| Agawam School Committee Minutes – November 14, 2006
Chair, R. Cohen, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Agawam Middle School auditorium. Present: A. Bonavita, P. Cavallo, R. Doering, L. Galarneau, & R. Sandlin Dr. Czajkowski, W. Sapelli, & student representative Caitlyn Tierney Absent: D. Juzba, J. Kane On a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee, via roll call, voted to go into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing Collective Bargaining (grievance). Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent R. Cohen reconvened the meeting at 7:40 p.m. During Citizen’s Speak Time, no one from the public came forward. Under Superintendent’s Notes, Dr. Czajkowski reported on the following: · Comments regarding recently concluded special education Coordinated Program Review · Update on recent modular construction meeting · Discussion with LPVEC Exec. Director, Ann McKenzie, and LPVEC Corporation president, Robert Barkett, regarding acquisition of modular classrooms at James Clark School · Update regarding middle school construction project and forthcoming timeline from Mr. Albro. R. Sandlin voiced concern regarding the additional architect fees. It was suggested that a meeting take place with the project’s architect, Alfred Casella, to ascertain any further costs. · Review of Ludlow High School security system by Dr. Czajkowski, Mr. Kane, Mr. Kupec, & K. Brown. · Visit to Recovery High School to meet with four Agawam students enrolled there · Website training for K. Baker, P. Kochanek, & K. Brown on November 17th in Waterbury, CT · October 25th parent “House Call” at the home of Amy and Mike Mendrala · Fall Athletic Recognition Night will take place on November 16th at 5:30 p.m. in AHS gymnasium · December 2nd Committee Workshop with Glenn Koocher canceled due to not all members being able to attend on that date. Committee members will be contacted to determine new date that is good for all and Mr. Koocher. · Notification by AEA president, Robert Janik, that a letter asking to enter into negotiations will be coming within the next 2 weeks · Tim Poynton of Suffolk University will submit a proposal for evaluating the district’s guidance program in the near future, including process, cost, product, and qualifications of those serving on evaluation team. · Mary Cincotta has agreed to produce another hard copy of the S.O.S. Newsletter until new district website is operational. P. Cavallo suggested that in addition to a web-based newsletter, a hard copy should be mailed to all households with the Town’s water bills. · Wishes for safe, healthy, and happy Thanksgiving to all students and staff. Schools will have a ½ day session on November 22nd and will reopen on November 27, 2006. Next, under Highlights on Education, none were scheduled. Under Unfinished Business, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by P. Cavallo, the Committee voted to approve SCR-06-27, Approval of Site Coordinator and Group Leader Pay Increase. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Under Business Meeting, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2nd by A. Bonavita & R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve the October 24, 2006, regular meeting minutes. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent (D. Juzba) Under Calendar/Correspondence, secretary D. Juzba was absent and none was reported. Next, on a motion made by L. Galarneau, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee approved the following warrants as read: SW-07-18 in the amount of $34,921.87, SW-07-19 in the amount of $81,104.99, SW-07-20 in the amount of $18,489.45, SW-07-21 in the amount of $563,384.19, and SW-07-22 in the amount of $21,989.67. Also approved were payroll warrants PW-06-11 in the amount of $1,951,716.71 and PW-06-12 in the amount of $2,024,010.07. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent During discussion, A. Bonavita and R. Sandlin said that they would like to receive the packets of warrants to approve in their school committee packets rather than receiving them the night of the meeting. Dr. Czajkowski said she would investigate the feasibility of that request. Under Reports, the first report of the evening was a review of the proposed changes to the AHS Program of Studies for 2007 – 2008, new course proposals for 2007 – 2008, and social studies curriculum changes for the high school and junior high school as presented by AHS assistant principal, Steven Lemanski, and the secondary curriculum specialists. During discussion, all Committee members praised the report noting that a wealth of information concerning all new courses, as well as changes to existing courses was presented thoroughly and clearly. Then on a motion made by R. Sandlin, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to approve the Proposed Changes to the AHS Program of Studies for 2007 – 2008, New Course Proposal for 2007 – 2008, and Social Studies Curriculum Changes for AHS and AJHS. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent The second report of the evening was a paper report concerning the School Choice Program for 2006 – 2007 as compiled by Assistant Superintendent for Business/Human Resources, John Kane. Any questions regarding that update should be directed to Mr. Kane. Under Subcommittee Updates, L. Galarneau said the next Policy Subcommittee meeting has been scheduled for Tuesday, December 12, 2006, at 6:00 p.m. prior to the regular Committee meeting that evening. However, if the Committee needs to meet with architect Alfred Casella at that time on December 12th, she will postpone the subcommittee meeting until January. Next, under Student Representative's Comments, C. Tierney congratulated members of the AHS Gymnastics team for winning the Western Mass. Championship. She also mentioned the Fall Athletic Recognition Night ceremony on November 16th at 5:30 p.m. Under New Business, SCR-06-28, Dedication of the Joseph L. Pisano Press Box was moved to the November 28, 2006, meeting where it will appear under Unfinished Business. Under Policy Review, on a motion made by A. Bonavita, 2nd by P. Cavallo, the Committee voted to approve the 2nd & 3rd readings of Policy IHBEA, English Language Learners. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent On a motion made by A. Bonavita, 2nd by R. Sandlin, the Committee voted to approve the 2nd & 3rd readings of Policy JLCD, Administering Medicines to Students. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Then, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by L. Galarneau, the Committee voted to approve the 2nd & 3rd readings of Policy KBBA, Non-Custodial Parent’s Rights. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Next, on a motion made by R. Doering, 2nd by L. Galarneau, the Committee voted to approve the 2nd & 3rd readings of Policy KBBA-R, Non-Custodial Parent’s Rights Checklist. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Items discussed, R. Sandlin asked that a future meeting agenda include a discussion of information Committee members who attended the recent Joint MASC/MASS Conference received. She also announced that a dedication of the AHS Tennis Courts in the name of Rudy Altobelli would be conducted at 11 a.m. on Saturday, November 18, 2006, as arranged by Jack Rioni. L. Galarneau wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. R. Doering echoed her colleague’s sentiments and then said she was glad to learn that the Nature Trail at AHS was well underway. She also questioned who would be paying for the new stage curtain at Granger School. R. Cohen said the Town would be assuming that cost and not the school’s P.T.O. P. Cavallo said he was pleased by all the communication Mr. Provost has provided regarding special education issues. He also said he enjoyed receiving the monthly enrollment reports. A. Bonavita said he attended a workshop regarding substance abuse at the MASC/MASS conference and was pleased that our district is ahead of the curve regarding our approach to addressing student substance abuse. He also wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. R. Cohen thanked everyone who works so diligently on behalf of our schools and wished them a Happy and Healthy Thanksgiving. There being no further business, on a motion made by P. Cavallo, 2nd by R. Doering, the Committee voted to adjourn. Vote: 6 – 0 – 1 absent Time: 8:30 p.m. ____________________________________ Alexis Ferioli, Committee Stenographer Diane Juzba, Committee Secretary |