Bethany Board of Education Meeting, June 8, 2011

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

• Michelle Schwenger gave a Power Point presentation describing the classroom enrichment activities worked on by each grade throughout the past school year.
• The TAG Museum will be held in the Bethany Community School Library on June 14, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• Laura Adair and Maura Harrigan were presented with gifts of appreciation for their years of service to the board. Both step down from their positions on July 1.
• The board voted to accept a donation of $2,500 from the PTO which will be used to purchase books for the school library.
• The food services contract with Chartwell was extended for one year. The cost increase to the school was 1.97 percent.
• A request by a language arts teacher for a one-year extension on a year-long sabbatical was denied. The board cited concerns about setting precedent. Should the teacher decided not to return this year, the board will not have to pay unemployment as opting not to return would be the equivalent of resigning.
• An out-of-district first grade teacher has asked if she can enroll her child in the 2011-2012 kindergarten class. According to Superintendent Tim Connellan, there is no way to determine exactly what the enrollment numbers will be until August. The board voted 3-3, with Brian Fournier voting “no” to break the tie; motion failed.
• The school has received the insurance money for the roof damaged by the excessive snow last winter. Superintendent Connellan recommended immediate action to begin work so that the new pitched roof would be completed before school begins again in the fall.
• Principal Rob Spino said activity is high, as usual, this time of year. Activities include the science fair, kindergarten registration, the Celebration of the Arts, field trips, variety show, spelling bee championship, field day and kindergarten and sixth grade graduations.