North Canaan Elementary School
Board of Education
November 2007 Minutes
 

The North Canaan Board of Education meeting was held on Thursday, November 8, 2007.

The meeting was called to order at 7:00 P.M.

Those Board members present: Martha Scott, Chairperson, Laura Freund,
Richard Greco, Patricia Heinsman, Beth McGuire, Dolores Perotti, Laurie Perotti and Susan Warner

Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent; Rosemary Keilty, Principal

Karen Bartomioli (Lakeville Journal), Allison Perotti, Matthew Perotti and Robert Perotti

Mrs. McGuire moved to amend the agenda by holding the Re-organizational Meeting at the December Board meeting. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. McGuire moved to adopt the agenda as amended above. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Warner moved to approve the minutes dated, October 11, 2007 with two changes (Mr. Bayersdorf to Mr. Bayersdorfer and door to doors). Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Communications
Public Comment
Matthew Perotti read a letter to the Board concerning North Canaan Elementary having a ski club. The following information are highlights:

  • permission to go skiing once a week
  • research on pricing at Mohawk and Catamount Ski areas
  • over 100 students in Middle School but only 12 students can play on a basketball team
  • a list of student signatures who would like a ski club
  • students would get great exercise, fresh air and be away from TV

Mr. Greco inquired about bus transportation and if the ski club would be after school. Ms. Chamberlain thanked Matthew for his well researched letter, and told him the administration will meet with him to discuss the possibility of forming a ski club.

Board Comment
Mrs. Scott spoke about retiring Board member Patricia Heinsman, saying the evening was sad and that she would miss Mrs. Heinsman, who had been a mentor to her. She thanked Mrs. Heinsman for giving up her seat as Chairperson for her many years ago. She stated that she never thought she could do the job but Mrs. Heinsman's example and support gave her confidence.

Ms. Chamberlain, Mrs. Dolores Perotti and Mrs. Warner expressed the same feelings and added that Mrs. Heinsman was always a fair person when making decisions on the Board's behalf, especially with contracts.

Education Connection
Mrs. Scott reported that she attended a short meeting held in Danbury which was an update on things happening in the Danbury Region. She also stated that they adopted the dues structure.

Region I Report
Ms. Freund reported on the last Region I meeting she attended on November 5. Some of the topics discussed at the meeting included the following:

  • Social studies teacher, Peter Vermilyea was named teacher of the year
  • An athletic report was made on Housy's wins and losses for fall sports
  • There has been an increase in sports head injuries at all high schools
  • A student representative reported on the FFA Convention
  • Literature concerning MRSA was received
  • The superintendent reported that the kitchen tour was a huge success
  • The assistant superintendent reported on grade level meetings
  • The business manager reported on use of the building
  • The pupil services director reported on NEASAC
  • A music trip to Virginia Beach was approved
  • Sociology replaces anthropology as a new course at the high school
  • Winter coaches were approved
  • Policies were reviewed

Principal's Report
Miss Keilty reported on a few additions to her principal's report. The additions included the following:

  • Katherine Orrell and Rebecca Purdy will be honored at the Superintendent's Award dinner next week.
  • Bus rules were reviewed because of a few problems and a bus safety assembly is coming up. A student of the week program will be offered by the bus company.
  • Trooper Janco will return to help the new resident trooper with a practice of the school safety drill.
  • As part of the long range plan for safety, three more cameras have arrived and have been installed.
  • There will be a teachers' presentation next month on CMT results and student achievement.
  • The Wellness Council has completed their inventory and will work on their action plans next.

Superintendent's Report
Ms. Chamberlain reported that she is honored to have dinner with the students who won this year's Superintendent's Award.

Ms. Chamberlain reported that samples of information concerning MRSA- Facts for Schools were included in Board packets. She stated that the administration took this very seriously and notified principals to have their custodians and nurses clean shared areas more frequently.

Ms. Chamberlain announced that the RSC budget will be worked on early this year, and the first draft will be presented at the November 28 All Boards' meeting.

Old Business
Mrs. Heinsman made a motion to approve the North Canaan Board of Education 2007-2008 Goals. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous

New Business
Miss Keilty reported that the Building Committee will hold their first meeting on Tuesday, November 13, 2007 at which time meeting dates will be set for the year. She also stated that she will send out a notice looking for a secretary to take minutes.

Miss Keilty reported on the school lunch program. She stated that the number of lunches sold in October has improved from last year's figure. She also reported that snack sales are up a little. She announced that the school has only received a check for $1,400 for the month of September from the state.

Board members reviewed the following policies:
#4116 Responsibilities & Duties - tabled until next month
#4117 Evaluations - this policy was deleted
#4140 Basic Policy - tabled until next month
#4140a Role of Superintendent - this policy was deleted
#4121 Replace Teacher - this policy was deleted

Miss Chamberlain reviewed the C.A.B.E. Nutmeg article concerning the Nutmeg Board's struggle with personal liability and school volunteers.

Mrs. McGuire made a motion to go into executive session for Collective Bargaining at 8:50 P.M. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous
Miss Keilty and Ms. Chamberlain were invited.

Mr. Greco made a motion to come out of executive session at 9:35 P.M. Mrs. Laurie Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The Board reconvened to its regular meeting at 9:36 P.M.

Mrs. Laurie Perotti made a motion to ratify the Agreement between the North Canaan Board of Education and the North Canaan Faculty Association for July 1, 2008 - June 30, 2011 as proposed and to authorize Martha Scott to sign said Agreement. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Dolores Perotti made a motion to adjourn at 9:40 P.M. Mr. Greco seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The meeting adjourned at 9:41 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Marjorie E. Gandolfo


Approved: December 18, 2007

Updated: December 29, 2007