MINUTES OF THE CORNWALL BOARD OF EDUCATION
HELD ON FEBRUARY 15, 2011 AT 4:00 P.M. AT
CORNWALL CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL
Board members present were: Becky Hurlburt, Phil Hart, Irene Hurlburt, Wynne Kavanagh, Thomas K. Levine, and Rachel Matsudaira. Others present were: Patricia Chamberlain, Superintendent of Schools; Diane Goncalves, Assistant Superintendent of Schools; Robert Vaughan, Principal; Diane Dupuis, CCS teacher; Patty Rovezzi, CCS staff; two CCS parents; and two members of the press.
Mrs. Hurlburt called the meeting to order at 4:07 p.m.
On a motion by Mr. Levine, seconded by Mrs. Kavanagh, the Board approved the Agenda with the following additions: 11. b) CCS Informational updates and, following Executive Session, Non-meeting for collective bargaining relating to the Certified Teachers Contract.
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On a motion by Mr. Levine, seconded by Mrs. Matsudaira, the Board approved minutes of the January 21st and January 25th meetings.
Communications – none
PTA – no report
Region One Board – The Board meets again on March 7th. Mr. Hart said that the Board plans to select an assistant HVRHS principal this Thursday. Reports from several departments were received, due in part as a response to the accreditation report suggestions. Mr. Hart thanked Ms. Goncalves for helping to coordinate.
ABC Committee – Mrs. B. Hurlburt said that the committee meets next on March 1st.
Standing Building Committee – Mr. Hart reported that the committee has not met, due largely to the snow/ice/roof situation. Mrs. Gingert said that CIRMA has been contacted and that the claims adjuster and representative from the restoration company have looked at all damaged areas with Head Custodian, Peter Selino. Of concern is a leak that appears to coming from inside the concrete block in the gym wall.
Board of Finance – no communication
Superintendent’s Report – Ms. Chamberlain
Approved 2011-2012 and 2012-2013 Region One calendars were distributed.
New England School Development Council (NESDEC) historical and projected (through 2020-2021) enrollments were distributed. These are based on many factors and are a guideline that can be used in discussions relating to the school’s future. CCS enrollment appears to level off through 2020.
The search for an HVRHS principal begins very soon.
Summer School will take place at the high school this July and schools will be billed for transportation costs.
Thanks and credit were given to Business Manager Sam Herrick for arranging to have an engineer, Mr. Marchetti, look at all the Region One school roofs, which appear to be in fairly good shape despite the heavy snow and ice build-up.
Ms. Chamberlain also commended first selectmen, town crews, and bus drivers for their dedication to student and staff safety this winter.
The Superintendent’s Recommendation regarding the Pingpank report was distributed.
Principal’s Report – Mr. Vaughan
The Regional Band and Chorus will perform at CCS on Wednesday, Feb 16th, and at HVRHS at 7:30 p.m. with high school singers and musicians.
Five CCS students were selected for the Northern Regional SoloFest in Burlington on March 5th – Marina Matsudaira, Lydia MacDavid, Fiona Ocain, Jacob Shpur, and Savannah Martin.
The CCS boys won their final game against North Canaan, becoming Basketball Champions of 2011!
Bid opening for the Gathering Room floor is set for May 2nd.
CMTs start on March 1st.
Old Business
Board members on the AFSCME negotiations committee were asked to tell Ms. Chamberlain which days (March 8th, 15th, 22nd) would work for them.
New Business
Mrs. Kavanagh and Mr. Levine will begin reviewing Policy 6000 – Instruction.
Mrs. Matsudaira suggested, as a way of keeping communication open, that the Cornwall Board follow Region One’s practice of inviting different teachers or groups to present short overviews of their curriculum at each Board meeting. Ms. Goncalves suggested asking K-2, then 3-5, etc.
Additional Comments
Ms. Dupuis thanked Board members and the administration for doing a difficult job well.
Mr. Vaughan formally submitted his letter of resignation effective June 30, 2011. Citing family considerations he has decided to retire, and appreciated the dedication of the Board of Education and of Barbara Gold (former chairman). Ms. Chamberlain thanked him for his service and for the early notice.
On a motion by Mr. Hart, seconded by Mr. Levine, the Board went into executive session at 4:41 p.m. for the superintendent evaluation. Ms. Chamberlain and Ms. Goncalves were invited to attend.
The Board came out of executive session at 5:30 p.m.
The Board went into a non-meeting at 5:31 p.m. to discuss collective bargaining relating to the Teacher’s Contract. They came out of the non-meeting at 5:42 p.m. and adjourned to the Budget Work Session at 5:43 p.m.

Susan F. Gingert
Board Clerk