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Board Meeting Highlights Home Board Members
Board of Education Minutes 2007-08
2006-07 School Year: [click here to view last year's minutes]
BOARD OF EDUCATION Clinton, Connecticut Monday, July 9, 2007
Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Lewin G. Joel School Board Meeting Room
OPENING EXERCISES/ROLL CALL
Chairperson Deborah T. Grass convened the meeting at 7:36 PM. Present were Mrs. Grass, William Calvert, Mary Jane Engle, and Gerry Vece. Brad Cunningham was not present at the start of the meeting. Robert Smalley and John Carbone were absent. Present also were Superintendent Albert Coviello, Assistant Superintendent Jack Cross, Business Director Rosemary Hanson, a staff member and a Board of Finance member.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
ELECTION OF SECRETARY
William Calvert MOVED and William Calvert seconded a motion to elect Gerry Vece to the position of Secretary of the Board.
Brad Cunningham arrived at 7:30 PM.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
INTRODUCTION OF NEW BOARD MEMBER
Mrs. Grass announced that Sue Skidmore resigned from the Board and introduced Brad Cunningham, the Board’s new member.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
None.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and William Calvert seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of June 4, 2007, as amended.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Reports from Administrators, Program Directors and Teachers
No report.
B. Assistant Superintendent’s Report
Jack Cross will share his entry plan with the Board at the next meeting.
C. School Business Administrator – including Proposed Bus Routes for 2007-08
Rosemary Hanson distributed the proposed bus routes for 2007-08 and described the process of adjusting any routes. Mrs. Hanson also described the process that a parent/guardian uses to appeal a change in a bus stop.
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and William Calvert seconded a motion to approve the proposed bus routes for the 2007-08 year.
Voted in favor: (4) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle Voted against: None Abstentions: (1) Cunningham Motion: CARRIED
Mrs. Hanson also noted that the budget overage for the 06-07 year is still on target and that most of the projects slated for funding probably will be funded.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
A. Report on School Volunteers – After receiving the Superintendent’s report, a discussion followed regarding defining goals. The Board suggested the Superintendent bring the item to Administrative Council for discussion, the goal being to make the schools more accessible to volunteers. The Board asked for a greater degree of accuracy and specificity on the report.
B. General Update – An expulsion hearing has been tentatively set for July 23rd at 7 PM. Questions were asked regarding policies. Mr. Cunningham asked for a copy of Board policies and regulations that relate to expulsion hearings. Mrs. Grass described the process of an expulsion hearing.
C. Assistant Principal Interviews – Candidates will be interviewed tomorrow for the position of Assistant Principal at Morgan.
D. Personnel – Assuming approval of all personnel tonight, only two positions remain open.
E. Calendars – Paul Coughlin and Rica Pinette, co-owners of Clinton Paint were notified that they were awarded Business Persons of the Year. The award dinner hosted by the Clinton Chamber of Commerce will be held on October 23rd at 5:30 p.m. at the Clinton Country Club. All Board members were invited to attend.
F. Change of Meeting – The Board meeting originally scheduled for August 13th has been changed to August 6th. The meeting will begin at 7:30 p.m.
G. Music Instruments – The Superintendent met with members of the Morgan Trust who agreed to allow the district to use some funds for music instruments. $15K will come from the Board’s budget surplus and $10K will come from the Morgan Trust. Also, Pierson would like to change their recorder unit to a keyboard unit. The Superintendent will work with Ray Smith to determine the cost of such a project.
REPORTS
Mrs. Grass encouraged Board members to volunteer for vacancies on various subcommittees.
A. Board of Education Subcommittees and Special Committees
Budget & Finance Committee
The committee is busy interest-based bargaining with the teachers.
Buildings & Grounds Committee
No report. The Chair position is open on this committee. The next meeting will take place on August 6th at 6:30 p.m. Mike Koziy will be invited to discuss Morgan auditorium and maintenance issues.
Instruction/Public Relations Subcommittee
No report.
CABE
No report.
LEARN
The last meeting was held on June 14th.
Policy Committee
The next meeting will be held on Thursday the 19th at 9:30 a.m.
Technology Subcommittee
Brad Cunningham volunteered to join the committee. Deb Grass will work with Jack Cross to set a date and agenda for the next meeting.
Combined Instruction/Public Relations & Budget/Finance Committee – High School of the Future
No response has been received to the letter that went out two weeks ago to four firms requesting consulting information regarding planning the high school of the future. Questions followed regarding a time frame to set up a committee of interested parties, the development of a strategic plan and follow-through.
B. Town of Clinton Committees
Capital Expenditure Committee
Gerry Vece volunteered to chair the Committee. A meeting in the fall will be scheduled.
Clinton’s School Building Committee
No report.
Clinton’s Small Project Committee
The removal of the chairs from the Morgan Auditorium has been completed. The new chairs are on order and will arrive mid-August. There will be an oil tank walkthrough on July 10th. The paperwork for the Eliot roof has been submitted and the project is pending approval from the State.
ACCEPTANCE OF MORGAN BOILER REPLACEMENT PROJECT AS COMPLETE
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the Morgan Boiler Replacement Project as complete.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
The Superintendent will inform the First Selectman that the project has been accepted as completed. The Board expressed its gratitude to the School Building Committee for its conscientious efforts to bring this project to successful completion.
PERSONNEL ITEMS
Resignation/Retirement/Termination
Certificated
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Andrea Brucella from the position of I.D. 2/3 Teacher at Joel School, effective immediately.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to accept the retirement of Thomas Negrelli effective June 30, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Classified
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Christina Forristall from the position of SPED Instructional Assistant at Joel, effective immediately.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Extra Duty
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to accept the resignation of James Lovering from the position of Freshman Boys Basketball Coach, effective immediately and Michelle L. Jones from the position of Eliot Field Hockey Coach, effective immediately.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Appointments
Certificated
William Calvert MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Letitia Viemeister to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 2, BA/Step 1 (no experience)/$36,887, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Jillian Amato to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade K, BA/Step 1 (no experience)/$36,887, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Heather Cannata to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 3, BA/Step 2 (1 year experience)/$37,990, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Gina Neddermann to the position of Music Teacher, Grades K-5, BA+30/Step 6 (5 years experience)/$49,210, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (4) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle Voted against: None Abstentions: (1) Cunningham Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Katharine Bondonna to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 5, MA/Step 1 (no experience)/$41,413, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Barbara Schmidt to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 2, MA/Step 2 (1 year experience)/$42,523, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Jill Davidson to the position of Elementary Teacher, Grade 5, BA/Step 1 (no experience)/$41,413, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Classified
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Rebecca Canestrari to the position of SPED Instructional Assistant at Joel, Step 1, $11.78 per hour, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Extra Duty
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Ray Smith and Gary Manser to share the position of A/V Coordinator at Morgan, with respective stipends of $1,289 and $1,138.50, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Summer School Appointments
William Calvert MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Joan Santacroce to the position of Braille Transcriptionist for 24 hours during August 2007 @ $16.59 per hour to work with a blind student in a community-based vocational program.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Extended Leave Requests
None.
Transfers – for information only
Meg Beato will be assigned to Pierson full-time as a reading/literacy teacher for 2007-08.
Holly Kennedy-Levy will be transferred from a grade-level classroom teaching position to a literacy teaching position at Joel School for 2007-08.
Other
Mr. Coviello distributed a report from the Superintendent’s Athletic Advisory Committee with recommendations in regard to the Athletic Director position. Although the committee recommended the position be made into a full-time one, the district cannot afford to do so now. The Superintendent provided an organizational chart detailing the Athletic Program. He then recommended that George Braun, who will retire as a teacher, be hired as the Athletic Coordinator at $38,310 per year. A spreadsheet was given to the Board showing the financial details of such an arrangement which would only cost the District $9,201 more to implement. A lengthy discussion followed regarding eligibility, costs, accountability, tracking of student grades, student eligibility for the sports program, job description and expectations.
Brad Cunningham MOVED and William Calvert seconded a motion to approve the appointment of George Braun to the position of Athletic Coordinator with the condition that an ad hoc committee develop an acceptable and specific job description.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
The Board suggested a review of the position half way through the first marking period of the 07-08 school year. The Board also confirmed with Mrs. Hanson that there is enough in the budget to cover the $9,201 shortfall. Gerry Campion thanked the Superintendent and the Board for the open communication on this issue.
FINANCIAL ITEMS – Report of Bills Payable
The Board acknowledged payment of bills in the amount of $599,132.39 from the 2006-07 operating budget.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
William Calvert MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to enter into Executive Session.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
The Board went into Executive Session at 9:50 p.m.
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to come out of Executive Session.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
The Board came out of Executive Session at 10:13 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
There being no further agenda items before the Board, the Board adjourned at 10:14 p.m.
BOARD OF EDUCATION Clinton, Connecticut Monday, August 6, 2007
Regular Meeting - 7:30 PM
Lewin G. Joel School Board Meeting Room
OPENING EXERCISES/ROLL CALL
Chairperson Deborah T. Grass convened the meeting at 7:36 PM. Present were Mrs. Grass, William Calvert, Gerry Vece, Robert Smalley, and Brad Cunningham. Mary Jane Engle and John Carbone were not present at the start of the meeting. Also present were Superintendent Albert A. Coviello, Assistant Superintendent Jack Cross, Business Director Rosemary Hanson, and staff.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION/RECOGNITION OF VISITORS
None.
MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS
William Calvert MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the regular meeting of July 9, 2007, with corrections.
Voted in favor: (4) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: (1) Smalley Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Gerry Vece seconded a motion to approve the minutes of the Special Meeting of July 23, 2007.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
COMMUNICATIONS
None.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Robert Smalley MOVED and William Calvert seconded a motion to enter into Executive Session and invited the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent to join them.
Voted in favor: (5) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
The Board entered into executive session at 7:40 p.m.
Mary Jane Engle entered at 7:41 p.m. John Carbone entered at 7:42 p.m.
The Board came out of executive session at 7:50 p.m.
PERSONNEL ITEMS
Resignation/Retirement/Termination
Certificated
William Calvert MOVED and Robert Smalley seconded a motion to accept the resignation of George Braun, effective July 23, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Heidi Beauty, effective July 2, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Classified
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and Robert Smalley seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Shawn Topping from the position of custodian at Joel, effective July 12, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Patricia Amendola from the position of IA at Morgan, effective September 1, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and John Carbone seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Kristy Simmons from the position of IA at Morgan, effective August 1, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to accept the resignation of Donna Donofrio from the position of part-time custodian at Joel, effective August 3, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Calvert, Vece, Engle, Carbone, Smalley, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Extra Duty
None.
Appointments
Certificated
John Carbone MOVED and Brad Cunningham seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Keri Hagness to the position of Assistant Principal at The Morgan School, Sixth Year / Step 1 / $98,931 (to be prorated based on starting date, effective August 7, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Peter Gersz to the position of Physical Education Teacher at Morgan, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (6) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle Voted against: None Abstentions: (1) Brad Cunningham Motion: CARRIED
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and Robert Smalley seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Michael Ladd to the position of Computer Instruction Teacher at Morgan, effective August 28, 2007.
Voted in favor: (6) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle Voted against: None Abstentions: (1) Brad Cunningham Motion: CARRIED
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and John Carbone seconded a motion to extend Superintendent Albert A. Coviello’s contract from June 2008 to December 31, 2008 at a cost of $73,050 for the extra six months.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Classified
William Calvert MOVED and Robert Smalley seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Mike Guertin to the position of Custodian at Morgan, at an hourly rate of $13.24 per hour, 4 hours daily, Monday – Friday, effective July 16, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
William Calvert MOVED and John Carbone seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Christina Serrano to the position of SPED 1:1 IA /Morgan Functional Life Skills Program, at an hourly rate of $12.14 per hour, 6.75 hours per day, effective September 4, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Robert Smalley MOVED and Mary Jane Engle seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Michelle Staton to the position of SPED 1:1 IA /Eliot Intermediate Life Skills Program, at an hourly rate of $12.14, 7 hours per day, effective September 4, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Mary Jane Engle MOVED and Robert Smalley seconded a motion to approve the appointment of Michael Pappaglia to the position of Custodian at Joel School, at an hourly rate of $13.24 per hour, 4 hours per day, 5 days a week, effective July 3, 2007.
Voted in favor: (7) Grass, Smalley, Calvert, Carbone, Vece, Engle, Cunningham Voted against: None Abstentions: None Motion: CARRIED
Extra Duty
None.
Summer School Appointments
None.
Extended Leave Requests
None.
Transfers – for information only
None.
Other
None.
ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS
A. Reports from Administrators, Program Directors and Teachers – includes presentation on a pilot proposal for the music curriculum and a music lab for grades four and five at Abraham Pierson School.
Angela Guarascio introduced Gina Neddermann who, with Ray Smith, made a presentation on a pilot proposal for the music curriculum and the music lab for grades 4 and 5 at Pierson. Nancy McAllister also spoke in support of the program which will cost $16,500. Questions followed regarding class size, technology support, teacher aide training, funding and special education needs. The program will be piloted this school year. The program will be evaluated by the end of March 2008, and funding will take place if the program is considered worthwhile.
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