MINUTES OF THE CORNWALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 15, 2009 AT 5:00 P.M. AT
CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

Board members present were: Barbara Gold, Chairperson; Phil Hart, Becky Hurlburt, Irene Hurlburt, and Wynne Kavanagh. Tom Levine was absent. Others present were Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent of Schools; and Kathleen Fitzgibbons, Principal.

Mrs. Gold called the meeting to order at 5:04 p.m.

On a motion by Mrs. Kavanagh, seconded by Mrs. I. Hurlburt, the Agenda was amended as follows: Under Old Business change wording under a) Set Next Budget Meeting Date(s)

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On a motion by Mrs. Kavanagh, seconded by Mr. Hart, the minutes of the December 18^th meeting were approved with the following corrections: 1^st paragraph – others present…Wendy Rose Frith, PTA and, end of 7^th paragraph … needs another $200,000 outside of the regular budget from private donations.

The 2^nd QTR Fiscal budget report was reviewed. All is well at present.

There was no Board of Finance report.

(Mrs. B. Hurlburt present.)

Mr. Hart reported from the Region One Board. Budget meetings will be held through the end of January and beginning of February. The Board is working line by line to reduce the budget. The cost to replace the gym floor will increase due to likelihood of asbestos. The administration is looking for both a Pupil Services director and a supervisor. The Long-range Planning Committee meets January 29^th. Housatonic Valley RHS is being considered for a Goldman Sax award based on extent of participation in international programs and curriculum.

Ms. Chamberlain – Superintendent’s Report

• Policy is being reviewed about what student information may be released to emergency personnel

• With the elimination of the B.E.S.T. program for new teachers, a committee is developing an alternative

• As the Region One Board works on the budget, they are focused on creating a responsible budget without negatively impacting the educational program

Dr. Fitzgibbons – Principal’s Report

• Reported donation of $1,577 from the Association of Businesses in Cornwall to the Cornwall Consolidated School Fund for Excellence.

• Reported receipt of a Heating Assistance check for $1,541 from the State of Connecticut.

• Explained the Adequate Yearly Progress Status Data for the 2007-2008 School Year, showing that Cornwall had 100% participation rate in all participating grades and all were at or above proficient. All targets, in mathematics, reading, and writing, were met. Elizabeth Clarke was again thanked for overseeing the entire testing process.

• The Winter Concert was excellent and well-attended, with thanks to Alicia Simonetti-Shpur.

• Board Clerk, Susan Gingert, was thanked for helping put together the Proposed 2009-2010 Budget.

• Use of the gym was discussed at length. A meeting will be set with Mrs. B. Hurlburt, Mrs. Gold, Dr. Fitz, and Head Custodian, Peter Selino.

On a motion by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, seconded by Mrs. I. Hurlburt, the Board approved the preliminary Cornwall Board of Education Proposed 2009-2010 Budget for $3,851,410, assuming that changes will be made before distribution to the Board of Finance.

On a motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Board approved changes to Policy 5131.911 – Bullying.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:33 p.m.

Susan F. Gingert

Board Clerk