Watertown Board of Education
Regular Board of Education Meeting
Minutes
Meeting Date: July 25, 2005
Meeting Time: 6:30 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
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: Mr. Charles Fenn, Board member
Mr. James Marks, Board member
Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services
Press: Mr. Tommy Valuckas, Waterbury Republican American
Mr. Jim Taylor, Town Times
Other interested citizens: Mr. Whitey Greenwood, Mrs. Sandy Greenwood, Mrs. Fran Palmer, Mr. Bill Brown and Mr. Bob Grady. Mrs. Laura Meka, Mr. Thad Hasbrouk and Mr. Dave Hoffman.
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 6:30 PM
Ms. Mary Ann Rosa, Chairman, convened the meeting at 6:30 p.m.
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Rosa led the salute to the Flag.
C. Public Participation
There was not anyone present who wished to address the Board.
D. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
E. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, James Marks, Chair
Ms. Rosa: Mr. Marks isn’t here this evening but he did indicate that there had been a meeting earlier this week.
Dr. Erardi: There was a meeting a few weeks ago and the committee continues to go forward. They have met with a major corporation who hopefully will have interest in Watertown. In addition last week the Town Council approved the Advertising Committee to create a fund that will allow a fund balance year after year to help offset the cost of athletics. So it is moving along and I’m sure that Mr. Marks will be scheduling a meeting.
2. Athletics and Facilities Committee, Mr. Victor Vicenzi, Chair
Mr. Vicenzi: We didn’t have a meeting but we did meet at the track with the PBC, the architect and the contractor and everything on the track side looked really good; a few cosmetic things that they had to clean up to take care of a few spots. They came up with a little bit of a punch list of things that they didn’t like about the field and from my understanding they have been out there the last couple of days and have taken care of that. So I believe we are going to be getting together with the PBC again and we’ll have another walk through and decide when we are going to take the field over.
3. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese: There is no report this evening but we are in the process of scheduling a meeting next week, it will either be Wednesday or Thursday.
4. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Colangelo, Chair
Ms. Colangelo: The Policy Committee brings to the full Board for a second reading and approval this evening of the mandatory policy of Termination of Coaches.
5. Cablevision, James Marks
Ms. Rosa: Mr. Marks said that there had been no meeting of the Cablevision so there is no report.
F. Communications - Secretary
No correspondence presented tonight.
G. Minutes
1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – June 27, 2005
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Ms. Pannone that the minutes of the Regular Board of Education meeting of June 27, 2005 be approved as presented.
Motion Passed
(6-In favor, 0-Opposed, 1-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Rosa, Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Pannone and Mr.Vicenzi
Abstained: Ms. Dzioba
H. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
Dr. Erardi: I’d like to bring to the Board’s attention, item 1-j, I’m real pleased and I’m awfully proud to appoint Laura Meka, who is leaving the Waterbury schools to be the Assistant Principal at John Trumbull Primary School. This was a very, very competitive field of applicants and Laura certainly shined to the top of that field. Laura is with us this evening and she may perhaps like to introduce her family to us.
Mrs. Meka: Sure, this is my daughter, Nicolette, my father, my son Ty and my husband Vasos. We are so excited; thank you for the opportunity. Nici is thrilled that she will be going to school with me every day.
Ms. Rosa: Thank you and welcome.
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Everett Condit to the position of Technology Ed Teacher at Swift Middle School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 7, with a Masters Degree, with 8 years of teaching experience, at a contractual salary of $48,741.00.
b. Mr. Anthony Deziel to the position of English Teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 6, with a Bachelors Degree, five years of experience, at a contractual salary of $42,849.00.
c. Ms. Katie Elwood to the position of Grade 6 Teacher at Heminway Park School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Bachelors Degree, with one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $36,422.00.
d. Mr. William Hosking to the position of Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Bachelors Degree, one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $36,422.00.
e. Ms. Beth Ellen Kulmann to the position of ½ Kindergarten and ½ Kindergarten Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Bachelors Degree, with one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $36,422.00.
f. Ms. Tara Leonetti to the position of .8 Mathematics Teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 6, six years of experience, with a Bachelors Degree + 30 Credits, at a contractual salary of $37,278.00.
g. Ms. Marlena Litz to the position of Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Masters Degree, one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $39,100.00.
h. Ms. Elizabeth Loughlin to the position of Social Studies Teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Masters Degree, with one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $39,100.00.
i. Ms. Sherri Marquardt to the position of .5 Kindergarten Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective for the 2005-2006 school year, being hired on Step 2, with a Masters Degree, one year of experience, at a contractual salary of $19,550.00.
j. Ms. Laura Meka to the position of Assistant Principal of John Trumbull Primary School effective August 8, 2005, being hired on Step 2 of the Watertown Administrator’s Association at a contractual salary of $78,500.00 prorated.
k. Mr. Robert Sorenson to the position of Guidance Coordinator 7-12 for the Watertown Public Schools for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.
l. Mr. Gregory Chere to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant effective from July 12, 2005 through September 2, 2005 for 40 weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
m. The following have been appointed to the position of paraprofessional in the 2005 August autism program beginning July 25, 2005 through August 17, 2005 at an hourly rate per contract:
Ms. Diane Bigham
Ms. Deborah Ciochetti
Ms. Patricia Mennis
Ms. Marisa Sinopoli
n. The following have been appointed to the position of College Intern in the 2005 Summer Developmental Program at John Trumbull Primary School for a 2.5 hour program for 15 days at a salary of $320.59:
Ms. Valerie Bates
Ms. Dana Elmendorf
Ms. Mary Lombardi
Ms. Amanda Wells
o. Ms. June Legge to the position of Athletic Director for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $5,039.00 plus an additional $5,500.00 for additional compensation, approved by the Personnel/Policy Committee at its meeting of May 2, 2001, for a total salary of $10,539.00.
p. Ms. Monica Kreuzer to the position of Science Coordinator at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,364.00.
q. Ms. Kristi Ortiz to the position of One to One Paraprofessional, Category #1, Swift Middle School, effective August 31, 2005, for 6.0 hours paid per day at an hourly rate of $11.09.
2. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Dzioba: I would like a clarification on Item f; Donna Wright is going from 1.0 to .8, with no other assignments?
Dr. Erardi: That was a request on her part.
a. Ms. Chryll Beliveau from ½ Kindergarten Teacher and ½ Kindergarten Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to Grade 5 Teacher at Judson School effective 2005-2006.
b. Ms. Michelle Benedetto from 1.0 Art Teacher at Polk School to .6 Art Teacher at Polk School and .4 Art Teacher at Watertown High School effective 2005-2006.
c. Ms. Laurie Elwell from 1.0 Art Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to .9 Art Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School and .1 Art Teacher at Heminway Park School effective 2005-2006.
d. Ms. Jody Field from 1.0 Art Teacher at Judson School to .7 Art Teacher at Judson School and .3 Art Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.
e. Ms. Tammy Porcheron from .4 Art Teacher at John Trumbull Primary School to .4 Art Teacher at Heminway Park School and .6 Art Teacher at Swift Middle School effective 2005-2006.
f. Ms. Donna Wright from 1.0 Art Teacher to .8 Art Teacher at Watertown High School effective 2005-2006.
g. Ms. Karen Duncan from 1.0 music teacher at Judson School to .8 music teacher at Judson School and .2 music teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.
h. Mr. Glenn Nelson from 1.0 music teacher at Polk School to .8 music teacher at Polk School and .2 music teacher at John Trumbull Primary School effective 2005-2006.
3. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Mr. Scott Nozik from the position of Principal of Polk School, effective July 8, 2005 to accept another position.
Dr. Erardi: As everyone knows this is the formal resignation of Mr. Nozik who I believe begins his new position today in East Hartford.
4. Update on the Building Issues at John Trumbull Primary School
Mr. Todd LoFrese will present to the Board a report on the building issues at John Trumbull Primary School. (See Attachment A.)
Mr. LoFrese: As everyone is aware the list of repairs at John Trumbull School with the roof, the gutters and with some site work issues is currently in legal action, however the process to get many repairs completed has begun. The bid package for the roof and gutter related repairs has gone out, the bids have come back in and the PBC is currently reviewing those bids to determine a course of action. It’s my understanding that they will be discussing it further on Wednesday evening and hopefully we will have some more information after that. Any other questions I can answer for anyone?
Mr. Vicenzi: If we could all be kept up to date for the simple reason if you read the Town Times there are people who are writing their letters and it’s going out to bid and if they spent a little time at our meetings they would know why but I think it is important to let everyone know exactly what is going on so we don’t get that kind of negative press. If we keep everybody informed we might be able to do away with some of the negative comments in the editorial page.
Mr. LoFrese: OK, great.
5. Superintendent’s Evaluation – (Information Only - First Reading)
Board members Mr. Vic Vicenzi and Mr. James Marks have reviewed the Superintendent’s evaluation tool to be used for the evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools and it is now presented to the full Board for the first reading. (See Attachment B.)
Dr. Erardi: On June 28th I met with the Mr. Vicenzi and Mr. Marks and we discussed the Superintendent’s evaluation tool in format, the design of the evaluation tool is from CABE. Mr. Vicenzi and Mr. Marks, subsequent to our meeting did get back to me and they were comfortable with the evaluation tool so I bring it to the Board this evening for further review.
Mr. Vicenzi: If everyone would take a look at it and I don’t know if we have to take a vote on it or if this what we are going to use, if it’s just amongst ourselves and we figure that is what we want to do, then we can go ahead use this.
Ms. Rosa: OK, we will give everyone a chance to read it and we’ll put it on the Agenda for the next meeting to be approved.
I. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Rosa: I don’t have a report except to encourage those of you that are hear to speak to your friends and ask them to be aware that there is a Board of Education meeting on Wednesday evening where will be making $465,000 in cuts to our Budget. There will be no public participation at that meeting but I do think that those interested in education need to see what we go through in order to reach such a cut and hopefully will come away with a greater appreciation of the efforts not only of the Board but of the Staff also.
J. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
a. Consideration of the Approval of Termination of Coaches Policy – Second Reading
The Termination of Coaches Policy was presented to the Board of Education for a first reading at its meeting on June 27, 2005. The policy is presented this evening for the second reading. This policy was reviewed by the Policy and Labor Committee at its meeting on June 15, 2005 and is now presented to the full Board for approval.
(See Attachment C.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Termination of Coaches Policy effective immediately.
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo seconded by Mr. Vicenzi that the Board approve of the Termination of Coaches Policy to be effective immediately.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
b. Consideration of the Approval of Personal Leave of Absence
Ms. Barbara DeMaida, a Watertown Student Lunch Program Employee, is requesting a personal unpaid leave of absence effective August 31, 2005 through January 3, 2006.
It is recommended that the Board approve of a personal unpaid leave of absence for Ms. Barbara DeMaida, a Watertown Student Lunch Program employee, effective August 31, 2005 through January 3, 2006.
Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese seconded by Ms. Colangelo that the Board approve of a personal unpaid leave of absence for Ms. Barbara DeMaida, a Watertown Student Lunch Program employee, effective August 31, 2005 through January 3, 2006.
c. Consideration of The Approval of 2004-2005 Year-End Transfers
Ms. Amelia Grover, Director of Budget and Financial Planning, requests Board approval for the attached transfer of funds for the 2004-2005 fiscal year. (See Attachment D.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the attached transfer of funds for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
Motion presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Pannone that the Board approve of the attached transfer of funds for the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
d. Consideration of The Approval of Appointment of Principal of Watertown High School
It is recommended that Mr. Thad Hasbrouck be appointed to the position of Principal of Watertown High School effective July 26, 2005 at a contractual salary of the Watertown Administrator’s Association, Step 3, $104,000.00.
Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese seconded by Ms. Colangelo that Mr. Thad Hasbrouck be appointed to the position of Principal of Watertown High School effective July 26, 2005 at a contractual salary of the Watertown Administrator’s Association, Step 3, $104,000.00.
Discussion:
Ms. Rosa: Thad we are thrilled and very happy that you are going to be with us.
Mr. Hasbrouk: I have a lot of people to thank along the road and first and foremost is my wife Gail, she has been beside me for more years than probably either one of us want to tell. We have been side by side through all sorts of things and being here tonight is certainly one of them. My kids would be here except that they are both working doing whatever it is that they need to do to get ready for college next year. The staff has been terrific and I will continue to plug them and give them a plug tonight, they have been supportive of my application. I talked with Dr. Erardi after the whole process of interviews and the offer was made and he said in his conversations with staff members that every time they managed to put that plug in there for me and I’m appreciative of that and also the hard work that they do. They have been incredibly dedicated over the past several years, particularly with all of the curriculum and NEASC work and as I’m preparing the summer letter to them, the NEASC work continues as we now have to deal with the ramifications. I would also like to thank Phil and Joe for their support as well and as well as thanking you for entrusting to me the leadership at the High School. I’m excited about the coming year and we have a lot of work ahead of us, it certainly will have its challenges and maybe we are not looking forward to it but as Wednesday night approaches I know you will do the best for our kids.
e. Consideration of the Approval of the Restructuring of the Technology/Media Assignments
With the retirement of a 1.0 professional educator’s position, which was responsible for instruction and district-wide media coordination, a void remains in the district to fill the role of media coordinator. Our schools continue to move forward with an increased need for coordination and expertise in the area of technology and technology equipment. As you know, a significant communication enhancement will take place at Watertown High School with the video lab (Education Foundation – Gift) scheduled to be completed this summer.
The recommended proposal for 2005-2006 would be to reassign the teaching component to returning staff, retain the former employee as a media coordinator (sub-contactor – no benefits), and to once again expand the responsibilities of the Director of Operations.
Descriptions of the responsibilities for the position of the Media Consultant and the Audio Visual Responsibilities to be assumed by the Director of Operations are attached. (See Attachment E.)
It is recommended that the Board approve of the restructuring of the Technology/Media Assignments effective July 1, 2005.
Motion presented by Ms. Caine seconded by Ms. Calabrese that the Board approve of the restructuring of the Technology/Media Assignments effective July 1, 2005.
Ms. Rosa: I would like to point out, as Ms. Colangelo said, we do need new job descriptions for these positions so if those could come to us at a future date as soon as possible so that we would have those updated.
(6-In Favor, 1-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Opposed: Ms. Dzioba
K. Future Agenda Items
Ms. Pannone: I would like to commend Phil and the crew who hired all of these people and there were so many of them and from what I hear many are from Watertown.
Dr. Pelosi: Yes many of the applicants this year were from Watertown and were highly qualified and rose to the top and were offered the positions, several accepted the positions and I’m proud to see people go through the system and come back. We have a lot to look forward to and again I’d also like to thank Laura and Thad for applying and accepting, congratulations to the both of you.
Ms. Rosa: We don’t have another regular meeting until the end of August on the 22nd, so if anything should come up please get it to Dr. Erardi or myself.
L. Public Participation
M. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Vicenzi seconded by Ms. Colangelo that the Regular Board of Education meeting adjourn at 6:50 p.m.
(7-In favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Meeting adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted
Mary Colangelo, Board Secretary
Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk