LWV OBSERVER REPORT FORM

Board or Commission:  West Hartford Board of Education

Date of Meeting: January 6, 2009

Members present: All

Nature of meeting       Routine ___X_____                         Special_____________

Called to order (time): 7:06 pm                                         Adjourned (time): 9:44 pm

 Action taken:

 The main items on the agenda were a report on the Townwide Energy Initiative, the first reading of a revised board policy on bullying, a revision to the superintendent’s contract, a report on Scientific Research Based Intervention, an update on the Charter Oak International Baccalaureate theme, and a discussion regarding the 2009-10 budget.

 Town Councilor Tim Brennan and engineer Paul Popinchalk reported on a new townwide energy initiative that has grown out of the town’s commitment to purchase 20% of its energy from clean sources by 2010 and a resolution by the US Conference of Mayors to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in member towns by 7% and energy consumption by 10%.  The effort will be two-pronged—to create a culture of conservation and to address energy systems such as thermostats, furnaces, and other infrastructure—with the goal of reducing usage longterm and obtaining energy used from cleaner sources.  The Clean Energy Task Force will be meeting weekly until March 1 to develop a plan, and the public in invited to attend.  Those interested should email Tim Brennan at timbrennanTC@gmail.com.

 The board unanimously accepted as a first reading revised policy 5550 on bullying.  Changes to the policy are designed to bring it into compliance with state legislation as to the definition of bullying, reporting mechanisms, and prevention/intervention measures.  Full text of the revised policy may be found at http://www.whps.org/board/agenda-documents/20090106/Board%20Policiy%20Bullying%20Revisions%201-06-09.pdf.  The board will adopt the revised policy after a second reading at its next meeting.

 The board unanimously adopted a revision to Superintendent David Sklarz’ contract in order to provide him with health insurance at board expense after his retirement June 30, so long as he is not insured by another employer and applies for Medicare at age 65.  This provision had been inadvertently omitted from Dr. Sklarz’ contract and its cost will be paid out of the retiree medical reserve.  Though such a provision is not uncommon for superintendents across the state, the new superintendent’s contract will be individually negotiated and will not automatically include it.

 Assistant Superintendent Karen List led a presentation on Scientific Research Based Intervention (SRBI), a new statewide initiative that promotes structured instructional and behavioral supports for students in order to reduce the achievement gap.  The SRBI model provides for all students a continuum of interventions that includes evidence-based instruction, early intervention, ongoing monitoring of progress, and data-driven decision making.  It aligns with both No Child Left Behind goals and the District Improvement Plan.  The text of the report is available at http://www.whps.org/board/agenda-documents/20090106/SRBI%2009%20report%201-6-09.pdf and a schematic illustrating the model is at http://www.whps.org/board/agenda-documents/20090106/SRBI%20o9%20Model%201-06-09.pdf.

 Dr. List and Charter Oak Principal Mary Thompson presented an update on the school’s progress in implementing the International Baccalaureate program including an overview of what has been done to date, classroom perspectives on the program from two teachers, and discussion of staff training and communications initiatives.  Teachers, students and parents have reacted very positively to the program so far.

 Board member Harry Captain led a board discussion of the challenges the schools and the town face in developing budgets for next year.  The superintendent was instructed to construct his proposed education budget so that spending increases no more than 3.5% over this year, an increase lower than any adopted over the past 10 years.  He was further directed to meet this target without doing damage to the district’s ability to accomplish its longterm goals.  Clare Kindall expressed support for the 3.5% ceiling, but concern about damaging West Hartford’s greatest asset, its schools.  Diane Mudge stated that the district must learn to do things differently.  Bruce Putterman said that all programs must be involved in this fiscal effort.  The superintendent will present his proposed budget to the board on March 3.

 Mr. Captain also announced that the town council and board of education will host a community forum on service and spending priorities on January 28 at 7:30 pm.  The location for this meeting was not specified.

 Director of Human Resources Rick Ledwith reported that recruiting is about to begin to fill the principal vacancy at Bristow Middle School created by Jeannie Camperchioli’s upcoming retirement.  A leadership profile has been created, including parent input, and advertisements have been placed.  Announcement of a new principal is hoped for in mid-March.

 The next board meeting will take place on January 20 at 7:00 pm in room 314 at Town Hall.

 Observer name:  Kathy Wilson