Agenda

WATERTOWN BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

WATERTOWN HIGH SCHOOL TECHNOLOGY CENTER

Monday, April 10, 2006 – 7:30 PM

A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM

B. Salute to the Flag

C. Public Participation

Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba

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

E. Committee Reports:

1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair

3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair

4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair

5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair

6. Policy and Labor Committee, Maureen Caine, Chair

7. Cablevision, James Marks

8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro

9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba

F. Communications - Secretary

G. Minutes

1. Finance Sub-Committee/BOE Joint Meeting – March 15, 2006

2. Regular Board of Education Meeting – March 27, 2006

H. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report

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

a. Ms. Karen Sturges to the position of Early Learning Skills Paraprofessional, Category #2 – Special Ed Program at John Trumbull Primary School, effective April 4, 2006 for 3.0 hours paid per day, at an hourly rate of $11.45.

b. Mr. Eric Miller to the position of Varsity Boys’ Swim Coach at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year with a contractual stipend of $3,071.00 payable at the end of the season.

c. Mr. Garry Smith to the position of Assistant Boys’ Swim Coach at Watertown High School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,089.00 payable at the end of the season.

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

a. Ms. Barbara Boston from the position of grade 5 teacher at Judson School after thirty years of teaching effective June 30, 2006 for the purpose of retirement.

3. Use of Beepers (Paging Devices)/Cellular Phones – First Reading

The Policy and Labor Committee, at its meeting on Wednesday, April 5, 2006, reviewed the policy for Use of Beepers (Paging Devices)/Cellular Phones in the Watertown Public Schools and now brings the policy to the Board for the first reading. (See Attachment A.)

4. Compliance Review Update

Administration will give an update to the Board regarding the State Department of Education’s Compliance Review on Special Education that took place this week in the schools.

5. Student Artwork on Display

The artwork on display this evening was done by the following talented young artists:

Jamaris Perez, John Trumbull School, Kindergarten

Angela Nozzolillo, John Trumbull School, Grade 1

Cristina Crudele, John Trumbull School, Grade 2

Emily O’Donnell, Judson School, Grade 3

Rebecca Karabus, Polk School, Grade 4

Nur Ellafi, Polk School, Grade 5

Amber White, Heminway Park School, Grade 6

Scott Ramponi, Swift Middle School, Grade 7

Kristen Yerger, Swift Middle School, Grade 8

Lauren Thompson, Watertown High School, Grade 12

Erika Cardinale, Watertown High School, Grade 12

Clare Rafferty, Watertown High School, Grade 11

Andrew Osborne, Watertown High School, Grade 12

6. Update on the 2006-2007 Budget

The Superintendent will give an update on the proposed budget for school year 2006-2007.

I. Report from the Chairman

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

a. Consideration of Approval of Watertown Education Enrichment Trust Fund – Second Reading

The Watertown Education Enrichment Trust Fund was presented for the first reading at the Board meeting on March 13, 2006. This fund was reviewed by Attorney Franklin Pilicy. (See Attachment B.)

The purpose of this fund is to:

1.) Make mini-grants available to teachers and students to cultivate the appreciation of nature;

2.) Experiment and explore choices for better health and fitness for self community;

3.) Preserve oneself and the world around us; and

4.) Provide opportunities for staff, students, and the community to enhance the appreciation of the arts.

The Administration recommends the Trust Fund to be approved as presented and to be brought to the Town Council for consideration of the Trust Fund to be a town ordinance.

b. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts

1. The Jaypro Sports Inc. wishes to donate one Jaypro Model No. BBC-700 ceiling suspended electrically operated batting and golf cage complete with all framework, netting, attachment hardware, electric motor and key switch with an estimated value of $6,000.00 to Swift Middle School.

2. The “Kiducation” would like to donate $102.65 from the Community Crusade for Children’s Kiducation Fund to the Watertown Public Schools. These funds were generated from the drop-off clothing donation containers at Rite Aid for the 4th Qtr. 2005.

3. The Connecticut Community Foundation wishes to donate a grant in the amount of $2,000 to the Watertown Public Schools for meeting and related expenses to hold a LitLinks Conversation in 2006. This grant was written by Ms. Layne Allison, Pre-school teacher at John Trumbull Primary School.

It is recommended that the Board accept these generous gifts and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.

c. Consideration of Approval of Family Medical Leave of Absence

Ms. Carley Vesneski, School Counselor at Watertown High School, requests a childbearing/childrearing leave of absence starting August 21, 2006 through December 3, 2006, under the Family Medical Leave Act, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay.

It is recommended that the Board of Education approve of a childbearing/childrearing leave of absence for Ms. Carley Vesneski, School Counselor at Watertown High School, starting August 21, 2006 through December 3, 2006, under the Family Medical Leave Act, with use of accumulated sick time and then leave without pay and a medical doctor’s note to return.

d. Consideration of Approval of Date for Swift Middle School Graduation

With the use of four snow days this year, Tuesday, June 20, 2006 will be the last day of school for the 2005-2006 school year. (See Attachment C.)

At its meeting on October 11, 2005, the Board approved of June 21, 2006 for the graduation date for the Watertown High School class of 2005-2006. Project graduation, the traditional all-night substance-free celebration for the graduates, will be held immediately following the graduation ceremony on June 21, 2006.

It is recommended that the Board approve of Tuesday, June 20, 2006 as the graduation date for the Swift Middle School class of 2005-2006 at 6:00 p.m. to be held at Watertown High School because of the construction being done at Swift. (In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be moved indoors and will begin at 7:30 p.m.)

e. Consideration of Approval of Single Session Days at the End of the 2005-2006 School Year

It is recommended that single session days be granted for students only at the end of the school year. Due to final exams at the High School, the compilation of credits for graduation, and the plethora of record keeping at all levels, the following schedule is recommended:

Grades PreK-12 five single session days: June 14, 15, 16, 19, and 20, 2006.

f. Consideration of Approval of Tuition Rates for School Year 2006-2007

It is recommended that the Board approve of the following tuition rates for school year 2006-2007. (See Attachment D.)

Rates represent a 5% increase except for the Half-Day Day Care Program @ 3% and the Just Friends Preschool Program @ 11%.

g. Consideration of Approval of Ratification of Cafeteria Workers’ Contract

Possible action on approval of ratification of Cafeteria Workers’ Contract following executive session discussion.

h. Consideration of Approval of Entering Into an Agreement With the Fuel Oil Consortium

It is recommended that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or designee to enter into an agreement for the purchase of fuel oil and diesel fuel in accordance with the recommendation of the Fuel Oil Consortium.

i. Consideration of Approval of Submission of Grant for Score Clock

It is recommended that the Board of Education endorse the submission of a grant by the Watertown Recreation Swim Team for a score clock to be installed in the pool area at Watertown High School.

K. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments

L. Public Participation

M. Executive Session

Litigation Matters (2)

N. Adjournment