May 2012

THESE MINUTES ARE SUBJECT TO BOARD APPROVAL AT THE NEXT BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
DEEP RIVER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION
May 17, 2012

The regular meeting of the Deep River Board of Education was held on Thursday, May 17,2012.
In attendance were Christine Daniels, Karen Nelson-Oliveria, Dave Berardis,Miriam Morrissey, Mark Malcarne, Julia Grabowski and James Olson.
Also in attendance were Dr. Ruth Levy, Superintendent, Mr. Ian Neviaser, Assistant Superintendent, Mr. Garth Sawyer, Business Manager, Dr. Jack Pietrick, Principal and Kelley Frazier, Clerk. Absent: Art Robbins, Liz Tracy-Montecalvo,

CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Daniels at 7:05 p.m.

CONSENT AGENDA
Mark Malcarne made a motion to approve the minutes from the March I5, 2012 meeting and the special meeting on April 5, 2012 as well as the Accounts Payable report. Jim Olson seconded the motion. The motion carried by a unanimous vote.

PRINCIPAL'S UPDATE- J. Pietriek
STUDENT PRESENTATION
Dr. Pietrick introduced Amanda Olsen, Cody Kruszewski and Blair Allen gave the update on the events happening at Deep River Elementary School. The Board thanked the students for coming.
Ms. Daniels read a Resolution for Dr. Pietrick to honor his service at Deep River Elementary School.
Whereas, Dr. Jack Pietrick, Principal of Deep River Elementary School is retiring on June 29, 2012 and;
Whereas, he has faithfully served the Deep River Elementary School for thirteen years, since 1999 and;
Whereas, his genuine concern for the well-being of the students, teachers and staff has always been his top priority and;
Whereas, his pleasant manner always makes others feel welcome and comfortable
Now therefore be it resolved, that the Board of Education does express our sincere appreciation to Dr. Jack Pietrick for his contribution to the growth and performance of Deep River Elementary School and;
Furthermore be it resolved, that the Board of Education extends to Dr. Jack Pietrick and his family blessings for good health and best wishes for the future.
Jim and Kim Olson along with the Board presented Dr. Pietrick with a tuba for the school music department to commemorate his years of service.
PUBLIC COMMENT
None
REPORTS:
Financial Status Report - Mr. Garth Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave a brief update of the financial status for Deep River Elementary School. Food service is realizing a deficit because contract obligations for the food service personnel require additional monies. There is also a deficit in the area of in-district special education expenses, due to unanticipated additional needs of district children.
These expenses are state mandated. The estimated shortfall is over $39,000. The Board will have to go to the town and ask for monies to cover this shortfall, as is the procedure in these situations. Mr. Olson asked how this would affect the budget for next year? Mr.
Sawyer feels our budget numbers incorporate some of this expense so it should have a minimal impact. He noted that this year, some accounts have been frozen to realize savings. Mr. Sawyer will keep the Board informed of any developments as they arise.

Cafeteria Report - Mr. Sawyer
Mr. Sawyer gave an update on the status of the Cafeteria Budget Updates. He noted that we are still projecting that we will need the board subsidy. Over the summer cafeteria staff will revamp the menu to focus on the items that were the biggest sellers. We are looking into implementing PayPal for cafeteria lunch purchases this will be more
efficient for parents.

COMMITTEE REPORTS
Finance - L. Seidman
No update given.
Curriculum
The Curriculum Committee meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Joint PK-12 Policy Committee - L. Seidman
The Policy Committee meeting was cancelled and will be rescheduled.
Supervision District - L. Seidman
No update given.
DRES Facilities (Buildings and Grounds) Committee - C. Daniels
Mr. Olson noted that Bobby Hamblett, an Eagle Scout candidate, may be making a proposal to the school that will include replacing the tree in the circle that was cut down. This will be discussed further when he presents a plan.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - I. Neviaser
General Update
Mr. Neviaser noted that he just finished two weeks of curriculum meetings dealing with text complexity. The teachers are working on their data boards for the June Joint Board of Education meeting. The K-12 Curriculum Committee and the Math Committee have completed their meetings for the year. His staffis working on the Celebrate Learning Summer Program, which begins July 2"d and runs for four weeks.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT - R. Levv
District Update
Dr. Levy has been attending the town budget hearings and the town meetings in addition to her regular schedule of meetings. Three of the four budgets have been approved with very low voter turnout. Next Monday is the Deep River town meeting and the
referendum is scheduled for May 31, 2012. The focus for next year is consolidation efforts. Dr. Jennifer Byars met with the public today for a meet and greet. She will be a tremendous asset to the school and will carryon the leadership work that Dr. Pietrick has brought to the school. Dr. Levy noted that she will be meeting with Dr. Byars on a
regular basis during her first year. Mr. William Duffy has been approved as the Principal of John Winthrop Middle School. Dr. Levy thanked Dr. Pietrick for all of the great things he has done in the Deep River Elementary School. Mr. Peterlik and Mr. Rapp will be having a dinner on the farm at Platwood Park on June 9th
• The profits will help our schools purchase locally grown food. Tickets can be purchased on the Region 4 website. Dr. Levy noted that graduation and the end of the school year is near.

Information and Communication
Discuss Strategic Plan Presented at April Joint BOE Meeting for Vote at June Joint BOE Meeting
Dr. Levy distributed and discussed the Strategic Plan brochure for Regional School District Number 4 for years 2012 through 2017.

Discussion and possible Vote to Renew the Agreement Concerning the Establishment and Operation ofan Interim Collaborative Preschool Program dated February 13, 2008.
Dr. Levy discussed having the Preschool remain at Essex Elementary School. Dr. Beekley confirmed that Essex Elementary currently has space available for the preschool. She noted that the Preschool program is growing and space will be evaluated in the future.
On a motion duly made and seconded the Board unanimously VOTED to renew the Agreement Concerning the Establishment and Operation of an Interim Collaborative Preschool Program dated February 13, 2008 for renewal for a one year increment upon agreement (vote) of all signing parties (Boards of Education for Chester, Deep River,Essex and the Regional Supervision District Committee) no later than June 30, 2012.
Dr. Levy announced that Valley Regional High School received an honor of being ranked 22nd for high schools in Connecticut.
Discussion of NextEd, Education Transformation Article
Dr. Levy discussed the article that she distributed and said it will be discussed in more detail at the Joint Board of Education meeting.

PUBLIC COMMENT
None

Dr. Pietrick thanked the Board for the gift. He said that it has been a pleasure to work with the Board of Education. He invited Board members to the upcoming events the school has. On May 31st there will be a book signing for Peggy Schaedler. The summer reading program was such a hit last year that this year parents will also be invited.' On
June 6th, the school will kick-off the summer reading program. The annual awards program for students will take place on June 14th at 10:00 a.m, Sixth grade graduation is on June 20th.

ADJOURNMENT
On motion duly made and seconded, the Board unanimously VOTED to move into Executive Session at 8:00 p.m. to discuss the Board of Education evaluation of the Superintendent and the Board of Education Self Evaluation. The motion passed. Dr. Levy remained at the meeting.

The Board Moved out of Executive Session at 8:17 p.m.

On a motion duly made and seconded the Board unanimously VOTED to adjourn at 8:18 p.m.

Respectfully Submitted,
Kelley Frazier, Board Clerk

FUTURE AGENDA ITEMS
8.1 Joint BOE Meeting June 7,2012
8.2 DRES Regular BOE Meeting September 27,2012
8.3 Evaluation participation as Collaborative Pre-K Host Community per Collaborative Agreement (Sept.)

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