TopEAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATIONEast Lyme, Connecticut
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Scroll down or click the bookmarks to see all the submitted minutes for meetings held in March |
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POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING March 5, 2008 EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION East Lyme, Connecticut
MEETING DATE: Wednesday, March 5, 2008 (Originally Scheduled 2/6/08)
CALLED TO ORDER: 5:08 PM
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Jaime Ellis, Marlene Nickerson, Elizabeth Groeber, Judy Engel, & Melissa Ford
ADMINISTRATOR PRESENT: Paul Freeman
LOCATION: Central Office Conference Room Assistant Superintendent’s Office
TIME: 5:00 P.M.
AGENDA / PURPOSE: The Policy subcommittee reviewed the following policies and agreed to make recommendations to the full board.
BOE Regulations 5141.21, 5141.3, 3541 Bylaw 9325.2 Policies 6172.3, 3000, 3010, 3100, 3110, 3150, 3160, 3170, 3250, 3260
Meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted, Judy Engel |
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Personnel Policy Committee – Non-Union/Non-Administrative Staff Subcommittee East Lyme Board of Education
Meeting Minutes
MEETING DATE: Monday, March 10, 2008 LOCATION: Niantic Center School TIME: 5:30 P.M. ATTENDEES: Al Littlefield (Chair), Mary Broderick, Jamie Lynn Ellis, Dr. Paul Smotas (Superintendent), Don Meltabarger (Business Manager) Approx. 20 East Lyme Paraprofessional Staff (no list of attendees available) DISCUSSION:The Subcommittee first stated that the entire community were much appreciative of the fine job that our Paraprofessional Staff does in meeting (and often exceeding) the needs of our children. These staff members were an integral part of our entire school system and exemplify the culture that is a large part of our entire school district. Our sincere thank you! All of the Paraprofessional Staff was appreciative of the advances, which were made, on their behalf, due in great part to your committee three years ago. NOTE: The planned Agenda “went out the window” as those Paraprofessionals in attendance really wanted to make this meeting a Discussion/Dialog. The following topics were discussed: 1. IATA Weak benefit package – Should look more like the benefit package that the Teachers have 2. Adjustment of the Salary Schedule - relating it more to “longevity” - The Subcommittee should compare salaries for commensurate work/jobs at other neighboring school districts 3. Sick/Leave Days a. Adjust the total amount of days (similar to what the Teachers have) as being “sick” is inherent in the nature of the job itself b. Define Sick/Leave (e.g., Personal Days, Bereavement Leave, Sick, etc.) c. Carry-over of unused Sick/Leave from year-to-year - (Carried-over Sick/Leave is a “Carried-forward Liability” for the school district) d. Perhaps incentivize a Sick/Leave carry-over process (i.e., incentive for not using) e. Allow Sick/Leave carry-over with a cap f. Tie the amount of Sick/Leave carried over to longevity 4. Review current and provide updated/current/appropriate Job Descriptions (meet with Administrators/Subcommittee to accurately define) . Requested at the 6 August 2007 Subcommittee Meeting (and indicated in the Meeting Minutes): Action: Dr. Smotas to provide information regarding job descriptions and personnel placement (locations) within the school district. 5. Allocate/Planning Time (similar to the Teachers) as part of the Paraprofessional Contract wording 6. Provide detailed definition of Stipend Requirements . Requested at the 6 August 2007 Subcommittee Meeting (and indicated in the Meeting Minutes): . The Subcommittee also discussed the classification/job descriptions of those staffing positions that are eligible for a salary stipend. The Subcommittee felt that we needed a comprehensive list (for eventual inclusion into the Handbook) that defined the positions and criteria for the Stipends. Action: Dr. Smotas to provide information regarding Stipend eligibility with classification/job descriptions and would work with the Administrative staff to establish a listing and the Stipend-eligibility criteria. 7. Investigate instituting a Retirement Plan (e.g., participation in the Town Retirement plan vs. enabling staff to have an Annuity) 8. Paraprofessional Handbook The Paraprofessionals were under the impression that the Handbook had not been updated in 3 years. The Subcommittee indicated that the Handbook is updated each year. Some of the areas of the Handbook that the Paraprofessionals feel should be addressed included the following: Benefits: . Additional release days . Accumulative release days . Bereavements days Job Descriptions: . Clarification of what is required to receive the stipend. . Revisit the requirements for the TA position . PD days Titles: . Change instructional aid to Para Educator. Salary: . Adjustment of salary scales The Paraprofessional Staff would like to be proactive in working with the Board to improve the Handbook. All-in all it was an excellent meeting with the Subcommittee and the Paraprofessional Staff reassured that there are open lines of communication and that together we can further improve the working environment. The meeting was adjourned at 6:55. Respectfully submitted Al Littefield, Chair
Additional Information: The following information was received after the meeting with the Paraprofessional Staff prioritizing their concerns as related to the Paraprofessional Handbook. First, they do not want to loose any benefits or salary scales that already exist. Second, they would like to provide some recommendations with the understanding that any changes made would become retroactive for all existing employees. The following recommendations to the Handbook were forwarded to the Subcommittee after the meeting that addresses the areas that the Paraprofessionals feel the most under-appreciated. 1. Increase the number of Release Days to 10 (currently there are only 5 Release Days) 2. Allow for a total accumulation of 25 carryover days (currently there is none) 3. Provide 3 Bereavement Days (currently there is none) 4. Provide Incentive for longevity (currently there is none) · At 5 year increments add 1 additional Release Day is added. (i.e., A five-year employee would then receive 11 release days; a 10-year employee would receive 2 additional release days, etc. -- retroactively).
The Paraprofessionals would like to form a committee to review the Paraprofessional Handbook and the job descriptions. · The committee would consist of at least one IA and TA from each building and meet with you at a time conducive to all. · Paraprofessionals have expressed that the current handbook does not accurately reflect current position responsibilities. · Review of the handbook and suggestions of updates would be created and then presented to the Subcommittee for review and hopefully facilitate additional discussions.
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Regular Meeting –Monday, March 10, 2008
Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on March 24, 2008 (amended 3/13/08) EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION East Lyme, Connecticut
Monday, March 10, 2008Niantic Center School Media Center Regular Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
Board Members Absent: Judy Engel (Secretary), Tim Hagen
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, David Miko, Larry Roberts, Kathryn Sassu, Lucy Schuman, Linda Anania
I. CALL TO ORDER – 7:05 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Niantic Center Principal Lucy Schuman
III. PUBLIC COMMENT – None at this time.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of February 25, 2008; Marlene Nickerson seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
NIANTIC CENTER SCHOOL PROGRAM PRESENTATION – Lucy Schuman introduced the presentation and stressed the importance of recognizing student achievement. Teacher Steve Kirsch and Librarian Joan Schneider highlighted strategies used to encourage students to be critical thinkers, problem solvers and independent and life long learners. The presentation entitled “How do I get my students to think?” demonstrated practical activities that enhance learning. In this video based adventure simulation, students role play and apply newly acquired knowledge within a problem solving context. The teacher serves as facilitator.
Addition to the Agenda
MOTION: Elizabeth Groeber moved to add Item VII.A.1. to the agenda (Discussion/action re: ELHS gym floor); Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students’ Representative – Robyn Engel and Sara Schwartz reported: · The production of Little Women was a huge success. · Thames Valley Music School is offering free after school music lessons onsite at the high school. · Congratulations to Girl’s Basketball for making it to the State Finals. · Congratulations to ECC Champ Boy’s Swim Team. They will compete in the CIAC Class M Finals on March 12, 2008. · Japanese students are visiting ELHS this week. · Seniors are preparing proposal papers. · Seniors are planning end of the year events. · Spring sports are starting. B. Selectmen’s Representative – Pamela Rowe reported the Board of Selectmen adopted the full town budget at $63,000,090 (7.26% increase over last year’s budget) and has forwarded it to the Board of Finance. She commended the students and the district for their many extra-curricular and athletic accomplishments. C. Salem’s Representative – Not present. D. Building Committee Representative – Gerard Burkhardt was not present. E. Other Reporters - None
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Elizabeth Groeber moved approval of the Consent Agenda as amended, removing (B) proposed Sunday sports participation for the ELHS Crew Team in the CT Public Schools Rowing Championship on May 18, 2008 at Lake Warremaug in New Preston, CT and moving it to Item VII.B.4., (A) proposed 2008-2009 leave of absence for ELHS 1.0 English Teacher Nanette Trusler from October 16, 2008 through January 21, 2009; Mary Broderick seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion/action re: high school gym floor and bleacher replacement Dr. Smotas reported that per the State, if the gym floor is replaced the bleachers do not need to be replaced, however replacement is strongly recommend under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Bleacher replacement was not approved in the original project and would require a town meeting vote. The approximate cost is $140,000.
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved approval to replace the entire East Lyme High School North Gym floor; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval to replace the bleachers in the East Lyme High School North Gym with co-compliant bleachers and to seek appropriation from the town; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
B. Instruction 1. Discussion/action re: proposed 2007-2008 spring after school activities program for Flanders School
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to approve the 2007-2008 spring after school activities program for Flanders School; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
2. Discussion re: homework Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman referred to Board Policy 6154 and reviewed the district’s guidelines/benefits. The district relies on the expertise of teachers to follow the homework guidelines and make accommodations on an individual basis when needed. Board members were pleased with the district philosophy and asked that the administration be sensitive in maintaining healthy relationships between parent and child relating to homework. Student representatives stated that homework teaches time management, validates what students have learned, and prepares students for further education. In addition, they report that teachers are extremely accessible before, during and after school.
3. Discussion re: recess Superintendent Dr. Paul Smotas noted that all three elementary schools offer recess to all children and the middle school offers recess to fifth graders. Recess schedules were provided and the importance of movement in general was discussed. Adstaff will further discuss recent recess research at an upcoming meeting.
4. Discussion/action re: proposed Sunday Sports participation for the ELHS Crew Team The ELHS Crew Team has requested to participate in the CT Public Schools Rowing Championship on May 18, 2008 at Lake Warremaug in New Preston, CT.
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to approve the ELHS Crew Team’s Sunday sports participation in the CT Public Schools Rowing Championship on May 18, 2008 at Lake Warremaug in New Preston, CT with the understanding that students have a day off from practice in lieu of the Sunday competition; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
C. Personnel
D. Policy 1. Discussion re: 1st reading BOE Regulation 5141.21, Administration of Medication The Policy Subcommittee recommended including optometrists to provide authorization for administering medication. This recommendation was brought forward to the subcommittee by District Medical Advisor Dr. Vijay Sikand.
2. Discussion re: 1st reading BOE Regulation 5141.3, Health Examinations and Inoculations The Policy Subcommittee recommended changing the grades when the notifications of the health assessment requirements are mailed and when the health assessments are required. These recommendations were brought forward to the subcommittee by District Medical Advisor Dr. Vijay Sikand.
3. Discussion re: 1st reading BOE Bylaw 9325.2, Bylaws of the Board/Order of Business The Policy Subcommittee recommended removing “Salem’s Representative” from the “Special Reports” section of the Board Agenda.
4. Discussion re: 1st reading BOE Regulation 3541, Transportation The Policy Subcommittee recommended adding guidelines for kindergarten A.M. and P.M. bus changes, bus boarding and parent or guardian presence at P.M. drop off. These recommendations have been discussed at Adstaff and with the Policy Subcommittee.
E. Other
VIII. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS A. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas: ▪ Day on the Hill, March 12, 2008 ▪ Millstone Emergency Drill, March 18, 2008 ▪ CAS Parent Volunteer Recognition at Aqua Turf, March 18, 2008 ▪ Update on viral meningitis case ▪ 3 snow days have been used to date – The Board approved 2007-2008 ELPS calendar will be followed and March 24, 2008 will be a Professional Development Day, a non-school day for students as long as no snow day before then. ▪ Governor Rell visited Flanders School on March 7, 2008 at the request of a student Flanders Principal Kathryn Sassu recognized Coaches of the Year Gary Wight, ELHS Boys’ Lacrosse and Rick McAvay, Flanders Chess Team for their accomplishments. B. Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman: ▪ The Channel 22 Show will be released this week featuring the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. ▪ Community members are encouraged to visit the updated Board of Education website. ▪ Nine East Lyme students were recognized in the March 1, 2008 Mystic Arts Center Young at Art Show on March 1, 2008. ▪ Congratulations to ELMS students Alice Navarro, Janelle Timmons and Jack England who were winners in the New London Elks Grade 7-8 “What is an American?” Essay Contest. ▪ Congratulations to advisor Patricia Smith and the ELMS Math Count Team for their 1st place finish at the state competition. Jeff Schumacher finished 1st as an individual and will be 1 of 4 students representing CT at the national competition in Denver, CO in May. Patricia, who will coach the CT team during the national competition, has announced her resignation from East Lyme Schools effective June 30, 2008 and will be sadly missed. ▪ Congratulations to Coach of the Year Jack Stabach, ELHS Swim Coach. C. Business Director Don Meltabarger: ▪ $5,100 has been received from the CL&P Demand Response Program.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Budget Committee B. Policy Committee – Minutes of March 5, 2008 were distributed. C. Community Relations Committee D. Personnel Policy Committee – Oral report of March 10, 2008 meeting by Chair Al Littlefield. Approximately 15 paraprofessionals were in attendance. Positive and healthy discussion took place. E. Long Range Planning Committee F. Buildings & Grounds Committee G. Elementary/Middle School Enhancement Committee H. Substance Abuse Ad Hoc Committee – Oral report of March 10, 2008 meeting by Chair Marlene Nickerson. The program is targeting younger children with preventative measures at all levels. The committee is working with teachers and more discussion and collaboration will take place with other districts and agencies. I. School Calendar Ad Hoc Committee J. East Lyme Aquatic and Fitness Center Committee K. Other Committee Reports
X. COMMUNICATIONS A. Viking Saga, 2/25 and 3/7/08 editions XI. NOTICES A. Notice of the following staffing changes: 1. Appointments: • Lisa Simmons, .35 School Aide and .40 Before School Aide, FL, effective 3/10/08 2. Reassignments: • Stephanie Law, from .5 Instructional Aide, HA to 1.0 Grade 3 Long-term Substitute Teacher, FL, on or about March 23, 2008 through June 22, 2008 3. Increases/Decreases in FTE 4. Resignations 5. Retirements 6. Supplemental Appointments
B. Notice of the following out of state field trips: 1. ELHS grade 11 students to Providence, RI on Friday, February 29, 2008 to visit the Trinity Repertoire Theater. 2. ELHS track and field students to Roxbury Crossing, MA on Friday, February 29, 2008 to participate in the New England Track and Field Championships. 3. ELHS track and field students to NYC, NY on Friday, March 14, 2008 to participate in the National Scholastic Indoor Track and Field Championship. 4. ELMS grade 7 and 8 students to NYC, NY on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 to visit several ethnic neighborhoods and the United Nations Building. 5. ELMS 6th grade students to Providence, RI on Friday, June 6, 2008 to visit the Roger Williams Zoo. XII. BOARD COMMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Board Comments 1. Viking Saga looks great! B. Future Agenda Items: 1. Long Range Planning 2. 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 ELPS Calendar 3. 2007-2008 Special Education Update
XIII. PUBLIC COMMENTS – None at this time.
XIV. EXECUTIVE SESSION – Canceled.
XV. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved to adjourn at 9:25 p.m.; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted, Lynn Bodnar Lynn Bodnar, Acting Recording Secretary East Lyme Board of Education |
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Monday, March 24, 2008Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on April 7, 2008
4294 EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION East Lyme, Connecticut
East Lyme Middle School Waves Kiva Regular Meeting – 7:00 p.m. Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
Board Members Absent: Melissa Ford
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, David Miko, Larry Roberts, Kathryn Sassu, Linda Anania, Charles Marqua
I. CALL TO ORDER – 7:02 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by ELMS Principal Judy DeLeeuw.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, commended the Policy Subcommittee for its work. She suggested Policy 3010 and 3110 be combined and asked the Board to carefully review Policy 3160 and 3260. She suggested that Policy 6172.3 does not reflect the current law on home schooling. 2. Bob Gabois, 358 Boston Post Road, voiced concerns regarding the replacement of the high school bleachers.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Judy Engel moved approval of the amended minutes (dated March 13, 2008) of the Board of Education regular meeting of February 25, 2008; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery (Chair), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
ABSTAIN: Judy Engel, Tim Hagen MOTION CARRIED
Andy Dousis expressed disappointment that the minutes did not reflect a more thorough narrative of the Board dialog pertaining to VII.B.2. Homework and VII.B.3 Recess.
V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students’ Representative – Robyn Engel and Sara Schwartz were excused from the meeting. B. Selectmen’s Representative – Pamela Rowe reported the Charter Revision Committee is being finalized and suggested revisions be sent to her at Town Hall. C. Salem’s Representative – Not present. 4295 D. Building Committee Representative – Gerard Burkhardt was not present. E. Other Reporters – None
Removal of Item from the Consent Agenda
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved to remove Item VI. (A) from the Consent Agenda and add it under VII.C.1. (Discussion/action re: proposed leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act for ELMS 1.0 Language Arts teacher Liz Brouillard); Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Beth Groeber moved approval of the Consent Agenda, (B) proposed Pfizer Foundation Volunteer Program donation in the amount of $1,000 to the ELHS Track Team on behalf of Benjamin Thuma; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
EAST LYME MIDDLE SCHOOL PROGRAM PRESENTATION East Lyme Middle School Principal Judy DeLeeuw spoke of two initiatives, the development of intervention plans and the O’Ambassadors Program:
1. Development of Intervention Plans – Director of Special Services Stephen Buck, Administrator for Program Improvement Dr. Karen Costello, Judy DeLeeuw and ten middle school teachers will attend a 4-day Response to Intervention Training Workshop. Intervention plans will be developed in Math, Reading and/or Writing for students scoring at or below basic on the Connecticut Mastery Test. ELMS has been accepted as one of the 12 pilot schools for the CSDE Response to Intervention (RTI) Initiative.
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion re: Special Education presentation Director of Special Services Stephen Buck presented a summary of current special education requirements and services provided by the district. The district is responsible for identifying East Lyme children, prior to age 3, who may be in need of special services and providing services to special education students through age 21. ELPS goals include providing students with the least restrictive environment possible and participating in regular education classrooms with their peers 80% of the time. Staffing, outplacement tuition, purchased services and transportation costs continue to increase each year, while grant funding remains stable. Mr. Buck stated the district’s position on providing high quality, local programming for all children and gave a detailed explanation of program costs and cost avoidance. The 2007-2008 approved budget is based on known service needs of students enrolled during the 2006-2007 school year. Due to the unpredictability 4296
of students constantly moving in and out of district and with service changes to our current students, we are unable to meet student needs with the budget that has been approved. Consequently, with the 07-08 anticipated excess cost reimbursement at 90% expected from the State and the $520,172 cost avoidance for providing in-district service vs. out-of-district placement, to date the projected deficit for this school year is ($106,578).
B. Instruction C. Personnel 1. Discussion/action re: proposed unpaid leave of absence for 1.0 ELMS Language Arts teacher Liz Brouillard from March 24, 2008 through the end of the 2007-2008 school year This Family Medical Leave is allowable under BOE Policy and ELBOE/ELTA Contract.
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved to approve an unpaid leave of absence for 1.0 ELMS Language Arts teacher Liz Brouillard from March 24, 2008 through the end of the 2007-2008 school year; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
D. Policy 1. Discussion re: 1st reading BOE Policy 3000, Business/Concept and Roles in Business and Non-Instructional Operations</ |