March 12, 2008 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Friends of Learning in Killingly (FOLK) is an organization that has been in existence for a number of years.  Graduates from the Killingly High School Class of 1966 formed a foundation that provides grants to teachers for specific projects that they would like to teach their students.  Representatives of the FOLK group will be present to announce the recipients of this year's grants.  The annual application process is open to all Killingly School teachers. There is a reception being held at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Hall and Board members are invited to attend.

Rationale:  We are deeply honored to have Sheryl Kempain selected as the 2008 Connecticut Association of Schools Middle School Principal of the year.  The Board will recognize Sheryl in honor of her award.

Rationale: 

Rationale:  Draft versions of the 2008-09 school calendar will be shared with the Board for input; approval is anticipated at the April meeting.  Again, most local districts are not planning a February vacation and we will try to align the April vacation with our neighbors.  A goal in creating this calendar is to keep an eye on the 2009-10 calendar, anticipating the opening of the new high school mid-year and the move of other grade levels during the summer of 2010.

Rationale:  These transfers are for two purposes: 1) replacing the steam kettle in the KIS cafeteria (a vital piece of equipment of equipment that failed and would be hazardous to operate in its current condition) and 2) funding for non-financed and unanticipated costs related to the new phone system.  Funds are available from the teacher salary accounts.

Rationale:  At its last meeting, the Board heard a presentation by Tom Cronin, EASTCONN Director of Educational Services, and John Meyer, Principal of ACT (Arts in the Capitol Theater) Magnet School.  Mr. Cronin suggested that given the new "universal access" statute passed by the General Assembly, it might be helpful to the district to become a participating member in the program.  Becoming a partner gives us a seat on the ACT governing board, guarantees the specified number of student slots for our students, and requires EASTCONN to recruit from other, non-partner districts first to fill empty seats in the magnet program (thus potentially limiting our exposure through universal access).  Tuition is anticipated to be $3,500 per student.

The administrative recommendation is to become a participating district, reserving two seats in the program, and to budget accordingly in the FY09 budget.

Rationale:  At its special meeting on March 5, the Board reviewed the base budget and decision packages recommended by the Fiscal Committee.  Please forward any additional questions to me so we can be prepared to address those at this meeting.  The Board must adopt the budget this evening so it can be forwarded to the Town Manager by March 15 (March 14, this year), as required by the Town Charter.

The Town Council has scheduled their review of the BOE budget for Saturday, March 29 at 8:00 a.m.

Rationale:  At the direction of the Board, the ad hoc Governance Committee met on February 25 to consider modifications to the recommended changes to Policy #9132.  The Committee now recommends that there be three standing committees - Policy, Fiscal and Community Relations.  The attached policy contains the latest revisions.

Rationale:  The Board approved this policy on a first reading basis at its February meeting.

Rationale:  At its last meeting, the Board discussed the procedures for selection of student board members.  The Chair will appoint the selection committee at this meeting.

Rationale:  In accordance with Connecticut General Statute 10-151, the Superintendent is recommending the non-renewal of the attached list of non-tenured teachers.  All teachers recommended are being non-renewed for cause or are filling long term leave contracts.

The Board may want to meet in executive session to discuss these personnel matters before taking action.

Rationale:  if necessary, to discuss non-renewal of teachers.