The Kent Board of Education held its regular meeting for the on Thursday, October 1, 2009.  Present were:  Chairman Karren Garrity, presiding, Kendra Galusha, Scott Harvey, Tracy Horosky, Carol Kallstrom,  Patti Leo, Superintendent of Schools Patricia Chamberlain, Principal Rima McGeehan, several teachers, parents, and two members 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 amended.  (add under New Business: c) Copier Contract.)

The motion was seconded by Carol Kallstrom and approved unanimously.

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

            Approve the minutes of the September 10, 2009 meeting, as written.

The motion was seconded by Scott Harvey and approved unanimously.

3. COMMUNICATIONS:  a) High School Student Report:  Senior Amanda Spelbos reported on her involvement in the Student Leadership program.  She is also a member of the HVRHS band.  The band will travel to Florida later in the year for competition.

b) Comments – Parent Susan Schullery spoke in favor of keeping the French Foreign Language program.  Parent Julie Bertsch and teacher Susan Makarewich also voiced their approval for keeping the French program. 

c) Written – Valerie Vega wrote a letter in support Linda Miller and the French program. 

The Board will work on a position statement regarding the foreign language program.

4.   PRINCIPAL’S REPORT:  Dr. McGeehan – see attached

5.   COMMITTEE REPORTS:  a) High School Report:  In Stephanie O’Rourke’s absence, Karren Garrity read the high school report.  (see attached).

b) Building Committee – Scott Harvey will talk with Curt Mechare regarding boiler problems.

            b)  Enrichment – Karren Garrity reported the enrichment program has taken off with PEAK (Program Enrichment Activities in Kent) -  two programs are being offered beginning later this month.

            c) Budget:  Carol Kallstrom reported she spoke with Sam Herrick and he advised there is “no best business practice” in regard to contingency. 

            d) All Boards Chair – They hope to meet by November.

            e) Healthy Choices – The committee will set up a meeting for the near future.

6.  SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS’ REPORT:  a) Superintendent Patricia Chamberlain – see attached. 

     7. OLD BUSINESS:  a) 2009-2010 BOE Goals – The Board will continue to discuss their 2009-2010 goals next month.

      b)  CMT Results – Dr. MeGeehan will be addressing weaknesses and strengths at the next faculty meeting.   Staff will be using AimsWeb, a software program used for Response to Intervention (RTI) which identifies special learning disabilities in children.

       c)  The Ron Viafore Kindergarten Wing dedication will take place on October 16th at 3:30 p.m. followed by a reception in the cafeteria. 

      d)   Food Allergy Policy – Patricia Chamberlain reported a Food Allergy Management Plan is being worked on and will be posted on our website.

     8. NEW BUSINESS:  a) School visits – Patricia Chamberlain arranged for board members and a science teacher to visit the Chapman & Dolittle School in Cheshire which is a dedicated science classroom.
  
      b)  Math Intervention Specialist – The teacher will be working with classroom teachers.                 This is a two year position.
 
c)  Copier contract.  Traci Horosky made a motion to:

            Allow Sam Herrick to renegotiate our copy machine contact for four years at              a savings of $8,200, effective October 13, 2009.

The motion was seconded by Patti Leo and approved unanimously.

      9. COMMENTS:  Karren Garrity reported that the Environmental Task Force will hold a             Summit on February 17th at Kent Center School.

      10. Adjourn:  Carol Kallstrom made a motion to:

            Adjourn to a non-meeting at 8:50 p.m.

The motion was seconded by Patti Leo.

Barbara Lynch
Secretary to the Board

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