MINUTES OF THE CORNWALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 16, 2006 AT 5:00 P.M. AT
CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

Board members present were: Barbara Gold, Chair; Phil Hart, Irene Hurlburt, Wynne Kavanagh, and Jim Terrall. Catherine Tatge was absent. Others present were Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent of Schools; Kathleen Fitzgibbons, Principal; Bonnie Burdick, CCS teacher; and two members of the press.

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

On a motion by Mrs. Kavanagh, seconded by Mr. Hart, the Agenda was accepted as presented.

On a motion by Mr. Terrall, seconded by Mrs. Hurlburt, the minutes of the February 16 meeting were accepted.

Mrs. Gold distributed a letter from Patricia Bramley regarding the April 21^st Health Fair sponsored by the Cornwall Youth Safety Coalition.

Mr. Hart reported from the Region One Board. The Board continues to work on the 2006-2007 Budget, discussing a proposed new position for a Learning Education teacher for students with academic difficulties. How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be presented at HVRHS on March 23, 24, and 25. Negotiations continue for high school classified staff.

Mrs. Gold reported that the ABCC is still the RSC and the committee is discussing the superintendent’s contract.

There was no Board of Finance report.

Mr. Terrall updated Building Committee issues. A street light pole will be erected across from the steps in the front of the school. The building inspector has walked through the building with the architect.

Ms. Chamberlain - Superintendent’s Report

• Legislative updates were distributed

• Attended an excellent AASA conference with superintendents from around the country.

• Grade 4 Arts Day at Hotchkiss School was a success

• Presented a letter of resignation from 6^th Grade teacher Sarah Blexrud.

On a motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. Kavanagh, Sarah Blexrud’s resignation, effective June 30, 2006, was accepted.

Mrs. Gold reported that Cornwall’s Kedryn Samson wrote an essay for her HVRHS Civics class responding to the question – (in education) How would you change the world? She proposed that Kindergarteners be at least five years old in the fall upon entering Kindergarten (Connecticut’s cut-off date of December 31 is one of the latest). Her essay (a proposed bill) was chosen and she and her family attended a legislative session in Hartford, where Kedryn presented her proposal before the Education Committee at the Connecticut Legislature.

Dr. Fitzgibbons – Principal’s Report

• CMT testing is finished for the year

• The Kindergarten Penguin Program was wonderful

• 3^rd, 4^th, and 5^th grade students were treated by a parent to a field trip (box lunches included) to the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge

• Thursday, March 23 from 6–8 p.m. is Open Studio Night where artwork by students in Grades 5 through 8 will be exhibited

• Dr. Fitz drew attention to 8^th grader Michael Guerra’s fine drawing of the school entrance which is on the cover of this year’s budget.

• Peter Pan will be playing in the CCS gym on March 30 and April 1.

• Peace Day is scheduled for Friday, April 7

• The Cornwall Consolidated School Technology Plan for 2006-2009 was distributed. This document was created by Technology Coordinator Victoria Nelson and the Technology Committee and needs to be approved by the Board of Education before June 30, 2006.

The Board agreed to the following changes in the proposed 2006-2007 budget:

Computer Support ($16,000) – anticipated grant – BoF will cover if needed

Unemployment ($8,000) – BoF will cover if needed

Legal Fees ($3,000)

Textbooks ($3,000) – table music textbooks until following year

Painting ($4,000) – into capital expenses

Electricity ($10,000) – recommended increase to fit current usage –
acknowledged that increased use of building causes part of the increased cost

On a motion by Mr. Terrall, seconded by Mr. Hart, the stipend for Theater Director for the 2006-2007 budget was increased from $676 to $1014 to cover a theater assistant and music support.

The Board of Education agreed to the revised coverage in Life Insurance premiums. Certified staff - $5.00 $5.50 per month. Classified staff - $2.50 $2.75 per month

Mrs. Kavanagh explained that a School Wellness Policy is required by the state and that a committee has been formed by Dr. Fitz. They will formulate a policy to be presented at the next Board meeting for a first reading.

Mr. Hart is working on finding a graduation speaker. He is also looking for input for Volunteer of the Year.

The meeting was adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Susan F. Gingert

Board Clerk