THOMPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION


THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Monday, May 14, 2007

7:00 p.m.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairperson Donna Lynch called the meeting to order at 7:07 p.m.

Members Present:                              Members Absent:

                        Laurence Consiglio                            Donald Morin 

                        Jayne Robbins                                    Jacklyn Bonneau                   

                        William Witkowski                              

            Ellen Corrado

            Patricia Donnelly

            James Kenney

            Donna Lynch

            Gabrielle Rosetti, Student Liaison

Also present was Michael Jolin, Beverly Caparco, Barbara Lesniewksi, Stephen Mitchell, Penny Hebert, Michelle Dixon, Noveline Beltram, Marna Hasz

II. Citizens Comments

Jason Bielik read a letter on behalf of himself and Christine Leary regarding the accident that occurred during the recent band trip to Toronto.

Donna Lynch reported the Board has a policy that it always recognizes letters received that are signed. However, the Board recently received an anonymous letter and she noted the Board does not recognize anonymous letters but asked if the writer of the letter was in attendance and would like to identify themselves.  No one stepped forward as the writer of this anonymous letter.

A citizen asked if the letter was of a positive nature or a negative nature.  Mrs. Lynch stated it was of a negative nature and was not regarding the band trip incident. 

Donna Lynch stated she did have a letter from Mrs. Chenette who had concern about the handling of the trip.    Mrs. Lynch reported she has forwarded Mrs. Chenetteπs letter to Administration.   

Donna Lynch asked if anyone has trouble hearing the Board members during meetings to please let her know.   There have been some complaints received regarding this and she wants to make sure all audience members can hear the Board of Education members. 

Donna Lynch read a letter from David R. Kress to the Board of Education regarding the band trip incident. 

Mr. Mitchell commended how Christine Leary and Jason Bielik handled the band trip incident.   Mr. Mitchell also thanked all the parent chaperons who were on the trip with a special thanks to Mr. Picard for his assistance.

Donna Lynch thanked Mr. Picard on behalf of the Board for his expertise and assistance during the trip.   

III. Presentation of CABE Student Leadership Awards

Dr. Jolin presented the CABE Student Leadership Awards to Gabrielle Rossetti and Kerri Kitka. 

IV.       Committee Reports

A.        Finance Review

William Witkowski reported on the Finance Review Committee meeting which was held at 6:30 p.m.   The budget is currently negative $213,000.00. It is anticipated a request will be made soon from the Town for the Excess Cost money.  This amount is not final yet.  There is a surplus in the fuel oil account and the diesel fuel and electricity accounts are negative.  William Witkowski asked that the hiring of an insurance consultant and increase of recording secretaryπs stipend and adding recording secretary to the payroll be added to the agenda as Action Items.

Motion by Jayne Robbins, seconded by Ellen Corrado to add Action Item ≥G≤ãhiring of an insurance consultant to the agenda.   PassedãUnanimous.

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by Jayne Robbins to add Action Item ≥H≤--to move the Recording Secretaryπs position to the payroll and increase her stipend to the agenda.  PassedãUnanimous. 

B. Policy Review. 

Jayne Robbins reported the Policy Review Committee met at 6:00 p.m. to discuss possible changes to the substance abuse policy as required by CIAC.  The Committee is requesting this be tabled due to the fact that Mrs. Spinelli could not attend the meeting and further information is needed from Dr. Jolin. 

Motion by Jayne Robbins, seconded by William Witkowski to remove Action Item ≥B≤ãApproval of substance abuse policy from the agenda.  PassedãUnanimous.

C.        Building Committee

Laurence Consiglio reported the project is on schedule with no delays.  The process of identifying furniture, fixtures and equipment is in process at this time.  Mr. Consiglio noted it has been a challenge to keep the project within budget.

V.        Educational Up-Date

A.  Superintendentπs Report

Enrollment

Dr. Jolin presented information concerning the current enrollment numbers.  The enrollment has increased by four students from April to May with an additional two students in the Elementary School, an additional two students in the Middle School and the High School remaining the same.  

Administration, Transportation, Operations and Maintenance

Administration, Operations and Maintenance and Transportation reports were provided in the Boardπs packet for their review.

Yearbook Update 

Dr. Jolin noted he emailed an updated detailed budget to the Board and also provided information on ads that were purchased.

Saturday School

The Board received a detailed proposal for Saturday School.  Mr. Springer traced referrals and types of referrals and has prepared a report with this data.  It was noted there is clearly a need for alternative types of discipline. 

Staffing Early Childhood Center

Dr. Jolin reported on staffing of the Early Childhood Center.  Additional maintenance staff is included in the budget however Dr. Jolin stated he does not anticipate hiring additional teachers at this time.  Administration for the Early Childhood Center is still being finalized and should be in place by the next meeting or Julyπs meeting at the latest. 

 Dr. Jolin thanked everyone involved in the band trip. 

Laurence Consiglio asked for clarification regarding the yearbook balance provided to the Board.  Mr. Consiglio also asked if the balance provided is the final balance or will other costs be incurred. Dr. Jolin stated he would provide that information.    

Laurence Consiglio expressed concern regarding the retention rate especially in the 7^th grade.  Dr. Jolin will provide retention numbers at the next meeting. 

VI.        Action Items

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Patricia Donnelly to approve the minutes of the April 9, 2007 Board of Education Meeting. PassedãEllen Corrado abstained.  

Dr. Jolin states he recommends going forward with the purchase of the security system.  He noted there is State legislation pending to allow for reimbursement to local districts for this purchase.  Dr. Jolin stated he would like to get this security system in place by September and if that is to happen then action on this item needs to be taken quickly.

Motion by Jayne Robbins, seconded by Ellen Corrado to approve the security system as presented.  Discussion was held.  Laurence Consiglio asked if the two contractors have met yet.  Dr. Jolin noted they have had conversations and Bill Birch is the liaison to make sure there is no duplication. The total cost of the system is $39,716.00 with possible savings of $7,000.00 since some cameras may be deleted from this package so as to not duplicate what is being ordered through the Building project.  Discussion was held regarding which entrances would have cameras and how these areas have been identified.    Laurence Consiglio suggested keeping all the cameras in place to allow for additional locations to be equipped with cameras.  Possible reimbursement of $25,000.00 from the State was estimated.  This reimbursement is being contemplated for systems put in place after July 1, 2006.   Laurence Consiglio stated if the State does not come through with those dollars the Board should go forward with the purchase of the security system for the safety of our students and staff.   PassedãUnanimous.

Dr. Jolin stated he recommends the approval of the Summer School program for at risk Middle School students. 

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by Jayne Robbins to approve Summer School for at risk Middle School students with a total cost to the Board of up to $10,000.00.  Discussion was held. Marna Hasz noted this is an estimate.  Gabrielle Rossetti suggested asking for volunteers from the High School as this would be a good community service opportunity.  It was noted this program is not accounted for in the budget as of yet.   PassedãUnanimous.

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Ellen Corrado to approve Thompson Middle School Natureπs Classroom for the Fall of 2007.   PassedãUnanimous.

Dr. Jolin noted some of the students involved are interested in fundraising for this trip by selling Natureπs Classroom t-shirts with area business logos printed on the shirts to raise money to off set the cost of the trip for those students who cannot afford to attend.  

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to authorize Beverly Caparco to hire an insurance consultant for the fee of $5,000.00 to review the schoolπs insurance need.  Discussion was held.  The Townπs consultant has saved the Town money on reduced premiums along with increased coverage.   Passed-Unanimous.

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Ellen Corrado to move the recording secretaryπs position to a payroll position and to increase the stipend per meeting to $125.00 and to increase the stipend per meeting for the Finance Review Committee to $45.00 with all changes to become effective July 1, 2007.  PassedãUnanimous.

Donna Lynch presented the recording secretary with a plant and a card of thanks in honor of Secretaryπs Day.

VII. CITIZENS COMMENTS

Gabrielle Rossetti reported the recent New York City trip was awesome with visits to the Hard Rock CafÈ, Statute of Liberty and ground zero.   She noted this was a very memorable trip for everyone.

Marna Hasz commended Nicole Beano on her recent Connecticut Youth Leadership Award.

Mr. Keefe stated there have been many problems with the transition to MEHIP with respect to health insurance.  He noted many employees have been denied coverage and a list of other issues has been compiled.  Donna Lynch urged Mr. Keefe to continue to urge employees to let the office know about problems they are experiencing.  She assured all the Board is aware of the issues.

Lori Chesanek reported employees are having the following problems:  updated insurance cards not mailed; staff members who are not enrolled in the health insurance received cards; medical procedures were denied; preauthorizations were required which resulted in delay of services; authorized prescriptions not refilled; out of pocket expenses denied that should have been covered; offices visits not covered.    Mr. Keefe noted preauthorization is not a part of the contract.  Dr. Jolin has been keeping Board members informed on a daily basis and the Board takes it very seriously and will be reviewing it at the next meeting if the problems continue.  

Beverly Caparco stated MEHIP is not making these errors as Anthem BC BS is processing the claims and the errors are being made by Anthem. 

Marna Hasz reported a great deal of time and energy has been expended by individual employees and school district employees to resolve problems.  She noted the employees were assured this would be a seamless transition and it has been far from seamless. 

VIII. Board of Education Comments

Jayne Robbins stated the situation with the health insurance needs to be reconsidered if things donπt change.

Laurence Consiglio commented on the recent Integrity Plus night.  It was a great night and he commended all students who received awards.  Mr. Consiglio also commented on the recent National Honor Society presentation and commended all students involved in that as well. 

Next monthπs agenda:

∑ Substance abuse policy

∑ Yearbook update

∑ Retention report 

∑ MEHIP

∑ Budget

Donna Lynch asked for Executive Session to discuss the superintendentπs evaluation upcoming in June.

Laurence Consiglio encouraged everyone to vote in the upcoming referendum.  The Board has lost substantial money in the past two years due to budgets being turned down and he encouraged everyone to vote and support the budget. 

Carol Rossetti noted the Elementary Spring concert will be held on May 24, 2007.

Donna Lynch reported the robes will be available for Board members for the graduation ceremony. Graduation will be held on June 14 at 6:00 on the softball field.  Parking arrangements will be available with shuttle buses to make transportation easier.

Donna Lynch discussed awarding of diplomas.  History shows current Board members always present diplomas.  There has been a request from a former Board member to be allowed to award a diploma this year.  Discussion was held.  The consensus of the Board is that former Board members should be allowed to award diplomas if they request it.    Patricia Donnelly suggested developing something in writing regarding this situation. 

Motion by Jayne Robbins, seconded by William Witkowski to move to Executive Session.  PassedãUnanimous.

The Board went into Executive Session at 8:11 p.m.

XI. Executive SessionãCollective Bargaining/Personnel/Contract

X. Action as a Result of Executive Session

The Board came out of Executive Session at 8:28 p.m.

No action required.

XI.        Adjournment.

Motion by Patricia Donnelly, seconded by Jayne Robbins to adjourn the meeting.  PassedãUnanimous.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 8:28 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

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