BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

Special Meeting – BOCES Vote

April 20, 2009

Dr. Robinson called the Special Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7 p.m.

Dr. Robinson led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.

1.   ADOPT AN AGENDA

MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the agenda as presented.

Dr. Robinson pointed out that both the Board President and Vice President were not in attendance this evening and he will preside over the meeting.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

2.   BOARD COMMENTS/REPORTS

Mr. Mincher pointed out the fire exits.  He congratulated Gowana Middle School students who were identified for their great ideas to help the environment and to promote Earth Day.  Dr. Robinson added that there will be a clean up in the Courtyard at Gowana on Wednesday.

Mrs. Wiggins noted that the 6^th Annual Science Discovery Night will be held on Wednesday and that a Community Conversation will be held at Cheryl’s Lodge on Saturday, April 25. 

Mr. DiLallo requested that all Board members make a special effort to attend the next Board meeting since he will not be able to attend.  He is concerned about meeting the quorum requirement to handle business items.  Mr. DiLallo thanked Mr. Casey for his service and said we are fortunate that Mr. Casey has been with the District and with the community doing what he does.   Dr. .Robinson asked that those in attendance please show their appreciation to Mr. Casey by a round of applause.

Mr. Casey responded that the work done here isn’t about an individual Board member.  He feels a sense of unity with this group.  All accomplishments have been a group effort.  It’s been a wonderful opportunity for him to not only give, but to learn.  He has the greatest admiration for everyone on the Board.  It’s bittersweet leaving, but he feels comfortable things are in good hands.

Dr. Robinson announced that on May 5, there will be a special recognition for Mr. Casey – not the end of service, but a change of service in the community.  He also announced the Community Conversation to be held at Cheryl’s Lodge at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 25. 

Dr. Robinson noted that there are three candidates vying for the three positions available on the Board of Education.  They are Janet Grey, Sharon Bowles, and William Acker.  May 5 is the official budget hearing.  Dr. Robinson encouraged Board members to attend the Town of Halfmoon Board Meeting on Tuesday, April 21, at 7 p.m. which is part of the “Budget Road Show” and there will also be a presentation at the Orenda PTA meeting at 7:30 p.m. on that same evening.

Dr. Robinson thanked Mrs. Bush for the items she passed out to Board members signifying the fact that Gowana is “going green.”  He also mentioned the numerous flags that have been placed in the Acadia Cafeteria signifying the various backgrounds of the students from Acadia.

STUDY SESSION TOPICS

APPR Plan Review

Professional Development Plan Presentation

Construction Project Update

Mr. August Freemann, Project Manager for the District, reviewed the progress and current status of the 2009 Capital Projects.  These projects include:  Excel Projects, Concession Stand and Track, Pool Project, Clock Tower, Pathways, and Pool Parking.  Mr. Freemann noted that the actual pool construction is in its final stages and Dr. Robinson noted there will be a walk-thru at the pool for the community on Saturday, June 6.  Dr. Robinson clarified that the Excel projects have no impact to the tax payer.  The Bell Tower is related to the one-room school houses previously used in the community and the tower will be a remembrance of what the community was and will be.  The tower is being funded by a grant from Senator Bruno and we are also seeking donations.  The Pathways are being federally funded and we are also seeking federal stimulus funds for an alternative energy source. 

Dr. Dutkowsky presented the Annual Professional Performance Review.  He explained that the final document will be presented to the Board of Education at a later Board meeting for approval.  (A copy of the Professional Performance Review is on file in the official minutes folder.)

Pat Stone introduced the group of people who have been working with her on the Professional Development Plan:  Brian Whitley, Gregory Schaefer, Chris Boynton, Matthew Heckman, Karin Skarka, Anna Sugarman, Judy Dinan, and Megan DeLaRosa.  Mrs. Stone, Mr. Boynton, Mr. Heckman, and Mrs. Sugarman provided copies of a PowerPoint presentation to the Board of Education.  (A copy of the PDP presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)  Questions from the Board were answered and Dr. Dutkowsky explained that the finalized Professional Development Plan will be presented to the Board for approval at the June 5 Board meeting.

3.   ACTION ITEMS

a.   BOCES Annual Vote

·        Administrative Budget

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, to approve the following resolution:  Resolved, that the Board of Cooperative Educational Services of Albany-Schoharie-Schenectady-Saratoga Counties be authorized to expend the sums set forth in the Administrative Budget document in the total amount of $7,042,814 during the school year 2009-10 and to raise such sum by assessments to component school districts, non-component school districts, other BOCES and other sources as required by law.  (A copy of this notice is on file in the official minutes folder).

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

·        Board Positions

The four persons listed below were nominated to serve on the BOCES Board of Education.  Each component school district Board of Education may cast one vote each for up to three individual candidates, but there is no statutory requirement that they cast one vote per vacancy.  Only one vote may be cast for one candidate.  The term of the four positions is three years.

Name                                                                    Vote Result

Mr. Jeffrey Bradt                                                    Unanimous (5/5)

Mrs. Lynne Lenhardt                                              Unanimous (5/5)

Mrs. Barbara Mauro                                              Majority Vote (3/5)

Mr. Joseph Salamone                                             Defeated (2/5)

The results of this vote will be submitted to Capital Region BOCES on April 21, 2009.

b.   Policy/Regulations

Policies for 2^nd Reading (Policy 6314 – Employee Salary Elections for Employees Employed Less Than 12 Months, Policy 6420 – Employee

Personnel Records and Release of Information, Policy 6422 – Determination of Employment Status:  Employee or Independent Contractor, Policy 7240 – Student Records:  Access & Challenges – Changes Based on FERPA Revisions

MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Mincher, to accept the policies submitted for 2^nd reading as presented.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

c.   Business Items

·        PayPams

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, that the Board of Education enter into the services agreement with PayPams.  (A copy of this agreement is on file in the official minutes folder.)

Mrs. Wiggins noted that she appreciates the research and review that resulted in this decision.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

4.   ADJOURNMENT

MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:18 p.m.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Linda L. Sparks

                                                                  Board Stenographer

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board