180 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020
March 5, 2008
Absent were Marjorie Wojcik, and Deborah Styckiewicz.
Also present were: Richard W. Rege, Jr., Alvin Morton, Deborah Drugan, Stephen Nembirkow, Debra Schneeweis, Sarah Hoar, Claire Thompson, Esq., Debbie Aickelin, David Letasz, Donald Sapowsky 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 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. Lamontagne - present
Mr. Barsalou - present Mrs. Wojcik - absent
Mr. Pise - present Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - present Mr. Lamothe - present
Mrs. Nawrocki - present Mrs. Costello - present
Mr. Szetela - present Mrs. Lecca - present
The roll call indicated 10 members present – 2 absent.
Public Announcements: Mr. Rege announced school-related news, awards, and activities of interest to the viewing public.
Open Public Input: David Letasz spoke regarding lacrosse and Donald Sapowsky addressed the Committee about water in his cellar.
Visitors: None
Approval of Minutes:
08-3-1
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Lecca to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the School Committee held on February 20, 2008.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
Financial Matters:
08-3-2
A motion was made by Mr. Barsalou to approve the bills totaling $562,388.32 (Warrant S030708).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - absent
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - abstain Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 9 yes – 1 abstained – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
*Mrs. Nawrocki abstained due to a conflict of interest.
08-3-3
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to receive the Continuing Education Fall Semester Report and to refer the report to the Curriculum Subcommittee.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
Communications and Other Matters:
08-3-4
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Nawrocki to authorize the Telecommunications Department to videotape for telecasting on CSC-TV Cable Channel 5, the Bellamy Middle School National Junior Honor Society Induction Ceremony to be held on Tuesday, April 8, 2008.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
Old Business:
Request for Report
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Lecca to receive a report on the bill-paying procedure.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
Referral to City Solicitor
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Lecca to refer Mr. Sapowsky’s concerns about water in his basement to the City Solicitor.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
New Business:
Congratulation Letters
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Nawrocki to send congratulation letters to the Skills USA and REACH teams.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
Support for Additional Chapter 70 Education Aid
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to send a letter to Senator Knapik endorsing the 9.94% increase to Chapter 70 Education Aid.
Hand vote – 10 present in favor – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.
A motion was made by Mr. Lamothe to adjourn into Executive Session at 7:37 PM for the purpose of collective bargaining and we will not return to the regular order of business.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - yes Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - absent
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - yes
The roll call vote was 10 yes – 2 absent and the motion PASSED.