Notes from Windsor Locks Board of Education Meeting 8/18/11Facilities Update:
An update on the installation of the solar panels on the roof of North Street School was given by Erik Bartone from DBS Energy. Installation should be complete before school starts and be operational in October. The project is being funded in part by CT Clean Energy Fund and will save $12,000-$14,00 a year on the power bill. DBS Energy also discussed that they will be updating the outside lighting at all the schools with more up to date lighting technology. This update will cost approximately $205,000; $43,000 will be funded by utility rebates and the remainder will be funded by a 0% interest loan for 108 months. This lighting update will save approximately $403,000 in electricity expenses.
An update on the installation of the solar panels on the roof of North Street School was given by Erik Bartone from DBS Energy. Installation should be complete before school starts and be operational in October. The project is being funded in part by CT Clean Energy Fund and will save $12,000-$14,00 a year on the power bill. DBS Energy also discussed that they will be updating the outside lighting at all the schools with more up to date lighting technology. This update will cost approximately $205,000; $43,000 will be funded by utility rebates and the remainder will be funded by a 0% interest loan for 108 months. This lighting update will save approximately $403,000 in electricity expenses.
Steven Mills, Facilities Manager provided a presentation of all that has been done at the schools over the summer including HVAC and technology updates at all the schools, brand new sound system in the High School gym, blacktop paving and painting, and of course all the staff does to get the classrooms ready for the coming school year.
Personnel Report:
2 Science teachers at the Middle School have resigned and replacements are currently being sought.
2 Science teachers at the Middle School have resigned and replacements are currently being sought.
CABE/CAPSS Conference:
The Board discussed their registration for the Annual CABE/CAPSS Conference. This is an annual convention that is attended by our Board of Education and is used to assist local and regional boards of education in providing high quality education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership. They will learn various ideas and strategies through networking with fellow board members and superintendents, attend clinic sessions, workshops, roundtables, speakers, and exhibitors. The convention will be held November 18 & 19 in Groton, CT.
The Board discussed their registration for the Annual CABE/CAPSS Conference. This is an annual convention that is attended by our Board of Education and is used to assist local and regional boards of education in providing high quality education for all Connecticut children through effective leadership. They will learn various ideas and strategies through networking with fellow board members and superintendents, attend clinic sessions, workshops, roundtables, speakers, and exhibitors. The convention will be held November 18 & 19 in Groton, CT.
Pay to Play:
At the last Board of Education meeting in July the Board was asked to reconsider their pay to play policy which would charge high school and middle school students to play sports or participate in activities such as band, Vocal Motion, cheerleading, math team, etc.
At the last Board of Education meeting in July the Board was asked to reconsider their pay to play policy which would charge high school and middle school students to play sports or participate in activities such as band, Vocal Motion, cheerleading, math team, etc.
The Board has reversed their decision and has decided not to implement the pay to play policy for this coming school year. There have been several teacher resignations since the end of the last school year, and they feel the money they will be saving when hiring new teachers at a lesser rate of pay will cover the costs of these student activities. They will review implementation of the policy at a later date if they feel it is necessary.
Role of the Board Liaison:
Each Board member has "adopted" a school that they will visit throughout the school year with the Superintendent or the school principal to learn more about what happens in the classrooms and schools on a daily basis. Chairwoman Pat King and board member Andy Kulas will be going to the High School; board member Scott Storms will be going to the Middle School; board member Margaret Byrne will be going to South School and board member Michael Royston will be going to North Street School.
Each Board member has "adopted" a school that they will visit throughout the school year with the Superintendent or the school principal to learn more about what happens in the classrooms and schools on a daily basis. Chairwoman Pat King and board member Andy Kulas will be going to the High School; board member Scott Storms will be going to the Middle School; board member Margaret Byrne will be going to South School and board member Michael Royston will be going to North Street School.
Other:
Superintendent Sweeney discussed how Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for the teachers will be implemented throughout the school system. Teachers will be receiving training on reading the student academic data and looking at student progression from week to week and learn how to adapt that information into their lesson plans for the next school week. Mr. Sweeney stated "using this data will allow teachers to really differentiate their instruction to teach to different groups of children, rather than just teach to the middle. The focus will be on kids achieving higher than you ever imagined before."
Superintendent Sweeney discussed how Professional Learning Communities (PLC) for the teachers will be implemented throughout the school system. Teachers will be receiving training on reading the student academic data and looking at student progression from week to week and learn how to adapt that information into their lesson plans for the next school week. Mr. Sweeney stated "using this data will allow teachers to really differentiate their instruction to teach to different groups of children, rather than just teach to the middle. The focus will be on kids achieving higher than you ever imagined before."
Superintendent Sweeney stated there will be articles in next week's Reminder News and Journal Inquirer inviting parents to become part of newly developed Parent Advisory Committees that will be at each school.
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