The North Canaan Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, February 14, 2008.

The meeting was called to order at 7:02 P.M.

Those Board members present: Martha Scott, Chairperson, Dorothy Cecchinato,
Beth McGuire, Dolores Perotti, Laurie Perotti
and Susan Warner (Richard Greco attended late)

Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent; Rosemary Keilty, Principal

Mrs. Warner moved to adopt the agenda as written. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. McGuire made a motion to table the minutes dated, January 10, 2008, so new copies could be printed. Mrs. Warner seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Communications
Written
Mrs. Scott read a letter she received from the Democratic Town committee. The committee recommended Shelley Veronesi to fill the vacant seat on the North Canaan Board of Education.

Mrs. Scott reviewed with the Board a letter written by a parent concerning bus transportation. All Board members agreed that this request should be handled by the principal.

Education Connection
Mrs. Scott reported on the last Education Connection meeting she attended. She and two other people on the Board talked with Federal agents about the Head Start Program. She announced that Education Connection has been recertified for five more years.

Principal's Report
Miss Keilty updated the Board on the North Canaan ski club. She talked about the difficulties of coordinating the club because Catamount discontinued evening skiing for the season. However, through special agreement Catamount would remain open only if the school could guarantee 100 skiers. Other nights were explored and due to the many conflicts with other activities and the school bus company's indication that Wednesdays were not possible, it appeared that Tuesdays were best. Consequently, the principal asked about the outing becoming a family ski night on February 26, 2008. All Board members agreed that opening the ski club to North Canaan families for this year was a great idea.

Miss Keilty reported that she is leading a meeting of quiz bowl coaches in the region concerning the continuation of the program.

Miss Keilty requested the Board's support in offering a breakfast program to grades 3 through 8 during the Connecticut Mastery tests in March. She talked about the benefits of breakfast and how the idea had begun in the Wellness Council. The trial breakfast in a bag, to be consumed in the classroom during homeroom, would contain a fruit, a whole grain, and a protein. Items such as cereal, a muffin, string cheese, a bagel, fruit, and juice or milk serve as examples. The cost would be approximately $2,200. Mrs. Dolores Perotti made a motion to allow for a breakfast program during Connecticut Mastery Tests with the funding coming from the Instructional Supplies or the Testing lines in the budget. Mrs. Cecchinato seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Warner made a motion to amend the above by adding that the cost should not exceed $1.50 per breakfast bag. Mrs. Cecchinato seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Superintendent's Report
Ms. Chamberlain informed the Board of the following:

The former Clarke B. Wood building will be converted into a center for science and technology. No public funds will be used for this project, and it will take some time to begin because no committee has been set up yet.

Ms. Chamberlain attended the C.A.B.E. legislative workshop on January 22, 2008 and the topics discussed included the new law concerning in-school suspension that will be in effect July 1, 2008, the High School Reform Initiative, and Special Education outplacements.

The Athletic Fund committee has made grant awards totaling $2,500.

The NESDEC historical & projection enrollments for North Canaan from 1997 - 2012 were reviewed. Ms. Chamberlain stated that the enumerator's report done by each town is the best guide to use for future enrollments.

Registration forms for C.A.B.E. Day on the Hill were distributed. Anyone who would like to attend the march on the capitol should notify Ms. Chamberlain.

Ms. Chamberlain reviewed with the Board a draft of a new Use of Physical Force Policy.
She stated that Board members should read this policy; there will be a first reading on it at the next Board meeting.

New Business
Miss Keilty recommended to the Board the continuation of a Professional Day on the day after President's Day on the 2008-2009 North Canaan school calendar. She outlined the benefits of teachers meeting to discuss data, shape instruction, share student work, work in grade level teams and address school improvement goals. Mrs. McGuire made a motion to add February 17, 2009 as a Professional Day on the 2008-2009 North Canaan school calendar. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Scott reported that she has a copy of the 2006-2007 Auditor's Report if anyone would like to read it. Miss Keilty said the report reflects complete compliance and there are no recommendations.

Miss Keilty announced that there was no Building Expansion Committee meeting due to bad weather but the next meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 19, 2008.

Miss Keilty presented a draft of the 2008-2009 North Canaan Elementary School budget. She reviewed each series of the budget as follows:

Series 100

Series 200

Series 300

Series 400

Series 500

Series 600

Series 700

Mrs. Dolores Perotti made a motion to go into Executive Session at 8:26 P.M. for the purpose of Transportation and Personnel. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous Ms. Chamberlain and Miss Keilty were invited.

The Board excused Miss Keilty from the meeting at 8:45 P.M. Miss Keilty was invited back into the meeting at 8:55 P.M.

Mr. Greco arrived at 8:58 P.M. Mrs. Laurie Perotti left at 9:08 P.M.

Mrs. Dolores Perotti made a motion to come out of Executive Session at 9:10 P.M. Mrs. Warner seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The Board reconvened to its regular meeting at 9:11 P.M.

Mrs. Dolores Perotti moved to adjourn at 9:12 P.M. Mrs. Cecchinato seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The Board adjourned at 9:13 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,

Marjorie E. Gandolfo

Approved: March 13, 2008