180 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020
February 20, 2008
Absent were Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Sharon Nawrocki and Susan Lecca.
Also present were: Richard W. Rege, Jr., Alvin Morton, Deborah Drugan, Stephen Nembirkow, Debra Schneeweis, Elizabeth Hoey, Laurie Conz, Neva Frumpkin, Sarah Hoar, Rebecca Bouchard, Esq. and Joan Boratis.
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 Mr. Lamothe, Vice 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 - absent Mr. Lamontagne - present
Mr. Barsalou - present Mrs. Wojcik - present
Mr. Pise - present Mrs. Styckiewicz - present
Mrs. Lopes - present Mr. Lamothe - present
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent 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: None
Visitors:
State of the Schools – Athletics
Joan Boratis, Coordinator of Athletics, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation showing Spring, Fall and Winter sports, season highlights, initiatives and new programs.
State of the Schools – Special Education
Debra Schneeweis, Director of Special Education, gave a brief PowerPoint presentation showing the district’s profile, specialized programs and services, enrichment programs, initiatives and a MCAS summary.
Approval of Minutes:
08-2-7
Voted: On motion by Mr. Szetela to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the School Committee held on February 6, 2008.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Financial Matters:
08-2-8
A motion was made by Mr. Lamontagne to approve the transfer of funds (4) totaling $1,500.00.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
08-2-9
A motion was made by Mrs. Lopes to approve the bills totaling $657,285.66 (Warrants S021508 and S022208).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
08-2-10
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the funding for School Spring ($9,000) and Gallup ($4,000) from the Prior Year account.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
08-2-11
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to receive the Report on Personnel Action Taken.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Communications and Other Matters:
08-2-12
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Styckiewicz to approve the home education plans, as listed.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Old Business:
Task Force to Study Lacrosse
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to establish a task force to study the possibility of bringing Lacrosse into the public school department, the costs involved and the desire of Chicopee students to play (task force to include members of the School Committee, Athletic Director, Parks Director and Hockey Coaches).
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Block Grant Program
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to invite a representative for the Office of Community Development to speak to the Chicopee School Committee about Community Development Block Grant Programs.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Consultant Report
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Wojcik to refer the report on consultants to the Finance and Budget Subcommittee.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
New Business: None
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcik to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:35 PM for the purpose of collective bargaining and discussing litigation and we will return to the regular order of business.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Return to Regular Order of Business:
The following members were present: Adam Lamontagne, David Barsalou, Marjorie Wojcik, Michael Pise, Deborah Styckiewicz, Susan Lopes, Donald Lamothe, Mary Beth Costello and Chester Szetela.
Absent were Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Sharon Nawrocki and Susan Lecca.
Also present were: Richard W. Rege, Jr., Stephen Nembirkow, Sarah Hoar and Meghan Sullivan, Esq.
Re-Call to Order:
The meeting was re-called to order by Mr. Lamothe, Vice Chairperson, at 9:06 PM.
Settlement Agreement
A motion was made by Mrs. Costello to approve the settlement agreement between the Chicopee School Committee and Merylina Asselin and to authorize the Chairperson to sign.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - no
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - yes
Mrs. Lopes - no Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - absent Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - no Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 6 yes – 3 no – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.
Adjournment
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Lecca to adjourn at 9:20 PM.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor – 3 absent and the motion PASSED.