NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 125 East Avenue Norwalk, Connecticut BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Board Meeting Common Council Chambers City Hall – 3 rd Floor Tuesday, October 17, 2017 7:00PM AGENDA I. Call to Order: 7:00PM II. Pledge of Allegiance III. Spotlight Carver Foundation of Norwalk IV. Public Comments V. Superintendent’s Report A. Implementation of SEED Evaluation B. Norwalk Education Foundation – Taste for Education Event VI. Actions 1. Consent Calendar VI. (2.A); (2.B); (2.C.1); (2.C.2); (2.C.3) 2. A. Approval of Personnel B. Approval of Budget Transfers C. Approval of Trips: 1. Brien McMahon High School to Peru-Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco – February 10-19, 2018 2. Norwalk High School Winter Guard to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) – April 11-15, 2017 3. Norwalk High School Winter Percussion to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) – April 18-22, 2017 3. Approval of Standards Adoption of K-8 ELA and Math Curriculum 4. Approval of the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) Improvement Project Closeout VII. Information and Reports A. September 2017 Monthly Financial Report B. Committee/Representative Reports C. Board Member Announcements VIII. Approval of Minutes September 19, October 3 IX. Adjournment
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NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS 125 East Avenue
Norwalk, Connecticut
BOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Board Meeting Common Council Chambers City Hall – 3rd Floor
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 7:00PM
AGENDA I. Call to Order: 7:00PM
II. Pledge of Allegiance
III. Spotlight
Carver Foundation of Norwalk
IV. Public Comments V. Superintendent’s Report
A. Implementation of SEED Evaluation B. Norwalk Education Foundation – Taste for Education Event
VI. Actions
1. Consent Calendar VI. (2.A); (2.B); (2.C.1); (2.C.2); (2.C.3) 2. A. Approval of Personnel B. Approval of Budget Transfers C. Approval of Trips: 1. Brien McMahon High School to Peru-Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco – February 10-19, 2018 2. Norwalk High School Winter Guard to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) – April 11-15, 2017 3. Norwalk High School Winter Percussion to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) – April 18-22, 2017
3. Approval of Standards Adoption of K-8 ELA and Math Curriculum 4. Approval of the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) Improvement Project Closeout
VII. Information and Reports A. September 2017 Monthly Financial Report B. Committee/Representative Reports C. Board Member Announcements
VIII. Approval of Minutes September 19, October 3
IX. Adjournment
Revised as of 10/12/2017 4:08 PM
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
PERSONNEL ACTIONS FOR BOARD APPROVAL
October 17, 2017
APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Name: Aaron Marks Effective: September 25, 2017
Posting: 3254, World History Teacher, CGS (.60) Step: 1 Salary: $30,267
09/19/17 15612700 117 16 TEACHERS AT Vacancy 40,250$ 15612700 330 56 OTHER PROF TECH SERVICES AT 40,250$ Transfer funds from AT Teacher Vacancy to cover the cost of the new
contract for the redesign and implementation of the New Norwalk City
PS Gifted and Talented Education Program
09/28/17 16026200 613 60 MAINTENANCE SUPPLIES 13,000$ 16026400 433 60 ELECTRIC MOTORS 13,000$ To cover funds to pay bills for Electric Motors
10/10/17 15411110 730 54 INSTRUCTIONAL EQUIPMENT 12,200$ 15411110 733 54 INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTWARE 12,200$ To cover funding for Math licenses/Edgenuity
465,450$ 465,450$
TOFROM
Total Transfers ToTotal Transfers From
Transfer from BMHS SBB to CGS to cover related expenses required to
run the operations of CGS above the grant funding received
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 10/13/17
Action Required By (date): 10/13/17
Number on Agenda: VI.2.C.1
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Brien McMahon High School to Peru-Lima, Machu Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco –
February 10-19, 2018
Background:
The attached field trip must be approved at the Board level according to Policy #6153
– Field Trips
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board
of Education approves Brien McMahon High School trip to Peru-Lima, Machu
Picchu, Sacred Valley, Cuzco – February 10-19, 2018.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 10/13/17
Action Required By (date): 10/13/17
Number on Agenda: VI.2.C.2
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Norwalk High School Winter Guard to Dayton Ohio (WGI World Championships) –
April 11-15, 2017
Background:
The attached field trip must be approved at the Board level according to Policy #6153
– Field Trips
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board
of Education approves Norwalk High School Winter Guard trip to Dayton Ohio
(WGI World Championships) – April 11-15, 2017.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 10/13/17
Action Required By (date): 10/13/17
Number on Agenda: VI.2.C.3
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Norwalk High School Winter Percussion to Dayton Ohio (WGI World
Championships) – April 18-22, 2017
Background:
The attached field trip must be approved at the Board level according to Policy #6153
– Field Trips
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the Board
of Education approves Norwalk High School Winter Percussion to Dayton Ohio
(WGI World Championships) – April 18-22, 2017.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 10/17/17
Action Required By (date): 10/17/17
Number on Agenda: VI.3
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of Standards Adoption of K-8 ELA and Math Curriculum
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that
the Board of Education approves the standards adoption of K-8 ELA and
Math Curriculum.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
BOARD OF EDUCATION
NORWALK, CONNECTICUT
Board Meeting Date: 10/17/17
Action Required By (date): 10/17/17
Number on Agenda: VI.4
Action Item Information Item (check one)
Agenda Title:
Approval of the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) Improvement
Project Closeout
Background:
Cost (if applicable):
Funding Source:
Beginning Date of Program or Project (if applicable):
Ending Date of Program of Project (if applicable):
Options (if applicable):
Recommendation:
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that
the Board of Education approves the Norwalk Early Childhood Center
(NECC) Improvement Project (State #103-0243 A/CV) as complete per State
approved construction plans.
Attachment: Yes No (check one)
Submitted by: Superintendent's Office Department:
MEMORANDUM
DATE: October 11, 2017 TO: Mike Barbis, Chairman, Facilities Committee FROM: Thomas Hamilton, Chief Financial Officer RE: Acceptance of NECC Project as Complete Attached a letter from Alan Lo requesting that the Board of Education formally accept the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) improvement project (State #103-0243 A/CV) as complete in accordance with State approved plans. This action is necessary in order for the District and the City to formally close out the project with the State of Connecticut, and collect the final reimbursement due from the State. As you know, the project was substantially complete in August 2016, and opened to students in time for the fall 2016 semester. Also attached for your information is the Certificate of Occupancy issued by the City’s Chief Building Official. We recommend Board approval of this action. ACTION REQUESTED:
A. The Board of Education hereby accepts the Norwalk Early Childhood Center (NECC) improvement project (State #103-0243 A/CV) as complete per State approved construction plans.
Cc: Dr. Steven Adamowski, Superintendent of Schools
NORWALK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
125 East Avenue ∙ PO Box 6001 Norwalk, CT 06852-6001
Carver Foundation of Norwalk The Norwalk Board of Education is pleased to recognize the Carver Foundation of Norwalk. Carver is the largest provider of after-school programs for middle and high school students in Norwalk, and a primary partner of Norwalk Public Schools. Carver’s college-prep after-school Youth Development Program is conducted at the Carver Community Center, Norwalk’s four middle and two comprehensive high schools, and in Side-by-Side Charter School. Carver also operates summer and community programs including basketball leagues, annual college tours and traditional events. During the 2016-17 academic year, Carver served over 835 students. Throughout the year, Carver works collaboratively with each NPS school principal to staff each school site program with certified teachers and non-certified teachers from each respective school. Community partners like CT Pre-engineering Program (CPEP), First Lego League (Robotics) and Maritime Aquarium bring project based STEAM activities to our students. Two late buses transport students to their neighborhood bus stop each day after the program ends. In addition to successful after school programs, the Foundation served 721 students last summer. Affordable summer learning programs for five to 13-year-old students are available at the Carver Community Center and Columbus Magnet School. Freshman Summer Success Academies for grade 8 students transitioning into grade 9, and a summer learning experience for grade 5 students transitioning into West Rocks and Nathan Hale Middle School, are also offered free of charge. Additionally, the Foundation provides transportation to and from school during the summer programs, giving students the opportunity to gain familiarity with their bus stops. Students entering middle school and high school are given the opportunity to connect with future teachers, preparing them to arrive at school ready to learn. Since 2005, 100 percent of Carver seniors have graduated high school, a majority who are first-generation college students. Eighty-three percent of Carver students have graduated from a two or four year college. Carver continues to support its student during college with mentoring and scholarships. Carver’s annual operating budget is currently $3.6 million with diverse funding from federal, state, municipal, corporate, public and private foundations and individuals. The Carver Foundation continues to strengthen its many offerings to Norwalk students, and hopes to expand its summer transition program in 2018. The Board of Education is proud to honor Executive Director Novelette Peterkin and everyone at the Carver.
Ms. Mosby requested Item 2C to be removed from Consent.
The following items were moved on Consent:
A. Approval of Personnel (attached pages 2-3)
B. Approval of Trips:
1. Center for Global Studies to Japan November 2017
2. Center for Global Studies to India December 2017
3. Center for Global Studies to Japan/Cambodia February 2018
4. Center for Global Studies to China February 2018
5. Center for Global Studies to Middle East, Qatar & Oman February 2018
6. Center for Global Studies to Rwanda – Trip Addendum - November 2017
D. Approval of MOU’s with the Technicians; Nurses, ESG, Food Services Unions to enter into
the 2.0 State Plan.
E. Recognition of ADHD Awareness Month – October 2017
F. Recognition of Down Syndrome Awareness Month – October 2017
** MR. BARBIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE ITEMS ON THE CONSENT
CALENDAR AS LISTED ABOVE.
** DR. CREVECOEUR SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 2 of 7
Approval of Personnel APPOINTMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Effective Date: Name: Sarah Grayeb Effective Date: September 11, 2017 Posting: 3513 Grade 2 Teacher, Fox Run Elementary Step #: 1 Salary: $55,750 Name: Kara Weiss Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3392, SPED Teacher, Fox Run Elementary Step #: 1 Salary: $55,750 Name: Lindsay Merchant Henke Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3109 SPED Teacher, Wolfpit Elementary School Step: 2 Salary: $57,759 Name: Patricia Bello Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3306, ESL Teacher, Brien McMahon High School Step: 4 Salary: $68,055 Name: Aland Joseph Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3376, School Counselor, Brien McMahon High School Step: 4 Salary: $61,777 Name: Raffaele M. Ruffo Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 2936, Italian Teacher, Brien McMahon High School Step: 2 Salary: $57,759 Name: Alexander Audet Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3332, Math Teacher, NECA @ NHS Step #: 1 Salary: $50,445 Name: Justin Dionne Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3333, Math Teacher, NECA @ NHS Step #: 5 Salary: $57,703 Name: Laura Gay Effective Date: August 28, 2017 Posting: 3481, Grade 3, Brookside Elementary Step #: 4 Salary: $61,777 Name: Audra Good Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3401, Library Specialist, Brookside Elementary Step #: 1 Salary: $62,028 Name: Bryan McQuaid Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3405, Math Teacher, Nathan Hale Middle School Step #: 1 Salary: $55,750 Name: Deanna Salomon Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3336, Academic Specialist, NECA @ NHS Step #: 10 Salary: $83,374 Name: Magarita Salas Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3342, Bilingual Social Worker, BMHS & NHS Step #: 4 Salary: $64,916 Name: Rebekah Steinberg Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3502, Grade 1, Brookside Elementary Step #: 1 Salary: $55,750 Name: Nicole Vazquez Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3482, Kindergarten, Silvermine Elementary Step #: 1 Salary: $55,750 Name: Daniel Zeman Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3343, Social Studies, Norwalk High School Step #: 2 Salary: $57,759 Name: Holly Zullinger Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3469, Grade 5, Jefferson Magnet Step #: 4 Salary: $55,443 Name: Jaclyn Schwartz Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3434, SPED Teacher, Jefferson Magnet Step #: 3 Salary: $59,768 Name: Brenda Barto Effective Date: August 24, 2017 Posting: 3284, SPED Teacher, Ponus Ridge Middle School Step #: 10 Salary: $78,301 Name: Anthony Sarnelle Effective date: Sept 22, 2017 Posting: 3460 SPED Teacher, Brien Mc Mahon High School Step 5 Salary: $63,786 Name: Katina Asmani Effective date: Oct 9, 2017 Posting: 3504 ESL/SIOP Coach , Kendall Elementary Step 10 Salary: $83,374 Name: Stacey Heilingenthaler Effective date: July 1, 2017 Posting: 3417 Assist Director of Special Education & Pupil Services Step 4 Salary: $172,031 Central Office
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 3 of 7
Personnel Actions -- CONTINUED RESIGNATION FOR THE PURPOSE OF RETIREMENT EFF. Date Robert Johnson – School Psychologist, Jefferson Elementary School June 30, 2018 Luz Estella Isaza – Kindergarten Dual Language, Silvermine Elementary June 30, 2018 Katherine Mahoney – School Counselor, Roton Middle School June 30, 2018 David Raila – Biology Teacher, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 Mary Taylor - SPED Teacher, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 Rondi Olson - Social Worker, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 Joseph Sencen – Chemistry Teacher, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 John O’Donnell – School Counselor, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 Christine L. Willman – Science Teacher, Ponus Ridge Middle School June 30, 2018 Raymond Hoyt – Computer Teacher, Ponus Ridge Middle School June 30, 2018 Timothy J. Collins – 5th Grade Teacher, Kendall Elementary School June 30, 2018 Linda Ducsay – English Teacher, Ponus Ridge Middle School June 30, 2018 Roslyn Dobey – 5th Grade Teacher, Naramake Elementary School June 30, 2018 Patrick O’Shaughnessy – Social Studies Teacher, Norwalk High School June 30, 2018 RESIGNATION FOR PERSONAL REASONS EFF. Date Melissa Labozzetta – Grade 2, Brookside Elementary School August 30, 2017 Courtney LeBlanc – Grade 1, Kendall Elementary School August 24, 2017
C. Approval of Collective Bargaining Agreements with the NFEP and Custodians.
* Ms. Mosby stated that she would not be participating in the item and recused herself from the
discussion and vote.
** MR. KASIMIS MOVED TO APPROVE THE COLLECTIVE BARGAINING
AGREEMENTS WITH THE NFEP AND CUSTODIANS.
** DR. CREVECOEUR SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MS. MOSBY RECUSED FROM PARTICIPATION.
** MOTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY.
Mr. Barbis left the meeting at 7:37 p.m.
Approval of Salary Ranges and Compensation Plan for Non-union Senior Management
Positions for 2017-18 through 2019-20 and Authorizations of the Superintendent to
Implement Aspects of the Plan in the 2017-18 SY.
Ms. Mosby noted that this was item had been tabled from the last meeting with a motion to table
until the State Budget was reconciled.
Mr. Kassimis stated that he had clearly moved and it was voted upon that this was item had been
tabled from the last meeting with a motion to table until the State Budget was reconciled. Mr.
Lyons clarified that according to the rules of order, a tabled item can be removed from the table
with a motion.
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 4 of 7
** MR. MEEK MOVED TO REMOVE THE ABOVE ITEM FROM THE TABLE.
** MR. ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR (ANDERSON, BARBIS,
KEYES, LYONS, MEEK), FOUR OPPOSED (CREVECOEUR, HARRIS,
KASSIMIS, MOSBY) AND NO ABSTENTIONS.
Dr. Adamowski fielded questions and comments on the rationale in support of the salary ranges
and compensation plan for the management positions. He noted that administrative staff
members have been working without a contract and this is not in line with best employment
practices.
Mr. Lyons spoke on the rationalization of positions, the value of management positions and that
it is not logical practice that they key administrative roles should not get contractual raises.
Mr. Kassimis stated that he had clearly moved and it was voted upon that this was item had been
tabled from the last meeting with a motion to table until the State Budget was reconciled. He
added that this is not about the administrators or their value… he thinks they love their positions
here, and he would love to be asked to give them a raise when the time comes but today is not
the day; he feels as if he is being forced to vote no.
He reviewed that 84% of administrative departures are most for personal growth and not salary.
He noted that his reason for not supporting this item was not to discount the value and worth of
the administrators involved but in view of budgetary constraints amidst the state budget crisis.
Ms. Mosby stated that a 5% across the board was inconsistent with other salary increases
negotiated in the teacher contract that were at 2%.
** DR. CREVECOEUR MOVED TO TABLE THE ABOVE ITEM UNTIL THE
STATE BUDGET RECONCILIATION IS ACCOMPLISHED.
** MR. KASSIMIS SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION FAILED WITH FOUR VOTES IN FAVOR (CREVECOEUR, HARRIS,
KASSIMIS, MOSBY) FIVE OPPOSED (ANDERSON, BARBIS, KEYES, LYONS
MEEK ), AND NO ABSTENTIONS.
Ms. Mosby outlined that we should not go down this road because we don’t know what the
budget cut is going to be, we don’t know what is going to happen, we have to take much into
consideration because we might wind up cutting things that would benefit our children.
Dr. Crevecoeur stated that he had asked for a review of the policy and procedures on how to
retain administrative roles and this could be handled in an Executive Session. He added that for
clarification the responsibilities should be reviewed as many may not be paid sufficiently in line
with other districts and mid points should be raised. He noted that his reason for not supporting
this item was not to discount the importance of the administrators involved but to indicate that
perhaps they should be paid more and possible retroactive payment was justified in the next
budget cycle. He outlined that his no vote is not against our employees, not against the positions,
that he is in support of the positions, and wants to give them more.
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 5 of 7
Mr. Meek explained that the plan had been adjusted to reflect market realities, that the $65,000
in additional compensation would be less than needed to recruit new people to the positions.
Mr. Lyons outlined that the need to remain competitive with other school districts in Fairfield
County, many of which pay significantly higher salaries than we do; we don’t want to be in the
position where we are becoming the talent pool for Fairfield County, by developing talented
people who then leave for greener pastures.
Dr. Adamowski outlined that the plan adjusts the compensation levels of senior administrative
positions upward to reflect changes in the NASA contract. He added that if faced with that, have
one less member of my team, one less cabinet member if that comes to be … than to have all of
them not under contract, not paid a competitive rate, not paid in relation to the unionized
administrators in the district. We can’t do business that way; if we are faced with cuts I am sure
there will be cuts at all levels. Hopefully the city will cover any cuts with the Rainy Day Fund,
but, if that is not the case, our central team is going to be subject to cuts as anyone else in the
school district.
Ms. Mosby stated that a 5% across the board was inconsistent with other salary increases
negotiated in the teacher contract that were at 2%.
Dr. Adamowski clarified that it was not across the board but individual increases based on the
salary ranges that were below the mid-point. He reiterated his rationale in support of the salary
ranges and compensation plan for the management positions, noting that administrative staff
members have been working without a contract and this is not in best employment practices.
** MR. MEEK MOVED TO APPROVE THE RECOMMENDATION OF SALARY
RANGES AND COMPENSATION PLAN FOR NON-UNION SENIOR MANAGEMENT
POSITIONS FOR 2017-18 THROUGH 2019-20 AND AUTHORIZATIONS OF THE
SUPERINTENDENT TO IMPLEMENT ASPECTS OF THE PLAN IN THE 2017-18 SY.
** MR. ANDERSON SECONDED THE MOTION.
** MOTION PASSED WITH FIVE VOTES IN FAVOR (ANDERSON, BARBIS,
KEYES, LYONS, MEEK ), FOUR OPPOSED (CREVECOEUR, HARRIS,
KASSIMIS, MOSBY) AND NO ABSTENTIONS
Workshop Session
Rigorous Curriculum Design Grades 6-8 Reading and Math
Power Point presentations were delivered by Curriculum & Instruction Site Directors Craig
Creller and Janine Goss and questions and comments were fielded throughout the presentations.
Contributing presenters: James Lynch, Mathematics, Ponus Ridge Middle School; Louis
Jackson, Yvonne Roberson, Nathan Hale Middle School.
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 6 of 7
Report on 2017 Summer Learning: Plans for 2018
Power Point presentations were delivered by Curriculum & Instruction Site Director Janine Goss
and questions and comments were fielded throughout the presentations.
Contributing presenters: Jamie Benedetti, Early Childhood Education Council; Brenda Smith,
Stepping Stones.
Dr. Adamowski thanked all of the presenters, members of the Committees, administrative staff,
Norwalk Acts and all of those involved for their hard work.
Following the presentations Dr. Adamowski outlined that there are three challenges:
• Closing the Achievement Gap research shows learning loss after three weeks, which accounts
for the gap increases in length of years child is in school
• 4th grade represents a 20 point differential of low to high progress and the achievement gap is
32 points by grade 8.
• The district needs to expand summer learning opportunities to go from grades 4-5 to grade 3.
Dr. Adamowski outlined that there are funding areas to be addressed including Title 1, Priority
Schools Grants and Corporate Sponsorships.
Public Participation
Ms. Keyes stated that members of the public who had signed up on the public participation sheet
are to come forward when their name was called, state their name, address, or affiliation, and to
keep comments civil, within the three-minute time limit.
Name Address/Affiliation Topic
1. Joe Giandurco, 9 Mott Avenue, NFT, spoke on accomplishments for the Summer Work
Committee and the importance with closing the achievement gap with new initiatives supported
with the NFT’s role and its contribution to the educational system. He spoke of administrative
salary increases now approved tonight despite uncertainty amidst state budget crisis. He wanted
to echo his comments made at the last meeting that with City hiring freeze and 2% teacher
increases and the issue of fairness and equity. The teachers saved the district $4 million by
agreeing to switch their health insurance carrier to Connecticut Partnership 2.0, preventing
layoffs. These reasons should not have been used to advance the raises for central office staff. In
a budget climate with so many unknowns and potential pitfalls, we can’t see how this raise is
feasible. He thanked the four members who stood up and said ‘no’ to these raises. It’s not
anything personal against the people who will be receiving these raises but in a time and a
climate when we are missing funds in our building, where teachers are trying to do more with
less, when cuts to areas like courtesy bus passes that directly impact students, I don’t see how
spending $65,000 on office staff is really that responsible.
Pending Approval
Norwalk Board of Education
October 3, 2017
Page 7 of 7
There were no other public comments and the Public Participation portion of the meeting was