Regular Meeting Minutes - September 8, 2008

BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION

September 8, 2008

MINUTES

REGULAR MEETING

 

Attendance:      Gary Brochu

                        Julie Erickson                                                                                        

                        Michelle Hartel             Excused absence         

                        Gary Lukens                             Arrived at 8:10 p.m.

                        Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss                               

                        Christopher Puzio                     Arrived at 7:40 p.m.                            

                        Anthony Recck             Excused absence                                                                     

                        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; Principal of Griswold School Laurie Gjerpen; Assistant Principal of Griswold School Eric Carbone; and Superintendent of Public Buildings John Pajor.

 

The meeting was scheduled to begin at 7:00 p.m.; however, the meeting was delayed until the Board had five members present, to reach a quorum.  Board President Brochu said that members of the audience present were welcome to share comments, and that when a quorum was reached, these comments would be made part of the official meeting record.

 

Prior to the start of the meeting, Debbie Nelson, 185 Stockings Brook Road, Berlin, Connecticut, addressed the Board, representing parents who live on Stocking Brook Road, concerning the bus schedule for the high school and McGee Middle School.  Ms. Nelson informed the Board that the high school students transported by bus to and from school spend a total of an hour and one half each day on the bus as they are the second pick up in the morning and the last drop off at the end of the day.  Ms. Nelson also addressed the Board with regard to where McGee students are dropped off at the end of the day.  She commented that this is the first time in her eleven years that children are dropped off at a different location.  Ms. Nelson feels this is a safety concern because of the number of traffic problems on this street.  Ms. Nelson indicated she has sent correspondence and placed calls to the Board’s transportation office; however, she has not received any response. 

 

Theonne Lawrence of 65 Stockings Brook Road, Berlin, Connecticut, also addressed the Board regarding her concerns that Griswold students transported by bus to and from school are the first pickup and the last drop off.  Ms. Lawrence is also concerned about the overcrowding on the bus traveling to and from McGee. 

 

Dr. Cicchetti informed Ms. Nelson that someone will speak with her tomorrow regarding these concerns.

 

Also, prior to the start of the meeting, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, Rena Klebart, along with members of the new teacher cohort, reported on the New Teacher Orientation program that took place on August 20, 21 and 22, 2008.  Included in the discussion was a summary of the seminar sessions and the feedback from the teachers regarding the orientation and their introduction to the Berlin Public Schools.  Four of the new teachers shared their personal experiences with the Board.  Ms. Klebart provided the Board with a copy of the new teacher orientation schedule as well as the schedule and topics for the first three sessions of the new teacher academy that will be conducted this fall. 

I.                      CALL TO ORDER

 

Mr. Puzio arrived at 7:40 p.m., during the Assistant Superintendent’s remarks.  Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:54 p.m. in the Board of Education (“the Board”) meeting room at 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. 

 

II.                    SPECIAL RECOGNITION

Retirement of Barbara Glabau

 

The retirement of Barbara Glabau was noted.  The Board’s retirement gift will be sent to Mrs. Glabau as she was unable to be in attendance at the meeting..

 

III.                   BOARD AND ADMINISTRATIVE COMMUNICATIONS

 

Ms. O’Donnell-Moss reported on her attendance at the Berlin Boosters Club pep rally that was held at Sage Park. 

 

Mr. Puzio reported on his attendance at Hubbard School’s open house last week.

 

Mr. Richards reported on his attendance at the Public Building Commission’s August 28, 2008 meeting, which will be addressed later in the agenda.  Mr. Richards reported that administrator negotiations will continue this coming Wednesday.

 

Ms. Butler reported that training was provided for Pupil Personnel Services staff on the new regulations concerning Restraint and Seclusion of Persons at Risk.  The training was prompted by the Board’s revised policy in this area.  The training will continue over the next month.   

 

Mr. Czuchta reported on his meeting last Friday with Town officials as well as the engineer for the high school track project.  Mr. Czuchta reported the track is completed as of today, and the end product is a wonderful addition and improvement.    

 

Ms. Klebart reported on the leadership retreat that she along with Mr. Synnott, Ms. Parlato, Mr. Sachs and Mr. Silva facilitated on August 18, 2008 with all high school department chairs, focusing on leadership in the role of the department chair in teaching and learning.  A second retreat for department chairs is planned for November.

 

Dr. Cicchetti extended comments regarding the opening day of school, crediting the administrative team for their preparation and attention to detail.  Dr. Cicchetti acknowledged Mr. Puzio’s fine job representing the Board at Hubbard School’s open house, noting parents were engaged and interested in what he had to offer.  Dr. Cicchetti added his positive comments about the pep rally at Sage Park.  Dr. Cicchetti provided the Board with a copy of a letter Mr. Synnott will be sending out tomorrow to staff regarding literacy and the school wide goal; summer reading; and efforts underway with focus groups to respond to feedback received.  He acknowledged with appreciate the parents and students who took the time to provided feedback to the administration and staff.   

 

Mr. Brochu reminded those Board members that have not yet done so to register for CABE’s fifth annual Leadership conference in November.  Mr. Brochu reported, for this upcoming election, the candidates for the Board of Education have been finalized, and new Board of Education candidates will participate in the orientation process so they are ready to begin once sworn in.  Mr. Brochu thanked the administration for the session with Tony Wagner on Tuesday, August 19, 2008.  Mr. Brochu reported that following the Board meetings, the Board will provide a summary of what occurred to those parents who have supplied an email address as well as an email distribution to all Berlin Public Schools’ staff; hard copies will also be provided at each of the schools.  Mr. Brochu extended comments regarding the opening day of school, noting it was a perfect day and acknowledging Mr. Pajor for the repair of the Willard stairs. 

 

IV.                   AUDIENCE OF CITIZENS

 

Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss to incorporate the recording of the comments had earlier in discussion into this Board meeting.

 

FAVOR:         ALL  

MOTION CARRIED:  5:0   

 

V.                    PERSONNEL

Appointment of Director of Adult Education

 

Dr. Cicchetti reported that Nancy Testori has been appointed Director of Adult Education.  Mr. Brochu, on behalf of the Board, welcomed Ms. Testori back to the District.  Later in the meeting, the Board acted on Mrs. Testori’s appointment (see Item IX).

 

At 8:10 p.m., Mr. Lukens arrived.

 

VI.                   CONSENT AGENDA

A.     Approval of Minutes - Regular Meeting of August 18, 2008

 

B.     Payment of Bills – Period ending August 31, 2008

 

C.     Overnight Field Trip Request – Berlin High School

 

Berlin High School Principal George Synnott, is requesting permission for AP Biology students and chaperones to travel to Salmon River State Park in East Hampton and Project Oceanology at Avery Point on the University of Connecticut campus in Groton on September 11-12, 2008.  The field experience will support the unit on Ecology required by AP Biology and UConn ECE-Biology.

 

Moved by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Puzio to approve the consent agenda as presented.

 

FAVOR:         ALL  

MOTION CARRIED:    5:0

 

 

 

 

VII.                 INFORMATION AND REPORTS

A.     New Staff Orientation 2008

 

Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss to incorporate the recording from the Assistant Superintendent’s presentation, previously given to Board members. 

 

FAVOR:         ALL  

MOTION CARRIED:  5:0   

 

B.     Activity Fund Reports

1.  Berlin High School Enterprise Fund – Period ending July 31, 2008

2.  Berlin Public Schools Activity Fund – Period ending July 31, 2008

 

These reports were noted with interest.

 

With regard to the Berlin High School Enterprise Fund Report, Page 2, Line 00400, “Lost Books,” Mr. Richards requested an explanation for this line item and balance. 

 

C.     Relocatable Classrooms at Griswold Elementary School

 

Ms. Gjerpen, Mr. Carbone, Mr. Czuchta and Mr. Pajor presented a draft Statement of Need for four relocatable classrooms to be installed at Griswold School for the beginning of the 2009-2010 school year.  The administration feels that these portable classrooms are needed to address critical space issues that currently exist at the school.  The justification for these units has been reviewed and discussed with the Resource and Capacity Building Committee; Committee Chairperson John Richards also shared his perspective on the need for these relocatable classrooms. 

 

Ms. Gjerpen provided a handout of her presentation, which provided the Board with the current and anticipated enrollment; educationally inadequate spaces for the current school year as well as anticipated for school years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011; and maps of the Griswold school for the current school year and school years 2009-2010 and 2010-2011, demonstrating how these four relocatable classrooms will address the most critical space needs of the building.  

 

Mr. Czuchta provided the Board with the draft Statement of Need for the relocatable classrooms at Griswold School.  Mr. Czuchta noted that the 2006 NESDEC report noted a number of concerns about the adequacy of space at Griswold.  Since that study, additional staff in developmental guidance and in math instructional support has been added as well as a program to support autistic students, all of which have required additional instructional spaces.  These additional programs have compounded space issues at the school, resulting in educationally inadequate spaces existing.

 

Although no action is required at this meeting, this item will be placed on the September 22, 2008 meeting agenda for further consideration and possible action.

 

In response to Ms. Erickson’s request, Mr. Czuchta will provide an estimate on the cost of the relocatables. 

 

 

D.     Educational Specifications for the New High School – Status Report

 

Resources and Capacity-building Committee Chairperson John Richards reported on his attendance at the Public Building Commission’s August 28, 2008 meeting.  The contracts for the architectural firm are with the Town’s attorney, and it is expected this item will be on the Public Building Commission’s agenda for action on September 11, 2008. 

 

E.      Technology Bond – Status Report

 

Director of Business Operations Roman Czuchta reported the work at Willard for the rewiring for the local area network is completed and in compliance with the other two elementary schools.  AT&T continues its survey of poles and the actual fiber connections throughout the building should be done by the beginning of December.

 

VIII.                EXECUTIVE SESSION

 

At 8:55 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to go into Executive Session to discuss materials relative to administrator negotiations and ratification of cafeteria workers’ contract. 

 

FAVOR:        ALL

MOTION CARRIED:  5:0

 

In attendance for Executive Session were Board members Brochu, Erickson, Lukens, O’Donnell-Moss, Puzio and Richards.  In addition, Dr. Cicchetti, Mr. Czuchta and Mr. Costa were present.                

 

At  10:00 p.m., a motion was made by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Ms. O’Donnell-Moss, to return to regular session.

 

FAVOR:         ALL

MOTION CARRIED:  5:0 

 

IX.                   RECOMMENDED ACTION

A.  Ratification of Cafeteria Workers’ Contract

 

Negotiations with the Berlin Cafeteria Employees were recently completed and a tentative agreement was reached.  It is recommended that the Board approve the tentative agreement.

 

Moved by Ms. Erickson, seconded by Mr. Puzio, to approve the tentative agreement reached between the Berlin Board of Education and the Berlin Cafeteria Employees.

 

FAVOR:         ALL

MOTION CARRIED:  6:0

 

The Board made the following motion, to bring closure to the appointment of the directory of Adult Education, presented previously in item V.

 

            Moved by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Puzio to appoint Nancy Testori as Director of Adult Education, effective September 8, 2008.

 

FAVOR:         ALL

MOTION CARRIED:  6:0

 

X.                    ADJOURNMENT

 

Moved by Mr. Lukens, seconded by Mr. Richards, to adjourn the meeting at 10:05 p.m.

 

FAVOR:         ALL  

MOTION CARRIED:  5:0

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

 

John Richards, Berlin Board of Education

Acting Secretary

 

(JMR:bjd 9/9; Supt 9/17; JMR final 9/18)