Bethany Board of Education

BETHANY BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES February 27, 2008

CALL TO ORDER: Co Chair Harrigan called the meeting to order at 6:35PM IN ATTENDANCE: Laura Adair, Sal Amadeo, Malcolm Brinton, Dawn DeFeo, Maura Harrigan, Mary Sofair, James Stirling ALSO PRESENT: Tim Connellan, Tim Charron, Mary Federico, Maureen Galla, Rob Spino ABSENT: Lucy Painter VISITORS: So noted

APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion by Stirling, seconded by Sofair to approve the meeting minutes of January 9, 2008. Voted Unanimously.

NEW BUSINESS: a) Motion by DeFeo, seconded by Adair to approve the 2008-09 School calendar as presented. Voted unanimously. b) Superintendent Connellan reviewed the 2008-09 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget noting the Education Cost Sharing Grant; IDEA and NCLB grant support; Elementary per pupil expenditures in District Reference Group C; per pupil expenditures state-wide (rank 42 out of 47); Executive Summary; Budget crosswalk; budget comparison; Impact of funds requested on budget; Enrichment program cost estimate. Discussion on exploring the option of several models of an enrichment program, on the development of an enrichment program and the funds for the program. Co Chair Harrigan noted that it is a goal of the board to support an enrichment program, not only the mandated services. Board member Stirling proposed adding 15K to the proposed budget for continuation of the enrichment program, thereby, creating program for all (whole range) of our students. Superintendent Connellan reviewed the transportation survey submitted by the Bethany drivers noting students on the buses, AM and PM and the possibility of redesigning the runs to accommodate 10 buses.

Motion by Brinton, seconded by Stirling to approve the 2008-09 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget as presented. Voted unanimously. c) Motion by Sofair, seconded by Adair to offer an early retirement option for teachers retiring in June 2008. Individuals must retire under the State Teacher Retirement System at the conclusion of the 2007- 08 school year. Each individual will receive $10,000 per year for three years following the retirement. Application for participation in the option must be made in writing by March 14, 2008 to the superintendent as an irrevocable letter of resignation indication effective date of retirement as June 30, 2008. AYE: Adair, Brinton, Defeo, Harrigan, Sofair, Stirling NAY: Amadeo Motion passed. d) Resignation/replacement of Board member Barbara Sherman. Board of Education office received notification of Barbara Sherman’s resignation during vacation week. According to State Statute the Board has 30 days to replace the board member, after 30 days the Board of Selectmen may make the appointment. Co Chair Harrigan is requesting those interested to come forward and put in writing their expressed interest. The board would vote at the next meeting to fill the vacancy. The Republican Town Committee has recommended Janet Finneran as interim board member.

Motion by Stirling, seconded by Harrigan to vote on the interim board member at the next regular board meeting, March 12th. Voted unanimously.

OLD BUSINESS: a) Soil issue update – Ongoing discussions between Nafis and Young, the State Department of Public Health and Quinnipiak Valley Health District. Results show a minimal risk/marginal amount of material, based on analysis of soil in the lower field. Field will be open for use. Engaged in a discussion with the Department of Environmental Protection.– getting feedback from town’s initiative. First Selectwoman Derry Gorski informed Superintendent Connellan that the soil will be removed from the area in upper field, replaced with new soil reseeded. The criteria for determining risk levels are in the process of being rewritten by the state and local health departments and DEP. b) Capital Expenditure Budget Request – Meeting for presentation of capital expenditure request to be determined. c) Wellness Committee – Met January 15th, Ovation Benefits offered to work with us on wellness issues (informative bulletin boards). Next meeting is set for March 18th.

Malcolm Brinton left at (8:30PM)

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Superintendent a. Radon testing update – Issue addressed in the PE Office, Faculty Room and Room 67. Was retested, mitigation put in place during February break to resolve the problem. b. BOWA Boards meeting schedule for February 28th at 6:30 at Amity c. Third Party Administration for 403(b) plans. Document should be in place by January 2009. Plan is now owner/manager. BOWA districts will work together to select a TPA. Special Education Coordinator Tim Charron provided information on BCS’s new sensory room which was initiated by Kristen Gagnon and Cynthia Proctor. Area presently being used is the stage.

COMMITTEE REPORTS: a) Budget/Finance: Motion by Stirling, seconded by DeFeo to approve the expenditures and adjustments to the 2007-08 operating budget lines items for January 2008 with 96.7% expended or encumbered. Voted unanimously. b) Curriculum: Next meeting March 25th – discussion last meeting on Renzulli Learning System, enrichment and world language review. c) Policy: Meeting postponed, to be rescheduled. d) Transportation: Meeting postponed, to be rescheduled. e) Facilities: Board of Selectman requesting more detailed information. To meet with architect to put together packet for Board of Selectmen.

CORRESPONDENCE: Noted

VISITORS: Randy Radditz questioned the social security/Medicare funds in the 08-09 budget. He expressed concern about the soil at the ball fields. Mr. Radditz questioned whether the town or the board of education has the authority to control the facility/school property. Mr. Connellan responded that technically the Board of Education by State Statute has responsibility for the grounds. He noted that the town and administration have been working cooperatively on many issues which get resolved in a cooperative fashion. Co Chair Harrigan noted the boards’ top concern is the safety of the children.

Janet Finneran introduced herself to the board.

Motion by Adair, seconded by Stirling to move to executive session (9:14PM) for the discussion of strategy and negotiations with respect to collective bargaining. Voted unanimously.

Returned to open session at (9:28PM)

Motion by Adair, seconded by Harrigan to approve the paraprofessional union contract as presented. AYE: Adair, Harrigan, DeFeo, Sofair, Stirling NAY: None ABSTAINED: Amadeo

Meeting was adjourned at 9:30 PM

Submitted, Phyllis Rohloff, Recorder