The Kent Board of Education held a special meeting on Thursday, May 7, 2009.  Present were:  Chairman Karren Garrity,  presiding, Kendra Galusha (arrived @ 7:35 p.m.), Scott Harvey, Tracy Horosky, Patti Leo, Superintendent of Schools Patricia Chamberlain,  Principal Rima McGeehan, former Principal Ed Epstein, several teachers and one member of the press of the press.

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

1.  APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA:  Patti Leo made a motion to:

            Approve the agenda as presented.

The motion was seconded by Tracy Horosky and approved unanimously.

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

            Approve the minutes of the March 30, 2009 special meeting, as written.

The motion was seconded by Patti Leo and approved unanimously.

3.   COMMUNICATIONS:  a) High School Student Report:  Senior Nora Hanley spoke of her upcoming AFS sponsored year abroad in Denmark where she will be attending a Danish public high school.

b) Comments:

• Tracy Horosky is considering attending the CABE seminar on Collective Bargaining on May 20 in Rocky Hill.

• Karren Garrity acknowledged Dave Poirier‘s “Band Night” held last night with Master Classes for the students.

• Tracy Horosky reported that the students are raving about Joshua Stone.

• Karren Garrity reported that the Environmental Task Force is working on having an Expo at KCS in January.

• Tracy Horosky reported that all funds have been raised for the Don Gowan Memorial Basketball Court.  It is hoped to have an opening ceremony in the fall.

c) Written:  Correspondence was received from:  Jennifer Menniti and Chris and Gabriele Kartchner regarding tuition students (see New Business – approval of tuition students). 

Second grade teacher Ane Starr wrote a letter in support of the math intervention program which was dropped from the budget for next year.   The board reviewed how the decision was made and that it was not an easy process.  The Board is hoping to continue this program through Region One / Special Education which would be funded with stimulus money.

4.   PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:   See attached

5.  COMMITTEE REPORTS:  a) High School – in Stephanie O’Rourke’s absence, Patricia Chamberlain reported that the Region One budget passed.  Carl Gross has been hired as the new Director of Pupil Services.  The Equine Club is #1 in the State.  The sports programs are in full swing.

b) Building Committee – Scott Harvey – reported that that the roof project will go out to bid on May 11th and the bids are due back by May 28th.  Work should begin by the end of June.

c)  Enrichment - Patti Leo reported that the after school Spanish and Environmental clubs for grades 3-5 have begun. 

d) Transportation –  On Patricia Chamberlain’s recommendation, Patti Leo made a motion to:

            Authorize the Board Chairman to sign the Transportation Contract,
            pending a few word changes.

The motion was seconded by Kendra Galusha and approved unanimously.

f) Budget:   Karren Garrity reported that the Board of Finance put back $17,000 into the 2009-2010 budget.

            On a motion from Patti Leo, the Board approved the 2009-2010 Kent Board   of Education budget as presented on May 7, 2009 with a total expenditure of $6,220,848.

The motion was seconded by Tracy Horosky and approved unanimously.
           
g) All Boards Chairs –   The Chairs met on April 15th and were finalizing the regional transportation contact. They are also researching health plans with United Health Care and Anthem.

h) Technology – We are awaiting approval from the State on our Technology Plan.
Patricia Chamberlain contacted Jonathan Costa who will do a search for a school similar to Kent for the committee to visit.

j)  Healthy Choices – The committee is excited to have the grid complete by June.

6.  SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT:   Patricia Chamberlain – See attached. 

7.  OLD BUSINESS:  a) School visits for technology – see Committee Reports (h).

b) Dedication of Kindergarten Wing - The dedication has been postponed until October.

8.  NEW BUSINESS:  a) Tuition students – Patti Leo made a motion that:

            The Board allow Jennifer Menniti’s daughter attend Kent Center School as a kindergarten student for the 2009-2010 school year (with tuition waived per Policy 5119B).

The motion was seconded by Kendra Galusha and approved unanimously.

Tracy Horosky made a motion that:

            The Board allow Chris and Gabriele Kartchner’s daughter attend Kent           Center School as a tuition student in 4th grade  for the 2009-2010 school year.  Tuition will be set pending passage of the budget.

The motion was seconded by Scott Harvey and approved unanimously.

b) Approval of bus contract (see above).

c) Salisbury visit – The enrichment program in Salisbury is over for the  school year.  Patti Leo and Kendra Galusha will try to meet with Jenny Law to get some insight into their program.

d) Enrichment Fund – Tracy Horosky is looking for guidance on how to structure the Enrichment Fund and wanted clarification on whether it would officially be a sub group of the Board of Education.  It was determined that it would stand on its own.

e) Exit interviews – The Board Chair and Principal would like to meet with families who are either moving out of town or are transferring their children from KCS to another school.

10. Comments – Karren Garrity wanted to verify that Kent Center School is in charge of the KCS playing fields up to 5:30 p.m. and that the Park & Recreation is in charge of the fields after that time.

Scott Harvey is disappointed that the resident trooper position was cut from the Town budget.

Tracy Horosky made a motion to:

            Adjourn at 9:09 p.m.

The motion was seconded by Patti Leo.

Barbara Lynch
Secretary to the Board

BACK to Board of Education Page