Board of Ed Clarifies Sign, Begins Policy Upheaval

Anyone with questions about the outdoor LED message board in front of the high school should pay attention. The Board of Education is clearing the air. 

To address concerns over who paid for the sign, who approved of it and where it came from, BOE member Shannon Miscio took a few moments at the last meeting to explain the sign's existence. 

Miscio says it was the Building Committee who came up with the idea and plan for the sign, approved the plan for the sign and submitted the plan for state reimbursement. The Permanent Project building committee committed to $38,800 for the sign with $18,236 coming from North Branford's project funds and $20,564 reimbursed by the state. 

Miscio says the town came in under cost and that there is still $700,000 left unexpended.

The BOE also agreed that the sign is a great asset for the town in times of emergeny, should they need it, as it is backed up by a generator and very easy to see from the road.

"I think we should be proud of this sign," said Miscio. "I've heard kids say, 'We look like a real school district!'"

Policy Upheaval

The BOE discussed an abundance of policies on the agenda. Many of the policies go back years and are outdated. These policies are now being reevaluated and updated. Over the next several months, all policies needing updates will be addressed. 

At the meeting, the Paramaters policy and the Strategic Objectives policy from the North Branford Board of Education Policy Manual were deemed no longer applicable. The School Transportation Privileges and Conduct policy was also motioned to be removed. 

NBHS Asbestos Removal 

The BOE awarded a contract to a low bidder, Accurate Insulation, for asbestos abatement at for the amount of $28,924. 

New Hires

After approval by the Board in the , Superintendent Scott Schoonmaker extended contracts to the following individuals:

• Diane Remetta - - Art
• Mary Thurston - - Mathematics
• Christopher Reynolds - - Technology Education
• Sharon Helgans - NBIS - Theater Arts
• Morgan O'Brien - NBIS - Mathematics (Grade 7)
• Meredith Blanzaco - NBIS - Instrumental Music
• Tara Lucian - NBIS - Special Education
• Lauren Trinkaus - - Grade 5
• Elyse Mortensen - TVES - Art 

Summer Camp 2011

The North Branford Summer Camp 2011 "Movin' & Groovin'" has proven to be a success with enrollment of more than 400 children in just four weeks. Camp Director Lauren Barry wrote the Board, "Children don't want the day at camp to end."

Amenities at the camp include golf, tennis, laser tag, fishing, ping-pong, basketball, as well as survival camp. Campers can also partake in culinary enrichment classes and expand their technology skills with the many uses of the iPod and iPad. Feeling artistic? Kids can explore the art and stories of Eric Carle and The World of Disney. 

Campers can also take field trips. Trips so far include Quassy Amusement Park, Colony Lanes bowling, , The Sportsplex, NBHS Greenhouse and fields, Northford Ice Pavilion, Cabella's and Bounce U in Rocky Hill. 

The Board of Education's next meeting will be held on Aug. 18 at Stanley T. Williams School.