BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION
April 14, 2008
REGULAR MEETING
Attendance: Gary Brochu
Julie Erickson
Michelle Hartel
Gary Lukens
William Lutz Absent
Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss
Christopher Puzio Absent
Anthony Recck
John Richards
Also in attendance: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Cicchetti; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Rena Klebart; Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta; Director of Pupil Personnel Services Margaret Butler; Director of Human Resources Joseph Costa; Supervisor of Special Education Linda Holian; Principal of Griswold School Laurie Gjerpen; Principal of Willard School Robert J. Sullivan II; Principal of Hubbard School Alfred Souza; Principal of McGee Middle School Brian Benigni; Principal of Berlin High School George Synnott; and Athletic Director James Day.
Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Board of Education (“the Board”) meeting room at 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A Moment of Silence was observed.
Ms. Hartel reported on the Leadership, Accountability and Measurement Committee meeting held this evening and the Committee’s discussions concerning revisions to two policies that will soon be coming to the Board: Curriculum and Development; and Textbook Adoption.
Mr. Richards reported on the Resources and Capacity-building Committee meeting held this evening and the Committee’s discussions regarding revisions to the Personnel policies; negotiations regarding the transportation contract expiring this year; transportation guidelines; the educational specifications; and the status of the 2008-2009 budget.
Ms. Erickson reported on her attendance at the annual Town meeting concerning the Budget on April 8, 2008.
Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on her attendance at Sports Night at the high school, noting, once again, that the stage was filled with scholar athletes. Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on the Communications and Alignment Committee meeting held this evening and the Committee’s discussions regarding the newsletter and the survey cards to be given to Realtors to receive feedback as to why citizens are moving into the community.
Mr. Costa updated the Board regarding the ongoing recruitment efforts to fill current and anticipated job openings for the 2008-2009 academic school year.
Mr. Czuchta reported authorization of the ordinance for the track at the high school is on the Town Council’s agenda tomorrow evening. Mr. Czuchta updated the Board with regard to the shared software program with the Town and the Board of Education.
Ms. Klebart updated the Board with regard to the vertical team activity, noting that Larry Ainsworth will be coming back to the District on May 13, working with the Language Arts vertical team. Ms. Klebart reported on her last meeting with the New Teacher Academy.
Dr. Cicchetti congratulated the Athletic Department for the Unified Sports program winning the Michael’s Cup. Dr. Cicchetti reported on his attendance at an exchange activity at McGee Middle School with students from New Haven. Dr. Cicchetti updated the Board with regard to the oral history project that would document student-conducted interviews with local veterans; these interviews could be used both while school is in session on Veteran’s Day and in social studies instruction throughout the year. Dr. Cicchetti reported on his attendance at the Junior Prom, and applauded Mr. Synnott and the high school staff and advisors for their excellent planning and supervision. He conveyed much pride in the behavior of the students as well.
Mr. Brochu congratulated the Athletic Department for the Unified Sports program winning the Michael’s Cup. Mr. Brochu reported that the scoring for the senior portfolio will take place this Tuesday and Thursday. Mr. Brochu reminded the Board that April 29, 2008 is the Town’s budget referendum.
Nothing to report.
IV. CONSENT AGENDA
Approval of Minutes
Regular Meeting of March 24, 2008
Special Meeting of March 3, 2008
Special Meeting of March 24, 2008
Special Meeting of April 3, 2008
Payment of Bills – Period ending March 31, 2008
Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Recck, to approve the consent agenda as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
V. INFORMATION AND REPORTS
Activity Fund Reports
Berlin High School Enterprise Fund – Period ending February 29, 2008
Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund – Period ending February 29, 2008
Cafeteria Fund – Period ending February 29, 2008
These reports were noted with interest.
Mr. Richards commented on the Resources and Capacity-building Committee’s discussions concerning the format of these reports.
Early Childhood Program
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Margaret Butler and staff members presented to the Board a PowerPoint presentation providing an overview of the District’s early childhood special education programs, which consist of the pre-school program and kindergarten program. All of the district-wide early childhood offerings are located at Willard School and bring together students from the Willard, Griswold, and Hubbard neighborhood attendance areas. The program serves children who are approximately three years to six years of age, using a wide variety of program designs. Students are transitioned to their neighborhood schools for first grade. This evening’s program overview was presented by four special education teachers and five related services staff members; two non-certified support staff members were also in attendance. They described the types of classes that are offered at Willard, the student populations served, and the specialized programs that are provided. They described the process, beginning with referral and continuing to program participation using a comprehensive early childhood model. A copy of the PowerPoint presentation was provided to the Board.
Ms. Butler and staff members responded to questions from the Board.
Ms. Erickson noted her appreciation for the respect and dignity this program provides for the students.
A short recess was held from 8:28 p.m. to 8:40 p.m.
Data Team Presentations
At a Board meeting last fall, Superintendent Cicchetti and Assistant Superintendent Klebart presented their work from a week-long Harvard seminar, during which they developed a plan to advance the work of data teams in the District. This presentation on data teams was a follow up to last fall’s discussion so that the administration could update the Board on the work that the data teams have undertaken this year.
The principals from each of the schools have been working with their teachers to further the implementation of data teams in their buildings. The evolving work of data teams at each school is closely related to the continuous improvement process and supports the action plans of schools, departments, and grade level teams.
Elements common to each of the teams include: representation of teachers from grade levels or departments; identification of assessment tools and significant work samples; scheduled and regular meeting times; and use of student work to analyze student performance and to make future decisions about instruction.
The presentation to the Board focused on the definition of data teams and a description of the data team process. The principals shared with the Board how their teams are using data in their schools. There was a review of the resources the District has dedicated to data teams and a discussion about plans for continuing the work of the teams both at the school and district level.
Status of the Board of Education’s Adopted Budget for 2008-2009
Board members were provided with an update on the status of the Board’s Adopted Budget for 2008-2009 as it goes forward to the Town referendum on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.
Comprehensive Annual Financial Report
Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported on the Annual Financial Report for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007. The Management letters were provided to the Board. Mr. Czuchta noted the only recommendation from Blum, Shapiro & Company, P.C. is that the Town establish a plan to address the various provisions and effects of new postemployment standards as the GASB issued Statement No. 43, Financial Reporting for Postemployment Benefit Plans Other Than Pension Plans, and Statement No. 45, Accounting and Financial Reporting by Employers for Postemployment Benefits Other Than Pensions, will be phased in by the Town in a tiered manner, starting July 1, 2007 and July 1, 2008 respectively and will impact governmental entities that provide health insurance and other benefits to employees upon retirement, including participation in group plans where the retiree reimburses the employer for premium costs.
Educational Specifications for New High School – Status Report
Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported the RFP (request for proposals) for the architectural services continues to be developed. Mr. Czuchta reported on his attendance at the Public Building Commission’s meeting last Thursday, noting they continue to progress.
G. Technology Bond – Status Report
Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported the Town-Wide Technology Committee will be meeting this Thursday to review the RFP for the workings received and review state contracts, specifically for the fiber. The administrative team working on this anticipates having full support from the Town-Wide Technology Committee to move forward to the Town Council to request waivers of bids for the fiber and the canopy for the police department.
H. Policy Revision – First Reading – Personnel Policies
Human Resources Director Joseph Costa provided Board members with a review and first reading of new, revised, and deleted policies in the personnel section of the Board Policy Book. This proposal was previously reviewed with the Board’s Resources and Capacity-building Committee at their March 10 meeting. Mr. Richards observed that, when possible, it would be in the best interests of the Board and the district to adhere to the recommended policies from Shipman and Goodwin, the Board’s counsel.
Since this is a first reading, action was not requested at this time. Board action will be requested at the April 28 Board of Education meeting. Board members were asked to direct any questions or recommended changes to Mr. Costa prior to the next Board meeting.
VI. RECOMMENDED ACTION
Establishment of Graduation Date
Dr. Cicchetti reported that this year’s graduation will be Sunday, June 22, 2008. The ceremony will be held at Central Connecticut State University beginning at 1:30 p.m.
Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, to approve the graduation date for Sunday, June 22, 2008.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 7:0 including President Gary Brochu
Policy Revision – Second Reading/Adoption
Suicide Prevention and Intervention – Policy JHFF
Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Children – Policy JHFE
Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Adults with Mental Retardation – Policy JHFEA
A first reading of these policies was conducted at the March 24, 2008 Board of Education meeting.
Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Richards, to adopt revised Policy JHFF – Suicide Prevention and Intervention, Policy JHFE – Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Children and Policy JHFEA – Reports of Suspected Abuse or Neglect of Adults with Mental Retardation as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 5:1
Interdistrict Hockey Program
At the March 24 Board meeting, Athletic Director Jim Day presented a proposal for Berlin High School students to participate in a co-op hockey program with Newington High School. There are approximately seven Berlin students who have expressed interest in the program thus far. Mr. Day was present for a further discussion of the proposal and also highlighted items that have been put in place based on the feedback received from the Board at its last meeting; i.e.: funds; Berlin’s academic and behavior standards; transportation; practice schedule as it relates to early dismissal from Berlin High School; reconditioning of helmets; CIAC agreement; and insurance coverage for students. The proposal was reviewed by the Resources and Capacity-building Committee at their meetings of March 10 and April 14.
Moved by Mr. Richards, seconded by Mr. Recck, to approve the participation of Berlin High School athletes in a co-operative ice hockey program with Newington High School effective with the 2008-2009 school year.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
VII. ADJOURNMENT
Moved by Mr. Recck, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, to adjourn the meeting at 10:06 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED: 6:0
Respectfully submitted,
Michelle Hartel, Secretary, Berlin Board of Education