EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION

February 28, 2008

Minutes

Filed subject to approval.

Present: Allan, Katz, Treidel, Underberger

Administration: Fossbender, Mas, Sullivan, Fox-Santora, Merrill, Doak, Dekle

Others: two members of the public, and representatives of the Fairfield MinuteMan and the Easton Courier

Dr. Katz called the meeting to order at 7:07 pm.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: move to accept the minutes of the January 15, 2008 meeting as submitted. Allan, Treidel. Approved. Unanimous.

Motion: move to accept the minutes of the January 17, 2008 meeting as submitted. Allan, Treidel. Approved. Unanimous.

Motion: move to accept the minutes of the January 29, 2008 meeting as submitted. Allan, Treidel. Approved. 3-0-1. Underberger abstained.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION ON 2008-2009 OPERATING BUDGET

The proposed budget was reviewed and discussed. Agreement was reached to reduce:

• the number of Kindergarten sections by one (reduction of $60,033)
• reduction in the Social Studies program (including only fifth grade) (reduction of $6,000) reduction in the time of the social worker (from .5 to .4, a reduction of $19,200)
• reduction in the technology replacement account (reduction of $5,000).

The adjustments brought the total increase in budget to 5.97%.

Motion: move to accept an operating budget for 2008-2009 as discussed with an increase over the current year of 5.97%. Allan, Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Fossbender distributed information on NCLB for review.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & INSTRUCTION

Mrs. Mas reported that Easton staff and administrators participated in the scoring of the Junior Portfolios at Joel Barlow High School. Her written report included information about staff professional development and workshop. The list of participants in the Tri-State Consortium was distributed.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Dr. Dekle provided a written report. She stated that the Pre-School lottery was just held and the program has a short waiting list.

HELEN KELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Dr. Merrill provided a written report. She highlighted the achievements of student Lizzie Treece and her efforts to solve the problem of littering along Easton’s roads. The school has a newly formed Debate Club with Jennifer Rose as the advisor.

SAMUEL STAPLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mrs. Fox-Santora provided a written report.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

Mrs. Sullivan submitted a parent survey regarding transportation and potential change to a unified bus system for K-8 students. Minor adjustments/suggestions were made. The survey will be sent to parents via the listserv.

PUBLIC COMMENT

A parent commented that the Debate Club at HKMS is funded by the PTA.

BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

Mr. Treidel donated his copy of the 1963 Staff Handbook and 1979 Orientation to New Board Members to the Superintendent for the school district’s archives.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion: move to adjourn the meeting. Allan, Underberger.

The meeting adjourned at 8:05 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Al Treidel, Board of Education Secretary

Recorded by Mary Maday