SPECIAL MEETING

THOMPSON BOARD OF EDUCATION

THOMPSON MIDDLE SCHOOL MEDIA CENTER

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

5:30 p.m.

VI. Call to Order and Roll Call

Chairperson Donna Lynch called the meeting to order at 5:34 p.m.

Members Present:                              Members Absent

Laurence Consiglio                            Christopher Eichner

                        William Witkowski                            Ellen Corrado

Jacklyn Bonneau                                Thomas Angelo

            Patricia Donnelly                               Josh Kusek, Student Liaison

            Joseph Lindley

            Donna Lynch

Also present was Michael Jolin, Stephen Mitchell, Beverly Caparco, Barbara Lesniewksi, Bill Birch, Ron Springer, Penny Hebert, members of the public, employees of the Board.   

VII. Citizens Comments

None.

III.       Preview Budget Presentation to the Board of Finance

Dr. Jolin reviewed the budget presentation that will be presented to the Board of Finance.

Discussion was held regarding having a quote from a Board member be included in the presentation.  Jacklyn Bonneau stated she did not feel this was a good idea.  Discussion was held. The consensus of the Board is to not include the quote. 

Dr. Jolin stated he has information regarding the stresses that some Thompson students face each day and to help justify the need for additional staff.  Dr. Jolin will have this information to present to the Board of Finance. 

Dr. Jolin noted he has a handout to distribute at the Board of Finance meeting if necessary regarding the accomplishments of the District.  Discussion was held. The consensus of the Board is it would be beneficial to have this information ready to distribute, if needed.   Jacklyn Bonneau suggested the list of accomplishments be the actual accomplishments completed and not those still in process.

Dr. Jolin noted another newsletter will be going out within the next three weeks. A handout which will be distributed at the Board of Finance meeting was reviewed by the Board. The consensus is this handout is a good idea. 

Joseph Lindley stated the challenge the Board faces is going to be convincing the Board of Finance to leave the budget as presented and let it go to referendum.  Patricia Donnelly stated if the budget is cut dramatically then the Board may have to look to cut programs that do not affect academics in order to enhance the educational opportunities for the students and to move the District forward, which is what is most important.  Mrs. Donnelly stated the Board will have to look hard at those things we ask for year and year and do not get and the importance of those things in comparison to other programs that are not academic. 

Joe Lindley asked what the Board can do to help Dr. Jolin on Thursday.  Dr. Jolin stated he feels there needs to be some sort of statement by the Board of Education to support the budget.  Patricia Donnelly suggested presenting the Mission Statement.  Discussion was held regarding conveying the fact that the investment in education is an investment worth making.   Mrs. Donnelly stated fiscal responsibility means more than the bottom line and using money to meet the needs of the students in town will help the community to progress and will help the community down the road.  Investment in education enhances community benefits to everyone. 

Donna Lynch noted those types of comments can be made during the Board of Finance hearings.   Donna Lynch stated it would be helpful to the Board if parents who are in support of the budget could stand at the Board of Finance hearing and simply state that they are in support of the budget. 

VIII. CITIZENS COMMENTS

None.

IX. Board of Education Comments

The Board of Finance meeting is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 6, 2008.

VI.       Adjournment

Motion by Jacklyn Bonneau, seconded by William Witkowski to adjourn the meeting.  Passed-Unanimous.

There being no further business the meeting was adjourned at 6:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Roberta Baublitz

Recording Secretary

 :rjb