Board of Education
February 9, 2016
Chairperson Granato requested Board Members to turn off cell phones.
This meeting was videotaped and can be seen on the
Wethersfield Board of Education website.
The Wethersfield Board of Education met in regular session on Tuesday, February 9, 2016, at
7:00 p.m. in the Town Council Chambers, Town Hall, 505 Silas Deane Highway. The following
Board members were present: Mr. Forrest, Mrs. Fitzpatrick, Mr. Hill, Ms. Moon, Mrs. Paradise,
Mrs. Vasel, Vice Chairperson Morris and Chairperson Granato. Also present were: Superintendent of
Schools, Michael Emmett; Assistant Superintendent of Schools for Curriculum and Instruction,
Sally Dastoli; Business Manager, Matthew Kozaka; Director of Security/Residency, Harold Even;
Wethersfield High School Principal, Thomas Moore; Silas Deane Middle School Principal,
Susan Czapala; and Wethersfield High School Student Representative, Peter Hahn.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
Students, Erin and Jimmie Clark, led the Board and public in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance.
2. Student/Staff Recognition/Presentations
Music Teachers, Mr. Berloe (SDMS) and Ms. Caravella (Emerson-Williams), made a presentation
regarding the music program in Wethersfield schools. Ms. Caravella acknowledged and thanked
District music Teachers, Mr. Voychick and Ms. Fox, who were present for tonight’s presentation.
Ms. Caravella noted Wethersfield was well represented in the Connecticut Music Educators
Association (CMEA) Northern Regionals Competition held February 19, 2016. Thirty three (33)
District students advanced and will be represented in the CMEA Elementary Honors Ensembles and
Choir competitions in April. District students who will be competing in the CMEA Elementary
Honors Ensembles are: Bryce Cox, Hailey Baranowski, Minh Dinh, Lindsey Pia, Matthew Lipka,
Grace Conneely, Brendan Feliciano, Andrea Moyano, Emily MacDonald, Sam Gustafson,
Ziah Robinson-Thibdeau, Mackenzie Banet, Greta Dalton-Kay, Joseph Segreto, Zoe Martin,
Brooke Arnold, Vivian Nguyen, Sophia Sywenkyj, Julia Wilson, Anisa Zoto, Jaime Condon,
Alani Adams, Claire Sipes, Kayley Jordan, Sarah Gurskis and Emma Hucks. District students who
will be competing in the CMEA Elementary Honors Choir are: Bianca D’Onofrio, Jack Kulpa,
Mason Balcarek, Nicole Stirkland, Elias Berdebes, Karmia Hasan, Madison Turner and
Victoria Harris. Board Comments: Mrs. Granato commented. Mr. Emmett also commented.
3. Approval of Minutes of Previous Meetings
a. January 23, 2016 Special Board of Education Meeting
Mr. Forrest MOVED to approve the minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of the
January 23, 2016, as submitted.
The motion was SECONDED by Mr. Hill and VOTED
unanimously, with Mr. Morris abstaining.
b. January 26, 2016 Regular Board of Education Meeting
Mrs. Granato made the following corrections:
1. Page 1, Paragraph 2, Line 2.
Remove “Ad Hoc Sub-Committee” and replace that language
with “Special Advisory Committee”
2. Page 4, Item h. Remove “Ad Hoc Sub-Committee” and replace that language with “Special
Advisory Committee”
3. Page 4, Item h., Paragraph 1, Line 1. Remove “Ad Hoc Sub-Committee” and replace that
language with “Special Advisory Committee”
Mr. Forrest MOVED to approve the minutes of the Regular Board of Education Meeting of the
January 26, 2016, as submitted.
The motion was SECONDED by Ms. Moon and VOTED
unanimously.
c. January 30, 2016 Special Board of Education Meeting
Mr. Forrest MOVED to approve the minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of the
January 30, 2016, as submitted.
The motion was SECONDED by Ms. Moon and VOTED
unanimously.
4. Public Comment
Mary Kay Jensen, 23 Quail Hill, spoke favorably of the presentation made by Mrs. Bobin and
Mrs. Conneely of Wethersfield Early Childhood Collaborative (WECC) that advocated for early
childhood staff. She submitted for the record a petition in support of the WECC initiative from
Wethersfield Parents Taking Action (WPA). Dawn Silver, 893 Nott Street; Kimberly Cox, 19 Fairview
Street; and Melissa Muscinski, 122 Old Common concurred with Ms. Jensen.
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Road, commented unfavorably regarding the State Administration and
the Legislature in terms of Connecticut’s state of economy. He also commented on the real estate
market nationwide and in Wethersfield, as well as anticipated cuts in the State budget. He noted a
large amount of money is spent in the school system and suggested Wethersfield contract its school
system.
Kim Bobin, 83 Longview Drive, spoke in support of the Early Childhood position in Wethersfield
which was advocated in the WECC presentation during the January 26, 2016 Board of Education
Meeting. She explained that Wethersfield has missed out on receiving funding from philanthropies for
childhood programs due to a lack of an infrastructure, and the addition of the position will help change
that course. She discussed the position as an investment, how that investment and creation of an
infrastructure will promote business growth in Town, and thus, provide a return to Wethersfield
citizens
Brian Morin, 134 Boulter Road, requested that the 2016-2017 budget information and process be made
available to the public as there is no information noted in any newspaper, nor posting of budget
reference materials on the Board of Education website, as per the budget meetings. He noted that
according to the Board of Education by-laws, the public is not allowed to comment at subcommittee
meetings and that the minutes for the budget meetings do not contain a lot of information. He
commented unfavorably of the need for an additional forensic audit (FOI Request from The Hartford
Courant) and inquired if the same firm (Blum Shapiro) would be involved in that audit. He asked the
Board to address 1) the District’s contract with Kelly Services, 2) the issue of staff members in District
schools being utilized as substitutes and whether that use violated student IEPs, 3) having the WPS
website updated to simplify searching capabilities for its users, and 4) having Board Bylaws
reviewed/changed.
5. Communications
Mr. Emmett mentioned, as noted in a recent article in the Hartford Courant, there continues to some
questions regarding payroll issues of two (2) former employees, and a forensic audit, with a different
firm, will be conducted for the records of these individuals. The Board will be provided information
later this week regarding scope, cost and timeline, as a meeting with the forensic auditor will occur on
Thursday. Mr. Emmett provided an update on the WHS Renovation Project. WHS will be closed on
Friday, February 12, 2016 from 9:00 p.m. through Tuesday morning, February 16, 2016 to complete an
abatement project. Mr. Emmett announced that WHS Class of 2016 athletes, Summer Budaj and
Jimmy Slayton, have signed letters of intent to play soccer at the collegiate level. Summer Budaj will
play for Missouri Valley College and plans to major in Animal Science with a minor in Biology.
Jimmy Slayton will play for University of Hartford and plans to major in Business. Mr. Emmett noted
that three (3) budget workshops have already occurred and that budget workshops are open to the
public. Mr. Emmett also noted he will present the proposed budget to the public on February 23, 2016
with the idea that the Board adopts that budget. Many hours of discussion have occurred with a review
on where more efficiency and reduction [(reduction: facilities and maintenance) and no new
technology] can occur for the upcoming year. Mr. Emmett noted he has also heard from many parents
who have expressed needs in the District. The WECC initiative and three (3) Teacher positions (to
address class size) have been included in the budget. Other areas of need include: teaching staff at
WHS, tutorial support at WHS and SDMS, additional hours for the elementary school clerks and the
need for security.
Parents are encouraged to call or e-mail the Board regarding Board budget
initiatives. The next budget workshop is planned for Wednesday, February 17, 2016 at the Stillman
Building. Mr. Emmett indicated that due to having two (2) snow days thus far, the last day of school
in the District, barring any additional school cancellation days, is Wednesday, June 15, 2016.
Mr. Emmett mentioned that school will not be in session for students from Friday, February 12, 2016
through Tuesday, February 16, 2016.
6. Reports/Discussion Items
a. Residency Report Update
Wethersfield Residency Officer, Michael Godart, provided a report.
Board Comments: Mr. Morris, Mrs. Paradise, Mr. Forrest and Ms. Moon commented.
Mr. Even and Mr. Emmett also commented.
b. Announcements/Information
Chairperson Granato reviewed the items in Board Members’ packets and reminded Committee
Chairpersons/Board members to review scheduled meeting dates and times with their calendars. She
advised Board members to verify their attendance at Committee Meetings with the Committee’s
Chairpersons, the Administrative Chairperson, and Mr. Emmett.
7. Board of Education
a. Meetings Held
Policy and Planning Committee: Ms. Moon reported a review of the 3000 Series was reviewed and the
Committee would like to finish the review by the end of the month. Mr. Kozaka is working on putting
together a Policies & Procedures Manual for the Business Department. Mrs. Paradise inquired and
Ms. Moon indicated that upon receipt from CABE, the Board will receive a copy of the 2000 Series.
Special Board of Education Meeting - Budget: Ms. Moon reported there have been three (3) budget
planning meetings held thus far. These meetings have seen attendance by Town Council members,
staff and school Principals. One parent attended the first meeting. Another meeting session for the
budget has been scheduled for next Wednesday, February 17, 2016, 7:00 p.m. in the Stillman Building.
Public input through e-mail or telephone is encouraged. Although members of the public cannot speak
at the upcoming meeting, the public is invited to attend. She noted her support of the WECC and the
gifted and talented initiatives in the budget. Policy and Planning Committee: Ms. Moon reported the
2000 Series was sent to CABE. Special Board of Education Meeting - Budget: Ms. Moon reported
preparation of the budget was discussed, the accounting position vacancy in the Business Department
has been posted, and the underpayment and overpayment issue in the payroll department has been dealt
with. Wethersfield Early Childhood Collaborative – WECC: This meeting was cancelled due to
inclement weather. The next meeting is scheduled for March 14, 2016. School Projects Building
Committee: Mr. Moore reported that most of the discussion pertained to proposed change orders.
There was also discussion about the opening of the Auditorium (which is on schedule for March 21).
The seats for the Auditorium are scheduled to be delivered on February 22 and will take three (3)
weeks to install. The sound system was discussed, and the next meeting of this committee will occur
in two (2) weeks. Mr. Moore indicated the Grade 8 Parents Night scheduled on March 28, 2016 might
be held in the Auditorium. This event will afford an opportunity to get experience utilizing the facility.
Pictures showing progress of the renovations to the Auditorium are posted on the WPS website.
Ms. Moon suggested another tour of the newly renovated WHS be scheduled in the future.
b. Meetings Scheduled
Chairperson Granato announced the following meetings are scheduled:
Finance and Information
Management Committee, CREC Council, and School Projects Building Committee.
8. Unfinished Business
There was no unfinished business to discuss.
9. Public Comments
Robert Young, 20 Coppermill Road, concurred with the comments made this evening by Mr. Morin
regarding the Board By-law pertaining to public comments as not permissible during Board
subcommittee meetings (refer to Item 4. Public Comment, Pages 2-3). He asked Ms. Moon to lead an
effort that would allow public comment during subcommittee meetings. He also asked the Board to
adopt the Town Council’s practice of not having a time limitation for the public to speak during
meetings. He would like to hear more information from the Board regarding the audit request and the
Kelly Services matters.
10. Board Comments
Mrs. Paradise indicated, as Chairperson of the Human Resource Committee, the by-law pertaining to
the public not being permitted to speak during subcommittee meetings was put into place because
many of those meetings typically run until as late as 11:00 p.m. The rationale was that allowing the
public to speak at those meetings would make a meeting run later than 11:00 p.m. Public input during
those meetings is encouraged in advance so that the information can be conveyed prior to a
subcommittee meeting. She and Mrs. Granato will be reviewing resumes for the Human Resource
position vacancy on Friday and interviews for that position will occur next week. Interim Director of
Human Resources, Don Sierakowski, has been directed to obtain information as to what resources
neighboring Towns are utilizing (and the cost of those resources) to fill their substitute staffing needs.
Vice Chairperson, Mr. Morris, asked if some budget material can be placed online for those who are
interested in attending a meeting or providing input in advance of a meeting. Mr. Emmett indicated
that he and Mrs. Granato spoke of this issue just prior to this evening’s meeting and Mr. Emmett stated
will look into the matter.
Mrs. Fitzpatrick mentioned that in a Human Resource Committee meeting, it was discussed that the
HR position would not be posted in the Courant due to the cost. She stated that during a Human
Resource Committee meeting, she had requested the Human Resource position to be posted be sent to
her in order for her to submit it to professional human resource organizations other than the Courant
and that the posting was never sent to her.
Mrs. Paradise indicated that her notes reflect that
discussion. Mrs. Fitzpatrick commented that she is concerned about how this was handled.
Mr. Forrest indicated he is initially in support of the early childhood and residency/security initiatives
and would like to talk about those initiatives during the budget process.
Mr. Hahn hopes to provide the Board during its next meeting an update about the Capstone Project
course. The J.E.T.S Team anticipates results in the next couple of weeks from their design challenge
submissions, and Mr. Hahn looks forward to sharing those results with the Board. He noted there was
a recent article in the Hartford Courant that discussed student cheering as a means of promoting school
spirit during sporting events while looking at sportsmanship and respect for the opposing team. He
noted that students are passionate about this issue. Mr. Hahn asked what the purpose is for having the
televisions around the cafeteria. Mr. Emmett responded that a computer server has been purchased
(and not yet installed) that will allow students to upload content (i.e. school sporting events) to those
televisions.
Mr. Forrest inquired and Mr. Hahn indicated some concerns expressed by the students are 1) student
ejection from a venue due to their cheering and 2) perception of Administration as to what is
inappropriate behavior when cheering. Mr. Hahn noted this issue has been discussed on social media
as well.
Mrs. Vasel acknowledged and thanked the large number of students attending tonight’s meeting.
Chairperson, Mrs. Granato responded to the Hartford Courant article noting the Board is working
diligently to deliver on its promise to Wethersfield taxpayers of having complete fiscal transparency
and is moving forward with its work. Business Manager, Mr. Kozaka, has worked on having checks
and balances put into place, and he is also in the process of creating of a Business Policy Manual. The
Board is looking for public input for the workshop forum on February 17. Copies of budget materials
are planned to be available at the Stillman Building, or preferably, on line.
Mr. Morris MOVED to adjourn the meeting at 8:24 p.m.
The motion was SECONDED by
Mr. Forrest and VOTED unanimously.
Respectfully submitted,
_____________________________________________
John Morris, Vice-Chairperson – Secretary
Minutes Recorded by Ellen Goslicki, Recording Secretary