June 6, 2012 at 7:00 PM - Regular Board Meeting

Rationale:  The ad hoc committee met and selected two students to serve as Student Representatives of the Board of Education for 2012-13. They will be present for introductions, and their appointment will be formally approved later in the agenda.

This will also be the final meeting for Emily Klawitter and Samantha Tickey. We want to thank them for their service and wish them well in their future endeavors.

Rationale:  We are pleased to inform you that Killingly's District Safety and Health Committee was selected as a 2012 CIRMA (Connecticut Interlocal Rick Management Agency)Award recipient.
Killingly was recognized in the category Sustained Risk Management Programs for the outstanding commitment and sustained risk managment efforts of its' Safety and Health Committee. Five schools were chosen to receive this award for the sustained efforts and the sophistication of their risk managment programs.  On May 18th, the Committee was presented with this award.
Congratulations and thanks to committee members Chairperson Peter Gerardi, Nancy Loving, Jo-Ann Gallo, Mike Devine, Kristy Keeley, Donna Doyle, Lisa Ivens, Kim Burnham, Lou Demers, Colin McNamara and Paul Mailhot.

Rationale:  As a secretary in the KPS Pupil Services Department, Linda Robinson went above and beyond expectations during the CMT/ CAPT months of February and March. She was meticulous as she combed through the Accommodation Forms in preparation for the 2012 testing window. Her organization, attention to details and dedication allowed for the precision in entering the data into the State Website in a timely manner. Through it all, she maintained a positive, helpful, professional attitude. This type of professionalism is truly appreciated and worthy of recognition.

Rationale:  In accordance with BOE by-law #9160, the ad hoc committee to select student board members recommends Riley Donlon and Joshua Hayes to be student representatives to the Board of Education for the 2012-13 school year. The Ad hoc committee, composed of Alexis Rich, Angela Brower, John Burns and Hoween Flexer interviewed candidates earlier this month.

Rationale:  Members of the Killingly community are encouraged to share their thoughts with the Board of Education and are invited to do so during this segment of the meeting. When appropriate to do so, members of the Board and the administration may respond to comments. However, in consideration of those in attendance and in an effort to proceed in a timely manner, follow-up discussion may need to take place outside of the meeting setting.

Rationale:  The month of May system object report, monthly narrative report from Brian O'Connell, and expenditure projections to the end of the year is attached.  The Fiscal Committee met on May 31 to review the FY12 budget status and projections to the end of the year.  In round numbers, we anticipate a positive balance of about $325-350,000 after accounting for the supplemental appropriation for special education tuition.  The committee recommends moving forward with the planned $199,000 of prepurchasing, and authorized an additional $50,000 of prepurchasing.

Rationale:  The recognition of our retirees will take place on June 11th at the Golden Eagle from 2:45-5:00. A list of those retirees we will be honoring is attached. Please let us know if you plan on attending.

Rationale:  As you are aware, Killingly is one of thirty "alliance districts" identified by the CSDE.  The good news is that it makes us eligible for approximately $380,000 of additional aid; the bad news is that it is conditional on the completion of a district improvement plan/application that requires the commissioner's approval.  It is also important to note that these funds cannot supplant local dollars for school improvement efforts - they are supplemental dollars.  "The Department will likely require that districts reserve the substantial majority of conditional funding for new reform efforts, or the extension of existing reform efforts, that are specifically designed or improve student achievement."  Commissioner Pryor's most recent letter is attached; we will know more after the June 11 informational meeting.

Rationale:  As discussed at last month's meeting, the triennial plans are required by the State Department of Education so that they (and we) can qualify for Federal technology funding. An approved plan is necessary for us to be eligible for e-rate funding.  Attached is the draft plan and a memo responding to board member questions from last month.

Rationale:  The board previously "approved" these dates during the 2012 meeting date process, and these dates were listed on the approved school calendar for 2012-13.  These are listed on this agenda merely to provide a reminder to avoid scheduling conflicts.

Rationale:  According to state and federal regulations, food service management company contracts can only be entered into for one year.  After the initial contract, they are eligible for four one-year renewals, which then must be submitted for CSDE approval.  Attached is the original 2011-12 contract with Whitsons, and the amendment to extend the contract with a modest cost of living adjustment.  John Prunier will be present to respond to any questions.  It is recommended that the Board approve the amendment for the 2012-13 year.

Rationale:  The Fiscal Committee met on May 31 to discuss adjustments to the budget adopted by the BOE on March 7.  As you know, the Town Council reduced the budget by $586,287 recommending an education biudget for referendum of $37,95,166.  This was approved at referendum on May 15.

The Committee recommends a series of reductions and additions (largely from the previously approved list of decision packages) as listed on the attached spreadsheet.  A complete budget will be distributed prior to the meeting, showing these adjustments as included in line items.

Rationale:  As a reminder, the plan needs to be approved and submitted to CSDE by June 15, 2012.

Rationale:  We have just recently been informed (by CABE and our e-rate consultant) that there needs to be an addition to our acceptable use policy (AUP) due to changes made by the FCC to school districts' obligations under the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA); see CABE Policy Highlights, below.  Without these changes we may not be eligible for e-rate funding, worth about $85,000 to the district, come July 1.  I need to be able to sign off on compliance paperwork stating that we  have proper policy language in place.

Normally this would pass through the Policy Committee, but given the timeframe available I don't believe that is possible.  After discussion with David Marcotte, we agreed to place this in the regular BOE agenda and to also ask the Board to waive the second reading.  The language provided by CABE, merely states the FCC requirements for districts to be e-rate eligible.  The actual requirement is to provide instruction on appropriate on-line behavior; Colin is working with the Library Media Specialists (and others) to develop the curriculum, which will go to the Curriculum Committee in the fall. 

Rationale:  As part of SB458, the base grant for vo-ag students was increased from $1355 to $1750 per student; this increases our grant by $37,669.  These funds, though not budgeted due to the timing of the legislative session, must be passed through to the program and not supplant existing funds.  This is on the agenda for the joint TC/BOE meeting on June 5th, and will likely result in a supplemental appropriation. 

The Fiscal Committee  recommends the addition of a 0.5 FTE Biology/Ag Ed teacher, to be funded through the increase in the per pupil base grant approved by the General Assembly.

Rationale:  Two textbooks have been identified for use for for new classes at KHS.  Both of these books have been reviewed and recommended by the Curriculum Sub-committee. 

Environmental Science for AP is the textbook for AP Environmental Science, and Biotechnology, Science for the New Millennium is the textbook for the Biotechnology course that will be piloted during the 2012 - 2013 school year in the Ag center. 

Rationale:  The Curriculum Subcommittee is recommending the approval of the AP English Language and Composition curriculum be added to the Program of Studies at KHS. 

Rationale:  The contract between the Board and Local 3689 of Council #4, AFSCME, AFL-CIO, Instructional Assistants, expired on June 30, 2011.  A two year contract extension has been negotiated, and was ratified by the unit on May 30.  The Board must now consider and vote to approve the memorandum of understanding.

Rationale:  Elizabeth Boots, grade 1 teacher at KCS is requesting an unpaid leave of absence for the 2012-13 school year to take care of her baby daughter.  Since she gave birth in the fall of 2011, and this will be a second full year of child care leave, her request requires board approval in accordance with the KEA contract.