ANSONIA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

BOARD OF EDUCATION

MINUTES
PLACE: ROBERT E. ZURAW, ADMIN. OFFICE BLDG. DATE: 09 JULY 2014 TIME: 6:00 P.M.

SPECIAL MEETING CALLED TO ORDER BY: PRESIDENT William Nimons


I. OPENING

A. Pledge of Allegiance

B. Roll Call

There was a moment of silence for Cyndi Goldberg, Speech & Language Pathologist, who recently
passed away.

MEMBERS OF THE BOARD PRESENT ABSENT LATE
MR. ROBERT CARUSO X
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI X
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA X
TOTAL
4 3 0


II. PUBLIC SESSION

After asking three times if anyone wished to speak, Mr. Nimons closed the public session.

III. ACTION ITEMS, CONSIDERATION OF APPROVING . . .

A. Ansonia Board of Education meeting minutes dated June 4, 2014 (regular) and June 6, 2014 (special)

MOTION: That the minutes dated June 4, 2014, (regular)
and June 6, 2014, (special) be accepted as
presented.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0


B. Letter of Agreement between Ansonia Board of Education and Sikorsky Financial Credit Union

DISCUSSION: Superintendent Merlone explained that this is the stipulated agreement between the Ansonia Board
of Education and Sikorsky Financial Credit Union to open a branch of the Credit Union in Ansonia High School. This would be
open to staff, students and any visitors whom A.H.S. administration approves.

MOTION: That the Ansonia Board of Education sign the
letter of agreement with Sikorsky Financial Credit
Union and move that the President of the Board of
Education sign the agreement as the representative
of the Board of Education.

DISCUSSION: Mr. Nimons said he wants to make sure that Sikorsky Financial Credit Union files personal property
forms with the city to pay taxes on computers; they are not exempt. Dr. Merlone said she will see to that. Mr. Phipps asked i f
this was tied to curriculum. Dr. Merlone said yes and also the students could apply for an internship and will be getting paid. Mr.
Phipps asked about the hours. Dr. Merlone said she thinks it would be open until about 3:00 or 3:30 pm.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0


C. Superintendents Recommendation for Non-Union 2014-2015 Salaries and Contract
Extensions/Employment
ATTACHMENT #1

DISCUSSION: Mr. Nimons said he wanted to add a 2% raise for all coaches, which comes to $2,344; we have that
in the gate receipts. Mr. Nimons explained that we have a new policy in place with the new Athletic Director, Tom Brockett, a
yearly constructive criticism evaluation.
Mr. Nimons said that Dr. Merlone will be waiving her raise and Mr. Wilsons raise will be discussed in September.

MOTION: To approve all raises and contract extensions
as recommended by the Superintendent for next
fiscal year.

DISCUSSION: Mr. Nimons asked if all the money was in the budget. Mr. Gaskins, business administrator, said
yes there is always contingency for raises.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS 2 X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0







D. Permission for Superintendent to hire Certified Staff during the summer

DISCUSSION: Mr. Nimons explained that permission for the Superintendent to hire certified staff during the
summer is something typical that we have been doing.

MOTION: To grant permission for the Superintendent to
hire certified staff during the summer.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS 2 X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 1 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0


DISCUSSION: Mr. Phipps said he is saddened to see Mr. Affie leaving the district. He was an excellent
teacher. Dr. Merlone said that Mr. Affie explained that it is time for him to utilize his 092 administrative certificate and for more
professional growth. The Superintendent said Mr. Affie has done a lot for our district. Both Dr. Merlone and Mr. Phipps said this
is a loss for Ansonia.

IV. INFORMATION ITEMS

A. Assistant Superintendents Report

DISCUSSION: Mr. Wilson, assistant superintendent, updated the Board on the summer curriculum writing.
He explained that June 26-29 was the summer curriculum writing conference. Eighteen teachers wrote K-12 English
Language Arts, grades 6-12 mathematics, grades 7 and 8 science and social studies grades 8-11. This curriculum will be
brought to the Curriculum Sub-Committee in September for approval. There was a tremendous amount of work done to
realign all the curricula to the Common Core State Standards. Mr. Wilson said he applauds all those teachers who gave their
time. We were able to fund this through the alliance funds that was written into the Alliance Grant. There is still more work to
be done. We have made great strides and are on the right track.
Mr. Wilson then updated the Board on the NWEA testing. We will continue this testing which will begin the second
week of school, with a one month testing window. We will have a report on the NWEA by the October meeting.
The assistant superintendent said the Alliance Grant was rewritten with the changes that had to take place per the
Boards recommendation. We went from the top of the list to the bottom. However, we are in the stage where we are under
review and should have an answer shortly. Mr. Wilson said he will keep everyone informed.
Yesterday, Mr. Wilson added that he, along with Dr. Merlone, Mr. Nimons, Mr. Vaccaro and Mayor Cassetti met with
the Commissioner of Education in Hartford, as well as other parties the Commissioner had invited to be there. Also at the
meeting were State Senator Crisco and State Representative Gentile. It was a productive meeting discussing the differential
between the ECS funds and Alliance Grant funds and why they were lumped together. Also discussed was a possible plan for
bringing in portables for special education to keep these students in-district. The Commissioner said he loved the idea and we
are looking into possibly getting our State Construction Grant for that, which would be 76-80% reimbursable depending on the
numbers. We made some great contacts in Hartford; Paige Farnum is the point contact and has been helpful. Dr. Merlone
said she followed up that day with a phone call to Paige Farnum to get the wheels rolling in regard to the Elm Street project .
She said she also spoke to Mr. Nimons and the Mayor in creating a Building Commission. A commitment would not be made
by the State in a dollar amount until we receive the title, so the City would have to front the money and we would receive the
title exchange from the person selling, then it would be in 2016 when the State would give us a commitment of the amount in
grant money. Dr. Merlone said a call was made to the State Department to arrange a meeting with the Commissioner and
Morgan Barth. We have not heard back as of yet. Mr. Vaccaro explained that he has worked with the state for many years
and in leaving the meeting the other day he was very optimistic. They liked the idea of the portables. Dr. Merlone said it would
be a beneficial way to save money. The money has to be put up first, but in the long run Ansonia would be saving money.







B. Special Education Directors Report
ATTACHMENT #2

DISCUSSION: Ms. Gabrielson, special education directors report was presented to the Board. Dr. Merlone
explained that Ms. Gabrielson is suggesting using Delta T which is an agency she deals with to contract substitutes when non-
certified staff is absent. In discussing cost saving measures with the agency their proposal was as follows: it costs $852,638 to
employ our staff of 49 people this year. Fifteen of those positions were filled by Delta T. The actual cost would have been
$982,239 if we were to fill all 49 positions. If Delta T fills all the positions next year it would be $891,114, with a savings of
$91,225. Dr. Merlone said she is asking the Board for their consideration in us giving up our control over the non-certified
SPED Instructional Assistants (IA). Delta T would offer our employees the positions first. It would not be at the salary they are
receiving now. Some of our staff members make up to $28.00 an hour, others make as little as $11.84. Delta T is
recommending an amount of $17.32 for everyone. Mr. Nimons asked Mr. Gaskins if we would have a savings if we agree to
this. Mr. Gaskins said he would still like to investigate it more. We wouldnt switch if there wasnt a savings. It frees us up from
any Affordable Care Act concerns. It frees us up from the turnover. Hopefully it would add some consistency. Dr. Merlone
added that Delta T said they would be cognizant of keeping the same IA with the same student. The Superintendent said Ms.
Gabrielson has used this agency this year and has been very pleased. Mr. Nimons asked if the employees would be under
Delta Ts workmen comp plan. Dr. Merlone said yes. The Superintendent said there would be a meeting with the IAs, Ms.
Gabrielson and Delta T. Mr. Gaskins said it would be a joint notification, we would give everyone Delta Ts information and
state that they are eager to interview with everyone. Mr. Phipps asked if the Superintendent was looking to do this for
September. Dr. Merlone said yes and asked if the Boards pleasure was to pursue this. A lot of these employees are Ansonia
residents.

MOTION: To vote by email once we review the contract.

DISCUSSION: Mr. Nimons said the most important part is that there is a significant savings. Dr. Merlone
said Mr. Gaskins will email everyone with the savings. Mr. Gaskins said there is a lot to look at. The substitute account, this
past year was over. Mr. Nimons asked if this would be a one-year contract. Dr. Merlone answered correct. Mr. Phipps asked
about consistency with students. Dr. Merlone said now we have our own people, with the exception of the 15 positions we
could not fill. Mr. Phipps asked if those 15 were pretty regular coming from Delta T. Dr. Merlone said yes. Mr. Gaskins said we
still maintain managerial rights with regard to assignments.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0


C. Technology Report
ATTACHMENT #3

DISCUSSION: The technology report was presented to the Board.

D. Financial
ATTACHMENT #4

1. 2013-2014 Year-to-Date

DISCUSSION: Mr. Gaskins, business manager, explained the financial report. He stated that right now
we have expended and encumbered 99.99% of our budget with a balance of $7, 014. That number is expected to go down a
little. As invoices come in, some are lower, others are higher. Overall, we are always close enough that he doesnt anticipate
going over. We still have 10 days of electricity to account for. There will be changes in special education tuitions. It was a
tough year.

2. Athletics

DISCUSSION: No questions were asked.

3. Food Services

DISCUSSION: No questions were asked.

4. Grants and Other Income

DISCUSSION: Mr. Gaskins explained that in our payroll checking account there is a zero balance. Over
the years funds have accumulated there to the sum of $103,000. That money has been transferred over to the city this year,
prior to year end, so it will be under the next audit review. All of our accounts are under a city umbrella so that fund balance of
money that we dont use, $103,000 has been returned to the city. Mr. Nimons asked if that is going to be for the audit coming
up now. Mr. Gaskins said correct. Mr. Nimons said there was an audit meeting with Mr. Gaskins and BOE staff with the city
and our goal is to have the audit finished by September 30
th
. Mr. Nimons thanked Mr. Gaskins for taking care of that; it was in
the audit.

E. Notes from the Desk of the Superintendent
ATTACHMENT #5

DISCUSSION: The Superintendent Merlone presented her notes to the Board. She added that Valley
United Way will be outfitting 200 of our students and we are very grateful for that. Mrs. Kotalis asked about regionalization with
Derby, is that system wide? Dr. Merlone said we are doing departments first, such as food service. In September the Boards
are going to look at regionalizing the high schools. Mr. Nimons said we had a lot of ideas at the meeting and we need to share
our ideas and see where there is commonality. The first thing we wanted to do was food service and possibly the
transportation contract. Mr. Nimons said he is hoping to get the food service regionalized to start because there is a savings
there.

F. Additional; Administration or Board of Education

DISCUSSION: Mr. Phipps said he received a phone call from the athletic director asking about approval for
hiring Vince Della Volpe as the basketball coach. Dr. Merlone said she did receive the recommendation that day and has
begun processing the application. She explained that the Board only approves the hiring of certified staff.
Mr. Phipps then asked about the issues brought to the Board about the baseball program. He explained that there was a
meeting yesterday with Dr. Merlone, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Brockett, Mr. Vacca and himself. The meeting had an open and honest
dialogue and we are expecting to see changes next season. Dr. Merlone said she will follow up with a letter to the coach
based on what was stated at the meeting. Mr. Nimons said basically it will be a letter of expectations. Dr. Merlone said yes.

V. EXECUTIVE SESSION re: Expulsion

MOTION: To enter into executive session re: Expulsion
at 6:43 p.m. and invite Superintendent Merlone.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS 2 X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0













MOTION: To return to the regular meeting at 6:50 p.m.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X XXX
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA
TOTAL
4 0 0


VI. ACTION, as needed, as a result of EXECUTIVE SESSION

MOTION: To support the agreement of the
Superintendent to expel the student.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X XXX
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA

TOTAL
4 0 0


VII. ADJOURNMENT

MOTION: To adjourn the meeting at 6:52 p.m.

MOTION YES NO ABSTAIN
MR. ROBERT CARUSO
MS. FRANCES DIGIORGI
MRS. ARETTA KOTALIS X XXX
MR. WILLIAM NIMONS, President X
MR. CHRISTOPHER PHIPPS 2 X
MR. CARMEN PITNEY 1 X
MR. VINCENT SCARLATA

TOTAL
4 0 0




Respectfully submitted,



Fran Perrotti
Recording Secretary
July 16, 2014