May 26, 2009 at 7:00 PM - BOE Meeting Template

A representative from CABE will make a presentation at the board meeting recognizing the SHS Student Handbook for the CABE Communications Award.  This was one of a few documents we submitted to CABE earlier in the year for recognition through the awards process.

Alternative Ed

Mr. Robert Kapner, Assistant Principal of Somers High School, and Ms. Donna Delany, Teacher of the Alternative Education Program at Somers High School will give a presentation on the first year implementation of this program.  Attached is a copy of the PowerPoint presentation.

Differentiated Instruction

The Directors of Curriculum and Pupil Services will present an overview of a new state initiative, Scientific Research-Based Interventions (SRBI), which is designed to assist schools in their work to ensure all students succeed.

For more information, see the Curriculum web site for the Somers Public Schools:

Donald Gaston, SHS Social Studies teacher, has submitted his retirement notice effective at the end of the 2008-2009 school year.  Mr. Gaston has been a teacher in our district since 1976.

Based upon the outcome of the budget referendum I am submitting the following names to be reappointed for the 2009-2010 school year.  These names include the remaining group of staff members who received notices of nonrenewal except for 2 SHS teachers, 1 MBA teacher, and 3 SES teachers who at this time will not be renewed.  As a result of retirements and resignations some cuts were absorbed through these actions.

Sarah Burda                 SHS Art

Katherine Chung           MBA .4 World Language

Mary Curran                MBA .2/SHS .6 Art)

Paul Dailey                   SES .8 Art

Nicole Dzicek               SES Grade 3

Kelly Fisher                  SES .5 Grade 1

James Griffin                 SES .5 Gifted/Talented

Kelly Kimball               SES Grade 5

Jill Lund                        SES Grade 2

Kristen Moretta            SES Grade 4

Donna Norige               SHS Information Specialist

Maria Peterson             SES Grade 4

Meredith Randall          SHS English

Shireen Rhoades           SES .5 Grade 2

Judith Schober              SES Music

Erin Scholes                 MBA Social Studies

Melissa Staunton          SES .5 Grade 1

Lynn Tracy                   SHS Food Service

Andrea Zanelli              SES Grade 1

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

These are all existing policies which CABE has recommended changes to.  Second warning/adoption will be on the 6/8/09 agenda.

The Director of Curriculum and Curriculum Specialist Teacher for Language Arts, K-5 will present a supplemental spelling program, titled Cast-A-Spell for grades 1-3. Currently, spelling is taught through our reading series, however, the teachers in grades 1-3 have found that it is not sufficient to meet the needs of emerging readers and writers. One teacher from each grade level has piloted this program this past year and they have found it an excellent supplement to the spelling program in the reading text.

Enclosed with this agenda item are the Instructional Resource Form and a quote for materials needed to implement the program.

The Policy Committee has reviewed the recommendations made by the board and has made the necessary adjustments in the summer school policy as requested.

Due to the significant increase in class sizes in several sections at the high school, and due to the need to reduce these class sizes to a more reasonable level, I am recommending that the board eliminate the positions of Curriculum Specialist Teachers (CST’s) and reassign these individuals to full-time teaching positions commensurate with their areas of certification.  Through this action class sizes will be more evenly balanced and will be at a more reasonable level.

In order to coordinate the curricula at the high school and throughout the district I am recommending that a decentralized curriculum model be implemented.  This will require appointment of 7 team leaders at the high school as defined in the SEA contract in the areas of Math, English, Science, Social Studies, World Language, Applied Arts, and Guidance.  These team leaders will coordinate the curricula at the high school and will work as building-based curricula facilitators in conjunction with team leaders at the elementary and middle schools.

Lastly, to coordinate all curriculum work within the district I am recommending that the board reinstate a full-time Director of Curriculum with the same job description and responsibilities as defined with the current position.