BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Business Meeting
April 7, 2009
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, |
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Defeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Ms. Mylod, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore |
Mrs. Grey called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6 p.m.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, to move into Executive Session discuss the status of negotiations and related personnel matters. All members were present except for Mr. DiLallo who arrived at 6:30 p.m. due to misinterpretation of start time. Also present were Norma Meacham and her associate Stacey Barrick, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore, and Dr. Dutkowsky. No decision were made at this time.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to reconvene to public session at 6:57 p.m.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
Mrs. Grey called the regular session of the Board of Education to order at 7:01 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs. Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Announcements
Mrs. Grey noted that an Executive Session was held at 6 p.m. to discuss negotiation and personnel issues.
Emergency Exits
Mrs. Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mrs. Blaauboer commented on the PTA Founders’ Day Dinner which honors all who have worked so hard. Mr. Mincher thanks the PTA for all of its involvement.
Mrs. Wiggins announced that on April 22, the 2nd Annual SAGE Science Discovery Night will take place at the Gowana Middle School from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. It is free to all students in the Capital Region and students must be accompanied by an adult. Also, the next meeting for the Saratoga County School Boards Association will be on Monday, May 4. This will be the Annual Community Service Awards Dinner. A student from each district in Saratoga County has been chosen to receive this award and will be honored at that time.
Mr. DiLallo noted that he is looking forward to the tenure recognition at tonight’s meeting. He also mentioned the budget resolution on the agenda. The Board has tried to do the right thing and keep in mind the good of our students.
Mrs. Bowles is grateful for all of the work involved in creating a budget. The Board gained information from the State and Federal levels and it was a good decision to delay adopting the budget.
Mrs. Grey acknowledged that many people attended the meeting this evening for one reason. A number of tenure recommendations are being made this evening and these teachers will be asked to come forward during the meeting.
Mrs. Grey thanked the Board and administrators for working so diligently on the budget. It’s a budget that was worked on very hard by all involved and the numbers were crunched again and again.
3. COMMENTS
Student Senate representatives Russ Hayes and Lauren Kipp reported that the recent Dodge Ball Tournament went really well and pictures are available on the website.
Mr. Donald Paretta, Varsity Boys Track and Field Head Coach who was suspended as of April 1, 2009, spoke in his own behalf and read a statement regarding the recent accusations. He claimed the judgment made in the news report does not have the whole story. His attorney accompanied him.
Numerous other people, including former students, parents, and co-workers spoke in his behalf. Several letters of support were made available to Board members.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson reported that tonight we will be adopting the budget. We chose to push it back to get a sense of the contents of the federal stimulus package. IDEA funds could bring programs back in-house to enrich our programs at Shenendehowa. He reminded everyone that May 5 is the official budget hearing.
Monday, April 20, is the BOCES budget vote. Prior to that meeting on the 20th, the Board will have a walk-thru of the pool facility. On Saturday, June 6, students will be able to walk through the pool also.
Dr. Robinson is also very excited about the tenure recognition this evening.
5. Tenure Recommendation
The following individuals were recommended for tenure this evening:
|
Name |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
|
Laurie Bailey |
School Media Specialist |
09/01/09 |
D. Price |
|
Catherine Benson |
School Media Specialist |
09/01/09 |
K. Skarka |
|
Linda Brennan-Pagano |
General Special Education |
09/01/09 |
S. Satterfield |
|
David Campe |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
D. D’Amboise |
|
Katherine Cappello |
Social Studies |
09/01/09 |
L. Kissinger |
|
Sara Coddington |
Physical Education |
09/01/09 |
R. Carman |
|
Damien Corsetti |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
G. Wing |
|
Shawn Eggleston |
Physical Education |
09/01/09 |
R. Carman |
|
Jaclyn Franchini |
School Counseling and Guidance |
09/10/09 |
M. Fitzgerald |
|
Robert Frisbie |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
C. Peverly |
|
Kristen Graber |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
G. Wing |
|
Rebecca Bauer-Grabicki |
General Special Education |
09/01/09 |
G. Pace |
|
Cynthia Gray |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
C. Peverly |
|
Kristen Healy |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
A. Frantti |
|
Kristin Huntsman |
School Counseling and Guidance |
09/01/09 |
K. Skarka |
|
Krista Knudsen |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
D. Price |
|
Sara Miller |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
M. Fitzgerald |
|
Thomas Millington |
Social Studies |
09/01/09 |
M. Gutchell |
|
Madeline Onderchain |
Mathematics |
09/24/09 |
D. D’Amboise |
|
Katherine Palmieri |
Elementary |
10/16/09 |
G. Wing |
|
Melissa Pellett |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
C. Peverly |
|
Alison Peters |
Elementary |
10/12/09 |
A. Frantti |
|
Jaime Plantz |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
E. Wood |
|
Amy Rabuck |
Science |
09/01/09 |
J. Lorch |
|
Constance Redgrave |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
M. Fitzgerald |
|
Susan Schmitt |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
G. Wing |
|
Caryn Simone |
School Counseling and Guidance |
09/01/09 |
J. Puccia |
|
Molly Towne |
General Special Education |
09/01/09 |
S. Satterfield |
|
Amanda Trent |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
G. Pace |
|
|
|
|
|
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Tenure – Continued: |
|
|
|
|
Name |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
|
Heidi Wardwell |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
D. D’Amboise |
|
Scott Weeks |
Elementary |
09/01/09 |
A. Frantti |
|
Kathleen Whittemore |
Mathematics |
09/01/09 |
D. D’Amboise |
|
Christine Zielinski |
Science |
09/01/09 |
J. Lorch |
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to approve the tenure recommendations as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.
Mrs. Wiggins commented on the number of tenure recipients and she was very happy that many of them received awards at the PTA Founders’ Day Dinner last night. She appreciates everything they have done. She is also sharing a book regarding laughter in the classroom with anyone interested.
Mr. Casey noted that this would be his last review of tenure with the Board. He commented upon the remarkable accomplishments of those on the list to receive tenure and their level of commitment in and out of the classroom. They are truly part of the school community.
Mrs. Grey added that next to hiring a superintendent, granting tenure is the most important thing a Board has to do. The Board takes it seriously and wants to thank each of the tenure recipients.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
Policy 7513 – Administration of Medication, Regulation 7513R – Guidelines for Administering Medication in Schools, Policy 7520 – Accidents and Medical Emergencies, Policy 7520P – Accidents and Medical Emergencies Procedures, Policy 7614 – Preschool Special Education Program, Regulation 7614 – Preschool Special Education Program Regulations 7614P – Preschool Special Education Program Procedures
Dr. Robinson reviewed several policies which need a few modifications and revisions. He asked that Board members please send him an e-mail for any other corrections to be considered. Mrs. Grey reminded Board members to please keep the packet of policies they have in their hands for any corrections.
Dr. Robinson noted that the school calendar will be brought to the Board for approval at the May 5 meeting. We are currently looking at possibly 183 versus 184 school days. This could be determined by the scheduling of Superintendent’s Conference Day.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the Treasurers’ Reports for February 2009 as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mrs. Grey asked that the word “entire” be removed from page 2, 2nd section, paragraph 7, of the March 10, 2009, minutes.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the minutes of March 3, March 10, March 17, and March 24, 2009, with the change requested to the March 10 minutes.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) Special Education Placements
Ms. Michelle Mylod presented the Special Education Placements to the Board of Education.
MOTION BY Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer that the Board of Education accept the placements and services for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 school years based upon the recommendation of the District Committee on Special Education, the Committee on Special Education Subcommittee, and the Committee on Preschool Special Education. (This document is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Personnel
1) Staffing
Dr. Dutkowsky presented the Board with an addendum to the staffing recommendations. He noted that Item E.1)a) (Sharon Harris) of the staffing report is to be replaced with Item A.1)a) of the addendum. He also introduced Mr. Kenneth Patenaude who is being appointed as Director of Facilities.
Mrs. Bowles commented upon the resignation of Dr. Snyder. It was her pleasure to work with Dr. Snyder on a number of committees. Dr. Snyder’s enthusiasm and expertise are exceptional. Mrs. Bowles wishes her well in her future position.
Mrs. Grey asked that Ken Patenaude come forward so people will get to know him. She also noted that she had the pleasure of being part of the interview process when Dr. Snyder interviewed at Vooheesville. Dr. Snyder sees the “big picture.” Very few people are so well versed in what’s current in education as is Dr. Snyder.
Mrs. Grey thanked everyone for their patience. Tonight this Board has to deal with the fact that Mr. Paretta’s certificate has been revoked and the Board has to act accordingly.
Mr. Casey noted that he reviewed the Oath of Office he took when he became a Board member. It says that he will uphold the law of the Constitution of the United States. This takes all emotion out of this case. We have no flexibility. It all goes back to education law and the Commissioner of Education. We have no choice. Mr. Casey gave an example of what the District would have to do if it had a bus driver who drove for 15 years, was well like by staff and students, and the District found out that the driver did not have a CDL license. The driver would be dismissed. Mr. Casey said he will vote to support the recommendation for termination.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations and addendum as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
A. RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Deborah Mull
Tenure Area: Physical Education
Reason: Retirement after 25 years
Commencing: July 13, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Richard Radko
Tenure Area: Social Studies
Reason: Retirement after 36 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATION
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Teresa Thayer Snyder
Position: Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum,
Instruction, Support & Accountability
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Julie Maitoza
Position: Mentor
Commencing: March 13, 2009 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Franklin Muzio
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: March 6, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Eugene Petronis
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: April 20, 2009 (end of day)
C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Nancy Arthur
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 05/11/09 – 06/01/09
b) Name: Nancy Arthur
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 06/02/09 – 06/30/09
c) Name: Jessica Best
Tenure Area: Mathematics
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 05/07/09 – 06/23/09
d) Name: Jessica Best
Tenure Area: Mathematics
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 06/24/09 – 06/30/09
e) Name: Kendra Brodzinski
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 05/22/09 – 06/30/09
f) Name: Jessica Connelly
Tenure Area: Social Studies
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 04/18/09 – 05/10/09
g) Name: Suzanne McQuade
Tenure Area: General Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 2009-2010 school year
h) Name: Carrie Yecies
Tenure Area: Mathematics
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 04/30/09 – 05/03/09
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Brian DeCerce
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 04/02/09 – 06/30/09
b) Name: Cerita McLean-Henry
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 03/27/09 – 05/08/09
D. EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Stephanie Collins
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 2009-2010 school year
b) Name: Amanda Fava
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year
c) Name: Sarah Keyes
Tenure Area: Elementary
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year
d) Name: Albina McKeon
Tenure Area: Social Studies
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year
e) Name: Erin Serritella
Tenure Area: School Psychologist
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Ruth Rossdeutscher
Position: Cook Manager
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 03/30/09 – 06/30/09
b) Name: Susan Zitwer
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 04/20/09 – 06/30/09
E. ABANDONMENT OF POSITION
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Sharon Harris
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: April 7, 2009 (end of day)
F. TERMINATION
1) Coaching Staff
a) Name: Donald Paretta
Position: Varsity Boys Track & Field Head Coach
Commencing: April 1, 2009 (end of day)
G. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Greg Holmes
From Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Labor
Commencing: April 8, 2009
b) Name: Kathleen Watrobski
From Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education);
6 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education);
5 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Non-Competitive
Commencing: March 31, 2009
c) Transportation Changes in Block Time (A copy of these block time
changes are on file in the official minutes folder.)
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: Kristen Giudici
Position: Summer School Principal
Stipend: $7,500
b) Name: Matthew Heckman
Position: Summer School Assistant Principal
Stipend: $5,700
c) Name: Johnna Apple
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
d) Name: Steven Hart
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
e) Name: Tricia Lara
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
f) Name: Gretchen Lynch
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
g) Name: Joan McGee
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
h) Name: Maria Payne
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
i) Name: Jan Reilly
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
j) Name: Timothy Roberts
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
k) Name: Katherine Sapienza
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
l) Name: Robert Swider
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
m) Name: Courtney Swisher
Position: School Counselor
Commencing: June 26, 2009
Salary: per diem
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Tammy Crivelli
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: April 8, 2009
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
3) Coaching Appointment
|
Name |
Sport and Level |
Step |
Salary |
|
Stephen Emler |
Track & Field – Girls Assistant Coach |
1 |
$2,576 |
ADDENDUM
A. RESIGNATION
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Sharon Harris
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: April 6, 2009 (end of day)
b) Name: Kenneth Patenaude
Position: Head Groundskeeper
Commencing: April 7, 2009 (end of day)
B. APPOINTMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Kenneth Patenaude
Position: Director of Facilities
Status: Probationary, Competitive
Commencing: April 8, 2009
Salary: $73,500/yr., pro-rated
b) Name: Kenneth Patenaude
Position: Director of Facilities
Status: Probationary, Competitive
Commencing: April 8, 2009
Salary: $2,000 Stipend, pro-rated
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
c. Business Affairs
1. Deed of Easement
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
Whereas the Shenendehowa Central School District, as successor-in-interest to School District No. 7 of the Town of Halfmoon, is the owner of real property located in the Town of Halfmoon, Tax I.D. No. 251.00-1-12 (“the Parcel”); and
Whereas Luther Forest Technology Campus Economic Development Corporation (LFTCEDC) has requested that the Board of Education grant an easement across the Parcel.
Whereas immediately it is the intent to construct a sewer main which will connect the Luther Forest Technology Campus to the Saratoga County Sewer District; and
Whereas LFTCEDC is a not-for-profit corporation formed under the laws of New York State and acting in collaboration and concert with the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation to develop the Luther Forest Technology Campus within the County of Saratoga; and
Whereas the easement will lie within the public right-of-way along the shoulder of Coons Crossing Road and will not reduce the buildable area of the Parcel; and
Whereas installation of the sewer main will enhance the future value of the Parcel by allowing connection of any improvement on the Parcel to the Saratoga County Sewer District.
Now, therefore, Be it Resolved as Follows:
1. The Board of Education finds that granting the requested easement will serve the best interests of the School District.
2. The Board of Education hereby grants to Luther Forest Technology Campus Economic Development Corporation an easement across real property of the School District identified as Tax I.D. No. 251.00-1-12, substantially in the form of Deed of Easement attached to and hereby incorporated by reference into this Resolution.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. Hybrid Bus Lease Extension
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education approve the New York State Bus Lease extension between Scholastic Capital, LLC, and the Shenendehowa Central School District. The lease will be extended through February 28, 2010. (A copy of this lease is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3. Freemann Project Management Services Addendum
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education approve the addendum to the June 1, 2007, agreement between Shenendehowa Central School District and Freemann Project Management Services. (A copy of this amendment is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4. Disposal of Non-Public Textbooks - BOCES
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education authorize Capital Region BOCES to sell, discard, destroy, or donate to a not-for-profit organization the textbooks on the attached list, which have been determined to have no appreciable market value. (A copy of the textbook list is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
5. Bids
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education award Bid #09-17/Interscholastic Sports Supplies, Bid #09-22/Middle School Science Supplies, Bid #09-13/Physical Education Supplies, and #09-32/Copy Paper to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as per attached materials. (Copies of the bid materials are on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. 2009-2010 School Budget Resolution
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education of Shenendehowa Central School District is hereby authorized to expend the total amount of One Hundred Forty-seven Million, Four Hundred Forty-seven Thousand, Two Hundred Fifty-seven Dollars ($147,447,257) during the 2009-10 school year and to levy the necessary tax therefore.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
d. Policy/Regulations – Policies for 2nd Reading (Policy 5720 – Scheduling & Routing, Policy 6110 – Code of Ethics for Board Members and District Personnel, Policy 6550 – Leaves of Absence, Policy 7130 – Entitlement to Attend – Age & Residency, Policy 7420 – Sports & Athletics Programs)
MOTION by Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to accept the policies for 2nd reading as presented this evening.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC COMMENT
There were additional comments in support of Mr. Paretta. Also, Mr. Michael Smith commented on his case against the District regarding students receiving therapy under their IEP.
Mrs. Ann Frantti, Principal at Orenda Elementary, thanks Mr. Casey for everything he has done for the community and for Shenendehowa. She appreciates his hard work, dedication, and his treatment of people with dignity.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:39 p.m.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board