180 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020
January 18, 2006
The following members were present: Mayor Bissonnette, Dana Cutter, David Barsalou, Marjorie Wojcik, Michael Pise, Debra Styckiewicz, Susan Lopes, Donald Lamothe, Sharon Nawrocki, Mary Beth Costello, Susan Lecca and Chester Szetela.
Also present were: Richard Rege Jr., Shirley Alvira, James Devine, JoAnn Kupiec, Debra Schneeweis, Jon Ferris, Irene Lemieux, Sam Karlin, Deborah Drugan, Steven Bousquet, Atty. Claire Thompson, Sandra Stasiowski, Debbie McCarthy, Sarah Hoar, Public Attendance: Robert Allyn, Sandra Peret, Lisa Bienvenue, Jim Raschilla Julie Knodler, Press: Jeanette DeForge (The Republican).
Call To Order:
The meeting was called to order by Mayor Bissonnette, Chairperson, at 7:00 PM and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Moment of Silence:
A moment of silence was observed for those who serve in the military and for others who help to protect us.
Roll Call Board Attendance:
Mayor Bissonnette - present Mr. Cutter - present
Mr. Barsalou - present Mrs. Wojcik - present
Mr. Pise - present Mrs. Styckiewicz - present
Mrs. Lopes - present Mr. Lamothe - present
Mrs. Nawrocki - present Mrs. Costello - present
Mr. Szetela - present Mrs. Lecca - present
The roll call indicated 12 members present.
Public Announcements:
Mr. Rege acknowledged the artwork from Barry School, congratulated the recipients of the John and Abigail Adams Scholarship and announced the Donna Lee concert being held at Chicopee Academy on Friday, February 10, 2006.
Open Public Input:
Melvin Brown addressed the School Committee regarding the appointment of the Mayor as the School Committee Chairperson.
Visitors: State of the Schools Address:
Lynn Clark, Principal, Barry School, Norman Burgess, Principal, Bowie School, Sylvia Abar, Ed.D., Principal, Litwin School, and John Coach, Principal, Streiber School, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation featuring their schools’ School Improvement Plans, MCAS results, AYP Results, accomplishments and initiatives.
Visitors: Smaller Learning Communities Initiative: Two-Year Report
Sheila Hoffman, Coordinator, and Barbara Roche, Project Director, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation featuring the Smaller Learning Communities Initiative.
Approval of Minutes:
06-1-4
VOTED: On motion by Mr. Szetela to approve the minutes of the Organizational Meeting of the School Committee held on January 4, 2006.
Hand vote – 12 present in favor and the motion PASSED.
Financial:
06-1-5
A motion was made by Mr. Cutter to approve the transfer of funds (7) totaling $1,256,000.00.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 12 yes and the motion PASSED.
Reports:
06-1-6
VOTED: On motion by Mrs. Lopes to receive the Report of Personnel Action Taken.
Hand vote – 12 present in favor and the motion PASSED.
Communication and Other Matters:
06-1-7
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the home education plan as listed.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 12 yes and the motion PASSED.
Communications and Other Matters (cont.):
06-1-8
A motion was made by Mrs. Nawrocki to authorize Chicopee Comprehensive High School to accept a donation of $500.00 from the Wal-Mart and Frito Lay 2005 Fall Football Program.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 12 yes and the motion PASSED.
06-1-9
A motion was made by Mrs. Costello to approve the School Improvement Plans for Barry School, Bowie School, Litwin School, and Streiber School contingent upon funding.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 12 yes and the motion PASSED.
Discussion Topic: Energy Management Consultant Services
The School Committee discussed the proposed contract between the Chicopee School Committee and the Energy Education Inc.
VOTED: On motion by Mr. Lamothe to table Energy Management Consultant Services.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 opposed and the motion PASSED.
*Mrs. Wojcik and Mr. Pise were opposed to this motion.
Old Business:
Policy to Inform Members of Project Cost Increases
A motion was made by Mrs. Costello to develop a policy that will ensure that School Committee members are informed if and when construction project costs will increase.
There was no second to the motion and therefore dismissed.
Referral to Subcommittee
VOTED: On motion by Mr. Lamothe to refer the rules of our meetings to the Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee to develop a set of rules of about 20 to be developed and utilized as our operating procedures.
Hand vote – 11 present in favor – 1 opposed and the motion PASSED.
*Mrs. Lecca was opposed to this motion.
Mr. Barsalou announced to the public that the Superintendent’s evaluation instrument is currently under review.
Adjournment:
VOTED: On motion by Mr. Lamothe to adjourn at 9:03 PM
Hand vote – 12 present in favor and the motion PASSED.
Respectfully Submitted,
Richard W. Rege Jr.
School Committee Secretary
RWR/sh