TopEAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATIONEast Lyme, Connecticut |
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Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on May 13, 2008 7:00 p.m. East Lyme High School, INTV Room (B101)
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson, Melissa Ford (7:15 p.m.)
Board Members Excused: Mary Broderick, Elizabeth Groeber
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Pat Phillips
I. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Tim Hagen.
III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Bob Gadbois, 358 Boston Post Road, asked funding questions regarding the DW 4th grade Math Enrichment Club. He opposed replacing the ELHS gym bleachers and expressed concerns regarding handicapped accessibility to the Niantic Center School gymnasium. Mr. Gadbois also stated he was dissatisfied with the taping of the Public Hearing.
IV. DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEMS - A. Discussion/action re: proposed high school solar energy project Business Director Don Meltabarger presented an informational packet which addressed the Boards concerns regarding the proposed solar energy project at ELHS. If approved, structural design drawings should be available in 3-4 weeks and the project completion date is December 31, 2008. Dr. Smotas suggested funds from savings generated be set aside annually to pay for the future removal of the equipment. A specific letter from the responsible party regarding the roof warranty is forthcoming.
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved to authorize the preparation of architectural design drawings for the possible installation of the proposed 520 kW solar power system at ELHS with final approval contingent upon approval of the project by necessary town officials and acceptable contractual language between the involved parties; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
B. Discussion/action re: proposed high school bleacher project Kevin Seery informed the Board that its recommendation to replace the high school bleachers has not received a positive recommendation from the Board of Selectmen and asked if the Board would like to reconsider. Town Building Committee Chair Gerard Burkhardt reviewed 4315
the project costs with the Board and reiterated that the State urges the replacement of the bleachers to comply with OCR. Dr. Smotas stated the north gym must be available for graduation on June 20 if needed.
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved to rescind the recommendation to the Board of Selectmen to replace the ELHS North Gym bleachers; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE PRO: Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
VOTE CON: Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Judy Engel, Melissa Ford, Kevin Seery MOTION DENIED
When asked what his recommendation to the Building Committee will be if the town votes not to replace the bleachers, Gerard Burkhardt stated he will recommend leaving the floor under the bleachers as is, because, in his opinion, the floor under the bleachers shows no sign of damage or buckling and does not need replacing.
C. Discussion/action re: proposed last day of school for students for 2007-2008 The last day of school for students is scheduled for Monday, June 23. In an effort to reduce absenteeism and to save fuel costs, Dr. Smotas recommended the last day of school for students for the 2007-2008 school year be Friday, June 20, 2008. Teachers would be expected to work a professional day on Monday, June 23. The ELHS certified staff lost one professional day last August due to the roof project. If approved, the students would have a 181 day school year and teachers would complete their 187 day work year obligation.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to approve the last day of school for ELPS students for the 2007-2008 as Friday, June 20, 2008; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
V. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, appreciates Board debate and feels it is important for the public to see.
Andy Dousis reported he will be working over the summer with various ELPS staff members through his employer, NE Foundation for Children.
VI. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved for the Board to adjourn the meeting at 7:55 p.m.; Tim Hagen seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted, Judy Engel/lb Judy Engel, Secretary East Lyme Board of Education
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Public Hearing Minutes Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Board of Education East Lyme High School INTV Room (B101) Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on May 27, 2008
Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson Administrators Present: Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Judy DeLeeuw, Lucy Schuman, Larry Roberts, David Miko I. CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 P.M. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Led by Judy Engel. III. DISCUSSION AND ACTION ITEMS Receive public comment relative to the 2008-2009 school district budget
1. Julie Horner, 42 Manwaring Road, recognized the hard work that goes into the budget. She spoke in support of keeping class sizes down and reinstating kindergarten specials and the regular and special education teaching positions. She also encouraged the Board to investigate other avenues for reductions without interfering with the student day; ie; she would like POPS to meet within the school day. 2. Melissa Greene, 29 Lake Avenue, spoke in support of keeping class sizes down, reinstating kindergarten specials and keeping teachers within the budget. 3. Mary Walsh, 10 Woodland Drive, offered ideas to reduce the budget to include reexamining the food service program, facilities usage costs and parent or private funding, reducing or eliminating late buses, share bus runs, parent contributions for supplies, delaying textbook replacements, cost savings on utilities, increasing pool membership, consolidating office staff or replacing full-time employees with part-timers. She suggested the Board reexamine administrative staff and encouraged the Board to keep classroom teachers in tact and to keep class sizes down. 4. Jess Muir, 16 Pontiac Drive, strongly recommended the Board examine energy savings and take a hard look at the Fall River, MA district. 5. Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, spoke in support of the K-1 program. He stated that AP classes should not be subsidized by tax dollars, but instead should be paid for by parents. 6. Mary Ann Hightower, 39 Old Black Point Road, asked the Board to bring back kindergarten specials and to provide an additional 3rd grade teacher. She also supports parent contributions. 7. Amy Hinckley, 20 Laurel Hill Drive, spoke in support of kindergarten specials. 8. Raji Kurumhail, 4 Harvest Glenn Road, expressed interest and concerns regarding the Foreign Language program and suggested there be improvement in the core academic areas. 9. Missy Brochus, 20 East Avenue, Niantic, supports reinstating kindergarten specials and keeping class sizes down. She commended East Lyme teachers for what they do and stated Teachers are worth their weight in gold. 10. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, asked the Board to explore Pay for Play for extra curricular sports and to consider consolidating Central Office administrative staff.
IV. ADJOURNMENT: 7:20 P.M.
Respectfully submitted, Judy Engel/lb Judy Engel, Secretary East Lyme Board of Education
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Regular Meeting Minutes Tuesday, May 13, 2008 Regular Meeting was held immediately following the Public Hearing East Lyme High School INTV Room (B101) Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on May 27, 2008 Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Judy Engel (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Karen Costello, Don Meltabarger, Steve Buck, David Miko, Lucy Schuman, Larry Roberts, Judy DeLeeuw I. CALL TO ORDER Meeting reconvened at 7:30 p.m. following the Board of Education Public Hearing. II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Held during Public Hearing
III. PUBLIC COMMENT 1. Karen Rak, 27 Black Point Road, expressed concerns regarding possible coercin and urged the Board not to take action on Policy 6172.3 Instruction/Equivalent Education Under Parental Direction until further research is done by the Policy Committee. 2. Mike Schultz, 14 Lovers Lane, acknowledged MS custodian Ed Hernandez for repairing a screen door on his own. He requested information regarding the associated costs to implement/maintain mandated programs and stressed the importance of concentrating on reading, writing and arithmetic. 3. Bob Gadbois, 358 Boston Post Road, asked if the 4th grade Math Enrichment Club is being paid for by taxpayers. 4. Chris Stelter, 66 Dean Road, informed the Board of the increasing number of recent East Lyme home burglaries and encouraged residents to take precautions. IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education regular meeting of April 29, 2008; Elizabeth Groeber seconded. VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson ABSTAIN: Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education special meeting of May 5, 2008; Marlene Nickerson seconded. VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson ABSTAIN: Mary Broderick, Elizabeth Groeber MOTION CARRIED
V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students Representative Robyn Engel and Sara Schwartz reported: Junior Prom was great. Students appreciated the faculty chaperones. Elections for class officers/senate will be held this month. Great job to those who participated in the 1st Annual East Lyme Spectacular! AP Exams are almost over. National Honor Inductions are next week. ELHS Music Concert on Thursday, May 15, 2008. The Track ECC Championship will be held during Memorial Day weekend at Fitch. Tuesday, May 20th is the ELHS Arts Expo. Everyone is encouraged to attend. Advanced Placement classes provide amazing knowledge and are the next level classes for those students. Students pay $65 of the $82 testing fee. Parents currently contribute significantly towards sports and extracurricular activities. B. Selectmens Representative Pamela Rowe The 2008-2009 Town Budget will go to Referendum on May 23, 2008. Voting hours are 6:00 a.m. 8:00 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to vote. Absentee ballots are available at Town Hall. A Charter Revision Committee Meeting is scheduled for Monday, May 19, 2008. The Conservation and Inlands/Wetlands Committee has been separated to provide more efficiency. The new Day reporter for East Lyme, Mike Naughton, was introduced and may be reached by calling The Day. Dr. Smotas asked Pam Rowe to relay to the Charter Revision Committee his suggestion to require a threshold percent of voters to vote at the referendum. C. Building Committee Representative Gerard Burkhardt The Town voted not to replace the ELHS bleachers. Gerrys recommendation is to not replace the floor under the bleachers. Silktown Roofing, Paul Formica, and Gerry Burkhardt have reached a tentative agreement for payment of the damage to the HS gym floor. The Board asked why their original request for full replacement of the gym floor had not been met and if the new floor is covered under warranty without replacing the remaining three (3) feet of flooring under the bleachers. The Board is also concerned as to the amount of time students have been without facilities. Gerry stated the new floor is covered under warranty except for water damage and the gym will be useable for graduation on June 20, 2008, if needed. A Town Building Committee meeting will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2008. Kevin Seery and Paul Freeman will attend. D. Other Reporters None
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved approval of the Consent Agenda, (A) proposed 2008-2009 unpaid leave of absence for Stephanie Jenkins from on or about November 5, 2008 through on or about January 21, 2009; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion re: proposed 2008-2009 budget The Board thanked the public for attending the Town Meeting and making their voices heard. The $700,000 budget reduction will be forwarded to the administration and the Budget Subcommittee and will be brought back to the Board on May 27.
2. Discussion/action re: proposed special education grant programs The applications for 2008-2009 federal special education grants were presented. Grants included the district special education grant and the preschool grant which totaled $473,858 and $12,546 respectively. An increase in funding is expected for both grants, although the amount is yet unknown. A 101 presentation on special education grants and programs will be prepared for a future Board retreat.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to approve the proposed applications for federal special education grants for the 2008-2009 fiscal year as presented; Marlene Nickerson seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
B. Instruction 1. Discussion/action re: proposed 2008-2009 ELHS Student/Parent Handbook Sections regarding Attendance, Student Attire, Electronic Equipment, Schedules/Schedule Change Procedure, In-School Suspension, and Naviance were rewritten to reflect current ELHS policy. Students, faculty and administrators were involved in this process.
MOTION: Judy Engel moved to approve the proposed 2008-2009 ELHS Student/Parent Handbook as presented; Tim Hagen seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Larry Roberts expressed his frustration as to why the full gym floor is not being replaced.
C. Personnel 1. Discussion/action re: proposed .5 FTE increase to ELHS custodial staff Dr. Smotas explained that during last years budget reduction process, a full-time custodian was reduced from ELHS. After monitoring the situation at the high school, there is a definite need to reinstate all or part of that position. A .5 vacancy with health insurance benefits currently exists, and he proposed increasing the position to full-time. Although the Board recognized the need to partially restore this position, funding was a concern. Funding through revenue sources will be explored. Public facility use costs are being reviewed.
MOTION: Judy Engel moved to approve the proposed .5 FTE increase to the ELHS custodial staff; Elizabeth Groeber seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Judy Engel, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Elizabeth Groeber, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
VOTE CON: Mary Broderick, Melissa Ford MOTION CARRIED
D. Policy 1. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3000 Business/Concept and Roles in Business and Non-Instructional Operations The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adoption of this amendment was recommended by Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee.
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved to amend Board of Education Policy 3000 Business/Concept and Roles in Business and Non-Instructional Operations as presented; Al Littlefield seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
2. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3010 Business and Non-Instructional Operations/Goals and Objectives The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend deleting this policy as its content is repeated in other 3000 Business policies.
MOTION: Judy Engel moved to delete Board of Education Policy 3010 Business and Non-Instructional Operations/Goals and Objectives; Jaime Ellis seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
3. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3100 Business and Non-Instructional Operations/Formulation of Budget The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend the adoption of this amendment.
MOTION: Judy Engel moved to amend Board of Education Policy 3100 Business and Non-Instructional Operations/Formulation of Budget as presented; Al Littlefield seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
4. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3110 Business/Budget Planning The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend deleting this policy as its content is repeated in other 3000 Business policies.
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved to delete Board of Education Policy 3110 Business/Budget Planning; Judy Engel seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
5. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3150 Business/Adoption of Budget The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend deleting this policy as its content is repeated in other 3000 Business policies.
MOTION: Judy Engel moved to delete Board of Education Policy 3150 Business/Adoption of Budget; Elizabeth Groeber seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
6. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3160 Business & Non-Instructional Operations/Transfer of Funds Within the Budget The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend editing this policy to bring it more in alignment with current recommended language from CABE.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to amend Board of Education Policy 3160 Business & Non-Instructional Operations/Transfer of Funds Within the Budget; Judy Engel seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
7. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3170 Business/Spending Plan The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend edits to this policy.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to adopt to the amendment Board of Education Policy 3170 Business/Spending Plan; Elizabeth Groeber seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
8. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3250 Business/Materials/Services Fees, Charges
The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend edits to this policy.
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to adopt to the amendment Board of Education Policy 3250 Business/Materials/Services Fees, Charges; Tim Hagen seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
9. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 3260 Business/Sale & Disposal of Books, Equipment, and Materials
The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend edits to this policy.
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved to amend Board of Education Policy 3260 Business/Sale & Disposal of Books, Equipment, and Materials; Mary Broderick seconded. VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
10. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 6172.3 Instruction/Equivalent Education Under Parental Direction The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend deleting sections of the policy that no longer reflect CABE recommended language related to home schooling. No action was taken and the policy was referred back to the Policy Subcommittee for review.
11. Discussion/action re: second reading of BOE Policy 6172.3 Instruction/Equivalent Education Under Parental Direction The first reading by the Board was March 24, 2008. Adstaff and the Policy Subcommittee recommend deleting sections of the policy that no longer reflect CABE recommended language related to home schooling. No action was taken and the policy was referred back to the Policy Subcommittee for review.
E. Other
VIII. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS A. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Paul Smotas: ▪ Dr. Smotas attended a recent Haynes PTA Meeting. ▪ Congratulations to ELHS teachers Brad Normand, Sue Johnston, Anthony Maise and all the participants in the ELHS Spectacular Show. The show was a huge success with over 650 people in attendance. ▪ Flanders Breakfast with Mom was well attended. ▪ The 4th Grade Math Enrichment Club is not being paid for by the district. ▪ The East Lyme Viking Football Booster Club is sponsoring a golf tournament on Saturday, May 31, 2008 in Pawcatuck. For more information contact Tim Grills at 691-1556 or Vicki Knopf at 204-9386. ▪ CIAC Coaches of the Year Gary Wight and Jack Stabach will be recognized on May 15, 2008 at the Aqua Turf. ▪ Congratulations to former Flanders teacher Carl Bisson will graduate from the CT State Police Academy this week. B. Assistant Superintendent Paul Freeman ▪ An update on the high school principal search was given. The staff is meeting with the two finalists and reference checks are being made. The finalists will be presented to the Board the first week in June. C. Business Director Don Meltabarger: No report at this time.
IX. COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Budget Committee Next meeting is Friday, May 16, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. 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 Next meeting is Friday, May 16, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. I. School Calendar Ad Hoc Committee J. East Lyme Aquatic and Fitness Center Committee K. Other Committee Reports X. COMMUNICATIONS None at this time.
XI. NOTICES A. Notice of the following staffing changes: 1. Appointments Lori Singer, 1.0 Chemistry teacher, HS, 8/26/08 (contingent upon funding) 2. Reassignments 3. Increases/Decreases in FTE 4. Resignations 5. Retirements 6. Supplemental Appointments Chris Sandford, Summer School Director/Lead Teacher, HS, Summer 2008
B. Notice of the following out of state field trips: 1. ELHS grade 11 and 12 Honors Astronomy students to NYC, NY to visit the American Museum of Natural History on Friday, May 23, 2008. 2. ELHS seniors to Agawam, MA on Monday, June 16, 2008 for their class trip to Six Flags. 3. ELMS Seadogs to NYC, NY to attend the production of Lion King at the Minskoff Theater on Wednesday, October 22, 2008.
XII. BOARD COMMENTS/FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS A. Board Comments 1. East Lyme Public Schools was mentioned in a recent iss |