA.We do not meet as a Professional Development/Teacher Evaluation Committee unless the WEA is present. We do not have to do that, all we need is representation, however we feel that it is very important that all voices be heard on this Committee and dates will be changed if the WEA doesn’t meet because it does involve their evaluation and it also involves Professional Development and we try to link the two, the needs of the students and the instruction that is being delivered and the achievement that is occurring. It is a very, very macroscopic Committee and it functions very well as a group.

The CEU’s that were offered were mandated to require as you know, 18 hours a year, the Board contract calls for one additional day at the Superintendent’s discretion so last year we offered 24.If you look at all of the CEU’s that have been offered District-wide; which would include after-school activities, we try to train people so that they are offering workshops for free, like Technology teachers have to get 15 hours in Reading, 15 hours in Technology and Administrators have to also get 15 hours in Administration. So 45 of the 90 hours over a 5-year span are required depending on where you are teaching and what position you are maintaining. Of the 24 hours that are offered annually, if you multiply that by 5 we actually offered last year 282 hours, but again most of that was done through our trainers within the District. Also, much of it was done through the Center for School Change Grant, where we have the $100,000 linked to the three strategies of the six in the Strategic Plan; Professional Development being one of them, which Dr. Erardi alluded to. It’s not like you come in, you have a workshop and you leave, the workshop calls for carry-over, continuation of the workshop and to see what happens in the classroom as a result of it and Teachers working with Teachers, etc.

We try to meet everyone’s need but we can’t please everyone all of the time but we try to do the best we can, analyzing test data, targeting specific areas.You have heard Coordinators come before you, Sally Rinaldi in Math, Judy Stone in Reading and talking about the very specific areas that Watertown needs to work on and that is what we try to do most of our Professional Development in.

Also we have the Protocol days that the Board approved of; as you listened to the Teachers and they are very grateful for those half days that occur.

At this time I would like Tony Antonucci to briefly talk about those days and the impact that they have had.

Mr. Tony Antonucci: Thank you for giving me a minute to address the Board.It certainly was the Board’s very great leadership…

Power system was disconnected at this time; the following is a summary of his remarks.

Mr. Antonucci, the Professional Development Coordinator for the Watertown School District, was asked to address the Board of Education related to half-day protocol sessions.

He stated that the approval of the Strategic Plan Action Steps by the Watertown Board of Education and the Strategic Plan's connection to the Connecticut Center for School Change Grant guided the process know as "Protocols." The theme of the half-day sessions was Using Protocols to Improve Student Achievement.

He explained to the Board members that a 7-8-page special section of the Annual Report contained the forms related to schedules, protocol activities and assessments for the half-day sessions at each school.

Mr. Antonucci discussed the role of the building principal as overseer and reported the following comments made by the school administrators:

•All principals stated that they monitored sessions by walking around and participating, as appropriate.

•Among the topics discussed were teaching styles, student strengths and weaknesses and different teaching strategies that might be used to increase student participation.

•Revisions to lesson plans will improve student achievement.

•It is the only time when, in an organized fashion, teachers have an extended time to collaborate within a structured setting to examine student work and adjust instructional strategies.

•One hundred percent of the principals answered "yes" to the question, "Do you expect the half-day protocol sessions to be as, and possibly more effective during the 2005-2006 school year?"

•The staff overwhelmingly found the protocol sessions to be useful. Feedback from staff has led to continually refining the focus.

Mr. Antonucci stated that the Protocol Initiative (which is a major component of the Connecticut Center for School Change Grant) resulted in an extremely productive/collaborative learning experience/activity for the teachers and administrators at each school.

He thanked the Board of Education for its wisdom, support and leadership. Board members had listened to teachers and administrators praise the protocols, recognized the connection to the Connecticut Center for School Change Grant and continued their commitment to improving student achievement through collaboration by approving half-day protocol sessions in the 2004-2005 school calendar and again for the 2005-2006 school year.

He concluded his remarks by informing Board members that, as a result of the major revisions (Understanding by Design Model, framework alignment to Watertown curricula, assessments/rubrics, etc.) the August 29th and 30th Professional Development Days would be site-based, by grade level. Teachers will have the time to plan/prepare lessons and activities related to their new curricula.

Mr. Antonucci asked Mr. LoFrese to speak to the computer/technology aspects that are connected to professional development.

Mr. LoFrese: What is being passed around now is some Technology training initiatives that will occur in 2005-2006 and it’s a summary of three different areas that we are working on focusing on.Some of this training has actually been occurring this spring as well.

First area is GradeQuick which is an electronic grading program that teachers are gong to be using to take attendance and to submit their grades into our database.Starting September, all grades starting from Grade 3 through 12 will be entered electronically. Nearly all Staff has received some form of training and starting in September all buildings will have a trained trainer. Referring to what Dr. Pelosi had said earlier, we trained some Staff members to be able to train the other building Staff and in some schools those trainers have already paid off; they have done some sessions this spring.

Professional Development; working in cooperation with Mr. Antonucci, we’re working to set up some additional sessions in August and September for those people that need more help.

Moving onto School Websites; Heminway, Judson and the Board of Education websites are released and are in use.If you have taken a moment to take a look at these schools; the Teachers are using them, posting their homework assignments on-line and updating them nearly daily. John Trumbull and Swift are ready for release and Polk and the High School will follow shortly, training is being set up in the beginning of the school year.

Lastly is the District Network; as we move to having more information stored on our networks and also accessed by our Staff; we need to upgrade the status of our networks and the reliability of our networks and we’re making a big push to do that over the summer and the early part of the Fall.We are going to be doing some training this Fall, as well with the Administrative Support Staff and the resources that have been provided for.

Dr. Pelosi: I would like to close with two statements.As you can tell a lot of work has been done in this area and to inform the Board that Teachers were videotaped, the Center for School Change selected Watertown to examine the way Teachers reviewed student work; bringing actual work to the table and making decisions about what is working and not working in the classroom. It’s going to be the model for the other Towns in Connecticut; there are 13 of us involved in the Grant and because of what their Board of Directors, who viewed it, now there is strong consideration being given to making a 4-year Grant a 5-year Grant. So, hopefully, that will occur so we could increase our funding level and we’ll hear about that sometime next Spring.

I’d like to thank Todd and Tony and Staff and thank the Board for their strong support that you have shown.It only benefits the Staff and Kids.

6.Teacher of the Year 2006

Ms. Paulette Koosed, Special Education Teacher at Heminway Park School, has been selected as Watertown’s 2006 Teacher of the Year. Ms. Koosed will be recognized by the Board of Education at a reception in the Fall.

Dr Erardi offered congratulations to Ms. Koosed on this award.

7. Cafeteria Report – (Information Only – No Action Required)

Attached for your information is the Watertown Student Lunch Program for May 2005. (See Attachment B.)

Mr. Todd LoFrese and Ms. Maggie Dreher, Food Service Director, are present this evening to give a projection of the food services for the fiscal year 2005-2006. (See Attachment C.)

Dr. Erardi: Along with the monthly report Administration feels that an update is needed for the Board in regards to the fund balance for the 2004-2005, projection for 05-06 and action plan that we would like to share with the Board of Education in regards to our Cafeteria District-wide. Todd LoFrese is prepared to share information with the Board and you have the information in your packet and Maggie Dreher is also here this evening to answer any questions you may have.

Mr. LoFrese: First of all, I’d like to thank Maggie for putting together a lot of this information. Included in the Agenda is four sheets plus the month of May Lunch Program Report.

According to the first sheet of the Student Lunch Program which is broken into columns, the first two being the comparison of how the program fared last year compared to this year. This year we are currently running at the end of May at an operating loss of approximately $75,000. What I have done is, I have set it up on the front sheet so you can see the comparison between the two years, the change and then some of the key items that may have contributed to some of the decreases in sales and the increase in costs described below. We had some restrictions on what could be sold that were mandated by the State and several others; the impacts of bad weather, some additional days related to NEASC and half-days where lunch could not be served, those also put a restriction on sales. We also had a significant increase in dairy products and beef products, dairy products come out at approximately 60%, beef come out at approximately 20%. Where that leaves us is in a position where the Cafeteria Department has had to cash in a CD to cover the bills necessary for the June operating.

The second page has been prepared as a cash flow report, this is an estimate of where the bank balance is on June 23, moving forward to where the Program will begin September with which is approximately $14,000. Starting in September last year, between the checking account and the CD, we had approximately $90,000 so we are starting the year off in a tough position with only $14,000 in cash. Working with Maggie we put together an estimate, which is the bottom section of this cash flow report, to get us through November and hopefully by that point some of the recommendations and changes that we are looking at making will help dig us out of the hole.

Moving to the third sheet, this is a list of State mandates that have come down in the past two years and also some proposed changes that are currently being discussed for the future.

The last sheet is some recommendations and I’ll summarize quickly. We are looking to increase A La Carte prices, add some additional items and we are looking for some help from the Administration so we can increase sales through other groups within the schools. We are working with Ms. Lerz at Swift to set up a breakfast window to help increase income and there are currently three general cafeteria positions that are vacant and we are considering eliminating those positions.

Then going forward, if these efforts don’t prove to be successful, we are hoping that there could be some consideration in the 06-07 Budget for some assistance from the general Board Budget.

Dr. Erardi: Just let me start by stating that in my short time here with Food Service Director Dreher and her Staff, they do an outstanding job. I think it is important to hold onto during this discussion that many of the things that we are bringing to you this evening are truly out of the control of the Director and her Staff. As you can see we reduced labor for next year, we are trying to stretch our dollars the best we can. There are things that the Administration will take note of and pay attention to, other fundraisers in the building. However, we felt it was very important for the Board to have this information at this time with a second report coming back to you on or about November 1. We hope that the measures that we have taken will eradicate the negative dollar in this school year and be able to move forward with the Program. However, if that is not the case in November, we will have to find another way of support.

Ms. Rosa: I think we need some clarification. One of the items shown here as a State mandate that only healthy snacks candy or soda can be in the vending machines. I whispered that to Dr. Erardi as you may have seen and he clarified that for me that the soda can’t be sold during lunchtime but it can be sold at other times.

Ms. Dreher: We don’t sell soda.

Ms. Rosa: You don’t sell soda at all. OK, so what is it that we are not selling?

Ms. Dreher: Basically, as far as the vending machines go, we have taken any fried or regular chips and changed it to baked chips. Any of the fruit drinks that were high in sugar, we now have 100% fruit juice, water, and Powerade.

Ms. Rosa: Is that all because of the State mandates?

Ms. Dreher: Some of the decisions were made to go in a healthier direction.

Ms. Rosa: Ourselves, it had nothing to do with the legislation?

Ms. Dreher: The vending machines that are in the cafeteria are on all day long at the High School. The vending machines by the Gym and other places in the building are on timers, they go on at 2 in the afternoon, a little later at Swift and they turn off at 6:30 in the morning. So you have the freedom of what can be sold in those vending machines, but this year I made a decision to go ahead in a healthier direction with the whole childhood obesity issue. These restrictions will be becoming stricter and even if we wanted to go back to selling those items we aren’t going to be able to.

Ms. Rosa: That is why I needed clarification. I don’t know if the other Board members did but I thought the Bill was vetoed by the Governor.

Ms. Dreher: There are some restrictions within the (inaudible) Authorization Act and those restrictions within that, will start with the 06-07 school year.

Ms. Rosa: So the impression that the public got that the only mandate was the one that was vetoed is not a correct impression?

Ms. Dreher: No, and it is very frustrating for the School Nutrition Association. In general there is a lot of misinformation; most school districts are not the ones who are selling the soda and things like that. There is a lot of misinformation about that.

Ms. Rosa: So you do not have total control over what you sell as we might have thought.

Ms. Dreher: No, there is a list of minimal nutritional value items that you can sell.

Ms. Colangelo: It says on the bottom of the first page; the explanation that lunch sales have decreased due to lunch price increases. Isn’t that one of your recommendations; to increase prices by 10%. Isn’t that going to be detrimental?

Ms. Dreher: No, that is the cost of a lunch. We took quite a jump last year and whenever we take a jump you tend to lose a little participation. What I tried to do in one year is I would address the lunch, another year I’d address the A La Carte, so this year we will look at the A La Carte issue.

8. Cost of Savings for Closing Schools

Mr. Todd LoFrese will present to the Board a report on the cost of savings if schools were to close at the end of the school day.

J.Report from the Chairman

Ms. Rosa: For the record we received a copy of a petition from the Tower Road residents and they also communicated and appeared before the Council.Just so everyone knows the Superintendent and the Police Chief are going to be working on that issue.

Dr. Erardi: I met with the community representative of the group that brought the petition to the Board of Education and I assured the gentleman as soon as we name our new Watertown High School Principal in the middle of July that one of the agenda items will be the opportunity to meet with the Principal and Superintendent and we will work together and do our best work to make the neighborhood and the High School work in harmony.

Ms. Rosa: The other item is that the Superintendent is going to be writing a letter to invite Mr. Jack Walton to be a representative to the Teacher negotiations.We are trying to be responsive to the public’s interests; obviously that participation will be contingent upon Mr. Walton’s confidentiality agreement as all of us must adhere to within the ground rules that are set forth. That letter will go out in the next day or two.

Ms. Pannone: Will he be a passive person in the negotiations?He doesn’t have a vote does he?

Ms. Rosa: No, he doesn’t but he would certainly have input and would have access to the information that is dispersed.

K.Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent

a.Consideration of the Approval of Acceptance of Gift

The Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund would like to donate a check in the amount of $72.38 to the Watertown Public Schools.This check represents proceeds generated from the donation containers for the 4th quarter 2004 and the 1st quarter 2005.

It is recommended that the Board accept this generous gift and a letter of thanks to be sent to the donor.

Motion Presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Ms. Pannone, that the Board accept this generous gift from the Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund who would like to donate a check in the amount of $72.38 to the Watertown Public Schools and a letter of thanks to be sent to the donor.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

b.Consideration of the Approval of Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2005-2006 School Year – Second Reading

The Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2005-2006 school year were presented for the first reading at the Board of Education meeting on June 13, 2005.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. It is now being presented tonight for Board approval. (See Attached Book List – Attachment D.)

Motion Presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Ms. Pannone, that the Board approve of the Proposed New or Revised Textbooks for the 2005- 2006 school year which were presented for the first reading at the Board of Education meeting on June 13, 2005. 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.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

c.Consideration of the Approval of the Change of Name on Bank Accounts

It is recommended that the Board approve of the change of name on the bank accounts to show Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, as a signer.

Motion Presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Mr. Vicenzi, that the Board approve of the change of name on the bank accounts to show Dr. Joseph V. Erardi, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, as a signer.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

d.Consideration of the Approval of Transfer of Funds

The Director of Operations requests approval for the transfer of $11,862.66 from the Construction Projects system wide line 010-450-2620-20-45000-7501 to the HVAC system wide line 010-430-2640-20-43015-7501.

Ms. Rosa: This item is not going to be necessary, I understand from our Administration so we will remove that item off of the Agenda for action this evening.

Ms. Colangelo: Is that going to be Tabled or just Removed?

Ms. Rosa: Just Removed.We’ll move onto the item that was added by Mr. Marks to authorize the Superintendent to write a letter to the Town Council requesting the establishment of a fund to receive money generated through advertisement.

e.Advertising Fund

Motion presented by Mr. Marks seconded by Mr. Vicenzi to authorize the Superintendent to write a letter to the Town Council requesting the establishment of a fund to accept the receipt of advertising funds and the fund should be able to roll into subsequent years.

Discussion:

Ms. Rosa: We need to make sure that the letter does indicate that this would be a fund where the money would be able to be carried from year to year and would not have to be turned back to the town at the end of the year.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

L.Future Agenda Items

Mr. Vicenzi: Could we please get an update on the John Trumbull School and the problems that we have had and whether they have been fixed and what hasn’t been fixed.

Ms. Rosa: A Facilities update?

Mr. Vicenzi: Yes, and who is paying for it.

Ms. Rosa: That might need to be Executive Session because you are talking about litigation; we are in litigation with all of those issues.

Mr. Vicenzi: Even if we just had an update on what was fixed?

Ms. Rosa: No, obviously, that would be fine but not the issue of who is paying.

M.Public Participation

Ms. Rosa opened Public Participation again but there was not anyone who wished to address the Board.

N.Executive Session/Personnel Matters (3)

Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Ms. Colangelo, to enter into Executive Session with Dr. Erardi and all Board members present at 8:13 p.m.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Executive Session adjourned at 8:18 p.m.Everyone re-entered the Library and Regular Session was reconvened.

Motion Presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Ms. Pannone, to appoint Thad Hasbrouck as Interim High School Principal with a 10% stipend.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Motion Presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Mr. Marks, to enter into Executive Session with Dr. Erardi, Dr. Pelosi, all Board members present, Mr. LoFrese,

Ms. Dreher, Mr. Beliveau and Ms. Grover at 8:20 p.m.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Executive Session adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

O.Adjournment

Motion presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Ms. Calabrese, that the Regular Board of Education meeting adjourn at 9:05 p.m.

Motion Passed Unanimously

(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)

Meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted

Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary

Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk