180 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020
May 2, 2007
The following members were present: Dana Cutter, David Barsalou, Marjorie Wojcik, Michael Pise, Deborah Styckiewicz, Donald Lamothe, Sharon Nawrocki, Mary Beth Costello and Chester Szetela.
Absent were Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Susan Lopes and Susan Lecca.
Also present were: Richard W. Rege, Jr., Shirley Alvira, Debra Schneeweis, Stephen Nembirkow, Sarah Hoar, Claire Thompson, Esq., Claude Chapdelaine, Debbie McCarthy, Sandra Peret, Lisa Bienvenue, Nicole Dygon, Michael Lemme and Jeanette DeForge (The Republican).
Superintendent’s Briefing:
The Superintendent’s briefing convened at 6:30 PM. Mr. Rege, Superintendent of Schools, reviewed the evening’s agenda.
Call To Order:
The meeting was called to order by Mrs. Wojcik, Vice-chairperson, at 7:03 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 - absent Mr. Cutter - present
Mr. Barsalou - present Mrs. Wojcik - present
Mr. Pise - present Mrs. Styckiewicz - present
Mrs. Lopes - absent Mr. Lamothe - present
Mrs. Nawrocki - present Mrs. Costello - present
Mr. Szetela - present Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call indicated 9 members present – 3 absent.
Public Announcements:
Mr. Rege announced school-related news, awards, and activities of interest to the viewing public.
Open Public Input:
Sandra Peret spoke regarding the Chicopee Council Parent-Teacher Organization and the John L. Fitzpatrick Scholarship selection process. Lisa Bienvenue addressed the Committee regarding the math curriculum and rigor.
Visitors:
Student Advisory Council
Nicole Dygon and Michael Lemme addressed the Committee regarding the results of their recent Sophomore Survey.
Approval of Minutes:
07-5-1
Voted: On motion by Mr. Szetela to approve the minutes of the Committee as a Whole Meeting of the School Committee held on April 10, 2007.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
07-5-2
Voted: On motion by Mr. Cutter to approve minutes of the Regular Meeting of the School Committee held on April 25, 2007.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Financial Matters:
07-5-3
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the bills totaling $452,901.30 (Warrant S042707).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - absent Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
07-5-4
A motion was made by Mrs. Nawrocki to approve the bills totaling $470,994.13 (Warrant S050407).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - absent Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Communications and Other Matters:
07-5-5
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to approve Wednesday, June 20, 2007 as the last day of school (a half-day of school for students).
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
07-5-6
A motion was made by Mrs. Styckiewicz in accordance with its charter, by-laws, and ordinances, to authorize the Superintendent to submit to the Massachusetts School Building Authority the Statement of Interest dated April 23, 2007 for the old Chicopee High School located at 650 Front Street which describes and explains the following deficiencies and the priority category(s) for which Chicopee may be invited to apply to the Massachusetts School Building Authority in the future, renovation of a building which is structurally unsound, renovation of a heating system to increase energy conservation and decrease energy related costs, and replacement to obsolete buildings in order to provide for a full-range of programs consistent with state and approved local requirements; and hereby further specifically acknowledges that by submitting this Statement of Interest, the Massachusetts School Building Authority in no way guarantees the acceptance or the approval of an application, the awarding of a grant or any other funding commitment from the Massachusetts School Building Authority, or commits the City to filing an application for funding with the Massachusetts School Building Authority.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - absent Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
National Nurse Appreciation Week
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to send a letter to the School Nurses thanking them for their hard work (to be sent during National Nurse Appreciation Week).
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Prior Year Revolving Accounts
Voted: On motion by Mr. Lamothe to refer all prior year revolving accounts to the Finance and Budget Subcommittee for review of use.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Health Education Curriculum/Parental Notification Policy (File: IGAE)
Voted: On motion by Mr. Pise to refer the Health Education Curriculum/Parental Notification Policy (File: IGAE) to the Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
New Business:
New Elective Courses
Voted: On motion by Mr. Pise to look into the requirements and resources needed to offer a video game design course including the benefits to students and academic value.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Executive Session
A motion was made by Mr. Lamothe to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:55 PM for the purpose of collective bargaining and discussing potential litigation and we will not return to the regular order of business.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Cutter - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - absent Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.