EASTON BOARD OF EDUCATION

December 11, 2007

Minutes

Filed subject to approval.

Present: Allan, Cohen, Katz, Maiorano, Treidel, Underberger

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

Others: five members of the public

Dr. Katz called the meeting to order at 8:17 pm and welcomed Interim Principal Dr. Lyn Merrill who is filling in for Joan Parker who is on medical leave.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Motion: move to accept the minutes of the November 13, 2007 meeting as submitted. Allan, Cohen Approved. 4-0-2. Treidel & Maiorano abstained.

UPDATE ON YALE SCHOOL CLIMATE PROJECT

Dicken Pownal-Gray and Mark Hatzenbuehler provided an update on the Yale School Climate pilot project. The primary purpose of the program is to identify students who are being bullied or at risk of being bullied, and who may benefit from the internet-based program. A questionnaire will be given in the classroom to those students with explicit written permission from parents. The Yale team will analyze the results of the questionnaire and contact parents of students who may benefit from the program. The internet-based program is an “at home” program.

ADMINISTRATORS’ PRIORITIES FOR THE 2008-09 OPERATING BUDGET

Helen Keller Middle School: Dr. Merrill and Mr. Doak presented information on the student load, or teacher-student ratio. Currently teachers teach six sections and average 130 students. The administrators are reviewing options to reduce the student load. In addition, they are proposing an increase in the Library/Media position from .6 to 1.0, and in increase in Band from .8 to 1.0. Board members expressed a concern about adding staff at this time.

Samuel Staples Elementary School: Mrs. Santora-Fox recommended an increase in the Writing Specialist position from .4 to 1.0 and the addition of a full time Social Worker position.

Curriculum: Mrs. Mas included the Social Studies program for K-5.

Technology: Mrs. Sullivan included technology for Samuel Staples Elementary School, specifically the replacement of 139 desktop computers, replacement of mobile lab of 36 laptops, replacement of 20 printers, addition of ten SMART Boards, and replacement of servers and switches. She also addressed Data Warehousing and Management needs.

Samuel Staples Elementary School: Mrs. Santora-Fox provided a written report. She also responded to comments at the previous meeting regarding the use of recess for disciplinary purposes. She discussed the topic with the staff and most agreed that recess is not withheld for disciplinary purposes. On rare occasions, this may occur when students are behind in their work. Mrs. Mas noted that the Wellness Policy discourages with withholding of recess for any reason.

DEVELOPMENT/IMPROVEMENT OF ER9 WEB SITE

Dr. Fossbender and Mrs. Mas reported that Central Office staff person, Vicki Cram, is working on improvements and changes to the web site. Changes may appear as early as January 2008.

UPDATE ON LUNCH PROGRAM

Dr. Fossbender reported Food Service Director Ann Metcalf is working to upgrade the lunch offerings to make them more nutritious, healthier, and better presented.

FINANCE REPORT

Mrs. Sullivan provided the Object Summary and the Health Insurance Analysis. Claims for the month of November were lower than the previous month, but greater than November of last year. Expenses are tracking as anticipated.

CENTRAL OFFICE COMMITTEE

Dr. Katz reported the Easton Board of Finance approved the funding for architectural services for the Central Office. The aim is to have the area ready for occupancy in June 2008.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Fossbender provided the legislative priorities of the CT Association of Public School Superintendents. He has been invited to serve on the CT Association of Public School Superintendents committee for high school redesign.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT & INSTRUCTION

Mrs. Mas highlighted her report on curriculum and instruction activities. She also reported on her participation on the radio program and the Summit Planning Committee for the Commissioner of Education’s Reading Summit.

DIRECTOR OF SPECIAL SERVICES

Dr. Dekle provided a written report. She will address the board regarding the upcoming budget needs at the next meeting.

AGENDA ADDITION

Motion: move to add an executive session for a discussion of pending litigation and personnel grievance. Allan, Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion: move to executive session for a discussion of pending litigation and personnel grievance. Allan Underberger. Approved. Unanimous.

The meeting recessed at 10:20 pm.

RECONVENE

The Chair reconvened the meeting in public session at 10:37

ADJOURNMENT

Motion: move to adjourn the December 12, 2007 meeting. Allan, Underberger.

The meeting adjourned at 10:38 pm

Respectfully submitted,

Al Treidel, Board of Education Secretary

Recorded by Mary Maday