THOMPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION


THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

7:00 p.m.

 

 

XI.                    Call to Order and Roll Call

 

Chairperson Donna Lynch called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

 

Members Present:                       Members Absent:

 

                        Laurence Consiglio                            Ellen Corrado

                        Jayne Robbins                                 Patricia Donnelly                  

                      William Witkowski          Josh Cusak, Student Liaison

            Jacklyn Bonneau  

            James Kenney

            Joseph Lindley 

            Donna Lynch

             

 

Also present was Michael Jolin, Beverly Caparco, Barbara Lesniewksi, Ronald Springer, Penny Hebert, Bill Birch, Noveline Beltram, Dennis Gentilli, Deb Spinelli, Kerry Tetreault, members of the public, employees of the Board of Education, members of the press.

 

XII.          Citizens Comments

 

Scott Eastman of 4 Breaultıs Landing expressed concern over the bus stop for his children in the afternoon. Mr. Eastman explained although his children are picked up at home in the morning they are not dropped off in the same spot in the afternoon.  In the afternoon the children are walking quite a distance on Quaddick Town Farm Road which is very dangerous due to the lack of sidewalks. There is also a lot of traffic on this road.  Mr. Eastman provided the Board with pictures showing the area where the children are dropped off and must walk.   Donna Lynch asked Mr. Eastman if he has discussed this issue with the bus coordinator. Mr. Eastman stated he has spoken to the bus coordinator about this issue. Mr. Eastman noted he has not had a problem with the bus stop until this year.  Mr. Eastman noted he wants to have his children dropped off closer to his house.    Mr. Eastman also noted the current bus driver does not have a positive attitude and is not very pleasant.   Dr. Jolin state he is aware of the issue and has been to the area with the bus coordinator.  There is an issue with the bus stopping twice within a short distance, which is not allowed by State law.  Donna Lynch agreed that this road is very dangerous.   William Witkowski asked Dr. Jolin and Ms. Tetreault to reconsider this section of the bus route and to make an extra stop somehow to ensure the safety of the children getting off the bus in this area.  Discussion was held. The consensus of the Board is to rework the bus stops in this area to accommodate Mr. Eastmanıs request.  Dr. Jolin will follow up with Mr. Eastman on this issue.

 

Craig Hampford and Dennis Barrett expressed concern to the Board regarding their ability to add or drop classes at the High School.  The students wanted to drop out of wind ensemble due to the original band teacher resigning and they were told by guidance that no one can drop classes per Mr. Mitchell.  In addition, they were upset about the mandatory 5.5 credits for all seniors which they state they were never notified about.   Dr. Jolin stated this is the first he has heard about this issue.  Mr. Barrett stated he has spoken to Mr. Mitchell about this. Mr. Mitchell indicated he has not discussed this issue with Mr. Barrett.  Donna Lynch asked that Mr. Hampford and Mr. Barrett go through the proper chain and speak to Mr. Mitchell and then if they are unable to have the issue resolved they should speak to Dr. Jolin and then they should come to the Board of the issue is still not resolved.   Donna Lynch noted she appreciates the students coming to the Board to voice their concerns but the proper channels need to be followed.   Dr. Jolin will meet with Mr. Mitchell to review this issue and report to the Board.  Mr. Mitchell stated there has been an issue with hiring a band teacher however the new band teacher started today.  Dr. Jolin asked the students to have their parents contact him to discuss this issue.   Mr. Barrette stated he feels the band program is falling apart and he now is unable to take another class that would better benefit him since he has to stay in the wind ensemble class.  He asked how long this process will take and if he has to wait until the next Board meeting in November to get this issue resolved it will be too late to transfer to another class.  Dr. Jolin stated he will work to resolve this issue in the very near future.    

 

Mrs. Barrette asked that since her son did speak to Mr. Mitchell and Mr. Mitchell now denies that how the proper channels should be followed? She asked if her son should have someone attend any meeting he has with Mr. Mitchell to prove that the meeting took place. Donna Lynch stated she does not feel that is necessary but after the meeting with Mr. Mitchell the Mr. Barrett should meet with Dr. Jolin. 

 

III.       Committee Reports  

 

A.        Finance Review

 

William Witkowski reported on the Finance Review Committee meeting held this evening.  The ending balance of last yearıs budget was $2,271.93, which was returned to the Town.  Tuition accounts continue to be monitored.   Laurence Consiglio stated the cafeteria account needs to be monitored closely as the fund balance gets lower each year.  It was noted increased revenue of $15,000.00 is expected this year from the State due to participation in the healthy food program.  In addition, some of the equipment will be updated due to the building project.  It was also noted that several retirements occurred last year and severance payments were made which will not be needed this year.   .

 

Goals Committee

 

Jayne Robbins reported on the Goals Committee meeting.  She stated the Committee has begun discussions to review three goals.  The Committee will meet again before next monthıs meeting.  The Committee would like to have goals in place before the end of the school year. 

 

IV.       Educational Up-Date

 

A.               Superintendentıs Report

 

Enrollment/Class Sizes

 

Dr. Jolin presented information concerning the current enrollment numbers. 

 

Administration, Operations and Maintenance

 

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

 

2007/2008 Vacancies/Replacement Update 

 

Dr. Jolin noted he is in the process of revising the vacancy list.  The music teacher position at the High School has been difficult to fill however the new music teacher started today.  A substitute is in place in Science at the High School.  This substitute is working toward certification at this time.  A speech teacher was hired and the psychologist position still remains unfilled.

 

Revised Tenure List

 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked for information concerning teachers who have obtained out of district tenure.  Laurence Consiglio stated he would like a list of teachers and the date each teacher is eligible for tenure. Dr. Jolin stated he will revise the tenure list and provide it to the Board.

 

DRG Comparisons  

 

Dr. Jolin presented information regarding the District Reference Groups (DRGıs).    Indicators used to establish the demographic reference groups were reviewed.  It was noted Thompson has changed levels in this reporting system and was moved up one level. 

 

Dr. Hebert presented DRG test results comparisons for Elementary School.

 

Mr. Springer presented DRG test results comparisons for Middle School.

 

Job Descriptions

 

The updated job description for the Network/Computer Support Specialist was provided to the Board for review.  

 

CAPT Testing

 

Mr. Mitchell presented the CAPT test results. 

 

Building Project Update

 

Dr. Jolin noted the project is on schedule. The Early Childhood Center should be completed by December.  The entire project should be completed on schedule by April 2008.

 

Ending 2006/2007 Budget Final Balance

 

The ending balance from the 2006/2007 budget was $2,271.93. 

 

2007-2008 Budget

 

Dr. Jolin stated he will closely monitor current budget expenditures in light of the building project. In addition, this year the lunch program will be closely monitored as the Elementary School will have a cafeteria which may affect the number of students purchasing lunch. 

 

Revised Information Request Form

 

The revised Information Request Form was provided to the Board.  The Board should email or contact Dr. Jolin if any changes in the form should be made.

 

Dr. Jolin thanked the Administrators for their work on analyzing the DRG data. 

 

Dr. Jolin reported two students would like to participate in gymnastics on a team of one of two.  Dr. Jolin will provide specific information for the next Board meeting. 

 

Donna Lynch asked about the status of the RFP for transportation.  It was the consensus of the Board to move forward with the RFP for transportation. 

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by William Witkowski to add RFP for transportation to the agenda as an action item.  Passed‹Unanimous.

 

Samples of RFPıs were previously emailed to Board members for their review.

 

V.        Action Items

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau seconded by Jayne Robbins to approve the minutes of the September 10, 2007 Board of Education Meeting.  Dr. Hebert was incorrectly listed as Penny Springer.  This error will be corrected.  The motion was amended to include this change.   Passed‹Unanimous.          

 

Motion by Jayne Robbins, seconded by William Witkowski that Thompson Public Schools agrees to be a partner district in the QVMCHS magnet which entitles Thompson Public Schools to participate on the Governance Board of the School and further commits Thompson Public Schools to an allocation of a total of four student slots over four years beginning with school year 2008/2009. Discussion was held.  Jacklyn Bonneau expressed concern about the lack of US History offered in the curriculum as this should be a requirement.  Dr. Jolin noted the curriculum is still being developed.   Dr. Jolin will check on this.  Jacklyn Bonneau asked if gifted students would be able to attend this program.  Dr. Jolin stated the Board makes the decision as to who attends the program.  Criteria for admission will be developed and guidelines will be in place before students are chosen to attend.   Passed‹Unanimous.   

 

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by Jacklyn Bonneau to approve issuing an RFP for transportation.  Discussion was held. Donna Lynch noted the Board is not required to accept the lowest bidder.  The Board can select the most qualified bidder regardless of the dollar amount of the bid.  The bid should state the private vendor will give existing staff the opportunity to be hired.  It was noted current staff is not guaranteed their wage or benefits but will be given an opportunity for a position if a private vendor is chosen to take over the transportation needs for the district.  It was noted the Board is just exploring options at this point and is not making any commitments.  Laurence Consiglio asked if the union has been contacted.  Dr. Jolin stated he has discussed this with the Transportation Coordinator.  Joseph Lindley asked if the revised RFP can be sent to Board members for their review prior to it going out.  Dr. Jolin will email the revised RFP before it is submitted.   Passed‹Unanimous.

 

XIII.       CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

None.

 

XIV.       Board of Education Comments

 

Donna Lynch read a letter from Jeff Barske, Town Clerk regarding the upcoming elections and terms of new Board members.  

 

Laurence Consiglio asked about the technology position.  Dr. Jolin noted the contract ended with EASTCONN and the same person was kept in the full time position created by the Board.  Discussion was held regarding the need to advertise this newly created position. Dr. Jolin will confirm the status of the position and determine if the contract has officially ended with EASTCONN.  

 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked about the Board meeting with new teachers.  This has been a practice in the past and has not been well attended.  Discussion was held.  The Board may consider doing something else to welcome the new teachers.

 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked about the number of female math and science teachers in the High School.  Mr. Mitchell responded there are two female science teachers and one female math teacher.      

 

William Witkowski asked how Administration determines if there are students from other towns attending the Thompson schools.  Dr. Jolin responded there are systems to place to help identify these students.  He will provide that information to the Board.  

 

Laurence Consiglio asked for the well at the fields to be retested.  Bill Birch said it has been hydrofracked and it can be retested if at a cost of about $1,000.00.  Laurence Consiglio stated he feels it is the worth the money due to the recent blasting in that area during the building project.

 

Dr. Jolin reported on the bonding for the building project.  The State is holding off on making payments for projects throughout the state.  This doesnıt have a direct impact on our budget; however, the longer the delay at the State in releasing the bond money, the greater the exposures the Town has to borrowing the money to make the current payments that become due.  If anyone has any specific questions they can contact Mike Martin at the Town.  Dr. Jolin noted the building project is proceeding and no delays are expected.  A suggestion was made to write to our State Representative or the Governor concerning this issue.  Donna Lynch asked if the Building Committee will be writing a letter to the Governor.  Laurence Consiglio stated he is not aware of the Building Committee writing a letter to the Governor however he will check on this. Donna Lynch stated she will draft a letter to the Governor to send if the Building Committee chooses not to send a similar letter. 

 

Next monthıs agenda:

 

·                 Tenure list

·                 Reading programs presentation

·                 Gymnasts‹team of one of two

·                 Presentation on Graduation by Proficiency

·                 Middle School After School Program

·                 Expulsions and Suspensions not in compliance

·                 NECASA Survey

·                 RFP Update

 

 

 

XV.          Executive Session‹Collective Bargaining/Personnel Litigation

 

None needed.

 

XVI.       Action as a Result of Executive Session

 

None.

 

X.        Adjournment.

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to adjourn the meeting.  Passed‹Unanimous.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

 

:rjb