MINUTES
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
PRESENT: Kimberley Russo, Jane Goldman, Sandy Baxter, Becky Lehmann, Jessica Higham, Cindy Guerreri, Mary Jane Newman, Donna McLaughlin, Susan Daley, Judy Stoughton, Jim Greene.
REGRETS: Anne Bladen, Lisa Oransoff, Kevin Grunwald, Rachel Leclerc, Jackie Soroka, Nancy Hovorka, Katherine Paulhus.
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Open
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-Welcome: Acting Chair J.Higham called the meeting to order at 6300PM -Vote to adopt 5/14/08 MAC minutes
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Minutes approved as written. Welcomed Jim Green |
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Announce-ments |
Updates on: J.Goldman shared information about “Connecticut Charts a Course”. This will provide bonuses for teachers in Headstart, School Readiness and DSS centers. Jane reviewed the employment and educational requirements and noted that the bonuses are not limited to recent graduates, as retention of staff is a focus. It is important to apply under the updated START regulations. This program doesn’t extend to home care providers
S. Daley provided more information about CT Charts a Course: focusing on the career ladder for early childhood personnel; provides a CT registry, provides training opportunities, is state funded and growing.
S.Baxter reported that Fred Baruzzi has been appointed Superintendent of Mansfield Schools. |
Written information was provided. |
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Leadership Work Group planning
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S.Baxter reported that approximately 50+ invitations have been sent for the Information Session on 6-11-08, 5:30-7:30pm in Shippee Hall, UConn. The meeting room is on the ground floor.
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Reviewed the importance of good MAC representation at the meeting
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Leadership Work Group (LWG) Preparations |
S.Baxter led discussion from MAC members to request additional names/positions as well as a listing of resources to be provided to attendees. Suggested terms to be defined were also listed. There was discussion about balancing information that would encourage individuals to join the process vs. too much information for this first meeting. Susan and Jessica offered help to Sandy in compiling this information.
The Leadership Work Group will likely be 12-16 (optimum number) individuals; Initial meeting will be 6/19/08 and involvement will entail a monthly meeting at a minimum, with small groups working at other times. At each step in the process, feedback will be sought from the larger community.
C. Guerreri and S.Baxter reviewed the priorities outlined in “Ready by 5, Fine by 9”, and reported that results-based accountability will be the strategy utilized. This is an important strategy as it is what will be used by state government in making funding decisions in the future and a language that legislators have been trained in. C.Guerreri reiterated the importance of involving Denise Merrill in this process to gain an ally from the Appropriations Committee, a very important committee for this wok.
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K. Russo will contact the N.E. CT Rep for 211 –Info. Line
B. Lehmann will get contact information for the Asst.Principal of the Colchester School in order to recruit her.
J. Stoughton gave contact information for one International parent and may recruit others. |
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Mansfield Family Information Packets |
B. Lehmann led discussion regarding the packets which are assembled annually. Last year about 200 packets were made, funded by a local real estate agent. These are offered to new families and to families who are new to parenting in Mansfield. These families are identified by means of the public school, library, and networking. It was suggested that information about the availability of these packets be placed on the town website.
There was discussion about the time and cost of these packets. Assembly is completed by Sandy and volunteers. The concept of a booklet was briefly discussed. This issue will continue to be discussed at the August meeting, and at that time a date to assemble packets will be established.
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Further discussion at next MAC meeting.
Select date for assembling packets.
J. Higham and J.Greene will be reviewing the present packet and offering suggestions to improve. |
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Small Group updates |
S.Daley & J.Goldman report on the Infant/Toddler group. They are currently meeting monthly to establish the next focus.
They have met with UConn staff from the Work Life Committee who has interest and expertise in looking at childcare needs for UConn staff in conjunction with the town. They are now waiting for a confirmation on the date set to meet with the Town Manager and Mayor.
J. Higham reported that the Parent Group will meet on Friday, 6/6/08 to review interviews.
J.Stoughton & D.McLaughlin reported the Membership Group has not met recently, but will be re-convening.
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Meeting Adjourned at 8:07pm
Next Meeting August 6, 2008
Respectfully submitted,
Donna McLaughlin