Board of Education Ellington, Connecticut

DRAFT 5719 Board of Education Ellington, Connecticut August 24, 2016 A regular meeting of the Ellington Board of Education was held on Wednesday, Aug...
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DRAFT 5719

Board of Education Ellington, Connecticut August 24, 2016 A regular meeting of the Ellington Board of Education was held on Wednesday, August 24, 2016, in the School Administration Building. The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Mr. Keune, Chairperson. Present were: Messrs. Blanchette, Keune, McNamar, Purcaro and Young; Mesdames Hayes, Kiff-Judson, and Foster; Dr. Scott Nicol, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Erin McGurk, Director of Educational Services; Dr. Kristy LaPorte, Director of Special Services; Mr. Brian Greenleaf, Director of Finance & Operations; Mr. Robert Butler, Director of Facilities; Mr. John Collins, Director of Technology; and Student Representative Grace Hinckley. Mrs. Socha and Mrs. Picard-Wambolt were absent. Also attending were: Mr. Neil Rinaldi, Principal, Ellington High School; Mr. Mark Wursthorn, Assistant Principal, Ellington High School; and Mr. Mark Mahler, Ellington Education Association. CITIZENS AND STAFF FORUM No one addressed the Board. CONSENT AGENDA Mr. Keune asked if anyone wished to remove any item from the consent agenda. As there were no objections, Consent Agenda items one through nineteen were adopted. 1.

Approval of the Minutes of the June 8, 2016 Regular Board Meeting.

2.

Acceptance of the donation in the amount of $2,607 to benefit the Preschool Program at Center School in recognition of retired teachers Esther Boucher and Carol Connolly.

3.

Approval of the employment of Andrew Billig as a science teacher at Ellington High School, effective August 29, 2016.

4.

Approval of the employment of Rebecca Bissonnette as a math teacher at Ellington High School, effective August 29, 2016.

5.

Approval of the employment of Aaron Hoffman as a social studies teacher at Ellington High School, effective August 29, 2016.

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6.

Approval of the employment of Katharine Lanz as an art teacher at Ellington High School, effective August 29, 2016.

7.

Approval of the employment of Jaime Shea as a language arts/lead teacher at Ellington Middle School, effective August 29, 2016.

8.

Approval of the employment of Tracy Mercier as a long-term substitute grade 5 teacher at Windermere School, effective August 29, 2016.

9.

Approval of the employment of Tiffany Pegolo as a long-term substitute grade 5 teacher at Center School, effective August 29, 2016.

10.

Approval of the employment of Natalie Wright as a long-term substitute Spanish teacher at Ellington High School, effective August 29, 2016.

11.

Approval of the employment of Eleanor Hughes as a long-term substitute literacy specialist at Windermere School, effective September 13, 2016.

12.

Acceptance of the resignation of Timothy Gorton, science teacher at Ellington High School, effective June 9, 2016.

13.

Acceptance of the resignation of Caitlin Messina, social studies teacher at Ellington High School, effective June 26, 2016.

14.

Acceptance of the resignation of Jessica Waine, art teacher at Ellington High School, effective July 5, 2016.

15.

Acceptance of the resignation of Wanda O’Coin, paraprofessional at Windermere School, effective July 5, 2016.

16.

Acceptance of the resignation of Joan Hunt, food service worker at Ellington Middle School, effective July 8, 2016.

17.

Acceptance of the resignation of Jennifer Larkin, language arts teacher/lead teacher at Ellington Middle School, effective July 14, 2016.

18.

Acceptance of the resignation of Susan Gessay, paraprofessional at Windermere School, effective August 5, 2016.

19.

Approval of Dr. Nicol’s attendance at the District Management Council Superintendent’s Annual Strategy Summit, January 11-13, 2017 and the Superintendent’s Network Harvard Retreat, May 16-19, 2017.

DRAFT ELLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING – AUGUST 24, 2016

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REPORT AND DISCUSSION ITEMS Regular Board Committee Reports Policy Committee Mrs. Kiff-Judson stated that the Policy Committee met on July 18, 2016. They continued a review of CABE Policy Updates. Dr. Nicol had each policy reviewed by the appropriate member(s) of the administrative team. The results of those reviews were as follows: •

Policy 5131.6 – Alcohol Use, Drugs, and Tobacco. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of the revised policy as presented.



Policy 5141.4 – Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Assault. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of the revised policy as presented.



Policy 3542.22 – Food Service, Personnel Code of Conduct. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of this policy as presented.



Policy 1700 – Otherwise Lawful Possession of Firearms on School Property. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of this policy as presented.

The following policies have all been revised to reflect legislative changes regarding reference and background checks as well as required disclosures. Dr. Nicol assured the committee the district is compliant with these changes. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of these revised policies as presented • • • •

Policy 4121 – Substitute Teachers Policies 4111 and 4211 – Recruitment and Selection Policies 4112.5 and 4212.5 – Security Check/Fingerprinting Policies 4112.51 and 4212.51 – Employment Reference Checks

The committee also continued discussion on Policy for Transgender Students. Dr. Nicol informed the committee that the administration as well as teacher representatives weighed in and they support CABE’s recommended Policy 5145.53 – Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, with minor changes. A motion was made to recommend to the full Board adoption of this policy as presented. Dr. Nicol stated that the Policy Committee met again on August 17, 2016. They continued their review of CABE Policy Updates. They discussed Policy 3520.13 – Student Data Protection and Privacy/Cloud Based Issues, Policy 3542 – School Lunch

DRAFT ELLINGTON BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING – AUGUST 24, 2016 Service, and Policy 9325 - Meeting Conductand Parliamentary Procedure. transportation in light of policy ramifications was also discussed.

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Communications Committee Mrs. Kiff-Judson stated that the Communications Committee met on August 2, 2016. They provided an update on the Website Rollout. The website is still being created by Finalsite, and the content is being migrated by Mr. Collins. Dr. Nicol discussed Communication Awards for the CABE/CAPSS convention. He also discussed having conversations with PTOs and other organizations to determine the feasibility of starting an Ellington Education Foundation. Administrative Reports Superintendent’s Report(s) 2016-2017 Staffing Update Dr. Nicol stated that the biographies of all newly hired certified staff and a listing of transferring teachers were shared in the welcome back letter to parents, staff and community members. He commended Dr. McGurk and the staff that were a part of this hiring process. Dr. Nicol also stated that there were two new resignations. He stressed that the hiring process allows him the flexibility to review and select the best candidates so that there is a variety of new and seasoned educators. District Enrollment Numbers Dr. Nicol began by noting that within this enrollment discussion, magnet school and Open Choice enrollment numbers would be included. Although the official enrollment numbers are typically not finalized each school year until October 1st, Dr. Nicol thought it was important to provide some baseline enrollment numbers to the Board at this point. Handouts on enrollment were in the Board members’ packets. He discussed class sizes and spacing issues in each school. Dr. Nicol summarized reasons for movement of students to magnet schools during transition timeframes. Regarding Open Choice enrollment, he stated that enrollment increased from 57 in 2015 to 75 from 2016. There are still open seats. BOE Brainstorming Session – September 7, 2016 Dr. Nicol stated that a handout was in the Board packets with the new Ellington Public Schools logo, along with the revised Vision Statement, Mission Statement, Core Values and Beliefs, and District Areas of Focus. Dr. Nicol stated that the Brainstorming session would be a workshop follow-up to the past April Brainstorming session. The focus will be District Areas of Focus: building understanding, considering implications for budget,

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community outreach and communication efforts. The District Areas of Focus are: Mastery-Based Learning, Equitable Opportunities, Innovative Practices, and Personalized Learning. These areas align with the Ellington Public Schools Vision, Mission and Core Values and Beliefs. Directors’ Reports SAT – School Day Administration & Smarter Balanced Assessment Results Dr. McGurk stated that the Smarter Balanced Assessment and the SAT administration are now part of the state accountability system. She presented a slide show of the 2015-16 Smarter Balanced Assessment Results. This presentation included the purposes of the State Summative Assessment. Dr. McGurk discussed the useful properties of the assessment, which included: • Describing student achievement and growth as part of program evaluation and school, district, and state accountability systems. • Providing valid, reliable, and fair measures of students’ progress/attainment of the knowledge and skills required to be college and career-ready at the end of Grade 12. • Providing an annual snapshot of student achievement that should be used along with other information, such as class work and other tests, when making educational decisions. Dr. McGurk shared background information on the Summative Assessment, what is expected on the English language arts test, what is expected on the mathematics test, achievement levels by grade, and subgroup performance data. Next, Dr. McGurk discussed Ellington High School SAT School Day Results. She stated that by federal and state law, universal student assessment is required in English language arts and mathematics in Grades 3-8 and once in high school annually. The CSDE and local education agencies (LEAs) are legally responsible to administer these assessments to all students. Dr. McGurk discussed the results of Evidenced-Based Reading and Writing and Mathematics, results by Subgroup and results by Gender. She concluded with a list of Ongoing Work and Next Steps. Building Project Update Mr. Greenleaf thanked Mr. Butler for his assistance this past summer in getting up to date with ongoing and new construction projects. Mr. Greenleaf stated that the Windermere project is complete, and the Crystal Lake project is nearing completion.

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At Crystal Lake, a roof screen will be added as per the Planning and Zoning Committee, an awning may be added to the interior courtyard to prevent flooding, and some electrical panels will need rewiring. Mr. Greenleaf also provided an update regarding the issues of shifting with the gym flooring and possible solutions. Lastly, Mr. Greenleaf provided a brief update on the solar projects; eight projects for solar and lighting have been completed. Bus Transportation Update Mr. Greenleaf updated the Board members on the status of new bus routes to accommodate the new two-tier system and to accommodate the number of students (2600+) on these busses, a challenge after having a three-tier system in the past. He stated that he has been working to build the two-tier system with the following issues stressed: safety, consistency with policy, and communication with administrators and families. Mr. Greenleaf stated that three major forms regarding Transportation policies were processed over the summer and continue to be so: • Alternate and Dual Household Transportation Requests • Bus Stop Change Requests • Special Circumstances Forms Crisis/Fire Drill/Lockdown Update Mr. Greenleaf informed the Board that there is a new Emergency Services Team in Ellington, and they have ideas on how to make the process of Fire Drills and Lockdowns less of a rote exercise. Building principals will still have input as to dates and times. Technology Update Mr. Collins provided a brief overview of what the IT department accomplished over the summer. A network computer system administrator was hired, and a new technology technician will start on September 12. Mr. Collins discussed summer projects, which included: • Preparing one-to-one Chromebooks for the middle school and for ninth graders at the high school. • Implementing the insurance policy for the Chromebooks. • Creating Makerspaces at each elementary school. • Completing website redesign/rollout (anticipated September 6)

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Special Education Update Dr. LaPorte provided an update on Special Services. She stated that while overall district enrollment may be down, special education enrollment is starting very high this school year. In October 2015, special education enrollment was 318, and it is now at 341. That also brings up the count for paraprofessionals due to IEPs. Dr. LaPorte explained that funding comes from Choice funding, IDEA funding, and some from the Ellington Board of Education. Regarding Extended School Year programs over summer, Dr. LaPorte stated that over 100 students attended either a 5-week, 6-week or 7-week program. The programs were successful. Dr. LaPorte also discussed other school districts visiting Ellington to look at the Ellington models for the PAL program and ABA program. Lastly, Dr. LaPorte referred back Dr. McGurk’s presentation of the 2015-16 Smarter Balanced Assessment Results for the subgroup special education students. Dr. LaPorte noted that the low level test scores are concerning, but the district has been working to help increase student achievement for those receiving special education services. Board Liaison Reports CABE Mr. Purcaro stated that the CAPE/CAPSS convention will be November 18 and 19. There is also a training workshop on Legal Issues 2016 on October 13. Student Representative Report Student Representative Hinckley reported on band camp, sports tryouts, Opening Knight Players preparing for the school year, and freshmen orientation. She noted that the incoming freshmen will be the first to have one-to-one Chromebooks while the outgoing senior class will be the last to have hard copy portfolios, as future classes will only use digital portfolios. Lastly, she stated that a committee will be formed to reevaluate the Core Values and Beliefs at the high school to make sure they align with the district. ACTION ITEMS A motion was made to add as Action Item #17, the acceptance of the personnel resignation of Cristin Millen. 1st. J. Foster

2nd. M. Purcaro

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VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. A motion was made to add as Action Item #18, the acceptance of the personnel resignation of Matthew Lane.

1st. M. Purcaro

2nd. A. McNamar

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 1.

A motion was made to approve Scott V. Nicol and Brian Greenleaf to sign claims for reimbursement through the ED-099, Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs, for the Ellington Public Schools. 1st. J. Foster

2nd. A. McNamar

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 2.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 1700 – Otherwise Lawful Possession of Firearms on School Property, as presented. 1st. M. Purcaro

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 3.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 3542 School Lunch Service, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 4.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 3542.22 – Food Service Personnel – Code of Conduct, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed.

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A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 4111 – Recruitment & Selection, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 6.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 4112.5 – Security Check/Fingerprinting, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 7.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policies 4112.51 and 4212.51 – Employment Reference Checks, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 8.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 4121 – Substitute Teachers, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 9.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 5131.6 – Tobacco/E-Cigarette Use by Students, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 10.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 5141.4 – Reporting of Child Abuse, Neglect, and Sexual Assault, as presented.

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1st. T. Kiff-Judson VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 11.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools: Policy 5145.53 – Transgender and Gender Non-Conforming Youth, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 12.

A motion was made that upon the recommendation of the Policy Committee, the Board hold a first vote to adopt the Ellington Public Schools – 6000 Series, as presented. 1st. T. Kiff-Judson

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 13.

A motion was made to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement request of Coreen Margnelli, payroll bookkeeper at the administration building, effective July 22, 2016. 1st. A. McNamar

2nd. A. Hayes

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 14.

A motion was made to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement request of Gail Scalley, administrative assistant II at Ellington High School, effective August 5, 2016. 1st.A. McNamar

2nd. A. Hayes

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 15.

A motion was made to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement request of Kelly Ivaldi, paraprofessional at Ellington Middle School, effective August 8, 2016. 1st. A. McNamar

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed.

2nd. A. Hayes

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A motion was made to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement request of Mary Shorts, administrative assistant I at Ellington High School, effective September 2, 2016. 1st. A. McNamar

2nd. A. Hayes

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 17.

A motion was made to accept the personnel resignation of Cristin Millen, .4 FTE language arts teacher at Ellington Middle School, effective August 16, 2016. 1st. A. McNamar

2nd. M. Purcaro

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. 18.

A motion was made to accept the personnel resignation of Matthew Lane, technology education teacher at Ellington High School, effective September 22, 2016. 1st. A. McNamar

2nd. A. Hayes

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. Correspondence CABE Letter of Recognition Mr. Keune congratulated Mr. Gary Blanchette who was awarded the CABE Master Board of Education member designation. The entire Board also offered congratulations and praise. A motion to adjourn was made at 9:39 p.m. 1st. M. Purcaro

2nd. A. McNamar

VOTE: Unanimous. The motion passed. Respectfully submitted,

AMH/amd

Ann Marie Hayes Secretary