Board of Education Honors Departing Members

Last night's regular Board of Education meeting began with a farewell from BOE Chairman Gene Nocera and Superintendent Pat Charles to Ryan Kennedy and former BOE Chairman Ted Raczka. Kennedy, who was appointed in 2008 to fill a vacancy and then re-elected on his own, is leaving the Board to run for a position on City Council.  Raczka was elected to the board in 2005, served as Vice-Chairman starting in 2005, and then was BOE Chairman from 2009-2011.  Most recently, Raczka was the Budget Committee Chairman.  "We wish him [Ted Raczka] the best in his future, in his law practice, and we thank him for everything he's done," Nocera told the Board.

The next Board of Education meeting is scheduled for November 19th to accommodate the election and swearing in of new town officials.  A newly formed BOE will meet that date and decide on committee assignments and leadership positions.

Board of Education Passes 2012-2013 Budget

At tonight's Board of Education meeting, the 2012-2013 proposed budget of $74, 161, 155 passed with only one dissenting vote. Board Member Ryan Kennedy voted against the budget, saying he had heard from many residents who simply cannot afford for taxes to go up in this budget cycle. Kennedy did say that he does support the new math curriculum proposed by the budget, but that he can't at this time support an increased budget overall.

Click here for a link to the proposed budget, then select the link that reads "Superintendent's Recommended Budget for FY 2012-2012. The proposed budget represents a 4.82% increase over last year's budget. However, Budget Chairman Ted Raczka called it a "roll-over budget," meaning that other than contractual increases, budget amounts remain at the same level as last year. Raczka was also quick to add that the budget is a work in progress, and that he hopes members of the public will follow the process and advocate for a budget that meets the needs of Middletown students. BOE Chairman Gene Nocera commented that this year and next would be a difficult budget cycle and that he hoped to navigate the next two years with great concern for preventing staff lay-offs: "That would disastrous for our district and our programs," Nocera added.

Recent events at Farm Hill Elementary School completely overshadowed this evening's budget vote. Fourteen different parents and/or concerned Middletown residents spoke to the board about behavioral issues at Farm Hill. Over and over parents commented about the lack of information about what was happening while expressing a combined frustration at the perceived lack of resources or ability to handle behavioral problems. Superintendent Michael Frechette presented a report to the BOE about what resources have been available to Farm Hill and what new resources are coming as part of an expanded plan on how to address the concerns raised. At Farm Hill's upcoming Thursday (1/12/12) PTA meeting, Dr. Frechette will be meeting with the PTA to explain what is happening. Frechette will hold a similar meeting with Farm Hill teachers and staff on Friday (1/13/12). This EYE reporter was also told that several BOE members plan to attend the PTA meeting as well.

Additional information will be available as this week progresses, so check back for an update on this topic.

Ryan Kennedy Endorses Jon Pulino (R) for Treasurer

From Ryan Carlson Kennedy, Middletown Board of Education, Voteryan06@yahoo.com

October 15, 2011

I have been asked to write a letter of recommendation on behalf of Jonathan Pulino, and I am pleased to do so. I have known Mr. Pulino for more than six years and feel comfortable offering a personal and professional reference. Jon is a very bright, capable, and dedicated educator. He is calm, good-natured, and a loving father of two. He is also, without question, conscientious, self-motivated, and honest.

Jon has worked as a public school teacher since 1999, beginning at Pulaski Middle School in New Britain, Connecticut. He is currently employed with the Meriden Public Schools. Throughout his 12 years of teaching Jon has continued to further his education by completing his 062 and 015 state certificates. In short, by any measure he is a model educator and citizen who will reflect well upon any organization with which he might be associated.

Jon is also very well rounded. He is currently serving as Chairman of the Cable Advisory Board while continuing to host a monthly public access show titled “The Edge”. As is reflected in his professional resume, Jon has been and remains active in his community in both elected and appointed capacities. I trust you will agree that his many accomplishments in this area demonstrate two things: First, that he takes a genuine interest in the serious matters associated with civic affairs; secondly, that he has earned the respect and admiration of the opinion leaders of his community. Taken together, I believe this speaks very well of Jon’s professional potential and places him head-and-shoulders above most of his peers.

If I may be of further service to you or wish to speak to me about this recommendation I encourage you to speak to me directly. Otherwise, I urge you to give Mr. Pulino the highest possible consideration for the office of city treasurer.

Very truly yours,

Ryan Kennedy
Middletown Board of Education