Monthly Meeting of Naugatuck Board of Education March 12

Naugatuck, CT -

BOARD OF EDUCATION Meeting

Thursday, March 12
6:15 PM – 7:15 PM

The monthly meeting is held on Naugatuck Board Of Education, 497 Rubber Ave, Naugatuck, CT 06770

Meeting Minutes from the February Meeting of the BOE

Meeting Minutes

Naugatuck Board of Education Meeting (Thursday, February 13, 2020)

Generated by Mary Korowotny on Wednesday, February 19, 2020

Members presentDorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell

1. Call to Order - 6:15 p.m.

2. Executive Session

3. Call to Order Public Session - 7:03 p.m.

4. Pledge of Allegiance

The Pledge of Allegiance was led by student representatives Jasmine Braziel and Alysha Cacace

5. Discussion, Possible Action on Matters Emanating from Executive Session

None noted

6. Public Comment

Dan Sheridan, 32 General Dalton Drive, following up to his comments at December meeting. Would like an additional public comment portion added at end of meeting so public can respond to that evening’s business. Thank you to John Harris for presentation at December meeting regarding NHS’s math curriculum strategy. Hopes that this year’s budget process can be cordial, with comparisons made only 2019-20 to 2020-21, not long historical context. Commended Superintendent Locke on efficiencies and savings implemented over the years. Congratulated Assistant Superintendent Montini on his new position as Superintendent.

Jackie Flynn, 76 Nichols Road, chiropractor in Naugatuck with two children in school system. Spoke against House Bill 5044 currently in CT House, which would remove religious exemptions to vaccinations in school, resulting in many students not being allowed to attend school. Urged audience and Board to let their representatives know about their views.

Tara, Scott Street, spoke in support of BOE sex offenders on school grounds policy. Mayor Hess commented that Borough and Board attorneys have reviewed policy and it will be voted on this evening.

Jennifer Stone, 684 Field Street, extended invitation to all present to the Naugatuck Parent School Council’s 5th Annual Community Showcase and Young Entrepreneur Expo, which will be held in the auxiliary gym at Naugatuck High School from 10 am-2 pm on Saturday, February 22, 2020. They have 20 young people coming to market their products, as well as many community groups and businesses.

7. Student Report

Information: A. Student Representatives' Report

Report given by Jasmine Braziel. NHS students attended the Bridgeport Sound Tigers Sports Management Field Trip where they met two professionals who discussed their educational experiences and watched a hockey game. NHS DECA is hosting Hound Hearts during the week of February 10th to the 13th, with delivery of the 14th. Students and parents are able to purchase a card, rose, or other Valentine themed gift to send to a peer/child in the school.

8. Communications

A. Andrew Avenue-Spencer Street Thruway Closure

Sgt. Derek Vostinak of the Naugatuck Police Department presented information on the police department’s recommendation to close off Spencer Street at the school. Security experts agree that schools should only have one entry/exit point for safety reasons. Mr. Celozzi asked if there would be additional signage. There will be signs posted at Lewis Street and Spencer Street stating no outlet, also additional reflective signage on gate. Assistant Superintendent Montini commended Sgt. Vostinak for his work on the security grant submission.

B. Board Communications

None noted

C. BOE Finance Committee

BOE finance committee: Mr. Celozzi referenced attached information, minutes of meetings on 1/27/20 and 2/3/20, resulting currently in a 4.58% budget increase for 2020-21.

D. Budget Development Calendar

Continue with present schedule

E. PSC Community Showcase with Young Entrepreneur

Discussed during public comment

9. Consent Agenda

Action (Consent): A. Draft Minutes of Previous Meeting(s)

Motion by James Scully, second by Dorothy Neth-Kunin.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

In Favor: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell

Action (Consent): B. Approval of Consent Agenda Items

Motion by James Scully, second by Dorothy Neth-Kunin.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

In Favor: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell

10. Superintendent's Report

A. Farm to School - Team Update

Laura Sharkey presented information on what her team is doing: taste tests of fruits and vegetables, Food Corps volunteer is making healthy snacks for students to test, as well as running an after school program “Sprout Scouts” to teach students about what makes a snack healthy and how to make them. They are also planning for their school gardens, and have a new email address: naugygrows@naugatuck.k12.ct.us They are excited for the growing season to begin.

B. NHS Combined Heat and Power (CHP) Presentation

Advanced Energy Efficiencies inspects town and school buildings for energy savings and efficiencies, including using fuel cells and/or solar power to convert to clean energy, stabilize future energy costs and improve sustainability practices. Their proposal will go to the CT Department of Administrative Services in March to see if there would be a 75 percent reimbursement on the cost of their project at the high school. Per Assistant Superintendent Montini, facilities committee of the BOE is interested in technology of this type and the cost savings it may bring. They feel this proposal is a good one, especially if the state will reimburse, although there are other options for financing available.

C. 2020 Census

Funding for the Borough and the BOE is dependent on the census figures. Mayor Hess feels Naugatuck was under counted in the 2010 census. The greater Valley area is considered “hard to count” so the town has formed a committee with community stakeholders including United Way, faith based organizations and the school system to get information out about how important the census figures are to the schools and the town.

11. Monthly Reports

Information: A. Enrollment Report

No discussion

Information: B. Human Resource Report

PERSONNEL REPORT

APPOINTMENTS

Amanda Foley Extended Day Tutor

New Haven

Andrew Ave.

$38.86 per hour

Effective 01/27/2020

Amanda Gelada Extended Day Tutor

Naugatuck

Andrew Ave.

$38.86 per hour

Effective 02/05/2020

Abigail Cervone Reading & Math Assistant

Naugatuck

Salem

$25.00 per hour

Effective 01/27/2020

Sheila Hilton P/T Paraeducator (19.75 hrs.)

Naugatuck

Cross Street

$16.53 per hour

Effective 02/10/2020

Amber Munley P/T Paraeducator (19.75 hrs.)

Naugatuck

Cross Street

$16.53 per hour

Effective 02/18/2020

Courtney Luyando Teacher Grade 4

Naugatuck

Hop Brook

$51,907 MA/Step 2

Effective 01/27/2020

EXPERIENCE: Long Term Substitute, Naugatuck Public Schools, 11/2019-1/2020; Intern, Naugatuck Public Schools, 09/2018-06/2019; Pre-K Teacher, Cornerstone Children’s Center, 05/2013-08/2018; Paraeducator, Seymour Public Schools, 08/2017-06/2018

EDUCATION: BA Charter Oak State College, New Britain, CT; MS University of Bridgeport, Bridgeport, CT

CERTIFICATION: Elementary 1-6 (305)

Coaching

Rachel Fox Boys Assistant Swim/Diving Coach

NHS

$2,590 stipend

Effective Winter 2020

Fernando Branco Soccer Coach

CHMS

$2,147 stipend

Effective Fall 2019

Naugatuck High School Marching Band

Thomas Kaplan Winter Guard Director

$2,040 stipend

Effective Winter 2020

Jennie-Catherine Pelletier Winter Guard Instructor

$1,020 stipend

Effective Winter 2020

Erin McLaughlin Winter Percussion Director

Robert Wilcox $680 stipend each

Adam DePersio Effective Winter 2020

Donald Binette Winter Percussion Instructor

$1,020 stipend

Effective Winter 2020

TRANSFER

Jennifer Hawks From P/T Café Worker (4.5 hrs)

@ CHMS to P/T Café Worker

(4.75 hrs) @ SES

$17.85 per hour

Effective 02/3/2020

Jocelyn Quinones From P/T Café Worker (3.5 hrs)

@ NHS to P/T Café Worker

(4.5 hrs) @ CHMS

$17.85 per hour

Effective 01/21/2020

Brenda Hernandez From P/T Café Worker (2.5 hrs)

@ HBES to P/T Café Worker

(3.5 hrs) @ NHS

$17.85 per hour

Effective 01/21/2020

Diane Zilinek From P/T Café Worker (3.5 hrs)

@ HSIS to P/T Café Worker

(4.5 hrs) @ CHMS

$17.85 per hour

Effective 02/03/2020

Elise Work From P/T Café Worker (2.5 hrs)

@ SES to P/T Café Worker

(3.5 hrs) @ MHES

$17.85 per hour

Effective 02/10/2020

Dawn Czaplicki From P/T Café Worker (2.5 hrs)

@ MHES to P/T Café Worker

(3.5 hrs) @ HSIS

$17.85 per hour

Effective 02/10/2020

RESIGNATIONS

Alysha Noss Reading & Math Assistant

Salem

Effective 01/27/2020

Ollie Gray Assistant Outdoor Track Coach

NHS

Effective 02/04/2020

Demetrios Kostas Social Worker

Hop Brook/Andrew Avenue

Effective 04/30/2020

Mark Williams Paraeducator

Hop Brook

Effective 02/10/2020

Daivon Perry Custodian (2nd Shift)

Cross Street

Effective 02/11/2020

RETIREMENTS

Arthur Nunes Central Treasurer

NHS

Effective 06/30/2020

Maureen Powell Kindergarten Teacher

Salem

Effective 06/30/2020

Information: C. Facility Use Report

No discussion

Information: D. Financial Report

No discussion

Action: E. Field Trips

Approval of out of state field trip to Central Europe was tabled. Assistant Superintendent Montini to gather more information about graduated seniors going on the trip.

Information: F. Fire Drill Report

No discussion

12. New Business

Policy: A. Proposed Revisions to Policy and Administrative Regulations #5519, Homeless Children and Youth-First Read

No discussion

Action: B. Naugatuck Administrative Negotiating Association (NANA) contract approval

Motion to approve agreement between the Naugatuck Board of Education and the Naugatuck Administrative Negotiating Association for July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2023.

Motion by Jason Celozzi, second by Dorothy Neth-Kunin.

Final Resolution: Motion Carries

In Favor: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell

13. Old Business

Action, Policy: A. Proposed New Policy #1116, Sexual Offenders on School Property-Vote

Motion by Jason Celozzi, second by Ethel Grant

Final Resolution: Motion carries

In favor: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N. Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell

14. Adjournment

Action, A. Vote to Adjourn

Adjourn at 8:29 pm

Motion by Dorothy Neth-Kunin, second by James Scully

Final Resolution: Motion carries

In favor: Dorothy Neth-Kunin, James Scully, Jason Celozzi, Mayor N Warren Hess, Diana Malone, Ethel Grant, Jeff Litke, Marilyn O'Donnell