WEST HAVEN BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES
July 15, 2013
Regular Board Meeting
Savin Rock Community School
The Regularly Scheduled Meeting of the Board of Education was held in the cafeteria
of Savin Rock Community School, 50 Park Street, West Haven, Connecticut on
July15, 2013. The meeting was called to order by Mark Palmieri, Chairman of the Board of Education at 7:00 p.m. The meeting opened with a pledge to the flag.
BOARD MEMBERS
IN ATTENDANCE:Mark Palmieri, Chairman
M. Toni Paine, Vice Chair
Patricia Libero, Secretary/Treasurer
Dorinda Borer
Betsy Davis
Robert Guthrie
BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT:Patrick Egolum
Eric Murillo
Cebi Waterfield
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Neil Cavallaro, Superintendent of Schools
Anne Druzolowski, Assistant Superintendent
David Cappetta, Director of Finance
CITY OFFICIALS PRESENT:
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
PRESENT:
Chairman Palmieri welcomed everyone to the July15, 2013 regular Meeting of the West Haven Board of Education and asked if anyone would like to address the board. Public Portion began at 7:05 PM
B. Public Portion of Meeting
Kevin Murphy, Director of Collective Bargaining for AFSCME Council 4 and represents Local 2706 and Local 13-3410 said they had a meet and greet with Sodexo to get familiar and talk about the kitchens; that was the extent of the conversations. They had a follow up meeting with the Superintendent and Attorney Floyd Dugas. Currently Mr. Murphy said there are two contracts both of which run until 2016 which are approximately 30 pages long. They cover seniority, bidding, layoffs, medical and rights to benefits. There was an agreement with this contract. A discussion took place about the contract. It was requested that they try out Sodexo for a year to see if they can manage food service. Fifty employees are directly impacted by food service. Why not try it first and see whether it works. A further discussion took place. Mr. Murphy said to think about what is being done these people are not just a business, think about what you are doing. Take your time do it as a management program don’t throw out these employees that you have. Mr. Murphy thanked the board for their time. The board gave thanks.
Jessica Chiong, 403 Painter Drive, West Haven, CT stated since her three children have started school she has become more involved with her children’s school and the community. Becoming PTA President has opened her eyes and many doors for her. She has become disappointed with the educational system and how things have taken a turn upside down. She discussed the closing of three schools, tired and stressed teachers and test scores that have dropped every year. She said the Board of Ed needs to take back the power. She discussed the Superintendent, reviews, contracts, test scores, statistics etc.
All the testing, piloting and spending money on education doesn’t seem to be helping. A further discussion took place about state mandates, curriculum etc. and her discussion with state personnel. She was told we are in a transition right now and now it is the local districts that have the control over making decisions on any curriculum. A further discussion took place. Ms. Chiong thanked the board. The board gave thanks.
Daria Weible, 129 Beatrice Drive, West Haven, CT stated she spent time talking with the woman in Mr. Murphy’s office about the plans that were submitted for the new high school. The gist of the conversation was she wanted to know who to speak with so they know where to go from here. We need to have some kind of understanding about what is going to be left in and if the plans are final. It was her understanding this was still open for discussion and could be modified by the department heads and what the teachers feel they need. Where do we get this information? She knows the oversight committee meetings are there but doesn’t know if that will help parents with what they need for their kids and she doesn’t see where this has come into the plan. This is going in circles and we are going nowhere fast.
Dorinda Borer 821 Main Street, West Haven, CT sent the board members a letter regarding removing polling places from the schools. She read this letter into the record and said she submitted it to the registrar of voters last week. (A copy of the letter is attached to the minutes – Schedule A) Since submitting the letter she has contacted Emergency Personnel (fire/police) and spoke with our Superintendent who is 100% in agreement and various other people who are in support of removing them from the schools. We just need to get the Registrar of Voters to support this. She asked for everyone’s support so we can get them to consider it because in the long run it is the right decision. Public Portion closed at 7:30 PM
C. REPORTS
C.1.a. Administration/Status of Schools
Superintendent Cavallaro stated that usually at this time we give an update on the hiring process. We are moving along pretty well and have several candidates that we are putting before you tonight for teaching positions. He thanked Jolene Barnes, Pam Gardner, Anthony Cordone, Frank Paolino, Taryn Driend and all the curriculum coordinators. Superintendent Cavallaro stated that baring any last minute resignations or unforeseen retirements they expect to be fully staffed when doors open in August. We will have an update at the next meeting. We are moving the process along during a very short summer which is important to note.
We anticipate moving to City Hall in two to three weeks. The furniture will arrive the first week in August so we anticipate a formal move to City Hall on Monday, August 6th.
A transition meeting is scheduled with Sodexo next week to talk about goals and expectations for next year. This has been scheduled since the board approved the contract last week. They have begun to tour the schools and order and implement their program. They will be part of the process for the design of the new high school and have design expertise.
Attorney Dugas made it clear last week when the contract was approved that as of now nothing as far as the status has changed with our employees. We still would like the opportunity to sit down with both unions and talk about why we believe this is in the best interest of the school district. We don’t have any intention of not hiring the employees if they are turned over to Sodexo. As of now Sodexo is managing them and Attorney Dugas was tong to contact Mr. Murphy today to set up an appointment to bargain and we look forward to doing that and working out an agreement. A further discussion took place. Superintendent Cavallaro said we have not violated the contract and last Friday they received another unfair labor practice from the union (portions of this were read out loud during the meeting). Superintendent Cavallaro then stated that unfortunately we will have to defend our position in front of an arbitrator or state labor person. He understands there is a process and we will follow that process.
Joe Falzone will attend our next board meeting to update us on things. Things are moving along fine; the abatement has begun at WHHS and we anticipate that being done in time to do registration before the opening of school. It has been a short and very busy summer thus far. The board gave thanks.
Dr. Druzolowski said new teacher orientation is right around the corner; August 19 – 21st.
This gives the union a day to work with a variety of things as well as with our technology and power school. The first two days are spent with orientation to the system and the curriculum in reading, writing, mathematics and language arts.
We have been working with a team of 25 for the State Evaluation (SEED) that is required. We will be doing administrator training July 25th and 26th and August 23rd.
They have had major assignments of reading and are ready to go full blast in learning how to support and promote the profession using a lot of instructional techniques and working with teachers. A further discussion continued.
C.1.b. Student Representatives Report
C.1.c. Board
Dorinda Borer said we attended all the graduation and promotion ceremonies and it was a nice culmination at the end of the year to see all the hard work from the teachers and students. This is the nice part; seeing the progress the students have made.
C.1.d. Committee
Dorinda Borer said she scheduled Clifford Beers to come for the September meeting. They will talk a about mental health, trends in schools and the mental health work they are doing on the Governor’s Advisory Commission. This will be a subcommittee and she will give him notice for that.
D.1.Approval ofMinutes
D.1.a. West Haven Board of Education Regular Board Meeting held at Savin Rock Community School, 50 Park Street, West Haven, CT on June 17, 2013 at 7:00 PM.
D.1.b. West Haven Board of Education Special Board Meeting held in the Council Chambers of City Hall, 355 Main Street, West Haven, CT on July 8, 2013 at 7:00 PM.
Mark Palmieri asked for a motion to approve the minutes D.1. inclusive
Toni Paine made the motion to approve the minutes D.1. inclusive
Betsy Davis seconded the motion
Discussion: None
All board members present were in favor
Both sets of minutes are approved
D.2.Resignations: (Certified)
13-56 John W. Kelly, Elementary Teacher - Carrigan
Effective: June 30, 2013
Reason: Retirement
13-57 Maria Heaney, Special Ed Teacher – Carrigan
Effective: June 30, 2013
Reason: Relocation
D.3. Resignations: (Non-Certified)
13-58 Carolyn Galasso, Reading Para - Pagels
Effective: July 10, 2013
Reason: Retirement
13-59 Carolyn Roberts, Medical Para - Forest
Effective: August 31, 2013
Reason: Retirement
Mark Palmieri asked for a motion to approve Resignations D.2. and D.3. inclusive
Toni Paine made the motion with regret and much appreciation
Bob Guthrie seconded the motion
Discussion: None
All board members present were in favor
Motion to approve the resignations are approved
D.4.Leave of Absence: (Certified)
D.5. New Hire: (Certified)
13-60 Dora L. Barnes, 71 Tetlow Street, West Haven, CT 06516
School Counselor – WHHS
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $43,904.86 (Step 5 BS+30)
13-61 Nikkole S. Dye, 220 Nautilus Road, Bridgeport, CT 06606
School Psychologist – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $52,001.77 (Step 5 BS+60 plus stipend)
13-62 Deana Marino, 118 Gulf Street, Unit 4, Milford, CT 06460
Language Arts Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $42,145.53 (Step 4 BS+30)
D.5. New Hire: (Certified)
13-63 Lawrence Kenneth Clark, Jr., 16 Grove Place, West Haven, CT 06516
Language Arts Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $39,218.41 (Step 4 BS)
13-64 Abdul A. Choudhry, 50 Augusta National Drive, Glastonbury, CT 06033
Language Arts Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $42,145.53 (Step 4 BS+30)
13-65 Shayna L. Farese, 20 West Dayton Hill Road, Wallingford, CT 06492
Language Arts Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $44,475.46 (Step 4 BS+60)
13-66 Amanda Sayers, 95 Tyler Street, West Haven, CT 06516
Elementary Teacher – Savin Rock Community School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $39,218.41 (Step 4 BS)
13-67Ryan Knight, 154 Atkins Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Health Teacher – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $39,218.41 (Step 4 BS)
13-68John DellaCamera, 195 West Pond Rd. Ext., North Branford, CT 06471
Assistant Principal – West Haven High School
Effective: July 22, 2013
Salary: $119,652.39 (Step 6 Per Admin. Contract)
13-69Jeff Goslin, 34 Club House Road, Lisbon, CT 06351
Mathematics Teacher – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $52,418.38 (Step 9 BA)
13-70Yvonne Moore, 171 Columbus Avenue, Stratford, CT 06615
Mathematics Teacher – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $47,415.74 Step 6 (BS+30)
13-71Teresa Hartsoe, 1397 Scard Road, Wallingford, CT 06492
Chemistry Teacher – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $76,199.86 Step 12 (BS+30)
D.5. New Hire: (Certified) Continued
13-72Danielle Attard, 334 Barn Hill Road, Monroe, CT 06468
School Counselor – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $46,240.43 Step 5 (BS+60)
13-73Laura M. Ciesla, 48 Dry Hill Road, Norwalk, CT 06851
Mathematics Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $49,769.30 Step 6 (BS+60)
13-74Matthew DiGioia, 30 Magellan Drive, Milford, CT 06460
Language Arts Teacher - Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $42,145.53 Step 4 (BS+30)
13-75 Christie Rossi, 200 White Street, West Haven, CT 06516
Elementary Teacher Grade 3 – Savin Rock Community School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $39,218.41 Step 4 (BS)
13-76 Ashleigh Vitelli, 53 Perry Merrill Drive, West Haven, CT 06516
Teacher Grade 5 – Carrigan Intermediate School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $42,145.53 Step 4 (BS+30)
13-77 Michael Bartone, 69 Perry Merrill Drive, West Haven, CT 06516
Teacher Grade 5 – Carrigan Intermediate School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $42,145.53 Step 4 (BS+30)
ADDENDUM
D.5. New Hire: (Certified) Continued
13-82 Joseph Pisano, 549 Cobblestone Drive, Orange, CT 06477
Special Education Inclusion Teacher – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $40,817.98 Step 5 (BS)
SECOND ADDENDUM
D.5. New Hire: (Certified) Continued
13-83 Sharon G. Salem, 40 Mumford Road, New Haven, CT 06515
Mathematics Teacher – West Haven High School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $46,240.43 Step 5 (BS+60)
THIRD ADDENDUM
D.5. New Hire: (Certified) Continued
13-84 Marissa Palisoul Humphrey, 96 Russell Street, Middletown, CT 06457
Sciences Teacher Grade 8 – Bailey Middle School
Effective: August 26, 2013
Salary: $49,769.30 Step 6 (BS+60)
Mark Palmieri asked for a motion to approve New Hire (Certified) D.5 inclusive
13-60 – 13-77 and the three addendum new hires 13-82, 13-83 and 13-84.
Pat Libero made the motion
Bob Guthrie seconded the motion
Discussion: A short clarification of the item numbering was given due to the addition of the addendum items that were received. Chairman Palmieri thanked everyone who worked on this.
All board members present were in favor
Motion to approve the Certified New Hires inclusive 13-60 – 13-84 are approved
D.6. New Hire: (Non-Certified)
D.7. New Business
13-78 Ten teacher recommendations for the 9 – 12 Department Head Assignments for the 2013 – 2014 school year for West Haven High School.
13-79 One teacher recommendation for the 6 – 12 Department Head Assignment for the 2013 – 2014 school year
13-80 Recommendation to submit a resolution proposal to the CABE Delegate Assembly on behalf of the West Haven Board of Education urging the drug free school zone be maintained at 1,500 feet.
D.7. New Business (Continued)
13-81 Recommendation to submit a resolution proposal to the CABE DelegateAssembly on behalf of the West Haven Board of Education urging that all new school building projects or additions/renovations that involvegreater than 35 percent of the existing facilities square footage to include funding to improve/enhance public safety (Police-Fire-EMS) communication within the facility. This enhancement should be fully funded and require no local matching funds.
Mark Palmieri asked for a motion to approve D.7. New Business items 13-78 – 13-81 inclusive.
Pat Libero made the motion
Dorinda Borer seconded the motion
Discussion: None
All board members present were in favor
Motion to approve D.7. New Business items 13-78 – 13-81 inclusive isapproved.
F. Informational
There was nothing added under informational but Dorinda wanted to go back to committees for facilities. She is confused about the shops and wanted to have Neil walk her through the process. She knows the board voted for the conceptual plan for the high school and we have the architect. How do the shops get addressed? Do they get addressed through the building oversight committee? Who do the people have to get their message to if they want to try and bring about change because it is out of our hands now correct?
Superintendent Cavallaro said within the square footage we are still making some changes; however we can not authorize finances that is out of our control. As far as appropriating more funds that has to be done through the city’s legislative fund which is the council. Dorinda said so we wait until we get the final plans and then you can look at it. It is more than that. The plans approved by the council and board five years ago include educational specifications which are included in the building. The architects are designing rough drafts which fall within those educational specifications. Prior to final submission the board has to approve it.
The trouble with adding an auto shop at this point is you are talking about adding additional square feet on to the project which we don’t have. To add more feet you would have to get more money approved and resubmit the plans to the State
Department of Education. A further discussion took place. Superintendent Cavallaro said he would meet with the woman from public session who had asked these questions. He said we have bi-weekly meetings with the architects where we are trying to finalize some plans. He said while she is in his office he will try and get her some of the answers to her questions or at least point her in the right direction.
F. Informational (Continued)
Chairman Palmieri said the BOC meetings take place the second Tuesday of every month at City Hall at 6:00 PM and they do have a public session and are very informative. He hopes to do a town meeting and knows they just hired the construction manager and there is a lot of information that is new to a lot of us and hopes they will do something at the high school to explain everything to the public as fare as the bonding, the strands and the building itself. Mark said he will push for this again and it will answer a lot of questions.
Mrs. Gardner said the high school building committee meets the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 PM. They meet after the BOC meeting at 6:00 PM. The meeting to attend for the new high school takes place at 7:00 PM. There is a website with the plans on it and the minutes from all our meetings. The board gave thanks.
Mark Palmieri asked for a motion to adjourn
Toni Paine made the motion
Pat Libero seconded the motion
All board members were in agreement
The meeting adjourned at 7:55 PM
Respectfully submitted,
Marylou C. Amendola
Board Secretary
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