The Kent Board of Education held its regular monthly meeting on Thursday, March 5, 2009. Present were:  Chairman Karren Garrity, presiding, Kendra Galusha, Scott Harvey, Tracy Horosky, Superintendent of Schools Patricia Chamberlain,  Principal Rima Zelvis, teachers Pat Ciccone, Rachel D’Ambrosio, Carolyn MacLeod, and Lee Sohl, retired principal Ed Epstein, two parents,  and one member of the press.

Karren Garrity called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:  Tracy Horosky made a motion to:

            Approve the agenda as presented.

The motion was seconded by Kendra Galusha and approved unanimously.

2.  APROVAL OF MINUTES:  Kendra Galusha made a motion to:

            Approve the minutes of the February 5, 2009 meeting, as written.

The motion was seconded by Scott Harvey and approved unanimously.

3.   COMMUNICATIONS:  a) High School Student Report:  None

b) Comments: Karren Garrity reported that some faculty members showed an interest in the HSA.

Rob Giampietro spoke in support of having sports practices on Tuesdays.  Some discussion followed regarding after school activities on Tuesdays. Kent Center School historically has not scheduled after school activities on Tuesdays to accommodate the CCD program as well as other programs in Kent.

Susan Schullery questioned the possibility of mid term grades for grade three since they now get number grades.  Rima Zelvis will consider this request.

4.   PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:   See attached

5.   COMMITTEE REPORTS:  a) High School – None

 Building Committee – Scott Harvey – In addition to his written report attached, Scott Harvey reported that The Garland Company will be here on Tuesday to examine the roof with regard to asbestos.  Karren Garrity asked that he contact Kent School who is having roof work done over the summer with the possibility of “piggybacking” on their project.

d)  Enrichment –   Karren Garrity reported that a six week environmental program will be offered this spring as well as a Spanish Club.  An inventory of interests was sent to students and some of the activity suggestions was sent to the Park & Rec to see if they were interested in offering some of the activities.

 e)  Transportation –  Tracy Horosky reported that the bus contract should be finalized by next month.

f) Budget:   Rima Zelvis distributed a draft of the 2009-2010 budget.  The Board continues to work on the budget and will meet again next week.  Tracy Horosky noted that if 20% of the staff would take the HSA , there would be a savings of $24,000 in the Health Insurance line item.

g) All Boards Chairs –   Tracy Horosky reported that the board completed the superintendent’s review.  Patricia Chamberlain declined a pay increase for next year but the Chairs want to express their appreciation of her work over the past six months without an assistant.

i) Technology – Tracy Horosky reported that Carolyn MacLeod has submitted the Technology Plan.

j)  Healthy Choices – Karren Garrity reported that we are getting closer to a curriculum grid for grades 1-8.

6.  SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT: a)  In addition to the attached report, Patricia Chamberlain recognized the Board for their commitment to KCS during Board Appreciation Month. 

b) A letter from Commission of Education Mark McQuillan regarding the American Recovery and Investment Act is attached.

7.  OLD BUSINESS: KCS Enrichment Fund – Karren Garrity had nothing new to report.

8.  NEW BUSINESS :  Early Retirement Incentive – Karren Garrity reported that several teachers would be eligible for early retirement.  She asked Rima Zelvis to bring to the next budget meeting figures for different scenarios of early retirement packages and how they would impact the budget. 

 9. COMMENTS:   Rima Zelvis reported that Marci Perotti will coach the girls softball team and Vinny Viscariello will coach the boys baseball team.  Sixth graders will be allowed to play in order to have enough players on the teams.

10. EXECUTIVE SESSION:  Kendra Galusha made a motion to:

            Go into executive session to discuss the principal’s evaluation at 8:24 p.m.

The motion was seconded by Tracy Horosky.

The Board came out of executive session at 9:50 p.m. and adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,

Barbara Lynch
Secretary to the Board

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