North Canaan Elementary School
Board of Education
September 2007 Minutes
 

The North Canaan Board of Education meeting was held on Tuesday, September 18, 2007.

The meeting was called to order at 7:05 P.M.

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

Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent; Rosemary Keilty, Principal

Melinda Bierce, Bailey Brissett, Nathaniel Brooks, Cathy Caranci, Hannah Domingue, Denise Dubay, Frank Ghi, Francesca Ghi, Darrel Long, Laurie Long, Tammy Markham, Laurel Montoya, Nicholas Morrow, Christina Opgenorth, Holly Ovitt, Ashley Paniagua, Matthew Perotti, Allison Perotti, Christopher Pratt, Connor Pratt, Meghan Pratt and Jessica Shortlidge

Mrs. Heinsman moved to adopt the agenda as written. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Dolores Perotti moved to approve the minutes dated, June 6, 2007 as written. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Warner moved to approve the minutes dated, July 12, 2007 as written. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Warner moved to approve the minutes dated , August 9, 2007 as written. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Communications
Public Comment
Mrs. Dubay made a request to have the June, July and August Board minutes posted on the school's website. Miss Keilty explained that they are posted every month after they are approved at the following Board meeting.

Jessica Shortlidge, a 7th grade student, inquired what it means by approving the June, July and August minutes. Ms. Chamberlain explained that minutes are a report of what takes place at a Board meeting. She also stated that they are typed by the Board secretary, and then corrections are discussed at the next Board meeting before they are approved.

Board Comment
Mrs. Dolores Perotti reported that she received information concerning the CABE/CAPSS workshop. She stated that Ms. Chamberlain is planning to attend, and any Board member who may be interested can contact her for the registration form.

Mrs. Scott reported that she is going to attend the Leadership CCM Convention and Exposition 2007 on October 24. She stated that any Board member who is interested may contact her for a registration form.

Mrs. Warner reported that many of the teachers' website pages are not up to date. Miss Keilty reported that the teachers are working on them, and they plan to have them updated by this Friday.

Region I Report
Miss Freund reported on the last Region I meeting she attended. Some of the topics discussed included the following:

  • A report was made on the requirements for academic programs and graduation at the high school.
  • An athletic report was made and ice hockey will continue.
  • Mr. Manning reported that at the September 5, 2007 ABC meeting, a motion to continue having a regional athletic director was approved, and he also announced that all seven Region One schools now have the same bus company.
  • Mr. Gaisford reported on the professional development days held on August 29 and 30, summer curriculum work completed, and the new Region One teachers that were hired.
  • A financial report was distributed and an audit will begin in October.
  • Dr. Foster reported on the European trip students took this summer with Mr. DeMazza.
  • Peter Vermilyea was named teacher of the year.
  • The Board approved an exchange program trip to China on April 15-19, and they also approved the AgEd trip to Indianapolis on October 23-28.
  • Some job descriptions were approved.

Education Connection Report
Mrs. Scott reported that at the last Education Connection meeting there was no quorum, so they had a discussion on distance learning of another language.

Principal's Report
Miss Keilty reported on the following additions to her monthly report:

  • The opening enrollment was 361, which is down 14 students from last year's enrollment of 375.
  • The handbook and discipline policy were sent home for parents to read with a letter stating to sign off after reviewing the contents, and two thirds of the forms have been signed and returned.
  • The principal met with all middle school teachers and students to go over the discipline policy and handbook.
  • The principal met with the timeout coordinator to discuss five areas of concerns, and he will meet with her every day at 10:00 o'clock to discuss middle school issues and discipline.
  • The principal met twice with the superintendent and assistant superintendent to discuss discipline and expectations in the middle school.
  • A number of programs concerning academic and curriculum work are in place for teachers this year such as: implement an Early Intervention model, a goal of building background knowledge to increase student achievement, second step and adventure dialogue programs for middle school students and teachers and using a math and reading consultant to review the programs and provide strategies for improvement.
  • North Canaan will receive $21,800 for Title One instead of the $30,000 anticipated.
  • Seventeen students attended summer school.
  • Kathy Whiting replaced Robin Zeigler as a cafeteria worker.
  • Volunteers will be invited again this year to help with math and reading.

Superintendent's Report

  • Ms. Chamberlain reported that the opening day of school for teachers went well, and they learned a great deal at their workshop which they can use throughout the year.
  • Ms. Chamberlain reported on the enrollments of each Region I school on the first day of school this year and last year.
  • Ms. Chamberlain recommended that the Board give her permission to renew the Healthy Food Certification program. All Board members agreed to renew the program.
  • Ms. Chamberlain announced that North Canaan met all targets on Adequate Yearly Progress.
  • Ms. Chamberlain stated that seventy nine students in grade 1-5 attended the Region I summer school program.
  • Ms. Chamberlain announced that the state has declared all teachers at North Canaan Elementary School to be highly qualified teachers.
  • Ms. Chamberlain reported that North Canaan will receive $21,800 in Title I funds this year because of a decrease in federal funds.
  • Ms. Chamberlain reported that North Canaan will have a substantial increase in the ECS grant money for the next two years.

Old Business
Mrs. Warner made a motion to approve Policy #5140 Health Assessments and School Screenings with one change (the nurse). Mrs. Laurie Perotti seconded.
Vote: Unanimous

New Business
Miss Keilty reported that the Building Expansion Committee has not met so far this year, so there is no report at this time.

Ms. Chamberlain reviewed the C.A.B.E. Nutmeg article concerning dealing with student free speech rights with the Board.

Mrs. Dolores Perotti made a motion to approve Jaime Crane's maternity leave request. Mrs. McGuire seconded. Vote: Unanimous

Mrs. Heinsman made a motion to go into executive session for Collective Bargaining at 8:15 P.M. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous Miss Keilty and Ms. Chamberlain were invited. Mrs. Laurie Perotti left at 8:15 P.M.

Mrs. Heinsman made a motion to come out of executive session at 10:00 P.M. Mrs. Warner seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The Board reconvened to its regular meeting at 10:01 P.M.

Mrs. McGuire made a motion to adjourn. Mrs. Dolores Perotti seconded. Vote: Unanimous

The meeting adjourned at 10:05 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,


Marjorie E. Gandolfo


Approved: October 11, 2007
Updated: November 18, 2007