Board of Education September Meeting Notes

Click here to read about the computer program BoardDocs used for the first time at this meeting.

Cathy Bosco and Erica Pucci were recognized for spearheading the recent Technology Summit (“unconference”) held at Naugatuck High School for 125 teachers; this number included several out-of-district teachers.

During the first public comment, Nancy Janis thanked the Board for their support of the summer school session that was held during the month of July and NHS principal Jan Saam for sharing the high school building with the summer school staff and students. Superintendent Sharon Locke responded that she has been hearing from kindergarten teachers that the Ready, Set, Go Kindergarten made a difference for the 46 students that attended summer school.

NHS Student Representative Ben Wierzbicki spoke about the Lobby of Legends.

There will be a BOE Workshop September 22, 2016 at Early Childhood Center at Central Avenue at 6:00pm. There will be a reopening/ribbon cutting ceremony for the center.

Dorothy Neth-Kunin was named a CABE Certified BOE Member, having earned 20 credits in various topics.
Sodexo Contract was finalized. Siemen's Automation Contract was finalized.

Discussion about what ACES provides to member districts was held.

In her Superintendent’s Report, Mrs. Locke spoke about the smoothness of this year’s opening of school, despite the fact that it began with a five-day week. Buses have been running well in spite of the current traffic situation in the borough. Open Houses continue Sept. 12-15. The PSC will host a district-wide Trunk or Treat on Old Firehouse Road, making it a community event.

Enrollment Report was attached to the agenda. Human Resources reported that of the 41 vacancies, only one remains to be filled. $50,000 were saved in salaries by hiring teachers at a lower rate. Mrs. Locke reported that of the 13 teachers that resigned, some moved to positions closer to home and some took promotions in other districts.

Ethel Grant was named ACES representative with Mr. Scully as the alternate. The BOE is legislated to be in the local RECS and they advised them on the regional calendar and other issues.

Assistant Superintendent Christopher Montini requested additional staffing to address class size in two primary classes. A first grade will be added at Hop Brook Elementary and a kindergarten will be added at Maple Hill. Also added was a half time library/media teacher to cover these additional classes. Total cost for the 2.5 positions is $162,000.

The Job Description for In-School Suspension Coordinator was slightly amended to include that candidates will collaborate with administration and support staff. Candidates are required to have a BA and 2 years of experience. ISS is currently supervised by a female security guard and Mrs. Saam would like to make it less punitive and more of an environment of rehabilitation and promoting academic learning.

Bid Award for Alliance Construction Grant had to be voted upon again to meet with state specifications.
Hillside and Western Roof Project Specifications Revision is available on BoardDocs.

During the final public comment, Kristin Mabrouk spoke on behalf of Naugatuck Youth Services. They participated in the Back to School Block Party held on the Green that attracted well over 500 people. NYS will hold a Giant Tag Sale on the Tuttle House lawn on Sept. 22 from 10am to 2pm.