THOMPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION


THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Monday, September 10, 2007

7:00 p.m.

 

 

XVII.             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                           

                        Jayne Robbins                                                          

                        William Witkowski                              

            Jacklyn Bonneau  

            Patricia Donnelly

            Donna Lynch

            Ellen Corrado

            Joseph Lindley

            James Kenney arrived at 7:05 p.m.

             

Also present was Michael Jolin, Bill Birch, Novaline Beltram, Ronald Springer, Marna Hasz, Penny Springer, Stephen Mitchell, Jennifer Fleury, Barbara Lesniewski, Dennis Gentili, members of the public, members of the press.

 

XVIII.   Citizens Comments 

 

None.

 

III.       Educational Up-Date

 

A.               Superintendentıs Report

 

Enrollment/Class Sizes

 

Dr. Jolin presented the current enrollment numbers.  Enrollment is 1,477 which is down from last Septemberıs enrollment of 1,510.   There were 15 walk-ins in kindergarten at the end of last week.   Discussion was held on how best to handle this situation.  Dr. Hebert has suggested closing one pre-school class due to low enrollment and opening another kindergarten class.  Discussion was held regarding class sizes in the other grades.  It was noted the largest class is in the 8th grade but class sizes are manageable at this time.   The enrollment at the High School is up five students according to Mr. Mitchell.    

 

Motion by Patricia Donnelly, seconded by Jayne Robbins to add the consideration of creating an additional kindergarten class and the reduction of one preschool class to the agenda.  Joseph Lindley asked about enrollment projections.  Dr. Jolin explained how the enrollment projection is compiled by NESDAC.  Dr. Jolin will provide the projection report to Mr. Lindley.   Passed‹Unanimous. 

 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked if all grant slots in the preschool program have been filled.   Dr. Hebert responded all grant slots have been filled at this time and any family who has requested preschool has their child enrolled at this time

 

Laurence Consiglio asked Mr. Mitchell about the enrollment at the High School. Mr. Mitchell stated 12 students were retained as Juniors and did not move on to their Senior year.  Mr. Mitchell reported one student dropped out in 11th grade and one student dropped out in the 12th grade. 

 

Dr. Jolin distributed the list of teachers and when they were hired.  Laurence Consiglio asked to see administration on the list as well.  Mr. Consiglio also asked to have information regarding when a teacher would be eligible for tenure within the district.  Discussion was held.  Jacklyn Bonneau noted there are errors in the calculations as the number of months needed to acquire tenure is incorrect.  Dr. Jolin will provide the requested information and will check to insure the numbers are accurate.

 

Dr. Jolin distributed an Information Request Form for the Board to use to request information from administration.  The forms may be put on line for access by the Board or may be emailed to Board members. 

 

Middle College Magnet School

 

Dr. Jolin provided the proposed budget for the Middle College Magnet School in the Boardıs packet.  Dr. Jolin stated if there is a deficit in the budget then it is the responsibility of EASTCONN and individual Boards of Education are not liable.  Dr. Jolin reported the $100,000.00 grant was received.  

           

2007 CMT Scores 

 

Jennifer Fleury presented and discussed the CMT Reporter which allow teachers to access studentsı CMT scores.

 

Ronald Springer presented the 2007 CMT scores for the Middle School.  Jacklyn Bonneau asked how class time was increased.  Mr. Springer responded the DEAR  (drop everything and read) program was cancelled and that time is being used for class time.     Jacklyn Bonneau asked if there is any incentive for students to participate in the summer program.   Mr. Springer said activities other than academic were planned during the summer and there are treats such as special lunches provided by TEEG.  Laurence Consiglio stated he is pleased to see the progress being made. 

 

Penny Hebert presented the 2007 CMT scores for the Elementary School.

 

Laurence Consiglio asked for DRG scores.  Dr. Jolin stated he has tried to get this data and it is not available yet.  He will provide it once it is available.

 

Tom Angelo stated he is pleased to see the increase in the 4th grade test scores.   It was noted a true assessment of student achievement will be able to be seen next year after two years of testing data is available using the new teaching materials.

 

Jody Houghton asked about the difference in test scores between males and females as there was a discrepancy with last yearıs test scores in this regard.  Dr. Hebert responded she has not analyzed this data as of yet.   Marna Hasz noted all data can be obtained by going to www.ctreports.com.

 

2007/2008 Vacancies/Replacements

 

Dr. Jolin presented information regarding the status of vacancies/replacements. An unexpected retirement has resulted in a vacancy in High School science which position is in the process of being filled.  A Special Education teacher left at the last minute in the Elementary School and this position is currently being filled by a long term substitute.  The school psychologist position is yet to be filled.  Discussion was held regarding the possibility of utilizing an intern from an area college or university to help in this area.    It was noted all Middle School positions have been filled. 

 

Professional Development Day Agendas

 

Dr. Jolin included information regarding the recent Professional Development Day for the Board to review. 

 

Teacher Evaluation and Professional Development Plan

 

Dr. Jolin included copies of the teacher evaluation and professional development plan.  Minor revisions were done in May of 2006.  Donna Lynch discussed the Board of Educationıs goals and the need for updating those goals.  It was suggested goals be formulated by the Spring.     In addition, the plan calls for the Superintendent to report to the Board of Education annually which is not occurring.   Laurence Consiglio noted the Boardıs goals were developed a long time ago and should be reviewed on an annual basis.  Joseph Lindley stated the Boardıs mission and vision need to be clear before individual schools can prepare their goals, mission and vision with specific actions.  Patricia Donnelly noted the Board of Educationıs goals are broader in nature and individual schools should be more specific.  Discussion was held regarding scheduling a Goals Sub Committee meeting to begin to address this issue in order to have goals in place by Spring.  The Goals Sub Committee will meet at 6:00 p.m. prior to the next Board meeting.  Patricia Donnelly and Joseph Lindley volunteered for this Committee.

 

Building Project Update

 

Dr. Jolin reported the school year started on time with the facility in much better conditions than anticipated two weeks ago. Expressions of concern of air quality issues were heard by the Building Committee and administration and were addressed.  OSHA conducted a site visit last Friday and everything was satisfactory.  OSHA did not indicate there was a need for intervention at this time.    Barbara Lesniewski noted she feels much more comfortable with the air quality and stated there was a vast improvement from when teachers began their school year to now.   Laurence Consiglio expressed thanks to Bill Birch who did a great job with his staff in getting the building ready for school.  Barbara Lesniewski thanked the Building Committee and Board members for supporting the OSHA visit.  Laurence Consiglio reported the next milestone would be the opening of the Early Childhood Center in December.   

 

2007-2008 Budget

 

Dr. Jolin discussed the 2007/2008 budget.  Savings has been realized in several accounts which may allow the Board to hire positions that were originally cut from the budget.  Dr. Jolin suggested if the Board was looking to restore any positions he would recommend increasing the technology position from two days to give days.  This would be very helpful as the building project continues.  Discussion was held regarding the need for an additional nurse as well.     Dr. Jolin suggested hiring the technology person and hold off on other hiring until later.  Bill Birch stated the technology person is going to be needed to help with technology integration especially due to the building project with the new security system to be installed. 

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau seconded by Jayne Robbins to add discussion of terminating the current technology contract with EASTCONN and hiring a full time technology person.   Passed‹Unanimous.

 

Donna Lynch asked about the ending balance from last yearıs budget.  Dr. Jolin stated he will get this information.  

 

V.        Action Items

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by William Witkowski to approve the minutes of the August 13, 2007 Board of Education meeting.  Donna Lynch noted the words ³Board of² was missing between ³Special² and ³Education² in the first action item.  In addition, it was noted Joseph Lindley was present at the meeting.  meeting   Passed‹James Kenney and Ellen Corrado abstained.

 

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by Patricia Donnelly to accept the resignations of Jessica Phaneuf, Special Education Teacher and Russell Carlsten, High School Science teacher.  Passed‹Unanimous.    

 

 

Motion by Laurence Consiglio seconded by Jayne Robbins to discontinue one pre-school class and add a kindergarten class to reduce class size.  Discussion was held. It was noted this change to be made immediately and after the first of the year the consolidated pre-school will be split if needed. Passed‹Unanimous.

 

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by Patricia Donnelly to terminate the EASTCONN contract for technology support and increase the hours of the technology position to full time pending the hiring of a full time person for this position.  Joseph Lindley asked if any analysis has been done regarding how many technicians a school of this size would need.  Dr. Jolin stated he will provide that information.  Dr. Jolin noted he feels comfortable hiring a full time technician.  It was also noted this position would become permanent in the school system.   Passed‹Unanimous.

 

 

V.              CITIZENS COMMENTS

 

A parent expressed concern regarding switching Kindergarten classrooms at this stage since school has already begun.  Dr. Hebert replied she will be sitting down with each teacher and carefully reviewing this change to make the transition go smoothly.   The new Kindergarten teacher has previously taught pre school so many of the students will be familiar with that person.  The teachers involved will actively participate in choosing the make up of the new class.  Dr. Hebert stated the preschool will move first to give the teachers time to adjust and prepare their classrooms as needed.  The preschoolers should be transitioned by the end of this week and the Kindergarten should be transitioned by the end of next week.  Dr. Hebert noted all preschoolers will stay in their current time slots. 

 

Kathleen Lewis asked if the new band/music teacher at the High School will be starting soon.  Mr. Mitchell stated this teacher has not been released from her current contract however it is hoped she will begin soon. 

 

Kathleen Lewis reported recently that she read about a national math and science grant from Exxon in the newspaper.  This grant would help enhance advanced placement programs.  Dr. Jolin stated he will look for information regarding this grant.  

 

VI.            Board of Education Comments

 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked about AP Calculus and the UCONN program. Mr. Mitchell noted this is the last year for this program.  AP classes are being contemplated for Biology, Physics, English and Math and maybe Music.

 

Laurence Consiglio stated an RFP (request for proposal) regarding the replacement of the track will be sent out soon.  Mr. Consiglio stated he would like to get some idea on how much cost is involved to replace the track.  The Building Committee may have money left over that can be used for this purpose. 

 

Laurence Consiglio also asked Dr. Jolin to send out an RFP for transportation.  Dr. Jolin will proceed with this and will also check area districts to determine how they provide for their transportation needs. 

 

Next monthıs agenda:

 

·                 Updated tenure list

·                 CAPT Test Results

·                 DRG scores

·                 Teacher evaluation and professional development plan.

·                 2007/2008 Budget (hiring additional staff?)

·                 2006/2007 ending budget balance

·                 RFP for transportation vendors

·                 Vacancies update

·                 Information Request Form

·                 Job description for technology position

 

 

 

VII.         Executive Session‹Collective Bargaining/Personnel Litigation

 

None needed.

 

VIII.       Action as a Result of Executive Session

 

None.

 

X.        Adjournment.

 

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Jayne Robbins to adjourn the meeting.  Passed‹Unanimous.

 

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

 

:rjb