EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION

October 16, 2007

Minutes

Filed subject to approval.

Present: Allan, Cohen, Katz, Maiorano, Underberger

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

Others: seven members of the public

Mr. Allan called the meeting to order at 7:40 pm in the Library Media Center of the Helen Keller Middle School.

PUBLIC COMMENT

None

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: move to approve the minutes of the September 18, 2007 meeting as submitted. Underberger, Katz. Approved. Unanimous.

BOARD MEETING CALENDAR 2008

Dr. Fossbender recommended an additional meeting in January to accommodate budget discussions, adding January 10, 2008.

Motion: move that the Easton Board of Education add Thursday, January 10, 2008 to the calendar of board meetings. Katz, Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION: DONATION OF TREE

The students at Samuel Staples Elementary School will celebrate International Day this year with a theme of Tree for Tolerance. Mrs. DiScipio described the planned events, including dedication of a tree. The tree is being donated by Maple Row Tree Farm and local boy scouts will plant the tree. She requested that the Board of Education accept the donation of the tree.

Motion: move that the Easton Board of Education accept the proposal for a tree at Samuel Staples Elementary School with gratitude. Katz, Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

DISCUSSION AND ACTION: DONATION OF MONETARY GIFT

Parents of special needs students conducted a fund raiser to provide additional supplies needed in the classrooms for special needs students. Representatives of the group of parents described the fund raiser and reported that approximately $4,500 was raised for supplies and an additional $10,000 was raised for use in the program. Dr. Dekle thanked the parent group for their support and generosity.

Motion: move that the Easton Board of Education accept the gift of $4,500 in supplies and $10,000 in cash, with appreciation. Katz, Maiorano. Approved. Unanimous.

FINANCE

Mrs. Sullivan provided the Health Insurance analysis. Insurance claims for September are less than August, but greater than the previous year. The object summary of expenses was also reviewed.

CALENDAR COMMITTEE

Dr. Cohen reported the committee met and will distribute a proposed 3-year calendar to get feedback on what is desirable.

CENTRAL OFFICE BUILDING COMMITTEE

Dr. Underberger reported an architect for the design of the space was selected. The contract is being finalized by the First Selectman.

SAMUEL STAPLES ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Mrs. Fox-Santora reported the Kindergarten teachers are conducting the state mandated inventory assessment. The purpose of the assessment is to see how prepared children are for entry into Kindergarten throughout the state.

The Connecticut State Teacher of the Year, Chris Poulos, will visit Samuel Staples Elementary School on November 8, 2007 with a group of elected officials as a part of the tour of schools throughout the state. Board members were invited to attend the function at the conclusion of the visitation.

HELEN KELLER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Mr. Doak highlighted his observations of the classrooms, especially the use of SMARTBoards.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT AND DIRECTOR OF CURRICULUM

Mrs. Mas reported on her attendance at the Connecticut Consortium of Learning Foundations, and planned professional development activities.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Dr. Dekle provided Annual Performance Report on Connecticut’s State Performance Plan for the 2005-2006 school year. Dr. Dekle reviewed the report and indicated what changes had occurred in the 06-07 school year.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: move to executive session for a discussion of municipal employees: Dr. Allan Fossbender. Cohen, Underberger. Approved Unanimous. Dr. Fossbender was invited to be present.

The meeting was recessed at 9:00 pm.

RECONVENE

The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 9:45 p.m.

Motion: move to modify Dr. Allen Fossbender’s contract for the 2007-08 school year consistent with the discussion which took place in executive session. Cohen. Maiorano. Approved. Unanimous.

ADJOURNMENT

Motion: move to adjourn. Katz, Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

The meeting adjourned at 9:50 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Alan Katz, Board of Education Secretary

Recorded by Mary Maday