MINUTES OF THE CORNWALL BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
HELD ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2009 AT 5:00 P.M. AT
CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL

Board members present were: Barbara Gold, Chairperson; Phil Hart, Becky Hurlburt, Irene Hurlburt, Wynne Kavanagh, and Thomas K. Levine. Others present were Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent of Schools; Robert Vaughan, Principal; Rachel Matsudaira, parent; and one member of the press.

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

On a motion by Mrs. Kavanagh, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Agenda was amended as follows: add to 10. New Business – d) Copier Lease

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On a motion by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, seconded by Mr. Hart, the minutes of the May 21^st meeting were approved.

There were no communications.

There was no Board of Finance report. Mrs. Gold said that the Board was notified of an unemployment potential liability that the Board of Finance chairman is aware of.

Mr. Hart said that at the Region One Board meeting held on Monday night, September 14^th, the manner in which President Obama’s speech to school children was handled in Region One was discussed. There was an active and vocal civil group present. Enrollment at the high school is down by approximately 37 students. Dan Carroll is the new athletics director and social studies teacher. The gym floor was completed over the summer at a cost of $268,000 and should last many decades. The Clark Wood Center is in the process of renovation. When completed, a tree will be planted in honor of Kaelan Paton. There was discussion of non-resident tuition students.

Ms. Chamberlain – Superintendent’s Report

• Good, quiet opening of the 2009-2010 school year.

• Cases of flu are anticipated this fall – the new recommendations are for children with flu-like symptoms to stay at home for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Nurses have met with the medical advisor to discuss ways to control the spread of flu within the schools. Principals receive daily information on flu status in Region One.

• Public acts – 1. Schools are no longer allowed to hire college students as substitute teachers. 2. A plan for dealing with life-threatening allergies must be implemented and posted on the school website.

Mr. Vaughan – Principal’s Report

• 121 students were enrolled at CCS on opening day. Carla Whiteside once again organized a welcoming 1st Day Celebration

• Staff – Kathy West returns to teach science. Linda Massucci is the new Title I Reading teacher. New Special Ed paraprofessionals are Wally MacMillan, Patricia Massi, and Sarah Watson (returning). Mark Selino is the new part-time custodian. Carl Bronson, custodian for nine years, is moving to Montana and interviews are being conducted for his replacement.

• Posts are in the ground and the solar panels will be installed no later than October 12^th.

• CMT results were reviewed. At almost every grade level near 100% proficiency has been met. The goal for Spring 2010 test results is to be at goal, or advanced. Staff will be looking at individual students’ results and at methods to improve them.

• 7^th Annual CCS Walk-a-Thon will be held on Friday, October 9^th

• Emergency Personnel met at the school regarding procedures during Code Red, etc.

• 8^th Grade fund-raisers – Class of 2010 has been busy – hosted the first regional dance, sold food at the Ag Fair (Mr. Hart mentioned that community members commented that the kids were well-organized and polite and that the French fries were particularly good), and are selling lobsters on the 19^th.

• Programs with Cathy Wheeler – Enrichment, and Ed Thorney – Time Out Foundation, are continuing.

• A survey was distributed to staff and students about the strengths and potential strengths of the school. One comment that stood out was made by two students noting how well-maintained the school was.

• Open House for parents will be held September 23^rd.

On a motion by Mr. Levine, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Board set the
2010 Meeting Schedule. All Board of Education meetings will be held at 5:00 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month (except for April, which will be the 4^th Thursday). No meetings will be held in July and August.

January 21 July – no meeting

February 18 August – no meeting

March 18 September 16

April 22 October 21

May 20 November 18

June 17 December 16

On a motion by Mr. Levine, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Board authorized the revised signers of the ED-099 Agreement for Child Nutrition Programs. Patricia Chamberlain is authorized to sign agreements and claims for reimbursement and Robert Vaughan to sign claims for reimbursement.

On a motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mrs. B. Hurlburt, the Board approved entering into a new four-year copier lease (three Savin copiers) with A&A Office Systems in Cromwell, Connecticut, effective September 28, 2009.

The meeting was adjourned at 5:52 p.m.

Susan F. Gingert

Board Clerk