May 11, 2011 at 7:00 PM - BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING

Rationale:  CABE has recognized four students to receive the annual Student Leadership Awards. All four students were nominated by their schools' administrator.  Mr. Rioux, principal of Killingly Intermediate School,  has invited Kailyn L. Marcotte and Edmond E. Raheb so that the Board can present them with the award.  Mr. Rockett, principal of Killingly High School has invited students Katelyn Morrisette and Chris Haveles to receive thier award.

Rationale: 

We want to recognize Mr. Martin and the Redline staff for  earning a 2^nd place award in American Scholastic Press Association Annual High School Newspaper Competition.

Killingly High School’s entry was judged in the 500-1000 student population category, and was the only school in the state to receive an award in that category.

Rationale:  We want to acknowledge all the hard work and efforts made on behalf of children by our school nurses and teachers.  Many thanks!

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:  Lynda will report on the Northeast School Readiness Council community engagement process to develop a community plan to support children and families during the birth to eight period.

Rationale:  In accordance with statutory requirements, we are presenting the 2010 SSP to you.  Usually the state issues these reports in November, but they shifted to a new software package that prevented publication until last month.  We will not be discussing the report at this meeting, but please let us know if you have questions as you review the report.  Highlights will be discussed at June's meeting.

Rationale:  Please find attached a list of activities at all the schools, current as of May 10, for your information.  As changes occur we will let you know.

Rationale:  Annually, the Board recognizes teachers and staff retiring after many years of devoted service to the students of Killingly.  Board members, staff and community members are invited to attend.  This year's celebration will be held on June 9 from 2:45 to 5:00 at the Golden Eagle.  More information to follow.

Rationale:  MOTION:  to approve the consent agenda:

a.  regular meeting minutes of April 13 & 27, 2011 
b.  payment of bills for the 2010-2011 year in April in the amount of $1,128,985.15
c.  Nomination of the Employee of the Month for May 2011

Rationale:  With the passing of Barbara Otero, the Board needs to authorize a new signatory for the school lunch program.  I recommend that Christine Clark be added to the authorized signature form.  The SDE requires a Board motion to affirm the authorization.

Rationale:  At the April meeting, EA Aschenbrenner and I presented the idea of housing a Head Start class in the early childhood classroom at KHS.  The synergies between our child development career pathway program and having a permanent set of three and four year olds was discussed (see Martha Goldstein-Schultz's talking points, attached).  Ms. Aschenbrenner indicated that Head Start would pay for any room and play area changes that were needed to meet their requirements.  The cost of those changes are estimated to be:   Killingly Fence (to extend playground)=$3,605
       Awning Company (for drapes)=$2,700
       ADA Compliant Sink =$1,559
       Cement Work (for playground)=$7,800

Also attached is a floor plan of that section of the high school.

Rationale:  Periodically, the Board needs to appoint (or reappoint) a person to serve on the Killingly Regional Agriculture Education Center Consulting Committee.  Doug Butterfield recommends appointing Ms. Heather Logee and Mr. Frank Anastasio to three year terms.

Rationale:  In the fall, the Board heard a first reading of revisions to Policy #5114.  Amongst the many revisions to update the policy to reflect current law, some members questioned section VI.A.9 (page 10) that gives the principal discretion in shortening or waiving the suspension period with certain conditions.  The Policy Committee recommends allowing that discretion, but only after completing due process and before imposing the suspension period.  That recommended change is on page 10. Changes approved on a first reading basis in Fall, 2010 are redlined.

Rationale:  The proliferation of personal appliances in school buildings (small refrigerators, coffee makers, microwaves, etc.) has created a number of safety issues.  The District Safety Committee recommends that a regulation be put in place that requires staff to get prior approval to insure that the appliance meets current safety standards and limit (overall) the number and location of appliances in a building.

Usually, regulations do not require board approval, but in this case, since it is a significant change in practice, I think board approval is appropriate.

Rationale:  The Curriculum  Committee (Richard Murray, Diane Summa, Angela Brower) met on May 3, 2011 and approved the recommendation to purchase a new textbook , Campbell Biology: Concepts & Connections 7th Edition for the Honors Biology 10th grade course.

Rationale:  A tentative settlement agreement has been reached in our dispute with the Brooklyn Board of Education.

Rationale:  The ad hoc Food Services Committee (John Burns, Richard Murray, Diane Summa) met twice to discuss how the district should provide food services management.  After reviewing several options, the committee recommends that we explore having a food services management company assume responsibility for the program.  The process for acquiring services is dictated by the USDA and the SDE; information on the process, sample RFP's and sample contracts are available on the SDE Child Nutrition Program website - <http://www.sde.ct.gov/sde/cwp/view.asp?a=2626&q=320668> . The top section on school nutrition programs is what applies to us.   

Attached are two documents: a summary sheet from SDE on the steps in acquiring a management company, and a high-level review of the efficiency of our current program produced by the director of business development for Whitsons, a food service management company.

At this point, I need board authorization to issue an RFP (request for proposals) for food services management.  Once we have received responses to the RFP, the Board can assess whether to move forward and award a contract, reissue the RFP, or hire a new food services director and keep the program in house.