EAST WINDSOR BOARD OF EDUCATION         

EAST WINDSOR, CONNECTICUT 

The East Windsor Public Schools provide a climate that inspires the school community to achieve their full potential through continuous improvement, mutual trust and respect. A rigorous curriculum taught by outstanding educators motivates students to acquire fundamental, critical thinking, and problem solving skills necessary to become life-long learners and productive members of a global and diverse society. 

MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 2, 2006

I. TIME AND PLACE OF MEETING 

Chairman Pica-Sneeden called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. at the

East Windsor High School, Room D-4. 

Mr. Pica-Sneeden read the mission statement. 
 

II. ATTENDANCE 

Present:  Chairman Pica-Sneeden, Vice Chair Rajala, Secretary Holigan and Board Members Bates, Kubick, Raber, Signor and Willingham; Acting Superintendent of Schools Howes and Recording Secretary Nolan.  Absent:  Guiliano 
 

III. ADDED AGENDA ITEMS  

Upon motion by Ms. Willingham, seconded by Mr. Signor, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To accept the added agenda items.

IV. PREVIOUS MINUTES 

A. Minutes of Regular Meeting of October 19, 2006 

Mr. Signor moved, and Mr. Raber seconded, a 

MOTION:  To approve the minutes of October 19, 2006. 

Voting for the motion:  Holigan, Bates, Raber, Rajala, Signor and Willingham

Abstaining:  Kubick 
 

V.  PUBLIC PARTICIPATION 

Stanley Paleski of Rye Street, Broad Brook, expressed his support for the playground committee. 
 

VI.       COMMUNICATIONS 

   None 
 

VII.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT 

A. Financial:  Howes 

  1. Payment of Bills, Register #34  

Upon motion by Ms. Bates, seconded by Mr. Signor, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To pay bills amounting to $228,858.01. 

      B. Personnel 

None 

C. Information (**Consent Agenda per BP #9325.21) 

Upon motion by Ms. Rajala, seconded by Mr. Signor, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To accept the consent agenda as presented below. 

1. Broad Brook School Newsletter 

2. EW Middle School Newsletter 

3.   EW High School Newsletter 

D. Information (for possible discussion)  

 1. Comments re Previous Board Meeting’s Public Participation (if applicable) 

a.   Proposed Playground - Howes 

Mr. Howes reported that a “playground summit” has been scheduled for 1:30 p.m. on November 13, 2006.  The purpose of the meeting is to make sure all parties know what their part is in the proposal to build a new playground. 

2.   Report on the Social Studies Department - Mike Harrigan 

The Board, by consensus, took this item out of order. 

Mr. Harrigan reported on the status of the high school social studies department.  He briefly touched on the Close Up Foundation, coordinating history with literature, political panel discussions, CAPT and the Asian Studies Program.   Mr. Harrigan stated that the following groups are just some of those that help sponsor students for Close Up:  Geissler’s, Union of Correctional Officers, Lions Club, Rotary Club and Booster Club. Mr. Harrigan asked the Board to sponsor several students for Close Up. 
 
 
 
 
 

3.   Report on the Math Department - Joy Wilson 

      Ms. Wilson reported on the status of the high school math department.

She briefly touched on peer-to-peer teaching, giving students a chance to bring up their grade with a better test score, Pi Day, pre-CAPT.  She said she would like to see the Math Academy reinstated at the high school. 

4.  Report on the Education Foundation - Foxx 

Ms. Foxx reported that the Education Foundation has received non-profit foundation status.  Geissler’s Supermarket is conducting a fundraiser--if a person submits $30 or more in sales receipts, Geissler’s will donate 10% to the Foundation. 

5.  Status of the Superintendent Search - Howes 

     Mr. Howes reminded the Board that the open forum will be held at

      6:30 p.m. in the high school auditorium.  Babysitting will be provided by

      the PTO. 

6.   Enrollment Report - Howes 

      Distributed 

7.   Graduation Requirements - Dugas 

       Ms. Dugas presented a timeline for high school graduation reform.   

8.   Block Scheduling - Howes and Dugas 

A subcommittee will be formed in November to plan and pilot some form of block scheduling at the high school.  The committee’s recommendations will be presented to the Board in May.   

Mr. Howes stated that the administration is redefining and reallocating money on new goals in the Strategic Plan.   

Ms. Dugas said that it is not so important for teachers to cover every chapter in the textbook, as it is to cover the most important sections.  Ms. Dugas and Mr. Howes emphasized that the key is student centered instruction. 

9.   Professional Development Update - Dugas 

Ms. Dugas presented comments from faculty. 

10. JI Article re Middle School PASS Program 

 Distributed 

11. BEST Administrator Bulletin  

Distributed 
 

12. Report on Shared Services Meetings - Howes 

Mr. Howes reported that he and Noreen Farmer are co-chairs of the ad hoc committee.   He is interested in the idea of combining services to save money.

VIII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS  

None 

IX. NEW BUSINESS 

A. Request Authorization for Basketball Scrimmage on Nantucket Island, MA -

December 2 - 3, 2006 - George Thomas 

Mr. Thomas said the dates are December 1 and 2. 

Upon motion by Mr. Raber, seconded by Mr. Signor, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To authorize the trip to Nantucket for JV and Varsity basketball teams.   

B. Recommendation to Reschedule November 16 Board Meeting 

Mr. Pica-Sneeden will reschedule the meeting. 
 

X. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION (second opportunity to make comments) 

Selectman Gilbert Hayes reminded those present that when Joseph Stanley won a $5,000 prize for the school, he said he wanted a rock wall.  Mr. Hayes pointed out that there is still nothing new on the playground he would like to see that $5,000 separated from other funds above and beyond that to buy a rock wall.    
 

XI. REQUESTS FOR DATA FROM THE BOARD   

None 

XII. MISCELLANEOUS 

A. Ms. Willingham said the Graduate and Celebrate Committee had asked if the Board of Education would like to donate a basket for the auction.   

The Board, by consensus, approved the idea to donate a basket.   
 
 
 
 
 
 

XIII. ANTICIPATED EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Upon motion by Ms. Rajala, seconded by Mr. Signor, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To go into executive session at 8:45 p.m. to discuss.  Ms. Rajala and Ms. Nolan left the meeting. 

A. Student Matter 

B. Personnel Matter 

The Board came out of executive session at 9:07 p.m.       
 

XIV. ADJOURNMENT 

Upon motion by Mr. Signor, seconded by Mr. Raber, it was unanimously 

VOTED:  To adjourn at 9:08 p.m.