New Britain Board of Education Regular Meeting...2020/01/07 · New Business Operations: Approve...

New Britain Board of Education Merrill Gay – President | Nicholas Mercier – Vice President | Violet Jiménez Sims – Secretary

Monica Dawkins | Anthony Kane | Diane Leja | Annie S. Parker | Diana Reyes | Nancy Rodriguez | Gayle Sanders-Connolly

New Britain Board of Education Regular Meeting January 7, 2020 - 6:00 PM | DiLoreto Elementary and Middle School

Call to Order and Roll Call

Call to Order Mr. Nicholas Mercier, Vice-President of the New Britain Board Education, called the meeting to order at 6:09 PM. Board Members Present Mr. Anthony Kane, Ms. Diane Leja, Mr. Nicholas Mercier, Ms. Annie Parker, Ms. Diana Reyes, Ms. Nancy Rodriguez, Ms. Gayle Sanders-Connolly, Dr. Violet Jiménez Sims Board Members Absent Ms. Monica Dawkins, Mr. Merrill Gay

Welcome from DiLoreto Elementary and Middle School

Eighth grade DiLoreto students, Denisse Toledo and Alison Navarro, opened the board meeting by leading recitations of the Pledge of Allegiance in English and Spanish languages respectively. Mr. Gregory Dresko, DiLoreto Fourth Grade Teacher, introduced a video presentation created by the DiLoreto leadership team and staff members which included testimonials by staff and parents highlighting the reasons they believe DiLoreto School is special and that attendance there matters every day. Mr. Alex Ortiz, DiLoreto Principal, welcomed Board of Education members, Superintendent Sarra, district staff members, families, and visitors to the DiLoreto Campus. Mr. Ortiz thanked Assistant Principal Lori Butterfield, staff members, and his leadership team for their help with the video presentation and individually recognized members of the string ensemble for their performance led by music teacher Ms. Carally McKeever-DeLeon. In closing, Mr. Ortiz spoke of the importance of finding ways in which to support his students and improve student outcomes while proceeding with a sense of urgency.

Reports

The Superintendent’s Report is attached.

Acknowledgement

Mr. Mercier acknowledged that Aldermen Chris Anderson and Francisco Santiago were in attendance.

Presentations

Pursuing Excellence for Students with Autism in the Consolidated School District of New Britain presented by Ms. Danielle Singleton, Ms. Alicia Powers, and Ms. Donna Clark The presentation is attached.



Superintendent’s Proposed Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 presented by Mr. Kevin Kane The presentation is attached.

New Business

Operations: Approve Superintendent’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 Submitted by Mr. Kevin Kane l No Subcommittee Review Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to forward the Superintendent’s Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2020-2021 to the City of New Britain Board of Finance and Taxation and the Mayor’s Office, seconded by Ms. Rodriguez. Motion carried unanimously.

Consent Agenda

(There were no objections to pull the following items off the Consent Agenda. Therefore, these items were approved): Operations: Approve minutes from the Regular Board of Education Meeting on December 2, 2019. Submitted by Ms. Kristin Salerni l No Subcommittee Review Operations: Accept Enrollment Report Submitted by Mr. Jeff Prokop l No Subcommittee Review Personnel: Accept Report of Personnel Transactions and Extracurricular Appointments Submitted by Dr. Shuana Tucker l No Subcommittee Review

Executive Session

Dr. Jiménez Sims motioned to go into executive session at 8:20 PM to discuss item 5A (Approve Administrative Appointment), seconded by Ms. Sanders-Connolly. Superintendent Sarra and Dr. Nicole Sanders, Assistant Chief Talent Officer, were invited into executive session. Motion carried unanimously.

Continuation of Meeting

The meeting resumed in open session at 8:42 PM.

New Business

Personnel: Approve Administrative Appointment Submitted by Dr. Shuana Tucker l No Subcommittee Review

Ms. Wanda Lickwar, District Coordinator of Language Acquisition, effective January 8, 2020. Currently Interim District Coordinator of Language Acquisition. The salary is $138,584 and the funding source is grant funding.

Dr. Jiménez Sims motioned to approve the administrative appointment of Ms. Wanda Lickwar to District Coordinator of Language Acquisition, seconded by Mr. Kane. Motion carried unanimously.



Partnerships: Accept Donation from Premier Limousine and Radio Station Hot 93.7 ($2,000.00) Submitted by Ms. Susan Girolomoni l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Premier Limousine & Radio Station Hot 93.7

Premier Limousine hosted a toy drive to benefit the New Britain Transitional Center. The radio station Hot 93.7 was also involved. Many toys were collected, so that each student received more than one. Both Premier Limo and 93.7 are local businesses, increasing our partnerships with the community and our neighbors.

The total is approximately $2,000 and the funding source is Premier Limousine and Radio Station Hot 93.7. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the donation from Premier Limousine and Radio Station Hot 93.7 in the amount of $2,000.00, seconded by Ms. Leja. Motion carried unanimously. Academics: Accept Donations from Donor’s Choose ($1,102.76) Submitted by Ms. Andrea Foligno l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Donor’s Choose

Ms. Riccardo received a donation through Donor's Choose for math manipulatives and storage units in the amount of $585.65. Ms. Cunningham also received a donation from Donor's Choose for hands on learning activities to address phonic skills in the amount $ 517.11

The total is $1,102.76 and the funding source is Donor's Choose. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the donations from Donor’s Choose in the amount of $1,102.76, seconded by Ms. Rodriguez. Motion carried unanimously. Partnerships: Accept Donation from Jim and Lisa Dufour ($2,400.00) Submitted by Ms. Susan Girolomoni l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Jim and Lisa Dufour

Jim (NBHS class of 1982) and Lisa Dufour of CT Carpentry group donated hats and gloves for each student at NBTC, and incentives for the school store.

The total is $2,400.00 and the funding source is Jim and Lisa Dufour. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the donation from Jim and Lisa Dufour in the amount of $2,400.00, seconded by Ms. Reyes. Motion carried unanimously. Partnerships: Accept Donation from American Savings Foundation ($150,000.00) Submitted by Ms. Sondra Sanford l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: American Savings Foundation

This donation made by the American Savings Foundation is to support capital and equipment expenditures identified in the Manufacturing, Engineering and Technology (MET) proposals. This donation is aligned with the vision of the community and district to develop the best in-class manufacturing academy at NBHS. Providing skills necessary for employment. This donation will support the purchase of equipment needed to ensure students have access to the most recent machinery used in the manufacturing, engineering and tech industries. The total is $150,000.00 and the funding source is American Savings Foundation. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the donation from American Savings Foundation in the amount of $150,000.00, seconded by Ms. Rodriguez. Motion carried unanimously.



Partnerships: Accept Donation from the Child Health and Development Institute of CT, Inc. ($5,882.35) Submitted by Ms. Sondra Sanford l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: CHDI

The School Based Diversion Initiative is a partnership CSDNB and The Child Health and Development Institute of CT, Inc. These funds are donated to continue the work of the SBDI initiatives: Friday Night Ballers. A program that allows students to engage in a program on Friday nights at the YMCA. This is the second year of this initiative. The total is $5,882.35 and the funding source is CHDI. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the donation from the Child Health and Development Institute of CT, Inc. in the amount of $5,882.35, seconded by Ms. Parker. Motion carried unanimously.

Finance: Approve Bid Waiver for Chromebooks and Chromebook Carts for the Immigrant Programs at NBHS and Pulaski Middle School ($18,398.00) Submitted by Ms. Wanda Lickwar l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Immigrant Grant 269-1000-000-002 56114060-9

English Language Learners are required to take the LAS Links English Language Proficiency Assessment every year. The assessment is composed of 4 different parts, all of which have to be taken on a computer/Chromebook. Therefore, English Language Learners should be using computers/Chromebooks on a regular basis in preparation for the LAS and SBAC assessments in the Spring. A Chromebook cart for the Immigrant programs at NBHS and Pulaski Middle School would allow teachers to embed opportunities for students to use technology in the after school programs, thus providing additional opportunities for students to become proficient using the technology prior to the LAS.

The total is $18,398.00 and the funding source is Immigrant Grant 269-1000-000-002 56114060-9.

Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the bid waiver for Chromebooks and Chromebook carts for the Immigrant Programs at NBHS and Pulaski Middle School in the amount of $18,398.00, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously.

Finance: Approve Bid Waiver and Contract between Mr. Braulio Santiago of Launching Leaders in Education and Consolidated School District of New Britain ($11,250.00) Submitted by Ms. Johanna Robles l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: SIG Grant Professional and Technical Services – SIG Grant

Consultants will collaborate with Pulaski Administrative team and staff on strategic planning on data collection on climate and culture, student achievement, student behavior, and other areas as deemed necessary for school wide improvement.

The total is $ 11,250.00 and the funding source is SIG Grant Professional and Technical Services- SIG Grant.

Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the bid waiver and contract between Mr. Braulio Santiago of Launching Leaders in Education and Consolidated School District of New Britain in the amount of $11,250.00, seconded by Ms. Parker. Mr. Mercier motioned to amend the end date of the contract between Mr. Braulio Santiago of Launching Leaders in Education and Consolidated School District of New Britain to June 2020, seconded by Ms. Sanders-Connolly. Motion carried unanimously. Original motion to approve the bid waiver and contract between Mr. Braulio Santiago of Launching Leaders in Education and Consolidated School District of New Britain as amended carried unanimously.

Finance: Approve Bid Waiver and Contract between Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home and Consolidated School District of New Britain ($8,391.56) Submitted by Ms. Johanna Robles l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Commissioner’s Network Grant Professional and Technical Services – Commissioner’s Network Grant

To provide Tier 3 teachers a deep learning of skills to strengthen relationships and respond to conflict in the classroom. Consultants will support teachers with strategies to address educational and emotional needs of Tier 3 identified students. The total is $8,391.56 and the funding source is Commissioner's Network Grant Professional and Technical Services- Commissioner's Network Grant.



Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the bid waiver and contract between Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home and Consolidated School District of New Britain in the amount of $8,391.56, seconded by Ms. Parker. Motion carried unanimously.

Partnerships: Approve Bid Waiver for HEM Saw Machine for the Manufacturing Lab at New Britain High School ($9,652.00) Submitted by Ms. Sondra Sanford l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Perkins Grant 2028969100157346

This purchase request is aligned with the vision of the community and district via the MET Fund to develop the best in-class manufacturing academy at NBHS. Providing skills necessary for employment. This Bid Waiver is to purchase a HEM SAW machine for the manufacturing lab at NBHS. This saw has a patented hydraulic system with appropriate cutting pressure with a vise. It will be used to cut materials for further processing.

The total is $9,652.00 and the funding source is Perkins Grant 2028969100157346. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the bid waiver for HEM Saw Machine for the Manufacturing Lab at New Britain High School in the amount of $9,652.00, seconded by Ms. Parker. Motion carried unanimously.

Partnerships: Approve Purchase Order and Bid Waiver for Painting and Installation of Floor System in Tech Wing Hallway at New Britain High School ($17,800.00) Submitted by Ms. Sondra Sanford l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Local Budget 234

As part of the MET academies fundraising efforts, the district committed to updating the floors, lights and walls to meet the current industry standards, while industry supports the purchase of the equipment and academic requests to go inside the room to support real time learning and skill development. This request is to support the work completed by P&S Contractors. The company that completed the rooms, extended the look and work into the hallway of the tech wing at NBHS. The total is $17,800 and the funding source is Local Budget 234. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the purchase order and bid waiver for painting and installation of floor system in tech wing hallway at New Britain High School in the amount of $17,800.00, seconded by Ms. Rodriguez. Motion carried unanimously.

Partnerships: Approve Purchase Order and Bid Waiver for Painting and Installation of Floor System in Tech Rooms at New Britain High School ($21,000.00) Submitted by Ms. Sondra Sanford l No Subcommittee Review l Funding Source: Local Budget 234

To continue the work that has occurred by P& S Contractors for the NBHS Tech Labs. This quote is a continuation of the next three rooms in the tech wing. P&S has completed the exact same work for rooms 534 and 536. This proposal is for the next three rooms 537, 538, and 539. The work will include ceiling grid painting, walls, and trim similar to that of the other rooms. In addition, they will prepare the floors with an epoxy floor system to match that of the hallway. The total is $21,000 and the funding source is local budget 234. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to approve the purchase order and bid waiver for painting and installation of floor system in tech rooms at New Britain High School in the amount of $21,000.00, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously.

Operations: Approve Finance Report – November 30, 2019 Submitted by Mr. Kevin Kane l No Subcommittee Review

The Financial Report ending November 30, 2019 was presented. Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to accept the Finance Report ending November 30, 2019, seconded by Ms. Reyes. Motion carried unanimously.



Personnel: Approve Revision to English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher Job Description Submitted by Ms. Wanda Lickwar l No Subcommittee Review

Several changes were made throughout the job description. This position will report to the School Principal. The primary function of this position is as follows:

To provide instruction to English Learners (EL) that supports the acceleration of English language skills, while developing English Learners’ grade-appropriate content skills and concepts.

The person in this position will work a standard schedule as per agreement with the New Britain Federation of Teachers. The salary and benefits are as set forth in the Local 871 collective bargaining agreement. The position is affiliated with Local 871, New Britain Federation of Teachers, and the funding source is local or grant depending upon the position.

Ms. Parker motioned to approve the revision to the English as a Second Language (ESL) Teacher job description, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously. Personnel: Approve Memorandum of Understanding between Consolidated School District of New Britain and New Britain Federation of Teachers, Local 871 Submitted by Dr. Shuana Tucker l No Subcommittee Review

From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, three certified staff members (2 teachers, 1 social worker) will provide training to staff in self-contained programs (NBTC, Bridges K-12, and smaller classroom setting at Lincoln) in the Specialized Classroom Management Program of Boys Town.

Ms. Parker motioned to approve Memorandum of Understanding between Consolidated School District of New Britain and New Britain Federation of Teachers, Local 871, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously.

Personnel: Approve Consolidated School District of New Britain Memorandum of Understanding for Specially Certified Behavior Support Assistants Submitted by Dr. Shuana Tucker l No Subcommittee Review

From January 1, 2020 through June 30, 2020, two certified staff members (2 BSAs) will provide training to staff in self-contained programs (NBTC, Bridges K-12, and smaller classroom setting at Lincoln) in the Specialized Classroom Management Program of Boys Town. Ms. Parker motioned to approve Consolidated School District of New Britain Memorandum of Understanding for Specially Certified Behavior Support Assistants, seconded by Ms. Sanders-Connolly. Motion carried unanimously. Personnel: Approve Increased Pay Rate for Employees Working at Athletic Events Submitted by Mr. Leonard Corto l No Subcommittee Review

Athletic event employees are currently paid $60 for Varsity and Junior Varsity (combined) athletic events. This request is to increase the current pay rate of $60 per game for Varsity and Junior Varsity (combined) athletic events by $15 to $75 per said event. Accordingly, the pay rate for Freshman games will be increased from $30 to $37.50 per athletic event. Increased pay rates will become effective upon board approval. The funding source is General Fund Athletic Account. Ms. Parker motioned to approve increased pay rate for employees working at athletic events, seconded by Ms. Rodriguez. Motion carried unanimously.



Policy: Approve New Britain High School Graduation Requirements for Class of 2023 and Beyond Submitted by: Mr. Michael Foran and Mr. Damon Pearce l Reviewed by the Policy and Curriculum Subcommittees on December 16, 2019

Mr. Michael Foran and Mr. Damon Pearce presented recommended changes in graduation requirements that are being proposed beginning with the Class of 2023 in response to changes in state law. The overall credit requirement is increasing to a minimum of twenty-five total credits with the addition of specific requirements in some areas and a general increase in flexibility in other areas. Mr. Pearce would like to finalize approval of these new graduation requirements as soon as possible since it will impact course selection for next year starting in February.

Mr. Mercier motioned to approve New Britain High School Graduation Requirements for Class of 2023 and beyond, seconded by Ms. Sanders-Connolly. Motion carried unanimously.

Operations: Approve 2020 New Britain High School Graduation Date Submitted by Ms. Nancy Sarra

Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to postpone approval of the 2020 New Britain High School graduation date until the next full board meeting, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously.

Closing and Adjournment

Ms. Sanders-Connolly motioned to adjourn at 9:06 PM, seconded by Dr. Jiménez Sims. Motion carried unanimously.

NEW BRITAIN BOARD OF EDUCATION

REGULAR BOARD MEETING

PRESENTATIONS

January 7, 2020 – 6:00 PM l DILORETO ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL

New Britain Board of Education Regular Meeting...2020/01/07 · New Business Operations: Approve...

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Transcript of New Britain Board of Education Regular Meeting...2020/01/07 · New Business Operations: Approve...