BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Study Session

June 24, 2008

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey,
Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Mr. Huff

OTHERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Melia, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Smith,
Dr. Snyder,

 

 

Mr. Casey called the meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to move into Executive Session at 6:32 p.m. to discuss personnel and other contractual matters.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to convene to the Study Session at 7:05 p.m.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Mr. Casey called the Study Session of the Board of Education to order at 7:12 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 Study Session to discuss contractual matters.

 

1.   ADOPT AN AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to amend the agenda by adding item 4.c.3)., Planned Service Agreement – Johnson Controls, under Action Items.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

2.   Board of Education Comments/Report

 

Mr. DiLallo thanked Mr. Casey for serving as President of the Board of Education for the past two years.  Mr. Casey has done a phenomenal job in keeping the Board together to deal with the various circumstances presented. 

 

Mr. DiLallo also commented on the activities of the State Legislature.  The Legislature just concluded its session and he feels it has pandered to the public considerably.  The cap on the property tax did not pass which is a good thing since it would be very detrimental to the course of education.  A piece of legislation that did get passed concerned the massive abuse of the retirement system.  Mr. DiLallo is concerned that the Legislature painted everything concerning this situation with a broad brush.  This legislation will make it impossible to appoint an interim superintendent if necessary.  The process would be enormous and would make it very difficult to hire an interim superintendent if necessary.  The interim superintendents we have had in the past have done a great job for Shenendehowa and helped us to prepare for the new Superintendent.  This is a severe disservice. 

 

Mr. Casey noted for everyone’s information that Mr. DiLallo has been dealing with Legislative affairs and keeps the Board of Education informed of its activities. 

 

Mr. Casey commented upon Senator Bruno’s retirement and what it means to the District.  He believes we could not have asked for a more responsive or more open-door person for the District.  Senator Bruno treats Shenendehowa with respect and provides the most knowledgeable staff person to help us through a question when needed.  His will be big shoes to fill.

 

Mr. Casey announced that graduation is at 1:30 p.m. on Thursday (June 26) at SPAC.

 

Mrs. Wiggins thanked Mr. Casey for guiding the Board as President.  His guidance is appreciated.  Mrs. Wiggins congratulated all of our seniors on the upcoming graduation.  She wants the graduates to stay safe and it is our responsibility to step in if we see something harmful about to happen. 

 

Mrs. Bowles said that Mr. Casey has been outstanding in his role as President of the Board and his shoes will also be difficult to fill.  He has devoted a lot of time and commitment which is greatly appreciated. 

 

Mr. Casey reminded the Board members that committee assignments will soon be determined for 2008-2009.  He also mentioned that he recently met with the Comptroller’s auditors and he will keep the Board informed as the audit moves along. 

 

3.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Summer Project Update Report

 

 

 

Dr. Robinson provided a Summer Project Update Report to the Board of Education.  Mr. Joseph Mayo, Director of Facilities, described the process and projects targeted for the summer of 2008.  It was noted that there may be a need for an early morning meeting of the Board of Education to approve contracts for some of the projects listed. 

 

Mr. Casey explained the vestibule project and expressed how important it is for safety and as an energy saver. 

 

Grades 3 – 8 Testing Program 2007 – 2008

 

Dr. Snyder and Mr. Melia provided information designed by a program called Tinkerplots which showed how testing results could be sorted and studied in different areas (gender, race, disabilities, etc.).  It is hoped that this report will be presented to the Board several times a year as a progress update. 

 

Mr. Casey noted that it would be interesting to see a couple of case studies showing what we did with the data.  Mrs. Wiggins added that it would be great to not only know what we do with it, but what has already been done so we can see what’s working.

 

Dashboard

 

Mr. Melia explained that the Dashboard document is a work in progress.  He hopes to have more information included for the Leadership Academy in July.  Dr. Robinson added that periodic updates will be provided to the Board.

 

(Copies of Grades 3 – 8 Testing Program 2007 – 2008 and Dashboard are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

4.   ACTION ITEMS

 

a.   Personnel

 

1)  Staffing

 

Dr. Dutkowsky distributed a correction to the staffing report regarding Christopher Mars.  A correction was made to the new document – the date 2/29/00 was corrected to 2/29/08. 

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education accept the staffing report as presented with the corrections noted.

 

A.   RESIGNATIONS

1)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Kimberly Banach

                        Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

                        Commencing:             June 12, 2008 (end of day)

b)         Name:                         Jessica Robinson

                        Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                        Commencing:             August 31, 2008 (end of day)

 

       B.  LEAVE OF ABSENCE

                        1)         Classified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                         Mollie Smith

                                                Reason:                       Unpaid Personal

                                                Commencing:             07/01/08 – 08/31/08

 

      C.  CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

                        1)         Classified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                         Eve Chieco

                                                Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary)

                                                From:                           4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                                To:                                5 ¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $15.19/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 3)

 

                                    b)         Name:                         Jennifer Bullington

                                                Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary)

                                                From:                           5 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                                To:                                5 ¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $16.33/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 5)

 

      D.   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:                         Sean Carter

                                                Tenure Area:                Elementary Education

                                                Status:                          Three year Probationary

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $43,369 (Step 2)

 

b)         Name:                         Joseph Ferrone

                                                Tenure Area:                Elementary Education

                                                Status:                          Three year Probationary

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $42,327 (Step 1)

 

                                    c)         Name:                         Monica Macro

                                                Tenure Area:                Secondary Science

                                                Status:                          Three year Probationary

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $42,327 (Step 1)

 

                                    d)         Name:                         Jennifer Marro

                                                Tenure Area:                Secondary Mathematics

                                                Status:                          Three year probationary

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $42,327 (Step 1)

 

e)         Name:                         Christopher Mars

                        Position:                       Auditorium Manger – High School-East Building

                        Term:                            09/01/07 – 06/30/08

                                                Salary:                          $25.00/hr. (evenings/weekends)

 

f)          Name:                         Alicia McBride

                                                Tenure Area:                Elementary Education

                                                Status:                          Three year Probationary

                                                Commencing:             September 1, 2008

                                                Salary:                          $42,327 (Step 1)

 

                                    g)         Name:                         Lindsey Measeck

                                                Tenure Area:                Elementary Education

                                                Status:                          Term

                                                Commencing:             09/01/08 – 06/30/09

                                                Salary:                          $43,369 (Step 2)

 

                        2)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Marion Happel

                        Position:                       Account Clerk Typist

                        Commencing:             07/09/08 – 08/31/08

                        Salary:                          not to exceed $2,000

 

                        3)         Summer School Staff

                                    a)         Certified Staff

Vanessa

Alderman

Study Skills

David

Campe

Math

Chris

Capezutti

Science

Collen

Coletta

Health

Michael

Companion

Social Studies

Ann 

Conway

Social Studies

Derek

Dayton

English

Melissa

DeGraw

English

Ryan

Dunham

Social Studies

John

Colletta

Physical Education

Connie

Evans

English

Tara

Fear

English

Melanie

Graziano

Spanish

Charles

Holohan

Study Skills

Beverly

Karpiak

Math

Jenna

Kitchen

English

Erica

Ladu

English

Alan

Meisenholder

Social Studies

Jennifer

Miller

Math

Eric

O'Brien

Science

Casey

Putnam

English

Amber

Quinn

Social Studies

Heidi

Stinebrickner

Math

Kathy

Strait

Math

James

Zimmons

Science

 

 

 

                                    b)         Classified Staff

Marie

Connors

Cook

Susan

Viall

Food Service Helper

 

4)                   Summer Work for Elementary School Counselors – (Document on file in official minutes folder.)

 

5)                   Summer Academy Staff – (Document on file in official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

b.   Policy Governance – Second Reading & Related Repeals – Policy 5650, 5661, 5680 (Non-instructional Operations) – Policies 6180, 6190 (Personnel) – Policy 6551 (Compensation and Related Benefits) – Policies 7110, 7136 (Attendance) – Policies 7426, 7450 (Student Activities) – Policy 7614 (Students with Disabilities)

 

Several minor corrections were discussed by the Board and Mrs. Longhurst will make of the revisions.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the policies presented for second reading with the changes noted.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

c.   Business Affairs

 

1)   Security Vehicle

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education approve the vehicle lease between Albany Dodge Leasing Corporation (DBA, American Matchmakers Leasing) and the Shenendehowa Central School District for the 36-month period beginning July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2011, at a cost of $299 per month..

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

2)   VersaTrans Consulting Agreement

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education approve the Consulting Agreement from VersaTrans for the 2008-2009 school year.  The fee is not to exceed $15,000 for this time period.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

 

 

3)   Planned Service Agreement – Johnson Controls

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, that the Board of Education approve the Planned Service Agreement between Johnson Controls and the Shenendehowa Central School District for a one-year term commencing July 1, 2008, at a price of $447,490.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

5.   ADJOURNMENT

 

Mr. Casey announced that the July 8, 2008, Business Meeting will be held in the District Office Conference Room.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to adjourn the meeting at 8:02 p.m.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Linda L. Sparks

                                                                  Board Stenographer

 

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board