Regular Board Meeting
March 11, 2008
|
Members Present: |
Ms. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
|
Members Absent |
Mr. Huff |
|
Also Present: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Smith, |
Mr. Casey called the Board of Education meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
A motion was made for the Board of Education to move into Executive Session to conduct the midterm evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mr. Casey called the Public Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mr. Casey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements
Mr. Casey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.
Mr. Casey announced that an Executive Session was held prior to the regular Board meeting to discuss a personnel matter – the midterm evaluation of the Superintendent.
1. ADOPT AN AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by
Mrs. Wiggins, to accept this evening’s agenda.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. DiLallo reported that he attended a Legislative session a week ago and has also met with Assemblyman Reilly. Of great interest was a potential for a cap to be put on property tax. Stakeholders need to understand that education needs to be protected and the plan will probably not make everyone happy. Assembly Reilly was very
concerned that whatever comes to pass will be implemented over a period of time so it is not too damaging.
Mrs. Grey met with Assemblyman
Reilly and Senator Bruno in February to discuss issues that will have an impact
during this budget time and they focused on what we feel is important to our
budget going forward. Mrs. Grey also
reminded everyone of the
Mr. Casey noted that as a Board
member and a taxpayer, he is concerned about the events in
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Student Senate Representatives
Shivanthi Narendran reported that in February the Junior Club Council conducted the Pretty in Pink campaign to raise funds for breast cancer research. $1,500 was raised and many students and staff participated. The elementary schools may participate next year. Patrick Maguire commented on the dodge ball tournament which he felt was the best tournament held so far. Over 640 students participated. He also reminded everyone of the play this weekend and that LOTEfest will be held on the 27th.
As part of the student presentation, Mr. Culnan was asked to report on the various activities and victories of the athletic teams this year.
b. Residents
Mrs. Paula Berkowitz of 15 Duchess Path, Clifton Park, reported that she is disappointed that the fifth grade at Shatekon Elementary will not have the opportunity to participate in the DARE Program that is run by the Sheriff’s Office. She feels that all students should be able to receive it. Since Shatekon is connected to Arongen, why not use the hallway and have the students receive the program with the Arongen class? She feels her daughter will go the Middle School and will be at a disadvantage since her health teacher will assume that she has gone through the DARE Program.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson expressed his concern as to where we’re going with the State budget. Senator Bruno and Assemblyman Reilly hope to have a budget proposal tomorrow.
Dr. Robinson announced that there are two new reporters from the local newspapers but neither one is present this evening. One is from the Times Union and one is from the Gazette.
Dr. Robinson informed the Board of Education that the District is aggressively pursuing the grant for which the Board gave prior authorization. A strong collaborative effort with representatives from the Town of Clifton Park and members of the District’s Trails Committee has made for a successful completion of the application to be submitted April 1.
Dr. Robinson gave an update on the DARE Program. There is an ongoing dialogue with the Saratoga County Sheriff regarding support of the DARE Program. It is out of the District’s hands to a large degree but we are lobbying for it. The voice of our residents is important.
Dr. Robinson expressed concern about our capital projects and the backlash the backlog in the State Education Department could have on these projects.
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
(Mr. Casey asked to present the Track Project Update first under Information Items.)
b. Track Project Update
Mr. Chris Culnan - Shenendehowa
Athletic Director, Mr. Thomas Kenney – Project Architect from CSArch, and Mr.
Dan Deats – Associate from
a.
Middle School Redistricted Boundaries
Mrs. Longhurst presented the Middle School redistricted boundaries. She noted that she received projections in late fall and the Middle School administrators asked for a map that was close to what was established before. She noted that seventh and eighth grade students are grandfathered in their current school location. The maps she discussed this evening will be posted on the website.
Mr. DiLallo asked about swing zones. Mrs. Longhurst noted that it is premature to discuss swing zones.
Mr. DiLallo asked if a show of support by the Board of Education would be beneficial when issues arise concerning the boundaries. Mrs. Longhurst added
that if a parent or child has a problem/concern, they should write her a letter explaining their issue.
Dr. Robinson noted that he appreciates the fact that the Board members concur with what has been accomplished with this project. Mr. Casey asked if it is the sense of the Board that the entire Board accepts the recommendation. The Board agreed. Dr. Robinson recognized the general consensus and agreed that at the next business meeting a formalized resolution to this effect will be presented.
(At this time, Mrs. Longhurst moved to the back of the library to assist parents who had questions regarding the boundaries.)
c. Policy
Governance – First Reading & Related Repeals – Policy 5685 (non-Instructional
Operations), Policy 6211/Repeal 9238 (Certified Personnel), Policy 7121
(Attendance), Policy 7212, Policy 7223/Repeal 4741-R, Policy 7320/Repeal 5312.1
(Student Progress), Policy 7420, Policy 7421/Repeal 5310-A, Policy 7426, Policy
7450/Repeal 5251 (Student Activities), Policy 7550, Policy 7551/Repeal 5320.1,
Policy 7552, Policy 7553, Policy 7560/Repeal 1900, Policy 7570 (Student
Welfare), Policy 8430 (Instructional Arrangements)
Dr. Robinson went through each policy for first reading. He asked that comments/concerns be sent to either him or Mrs. Longhurst by e-mail. Dr. Robinson answered many of the Board’s questions concerning Secondary Transfer Students, Class Ranking, Sports and Athletic Programs, Sexual Harassment, and Notification of Sex Offenders.
d. Internal Claims Report
Mrs. Farley and Ms. Wetmore answered questions raised by Board members. In particular, Mrs. Wiggins asked about refunds if people do not submit the proper paperwork or submit it correctly. Ms. Wetmore noted that we go back to people and tell them they have made a mistake. Additional training needs to be done, particularly with new employees. However, Ms. Wetmore noted that the process is improving in stages.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
1) February 5, 2008
2) February 12, 2008
3) February 26, 2008
The Board asked for clarification in the wording in the first paragraph
on page 4 of the minutes of February 5, 2008.
It was rewritten as follows:
Mr. Casey was concerned as to mistakes being made in the original drafts
and how are they corrected. Ms. Wetmore
explained that we review our State aid projections and verify the preliminary
State aid projections for accuracy.
Mrs. Bowles asked for the following change in the first paragraph on page
4 of the minutes of February 12, 2008.
It was rewritten as follows:
Dr. Dutkowsky reviewed the Policy entitled Process for Recruiting and Hiring Certified Staff Regulation,
particularly the flowchart on Page 9 of the policy. This flowchart is intended to ensure that the
process is followed in its entirety.
Mr. Casey wanted to make sure that people know that our goal is to
encourage diversity in our work force.
Dr.Dutkowsky noted that he is working with and will be contacting
various professional organizations that represent ethnically diverse groups and
also college programs with ethnically diverse graduates as a way to cast a
wider net in recruiting professional staff for the District. In support, Mr. Casey noted that the
focus should also be on individuals who enter teaching as a second career. He noted that all students can benefit from
the experience of a diverse workforce.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Grey, to approve the February 5,
February 12, and February 26, 2008, minutes with revisions as noted above.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Treasurer’s Reports
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Grey, to approve the Treasurer’s
Report for the month of January 2008.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) Special Education Student Placement
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of
Education accept the attached placements and services for the 2007-2008 school
year and the 2008-2009 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 (a copy of this
document is on file in the official minutes folder).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Personnel
1)
Staffing
Dr. Dutkowsky presented the February 12, 2008, staffing report to the
Board, noting both certified and classified staff who are retiring.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the staffing
report as presented.
A. RETIREMENTS,
with appreciation and regret
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Susan Alexander
Tenure
Area: Secondary Science
Reason: Retirement after 37 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Densie Barber
Tenure
Area: Secondary Foreign
Language
Reason: Retirement after 12 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Janet Callow
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Retirement after 32 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
d) Name: Ellen Flynn
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Retirement after 19 years
Commencing: July 11, 2008 (end of day)
e) Name: Andrea Gallant
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Retirement after 22 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
f) Name: Deborah Gwinn
Tenure
Area: Secondary Mathematics
Reason: Retirement after 33 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
g) Name: Elizabeth Johnson
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Retirement after 14 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
h) Name: Allan Lewis
Tenure
Area: Art Education
Reason: Retirement after 36 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
i) Name: Sally Pondillo
Tenure
Area: Secondary Mathematics
Reason: Retirement after 23 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
j) Name: Phyllis Yudikaitis
Tenure
Area: Secondary Mathematics
Reason: Retirement after 38 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Bonita Sajler
Position: Senior Typist
Reason: Retirement after 23 years
Commencing: June 26, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Donna Traider
Position: Food Service Helper (full
time)
Reason: Retirement after 21 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Naomi Bruzdzinski
Position: Cook
Commencing: March 11, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Edward Coalts
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: February 25, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name:
Position: School Monitor
(Secondary)
Commencing: March 28, 2008 (end of day)
d) Name: Lisa LaDuke
Position: School Monitor
(Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: February 22, 2008 (end of day)
C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Deanna Grygiel-Thompson
Tenure
Area: School Counselor
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 04/08/08
– 04/11/08
b) Name: Albina McKeon
Tenure
Area: Secondary Social
Studies
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 04/08/08 – 06/30/08
c) Name: Alison Peters
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 04/11/08 – 05/27/08
d) Name: Renatta Tallman
Tenure
Area: Music Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 04/15/08 – 06/05/08
e) Name: Renatta Tallman
Tenure
Area: Music Education
Reason: Unpaid
Child Rearing Leave
Commencing: 06/06/08 – 06/30/08
D. MODIFY LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Jennifer Erno
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
From
Commencing: 02/07/08 – 04/07/08
To
Commencing: 02/07/08 – 03/23/08
E. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Louise Brooks
Position: Bus Driver
From: 6 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
To: 5 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
Commencing: March 12, 2008
Salary: $19.87/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)
b) Name: Lynda O’Connor
Position: Bus Driver
From: 5 ½ hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
To: 6 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
Commencing: March 12, 2008
Salary: $19.87/hr. (School Bus
Driver Schedule, Step 3)
c) Name: Kiki St. Jacques
Position: Bus Driver
From: 2 ½ hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
To: 5 ¼ hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
Commencing: March 12, 2008
Salary: $18.14/hr. (School Bus
Driver Schedule, Step 1)
F. MODIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Erica Ladu
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
From
Commencing: 02/13/08 – 04/07/08
To
Commencing: 02/13/08 – 03/20/08
Salary: $40,935 (Step 1) pro
rated
b) Name: Kathleen Palmieri
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: 3 year Probationary
From
Commencing: September 1, 2007
To
Commencing: October 17, 2006
G. 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: Michael Echt
Position: 1.0
Status: Term
Commencing: 03/12/08 – 06/30/08
Salary: $40,935/yr. (Step 1)
pro rated
b) Name: Michele Brobston
Position: Elementary Social Studies
Coordinator – Tesago
Stipend: $1,410
2)
Classified Staff
a) Name: Kimberly Banach
Position: School Monitor –
Elementary Cafeteria; 2 ½
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: March 12, 2008
Salary: $13.98/hr. (Cafeteria
Monitor Schedule, Step 1)
b) Name: Naomi Bruzdzinski
Position: Cook Manager; 6 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: March 12, 2008
Salary: $14.87/hr. (Food Service/Cook Mgr.
Schedule,