Avon Board of Education Janary 20, 2015 Regular Meeting Minutes

(1)

Attendance: Present : Jeff Bernetich Ken Birk Brian Glenn Wendy Howard

Houston Putnam Lowry Peggy Roell Ames Shea Jay Spivak Katharine Zirolli Absent: Ken Birk

Natalie Sawicki, Board Student Representative

Also Present:

Annie Kuo, Board Student Representative departed 7:19 pm Gary Mala, Superintendent

Donna Nestler-Rusack, Asst. Superintendent for Teaching & Learning John Spang, Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

I. Call to Order

Board Chair Peggy Roell called the meeting to order at 7:00 pm in the Community Room of Avon High School.

A. Pledge of Allegiance

B. Presentation – Avon Achievers

i. Pine Grove School Achiever Certificates were presented by Jess Giannini, Ryan Roberts-Walstrom and Wendy Howard to:

1. Elizabeth Ferry (staff) - in recognition of Mrs. Ferry’s helpful, responsive, instructional leadership and coaching in the area of technology integration into the curriculum. Her coaching has provided a bridge for PGS staff as they look to efficiently add technology to their daily instruction. Mrs. Ferry’s efforts are appreciated.

2. Marybeth LeFevre (staff) - in recognition for Mrs. LeFevre being a positive addition and valuable member of the Pine Grove School Community. Her energy, enthusiasm and commitment as she worked passionately on mastering the elementary curriculum and building meaningful

connections with students and new colleagues has been inspiring. Mrs. LeFevre’s efforts are noticed and appreciated by all.

ii. Roaring Brook School Achiever Certificates were presented by Lawrence Sparks and Brian Glenn to:

1. Francine Waterbury (student) - in recognition of Francine’s excellent leadership as Student Council President and appreciation for her public service announcements, interviews and news reporting for the RBS News.

(2)

of ceremonies for the Veterans’ Day assembly shows Francine to be a true leader.

2. Josie Jordan (staff) - in recognition for how Ms. Jordan is an extraordinary giver of her talents and time as a Para-Educator working closely with students, teachers, families, administration to ensure her students are able to find success in school. Ms. Jordan successfully stepped up to face the challenges of a diverse and challenging work schedule and we are grateful for her talents and abilities.

II. Minutes

A. BOE Regular Meeting, November 18, 2014 – revised B. BOE Special Meeting, December 1, 2014

C. Policy Committee Meeting, December 2, 2014 D. BOE Special Meeting, December 3, 2014

E. Finance Committee Meeting, December 10, 2014 F. BOE Regular Meeting, December 16, 2014 G. Policy Committee Meeting, January 6, 2015

H. Alternative Resources Committee Meeting, January 13, 2015

I. Reflection Session, November 4, 2014

Motion by Houston Putnam Lowry and seconded by Kathy Zirolli to accept the revised minutes from the November 18, 2014 BOE Regular Meeting.

Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

Opposed: Lowry Abstentions: None Motion Carried: 7:1:0

Motion by Houston Putnam Lowry and seconded by Kathy Zirolli to accept the minutes from the December 1, 2014 BOE Special Meeting, December 3, 2014 Special meeting, December 16, 2014 Regular meeting and November 4, 2014 Reflection Session.

Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Lowry, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

Abstentions: None Motion Carried: 8:0:0

III. Communications From Public There was none.

IV. Information & Proposals

A. Report from Student Representatives

Ms. Kuo reported two weekends ago the boys’ basketball team hosted For the Love of the Game, a joint game of varsity players and special needs

(3)

players. With winter approaching many clubs are conducting shelter visits especially to Immaculate Conception in Hartford. This month the delayed Band Concert was held. The Science Club went to the 2nd annual Science Olympiad Division C Invitational Tournament at Yale University.

B. Presentation - Avon High School Program of Studies – Course Levels presented by Christopher Tranberg, AHS Principal.

Superintendent Mala introduced Mr. Tranberg who gave an update on High School Reform: where we are from a policy perspective and a proposal of consolidated course levels. He highlighted upcoming changes in graduation requirements. In response to a question from Ms. Howard, Mr. Tranberg responded that the two years of foreign language does not have to be of the same language. Mr. Mala added we are trying to facilitate dual language acquisition. In response to a follow up question by Ms. Howard, Mr. Tranberg stated that currently in the override process for class levels the final decision is made by the parent. There are no plans to change this. We are checking in on students who have been overridden into courses and monitoring their progress. Mr. Spivak feels the personal finance course is very valuable; however it is not a requirement till the class of 2019. He wanted to know how current students can take advantage of this. In response Mr. Tranberg stated there is an upcoming 8th grade Open House where elective area teachers give a talk. We currently have one business teacher. Ms. Josie Jordan (audience member) asked if the course consolidation is final or open to discussion. Mr. Tranberg stated we are discussing it tonight. She is concerned with what happens if student is in CP and struggling. She feels the town is pushing AP courses and it has to do with how schools are rated. She wanted to know if this true. Mr. Tranberg stated that in U.S. News and World Report the number of AP classes offered does have an effect on school rating; however his push to see more students take AP courses is because he feels they are capable of doing higher level work. He stated Avon currently has limited course offerings when compared to similar towns. He added that that in house interventions and resources would be used to help students move from AC to CP levels. The professional development piece on differentiated

instruction for teacher development starts this year. Mary Bonner

(audience member) asked what percentages of classes are AC that will be pushed into CP. Mr. Tranberg stated that it is not a solid percentage. Some courses like math have multiple sections.

In response to a follow up question from Mrs. Bonner, Mr. Tranberg stated he does not anticipate this will slow down the pace of CP classes. He stated expectations need to be high for all students. Penny Royer (audience member) stated she has a daughter going into 9th grade; teachers are now formulating placements and wanted to know how the pending changes will affect their recommendations. Mr. Tranberg stated staff is aware of the pending changes.

(4)

C. Financial Report

Mr. Spang stated that there have been no unexpected occurrences. The winter has been mild so far. There is a positive forecast of $118,000. V. Consent Calendar

A. 14-15/70 Approval of New Hires B. 14-15/71 Approval of Retirement C. 14-15/72 Approval of Resignations D. 14-15/73 Approval of Leaves of Absence E. 14-15/74 Approval of Budget Transfers

F. 14-15/75 Approval of Supplemental Appropriation

G. 14-15/65 Policy 3517 Security of Building and Grounds, Second Read H. 14-15/66 Policy 6000 School Entrance Age, Second Read

I. 14-15/67 Policy 6052 High School Promotion and Graduation Policy, Second Read

Motion by Wendy Howard and seconded by Houston Putnam Lowry to approve the items on the consent calendar.

VI. Old Business

A. 14-15/44 Policy 6072 – School Attendance, First Read

Mr. Mala stated this is the revised policy in accordance with state law. He stated that the electronic communication language does not mean to imply e-mail it is referring to the robo-call system. He will clear up this language. In response to a question from Ms. Roell, Ms. Zirolli stated that the

changes will be made and the policy subcommittee will send out a revised first read. In response to a question from Ms. Howard, Mr. Mala stated that students are not excused and the administration at each building will determine how absences due to personal vacations will be handled. Ms. Zirolli emphasized that this is a significant change. It is ten absences for the year instead of the semester.

B. 14-15/45 School Calendar 2015-2016

Mr. Mala stated this will be the final year we have this flexibility. He supports this calendar in that it breaks instructional days into 3 equal parts. In response to a question from Ms. Zirolli, Mr. Mala stated he spoke to Laura Anastasio at the State and she stated we do not have an option to not support the CREC calendar. She cited a case in Fairfield County and stated if we do not adopt the regional calendar we would be subject to a hearing conducted by Legal Affairs at the State Department of Education.

Legislation was passed and the board must comply. Ms. Shea does not support the early adoption of the regional calendar. She does understand our obligations according to the State. She stated the Board spent a lot of

(5)

time creating a calendar that took into consideration the preferences of Avon residents, is good academically and made it easy for family’s who work in other districts. Both Ms. Zirolli and Ms. Shea feel it takes away local control and transfers it to the state. Ms. Zirolli stated she appreciated professional development being linked to long weekends. Her issue with Convocation in September was with the total number of days off that month. Mr. Lowry appreciate comments made this evening, and doesn’t agree with school starting before Labor Day but will vote for it.

Mr. Spivak agreed with the comments made this evening. Ms. Howard stated it looked like there was a long stretch in March through June without many days off.

Motion by Ames Shea and seconded by Kathy Zirolli to approve the calendar as presented.

VII. New Business

A. 14-15/76 Approval of Grade 1, Science and Drama Textbooks and Instructional Materials

Dr. Nestler-Rusack highlighted some of the new textbook and instructional materials being requested.

Motion by Kathy Zirolli and seconded by Houston Putnam Lowry to approve the Grade 1, Science and Drama Textbooks and Instructional Materials. Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Lowry, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

B. 14-15/77 Policy 6020 Basis for Grading – Avon High School, First Read Mr. Mala stated this is included in the meeting packet. There are still some minor formatting edits to be completed. After a short discussion, Mr. Mala agreed that the current document does not meet the intent of the subcommittee and will be revised. Ms. Roell stated on page 89 of the meeting packet, where it refers to honors, it states it’s rigorous which implies that CP is not and that is incorrect. Mr. Tranberg stated he agrees that the language should be reviewed. The discussion centered on the changes to the distribution of the grade point weighting. Ms. Roell took issue with pulling the top level down. Since not all colleges recalculate GPA, she feels it is very important that our students are not penalized as the Board adjusts the weighting to equally distribute the point spread. In order to support reducing our highest level she would like to see how six to eight schools across the country do it. Ms. Zirolli would like a sense of the Board so that the Policy Subcommittee has something to work

(6)

with. The Head of guidance will provide a list of which colleges recalculate GPA and which do not. Guidance is concerned with the current gap between CP and honors levels. They would like to see an even distribution. Mr. Spivak was concerned with our students being hurt when calculating financial aid. VIII. Superintendent’s Update

A. Enrollment Report (School, Out of District, Choice)

Mr. Mala reported that new students have been added after the winter break. There are no concerns at any grade level at this time.

B. Department Summaries

Questions on these summaries were addressed in the supplemental board packet.

C. Monthly Report Summaries

The summary update and other building updates are in the meeting packets.

D. Revised Enrollment Projections Report

The enrollment projection to 2024 is in the monthly packet. Peter Prowda projects enrollment decline of 1.1%. We are still waiting on the NESDEC report. This year did not fill all of our declared 142 Choice seats. For next year we did not add any new seats.

E. Correspondence

This is included in the supplemental packet.

There is a grant that was the subject of an email exchange. Mr. Spang stated this is a competitive grant from the Office of Early Childhood. The purpose is to reimburse local Boards of Education either for establishing pre-school programs or for expanding them. It is designed to reduce the achievement gap. We would like to use it to expand our program and move the program back to our two elementary schools. The application is for $199,000 for a two year grant to cover one full time teacher, two full time paras, .2 BCPA, transportation, a capital component to do some flooring work & window treatments. Ms. Grant stated this is written to meet unmet needs of preschool age children. There were 125 school districts in the state that were eligible. Ms. Zirolli would like a copy of the grant. Ms. Shea stated her biggest concern is the funding cliff, for this grant it occurs in 2 years. She is also concerned with the effect on local businesses. IX. Assistant Superintendent’s Update

A. Capturing Kids’ Hearts – Donna Nestler-Rusack

There was 3 day training for certified staff; 50 teachers and 5

administrators. On Friday, one day training was held for non-certified staff. This provided an overview only of the 3 day training they will take part in at a future date.

X. Subcommittee Reports & Future Meeting Dates

Alternative Resources Committee – Mr. Spivak reported they met last Tuesday and discussed bringing Junior Achievement to the High School at no cost to us.

(7)

Tyler English fitness program has started at the High School. The subcommittee is looking to reach out to local companies that have not been approached. A report on the status of grants is provided in the meeting packet. The next meeting is 2/10/15.

Audit – Mr. Lowry stated there is nothing to report.

Capital Budget – Mr. Bernetich reported they met in library and discussed the feasibility study.

Communications – Ms. Shea reported on February 3rd they are hosting a tech night at the High School at 6:30. The next meeting is 2/17/15.

Finance – Ms. Zirolli reported the supplemental appropriation that was approved this evening and will go to the Town Council & Board of Finance for approval. The next meeting is 2/11/15 at 12p.

Personnel* (* = executive session)

Policy – Ms. Zirolli reported we will begin the 4000 series and student discipline. The next meeting is 2/3/15.

Regional Services – Mr. Bernetich reported they did not meet.

Board Representative to Finance Board – Ms. Zirolli reported it was concise and they approved our financing for technology. The next meeting is 1/26/15.

Board Representative to Town Council – Mr. Bernetich reported they are going to redo the bridge on Old Wheeler Lane. Mr. Robertson gave assurance it will occur during the summer. The next meeting is 2/5/15.

Board Representative to CREC Council did not meet. XI. Communication from Board Members

Ms. Howard stated she and Mr. Mala attended kick-off for robotics. Peggy stated that the budget presentation to the joint PTO meeting is awaiting a date. Ms. Zirolli, on behalf of the Board, was at the High School this morning to present proclamations to the boys’ soccer team and the girls’ cross country team that won State tournaments.

Communication from Public There was none.

XII. Executive Session A. Negotiations

B. Pending Legal Matter

Motion by Ames Shea and seconded by Jay Spivak to move into executive session for negotiations at 9:04 pm.

Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, , Glenn, Howard, Lowry, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

Motion by Houston Putnam Lowry and seconded by Kathy Zirolli to exit executive session at 9:15 pm.

(8)

Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Lowry, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

XIII. Adjournment

Motion by Brian Glenn to adjourn at 9:16 pm.

Favor to approve the motion: Bernetich, Glenn, Howard, Lowry, Roell, Shea, Spivak, and Zirolli.

Please Note: Minutes are official only after approval by the Board of Education, usually at its next meeting.

Respectfully Submitted,

Wendy Howard, Board Secretary Mary Marinello, Recording Secretary