windham high school library media center agenda · samuel ortiz sanchez and olivia lira (banana...

WINDHAM BOARD OF EDUCATION

Willimantic, Connecticut

Windham High School

Library Media Center

355 High Street

AGENDA

Regular Business Meeting

May 14, 2014

I. Call to Order – 7:00 PM

II. Pledge of Allegiance

III. Approval of Minutes

A. April 9, 2014, regular business meeting (Ref. 1)

B. April 23, 2014, workshop meeting (Ref. 1A)

IV. Public Dialogue Session (a sign-in sheet will be available for those wishing to speak)

V. Reports

A. Superintendent’s Reports

1. Recognitions (will take place following Approval of Minutes)

B. Committee Reports

1. Finance and Audit Committee

2. School Planning and Design Committee

3. Executive Committee

4. Ad Hoc Policy Committee

5. Superintendent Search Committee

VI. Action Items

A. Approval of consulting proposal from First Experience Communications (Ref. 2)

B. Approval of submission of Alliance and Priority School District Consolidated grant application

(Ref. 3)

C. Approval of submission of High School Redesign Bond Funding grant application (Ref. 4)

D. Approval of submission of 1003(a) Improving Student Achievement in Low-Performing

Schools grant application for Natchaug School (Ref. 5)

E. Approval of submission of 1003(a) Improving Student Achievement in Low-Performing

Schools grant application for Windham High School (Ref. 6)

F. Approval of Third Quarter Budget Transfers (Ref. 7)

G. Approval of agreement for Summer Food Service Program (Ref. 8)

H. Approval of donation to Windham High School Music Department (Ref. 9)

I. Approval of appointment

1. Andrew McNamar, to the position of .50 PBIS Coach at Windham Middle School

effective May 1, 2014. New Position.

VII. Board Comments

VIII. Special Master’s Report

IX. Adjournment

Board of Education Workshop Meeting

May 28, 2014

Windham High School Library Media Center

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REFERENCE 1


WILLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT

BOARD OF EDUCATION BUSINESS MEETING MINUTES

April 9, 2014

BOARD PRESENT: Chair Mrs. Lambert, Vice-chair Mr. Desaulniers, Mr. Montalvo, Dr. Sewall, Mr.

French, Dr. Gomez, Mrs. Osuba (arrived at 7:15 PM)

BOARD ABSENT: Ms. Tinker, Mr. Quamme

ADMINISTRATION

PRESENT: Superintendent Ms. Ortiz, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gasper, Directors Mrs. Banks,

Mr. Johnson and Mr. Cunha, Communications Officer Ms. Markey

STUDENT

REPRESENTATIVES: No one

OTHERS PRESENT: Special Master Dr. Adamowski, Analyst for District Support and Supervision Eldrin

Deas, general public, staff, administrators, news media

CALL TO ORDER

Mrs. Lambert called the April 9, 2014, Board of Education regular business meeting to order at 7:03 P.M.

in the Windham High School Library Media Center.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

Dr. Gomez led the Board and the public in the reciting of the Pledge of Allegiance.

BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES

The March 12, 2014, business meeting (Ref. 1) and the March 26, 2014, workshop meeting (Ref. 1A)

were accepted as submitted.

REPORTS

Superintendent’s Report

Student Recognition

School Breakfast Recipe Contest

The following students received recognition for winning the School Breakfast Recipe Contest sponsored

by Food Services Director Eric Volle and the Food Services Department with Kate Callahan from Food

Corps:

Abigail Flake (Fruit Tortilla) – Windham Center School; Jess Meikle (Breakfast Wrap) – Sweeney School;

Abigail Moore (Fruit Kabobs and Vanilla Yogurt for dipping) – North Windham School; Angela Alva

(Super Blue Oatmeal) – Natchaug School; and Jaeda Pierce, Alejandro Torres, Ashley Rosado Sanchez,

Samuel Ortiz Sanchez and Olivia Lira (Banana Blitz Smoothie) – Natchaug School.

Fire Prevention Poster Contest

Laisha Chaparro from North Windham School and Bailey Gaylor from Windham Center School, County

winners of this year’s Fire Prevention Poster Contest, received recognition. Their posters will be showcased

in next year’s calendar. Fire Marshall Licata attended the meeting to extend his congratulations to the

students, as well.

PUBLIC DIALOGUE

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Bill Powers, Windham, spoke about the revised Magnet Schools/Enrollment Outside of Attendance

Districts’ policy that is included on tonight’s agenda. He said that as a teacher in the district, he felt that

students whose parents are staff members in the district should be allowed to attend the Magnet School and

it is a mistake to open it up to only Magnet School staff members’ children. He said that the rest of the

teachers in the district should be taken into consideration as well. If that is not the case, he said the

overenrolled seats should be made available to other children in Windham.

(Mrs. Osuba arrived.)

Mr. Powers said that he didn’t think that five weeks is enough time to prepare TFA teachers to teach

students considering the time and preparation, including clinical internships, that others take part in before

becoming certified to be a teacher.

REPORTS

Superintendent’s Report

Middle School and High School Attendance and Truancy Reports

Ms. Ortiz reviewed CT General Statute 10-198a regarding student absenteeism. Attendance data for the

Windham School district and the State were compared for 2011-2012 and 2012-2013. Windham Middle

School attendance rates were shown by date, month and grade. Windham High School attendance data was

also reviewed to date. Rates by the academies and upper class were compared for 2012-13 and 2013-2014.

There was discussion and Ms. Ortiz answered questions.

Committee Reports

Finance and Audit Committee

Mr. French reported that the consolidation of the Town and Board finance departments will be taking

place and the Town’s staff will be moving their offices to Kramer. The Town will pay for the materials to

renovate the space and the district maintenance staff will do the necessary work. A tractor for Barrows

Academy and a pick-up truck are one time purchases that will be considered by the Town’s Board of

Finance. It was reported that special education and transportation had major shortfalls; however, savings in

personnel benefits and Town reimbursement for some one-time purchases helped to offset these, as well as

some savings realized from the Green Project and utilities. Mr. Johnson reported that as the year ends, the

budget is in good shape. Budget transfers presented by Mr. Johnson were also reviewed by the Committee at

its meeting.

Mr. Montalvo said he is a member of the Finance Committee but does not get any of the financial

information prior to the meetings. He asked if he could receive the information ahead of time giving him

time to review the material so that he can be knowledgeable and prepared to make recommendations.

School Planning and Design Committee

Mrs. Lambert reported that the Committee has met and is moving forward with the revised ten-year

Facilities Master Plan. The updated project, budget and schedule were discussed. The committee also

reviewed the education specifications for the tile replacement at the High School, as well as the design and

plans for the floor tile replacement and abatement at the High School. These are on tonight’s agenda for

approval.

Executive Committee

Mrs. Lambert reported that the committee has not met.

Ad Hoc Policy Committee

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Mrs. Osuba reported that the committee will need to discuss the attendance and retention policies to ensure

that they are up to date.

Superintendent Search Committee

Mrs. Lambert reported that CABE has created a brochure for the search and the surveys being conducted

will close on April 11. A profile and rubric for the position will be developed.

Mrs. Lambert reminded committee chairs to provide a list of meeting dates for the Town Clerk’s office.

ACTION ITEMS

Revised Magnet Schools/Enrollment Outside of Attendance Districts Policy (Ref. 2)

Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. Montalvo, that the Board of Education approve the revised

Magnet Schools/Enrollment Outside of Attendance Districts Policy 5117.11. Changes made were at the

recommendation of Dr. Sewall at the first reading.

On the motion: Aye: Mrs. Lambert, Mr. Desaulniers, Mr. Montalvo, Dr. Gomez, Mr. French,

Dr. Sewall

Nay: No one

Abstained: Mrs. Osuba

The motion passes: 6-0-1

Educational Specifications for Micro Grid at Sweeney School (Ref. 3)

Educational Specifications for Micro Grid at Windham Middle School (Ref. 4)

Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. Desaulniers, that the Board of Education approve the

Educational Specifications for the Sweeney School Micro Grid project and the Education

Specifications for the Windham Middle School Micro Grid project. Mr. Donaldson clarified that two

separate applications are required.

The motion is unanimously approved.

Educational Specifications for Tile Replacement at Windham High School (Ref. 5)

Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mrs. Osuba, that the Board of Education approve the

Educational Specifications for the tile replacement at Windham High School.


Design and Plans for Windham High School Floor Tile Replacement and Abatement (Ref. 5A)

Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mrs. Osuba, that the Board of Education approve the design and

plans for the floor tile replacement and abatement project at Windham High School.


Annual Healthy Food Certification Statement (Ref. 6)

Motion of Mr. Montalvo, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board of Education approve the

continued participation of Windham Public Schools in the Healthy Food Certification program from

July 1, 2014, through June 30, 2015, certifying that all food items sold to students will meet the

Connecticut Nutrition Standards.


Class of 1992 Alumni Memorial Scholarship (Ref. 7)

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Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. Desaulniers, that the Board of Education accept with deep

gratitude the Class of 1992 Alumni Memorial Scholarship.


Approval of Appointment

Motion of Mr. Desaulniers, seconded by Mr. French, that the Board of Education approve the

following appointment:

1. Michele Presutti, to the position of Elementary Teacher at Natchaug School effective April 7, 2014.

Replacement.


Board comments

Dr. Sewall spoke about issues recently in the newspaper. He said that the district is required to abide by

laws when dealing with personnel matters and the administration needs to take its time before anyone is

notified. He said that School Governance Council policy should be followed and it is important that the

Governance Council be involved in hiring school leaders.

Mrs. Lambert wished the High School band good luck at its competition next week in Florida. She said

that the baseball team is also going to Florida. Mrs. Lambert asked if there were any objections to

scheduling trainings for Board members. No one voiced any objections. She also clarified that the School

Based Health Center at the High School is not closing contrary to information reported on social media.

Special Master’s Report

Dr. Adamowski reported that he will meet with Administration to review district expenditures from state

funding. A contract will be developed for approval by the Board of Education in May so that these funds

will be available on July 1. Once approved by the local Board, the contract will go to the State Board of

Education for approval and then to the Attorney General’s office. Funding used for completed projects will

be available, while funding for other projects which may not be completed for one or more years is still in

progress. EASTCONN will be the fiscal agent.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion of Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. Montalvo, that the Board of Education enter into executive

session at 8:31 PM for the discussion of exempt documents pertaining to nonrenewal of non-tenured

teachers’ contracts.


BOARD PRESENT: Chair Mrs. Lambert, Vice-chair Mr. Desaulniers, Mr. Montalvo, Dr. Sewall, Mr.

French, Dr. Gomez, Mrs. Osuba

ADMINISTRATION

PRESENT: Superintendent Ms. Ortiz, Deputy Superintendent Gaspar, Directors Mrs. Banks and

Mr. Cunha

REGULAR SESSION RECONVENES

Chair Mrs. Lambert reconvened regular session at 8:50 P.M.

Motion of Mr. Desaulniers, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board add the nonrenewal of the

employment contracts to the agenda at this time.


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Motion of Mr. Desaulniers, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board of Education approve the

nonrenewal of the employment contracts for the following non-tenured teachers upon contract

expiration at the end of the current school year: Ana Marie Bertrand, Windham High School; Greg

Sykes, Windham High School; Santiago Sanchez Barbas, Sweeney Elementary School; Samantha

Clifford, Windham Center Elementary School; Julie Conley, Windham Center Elementary School;

and Sheena Martin, North Windham Elementary School.


ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mr. French, seconded by Mr. Montalvo, that the Board meeting adjourn at 8:51 P.M.


Respectfully submitted,

Juan Montalvo, Secretary

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REFERENCE 1A


WILLIMANTIC, CONNECTICUT

BOARD OF EDUCATION WORKSHOP MEETING MINUTES

April 23, 2014

BOARD PRESENT: Chair Mrs. Lambert, Mr. Montalvo, Mrs. Osuba, Dr. Sewall, Mr. French, Dr. Gomez

BOARD ABSENT: Vice chair Mr. Desaulniers, Mr. Quamme

ADMINISTRATION

PRESENT: Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gasper; Directors Mrs. Banks and Mr. Johnson;

Communications officer Ms. Markey

STUDENT

REPRESENTATIVES: No One

OTHERS PRESENT: Analyst for District Support and Supervision Eldrin Deas; general public; staff;

administrators; news media

CALL TO ORDER

Chair Mrs. Lambert called the April 23, 2014, Board of Education Workshop meeting to order at 7:00

P.M. in the Windham High School Library Media Center.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

The Board and the public recited the Pledge of Allegiance.

A moment of silence was taken in memory of Board of Education member, Ms. Nancy Tinker, who passed

away last weekend. Mrs. Lambert said that Ms. Tinker will be greatly missed. She was actively involved in

the work done by the Board of Education, as well as at the Town level. Mrs. Lambert thanked everyone,

including members of CABE, for the condolences received by the Board of Education on her unexpected

passing.

ACTION ITEM

Windham High School Roof Replacement Drawings

Richard Kirby, from Kaestle Boos, announced that the required paperwork for the roof replacement was

handed in to the Bureau of School Facilities today and the letter of approval to go out to bid should be

received next week. He reviewed the schedule for the roofing project and said that the completed plans have

been reviewed by Mr. Donaldson, Town officials and the fire marshal. He and Mr. Donaldson answered

questions.

Motion by Mr. Montalvo, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board approve the Windham High

School Roof Replacement drawings as submitted.

Motion is unanimously approved.

Approval of Appointment

Motion by Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. French, that the Board approve the appointment of

Elizabeth Bumgardner to the position of Principal at North Windham Elementary School effective

July 1, 2014. Replacement.

Ms. Bumgardner said that she is looking forward to beginning as the North Windham Elementary School

Principal on July 1st and thanked everyone for providing her with this incredible opportunity.

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WORKSHOP TOPIC

FY 2013 Audit

Scott Bassett, from McGladrey LLP, auditors for the Town and the Board of Education, reported on the

audit completed this year. He said that there has been significant improvement regarding the financial

reporting process for the Board of Education since the audit began in 2012. With the progress that has been

made, he believes that next year’s report can be made in January rather than in April. A uniform system for

school activity funds, which includes a uniform review system, is being recommended. A standardized

policy with procedures will be developed by Mr. Johnson.

PUBLIC DIALOGUE

Mary Lou DeVivo, Willimantic, congratulated the Barrows STEM Academy on its recent Invention

Convention. She was extremely impressed with Kindergarten students who participated.

On behalf of the Superintendent, Dr. Gasper thanked Ms. Nancy Tinker and the family of Ms. Tinker for

her service to the Board of Education, as well as the many contributions she made to the community. He

said that he hopes that Ms. Tinker’s community service can stand as an example to the young people in our

school system.

Dr. Gasper announced that this week is Administrative Professionals’ week and he recognized the many

skilled administrative assistants in the district and the work that they do.

Dorothy Potter, Windham High School Headmaster, publicly expressed her appreciation to the Town

Council and their commitment to High School students. She thanked Lorraine McDevitt who was

instrumental in a recent project that occurred. High school juniors and seniors were given the opportunity to

spend time interviewing Town employees about their job responsibilities, educational backgrounds, and

service to the Town. The students learned about careers that required some training but not necessarily a

four-year college degree. They spoke with Town employees about internships, summer jobs, community

service, and college applications. The students learned that life-long learning can lead to success. Ms.

Potter said that this type of activity helps build a positive relationship between the community and the high

school and also helps students feel valued in their community.

Motion by Mrs. Lambert, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board enter into executive session for the

discussion of exempt documents pertaining to bargaining unit negotiations and nonrenewal of non-

tenured teachers’ contracts at 7:46 P.M.


EXECUTIVE SESSION

BOARD PRESENT: Chair Mrs. Lambert, Mr. Montalvo, Mrs. Osuba, Dr. Sewall, Mr. French, Dr. Gomez

OTHERS PRESENT Deputy Superintendent Dr. Gasper, Directors Mrs. Banks, and Mr. Johnson REGULAR SESSION RECONVENED

Mrs. Lambert reconvened regular session at 8:10 P.M.

Motion by Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. French, that the Board add the ratification of the tentative

agreement between the Windham Board of Education and the Windham Federation of Nurses; the

tentative agreement between the Windham Board of Education and the Windham Federation of

Maintenance Workers; and the nonrenewal of an employment contract to the agenda at this time.


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Motion by Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mrs. Lambert, that the Board move the ratification of the

tentative agreement between the Windham Board of Education and the Windham Federation of

Nurses.


Motion by Dr. Sewall, seconded by Mr. French, that the Board move the ratification of the tentative

agreement between the Windham Board of Education and the Windham Federation of Maintenance

Workers.


Motion of Mrs. Lambert, seconded by Dr. Sewall, that the Board of Education approve the

nonrenewal of the employment contract for the following non-tenured teacher upon contract

expiration at the end of the current school year: Kara McDonald, Windham Center Elementary

School.


ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mr. Montalvo, seconded by Mr. French, that the Board adjourn its meeting at 8:17 P.M.


Respectfully submitted,

Juan Montalvo, Secretary

REFERENCE 2

TO: Windham Board of Education

FR: Ana V. Ortiz, Superintendent

RE: First Experience Communications

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve the consulting proposal submitted by Ira

Yellen, President of First Experience Communications.

BACKGROUND

Ira Yellen, president of First Experience Communications, and his staff will

support the district’s Communication Officer with the high school renovation project.

Mr. Yellen has provided the attached information which outlines his proposal.

AVO:kll

REFERENCE 3



RE: Alliance and Priority School District Consolidated Grant Application

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve submission of the Alliance and Priority

School District Consolidated grant application for FY 2014-2015.

BACKGROUND

Please refer to the attached information from Dr. Gasper.

AVO:kll

REFERENCE 4



RE: High School Redesign Bond Funding Grant Application

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve submission of the High School Redesign

Bond Funding grant application.

BACKGROUND


AVO:kll

REFERENCE 5



RE: Improving Student Achievement in Low-Performing Schools for Natchaug

Elementary School Grant Application

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve submission of the 1003(a) Improving

Student Achievement in Low-Performing Schools grant application for Natchaug

Elementary School.

BACKGROUND


AVO:kll

REFERENCE 6



RE: Improving Student Achievement in Low-Performing Schools for Windham High

School Grant Application

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve submission of the 1003(a) Improving

Student Achievement in Low-Performing Schools grant application for Windham High

School.

BACKGROUND


AVO:kll

REFERENCE 7



RE: Budget Transfers

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education approve the recommended budget transfers from

January 1, 2014, through March 31, 2014, as presented.

BACKGROUND

The attached budget transfers were reviewed by the Finance and Audit Committee

at its April 9, 2014, meeting and are being brought forward to the full Board for approval.

AVO:kll

REFERENCE 8



RE: Summer Food Service Program 2014

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Windham Board of Education authorizes Superintendent

Ana V. Ortiz to sign the Summer Food Service Program Agreement and related

claims for reimbursement.

BACKGROUND

This agreement is approved annually for the summer food service program as

requested by the State Department of Education’s Bureau of Health and Nutrition

and as recommended by Eric Volle, Director for the Summer Food Service

Program (SFSP).

AVO:kll

REFERENCE 9



RE: Donation to the Windham High School Music Department

DT: May 9, 2014

RECOMMENDATION

That the Board of Education accept with deep gratitude the donation of $1,000 from

the Walmart Foundation and Facility #2022 to the Windham High School Music

Department.

BACKGROUND

Mr. Sinclair received notification from the Walmart Foundation that a donation of

$1,000 will be presented to the Windham High School Music Department in proud

support of its efforts. This is in recognition of the Music Department’s work and

contributions to the local community. Mr. Sinclair and the students of Windham High

School will benefit greatly from this generous donation which is supported by a grant

through Walmart’s Local Facility Giving Program.

AVO:kll

windham high school library media center agenda · samuel ortiz sanchez and olivia lira (banana...

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