180 Broadway, Chicopee, MA 01020
July 8, 2009
The following members were present: Adam Lamontagne, David Barsalou, Marjorie Wojcik, Michael Pise, Susan Lopes, Donald Lamothe, Sharon Nawrocki, Mary Beth Costello, and Chester Szetela.
Absent were Mayor Michael Bissonnette, Deborah Styckiewicz and Susan Lecca.
Also present were Richard W. Rege, Jr., Deborah Drugan, Alvin Morton, Stephen Nembirkow, Deborah Schneeweis, Sarah Hoar, Claire Thompson, Esq., Bonnie Foreman, Elvin Bruno, Lisa Foreman, Karla Colon, Breanna Renaud, Heather Asselin, Shaquille Cruzado, Normari Lopez, George Fotopoulos II, Clarice Valliere, Marie Valliere, James Machia, Ed Mrozinski, Laura Maziarz, David Nawrocki, Michael Nawrocki, Andrew Peets, Stephen Maziarz, Chris Fotopoulos, Billy Cardinai, James Machia Jr., Eric Boisvere, Jonathan Rose, Roy Nawrocki, Andrew Turcotte, Nathan Roy, Kyle Mrozinski, Zachary Philbrick, Colin Lapierre 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 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 - absent
Mrs. Lopes - present 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 introduced Boy Scout Troop #1849 to the viewing public.
Open Public Input:
Bonnie Foreman, Lisa Foreman, Breanna Renaud, Karla Colon, and Elvin Bruno spoke to the School Committee regarding English teacher, Augustin Morales.
Approval of Minutes:
09-7-1
Voted: On motion by Mr. Szetela to approve the minutes of the Regular Meeting of the School Committee held on June 17, 2009.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
Financial Matters:
09-7-2
A motion was made by Mr. Lamontagne to approve the bills totaling $200,576.02 (Warrant S062609).
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcik to table this item.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-3
A motion was made by Mr. Barsalou to approve the bills totaling $853,917.38 (Warrants S070309 and S071009).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-4
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the revised FY 2010 budget totaling $65,309,323.00.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-5
A motion was made by Mrs. Lopes to approve the payment of the Massachusetts Association of School Committees annual dues totaling $5,819.00 from the School Committee Expense Account.
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to table this item.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - no Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 8 yes – 1 no – 3 absent and the motion passed.
09-7-6
A motion was made by Mrs. Nawrocki to approve the lease agreement dated September 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 between the Chicopee School Committee and the Metropolitan Springfield YMCA for use of Belcher Memorial School and to authorize the Chairperson to sign.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-7
A motion was made by Mrs. Costello to approve the lease agreement dated September 1, 2009 – June 30, 2010 between the Chicopee School Committee and the Metropolitan Springfield YMCA for use of Sgt. Robert R. Litwin School and to authorize the Chairperson to sign.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-8
A motion was made by Mr. Szetela to approve the lease agreement dated September 1, 2009 – June 30, 2012 between the Chicopee School Committee and The Arbors Kids, LLC for use of Herbert E. Bowie School and to authorize the Chairperson to sign.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
Reports:
09-7-9
Voted: On motion by Mr. Lamontagne to receive the Report on Personnel Action Taken.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
Communications and Other Matters:
09-7-10
A motion was made by Mr. Barsalou to approve the second reading of the Bullying Policy (File: J24), as recommended by the Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-11
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the second reading of the Agenda Format policy (File: B21), as recommended by the Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-12
A motion was made by Mrs. Lopes to approve the second reading of the Subcommittees of the School Committee policy (File: B11) as amended, as recommended by the Policy and Human Resources Subcommittee.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-13
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Nawrocki to approve the home education plans as listed.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
09-7-14
A motion was made by Mrs. Costello to authorize Richard W. Rege, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, to rollover ten unused vacation days from the 2009 fiscal year to the 2010 fiscal year.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-15
A motion was made by Mr. Szetela to authorize Herbert E. Bowie School to accept a donation of $1,091.01 from the Stop and Shop A+ BonusBucks program.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
09-7-16
A motion was made by Mr. Lamontagne to authorize Chicopee High School to accept a donation of $2,134.88 from the Stop and Shop A+ BonusBucks program.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
Old Business:
Motion to Reconsider – 09-6-11a
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to reconsider motion 09-6-11a made at the Regular Meeting of the School Committee held on June 17, 2009 [A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the bills totaling $279,954.91 (Warrant S061209)].
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
A motion was made by Mr. Pise to approve the bills totaling $279,954.91 (Warrant S061209).
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - yes
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - abstained Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 8 yes – 1 abstained – 3 absent and the motion passed.
*Mr. Pise abstained due to a conflict of interest.
Report on Anti-Bullying Programs (Due March 1, 2010)
Voted: On motion by Mrs. Costello to have school administration report to the School Committee by March 1, 2010, the effectiveness of the Anti-Bullying programs.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
New Business:
Roth 403(b) Retirement Plan
Voted: On motion by Mr. Pise to refer the ability of the City of Chicopee offering Roth 403(b) retirement plans to the City Benefits Committee and the City Treasurer.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
Outreach Program
Voted: On motion by Mr. Pise to investigate an outreach program to determine the needs of businesses, the Air Force, and employers, to ensure we are meeting their needs for a skilled workforce.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.
A motion was made by Mrs. Wojcik to adjourn into Executive Session at 8:16 PM for the purpose of hearing a level IV grievance and discussing an individual contract 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 - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes 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.
Return to Regular Order of Business:
The following members were present: Mr. Lamontagne, Mr. Barsalou, Mrs. Wojcik, Mr. Pise, Mrs. Lopes, Mr. Lamothe, Mrs. Nawrocki Mrs. Costello, and Mr. Szetela.
Absent were Mayor Bissonnette, Mrs. Styckiewicz and Mrs. Lecca.
Also present were Mr. Rege, Jr., Mr. Nembirkow, and Mrs. Hoar.
Re-Call to Order:
The meeting was re-called to order by Mr. Lamothe, Vice-chairperson, at 10:43 PM.
Grievance (Level IV) – A. M.
A motion was made by Mr. Szetela to deny the grievance and uphold the non-renewal of A. M.
The roll call vote was as follows:
Mayor Bissonnette - absent Mr. Lamontagne - no
Mr. Barsalou - yes Mrs. Wojcik - yes
Mr. Pise - yes Mrs. Styckiewicz - absent
Mrs. Lopes - yes Mr. Lamothe - yes
Mrs. Nawrocki - yes Mrs. Costello - yes
Mr. Szetela - yes Mrs. Lecca - absent
The roll call vote was 8 yes – 1 no – 3 absent and the motion passed.
Adjournment:
Voted: On motion by Mr. Pise to adjourn at 10:50 PM.
Hand vote – 9 present in favor- 3 absent and the motion passed.