THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

6:30 p.m.

I. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairperson Donna Lynch called the meeting to order at 6:32 p.m.

Members Present: Members Absent:

Donna Lynch Ellen Corrado

Laurence Consiglio Jacklyn Bonneau

William Witkowski Christopher

Eichner

Thomas Angelo-arrived at Patricia Donnelly

6:41 p.m. Josh Cusak, Student Liaison

Joseph Lindley

Also present was Michael Jolin, Beverly Caparco, Bill Birch, Ronald

Springer,  Penny Hebert, Deb Spinelli, Barbara Lesniewksi,  Stephen

Mitchell, Dennis Gentilli, Marna Hasz, Noveline Beltram, Kerry

Tetreault, members of the public, employees of the Board of Education,

members of the press.

II. Citizens Comments

Maryann Mason stated she has written to the Board and to Dr. Hebert

regarding the math program and asked if the program is going to be

reviewed. Ms. Mason is concerned regarding her daughter's progress in

math and gave Donna Lynch samples of her work.   She is concerned

regarding the way math is taught and that her daughter is not grasping

this information.  Mrs. Mason stated she has had to hire a tutor to

teach her daughter the basics of math.  Dr. Hebert stated the program is

slated to be reviewed in March.   Dr. Hebert further explained this is

the second full year of utilizing this program.     Laurence Consiglio

asked if the Board reviewed the program before it was implemented.  It

was noted the Board did not review the program as this is a change to

the way math is taught and not a change in the curriculum.  Laurence

Consiglio expressed concern that the curriculum has changed with the

implementation of this new program.  Question was raised regarding how

students who are not grasping this concept are identified and how they

are provided help.  Dr. Hebert noted Title I paraprofessionals are used

in the classrooms where needed to work with students and if a teacher or

a parent has a concern they can request a Child Study Team meeting.

Laurence Consiglio asked for a percentage of students who are struggling

in math at this time.  Dr. Jolin will provide a report next month which

includes all students who are referred for a Child Study Team as a

result of problems with math.  The report will also provide information

as to what help they received and how they are doing in math at the

present time.  William Witkowski asked if the report can identify areas

other than math in which students are struggling so that the Board can

monitor problem areas.  

Kelly Zenowski stated her son does not get any special help in class

because he does not need it in school but when he comes home he

struggles with the different methods of adding which are taught.   She

stated she discussed this with his teacher and expressed concern about

the consistencies within the program.  Donna Lynch suggested the

committee that reviews the program send home a survey to parents for

their input.

Doreen Bentley reported on the recent award of two grants to the

District for 2009. One is the Gradstein award in the amount of

$50,000.00 for birth to 8 and she noted this is the 6th year for the

award for Thompson. The second award is in the amount of $50,000.00 to

develop community planning for birth to 8.  

Doreen Bentley also reported that TPQE, an organization started in 2000

to help get budget information out to parents, has begun meeting to try

to over come vote apathy in Thompson.  This group meets weekly and

anyone is welcome to join.  

III. Committee Reports   

A. Finance Review

No meeting held this evening.

IV. Recreation Department Presentation (Renee Waldron, Director)

Postponed.

V. S.A.F.E. Grant Presentation (Joe Ciandella)

Joe Ciandella presented information regarding the S.A.F.E. Grant and the

program in place to work with students who have academic need or need to

improve their attendance.  

Laurence Consiglio stated this program should be monitored and if

successful the Board should seriously consider funding this program if

the grant does not renew.  It was also noted a similar program is being

considered for the Middle School.

VI. High School/School-Wide Expectations (Mr. Mitchell)

Mr. Mitchell presented High School/School-Wide Expectations.

Donna Lynch asked how the digital portfolio will be stored. Mr. Mitchell

stated it will be stored on the system network but will also be backed

up on individual student disks.    

VII. Educational Up-Date

A. Superintendent's Report

Enrollment/Class Sizes

Dr. Jolin presented information concerning the current enrollment

numbers.    

Administration, Operations and Maintenance

The Administration report and Operations and Maintenance report was

included in the Board's packet for their review.  Dr. Jolin thanked Bill

Birth for his work for the smooth on time opening of school after the

Christmas break.  

Revised Budget Calendar / Discussion of Budget Process

Discussion was held regarding inviting the Board of Finance to the Board

of Education Budget Workshops.  Laurence Consiglio stated the Board of

Finance needs to be invited so they can see first hand how the Board of

Education compiles its budget.  Consensus was to send a formal

invitation to the Chair of the Board of Finance and all members.

Inviting the Board of Selectman was also discussed.  Donna Lynch

reviewed the Board of Education budget process.  Currently, workshops

are scheduled for January 28 and February 4 and the budget will also be

discussed for possible action at the February 11, 2008 regular Board of

Education meeting, if the Board determines they are ready to act at that

time.  Discussion was held. An additional workshop was scheduled for

Tuesday, January 29, 2008 at 6:30 p.m.  Discussion was held regarding

publishing the Budget Workshops in the newspaper and indicating which

departments will present on which evenings so that interested parents

and citizens can know when to attend if they want to hear a specific

presentation.  Beverly Caparco asked how the Board wanted the budget

documents prepared.  Laurence Consiglio noted he would like to see what

the Administrators need, no matter what the increases or costs will be,

and then the Board will make decisions during the budget process.

Robert Bentley stated he would like the Board to consider what the

school needs and go to the Board of Finance with a budget that includes

everything the Administrators feels is necessary.  Discussion was held.

The consensus of the Board is to come up with a budget that represents

the needs of the District and present that to the Board of Finance.

Donna Lynch noted the budget workshops will take place of January 28 and

29 and February 4 at 6:30.  The Board may make a final approval of the

budget at its regular meeting on February 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. if the

Board feels it is ready to make that approval.  Budget binders will be

ready to be picked up on Friday by noon.  If the binders are not picked

up they will be mailed.   

Discussion of Wilson Certification Process

Dr. Jolin provided the report to the Board regarding the Wilson

certification process.  Laurence Consiglio noted concern that the Board

was told there were two teachers certified in Wilson when in fact that

was not true.  Dr. Hebert explained that two teachers have gone through

the training but were not certified, which is not what she told the

Board at the previous Board meeting.  Laurence Consiglio asked if there

are any other teachers in the district that are teaching but are not

certified.  Dr. Hebert explained she does have a teacher teaching

special education that is certified by the State of Connecticut to teach

but is not certified as a special education teacher.  Dr. Jolin noted

this is due to the difficultly in finding a teacher for that area and

the teacher is being utilized as a substitute so it is legal.  Laurence

Consiglio again expressed displeasure that the Board was lied to

regarding this information.

Discussion of Goals re: Strategic Planning    

Information from the Norton school system was provided to the Board for

their information.  Dr. Jolin noted he is working with Dr. Ladd

regarding strategic planning.  Dr. Jolin also noted he is working with

the Graustein Grant to assist in filling in gaps where needed and a

consultant will be hired to look at district wide needs.   Dr. Jolin is

organizing a strategic planning workshop to possibly be held on February

16, 2008.   The Board will be provided with names of possible.

Consultants.   More information on this will come to the Board once it

is available.  The Goals Committee will meet on February 11 at 6:00 p.m.

and the Finance Committee will meet at 6:30 p.m.

VIII. Action Items

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to approve

the minutes of the December 10, 2007 Regular Board of Education Meeting.

Motion-Passed.

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to approve

mandatory recording of PPT's.  Laurence Consiglio stated this is a good

idea and allows for checks and balances.  It was noted parents will be

asked for permission before taping occurs and parents are always welcome

to tape PPT's if they so choose.   Marna Hasz suggested a policy and

procedure be implemented before the PPT taping begins to assure everyone

is following the appropriate guidelines. Barbara Lesniewski expressed

concern regarding medical information that may be discussed during the

meeting and how those records will be protected under HIPAA regulations.

Discussion was held.   It was suggested that the District's attorney be

consulted for an opinion regarding taping of PPT's and also concern

expressed that the policy be instituted before tapings begin.  

Motion amended-to approve mandatory taping of PPT's by the District

subject to parent approval and the establishment of appropriate

guidelines by our attorney and the subsequent approval of a policy for

such activity by the Board of Education.  Pamela Pudsey asked if the

District can start recording before this policy and other approvals are

in place since this may take some time to implement.  The consensus of

the Board is to have information from the attorney in hand and a policy

in place before any taping by the District takes place. Motion-Passed

Donna Lynch voted no. All others voted yes.

The approval of the Sick Leave Bank Memorandum of Understanding was

tabled. It was noted the Union is not ready to enter into this

memorandum at this time

Motion by William Witkowski, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to accept

the following retirements:  Jane Ellison, Paraprofessional; Madeline A.

Golembiewski, Paraprofessional; Ellen Knight, Paraprofessional.

Motion-Passed.

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by William Witkowski to approve

the CIAC application for renewal of football. Deb Spinelli explained

this is a form required by CIAC that needs to be filled out every year

that shows the number of students participating from each school.

Joseph Lindley expressed concern regarding endorsing this program and

questioned if the right mix of schools and coaches is present in this

program.  Mr. Mitchell explained the creation of the PAL Oversight

Committee which meets regularly to review finances and other aspects of

the program and noted the formation of this Committee has had a positive

impact on the program overall.  It was noted there are many students

participating in this program who would not otherwise participate in any

other sport.    Motion-Passed.  Joseph Lindley abstained.

Motion by Joseph Lindley, seconded by Laurence Consiglio to approve the

High School Program of Studies for 2008-2009. Mr. Mitchell explained the

Program of Studies. Mr. Mitchell distributed an addendum to the Program

of Studies which shows a revision to the Ecology class to address

teacher certification issues and also to allow for new classes in

Zoology and Botany.  The only other major changes will be in Tech-Ed

which is to be revised to include a State of the Art Curriculum through

the adoption of the Engineering by Design program. Mr. Mitchell

explained the CAPT graduation requirement proficiency and how

proficiency on the SAT can be substituted in its place.  Mr. Mitchell

explained he is also looking into developing an analogous in-house CAPT

test for Math, English and Science to be offered to students who do not

pass the CAPT.  This test will be instituted in the Fall or Spring.

Donna Lynch asked if there was a change in credit requirements.  Mr.

Mitchell stated no changes were made in the credit requirements.  Donna

Lynch asked about summer school classes.  Mr. Mitchell explained

students cannot use summer school classes to meet graduation performance

requirements of applied learning standards but can use the classes to

make up credits. Donna Lynch asked if any new staff is needed as a

result of this Program of Studies.  Mr. Mitchell stated no new staff is

needed.  Motion-Passed.

Donna Lynch noted there will be a meeting held on Wednesday at

Plainfield High School to address curriculum changes proposed by the

State

VIII. CITIZENS COMMENTS

Doreen Bentley reported that TPQE (Thompson Parents for Quality

Education) has begun meeting again and will be providing information to

citizens throughout the upcoming budget process.  The budget calendar

will be published wherever possible.  She noted the group would like to

arrange to have the Board's Budget Workshops taped to be aired on

Channel 14.  The Board agreed this would be a good idea.  In addition,

Mrs. Bentley stated the dates and times for the Budget Workshops will be

aired on WINY's Community Bulletin Board.  Mrs. Bentley asked if bussing

to and from the Budget Workshops could be considered for area senior

citizens.  She will check with area senior housing complexes to see if

there is an interest for this service and Dr. Jolin noted he will do

some research to see if this is possible.   Dr. Hebert offered to put

the dates of the Budget Workshops on the One-Call system as another way

to alert parents of the Workshop schedules.

IX. Board of Education Comments

Discussion was held regarding the Budget Workshops and the importance of

having public questions and input during the workshops.  The agenda will

be set up to insure the public is allowed to participate.   

Joseph Lindley congratulated Ms. Spinelli on her notification from the

National Association of Soccer Coaches of America.

Laurence Consiglio asked for an update on the AAA program in the Middle

School.

Next month's agenda:

* Report/status of students referred to CST

* Recording of PPT's, with HIPPA provision

* Special Ed Referrals

* AAA Middle School Project

* Budget

* Tenure list update

* Goals Update

X. Executive Session-Collective Bargaining/Personnel Litigation

XI. Action as a Result of Executive Session

X. Adjournment.

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by William Witkowski to adjourn

the meeting.  Motion-Passed--Unanimous.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

:rjb