Bethany Board of Education Meeting March 9, 2011

A brief summary of what was discussed at last night's meeting for those who want to know what's happening in town, but can't make it to the meetings.

• Superintendent Tim Connellan asked the board for the authority to submit paperwork stating that the school will comply with the standards for their Healthy Food Certification for 2011-2012 thereby receiving some reimbursements. The board approved.
• In light of the issues with makeup days resulting from this year’s excessive snow, the board voted to approve changes to the calendar for 2011-2012 that set June 22 as the last day of the school year. Any additional snow days will be made up out of April vacation.
• Next year Connecticut Mastery Tests (CMTs) will be moved to a week later so students will have one more week of instructional time instead of taking their tests so shortly after February vacation.
• Superintendent Connellan discussed the capitol improvements he had addressed with the Board of Finance at last week’s budget presentation and reiterated the importance of addressing four projects: the aging water tank, oil tanks, roofs and furnaces.
• Principal Robert Spino said CMTs are going well. The school has changed the way it schedules the testing this year, starting the day with a breakfast provided by room parents, followed by one assessment, a break for recess, then one more assessment is completed before lunch. “We are trying to make it a more positive experience,” Spino said. Testing will finish up on Monday.
• Assistant Principal Diane Krivda announced that the school will celebrate their volunteers by taking several out to dinner at Aquaturf next week. Chantal Hendricks and Nancy Scanlon will be treated to a night out in recognition of the hundreds of hours they contribute to the school each year.
• Brian Fournier said the BOE’s presentation of the 2011-2012 budget to the Bethany Board of Finance went well and the finance committee is waiting to hear what the BOF decides.
• The discussion regarding BOE policy surrounding out of district students continued. No decisions were made, however, the policy committee took note of the other board members opinions and said they would continue reworking the issues.