TOWN OF ROCKY HILL

BOARD OF EDUCATION

MEETING of SEPTEMBER 20, 2007

Members Present: Neil Geldof (Chairman)

Nadine Bell

Peter Arico

Charles McMonigle

Rene (Skip) Rivard

Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse

A meeting of the Board of Education was held on Thursday, September 20, 2007, in the Council Chambers of the Rocky Hill Town Hall. Chairman Geldof called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m.

The pledge of allegiance was recited.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Rene Rivard, to accept the minutes of the August 23, 2007 Board of Education meeting as amended.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Amendments to the 8/23/07 minutes are as follows:

-Mr. McMonigle noted that on page 3 under the Personnel and Negotiations section, that his statement should be changed to “the search consultant will meet individually with each member.”

-Mr. Rivard noted that on page 12, 2^nd paragraph, the word “new” should be changed to “news.”

-Mr. Rivard noted that on the last page, the final motion should be “to adjourn the meeting.”

CORRESPONDENCE

Dr. Vautour reported on the following correspondence:

Dr. Vautour indicated he received an anonymous letter concerning dissatisfaction with a member of the district’s professional staff. He noted it has been his practice not to respond to anonymous letters, especially when it involves personnel, and he will not do so in his last days as superintendent. He offered to meet with the individual regarding any identifiable issue he or she may have. He also noted the Board does not address personnel concerns in public session, and that the Board policy is indicated in section 13-12. Specifically, the chain of command starts with the teacher if that is where the grievance lies, then working through the principal to the superintendent, and ultimately to the Board of Education. Also, he noted that any complaint coming to the Board involving a staff member would be addressed in executive session in order to protect all of the parties involved. He encouraged people with any concern dealing with personnel, to follow the courteous route of addressing it.

The second piece of correspondence concerned his resignation.

Dr. Vautour announced that an opportunity has presented itself to him more quickly than he anticipated and that he has been offered the position of President of “Project Opening Doors”. The project in the State of Connecticut is funded by a $13 million grant from the National Math and Science Initiative in order to improve student participation in advanced placement courses and help increase their scores.

This appointment will result in Dr. Vautour departing the district earlier than expected, and he requested that the Board act on his resignation tonight to become effective September 28, 2007. He said it was a joy to complete his career in Rocky Hill, and that it has been a remarkable experience. He stated it has been an honor and a privilege to serve the Rocky Hill Public Schools. Their commitment to excellence has inspired him to give his best at every turn. He is grateful for the support and care so many have displayed over the past fourteen years. He shared the quote that is displayed in his office titled: “Priorities,”

“100 years from now, it will not matter what my bank account was, the sort of house I lived in, or the kind of car I drove, but the world hopefully will be different because I was important in the life of a child.”

Dr. Vautour thanked all for the honor of having served the children of Rocky Hill.

Moved by Nadine Bell, seconded by Rene Rivard, to accept the resignation of J. Camille Vautour.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

AUDIENCE PARTICIPATION

RHTA Liaison Committee – No Report.

Student Representatives – No Report.

Meeting Open to the Public

Jill Watson, of 33 Corn Crib Lane, requested the Board of Education allow the principals of the elementary schools more flexibility with enrollments, and to allow for change in the current enrollment process. She explained that 10 days before school started she received a letter in the mail that her child was being moved to p.m. kindergarten. She emphasized she thought a phone call would have been more appropriate at that point, and if there had been some discussion about the issues involved, she would have been more willing to make an adjustment. She indicated if the Board tried to work with and communicate with parents more, rather than dictate they would have more cooperation and support from them.

Debbie Friday, of 316 Parsonage Street, questioned the back lot at Stevens regarding repaving. Dr. Vautour responded there is a plan to repave, which should be done by mid-October. He explained that part of the reason the paving has not been done yet, is so the crushed rock could properly settle so that when the paving is done, it will not drop again.

Valerie Montalbano, of 11 Rocamora Road, asked if the updated enrollment numbers have been received from the UCONN data center and Dr. Prowda. Dr. Vautour stated Prowda is waiting for the October 1 data, so that they can present the most recent data available. She also asked what the follow-up procedure would be. Dr. Vautour suggested to the Board that Prowda be present at the October meeting whether or not he has met with the data center.

Debbie Poloquin, of 26 Wright Road, explained that her husband had acquired a sample of the new elementary report card at the recent open house and the sample student name was listed as “Burn Weed.” She asked why this was so. Dr. Vautour explained that this was an innocent mistake made by a data clerk, who had not realized what it might represent and the issue that it would raise. He mentioned they unsuccessfully attempted to pull all of the documents, and apologized for any impression of impropriety that it might represent.

Thomas Garrahy, of 86 Hillside Avenue, mentioned that the sample report cards went out to and were caught at West Hill a week before they went out to Stevens. He requested a sufficient answer as to the reason they still made it out to Stevens. Dr. Vautour noted that Mr. Garrahy has inquired on this issue twice already, and stated that it fell through the cracks.

Ned Gorsk, of 437 Orchard Street, questioned the air quality at Steven’s School, specifically CO₂ guidelines. He explained the original building design has return fans that rely on pulling air from the outside from open doors and windows. His understanding of the school lockdown procedure is that it prohibits anyone from opening a door or window. He explained that closed doors and windows would bring the CO₂ levels way up over 900 parts-per-million (ppm), which is basically the OSHA standard. (Typically 3 times the outside air level as long as it’s less than 1,000 ppm.)

According to his knowledge, anything over 800 or 900 ppm causes headaches, sleepiness, lethargy, and possibly affects student performance, alluding to the CMT scores. He questioned if this has been looked into. Dr. Vautour stated this is a question he would have to direct to Mr. Cooke, the Director of Facilities, and he would arrange to have a report at a subsequent Board meeting.

Mr. Gorski mentioned he has walked through the school on occasion with a TSI meter, and had readings between 1200-1400 ppm.

Mr. Rivard asked how long the exposure would take in order to cause headaches, etc. Mr. Gorski’s response indicated that everyone is affected differently, but it could be spontaneous. His opinion is that it’s an unhealthy atmosphere, and it should be looked into.

Chairman Geldof commented this is very valuable information, and since the facilities fall under the Town’s responsibility, the Board will certainly pass this information on to the Town Facilities Director immediately.

1. Consent Calendar

Moved by Peter Arico, seconded by Jennifer Viggiano-Grosse, to accept the consent calendar for September 20, 2007.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Chairman Geldof presented Dr. Vautour with a gift of appreciation for his retirement. Mr. Geldof noted that when Dr. Vautour first became superintendent at Rocky Hill fourteen years ago, there were 2100 students in the district and that the enrollment today is 2637 students; a 25% increase. He noted many significant changes have occurred since 1993 when Dr. Vautour became superintendent, including significant accomplishments for the district, specific courses that were introduced during Dr. Vautour’s tenure, and specific AP courses. They are:

-Significant changes since in the district since 1993:

The introduction of the Strings program

The Mentor program at GMS

Gamison Performing Arts involvement

Expanded Kipp Services

Expanded Bright Beginnings

Developed Pathways alternative school

Senior Tax Incentive program

Expanded technology

Choice Program

Expansion of the ESOL program

-Significant accomplishments for the district:

Blue ribbon status for GMS

CT Elementary School of the Year: Stevens & West Hill schools

Conversion of Griswold Jr. High to GMS

Innovative course offering including 12 AP courses.

-Specific AP courses that were implemented during Dr. Vautour’s tenure:

Biology European History

Calculus Physics

Chemistry Statistics

Comparative Government and Politics Spanish

Computer Science U.S. History

English Language and Comp World History

Other important courses added are:

Project Lead The Way, a pre-engineering elective sequence of three courses and introduction of honors level offerings in all courses.

-Awards earned by Dr. Vautour are:

Educational Leader of the Year – 1994 - 1995

CT Assoc. Supervision & Curriculum Development

Outstanding School Public Relations Award - 1996

CT Public Relations Assoc.

Distinguished Service Award – 1999 & 2000

CT Council of Administrators of Special Education

Superintendent of the Year – 2000

New England League of Middle Schools

Administrator of the Year – 2002

CT Music Educator’s Association

Each Board member said a few words about Dr. Vautour, and Chairman Geldof thanked him especially for holding a series of seminars for all the new Board of Education members in order to bring them up to speed on the background they needed in order to succeed.

Dr. Vautour said that there are many outstanding individuals who are dedicated to the children of Rocky Hill. He urged anyone with an interest in the children of Rocky Hill to serve on the Board of Education. He was proud of being a part of moving many of the new programs forward over the past fourteen years, but that he was not the prime mover; the staff was. He thanked all for the privilege of serving their children, and said that he will “follow Rocky Hill fondly.”

COMMITTEE REPORTS

2. Personnel and Negotiations

Mr. McMonigle gave an update on the search for a replacement for the Superintendent of Schools. Since Dr. Vautour would be leaving sooner than expected, they have stepped up the search process and asked the consultant to provide the Board with a pool of applicants who would be available on January 1, or February 1, 2008. They have met with several candidates for Interim Superintendent, and the results of those interviews will be discussed in Executive Session tonight.

3. Policy

No report.

4. Finance

No report.

5. Curriculum

No report.

6. Professional Development

No report.

7. Facilities

No report.

8. Technology

No report.

9. Transportation/Accommodations

No report.

OLD BUSINESS

None.

NEW BUSINESS

11. Opening of Schools

Dr. Vautour reported the opening of schools was very successful. He updated the number of additional new students to 56 from the formerly reported number of 25. This is the highest number of new students over the summer that he can recall in the past few years, the average being 20-30. Given this, he mentioned the 300+ student increase estimated over the course of 10 years might be on the low side.

He went on to report that school was opened at full staff, the buildings are in great shape, transportation glitches are being worked out, and there have been some of the best and brightest new teachers added to the staff.

12. Recognition of New Hires

Mrs. Boutilier noted there are several familiar faces that are new teachers this year in the Rocky Hill school district. She introduced Margarite Alpert, who will be working as the Explore & Soar Coordinator.

Mrs. Boutaugh introduced the new Moser/Stevens faculty:

Kristen Allen 4 & 5^th Grade Special Education

Sandy Amoroso - Moser

Kristen Baltazar – Math Resource Teacher

Missy Barber - Reading Teacher

Kevin Frederick – Learning Center for Autistic & Behavioral

Carissa Lastrina – 1^st Grade Teacher

Catherine Manseau – PE Teacher

Sarah Melzen – Speech Pathologist

Laurraine Palazzo – Nurse at Steven’s School

Michelle Walerysiak, 4^th Grade Teacher

Cathy King – 3^rd Grade Teacher at Steven’s School

-Mrs. DiMaggio introduced the new West Hill faculty:

Lindsey Downey – Special Ed Grades 2 & 3

Melissa Boucher – Math Resource Teacher

Theresa Kollmer – 1st Grade Math

Ann Gombotz – 2^nd Grade

Jillian Johnson – 3rd Grade

Alexis Brown – 4th Grade

Sinead Stewart – Speech / Language Pathologist

Darrin Schwartz – UCAP Intern Noah Webster School 6^th Grade

-Mr. Watson introduced new faculty as Griswold Middle School:

Laura Viscuviac – 6^th Grade Math & Advisor for GMS Cares

Steve Yantz – UCAP Administrative Intern – Music Teacher at Hale-Ray Middle

School in East Haddam

Mrs. Hayward introduced the following new faculty at Rocky Hill High School:

Ed Malizia – Assistant Principal

LoriAtkins – School Nurse

Aaron Burgess – Band Director

Michael Dudis – Social Studies Teacher

Cynthia Latina – Business Teacher

Bree Mangiaracina – Math Teacher

Heather Telesca – English Teacher

Shannon Turlis – Guidance Counselor

Adele Zimmitti Rosa – Family & Consumer Science Teacher

Dr. Vautour introduced Dr. Kathy Riggs – The new Director of Special Education, who introduced Mario Marena – Teacher Coordinator for Pathways

13. CMT Update

Mrs. Boutilier reported there have been specific action plans created that will be implemented in each of the schools to address some of the weaknesses and build on the strengths indicated in the most recent CMT test results.

Mr. Watson shared the action plan for Griswold Middle School:

He began by discussing the most recent CMT results received:

Last year, the 8^th grade had 94.6 % of the students at proficient or better in math. 96.7% were proficient or better in reading. 98.9% were at proficient or better in writing, which was the number one score in the State of Connecticut.

He attributed this success largely to the building blocks of the program, which were the elementary schools. Although the 8^th grade had exceptional results, not all grades scored as well. He reported school data teams were developed last year to analyze the data that comes in ,and find out how they can help the students on the CMT strands and the state standards.

The School improvement Plan is as follows:

1. Improve student performance in responding in writing to text using reading and the content area strategies. Recent CMT scores indicate that GMS students are struggling with reading comprehension and responding to open-ended questions. He added Gail Thibodeau in-serviced the teachers in August during a professional day and every teacher in the building received training on how to ask students open-ended questions.

2. Customary and metric measures are weak areas in all middle school grades. The goal is to focus specifically on improving these skills in math.

3. Work on reading in the content area strategies, which will help the kids in every subject.

ACTION PLAN FOR GRISWOLD MIDDLE SCHOOL

**LANGUAGE ARTS**

Programs for students

· Regular classroom instruction

· Expansion of Strategic Literacy Program to 6^th grade

· CMT Academy Program – writing and reading after school or during on-team

· Small group or individual support with language arts coordinator or tutors

· Empowering Writers Program – grades 6,7,8

· My access Program – grade 8 (instant editing for kids for essay writing)

Specific Materials

· CMT coach materials – grades 6,7,8

· Ladders to Success – (reading and writing program) for remedial students

· Editing and Reading Program – used in CMT Academy and language arts class

Training for Staff

· Entire staff training with Language Arts Consultant in August

· Entire language arts staff training on professional day

· Weekly grade level collaborative time to address instructional strategies (meets Tuesdays)

· Periodic department collaborative time to address initiative strategies 3 or 4 times per year

· Curriculum mapping activities to align curriculum, state standards and CMT strands.

**MATH**

Programs for Students

· Regular classroom instruction

· Math tutor in grade 6 modified class (3 people working with students with extra needs)

· Math tutor program – grades 6-8

· CMT Academy Program – after school grades 6-8

· In class review activities – February through March

Specific Materials

· CMT coach materials – grades 6-8

· Math generated CMT samples

Training for Staff

· Entire staff training with district math implementation specialist-J. Waterbury

· Math department meetings – training and discussion of strands

· Weekly grade level collaboration time to address instructional strategies

· Periodic department collaboration time to address instructional strategies

(3 or 4 times per year)

· Curriculum mapping activities to align curriculum, state standards, and CMT strands.

Audrey Boutaugh presented the Action Plan for Stevens and Moser schools:

Reading Goal:

The percentage of students in grades 3-5 scoring at/above proficiency in reading will increase by 10 percentage points as measured by the Connecticut Mastery Test in the spring of 2008. Current levels are 70%, 85%, and 71% for grades 3-5 respectively.

The initiatives planned in order to reach these goals are as follows:

Parent Involvement

· Literacy Expo

· Daily Planner (purchased by the PTO in order to help parent/teacher communication)

· Reading Contract

· Principal Newsletter to communicate to parents

Extended School Day

· CMT Academy

· Celebration of Learning -for students who are not making adequate progress

· Homework Club – to be implemented

Teacher Mentoring

· Grade Level and Cross-Grade Level Data Teams –(Tracking student data)

· Sharing of instructional strategies by Literacy Coach

· New Teachers meeting with Literacy Coach to develop personal teaching strategies

Core Academic Areas

· Differentiate reading instruction

· Increase vocabulary instruction

· Expand instructional strategies for reading

· Use of various assessment tools/learning targets

Math Goal:

The percentage of students in grades 3-5 scoring at/above proficiency in mathematics will increase by 10 percentage points as measured by the Connecticut Mastery Test in the spring of 2008.

Parent Involvement

· Collaboration with parents for math support

· Daily Planner

· Principal Newsletter to communicate to parents

Extended School Day

· CMT Academy

· Celebration of Learning -for students who are not making adequate progress

· Homework Club – to be implemented

Teacher Mentoring

· Grade Level and Cross-Grade Level Data Teams

· Sharing of instructional strategies by K-12 Math Specialist

· New Teachers meeting with Math Specialist to develop personal teaching strategies

Core Academic Areas

· Use of pre and post-tests to differentiate instruction

· Include written responses

· Expand instructional strategies for math

Mrs. DiMaggio presented the CMT Action Plan for West Hill School:

GOAL: Language Arts

· 70% of students in grades 1 and 2 will score at mastery on L.A. Strand 3C (making reader/test connections), as measured by grade level formative assessments.

· 70% of students in grades 3-5 will score at mastery level on L.A. Strand 3C (making reader/text connections), from current levels by March, 2008 as measured by the CMT.

Action Plan:

· Continue to align assessments with learning targets

· Implement data teams

· Provide teachers with data necessary to identify weaknesses and implement strategies

· Provide ongoing professional development in DDDM model and Reading methodology

· Construct a common rubric across grade levels

· Construct and implement common formative assessments across all grade levels

· Create anchors for evaluating open-ended responses (examples)

· Develop flexible grouping and/or push in model

· Offer teacher study group (in the classroom)

· Purchased CMT practice materials (editing/revising)

· Continue to provide resource support to qualifying students

· Continue to provide CMT Academy

· Continue to use Read for Real materials in grades 3-5

· Shared curriculum maps and learning targets to parents at Open Houses

· Provide opportunity for discussion regarding CMTs at PTO meetings

· Provide home/school connection by requiring Reading Response Journals and/or CMT practice skills. (Students will respond to CMT-like questions)

Mrs. Boutilier stated that they would be reporting back to the Board on the implementation of these action plans in January, 2008.

There was some brief discussion on the No Child Left Behind Law.

Chairman Geldof commended everyone who has worked on these action plans for their hard work and for being so pro-active.

14. Legislative Update

Dr. Vautour explained three new items of legislation briefly.

1) Budget – Educational cost sharing monies do not all have to go to Boards of Education. He stated this really does not apply to Rocky Hill, as it has consistently exceeded the minimum expenditure requirements as placed upon boards of education. Rocky Hill schools have received good funding over the years.

2) Open Choice – Grant allocations for student transportation and student tuition received by the district has increased from $2,100 to $3,250 per student for transportation and from $2,000 to $2,500 per student for the Choice Program. He noted the tuition rates for the Greater Hartford Academy of Math & Science and the School for the Performing Arts increased after our budget was passed. He has requested that Mr. Turansky do an analysis of what the increased income to the town will do to offset the increased tuition, and the Board should have that information available at the next Board meeting.

3) Public Act 07-66 – School Suspensions

There are two components to this legislative change:

· We can now suspend students for up to 10 days from the previous 5 days.

· Effective July 1, 2008, suspensions will be in school unless the school is able to show that the student constitutes a danger, or poses as a disruption to the educational process.

Dr. Vautour commented the schools appear to be assuming more and more parenting responsibilities. One of the reasons behind out-of-school suspensions was to engage the parents in expressing their displeasure to their children about their school behavior. The new law will minimize this aspect.

4) Public Act 07-22 – Suspensions and Expulsion

Dr. Vautour explained the Rocky Hill School District has attempted to make the event of expulsion a growth experience, rather than strictly a punishment. They have afforded the student the opportunity to return sooner if they have complied with certain conditions such as community service, counseling, and other related conditions. This new law provides that upon successful completion, the record of the expulsion can be expunged either at the discretion of the Board at the time, or upon graduation. This is an incentive for the student to cooperate, and shows that the legislature does realize these young adults do make mistakes that shouldn’t follow them for the rest of their lives.

Dr. Vautour mentioned the other acts are incidental in nature, and asked the Board to read them, and suggested they take up any questions pertaining to them with his replacement.

15. Summer School

Mrs. Boutilier presented four staff members who took the lead in the summer programs. There were 346 students who participated this past summer.

Explore and SOAR Summertime Program – 2007

Heidi Kokoska, 4^th grade teacher at Stevens School & Summer Coordinator, reported on the Explore & Soar Summertime 2007 Program. Based on parent feedback from the prior summer, the programs offered were different than last year. They offered a full-day science camp, and a morning book club program.

Camp Invention is a national commercial program created by the National Inventors Hall of Fame. It provides hands-on activities that promote science literacy, creativity, teamwork, and inventive thinking skills. Among others, classes included building roller coasters, and designing their own inventions. There were 4 sessions, but only 1 was run due to low enrollment. There were 14 students in that program, and there was a great response from both parents and students.

The book club program was 3 one-week sessions for 2 hours each day. They were targeted toward students entering grades 1-6. The clubs were broken down by grade level and interest. The grades 1-4 classes were successful and fully enrolled. There was trouble with enrollment with 5^th and 6^th grade classes, and low interest from male students.

Ten clubs were originally offered, and 5 were cancelled. There were 68 students enrolled in the program that met from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Overall it was a successful summer. Mr. Rivard asked if transportation issues could have attributed to the low enrollments, and Mrs. Kokoska thought that it could have.

Celebration of Learning – 2007

Jason Maziarz, Director of the program reported on the Celebration of Learning program:

He commended teaching staff and paraprofessionals, student teachers, the custodial staff at West Hill, the secretaries, office staff, and principal of West Hill School, parents, and the Board for continuing the program.

The program was one 3-week session lasting from July 9-July 26, 2007 meeting Monday through Thursday from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. for students entering grades 1-5 in September, 2007.

There were 148 students who attended. The focus was reading, writing, and math. The program was free for all participants, as the Board funded it. There were 15 teachers, 16 paraprofessionals, and 21 student volunteers. He publicly commended the student volunteers for their willingness to volunteer time from their summer.

Classes consisted of 10 students and one teacher. Daily instruction was designed to reinforce what students learned the previous year and prepare them for the upcoming school year. Final evaluations were given to parents that highlighted the strengths and weaknesses of each student.

The goals for the program are to continue to align the Celebration of Learning curriculum to the K-5 curriculum for the regular school year and to continue to compile resources and materials that will aide the teachers with their instruction and assessment, and ultimately improve student learning.

Summer Learning Program – 2007

John Colonghi reported that there were 113 students, 38 coming from out of town in this program for students who will be entering grades 5-8. The program runs in collaboration with the Alternate Route Certification, which is a state accelerated teacher certification program. Classes were offered in all the core subjects in addition to art, French & Spanish, and technology education. Some students came for remedial help, and out of town students came because they won’t be promoted to the following grade if they do not attend. It was a very successful program.

Nadine Bell asked why Rocky Hill does not require summer school for students to avoid retention. Mr. Colonghi responded the thinking in Rocky Hill is that a 4-week program really isn’t going to make that much of a difference if a student is having enough difficulty to be facing retention. Retention is very rare in Rocky Hill.

ESOL Summer Fun 2007

Julie Dostie reported the ESOL program is offered to non-English speaking students entering grades 1-5 and is funded by a Title III grant. This was the program’s 4^th year, and classes were held for two weeks in July with transportation provided. The class was theme-based, with a field trip related to each theme. 17 students participated.

Moved by Charles McMonigle, seconded by Nadine Bell to enter into executive session at 9:30 p.m. to discuss a personnel matter.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Moved by Mr. Arico, seconded by Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse, to come out of executive session. (9:39 p.m.)

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Moved by Mr. Rivard, seconded by Mr. Arico, to offer a contract to Carol Parmelee-Blancato as Interim Superintendent of Schools.

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Moved by Mrs. Vargas, seconded by Mr. McMonigle, to adjourn the meeting. (9:45 p.m.)

FAVOR: ALL

MOTION CARRIED

Respectfully submitted,

Lisa R. Reed

Recording Secretary

Accepted by: _______________________ Date: _____________________