EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATIONtopEast Lyme, Connecticut
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POLICY SUBCOMMITTEE MEETING Tuesday, October 14, 2008 EAST LYME BOARD OF EDUCATION Minutes MEETING DATE: Tuesday, October 14, 2008LOCATION: Central Office Conference RoomAssistant Superintendent’s Office
TIME: 3:30 P.M.
PRESENT: Mary Broderick, Kevin Seery
OTHERS PRESENT: Paul Freeman, Jim Moran, Don Meltabarger, John Sullivan and Carl ReichardIssue: Advertising
Paul Freeman opened the discussion and Carl Reichard contributed to a description of the economic pressures that have led to revisiting board policy #1325 – Community Relations, Advertising, and Promotion: · Proceeds from the sale of soda at the high school had supported over $40,000 worth of team awards, letters, certificates, the All-State banquet, etc. · The prohibition on soda sales and erosion of other resources has led to incremental increases in pay-to-play. · If pay-to-play increases, there is concern that kids won’t participate unless they are very strong at sport.
The dilemma is that a change in policy to allow advertising/sponsorships may lead to an erosion of resources through normal budgetary processes. (While we might assume we would augment budgets through sponsorships/advertising, town boards and/or the community could assume that we could raise more through such sources and cut budgets.) Possible ways to avoid that would be: · To limit sponsorships/advertising to capital items o High School sports capital needs now include (but are not limited to) § Track § Fields § Bleachers § Tennis courts
Recommendations: · Consider piloting efforts within Policy exception #5. For instance, allow naming rights for a capital project or banner advertising for specific sports. · Launch a Local Education Fund (LEF). (Don Meltabarger provided a lot of material to support such an effort and other possible steps.) Earlier attempts to launch such an effort resulted in 501©3 status being granted, but the effort ended there. Some caveats to such a direction include: o Ensuring that resources supplement, but do not supplant town efforts; o Loss of control of the BoE over expenditures/ priorities.
Other issues: · Avoid fund-raising efforts where one group seeks resources from sources that have supported another’s efforts; · Avoid ethical issues in soliciting/receiving sponsorships.
The group agreed that we should review Don’s packet of materials and talk with people who have attempted to launch the LEF (Andy McKirdy; Jeff McNamara; Allison Woods; Kathy Young-Murphy).
The meeting was adjourned at 5:10 p.m.
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Buildings and Grounds Committee Meeting October 2, 2008 Assistant Superintendent’s Office, Central Office 4:00 pm
Board Members Present: Jaime Ellis (Chair), Kevin Seery
Administration Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Don Meltabarger, Noemi Santana
Others Present: Tina Goodwin, Flanders PTA President Meeting called to order at 4:02 Agenda/Purpose
Meeting adjourned at 4:47 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, Jaime Ellis 10-2-08
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Long-Range Planning Committee Meeting Minutes East Lyme Board of Education October 8, 2008 East Lyme Central Office
In attendance: Mary Broderick, Tim Hagen, Chair, Marlene Nickerson, Kevin Seery, Karen Costello, Paul Freeman, Don Meltabarger, David Miko, Paul Smotas
Excused: Jaime Ellis
The meeting was called to order at 6:30p.m.
Tim Hagen and Paul Freeman described to the committee their discussions in synthesizing the BOE’s and AdStaff’s efforts to re-vitalize the long-range vision for the district and actions to move the district in a coordinated means. The attached model was presented and the importance of engaging everyone within the East Lyme community was emphasized by the committee. AdStaff has been using a “theories of action” process as a model to articulate their efforts to move the district forward. Through a series of if/then statements, measurable value statements are generated that ultimately become the assessment tool for actions in the district. The committee discussed the importance and value on having a continuous improvement overlay for the district and acknowledged that the ever changing environment is the driver for such efforts.
The committee concluded that the ongoing planning efforts by both the BOE and AdStaff should continue in parallel and that both groups should be updated on each’s efforts. The Board plans to hold a retreat on October 25, which will focus on the aspirations for the district, and Kevin Seery will reconfirm the date and time. A joint meeting between the BOE and AdStaff will occur on November 22, and Long-Range Planning will develop the format for the meeting.
The committee was adjourned at 8:00 p.m.
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Regular Meeting: Monday, October 6, 20087:30 P.M. East Lyme High School INTV Room (B101) Not official until approved by the East Lyme Board of Education on October 28, 2008
Regular Meeting Board Members Present: Kevin Seery (Chair), Elizabeth Groeber (Secretary), Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Laura Greenstein, Tim Hagen, Al Littlefield, Marlene Nickerson
Administrators Present: Paul Smotas, Paul Freeman, Steve Buck, Karen Costello, John Sullivan, Judy DeLeeuw, David Miko, Lucy Schuman, Don Meltabarger
I. CALL TO ORDER – 7:30 p.m.
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Led by Andy Dousis
III. PUBLIC COMMENT – 1. Mark Nickerson, EL Zoning Chairperson, congratulated the Board for pursing budget and energy savings. He asked the Board to reconsider the installation of solar panels on the front atrium of the high school for fear they will take away from the ascetics of the building. No objections were voiced to move in moving VII.A.2 before VII.A.1.
IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
MOTION: Melissa Ford moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education Regular Meeting of September 22, 2008 as amended (Under VII.B.1. Discussion re: Proposed ELHS Out-of-Country Field Trip to Bermuda, amend motion to read: “Al Littlefield moved to approve the ELHS Marine Biology field trip to the Institute of Ocean Science in St. George, Bermuda from May 21 through May 27, 2009, reward of credit is contingent upon legal counsel’s opinion”); Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Beth Groeber moved approval of the minutes of the Board of Education Special Meeting of September 23, 2008 as amended (Under III. Discussion/Action Items, amend to read “Mary Broderick seconded”; Tim Hagen seconded.
VOTE PRO: Kevin Seery, Elizabeth Groeber, Mary Broderick, Andy Dousis, Jaime Ellis, Melissa Ford, Laura Greenstein, Tim Hagen, Marlene Nickerson
ABSTAIN: Al Littlefield MOTION CARRIED
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V. SPECIAL REPORTS: SELECTMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE, STUDENTS' REPRESENTATIVES, and OTHER REPORTERS A. Students’ Representative Sara Schwartz · Distributed a recent Lyme Times article entitled Giving Peace a Chance re: ELHS Diversity Team’s Celebration of the September 21st National Day of Peace · College Fair, Tuesday, October 17th · Update on sports teams – Girls Soccer beat Waterford last week and good luck to the Girls Cross Country Team who have a meet with Fitch and NFA this week. · Students are looking forward to the upcoming long weekend. · The Pequot Museum has been booked for the Senior Prom. B. Selectmen’s Representative Pamela Rowe · Thanked Kevin Seery and Paul Smotas for their attendance at the Selectmen’s Meeting last week. Their updates continue to be appreciated. · Jordan Nursery expressed thanks for assistance with their green space. · A letter from State Treasurer Denise Napier confirmed that East Lyme funds are safe and secure. · The East Lyme Halloween Parade is Sunday, October 26, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Mary Broderick thanked Pam for her attendance at the Board meetings. C. Building Committee Representative Gerard Burkhardt was not present. D. Other Reporters
VI. CONSENT AGENDA
MOTION: Tim Hagen moved approval of the Consent Agenda (A) Proposed ELHS Field Trip to West Long Branch, NJ on Saturday and Sunday, December 13-14, 2008, for the Varsity Boys’ Basketball Team to attend a Monmouth University Basketball Game and (B) Proposed ELHS Sunday Sailing Competitions on September 28, October 12, 18 and 19, 2008; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
VII. DISCUSSION & ACTION ITEMS
A. Finance/Facilities/Community 1. Discussion/action re: Proposed Purchase of Flanders Playground Equipment The Flanders Playground Committee submitted replacement playground equipment plans to the Buildings and Grounds Committee on October 2, 2008. After much discussion, it was determined to present the Board with the Phase II proposed plan. Flanders PTA President Tina Goodwin provided site section information, descriptions and quotes for the proposed three (3) pieces of climbing equipment to be added to the current upper grade playground area. The cost of the equipment and installation is $25,112.60. ELPS will be responsible for the excavation and preparation of the site. Phase I plans are for replacement of the existing structures, and thus are on hold until the site is cleared and prepared. DEP has informed us that, even if the “contaminated” area is paved over, at some point they may order removal of the soil. Every available source will be researched to help defray the $50,000 - $75,000 removal cost.
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved to approve the proposed purchase of the Flanders playground equipment as presented; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
The Board thanked Tina Goodwin and the Flanders Playground Committee for their work and dedication to this project. 4377
2. Discussion re: Status Report on ELHS Solar Project Marc Aronson and John Gummel of Constellation Energy presented the Board with a project time schedule. Installation will begin this month and the project will be fully operational by the end of this year. Safety procedures are in place and no lifts will be used during the school day. An overhead schematic showing proposed panel placement, including those on the atrium roof which will be visible to the street level below, was shared with the Board for discussion. No further changes to plans were requested by the Board. The project was previously approved and required no Board action.
3. Discussion re: Possibility of Sharing Building/Grounds Maintenance Services with the Town of East Lyme First Selectman Paul Formica asked the Board to participate in a feasibility study for sharing of grounds, field and maintenance services. The outcome of the study would be reported back to the Board of Selectmen and the Board of Education. Board members asked that the committee: 1) define clear goals on the magnitude of savings that would be necessary to take the risk of pooling resources, 2) ensure the quality of services, 3) act in the best interest of students, 4) consider other districts where this has been successful and unsuccessful, and 5) that the Board of Education still requests a “right of refusal” to the findings and conclusions of the study. This item was remanded to the Buildings and Grounds Committee.
4. Discussion/action re: Proposed 2008-2009 Budget Transfer A 2008-2009 budget transfer from the instructional aide account to the teacher salary account is necessary to cover 4.0 FTE new special education teachers at ELMS. The positions were approved by the Board on June 23, 2008 and were added to the Proposed 2008-2009 ELPS Staffing Plan.
MOTION: Andy Dousis moved to approve the 2008-2009 budget transfer as presented ($168,421.00 to cover 4.0 FTE new special education teachers at ELMS); Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
B. Instruction 1. Discussion/action re: Proposed ELHS Out-of-Country Field Trip to France ELHS French teachers Nathalie Casey and Becky Miller outlined the proposed April 17-24, 2009 trip to France. Depending upon the departure time, students may miss a partial day of school on the Friday prior to the April break. Students will tour Paris, Versailles and the south of France where they will explore the history, art, music, foods and contemporary culture. Student fundraising opportunities will be available. Cancellation insurance coverage is available to parents. The Board attorney will be consulted as to whether the trip should be open to all students.
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to approve the proposed ELHS out-of-country field trip to France as presented; Marlene Nickerson seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
Nathalie Casey and Becky Miller were thanked for providing this opportunity to the students.
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2. Discussion/action re: Proposed ELHS Athletic Contests on October 13, 2008 ELHS Athletic Director Jim Moran and Dr. John Sullivan have requested that three (3) high school soccer games be played on Columbus Day, a non-school day.
MOTION: Marlene Nickerson moved to approve the proposed ELHS athletic contests, three (3) soccer games, on October 13, 2008, Columbus Day as presented, giving students a compensatory day off from practice for participation; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
3. Discussion re: Presentation of 2007-2008 ELHS SAT/ACT/AP/CAPT Results ELHS Principal Dr. John Sullivan presented the 2007-2008 ELHS SAT/ACT/AP/CAPT results. SAT scores were the highest ever with an average Verbal score of 554 and Math 565, however the participation rate remains at 84%. At a future meeting, Dr. Sullivan will report on how we are meeting the needs of the other 16% of the students. He will also provide a breakdown, by gender, of those students taking the SATs. 97 students took the ACT this year. A dramatic increase was reflected in the number of students in the class of 2008 taking Advanced Placement tests and the number of tests taken. 258 students took 549 Advanced Placement tests and 83% of them scored a 3 or higher. 50% of the class of 2008 took one or more Advanced Placement test. The CAPT scores of the class of 2010 indicated that students continue to do well as measured with students in other districts. 44 ELHS students received a score of 5 (Advanced Level) on all four CAPT tests and were recognized by Commissioner of Education Dr. Mark McQuillan. The Board and Dr. Smotas congratulated the ELPS staff on the outstanding scores and thanked the First Selectman for the town’s financial support.
C. Personnel 1. Discussion/action re: Proposed 2008-2009 ELPS Staffing Plan The proposed 2008-2009 ELPS Staffing Plan was presented to the Board. The staffing levels align with the previous year and reflect the Board approved modifications. Board Policy will be reviewed as to whether a change in date is warranted regarding the date the Staffing Plan is presented to the Board.
MOTION: Al Littlefield moved to approve the proposed 2008-2009 ELPS Staffing Plan as presented; Jaime Ellis seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
2. Discussion/action re: Proposed 2008-2009 Amendment to Employment Contracts for the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent Amendments reflect a 3.95% 2008-2009 salary increase for the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent and a $1,000 increase in the miscellaneous medical expense allowance for the Assistant Superintendent.
MOTION: Mary Broderick moved to approve the proposed 2008-2009 amendment to employment contract for the Assistant Superintendent as presented; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
MOTION: Jaime Ellis moved to approve the proposed 2008-2009 amendment to employment contract for the Superintendent as presented; Al Littlefield seconded.
VOTE: Unanimous MOTION CARRIED
D. Other 4379
VIII. ADMINISTRATION REPORTS A. Superintendent of Schools – Dr. Paul Smotas had no additional report. B. Assistant Superintendent of Schools – Mr. Paul Freeman • Long Range Planning Meeting, Wednesday, October 8, 2008, 6:30 p.m. at Central Office • Curriculum Council Meeting, Thursday, October 16, 2008, 8:30 a.m. at Central Office C. Business Manager – Mr. Don Meltabarger • Credit of $2,818 received for adjustment to our electric consortium bill
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
X. COMMUNICATIONS A. Note to Board Members from Cherry McLaughlin dated 9/25/08 B. ELHS Viking Saga, Volume 42, Edition 2 dated 9/22/08 C. Letter from State of CT Workers’ Compensation Commission to Don Meltabarger re: Safety and Health Committee Compliance dated 9/30/08 XI. NOTICES A. Notice of the following staffing changes: 1. Appointments • Melissa Brosius, .30 School Aide, NC, 9/26/08 • Alison Chmiel, .30 School Aide, HA, 9/22/08 • Jessica Dell, 1.0 Instructional Aide, (1:1), DW @ FL, 10/6/08 • Melissa Esposito, 1.0 Instructional Aide (1:1), DW @ HA, 10/13/08 • Colleen Gresh, .5 English Teacher, Alternative Education, HS, 9/22/08 • Nadene Kumpf, .15 Before School Aide, NC, 9/29/08 • Eric McGuire, 1.0 Instructional Aide (1:1), DW @ MS, 9/30/08 • Katie Pasquaretta, 1.0 Instructional Aide (1:1), DW @ HA, 10/13/08 • Christine Riley, 1.0 Instructional Aide, HA, 9/18/08 • Jennifer Shiling, .5 Instructional Aide, FL, 9/23/08 • Sue Ann Wilkos, .30 School Aide, HA, 9/22/08 2. Reassignments – None at this time. 3. Increases/Decreases in FTE • Jen Berchielli, increased from .6 to .8 Instructional Tech. Spec., NC, 9/15/08 • Fran Mattison, increased from .50 to .80 Daycare Aide PM, FL, 9/10/08 4. Resignations • Rebecca Browne, 1.0 Teaching Assistant, MS, 10/17/08 5. Retirements • Stephen Buck, 1.0 Director of Special Services, CO, 1/1/09 • Patricia Phillips, 1.0 Assistant Principal (12-month), HS, 10/17/08 6. Supplemental Appointments • Camille Alberti, Chess Club Advisor, MS, not a member of the ELPS professional staff • Diane Anderson, Osprey Team Leader, MS 4380 • Diane Anderson, Special Education Liaison, MS • Claire Artibee, Mariners Team Leader, MS • Karen Burnham, Neptune Team Leader, MS • Karen Ciccone, Co-Band and Co-Assistant Band Director, MS • Karen Ciccone, Drama Club Music Advisor, MS • Karen Ciccone, Orchestra Director, MS • Kathy Cietanno, Social Studies Liaison, MS • David Costa, Guitar Club Advisor, MS • James Cunningham, Interscholastic Cross Country Coach, MS • Jackie Curry, Foreign Language Liaison, MS • John Donohue, Jr. Math Counts Advisor • Holli Dupuis, Big Blue Team Leader, MS • Howard Estes, Blue Crabs Team Leader, MS • Howard Estes, Lego Club Advisor, MS • Howard Estes, Ski Club Advisor, MS • Bill Gibney, Winter and Spring Wellness Club Advisor, MS • Jay Gionet, Math Counts Advisor, MS • Jay Gionet, Yearbook Advisor, MS • Judy Hyland, School Store Advisor, MS • Judy Hyland, Whelks Team Leader, MS • Lisa Kriger, Jr. Leaders Club and Leaders Club Advisor, MS • Lisa Kriger, Life Arts Liaison, MS • Lisa Kriger, Life Arts Team Leader, MS • Kathleen Kuvalanka, Service Club Advisor, MS • Kathleen Kuvalanka, Volleyball Club Advisor, MS • Kathleen Kuvalanka, Waves Team Leader, MS
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