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City of Norwalk Board of Education August 5, 2014 Page 1 of 12 CITY OF NORWALK BOARD OF EDUCATION AUGUST 5, 2014 *Note: Minutes revised to reflect corrections submitted by S. Mosby 8/19/14 ATTENDANCE: Michael Lyons, Chairman; Michael Barbis, Jack Chiaramonte, Sherelle Harris, Heidi Keyes, Shirley Mosby, Rosa Murray. STAFF: Dr. Manuel Rivera, Superintendent; Tony Daddona, Deputy Superintendent; Lee Palmer, Human Resources Director; Richard Rudl, Chief Operations Officer; Brenda Williams, Director of Communications. Call to Order Mr. Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. and led those present in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Norwalk WPCA Murals Ms. Susan Wallerstein 223 Wolfpit Ave., Chair of the Norwalk Arts Commission read the following: On behalf of my colleagues, Lynne Coil and Suzanne Enser-Ryan, I’m here to recognize the seven students who recently completed the WPA Mural Student Docent Program and to thank some of the people who made this possible. This program, integrating the arts with 21st century skills is funded through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts. Thanks to Gloria Tenofsky of the Norwalk Education Foundation and Novelette Peterkin of the Carver Foundation for suggesting this program might be a good fit for the Freshman Academies at Norwalk High and Brien McMahon. Thanks to Maureen Ireland, Math Department Chair and Freshman Academy Director at Norwalk High for her extraordinary professionalism, first by responding to my email and then by inviting us to pitch the program to students. Thanks to the students who selected this offering from among the many afternoon electives available to them. Thanks to Norwalk High and Freshman Academy staff member Jackie Morgan for helping with logistics and for embracing the program in her heart. Thanks to local oysterman, Norm Bloom and Dick Harris from Harbor Watch for helping all of us gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the facts and stories behind the murals. Thanks to former Norwalk students Jahmane West and Duvian Montoya for sharing their personal experiences as professional artists. Thanks to Norwalk 2.0 for helping record the students’ experiences through digital video, and special thanks to the students’ families for raising such delightful and engaging young people. It takes a village. The following students were recognized: Emeka Toney, Jackie Muralles Raul Gonzalez, Hannah Keyes, Tone Piktel. Not present this evening: Daniella Palumbo, Katrell Clay Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools Ms. Keyes read the Spotlight as presented in recognition of the SENG Honor Roll induction of Mr. Louis Weinberg, a science teacher from West Rocks Middle School. She gave an overview of the SENG --Supporting Emotional Needs or the gifted organization mission is to recognize educators who make a difference in the life of a gifted child or adult.

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Page 1: CITY OF NORWALK · Thanks to former Norwalk students Jahmane West and Duvian Montoya for sharing their personal experiences as professional artists. Thanks to Norwalk 2.0 for helping

City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 1 of 12

CITY OF NORWALK

BOARD OF EDUCATION

AUGUST 5, 2014

*Note: Minutes revised to reflect corrections submitted by S. Mosby 8/19/14

ATTENDANCE: Michael Lyons, Chairman; Michael Barbis, Jack Chiaramonte,

Sherelle Harris, Heidi Keyes, Shirley Mosby, Rosa Murray.

STAFF: Dr. Manuel Rivera, Superintendent; Tony Daddona, Deputy Superintendent; Lee Palmer, Human Resources Director; Richard Rudl, Chief Operations Officer; Brenda Williams, Director of Communications.

Call to Order

Mr. Lyons called the meeting to order at 7:45 p.m. and led those present in reciting the Pledge of

Allegiance.

Norwalk WPCA Murals

Ms. Susan Wallerstein 223 Wolfpit Ave., Chair of the Norwalk Arts Commission read the

following: On behalf of my colleagues, Lynne Coil and Suzanne Enser-Ryan, I’m here to recognize the

seven students who recently completed the WPA Mural Student Docent Program and to thank some of

the people who made this possible. This program, integrating the arts with 21st century skills is funded

through a grant from the National Endowment for the Arts.

Thanks to Gloria Tenofsky of the Norwalk Education Foundation and Novelette Peterkin of the

Carver Foundation for suggesting this program might be a good fit for the Freshman Academies at

Norwalk High and Brien McMahon. Thanks to Maureen Ireland, Math Department Chair and Freshman

Academy Director at Norwalk High for her extraordinary professionalism, first by responding to my

email and then by inviting us to pitch the program to students. Thanks to the students who selected this

offering from among the many afternoon electives available to them. Thanks to Norwalk High and

Freshman Academy staff member Jackie Morgan for helping with logistics and for embracing the

program in her heart. Thanks to local oysterman, Norm Bloom and Dick Harris from Harbor Watch for

helping all of us gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the facts and stories behind the murals.

Thanks to former Norwalk students Jahmane West and Duvian Montoya for sharing their personal

experiences as professional artists. Thanks to Norwalk 2.0 for helping record the students’ experiences

through digital video, and special thanks to the students’ families for raising such delightful and engaging

young people. It takes a village. The following students were recognized: Emeka Toney, Jackie Muralles

Raul Gonzalez, Hannah Keyes, Tone Piktel. Not present this evening: Daniella Palumbo, Katrell Clay

Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools

Ms. Keyes read the Spotlight as presented in recognition of the SENG Honor Roll induction of

Mr. Louis Weinberg, a science teacher from West Rocks Middle School. She gave an overview

of the SENG --Supporting Emotional Needs or the gifted organization mission is to recognize

educators who make a difference in the life of a gifted child or adult.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 2 of 12

Spotlight on Norwalk Public Schools -- continued.

A sixth grade science teacher for 10 years, Mr. Weinberg describes his teaching style as

active and engaging. A frequent traveler and active member of community organizations such as

Westport community Gardens and the Green Village Initiatives, Mr. Weinberg encourages

students to make connections between the concepts they study to how the concept plays out in

the real world. Mr. Weinberg was nominated for the SENG Honor Roll by West Rocks parent

Denise Moses and joins two other current Norwalk teaches on the SENG Honor Roll, Lisa

Kaplan and Kenneth Wood, both of Tracey School.

On behalf of the Board of Education, today we recognize Mr. Louis Weinberg for his

support of children and his induction into the SENG Honor roll. Mr. Weinberg was

acknowledged by the Board members.

Public Comments

Ms. Keyes stated that members of the public who had signed up on the public participation sheet

are to come forward when their name was called, state their name, address, or affiliation, and to

keep comments civil and within the three-minute time limit.

Note: Public comments are not verbatim and represent summarizations of statements made unless otherwise noted.

1. Brenda Penn Williams stated she had attended the last meeting and referred to her

statement as submitted and represented by the NAACP. She asked why the Chair

refused to meet and, thanked the Board for allowing her to speak and be heard.

2. Andre Williams said he had two questions, why Chairman Lyons had not responded to

the letter from the NAACP and do you endorse comments made by Jack Chiaramonte?

He stated that according to the charter Mr. Spahr cannot represent the Chairman of the

BOE. He added that on behalf of the NAACP, thank you for the opportunity to speak

and be heard.

3. Daisy Franklin, 82 So. Main St. asked do you endorse comments made by Jack

Chiaramonte? On behalf of the NAACP, thank you for the opportunity to speak and be

heard.

4. Jacqueline Steinar, 98 Comstock Road, asked Mr. Lyons if he endorsed comments made

by Jack Chiaramonte as the Girl who cried black? On behalf of the NAACP, thank you

for the opportunity to speak and be heard.

5. Carolyn Fuller, 100 Stuart Avenue stated she was a Norwalk resident for over 50 years

and was an executive Board member of the NAACP. She spoke about diversity and the

definition of what everyone thinks about and what we want to happen with education of

children. She asked when it happens with treatment of Board members is inappropriate.

The CT parents organization has gotten parents together to address this and ensure that

Board Members are held accountable for all children.

6. Angela Harrison, 7 Sable St. said she was born and raised in Norwalk and has spoken

here many times to try to affect change because things aren’t right. She spoke about the

comment of ‘the girl who cried black’ is just wrong and there is a price to pay for such

irresponsible actions and comments.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 3 of 12

Public Comments – continued

Ms. Harrison stated the children hate school, and quit and drop out when they should be

thriving and enjoying this time of their lives, but we as parents can only do what we can to

make things better. She spoke about the principal at Briggs using the prison pipeline to push

the kids out on to the streets with expulsions and suspensions. The comment is irresponsible

action and asked to let the people know if this is the way you want to operate and just step

down and put somebody else in.

7. Darnell Crosland, NAACP President, 25 Grand Street, said this was the second time he

was here on this issue and he referred to the statement asking for a response and he

highlighted the issues. He spoke about the comment of ‘the girl who cried black’ was

made afterward and was one of empty feelings. He stated that the Board should be

working together to clearly address the issues. He referred questions to the office of the

Chairman and asked if anything has been done or a statement prepared to address the

comment made by Mr. Chiaramonte.

8. Stanley Shular, Local 1042 President reviewed the past issues and comments on

privatization and the process that was worked out with the union. He asked the Board to

be fair and respectful in all negotiations and to do the right thing for the employees.

9. Scottie Nails, long term Norwalk resident grew up here and attended Norwalk schools.

And custodians were an important part of the school family. He added that you can’t put

a price on the statement can somebody work with the faculty and do the extras that are

required. This issue should be about the kids and not economic privatization.

10. Charlie Hyatt, VP of 1042 union asked the Board if they condone having strangers with

their children. He spoke about the background clearance that is required for BOE

employees and asked again why have strangers do their work? He said there are

dedicated employees that need work and to privatize and take away jobs is not right. We

need to be better.

11. Mr. John Mosby, 15 Adamson Avenue, Norwalk thanked all for coming and stated he

was so glad so many people came in to support the efforts tonight to right the many

wrongs that have gone on. This Board has hurt his daughter and son and it is not right

and he wants the media to know that they have misquoted him. He stated that he had

filed a complaint that things are twisted, there is continued bias against Blacks and

Hispanics. He stated that he supports the custodians and maintenance workers and it is

an outrage that loyal dedicated workers are losing jobs to outsourcing, and it is not right.

He stated that it seems that this Board is running the blacks out of town. He does not

like how the Board treated his daughter and he has filed a law suit in Hartford. He said

that again he will keep on fighting for all people.

12. Gregory Brayboy, 100 Highview Avenue spoke against privatization of custodians. He

stated that it is important to show how kids love custodians and they really make a

difference in a school. He stated that they need us and they should back us up.

13. Joseph Boccanfuso stated he was a custodian at Columbus and also a parent, spoke

against privatization of custodians. He added that they do more than clean and take care

of issues that teachers need and help in the smooth operation of the schools.

14. Susan Matthews, 56 Cove Avenue spoke about concerns of privatization of custodians.

She asked who will take care of the children and how this was vetted speaks about the

wrongness of not hiring those workers that need jobs. She added that there is no respect

for individuals and the loyalty of management to the employees.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 4 of 12

Public Comments – continued

15. Peter Thor 4 Betts Place spoke against privatization of custodians and elaborated on how

it does make sense. He added that there is no benefit that there will be added charges as

it goes through as there is no way a service can perform all the areas that are needed.

16. Gwen Samuel, from Meriden spoke about the parents of the state union are all watching

what is going on in Norwalk with this type of treatment. The comment reeks of racist

and it is irresponsible action and the politicians are watching how degrading it is. She

asked to let the people know if this is the way you want to operate and just step down and

put somebody else in.

17. Brian Meek, 11 Cranbury Woods Road stated he was a lifelong resident and soon to be a

parent of a kindergartener at Norwalk Public Schools. After looking at public options.

He spoke of all the good things going on in Norwalk at the schools with the new

superintendent. He spoke about diversity and it can be viewed as how things are moving

forward, and there has been a great deal of work done to improve education. He urged

the Board to work together in the best interests of the City and to continue to move

forward.

18. Lionel Chajon, spoke against privatization of custodians and how they make a profit and

will need to cut corners. He asked to keep Norwalk employed.

19. John Romano 179 East Rocks Road, spoke about the good reports of major progress with

the schools and the encouraging feeling about the superintendent and the Board. He

spoke about accusations and how there was no proof and it is unfair to mal-align those

that have worked so hard. He asked the Board to work things out and come together for

the best interests of the City and the children.

20. Tony Santa Maria, 36 West Avenue stated that he wanted to thank Mr. Daddona for his

help with the home-bound instruction of his son that is now very happy with the teachers

that have been assigned to him. He spoke how the board needs to come together to work

things out and treat each other with respect.

21. Tashida Roberts 8 Hudson St.Bridgeport stated she is a Norwalk native that has

graduated college and law school. She noted how disrespectful it is of Board members

lack of attention to the public comments and how texting and using computers is not

proper during the meeting. She asked if they are disinterested just resign, and if you have

the decency to apologize for racist comments, you should. She spoke about the

wrongness of the process used and against privatization of custodians and the likelihood

of law suits. She added that the board needs to come together to work things out and treat

each other with respect.

22. Juanita Fleming (no address given) spoke about her son transferred from New York and

was given no transition support from the Norwalk Public Schools. She shared her

experiences and described inappropriate treatment of her son where he as put in isolation

facing the blackboard until he was able to join the class and change his behavior. She

explained that this went on for a long period of time and this was not right for a child in

elementary school. She spoke how he is not happy here and she is not happy with the

district that the testing is horrible and there are many factors that are unacceptable in an

educational setting. She asked the Board to please do something.

23. Michael Failbone said he was a NHS parent and spoke about the impact of custodial

service privatization and how jobs were lost and that this is killing the middle class. He

asked about the process and why this was done without answers being given.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 5 of 12

There were no others signed up to speak and Ms. Keyes closed public comments at 8:45 p.m.

Superintendent’s Report

Dr. Rivera stated that there are very exciting developments on key partnerships and resulting

donations. He announced the following:

Former NBA star, Ray Allen with the Hope Foundation has made a donation to renovate

computer labs and he highlighted the press release that will be issued.

The Dalia Foundation has been a key partner with the Norwalk Public Schools. The

number of positions that have been funded through the Dalia Foundation including

Curriculum Site Directors, five Title I coaches and an increase to K-3 summer school of

200 students.

The Nellie Mae grant made possible the five-week program Freshman Academy at

Norwalk High and Brien McMahon and he highlighted the benefits of this transition to

high school. Thanks go to community stakeholders including the Carver Center for their

involvement and acknowledged Novelette Pitarkin for her efforts at the high school

including Briggs.

The Silvermine Mano-Mano program upgrades to the dual language program and

Success Mind Set Growth program which is a major training gearing up for a big year to

address issues identified as part of the vision for the district to address achievement gains.

Success Mind Set Growth is a major training initiative that is being geared up for this

year. Man issues mentioned tonight will be addressed with this program including

achievement

It is key to note that the administration needs to get out into the community to share

information and address questions and this will be done throughout the year with parent

groups and community stakeholder engagement efforts.

Consent Calendar

Mr. Lyons presented the consent calendar and stated that it would be only the budget transfers

and personnel actions would be handled separately.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR OF

BUDGET TRANSFERS AS SUBMITTED.

** MS. MURRAY SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

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Mr. Lyons presented the recommendations for positions for approval.

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Board of Education

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Page 7 of 12

Dr. Rivera outlined the positions and presented the rationale for the Curriculum Site Directors

and Housemaster positions and he reviewed the qualifications and the backgrounds of the

candidates. He reviewed the following recommendations per school location.

Ms. Mosby asked if the Diversity Hiring Plan was followed with the administrative positions and

Mr. Palmer, Director of Human Resources came forward. He outlined the process and explained

that interviewing and hiring guidelines were followed in accordance with policy and procedure.

** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATIONS OF

POSITIONS FOR APPOINTMENT AS PRESENTED.

** MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Approval of Executive Support Group Local 129, ASFA-CFSA, AFL-CIO Agreements

Mr. Barbis went through the highlights of the agreement and explained that it represents the

terms and conditions governing employment of certain employees collectively treated as the

Executive Support Group as approved by the Norwalk Board of Education for the period July 1,

2012 - June 30, 2016.

Ms. Murray asked about the process and procedure and asked if this could be discussed in

Executive Session to have an opportunity input. Mr. Barbis explained that this was done in

October when the tentative agreement was addressed and negotiations were agreed to by union

and staff. He added that he was not Chair of the Committee at that time.

Mr. Lyons added that it was discussed in Executive Session last year.

Ms. Mosby commented that the Union president and all members agreed with this. She added

that there will be members who might come to speak at public comments at the next meeting,

and wants to make sure everyone voice was heard.

Ms. Murray commented on a point of procedure on process that we followed with negotiation

committee. She asked who would actual meet and come out to talk to the Board in executive

session with the attorney. She added that the opportunity to meet with negotiation committee

step was not included. She asked if we have changed the process.

Ms. Lyons noted that there was a tentative agreement set on Oct 9th.

Ms. Murray said the standard process is that committees meet with Board whether executive

session and bring them up to speed as to what actually being discussed.

Mr. Lyons stated that it was discussed in executive session last year, and the intention is to bring

two big contracts in negotiation to executive session at the next board meeting

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** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTION:

RESOLVED, UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF

SCHOOLS, THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION APROVE THE EXECUTIVE

SUPPORT GROUP LOCAL 129, ASFA, CFSA, AFLO-CIO AGREEMENT FOR

THE PERIOD JULY 1, 2012 – JUNE 30, 2016.

** MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR, (BARBIS,

CHIARAMONTE, KEYES, LYONS, MOSBY) ONE OPPOSED (MURRAY) AND

ONE ABSTENTION (HARRIS).

Approval and authorize the Superintendent to enter into new contractual agreements for exempt

staff within BOE approved budget parameters and hiring policies:

Dr. Rivera added that he met with the applicants and qualifications and experience brought to the

positions were carefully considered and the recommended names above all met the

qualifications.

Mr. Lyons suggested that the list be handled individually and the first on the list was Robert

Dylewski, Director of Labor Relations.

Ms. Mosby asked about the hiring process for the four individuals and if it was the same process

had with the of the asst. principals.

Mr. Palmer responded that these were non-certified positions that were posted; they had

screened candidates by telephone, then interviews, then met with candidates who met

qualifications on paper. The final interview conducted by HR Director and Bruce Morris,

Human Relations – before recommendation, and both agreed on this as a viable candidate.

Ms. Mosby asked if this was the normal hiring process to consist of interview committee that

you and BM only 2 people interview/screen candidate.

Ms. Mosby expressed concern with the process and asked about Mr. Morris’s role in the observe

process. She added that a one person hiring process was not followed in this instance – but was

followed with the asst. principals.

Ms. Murray stated that her concern was where dollars are spent in areas in the central office

when we have not restored position in area in school. She added that some positions can be

covered with staff in place, and understands issues with the HR Dept need to be corrected. She

said there is duplication here/cuts working with in school, that you cannot support, where you

have not restored full resources to the school.

Ms. Mosby said she was in agreement, extend hiring process was not followed, consistency all

the way around.

(Left out comments below page 8 of 8)

ML – change mind comments

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Murray – this surfaced at finance meeting with supt. Apparently, vote taken overall top of line -

10 points, objectives – board voted for agreeing to put process in place and not micromanage it.

There are breakdowns, areas where we need to discuss prior to coming to a vote. Will eliminate

this type of discussion. How it delivers, the Superintendent needs to have this discussion. Need

to have points in between on how it happen.

Ms Mosby stated that there is a not a change of mind, the process was not followed. Need to be

consistent with policy and process adhere too.

Mosby Last paragraph (page 8 of 8) – did not say people “in house” that have the qualifications

and were not hired. Referencing people who have applied (need to listen to tape).

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE

SUPERINTENDENT TO ENTER INTO NEW CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FOR

EXEMPT STAFF WITHIN BOE APPROVED BUDGET PARAMETERS AND HIRING

POLICIES FOR THE DIRECTOR OF LABOR RELATIONS - ROBERT DYLEWSKI.

** MS. KEYES SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR (BARBIS, CHIARAMONTE,

HARRIS, KEYES, LYONS) TWO OPPOSED (MOSBY, MURRAY) AND NO

ABSTENTIONS.

A discussion ensued on the hiring practices and interview process.

Ms. Mosby asked if the proper process was followed with these positions and questioned how

some of those recommended do not have experience in Personnel. Dr. Rivera replied that the

process for non-certified positions was different than that for teachers and administrators.

Mr. Palmer outlined the process and explained that interviewing and hiring guidelines were

followed in accordance with policy and procedure. He added that applicants were screened and

all met the qualifications of the job posting.

Mr. Barbis suggested that a tutorial be provided at a future meeting to review the process and in

particular the distinctions between non-certified and certified. Mr. Daddona was asked to come

forward based on his long term experience in the district with position recommendations. He

came forward and explained that there are always two or three people present with the

interviewer and candidates and guidelines for qualification review are followed.

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED TO APPROVE AND AUTHORIZE THE

SUPERINTENDENT TO ENTER INTO NEW CONTRACTUAL AGREEMENT FOR

EXEMPT STAFF WITHIN BOE APPROVED BUDGET PARAMETERS AND HIRING

POLICIES FOR THE HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST – BARBARA A. NIELSEN;

HUMAN RESOURCES SPECIALIST – JOSEPH G. RODRIGUEZ; RECRUITMENT &

PLACEMENT SPECIALIST.

** MR. BARBIS SECONDED THE MOTION.

** MOTION PASSED FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR, TWO OPPOSED (MOSBY,

MURRAY) AND ONE ABSTENTION (HARRIS).

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Ms. Murray asked it be noted in the record that Human Resources has stated that posting

guidelines were reviewed and followed. Ms. Mosby stated that it would appear the process was

not followed as there were people in house that have the qualifications and were not hired.

Information and Discussion

Update on the Norwalk Early College Academy (NECA)

Dr. Rivera reviewed the report as provided in the agenda packet and highlighted enrollment

demographics, scope, sequence, schedules, position hiring, instructional faculty, professional

development plans, benchmark assessments, facilities and summer academy. Next steps are to

finish facility work in time for first day of school, complete staffing requirements, prepare

budget and grants update and review.

Ms. Mosby asked to see monitors put in place to see these kids are successful along with other

mechanisms in place on top of it to offer extra help - give support.

Ms. Murray commented that Dr. Rivera could that be added on Finance Committee meeting. To

provide an update on the financial end of P-Tech. Exactly how it’s going financially, how its

broken down, and any concerns/point made by Board members. She asked how we sustain after

and how should be brought up and the finance aspects reported out to Finance Committee.

Update on the Briggs High School Turnaround Report

Dr. Rivera reviewed the report as provided in the agenda packet and fielded comments from the

Board members. He reviewed that meetings also focused on data protocol focusing on what the

data reveals and how we respond to the data and highlighted the Briggs data and impact on

increased attendance and decreased discipline rate. He added that the Briggs team has spent time

developing and refining their plan, and this coming school year, the Carver Center will replace

Our Piece of the Pie with enrichment academies, internships and service learning activities.

These activities will:

Engage the students and increase student attendance and parent involvement.

Briggs was acknowledged by the state for our improvements in daily attendance rate, and

improving school culture as measured by the decrease in the number of referrals and

suspensions.

Areas of growth are in enrollment, student retention once enrolled, and decreasing

chronic absenteeism. Our revised plan focuses on reducing absenteeism, improving

instruction and data systems, individualizing services, and rebranding the school.

Dr. Rivera added that we are confident that we will meet the goals of our revised Turnaround

Plan and are looking forward to increased student academic success.

Ms. Mosby asked to have Briggs get more a detail report on how it will be implemented as right

now these are just summary plans.

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Dr. Rivera suggested bringing Briggs to the curriculum committee to review. Mr. Lyons said

Briggs curriculum review will be on the next Curriculum Committee agenda.

Ms. Mosby stated it is a great opportunity to dig into to have a full P-Tech review and see

monitors put in place so that these kids are successful. Other mechanisms need to be in place on

top of it to add extra help and give academic and guidance services support.

Murray commented on P-Tech budgeting and asked for Dr. Rivera to be added on to the finance

committee meeting to more thoroughly review the financial end of P-Tech. She stated that it is

important to track exactly how it’s going financially; how it’s broken down; to address concerns

made by board members on how we sustain the program after the first year; and how this finance

aspect is reported out to Finance Committee.

Committee Reports

Negotiations Committee

Mr. Barbis reviewed that the groups met on July 30 to set ground rules for the upcoming dates

for NASA and NFT contract negotiations with a conference call scheduled for August 26. He

noted that the NFEP restructure is expected to be discussed in Executive Session at the next

meeting. He added that he anticipates a win-win agreement to reinstate hours and enhancements

to job descriptions will go into affect to clear up the situation that has impacted this important

group of secretaries and administrative assistants.

Ms. Mosby asked if there was some discussion with NFT head and informal meetings were held,

and asked to explain what informal discussion meant.

Finance Committee

Ms. Murray reported that the meeting for August will be rescheduled and she is waiting for

confirmations on the schedules for Dr. Rivera and Mr. Daddona and noted that the date will be

posted on the website.

Board Member Announcements

Ms. Mosby noted that the speech by Ray Allen at Ponus was wonderful.

Ms. Murray stated that the arrangements were made possible by Ed Singleton and had resulted in

an outstanding event that was very well attended

Mr. Barbis thanked Ms. Harris for her initiating the Chinese Language exchange workshop with

the Center for Global Studies and Spiral International and that it was a great summer program.

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City of Norwalk

Board of Education

August 5, 2014

Page 12 of 12

Ms. Murray noted that while the NPS Spotlight has been very good, the focus is done by the

Executive Committee and she would like it to be brought to the full Board for input. She added

it would be nice to have advanced notification of what is being featured.

Ms. Keyes explained that many times the groups are arranged with coordination by principals

and she will make efforts to notify the Board members in advance. Mr. Lyons noted that emails

with the recommended Spotlight recognitions will be sent to the Board members in advance of

the agenda.

Approval of Minutes – July 1, 2014

** MS. KEYES MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES FROM THE MEETING OF

JULY 1, 2014.

** MR. BARBIS SECONDED.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

Adjournment

** MR. CHIARAMONTE MOVED TO ADJOURN.

** MS. KEYES SECONDED.

** THE MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:45 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Marilyn Knox,

Telesco Secretarial Services