Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 1
TOWN OF ROCKY HILL
BOARD OF
EDUCATION
MEETING OF
SEPTEMBER 5, 2002
Members Present: Nadine Bell
Tina
Lionetti
Charles
McMonigle
Anne Schmidt
Frank Szeps (Chairman)
Catherine
Vargas
Jennifer
Viggiano-Grosse
Members Absent: Raffaella Coler
Marinella
Tirillo
A
meeting of the Board of Education was held on Thursday, September 5, 2002, in
the Council Room of the Rocky Hill Town Hall.
Chairman Szeps called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
The pledge of allegiance was recited.
ELECTION OF
OFFICERS
Moved by Mrs. Lionetti, seconded by Mrs. Bell, to nominate Frank Szeps
as Chairperson of the Board of Education.
FAVOR: Mrs. Lionetti, Mrs. Bell, Mr.
McMonigle, Mrs. Schmidt, Mr. Szeps, Mrs. Vargas
OPPOSED:
Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mrs. Lionetti, to nominate Tina
Lionetti as Vice Chairperson, Board of Education.
Town of Rocky Hill
Board of Education
August 15, 2001
Page 2
FAVOR: Mrs. Lionetti, Mrs. Bell, Mr.
McMonigle, Mrs. Schmidt, Mr. Szeps, Mrs. Vargas
OPPOSED:
Mrs. Viggiano-Grosse
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Lionetti, seconded by Mrs. Schmidt, to nominate Nadine
Bell as Secretary, Board of Education.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Bell, seconded by Mrs. Schmidt, to table the approval of
the August 15, 2002, minutes.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Moved by Mrs. Bell, seconded by Mrs. Schmidt to accept the minutes of
the Policy Committee meeting of August 15, 2002, and the minutes of the June 6,
2002, Curriculum Committee meeting of June 6, 2002, as presented.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Dr. Vautour noted the successful recruiting program the district participated in this summer. The district has added teachers who have had experience in various professions, and who come from several countries. Each school principal introduced the staff at their schools. Dr. Vautour noted the high caliber of the teaching pool.
Dr. Vautour noted the letter addressed to him from the Department of Higher Education, thanking Rocky Hill for its Alternate Route to Certification program held at the middle
school during the summer. Correspondence was received from the Stevens/Moser Specials Team, expressing gratitude for re-establishment of the Specials Team.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 3
Chairman Szeps welcomed the new staff to Rocky Hill.
The Chairman noted that he would be modifying committee assignments, and would present his recommendations to Dr. Vautour next week. The assignments would be made official at the next meeting.
Chairman Szeps noted that Councilpersons Mary Ellen Flynn and Pauline Allen were in attendance.
AUDIENCE
PARTICIPATION
RHTA Liaison Committee
Pat Crawford, President, introduced the Executive Board members. They would be attending future Board of Education meetings.
There were no student reports.
Meeting Open to
the Public
John Kriedel, 91 Andover Drive, commented on the school
busing situation. He had heard comments criticizing the transportation
issue. He thought the district had done
a good job, but could not please everyone who wants their children picked
up. The Town currently has a budget deficit. He recommended that the proper way to address
the subject was to allow the Policy Committee to review it.
1 Personnel and Negotiations
2 Policy
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 4
Dr.
Vautour provided a second reading and asked for approval of Policies 6143a,
6143b, 6143c, 3160 and 3541. In Policy
6143a, Computers: Web Sites/Pages, the
word “pedagogical” in the final paragraph was changed to “teaching”.
Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mrs. Bell to adopt Policy No. 6143a
as proposed.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Policy 6143b, Use of Commercially Produced Video Recordings, clarifies the process with respect to copyrighted material.
Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mrs. Bell, to adopt Policy No. 6143b
as proposed.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Policy 6143c, Videotaping of Staff/Students, indicates the prohibition of the release of personal identification or information about staff or students. Students’ first and last names will not be used on any information posted on the Web or in a video. Parents will be notified that they can request that no form of identifiable information of staff or students be allowed on the Web or on videos. Upon approval of this policy, administration would distribution those notices tomorrow. Parents who do not want their child’s name or identifiable information used in such a manner would return the form to school.
Moved by Mrs. Vargas, seconded by Mrs. Schmidt to adopt Policy No.
6143c as proposed.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Policy 3160, Business and Non-Instructional Operations, had a reference to Policy 3313 inserted. The policy deals with the budget management policy. The district was attempting to comply with a legal requirement, dealing with line item transfers. Administration worked with Mr. Murphy, the Board’s Attorney, on clarifying this issue, and they have proposed the “program by location” wording change and inserted a reference to Program 3313, specifying the amounts of money Dr. Vautour can transfer before he has to notify the Board or the Chair.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 5
Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mrs. Bell, to adopt Policy 3160, as
proposed.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Policy
3541, Transportation, clarifies hazardous conditions, and the reference to road
width has been deleted. The
Accommodations Committee reviewed the Policy, and concluded that if the road
has been approved by various Town agencies, then it is appropriate for the
transportation of students unless there is a defined hazard on that road.
Moved by Mrs. Schmidt, seconded by Mrs. Vargas, to adopt Policy No.
3541, as proposed.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
No report.
4 Curriculum
No report.
5. Professional Development
No report.
6. Facilities
No report.
7. Technology
No report.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 7
8. Transportation/Accommodations
Mrs. Vargas reported that the Committee was now in the annual process of reviewing parental concerns. There were presently four or five hearings scheduled over the next few weeks.
No report.
OLD BUSINESS
Dr. Vautour said the condition of the buildings was outstanding. He would be sending a commendation to Mr. Cooke and the custodians. Prior to the arrival of the students, staff participated in intensive professional development in the schools.
The number of students reporting for school on the first day was 2,479, an increase of forty students over the summer. Administration did a quick review of Peter Prawda’s projection, which was 2,408. The district has 71 more students than expected. Administration would begin an analysis of previous years’ enrollment, focusing on any June to September discrepancies. Dr. Vautour noted the new housing starts in Town, which may be the reason for the student population increase.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if the increase of the students has already been incorporated into the classroom size guidelines; Dr. Vautour said it had.
Tony Cozza, a member of the audience, asked what schools the student increase affected; Dr. Vautour replied that the increase has affected all of the schools. The bus routes were being fine-tuned, and hearings are underway to request changes in bus stops.
11. SMARTBoard Demonstration/Donation
Carla Unwin, President of the Rocky Hill Education Foundation, formally presented two SMARTBoards to the school district. Proceeds for the donation were raised through golf
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 7
tournaments, the annual dinner dance ball and other fund raisers. The funds were earmarked to purchase the SMARTBoards. The Foundation’s goal is to raise enough funds to supply each building with one. The two are now being used at the middle school and West Hill. The Board comes in three sizes, and the one being demonstrated this evening is a portable one.
Dr. Vautour introduced Michael Cobb, teacher at the middle school, who gave a presentation of the SMARTBoard’s use. The Board is a combination of chalkboard and computer. A touch of the finger on the screen acts as the computer mouse. Mr. Cobb demonstrated highlighting and the way to save notes in several different formats. Notes can be saved to a Web page for students to access.
The Boards can be used to show a PowerPoint presentation as well. Mr. Cobb displayed the site relating to summer school programs. The site had a photo archive, as well as information on Explore and Soar, Summerscape, the middle school offerings, scheduling, course offerings and enrollment information.
Mrs. Boutilier added that the Rocky Hill Education Foundation has also donated the LCD projectors to the school. The SMARTBoard currently at West Hill School is being used in the computer lab.
Mr. Cobb noted the enthusiasm of the students using the new technology.
Mr. Szeps thanked Mrs. Unwin and the rest of the Foundation for their donations.
12.
P.J. vs.
Connecticut State Department of Education
Dr. Vautour reported that on August 22, each of the Board of Education members received correspondence from the Commissioner of Education on the matter of the settlement agreement for P.J., ET AL V State of Connecticut, Board of Education, ET AL. The issue involved a case that has been in the courts for ten years, and involves inclusion. The courts have instructed the Commissioner to send copies to each superintendent and Board member in the State. Ruth Young would outline what the case was about and reflect on what the implications are in the districts throughout the state.
Mrs. Young explained that the suit was initiated in early 1991 by one student in West Hartford, and was followed thereafter by five other parents. The issue has gone from state to federal court. The suit alleged that students were not being identified in a consistent manner. The term used for special education students has now been changed
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 9
to the term “Intellectually Disabled”. Students were being programmed based on that disability, and not specifically on their needs.
The case took from 1993 to 1997 to get into the court system for trial. It took from 1997 to 1999 to have a decision made, and that decision was made in favor of the parents. The settlement was made on May 22, 2002, and involves large amounts of money. It will be addressed by the state legislature and attorney general.
The State Department of Education has formulated five goals that must be implemented with local education agencies:
1. Increase the percent of Intellectually Disabled students who are placed in general education classrooms;
2. Reduce disparate identification of students;
3. Increase the percent of the day that Intellectually Disabled students spend with non-disabled peers;
4. Increase the number of students who are identified as Intellectually Disabled to attend their “home school”;
5. Increase the number of students identified as Intellectually Disabled who participate in school-sponsored extra-curricular activities.
Mrs. Young explained that each year, administrators fill out PCOs which identify students who have disabilities and how much time they spend with non-disabled students. The State has noted the eight top districts with disproportionate identification rates and service delivery models. Those districts have to present plans of action to the state, and they will be monitored.
Fifty more districts were identified with similar, but lesser issues. Those districts also need a plan of action. Two screens were not available this year. Those dealt with what curriculum act ivies students identified with ID participate in beyond the school day, and district placement. The State Department is being monitored by an Expert Advisory Panel.
Mrs. Young stated that Rocky Hill’s Superintendent believes in including each student. Rocky Hill has always supported the philosophy of serving students in need of special education. There are no self-contained classrooms in Rocky Hill where ID students are located. Students are consistently monitored and are involved in the PPT process. They participate in the general education classroom settings.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 9
Mrs. Young pointed out that Rocky Hill was not a part of the eight districts, or the fifty districts, being monitored by the State. Rocky Hill has been complimented on its compliance process. Mrs. Young thanked Dr. Vautour and the Board of Education because this topic has been included in staff’s evaluation plans and in professional development.
Mrs.
Schmidt discussed of identification of Intellectually Disabled students’
disabilities. She noted that
pediatricians, parents and outside professionals were involved in that
process. She asked if the State was
changing the guidelines so that now the ability level has to be identified as
well. Mrs. Young replied that the law
suit has been going on for twelve years, and the guidelines have changed over
the years. There will be closer
monitoring and closer consistency.
Dr.
Vautour explained that the plan measures inconsistencies. There will be individually administered
testing versus group measured testing.
The problems that PJ ET AL brought up were that districts were using
inconsistent benchmarks as to whether a student was Intellectually Disabled or
not. In Rocky Hill, the same testing
is consistently used for each child.
Mrs. Schmidt asked if the district has formalized the process; Mrs. Young responded that the district uses a formalized set of standardized instruments. They use a parent format, student format and teacher format.
Chairman Szeps asked about any funding implications of the court case decision. Dr. Vautour explained that the funding is coming from the State. The original pledge in 1976 was that the federal government would assume 40% of all costs associated with special education. Rocky Hill has not reached the 17% funding level yet. In terms of state funding, special education funding used to be in the form of stand-alone grants. A few years ago, the education cost sharing grants were formalized base on what each of the towns could afford to pay. The ESC grant that comes in to Rocky Hill is at about 37% of the cost for education in Rocky Hill; that amount has not increased much in the last few years. As special education costs increase, they are having an unfavorable effect on the taxpayer.
13.
SAT
Report
Dr. Vautour pointed out that 91% of the graduates participated in the SATs, which is a partial explanation for the scores. He expected that administration would present a detailed analysis of the Class of 2002 later in the year.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 10
Mr. Pitocco presented a preliminary report on the SAT results for the Class of 2002, noting several concerns. Staff was glad that more of the students were taking the SATs. He noted that last year, only 87% of the students took the test. Mr. Pitocco compared the males’ and females’ verbal and math scores for 2001 and 2002. Verbal mean scores – Male: 2001 – 494; 2002 – 493; Female: 2001 – 499; 2002 – 484. For the mathematics mean comparisons, the results were: Male: 2001 – 513; 2002 – 517; Females: 2001- 491; 2002 – 475. He compared the male and female score to those of the state and the nation. He would have his staff prepare an analysis of the girls’ scores, and try to determine the reason for the lower scores. He noted that some students in the lowest band scored below 400 in the verbal exercises, possibly accounting for the mean score.
Mr. Pitocco would return to the Board after a review of the female scores was made. The information will be shared with the departments, and the PSAT scores will also be reviewed. The process of reviewing the lower level classes was started last year. Upper classmen may not be taking core classes, but other types of classes such as the humanities, theatre and drama. In the first and second years, students do not have a choice, and the focus is on grammar usage.
Mr. Pitocco felt the English curriculum at the high school was appropriate, but it would be looked at. He pointed out that seniors usually take the SATs for the last time in October.
Mrs. Schmidt noted that students take the SATs at the beginning of the junior year for the first time. She asked if, when the students take the test two or three times, those numbers are included; Mr. Pitocco said they were. There were twenty students who took the SATs in their junior year, who decided not to take it in their senior year. The rest of the students took it in their junior year, and again the senior year. The more recent score was included in the statistics reviewed this evening.
Mrs. Schmidt questioned whether the girls were not signing up for the same level of courses as the boys were. She asked staff to review another level down to see if those students were retaining the same grades. She thought the high school had a wonderful cadre of things it offers.
Mrs. Bell asked if there was any way of tracking the students who take the SAT prep course. She questioned whether any statistical analysis could be done before and after that course.
Chairman Szeps asked if the test changes from year to year. Mr. Pitocco explained that it was re-normed in the late 1990’s. There is now talk about changing it again for 2003.
Town of Rocky
Hill
Board of Education
September 5, 2002
Page 11
14.
Curriculum
Review Cycle
Mrs. Boutilier noted the last group of curricular areas to be reviewed by the Board of Education. They were: Technology Education (November); Physical Education (February); Mathematics (April). She would begin meeting with the department heads next week. She asked if the present format met the Board’s needs. She asked the members to share any of their concerns with the process.
The next Board of Education meetings were scheduled for September 19 and October 3.
Moved by Mrs. Vargas, seconded by Mr. McMonigle, to adjourn the meeting
at 8:20 p.m.
FAVOR: ALL
MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully
submitted,
Rosalie
W. O’Neill
Recording
Secretary