BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Business Meeting

December 6, 2011

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

 

 

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, Mr. Rick Mincher, Dr. William Acker, Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mrs. Janet Grey, Mr. Andrew McCarty, Mrs. Mary Wiggins

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mr. Bruce Ballan, Mrs. Rose Barra, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mrs. Rebecca Carman, Mr. Chris Culnan, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Mr. Tim Fryer, Mrs. Jill Gould, Ms. Kristen Lennon, Mr.  Steve Massari, Mr. Dean Mayes, Mr. Robert Melia, Mrs. Lisa Mickle, Mrs. Michelle Mylod, Mr. Ben Roberts, Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Mr. Brent Steuerwald, Mr. Frank Tedesco, Mrs. Dorothy Van Denburg, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood

 

Meeting called to order at 6:01 by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer.  Motion by Mrs. Janet Grey, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to convene to executive session.  Mr. Andrew McCarty was absent at the start of the meeting (arriving at 6:07PM).  Also present were Mrs. Norma Meacham, Mr. Frank Tedesco, Mrs. Jill Bush, and Ms. Kathleen Wetmore.  The board discussed a recent court ruling and deliberated next steps.  The board also discussed the status of collective bargaining  and contract matters.  No formal action was taken by the board of education.  Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to return to Public Session at 6:59PM.

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:05p.m. by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer. 

 

Pledge of Allegiance

Mrs. Blaauboer led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Emergency Exits

Mrs. Blaauboer pointed out the emergency exits from the room.

 

1.   ADOPT AGENDA

MOTION BY Mr. Andrew McCarty, seconded by Mrs. Janet Grey to accept the evening’s agenda as presented.  Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

2.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

            Mr. Andrew McCarty had no comments at the time.  

 

            Dr. William Acker spoke on recent developments related to raising taxes on those individuals in higher tax brackets.  Dr. Acker noted being pleased with the manner which Shenendehowa has taken in looking at the school budget going forward.  He is proud of the systemic approach taken in assessing current structure and looking at greater efficiencies going forward.

 

Mrs. Janet Grey commended Mrs. Jill Bush on the work she has been doing with the IPAC committee and is looking forward to the presentations at the December 20th board meeting.  Mrs. Grey also noted the impact of the high school partnership senior exit survey from the close of the 2010-2011 school year.   

 

            Mrs. Mary Wiggins wished those in attendance a Happy Holiday.  Mrs. Wiggins closed with reminding the board members that the next Saratoga County School Board association Meeting will be held on January 9, 2012, hosted by Ballston Spa Central School District. 

 

Mr. Gary DiLallo attended the Facilities Committee meeting as well as the Futures Committee meeting.  He feels that both district-wide committees are doing fruitful work that will have a positive impact on the district.  Mr. DiLallo also attended a recent roundtable forum hosted by a local law firm, focusing on the Impact of the tax levy cap. 

 

Mr. Rick Mincher noted that we are in hard economic times, but feels we will succeed as a school district as long as we collaborate with our school and community groups.  Mr. Mincher noted the recent donation from several PTAs of Promethean Whiteboards to be used in elementary classrooms.  He thanked the PTAs for their generosity and encouraged all, if they have the opportunity to join their respective building PTA groups.

 

            Mrs. Mary Blaauboer highlighted the participation of the elementary school librarians with the Clifton Park / Halfmoon library’s campaign of Diary of a Wimpy Kid campaign.  Mrs. Blaauboer also congratulated the Tesago chorus for their participation in the WMHT Holiday program. 

           

3.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

a.  Public

No public comments were made at this time. 

b.  Student Senate

Representatives from the Student Senate reported that the laser tag tournament was held last Friday, and they hope to make it an annual event.  The funds raised at the tournament were donated in the form of a holiday match to the Luke Romano Fund. 

 

4.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Oliver Robinson noted that the IPAC presentations will be made at the upcoming board meeting on December 20th.  The Futures Committee will provide their report narrative at the January 10th board meeting.  Dr. Robinson proceeded with recognizing Mr. Brent Steuerwald for his years of service and dedication to the Shenendehowa Athletics program and the football team.  Dr. Robinson noted that Coach Steuerwald has changed the face of athletics at Shenendehowa and has provided a model landscape for the relationship between a student/athlete & coach.  Mrs. Mary Blaauboer proceeded to read the Board proclamation to Coach Steuerwald.  All board members provided their reflections upon Coach Steuerwald’s career and wished him the warmest of congratulations on his retirement.  

 

5.   INFORMATION ITEMS

     a.  Policy & Community Development

1.  Policies for First Reading – Policy 1510 (Regular Board Meetings); Policy 2130 (Board Member Training); Policy 3440 (Pets and other Animals on School Grounds); Policy 5710 (Transportation Program); Policy 5750 (School Bus Safety Program)

Mrs. Rebecca Carman presented the policies for first reading to the board members.    Questions and comments from board members were fielded by Mrs. Carman. 

 

     b.  Technology Open Picture

Mr. Dean Mayes, Mr. Timothy Fryer, along with Mrs. Dorothy Van Denburg presented the narrative for the TOP presentation.  Highlights of the presentation included use of IPads by administrators and students, installation of public WiFi and use of virtual desktops.  Questions and comments from board members were fielded by Mr. Mayes and Mr. Fryer. 

 

     c.  2012-2013 Draft Budget Assumptions & Expectations

Dr. Oliver Robinson presented the 2012-2013 Draft Budget Assumptions & Expectations.  Highlights of the presentation included the preservation of quality programs for students, making strategic choices with maximizing resources and making the priority focus on expenditures.  Dr. Robinson outlined several solutions at reducing overall costs without making drastic reductions in staffing (bus fleet maintenance, energy efficiency, grants, etc.).  Questions and comments from board members were fielded by Dr. Robinson. 

           

6.   CONSENT ITEMS

       a. Treasurer’s Report

Motion by Dr. William Acker, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to accept item 6.a. for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor.  

 

       b.  Minutes

             1.  November 8, 2011

             2.  November 22, 2011

At the recommendation of Mrs. Mary Blaauboer to bundle items, 6.b.1 & 6.b.2, motion by Mr. Rick Mincher, seconded by Mr. Andrew McCarty to accept items 6.b.1 & 6.b.2 for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

7.   ACTION ITEMS

a.   Students

      1.  Special Education Placements

Motion by Mrs. Janet Grey, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins to accept item 7.a.1 for approval as presented by Mrs. Michelle Mylod.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

b.   Personnel

1)  Approval of Staffing Recommendations

Mr. Frank Tedesco presented the staffing report as follows:

 

A.     RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret

1)      Classified Staff

a)     Name:                         Carol McCormick

Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Reason:                       Retirement after seven (7) years

Commencing:             December 31, 2011 (end of day)

 

B.    RESIGNATIONS

1)      Classified Staff

a)     Name:                         Donald Colvin

Position:                       Head Night Cleaner

Commencing:             December 6, 2011 (end of day)

 

b)     Name:                         Linda Irvine

Position:                       Bus Driver

Commencing:             November 7, 2011 (end of day)

 

C.    MODIFICATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Sharon Figel

Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

From Commencing:    10/22/11 – 12/06/11

To Commencing:         10/22/11 – 12/04/11

 

D.    EXTENSION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Jamie Shea

Reason:                       Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing:             01/30/12 – 06/30/12

 

2)      Classified Staff

a)     Name:                         Gregory Sawyer

Reason:                       Unpaid Personal

Commencing:             12/02/11 – 01/01/12

 

b)     Name:                         Susan Wifladt

Reason:                       Unpaid Personal

Commencing:             11/21/11 – 04/13/12

 

E.     LEAVES OF ABSENCE

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Nancy Arthur

Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

Commencing:             01/12/12 – 01/29/12

 

b)     Name:                         Nancy Arthur

Reason:                       Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing:             01/30/12 – 06/30/12

 

c)      Name:                         Cheryl Bradley

Reason:                       Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing:             01/07/12 – 06/30/12

 

d)     Name:                         Erica Deguire

Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

Commencing:             12/10/11 – 01/22/12

 

e)      Name:                         Jessica Salmon

Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

Commencing:             12/24/11 – 02/01/12

 

F.     MODIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Stephanie Buono

From Position:              0.6 FTE Health

To Position:                  0.7 FTE Health

Status:                          Term

Commencing:             01/30/12 – 06/30/12

Salary:                         $45,517/yr. (pro-rated)

 

2)      Classified Staff

a)     Name:                         Christine D’Amato

From Position:              Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Salary:                         $22.10/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)

Commencing:             November 21, 2011

 

b)     Name:                         Rosa Mosley

From Position:              Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Salary:                         $22.10/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)

Commencing:             November 21, 2011

 

c)      Name:                         Maritza Pineda

From Position:              Bus Monitor; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Bus Monitor; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Salary:                         $16.09/hr. (Bus Monitor Schedule, Step 4)

Commencing:             November 21, 2011

 

d)     Name:                         Kevin Simonette

From Position:              Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Salary:                         $22.10/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)

Commencing:             November 16, 2011

 

e)      Name:                         Mary Wooster

From Position:              Bus Monitor; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Bus Monitor; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Salary:                         $16.09/hr. (Bus Monitor Schedule, Step 4)

Commencing:             November 7, 2011

 

3)      Transportation Changes – see attached document

 

4)      Curriculum Work (Title II A Grant Funding)

a)     Name:                         Daniel Schmit

From Salary:                 $25.00/hr. [up to twenty (20) hours]

To Salary:                     $25.00/hr. [up to fifty (50) hours]

Commencing:             2011-2012 School Year

 

G.   MODIFICATIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Cathleen Drago

Certificate Date:          October 14, 2011

 

H.    APPOINTMENTS -  (These appointments are conditioned on the school district’s receipt of a clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provisions of Education Law § 3035).

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Joanna Butterfield

Position:                       1.0 FTE Art

Status:                          Term

Commencing:             12/07/11 – 06/30/12

Salary:                         $45,517*/yr. (pro-rated)

 

b)     Name:                         Leslie Eliashuk

Position:                       Auditorium Manager

Stipend:                       $2,000 (Days)

Stipend:                       $25.00 (Evenings/Weekends)

Commencing:             11/21/11 – 06/30/12

 

2)      Classified Staff

a)     Name:                         Matthew Baird

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $21.49/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)

 

b)     Name:                         Andrew Casucci

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $21.49/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)

 

c)      Name:                         Donald Colvin

Position:                       Cleaner

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $19.42/hr. (Cleaner Schedule, Step 5)

 

d)     Name:                         Sharon DeChiro

Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria) 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $15.54/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 1)

 

e)      Name:                         Stacie Eversten

Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria) 2 ¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $15.54/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 1)

 

f)        Name:                         Gary Kluball

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $20.17/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)

 

g)     Name:                         Donna Martin

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $11.60/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)

 

h)      Name:                         Russell Mein

Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary)

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $16.96/hr. (Secondary School Monitor Schedule, Step 4)

 

i)        Name:                         Elizabeth Myers

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $20.17/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)

 

j)        Name:                         Jacqueline Prager

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $11.60/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)

 

k)      Name:                         Jill Romeo

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $21.49/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)

 

l)        Name:                         Randi Sayles

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Alternative Education)

Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

Commencing:             December 12, 2011

Salary:                         $16.85/hr. (Teacher Aide Schedule, Step 1)

 

m)    Name:                         Elizabeth Schreiber

Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $21.49/hr. (Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)

 

n)      Name:                         Denise Tally

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $11.60/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)

 

o)     Name:                         Kristin Upson

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr/

Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $16.85/hr. (Teacher Aide Schedule, Step 1)

 

p)     Name:                         Elizabeth Williams

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status:                          Probationary, Labor

Commencing:             December 7, 2011

Salary:                         $11.60/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)

 

* Pending settlement of Shenendehowa Teachers’ Association collective bargaining agreement

 

ADDENDUM

 

  1. RESIGNATION

1)      Certified Staff

a)     Name:                         Khadijah Onanuga-Islam

Tenure Area:                Science

Commencing:             December 23, 2011 (end of day)

           

Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Andrew McCarty to accept the staffing recommendations as presented for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor.  In closing the board members extended their gratitude to Mr. Frank Tedesco in his role as Interim Director of Human Resources. 

 

      c.  Business Affairs

            1.  Annual Visual Inspection

Motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Janet Grey to accept item 7.c.1 for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

            2.  Change Orders (2) – Flex Electric, Mazone

Motion made by Mr. Andrew McCarty, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo to accept item 7.c.2 for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

            3.  Donations (3) – Viola, ADADC-Portable Cart, AVS-Vacuum

At the recommendation of Mrs. Mary Blaauboer to separately vote on donation items,  motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker to accept the viola donation for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

Motion made by Mr. Andrew McCarty, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to accept the portable cart donation for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

Motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Andrew McCarty to accept the vacuum donation for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

            4.  Rental Agreement – SPAC

Motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker to accept item 7.c.4 for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

            5.  Bids (3) – Custodial Supplies, Ice Melt, Groceries II

Motion made by Mr. Andrew McCarty, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins to accept item 7.c.5 for approval.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

d.  Policy & Community Development

      1.  Policies for Second Reading – Policy 6110 (Code of Conduct for Board members and District Personnel); Policy 7640 (Student Individualized Education Program (IEP):  Development and Provision)

Motion by Mrs. Janet Grey, seconded by Dr. William Acker to accept item 7.d.1.  In regards to Policy 6110, second paragraph, Mr. Andrew McCarty raised the issue of “perceived” as a very broad term.  The word perception should be removed replaced with “reasonable observer may perceive” within the second paragraph of the policy.  Motion carried, all in favor. 

 

8.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

            No public comments at this time. 

 

9.   ADJOURNMENT

Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Andrew McCarty to adjourn.  Motion carried, all in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 9:02 p.m.

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Vanessa N. Ford

                                                                  Secretary to Clerk of the Board

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board