Regular Board of Education Meeting – Approved Minutes
October 6, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Central Services
Attendance Taken at 6:42 p.m.:
Present Board Members:
Cal Heminway
John O'Connor
Edward Ohannessian
Deborah Torgersen
Ronald Walther
Matthew Wutka
Absent Board Members:
Marie Nicholls
I. Public Comment
There were no public comments this evening.
II. Administrative Reports
II.A. Superintendent's Announcements
- Mr. Addley extended a warm welcome to the guest legislators for taking time of out their busy schedules to attend this evening. Mr. Addley also extended a formal welcome to Michael Dunn, candidate for the K-12 Language Arts Supervisor position who will be interviewing with the Board after this meeting. Congratulations once again to the middle school on becoming one of two schools for the 2010-2011 middle school of the year award.
- Steve Rushin, author, presented on Friday night in the HS auditorium. A lively, entertaining discussion took place and other authors will be visiting this month.
- Kelly Kids Care triathlon very successful day. Thanks to Steve Migneault and a parent volunteer for organizing the event. compassionate contributors - 150 participated
- PD for teachers focus on reading for the elementary level and PLC at secondary level
- A reminder that there will be no school on Monday in observance of Columbus Day.
- The next Superintendent forum is scheduled for Tuesday, October 26th, high school auditorium to discuss the upcoming budget and other challenges we will face this school year.
- Feasibility study for early childhood - integrated preschool and full day kindergarten. Two processes will run simultaneously.
- Reminder that the Board needs to fill in forms for the CABE Recognition Awards which are in your packet.
II.B. Student Representative Reports
- Sophomores and Juniors had a meeting on PSATs
- Homecoming is next weekend (10/15-10/16) and spirit week is all next week. There will be a pumpkin carving contest for sports teams and individuals so everyone is involved.
- The field hockey team is undefeated so far. Sports have been going great.
- Football games are being played at Ahrens Park and everyone has been going to those and showing a lot support.
II.C. Guest Legislative Candidates
Mr. Heminway announced that he was pleased and honored to have at least 3 of 4 candidates who are running for Senate seats. He stated that this was an opportunity for the Board to express concerns that Granby has and how it affects us at the local level in the upcoming years. Mr. Heminway stated that each candidate can speak on the budget squeeze and the fact that budgets are being cut and/or staying close to 0 or -0; Race to the Top municipal aide and where towns might get the resources necessary to make that happen; and, the Sheff settlement. Mr. Heminway stated that each candidate will get about 5 minutes to speak on any one of the above-mentioned topics and the Board will ask a few questions afterwards.
Senator Kevin Witkos stated that in the very beginning of this legislature session, you could tell where the legislature was heading when they had to come back to tweak the 2nd annual budget and it was basically a fight or argument as to what is our structural deficit and that carried the budget discussions months into the year when it should have been done right up front. Senator Witkos stated that failure to enact any cost saving measures reduced the amount of savings we would have realized had we enacted some of those. He stated that the State has borrowed $1B dollars in secured X funds and federal stimulus funds (one-time only funds), swept accounts that were non-general fund accounts into the general fund some of those were educational funds. The state took $10M from the state university
system, $25M from UConn and $20M clean energy fund. Senator Witkos stated that this disturbed him as far as educational funds go because students pay into that fund and Connecticut, with the inability to live within its means, swept those funds to pay for general operating accounts. Senator Witkos stated that we will be lucky to be flat funded and that the state is looking at $3 Billion when they go back in January to build the budget. He stated that we need to look at programs at the state level and keep what is working and get rid of what is not working.
Senator John Kissel stated that he is not quite sure if anyone realizes how painful the next two years will be for the people of the state of Connecticut as far as government spending and decision-making will go. He said that he understands where Granby is coming from. In FY09, the state was $950M short and had about $1.3B in a rainy day fund. Senator Kissel stated that in his opinion the rainy day fund should have been used to fill that hole and then begin cutting as difficult as that is. What the majority party did was borrow $950M to fill that hole so they can use that rainy day fund for the next two fiscal years and have that flexibility. Senator Kissel stated that to-date we haven’t even paid one penny on that $950M shortfall due to the way the bonds were fashioned. The bonds were created as
7 year bonds with the first two years with no payment of principal or interest. He stated that we need to live within our means and cut spending. With regard to Race to the Top (RTTT) funding to municipalities, Senator Kissel stated that there is a lukewarm commitment to try to get federal funding but that municipalities will have to do the work on their own. He stated that he does not support RTTT and that pinning one state against each other is unfair for education across the nation. Senator Kissel stated that he agrees with Senator Witkos in that he thinks he will have a very difficult time in just giving towns level funding and that he sees cutbacks in other municipal aide. Senator Kissel stated that we need to look at the total package given to municipalities; otherwise, we are just shifting the burden to the property tax payers.
Representative Karen Jarmoc, currently a representative in the House of Representatives and is in her second term and has been on the education committee for 2 terms. She stated that the budget and state deficit are lofty issues to address as a state legislature. Representative Jarmoc stated that she thinks we will see some significant restructuring of government if we are going to restructure the budget in terms of how we deliver services and that is how spending will be reduced. With regard to municipal aide, Representative Jarmoc stated that she does not think we will not see an increase in municipal aide in upcoming budget years and that it is her hope that it will at least be level funded which, in reality, is a cut. She also stated that she thinks that there is a commitment on behalf of
legislators that cutting municipal aide is not the manner in which we should balance the budget. She stated that with regard to RTTT, we cannot expect municipalities to fund mandates. She sees education as an investment and that we need to continue to invest in education. She cannot see the legislature holding municipalities accountable for high school graduation standards and other items in RTTT without a commitment of funding from the state.
Mr. O’Connor inquired about the Choice program and if funding is not there then how does the state expect us to increase participation without the funding. Representative Jarmoc stated that towns cannot continue to fund these mandates. Senator Kissel stated that with regard to Sheff v. O'Neil, he opposed it and that the legislature is going to try to address concerns by enlisting support municipalities cooperatively. Mr. Addley commented that we are looking at a zero budget this year based on the town assuming they are hopefully getting level funding and if you don’t come up with a magic formula that juggles job fund, ECS, and municipality aide and get level funding next year, many educators will not have jobs next year and that is what we are facing. We already produce quality results at the
lowest cost per student than most Farmington Valley school systems in the state and we can’t afford to decimate everything that your constituents have built up over the years. Senator Kissel stated that he had actually written articles that he wished the State ran as good as the town of Granby. He stated that he will fight for municipal funding and the last thing he would like to see is someone losing their job. He also stated that the legislature has never looked at this type of situation ever and that at the end of the tunnel and that these issues will have to be addressed one way or another. Mr. Heminway stated that there are two things that legislators can do for us: 1) get the state’s house in order financially and 2) look at things that would make it easier for us to work within our means. Senator Witkos stated that there is no magic wand to fix what we face and that there are unfunded liabilities totaling $55 Billion (healthcare,
pensions for current employees and retirees). He stated that he promises that as education issues come forward to listen to get ideas as to what the direction of education should be from the towns that he represents. Mr. Heminway inquired if it was safe to say that it will be a good year for those in the public to communicate with legislators and the governor via e-mail, phone, etc. Senator Kissel stated that if he gets a dozen contacts from constituents, then he can say “the people in my district...” and it gives him ammunition to fight the fight.
Mr. Heminway announced the debate on Thursday evening, October 7th at 6:00 in the Community Center for the East Granby Chamber of Commerce.
II.D. Elementary School Improvement Plans
Mr. Bob Gilbert, Principal of Kelly Lane, presented the school improvement plan for Kelly Lane. Mr. Gilbert spoke about the CMT strands and that certain strands were picked because they are not typically very strong strands and that Kelly Lane will be working on them. He also stated that these strands are also being worked on in PLC groups. Mr. Gilbert stated that last year's goal – actually was two goals at Kelly Lane – 1) to increase the number of students at or above proficient in reading and math and 2) increase the number of students at/above goal in reading. He stated that there has been growth in reading over the last four years and we are meant to achieve 100% by 2015. Mr. Ohannessian stated that the 3rd grade scored 73% in writing and inquired what is going to be done to improve this score. Mr. Gilbert stated that they are going to realign practices, conduct writer's workshops to increase the writing time for students, use a planned intervention plan, and use resources
available. Mr. Gilbert then spoke about looking at the same students over time. Mr. Ohannessian inquired if they are the same students, i.e., if someone who moves in 5th grade is then not included. Mr. Gilbert stated that this is correct. Mr. Ohannessian inquired if this will take place going forward and Mr. Gilbert stated that, yes, it would and that he is trying to measure the same students over time so it is pure data; otherwise a true cohort is not shown. Ms. Torgersen commented that it is wonderful that we can do that. Mr. Gilbert stated that we can thank Ed Lyman for that. Mr. Gilbert stated that the action plan for Kelly Lane will center on CMT strands, PLC teams setting smart goals, viable language arts curriculum at K-8 level, and utilizing SRBI/RTI. Mr. Gilbert stated that Kelly Lane will also be working on becoming effective collaborators and compassionate contributors. Mr. Heminway asked Mr. Gilbert to congratulate
Kelly Lane faculty and staff for some very impressive numbers.
Dr. Anna Forlenza-Bailey presented the Wells Road school improvement plan. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that she was fortunate that she entered a building of teachers who were ready and willing to go forward with what they learned last year. She stated that she has looked at the strand data and there are areas that need to be focused on. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that she was proud to see that students leave with better scores than what they started with. She stated that math applications is an area of focus this year and that teachers are looking at trying to understand where the breakdown is in math but it seems to be in the higher order thinking skills. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that 97% of 6th graders are at/above goal in reading. Mr. Walther inquired how many kids are in each class and that
97% would calculate to be about two students who have not achieved at/above goal. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that, yes, this would be correct. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey went on to state that 6th graders also achieved 98% in at/above goal in math. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that these scores tell us that we are leading students in the right direction and that teaching and focus is in the right direction. She stated that there is a lot to be proud of yet it is a challenge to maintain. The action plan for Wells Road is to examine CMT data and identify instructional targets; continue work with PLC groups and smart goals; and, develop formative assessments. Additionally, as part of being an effective collaborator, Wells Road is partnering with high school students for reading and Wells Road will also work on being compassionate contributors in areas such as student union; character education and a Wells Road Pledge which is recited every morning. Mr.
Walther commented about reading scores of 3rd graders and that approximately 17 kids are not getting it. He inquired if teams are focusing on processes that address these 17 kids. Dr. Forlenza-Bailey stated that students were reassessed again in the fall to see if it was a real score and tested with more 1-on-1 for interventions. Mr. Heminway echoed thanks to the faculty and staff of Wells Road for some very impressive numbers as well.
Kim Dessert, Principal of Kearns Primary School, presented the school improvement plan. Ms. Dessert stated that she does not have CMT scores so Kearns looks at the Developmental Reading Assessment (DRA) to look at other measures to measure district achievement goal. Ms. Dessert stated that the DRA is given at the end of first grade and then in second grade and moves from an oral response in first grade to a written response in second grade. Ms. Dessert stated that the DRA is given 3 times per year in September, January and at the end of May for first grade and to Kindergarten students in January and at the end of May. The DRA is given by the teachers. Mr. Ohannessian inquired why there was only two years of data. Ms. Dessert stated the DRA2 has only been given for 2 years and that she will have
three years of data next year. Mr. Wutka inquired if this was a homegrown test. Ms. Dessert stated that the test is given throughout the state. Mr. Wutka inquired if we can compare our DRA scores to other towns. Mr. Addley stated that there is no way to get access to those scores. Mr. Wutka inquired that if we know a certain district does well on the 3rd grade CMT test, can we find out what that district did on their DRA. Mr. Ohannessian inquired if Hartland uses this test. Mr. Addley stated that he is not sure and that we do not interact with Hartland at that grade level but that typically most districts use it. Ms. Dessert then spoke about the action plan for Kearns which includes a viable language arts curriculum; a deep understanding as to how students connect, reflect and interpret at each grade level; incorporation of active learning; administration of formative assessments; and, utilization of interventions. She stated that Kearns is also working on becoming
effective collaborators by school-wide events, Link and Learn experience, and responsive classroom approach. Additionally, Kearns will be working on becoming compassionate contributors with activities such as Pennies for Peace; food drives; an art show in collaboration with the Granby PTO; and, letters to our community helpers and the armed forces etc. Mr. Addley inquired how the lens of a compassionate contributor is helping to move forward – how would you express that. Ms. Dessert stated that it is really working at not being the adults driving it but having the students drive it and having the students come together and come up with ideas and get involved. Mr. Heminway asked to please acknowledge the hard work accomplished to Kearns staff and faculty. Ms. Torgersen commented that she really appreciates the consistency and continuity amongst the presentations this evening.
III. Consent Agenda
III.A. Minutes
A motion was made by Matt Wutka and seconded by Ronald Walther (Abstention Deb Torgersen). The motion was passed at 8:45 p.m.
IV. Old Business
IV.A. Third reading of Policy 4212.42, Drug & Alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers
Mr. Walther stated that there were no changes made to the policy and that the curriculum subcommittee recommends the Board adopting this policy. A motion was made by Ed Ohannessian and seconded by John O’Connor to approve the policy. This motion was passed unanimously at 8:47 p.m.
IV.B. Second Reading of Policy 1330, Use of Facilities
Mr. Walther stated that this was discussed at the last meeting – that the rates have been modified. Mr. Traver stated that last time we discussed possibly changing the 3 hour minimum would be changed to a 2 hour minimum to make the cost not prohibitive for an occasional user. Mr. Ohannessian inquired if custodial fees are charged at a minimum of 2 hours. Mr. Traver stated that yes, and it aligns to this as well. The Board agreed to that change. Mr. Ohannessian inquired about the eligibility of item 2D Granby non-profit seeking. Mr. Addley stated that this means the official status is not non-profit but that the organization is clearly not a profit organization. Mr. Addley suggested the Board consider grandfathering the Solid Oak Band from having to pay the fees given their 15 years of
status that they have had. The Board agreed to grandfather the Solid Oak Band from having to pay fees.
V. New Business
V.A. Update on the Granby Prevention Council
Ms. Diane Dugas, Director of Curriculum, Teaching & Learning, gave an update on the Granby Prevention Council and stated that she had attended two meetings thus far in the transition from Pat who was previously on the committee. Ms. Dugas stated that the group provided a survey to the community and students across the district and looked at a variety of over 40 assets which focused as the core for the continued conversations for developing a Granby Prevention Council. In order to look at additional funding in the future, becoming a council meant establishing a full executive board that is comprised of school members, clergy, business, etc. She stated that the Council has developed a vision and a mission as well as a strategic plan. Ms. Dugas also stated that there are two goals within the strategic plan: 1) engage youth and adults in community-wide efforts to build youth development and, 2) look at the 40 development assets and advance the number of Granby youth reporting
increases in their development. Ms. Dugas stated that there are four identified sub-committees: governance, events planning and marketing, publicity, and communications. She stated that they will be looking at the 40 assets specifically and those which scored on the lower end and will have events accordingly. Mr. O’Connor inquired if we have any representatives on the executive board and if they were involved with the strategic plan and how it intersects with our school system. Ms. Dugas stated that Kathy Sutton, Scott MacDonald and Pat Law attended over the past year as well as students. She also stated that there is a great deal of communication of how events in the schools interact and how they can address the assets. Mr. Wutka inquired how we stacked up against other towns in our area or in the state and how much resources are we committing to this – personnel and financial. Mr. Wutka feels that we may have
jumped way ahead. Mr. Addley stated that we have not jumped way ahead and that this is a town-wide effort and we are working collaboratively with them. He stated that the resources spent so far totals $2500 from the Quality and Diversity fund. Mr. Addley stated that this was a good opportunity for us to get some data. Mr. O’Connor commented that the comparison was a national average and that was only for the participating community. Mr. O’Connor then inquired if he could get additional information. Mr. Addley stated that we can certainly ask for the additional data but he is not sure they have it. Diane Dugas stated that she will follow-up and ask.
V.B. FY12 Budget
Mr. Addley stated that the budget process is well underway and ahead of schedule as far as getting information from the schools and will give updates to the Board as we go along.
VI. Miscellaneous
VI.A. Board Standing Committee Reports
VI.A.1. Curriculum/Policy/Technology/Communication
Mr. Walther stated that the following items were reviewed: Curriculum Director’s activities; new text; electronics lab - curriculum and facility upgrade to be accelerated a bit; Policy #0200, District, Vision, Mission and Goals to be brought forward at the next meeting; looked at remaining policies from CABE audit - ran through most all of the mandated polices and are now prioritizing the ones we want to look at as well as policies that recent state statute has required as well as any "good practice" policies; early childhood feasibility study - full day kindergarten and integrated pre-school (Deb Torgersen has volunteered to be the representative for full-day kindergarten and John O’Connor has volunteered to be the representative for integrated pre-school – the Board will get a report at the end of the
year; SERC and Discovery Center - designed to reduce racial isolation - look at how we address diversity within the curriculum; Discovery Center - hole in the wall camp Kelly Lane and Wells Road talking to them - program that addresses 4, 5, 6 grade - will be discussed at PTO meeting next week.
VI.A.2. Finance/Personnel/Facilities
This committee has not met.
VI.B. Other Board-Related Reports
VI.B.1. CPPAC
This committee has not met.
VI.B.2. CREC/CABE
With regard to the CABE recognition award, Mr. Addley asked the Board to fill out the form in their packet and to kindly sign the original form to be submitted. Mr. Heminway stated that he was on the committee for the selection of the State Teacher of the Year and that this was a very rewarding but tiring activity.
VI.B.3. Granby Education Foundation
Mr. Heminway stated that he and Mr. Addley met with the GEF on the next big idea which is a language arts world cultural enrichment activity. Mr. Heminway also mentioned that Steve Rushin was extremely engaging and a very entertaining speaker. He also mentioned that there will be two other writer’s workshop activities to come later this month.
VI.B.4. Energy-Saving Initiatives
Mr. Harry Traver, Business Manager, stated that the HVAC motors for the middle school will be going forward. He also stated that he is waiting for final numbers from CL&P for rebate and that we cannot start the project without it. Mr. Traver stated that we are looking at controls lights in parking lots for energy savings and that big payback projects are getting more difficult to find. He stated that perhaps we should have Siemens or someone like that come in and look at our energy savings. They would give us a detailed analysis with no cost or commitment. Mr. Traver stated that he will update the Board in a few weeks.
VI.C. Calendar of Events
Mr. Heminway stated that the calendar of events is as you see it.
VI.D. Board Member Announcements
There were no board member announcements.
VII. Executive Session/Non-Meeting
A motion was made to go into executive session by John O’Connor and seconded by Ed Ohannessian. This motion was passed unanimously at 9:10 p.m.
The executive session adjourned at approximately 9:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda Powell
Board Recorder
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