THOMPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Monday, March 10, 2008

7:00 p.m.

X. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairperson Donna Lynch called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.

Members Present:                     Members Absent:

                        Donna Lynch                                     

Patricia Donnelly                              

Ellen Corrado 

                        Laurence Consiglio                           

Jacklyn Bonneau-arrived at 7:17 p.m. 

                        William Witkowski                           

Christopher Eichner

            Thomas Angelo-arrived at 7:23 p.m.                     

Joseph Lindley

Josh Kusek, Student Liaison

Also present was Michael Jolin, Beverly Caparco, Ronald Springer, Penny Hebert, Dennis Gentilli, Noveline Beltram, Bill Birch, Barbara Lesniewski, Steven Mitchell, Dan Pisaturo, Deb Spinelli, members of the public, employees of the Board of Education, members of the press.

XI. Citizens Comments

Barbara Lesniewski reported there is a group in town which has become very active and are raising money to purchase defibrillators to be placed in locations in the schools and in town. The group is conducting fundraisers and has been very successful thus far.  Donna Lynch asked if the Board can be kept updated regarding the fundraising efforts of this group.  

Josh Kusek noted the fire department he is a member of is also starting to fundraise to purchase defibrillators.   

Dan Pisaturo stated the 9^th TNT will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  Admission is $5.00.  

Mr. Mitchell announced the Valedictorian and Salutatorian for the Class of 2008.  The Valedictorian is Hillary McKinley and the Salutatorian is Amy Brown.  Mr. Mitchell congratulated both students for their achievements.

XII. Committee Reports  

A.        Finance Review

William Witkowski reported on the recent Finance Review Committee meeting.  The current budget is projected to have a $636.00 balance if everything stays the same.  Oil, diesel and electricity accounts were reviewed and there is a deficit projected in the oil account in the amount of $74,000.00.   Mr. Witkowski reported the cafeteria account is doing well.  Laurence Consiglio asked when the Board will ask for the excess cost money from the Town.  Beverly Caparco stated the Board will need to have the exact number for the excess cost reimbursement before it can make the request and that number will be available in April or May. 

B. Goals

Joseph Lindley reported the Goals Committee continues to meet and is making progress.  The Committee will be meeting with Dr. Ladd soon.  The next meeting of the Goals Committee will be held at 6:00 p.m. prior to the next Board of Education regular meeting.  

XIII. Recreation Department Presentation (Renee Waldron, Director)

Renee Waldron provided an overview of the programs provided by the Recreation Department.  

Joseph Lindley asked about letter from Don Brown which was read at the Board of Selectman meeting regarding sub contracting recreation services. Renee noted although she does not know the intent of Mr. Brown’Äôs letter, she stated that many of the programs as they now exist would not be offered if the program was sub contracted to a private company.  

XIV. Big Brothers Presentation

Mr. Taylor presented information regarding the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.  Mr. Taylor noted he is working to try to establish this program in Thompson.   Jacklyn Bonneau asked why this program is held during school hours and not after school or on weekends.  Mr. Taylor responded meeting during school hours provides a safer environment for both the students and the volunteers.   Laurence Consiglio asked about background checks.  Mr. Taylor indicated all potential volunteers would fill out an application and provide three personal references. Those references will receive a form in the mail to fill out.  There is then an

in-person interview with each potential volunteer and a criminal background check is performed. 

VI.       Educational Up-Date

A.  Superintendent’Äôs Report

Enrollment/Class Sizes

Dr. Jolin presented information concerning the current enrollment numbers and class sizes.  The total enrollment dropped by 17 students.  Mr. Mitchell stated five students at the High School transferred to other schools.  William Witkowski asked for a report showing enrollment numbers from the same time last year. 

Administration, Operations and Maintenance

The Administration report and Operations and Maintenance report was included in the Board’Äôs packet for their review.  Dr. Jolin noted a critical time is being reached for the building project and everything is on track and the renovations should be completed in the High School by April vacation.  The move into the new areas in the High School should be done during April vacation. Dr. Jolin stated he anticipates dismissing High School students early on the two days before April vacation to allow teachers time to move.   Dr. Jolin stated there is going to need to be a stipened position designated to coordinate the projection electronics in the auditorium.    In addition, protocols need to be developed for scheduling the auditorium.   Dr. Jolin reported there was an issue with the heat this morning which was resolved.  Bill Birch is continuing to work on these types of issues.  

Disciplinary/Suspension Reports  

Dr. Jolin provided discipline and suspension reports.  Dr. Jolin reported the State of Connecticut is requiring that Districts reduce out of school suspensions. As of July, 2008 it will be mandated by the State of Connecticut to have an in-school suspension program in place. 

Joseph Lindley asked if any consideration has been given to having the auditorium generate revenue.  Dr. Jolin stated this also should be reviewed when the policies and procedures are set up for the auditorium.

Jacklyn Bonneau asked how many High School teachers are involved in the upcoming move.  Mr. Mitchell stated there are 16 to 18 teachers involved.  Jacklyn Bonneau asked if would be more efficient to conduct the move in one day instead of over two days.  Josh Kusek stated two of his teachers have already announced they are planning for no instruction on the Friday before the move. Mr. Kusek suggested conducting the move on one day only.   

Joseph Lindley stated with regard to the recent New London/Tourtellotte issues that he feels the issue is basically one of respect and sportsmanship. Mr. Lindley stated he heard a rumor that New London has a film of the girl’Äôs basketball game and asked if the Board feels it is appropriate to try to obtain the film.  Discussion was held.   Patricia Donnelly stated she knows that Mr. Mitchell and Dr. Jolin are going to participate in the seminar for both schools which will be held at Conn College to help with tolerance and acceptance building. She feels the Board should leave this issue up to the group organizing this event and let the students deal with the issue in their own way. Mrs. Donnelly stated the more we highlight the negative regarding this incident the more issues it creates and the focus should be on respecting one another.  Tom Angelo stated his understanding was there was no issue with the students but it is the parents that need to be educated.  Christopher Eichner stated he agrees with Mrs. Donnelly and the principal and superintendent are approaching the situation positively and should continue how they see best to resolve it. Mr. Mitchell stated the group formed to address these issues is looking at the whole issue of sportsmanship and communication among coaches.  The ECC is hiring also hiring a commissioner to deal with these types of issues.  The next meeting with New London is scheduled for March 18, 2008 and the next meeting of the ECC is March 14, 2008.   Mr. Lindley stated after hearing the comments from the Board and others he is withdrawing his request to obtain the film.

William Witkowski stated he heard the State of Connecticut is considering mandating the start of school for the Wednesday after Labor Day.  Dr. Jolin will research this.  Dr. Jolin noted the 2008/2009 calendar will be on the April agenda. 

Laurence Consiglio stated the suspension numbers for special education students in the elementary school is very alarming.  It was noted the report does not show the repeat offenders so the numbers may not be accurate.   Laurence Consiglio asked how guidance factors into this issue.  Dr. Jolin noted the Middle School Guidance Department is actively involved with students who are suspended.  Patricia Donnelly asked why incidents regarding guns and knives are not being brought to the Board’Äôs attention.  Dr. Jolin responded he relies on recommendations of the police as to whether or not the item was a weapon and in this recent case the item was determined to be a toy.  Laurence Consiglio noted protocol indicates the presence of a gun or knife needs to be reported to the Superintendent which is what is being done. 

Jacklyn Bonneau asked about the need for three full time suspension faculty members.  Dr. Jolin stated although this list is for out of school suspensions, there are many students during the day who need to be disciplined.  While these students are waiting to be disciplined they are losing out on classroom instruction.  Dr. Jolin stated he will provide the Board a list of disciplinary referrals.   

Christopher Eichner reported he worked previously in a school system which used a temporary alternative classroom (TAC).  He noted this was a very successful program.  Mr. Eichner stated he would like to review the volume of referrals and also see a report of the reasons the students are referred. 

Elementary Math Update  

Dr. Jolin discussed the issue of students in the Elementary School having difficulties in math. Dr. Jolin provided the Board with a report of the number of students by grade who are receiving extra help in math.   Dr. Jolin noted Dr. Hebert is establishing a Committee, which will begin to meet in April, to review the Voyagers program, which is the current math program being used in the Elementary School.  The members of this Committee will be one teacher, one math tutor and three to four parents as well as Jennifer Fluery, who helped with the piloting of the Voyagers program and Mrs. Beltram.  Dr. Jolin stated he feels the Board should allow the Committee to do its work to evaluate this program in order to find out the effectiveness of the program before taking any action.  Tom Angelo asked if it would be better not to have the person who assessed the program in the beginning be on the Committee to now review its effectiveness.  Mr. Angelo stated he feels the Committee should be made up of impartial individuals.  Donna Lynch stated the Board should trust Ms. Fluery’Äôs professional judgment.  Laurence Consiglio asked if the data has been researched to compare students to see if they were struggling last year and are now struggling this year.  William Witkowski stated something needs to be done sooner rather than later.  Laurence Consiglio noted by the time the Committee comes to a conclusion on this program then another year may go by with a program is place that is not effective for students.  Discussion was held regarding having a Board member serve on this Committee.  It was the consensus of the Board it is not appropriate to have a Board member on this Committee.    Laurence Consiglio asked Dr. Jolin to find out if Dr. Hebert has personally contacted the parent who had a concern regarding the math program at the last Board of education meeting. 

Track Bid     

Dr. Jolin reported the Town took the track replacement off the capital plan.  It was noted the estimate to replace the track is between $600,000.00 and $800,000.00. 

Self Insurance

Dr. Jolin reported he met with the First Selectman to discuss the possibility of self insurance.  A detailed cost estimate should be available at the next meeting.

Alumni Fund

Joseph Lindley stated he has copies of the Tourtellotte will.  Mr. Lindley stated he feels the condition under which the money is coming into the school is not being met under the provisions of the will.  Mr. Lindley suggested legal review of the will to determine what options are available to the Board.

The possibility of organizing an Alumni Association was discussed.  Jacklyn Bonneau suggested guidance would handle this type of organization.  Mr. Lindley stated he is meeting with Monique Olanan, who organized an Alumni Association for Marianapolis.  Deb Spinelli stated she tried to start an alumni association and was not successful. She stated she is willing to work with Mr. Lindley but the feedback she received when she tried to start this type of association was not responsive. 

BOE Budget Presentation to the Board of Finance

Dr. Jolin stated he brought extra copies of the Budget Presentation if anyone wants a copy. 

VI.       Action Items

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by Christopher Eichner, to approve the minutes of the February 14, 2008 Regular Board of Education Meeting.  It was noted the citizen who spoke during citizens comments is Dale and not Gale and it was noted she is a Ph.D.  Josh Kusek noted his name is spelled wrong.  The motion was amended to reflect the requested changes.  Motion-Passed.  Tom Angelo and Patricia Donnelly abstained. 

Dr. Jolin noted the approval of the 2008/2009 budget was on the agenda by mistake.  No action is needed. 

The Board Code of Ethics was distributed. Donna Lynch read the Code of Ethics.  The Board will have time to review this document and it will be further discussed at the April meeting. 

Motion by Laurence Consiglio, seconded by William Witkowski to approve the contract for non-renewal for non-tenured teachers for budgetary reasons.  Discussion was held.  Christopher Eichner feels this is a mistake and the Board should considering not sending these letters out.  It was noted the letters must be sent by State Statute and must be done by April 1, 2008.     Motion-Passed-Christopher Eichner-voted no. 

VIII. Correspondence

A letter from Francis J. McGarry to the Board of Education dated February 19, 2008 was included in the Board’Äôs packet for their review.   Dr. Jolin will check to see if there are any policies in place regarding this issue.  Dr. Jolin noted he received another letter from an individual suggesting another name for the auditorium.  It was noted there are many locations which can be named such as the baseball field, Early Learning Center, tennis courts, etc.  Christopher Eichner suggested a policy for naming rooms or places based on corporate sponsorship as well.   

XV. CITIZENS COMMENTS

Barbara Mulligan reported the PTO will be holding a scavenger hunt on March 28, 2008 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.   She invited Board members to volunteer to participate.   

Pamela Pudsey stated she is concerned about the fumes that went through the High School on Friday.  Mrs. Pudsey stated her son said it smelled like paint thinner.  Mrs. Pudsey noted the Dept. of Health was told it was latex paint.  Dr. Jolin stated he was told it was latex paint.  Mr. Mithcell stated Gilbane was notified and the area was ventilated immediately.  Bill Birch noted the reports and complaints were in the Stair 8 area. The stairwell had been sprayed by the painter.   Laurence Consiglio asked if Gilbane has been notified regarding the importance of air quality.   

XVI. Board of Education Comments

Patricia Donnelly reported Ernie Mayotte, a former Board member, recently passed away. Donna Lynch will send a card on behalf of the Board.  

Patricia Donnelly asked if the Big Brother/Big Sister program would come before the Board for approval before it is initiated.  Dr. Jolin stated right now they are only doing preliminary investigation to determine if this program will be viable in this area.   Mrs. Donnelly stated she did not want to see the program conflict with the recreation program and it should be held in conjunction with the recreation program.  Mr. Eichner agreed. 

Laurence Consiglio reported David Johnson’Äôs mother passed away recently.  A card will be sent from the Board.  Mr. Consiglio noted Mr. Johnson has spent countless hours on the building project and was a former principal in the District

Joseph Lindley asked if with the construction project coming to completion if there may be a better venue for Board of Education meetings.  This suggestion will be considered.   

Joseph Lindley stated the school recently co-sponsored the annual baseball and softball coaches’Äô clinic and it was a huge success.  Mr. Lindley thanked Mrs. Spinelli for her efforts regarding this event.  Laurence Consiglio noted Mr. Lindley started this clinic ten years ago and thanked Mr. Lindley for his efforts as well. 

Donna Lynch asked about the status of PPT guidelines with respect to taping.  Dr. Jolin will check on the status of this. 

Next month’Äôs agenda:

¬… Electronics person for auditorium

¬… Protocol for scheduling auditorium

¬… Numbers for enrollment from last year

¬… Repeat offenders for suspensions

¬… Disciplinary referrals

¬… Self Insurance

¬… Board Code of Ethics

¬… Alternate Board meeting location

¬… Reading program

¬… Taping of PPT’Äôs

¬… Class sizes for Elementary School

¬… Virtual learning

¬… 2008/2009 Calendar

¬… Policy for naming buildings, rooms, etc.

Laurence Consiglio requested a short executive session.

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by Joseph Lindley to move to Executive Session.  Motion-Passed-Unanimous.

The Board went into Executive Session at 9:28 p.m.  

XVII. Executive Session-Collective Bargaining/Personnel Litigation

XVIII. Action as a Result of Executive Session

The Board came out of Executive Session at 9:53 p.m.

No action taken.

X.        Adjournment.

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by Joseph Lindley to adjourn the meeting.  Motion-Passed-Unanimous.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

:rjb