GROTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS
GROTON, CONNECTICUT
(*Attachments are available upon request in the Superintendent’s Office.)
Regular MeetingOctober 26, 2010
The regular meeting of the Groton Board of Education was held on October 26, 2010, inthe Library of Cutler Middle School.
I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Mr.Robert Peruzzotti, Chairperson of the Board, at 7:03 p.m.
The first order of business was the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag led by Mr. Shirvell.
PRESENTABSENT
Mr. Robert Peruzzotti, ChairpersonMrs. Beverly Washington, Vice Chairperson
Mrs. Patricia DoyleMrs. Rita Volkmann
Mrs. Elizabeth GianacoplosMr. Chaz Zezulka
Dr. Kirsten Hoyt
Mrs. Jen Sim
Mr. Brian Shirvell
Mr. Paul J. Kadri, Superintendent of Schools
Mrs. Kimberly Beam, Director of Human Resources Services
Mrs. Mary Anne Butler, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Mrs. Carolyn Dickey, Business Manager
Mrs. Denise Doolittle, Director of Pupil Personnel Services
Mr. Wesley Greenleaf, Director of Buildings and Grounds
Mr. Titus Abad, Student Representative
Miss Caitlyn Joyner, Student Representative
Dr. Carboni, Principal of Cutler Middle School, welcomed the Board to Cutler Middle School. He gave a brief overview of what Cutler Middle offers as a prelude to introducing the Cutler Drama Club, under the direction of Ms. Aleskiewicz. The students performed a scene from “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.” Mr. Aleskiewicz noted a formal performance of “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” on November 5, 2010, at 6:00 p.m.
B. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS
- Mrs. Carole Moore, 277 Ridgewood Drive, made comments regarding staff changes, the central registration process, the safety of facilities, morale, and needs of special education students. [ATTACHMENT #1]
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October 26, 2010
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B. COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS – cont.
- Ms. Rosanne Kotowski, 24 Ann Avenue, made comments regarding the non-union raises [ATTACHMENT #2].
- Ms. Bobbi Jo Cini, 316 Groton Long Point Road, asked how the Math Pilot program at Cutler was determined. She noted her concern regarding students listening to a book on a CD instead of reading the book; she stated that she was opposed to Phase II; and commented on the electronic sign at Fitch High School. [ATTACHMENT #3]
- Mrs. Eames and Mrs. Mackin, Groton Education Foundation, made a presentation to the Board of the winners of the Groton Education Foundation Grant Awards in the amount of $8,764.25. This represents 17 grants. [ATTACHMENT #4]
C. RECOGNITION AND PARTICIPATION AND DELEGATIONS
NONE
D. STUDENT LIAISON REPORT
The student representatives reported:
Mr. Abad praised the Cutler Middle School Drama presentation.
Mr. Abad noted the number of Independent Study courses taken by seniors and asked the Board’s encouragement for the expansion of this option to juniors.
Mr. Abad noted the need to offer more employment opportunities to high school students.
Mr. Abad noted the Anti-Bullying Coalition at Fitch High School. He also noted that Cyber Bulling is happening at the high school. He asked the Board to go to all the middle schools and the high school to give presentations this is bad.
Mr. Abad stated that in every class there are essential questions and that students do not know they mean and what they are. He stated that teachers should explain them more.
Mr. Abad noted that Homecoming is November 13, 2010 and encourage the Board to check out the Tanager which is coming out soon.
Miss Joyner noted that the first meeting of the Anti-Bullying coalition was held. She noted the different methods being used at Fitch High School including the use of Peer Mediation. Their next meeting is November 3, 2010, at 2:20 p.m.
Miss Joyner noted the 3rd Annual Coin Run.
Miss Joyner noted the Powder Puff Football Game on November 16, 2010.
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October 26, 2010
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D. STUDENT LIAISON REPORT – cont.
Mr. Peruzzotti stated that the Drama Club has been revived through the efforts of Mrs. Doyle and Mr. Arcarese at Fitch High School. He noted that 89 students attended the first meeting.
II. RESPONSE TO COMMENTS FROM CITIZENS
NONE
III. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. REPORTS AND INFORMATION FROM STAFF
NONE
B. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Mr. Kadri reported:
Mr. Kadri noted the proposed 2010-2011 Budget Calendar process.
Mr. Kadri noted that the Board held a discussion of Phase II at the last COW meeting and gave an update noting the different government bodies that are involved in Phase II and that the Phase II Committeeis waiting for the Traffic Study. They will make a final recommendation to the Town Council. The Town Council will then settle on a path and then everyone will understand where Phase II is going and will be able to explain it to the Public.
IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS
- District Quality Council:
There was no report.
- Finance Committee:
Mr. Shirvell stated that the Finance Committee met last Tuesday and discussed the budget calendar schedule and the new software inventory system.
- Communications Committee:
Mrs. Doyle stated that the Communications Committee met tonight and discussed the different initiatives in the district: the website and how to maximize its use more; the audio dialer, and the new Groton U-Tube.
- Negotiations Committee:
There was no report.
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IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS – cont.
- LEARN:
Dr. Hoyt stated that LEARN met two weeks ago. She also noted her attendance at a Legislative Breakfast which included 5 legislative bodies in attendance. She further noted that at a LEARN Board meeting there was a presentationfrom the Multicultural Magnet School. Lastly, they reviewed policies.
6. Wellness Committee:
Mrs. Doyle stated that the Wellness Committee met last Thursday and heard from the Wellness Coordinator on the smoking cessation grant.
7. Policy Committee:
Mrs. Doyle stated that the Policy Committee met tonight and discussed the future of naming of schools policy and student health.
8. Facilities Committee:
Mr. Shirvell stated that the Facilities Committee met last Tuesday and discussed the School Security Survey which will be contracted out.
9. Curriculum Committee:
Mrs. Sim stated that the Curriculum Committee met on October4, 2010 and discussed:
- They were given a presentation of the chemistry in the community curriculum as a pilot base.
- Revisiting the Curriculum Handbook
- They were given data on AP and IB enrollment information for a referral
- They were give an Assessment documentfor the district
Mrs. Sim noted that the next Curriculum Committee meeting will be November 1, 2010, at 6:15 p.m.
10. Groton Parent Council:
Mrs. Gianacoplos stated that the Groton Parent Council met October 19, 2010. She stated that Mrs. Martha Reynolds, Wellness Coordinator, who addressed the Great American Smoke Out. She further stated that Mr. Kadri gave a brief report and then introduced Mrs. Butler, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instructions, and the Council discussed the CMT reports.
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IV. COMMITTEE REPORTS – cont.
Mrs. Gianacoplos stated that the next Groton Parent Council meeting is November 16, 2010, at 5:30 p.m., at Claude Chester School.
11. Town & City Councils/RTM/Board of Education Liaison Committee:
There was no report.
12. GEA and AGSA Liaison Committee:
Mrs. Gianacoplos stated that the GEA and AGSA Liaison Committee met October 20, 2010 and discussed:
- The image of the Groton Public Schools
- Paraprofessionals
- The need for working copiers at Fitch High School
- Centralized Registration and lessons learned
- Update on initiatives
- Board Goals
- PD and notification to teachers for Professional Development
13. Committee of the Whole:
Mr. Peruzzotti stated that the Committee of the Whole was held on October 12, 2010 with a discussion on Phase II and what would happen if it did not pass.
14. CABE:There was no report.
15. Phase IIThere was no report.
V. ACTION ITEMS
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING BOARD MINUTES
RESOLVED, that the minutes of the Regular meeting of September28, 2010, Special meetings of September 28, and October 4, 2010, are hereby accepted and approved.
2. RESOLUTION ACCEPTING WARRANTS
RESOLVED, that the Warrants dated October26, 2010 are hereby accepted and approved.
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A. CONSENT CALENDAR – cont.
- RESOLUTION ACCEPTING GIFTS
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby accepts gifts to the Groton Public Schools as follows:
•A donation from a member of the Class of 1950 (William Hart) in the amount of $300.00 to be used by the Fitch High School Librarian.
•Groton Education Foundation Grant Awards in the amount of $8,764.25
A motion was made by Dr. Hoyt and seconded by Mrs. Sim.
PASSED - UNANIMOUSLY
B. OLD BUSINESS
1. STATUS OF SCHEDULE TO ADDRESS GROTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FACILITIES
Mr. Greenleafreported:
FHS – Mr. Greenleaf stated that the Town hired the engineering firm to determine why there are so many leaks. Repairs cannot be made until the spring. He further stated that the grant has gone to the auditor.
CK – Mr. Greenleaf stated that there are still issues with the project.
- Beams – Mr. Greenleaf asked Mr. Schneider to have engineer look at them.
NEA/CK – Mr. Greenleaf stated that the audits are complete.
Mr. Greenleaf stated that
PSBC will meet on November 18, 2010, at 7:00 p.m., at the Town Hall Annex. On the agenda will be lessons learned.
CB – Parking lot is complete; waiting on playground equipment.
FMS – Ballast: Mr. Greenleaf stated they are looking at the grant to offset the cost
CB – Light efficiency upgrade
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C. NEW BUSINESS
- APPROVAL OF BOARD OF EDUCATION GOALS FOR 2010-2011 [ATTACHMENT #5]
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has established the attached Board goals; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Board Goals for the 2010-2011 school year as presented.
A motion was made by Mrs. Gianacoplos and seconded by Dr. Hoyt.
A motion was made by Mrs. Sim and seconded by Mr. Shirvell to amend the motion have the third bullet read, “Align curriculum, grade structure, and facilities.”
VOTE ON AMENDMENT: PASSED - UNANIMOUSLY
VOTE ON MAIN MOTION AS AMENDED: PASSED – UNANIMOUSLY
V. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS
A. LETTERS, COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS
- Dr. Hoyt noted:
That she attended the Martin Luther King Dinner. She also noted that a Fitch High School, Aisha Lee, was a recipient. Eight scholarships were awarded.
That she attended the United Way focus group forum.
That she attended a football game and a chorus concert.
- Mrs. Sim noted:
›Thatshe attended the Early Education Spec Committee meeting today.
›Thatshe attended along with Mrs. Washington the NSBA Technology and Learning Conference. She noted that she would be preparing a report for the Board.
- Mrs. Doyle noted:
That she heard from parents involved with the Drama Club at the High School and that they were very pleased with its return.
That she attended several Fitch High School field Hockey games.
- Mrs. Gianacoplos stated that she attended the Martin Luther King Dinner.
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VI. ADVANCE PLANNING
A. FUTURE MEETING DATES AND CALENDAR ITEMS
As noted in the agenda.
B. SUGGESTED AGENDA ITEMS
NONE
VII. ADJOURNMENT
A motion was made by Mrs. Sim and seconded by Mr. Shirvell to adjourn at 8:25 p.m.
PASSED - UNANIMOUSLY