March 9, 2011 at 7:00 PM - Board of Education Regular Meeting

Rationale:  Friends of Learning in Killingly (FOLK) is an organization that has been in existence for a number of years.  Graduates from the Killingly High School Class of 1966 formed a foundation that provides grants to teachers for specific projects that they would like to teach their students.  Representatives of the FOLK group will be present to announce the recipients of this year's grants.  The annual application process is open to all Killingly School teachers.  There is a reception being held at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall; board members are invitee to attend.

Rationale:  We will be recognizing Dee Jones, an IA at KCS, for her devotion to the students at KCS.

Rationale:  We are honoring all the drivers and mechanics of the Transportation Department for their exemplary work through this winter's storms.

Rationale:  Members of the Killingly community are encouraged to share their thoughts with the Board of Education and are invited to do so during this segment of the meeting.  When appropriate to do so, members of the Board and the administration may respond to comments. However, in consideration of those in attendance and in an effort to proceed in a timely manner, follow-up discussion may need to take place outside of the meeting setting.

Rationale:  Nick Caruso asked the Board to complete the attached chart as part of our regular monthly meeting; the portion completed at the last Lighthouse workshop is already entered.  Please bring your copy of the District Improvement Plan.

Rationale:  In accordance with the Town Charter, the Board must adopt a budget to forward to the Town Manager non later than March 15.

We will forward an updated version of the budget worksheet, a copy of the minutes from last Wednesday's meeting, and answers to the questions asked at the meeting and by email on Monday.

Rationale:  Mr. Murray and I  attended the Town Council Fiscal Committee meeting on Thursday, March 3, to discuss the Board's request for a supplemental appropriation in the amount of $103,203 for the costs of snow removal from our school roofs and other winter maintenance costs.  The Council Fiscal Committee unanimously approved forwarding the request onto the Council with a recommendation for adoption.  The Council will address this at their meeting on Tuesday, March 8.

Rationale:  A draft school calendar for 2011-12 is attached.  It aligns with the regional EASTCONN calendar for all major events - start of school, December and April holidays.

It is expected that the Board will be asked to adopt the calendar at the April meeting.

Rationale:  With Barbara Otero's passing, we have temporarily hired a consultant to work with school food service managers to maintain the quality of program, provide supervisory support, and complete required state paperwork and reports.  The board needs to discuss, in the near future, how to proceed with the program - hire a new director and keep the program district run and managed, contract with a food services company to take over the entire operation, or have a hybrid system with the district maintaining the program but contracting for just management.  To be ready for the start of the next school year, this decision will need to be made during the next thirty days, or so.

Rationale:  I am working with the Town Manager to determine two evenings where the Board can meet with the Council during their designated deliberation period (see attached calendar).  I will inform you which nights were selected.

Rationale:  Payment of Bills for the 2010-2011 year in February in the amount of 1,277,706.31

Rationale:  We have reached tentative agreement with the Custodian/Secretary's union on salary, benefits and terms and conditions for the recently organized IT employees.  The term of the agreement coincides with the rest of the union contract, which is scheduled for renegotiation in the spring of 2012.  The union has ratified the agreement.

Rationale:  In accordance with BOE By-law #9124, the Board is "staffed by an individual who will serve as Recording Secretary/Clerk."  With Joni Cullan's resignation, Keely Mancini has been serving in the interim.  The Board should appoint Keely, and set the compensation rate for meetings.