June 25, 2015 at 7:00 PM - Bethel Board of Education Special Meeting

Rationale: 

• Letters from Dr. Carver to legislators regarding HB 6932
• Letter from Senator McLachlin regarding HB 6932
• Letter from Dr. Carver to Board of Finance Chair regarding Teacher Neogatiations
• Letter from Mrs. Yonksy to Board of Selectmen regarding Teacher Negotiations

Rationale: 

Rationale:  The Policy Committee of the Bethel Board of Education has been working on this policy for most of the academic year.  The policy has been reviewed with administration and parent groups for input.  Prior to the last policy meeting, our Attorney Jessica Soufer clarified language to ensure internal consistency and application to outside groups who solicit funds on behalf of the Bethel Public Schools.  The policy outlines guidelines and procedures for fundraising when involving our students and staff.  A set of accompanying regulations also accompanies the policy.  

Rationale:  Policy 5141.5, Prevention of Youth Suicide was updated to reflect annual training requirements.  The regulation was extensively revised to reflect procedures for students at risk.  This is the second reading and approval for this policy.  The policy was previously reviewed by our Attorneys at Shipman and Goodwin and reflect the latest legislative changes. 

Rationale: 

Policy 4118.5, Responsible Computer Network Use, was revised as recommended by our Attorney's.  This policy, geared to staff, outlines appropriate use of district technology including:  

1. Purposes for employee use of district devices; 
2. Overview of privacy expectations when using district technology;
3. Security and standards for use; and 
4. Confidentiality requirements.  

This is the second reading of the policy and is being submitted to the full Board of Education for approval.  

Rationale:  Policy 5141.3, Health Assessments and Immunizations, policy and regulation is being submitted for a 2nd Reading and Approval.  In conjunction with the administration, the policy was reviewed by our Health Coordinator and all revisions reflect input of all parties.  The policy outlines immunization and health assessment requirements in compliance with all federal and state laws and regulations.  It also provides guidelines for exemptions and homeless students.  

Rationale:   Bethel Public Schools has participated in the CT State Department of Education Healthy Food

Certification Program for many years.  By participating, Bethel can only serve snacks and a la carte items that specifically have been approved by the CSDE Bureau of Health & Nutrition.  Each year we report to the CSDE each and every a la carte/snack item that we serve in our schools and it is checked against the approved list.  The CSDE has been pleased with our adherence to the law.

 

For participation the District receives an additional 10 cents reimbursement from the State on each meal served.  This is important as with the choices of snack items limited, the revenue has dipped. The additional 10 cents has been kept us on track.

 

First the BOE must choose whether to renew its participation in this program and second, the BOE has to choose to renew its allowance of the exception of items not on the CSDE list when sold after school at events.

Rationale: 

* Raising student lunch prices a modest amount at all schools.  Elementary will be $2.70 which matches the minimum required Paid Equity by the USDA and Middle School and High School will be $3.10.  All student lunch prices include milk.

* Raising all school breakfast prices by $.05 to $2.15.

* Bethel’s prices are very similar to other school districts in this area and across the state.

 

Summary of the Briefing:

1. To raise the school meal prices at inflation rates to cover increases in labor and food costs and continue to have the school lunch program run at or above break-even. 

2. To set the price for reduced priced breakfast at $0.00 instead of 30 cents for the year 2015-2016.  This will encourage participation in the breakfast program and insure that our neediest students are fed each morning.  The cost to the board should be less than $1,000.

Rationale: 

Pursuant to Board of Education Policy, the following tuition rates for non-resident students attending Bethel Public Schools are recommended:

 

                                    2012/2013       2013/2014       2014/2015       2015/2016       % Increase

 

Elem/Middle                $11,225           $11,577           $11,923           $12,165           2.03%

 

High School                $12,950           $13,357           $13,756           $14,035           2.03%

 

These tuition rates do not include transportation.  Additionally, Special Education rates will be calculated as needed based on the costs of a specific program with related services.

Rationale: 

*  As we are in the last week of the fiscal year, final payrolls are posting and then we will know what funds remain with which to make a positive impact on our district:

* 1) Unexpended Funds Account – Knowing that we tightened some budget lines for 2015-2016 and this account is for opportunities and contingencies, we will make a contribution to the unexpended funds account.

* 2) Technology – One of the four Board of Education goals is to have technology as a catalyst for teaching and learning.  We will continue to move forward in this area.

* 3) Special Education – The SPED department will also move forward with technology purchases making sure that access to technology is available for all students.

* 4) Safety – This area continues to be paramount and we will add security measures in accordance with our approved plan.

* 5) Furniture, Fixtures, Equipment – There are always needs to update our FF&E.  These assets are what our stakeholders see and use when in our schools.

Rationale:  The Board will be presented with a listing of teachers who have completed the requirements to be granted tenure in the Bethel Public Schools.  The Superintendent will make a formal recommendation.  The Board will be asked to approve that recommendation.