The Kent Board of Education held a special meeting on Monday, March 30, 2009 (changed from Thursday, April 2).  Present were:  Chairman Karren Garrity,  presiding, Kendra Galusha, Scott Harvey, Tracy Horosky, Carol Kallstrom, Patti Leo, Superintendent of Schools Patricia Chamberlain,  Principal Rima Zelvis, members of the Board of Finance, several teachers and parents, and two members of the press,

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

1. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:  Carol Kallstrom made a motion to:

            Approve the agenda as presented.

The motion was seconded by Patti Leo and approved unanimously.

2.  APROVAL OF MINUTES:  Tracy Horosky made a motion to:

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

The motion was seconded by Kendra Galusha and approved unanimously.

3.   COMMUNICATIONS: 
a) High School Student Report:  Senior Nathanael Indorf reported on the HVRHS Career Center.  The Center is available to students beginning as early as freshman year through senior year.  He is very pleased with the program that offered not only career direction but also help with the college process.

b) Comments: Karren Garrity has heard great feedback on The Living Museum (Women in History), held on March 27th. 

c) Written:  Correspondence was received from: 

1)  Nancy Ackerman regarding the elimination of the Math Intervention position.  The Board stated they know the importance of the program but needed to make cuts in the budget this year.  

2)  Kent Center School staff regarding the proposed enrichment program and their concern with the program interfering with the Tuesday CCD program.  Karren Garrity stated it is a goal of the board to offer enrichment programs and it is their priority. 

4.   PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:   See Link on BOE Page.

The approved 2009-2010 Kent Board of Education budget was presented.  The total KCS expenditure is $3,690,849, which is a 3.86% increase.  The total Board of Education expenditures, including Pupil Services, HVRHS tuition, and Administrative Services is $6,243,848 which is a 1.54% increase. 

5.  COMMITTEE REPORTS: 
a) High School – Carol Kallstrom reported that the high school board is proposing to cut freshmen basketball, and the production Anything Goes was great and very well attended. 

b) Superintendent of Schools Patricia Chamberlain advised that the Region One public hearing will be held on March 31.  The high school budget is increased by 1.99%.

c) Building Committee – Scott Harvey –  reported that the Garland company will have roof plans ready the beginning of April and then go out to bid in mid April.

d) Enrichment –   Kendra Galusha reported that the after school Spanish Enrichment program for grades 3-6 will begin  April 23rd. 

Discussion followed regarding the Environmental Enrichment program.  The program will be offered to grades 4, 5 & 6 with 7th & 8th grade helpers.  The day of the week to hold the program is yet to be determined. 

e) Transportation –  Patricia Chamberlain advised that the contract is still being worked on.

f) Budget:   see above.

g) All Boards Chairs –   The next meeting will be on April 15th.

i) Technology – Carolyn MacLeod distributed the completed Technology Plan for the Board’s review.

j)  Healthy Choices – Rima Zelvis reported that the she is working on a matrix format which should be finalized by May.

6.  SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT:   Patricia Chamberlain distributed the January 2009 NESDEC report which shows both historical and projected enrollments for Kent Center School.

7.  OLD BUSINESS:
a) KCS Enrichment Fund – Tracy Horosky volunteered to begin a sub committee.  Applications are available for any student interested in the Arts, sponsored by the Berkshire Taconic. 

b) School visit – The Board would like to visit Salisbury Central School to see their enrichment programs.  Rima Zelvis will check with Principal Chris Butwill to arrange a convenient time for the visit.

The Board is waiting to hear from Assistant Superintendent Dianne Concalves on which schools they might visit to look at technology. 

The Board is also interested in looking at schools who excel in math.  Karren Garrity appointed Kendra Galusha as the liaison for Kent regarding math curriculum in Region One.

8.  NEW BUSINESS: 
a) HRRA Representative – Karren Garrity wanted to bring to the attention of the Board the Regional Recycling Task Force.

b) Enrichment program – see above

10.  Comments – none

Carol Kallstrom made a motion to:

            Adjourn at 8:51 p.m.

The motion was seconded by Scott Harvey.

 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.

Barbara Lynch
Secretary to the Board

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