CTHSS Committee Meeting Minutes

Connecticut State Board of Education
Connecticut Technical High School Committee

Pursuant to notice filed with the Secretary of the State, the Connecticut Technical High School Committee, the “Committee” met on April 11, 2007, at Grasso Technical High School.

I.       Committee Members Present:      Mr. Donald Coolican, Chairman
                                                            Dr. Alice Carolan
                                                            Mrs. Beverly Bobroske
         SDE Staff Present:                       Dr. Abigail L. Hughes, Superintendent
                                                            Mrs. Kerry Bell, Grasso Technical High School
                                                            Mr. Richard Cavallaro, Wilcox Technical High School
                                                            Mrs. Eugenia Fafard, Grasso Technical High School
                                                            Mrs. Cathy Burnside, Grasso Technical High School
                                                            Mr. Kevin Mizak, Grasso Technical High School
                                                            Mr. Rick Tanasi, State Vocational Federation of Teachers
                                                            Mr. Aaron Silvia, State Vocational Federation of Teachers

Chairperson Coolican called the meeting to order at 9:42 a.m.

Executive Session. Chairperson Coolican stated the executive session was not needed. The Committee concurred.

Consideration of Minutes of the March 14, 2007 Connecticut Technical High School Committee Meeting

Upon motion duly made by Dr. Carolan, and Mr. Coolican seconded, approval of the Committee minutes of March 14, 2007 meeting.

Mr. Silvia, President, State Vocational Federation of Teachers addressed concerns to the Committee regarding the future of J.M. Wright Technical High School and the handling of the open forum. He noted that a recent article listed J.M. Wright Tech’s enrollment numbers spanning the last three years. His hope is that the committee reviews the history for the past decade to determine the cause and effect of J.M. Wright’s current situation. He stated that on June 7, 2000 the Connecticut Technical High School Committee signed a resolution passed by the State Board of Education stating that J.M. Wright Technical High School is viable. The State Board of Education gave the Commissioner of Education a directive to pursue the process of gathering information from the school and community.

Mr. Silvia asked the Committee to address the number one question of whether J.M. Wright Technical High School can succeed without the support of the City of Stamford. He asked if any technical high school could succeed without the support of the local town or city. He would like to address and resolve this issue with the City of Stamford. He cited six specific previous program decisions that impacted J.M. Wright:

The February 2007 Advisory Committee listing nine programs that were closed since 2000.
The implementation of revised admissions policy in 2004.
The system’s goal to decrease the number of Bridgeport students accepted.
The elimination of programs utilizing the school, i.e. The Trailblazer’s Academy.
The system wide effect of standardization of curriculum and scheduling.
The facility itself, specifically, what happened to the $31,000,000 renovation?

Mr. Silvia stated that moving to the Bristol model alternative rather than using the standard Vocational Technical system standard would be a major setback.
Mr. Silvia acknowledged the challenges that the Committee faces and stated the State Vocational Federations of Teachers is willing to assist the Committee in any way to help meet those challenges.

V. Consent Agenda No consent agenda was provided for the Committee’s consideration.

a) Celebration of Reading Grant Application, Grasso Technical High School
Dr. Hughes presented Grasso Technical High School’s Request for Approval of a Grant Application for Celebration of Reading. This grant would secure funds to purchase books for Grasso students in financial need for the Summer Reading Program to promote literacy and to encourage students to be life-long readers. Mrs. Burnside explained how the books were chosen by teachers from shops and academics, in order to meet the needs of all students. Books would be made available to preview in order for students to make informed decisions about which book to choose for summer reading. It was clarified that Grasso would control the grant money, purchasing approved books only for those students in financial need. The program would include activities for students to complete over the summer, to ensure that they are reading the material. Upon returning to school, discussion sessions regarding the reading would take place.

Upon motion duly made by Mrs. Bobroske, and Dr. Carolan seconded approval of the Grant Application for Celebration of Reading for Grasso Technical High School.

b) 2007 Yankee Ingenuity Challenge - Connecticut Technical High School System
Dr. Hughes presented the Request for Approval of Grant Application: 2007 Yankee Ingenuity Challenge-Connecticut Technical High School System. This grant would engage high school students in a real-world work experience in the design and development of a new product. Dr. Hughes stated that the Connecticut Business and Industry Association and the Connecticut Manufacturer’s Association have each voted to give $2,500 towards this grant. This would enable each team to receive funds, and the three finalists would be able to design and package their new product. Dr. Hughes stated that this would begin in May and would last one year. With $5,000 already donated, the amount of funds needed would be $3,750.00. It was clarified that the $3,000 in scholarship funds awarded equally to each of the three finalist teams would be banked by the system until students proceeded to college. Mrs. Bobroske requested this be put in writing. Mr. Coolican requested this information be presented to the Board.

Upon motion duly made by Mrs. Bobroske, and Dr. Carolan seconded approval of the Grant Application for 2007 Yankee Ingenuity Challenge-Connecticut Technical High School System.

c) Exploring Careers Tuition
Dr. Hughes presented the Executive Summary for the Connecticut Technical High School System Exploring Careers Tuition. The request is for approval for the establishment of a tuition fee for the 2007–2008 school year. Dr. Hughes explained that due to the condition of the current general fund, tuition would be necessary to allow for this program to take place. The tuition would cover the fees to staff the program. The schools would not make a profit from this program. Dr. Carolan and Mr. Coolican asked why a parent of an eighth grader would pay for this program. Dr. Hughes responded that the program not only offers a safe environment for students over the summer, it also offers educational values and assists with recruitment. Many students who attend the Exploring Careers program go on to apply at the Connecticut Technical High Schools. Dr. Carolan asked if students attending the Exploring Careers program would receive any ‘points’ towards applying at technical schools in the future. Dr. Hughes responded that while they do not earn any ‘points’, they do receive valuable experience beforehand. They also are more motivated towards applying once they have worked hands on in the school. Mrs. Bobroske asked how the students are transported to the program. Dr. Hughes stated that parents provide transportation.

Upon motion duly made by Mrs. Bobroske, and Dr. Carolan seconded approval of the Exploring Careers Program, summer of 2007 Tuition.

Dr. Hughes informed the Committee members that she and Dr. Druzolowski visited J.M. Wright Technical High School last week for an open forum with teachers to discuss the concerns of the future of the school. At that time she solicited ideas from the teachers and worked with them to problem solve. She has 2½ pages of positive suggestions that she will share with the Committee at a later date. There will be an open meeting next week. It will take place on a shortened day from 1 to 3 p.m. to allow for teachers to attend. The teachers were pleased with this schedule. Some specific items of concern were:

Student exposure. Many students were very excited after recruiters attended their school. However, the parents are not receiving the same exposure and are, therefore, not as enthusiastic as the students. More efforts need to be made to address the parents. Middle schools provide mailing labels; these should be used to send notices home to parents about the school.
School and Community collaboration. More efforts need to be made to get the community involved with J.M. Wright Tech. An advertisement could be posted in the newspaper offering the use of the school for community events.
Appearance of the School. The PFO renovated the lobby last year. More needs to be done to improve upon the appearance of the school.
Standards. Current standards are appropriate, current students are thriving. Do not lower standards just to increase enrollment.

Dr. Hughes and Dr. Druzolowski will be meeting on Wednesday, April 18, 2007 with the head of the Trailblazer’s Academy and the Stamford Superintendent to brainstorm. The public information meeting will take place the following week. Mr. Coolican stated that all Committee members are expected to be in attendance at this meeting. Dr. Carolan asked what the current enrollment is at J.M. Wright. Dr. Hughes responded that the current enrollment is approximately 250. Dr. Carolan asked what the enrollment numbers were ten years ago. Dr. Hughes responded that Bea Tinty is putting a history together, which she will forward to Committee members prior to the next meeting. Mr. Coolican asked how many applications were received for the 2007 – 2008 school year. Dr. Hughes responded there were 47 accepted as of last week. Dr. Carolan asked why students should apply to J.M. Wright Tech. Dr. Hughes responded that students who wish to gain trade skills as well as academics would benefit from attending J.M. Wright Tech. Dr. Carolan asked which were the ‘best’ trades out of the seven offered at J.M. Wright Tech. Dr. Hughes responded that Culinary and Hairdressing were the most popular at the moment. Automotive Technology, Auto Collision Repair, and Health Technology are growing, with enrollment slowly increasing. Mr. Coolican requested Dr. Hughes provide the Committee with the enrollment history and staff comments for review prior to the public meeting which is scheduled in two weeks. Mrs. Bobroske requested a summary of all technical high school recruitment procedures before next month’s meeting. Mr. Coolican stated that he did not feel the Committee needed the report that soon. Mrs. Bobroske insisted it did. Dr. Hughes stated that she would provide that information to the Committee.

Dr. Hughes informed Committee members that 700 students participated in the State Skills USA competition on March 30, 2007. She stated that more administrators and instructors were able to attend this competition because it was held on a vacation day. Out of 18 schools, 15 schools had a first place winner, some for the first time. Those first place winners will go on to compete in the National Skills USA competition in Kansas City in June. There were more sophomores and juniors participating this year than ever.

NOCTI
Dr. Hughes stated that the schools are now entering the NOCTI season. She will provide members with test dates so they may attend to view students in action. Judges are from each field and have experience with NOCTI procedures. Some students are hired on the spot.

Dr. Carolan requested a coy of the teacher’s contract, as it is currently being reviewed.

Mr. Cavallaro asked Dr. Hughes if Central Office was making an effort to review and modify programs at J.M. Wright Tech to fit with the business community in the Stamford area. Dr. Hughes replied that they are hoping to solicit businesses through the Advisory Committee. While businesses may be interested in helping, parents may view this differently.