Agawam School Committee

Minutes – September 12, 2006

Present: A. Bonavita, P. Cavallo, R. Doering, L. Galarneau, D. Juzba, & R. Sandlin

Dr. Czajkowski, W. Sapelli, & J. Kane

Absent: Student representative Caitlyn Tierney

During Citizen’s Speak Time, no one from the public came forward.

Under Superintendent’s Notes, Dr. Czajkowski reported on the following:

· Recent passing of AHS student Brent Schively, who would have been a junior this year

· Successful opening of schools on September 6, 2006

· Update regarding parking problem at AHS and establishment of a committee comprised of students, parents, and administrators to develop a solution

· Announcement that all elementary grades will receive two, 15-minute recess periods each day

· Year 5 theme of “Believe and Achieve”

· Formal introduction of all new staff to the Committee during the September 26, 2006, meeting

· Thank you to A. Bonavita, P. Cavallo, R. Doering, D. Juzba, & R. Sandlin who were able to attend some of the Administrator’s Retreat professional development activities during the week of August 21, 2006

· Announcement of Back-To-School Nights at all schools during September

· Announcement that the first District Wide Support Team meeting will take place on September 29^th at 7:30 a.m. in room 17 at AHS

· The Dept. of Ed. will begin its Coordinated Program Review in the areas of Special Education, ELL, Title I, and Civil Rights during the week of November 6, 2006.

· Announcement that all administrators and secretaries will begin a new initiative entitled, “The Breakthrough Coach,” this year. As part of that initiative, Dr. Czajkowski will conduct “walk throughs” at each of the schools on Wednesdays. Consequently, she will not be in her office on Wednesdays, but rather in school buildings observing instruction and learning.

Next, under Highlights on Education, none were on the agenda.

Under Unfinished Business, there was none.

Under Business Meeting, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2^nd by A. Bonavita & P. Cavallo, the Committee voted to approve the June 27, 2006, regular meeting minutes.

Vote: 7 - 0

Under Calendar/Correspondence, D. Juzba said she hadn’t received any correspondence.

Next, on a motion made by D. Juzba, 2^nd by R. Doering, the Committee approved the following warrants as read: SW-04-71 in the amount of $79,661.83, SW-06-72 in the amount of $74,040.63, SW-07-01 in the amount of $29,326.48, SW-07-02 in the amount of $121,253.11, SW-07-03 in the amount of $174,334.20, SW-07-04 in the amount of $309,630.53, SW-07-05 in the amount of $180,448.43, and SW-07-06 in the amount of $938,150.41. Also approved were payroll warrants PW-06-07 $3,327,300.23, PW-06-08 in the amount of $2,225,849.32, PW-06-09 in the amount of $233,259.34, and PW-06-10 in the amount of $311,198.88.

Vote: 7 - 0

The Committee also voted to approve the transfer $791,699.03 in funds from the Cost Centers between Salaries & Purchase Services, as well as Unexpected Balances to the SPED Tuition account to encumber prepay tuition funds. During discussion, it was suggested that the Budget/Finance Subcommittee review all transfer requests prior to a formal vote of the full Committee.

Vote: 7 - 0

Under Reports, the first report of the evening was a Modular Construction Update as presented by architect John L. Strandberg of JLS Architects. In his report, Mr. Strandberg explained the bid process, the difference between advantageous and non-advantageous bids, the alternative construction proposal, and the reasons why only three elementary schools (Granger, Phelps, Robinson Park) will have modular classrooms constructed rather than all four schools as originally planned. Mr. Strandberg said that he would be receiving the signed construction contract later in the week and would forward a copy of it together with the project’s timeline to the superintendent, who will then share it with the Committee. A lengthy question and answer session then ensued.

The next report concerned the evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools. R. Cohen began by commending Dr. Czajkowski for allowing her evaluation to be conducted in public for the past 4 years. He then read comments that were submitted from each Committee member concerning the performance of Dr. Czajkowski during the fourth year of her administration. Noting that there is always room for improvement and pointing out that she does not agree with some areas of concern, Dr. Czajkowski then responded to the suggestions/concerns voiced by Committee members.

At the conclusion of her remarks, the Committee next discussed the two paper reports, which they had received in their packets. It was the consensus of all members that Summer School director, Alan Cohen’s, report was outstanding. However, R. Sandlin questioned the acceptance of cash rather than checks. Mr. Kane said he would contact Mr. Cohen to determine the reason behind this practice. The Committee also applauded the Summer Enrichment Program report, which they also had received in their packets.

Under Subcommittee Updates, P. Cavallo suggested reserving the 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. time slot before regular Committee meeting to conduct Budget/Finance and Policy Subcommittee meetings at the Agawam Middle School. His colleagues agreed with his suggestion noting that they already reserve the second and fourth Tuesday of each month for school committee meetings and arriving 1 hour earlier would not be a hardship. It was agreed that the first meeting of the Budget/Finance Subcommittee and Policy Subcommittee would be conducted in rooms 201 and 202 of the Agawam Middle School on Tuesday, September 26^th, at 6:00 p.m.

Next, under Student Representative's Comments, because C. Tierney was absent, none were given.

Under New Business, SCR-06-20, Approval of AHS Graduation Ceremony at Symphony Hall on June 3, 2007, at 1:00p.m.; SCR-06-21, Election of Voting Delegate & Alternate to the MASC Annual Business Meeting on November 8, 2006; and SCR-06-22, Approval of Bids were moved to the September 26, 2006, meeting where they will appear under “Unfinished Business.”

Items discussed, R. Doering asked when the Committee would meet to discuss its Goals and Objectives. She also asked to have events from all schools forwarded to the Committee. Dr. Czajkowski explained that school events are posted on our school department’s website and can be accessed on-line. P. Cavallo said he would be sharing a recent article he read in Newsweek concerning the increased pressure being placed on preschool children. He also asked when the District Goals Committee would be meeting again. D. Juzba asked if the Committee would be receiving the Code of Conduct Student Handbook for grades 9 – 12. Dr. Czajkowski said they would be sent out in the next mailing. Mrs. Juzba then thanked her colleagues for their expressions of sympathy in the passing of her father during the summer months. A. Bonavita announced that the first Community Assessment Committee meeting would take place on September 14, 2006, at 7:00 p.m. in the Agawam Public Library.

Then, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2^nd by R. Doering & D. Juzba, the Committee voted to adjourn.

Vote: 7 - 0

Time: 8:54 p.m.

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Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Diane Juzba, Committee Secretary