MINUTES OF THE CORNWALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 2008 AT 5:00 P.M. AT
CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

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

Mrs. Gold called the meeting to order at 5:00 p.m.

On a motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Agenda was amended to move 11.c. Superintendent Evaluation, to follow 13. Additional Comments.

,

On a motion by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, seconded by Mrs. I. Hurlburt, the minutes of the December 20^th meeting were approved.

Mr. Hart mentioned the community concern and requests for clarification and closure about the recent basketball game issue. There was an outpouring of support from the community for Dr. Fitzgibbons and her handling of the issue.

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

There was no Board of Finance report.

Mr. Hart reported about the recent Region One budget hearing, where students and parents defended the continuation of the German program. Ms. Chamberlain added that they are looking into online courses offered by the state. The Long Range Planning Committee, led by Jonathan Costa, will hold its first meeting to develop a set of priorities on January 24. Jim Terrall, Catherine Tatge, and Annie Kosciusko represent Cornwall on the committee.

Ms. Chamberlain – Superintendent’s Report

• The Region One Budget for 2008-2009 currently shows a 5.7-5.9% increase overall.

• Distributed CAPSS (Connecticut Association of Public School Superintendents) Position Statement, along with NCLB recommendations

• Distributed a letter from Commissioner of Education Mark McQuillan regarding “The Case for Secondary School Redesign,” with upcoming presentations and follow-up.

• Distributed 2007-2008 Legislative Positions covering all areas of Connecticut education.

Dr. Fitzgibbons – Principal’s Report

• CCS’ new staff – Art teacher Diane Dupuis, Kindergarten teacher Allison Bryant, and part-time School Psychologist Anne Dealy are all doing very well.

• The 1st Graders continue to read to kids at the Child Care Center

• 6^th Grade science students held a Pollution exhibit in the Gathering Room – Mrs. Gold commented on the excellent quality of the presentations

• The 8^th Graders will host a Pasta Dinner at the Wandering Moose on March 17 and 18, with 5:30 and 7:00 seatings.

• Dr. Fitz recently, with Anne Zinsser’s assistance, submitted a grant to the Energy Commission to help promote student awareness of energy issues.

The Standing Building Committee met last Friday to review projects: drainage, gutter covers, blown insulation into some areas of the attic, and continuing replacement of carpets in classrooms. Most expenses will be covered by the Town Capital Fund.

The next 2008-2009 Budget Work Session will be on Thursday, February 21 at 4:00 p.m. prior to the regular meeting.

,

On a motion by Mrs. I Hurlburt, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Board approved the 9000 Series – Bylaws, with a few minor changes.

Mr. Hart mentioned under New Business, that the Region One Board is seriously considering reserving some of the unexpended money, which has in recent years been “given” back to the towns in a reduced April assessment, for an HVRHS Building Reserve Fund.

On January 22 the ABC (All Board Chairs) Committee will meet. On their agenda is a discussion of the bus contract.

The Cornwall Consolidated School Fund for Excellence will host the Madison Jefferson Debate on Sunday, February 24 at 3:00 p.m. at CCS. On Monday the presidents will debate at the High School for area 6^th, 7^th, and 8^th graders and High School civics classes.

On a motion by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, seconded by Mrs. I. Hurlburt, the Board went into Executive Session at 5:44 p.m. to work on the superintendent evaluation. Ms. Chamberlain was invited to take part at the beginning of the session.

The Board came out of Executive Session at 6:06 p.m. and the meeting was adjourned at 6:07 p.m.

Susan F. Gingert

Board Clerk