BERLIN BOARD OF EDUCATION
March 3, 2008
MINUTES
SPECIAL MEETING

Attendance:
Gary Brochu
Julie Erickson
Michelle Hartel Excused absence
Gary Lukens Excused absence
William Lutz Excused absence
Kathleen O’Donnell-Moss
Christopher Puzio Excused absence
Anthony Recck
John Richards

Also in attendance: Superintendent of Schools Dr. Michael Cicchetti; Director of Pupil Personnel Services Margaret Butler; Director of Human Resources Joseph Costa; and Principal of Berlin High School George Synnott. Also in attendance were high school staff members Mary Salerno and Janet Parlatto.

Mr. Brochu called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Education (“the Board”) meeting room at 238 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited and a moment of silence was observed.

II. BHS SUMMARY ON THE NEASC REPORT

Mr. Synnott and co-chairpersons of the NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges) self-study committee presented a powerpoint exhibit on their summary of the NEASC evaluation report. It is noted that the High School will give a status report to NEASC at the end or 2 years, and again at the end of 5 years. They reported out on the 38 Commendations, and on the 43 Recommendations, that the NEASC committee cited in their report. They suggested that the removal of duplicity in the comments resulted in 30 Commendations and 20 Recommendations.

While the NEASC visiting committee pointed to the “…numerous commendations that recognize the excellent work being done at Berlin High School.”, they noted that, “Virtually all stakeholders believe that the building is not educationally adequate to meet the teaching and learning needs of the school.” Specifically, “The building, including the science labs, is not adequate to meet the teaching and learning needs of the students and staff. The building also presents serious challenges in the area of instructional technology; increased funding for technology upgrades is critically needed.” The co-chairs noted that on six of the seven measurable standards, the district should, “Provide time and space for formal collaboration by teachers within departments and across disciplines, which should include a structure and protocol to guide time, substance, and outcome.” Stated another way, “Greater collaborative planning time would enhance the leadership efforts of the entire learning community. … Common time will allow teachers to employ instructional strategies that make connections across disciplines and engage students as active, self-directed learners.” The Board recognizes these issues and believes they are addressed appropriately in the BHS Education Specifications.

During the discussion, the work of Mr. Synnott and the co-chairs was praised. The self-study was a thoughtful and useful exercise that helped BHS focus on areas may need to be improved upon. The faculty is seen as a group of excellent educators, who seek to improve upon the delivery of education to the students. With the community’s high expectations, “…this is an important time in the history of the school …”

III. EXECUTIVE SESSION

At 8:35 p.m., a motion was made by Mr. Recck, seconded by Mrs. Erickson, to go into Executive Session to discuss a personnel matter.

In attendance for Executive Session were Board members Brochu, Erickson, O’Donnell-Moss, Recck and Richards, along with Superintendent Cicchetti and HR Director Costa.

At 8:50 p.m., a motion was made by Mrs. O’Donnell-Moss, seconded by Mr. Recck, to return to regular session.

At 8:53 p.m., the meeting was adjourned by the Board President.

Respectfully submitted,
John M. Richards, Berlin Board of Education
(Orig 3/20 JMR/jmr)