norwalk public schools · 2017. 10. 27. · lisa chadha, 3rd grade teacher parent representatives...

NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 125 East Avenue

Norwalk, Connecticut

BOARD OF EDUCATION Special Board Meeting Room A300 City Hall – 3rd Floor

Thursday, November 2, 2017

AGENDA I. Call to Order: 7:00PM

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Public Comments

IV. Superintendent’s Report

A. Biennial State Budget

V. Actions 1. Consent Calendar V. (2.A); (2.B.1) 2. A. Approval of Budget Transfers B. Approval of Trips: 1. Norwalk High School World Language Department to Spain – February 9, 2018 – February 19, 2018

3. Approval of Parent Representatives for Building Advisory Committee – Ely Site Bank Street 4. Approval of Parent Representatives for Building Advisory Committee – Ponus K-8 Stem 5. Approval of Contract Extension for Dr. Steven J. Adamowski, Superintendent of Schools

VI. Information and Reports A. Committee/Representative Reports B. Board Member Announcements

VII. Approval of Minutes October 17

VIII. Discussion of Personnel Matters (Executive Session anticipated)

IX. Adjournment

BOARD OF EDUCATION

NORWALK, CONNECTICUT

Board Meeting Date: 11/2/17

Action Required By (date): 11/2/17

Number on Agenda: V.2.A

Action Item Information Item (check one)

Agenda Title:

Approval of Budget Transfers

Background:

Cost (if applicable):

Funding Source:

Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):

Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):

Options (if applicable):

Recommendation:

Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that

the Board of Education Approves the attached budget transfers.

Attachment: Yes No (check one)

Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:

BUDGET TRANSFERS >$10,000

2017-2018 Fiscal Year

BOE Meeting 11/2/2017Transfers as of : 10/27/17

DATE ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT ORG OBJ PROJ Description AMOUNT REASON

10/23/17 15328310 139 03 EXTRA-CURRICULAR STIPENDS 60,000$ 10324100 139 03 EXTRA-CURRICULAR STIPENDS 60,000$

15328310 139 05 EXTRA-CURRICULAR STIPENDS 59,300$ 10324100 139 05 EXTRA-CURRICULAR STIPENDS 59,300$

10/27/17 13211000 122 32 UTILITY AIDE SALARY 15,137$ 13224100 330 32 OTHER PROFESSIONAL SERVICES 15,137$ Transfer proposed site based position funds to cover professional

development administered by the Hill for Literacy for CK3LI training for

Jefferson which is a cohort 2 school needing intervention

134,437$ 134,437$

Move budget and related charges from the HR stipend accounts to the

HS stipend accounts in order to show the proper accounting in the SBB

TOFROM

Total Transfers ToTotal Transfers From

BOARD OF EDUCATION




Number on Agenda: V.2.B.1


Agenda Title:

Norwalk High School World Language Department to Spain – February 9, 2018 –

February 19, 2018

Background:

The attached field trip must be approved at the Board level according to Policy #6153

– Field Trips


Funding Source:




Recommendation:


the Board of Education Approves Norwalk High School World Language

Department Trip to Spain – February 9, 2018 – February 19, 2018.



BOARD OF EDUCATION




Number on Agenda: V.3


Agenda Title:

Approval of Parent Representatives for Building Advisory Committee – Ely Site

Bank Street

Background:


Funding Source:




Recommendation:


the Board of Education Approves the Parent Representatives Chosen for

Building Advisory Committee – Ely Site Bank Street.



South Norwalk School at the Ely Site

School Building Committee – Board of Education Appointments

Appointed by BOE Chairman Mike Lyons: Erik Anderson, BOE member

Appointed by Superintendent: Medard Thomas, Principal Columbus Magnet School

Lisa Chadha, 3rd Grade Teacher

Parent Representatives (confirmed by Bd): Meghan Hopkins, Chair, Columbus SGC

Adam Blank, Co-Chair, PTA, Columbus School

Andy Britell, PTA parent

BOARD OF EDUCATION






Agenda Title:

Approval of Parent Representatives for Building Advisory Committee – Ponus K-8 Stem

Background:


Funding Source:




Recommendation:


the Board of Education Approves the Parent Representatives Chosen for

Building Advisory Committee – Ponus K-8 Stem.



Ponus Ridge Addition and Alteration Project

School Building Committee – Board of Education Appointments

Appointed by BOE Chairman Mike Lyons: Bryan Meek, BOE member

Appointed by Superintendent: Damon Lewis, Principal, Ponus Ridge Middle School

Craig Creller, Math Instructional Specialist

Parent Representatives (confirmed by Bd): Tina Lal, First Grade parent, Jefferson Science Magnet

Eva Beau, 6th Grade parent, Ponus SGC member

Jennifer Montanari, 6th Gr. parent, Ponus SGC member

BOARD OF EDUCATION






Agenda Title:

Approval of Contract Extension for Dr. Steven J. Adamowski, Superintendent of Schools

Background:


Funding Source:




Recommendation:


the Board of Education Approves the Contract Extension for Dr. Steven J.

Adamowski, Superintendent of Schools.



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EMPLOYMENT CONTRACT FOR SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

It is hereby agreed by and between the Board of Education of the City of Norwalk, a board of

education created under Section 1-516 of the Norwalk Charter, acting herein by its

Chairperson, Michael Lyons, duly authorized (hereinafter, the Board), and Steven J.

Adamowski (hereinafter called the "Superintendent ') that the said Board in accordance with

section 10-157 of the Connecticut General Statutes, has and does hereby extend the

employment of Steven J. Adamowski as Superintendent of Schools and that Steven J.

Adamowski hereby accepts an extension of employment as Superintendent of Schools of

Norwalk upon the terms and conditions hereinafter set forth.

1. CERTIFICATION:

As a condition to this Agreement continuing in full force and effect, the Superintendent shall

continue to hold a valid certificate issued by the State of Connecticut enabling him to serve as

Superintendent. Should any such certification terminate and the Superintendent not otherwise

hold valid certification to serve as Superintendent of Schools, this Agreement shall terminate

immediately by its terms.

2. DUTIES:

A. The Superintendent is the chief executive officer of the board. Subject to the policies

of the Board of Education and state law, the Superintendent has executive authority

over the school system and the responsibility for its supervision. He has the

exclusive authority to hire, terminate and assign personnel, subject to law and

collective bargaining agreements approved by the Board. He has the general

authority to act at his discretion, subject to later approval by the Board of Education,

upon all emergency matters and those as to which his powers and duties are not

expressly limited or are not particularly set forth. He advises the Board on policies

and plans that the Board takes under consideration, and he takes the initiative in

presenting to the Board policy and planning issues for the Board’s attention.

B. The Superintendent or his designee as approved by the Board of Education shall

attend all meetings of the Board of Education except in the event of reasonable

exigencies and shall participate (without vote) in all Board deliberations, except by

Board invitation only when matters relating to his own employment are under

consideration .

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C. The Superintendent and Board shall be bound by and shall observe and be subject to

the terms and requirements of the Code of Ethics of the City of Norwalk, as set out

in Chapter 32 of the Norwalk Code, as the same may be amended and/or revised

from time to time.

D. During the Term of this agreement the Superintendent and Board shall endeavor to

be most effective in the performance of their respective roles and responsibilities by

participating together in an annual retreat and other collaborative planning activities.

3. TERM:

The term of this Agreement shall commence on July 1, 2017 and conclude on June 30, 2020,

subject to prior termination in accordance with the provisions of Section 7 hereof.

If the Superintendent does not request an extension of this Agreement, the Board may on its

own accord request the agreement of the Superintendent to extend this Agreement. The Board

shall vote on the extension of the Agreement by December 31, 2019, or at the next regular

meeting at which a quorum is present and voting. If the Agreement is not extended, the

Superintendent will be deemed non-renewed and his employment shall cease as of June 30,

2020.

The term limits set forth herein may be waived by written agreement of the Board and the

Superintendent.

4. BASE SALARY:

A. The annual base salary of the Superintendent for the 2017-2018 contract year shall

be $269,123, to be made in periodic payments in accordance with the established

pay dates for the school district. The annual base salary for any subsequent year of

this Agreement shall be negotiated between the parties. If no agreement

concerning annual base salary is reached, the Superintendent's salary shall be

increased by a cost of living adjustment (COLA) equal to the percentage change in

the Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) for the corresponding year, or if the same

negative, the Superintendent's salary shall continue at the rate of the preceding

year. Any adjustment in salary made during the life of this contract shall be in the

form of an amendment and shall become part of this Agreement, but any such

amendment shall not be considered a new contract with the Superintendent or an

extension of the termination date of the existing contract.

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5. INCENTIVE COMPENSATION.

A. Effective with this Agreement and each year thereafter, the Superintendent may be

eligible to earn incentive compensation in the Board's discretion subject to

conditions of the Evaluation Process and Incentive Compensation Plan for

Superintendent and Senior Management, as adopted by the Board on October 18,

2016.

6. FRINGE BENEFITS:

A. Sick Leave. The Board shall provide the Superintendent with eighteen (18) sick

days annually, which shall be accumulated from contract year to contract year,

cumulative to a maximum of one hundred fifty (150) days. Upon termination of

employment the Superintendent will be paid for unused accumulated sick days at

the daily rate of 1/225 of annual salary times the number of accumulated days.

B. Vacation. The Board shall provide the Superintendent with twenty (22) vacation

days annually, with such days to be taken during the year in which they are earned.

With prior written notification to the Board, the Superintendent may carry over up

to five (5) days, provided that the Superintendent may not accumulate more than ten

(10) days in additional to the annual vacation entitlement. Vacation for a partial

year of service shall be prorated. Subject to limitations above, upon termination of

employment the Superintendent will be paid for unused vacation days at the daily

rate of 1/225 of annual salary times the number of accumulated days. In the event of

death, unused and accrued vacation pay will be paid to the Superintendent's estate.

C. Holidays. The Superintendent shall observe the holidays on which the Board offices

are closed.

D. Personal Leave. The Board shall provide the Superintendent annually with two (2)

personal absence days to be used at his discretion for personal business.

E. Bereavement Leave. The Board shall provide the Superintendent with three (3) days

of bereavement leave to be utilized for a death in his family.

F. Health Insurance. The Board shall provide the Superintendent and his dependents

with the same health insurance coverage as is provided to senior district level

administrators at the time this contract is signed. The Superintendent shall pay the

same premium cost share as such other administrators as provided in the agreement

currently in effect with the school district administrators union.

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G. Life Insurance. The Board shall pay the annual premium of the Superintendent's

existing life insurance policy, not to exceed $3,900 per year, during the term of this

Agreement.

H. Disability Pay. The Board will provide the Superintendent with sixty (60) days of

paid absences, less any funds received from worker's compensation, due to a

medical event or accident arising out of his employment, with such absence not

chargeable to sick leave accumulation. After sixty (60) days, the Superintendent

will continue to receive available sick pay, less worker's compensation, for absence

due to an accident arising out of his employment, with such absence charged to sick

leave on a pro-rated basis.

I. Expense Reimbursement.

1. The Board, at its reasonable discretion, may pay or provide reimbursement of

actual expenses incurred by the Superintendent for continuing professional

development and participation in relevant learning experiences, professional

meetings and development conferences at the local, state and national level

provided that the Superintendent must make his request for such

reimbursement in writing prior to the event. The decision of the Board

regarding such expenses shall be final.

2. The Board will reimburse the Superintendent for reasonable out-of- pocket

expenses incurred in connection with the activities described in subsection I

above and others incurred in the performance of his professional duties as

Superintendent, subject to appropriation. All such expenses shall require

receipts.

J. Automobile Allowance. The Board shall provide the Superintendent with a monthly

payment in the amount of $500.00 as reimbursement for all business related

automobile travel.

K. Any funds withheld from the Superintendent’s compensation for 2015-16 and 2016-

17 pursuant to section 6(M) of the parties’ contract effective July 15, 2015 shall be

payable to the Superintendent if the Superintendent remains employed by the Board

through June 30, 2018; payment thereof shall be made on the latter of (i) July 31,

2018 or (ii) the Superintendent’s retirement. This payment shall be in lieu of any

contribution to a 403(b) or other plan as described in said section 6(M).

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7. OUTSIDE ACTIVITIES:

A. It is understood that the Superintendent will be active in local, state, regional, and

national educational and professional activities as the leader and representative of

the Norwalk Public Schools, provided that the Superintendent is not required to

participate in any activities which in his discretion would interfere with the meeting

of his responsibilities as Superintendent. Travel expenses, as provided for in the

district budget, for such activities will be born or reimbursed by the Board. All

reimbursements will require receipts. The Board will receive periodic reports on

these activities.

B. The Board shall pay the full cost of the Superintendent’s professional association

memberships in the Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents and

the American Association of School Administrators. In addition, the Board shall

pay for other professional and civic group memberships which the Superintendent

feels are appropriate to maintain and improve professional skills and community

obligations, provided that these memberships are approved in writing in advance

by the Chairperson of the Board.

C. The Superintendent may undertake limited consultative work, speaking

engagements, writing, lecturing or other professional duties and obligations,

including but not limited to teaching one course per year in the University of

Connecticut, Neag School of Education Executive leadership Program (ELP),

provided such activities do not interfere with the meeting of his responsibilities as

Superintendent. When such activities provide remuneration to the Superintendent,

he shall provide the Chairperson written notice of such activities.

8. EVALUATION:

A. The Board and Superintendent have developed a mutually agreed upon

"performance based" superintendent evaluation policy/procedure. The Board and

the Superintendent have agreed on a process for the formulation of goals and

objectives for the School District and the Superintendent as its Chief Executive

Officer as well as the form and process for the evaluation of the Superintendent in

accordance with Connecticut General Statutes Section I0- 157(a). The goals and

objectives will be mutually established at an annual Board Retreat each year, for

the coming school year, or if the Board Retreat is not held, at or about the time that

the Board Retreat is usually held. In general the goals and objectives, will be

derived from the performance measures and major strategies of the Strategic

Operating Plan and approved and adjusted annually by the Board.

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B. During its Annual Retreat the Board will convene to receive the Superintendent's

written, self-evaluation of his performance and accomplishments relative to the

goals and objectives which were established for the year being evaluated. All

discussions related to such evaluation will be subject to the rules and requirements

of the applicable Freedom of Information laws.

The Board's assessment of the Superintendent’s self-evaluation shall be based on

an agreed-upon rating system that incorporates both overall performance and

progress in achieving the goals and objectives established in accordance with

Paragraph A above.

The Board's assessment shall be made on the basis of objective criteria, e.g.,

directly observable evidence that agreed-upon strategies have been implemented

and verifiable data concerning student performance targets. In addition, the Board

may provide the Superintendent with feedback in areas reasonably related to the

goals and objectives, e.g. communication with the Board and supervision of

personnel.

The Board Chair will provide a copy of any written evaluation to the

Superintendent within ten (10) days following its completion. The Superintendent

will have the right to respond in writing to the evaluation and any such written

response will be included in the Superintendent's personnel file.

In the event that the Board determines that the performance of the Superintendent

is deficient in any respect, it may, in its discretion, instruct the Superintendent to

meet with the Executive Committee of the Board to discuss any performance

concerns in further detail, indicating specific instances where appropriate. The

Committee will endeavor to assist the Superintendent in improving his

performance as to such matters. Said committee shall report to the full Board on its

activities and the results thereof, either verbally or in writing; a copy of any written

report shall be provided to the Superintendent.

9. TERMINATION:

A. The parties may, by mutual written consent, terminate the contract at any time.

B. The Superintendent shall be entitled to terminate the contract voluntarily upon

written notice of ninety days, except that the ninety day notice is not required if

termination is part of an action to implement a new or extended/renewed contract

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in which case verbal notice by the Superintendent of his intention not to seek

extension of this Agreement, duly witnessed and recorded in the minutes, is

acceptable.

C. The Board may terminate the contract of employment during its term for one or

more of the following reasons:

(1) Inefficiency or incompetence;

(2) Insubordination against reasonable rules of the Board of Education;

(3) Moral misconduct;

(4) Disability rendering the Superintendent unable to perform the material

functions of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation as shown

by competent medical evidence;

(5) Other due and sufficient cause.

D. Prior to initiating any termination proceedings as set forth below, the Board may

offer to engage a mediator or the Superintendent may request that the Board

engage a mediator to assist the parties in resolving any dispute over the

Superintendent's employment, upon such terms as the parties may agree or

otherwise as the Board may offer.

E. In the event the Board seeks to terminate the contract for one of the above

reasons, it shall serve on the Superintendent written notice by certified or

registered mail that termination of his contract is under consideration. Such notice

shall be accompanied by a written statement of reasons. Within fifteen (15) days

after receipt from the Board of written notice that contract termination is under

consideration, the Superintendent may file with the Board a written request for a

hearing before the Board which shall be held within twenty (20) days after receipt

of such request. The Board shall render its decision within fifteen (15) days of

such hearing and shall send a copy of its decision setting forth the reasons and

evidence relied on to the Superintendent. The Board's decision shall be based on

the evidence presented at the hearing. Such hearing may be in executive or public

session, at the option of the Superintendent. The Superintendent shall have the

right to his own counsel, at his own expense. Any time limits established herein

may be waived by mutual agreement of the parties.

F. Nothing herein contained shall deprive the Board of the power to place the

Superintendent on administrative leave immediately when serious misconduct is

alleged without prejudice to the rights of the Superintendent as otherwise

provided in this Agreement. Should the Board exercise its right not to pay the

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Superintendent during the period of administrative leave and the alleged serious

misconduct is found not to have occurred, the Board shall promptly pay the

Superintendent for the period of the unpaid leave.

10. GENERAL PROVISIONS:

A. This Agreement is personal to the Superintendent and shall not be assigned

without the prior written consent of the Board.

B. No member of the Board or the governing body of the City of Norwalk, and no

other officer (other than the Superintendent), or agent of the Board or City shall

have any personal interest, direct or indirect, in this Agreement, except as

permitted by the Code of Ethics of the City of Norwalk.

C. This Agreement shall be construed in accordance with the laws of the State of

Connecticut, and any action or suit at law in connection herewith shall be

brought in the Superior Court of the State of Connecticut, Judicial District

Stamford/Norwalk.

D. This Agreement incorporates the entire understanding of the parties hereto and

supersedes any and all agreements reached by the parties prior to the execution

of this Agreement, whether oral or written. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the

parties shall remain obligated under section 6(M) of their agreement effective

July 15, 2015, to the extent any obligations thereunder were undertaken prior to

the effective date hereof and remain to be performed, except to the extent

specifically superseded herein.

E. If any provision of this Agreement is held invalid, the balance of the provisions

shall not be affected thereby if such provisions would then continue to conform

to the requirements of applicable laws. The remaining provisions shall thereupon

continue in full force and effect.

F. No change or modification of this Agreement shall be valid unless it is in writing

and executed by all parties to this Agreement.

NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION STEVEN J. ADAMOWSKI

By:

Date: Date:

MINUTES

Pending Approval

City of Norwalk Board of Education October 17, 2017 Page 1 of 6

CITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION

OCTOBER 17, 2017 ATTENDANCE: Heidi Keyes; Mayor Rilling; Erik Anderson; Brian Meek; Yvel Crevecoeur; Sherelle Harris;

Artie Kassimis; Shirley Mosby STAFF: Dr. Frank Costanzo, Chief of School Operations

I. CALL TO ORDER Ms. Keyes called the meeting to order at 7:07 p. m. A quorum was present.

II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Ms. Keyes led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

III. SPOTLIGHT

Carver Foundation of Norwalk Ms. Keyes stated that Carver is the largest private provider of after school and summer programs in Norwalk, CT. Carver’s Youth Development Program is conducted after school for more than 800 students in the Carver Community Center, in Norwalk’s four middle and two comprehensive high schools, and in Side by Side Charter School. YDP offers Hands-on, Project-Based Academic Enrichment; Tutoring & Homework; Health & Wellness programs; SAT, PSAT and SBAC Prep; Paid Internships; and College tours. Carver conducts a K-5 after school program at the Carver Community Center called CASPER that offers intensive project-based hands-on learning in science, literacy and math. Ms. Keyes stated that Carver summer programming includes Summer Enrichment (5-13-year-old students at two sites); Freshman Summer Success Academies (graduated 8th-grade students transitioning into 9th grade at Norwalk and Brien McMahon High Schools); and a Summer Middle School Transition Program. Ms. Keyes stated that Carver offers to the Norwalk community parent leadership and education programs, food drives, community holiday events and more. Carver is the only Norwalk-based charity to receive the highest awards for financial stewardship and transparency from the nation’s two premiere rating agencies, Charity Navigator and Guidestar. Ms. Keyes stated that Carver offers students college scholarships, winning basketball travel teams, international learning opportunities, health and wellness programming, and spring and fall college tours. Since 2005, 100% of Carver seniors graduated high school on time and nearly all become first generation college students. 85% of Carver college students graduate within six years. Carver programming is organized around these principles: high expectations with the goal of graduating high school on-time and college-ready; academic rigor focused on project-based learning and individualized learning;

Pending Approval


building healthy relationships; student voice and taking responsibility; building community through defined structures of cooperative decision-making; and a youth development approach to instruction that recognizes individual strengths, needs, and learning styles. Ms. Keyes stated that all of us on the Board of Education are proud to recognize Executive Director Novelette Peterkin and her staff for all of the work that they do for Norwalk Public Schools.

IV. PUBLIC COMMENTS Mr. John Mosby came forward. He stated that many of our members are disappointed that the Board of Education has put us under the State. We were not notified and we did not see a contract. Mr. Mosby stated that it is a violation of State and Federal law.

V. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT A. Implementation of SEED Evaluation Dr. Costanzo delivered a presentation on Teacher and Administrator CT Seed Evaluation Implementation. He stated that a strong body of evidence confirms that effective teachers are the most important school level factor in student learning followed by effective school level leadership. He stated that the purpose of SEED is to fairly and accurately evaluate educator and administrator performance and to help each educator strengthen his or her professional practice to improve student learning. Dr. Costanzo stated that the Strategic Operating Plan Goal 4 develops exemplary teachers and school leaders. It implements a performance management system that collects, analyzes and monitors teacher and administrator performance data per SEED. Dr. Costanzo stead that in 2012, the CT State Board of Education, in consultation with Performance Evaluation Advisory Council, adopted guidelines for a model teacher and administrator evaluation and support program. In 2013-2014, present CT Educator evaluations began. For the first time, student learning outcomes were weighted in an educator’s performance rating. As of 2017-2018, standardized assessments can no longer be used in teacher or administrator evaluation. Dr. Costanzo stated that 40% of the Teacher Evaluation Rating is based upon observation of instruction. 45% is based upon student outcomes. 10% is based upon parent feedback and may be based upon goals focused on annual parent surveys. 5% is based upon a whole school learning indicator. Dr. Costanzo stated that 40% of Administrator Evaluation is based upon observation of performance. 45% is based upon student outcomes. 10% is based upon stakeholder feedback including parents and teachers. 5% is based upon a whole school measures of student performance. Dr. Costanzo stated that there is a four level matrix rating system. A rating of 4 is exemplary. A rating of 3 is proficient or effective. A rating of 2 is developing and a rating of 1 needs improvement.

Pending Approval


Dr. Costanzo stated that a Student Learning Objective is a measure of a teacher’s impact on student learning within a given interval of instruction. It is a carefully planned, broad academic goal that a teacher sets at the beginning of the year for all students or subgroups of students. Student Learning Objectives reinforce best instructional practices. He stated that they focus on student learning and potential for collaboration. Student Learning Objectives are adaptable. Dr. Costanzo stated that the Student Learning Objectives are iterative rather than linear. They should utilize assessments that allow high and low achieving students to adequately demonstrate their knowledge and growth. Dr. Costanzo stated that while all of our administrators have been CT SEED trained, calibration training for administrators is our next level of work as a district. A correlation should exist between educator performance ratings and student learning outcomes. This is not always the case. He stated that Norwalk Public School teacher evaluation rating distribution is not unlike Connecticut’s distribution. Dr. Costanzo stated that the district utilizes the CT Common Core of Teaching Rubric for Effective teaching and the CCT Rubric for Effective Service Delivery. He stated that the NPS Professional Development and Evaluation Committee is required by state statute but did not function in NPS in 2014-2015. In the 2015-2016 school year, the superintendent appointed several teachers and administrators to serve on the district’s PEDEC. He stated that he and Mary Yordon co-chair the committee. Dr. Costanzo stated that the PEDEC determines and submits Norwalk’s SEED Implementation Plan to the CT State Department of Education. The PEDEC ensures support and PD of all staff aligned with the Strategic Operating Plan. Dr. Costanzo fielded questions about his presentation. B. Norwalk Education Foundation – Taste for Education Event Dr. Costanzo stated that tickets are on sale for Taste of Education. It is to be held on Thursday, October 26th from 6:00-8:00 p. m.

IV. ACTIONS 1. Consent Calendar VI. (2.A); (2.B); (2.C.1); (2.C.2); (2.C.3) 2. A. Approval of Personnel

B. Approval of Budget Transfers C. Approval of Trips:

1. Brien McMahon High School to Peru-Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco- February 10-19 2018 2. Norwalk High School Winter Guard to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) – April 11-15 2018 3. Norwalk High School Winter Percussion to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) April 18-22 2018

** MR. ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED.

Pending Approval


** MR. MEEK SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 3. Approval of Standards Adoption of K-8 ELA and Math Curriculum ** MR. ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE STANDARDS ADOPTION OF K-8 ELA AND MATH

CURRICULUM. ** MR. KASSIMIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Creller came forward and stated that it is a framework that is updated monthly. There are ongoing curriculum meetings and the documents are live on our website. They can be edited continuously. The documents are no longer text book dependent. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. 4. Approval of the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) Improvement Project Closeout ** MR. ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE NORWALK EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER (NECC)

IMPROVEMENT PROJECT CLOSEOUT. ** MR. KASSIMIS SECONDED THE MOTION. Mr. Tom Hamilton came forward in favor of the item. He stated that the project has been open for a year. This is a formal and final closeout of the acceptance of the project as complete. We can file the reimbursement requests from the State of Connecticut. He stated that window replacement outside of this project is being considered. A playground has been funded outside of this project. Bid specifications for the playground will hopefully be ready in time for the summer. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

VII. INFORMATION AND REPORTS A. September 2017 Monthly Financial Report Mr. Hamilton stated that we are 25% through the Fiscal Year but only 10% through the school year. Everything looks pretty much where we would expect it. The largest area of expense is in wages. Overall, wages are tracking right where we expect them to be tracking. In terms of Special Education, we are completely up to date in covering all of our out of district tuition contracts as well as all of our other contracts for professional service providers. Those are the two major sources of expenditure for the Special Education Budget. Mr. Hamilton stated that in some of the facilities accounts, in particular boiler repair, we had planned projects that occurred in the summer when school was not in session. Some of these accounts show they are more than 25% expended, but we believe the facility accounts are in good shape. We will have a new contract for electricity, and we expect to lock in savings.

Pending Approval


We anticipate that the Priority School District Grant will remain in the State Budget. The grant sunsets and action will be needed for it to continue. Funding for the grant was included in all proposed budgets. Last year we received $3.9 million under the grant. We are currently spending that grant as if we will receive it. B. Committee/Representative Reports Mr. Kassimis stated that we had a curriculum meeting tonight. The music curriculum K-12 was approved. It was the first time it was looked at in 38 years. Mr. Anderson stated that the Planning Conservation and Development Committee has not met since our last meeting. We plan on having robust discussion at our next meeting. Next week we will have a meeting on the future of our technology and how it will be developed. Ms. Keyes stated that we had a Policy Meeting. We discussed the makeup of the School Governance Council. We had also spoken about sexual harassment and changing some of the language. Mr. Crevecoeur stated that the Facilities Committee meeting was canceled. The Ad Hoc Special Education Committee had a presentation from the Special Education Department and a presentation from the Finance Department. We are in good shape with the budget. We are making strides with programming and moving in the right direction. C. Board Member Announcements Ms. Harris stated there was a meeting of the Convocation of Bands. She stated that it was very well attended. She stated that the Norwalk Public Library Board is very excited about their partnership with the Norwalk Public School System. Kindergarten students will be given library card applications. Ms. Mosby stated that she went to Marvin School for the convocation ceremony. She stated that she attended the Convocation of Bands and that arts and music are very important to our students. Mayor Rilling stated that he attended the Convocation of Bands. He stated that our middle school music program is a feeder into our high school programs. Our middle school programs are critically important. He stated he attended the Brien McMahon homecoming game. They played well and are to be congratulated for how they played.

VIII. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 19, 2017 Page 1 Change “September 15, 2017” to “September 19, 2017.”

Add Mayor Rilling to Attendance and vote tally. Page 4 Mr. Kassimis did not make the motion. Page 6 Change “table item to the next meeting” to “table the item until the State Budget was

approved.” Page 7 Change “Director” to “Chief of Specialized Learning and Student Services”

Pending Approval


Page 8 Under Policy Committee correct spelling is “CABE” ** MR. ANDERSON MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 19, 2017 MINUTES AS AMENDED. ** MR. CREVECOEUR SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. October 3, 2017 Page 1 Add Mr. Meek to the attendance. Page 3 Mr. Barbus left the meeting at 7:37 p. m. needs to be moved to Page 5 above “Workshop

Session” Page 4 Change “Dr. Crevecoeur moved to table the above item until the State Budget reconciliation is

accomplished. Mr. Kassimis seconded the motion.” To “Mr. Kassimis moved to table the above item to until the State Budget reconciliation is accomplished. Dr. Crevecoeur seconded the motion.”

Page 7 Change “Mr. Anderson Moved to adjourn. Mr. Kassimis seconded the motion.” To “Mr. Kassimis moved to adjourn. Mr. Anderson seconded the motion.”

** MS. HARRIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE OCTOBER 3, 2017 MINUTES AS AMENDED. ** MR. ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

ADJOURNMENT ** MR. KASSIMIS MOVED TO ADJOURN. ** MR. ANDERSON DR. CREVECOEUR SECONDED THE MOTION. ** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p. m. Respectfully submitted, Tom Blaney Telesco Secretarial Services

norwalk public schools · 2017. 10. 27. · lisa chadha, 3rd grade teacher parent representatives...

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