Watertown Board of Education
Regular Board of Education Meeting
Minutes
Meeting Date: January 9, 2006
Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place:Watertown High School Technology Center
Members Present: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Chairperson
Ms. Maureen Caine, Vice Chairperson
Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board member
Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board member
Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board member
Mr. Chris Lafferty, Board member
Mr. James Marks, Board member
Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board member
Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning
Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations
Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services
Mr. Matthew Dzioba, Student Council Representative
Absent: Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Press: Mr. Tommy Valuckas, Waterbury Republican American
Mr. Jim Taylor, Town Times
Guests: Mr. Nickolas Johnson, Mr. Scott Casolo, Ms. Virginia Stewart, Mr. Thad Hasbrouck and Mr. Stephen Wilmarth
Other interested citizens: Mr. Matthew Geary, Ms.Colleen Spieler, Ms. Kathy Scully, Ms. Marylu Lerz and Ms. Lisa Rommel.
Mr. Mark O’Brien, Ms. Fran Palmer and Ms. Peg Germain.
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Ms. Mary Dzioba, Chairman, convened the meeting at 7:34 p.m.
B.Salute to the Flag
Ms. Dzioba led the salute to the Flag.
C. Recognition
Dr. Erardi introduced both students while recognizing their families in attendance. Dr. Erardi praised both students for their special acts, integrity and honesty while Ms. Dzioba presented both with their certificates which was followed by a short break to allow the students to leave the meeting for refreshments.
1.The Board of Education would like to recognize Nickolas Johnson, a grade 8 student at Swift Middle School, for Family and Civic Responsibility. The smoke detector at Nickolas’ family home sounded off and Nickolas took responsibility for calling 911 and seeing that all family members were safely out of the house.
2.The Board of Education would like to recognize Scott Casolo, a grade 7 student at Swift Middle School for Civic Responsibility. Scott recently found money in a library book at Swift and returned the money to the library office. The office was able to find the rightful owner of the money.
D. Action Item
Ms. Dzioba: We have an important Action item at the beginning of the Agenda; I’d like to welcome Mr. Thomas Lambert to fill the vacancy of Vic Vicenzi. We need a Motion to accept Mr. Lambert’s nomination for appointment to the Board.
Consideration of Approval of Mr. Thomas A. Lambert to Fill Vacant Position
It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of Mr. Thomas A. Lambert to fill the vacant position left from the resignation of Mr. Vic Vicenzi.
The Watertown Town Clerk, Ms. Virginia Stewart, is present this evening for the swearing in of Mr. Lambert.
Motion presented by Ms. Colangelo, seconded by Ms. Calabrese that the Board approve of Mr. Thomas A. Lambert to fill the vacant position left from the resignation of Mr. Vic Vicenzi.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Ms. Dzioba: I believe Ms. Virginia Stewart is here to swear Mr. Lambert in.
Mr. Lambert stood to take the Oath.
Ms. Stewart: Please raise your right hand. Do you Thomas Lambert solemnly swear that you will faithfully discharge according to law, your duties as a member of the Watertown Board of Education, to the best of your abilities, so help you God?
Mr. Lambert: I do, I’d just like to say a few words. First of all, I would like to thank the Republican Town Committee for appointing me to this position. I know that filling Vic’s position will be a challenge but I’ll work hard to make this a smooth transition. Everyone on this Board has a responsibility to assure the students a safe and nurturing atmosphere. The teachers and administration must have the facilities, curriculum and most of all, the motivation to ensure a world class education. Last but not least, the taxpayers of this town who deserve added value for their hard earned educational dollar. I will do my best to uphold your trust, thank you.
E.Public Participation
Mr. Mark O’Brien, 195 Bryant Road, Watertown
As you may already know, I’m here tonight to discuss what I had written in the “Town Times” regarding the Pay-for Play program. What I am requesting is two free, what you might say; parent tickets to the parents of the Pay-for-Play players. That’s basically my request to you. Last Friday I spoke with Dr. Erardi and he agreed with my request as did many of the parents I have spoken to and some are here tonight. He offered to get the ball rolling on his end so that at your next meeting with him we might get an answer, so I thanked him for that. What I think I’m asking for is pretty fair for parents for the Pay-for-Play. I don’t think it should be very complicated of an issue, it shouldn’t be that hard to decide, I’m hopeful that I’ll be able to use this pass before the last home game without having to pay again. If there are any questions, I have ideas, or if you have any questions you want me to answer, I have a few thoughts.
Dr. Erardi: Mr. O’Brien, if I could just clarify one thing, I’d like to share with the Board that we had a very good conversation and I thought it was a respectful and reasonable request that was mentioned. What I agreed to and his request is time sensitive, I think you have a senior as an athlete.
Mr. O’Brien: Correct.
Dr. Erardi: Yes, and we have about six weeks in the season. I shared with him that the way that this type of request comes forward to the Board is that it would go through Sub-Committee and that would be through Mr. Lafferty, who I believe is the Chair of the Athletic Committee. We’ll do our best to convene that as quickly as we can, and get back to you as quickly as we can, ultimately though the Board.
Mr. O’Brien: Thank you very much.
Ms. Dzioba: We can even invite Mr. O’Brien or anyone who is concerned to the Sub-Committee meeting and I can let you know when that is.
Mr. Lafferty: Mary I’d like to let him know one thing. Tonight I am asking all of the members of the Sub-Committee what day would be good for them to meet up and I also have to let the Athletic Directors know from both schools and from there we set a meeting based on what our availabilities are, but we will try to get one as soon as possible. We’ve got your address from the paper, so we will let you know as well.
Dr. Erardi: I’ll give you a call Mark with the date and time.
Mr. O’Brien: All right, thank you very much again.
Ms. Dzioba: Is there anyone else that would like to address the Board?
No one approached and Public Participation was closed at 7:45 p.m.
Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba
Good evening. First of all, on behalf of the student council, I'd like to welcome Mr. Lambert to the Board. I look forward to working with you.
The student council is back in full swing following the lengthy winter break. This week, members of the council will be collecting donations to benefit Project Hope, a nonprofit charity to benefit victims of the AIDS epidemic in Africa. For a dollar donation, students and teachers will receive a red AIDS awareness ribbon. We will be collecting money through the remainder of the week.
This Thursday, members of the National Honor Society and Peer Advocates clubs will be volunteering their time at the High School's first ever "cocoa and cramming" optional study session, where freshman students will be offered the guidance of upperclassmen in order to prepare for upcoming mid-year examinations. Mr. Geary, who organized the event, hopes the session will be helpful for the 9th grade students, as this will be their first time taking the exams.
The FIRST Robotics team 237 will begin their 6 week building process tonight following the announcement of the 2006 game, "Aim High". We wish the team the best of luck in the coming weeks.
Also, the Watertown High School Musical Theatre Group is looking to once again light up the auditorium stage this year with a performance of "South Pacific." The lead roles have been announced, and the rehearsal process is underway.
In sports this week, come out and see the girls’ basketball team play Naugatuck tomorrow at 5:30 in the gym, and be sure to check out the ice hockey game tomorrow night at Taft.
Finally, the Indian Info newsletter is now available online at the Watertown High School website. The newsletter, which is prepared by the Interdepartmental Publishing class at the high school, is full of informative articles, sporting event dates and upcoming events. It can be viewed at www.watertownhigh.org.
That's all from the high school, thank you.
F. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Dzioba: The Budget Summary is in Board member’s packet for information. Does anybody have any questions or comments?
There were no questions or comments from Board members.
G. Committee Reports:
1.Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Ms. Dzioba: I should say that Todd Griffin was called out of town unexpectedly this afternoon so he is not here and there was no Report for this evening.
2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair
Mr. Lafferty stated there was no report this evening.
3.Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Ms. Dzioba: I know that Todd and the Superintendent are working on dates to put together a Budget Sub-Committee so all Board members will be informed of upcoming meetings soon.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese: We are planning to have a meeting soon within the next few weeks to review all of the NEASC recommendations and to discuss where we are with respect to those recommendations so that we can implement all of the things that we need to do to rectify any of the weak areas that were pointed out.
5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair
Mr. Mazzamaro: Facilities Committee is meeting on Wednesday at 6:00 and we are going to tour the High School, the meeting will be in the Library. We will be discussing the NEASC proposals and the requests for proposals as well, and our long range plans.
6. Policy and Labor Committee, Maureen Caine, Chair
Ms. Caine stated there was no report this evening.
7. Cablevision, James Marks
Mr. Marks: There will be a meeting in Torrington on Wednesday night. Actually it’s a meeting/public hearing concerning Cablevision seeking a 15-year renewal of their license. There are many folks; myself included who have serious problems and we’ll be making our concerns known, so I will report at the next meeting.
8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro
Mr. Mazzamaro stated there was no report this evening.
H. Communications - Secretary
Ms. Dzioba read one piece of correspondence from the Johnson Family.
I.Minutes
1.Special Board of Education Meeting – November 18, 2005
Motion Presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Ms. Calabrese that the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of November 18, 2005 be approved as presented.
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 1-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Marks, Mr. Mazzamaro
Abstained: Mr. Lambert
2. Regular Board of Education Meeting – December 12, 2005
Motion Presented by Ms. Caine, seconded by M. Calabrese that the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of December 12, 2005 be approved with corrections.
Discussion:
Mr. Lafferty: On Agenda Item L, on page 17 there was a typo where there is one word that should be two; “on, space, us”.
Mr. Marks: In that same section, it was omitted that I had requested a Future Agenda Item which is on the Agenda this evening for the consideration for the letter to the State Representative. Also, I think there was an omission probably in an excess of modesty the Student Council Representative that the Board forgot to mention that Mr. Matthew Dzioba had been posted as the Student of the Month at the High School for November.
Mr. Lafferty: Also, page 18, Item N, it says that we convened into Executive Session at 8:55 and also ended at 8:55, but at the bottom it says the meeting was adjourned at 9:35.
Ms. Dzioba: So, I think we should Table these until the revisions are made.
Ms. Colangelo: We can approve them as corrected, but it’s up to you.
Ms. Dzioba: OK, if that is all right with everyone to approve of the December 12, 2005 minutes with corrections.
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 1-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Marks, Mr. Mazzamaro
Abstained: Mr. Lambert
Board Clerk has made typo corrections to Page 17 and 18 of 12-12-05 Minutes, per Motion.
Correction Mr. Marks request was not placed into 12-12-05 Minutes, this statement was correctly recorded during 11-28-05 Board Meeting.
3. Special Board of Education Meeting – December 19, 2005
Motion Presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Mr. Lafferty that the Minutes of the Board of Education meeting of December 19, 2005 be approved as presented.
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 1-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Marks, Mr. Mazzamaro
Abstained: Mr. Lambert
J. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Judy Jessell to the position of Library Clerk at Heminway Park and Judson Schools, effective December 14, 2005, for 7.5 hours paid per day, 10 months per year, at an hourly rate of $12.52.
2. Resignations – (Information (Only – No Action Required)
a. Mr. Neil Saucier from the custodial position at Swift Middle School, effective December 23, 2005, for the purpose of retirement.
3. First Reading – School Calendar 06-07 – (Information Only – No Action Required)
The proposed school calendar for 2006-2007 is presented for the first reading this evening. (See Attachment A.)
4. First Reading – Letter Regarding State Mandates – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Board Member James Marks has requested that the Board send a letter to our State Representatives and Senators and ask them to do what they can to reduce our burden of state mandates. Attached is a sample letter that is presented for the first reading. (See Attachment B.)
Dr. Erardi: This is a sample letter and I will defer to Ms. Dzioba or Mr. Marks for further comments.
Mr. Marks: I don’t know if comments are really necessary but since you asked; as I shared with Dr. Erardi at the Athletic Breakfast yesterday, I don’t expect that such a letter will bring any immediate results but I think that it would behoove us and, hopefully, other Boards around the State will throw a pebble in the pond of unfunded mandates and other mandates which don’t require funding, but can give us boils. If we throw a pebble in the pond, hopefully, it will create enough waves to get rid of some of them over the next few years.
5. Watertown High School / Community Tours – (Information Only – No Action Required)
The Board of Education’s focus on the New England Association of Schools and Colleges Watertown High School report and the need to create an immediate, short-term, and long-term plan has led to three scheduled community tours of the school. Interested residents are welcome to better understand the school’s needs and the facility’s limitations by attending one of the following sessions:
Wednesday, January 11 7:00 P.M. High School Main Office
Wednesday, January 18 7:00 P.M. High School Main Office
Saturday, January 28 10:00 A.M. High School Main Office
Tours will last approximately 45 minutes with an opportunity for all to ask questions throughout the walking tours.
6.Watertown High School / Alumni Association
Approximately two years ago, there was a core group of graduates who worked hard to create the mission and vision for an alumni association. Their early work included organizational meetings with former graduates and they established the beginning stages of what the association could represent to our schools and the community.
Recently, the school’s administration had a chance to meet with founding members and concluded that the early work of 2004 needs to be reconvened with even a greater appeal for membership. Potential outcomes may include a “Wall of Fame”, reoccurring annual events, mentorships and partnerships with students, and with equal importance, creating a forum for all graduates to reunite with fellow classmates.
I am pleased to have the opportunity to meet with our community’s proud alumni as there will be a meeting with an open invitation to all graduates of Watertown High School that has been scheduled for Tuesday, February 7th, at 7:00 p.m. in the Watertown High School Technology Center. Any graduate who is in need of additional information can call the Superintendent’s office.
7. Budget Update
The Superintendent will present an update on the 2005-2006 school budget and the proposed timeline for the school budget for 2006-2007.
Dr. Erardi: In regard to the 06-07 Budget, as the Chair mentioned a few moments ago, there will be a number of Sub-Committee meetings that will be set up for the month of January and early February. Two items that I think are important for the Board of Education to realize that will be coming their way. Item number one is that as we committed to the community in January, it will be at our January 23 meeting, Ms. Grover who oversees our finance for the Board of Education, is bringing to close our first semester in regard to finances and will be making a recommendation to me and ultimately to you in regards to Spring sports, that will take place on January 23.
In February, we are hoping that the Management team, the Program Director, the Administrative team and Central Office, along with the Budget Sub-Committee, will be making a public presentation to the Board at your first February meeting of the proposed 06-07 Budget. So we have a lot going on with finances in the next two months.
8. NEASC Update
Mr. Thad Hasbrouck, Principal of Watertown High School, is with us this evening to give an update on the Watertown High School Accreditation Report by NEASC.
Dr. Erardi: We spoke about this item in December and Administration is prepared this evening to share the update with curriculum and facility and ultimately, Mr. Hasbrouck and many of his staff members are here this evening for questions that any Board members may have. I would like to start with Dr. Pelosi who will share with the Board an update on the curriculum concerns and commendations from the NEASC report.
Dr. Pelosi: Thank you, Dr. Erardi. As Mr. Hasbrouck has presented the entire report to the Board in the past, I’ll just highlight some of the commendations and recommendations that we’d like to emphasize tonight in light of a specific item that is on the Agenda in terms of the Computer Lab. Also, Ms. Calabrese indicated that in the next week or so, we’ll be convening the Curriculum and Instruction Committee to really take apart all of the commendations and all of the recommendations to really delve into what, specifically, each means for us in terms of the July 1, 2006 report and then also, the 2-year report and to come up with a macroscopic plan for looking ahead two years.
The commendations were that, we had a clear Mission Statement and expectations and we clearly articulated a matrix, outlining which department is responsible for each expectation.
The Independent Study opportunities that the students receive at the High School were commended.
The course that Matthew Dzioba indicated, the Inter-Departmental Publishing course that was responsible for having the school newspaper put on-line. The American Studies courses, which integrate student learning, were also commended and we are looking at expanding those opportunities, but again, in light of budget constraints.
The Staff’s commitment to the success of every student was highlighted in almost every standard, every area.
The District’s commitment to Professional Development; that program was highlighted in a few different areas, in particular, Curriculum, as it should be if we are doing it correctly and they felt that we were.
The efforts to integrate Technology into the Written Curriculum, again the key word there is, the “effort” to integrate the Technology because in many places they talk about the number of Computer Labs that we have and how they are overbooked, over subscribed and that they are sometimes, department specific and there is not enough flexibility for independent research, be it in the Library or in the Lab setting. Although we are very happy they are being used.
Recommendations, I won’t go into every one as the Curriculum Committee will be reviewing every one and then reporting back to the full Board as to what we are doing with them but, some that I highlighted here that relate to what we are trying to do this evening, would be to develop and implement a comprehensive plan for collecting and managing data on student progress, on the expectations, which were commended. For learning to ensure sustainability of the process and to adequately track student performance over time; so a longitudinal study of students and also managing that data, again relating specifically to Technology.
They also talked about the use of student school-wide rubrics, which we are working on. Also, instructional strategies actually into the guide, we have them, they just weren’t listed in every single guide and they wanted to see that in each guide and those are easily fixable.
Also, provide continued on-going Professional Development in Differentiated Instruction, again a major thrust of the instructional program that was commended overall, was our commendation in terms of Differentiated Instruction, blending students and raising the bar and having students reach for the highest level, not the lowest common denominator, but they want to see a 2-year plan in Professional Development area. Also, teaching to heterogeneous groups, not just tracking kids and having low expectations.
Also, other initiatives such as the Student Advisory program that has been implemented and this is the second year. This is the first year of it’s full implementation, piloting has been done.
Also, to expand opportunities for students to extend learning beyond the normal course offerings at the school campus, so in other words, will Technology help us in this area, and it should.
Then there was the statement in the report and this is verbatim:
“While the school has a number of Computer Labs, many are course specific and not available to all students, thus the availability of computers for independent inquiry is inadequate to meet the demand of the curriculum designed to integrate Technology across the disciplines. Furthermore, the computers in the Library Media Center are limited and outdated making it difficult to do independent research.”
We have tried to address some of the computers in the Library through efforts with the Director of Operation and the Media Consultant, as well as the High School Administration, so some of that has been addressed, but having labs available for the inquiry has not been addressed and we are hoping to have that addressed at this evening’s meeting. We have been meeting, Mr. Hasbrouck, Mr. Geary, Colleen Spieler, the Head of the Curriculum Committee, who is here this evening and Todd LoFrese and I and the Superintendent, have been trying to work on developing ways to implement a lab. Of course, we have Ms. Grover’s expertise in terms of how can we do this fiscally, looking at grants and not asking for additional money but, asking for money that we have and also tying in grant money to make this occur. That is I believe, Item L-d on the Agenda and Mr. Hasbrouck along with Staff is here this evening and I don’t know if he has anything to add to that specific portion of the report or if Dr. Erardi has any questions or the Board.
Dr. Erardi: If it is OK with the Board, Mr. LoFrese is prepared with the Facilities component of this and Mr. Hasbrouck is prepared to wrap up the report to the Board and answer any questions.
Mr. LoFrese: Good evening, on the Facilities side, we began to address several recommendations that the Visiting Committee had made. Temporary repairs to the Boys’ Locker Room, some of the tiles we repaired and we have reduced the safety hazards in the Boys’ Locker Room. We have been making on-going repairs to the bleachers since last year so those continue to be something that needs to be addressed and we continue to address them. At no cost to the District, the Connecticut State Department of Public Health will be coming to visit with us at the end of the month to help us evaluate air quality issues. As Dr. Pelosi also mentioned, there is also the opportunity on the Technology side to increase computer resources at the High School. Lastly, just a reminder that there is a Facilities Committee meeting this Wednesday at 6:00, we are going to be looking at the NEASC Report in depth as far as Facilities are concerned and also at continuing to seek support for the Long Range Plan and the Facilities Use Study.
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Mr. LoFrese. The last comment that I have and then I am going to defer directly to Mr. Hasbrouck is that with the Budget Sub-Committee, through the efforts of our Business and Finance Director, you will have presented to you approximately $400,000 of tag items. The definition of a tag item is an item that falls directly into the need of NEASC, i.e.: staffing, supplies, textbooks, library books, equipment, including Technology. That will be fleshed out when we have our first Budget Sub-Committee meting but just to give you a sense of dollars. We have identified a short term need of approximately $400,000; either of certified or non-certified staff or textbooks, workbooks, supplies or technology.
Mr. Hasbrouck: Thank you Dr. Erardi and thank you for the time that you gave me last month in the presentation of the information about NEASC. I won’t reiterate all of that because it was rather lengthy. I didn’t know if having had an opportunity to absorb that and read through the Report if there were any questions I could answer for you. As you can tell from the reports that have already been given, there is a lot to do. We have begun at the High School in a variety of ways, working on some of the items. I would just remind the Board that the timeline is quite tight on some of these items and I have to have a report to NEASC on July 1 with some weighty and substantial items that need to have been addressed, or have a defined plan in place, so all of us have a lot of work ahead of us. I don’t know if any of you have any questions after having had the opportunity to look at the items.
Mr. Lambert: Dr. Erardi, did you say some of the budgeted items are going towards the NEASC issues?
Dr. Erardi: Correct.
Mr. Lambert: So, you will get some of those addressed?
Dr. Erardi: Yes, what I tried to do Mr. Lambert is, and what we have done through again, Ms. Grover’s office, just as an identification for the Board, when as in the past, the Board has dissected line by line item and scrutinized and rightfully so, all of the potential line items within the projected Budget, the additional information will be, I believe, in 13 or 14 different places in the Budget booklet, that we wanted the Board to know that if you reduce here, it will effect the NEASC response letter that Mr. Hasbrouck is speaking about for July 1, 2006.
Mr. Lambert: What I am after mainly is like a Gantt Chart with a timeline and dollar amount that we can look at and budget and have an idea of where we are going.
Dr. Erardi: We actually have that prepared and the process is, it will go out through Budget Sub-Committee first, but we are ready with that.
Ms. Dzioba: Mr. Hasbrouck, as far as the timeline goes Mr. Hasbrouck, when they say immediately with some of the recommendations and requirements, what is the definition of immediately?
Mr. Hasbrouck: July 1, Dr. Pelosi spent a considerable amount of time in communication with NEASC to get that definition for that very question and that was the answer, about as succinct as one could make it.
9. Technology Presentation
Dr. Erardi: The last thing tonight is a presentation from Steve Wilmarth; the Administrative team has had the pleasure of Mr. Wilmarth’s presentation about one month ago and Steve also presented to area Superintendents. Steve is by far, the icon of Technology and my comment to him when he presented to Superintendents, I raised my hand and my statement was, “Just when I thought that I was catching on, I realized how far I was behind and I work hard to stay current.” Steve is the Director and Program Developer in the 21st Century Skills with Education, his vitay is longer than the ten minutes that I asked him to present, so I’ll hold on my comments. Steve will present to us this evening a sense for the Board of Education, of what is in store for Instruction, for Teaching and Learning and I think that when Steve is done, there is almost going to be a calming and a sense of relief. We know that we are behind the eight ball with our Technology Plan but I think that Steve will share with you how things have changed and perhaps, down the road, how things will be just a few dollars less expensive.
Steve Wilmarth gave an informative presentation on the importance of Technology in the education of our students.
Mr. Stephen Wilmarth, Director of Program Development for the Center For 21st Century Skills at Education Connection, is present this evening to give a presentation on technology.
K. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Dzioba: We have two contracts that are up for renewal on June 30, 2006, so we would like to put a Negotiating team together. For the Custodians, I would like to ask Rich and Tom if you would please be on the Negotiation Committee for that.
For the Nurse’s contract which also expires June 30, I would like to ask Todd Griffin and Jim if you would be available for that.
Mr. Marks: OK.
Ms. Dzioba: Thank you. The other thing tonight is that each Member has a condensed guide to Robert’s Rules of Order. There was a seminar tonight in the Library which conflicted with our meeting so we were unable to attend so they sent each Member and Superintendent these versions of the book. The Board Attorney, Franklin Pilicy is trying to get another seminar so that the Board would be able to attend in either April or May.
a. The Board of Education has received notification that the contracts for the Custodians Local 1049 of Council 4 AFSCME, AFL-CIO and the Nurses Local 1303-262 of Council 4 AFSCME, AFL-CIO will expire on June 30, 2006.
Board members will be needed to serve on the negotiating committees.
b. Attached is a list of the various sub-committees with the names of Board members serving on them. (See Attachment C.)
L. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
a. Consideration of Approval of Coca-Cola Proposal – Second Reading
A proposal from the Coca-Cola Company with the Watertown Board of Education was presented to the Board for the first reading at its meeting on December 12, 2005. The proposal is presented tonight for the second reading and for Board approval. (Board members have received a copy of the proposal under separate cover.)
Motion presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Ms. Colangelo that the Board approve of a proposal from the Coca-Cola Company presented tonight for the second reading.
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 1-Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Dzioba, Ms. Caine, Ms. Calabrese, Ms. Colangelo, Mr. Lafferty, Mr. Marks, Mr. Mazzamaro
Abstained: Mr. Lambert
b. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts
1. The Gold Circle of Sports, through Jim Krayeske, would like to donate the metal posts needed to install a score board for the Field Hockey Team with an approximate value of $500.00.
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board accept the gift from Gold Circle of Sports, through Jim Krayeske, who would like to donate the metal posts needed to install a score board for the Field Hockey Team with an approximate value of $500.00.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
2. The Gridiron Club would like to donate $200.00 to be used for the installation of the score board.
Motion presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board accept the gift from The Gridiron Club who would like to donate $200.00 to be used for the installation of the score board.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
3. Mr. Ron Webb would like to donate Business Education books with an approximate value of $1,000.00 to the business education students in the Watertown Public Schools.
Motion presented by Ms. Caine, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board accept the gift from Mr. Ron Webb who would like to donate Business Education books with an approximate value of $1,000.00 to the business education students in the Watertown Public Schools.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
4. Mr. Tim Reardon, Assistant Manager at Home Depot in Bristol, would like to donate a set of aluminum bleachers with an approximate value of $1,600.00 to be used for the home football games on the visitors’ side of the backfield.
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Ms. Caine that the Board accept the gift from Mr. Tim Reardon, Assistant Manager at Home Depot in Bristol, who would like to donate a set of aluminum bleachers with an approximate value of $1,600.00 to be used for the home football games on the visitors’ side of the backfield.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
5. Mr. Larry Santilli, Sr., would like to donate a GE microwave oven, Model JES735WJ, to Watertown High School with an approximate value of $100.00.
Motion presented by Ms. Caine, seconded by Mr. Lafferty that the Board accept the gift from Mr. Larry Santilli, Sr., who would like to donate a GE microwave oven, Model JES735WJ, to Watertown High School with an approximate value of $100.00.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
6. Mr. Jack Kilday, would like to donate a check in the amount of $400.00 to be used to help assist some student athletes in the baseball program. This money was collected from the patrons at Daveluy’s Restaurant in memory of their friend Mike Josfanger.
It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Lafferty that the Board accept the gift from Mr. Jack Kilday, who would like to donate a check in the amount of $400.00 to be used to help assist some student athletes in the baseball program. This money was collected from the patrons at Daveluy’s Restaurant in memory of their friend Mike Josfanger.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
c. Consideration of Approval of Family Medical Leave of Absence
Ms. Lauren O’Toole, grade one teacher at John Trumbull Primary School, requests a childbearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately February 24, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time, until the end of the 2005-2006 school year, and a medical doctor’s note to return.
It is recommended that the Board approve of a childbearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately February 24, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time, until the end of the 2005-2006 school year, and a medical doctor’s note to return.
Motion presented by Ms. Caine, seconded by Mr. Lafferty that the Board approve of a childbearing leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act, commencing approximately February 24, 2006, with use of accumulated sick time, until the end of the 2005-2006 school year, and a medical doctor’s note to return.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
d. Consideration of Approval of Transfer of Funds
It is recommended that the Board approve of the transfer of $18,500 from the telephone budget line to the equipment budget line to allow for the purchase of computers for the creation of an additional high school computer lab as recommended by NEASC.
Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro that the Board approve of the transfer of $18,500 from the telephone budget line to the equipment budget line to allow for the purchase of computers for the creation of an additional high school computer lab as recommended by NEASC.
Discussion:
Mr. Lafferty: I have a few questions on that. We are moving. We are transferring the $18,500, how is that affecting the telephone budget?
Dr. Erardi: I am going to defer to Mr. LoFrese.
Mr. LoFrese: Attached to the Agenda, on the back page, there is a handout of approximately 3 or 4 pages and on the back page it details the project funding. Specifically, the District was awarded a Technology Infrastructure Grant and we also received an additional E-rate Grant this year, which combined with delaying the installation of our wide-area network, which is going to go into place on March 1. It allowed us to have some additional funding in those lines.
Ms. Colangelo: I have a question or further clarification. Is this coming from the Budget Object 530, which has a balance of $6,800 in it, that is on this telephone? The balance is coming from these other Grants, is that it? Am I mistaken or didn’t we use that E-rate money for something else when we were doing our Budget process?
Mr. LoFrese: That was when we had replaced a Computer Lab at Heminway last January or February, but that was with 2003-204 E-rates funds.
Ms. Colangelo: I thought we just were anticipating E-rate funds coming in with the last round of Budget cuts, that we were anticipating that to offset something else. Am I mistaken? I didn’t have time to look it up so that is why I am asking.
Mr. LoFrese: I don’t recall that.
Ms. Dzioba: Any other questions?
Ms. Caine: I had a question with regard to how were the computers priced out, how is it determined what type of computers would be purchased and apparently there are 30?
Mr. LoFrese: Correct, the computers are estimated at around $800 or $850 each, I’ll get multiple prices from Dell and Compaq, they are the two leading computer providers. They’ll be basic computers, able to do word-processing and access the Internet. They will also come with a 3-year warranty.
Ms. Caine: Does it go out to bid or do you get them to say what their price is going to be and then a determination is made with regard to who you are going to go with?
Mr. LoFrese: What I’ll be doing is, I’ll be soliciting quotes. I’ll call Dell and Compaq and we have another person that we work with through a company called Technology Depot. It’s an off-shoot of Office Depot and I’ll be soliciting multiple quotes.
Ms. Dzioba: So the $800 per computer is just the ceiling?
Mr. LoFrese: Right, it won’t be more than that.
Ms. Dzioba Hopefully, it would be lower. In this summary, (inaudible) enhancement to the English Department, that would start with training at the end of this month?
Dr. Pelosi: Yes, January 26 and 27, training for the use of the software.
Ms. Caine: Would that be something that would come up on a later Agenda?
Dr. Pelosi: No, that is free. We were able to participate in this with the East Haven Public School system through a Grant. There will be no charge for Professional Development with the exception of one person who will come from a Title 5 Grant of $250 and that will be, paying that amount of money we will get 75 free site licenses.
Ms. Caine: This seems to be very much tied to the English curriculum.
Dr. Pelosi: Correct, 50% of the time in the Lab will be utilized by 4 teachers and 75 students in the Grade 9 level, 2 classes which is the differentiated class, which is what we have to continue to sustain and evaluate for NEASC from that perspective and 25 upper classmen will participate, it’s just a matter of scheduling and how they will be scheduled in. Then they would have 50% of the time for the inquiry based instruction so that the students could utilize the Lab for independent research, which is also a recommendation of NEASC which we have to address, over a 2-year period and also additional technology by July 1, 2006.
Ms. Caine: This is something that is primarily in response to NEASC so it’s not something that has been previously addressed by the C &I Sub-Committee, is that correct? I am on it and I don’t know if I missed something.
Dr. Pelosi: Correct, no you didn’t.
Ms. Caine: OK, so the C & I will be meeting in the next week or so, this sounds lovely. I wonder if though, if C & I, Ms. Calabrese and I, might want to take some more of a look at it just because it does seem to greatly impact the English curriculum. I don’t know if you have any comments about that Gina.
Dr. Pelosi: If I could just say one thing, the Board did approve the submission of the Grant to the State Department which completely addressed this, it contained everything in here. So, that has already been approved for submission to the State Department of Education. There is nothing in here that would be new, that would be brought to C & I, that Grant has already been approved, I probably should have said that, I’m sorry I was unclear about that.
Ms. Caine: OK, I was unclear about that, thank you
Ms. Dzioba: The timeline on this when students would be available to use the new Lab would be?
Dr. Pelosi: February 1.
Dr. Erardi: I would just like to comment for Board members that were here in September. I think this may help bring the item to a better place for you. In September, if you remember, the Administration presented a Grant opportunity that we had applied for and the Grant included Hardware and Professional Development. The Grant was a very, very competitive Grant and it was extremely well written by the High School Administration, Dr. Pelosi and Mr. LoFrese. We ended up qualifying for the Professional Development piece of the Grant but not the Hardware piece. Fortunately for us, Todd LoFrese wrote a second Grant and qualified the District for $40,500. So, the combination of the Professional Development that Dr. Pelosi just spoke about and the Technology Grant that Mr. LoFrese talked about is allowing us to go forward as an opportunity, incrementally moving in a direction that NEASC is requiring us to get to. The urgency of the timeline behind this is that if the Board chooses to approve this Action item this evening, it allows us to align our High School Staff with the Professional Development and it also aligns us to have a brand new, state of the art Technology Lab at Watertown High School within the next three weeks. This all being done with either Grant money from Mr. LoFrese, Grant money from the Grant that was written by the High School Administration; Mr. Geary, Mr. Hasbrouck and Dr. Pelosi. We bring this to you in an awkward way, because of the $40,500 Grant that just came in a week and a half ago. If we offered this to you as a First Read, the next Board meeting would be too late for Professional Development for our Staff, that is the awkwardness behind this and that is why there are so many questions, so we are appreciative of the questions that you have.
Ms. Calabrese: I would like to comment that I think what the goal is of this Lab, is to further the goals of English courses, it isn’t anything additional or new. This type of software as it is described, I think, very well, it says that it is prompt driven, it’s web based, writing, environment, scoring, student essays. This is all something that is done quite routinely already in the English curriculum. It’s just that now this new program is advancing it and making it more doable, more usable within a technology context. I don’t see it as a new curriculum initiative, which would be something typical that would come to our Committee; I saw it as something that is simply supporting the curriculum that already exists. I don’t know if that makes it any clearer.
Ms. Caine: It does, thank you and I’d just like to say thank you to the people that were involved in all of the Grant writing and who made this happen because it is kind of amazing.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 0-Abstained)
M. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
Mr. Lafferty: I have one, in regards to the recognitions that we are doing at the Board meetings; I think they are wonderful and I think they go a long way, they do. One recognition that I think should be brought up, although it is a little late, back in October, both the Watertown High School Girls’ and Boys’ Cross Country teams won the League Championship, it was a great feat for both of them. Both of the teams went undefeated in the season and I really think they should be honored in front of us.
N. Public Participation
Mrs. Fran Palmer, 220 Middlebury Road, Watertown
I am speaking tonight as President of the Watertown Music Booster Association. With the passing of the Coca-Cola contract, I would like to request that a letter go out to all Booster organizations to make us knowledgeable about any implications this contract might have on our fundraising activities. In the letter if you could address if there is any impact as to what we can and cannot sell, and what that impact would be.
Dr. Erardi: We are prepared to do that.
Mrs. Peg Germain, 255 Morris Townline Road, Watertown
I am standing here just to say, Wow, it has been some time since I was a regular attendee of these Board meetings, back when I was only raising children and serving as PTO President and substitute teaching. I don’t have the time now that I am a full time teacher but I came tonight in support of Mark O’Brien who came to me about a month or so ago about the Pay-for-Play and paying to get in to watch the games and he had been in communication with Dr. Erardi about it. It amazes me the level of professionalism, the communication and from my perspective, your desire to really address concerns, so I applaud this Board and hope that it continues in the future because it means good things for our Town.
O. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Marks, seconded by Mr. Lafferty, that the Regular Board of Education meeting of January 9, 2006 be adjourned.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0 -Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by
Barbara Mordenti, Board Clerk |