Watertown Board of Education
Regular Meeting
Minutes
Meeting Date: June 26, 2006
Meeting Time: 7:30 p.m.
Meeting Place: Watertown High School Library
Members Present: Ms. Mary Dzioba, Board Chairperson
Mr. Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Ms. Gina Calabrese, Board Member
Ms. Mary Colangelo, Board Member
Mr. Chris Lafferty, Board member
Mr. Thomas Lambert, Board Member
Mr. James Marks, Board Member
Mr. Richard Mazzamaro, Board Member
Dr. Joseph Erardi Jr., Superintendent of Schools
Ms. Amelia Grover, Dir. of Budget and Financial Planning
Ms. Betsy Hackett, Director of Special Services
Mr. Todd LoFrese, Director of Operations
Absent: Ms. Joanne Pannone, Board Member
Dr. Philip Pelosi, Assistant Superintendent of Schools
Mr. Matthew Dzioba, W.H.S. Student Representative
Ms. Kace Duplissie, PTA/PTO Representative
Press: Jim Taylor, Town Times
Tommy Valuckas, Waterbury Republican American
Guests: Thad Hasbrouck, Fran Palmer, Elizabeth Berman, Fred Kahericha, David King, Janice Curulla-Pond, Lisa Rommel, June Legge, Ellen Kalnins, William Crotty, Noreen Prince, Angela Quicquaro, Laree Davino, Michelle Spagnoletti, Joe Pawlak, Jim Krayeske, Sean Williams, Charlie Beliveau
A. Convene Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Ms. Dzioba convened the Regular Board of Education meeting at 7:30 p.m.
B. Salute to the Flag
Ms. Dzioba led the Salute to the Flag.
C. Recognition
a. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following winners in the Superintendent’s CAPSS Awards from Heminway Park School. The high school and middle school participated last fall. Awards are based on community service and service to others; academic prowess; and leadership service to the school community.
Ellen Kalnins
William Crotty
Ms. Dzioba: Good evening, we have some recognitions tonight so I would like to turn the meeting over to the superintendent, Dr. Erardi.
Dr. Erardi: Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Marks, Mrs. Pond, Ms. Rommel, if you could join me please for the recognition celebration.
Individuals requested came to front of room for presentations.
Dr. Erardi: For our audience and our viewing audience this is something we take a lot of pride in our celebration of excellence. Ms. Dzioba our Board Chair is joined this evening by Jim Marks who is the liaison from the Board of Education to Heminway Park School is also joined by Janice Pond the Principal of Heminway Park School, is also joined by Lisa Rommel the grade six administrator at Heminway Park School next year. Thank you for joining us.
We have three different groups that we will be recognizing this evening, we will start with our student celebration. Ellen please stand for us and let us know your folks, your mom and your dad’s names if they are here with you.
Ellen Kalnins: My dad is Richard Kalnins and my mom is (inaudible) and my sister Grace
Dr. Erardi: If they could raise their hands so we know who they are and if you could stand over here that would be terrific. William if you would do the same.
William Crotty: My sister Erica, my mom (inaudible) and my dad William.
Dr. Erardi: I would like to share comments that came from a self-reflection from both Ellen and form William when they found out that they were being selected as two outstanding students for the school year at Heminway Park School. I will start will your comments Ellen, so the audience will get to know a little bit about who you are. Ellen takes an awful lot of pride at being a peer advocate at Heminway Park School. This is a group that was very active and they did some wonderful things with our senior citizens. She also does an awful lot within the community on her own time. During the summertime, every Monday morning, Ellen donates time at the food bank stacking cans, helping others and sorting out supplies. (I think that is very admirable, I wish you were my neighbor). On weekends within her neighborhood she will do some babysitting for the children for a couple of hours so parents can work both inside and outside. Ellen has been an outstanding student at Heminway Park School with outstanding grades. She has been recognized as a student on first honors throughout her entire grade six career. Ellen congratulations to you.
Applause
Dr. Erardi: I would like to share just a couple of excerpts from William’s self-reflection. “It is extremely important to me to get good grades and do my best to participate every way in class to make the most out of time in school. I have had so many teachers in Watertown that have their classroom a place where you can feel good about doing well and about making the right choices. This has always made me want to do my best and helped me reach goals that I have set for myself along the way. There are many rewards in life for making good choices.” When I was reading this I was just amazed it was coming from an 11 or 12 year old. “Choosing to work towards good grades can mean being able to help friends get into college. I can help to make the environment I am in better, not just for myself but also for others. My education has helped me to be who I am and I am learning that my self esteem actually helps me to make a difference. Making choices to get good grades and trying to be a good person is not always the easy way to go, but it brings many rewards. In fifth grade I was recognized by Mr. Milzic and Mr. Nelson and was able to have dinner with both of them. My commitment to education has had many rewards and helped me to gain the confidence to develop ideas, do well in school and reach out to others. I have been able to understand how important community service really is. And finally it feels so good inside to know that teachers I respect so much think that I am making good choices and that maybe I am making a difference. This award has encouraged my to continue on the same path, even when it gets bumpy trying to take the right turns.”
Ellen and William should both be congratulated on behalf of the board of education.
Applause
Student received their awards and shook hands with Administration and Board Members
b. The Board of Education wishes to recognize the following Heminway Park School Parent Group officers for their outstanding contributions during the school year to the school while serving in a leadership position:
Valerie Petrillo, President
Noreen Prince, Co-Vice President
Angela Quicquaro, Co-Vice President
Laree Davino, Secretary
Michelle Spagnoletti, Treasurer
Dr. Erardi: We would also like to recognize the parent leaders at this time at Heminway Park. We had this presentation for our other schools at our last board meeting. Heminway Park was involved with their spring concert, we are pleased to be able to recognize them this evening.
The President, Valerie Petrillo, I am told is somewhere on a softball diamond in the championship game in the rain and could not be here.
Dr. Erardi called all others listed above forward to be recognized and presented certificates.
c. The Board of Education wishes to recognize Ms. Janice Curulla-Pond, Principal of Heminway Park School, on her retirement after 34.4 years of dedication and commitment to the students, staff and community in the Watertown Public Schools.
Dr. Erardi: Our last presentation this evening is a special presentation. The presentation is being sent forward to Janice Pond who has served 34 ½ years for the Watertown Schools. I would like to take the privilege, although I think it’s illegal because Janice has not signed off on her evaluation, I’d like to share just a couple of my comments in regards to her performance this year, which I think reflect her performance over the 34 ½ years that she has served the students at Watertown Schools. “Janice’s work has been exceptional in all measurable areas during this school year. She has worked tirelessly as the district Social Studies Administrator Liaison, navigated her school through a very difficult budget year, never lost sight of children and has created a path of success for the schools new sixth grade administrator. Mrs. Pond leaves Watertown Schools as a consummate professional and leaves behind a legacy which includes a relentless pursuit of opportunity and high standards for all children. Perhaps her finest work this year was the critical she assumed with the district initiative to enhance school/community partnerships. Janice has dedicated a lifetime to Watertown children and retires on June 30th knowing she has changed the lives of so many in such a positive way. On behalf of your fellow administrators, the Board of Education, Janice we truly thank you for all you have done.
Applause
Ms. Pond is congratulated and presented a gift
D. Public Participation
Ms. Dzioba: It is time for public participation, is there anyone in the audience that would like to address the Board?
Joe Pawlack, 173 Middlebury Road
I am also chairman of the Town Council. Before I say what I started to say what I came up here for, I would also like to lend my congratulations and appreciation to Janice Pond. I met her earlier this year in November, when I visited Heminway School to talk to her about the Teacher of the Year for the previous year. It seems that she fits the mold also. I am not sure if you ever won that but it seems fitting.
The reason I would like to address the Board is as all of here are aware there is an ongoing discussion about how do we spend $600,000, we don’t often have that opportunity to figure that out. I know there is concern on the parts of many citizens, the Board and the Town Council as to what we should do with that, how we should invest it. I can tell you without predication that the Town Council is in unanimous support of using $600,000. To develop that property we have that is west of the current football field into two fields. Whatever they are, football, baseball, lacrosse whatever the case may be. We felt that that would give us the biggest bang for our buck. We are looking for something which we could use as a framework because obviously one of the conditions with concern to the Town Council was the maintenance and control of the field. We were able to find a letter, which was dated February 22, 2002. This is specifically with respect to Deland Field. I will give you a copy or have a copy sent over to you for your inspection. The most important things are three bullet points at the bottom of the letter.
• Maintenance, field openings and cancellations will be specified and monitored by the Parks Department
• All scheduling would be booked through the recreation department including those events sponsored by the Board of Education.
• The Board of Education schedule of events will be established early on in the season and submitted to the Recreation Department. All other events will be scheduled around the Board of Education schedule and in every instance providing the Board of Education preference.
It’s very straight forward, very simple. This what we would propose for the two fields, if we are in fact fortunate enough to develop those fields. We would use this as model and substitute whatever we use to call those fields or the land and move on from there. From my stand point, I think it dovetailed very nicely with the shared services initiative which we are embarking on with the Board of Education on the town side with respect to maintenance, technology and finance.
We are looking to, I think it is a report we are expecting somewhere around the 17th, at the Town Council meeting on July 17th. This is what we would like to see happen, we urge the Board of Education to consider this and accept it and think that if you are concerned about results, all you have to do is look at the condition of Deland field, the way it has been maintained and kept up. Also Veterans Field is maintained by the Town Personnel Board or outside services. Please keep that in mind and we would urge quick action because we do want to get these things going hopefully before fall. I think the next opportunity we would have would be probably the 17th, I don’t know if you could act on this tonight, but at least our next meeting on the 15th or so of August. I can give you a copy of this if you would like to take a look at it.
Mr. Pawlak provided the Board with a copy of the letter he read from.
Ms. Dzioba: For discussion purposes it is on the agenda tonight, not so much to act on it yet but for discussion. Is there anyone else that would like to address the Board?
June Legge, 131 Oak Drive, Athletic Director
I would just like to point out that Deland Field is strictly for baseball and as such is sort of an entity of its own. What the two fields down below would be to give the opportunity eventually, once they are established, to have fields in the High School area resting. So that all of this maintenance that we need can be done. We have no way that we can let a field rest at this point, because between the High School sports and all the activities, there are no fields. If we had to fields, down below, once they are established, we would be able to rest the back field or the side field. But if we turn them over to the Park Department, every time we needed to move just a practice, we would need to ask permission. We would have to put in requests for the use of those fields. They would not be for the High School sports. We have 19 sports, not that they all play on fields, but we certainly play a number of them in the spring and fall on these fields. You really need control of these fields, it would be extremely difficult to request and then have to change. You never know what the weather is going to be like, we’d have to change schedules. In the meantime Park and Rec has already given out these schedules. It would create quite a problem. It is wonderful down at Deland, but again it is one entity. I don’t wish to say anything about, Karen or whatnot at Veterans but in the fall during the soccer season, those fields have been closed and we do not go up there and use them. We do have to request by the way to use those fields and we do have first preference, I am not saying we don’t. But when we are asked to play on the side, we play on the side. It is not done by other teams, including using the fields when the fields are closed. Sometimes those fields have really been abused, twice this year, we have to turn around and go back. I had to pay for officials, I couldn’t play soccer games. I am asking that you consider very carefully whether or not you should turn those over.
Jim Krayeske, 955 Bunker Hill Road
As I look at you people you have a dilemma facing you, a terrible dilemma, Mr. Pawlak has the $600,000 and you have the land. You have to decide what we are going to do with it and I don’t think anybody can decide anything until we get some sort of assessment. Whether we have a study established or we get some professional people to come in and tell us how much it is going to cost us to put two fields or two baseball fields and a softball field. We have to know what direction we are going to take before we can say we have $600,000. I don’t know whose responsibility it is. Is it Mr. Pawlak’s with the Town Council to get an assessment or is it the School Board that has to hire some people to come in and give us a evaluation of what the excavation and everything is going to do. You have to remember that we have to have an exit way from Edward Avenue, you have to have an access way from the top of the high school. Do you have to put lavatories down there? Do you have to put electricity down there? This all has to be figured in before you decide what you are going to do. I think this is a dilemma, the Town Council approved $25,000 for a study on a roof on a Town Hall that is falling down. Are they going to give you $25,000 so we can have a study made to see how many fields and how much it is going to cost to develop those fields? Guess what, the longer we wait the longer it is going to take to get those fields in use. It takes at least 6-9 months to properly seed a field and use it without tearing the whole thing up. So I beg of you to get studying on this, decide how you want to use it, how you want to do it. So the next time you have a meeting you can come back and say, “We’ll we found out it is going to cost us $545,000 to do it. Well then we can do it, but unless you have an exact figure on what to do, you’ve got a problem. Thank you very much.
Report from Student Council Representative – Mr. Matthew Dzioba
No report due to Mr. Dzioba’s absence
Ms. Dzioba: I am going to close public participation and I am going to ask that we take a five minute break so that anyone with children that would like to leave at this point can feel free.
Meeting suspended at 7:48 PM
Meeting restarted at 7:52 PM
E. Budget Summary – (Information Only – No Action Required)
Ms. Dzioba: Budget summary is in the packet for all Board Members.
F. Committee Reports:
1. Advertising Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: Thank you Ms. Dzioba, I am happy to report this evening that we have received some advertising revenue from local area vendors. We have Carvel Ice Cream, Crystal Rock Water, D’Amico Agency, a donation from The Old Pin Shoppe, Porter and Chester and Dr. Donald Demas. I’d like to thank all of these organizations that have come forward and put their advertising dollars into the school system. It is a wise investment and I’d like to see more people join that effort. I will pass a spreadsheet around to all Board Members for their review. (See Attachment A)
Mr. Griffin distributed spreadsheet listing donations to all Board Members
2. Athletics Committee, Chris Lafferty, Chair
Mr. Lafferty: Tonight the athletics subcommittee met and discussed in our meeting the
possibility of bringing in Lacrosse to be a High School varsity sport. At the previous June
12th meeting we requested from the lacrosse representatives certain information on how
they would be a self funding organization which they would be. What their availability is
and whether they have….what we can expect from them as far as fields, which generally
they play at Hopbrook. I would just like to let everyone know that they also gave us a
letter from the Director at the Hopbrook facilities saying that yes they will give
permission for Lacrosse to play there and that they will continue to do so for the for the
2007 season. That is all we have for right now.
3. Budget Committee, Todd Griffin, Chair
Mr. Griffin: There is no report this evening.
4. Curriculum & Instruction Committee, Gina Calabrese, Chair
Ms. Calabrese: There is no report this evening
5. Facilities Committee, Rich Mazzamaro, Chair
Mr. Mazzamaro: Facilities committee met jointly tonight with the athletics committee to discuss the replacement sound system in the Mills Complex. Todd LoFrese will be meeting with the equipment vendors on Tuesday to discuss the cost, once the cost is figured, Gold Circle of Sports has offered to donate the funds necessary and we will take that matter up at the next Board Meeting.
6. Policy and Labor Committee, Mary Dzioba, Acting Chair
Ms. Dzioba: There is not report.
7. Cablevision, James Marks
Mr. Marks: No report
Mr. Lafferty: Mary, if I may add one more bit of information, at our meeting, we requested that we bring the discussion of bringing Lacrosse in as a High School sport for the 06-07 School Year. I made the recommendation that we bring that issue to the full board’s discussion for our July 24th meeting. So there will be future discussion on that issue, if we can have a full board consensus on it, yes or no as far as that issue.
8. PBC Representative, Rich Mazzamaro
Mr. Mazzamaro: At the PBC meeting held on the 21st, the Swift furniture/equipment plans were approved contingent upon the Board of Education approval and approval of both is required in advance of the June 28, 2006 meeting with the Office of School and Facilities.
9. Education Connection Representative, Mary Dzioba
Ms. Dzioba: There is no report form the Education Connection.
G. Communications – Secretary
Mr. Griffin: There are no communications this evening
H. Minutes
1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – June 12, 2006
Motion Presented by Mr. Griffin seconded by Mr. Marks to accept the Regular Board of Education Meeting Minutes of June 12, 2006.
Motion Passed
(7-In Favor, 0-Opposed, -1 Abstained)
In Favor: Ms. Colangelo, Ms. Dzioba, Mr. Griffin, Ms. Calabrese, Mr. Lambert, Mr. Marks and Mr. Mazzamaro
Abstained: Mr. Lafferty
I. Superintendent's Recommendations and Report
Dr. Erardi: Thank you Ms. Dzioba. I don’t know if there are questions or concerns with Items 1, 2, or 3.
Mr. Lafferty: Dr. Erardi, I have one question and concern in Item 1 letter n, James McEvoy the position of the Boys Baseball Coach at Swift Middle School for the 05-06 School Year. In the Swift sports report, they were not funded by the school system correct?
Dr. Erardi: You are absolutely correct.
Mr. Lafferty: So if they were funded, not by the School Board, should the School Board be paying for his contract salary?
Dr. Erardi: Good question that you ask. The agreement we looked at this past winter was a challenge to the Swift administration, their Athletic Director and their school-body to raise the funds needed to run the spring sports. With the moneys that were collected we were assured that we had plenty. The money was placed in the School’s Activity Fund. So in essence the money that you see, the contractual obligation of $2,089.00, that is a number that is indicated through the (inaudible), technically we are responsible for contractual obligations, the money was paid through private donations.
Mr. Lafferty: So this is not coming out of budgeted money by the Board of Education.
Dr. Erardi: That is correct and I think that should be noted. Thank you for bringing to the attention.
1. Appointments – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Diane Andrew to the position of school nurse (RN) at Judson School effective for the 2006-2007 school year, being hired at an annual salary of $27,881.00.
b. Mr. Charles F. Beliveau to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective from June 14, 1006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
c. Mr. Gregory Chere to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective from June 12, 2006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
d. Miss Kathleen Ciarlo to the position of Yellow Team Leader at Swift Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,710.00.
e. Ms. Kathleen Culkin to the position of Crimson Team Leader at Swift Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,710.00.
f. Ms. Laura DiNapoli to the position of Girls’ Softball Coach at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,719.00 payable at the end of the season.
g. Mr. Brian Gaulzetti to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective from June 12, 2006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
h. Mr. Andrew Hennessey to the position of Social Studies Coordinator at Swift Middle School for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,710.00.
i. Ms. Joan Lagno to the position of Systemwide Speech and Hearing Coordinator K-12 for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,411.00.
j. Mr. Jason Lane to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective June 12, 2006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
k. Ms. Judith Moeller to the position of Systemwide Reading and Language Arts Coordinator K-12 for the 2006-2007 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,903.00.
l. Mr. Victor Preato to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective from June 12, 2006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
m. Mr. Max McLenna to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, for 40 hours per week, effective from June 12, 2006 through August 31, 2006, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
n. Mr. James McEvoy to the position of Boy’s Baseball Coach at Swift Middle School for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $2,089.00 payable at the end of the season.
o. Ms. Holly Krayeske to the position of Business Education teacher at Watertown High School effective for the 2006-2007 school year, being hired on Step 2, 1 year of experience, Masters Degree, at a contractual salary of $39,930.00.
p. Mr. Dane Street to the position of National Honor Society Advisor for the 2005-2006 school year at a contractual stipend of $1,575.00.
q. The following individuals have been appointed to positions in the 2006 Summer Reading and Language Arts Program at John Trumbull Primary School:
Special Education Teachers/15 days 3 hour program $1,350.00
Cindy Murphy
Layne Allison
Sarah Pannone
Regular Education Teachers/15 days 3 hour program $1,350.00
Diane Gaulzetti
Janet Sweetland
Speech/Language Pathologist/15 days 3 hour program $1,350.00
Lauren Whittemore
Occupational & Physical Therapist Services - $44.00 per hour
Children’s Therapy Services
Paraprofessionals – 45 hour program, hourly rate per contract
Colleen Ferreira
Marisa Sinopoli
Annamarie Davino
Kathy Pilecki
Sharon St. Martin
Pat Mennis
Dianne Bigham
Interns – 45 hour program - $405.00
Heather Murphy
Stephanie St. Martin
Christopher DeLauretis
Melissa Wright
Tanya Palmer
School Nurse/15 days 3 hour program - $1,350.00
Lynn Kelly
Secretary - salary $450.00
Marilyn Ebreo
r. Ms. Lauren Liberatore to the position of long-term substitute art teacher at Judson School and John Trumbull Primary School effective August 28, 2006 through December 31, 2006, being hired at $65.00 per diem for the first ten days, and on the eleventh day, first step of the teacher’s contract at a salary of $35,350.00 prorated.
s. Mr. Connor Rafferty to the seasonal position of General Maintenance Assistant, work duties to be assigned by the Facilities Manager, effective from July 3, 2006 through August 31, 2006, for 40 total weekly hours, at an hourly rate of $9.00.
2. Transfers – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Elizabeth Tracey from the position of grade 4 teacher at Polk School to ½ kindergarten and ½ day – Day Care Component Program at John Trumbull Primary School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.
b. Ms. Susan Hourihan from the position of .6 art teacher to 1.0 art teacher systemwide effective with the 2006-2007 school year.
c. Ms. Donna Wright from the position of .8 art teacher to 1.0 art teacher systemwide effective with the 2006-2007 school year.
d. Mr. Luigi Velardi from the position of Custodian 2nd shift at John Trumbull Primary School to Custodian 2nd shift at Swift Middle School effective June 5, 2006.
e. Ms. Diana DeBiase from .37 Special Ed Parochial School teacher to full-time grade 6 teacher at Heminway Park School effective with the 2006-2007 school year.
3. Resignations – (Information Only – No Action Required)
a. Ms. Kay Schanbacher from the position of Family/Consumer Science Teacher at Swift Middle School effective at the end of the 2005-2006 school year for the purpose of retirement.
Dr Erardi: The superintendent actually has a very brief report the segway into Item #4 was done very clearly by Mr. Pawlak. Who shared information that has been resonating in the community for the last few months and perhaps the last couple of years with $600,000 state grant. The Board of Education’s input and action up until this time, have really have been minimal. The Board entrance into the arena of the $600,000 was prompted by the Athletics Sub-committee and the Facilities Sub-Committee to begin to have a conversation about a position when and if the Board was approached to be a player within the field of development. We since have had a meeting from the Athletic and the Facilities Committees had a joint meeting and Mr. Lafferty addressed the Town Council last Monday as a citizen. And to share also with the Board of Education, I thought a very thoughtful statement on the position that he was looking at in regards to being a citizen and perhaps the role of a committee chair for athletics with the Board of Education. I think it is a discussion we need to have, I think that Mr. Pawlak was very clear in his request and I think it’s an item that we will all struggle. Because presently to the best of my knowledge we continue to talk about sites in areas and places without having a real sound handle on cost, and that becomes a real dangerous arena for anyone to have a public discussion with.
My only recommendation at this particular time, knowing that we have gone out to this community for enhanced dollars for the Swift project, knowing that we went out to the community for a budget that certainly has superceded dollars in the past, that I would strongly recommend to the Board of Education when and if there is a plan in place regarding cost, that the endorsement does not supercede the $600,000. I would be very reluctant to recommend to this Board of Education any item for field use that would create another referendum and another community vote in regards to additional dollars. That’s really the information that I have for you at this time. You know the critical need, you know that Swift is closed down for at least the fall and the spring or 06-07, which makes even tighter space for our athletes and our youth groups.
I think it was also stated very clearly at the last Town Council meeting that the money has been here for a long time and there are a lot of folks anxious to go forward with a plan. It is brought to the Board this evening through a directive, through a request from the interim Town Manager Mr. Frank Nardelli who was directed by the Town Council last Monday to forward a letter to the Superintendent for discussion and potential action in the immediate future on the request that you heard from Mr. Pawlak.
Discussion
Mr. Lafferty: First of all I just wanted to mention at the Athletic sub-committee meeting that was the Tuesday or Wednesday before the Town Council meeting, so there was no chance to bring it up with the Board as far as what I was going to discuss. Some of my main concerns with that, especially with the overwhelming amount of teams that we have, sports teams in this community and scheduling issues and fuel, transportation and budgeting for our sports. That as far as getting fields, the more the merrier because there are so many problems that will be solved by adding more fields, than to upgrade one field. One figure that I brought to the Town Council’s attention was there was a 12-18% increase in fueling cost for fieldtrips and athletics transportation in the 2006-2007 budget from the 05-06 budget. With increased like that in fuel, if we can cut down on the number of trips that we make to Veterans Park in the Fall and Deland and any other fields around town that are not on High School property that we have to bus students to, we are going saving a tremendous amount of money through not having to run all those buses everyday.
Along with that, I spoke briefly with Chairman Pawlak during the recess we had and he let me know that Public Works has been charged with coming up with numbers on what it would cost to develop a field and currently someone is looking into that. So the concern that was addressed by Mr. Krayeske in public participation is being looked at. I feel really strongly, the same way that the Town Council does, that the best decision on how to use this money for land use is to put two fields down, my understanding would be down behind the Mills Complex between where the tennis courts are and down the walkway there. That’s the best way I know to describe it. I just see so many benefits from putting a new facility down there, on land we already have with money that we have in place to spend on land use right now. The benefits to the community, the spirit, and the moral in this town, you can’t put a price or a number on that. To wrap this up, I just think that I don’t want jump headfirst into making the wrong decision on what we should do with the control of the land that we already have on the High School property. So I think we need to discuss this more so we can make a very educated decision on what we should do with the Town Council’s request. I just hope that everyone is understanding of how I feel about putting two fields behind the Mills Complex and I hope we can discuss this.
Ms. Dzioba: Is there anyone else that would like to discuss this?
Mr. Lambert: I’d like to address the concern that Ms. Legge had resting the field. I think somehow this has to be worked out with the Town Council and with the Park and Rec that there has to been some way of resting this field when needed. I think that was a very well thought out comment by Ms. Legge. I think she sees this all the time in this town and it is nice to have two extra fields but my concern is to keep these fields in good shape as all of our school system. Especially when our taxpayers were gracious enough to pass our budget the first time around. I think that has to be a grave concern of this board. Any extra cost, I hope we see this public works work-up on these fields, because we definitely need the fields, we need the property but we also need have a concern that we get added value to our taxpayer dollars.
Mr. Marks: I just have a question about potential union problems with maintenance. I understand that there was some time in the past were town people prepared the school field or vice versa and one of the individuals involved grieved the process. So whatever we decide I hope that we make an informed decision including any potential union problems.
Ms. Dzioba: That is my concern too, that there are so many questions concerning this. I know we would be thrilled to have the $600,000 to update our field but I’m a little cautious and concerned about giving up control of the fields. I think we have a lot of questions to be answered, we certainly need to work together with everybody who is involved in this, the Park and Rec, the Town Council and the Board of Ed. I believe we need to set some kind of direction to the Superintendent and to everybody on just how we are going to proceed with this. I do think that this could be the best use of the funds, (inaudible) we need to see the cost that is involved for the long-term commitment, as far as the property goes. With fields development the problem over the years is that as much as we want to maintain our own fields, those positions have always been the first to be cut from our budget as budget cuts have needed to be made. We have had to eliminate most of the positions, especially for maintenance of the outside fields (inaudible).
Mr. Mazzamaro: My only other concern is June’s comment on the use of the fields. Maybe I don’t understand, if the Town had control of the fields, you would need to ask permission?
Ms. Legge: I have to request the time slots that I need and what happens is, when we have a rainy season like this, everything would be changed on my schedule. I would running into a problem for other things that would be set up. We still have first choice as far as fields, but everything I would have to do, I would have to request permission to use it.
Mr. Mazzamaro: When you schedule so you schedule a date and a rain date at the same time?
Ms. Legge: No, I request, like for practices, I would have it say from, I am trying to think of a date I just saw recently, say from March 20 to June 1st, I would have practices and games going on, but it would be a set time, say from 2:30 – 5:00, I would have to be off that field by 5:00pm. If for any reason we had to postpone it and all, it would mean interrupting other schedules. My other problem is the idea of resting the fields, that is the only way we are going to take care of the fields properly. If you had two, you could do that, you could begin to take care of what you have and keep it maintained well.
Mr. Lafferty: Seeing that we have Representative Williams here I am hoping that you can answer a question that I have and that a lot of people are unclear about. Is there a definite time table as to when we have to come up with a plan or when the town has to come up with a plan on how we are going to spend the $600,000 or is it just the earlier the better to please that people that are in control.
Rep. Williams: I have been asked that question a number of times, there is no deadline but we are going on two years this coming August that we have had this money. I hate to give a milk toast answer but the sooner the better because at some point the bond commission may come back and say to us, you’ve had your shot, you didn’t spend it for two years and we are taking the money back. I’d be concerned if there is a lack of urgency that we will loose the money. We have been batting this around since last March, I think, when the very first referendum failed, it was last March. We’ve had the money for quite a while, it is about time to make a decision, not a rash decision, don’t misunderstand me. But we need to move quickly.
Mr. Lafferty: Thank you Sean. Now with that being said, is there any way we can have some correspondence sent to whoever is on the bond commission who is in control of this $600,000? Just so that they know that we are moving forward with the plans and that we are trying to come up with a good decision on how to spend this money and that we are not leaving them in the dark.
Rep Williams: I can do that, I have had to deal with the bond commission in order to get it re-appropriated. Initially when we had the $600,000 grant allocation it was for the purchase of land, purchase of property if the voters approved it, the voters did not approve it so the wording of the language was strictly for purchase of land for the future athletic facilities basically. So I went back to the bond commission with Senator DeLuca and we said, ok can we now use this to potentially upgrade existing facilities or existing land we have. So we have been working with them regularly to keep them happy. I will do that, I am happy to do that, but that can’t go on forever.
Mr. Lafferty: I understand, I have no more questions. Thank you Representative Williams.
Mr. Griffin: I am just wondering, there are two fields, there are two locations we are looking at, correct?
Mr. Lafferty: No, what it is, is that with the land or property we are speaking of west of the Mills complex, the space that we are looking to acquire or develop into athletic fields would be suitable enough to fit two athletic fields on there. So it wouldn’t be two different locations, it would be one location housing two fields.
Ms. Colangelo: The only thing that I was going to say was that there are a lot of ifs, ands, and buts here. I think what we need to do is have a definite plan, see what the costs are, see what the plans are, if the land can in fact be developed into fields and then we can make a decision on it.
Ms. Dzioba: What I’d like tonight is to make a consensus from the Board saying we would like us to move forward with discussions with the Town Council, Park and Rec..
Ms. Colangelo: On turning over the fields?
Ms. Dzioba: On just what this will entail, the cost, the feasibility of it. Like I said, I am a little uncomfortable with turning the fields over. Maybe coming up with a contract as far as maintenance of the fields, moving forward and getting all the questions that we have answered. I was a little uncomfortable moving forward on this when the full Board didn’t know anything about it and wasn’t involved in any of the discussion. Gina do you have anything you’d like to add?
Ms. Calabrese: I am just trying to listen to the board and take it in as much as I can, there have been some really good points, and it has given me cause to (inaudible)
Ms. Dzioba: That would be part of the discussion. I’d like to, with the Board’s permission direct the Superintendent to accept that we enter into discussions and pursue, move forward on this as a possibility.
Ms. Colangelo: I think we should pursue it.
4. Town Council Request - $600,000 State Grant
The Town Council, at their June 19, 2006 meeting, requested if the Board of Education would give the Town control and maintenance of property currently under the Board of Education’s jurisdiction if the $600,000 State Grant was used to develop and upgrade such property for athletic fields. For example, the property at Watertown High School, west of the Mills complex, could be a potential site. The Council would also like copies of the Board of Education’s minutes when this item is discussed.
Dr Erardi: The final agenda item on the Superintendents report deals with our staffing for 06-07. I’d like to give the Board of Education a preliminary report this evening and a much better, complete composite in July and August. I am really pleased to share with the Board of Education that Administration, sight level administrators, central office and committees empowered to hire have been very aggressive and you need to be very aggressive in today’s shortage areas in education. We have at this particular time, six retirements, four teachers, one school nurse and we recognized Mrs. Pond this evening as the administrator. We have six resignations, for a variety of different reasons, from our certified staff. Because we were able to be aggressive, because we had a budget early this year, we have already filled two half positions at the High School, which are very difficult to fill, we have filled our science positions at the high school which are very difficult to fill, we have filled our school psychologist, our language position, and we filled school nursing position. We are about 85-90% completed with the resignations and retirements, as we know at this particular time. And again this took place because of our aggressiveness in the job market, our ability to be able to hire because the first referendum passed and I believe a reputation that Watertown is a fine place to work.
Questions at all from the Board in regards to staffing and where we are for 06-07?
Board members did not have any questions regarding Item 5.
5. Staffing Update 2006-2007
The Superintendent of Schools will give a staffing update for the 2006-2007 school year.
J. Report from the Chairman
Ms. Dzioba: I don’t really have a report except to congratulate the staff, administrators, and faculty on a wonderful school year. Graduations were wonderful (inaudible), they basically had a wonderful service inside (inaudible). I would just like to say thank you, everyone put so much effort into the previous school year.
K. Action Items – Adoption of Items to be Approved by Consent
a. Consideration of Approval of Wellness Policy – Second Reading
The Wellness Policy was presented to the Board of Education for the first reading at its meeting on June 12, 2006. The Policy & Labor Committee reviewed the Wellness Policy at its meeting on May 25, 2006. It is presented tonight for the second reading and for full Board approval.
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Wellness Policy effective July 1, 2006.
Motion presented by Ms. Calabrese, seconded by Mr. Marks to approve of the Wellness Policy effective July 1, 2006.
Ms. Colangelo: I do have just one question, when will we be meeting again to discuss the guidelines?
Ms Dzioba: We decided at the Policy and Labor committee meeting as soon as it can be arranged for all members to discuss the guidelines. Any other questions?
No further questions from the Board
Ms. Dzioba: I would like to thank everybody, I know this was very involved, there were a lot of discussions (inaudible). I would personally like to thank everybody.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Dr. Erardi: Ms. Dzioba, I believe before the Board takes action, Mr. LoFrese has some additional information in regards to this.
Mr. LoFrese: Good evening, I am passing around a board which is a blow up of the handout Board of Ed members received in your packet. It represents some examples of typical classrooms. We are also fortunate to have representative from Kaestle Boos here tonight and they brought with them a sample of a typical desk and chair that is going to be found in the classrooms. As an example of what the furniture is going to look like. As before I mentioned we have a meeting with the State Department this Wednesday to go through both the furniture and equipment, as well as the technology equipment plan. If there’s questions on any of it, Kaestle Boos representatives are available here to answer your questions tonight.
b. Consideration of Approval of Swift Building Project / Furniture/Equipment Submittal – Second Reading
The furniture/equipment submittal for the Swift building project was presented to the Board of Education for the first reading at its meeting on June 12, 2006. It is presented this evening for the second reading and for full Board approval. Mr. Todd LoFrese is here tonight to answer any questions and provide information.
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Swift Building Project / Furniture/Equipment Submittal.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to approve of the Swift Building Project / Furniture/Equipment Submittal. (See Attachment B.)
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
c. Consideration of Approval of Swift Building Project / Technology Submittal – Second Reading
The technology submittal for the Swift building project was presented to the Board of Education for the first reading at its meeting on June 12, 2006. It is presented this evening for the second reading and for full Board approval. Mr. Todd LoFrese is here tonight to answer any questions and provide information.
It is recommended that the Board approve of the Swift Building Project / Technology Submittal.
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Griffin to approve of the Swift Building Project / Technology Submittal. (See Attachment C.)
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
d. Consideration of Approval of Acceptance of Gifts
1. Ms. Cheryl Zuraitis, on behalf of the Junior Woman’s Club, would like to donate a check in the amount of $500.00 to Watertown High School to be used for the auditorium lighting.
2. Ms. Jan Taschner would like to donate a computer monitor, mouse, and keyboard with an approximate value of $125.00 to the Art Department at Watertown High School.
3. Ms. Lydia Gomez would like to donate four computer monitors with an approximate value of $400.00 to the Art Department at Watertown High School.
Motion presented by Mr. Lafferty, seconded by Mr. Mazzamaro to accept these generous donations and letters of thanks to be sent to the donors.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
L. Future Agenda Items and Board Members’ Comments
Mr. Lafferty: This is overdue, but back in May I was working an event at my school,
Naugatuck Valley Community College in Waterbury, and one thing I noticed in the Arts Lobby,
outside the event we were having, was a wall with artwork. I was surprised to see that it was
artwork from students at Swift Middle School, so I thought their artwork was really well done
and it was cool to see it somewhere outside of our school district. I would like to quickly
recognize the artists and hopefully if anyone is watching tonight that knows the students or if
anyone here knows these students, tell them I saw it and I thought it was great.
Mary Siemon Kate Siemon
Ryan Peck Javanna Velazquez
Alexis Giannetti Gabriella Minicucci
Curtis Pomeroy Scott Ramponi
Grace Kalnins Michael Boyette
Christina Graham Nicole DeLuca
Daniyal Chowdhury Stephanie Luponio
Ian Birtwistle Jena Zoller
Paula Silva Brianna Daley
Christopher Fonseca.
If anyone sees them, tell them I like their work.
M. Public Participation
None
N. Executive Session –
Personnel Matter
Pending Litigation
Motion presented by Mr. Griffin, seconded by Ms. Colangelo to enter into Executive Session with Dr. Erardi, Todd LoFrese, Charlie Beliveau and all Board Members listed as present.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Executive Session convened at 8:27 p.m.
Executive Session ended at 9:25 p.m.
O. Adjournment
Motion presented by Mr. Mazzamaro, seconded by Mr. Marks to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting of June26, 2006.
Motion Passed Unanimously
(8-In Favor, 0-Opposed, 0-Abstained)
Meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by
Todd Griffin, Board Secretary
Bonnie Goulet, Board Clerk |