[Unapproved Minutes]
April 22, 2009
ATTENDANCE
HERE ATTENDEE AFFILIATION
Y Frank Carrano – Chairman Board of Education
Y Dr. David Squires – Vice Chairman Board of Education
Y Judith Hotz—Secretary Board of Education
Y Dr. Linda Barr Board of Education
Y Peter A. Berdon, Esq. Board of Education
Y Ann C. Caruso Board of Education
Y Michael Krause Board of Education
Y John Prins Board of Education
Y Marie Watson Board of Education
Y Dr. Kathleen Halligan, Superintendent Central Office
Y Dr. Mary Peraro, Assistant Superintendent Central Office
Y Jenna Grande, BOE Student Representative Branford High School
N Taryn Mockus, BOE Student Representative Branford High School
Others present: Clint Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer; Pat Mooney, WIS Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher; Lee Panagoulias, BHS Principal; Robin Goeler, WIS Principal; Maria DeStefanis, WIS Foreign Language Teacher.
BUSINESS ITEMS
ITEM DESCRIPTION
CALL
01 Meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairman Carrano.
AGENDA CHANGE
02 Chairman Carrano requested an addition to the agenda for Honors. Maria DeStefanis, WIS Foreign Language Teacher, oversaw the 28th annual Colt Poetry Contest held at Wilbur Cross High School on April 7, 2009. Sixteen 7th and 8th grade WIS students participated, and 11 were given medals giving them first place for the third consecutive year as the Middle School winning the most medals.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
03 (Prins/Krause) At the request of Board Member, Atty. Peter Berdon, a motion to reword the February 9, 2009 budget meeting minutes to reflect “funding request approval in place of budget request approval presented to the BOF”.
MOTION PASSED/APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
(Watson/Prins) Motion to approve the revised Minutes of the March 18, 2009 Regular Meeting.
MOTION PASSED/APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
PRESENTATION
Clint Kennedy, Chief Technology Officer, and Pat Mooney, WIS Grade 7 Language Arts Teacher, gave a presentation on 21st century learning with video conferencing and writing projects. They are working to incorporate a technology component that allows students to increase their academic achievement in the areas of written and verbal communications. Students become virtual partners with students from the Oxford school system. This program is offered through ACES.
Lee Panagoulias, BHS Principal, spoke regarding the NEASC Year 2 Evaluation Report. Every 10 years, New England schools must have their accreditation renewed. BHS was visited by a committee who went through evidence on standards regarding mission, assessment, building facilities, etc. The report was compiled and states what is done well and what needs improvement. The BHS overall report was exemplary. The NEASC asked permission to use the BHS report as a model.
Dr. Peraro, Asst. Superintendent; Lee Panagoulias, BHS Principal; and Robin Goeler, WIS Principal; spoke with regard to Mark McQuillan and the State Board of Education’s plan on Secondary School Reform based on ten different areas.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
A parent requested that the BOE not cut special education positions.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Halligan gave her Superintendent’s Report.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES’ REPORT
Jenna Grande reported on student activities.
DISCUSSION/ACTION AGENDA
04 (Prins/Watson) Motion to approve the Textbook/Program Requests Form.
MOTION PASSED/APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
05 (Krause/Berdon) Motion to recommend approval of the 403B Plan Document.
MOTION PASSED/APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
06 (Prins/Krause) Motion to recommend approval of the BHS Model Congress field trip on April 10th and 11th to Princeton University in New Jersey.
MOTION PASSED/UNANIMOUSLY
07 (Krause/Berdon) Motion to recommend approval of the Technology Report.
MOTION PASSED/UNANIMOUSLY
08 Dr. Halligan gave an update on the Stimulus American Recovery and Investment Act regarding an overview of the goals that are guiding school districts. There will be three major pots of money (Stabilization funds, Title 1, and IDEA Money).
09 Dr. Halligan discussed the education budget for 2009/2010. There is the possibility that the RTM will make further cuts beyond our $250,000 decrease already. They will revisit original proposals and look into other areas. Chairman Carrano recommends waiting for the RTM’s decision before zeroing in on specific cuts.
10 (Krause/Hotz) Motion to recommend approval of a donation of $2,680 to Project Graduation.
MOTION PASSED/UNANIMOUSLY
11 (Prins/Watson) Motion to recommend approval for second reading of Policy No. 5141.21 Administration of Medication.
MOTION PASSED/UNANIMOUSLY
COMMITTEE REPORTS
PERSONNEL & FINANCE
Mr. Krause, Personnel & Finance Chair, reported on the Personnel & Finance meeting. NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2009, at 6:30 P.M., Walsh Intermediate School Faculty Lounge.
TEACHING & LEARNING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Mr. John Prins, Teaching & Learning Committee Chair, reported on the Teaching & Learning Committee meeting. NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, May 13, 2009, at 6:30 P.M., Walsh Intermediate School Faculty Lounge.
COMMUNICATION
Mrs. Marie Watson, Communication Committee Chair, announced that the NEXT MEETING IS SCHEDULED FOR WEDNESDAY, May 6, 2009, at 8:00 P.M., Walsh Intermediate School Faculty Lounge.
BOARD REPORTS
Mr. John Prins reported on the CABE Convention - Improving Student Learning Workshop in early November.
Mrs. Marie Watson attended a workshop yesterday for Branford Early Childhood Collaborative/Kindergarten Advisory Committee.
13 (Watson/Prins) Motion to adjourn at 10:10 P.M.
MOTION PASSED/APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY
Respectfully submitted,
Judith Hotz Prepared by
Secretary Ellen King/Aura Wilson
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