city of norwalk...city of norwalk board of education august 30, 2016 page 5 of 11 approval to...

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

CITY OF NORWALK

BOARD OF EDUCATION

AUGUST 30, 2016

ATTENDANCE: Mike Lyons, Chairman; Mike Barbis, Dr. Yvel Crevecoeur, Sherelle Harris,

Art Kassimis, Heidi Keyes, Bryan Meek, Shirley Mosby. STAFF: Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent; Staff members as noted during items.

Call to Order

Mr. Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:13 p.m. and led the assembly in the pledge of

allegiance.

Public Comments

Mr. Barbis stated that members of the public who had signed up on the public participation sheet are to

come forward when their name was called, state their name, address, or affiliation, and to keep comments

civil and within the three-minute time limit.

Note: In accordance with Board of Education meeting record requirements, minutes reflect the

name, address, subject and summary of public comments made. Meetings are recorded; broadcast daily

on local Public Access television and the tape can be heard through the NPS website access.

Name Address/Affiliation Topic

1. Sue Remson, 18 Tangelwood Lane, Norwalk, spoke on concerns with the middle school

redesign implementation with lack of training and professional development. She outlined that

staff respects desire to create meaningful improvements to promote student achievement. She

described the new Encore Class and Math 180 that includes Art and is very confusing for all.

She asked the Board to realize this lack of communication with the many changes and the current

management style and ineffective leadership that has negatively impacted the district.

There were no others signed up to speak, and Mr. Barbis closed public comment portion of the

meeting at 7:18 p.m.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Adamowski reported on the following and provided handout reports (excerpts included as

addendum documents) 2016 SAT Results – 2016 SBAC Results

Opening of NECC: Dr. Adamowski reported that the Norwalk Early Childhood Center is ready

for opening of school and he described the rooms designed for specialized learning and therapy

rooms. He acknowledged the hard work by bill Hodel and Alan Lo with the coordination efforts

to address last minute things that needed to be done in a short amount of time.

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

ACTIONS - CONSENT CALENDAR

Mr. Lyons noted that the Personnel Appointments reflected the Kendall Principal appointment,

which this is a separate item on the agenda; therefore, it was removed from the consent calendar.

Consent Calendar: V. (2.A); (2.B); (2.C.1); (2.C.2)

2. A. Approval of Personnel (Supplemental Pages 4-5))

B. Approval of Budget Transfer

C. Approval of Trips:

1. Brien McMahon to Peru, Lima, Machu Picchu; Sacred Valley, Cuzco – February 2017

2. Brien McMahon to West Point, NY – JROTC Military Academy Leadership 9/22/16-9/25/16

Approval of Personnel

RESIGNATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT

Sabia, Nora: Teacher: Ponus Ridge Middle School EFF: 6/30/2017

Schneider, Debra: Teacher: Marvin Elementary School EFF: 6/30/2017

Blake-Hyatt: Leslie: Teacher: Nathan Hale EFF: 6/30/2017

RESIGNATION FOR PERSONAL REASONS

Huttenstine, Ashley: Teacher: Chemistry: Norwalk High EFF: 8/20/2016

Reyes, Johanna: Teacher: Spanish: West Rocks Middle EFF: 8/10/2016

Smith, Kristen: Teacher: Silvermine EFF: 8/4/2016

Rodriguez-Perez, Emma: Teacher: Spanish: Norwalk High EFF: 8/22/2016

Woodman, Clare: Teacher IT: Ponus Middle School EFF: 6/17/2016

Albert, Paul: Teacher: Physics: Brien McMahon EFF: 6/22/2016

Dattilo, Francesca: Teacher: Italian: Brien McMahon EFF: 7/14/2016

Lyden, Angela: Teacher: Jefferson Science Magnet School EFF: 7/01/2016

Michailidis, Mary: Housemaster: Brien McMahon EFF: 7/15/2016

Halliwell, Casey: Teacher: Language Arts: Nathan Hale Middle EFF: 7/14/2016

Fulton, Alana: Teacher: Special Education: Jefferson Science Magnet EFF: 7/27/2016

Gilbert, Caitlin: .5 Psychologist: Brookside EFF: 7/28/2016

REQUEST FOR MINI-CHILD REARING LEAVE

Ortegon, Cathleen: Teacher: Grade 2: Kendal: Effective: 11/21/2016 – 1/2/2017

Posting: RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT STEP SALARY

2827: Robert Ligouri: Teacher Spec. Ed Therapeutic Classroom 5 $69,890

2789: Carol Wiltshire-Toth: Counselor: Norwalk High, NECA 6 $79,659

2814: Scott Christy: Teacher: Phys. Ed.: Silvermine 1 $55,611

2910: Lauren Biatowas: Teacher: English Lang. Arts, Roton 5 $57,559

2933: Robyn Denke: School Counselor, Norwalk High 2 $57,615

2909: Bing Li: Teacher: .5 Chinese, Roton Middle 1 $27,805

2819: Rachel Korb: Teacher: Speech/Language Path.: West Rocks 1 $61,874

2888: Nadi Bhatti: Teacher: Family Consumer Science, West Rocks 1 $55,611

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Appointments: Continued

Posting: RECOMMENDED FOR APPOINTMENT STEP SALARY

2818: Kevin Downing: Social Worker: Tracey Elementary 1 $55,611

2905: Jennifer Pampillonio: Teacher: Grade 6 Math, West Rocks 1 $55,611

2839: Marco Minnocci: Teacher: Physics: Norwalk High 1 $55,611

2829: LaShante James: Assistant Principal: Ponus Ridge M.S. 1 $153,225

2903: Robert Pennington: Curriculum and Instruction Site Director: 1 $123,882

2851: Pavlina Schriel: Teacher: Brookside Elementary: Art 1 $50,319

2830: Christopher Olson: Teacher: Fox Run Elementary: 2nd grade 1 $55,611

2828: Heather Macura: Teacher: Special Education: Nathan Hale M.S. 5 $69,890

2821: Jacqueline Sanders: Teacher: Special Education: Marvin 5 $63,627

2820: Edgar Garcia: Teacher: Special Education: Brien McMahon H.S. 4 $61,623

2904: Alicia Antunes: Teacher: Kindergarten: Jefferson Science Magnet 3 $59,619

2904: Casey Frederick: Teacher: Kindergarten: Fox Run 1 $55,611

2917: Timothy Luchsinger: Interventionist: Mathematics 7 $75,200

2916: Bernadette White: Ponus Ridge M.S.: Interventionist: Reading (.8 ) 10 $66,532

2889: Geneva Mayne: Teacher: Speech and Language Pathologist 10 $83,166

2879: Louis Jackson: Teacher: Speech and Language Pathologist: Fox Run 3 $59,619

2856: Beladino, Beverly: Teacher: Mathematics: Brien McMahon 4 $61,623

2937: Angela Nida: Teacher: Vocal Music: Nathan Hale M.S. 8 $71,894

2900: Jieun Yoo: Teacher: Physics: Brien McMahon 8 $84,218

2785: Sonia Marmo: Nurse: Roton Middle School 8 $61,189

2401: Theresa Richards: Nurse: Fox Run Elementary School 8 $61,189

2785: Patrice Klein: Nurse: Cranbury Elementary School 8 $58,675

2960: Jonathan Dana: Teacher: 3rd grade Kendall Elementary School 2 $51,547

2998: Donielle Streuli: ELA: Roton Middle School 1 $50,319

2956: Stacey Vulcano: Teacher: Special Education: Wolfpit Elementary 10 $57,615

2796: Eric Shelter: Teacher: Math: Norwalk Pathways Academy at Briggs 12 $86,898

2977: Collen Hickey: Teacher: Special Education Teacher: Jefferson 1 $55,611

2926: Gergely (Greg) Vosits: Teacher: School Psychologist: Ponus Ridge 1 $64,629

2942: Kristi Carriero: Interim Housemaster (1 year): Brien McMahon 1 $156,133

2802: Khizra Hussain: Teacher: Mathematics: Brien McMahon 3 $59,619

Budget Transfers FY 2016-17

FROM TO DATE Description ORG OBJ PROJ Decrease ORG OBJ PROJ Increase

8/4/2016 14922230 WOLFPIT-AUDIO VISUAL SERVICES 14922230 643 49 $ 12,150

15411020 INSTRUCTIONAL-ART 15411020 117 49 $ 12,150

Fund increase from 0.8 FTE to 1.0 (FT) FTE for Art Teacher Wolfpit - funded from SBB

** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE PERSONNEL APPOINTMENTS,

RESIGNATIONS, FIELD TRIPS AND BUDGET TRANSFER AS SUBMITTED.

** MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Approval of Principal, Kendall Elementary School

Mr. Frank Costanzo introduced Zakiyyah Baker, Principal Kendall Elementary School,

highlighted her background and qualifications, noting achievements as 2010 Teacher of the Year

in New Haven. She came forward, acknowledged the appointment and thanked the Board for

their support.

** MS. MOSBY MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF

ZAKIYYAH BAKER AS PRINCIPAL, KENDALL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

** MR. KASSIMIS SECONDED THE MOTION.


Approval of 2016-17 District Assessment Calendar

Dr. Michael Connor came forward and explained the calendar as distributed to the Board. He

outlined the dates and rationale in support of the testing strategies for the assessment calendar.

** DR. CREVECOUER MOVED TO APPROVE THE 2016-17 DISTRICT

ASSESSMENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED

** MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION.


Approval of New Classrooms “Teach-to-One” Master Services Agreement – Nathan Hale

Mr. Frank Costanzo came forward and outlined the highlights of the agreement as provided.

** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO APPROVE NEW CLASSROOMS “TEACH-TO-ONE”

MASTER SERVICES AGREEMENT – NATHAN HALE.



Approval of Non Non-Resident Attendance Policy 5118

Ms. Keyes provided an overview of the work done by the Committee on the policy draft

as presented in June. She thanked Mr. Costanzo and Ms. Foley for their work with the policy

and bringing it up to date with best practices for the district.

Mr. Costanzo presented an overview of the amended policy that was last modified in

1995. He noted that they have met with the building principals with positive feedback, and it

has been received as a much needed district enforcement of residency guidelines. He added that

the new policy would be in keeping with current residency laws and updates the requirements for

acceptable forms of residency evidence and would require all kindergarten students, sixth

graders, and all ninth graders to re-register. He spoke of issues that are being addressed with

regard to new registration procedures to include clerical training at the central office and schools.

** MS. KEYES MOVED TO APPROVE NON-RESIDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY 5118.



City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Approval to Appoint Joe Rios, School Preparedness Safety Officer

Dr. Adamowski reviewed Mr. Rios’s resume and highlighted his background and qualifications.

** MR. KASSIMIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE APPOINTMENT OF JOE RIOS,

SCHOOL PREPAREDNESS SAFETY OFFICER

** DR. CREVECOUER SECONDED THE MOTION.


Information and Reports

June 2016 Monthly Financial Report

Mr. Hamilton highlighted the financial report and explained that this was the year-end close out

of actual expenditures as submitted to the BET for approval in September. He reviewed the

totals and explained the projected forecasted amount less the special appropriation for Special

Education out of district and out placements. He added that there are outstanding P.O.’s for the

Norwalk High renovation project along with funds encumbered for retirement payouts and year-

end transfers. It was noted that this will be on the agenda for the next Finance Committee

meeting.

Committee/Representative Reports

Special Education Ad-Hoc Committee

Dr. Crevecoeur reported that the Committee needs to do an appointment for a teacher member as

Danielle Williams is now in Central Office Administration. The next meeting will be scheduled

hopefully on the third week of the month on a Thursday.

Finance Committee

Mr. Meek reported that the next meeting is being scheduled for the end of September. He

acknowledged Tom Hamilton for his hard work with the 2016-17 budget process and the closing

of 2015-16 year end.

Policy Committee

Ms. Keyes reported on the Committee’s work in collaboration with the City Health Department

and Wellness Committee coordinators. A draft policy of No. 6142 is in development to

consolidate other policies and address health and wellness initiatives and policy guidelines. She

noted that the Committee plans to bring this to the full Board meeting in October. It was noted

that additional student attendance policy amendments are also in progress.

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Personnel & Negotiations:

Mr. Lyons noted that there is a tentative agreement with the Nurses union is awaiting for the

contract to be issued. The next steps with the remaining union contracts include meetings with

for the Custodial Union, Food Service, Executive Service Group, and Technicians are in progress

and will be discussed in further detail during the Executive Session.

Facilities

Mr. Barbis reported that the Facilities Utilization Study recommendation proposal is being

evaluated for logistics and the phases of planning implementation. He noted that many of the

options are not feasible as recommended by the study. They have met with the City for site

location reviews and there are legal complications for building a K-5 school in South Norwalk

that are being evaluated. It was noted that Ben Franklin is not viable because of the layout of the

building as a two story without handicap access. He outlined that there is more work to be done

and the Committee will meet soon to discuss next steps.

He summarized that there is much work with the evaluation of options and the timing of June 30,

2017 in order to meet state reimbursement guidelines. He explained that a lot has to happen

during this year and alternative options need to be flushed out, and a lot of logistical planning has

to take place.

He further explained that the City has approved an RFP for a Project Manager for school

renovations for a master plan for the implementation of building priorities. He added that part of

this is includes renovations for the Norwalk High pool and a master plan is being developed for

that project as well.

Curriculum – No report

Athletics

Mr. Kassimis reported that the ‘hell week” is over with training and try-outs for the Fall sports,

and the first football game is September 9. He added that there has been work done with

replacement of anchors and platform at the Norwalk High pool with support being worked on to

include contributions by the outside groups.

Mr. Barbis added that there was a meeting scheduled to address the issues surrounding the pool

repairs at Norwalk High. He thanked Doug Marchetti and Bill Hodel for their work in

coordinating the repairs.

Announcements

Ms. Mosby noted that she attended Spirit Night at Norwalk High for the kick off for the

Marching Band season.

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Mr. Barbis reported that the new cafeteria payment system is in place that will help improve

lines at the registers and provide on-line payment options for parents.

Mr. Meek extended condolences to the Weiss and Chaffa families for the loss of loved ones.

Ms. Keyes reported that she visited elementary schools to meet the new principals and was very

impressed with progress that new hires have made to have the buildings ready for the new year.

Ms. Mosby reported that she attended the breakfast for new teachers and it was a nice

opportunity to welcome them to the district on behalf of the Board.

Dr. Crevecoeur reported that he made visits to the Pre-K program at Stepping Stones and the

engaged learning centers are operating very well.

Dr. Adamowski reported that Convocation was very successful and well attended as the district

proceeds with the implementation of the Strategic Operating Plan. He added that the Board

retreat will be held on September 9-10 at the Dolce Center, and the agenda will be emailed to the

Board officers by the end of the week.

Approval of Minutes – June 21, 2016

Page 4: In the votes on the motion, it was abstained by Mr. Anderson not Mr. Kassimis.

** MR. KASSIMIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF THE MEETING OF

JUNE 21, 2016 AS AMENDED WITH CORRECTION NOTED

** MR. BARBIS SECONDED THE MOTION.

** THE MOTION PASSED WITH SSEVEN VOTES IN FAVOR, NONE OPPOSED

AND ONE ABSTENTION (HARRIS).

Review of Security Matters, Personnel Matters, Public Complaint, and Union Grievances

** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION FOR THE

PURPOSE OF DISCUSSION OF SECURITY MATTERS, PERSONNEL

MATTERS, PUBLIC COMPLAINT, AND UNION GRIEVANCES.


** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Mr. Lyons called for a ten-minute recess. The meeting went into Executive Session at 9:10 p.m.

and reconvened into public session at 10:35 p.m. There were no votes or actions taken.

Adjournment

** MR. KASSIMIS MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MR. BARBIS SECONDED THE MOTION.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted: M.Knox, Telesco Secretarial Services

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

Excerpts of Superintendent’s reports from District Testing Office

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 30, 2016

of 11

city of norwalk...city of norwalk board of education august 30, 2016 page 5 of 11 approval to...

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