North Branford Board of Education Meeting April 11, 2013

The North Branford Board of Education met on Thursday April 11, 2013 and was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Board Meeting Room at Stanley T. Williams School. I. Roll Call PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT PRESENT Scott Schoonmaker Donald Winnicki

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO: ANTHONY FERRAIOLO: LOU PATERNOSTER: Superintendent of Schools: Director of Business/Personnel: II. III. Salute to the Flag Visitors

Director of Curriculum/ Instruction: Principals:

Sara Querfeld Todd Stoeffler-NBHS Allan Davis-NBIS Shawn Parkhurst-JH Kris Lindsay-TVES Dolly Potter Theresa Frandsen Anthony Candelora Dawn Mascari

Carter Welch Bob Sullivan Colby ORourke Rose Angeloni Shaily Gambardella Visitor Comments

Cliff Potter Mary Sullivan Kailee Puzzo Liz Hoskins T.J. McMahon

Clifford Potter 1251 Middletown Avenue commented on the fact that social media has been attacking the Board in regards to security. He finds that North Branford was the only school district that has moved forward with the security and he warned residents to be careful of what 4/11/2013 Page 1 of 16

they read on social media. Mr. Potter continued to say that North Branford is the first to set up any kind of security of its kind and with that comes delays that could not have been foreseen. Chairwoman Onofrio commented that North Branford being the first district to move forward, it is taking a bit longer than expected. She stated they are being guided by new rules and policies, once everything is in place and other districts follow it will be much easier for those who follow. North Branford is paving the road for every other district. Anthony Candelora thanked the Board for attending last nights Budget Workshop Meeting between the Board of Education and the Council. He feels that this year they are a lot more transparent and feels the Communications Committee has helped tremendously. IV. Student Representative

Charwoman Onofrio invited the Student Representatives to give their reports. Kevin Sullivan reported on this past weekends student production of Xanadu under the direction of Mrs. Genzano. He commented that he was part of the backstage crew and had a hard time finding the right words to express how wonderful it was. He reported that it was a wonderful collaboration with Mrs. Genzano along with Mr. DeNunzios construction classes and Mrs. Caplans art classes. There were also three professional musicians in the pit this year one of them being Mr. Carnaroli. The Student Council wrapped up the Sandy Hook fundraiser, Prayers for Newtown where they raised $475.00. These funds will go to the UCONN Sandy Hook Memorial Scholarship Fund. Kevin also reported that The Student Council held their annual blood drive on March 26th where students and staff help them collect 50 pints. All donors were required to meet height, age and weight requirements. Kevin stated that the American Red Cross members were very complimentary of the students efforts and conduct throughout the day. Ms. Distasio reported that since she met all the requirements this was the first time she was able to participate. Senior cook out will return on April 19th during scheduled lunch times. Class advisors Mr. Fabrizi and Mr. Berry will collaborate with Mr. Augur for this event, which will take place in the courtyard. The National Honor Society and Student Council held the Senior Citizen Luncheon on April 4th at NBHS. Mrs. Lanzonis food service classes prepared lunch and the NBHS Jazz band performed for the 75+ citizens in attendance following lunch. Superintendent Schoonmaker along with students gave the seniors a tour of the green house and the school. V. Approval of Previous Minutes

a. February 06, 2013 Budget Workshop

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The Superintendent submitted to the Board the minutes of the February 06 2013 Budget Workshop. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Ed Corradino to approve the revised minutes of the February 06, 2013 Budget Workshop. AYE ABSTAIN ABSTAIN AYE ABSTAIN AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 3-0-3

The Superintendent submitted to the Board the minutes of the March 21, 2013 Board of Education Meeting. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Ed Corradino to approve the minutes of the March 21, 2013 Board of Education Special Meeting as submitted. AYE AYE AYE AYE ABSTAIN AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0-1 VI. Personnel a. Resignations

Chairwoman Onofrio announced the retirement of Mr. Warren Dunphy from North Branford Intermediate School effective July 05, 2013. Mr. Dunphy has been a dedicated employee for 46 years. Superintendent Schoonmaker expressed his thanks for Mr. Dunphys long and dedicated career. He commented that Mr. Dunphy has seen a lot in his career and he was a valued employee. b. Appointments The Superintendent has received recommendations from high school administration for the following coaching positions: 4/11/2013 Page 3 of 16

North Branford High School North Branford High School North Branford High School

Head Boys Soccer Coach Head Girls Soccer Coach Head Volleyball Coach

Danny Almeida Pat Kozloski Marion Kish

Superintendent Schoonmaker shared his excitement and gratitude towards the new coaches stating that Danny Almeida is a certified Physical Education teacher in the Wallingford School district and comes highly recommended, Pat Kozloski is a guidance counselor in the Wallingford district and did his student teaching in North Branford, Marion Kish was the junior varsity coach at Mercy High School. He stated that all three come with glowing recommendations and he supports Mr. Stoefflers appointments of these positions. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Ed Corradino to approve the above coaching positions as recommended by high school administration. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 6-0

There was discussion regarding the approval of the March 21st minutes. Anthony Ferraiolo and Vice-Chair Miscio were at the meeting and should have voted on the approval. Mr. Winnicki felt they should withdraw the previous motion and make a new motion. Secretary McMahon withdrew his motion, Ed Corradino withdrew his second. MOTION: Moved by Secretary McMahon, seconded by Ed Corradino to approve the revised minutes of the February 06, 2013 Board of Education Special Meeting as submitted. AYE AYE ABSTAIN AYE AYE AYE

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 5-0-1 c. Leaves None at this time. VII Superintendents Report 4/11/2013

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a. Recognition The Superintendent informed the Board that North Branford High School student; Kevin Sullivan was the recipient of the Governors Scholars of Connecticut for 2013. Mr. Schoonmaker announced that Kevin Sullivan was one of only 30 juniors selected out of the more than 150 top juniors in the State. Kevin and his parents along with school personnel will attend an awards luncheon in May that will honor all of the scholars selected throughout the entire State. Based upon the specific criteria of the award program, Kevin was nominated by North Branford High School and then was required to submit a timed essay as part of the requirements. Mr. Schoonmaker remarked that it is one thing to be nominated and recognized by your administrators speaks volumes to the respect earned and then to qualify to compete against 150 other students across the state to be one of the thirty to achieve this award is a wonderful accolade. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked Mr. Sullivan for representing North Branford High School with such dignity and grace. Kevin took part in a photo session with the Superintendent and was issued a certificate in recognition for his accomplishments. b. Donations None at this time. c. Field Trip The Superintendent announced that he received a field trip request from Jennifer McGrath, world language teacher at North Branford High School. The proposed trip is scheduled for May 13th to Little Italy, New York City. This information is provided for information only and does not require Board approval.

d. Communications Superintendent Schoonmaker informed the Board that each school has submitted their reports and remains busy and have submitted their monthly reports for March. As usual there was a great deal of school spirit. Mr. Schoonmaker gave the following information regarding each schools activities. Jerome Harrison spent the month of March working on writing prompts given to their second graders for transition to the Common Core. The Jerome Harrison School Leadership Forum was held on March 25th. Additionally kindergarten screenings are under way with enrollment numbers in the high 90s. Mr. Schoonmaker spoke about several students as well as security officer, Kristen Fitzgerald being recognized for going above and beyond during the March recognition assembly. Finally the PBIS Committee met and analyzed the parent climate survey results and are included in the April Newsletter. Totoket Valley celebrated an evening of the Arts on March 21, where $1,300 dollars was raised. Mr. Schoonmaker suggested that everyone stop in and see the artwork in the media center. He thanks Dr. Lindsay for all her hard work. 4/11/2013 Page 5 of 16

Superintendent Schoonmaker went on to announce that Dr. Lindsay was just notified that she was nominated and won the 2013 Administrators Award for Connecticut Association of School Librarians. Mr. Schoonmaker said this speaks to that commitment and relationship while promoting the media center and working to make it an integral part of the curriculum. Mr. Florio recently hung the newest mosaic mural in the main hallway, which was done by fifth grade students under the direction of Ms. Mortensen and depicts The Flower Seller by Diego Rivers. The PTO funded the mosaic. Ms. Carrie Seiden will be featured in the New Haven Living magazine as an effective educator in the June issue. Additionally they sponsored Hat Day on March 28th where proceeds went to the American Cancer Society. Chairwoman Onofrio commented that she has heard how beautiful the copper tree project came out and said she would be visiting the school to view it. Dr. Lindsay spoke about the magnitude of the project and how each child was able to do their own leaf. At the Intermediate School, Becky Sabetta who represented the NBIS Future Problem Solvers Club at the Future Problems Solvers State Conference, won the Middle Division in the Future Problem Solvers Zippy Booklet Competition. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked Ms. Sabetta and Mr. Burke who was also a part of it. NBIS has also been busy with UVD, Understanding by Design with help from Leslie Abbatiello from ACES. On April 25th the 7th grade general music, guitar and piano classes will take a field trip to see the Hartford Symphony. The high school was very busy with the production of Xanadu was a tribute to our Music Class, art department and shop class for all coming together to get well over 100 students together both behind the scenes and on the stage for this production. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked Ms. Genzano for her dedication to the production. AP practice tests will be underway as students are getting ready for the College Board standardized tests. Mr. Schoonmaker offered congratulations for continuing to promote and have students participate in the AP classes. He also stated that it was phenomenal for a school of 700 students to get 50 pints from staff and students during the blood drive. The students did a wonderful job with the Senior Citizen luncheon. d. 2013 Graduation Date In accordance with State Statute, the North Branford Board of Education may establish a firm graduation date after April 1st of the school year. In as much as the school system has experienced ten weather related days this moves graduation to Tuesday, June 25th, 2013. MOTION: Moved by Vice-Chair Miscio, seconded by Anthony Ferraiolo to establish the 2013 North Branford High School graduation for Tuesday, June 25, 2013. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE Page 6 of 16

CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRADINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: 4/11/2013

MOTION PASSES 6-0 e. Security The Superintendent will provide the Board with an update on security in Executive Session. VIII. Committee Reports a. Negotiations- will be discussed during Executive Session. Mr. Winnicki stated they have gone through a proposal exchange and he can email all the information to the Chair and Vice-Chair. He said that there is not a lot to report at this time. b. Budget & Operations Chairwoman Onofrio stated that they are due for an operations walk through but could wait till the end of the school year. She stated they did one in January and there hasnt been much change since that walk through. Secretary McMahon stated that the floor upstairs in the auditorium has been repaired. Mr. Winnicki stated that the auditorium floor is VCT not VAT, which means there is no asbestos. Vice-Chair Miscio stated she would like to do a walk through while school is out. There was discussion and the Board decided they would wait until closer to the end of the school year and then do another walk through again when school opens. Don Winnicki, Director of Business and Personnel stated that nothing has changed significantly from the last Budget Meeting. He stated that he included as an encumbered credit the approximately $200,000 from the excess cost grant which has already been received. He anticipates some more additional money coming in the second payment in May. Chairwoman Onofrio asked if that was from the Special Education Grant. Mr. Winnicki confirmed the Chairwomans question. c. Curriculum, Instruction and Strategic Planning Secretary McMahon stated they had a wonderful meeting with the English department with Stephanie Byrd and Robert Ford. They were updated on the Common Core and how everything was being realigned. Secretary McMahon went on to explain that everything was being standardized to ensure everyone will have the same curriculum. He said that a lot of hard work is going on behind the scenes that most people are not aware of. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that there is so much time and energy involved in getting this curriculum rewritten and up to date with the Common Core. This is a lot of work and they are also expecting a lot from the students.

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Sara Querfeld, Director of Curriculum reported that she placed a copy of the power point for each Board member at each members place. Secretary McMahon said having a son in the high school, he knows first-hand how hard these kids are working. Lou Paternoster thanked Ms. Querfeld, Director of Curriculum, for bringing different teachers to the Committee meetings and explaining what they are doing, stating that it helps the Board Members understand the work being done. He also stated that by seeing the chairs of the departments energy and excitement is very nice to be exposed to. He thanked Ms. Querfeld for bringing key people to their small committee meetings. Superintendent Schoonmaker reminded the Board that they are the people who are the decision makers when issues are presented, so to get to know the teachers and department heads and to understand what they are doing is important. They are in direct line with the students so they have a different perspective than Central Office. It is a wonderful connection for the Board to have with the staff. Mr. Schoonmaker thanked the Board for their hard work. d. Pension There was no meeting. e. Policy Vice Chair Miscio stated that although the Policy Committee did not meet in April, a meeting with the legal Council has generated the following policy revision. Which is presented for a first read. Policy P4300- Possession of Deadly Weapons and/or Firearms on School Property. After additional research, the legal counsel is recommending a revision to this policy. It adds Paragraph C to Section IV in order to more clearly delineate the use of weapons by school security officers. The following policies are being submitted for a second read and approval. Policy #P1020-Student Attendance and Truancy

MOTION:

Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy Policy #P1020-Student Attendance and Truancy as submitted. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE Page 8 of 16

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MOTION PASSES 6-0

Policy #P3065- Field Trips MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P3065-Field Trips as submitted. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 6-0 Policy #3080-School Volunteers MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P3080-School Volunteers as submitted. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 6-0 Policy #P5120-Evaluation of Administrators MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P5120- Evaluation of Administrators as submitted. AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

Anthony Ferraiolo asked what the change was. Mr. Winnicki stated that there was not a change and was just an update. He did say there would be an improved administrator evaluation plan, which comes from the new teacher evaluation requirements from the State department. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: 4/11/2013 AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE Page 9 of 16

MOTION PASSES 6-0 Policy #P7515- Use of School Facilities MOTION: Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to approve Policy #P7515-Use of School Facilities as submitted. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 6-0 Vice Chair Miscio stated that the next Policy Meeting would be the 24th at 6:00 p.m. Secretary McMahon stated they could meet earlier; there was discussion among the board. It was decided they would start at 5:30. f. ACES Anthony Ferraiolo sent an email to Dr. Edmondson regarding the meeting. Budget did pass at .67% increase. Mr. Ferraiolo stated there is a large reserve for ACES, however they are not funded directly. He asks every meeting if the any of the reserve can be transferred back as savings to the district. Dr. Edmonson explained that the savings comes back when there with the buildings, because of the large reserve, they dont have to come back to the district to request money. Mr. Ferraiolo stated that this was almost a flat budget. They were able to make upgrades with the Common Core Curriculum without any increase to the district. He felt that the Board should understand that ACES dont erroneously ask for money, the costs they incur are extreme and that in certain cases for certain items. Additionally they do not have the ability to raise any additional funds if they do not have it. He additionally stated that having a close to flat budget was impressive. Mr. Ferraiolo stated they have a very large budget and a large reserve. g. Building Committee Secretary McMahon reported that they attended a meeting Monday night. The roof was discussed a bit more, Bill Choti spent a good part of the day or two on the roof with the architect looking at mechanicals that are on the roof and no longer needed and need to be moved. Secretary McMahon stated that some members of the committee felt the mechanicals are the Board of Educations problem. He felt that some of these decisions have to be worked out as to who will be responsible for some of these problems before the roof is put on. He reminded the 4/11/2013 Page 10 of 16 AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

Board that time is of the essence. Secretary McMahon stated he feels some form of assessment has to be made and a decision as to who will be responsible.

h. Communication Vice Chair Miscio stated they received a few inquiries, one from the link about security and some from email regarding visitation policies in the school system. Anthony Ferraiolo spoke on the interaction with Town Council. They had a short meeting as they have met a number of times in the last few months. Mr. Ferraiolo stated they are working to keep as much of an open dialog with the Council so they can make the most informed budget decisions possible. They have met three times in six weeks. The Board continues to forward all information the Council requests and try to be as transparent as they can. Additionally the Board tries to offer joint solutions to the most significant budget factors they have to cross. He feels that the Council is giving every suggestion the Board gives a reasonable consideration. Mr. Ferraiolo believes there has been a good exchange of communication and he believes that Council decisions will be better made because of the new Communication Committee. Superintendent Schoonmaker echoed Mr. Ferraiolos statements saying the opportunity to sit and discuss in detail items such as the auditorium and sound and other problems that are real and can be costly will have a positive outcome. To have both sides of the table together is a powerful tool. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that it is positive because it is not either Boards meeting, it is truly a joint meeting. Anthony Ferraiolo stated that the public should know that the communications meeting is a public meeting and very interesting. i. Calendar Chairwoman Onofrio opened discussion regarding February breaks. She stated that they have not reconvened as a committee however they have received recommendations from the attorney that they can change the calendar. She did caution that this next year will be tricky because it will be under a year and people do make plans, staff included. She pointed out that if staff did make plans based on the calendar in place it is not fair to go back and inform staff that they have to take a personal day. Lou Paternoster asked if the staff could be polled to see how many have made vacation commitments. Vice-Chair Miskito stated they could do that and ask how staff feels about a change. Chairwoman stated that if a few have made plans it would be doable, however if there are a large number of staff who have made plans it could cause a hardship to the Board of Education.

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Superintendent Schoonmaker stated that the legal council gave them some suggestions, one of which is to reach out to staff and get some quick feedback. He suggested they meet with the bargaining unit and talk about options and what this would look like. He also stated that it was clear that the Board has a right to make changes. Mr. Schoonmaker explained some options as personal days, non-paid time off or some other option. He suggested they have to gather this information and to make some decisions. There was discussion regarding the Calendar Committee, Vice Chair Miscio stated that having eliminated Calendar they would have to appoint Chairwoman Onofrio to the Calendar Committee. Mr. Winnicki stated they made it an adhoc committee so they would have to reestablish it for this specific issue. There was discussion regarding how this issue can be addressed. Donald Winnicki explained that there are two ways to answer this issue; one being the labor relations answer and one is the employee relations answer. From a labor relations stand point you can make a change, a bargaining unit can object however, realistically it is the Board calendar. Anthony Ferraiolo explained that he thought it was understood by the teachers that they are aware of where the Board would take days from unless they are instructed by contract. Mr. Winnicki explained that it is not really part of the collective bargaining agreement. The Superintendent explained that it is entered into with input from the bargaining unit. There is an awareness of it being part of the process but is built by the Board. Anthony Ferraiolo asked to be clear, that they build the calendar based around an agreement with them that is not necessarily formalized but it is the understanding that is agreed to. Chairwoman Onofrio explained that they have representatives on the committee. Mr. Winnicki stated that Anthony Ferraiolo was correct in his understanding of the process. Superintendent Schoonmaker stated that the short answer is they can do something, however the best way to go about it is to involve the people who make the decisions. Anthony Ferraiolo said they have to understand the impact it will have. Chairwoman Onofrio explained that this is her concern also, stating that if they change the calendar and someone has a vacation already booked for next February it will be hard to say that although they booked it by the guidelines of the calendar they have to take it without pay. Mr. Ferraiolo felt it doesnt have to be that difficult, they need to meet and see what makes sense. 4/11/2013 Page 12 of 16

MOTION:

Vice-Chair Miscio moved, seconded by Secretary McMahon to nominate Marcey Onofrio to be part of the Calendar Committee for the discussion of future February breaks when they meet. CHAIRWOMAN ONOFRIO: VICE-CHAIR MISCIO: SECRETARY MCMAHON: ED CORRIDINO ANTHONY FERRAIOLO LOU PATERNOSTER: MOTION PASSES 6-0 AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE AYE

IX. None X.

New Business

Good of the Board

Vice-Chair Miscio commended the students and staff of the high school, they put on a great play, you could see the passion in every aspect of the production from the lighting to the concession stand in front. She reminded the public that it will be televised. Vice-Chair Miscio brought up a serious issue stating she has been on the board for over three years and has heard too many negative comments from people regarding the fact that she doesnt have any children in the school system and why she would be on the Board of Education. Ms. Miscio reminded people that most do not know her background or her genuine love for children in the district. Chairwoman Onofrio added to the sentiments of Vice-Chair Miscio. She stated that although some members currently have kids in the system, she and other members have had their kids go through the school system. She is also tired of hearing comments made through social media. She stressed that it isnt an easy job being a Board member, there are countless hours and dedication to this volunteer job. Most people dont understand the amount of hours involved and the true dedication Board members have to the children of this town. Lou Paternoster announced that it was Mr. Winnickis birthday. All in attendance wished Mr. Winnicki the best. Lou Paternoster also talked about the social media and some of the statements being made. He stressed that he is involved with many aspects of the children in this town including coaching many teams. He suggested that people get their facts straight and come to meetings before they start making uneducated comments. Personally, he would rather see a person who has had experience with their kids going through years in the system. He finally suggested that some of these people should consider coming to some of the meetings and addressing the Board.

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Anthony Ferraiolo talked about the amount of people in town compared to how many actually vote. He also suggested that more residents get involved and run for boards in Town stressing that these positions are a labor of love for him and other members. Secretary McMahon stated he also saw the High School play and it was awesome. Cliff Potter of 1251 Middletown Avenue addressed the Board stating they have control of the future of the town because they are responsible for the education of our youth. He commended them for their hard work saying they are doing phenomenal jobs. They have developed the foundation within the budget they are given for the future of our children. He also stated he is disappointed in the recent article in the New Haven Register. He suggested the people complaining should start coming to meetings. Liz Hoskins 43 David Lane addressed the overall cleanliness of Jerome Harrison. She gave an example of no soap in the lavatories and that it took a long time to get it refilled, she expressed concern that the bathrooms, chairs, floors are not being cleaned enough and would like to see it addressed. Vice-Chair Miscio urged any parent who might have a problem to address any issues directly to the respective principal, which will allow them to address any issue immediately. Superintendent Schoonmaker addressed Ms. Hoskins comments by stating that about a week ago they started monitoring absenteeism, at that time they shifted the day custodian at Jerome out of the cafeteria to do a second cleaning during the day and another one in the afternoon. This age group needs more attention due to their age, this was the first adjustment they completed. They do not use bleach any longer, they use green cleaning, which is not standing up to the effectiveness of bleach. However, the frequency of cleaning has increased. Mr. Schoonmaker continued to say that he toured the building with East Shore Health District. They looked at data over the last seven days from the 3rd through the 11th of April. Jerome Harrison had a high of 25 absences on April 5th, with four other absences. He reminded everyone that the district looks to target the same numbers as East Shore Health District does. This would mean that with over 500 students at Jerome, they would look for over 20% of the student population being absent to rise to a level of an outbreak. Mr. Schoonmaker gave the following data; Totoket Valley peeked at 22 absent on April 8th out of 485 students. NBIS peeked at 14 absent on April 11th out of approximately 600 students. NBHS peeked at 21 absent on April 10th out of 700 students. Mr. Schoonmaker explained that unfortunately parents are not following protocol for keeping children out of school. During February break extra staff was brought in to clean the schools. There is one custodian on during the day and 1.5 on at night. He explained that this is not a lot of manpower. It is physically impossible for a custodian to clean every desk every night along with all the other responsibilities. He stressed that they are monitoring and tracking and remain very vigilant about keeping up with sanitation of the schools. 4/11/2013 Page 14 of 16

Chairwoman Onofrio asked how East Shore commented after the tour, Mr. Schoonmaker stated they were told to continue what they are doing. Chairwoman Onofrio said she believes most parents take the effort to follow the rules. She reminded parents that the rule states that you should wait a full 24 hours after the last incident or fever. Especially in the younger schools, the kids have their hands in their mouths and are not as careful. The Superintendent stated that they have changed the routine of the day custodian and they are re-cleaning the bathrooms and will continue to stay vigilant. Chairwoman Onofrio believes soap and paper towels should be in all lavatories at all times. Superintendent Schoonmaker stated they would look into this concern. Anthony Ferraiolo asked what his expectation would be if a parent addresses an issue with administration. Superintendent Schoonmaker stated he would hope any issue brought to a school administrator would be addressed immediately, however there are times during a day where an issue is not addressed in a timely fashion. He would hope critical issues would be addressed immediately. He also stressed with Mr. Parkhurst present and hearing the concern first hand, he can address it. Mr. Schoonmaker explained that there are no monies in the budget for additional custodial staff, nor would he be looking to use monies for that, he would be looking to retain teaching staff first. He also wanted to make people aware that the teachers do a lot on their own work to keep the rooms sanitary. Anthony Ferraiolo thanked Ms. Hoskins for coming tonight and bringing up her concerns. Chairwoman Onofrio echoed Mr. Ferraiolos statements saying this is the best place to voice concerns as opposed to through social media. Shaily Gambardella of 86 Cuputo Road stated that the week prior to the 3rd the number of absences was 43 as the high number. She suggested that over a long weekend they disinfect the schools. The Superintendent explained that this was the very high and they were aware of the number, which is why they toured the schools with East Shore. Chairwoman Onofrio stated that a majority of teachers do encourage the students to wash their hands before lunch. Anthony Ferraiolo asked if they could be briefed as to what the protocol for teachers in the way of keeping sanitary. 4/11/2013 Page 15 of 16

Superintendent Schoonmaker stated that he does not expect the teachers to clean their own rooms. He also stated that Mr. Parkhurst was present with the East Shore Tour and they will continue to be vigilant in the overall health of the students. Rose Angeloni of Glenwood Road clarified the issue with the mechanicals that Secretary McMahon touched on during his Building Committee report. She explained that it isnt so much who is responsible, but explaining to the Committee which mechanical is working and which needs to be removed. They are looking for the BOE to give the Building Committee cost estimates. XI. Visitors and Press Vice-Chair Miscio moved seconded by Secretary McMahon to adjourn to Executive Session as per Section 1-225 of the Connecticut General Statutes as permitted by Section 1-200 (6)(a) and (c) of the Connecticut General Statutes to discuss agenda item VIII f. and IXa. ALL VOTED AYE MOTION: Secretary McMahon moved, seconded by Anthony Ferraiolo to adjourn the Executive Session at 8:46 pm. ALL VOTED AYE XII. The next regular Board of Education Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, May 16, 2013.

MOTION:

XIII. Adjournment MOTION Secretary McMahon moved, seconded by Ed Corradino to adjourn this North Branford Board of Education meeting at 8:50 p.m. ALL VOTED AYE

Respectfully Submitted

Mary Caruso BOE Clerk

4/11/2013

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