Scroll down or click the bookmarks to see all the submitted minutes for meetings held in April.

Monday, April 7, 2008

Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on April 28, 2008

East Lyme High School

INTV Room (B101)

Regular Meeting – 7:30 p.m.

Board Members Present:          Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick,

Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson

Board Members Absent:          Andy Dousis

Administrators Present:                        Paul Smotas, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger,

David Miko, Kathryn Sassu, Lucy Schuman

I.    CALL TO ORDER –  7:30 p.m.

II.       PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Al Littlefield.

III.    PUBLIC COMMENT

             1.   Mike Amaral, 45 Plants Dam Road, praised Jack Stabach’s performance as ELHS Pool Director and supported the proposed swim program.

   IV.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION:       Marlene Nickerson moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of March 24, 2008; Elizabeth Groeber seconded. 

      VOTE:            Unanimous                                                                              MOTION CARRIED

MOTION:       Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education special meeting of April 1, 2008; Judy Engel seconded. 

VOTE PRO:               Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Al Littlefield

ABSTAIN:      Mary Broderick, Tim Hagen, Marlene Nickerson                                MOTION CARRIED

     V.    SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS

A.       Students’ Representative –Sara Schwartz reported:

                  •  The ELHS Lasagna Dinner and the Hypnotist Show were a huge success.  Proceeds will

                       benefit the Drug and Alcohol Free Graduation Party.

                  •   The recent concert was also a huge success. 

                  •  Contemporary Issues won the Mock Trial on Saturday.

                  •  The track team won its first meet.

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                   •  Juniors are stressed due to upcoming SAT, SAT II, ACT and AP testing.

                   •  Students are doing a great job with the Haitian Health Foundation project.

                   •  Check out the new recycling display!

                    •  Students are excited about spring break and the upcoming prom.       

B.        Selectmen’s Representative – Pamela Rowe reported:

                   •  ELHS bleacher information was sent to the town attorney and will be presented at a town meeting for a decision.

                   •  A Town Meeting will be held on April 16, 2008 to discuss and possibly approve the 1.35 million dollar town wide communication system update.

                   •  A Board of Finance Public Hearing will be held on April 23, 2008.

                   •  A town meeting will be held on May 12, 2008 at 7:00 p.m.  The budget may go to referendum.

                   •  Pam spoke highly of Jack Stabach and his direction of the swim program.     

C.        Salem’s Representative – Not present.                                                     

D.       Building Committee Representative – Gerard Burkhardt was not present.

E.        Other Reporters – None

VI.    CONSENT AGENDA

MOTION:       Jaime Ellis moved approval, with appreciation, the Consent Agenda, (A) proposed donation of stained glass artwork to ELMS from Marsha Vasiloff with an approximate value of $3,500 as determined by the donor; Tim Hagen seconded.

VOTE:                        Unanimous                                                                              MOTION CARRIED

  VII.    DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS

A.       Finance/Facilities/Community

1.   Discussion/action re:  proposed 2008-2009 Creative Playschool Budget Presentation

      President Sara Wagner-Bonura presented the proposed 2008-2009 Creative Playschool budget which did not include fundraised money.  The 2008-2009 enrollment is now open to East Lyme residents.  Out-of-town registrations will be accepted in June. 

MOTION:       Al Littlefield moved approval of the 2008-2009 Creative Playschool Budget as presented; Mary Broderick seconded. 

VOTE PRO:    Kevin Seery, Mary Broderick, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson                                                                             

ABSTAIN:      Jaime Ellis                                                                               MOTION CARRIED

                        Dr. Smotas thanked the parents in leadership positions of this program.

2.         Discussion re:  proposed alternative to the YMCA swim program

At the request of Dr. Smotas, Pool Director Jack Stabach was asked to provide an alternative to the current YMCA swim program at ELHS.  The Pool Commission voted not to extend the YMCA’s contract which expires in March 2009.  Jack Stabach presented a detailed overview of the current YMCA program and explained how the students and membership would benefit under this plan.  Tim Hagen and Mary Broderick provided a historical overview of the pool history.  The Board was asked to compare and evaluate the costs/benefits of this proposed program versus the current YMCA program.  Further discussion/action will take place at the next Board meeting.  Pool Commission Chair and ELHS Athletic Director Scott Mahon reassured the Board that the YMCA was notified of this presentation and a process exists for additional presentations to the Pool Commission.  Questions may be addressed to Scott Mahon.

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B.        Instruction

1.   Discussion/action re:  2^nd reading for ELHS textbook adoption:  Ancient World History, 

      Author: Roger B. Beck, Publisher: McDougal Littell, Copyright 2007 (World History, 

      Level A, Grade 9)

      The 1^st reading by the Board was on February 25, 2008 and the textbook was available at

      Central Office for viewing.

MOTION:       Al Littlefield moved approval of the ELHS grade 9 textbook entitled Ancient World History; Elizabeth Groeber seconded. 

VOTE:            Unanimous                                                                              MOTION CARRIED

C.        Personnel

D.       Policy

E.                              Other

VIII.    ADMINISTRATION REPORTS

A.       Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas report:

                           ▪   Dr. Smotas called attention to the following correspondence:

-            ELPS and Salem 2008 Summer Reading List and thanked all those involved

-            April Fool’s Edition of the ELHS Viking Saga

-            ELPS Budget 102 (updated Budget 101) to be aired on Channel 22

-            Scholastic Administrator article entitled Let’s be Clear in the March/April 2008 issue (presenting a transparent budget)

       ▪   Dr. Smotas recently attended/will be attending the following functions:

    -    Long Island University Recruiting Fair, last weekend

             -    Carelot reception, April 8

         -    Rotary Luncheon with Judy DeLeeuw and 2 ELMS students (O’ Ambassadors 

                  Program), April 9

         -   Flanders PTA meeting, April 9

                               ▪   High school principal interviews will be conducted this week.   

B.        Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman: 

                    ▪   Paul Freeman was meeting with the high school principal interview team.

C.        Business Director Don Meltabarger:  

                    ▪   A $12,592 credit has been received from CL&P for shutting off electricity when requested

                        during non-business hours.

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 – An oral report of the 6:30 p.m. meeting was given by newly elected chair Jaime Ellis.  Discussion items included proposed solar panels for the high school, Aramark contract renewal, long range plan to improve fields, and blacktop, security door and crosswalk issues at Haynes.  Minutes will follow.

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.           ELPS Professional Development Brochure for Monday, March 24, 2008

B.           CT SDE, Notification of Certification Compliance for ELPS, dated March 6, 2008

C.           Memorandum from Dr. Smotas to ELPS Staff, Students and Parents re: 2007-2008 School Calendar Update dated 3/14/08

XI.        NOTICES

A.           Notice of the following staffing changes:

1.                                                  Appointments

      •  Victoria Brown, 1.0 Instructional Aide, MS, 3/25/08

      •  Annie Cao, .5 Instructional Aide, FL, 3/31/08

      •  Kim Moran, 1.0 Language Arts Long-Term Substitute Teacher, MS, 3/4/08–         

         6/20/08

      •  John Rudker, 1.0 Physical Education Long-Term Substitute Teacher, MS,

         2/4/08-3/20/08

                            •  Lisa Simmons, .35 School Aide and .4 Before School Aide, FL, 3/10/08

           2.   Reassignments

                 •  Laura Barry, from 1.0 Spanish Teacher, MS to HS, 8/26/08

                      3.   Increases/Decreases in FTE – None at this time.

                      4.   Resignations

                              •  Amy O’Neal-Hine, 1.0 Science Teacher, MS, 6/30/08

                            •  Janis Tangney, .2 School Aide, FL, 3/25/08

                            •  Loryn Venekamp, 1.0 Language Arts Teacher, MS, 6/30/08

                      5.   Retirements – None at this time.                                                     

                        6.   Supplemental Appointments (HS)     

                            •  Jack Biggs, Baseball, Head Coach

                            •  Mark LoPresto, Baseball, Assistant Coach (JV)

                              •  Jeff Handler, Baseball, Assistant Coach (Freshman)

                            •  William Yuhas, Baseball, Volunteer Coach, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Thomas Smith, Baseball, Volunteer Coach, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Scott Mahon, Men’s Crew, Head Coach

                            •  Kurt Hamel, Men’s Crew, Assistant Coach (Novice), not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Scott Mahon, Women’s Crew, Co-Head Coach

                            •  Kurt Hamel, Women’s Crew, Assistant Coach (Novice), not a member of the

                                      ELPS professional staff

                            •  James Littlefield, Fitness Center, Advisor (Spring)

                            •  Rudy Bagos, Golf, Head Coach

                            •  Jeff Beale, Golf, Assistant Coach

                            •  Carolyn Asciolla, Golf, Volunteer Coach

                            •  Gary Wight, Men’s Lacrosse, Head Coach

                            •  Richard Caldwell, Men’s Lacrosse, Assistant Coach (JV), not a member of the

                       ELPS professional staff

                            •  Paul Deon, Men’s Lacrosse, Assistant Coach (Freshman), not a member of the

                                      ELPS professional staff

                            •  Gigi Begin, Women’s Lacrosse, Co-Head Coach, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Lori Balantic, Women’s Lacrosse, Co-Head Coach, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Sheryl Grills, Women’s Lacrosse, Assistant Coach (JV), not a member of the

                                      ELPS professional staff

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                            •  William Glenn, Women’s Lacrosse, Assistant Coach (Freshman), not a member

                                      of the ELPS professional staff

                            •  Neal O’Connell, Sailing, Head Coach, not a member of the ELPS professional

                                      staff

                            •  Judy Deeb, Softball, Head Coach

                            •  Warren Whitehouse, Softball, Assistant Coach (JV), not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Erin Rygielski, Softball, Assistant Coach (Freshman), not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Paul Tenaglia, Spring Football, Advisor, not a member of the ELPS professional

                                      staff

                            •  Kevin Mercado, Spring Football, Advisor, not a member of the ELPS professional

                                      staff

                            •  James Roselund, Sr., Spring Football, Advisor, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Laurie Zrenda, Women’s Tennis, Head Coach, not a member of the ELPS  

                                      professional staff

                            •  Peter Sepko, Men’s Outdoor Track, Head Coach, not a member of the ELPS

                                      professional staff

                            •  Sam Harfenist, Men’s Outdoor Track, Assistant Coach

                            •  Carl Reichard, Women’s Outdoor Track, Head Coach

                            •  David Sdao, Women’s Outdoor Track, Assistant Coach

                            •  Rory Deer, Women’s Outdoor Track, Assistant Coach, not a member of the

                                      ELPS professional staff                       

B.                                   Notice of the following out of state field trips: 

                        1.   ELMS Grade 6 students to Boston, MA on Monday, May 12, 2008 to visit

                              Fenway Park and the New England Aquarium

                      2.   ELHS students to Canton, MA on Friday May 2, 2008 to participate in the New

                              England Math Meet

                      3.   ELHS Latin and French students to Boston, MA on Friday, May 16, 2008 to visit

                              the Boston Museum of Fine Arts

4.                                      ELHS  fashion students to New York City, NY on Friday, May 16, 2008 to tour Jones of New York and the Fashion Institute of Technology

   XII.    BOARD COMMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS

A.            Board Comments

1.  Agenda items for the upcoming East Lyme/Salem Cooperative Meeting should be emailed to Lynn Bodnar.

  2.  Beth Groeber praised the EL POPs for their recent concert performance at ELHS and 

       noted the EL POPs Dessert Night on April 10, 2008.

  3.  The next Board of Education meeting is Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. with a

       Public Chat with the Superintendent at 6:30 p.m.

B.            Future Agenda Items:

1.            Long Range Planning

2.            2008-2009 and 2009-2010 ELPS Calendar

XIII.  PUBLIC COMMENTS

                   1.  Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, inquiry regarding how state proclamations and mandates

                        are addressed by the district was answered by Dr. Smotas.

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XIV.  EXECUTIVE SESSION

Board Members Present:   Kevin Seery, Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson

Administrators Present:     Paul Smotas and Paul Freeman

MOTION:     Jaime Ellis moved to enter into Executive Session at 9:00 p.m. to include the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for the purpose of personnel and negotiation issues; Al Littlefield seconded.

VOTE:           Unanimous                                                                               MOTION CARRIED

XV.     ADJOURNMENT    9:20 p.m.

                                                                                    Respectfully submitted,

                                                                                    Judy Engel

                                                                                    Judy Engel, Secretary

                                                                                    East Lyme Board of Education           

   Tuesday, April 29, 2008

 Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on May 13, 2008

East Lyme High School

INTV Room (B101)

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

 Board Members Absent:          Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis

 Administrators Present:                        Paul Smotas, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Steve Buck,

David Miko, Kathryn Sassu, Lucy Schuman, Larry Roberts,

Judy DeLeeuw

 I.     CALL TO ORDER –  7:30 p.m.

 II.        PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Judy Engel.

III.     PUBLIC COMMENT

             1.   Laura Ashford-Rotchford, 73 Society Road, parent and high school teacher, was pleased to see the high school solar study on the agenda and congratulated the district for “taking a big step in the right direction.”  She also stressed the importance of maintaining the academic excellence of the high school and continuing the process of hiring a high school principal.

   IV.    APPROVAL OF MINUTES

MOTION:       Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of April 7, 2008 as amended (remove “Jaime Ellis” from VII.A.1. Vote Pro); Jaime Ellis seconded. 

VOTE:            Unanimous                                                             &n