BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Business Meeting
March 10, 2009
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Grey, |
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mrs. Grey.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to convene to Executive Session at 6 p.m..
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Dr. Snyder, Dr. Dutkowsky, Ms. Wetmore, and Attorney Norma Meacham were also in attendance. The Board discussed negotiations with CSEA. No action was taken.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to return to Public Session at 7:03 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mrs. Grey called the Public Session of the Board of Education meeting to order at 7:08 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs. Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Announcements
Emergency Exits - Mrs. Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.
Mrs. Grey announced that an Executive Session was held at 6 p.m. to discuss personnel and negotiation issues.
Mrs. Grey requested a moment of silence for Katherine Malone, a Shenendehowa employee who recently passed away.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mr. DiLallo to adopt this evening’s agenda.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mrs. Blaauboer reported that students are representing Shenendehowa in the Capital Region Spelling Bee to be held on March 16, 2009, at Proctors Theatre. Fifth grade is being represented by Shelby Schaefer and Alyssa Bush, sixth grade by Lindsay Caplan, seventh grade by Anthony Segreto and Troy Farkas, and eighth grade by Andrew Vu.
Mrs. Wiggins thanked all of the students who became involved and helped the Saratoga County Children’s Committee raise money to help in local causes. Mrs. Wiggins also noted that The Sound of Music will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on March 12-14 in the High School East auditorium.
Mr. DiLallo noted that there is not a lot of detailed information available as to Federal funds coming to the State and ultimately to the school districts; however, we do know that it will not be divided on a yearly basis.
Mr. Casey provided a letter to Dr. Robinson and Board of Education members announcing his resignation from the Board effective beginning of business on May 1, 2009. He thanked Board members for their support and friendship.
Mrs. Grey thanked the Board for their participation in advocating for the District in Albany. Board members have spent much time trying to determine where the government is going with the budget process. She assured the public that we have fine Board members serving the community right now.
Mrs. Grey announced that the Shenendehowa 3rd Annual Health & Wellness Fair will be held Thursday, March 12, in the High School East - Main Gym from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m. Also, a Community Conversation is scheduled for March 14, 2009, 9:30 a.m. in the Arongen Library.
Mrs. Grey noted that the Senior Class is having a give-back day. The Class is getting in contact with community organizations, and the senior class will do community service on a designated day. Mrs. Grey would like to see this become an annual event. Mrs. Grey also announced that Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Assistant to the Superintendent, has been recognized with an honorary life membership to the Shenendehowa PTA.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Students
Russ Hayes reported that donations were distributed to the Saratoga County Children’s Committee and CAPTAIN as a result of SFA fundraisers. Also, there will be a dodge ball tournament on March 20 at 7 p.m. Lauren Kipp reported that the Pretty in Pink campaign earned over $3,400 and that May 2 will be Give-Back Day.
Mrs. Zoriana Mangione expressed concern that many high school athletes get virtually no playing time in their varsity or junior varsity sport. She provided a letter to the Superintendent and the Board of Education explaining her concerns with an appeal to implement an “Every Player, Every Game” program at Shenendehowa. Mrs. Mangione would like to see a grievance policy developed. She also provided a copy of the NYSPHSAA Code of Ethics.
Mr. Michael Smith, a Shenendehowa parent, distributed a letter from the United States Department of Education in response to the complaint he filed against the District. He has accused the District of several allegations including falsifying documents related to special education services.
Mrs. Diane Betzwieser reported on the success of the students who participated in the Odyssey of the Mind Competition. Middle School students who participated in Earth Trek, Division II competition were: Mike Lucarelli, Ryan Hassett, Brett McCarthy, Omar Essa, and Jesse Porter (coaches were Joseph Sliwindki and Diane Betzweiser. High School students who participated in the Lost Labor of Heracles, Division III and also went on to the State competition were Stephanie Pogoda, Katie Pogoda, Ellen Nevers, Jessica Schmid, Catherine Coffey, and Caitlyn Caswell (the coach was Sue Montgomery Corey).
Ms. Mimi O’Brien explained that she felt that the drop-out rate for the Young Scholars Program was misrepresented by the District.
Mrs. Maryellen Seitelman commented on the gifted education program. She would like to see a five-day in-house program in the District. She would also like the District to return to a gifted education program for 1st through 3rd graders.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson asked Ms. Rose Barra to report on the Robotics Program. Ms. Barra described what the students have learned in the program which was made possible through a grant supported by Senator Bruno. The students have gained many skills. One of the students, Miss Kristen Schleier, described a robot that was constructed in the competition.
Dr. Robinson noted that the Board does not respond to public comments unless they contain factual inaccuracies. In response to Mr. Smith’s comments, these types of issues are generally discussed in Executive Session. The District has already
addressed two of the three allegations and they were unfounded. This is part of the dispute process.
In regard to the Update on Special Education Quality Review about to be presented, Dr. Robinson noted that we are in different economic times. This has been an ongoing initiative for over a year to take an in-depth study of how we provide special education services. This is a first step, but it is a step that sets the tempo for some significant shifts in our programs.
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
Mr. Michael Smith, Director of Student Services, presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled Special Education Quality Review – Recommended Action Steps. (A copy of this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.) The Steering Committee Participants who assisted in the presentation were Mr. Larry Gloeckler – Consultant, Mrs. Janet Grey, Dr. Teresa Snyder, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mr. Robert Melia, Mr. Michael Smith, Mr. David Hart, Mr. Steven Massari, Mr. Caleb Wilkinson, Ms. Lisa Kissinger, Ms. Michelle Mylod, Ms. Jill Gould, Ms. Lisa Mickle, Mrs. Mary Ellen Egan-Boyajian, Mr. Don Flynt, Mr. Bruce Ballan, and Ms. Karin Skarka.
Members of the Steering Committee answered questions from the Board of Education.
Dr. Robinson explained that much of what happens in Shenendehowa’s budget depends upon the dynamics at the State level. Staffing positions have been looked at for reduction as well as the consequences of retirements. We are waiting for the next step from the State and are trying to do things that will not impact the quality of our programs. The Study Session scheduled for next Tuesday will review the scenarios.
c. Policies & Regulations – First Reading – Policies 5720 (Scheduling and Routing), 5720R (Transportation to Child Care Locations), 6110 (Code of Ethics for Board Members an District Personnel), 6550 (Leaves of Absence), 7130 (Entitlement to Attend – Age and Residency), 7420 (Sports and Athletics Programs), 8440 (Homework)
Mrs. Longhurst explained that Policy 8440 (Homework) has been sent back to the Policy Review Committee for further discussion. It will be brought back for Board review after the regulation is prepared. Some additional revisions were suggested for several other policies. These revisions will be brought back to the Board for approval.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
1) February 3, 2009
2) February 10, 2009
3) February 24, 2009
One change was requested for the February 3, 2009, minutes – under Board Comments/Reports, first paragraph, change Mrs. Blaauboer to Mrs. Wiggins.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept the minutes of February 3, February 10, and February 24, 2009, with the change as noted.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
MOTION by Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept the Treasurers’ Reports for January 2009.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) CSE/CPSE Members
MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that the Board of Education approve Krista Rock as a parent member of the District Committee on Special Education and Committee on Preschool Special Education.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) CSE/CPSE Placements
MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school year based upon the recommendation of the District Committee on Special Education, the Committee on Special Education Subcommittee, and the Committee on Preschool Special Education. (These documents are on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Personnel
1) Staffing
Dr. Dutkowsky provided an addendum to the staffing report. The addendum is to be substituted for Item D. 1) a) in the staffing report.
MOTION by Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations and addendum as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
Addendum (To replace Item D. 1) a) in staffing report)
A. RESIGNATION
1) Classified Staff
Name: Susan Dewein
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: March 6, 2009 (end of day)
Staffing Report
A. RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Carol Battaglia
Tenure Area: Foreign Language
Reason: Retirement after 34 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Joanne Bresler
Tenure Area: General Special Education
Reason: Retirement after 17 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
c) Name: Gay Burns
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Retirement after 25 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
d) Name: Kathleen Casazza
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Retirement after 24 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
e) Name: Sandra Debus
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Retirement after 35 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
f) Name: Dennis Gould
Tenure Area: Physical Education
Reason: Retirement after 41 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
g) Name: Mary Komarinski
Tenure Area: General Special Education
Reason: Retirement after 21 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
h) Name: Meredith Mercer
Tenure Area: General Special Education
Reason : Retirement after 31 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
i) Name: Leslie Miller
Tenure Area: Remedial Reading
Reason: Retirement after 36 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
j) Name: Barbara Schmidt
Tenure Area: Foreign Language
Reason: Retirement after 31 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
k) Name: Charles Vaccaro
Tenure Area: Social Studies
Reason: Retirement after 33 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Mary Ann Frament
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Reason: Retirement after 16 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Linda Krause
Position: Typist
Reason: Retirement after 25 years
Commencing: June 26, 2009 (end of day)
c) Name: Marcella Proctor
Position: Senior Typist
Reason: Retirement after 33 years
Commencing: August 28, 2009 (end of day)
d) Name: Linda Sparks
Position: Principal Stenographer
Reason: Retirement after 20 years
Commencing: June 26, 2009 (end of day)
e) Name: Linda Sparks
Position: Stenographer
Reason: Retirement after 4 ½ years
Commencing: June 26, 2009 (end of day)
f) Name: Jeannette Wilary
Position: Bus Monitor
Reason: Retirement after 9 years
Commencing: June 25, 2009 (end of day)
g) Name: Thomas Wilary
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Retirement after 12 years
Commencing: June 25, 2009 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATION
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Alan Giudici
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: February 13, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Susan Mollnow
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: March 17, 2009 (end of day)
C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Lauren DiGianni
Tenure Area: School Counseling and Guidance
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 04/01/09 – 05/12/09
b) Name: Lauren DiGianni
Tenure Area: School Counseling and Guidance
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 05/13/09 – 06/30/09
c) Name: Sara DiNallo
Tenure Area: English
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 03/20/09 – 05/15/09
d) Name: Sara DiNallo
Tenure Area: English
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 05/16/09 – 06/30/09
D. TERMINATION – See Addendum – to replace D.1)a)
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Susan DeWein
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Section 47.C.4 CSEA Collective Bargaining
Agreement
Commencing: March 11, 2009
E. 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: Kristen Taylor
Position: General Special Education
Status: Term
Commencing: 02/13/09 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Belinda Fant
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: March 11, 2009
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
b) Name: August Quail, Jr.
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: March 11, 2009
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
c) Name: Jay Tourtellot
Position: Director of Operations
Status: Probationary, Competitive
Commencing: March 11, 2009
Salary: $70,000/yr. pro-rated
3) Superintendent’s Conference Day
Classified Staff
a) Name: Michele Fazio
Position: Teacher Aide (Computer)
Salary: $17.54/hr., up to 8 hours
b) Name: Karen Tremblay
Position: Teacher Aide (Computer)
Salary: $17.54/hr., up 8 hours
4) Kindergarten Registration
Classified Staff
a) Name: Monica Cardasis
Position: Senior Typist
Salary: $22.04/hr., up to 18 hours
b) Name: Diane Gilligan
Position: Senior Typist
Salary: $22.04/hr., up to 8 hours
c) Name: Martha Graziano
Position: Registrar
Salary: $17.99/hr., up to 25 hours
d) Name: Noreen Karis
Position: Senior Typist
Salary: $22.04/hr., up to 18 hours
e) Name: Nancy Lawlor
Position: Typist
Salary: $14.99/hr., up to 4 hours
f) Name: Jessica McCarthy
Position: School Secretary
Salary: $20.39/hr., up to 18 hours
g) Name: Bonnie Meager
Position: Typist
Salary: $17.28/hr., up to 8 hours
h) Name: Gina Martin
Position: Senior Typist
Salary: $22.04/hr., up to 4 hours
i) Name: Moira Poniatowski
Position: Typist
Salary: $16.52/hr., up to 4 hours
j) Name: Marcella Proctor
Position: Senior Typist
Salary: $22.04/hr., up to 20 hours
k) Name: Rosemary Kreitsek
Position: Typist
Salary: $16.65/hr., up to 12 hours
l) Name: Linda Schiavi
Position: Typist
Salary: $18.82/hr., up to 4 hours
m) Name: Maria Skibo
Position: Typist
Salary: $18.82/hr., up to 8 hours
n) Name: Carol Wheeler
Position: Typist
Salary: $18.05/hr., up to 4 hours
o) Name: Patricia Willis
Position: Typist
Salary: $17.45/hr., up to 8 hours
p) Name: Christine Wormuth
Position: Principal Typist
Salary: $25.84/hr., up to 25 hours
q) Name: Catherine Dempsey
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $21.33/hr., up to 4 hours
r) Name: Gale Elfner
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $26.21/hr., up to 18 hours
s) Name: Deidre Hughes
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $20.36/hr. up to 12 hours
t) Name: Vera Legnard
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $26.21/hr., up to 12 hours
u) Name: Andrea Morehouse
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $26.21/hr., up to 18 hours
v) Name: Mary Jo Murphy
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $25.24/hr., up to 8 hours
w) Name: Heidi Schoenthaler
Position: RP School Nurse
Salary: $24.26/hr., up to 12 hours
x) Name: Jane Donnelly
Position: Typist
Salary: $19.04/hr., up to 16 hours
y) Name: Tammy Martin
Position: Transportation Routing Specialist
Salary: $24.10/hr., up to 16 hours
z) Name: Rhonda Wescott
Position: Cleaner
Salary: $18.03/hr., not to exceed 12 hours
5) Coaching Appointment
Stephen Decker – Baseball-Freshman Head Coach
Step 1, Salary $2,265
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
c. Business Items
1) Mohawk Valley Grange #1495 Annual Harold C. Kittell Scholarship Fund
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the administration to establish the Mohawk Valley Grange #1495 Annual Harold C. Kittell Scholarship Fund.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Sublease Agreement – Wildwood Programs, Inc.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the sublease agreement between Wildwood Programs and the Shenendehowa Central School District for an Adult Transition Program to be held at 3 Tallowood Drive in Clifton Park. The total rental cost for the first period is $6,434.80 and the second period totals $12,869.60. (A copy of the sublease is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) Change Orders
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve Change Order No. CNC-01, Comalli Technology Systems, in the amount of ($1,500) and Change Order No. GC-03, Bast Hatfield, Inc., in the amount of ($86,284).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4) Bid
MOTON BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education award Bid #09-28, Lockers Installation, to Nickerson Corporation of Bay Shore, NY, who was the lowest responsible bidder meeting specifications as per attached materials. (Information regarding this bid is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
5) Sale of the Modular Home
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the award for sale of the modular house under construction by the High School Technology Class during the 2008-09 school year to Clifton Park Assembly of God Church of Clifton Park, NY, for the amount of $31,780. (A copy of the award is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6) Grant from Target Stores
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education accept the grant of $150 from Target for support of general program operations at the Shenendehowa Central School District.
Mrs. Grey expressed her appreciation of the generosity of the Target Corporation and also that of Mohawk Valley Grange.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
d. Policies/Regulations
1) Second Reading – Policies 3510 (Emergency Closings), 5683 (Fire Drills, Bomb Threats and Emergency Bus Drills), 5690 (Exposure Control Program), 5691 (Communicable Diseases), 5692 (H uman Immunodeficiency Virus - HIV Related Illnesses), 7110 (Student Attendance), 7213 (Promotion and Retentions)
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education approve the policies presented for second reading.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Mrs. Grey noted that Mr. Dave Harrington from Orenda is directing The Wizard of OZ on March 26 at Orenda Elementary School.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to adjourn the meeting at 9:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board