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DERBY BOARD OF EDUCATION
Committee of the Whole Meeting Minutes
Derby Middle School
10 Nutmeg Avenue, Derby, CT 06418
6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, June 3, 2014
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Opening Ceremonies
B. Roll Call
Present were Mr. Marcucio, Mr. Mancini, Ms. Harris, Mr. Stadt, Ms. Robinson, Mr. Kurtyka, Mr. Drezek, and Mr. Gildea. Ms. Bartone was absent.
C. Additions or deletions to the agenda
Mr. Mancini motioned to add, in between items 7 and 8, Discussion on Preschool. The motioned was seconded by Mr. Kurtyka and carried.
II. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
No one from the public spoke.
III. ACADEMICS COMMITTEE REPORT
There was no report discussed.
IV. CULTURE & CLIMATE COMMITTEE REPORT
Ms. Harris stated that they have completed their 3rd week of the after school art program. The next committee meeting is Monday at 6:30 PM. They will be discussing marketing and branding the Derby Schools.
V. OPERATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT
Dr. Conway stated that they met tonight just prior to the Committee of the Whole meeting. The 2012-2017 plan has been completed and they will begin working on the next 5 year plan.
VI. ADMINISTRATOR’S REPORT
Mr. Ciccarini – Bradley School has completed the class lists for next year. SERC provided training to the resource teachers. Through a grant, all the staff, K-5, now have an IPad and training was conducted on the DIBELS Next assessment program. The Grade 6 orientation and the VIP Day/ Learning Festival were held.
Mrs. Olson - Irving School Science Fair was held last week consisting of over 100 projects. They celebrated paraprofessional and teacher appreciation day. On June 17, the Invention Convention will be held. They participated in SET survey with SERC to evaluate the implementation of the PBIS program.
Ms. Hanson – Honors night was held with over 130 students. The PBIS school store opened. Derby Dollars, which are earned for positive behavior, are used to purchase items at the school. $644 Derby Dollars has been spent so far. Fifth grade orientation was held.
Mr. Gaillard – Working on graduation and other end of year activities. AP tests were conducted. He is participating in the LEAD CT cohort which has monthly meetings for first and second year principals. The Drive Alive Program was held prior to the prom. A special needs student was named prom king. This was a decision solely made by the students and Mr. Gaillard is very proud of his 2014 class.
Mrs. Sheridan and Ms. Artaiz – The Committee was updated on the status of the special education students. Four paraprofessionals, one from each school, were selected for the State’s Para-Educator Award. The results should be announced in September. Special education summer school will now be held together in one school (DMS).
Mr. Nardone - A water line at Bradley broke and flooded the boiler room. This caused damage to the boiler and school was forced to close early. Repairs are ongoing. He also stated that the elevator has been repaired.
VII. CELL PHONES
Ms. Robinson has been researching cell phone policies at other schools. She is recommending no cell phones in school. There are landlines in the schools that could be used for emergencies. Dr. Conway discussed the downside of banning cellphones. In a previous school, he dealt with many issues policing the policy. Teachers spent a lot of time taking cell phones away just to have the same students bring in another phone the next day. Currently, the policy states that students are not allowed to use their cellphones during class and this is working well. However, Dr. Conway stated they should hold a meeting and speak with administrators at the high school to discuss the pros and cons.
VIII. PRE-SCHOOL RENOVATION SPACE – DHS / PRE-SCHOOL DISCUSSION
Dr. Conway stated that SB25 has passed. This allows grants for schools to offer pre-school. Funds in the amount of $300,000 will be available in July for the renovation of space for this program. In 2015, the programmatic grant funds become available. That would be an addition $5,000 per child up to $300,000 per year for 10 years. He stated that he volunteered Derby to go through the first State licensing program and be a model school. Every 3-5 year old child in Derby would be eligible and this would be at no cost to the local taxpayers. Initially space at DHS would house approximately 30 students. Dr. Conway is looking at other properties that can be renovated to accommodate more students. They have recently learned that KinderCare, located at 219 Division Street, Ansonia, will be closing. This location would house 125 children. If they were able to lease this location, there is a possibility to build a model program by Fall 2014. Mr. Marcucio voiced his concerns about funding after the grant is complete and feels they may be rushing this. He is already concerned about the Alliance District Funding and what the associated costs are going to be when that funding closes.
Mr. Kurtyka asked for a list of the locations that they were evaluating and the associated costs for renovating them. Dr. Conway stated that they have looked at the Post Office on Olivia Street and St. Michael’s, but both those locations need a lot of work. If the KinderCare location is available that would be best. It’s a turnkey building and would be a lease. Dr. Conway will be looking that location tomorrow and will report back to the Board. In the meantime, they are still going to continue to work on the DHS renovation as planned.
IX. SECOND READ/ADOPTION OF POLICIES 3295/5118 TUITION STUDENTS AND 6141.3291 ONE TO ONE LAPTOP PROGRAM
Ms. Harris motioned to adopt policy 6141.3291 One to One Laptop Program. Ms. Robinson seconded and the motion carried.
Ms. Harris motioned to adopt policy 3295/5118 Tuition Students. Mr. Stadt seconded.
Mr. Gildea voiced his concerns with the policy. He thinks it’s important that students of teachers be allowed to attend without paying tuition. Mr. Gildea opposed.
Mr. Mancini would like to bring this back to committee.
After a brief discussion, Ms. Harris and Mr. Stadt withdrew their motions.
Mr. Mancini motioned to table the adoption of policy number 3295/5118 Tuition Students. Mr. Kurtyka seconded and the motion carried.
X. CURRICULUM & INSTRUCTIONAL UPDATES
Dr. Chambers updated the Committee on the curriculum. Teams are meeting to review the curriculum map and set an action plan for mapping and assessments. Dr. Chambers stated that they applied for a kindergarten attendance grant. She also applied for a fitness center grant which would be at the high school, but used by the middle school as well.
XI. SUMMER LEARNING PROGRAM
Mr. Gaillard spoke about the Edgenuity program. Edgenuity offers 80 hour summer courses. Mastery of the material must be achieved to receive credit for the class. Enrichment courses will also be provided.
XII. EXECUTIVE SESSION
Ms. Harris motioned that the Board of Education enter into executive session for discussion of personnel matters and that Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Conway and Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Chambers be invited to attend. Mr. Stadt seconded and the motion carried at 9:02 PM.
The meeting reopened to the public at 9:36 PM.
XIII. APPOINTMENT LIST
Ms. Harris motioned that the Board of Education hire Allison Conway as the early childhood education director as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools. Ms. Robinson seconded and the motion carried.
Mr. Drezek and Mr. Stadt opposed. Mr. Drezek wanted to be clear that his opposition was due to policy concerns and had nothing to do with Ms. Conway personally.
XIV. ADJOURN
Mr. Gildea motioned to adjourn at 9:40 PM. Mr. Stadt seconded and the motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Terri Kuskowski
Recording Secretary
These minutes are subject to the Board’s approval at their next scheduled meeting.
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