January 11, 2012 at 7:00 PM - January 11 2012 BOE Meeting

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Four students from the high school are being recognized for achieving Advanced Level on all four CAPT subtests - reading, writing, math and science. They are: Brittany Bertorelli,  Riley Donlon, Adam Page and Hollis Smith.   The Commissioner of Education also has acknowledged their outstanding achievement.

Rationale: 

DECEMBER 2011 EOM

KIS Instructional Assistants, Sandy Schaefer, Heather Juszczyk, Elizabeth Izzo, Michelle Gallup, Gloria Jellison, Thelma Dawson, Julie Stone.

The seven Instructional Assistants in the KIS Chrysalis Program help out in many areas and are dedicated to the handicapped students they serve and to each other.  Recently there were a couple of long term absences.  With substitutes difficult to get, they all had to chip in with extra duties and extra time.  All have helped out without complaint and with smiles.  These ladies on a daily basis modify, make accommodations, follow behavior plans, and even help with toileting and feeding.  They also help with many outside functions.  What a dedicated group!

Killingly Central School Music Teacher, Allegra Plantier

Allegra goes above and beyond to bring such wonderful programs to Killingly Central School students. Allegra brought in an array of performers for the Artist Showcase for Young Audiences. During such a tight budget, Allegra found a way to have performers come in for free; she finds creative ways to give all the students exposure to more arts and activities.  This was truly an outstanding experience that Allegra organized with her unified arts team and it was a flawless execution of a well-planned enrichment activity for Killingly Central School. Allegra also makes great effort to modify and accommodate all of her learners. Her hard work and planning is so appreciated by all the staff.

 

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:  Bill Scalise, lead teacher for our alternative high school education program, will report on ALPS, updating his presentation that he gave the Board last winter.

Rationale: 

Rationale:  PA 11-232 redefined bullying and imposed a series of requirements on school districts.  The Board is aware of the substance of the law, and approved an updated policy (#5131.911) in November, 2011. 

One of the requirements is that the Board approve a Safe School Climate Plan ("the Plan") by January 1, 2012.  Associate Commissioner Marion Martinez recognized that many districts would be unable to comply within that short time frame, and asked that a draft be submitted to the CSDE pending board approval (letter attached).  The attached draft, developed in conjunction with EASTCONN, other northeast Connecticut districts, and Shipman & Goodwin, was submitted to the state on December 27, 2011.

The plan outlines all the obligations, deadlines and responsible staff to implement the law.  I've appointed Pete Gerardi the District Safe School Climate Coordinator, and he will work with the District Safety Committee on overall implementation of the law.  By July 1, 2012, I will need to appoint Safe School Climate Specialists (the principals or their designees), who will then establish in their schools a Safe School Climate Committee.  These committees will be charged with developing or identifying prevention and intervention strategies for their school, monitor the implementation of these prevention efforts, and review investigation reports.

Other obligations of note include:
- posting the plan on the district website, once approved by the BOE
- notifying parents and students of the process by which they can make reports of suspected bullying
- surveying staff, parents and students biennially
- training all certified staff annually
- provide training for all other staff, as provided by CSDE

Rationale:  The completed audit for the 2011-12 fiscal year is attached; hard copies will be distributed.  There were no material findings by the auditor (a good thing!), and no recommendations that applied directly to us.  The auditors will be meeting with the Town Council; if you would like a presentation as well, please let me know.

Rationale:  Christine Clark is in the process of compiling the budget.  No dates have yet been set for Fiscal Committee meetings to start the review process, but historically that does not begin until late January or early February.  Clearly, our efforts to develop a budget this year will be more challenging with Christine's departure. 

Rationale:  Alexis Rich, as Chairperson, will appoint committees in accordance with her authority under Policy #9121(a).

Rationale:  The Board may choose to approve the plan this evening.  Waiting until the regular February meeting is also acceptable.

Detailed information for this item can be found in Item 9A.