East Hampton
Board of Education
East Hampton, CT  06424
MINUTES:  January 16, 2018

1.  The meeting was called to order by the Chairperson, Mr. Goff, at 6:30 p.m. in the East Hampton High School T-Bell.  

2.	Pledge of Allegiance

	A moment of silence was held for Alex Meeker, a graduate from East Hampton Public Schools who passed away.

	Members present: 	Mr. Goff, Ms. Barmasse, Mr. Lambert, Ms. Villa, Mr. Carlson, Mr. Bushey, Ms. Amtmanis and Ms. Caldwell

	Administration and others present: 
		Mr. Smith, Superintendent of Schools
		Ms. Clark, Director of Curriculum & Instruction
		Ms. Asetta, School Business Manager
		Mr. Mosier, Director of Special Education and Pupil Personnel		
		Mr. Rizzuto, Principal of East Hampton High School
		Mr. Dalton, Assistant Principal of East Hampton High School		
		Mr. Lehmann, Principal of East Hampton Middle School
		Mr. Kissinger, Assistant Principal of East Hampton Middle School
		Mr. Sullivan, Principal of Center School
		Mr. Gonzalez, Principal of Memorial School
		Ms. Gadoury, Assistant Principal of Memorial School

	Also present:	Melissa Zibron, State Representative

	East Hampton High School Student Board Representatives:   Hannah Balda and 
							          Kristin Whitney

	      Motion by Mr. Bushey, seconded by Mr. Lambert, to move agenda item 8,
		Communications, to agenda 2.1.  Voted unanimously.

Motion by Mr. Bushey, seconded by Ms. Barmasse, to add agenda item 11.1, Resignation and Discussion of Board of Education Vacancy.   Voted unanimously.    

2.   Communications
2.1 	Superintendent’s Report
	Comments by Representative Zibron
	State Representative Melissa Zibron discussed the status of municipal funding and the state budget.  She indicated that the General Assembly returns to the new calculations of the Education Cost Sharing Grant from the State.  The new formula weighs heavy on factors including median household income, the number of students on free or reduced lunch, and the number of English learners in a town.	

Mr. Lambert noted that there was an article in the Hartford Courant stating the new tax law.  Is there some factualness to the increases.  Ms. Zibron noted that she just posted that article on her website and explained the facts.  

Mr. Goff asked about the unexpected special education costs.  Ms. Zibron noted that a new ECS formula is being worked on.  She recommended work with the Superintendent and herself to address this.

Budget 2017-18 Budget – we are presently in a hard freeze

Budget 2018-19 Budget Presentation by Superintendent
Mr. Smith presented a $31.05 million budget proposal which represents a 3.35% increase over the current budget, largely due to contractual and special education cost increases.  It is recommended that a science teacher and a math teacher at the High School be eliminated.  We have increasing enrollment.  We’ve got to take some dramatic steps to move forward.  At the January 29th Board meeting Ms. Clark and the Principals will review the budget needs in their buildings.  Mr. Smith reviewed the Moving Forward Programs that are presently in the budget at the four schools.  Mr. Smith reviewed items that are currently not in the budget but are future priorities.  Mr. Smith noted that there are certified staffing reductions and reassignments this year.  There are 6.85% fixed costs, anticipated increases, and contractual obligations in the budget that are higher than the requested increase.  Budget lines have been reduced making it possible to advance the most critical needs and present the lowest possible budget increase during times of fiscal concern for a 3.35% increase.  Mr. Smith reviewed the budget driver reductions.  He also reviewed necessary cuts if it is necessary to go below a 3.35% increase.

Mr. Markham questioned what the cost will be to implement the NYAC Program (accreditation) .  

Ms. Oakley had a question on the yellow list.  Mr. Smith noted that he is hopeful that the capital program will take care of the school security grant.

Tania Sones is concerned that once a position is out it is out.  

Mr. Hines asked what languages will be taught if the World Language program is approved for grades 3-5.  Mr. Smith noted that Spanish & French will be taught so that we can give the students a flavor.  We should also include Mandarin in our schools as well.

Update on district Goals for New Members 

       2.2  Enrollment Report

3.   Liaisons   
	3.1	 Inter-Board Liaisons
		Mr. Reich complimented the Superintendent, the administration and the staff on a very well presented budget.  He would like to know what it would really cost if we had the yellow and red items.  Then the citizens will appreciate what you are requesting.  This will help the public understanding what we are or not doing and this is the reason.

	3.2	 Labor Union Representative 

	3.3	Update from Principals & Director of Curriculum & Instruction 		

		Ms. Clark reviewed a new unfunded program in the Team Program and the effect on the district.  

		Mr. Rizzuto noted that the high school is halfway through mid-term exams.    

		Mr. Lehmann recognized Mr. Landry for putting together “No Shave November”.   The Wellness Committee kicked off by our office and guidance.  The Middle School is working on a school beautification project for student artwork and work being put up in the hallways to warm up the building a bit.  In the spring we are looking to do some book blurbs to put outside the restrooms for book reviews to encourage students to read.  The Middle School winter concert is tomorrow.  Mr. Sullivan’s 5th grade team will be visiting the Middle School.

		Mr. Sullivan noted that the Invention Convention officially kicked off.  Feb. 7th is the official day that student’s projects will be displayed.  Mr. Moore and Mr. Quinn are overseeing the salmon program.  At Center School we are celebrating the growth of students.  Two Center School students received the CAS Arts Award.

		Mr. Gonzalez noted that Memorial School is in the second round of IReady.  Ms. Gadoury helped launch a book club at Memorial School. 

4.   Audience of Citizens - None

5.   Consent Agenda
	5.1	December 18, 2017 minutes
	5.2	Maternity Leave (as stated in 13.1 – 13.4)
	5.3	Resignations (as stated in 13.5 – 13.10)

Motion by Mr. Carlson, seconded by Mr. Bushey, to approve the Consent Agenda.  Voted unanimously.    

6.	Student/Staff Recognition - None

7.   Committee Reports
	7.1	High School Student Representatives Hannah Balda and Kristin Whitney reported the following:

•	Interact
o	Basketball concessions
o	PTO babysitting
o	Shine a light prom Feb. 9th for disabled people at the Middle School
•	Midterms started this week
•	Pep rally
o	Had our winter pep rally

•	27 December @ Windham
o	Varsity → W 36-30
o	JV → W 30-13
•	29 December vs. Lyman Memorial
o	Varsity → W 45-28
o	JV → W 37-30
•	2 January vs. Morgan
o	Varsity → W 42-40 (in overtime)
o	JV → W 42-22
•	6 January @ Old Lyme
o	Varsity → W 35-28
o	JV → L 23-28
•	9 January vs. Hale Ray
o	Varsity → W 70-33
o	JV → W 42-22
•	10 January vs. Creed
o	Varsity → W 34-27
•	12 January @ Westbrook
o	Varsity → W 55-51
Indoor Track 
•	13 December → Shoreline Conference Developmental Meet
•	21 December → Old Saybrook Qualifier
•	28 December → H-K Invitational
•	3 January → Shoreline Conference Meet #1 

Mr. Lambert noted that EH Basketball team is Class S & ranked #2 in the state.

      7.2	  Personnel Committee
			  Mr. Goff noted that the Personnel Committee has not met.  

		7.3	  Policy & Curriculum Committee 
			  Mr. Carlson noted that the Policy & Curriculum Committee has not met.  

		7.4	  Finance, Transportation, Buildings & Grounds Committee
	Ms. Barmasse noted that the Finance, Transportation, Buildings & Grounds
 Committee met on Wednesday, January 10th and reviewed the 2017-18 Budget and the 2018-19 Superintendent’s Proposed Budget. 

 		7.5	Liaison Reports 
			-  LEARN – Ms. Barmasse noted that she attended a LEARN meeting and gave a brief overview of that meeting.  

			-  High School Building Committee – Mr. Smith reported the following:
				Picture framing for the Washington trips still needs to be completed.
				The front steps of the High School need to be reset due to frost heaves.
				The High School water is not completely resolved yet.

				Friday, January 26th is the dedication of John Fidler Way at 9:30 a.m.  Mr. Goff, Ms. Barmasse and Ms. Villa noted that they are not able to attend the dedication.

				Mr. Lambert noted that he would attend the dedication.  Mr. Rizzuto reviewed activities that will take place that day.

9.  	Program Presentation 
	
10.  New Business - None

11.  Unfinished Business 
		 11.1  Resignation and Discussion of the Board of Education Vacancy
				Mr. Goff noted that he received a letter of resignation from Erica Bonaccorso.  The letter of resignation will be filed with the Town Clerk Wednesday morning.  The press release will go in the paper Friday.  Interviews will take place January 29th.  Ms. Amtmanis and Mr. Lambert noted that they are unable to attend that Board meeting.  It was the consensus of the Board to hold interviews without Ms. Amtmanis and Mr. Lambert so that the new Board member can be on the Board for the Budget process.

12.  Future Business 
	12.1	Board of Education Vacancy

13.  Personnel Actions 
	13.1	To accept Melanie Thompson’s request for Maternity Leave commencing on April 9, 2018 through approximately 6-8 weeks after the birth of her child.

	13.2	To accept Jessica Warner’s request for Maternity Leave commencing on May 11, 2018 through approximately 6-8 weeks after the birth of her child.

	13.3	To accept Samantha LaBonte’s request for Maternity Leave commencing on May 1, 2018 through approximately 6-8 weeks after the birth of her child.

	13.4	To accept Lauren LeBlanc’s request for Maternity Leave commencing on May 17, 2018 through approximately 6-8 weeks after the birth of her child.

	13.5	To accept Michael Prill’s resignation as a Physics Teacher at East Hampton High School effective June 30, 2018.  

	13.6	To accept Joseph Gambolati’s resignation as a Physical Education Teacher at Center School effective June 30, 2018.  Mr. Gambolati is retiring.

	13.7	To accept Jody Dumeer’s resignation as a Language Arts Teacher at East Hampton Middle School effective June 30, 2018.  Ms. Dumeer is retiring.

	13.8	To accept Linda Chambers resignation as a Biology Teacher at East Hampton High School effective June 30, 2018.  Ms. Chambers is retiring.

	13.9	To accept Ellen Nosal’s resignation as a Library/Media Specialist at East Hampton Middle School effective June 30, 2018.  Ms. Nosal is retiring.

     13.10 To accept Rebecca Abbott’s resignation as a 6th Grade Teacher at Center School effective June 30, 2018.  Ms. Abbott is retiring.

14.  Audience of Citizens

15.  Calendar of Events as attached 

16.  Adjournment
		 16.1 Motion by Mr. Bushey, seconded by Ms. Barmasse, to adjourn the meeting at 8:20      p.m. Voted unanimously.

Respectfully submitted,

Jarod Bushey
Secretary
JB/PS/rs

Dates to Remember

East Hampton High School
Jan. 11, 12, 16 & 17:  High School Exam Days, Early Dismissal

East Hampton Middle School
Jan. 17:  Winter Concert, 1:20 p.m. for students and 6:30 p.m. for parents
Jan. 26:  8th Graders visit East Hampton High School
               5th Graders visit East Hampton Middle School
Feb. 2:  PBIS Assembly
             7th and 8th Grade Dance, EHMS Commons
Feb. 7:  Middle School PTO meeting, 6:00 p.m. in the Library
Feb. 7:  8th Grade Band and Chorus trip to Wolf Pack
Feb. 21:  2 hr. delay for students

Center School
Jan. 16 & 23:  Grade 4 Visit to Millstone
Jan. 18:  Grade 4 to IMAX - Wonder
Jan. 26:  Grade 5 Visit to Middle School
Feb. 7:  Elementary PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. @ Center School
Feb. 9:  PTO Brain Show, Memorial School Cafeteria
Feb. 12:  CAS Art Awards at Aqua-Turf
Feb. 13 -15:  Newton in a Nutshell visits Gr. 4
Feb. 13:  Eli Whitney Museum visits Gr. 5

Memorial School 
Feb. 7:  PTO Meeting, 6:00 p.m. @ Center School
Feb. 9:  PTO Brain Show in the Memorial School Cafeteria

Districtwide
Jan. 15:  Martin Luther King Day, No School
Jan. 16:  Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., High School T-Bell
Jan. 29:  Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., High School T-Bell
Feb 5:  Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., High School T-Bell
Feb. 19 & 20:  District Recess
Feb 21:  Late Arrival for Students
Feb. 26:  Board of Education Meeting, 6:30 p.m., High School T-Bell