BETHANY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Regular Meeting Minutes

February 11, 2009

CALL TO ORDER: CoChair Harrigan called the meeting to order at 6:38PM.

IN ATTENDANCE: Sal Amadeo, Laura, Adair, Janet Finneran, Maura Harrigan, Mary Sofair and James Stirling

ABSENT: Malcolm Brinton, Dawn DeFeo and Lucy Painter

ALSO IN ATTENDANCE: Tim Connellan, Tim Charron, Mary Federico and Maureen Galla

VISITORS: Chris Pittenger read letter dated February 11 on academic enrichment for students.

Brian Laubstein commented on students’ physical activity. Andrew Gaw commented on enrichment for students and supports and encourages the efforts of the board.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Finneran, seconded by Adair to approve the regular meeting minutes of January 14, 2009. Voted unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS:

a.  Superintendent Connellan reviewed the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget 2009-2010 noting an overall budget increase of 1.98% which is $123,354 over current budget. Areas discussed include: salary/benefits, purchased services, enrichment position, stipend positions, health benefits, per pupil expenditure, home/school liaison. It was noted that the Board of Education is not requesting capital expenditure dollars for 2009-2010.

Motion by Adair, seconded by Stirling to adopt the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget 2009-2010 as presented. Voted unanimously.

The budget will be presented to the Board of Finance on March 3rd at 7PM in the Town Hall. Parent attendance is encouraged.

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS

Superintendent:

a.  Superintendent Connellan noted the enjoyable concerts & performances. Schedule to be provided to BOE members.

b.  Foley family purchased books for students in Mrs. Els’s and Mrs. Gazsi’s room.

c.  BOWA Boards meeting scheduled for February 26 at Amity.

Housemaster’s Lower School/Upper School; Curriculum Coordinator; SpEd Coodinator: Reports noted. Mary Federico briefly explained the Quinnipiac Tutoring Program.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

a. Budget / Finance: Motion by Stirling, seconded by Adair to accept the report of expenditures and adjustments to the 2008-09 operating budget line items as presented for January 2009 with 97.64% expended. Voted unanimously.

b. Curriculum/Program: Next meeting February 24th.

c. Policy: Next meeting March 10th

d. Transportation: Met Jan 29th to address a bus stop issue

e. Negotiations: Noted

f. Facilities: Noted

g. ACES: Noted

h. CABE: Day on the Hill March 4th

i. Communications: Noted

CORRESPONDENCE: Noted

VISITORS: Parent commented on school’s policy for visiting / observing the classrooms and inquired about meeting the teachers. Mr. Gaw thanked the administration for their concerted effort in providing programs for BCS students.

Motion by Finneran, seconded by Adair to move into Executive Session (7:26PM) for the purpose of discussion an individual personnel matter related to collective bargaining. Voted unanimously.

IN ATTENDANCE: Laura Adair, Sal Amadeo, Dawn DeFeo, Janet Finneran, Maura Harrigan Lucy Painter, Mary Sofair, James Stirling

ABSENT: Malcolm Brinton

ALSO PRESENT: Tim Connellan, Attorney Thomas Mooney, invited by Board to enter at 8:05 PM, Charlie Fabien, CSEA, Dorinda Barletta, Polly Rieser, April Holeva

Return to Open Session at 9:00 PM

Meeting adjourned at 9:01 PM

Submitted,

Phyllis Rohloff

Recorder