Minutes – 2/9/2010

Richmond School CommitteeMinutes from the 2/9/2010 MeetingMembers Present:

Chairman Lauren Broussal

Christine Triantos

Dewey Wyatt

Others Present:

Superintendent/Special Education Director William Ballen

Principal Jenvera Strock

Richmond staff members: M.Smith and Sharon Renfrew

Richmond Finance Committee Chair Bob Gniadek

Richmond parent Wendy Laurin

The Meeting was called to order @ 7:20 P.M.Citizens’ Concerns. Wendy Laurin expressed concern with the 3:00 P.M. student pick-up and the vehicle traffic at the rear of the school. She is concerned that there might be an accident or someone might become injured. In addition, cars are backed-up into Route 41 from the driveway. She suggested that another memo be sent home requesting that parents participate in helping to improve the situation and making sure that they are aware of the procedures that need to be followed.

Review and approval of minutes from the 1/12/2010 Meeting. On a motion by Christine Triantos, seconded by Dewey Wyatt, the minutes were approved unanimously as amended.

Correspondence.There was no correspondence this month.

Superintendent’s Report. Bill reported that at the recently held School Union #70 Meeting the following topics were covered: the FY’11 budget was approved, % approved, goals for the Superintendent and Administrative Assistant updated, and Jenevra Strock unanimously appointed Special Education Director for the 2010-2011 School Year.

In addition, Bill outlined a change in the manner in which evaluations will be completed for Superintendents and he discussed how these documents will now be a matter of public record. Bill thanked Christine Triantos for leading the meeting despite being under the weather.

Negotiations on a new contract with the Richmond Education Association are set to begin on 2/10 at 3:30. Bill and Lauren will be representing the Committee and Roger Manzolini will be representing the Town.

The Memorandum of Understanding on Race to the Top Funds has been submitted with all three (Superintendent/School Committee/REA) signatures. The Committee thanked the REA for their cooperation and participation.

A contract for the new accounting software for the Town has been signed by the Selectmen and the School Union approved spending their share as well. At the recently held School Union Meeting, Bill outlined the financial cost for each of the Union’s towns as follows: Richmond $9,660; Hancock $3,915; and New Ashford $1,425. In addition, $1,500 will be charged to the Union for a one-time cost to establish a chart of accounts, and $3,541 for support for FY’11 will be charged to the FY’10 budget. All these costs will be divided by the Union’s approved percentages by town.

The Principal’s Search Committee met last week. 31 applications have been received, and the Committee is reviewing the applications in anticipation of selecting a pool to be interviewed in March. The next meeting of the Committee is scheduled for 3/2.

Special Education Department Report. Bill is currently reviewing the budget in anticipation of spending needs for FY’11.

Financial Report. Bill led the Committee in a preliminary review of the FY’11 Budget. This initial budget represents an app. 5% increase over FY’10, and the Committee may be asking the Town for a 2% increase over what was voted for this year. Another budget hearing may be scheduled prior to the next regularly scheduled School Committee meeting.

Principal’s Report. Jenevra reviewed the following items for the Committee: There was an initial discussion about a calendar for the 2010-2011 school year, which would include a start date for students on 9/1, a County-wide Inservice Day on 10/29, and school on Good Friday, instead of a professional development day. As part of the discussion on the calendar, the Committee supported the position that there would be school as usual on Passover as well as Good Friday, reiterating the philosophy that school would be in session on all religious holidays.

Jenevra led a discussion on the enrichment classes that were held in December and reviewed recent survey results. The results indicated that the program was very well received and might be expanded next year.

8th Graders are shadowing at various high schools this week, two new students have registered (Richmond residents returning from Lenox), and the hardware update has been completed.

Jenevra also reviewed several school activities, and indicated that room mothers are becoming part of the PTO for fundraising activities thus centralizing these efforts. Dewey Wyatt added a comment that students, parents and staff should be trained in proper food handling techniques if they are participating in any activities that involve food.

Other Items. There were no other items for discussion.

Citizens’ Comments. There were no additional comments from those present.

There being no other business to discuss, the meeting was adjourned, by unanimous vote, @ 9:05 P.M.