BOARD MEMBERS ABSENT: Helen Louise Plager

ADMINISTRATION PRESENT: James Chittum

OTHERS PRESENT: None

1. Meeting Call to Order:  The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Brad Bremer.

2. Pledge to the Flag:  The Board recited the pledge.

3. Consideration of the Minutes:  Susan Read Stanton moved to approve the Minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of January 14, 2009.  Sherri Gray seconded the motion.  The motion was unanimously approved.

4. Public Comment:  None

5. Correspondence:  None

6.   Budget:

     a. Capital Spending – The capital spending report was discussed.

     b. Town of Colebrook/Board of Finance Schedule of Regular Meetings for Calendar 2009
         Two important dates were noted:

 (1) February 18^th – Our budget discussion with the Board of Finance

 (2) February 25^th – Special Board of Education, Board of Finance, Board of    Selectmen and guests at 7:00 p.m. in the multi-purpose room.

7. Unfinished Business: 

     a. Discussion of Superintendent's 2009-2010 Preliminary Budget Proposal – No reduction in ECS was reported from governor today.  The memo from the superintendent included in the Board packet is out-of-date.  The four percent reduction in medical insurance costs may be even lower for all districts and town because of cooperative bargaining.   See 2009-2010  Preliminary Budget Adjustments.

The motion was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by Lisa Fragale to approve the proposed 2009-2010 budget including adjustment A as per the superintendent's budget adjustments resulting in a 4.25% increase over the 2008-2009 operating budget.  The motion was unanimously approved.

Jay Chittum proposed that we postpone the $10,000 technology replacement allocation for one year.

Barney Adams moved to postpone Year 2 (2009-2010) of the Board's five-year technology replacement plan. Susan Read Stanton seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.

8. New Business: 

     a. Consideration of Adjustments to 2008-2009 Budget – This was discussed.

     b. Consideration of Request for Special Appropriation to Cover Unanticipated    Special Education Costs – The motion to request a special appropriation of    $29,200 from the Board of Finance to offset unanticipated special education costs    was made by Susan Read Stanton and seconded by Barney Adams.  The motion    was unanimously approved.

      c. Series 0000 Policies - Mission, Goals and Philosophy for Approval – Lisa Fragale   moved to accept the Series 0000 Policies – Mission, Goals and Philosophy for    approval.  Susan Read Stanton seconded the motion. The motion was     unanimously approved.

     d. Bullying Policy for Approval – The motion was made by Barney Adams and    seconded by Sherri Gray to accept the Bullying Policy for approval.  The     motion was unanimously approved.

     e. Administration of Medication by School Personnel Policy for Approval – Susan    Read Stanton moved and Barney Adams seconded the motion to continue the    implementation of the Administration of Medication by School Personnel Policy with no changes.  The motion was unanimously approved.

     f. No Child Left Behind District and School Reports – These reports were discussed. Colebrook Consolidated School has achieved Adequate Yearly Progress as per NCLB.

     g. Supervision of After-School Facilities Use – Jay Chittum is concerned about some problems with improper use and lack of set rules and standards (i.e., equipment to be used, person accountable, insurance necessary).  He will discuss the matter with the Recreation Commission.

 9. Superintendent's Report – The report was reviewed.  Highlighted items were schedule, building leaks and estimates for coils, and appreciation for Sarah LaRosa, the new paraprofessional.

10. Committee Reports:

     a. Building & Grounds – No report.

     b. CABE – No report.

     c. Curriculum – No report.

     d. Education Connection – Will be meeting on February 5^th.

     e. Facilities Study – Jay Chittum met with Tom McKeon and Jim Millar to discuss a possible referendum on May 5^th for the building project. There will be a special meeting on February 25^th.

     f. Personnel & Policy – The policy revisions are progressing.

     g. Shared Services – Discussed the Gifted & Talented Program identification  process.

     h. Strategic Plan – 3-4 year old plan needs to be reviewed.  The superintendent is planning for the review.

     i. Transportation – Buses are OK.  Heaters are used to help for coldest day problems.

11. Superintendent's Mid-Year Review
The motion was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by Susan Read Stanton to enter Executive Session to discuss the Superintendent's Mid-Year Review.  The motion was unanimously approved.  Entered Executive Session at 8:53 p.m.

The motion was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by Barney Adams to exit Executive Session.  The motion was unanimously approved.  Exited Executive Session at 9:25 p.m.

12. Adjournment – The motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Sherri Gray and seconded by Barney Adams.  The motion was unanimously approved.  The meeting adjourned at 9:26 p.m.

 Respectfully submitted,