BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Board Meeting
April 8, 2008
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Ms. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff (arrived at 7:10 p.m.), Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mr.
Melia, Mr. Smith, |
Mr. Casey called the Public Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:02 p.m.
Mr. Casey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements
Mr. Casey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.
1. ADOPT AN AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by
Mrs. Wiggins, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. Wiggins announced that she will be running for re-election to the Board of Education. She said the past three years have been more than she could ever have imagined. Getting to know the new Superintendent and the other Board members and learning how difficult it is to make the decisions to meet the needs for this institution has been a great experience. She is willing to do it for the next three years if voters are willing to vote for her. She loves the children and wants to make sure they get the best.
Mr. DiLallo noted that he was away when the budget was adopted and he was very pleased with the budget as it was presented. He was very concerned about the original rate of taxes but that has been addressed. He was afraid we would have to cut some things out which he didn’t want to see happen. He believes we will be all right if there are some transfers on the revenue side due to the State budget.
Mr. DiLallo recently returned from
an educational workshop in
Mrs. Grey commented on the tenure recommendations. She believes this is one of the most important things Board members do. She extended her congratulations to all the staff receiving tenure. Mrs. Grey continued by saying she believes we have put together a great budget. She reminded the staff present that they are the contact with parents and encouraged all of them to become familiar with the budget so they can answer questions by parents. Shenendehowa is a great organization and you have direct contact with parents. It is important that you be a spokesperson.
Mr. Huff urged people to become informed of the budget. He feels we are developing some very good ideas and strengths in programs (such as MST). Mr. Huff was hoping we could get closer to a 3% tax rate. However, he pointed out that we are conservative on the revenue side in our projections and is hopeful that the revenues will come in higher than our projections, as in the past, to have the tax rate be actually lower. He encouraged everyone to vote.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Student Senate Representatives
Shivanthi Narendran and Patrick Maguire noted that the Senate is holding its re-election in a few weeks. Basically, activities are finished for the year. They commented on the “Message Board.” They visit and read the “Grapevine” and it appears many High School students and parents are reading it. They are hopeful this will clear up a lot of questions. Both Ms. Narendran and Mr. Maguire commented that the Code of Student Activities needs some clarification. Some groups in the High School already have a Code of Conduct in their constitutions with similar goals. What if those goals conflict? Could this be clarified to help the clubs?
Mr. Casey responded that this policy is on the agenda for a second reading. Since there is confusion, he asked Ms. Narendran and Mr. Maguire to send a note to the District Office with their suggestions.
b. Residents
There were no resident comments this evening.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson distributed profiles of the BOCES candidates in preparation for the BOCES election to be held on April 21.
Dr. Robinson reported on the new Environment Committee. It is made up of many people doing many things but in a district-wide perspective of environment. Our energy plan is a model for the State. Approximately 35 to 40 individuals attended the first meeting from across the District. This may translate to a policy to be presented to the Board of Education.
Dr. Robinson and Mr. Casey both commented on the District’s Focus on Diversity. (A draft charge was handed out to the Board of Education.) The Board believes that addressing diversity in society is an important goal, belief, and commitment for the District. Dr. Robinson is working on a draft charge with a broad-based focus to the committee. The world is becoming a global marketplace and we must prepare our students to address these issues. Curriculum needs to be embedded in our organizational culture. On the 21st, Dr. Robinson would like the Board of Education to endorse this endeavor to embed it into our institution. Please review it, offer any comments by e-mail so it can be updated. It will also be shared with the building principals asking them to do the same. Mr. Casey continued that this endeavor has “struck a chord” with the Board of Education. We have to be prepared for change. We prepare people for jobs that we don’t know about at this time, and we can’t predict what society will be like in the future.
Dr. Robinson reported that he and
Ms. Wetmore are on their “budget road show” trying to inform the public about
the budget. He appreciates Mrs. Grey’s
comments that our teachers are our greatest ambassadors. He will send the Board an update of all of
the meetings. He noted that the
Dr. Robinson noted that the Shenendehowa High School Chapter of the National Coalition Building Institute (NCBI) will host a Community Partnership Meeting on April 9, 2008, at 7 p.m. at the Clifton Park/Halfmoon Library.
5. TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS
|
Name |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
|
Joan Abrahamson |
Special Education |
9/1/08 |
J. Bush |
|
Meredith Andrews |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
G. Wing |
|
Kyle Armstrong |
Secondary Science |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Name (Continued) |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
|
Beth Anne Arthur |
Music |
9/1/08 |
M. Cremisio |
|
Judith Beyer |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
A. Frantti |
|
Katrina Blades |
Secondary English |
9/1/08 |
J. Bush |
|
Courtney Buchakjian |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
A. Frantti |
|
Desiree Burke |
Music |
9/1/08 |
M. Cremisio |
|
Colleen Cage |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
R. McDonald |
|
John Choi |
Secondary Mathematics |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Erika Clarkin |
LOTE |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Stephanie Collins |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
A. Frantti |
|
Nikki Cooke |
Special Education |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Diane DeLuca |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Lauren DiGianni |
School Counselor |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Rachel Dufort |
LOTE |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Ryann Farnan |
Special Education |
9/1/08 |
A. Frantti |
|
Tara Fear |
Secondary English |
9/1/08 |
B. Ballan |
|
Molly Fiet |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Wayne Grignon |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Jill Karpovich |
Special Education |
9/1/08 |
G. Wing |
|
Ryan Kilgallon |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
R. McDonald |
|
Wendy Lackner |
Secondary Science |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Bonita Lee |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
D. Price |
|
Michael Lotano |
Music |
9/1/08 |
G. Pace |
|
Julia Magendanz |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Kathryn McTiernan |
Secondary English |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Gregory Myers |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Nicole Paupini |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
G. Wing |
|
Itter Randazzo |
Art |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Debra Reinisch |
School Counselor |
11/14/08 |
G. Wing |
|
David Reynolds |
Secondary Science |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Aaron Ricci |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Jennifer Rosney |
Secondary Social Studies |
9/1/08 |
J. Burns |
|
Deborah Rous |
Coordinator of Student Placement |
5/2/08 |
M. Smith |
|
Sherry Russell |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Kara Sheehan |
Secondary Social Studies |
9/1/08 |
J. Burns |
|
Carolyn Slezak |
Music |
9/1/08 |
M. Fitzgerald |
|
Meredith Smith |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Colleen Stockert |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
E. Wood |
|
Michael Tymeson |
Secondary Science |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Eileen Walther |
Secondary English |
9/1/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Carolyn Walton |
Elementary |
9/1/08 |
D. Price |
|
Stacie Williams |
Secondary Mathematics |
4/13/08 |
B. Ballan |
Mrs. Wiggins noted that the write-ups were very intense. If the tenure recipients do anything less than what their administrators have written, they will be found out quickly! “You do so much and it is really appreciated. If you do all that is listed in your write-ups, failure is not an option for our students.”
Mr. Huff said that what strikes him is the diversity with various subjects. He congratulated all of the tenure recipients on their professionalism and accomplishments at this point in their careers.
Mr. Mincher extended his congratulations to all of the recipients and he wants to challenge them. The District has invested a lot into the “Parent Portal.” Please help us out with this. It’s another communication tool and it’s a tool to help our students.
Mrs. Bowles extended her congratulations also. She noted that it’s a graduation of sorts, but it’s really a beginning.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the tenure recommendations presented by Dr. Dutkowsky be accepted.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
a.
Policy Governance – First Reading & Related Repeals – Policy 3278
(Participation by the Public), Policy 5520 – Repeal 5252 (Fiscal Accounting
& Reporting), Policy 5681 – Repeal 5405, Policy 5686 (Non-instructional
Operations), Policy 6110 (Personnel), Policy 6314 (Support Staff), Policy 6430
– Repeal 1310 (Activities), Policy 6550 (Compensation and Related Benefits),
Policy 7214, Policy 7216 (Student Progress), Policy 8102 – Repeal 4000, Policy
8110 – Repeal 4200 (Curriculum), Policy 8360 (Instructional Materials), Policy
8450 – Repeal 4327 (Instructional Arrangements)
The Board of Education and the Superintendent had comments on several of the policies. These comments will be reviewed and will be reflected in the policies when presented for second reading.
b. Internal Claims Report
Mrs. Bowles had a question regarding fees paid to architects. Is a purchase order necessary since there is a contract? Ms. Wetmore responded that purchase orders are used for any expenditure with contractual items or when items are ordered in advance. The District is trying to get away from claim forms since purchase orders make it possible to have the Purchasing Agent’s approval. Architect fees are in the Capital Funds and we are trying to prepare these through the correct process.
Mr. Casey asked if the purchase order encumbers the money and provides the spending limit. Dr. Robinson responded that this helps keep our paper trail very clear and makes the process much more transparent.
Mr. Huff pointed out the additional spreadsheets in the report that help identify problems being discovered and the actions taken to correct them.
7. CONSENT ITEMS
1) March 11, 2008
2) March 25, 2008
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of
Education approve the minutes of March 11, 2008, and March 25, 2008.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Treasurer’s Reports
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to approve the
Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2008.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) Special Education Student Placement
Mr. Smith presented the Special Education Placements to the Board of
Education and also commented upon the retirement of Ms. Linda Barkevich. She has been a tremendous asset to special
education and has implemented many beneficial programs for students with
special needs.
Mr. Casey asked about the Special Education Study that Mr. Smith is
implementing for the District. Mr. Smith
explained that a consultant is coming to the District to look at what we do in
special education and determine if we can do it better to insure that our
special education students are successful.
This study will begin early in May to see where we need to improve. Dr. Robinson hopes to have a report ready for
early fall (September-October timeframe).
Ms. Wiggins asked if there is a specific area in which we need to
improve. Mr. Smith responded that the
identification process needs to be strengthened. We need to be clearer about when students
need to be serviced and be able to get to them earlier.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of
Education accept the 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 April 8, staffing report to the Board along
with and addendum.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the staffing
report and addendum as presented.
A. RETIREMENTS, with appreciation and regret
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Linda Barkevich
Tenure Area: Special Education
Reason: Retirement after 20 years
Commencing: June 30, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
b) Name: James D’Angelo
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Retirement after 11 years
Commencing: April 18, 2008 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Nicole Smith
Tenure Area: School Psychologist
Commencing: June 25, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Amelia Mrozek
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: April 25, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Lisa Soeller
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
Commencing: April 30, 2008 (end of day)
C. CREATION OF POSITION
1) Classified Staff
a) Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
No. of Positions: 12.25 hours per day
D. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Victoria Wheeler
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 05/07/08 – 06/30/08
E. EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Albina McKeon
Tenure Area: Secondary Social Studies
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
b) Name: Jan Reilly
Tenure Area: School Counselor
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
c) Name: Stephanie Vara
Tenure Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
d) Name: Renatta Tallman
Tenure Area: Music Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
F. MODIFY LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Deanna Grygiel-Thompson
Tenure Area: School Counselor
From Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
From Commencing: 04/08/08 – 04/11/08
To Reason: Unpaid FMLA
To Commencing: 03/05/08 – 04/10/08
G. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Emmett Bailey
Position: Bus Driver
From: 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: April 9, 2008
Salary: $19.87/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)
b) Name: Dawn Huestis
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
From: 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 8 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: April 9, 2008
Salary: $13.98/hr. (Secondary School Monitor
Schedule, Step 1)
H. TERMINATION
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Duane Parker
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Section 71 Civil Service Law
Commencing: March 27, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Kenneth Skaarup
Position: Cleaner
Reason: Article IV, Section 47.C.5
Commencing: March 28, 2008 (end of day)
I. 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: Travis Dillabough
Position: 1.0 FTE Secondary Social Studies
Status: Term
Commencing: 04/09/08 – 06/30/08
Salary: $40,935/yr. (Step 1) pro rated
b) Name: Danielle Parra
Position: 1.0 FTE Music
Status: Term
Commencing: 04/15/08 – 06/30/08
Salary: $40,935/yr. (Step 1) pro rated
c) Name: Kristen Giudici
Position: Summer School Principal
Stipend: $7,500
d) Name: Matthew Heckman
Position: Summer School Assistant Principal
Stipend: $5,700
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Darlene Allen
Position: Accountant (Schools); 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary; Competitive
Commencing: April 9, 2008
Salary: $48,567/yr. (
b) Name: George Berry
Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 7 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: April 21, 2008
Salary: $13.98/hr. (Secondary School Monitor Schedule,
Step 1)
c) Name: Marie Davis
Position: Substitute Caller
Reason: Additional five (5) days coverage
Stipend: $300
d) Name: Deborah Marino
Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 3 ¾ hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: April 21, 2008
Salary: $13.98/hr. (Secondary School Monitor Schedule,
Step 1)
3) Mentor Appointment – Stipend $1,000 (2007-2008 School Year)
Tara Murray
ADDENDUM
A. CREATION OF POSITION
1) Classified Staff
a. Position: Personnel Clerk
No. of Positions: 1.0 FTE
Commencing: April 9, 2008
B. APPOINTMENT
1) Classified Staff
a. Name: Julie Keene
Position: Personnel Clerk; 8
hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary/Competitive
Commencing: May 5, 2008
Salary: $17.67/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C,
Step 4)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
c. Business Affairs
1) Bids
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education award Bid #08-11/Interscholastic Sports Supplies and Bid #08-19/Fence Installation to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as per attached materials
Dr. Robinson explained that the fence at Chango is a safety issue and will separate Chango Elementary from the Malta Mall. Mrs. Wiggins is in agreement with this decision.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Change Orders
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the following two change orders:
a. Change Order No. GC-02, Bast Hatfield, Inc., in the amount of ($71,181) for the Middle School Project – Swimming Pool.
b. Change Order No. GC-01, Bast Hatfield, Inc., in the amount of ($14,000) for the Bus Garage – Additions and Alterations project.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) Donation to
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education accept the donation from General Electric Company and the
donation from the Outback Steakhouse as arranged with Ms. Price at Okte Elementary.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
d)
Policy Governance – Second 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 7421-Repeal 5310-A, 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)
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education approve the above mentioned policies.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no public comments.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting of the Board of Education at 8:12 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk
of the Board