Board of Trustees
| Schedule of Monthly Meetings |
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August 21, 2007 |
Donor Recognition Dinner |
6:30 p.m. |
Annual Corporators Meeting |
8:00 p.m. |
|
Annual Board of Trustees Meeting |
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September 18, 2007 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
**October 23, 2007 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. at Brooklyn School, Library |
November 20, 2007 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
December 18, 2007 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
**January 22, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. at Woodstock Middle School, Cafeteria |
**February 26, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
March 18, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. at Pomfret Community School, Cafeteria |
**April 22, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
May 20, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. at Eastford Elementary School, Gymnasium |
June 17, 2008 |
Board of Trustees |
7:00 p.m. |
**Note: Meetings are normally the 3rd Tuesday of each month with these exceptions (October, January, February, & March) to accommodate school vacation, holidays, etc.
| MINUTES OF THE MEETING |
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MINUTES OF THE MEETING
Woodstock Academy Board of Trustees
January 22, 2008
PRESENT: M. Beckwith, R. Blackmer, G. Carabeau (E), E. Cartier (P), H. Folsom, S. Fredrickson, G. Garabrant, J. Gerardi-Voccio (B), E. Higgins, R. Holland, K. Johnston, J. Kaeding, P. Kelly, W. Loftus (W),
P. Lynn, M. Lyons (B), J. Miragliuolo (P), Joe Musumeci, K. Page (E), P. Paquette, J. Rauh, A. Spalding, T. Stokes, C. Swenson (W), D. Teed
ADMINISTRATION: J. Campbell, A. Cormier, R. Foye, S. Robichaud, H. Singleton
GUESTS: Mr. Stephen Adams, Mrs. Catherine Azzone, Dr. Frank Baran, Mr. Richard Garceau, Ms. Amanda
Harrington, Mrs. Sue Munroe, Mrs. Lindsay Paul, Mrs. Lisa Rapose, Mr. Scott Young, Ms. Jen Zer nWINY Reporter, Student: P.K. Smith
ABSENT EXCUSED: H. Barlow, B. Child, Jeri Musumeci
1. Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Sandra Fredrickson at 7:04 p.m. at the Woodstock Middle School Cafeteria. Mrs. Fredrickson thanked Dr. Baran and the WBOE for hosting the meeting. Mrs. Fredrickson welcomed new Trustees, Ms. Jo Ann Gerardi-Voccio and Mrs. Mae Lyons, as representatives from the town of Brooklyn.
2. Citizen’s Participation
Mrs. Paul welcomed Trustees on behalf of the WBOE. She expressed appreciation for the practice by the Board of Trustees to hold meetings at sending towns and stated that it was not only a nice gesture, but an important way of getting Trustees to see the school buildings. She apologized that she and Dr. Baran would have to leave the meeting early due to a Board of Finance meeting.
3. Student Council Report
President P.K. Smith reported on activities of the council. Lunch surveys are being tallied and he will share the results with the Board as soon as the data is available. The SC Executive Board has finished writing the constitution, which will be reviewed and polished. He expected it to be complete by March or early April. The SC is hosting a semi-formal this Saturday, called the Snowball. They have sold 250-300 tickets for this first-time event. Planning is underway for the Mr. Woodstock, a male beauty pageant for WA seniors, to be held on February 29th.
4. Faculty Report
Mr. Garceau reported on behalf of the faculty. One of Mrs. Jalet’s Civics classes sent out three large boxes before the holiday break filled with care packages and letters to soldiers serving overseas. They coordinated the package drive after studying the conflict in Iraq in depth, writing position papers on US policy. They recently received a thank you note from Bagram airbase in Afghanistan. Another Civics class hosted a community screening of the film Invisible Children, which is about the effects of the 20-year Civil War in Uganda. Mrs. Jalet sent thanks to the Board members who attended. Donations made the night of the film and collected during the week at lunch came to approximately $300 which the students donated to World Vision, an organization that helps former child soldiers. Mrs. Beck is facilitating the American Legion Oratorical contest which will be held on February 2nd at the Academy. Eight students wrote speeches this year focusing on the duties and responsibilities a citizen has to the constitution. The winner will go on to the district level and then state competition if successful. Several new students have been inducted into the Latin Honor Society for a total of 24 students. Students must maintain at least an A- average in Latin to participate.
5. Correspondence
Correspondence included a letter from Dr. Baran indicating the reappointment of Mr. Loftus and Mrs. Swenson as representatives for Woodstock; a letter from the WBOE inviting Trustees to a meet and greet; a letter from Dr. Baran requesting that 2008-09 tuition be paid using the NFA model; a copy of email correspondence from Mr. Foye regarding the curriculum collaboration with Woodstock and a criteria for classroom visits by a superintendent or person of similar position; and a thank you note from Mrs. Child for the flowers sent during her recent mishap.
MOTION: (Kaeding, Teed) To add under New Business, action to be taken on a resolution for banking purposes at Putnam Bank.
UNANIMOUS
6. Secretary’s Report
MOTION: (Folsom, Johnston) To approve the minutes of the meeting of December 18, 2007 as presented.
Abstained – Cartier, Garabrant, Gerardi-Voccio, Kaeding, Loftus, Lyons, Page, Paquette, Stokes
All Others in Favor
7. Administrative Reports
a. Headmaster
1) High School Reform
Mr. Foye referred to the PowerPoint presentation, a copy of which was emailed to Trustees, by the Committee on High School Reform, as well as a question and answer sheet which was distributed this evening. Mr. Foye stated that similar information will be distributed at the upcoming meeting for board members and administrators scheduled at EASTCONN on January 29th. He stated that he will be attending that meeting along with several Trustees. Mr. Foye stated that there are items of concern, particularly some points on the matrix which may or may not be problematic as well as the increase in the world language requirement to two credits. This could equate to a cost of 2 to 2 ½ teachers. The addition of a senior project may or may require additional cost. He stated that this proposal for reform is very much on the agenda of the state board and deserves close scrutiny. He noted that Mr. Rauh also attended a CABE meeting on the subject. Mr. Foye stated that the committee will report back to the State Dept. of Education and by next December, it is likely they will begin to discuss funding.
2) Collaboration with Woodstock
Mr. Foye stated that he has sent a letter to the Woodstock Superintendent with a copy of the criteria for visits as the Trustees have seen. He stated that the issue has been discussed with three other superintendents at the Area Superintendents meeting. He stated that there have been some conversations around what the Academy is or is not legally required to do.
Mr. Musumeci asked if there was any discussion of having teachers collaborate and that it seemed that this is the best place for curriculum articulation. Mr. Foye stated that there has been no exclusion of that possibility.
b. Assistant Headmaster
1) Staff Updates
Mr. Cormier reported that all positions for 2nd semester have been filled. The Guidance Counselor has been replaced by Mrs. Carr who is a seasoned counselor. She will arrive after February vacation as she is committed to a certain timeframe at her current school. Mrs. Fran Picco will be a permanent substitute for the position in Family and Consumer Science for Mrs. Azzone. Mr. Derrico and Mr. Norman have switched duties officially. Two faculty members have returned from leave: Mrs. Reilly and Mrs. Stockwell. Two additional campus supervisors have been hired: Mr. Kevin Blackmar and Mr. Robert Morrison.
2) College Matriculations
Mr. Cormier provided a copy of the list of college matriculations and actual placement of the class of 2007 as requested by the Board. These were reported as a decile acceptance rate and included current colleges and schools of further education that our students are enrolled at. Mr. Cormier also provided information from the school profile which was a 5-year overview of where students are currently enrolled. Mr. Cormier stated that it is important to keep in mind that much of this is based on a decision that is made by families around what they can afford and what a family is comfortable with. Mrs. Fredrickson asked if there was any way of knowing where the students actually graduated from the schools and colleges. Mr. Cormier stated that it has been done through alumni surveys but is limited by the fact that not all respond.
c. Dean of Curriculum
Mrs. Singleton referred to an email in the Board packet regarding a student from the class of 2007, Stephanie Rosaci, and her achievement of honorable mention in a Latin Classics writing contest sponsored by Monmouth College. Mrs. Singleton stated that Mrs. Beck has been encouraging participation in this contest as part of her efforts to increase participation in Latin and improve performance. Stephanie was one of 9 to be honored in that competition. Mrs. Singleton stated that curriculum efforts are reflected this month in the Academic Committee minutes.
d. Dean of Students
Mr. Robichaud reported that the Freshmen Focus and Sophomore Success initiatives continued this month with a motivational speaker, Ed Garrity, on January 7th. The subject was stepping up to the challenge and focused on tolerance, respect and achievement. Mr. Robichaud commented that Mr. Garrity was an excellent speaker and he has recommended him to other schools. Mr. Robichaud noted that Mrs. Jalet’s Civic class viewing of Invisible Children was a powerful film and well attended. He also reported that the Diversity Club and Student Connections are doing a pilot presentation on pulse integration activities that foster community and acceptance.
e. Business Manager
Mr. Campbell reported that the monthly statement of financial position for the month of December was included in the January 7th minutes of the Finance Committee. Things are progressing as scheduled.
8. President’s Report
a. Strategic Plan
Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the SP Committee will be updating and reviewing the action plans and has scheduled a meeting for January 28th to create the process for review. Appropriate personnel and subcommittees will be assigned to report back to the SP Committee on each result area and the committee will report back to the Board by the end of the school year.
b. Renaming of Woodstock Tuition Contract Negotiations Committee
Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the Board has made the decision not to work specifically on a contract with Woodstock but that it would focus on all sending towns. She recommended that this committee now become the Sending Town Tuition Committee.
9. Old Business
a. Board Goals
A draft was included in the packet. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that it has been reviewed by the Executive Committee.
MOTION: (Folsom, Kaeding) To accept the Board goals for 2007-08 as presented.
UNANIMOUS
b. Terms to Continue Relationship with the WBOE for 2008-09
Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the draft was included in the packet and primarily updates verbiage in terms of years and numbers of students.
MOTION: (Johnston, Garabrant) To accept the draft as presented.
Discussion:
Mrs. Fredrickson reiterated that the draft of terms to continue business with Woodstock is on a year to year basis. She stated that in this discussion, the Board needs to take into consideration the recent letter from Dr. Baran requesting that payment be based on the NFA plan. Mr. Foye stated that the Board has a number of options, one being to accept the terms as drafted. He stated that with regard to the NFA plan and in discussions about using this with other towns, in order for the plan to be beneficial for both parties, it needs to be over the course of at least 2 years. He suggested that if this is a consideration, language be crafted to express that. He stated that the letter from Dr. Baran does not preclude that from happening but how the Board wants to craft it into the terms is important. The NFA plan gives stability to numbers but to work evenly over time, it has to be for more than one year.
Mr. Folsom asked what the Executive Committee is recommending. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that they determined that it was appropriate for the full Board to have a discussion over this. She stated that they also felt that it was necessary due to the fact that they did not have a Woodstock representative present during their discussion to shed light on the matter. Mrs. Paquette asked if other towns have expressed interest in the NFA plan. Mr. Foye stated that Eastford and Pomfret have given it serious consideration. He was unsure about Brooklyn. He stated that Mr. Campbell visited Eastford to have a specific discussion but that all towns are aware that it is an option for them. Mr. Garabrant stated that he agreed with Mr. Foye in that in order for the plan to work, it must be over a longer period of time. He suggested language be crafted that would protect the Academy from any shortfall. He recommended that the Board attorney craft such language and that the new committee work on this. Mr. Musumeci stated that it seems that this would be part of a contract and the benefit of having one. He stated that it seems that we are cherry picking with parts of a contract and if Woodstock wants the long term benefits as we do, whatever plan it might be, that is the benefit of negotiating a contract. He stated that until we have a contract, we should stick to the terms. Mr. Folsom agreed. Mr. Garabrant agreed as well and stated that it was one of the terms of the contract being negotiated in the past. He stated that he agreed that it should be part of a contract and remain so, but if the Board decides to do something else, the language should be crafted with the attorney.
Mr. Foye stated that this is one of the issues for the Board to decide and asked if there was some stability to be gained by both parties to take a step forward and take one source of animosity off the table. Mr. Miragliuolo stated that this is backing into a contract and if we agree to any terms with any duration, we are talking about a contract. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the Executive Committee had the same conversation. She stated that it is a benefit to both parties in using the numbers according to the NFA plan is that we avoid all of the conversation around numbers and discomfort over those issues. She stated that using the model eliminates all of that conversation but clearly needs to be long term for both parties to have benefits. Mr. Lynn asked what the length of NFA’s contracts are. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that they are 10 years. Mrs. Paquette asked if this isn’t where discussion broke apart last time – over length of contract. Mrs. Fredrickson affirmed that it was the length and a clause to get out of the contract. Mrs. Fredrickson asked Mrs. Swenson and Mr. Loftus what the intention was in Dr. Baran’s request for the WBOE. Mrs. Swenson stated that length of term was not discussed. She stated that the NFA model was suggested to be clear about numbers used and would allow the WBOE to plan and have numbers well in advance. She stated that the topic of correlating that with term did not happen. Mr. Loftus stated that he would agree but would add that when the letter was discussed, consideration was given to the fact that the NFA plan can not be for one year, so some effort was made in the letter to state that all students would be paid for in the 2nd paragraph. Mrs. Swenson stated that the 2nd paragraph intended to protect the Academy from any loss but the discussion was year-to-year.
Mr. Foye asked if the intent then was to pay on 462 students. Mrs. Swenson stated that it was, using the October 1st, 2007 enrollment as a basis for 2008-09. Mr. Foye stated that using the terms as they exist, 462 would be used without any adjustment on October 1, 2008. Mr. Rauh stated that the Board should ask other towns if they are interested in the NFA plan. Mr. Miragliuolo stated that Pomfret has discussed it and is looking for a good place to jump in. Mr. Carabeau stated that Eastford is of the same opinion. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that if we are not going to have any kind of long-term process, she was not sure that what we are doing is really a debit/credit situation which is what Woodstock had in the past. Mr. Higgins stated that there might be some merit, if put into a framework that is acceptable to both, to include some language to protect the Academy. Mr. Holland stated that the only thing that makes sense is to use the contract we use with other sending towns, writing in the NFA plan, sending it out to all towns, and unifying them all. Mr. Holland suggested a simple contract, with not a lot of loopholes, and including the NFA contract language in it.
Mr. Foye stated that it if the Board passes the terms as is and the number of Woodstock students is less than that number, we are essentially doing what was asked in the letter. He stated that the only difference would be, looking annually, if more than that number of Woodstock student attends, the terms indicate payment for that addition. But to call it the NFA plan, it must be over time and otherwise, it is annual. Mr. Foye stated that action is not critical at this time and he could bring back other options. Mr. Lynn asked if a vote in the affirmative meant that we could not have the same contract with other towns or whether it is less likely that we will. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that this draft allows us to create a contract and a contract would supercede this letter. Mr. Rauh noted that every town currently has a slightly different contract of different durations. Mr. Blackmer suggested taking the drafted terms and conditions and modifying the payment model, using a different date. Mr. Foye agreed that the date of October 1, 2007 could be used, taking out the language that discusses 2008, with no adjustments. He stated that this would say that they will pay on 462 students and that it is a simpler way to get to the same place if the Board chooses to do this on an annual basis. Mr. Blackmer stated that this would make it simpler for both institutions to do budgeting and take a step toward contract discussions. It was suggested that Mr. Foye come back with another draft, reviewed by the attorney and with input from the Finance Committee, and that the motion be tabled.
MOTION: (Holland, Johnston) To table to the motion.
Opposed – Joe Musumeci
All Others in Favor
c. Job Description - Headmaster
Mrs. Fredrickson stated that this is a housekeeping issue and that the revision of the job description was proposed in 2005 and never came to the full Board for a vote.
MOTION: (Folsom, Kaeding) To approve the job description of the Headmaster/Superintendent as
proposed.
Discussion:
Mr. Musumeci asked why the title would change to add Superintendent if we do not require superintendent certification. Mr. Miragliuolo asked if there were any problems without having the 93 certification. Mr. Teed stated that there were. Mr. Johnston noted that the job description needed to include the business manager in the list of administrators in the administrative team to be evaluated by the Headmaster.
AMENDED MOTION: (Folsom, Kaeding) To approve the job description of the
Headmaster/Superintendent with the addition of the business manager as above.
Abstained – Loftus
All Others in Favor
10. New Business
a. Corporate Resolution
Mrs. Fredrickson reviewed a corporate resolution authorizing the secretary of the Board to sign standard resolutions for the purposes of Putnam Bank.
MOTION: (Blackmer, Miragliuolo) To approve the resolution as presented.
UNANIMOUS
11. Committee Reports
a. Finance Committee
Mr. Kelly reported that the committee is in the middle of the budget process. The next meeting is scheduled for February 4th and if another meeting is needed, they will meet on the 25th. The committee hopes to have a proposal for the February Board meeting.
b. Executive Committee
Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the committee met last week to build the agenda and had similar discussions to this evening. Mr. Teed asked about whether Mrs. Fredrickson would like to entertain discussion about an advisory committee or wait until next month. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that the Executive Committee discussed the creation of an advisory committee and how it should function. The intent is to create a committee to advise the Headmaster which would reflect different areas of the community. This would not be a large group and the plan is to get it established in the next few months to have the opportunity to meet in April and May. The committee would be asked to make suggestions on where the Academy is and where it needs to go. Mr. Lynn suggested that this would be a good way to observe people who might be future Trustees and a way to get to know them better. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that it would, and that it would be good for both parties, giving people on it the opportunity to get to know us as well. Mr. Teed suggested that it be discussed at the next Executive Committee meeting in more detail and to bring back a proposal to the Board. Mrs. Fredrickson stated that a plan or statement of purpose needs to be created by Mr. Foye for presentation to the Board.
c. Academic Committee
Mrs. Paquette referred to the minutes of the meeting of January 17th. The committee discussed several new courses which were English electives designed for general level students and a way to engage our less than enthusiastic male readers. Another area of discussion was foreign language in line with the upcoming possibility of the requirement by the state for a world language credit. There has been a drop in enrollment in French and the department is looking for ways to encourage foreign language to students who are coming in from feeder schools who don’t offer it. A new course proposal of French Cinema was approved and the possibility of extending it to the community for enrichment was discussed. Courses were also approved in art, primarily for students who have made a serious commitment to artistic skills and must produce portfolios. The courses will allow development of the portfolio through coursework as opposed to independent study as it is handled currently. Other topics of discussion were the VHS program and the fact that we will have more seats available and an earlier option for enrollment and department head restructuring and the need for time to exercise the academic leadership that we have asked for. Mr. Miragliuolo asked if department heads would be doing evaluation of teachers. Mr. Foye stated that the initial plan is that they would have a piece of it. This adds their expertise to the evaluation process. He stated that the proposal for restructuring will come before the Board in the next few months and that it has been on the agenda at the Academy for a decade in one form or another.
d. Building & Grounds
No report – the committee did not meet. Mr. Foye gave an update on the master facility plan. He and Mr. Campbell have spoken to DRA about doing the master plan. They will look at agreeable dates to meet with the Building & Grounds Committee. It is on the agenda for the committee to address.
e. Negotiating Committee
The committee will report in Executive Session.
- Nominating Committee
Mr. Teed reported that the committee met on January 15th to discuss an alumni Trustee position. They interviewed Mr. Scott Young for the vacancy left by Mr. Livernois and voted unanimously to recommend him to the Board.
MOTION: (Teed, Holland) To amend the agenda to take action on the nomination of Mr. Scott Young.
UNANIMOUS
MOTION: (Teed, Holland) To nominate Mr. Scott Young as Alumni Trustee to fill the vacancy of Mr.
Livernois for term expiring in 2008.
UNANIMOUS
Mr. Young was present and invited to join the meeting.
g. Resource Development Committee
Mr. Higgins reported on behalf of Mrs. Musumeci. Minutes of the meeting of January 10th were included in the packet. The committee reached the consensus that if the Board chooses to move ahead with a capital campaign, it is necessary to also continue with broad based fundraising. There are things that also need to be explored in the committee. RPC Associates could be a valuable resource to do preliminary work and could also help in looking at other models like NFA. Mr. Higgins stated that discussions about a capital campaign were premised on not going forward unless engineering plans are approved but the process could extend several months. Time could be well spent by moving forward with development by working on the capital project as well as long term fundraising. The committee recommended using the services of Mr. Coderre and RPC Associates for the interim period not to exceed $6,000. This time would be used to not only prepare for the athletic field complex project but to explore the development program in general.
MOTION: (Higgins, Swenson) To authorize spending not to exceed $6,000 to utilize the services of RPC Associates.
UNANIMOUS
Mr. Lynn suggested that in line with development and fundraising, that a sign be erected in front of the Bracken Building that indicates the alumni and development office. Mr. Foye stated that he and Mr. Campbell have put together a video of where we are and where we are going with regard to the Bentley Complex. He stated that it is in the format of a fireside chat and will be on the Academy website in the Headmaster’s Corner.
12. Town Report
a. Brooklyn – Mrs. Lyons reported that the board is fairly new and has not met recently.
b. Eastford – Mr. Carabeau reported that they are working on the budget and are developing a para
professional contract.
c. Pomfret – Mr. Miragliuolo reported that they are still looking at building options. They held their first four board meeting. This is the first time they have had everyone in the same place at the same time and will continue to meet regularly.
d. Woodstock – Mrs. Swenson reported that they are in the budget cycle. The Board of Finance in Woodstock
is entertaining discussing the costs associated with mandated programs correlating directly
with Proposition 46. The WBOE is looking for greater flexibility with the budget.
MOTION: (Teed, Lynn) To move to Executive Session to discuss negotiations and contractual matters at 8:35 p.m.
UNANIMOUS
13. Executive Session
Negotiations and contractual matters were discussed. The meeting returned to Regular Session at 9:12 p.m.
MOTION: (Teed, Kelly) To amend the agenda to add an action item on government services.
UNANIMOUS
MOTION: (Holland, Paquette) To accept the contract for government services as discussed in Executive
Session.
UNANIMOUS
MOTION: (Garabrant, Folsom) To offer the Headmaster a three year contract from July 2008 through June 2011.
Abstained – Young
All Others in Favor
MOTION: (Garabrant, Folsom) To offer the Headmaster a compensation package for 2008-09 as presented.
Abstained – Young
All Others in Favor
MOTION: (Holland, Blackmer) To adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Kristen Willis
Board Secretary
| Board of Trustees Members | |
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Herman Barlow, Alumni Trustee Martha Beckwith, Alumni Trustee Robert Blackmer, Alumni Trustee Garry Carabeau, Ex-Officio, Town of Eastford Elizabeth Cartier, Ex-Officio, Town of Pomfret Barbara Child, Alumni Trustee Ex-Officio, Town of Brooklyn Henry Folsom, Trustee at Large Sandra Fredrickson, Alumni Trustee Gary Garabrant, Trustee at Large Robert Holland, Trustee at Large Kevin Johnston, Trustee at Large James Kaeding, Trustee at Large Paul Kelly, Alumni Trustee William Loftus, Ex-Officio, Town of Woodstock |
Paul Lynn, Alumni Trustee Joseph Miragliuolo, Ex-Officio, Town of Pomfret Jeri Musumeci, Alumni Trustee Joseph Musumeci, Alumni Trustee Kimberly Page, Ex-Officio, Town of Eastford Philippa Paquette, Trustee at Large John Rauh, Trustee at Large Alexander Rotival, Trustee at Large Avis Spalding, Alumni Trustee Thomas Stokes, Trustee at Large Ex-Officio, Town of Brooklyn Christine Swenson, Ex-Officio, Town of Woodstock David Teed, Ex-Officio, Town of Woodstock
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