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Scroll down or click the bookmarks to see all the submitted minutes for meetings held in January
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Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes Wednesday, January 9, 2008 7:00 p.m. Central Office Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on January 15, 2008
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
Board Members Excused: Tim Hagen
Administrators Present: Dr. Paul Smotas (8:00 p.m.)
I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:04 p.m.
II. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS A. Discussion/action re: Board Retreat – Goals, Policies and Board Interactions Kevin reviewed and discussed many issues including limits of authority, public statements, board to staff and staff to board communications, Roberts Rules of Order, conflict of interest, debate on a motion, appropriate content of minutes, voting in executive session, reasons for local control of public education, and the key work of school boards. We also shared many ideas on how to continue building collaborative relationships with the community.
III. EXECUTIVE SESSION A. Board of Education Self-Evaluation will be discussed at a later date.
IV. ADJOURNMENT –
MOTION: Judy Engel moved for the Board to adjourn the meeting at 8:55 p.m.; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted, Judy Engel/lb Judy Engel, Secretary East Lyme Board of Education
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Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, January 15, 2008Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on January 28, 2008
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EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION East Lyme, Connecticut
East Lyme High School Lillie B. Haynes School – Media Center Regular Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson, Mary Broderick (7:45 p.m.)
Members Absent: Andy Dousis
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, Lucy Schuman, Larry Roberts, David Miko, Kathryn Sassu
I. CALL TO ORDER – 7:40 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
III. PUBLIC COMMENT – 1. Adam McNiece, 198 Grassy Hill Road, expressed concerns regarding a per pupil allocation past inquiry.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of December 10, 2007; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education special budget meeting of January 7, 2008; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education special meeting of January 9, 2008; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson, Mary Broderick
ABSTAIN: Tim Hagen MOTION CARRIED 4262
V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students’ Representative – Robyn Engel and Sara Schwartz reported: · Snow day on Monday, January 14, 2008 and ELHS early dismissal (water problem) on January 15, 2008 · Exam dates have been adjusted · Seniors are receiving college acceptance letters · The spring musical, Little Women, will be held in March · Winter sports update · Winter Ball on January 26, 2008 · Suggested more district and town wide activities be organized in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. B. Selectmen’s Representative – Pamela Rowe · Thanked the Board for the informative budget packet C. Salem’s Representative – Not present. D. Building Committee Representative – Gerard Burkhardt was not present. E. Other Reporters - None
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved approval of the Consent Agenda; approving (A) donation of $1,000 to the ELHS Boy’s Lacrosse team from the Pfizer Foundation Volunteer Program; (B) Family Medical Leave for NCS Administrative Assistant Lori Kiely from January 4, 2008 through February 4, 2008; Tim Hagen seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion/action re: proposed 2007-2008 ECC Women’s Basketball Tournament site Mohegan Sun has offered their arena as the location for the 2007-2008 ECC Women’s Basketball Tournament. Sixteen of seventeen ECC schools have committed to this location. Rich discussion ensued and included student representative input. T
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to support the request by the ECC to hold the 2007-2008 Women’s Basketball ECC Tournament at the Mohegan Sun; Judy Engel seconded.
VOTE PRO: Marlene Nickerson, Jaime Ellis
VOTE CON: Tim Hagen, Judy Engel, Kevin Seery, Mary Broderick, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield, Melissa Ford MOTION DEFEATED 2:7
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved, if the East Lyme High School’s Women’s Basketball Team qualifies for the 2007-2008 ECC Tournament or consolation game, they will be allowed to participate if held at the Mohegan Sun; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
2. Discussion re: proposed 2008-2009 Superintendent’s Budget – Salaries and Benefits Dr. Smotas gave a comprehensive presentation entitled Budget 101- Salaries and Benefits which showed all ELPS salaries paid by East Lyme taxpayer monies. Salaries and benefits make up seventy-five percent of the budget. The presentation is available on the district website. Part two of this series will be presented by Mr. Freeman on Tuesday, 4263 January 22, 2008 at the special budget meeting at ELHS and will address supplies, equipment, dues and fees.
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved to take a 5-minute recess at 9:15 p.m.; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
B. Instruction 1. Discussion re: Soaring Through Summer; A Literary Experience Dr. Karen Costello gave a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed 2008-2009 new initiative entitled Soaring Through Summer; A Literary Experience which represents priority #6 of the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget. This four-week summer intervention program provides a specific focus on maintaining reading skills learned during the school year. If approved, this program will service up to 60 students entering grades 2 through 5 who have not been identified as special education. Students are recommended by their building principal. The program also includes a laboratory/clinic to enhance teacher instructional strategies.
2. Discussion re: First Steps in Mathematics Professional Learning Program Dr. Karen Costello gave a PowerPoint presentation on the proposed 2008-2009 new initiative entitled First Steps in Mathematics Professional Learning Program which represents priority #6 of the Superintendent’s Recommended Budget. This program focuses on the enhancement of professional judgment as the key to improvement in students’ learning and helps teachers to diagnose, plan, implement and judge the effectiveness of the learning experiences they provide for students.
3. Discussion/action re: 2nd reading for textbook adoption: Living in the Environment (15th edition) Author: G. Tyler Miller Jr. Publisher: Thomson Brooks/Cole Copyright 2007 The 1st reading of the AP Environmental Science textbook was November 13, 2007. The textbook and readability information has been available at Central Office.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval for the textbook adoption of Living in the Environment (15th edition) Author: G. Tyler Miller Jr. Publisher: Thomson Brooks/Cole Copyright 2007; Judy Engel seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson, Mary Broderick
ABSTAIN: Elizabeth Groeber MOTION CARRIED
C. Personnel 1. Discussion/action re: proposed .2 extension of teacher workload (2 ELHS teachers) Due to an unexpected retirement in the high school math department, a critical vacancy exists. In order to meet the needs of students as they prepare for CAPT, a request was made to extend the workload of two ELHS teachers. If approved, a temporary Memorandum of Agreement will be established between the East Lyme Teachers’ Association, the teacher and the Board Chair.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to approve the Board Chair to enter into an agreement with the East Lyme Teachers’ Union (ELTA) to temporarily increase .2 FTE teaching assignment at East Lyme High School for two math teachers for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED 4264
2. Discussion re: update on ELHS principal search and proposed timeline Mr. Freeman updated the Board regarding the ELHS principal search and presented a proposed timeline. Mr. Roberts retirement date is June 30, 2008.
D. Policy 1. Discussion/action re: proposed waiver of Board of Education Policy 3100 Business and Non-Instructional Operations – Formulation of Budget Under Policy 3100, the Board of Education has traditionally submitted its budget to the Board of Selectmen by the beginning of February. By waiving this policy, the Board will have more time to deliberate on the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for 2008-2009. This waiver has the support of First Selectman Paul Formica.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to waive BOE Policy 3100 Business and Non-Instructional Operations – Formulation of Budget; Tim Hagen seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
E. Other 1. Discussion/action re: proposed response to Bus #12 issues - HA Concerns from Haynes Bus #12 parents were discussed. Dr. Smotas provided the Board with a draft of his written response to parents. The response will be mailed to parents this week.
VIII. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS A. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas: ▪ Board members will email Dr. Smotas or Kevin Seery their availability for January 28 or 30 for a rescheduled East Lyme/Salem Cooperative Meeting. ▪ Water problems caused an early dismissal on January 15, 2008 for high school students. Details were provided to the Board. ▪ Information regarding the January 14, 2008 snow day was provided. ▪ Additional water has been found under the ELHS gym floor which may require the replacement of the entire gym floor and the bleachers. B. Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman: ▪ Joan Schneider was recognized by the CT Educational Media Association for her creation of the NCS library media center’s website. The website was featured during the month of December on the CEMA web page. C. Business Director Don Meltabarger – No report at this time.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Budget Committee B. Policy Committee C. Community Relations Committee D. Personnel Policy Committee E. Long Range Planning Committee F. Buildings & Grounds Committee G. Elementary/Middle School Enhancement Committee H. Substance Abuse Ad Hoc Committee I. School Calendar Ad Hoc Committee J. East Lyme Aquatic and Fitness Center Committee K. Other Committee Reports
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X. COMMUNICATIONS A. Letter from ELHS Principal Larry Roberts and Steering Committee Chair Chris Sandford to Janet Allison, Deputy Director, NEASC re: Pre-Self Study Report dated 12/12/07 B. Letter from CSDE to Dr. Smotas re: NCLB District and School Reports dated 12/26/07 C. Letter from CEMA to Dr. Smotas re: Recognition of NCS library center’s website, created by Joan Schneider, featured on the December CEMA website, dated 12/17/07 D. Letter from Governor Rell to Dr. Smotas re: Announcement of Online Courses for High School Students dated 12/27/07 E. Letter from CABE to Board Chair and Superintendent re: Dr. Armand A. Fusco, Yankee Institute dated 12/18/07 F. Letter from Michael Amaral to Board of Education re: request for ruling regarding BOE officials and the YMCA use of the ELHS swimming pool dated 1/2/08
XI. NOTICES A. Notice of the following staffing changes: 1. Appointments: Robin Soule, 1.0 Grade 2 Long-term Substitute Teacher, FL, 1/2/08 – 6/22/08 Suzanne White, .5 School Aide (Greeter), HA, 1/2/08 – 6/22/08 2. Reassignments: Christine Kludge, .5 School Aide (Greeter) from HA to FL, 1/2/08 – 6/22/08 3. Increases/Decreases in FTE: None at this time. 4. Resignations: Pamela Fairlie, 1.0 Library Assistant, HS, 12/21/07 Joshua Hibbard, .2 CIL and .8 Spanish Teacher, HS, 1/25/08 Margaret Strafaci, 1.0 Accounts Clerk, MS, 1/4/08 5. Retirements William Bonavita, 1.0 Math Teacher, HS, 1/11/08 Carol Booth, Grade 4 Teacher, FL, 6/30/08 Lawrence Roberts, 1.0 High School Principal, HS, 6/30/08 6. Supplemental Appointments (2007-2008) Carol Day, Early Morning Show Coordinator, HA Rory Deer, Co-Assistant Women’s Indoor Track Coach, HS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff James Greider, Head Wrestling Coach, HS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff Lindsey MacDougall, Volunteer Women’s Indoor Track Coach, HS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff James Roselund, Jr., Volunteer Women’s Indoor Track Coach, HS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff Patricia Sullivan, Volunteer Girl’s Basketball Coach, HS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff Roger Templeton, Volunteer Men’s Swim Coach, HS
B. Notice of the following out of state field trips: 1. ELMS Seadogs to Boston, MA on Thursday, January 31, 2008 to visit the Boston Museum of Science 2. ELMS Big Blue students to Boston, MA on Thursday, February 28, 2008 to visit the Boston Museum of Science
XII. BOARD COMMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Board Comments 1. Al Littlefield reported 30-40 parent comments have been received regarding the 07/08 school calendar and snow days. 4266
B. Future Agenda Items: 1. Long Range Planning 2. 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 ELPS Calendar
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS 1. Mary Walsh, 10 Woodland Drive, urged the Board to “be on the lookout” for opposition of future use of casino facilities for our students. 2. Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, inquired about access to Board policies and bylaws. 3. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, asked the Board to consider 100% parent funding of the summer literacy program and “pay for play” for extra curricular activities.
XIV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved to adjourn at 11:00 p.m.; Elizabeth Groeber seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
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