North Branford Board of Education Meeting March 21, 2013

The North Branford Board of Education met on Thursday March 21, 2013 and was called to order at 7:07 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room at Stanley T. Williams School. I. Roll Call PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT ABSENT PRESENT Scott Schoonmaker Donald Winnicki

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO: ANTHONY FERRAIOLO: LOU PATERNOSTER: Superintendent of Schools: Director of Business/Personnel: II. III. Salute to the Flag Visitors

Director of Curriculum/ Instruction: Director of Special Services: Principals:

Sara Querfeld Suzanne Wright Todd Stoeffler-NBHS Alan Davis-NBIS Shawn Parkhurst-JH Kris Lindsay-TVES Maria Scalia Elizabeth Haskins Mark Rabuffo Jeremy Bomba

Christine Imperato TJ McMahon Cliff Potter Jennifer McGrath Colby ORourke IV.

Carolyn Pedersen Carter Welch Sue DAmico Marie DAlessio J. Tenczar

Student Representative

Charwoman Onofrio invited the Student Representatives to give their reports. Ashley Distasio reported that today was their last day of CAPT testing. Testing lasted throughout the month of March and included four areas: reading across the disciplines, writing across the disciplines, science and mathematics. During CAPT testing, freshmen participated in 3/21/2013 Page 1 of 16

CAPT practice activities and attended two workshops, one focusing upon school climate and the other focusing upon internet safety and electronic communications. Friday March 1st, Mrs. Lacroix and 29 students participated in Read Across America Day at TVES. Students were assigned to classrooms to read to the elementary students. Ashley reported that she had the opportunity to be a part of this event and found it to be a great experience. They made paper Dr. Suess hats, wore them, passed out book marks and read a promise to read pledge to the kids before they left. She talked about how much she enjoyed the day. Saturday, March 2nd, 5 members of NBIS Track team participated in the New England Indoor Track championship held in Boston. The students who participated were Matt Edwards, Gary Falanga, Ryan Proto and Alex Raffone. The 4x400 team went on to qualify for the National Championship, which was held on March 8th. Kevin Sullivan reported that last week, Project Graduation hosted their annual March Madness basketball tournament. Proceeds will be used for their event hosted on graduation night in June. Ms. Webster coordinated this event once again. Friday, March 15th Kaleidoscope Organization held a game night. Monies raised will be used for the costs associated with the printing of the annual Kaleidoscope publications that includes poetry, short stories, and songs written by NBHS students. Kevin reported that proceeds were in excess of $300.00. The NBHS Semi-Formal Dance is scheduled for Friday evening, March 22nd, due to school cancellations. The Blood Drive has been rescheduled for March 26th. The NBHS Talent show has been rescheduled to May 31st. This weekend, The NBHS Future Problem Solvers class will participate in the State competition at North Haven High School. Kevin pointed out that this group is only in their second year. Mrs. Genzano and Ms. Labucki have worked with the teams in preparing them for this big event. Four students are scheduled to compete, which is a remarkable accomplishment. V. Approval of Previous Minutes

a. February 06, 2013 Budget Workshop The Superintendent submitted to the Board the minutes of the February 6, 2013 Budget Workshop. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Vice-Chair Miscio to approve the minutes of the February 6, 2013 Budget Workshop.

Secretary McMahon withdrew his motion, Vice-Chair Miscio withdrew her second. This motion was tabled until next month to clarify when Vice-Chair Miscio arrived.

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The Superintendent submitted to the Board the minutes of the February 13, 2013 Board of Education Special Meeting. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Lou Paternoster to approve the minutes of the February 13, 2013 Board of Education Special Meeting as submitted. AYE AYE AYE ABSTAIN AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 4-0-1 VI. Personnel a. Resignations MOTION:

Moved by Vice-Chair Miscio, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve the addition of one resignation to the March 21, 2013 Board of Education Meeting agenda. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 MOTION:

Moved by Vice-Chair Miscio, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve with the resignation of Mr. Vasillios Diamantis, 8th grade history teacher at North Branford Intermediate School, effective June 30, 2013. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0

Chairwomen Onofrio reported that the Superintendent announces with regret the resignation from Mrs. Maureen Doran, school nurse at Jerome Harrison Elementary School effective at the end of 2012/2013 school year after 7 years of dedicated service to the students of North Branford and 45 years in the nursing profession 3/21/2013 Page 3 of 16

MOTION:

Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Vice-Chair Miscio to approve the resignation of Mrs. Maureen Doran, with deep regret, school nurse at Jerome Harrison Elementary School effective at the end of the 2012/2013 school year.

Superintendent Schoonmaker shared his sentiments towards Mrs. Maureen Doran who has been a school nurse. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 b. Appointments c. Leaves None at this time. d. Field Trip The Superintendent announced that he received a field trip request from Jennifer McGrath, world language teacher at North Branford High School. The proposed trip is scheduled for April 11th through April 19, 2014. Mr. Schoonmaker announced there were two staff members in attendance, Ms. DAllesio and Ms. McGrath and thanked them for being present, for their hard work and for opening the eyes of so many students. Mr. Schoonmaker talked about the experience the students had who just returned from abroad. He also thanked the Board for supporting these field trips and allowing the students these experiences and encouraged the Board to continue to support these efforts. Mr. Stoeffler thanked the representative of Bell Italia Education Tours, for traveling the distance to be present for this Board meeting. Vice-Chair Miscio asked if he would be interested in talking about the trip. The representative gave an overview of the trip saying they will fly into Venice. They will stay in and around the Venice area in beach community called Lido Di Jesolo. The students will have experienced tour guides as well as a tour director who will be with them 24 hours a day. This will enable the teachers and chaperones time to focus on the students. He also stated that you cannot quite experience the same feeling as being present on this tour. Vice-Chair Miscio questioned who would be eligible to go on this trip. Ms. DAllesio stated there are 26 students who have expressed interest in the trip so far, which is opened to the Italian Students as well as Latin, French and Spanish students. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that this field trip gives families a great opportunity to send their child on an educational trip at a reasonable cost 3/21/2013 Page 4 of 16 AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

Vice-Chair Miscio thanked the representative of Bell Italia Education Tours for attending and giving the Board such valuable information. MOTION: Moved by Vice-Chair Miscio, seconded by Ed Corradino to approve the field trip request of Jennifer McGrath for a trip to Italy from April 11 through 19, 2014 as submitted.

Lou Paternoster questioned what would happen if winter is as bad next year as this year and it impacts April vacation. Superintendent Schoonmaker stated that the trip would still go on, as it is an educational experience. Ed Corradino asked about the cost, Chairwoman Onofrio stated the cost is $3,500.22 plus spending money. Superintendent Schoonmaker stated students have different opportunities to fundraise, should they chose to do so. The representative of Bell Italia Education Tours explained that they offer families an option of a payment plan, interest free with the balance due 30 days before the trip. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO: LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 VII. Superintendents Report a. Recognition AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

b. Donations Superintendent Schoonmaker announced a donation offered to the Board from the North Branford POPS. Mr. Rabuffo was present to thank the Board for approving this donation stating that POPS mission is to support the music program, as it is an important part of the curriculum. He feels the trip to Virginia is a good opportunity for students and North Branford POPS is happy to make the donation. The Superintendent stated the funds would help defray the cost of the trip and will also help those students who may have financial hardships to make the trip possible. Mr. Schoonmaker also stated that he has been to both the Washington DC and Virginia programs and they are both excellent trips where the students have a wonderful experience. MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve the donation of $3,000 from NBPOPS (North Branford Parents of Performing Students) to the North Branford School music department. AYE AYE Page 5 of 16

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: 3/21/2013

SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 c. Communications

AYE AYE AYE

Superintendent Schoonmaker informed the Board that each school remains busy and have submitted their monthly reports for March. As usual there was a great deal of school spirit. Totoket Valley hosted their Health and Wellness Expo and had a Jump Rope for Heart assembly following the expo on February 15th. Students raised over $10,000 and reached their goal so were able to win the prize of a faculty member taking a pie in the face. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked Dr. Lindsay and her staff for doing a great job. As student representative, Ashley Distasio presented, Read Across America took place on March 1st. This was a great opportunity for the older students to mentor the younger students and share with them a love for reading. Brandi Ocasio was selected as the winner of the New Haven County Fire Poster. She will be recognized later this month. All fourth grade students are preparing for the Invention Convention, which allows students to work on problem solving, communication skills and long term planning. Finalists will compete in the state-level this spring. Mr. Schoonmaker encourages everyone to attend the Invention Convention. Chairwoman Onofrio talked about what a wonderful experience it was as this was her first year being part of Read Across America. She also thanked Mrs. Bannon, Mr. Parkhurst and all involved in this wonderful program. Jerome Harrison celebrated Read Across America Day under the theme of Books Arrrrr a Treasure. Mr. Schoonmaker remarked it took countless hours from many staff members to put on this wonderful program. Dr. Nancy Boyles continues to work with staff in preparation for the Common Core. The district has had great success with Ms. Boyles and will continue with her. Lock down drills will continue at Jerome and all schools. The high school has had great success with the athletic teams and relay teams moving onto the Nationals. It has been a number of years since the district has had a representative from North Branford, to have five going to the New Englands and four go to the Nationals is amazing. Mr. Schoonmaker offered congratulations to all of these students saying they had an incredible run and great athletic season. Students are starting to get acceptance letters with a student getting accepted into West Point. Mr. Schoonmaker promised to keep the Board advised as more acceptance letters come in. The Intermediate School has been busy with their CMTs and has just formed their own Interact Club. Between the two schools involved in Interact, the district will have upwards of 100 students doing outreach and being involved in Interact. 3/21/2013 Page 6 of 16

d. Non-renewals In accordance with State Statute, non-renewals of non-tenured certified staff members must be accomplished before the end of April. e. Superintendents 2013-2014 Budget Request Superintendent Schoonmaker reported that the Board of Educations 2013-2014 Budget Request was submitted to the Town Manager and Town Council on Wednesday, February 27th, 2013. The Board of Education presented the budget to the Town Council on Tuesday, March 19th, 2013. Mr. Schoonmaker went on to report that the Town has provided the following tentative schedule of budget meetings: Tuesday, April 2nd-Public Hearing/Budget Workshop 7 p.m. Town Council Chambers Wednesday, April 3rd-Budget Deliberations 7 p.m. Town Council Chambers Tuesday, April 9th Budget Deliberations (tentative) 7 p.m. Town Council Chambers Wednesday, April 10th Budget Deliberations 7 p.m. Mr. Schoonmaker reported the BOE would present at the April 2nd Public Hearing at Town Hall in Council Chambers at 7:00 p.m. They will be presenting on the capital projects at a workshop with Town Council on Saturday March 23rd. The high school roof was approved last year, with the architect having just been chosen. The work will be done this summer. He reported that as they move into another budget season, they are getting prepared. Lou Paternoster encouraged parents to come out and show their support, however they feel. He encouraged parents to show support at all meetings and make a difference. He encouraged the support of the parents at the public hearings and to pack the town chambers to help move the school district forward. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that as presented to the Town Council, the increase for the board this year is 2.66 percent. He thanked the Board for presenting a responsible budget saying they did a wonderful job and committed a lot of time to do that. f. CMT-CAPT Testing Mr. Schoonmaker explained that the district is moving through the testing despite all the delays and school closings. Testing will take place Tuesday through Thursday in the mornings, feeding all students a light breakfast. There will be meetings with the sophomores talking about the importance of giving it their best. He commended both Mr. Stoeffler and Mr. Welch for their hard work with the students. This goes straight through to the CMT testing done at both NBIS and Totoket Valley. These are important tests and one piece of the puzzle, which give the district a report card on how the students are doing. He thanked the administrative team for their effort. g. State of the Schools Superintendent Schoonmaker introduced Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Sara Querfeld to present the 2013 State of the Schools report. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that this is the third year 3/21/2013 Page 7 of 16

they have prepared this in depth look at the district and complemented the secretaries for producing it all in house. Ms. Querfeld gave an overview on the direction of the school district, covering a lot of information. Two of the most prominent changes this year that were highlighted focused on all day kindergarten and the security upgrades. Additionally, data driven decision making is covered in all schools and academic achievement, which includes the Problem Solver teams which have qualified for the Sate competition. Ms. Querfeld also highlighted the creative learning opportunities, which includes AP classes, students going on to Yale, as well as information on the Museum School Partnership. Patty Darragh, K-5 reading and language arts coordinator worked with Yale British Arts Center and was one of a group who wrote a proposal and will be presenting at the Kennedy Center in Washing DC. More information will be presented as it becomes available. Professional Development is also highlighted in the brochure, with Nancy Boyles being a large part of this effort. Ms. Boyles is a professor of reading at Southern as well as a nationally acclaimed author of educational books. She has been working first with the 3-5 grade level teachers to revamp the Story town Curriculum for the Common Core. She additionally has worked with the grade one and two teachers. She has also been working with the middle school with the language arts and math teachers. There is also an overview of the Special Ed Department as well as Character Education, School climate and The Family Resource Center. Ms. Querfeld thanked Mr. Winnicki, Director of Business and Personnel for his overview of facilities. Ms. Querfeld pointed out the robotics photo highlighted on the cover, and also stated all information in the State of the Schools will be available to view online. h. SCASA Student Award Luncheon Superintendent Schoonmaker announced that the South Central Area Superintendents Association held its annual Student Award Luncheon on March 15, 2013 at the Laurel View Country Club. Six students from North Branford were honored from the 21 surrounding towns. Students are selected based on high academic achievement, participation in extracurricular activities, and community service. Representing TVES were Allesandra Cordero and Marcus Williams, from NBIS were Deanna Sgambato and Matthew Sibley, and from NBHS were Rachel Hernandez who will be attending UVM to study education and Ryan Proto who has just been accepted into Westpoint. To have our students there and recognized was a great day. i. NBHS Drama Club Production The Superintendent stated that the NBHS Drama Club has been rehearsing for its spring musical, Xanadu. Xanadu is a hilarious family-friendly parody of the 1980 film, starring Olivia Newton John and Gene Kelly with popular and familiar music by the Electric Light Orchestra such as 3/21/2013 Page 8 of 16

Evil Woman, Strange Magic, Suddenly and of course the title song Xanadu. He stated that the students put in hours and hours to put this show on. Performances are scheduled for Friday, April 5th, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 6th, at both 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the North Branford Auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for North Branford students, senior citizens and children under 12. The Superintendent encourages the public to come out and support our students. j. Summer of 2013 Superintendent Schoonmaker announced that the North Branford Summer Camp Program would distribute brochures during the month of April 2013. This year the summer camp is entitled Color Your World. The brochure contains both student and staff artwork. Online registrations will begin in April. k. Security The Superintendent will provide the Board with an update regarding building security during Executive Session. VIII. Committee Reports a. Negotiations- will be discussed during Executive Session. b. Budget & Operations Mr. Winnicki stated that the report is unremarkable with one noteworthy item. Mr. Winnicki reported that they had been running a deficit on outside tuitions for Special Education, they have just received their first reimbursement from the State. This is offsetting the entire shortage. Chairwoman Onofrio asked if this is the reimbursement they received last year. Mr. Winnicki replied that it is the excess cost reimbursement c. Curriculum, Instruction and Strategic Planning Secretary McMahon stated they had a wonderful presentation by Tracy Wooton on the Common Core, they are on track with math and making some wonderful changes. Mr. Schoonmaker stated the really encouraging piece is that the district is years ahead of the expectations of the State with the Common Core and the districts ability to implement it this year. They have really started to draft a curriculum model with lessons where teachers have put in countless hours. With the professional help of Mrs. Boyles, the district is in really good shape. Mr. Schoonmaker commented that he hopes everyone can see with the help of Tracy Wootons presentation just how far the district really is.

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Lou Paternoster talked about how interesting it is to see how the students apply everything to everyday life with the common core. It is a great and positive change, he feels that the students will progress quicker. Chairwoman Onofrio showed a chart of where the State would like to see districts at this point, and pointed out that our district is far ahead of where the State expects districts to be. Ms. Querfeld stated that one of the things she and Ms. Wooton were cautioning is due to the fact North Branford has jumped into the Common Core, there could be a slight dip in the standardized testing this year. Mr. Schoonmaker explained that all districts are in transitional periods that will affect each districts. As CMTs and CAPTs and implementing full Common Core there are many different factors that will play into where the district is. The district feels very good about where they are now. Lou talked about the importance of having a parent night to explain the Common Core so that parents can get behind this and embrace it. The Board feels it is important for the parents to understand where the district is going. He encourages all parents to come out and look for these nights. d. Pension Mr. Winnicki explained that there were two items addressed. They had an extensive actuarial review, so a number of the assumptions that the defined benefit pension is based on are being changed. The Council may have already done this. Some of these changes are making sure any sick leave payouts at the end are included, changing the interest rate assumptions, and making sure that they are accounting properly for all the liabilities. The second piece is the funding mechanism, discussing different ways the funding can be accomplished. Currently they use a level dollar funding, you can also use a level percent funding. With the percent change, you can build an increment into the funding formula, which reduces your earlier obligations, and makes them greater in the future. There is also the question of how long you look to get to fully funded, which is another one of the variables. These will have a major impact the amount of money that has to be set aside for the pension for this year. The Council will still have to act on this and was supposed to get some options from the actuary. One last item is a quarterly report from Morgan Stanley, made some recommendations based on the market, to make some changes to be a little less conservative to take advantage of some opportunities available. e. Policy The Policy Subcommittee provides the Board with the following recommended policies for first reading:

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Vice-Chair Miscio stated that there are explanations on the first reads, but the final read and approvals were explained last month in their first reads. Policy #P1020-Student Attendance and Truancy This is a significant revision of this required policy. An updated version of the regulation, which will include specifics about how the office staff is to manage this very burdensome mandate, this is also being developed. Policy #P3065-Field trips The revision of this recommended policy adds items 8 and 9. Policy #P3080-School Volunteers The revision of this recommended policy specifies that volunteers cannot be listed on sexual offender registry and adds a provision to allow the Superintendent to create a regulation detailing the qualifications and responsibilities of said volunteers. Policy #5120 Evaluation of Administrators An evaluation plan must be developed for administrators in a manner that complies with the law, which changed significantly with the reform legislation of 2012. The policy is not being changed, but an administrator evaluation plan will also be submitted to the SDE. Policy P7515 -Use of School Facilities This is a revision of this recommended policy. It adds the reference to CGS 10-239, authorizing the Board to permit the use of school buildings; better defines the restrictions and clarifies the rules for refreshments; aligns the fee schedule with the updated definitions of eligible organizations; adds a section related to loss or damage; and updates the legal references. Policy #P1005- Non-discrimination (students) MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P1005- Non-Discrimination as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P1120 Student discipline/suspension/expulsion/due process MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P1120- Student discipline/suspension/expulsion/due process as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #1370-Acceptable use 3/21/2013 Page 11 of 16

MOTION:

Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P1370- Acceptable use as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P1400-Bullying Prevention and Intervention- Safe School Climate Plan MOTION: submitted. ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P2210- Non-Discrimination (Personnel) MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P2210- Non-Discrimination (Personnel) as submitted. Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P1400 bullying Prevention and Intervention-Safe School Climate Plan as

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P2370-Acceptable Use (Personnel) MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P2370 Acceptable Use (Personnel) as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P4300 Possession of Deadly Weapons and/or Firearms on School Property MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P4300 Possession of Deadly Weapons and/or Firearms on School Property as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P4400 Sex Offender on School Property MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P400- Sex Offender on School Property as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P7513 Disposal of Obstacle or Surplus Equipment/Materials MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P7513-Disposal of Obsolete or Surplus Equipment/Materials as submitted. Page 12 of 16

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ALL VOTED AYE Policy #P7526- Green Cleaning Programs MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P7526 Green Cleaning Programs as submitted.

ALL VOTED AYE f. ACES There will be an update next month. g. Building Committee Secretary McMahon reported that they attended two meetings and interviewed two architects. Hibbard and Rosa was hired to do the balance of the high school roof. Lou Paternoster stated this company completed five schools that upheld through the hurricane, and came highly recommended. Going forward the plan will be to have a new roof on the building before the first day of school next year. Also discussed was that Councilor Angeloni reported they would have dual fuel capabilities by September. The Superintendent reported that next week on Thursday and Friday there would be an abatement going on for the air handlers, so no one under the age of 18 years old will be allowed in the building at Stanley T. Williams School. The FRC will move out of the building for the two days. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked the parents and the program for being so understanding. h. Communication Chairwoman Onofrio stated they received a communication link asking if they can reevaluate next years February vacation built in snow days. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that she cannot make any promises about changes, but there will be dialog with the union and the attorney. She explained that both calendars have been approved for both 2013-14 and 2014-15. A number of people have expressed feelings about this being the second year that the district has had to dip into the April vacation. The Communication Committee met and had a presentation on the use of the auditorium for Totoket TV. Secretary McMahon asked if they would be voting on the Totoket TV transition. Mr. Schoonmaker explained that there has been additional information requested from Totoket TV such as cost for moving in, savings, and impact on the districts programs. There will be additional conversations. IX. New Business Page 13 of 16

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none X. Good of the Board

Vice Chair Miscio acknowledged the bracelets from the high school. The bracelets were for a fundraiser conducted last month for prayers for Newtown. Lou Paternoster thanked the administrators and the parents in the audience but asked for a stronger showing at the Board meetings. He stressed the importance of being vocal at the meetings. XI. Visitors and Press

Elizabeth Haskins of 43 David Lane Northford, expressed concerns regarding the calendar. She asked for more open discussion before the next calendar is set and also stated that she was concerned about the professional development day taken away. Ms. Querfeld stated that the teachers have made up all the professional hours in various ways. Scott thanked Ms. Haskins for acknowledging the importance of professional development days. He stressed that the perfect scenario is to have uninterrupted hours, but due to the storms, this was the best way to handle it. Mr. Schoonmaker also stated there would be discussion regarding the calendar in a timely fashion. Cliff Potter of 1251 Middletown Avenue, suggested possibly holding school on Saturdays. Mr. Schoonmaker stated they do have a block of time for Saturday detentions, however to hold school on Saturday would require bargaining with the unions. Mr. Potter additionally asked about the Town Council presentation on solar panels and if the Board was looking at adding solar panels to the new roof. Mr. Potters opinion was against this idea. Mr. Winnicki stated he has not heard any more discussion on that presentation. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that they were concerned about compromising the integrity of the roofs with this application. Mr. Potter stated that Town buildings are in horrible shape and what the Council is doing is taking money to make major repairs that could have been done years ago with minor repairs. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that the Board of Education put out a very responsible budget at a 2.66% increase, without any new programs, any new staff or any growth. He feels that the increases have been zero to a very little bit over the four years. The point of supporting this budget is that there is no place to go. The excess cost money from the Special Education reimbursement in excess of $400,000, that was returned to the Board of Education saved numerous jobs. Superintendent Schoonmaker feels the residents need to communicate that to the Council and the public needs to come out and support that. The Superintendent also stated the quality of your town is dependent on the quality of your schools. If you are a family with young children, you look at your schools first. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that when you look at the scope of what our students are doing and where they are going, it is the focus of what this district is doing and the opportunities for our students. 3/21/2013 Page 14 of 16

Vice Chair Miscio stated the Council needs to decide what kind of school system they want in their Town. Mr. Schoonmaker stated that Mr. Potter is correct, it is the voice of the people who get results. Colby ORourke of Carlin Drive Northford, recommended posting the new brochure online for the public to see. She also remarked that her daughter attends the FRC and the children are excited to go to the other building for the two days. She additionally asked if the summer camp is starting late. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that it would start one week late and extends to August. MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved seconded by Secretary McMahon to adjourn to Executive Session as per Section 1-225 of the Connecticut General Statutes as permitted by Section 1-200 (6)(a) and (c) of the Connecticut General Statutes to discuss agenda items VIIa and VIIIk. ALL VOTED AYE MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Chairwoman Onofrio to adjourn the Executive Session at 9:00 pm. ALL VOTED AYE MOTION: Vice Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon moved that the contract of employment of Amanda Prescott not be renewed for the 2013/2014 school year, and that the Superintendent of Schools is directed to advise her in writing of this action. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 MOTION: Vice Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon moved that the contract of employment of Jacob Sweet not be renewed for the 2013/2014 school year, and that the Superintendent of Schools is directed to advise him in writing of this action. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

Secretary McMahon announced that both these long term subs were aware of this possibility when hired. They have both been wonderful teachers and he wishes them well in future employment.

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: 3/21/2013

AYE Page 15 of 16

VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0 XII.

AYE AYE AYE AYE

The next regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, April 11, 2013.

XIII. Adjournment MOTION Secretary McMahon moved, seconded by Ed Corradino to adjourn this North Branford Board of Education meeting at 9:10 p.m. ALL VOTED AYE

Respectfully Submitted

Mary Caruso BOE Clerk

3/21/2013

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