CTHSS Committee Meeting Minutes

Connecticut State Board of Education
Connecticut Technical High School Committee
Middletown

Pursuant to notice filed with the Secretary of the State, the Connecticut Technical High School Committee met on December 13, 2006, at A.I. Prince Technical High School, Hartford, Connecticut.

I.       Present:        Mrs. Beverly Bobroske
                             Dr. Alice Carolan
                             Mrs. Theresa Hopkins-Staten

Members of the committee and CTHSS staff were greeted by students Kaylani Lacosse and Darnell Lucius, and Mr. William Chaffin, principal. They also attended the meeting.

The committee asked that no action be taken until their directed changes are made to the report and the form. The committee asked that the changes be emailed to them prior to the January 10, 2007 meeting.

Ms. Hopkins-Staten asked that the CTHSS look into what aggregated data the federal agency is asking for and what is it being used for. She also asked about legal review of the form. The committee was informed that once the Policy on School Based Health Centers at Connecticut Technical High Schools was approved by the committee, a Personal Service Agreement would be prepared for review by Bea Tinty.

Mr. Chaffin addressed Mrs. Hopkins-Staten concern on meeting HIPPA requirements for security of medical records of the students. Mr. Chaffin stated that he has been addressing, through the architects, the issue of security on the information being gathered of the students.

College Preparatory Curriculum for All: In addition to preparing students for successful entry into the trade technology workforce, the CTHSS offers a rigorous college preparation for all students. Honors courses are offered in academic subjects and other students are heterogeneously grouped into college preparatory offerings.
(word "provides" changed to "offers")

World Language: Eight schools currently offer world language to students. We plan on expanding world language offerings to all schools upon budget availability. (Wording “as positions become available" changed to "upon budget availability")

Other uses for the unused space could include an adult technology center, a satellite for Norwalk Community College, a training center for local businesses, or for other community use. (added “or for other community use").

improved communications with the sending school districts and the business community;
improved marketing and outreach activities to students and parents;
greater emphasis on recruiting dual-enrollment students;
school improvement activities focused on student achievement;
implementing quality, innovative and experimental programs designed to meet the needs of students and local businesses;
investigating the use of incentives to secure high quality teaching staff in high need schools;
investigating the use of incentives to secure high quality teaching staff in schools located in high cost of living areas, such as Stamford, which prohibit residence in the immediate school vicinity; and,
increasing public service announcements within the community.

VOTE:           In Favor:       Hopkins-Staten, Bobroske, Carolan
                   Opposed:       0
                   Abstained:      0

VII. Items for Connecticut Technical High School Committee Discussion

Meeting Locations – the CTHS committee agreed to meet as follows (weather permitting):

          February 14, 2007, Eli Whitney (Hamden)
          March 14, 2007, Windham (Willimantic)
          April 11, 2007, Norwich
          May 9, 2007, Grasso (Groton)

Kaylani Lacosse and Darnell Lucius, both seniors at A.I. Prince Technical High School, spoke briefly to the committee on their positive experiences at Prince Tech. They enjoy the academic aspect as well as learning a trade. Both also spoke of the cleaner, neater and friendlier environment and an upbeat change in students due to the renovations. Mr. Chaffin spoke of the great student success and achievement. A.I. Prince Tech had made safe harbor which he credits the reading and math labs and the extended day programs. He stated that the solid instruction along with the new curriculum resulted in a 17 point increase in math CAPT. Mr. Chaffin also shared the students’ sentiment that while the construction process is difficult, he has noticed the difference in morale in staff and students due to the renovation of the school.

Eli Whitney Technical High School - Dr. Druzolowski informed the committee that staff from central office would be going to Eli Whitney soon. She asked them to keep in mind that Eli Whitney’s building project begins with groundbreaking in April 2008 and only hopes that any money through the bonding commission would be supported by our committee. The legislature is looking for dollars to fund statewide school security and it was reported that some legislators are looking at using state bonding funds. Dr. Druzolowski hopes that the committee would make sure that the budget for Eli Whitney is not negatively affected by the use of these funds.

Mrs. Theresa Hopkins-Staten stated that she would like to see incentives for teachers working in the Title I schools and directed the CTHSS to look into it and also make the legislature aware.

Mr. Chaffin stated that administrators from the Title I schools meet on a regular basis to address issues of concern and also to work together on finding solutions for academic improvement at their schools.