BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Regular Meeting

August 12, 2008

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Dr. Dutkowsky, Mr. Melia, Mrs. Longhurst, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Smith, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore

 

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6 p.m. by Mrs. Grey.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to move into Executive Session to discuss personnel and a land purchase contract proposal.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to reconvene to Public Session.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Mrs. Grey called the regular meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. 

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Mrs. Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Emergency Exits

 

Mrs. Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.

 

1.   ADOPT AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

2.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT

 

Mr. DiLallo commented upon the Assembly’s review of the tax cap and “circuit breaker” option for school taxes.

 

 

 

3.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Mr. Robert Bennett from Clifton Park asked the Board to analyze State aid and see how it may affect the school district.  He is very concerned with benefits and perks negotiated through District contracts and the sustainability of the benefits.  Mr. Bennett suggested limiting benefits and how employees can access benefits for themselves and their spouses.  He believes dollars could be saved in transportation and heating expenses by changing to a four-day school week, and kindergarten students would learn more by adding an hour and a half to their day in a four-day week.  Mr. Bennett went on to say that he feels a combination of the budget cap and the circuit breaker would be more beneficial along with a higher contribution by employees to their benefit premiums.  Mr. Bennett explained that he strongly supports education.  He closed with this statement:  “The Governor, the Legislature and Board of Education should not be influenced by special interest groups which attempt to use education as a guise for enhancing their own benefits and ‘perks’ at public expense.”

 

4.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Dr. Robinson explained that administration is in the process of reviewing and updating the goals for the District.  The District is gearing up to explore what is happening in the political landscape and he may ask Board members to consider some lobbying in this regard.

 

5.   INFORMATION ITEMS

 

  1. 2008-09 Tax Valuation and Rates

 

Dr. Robinson, along with Ms. Wetmore, presented the 2008-09 Tax Levy to the Board of Education.  The levy will be included under Action Items for approval later this evening.  The process for determining the levy along with how assessments are determined was also discussed.

 

  1. Draft 2008-2009 District Goals

 

The Board will be asked to approve the 2008-2009 District Goals at the Study Session to be held on August 26, 2008.  Of particular interest is the pyramid of intervention, support for students, instruction models and curriculum, and partnership and communication. 

 

  1. Elementary Enrollment/Class Targets

 

The Board of Education was provided a chart entitled 2008-09 Elementary Staffing Projections.  Dr. Robinson explained that the District tries to hit the target number 100% of the time.  One area where we have some leeway is in the kindergarten classes at the “sister” buildings.  Kindergartners can be moved between the adjoining buildings.  Mrs. Blaauboer expressed concern regarding the procedure for notifying elementary parents prior to the school year as to the

 

homeroom and teacher their child will have.  Dr. Robinson explained that the system and timeline for accomplishing this task has improved over the years.

 

6.   CONSENT ITEMS

a.   Treasurer’s Reports

 

  1. Minutes

1)   July 8, 2008

2)   July 24, 2008

 

MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for June 2008 and the Minutes of July 8 and July 24, 2008, with the following changes to the minutes:

 

·        Under b.  Election of and Oath of Office – Board Officers, the following line will be removed:  Mr. Mincher nominated Janet Grey as Board Vice President and Mrs. Bowles seconded the nomination.”

 

·        Mr. Robert Melia will be added to Others Present.

 

·        Numbering of agenda items to be corrected.

 

·        Removal of Mrs. Blaauboer’s name as seconding the motion for the Board Vice President position.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

7.   ACTION ITEMS

a.   Students

1)  Special Education Placements

 

MOTION by Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education approve the special education 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.  (These documents are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

b.   Personnel

1)  Staffing

 

Dr. Dutkowsky presented the staffing report and an addendum.  He also noted a correction to be made to the staffing report, Item B.2(b), Zia Markowski’s position title should read Teacher Aide (Alternative Education) rather than Teacher Aide (Special Education).

 

MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations with the above mentioned correction and the addendum as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky, as follows:

 

A.    RETIREMENTS, with appreciation and regret

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Mary Jo Bracken

                                                                Tenure Area:                         School Media Specialist (Library)

                                                                Reason:                                  Retirement after 8 years

                                                                Commencing:                        November 30, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                2)             Classified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Sandra LaFountain

                                                                Position:                                                Transportation Routing Specialist

                                                                Reason:                                  Retirement after 23 years

                                                                Commencing:                        December 1, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                                b)            Name:                                     Laura McGlynn

                                                                Position:                                                Dispatcher

                                                                Reason:                                  Retirement after 27 years

                                                                Commencing:                        December 1, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                                c)             Name:                                     John Rainville

                                                                Position:                                                Cleaner

                                                                Reason:                                  Retirement after 19 years

                                                                Commencing:                        November 30, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                                d)            Name:                                     Kathleen Wood

                                                                Position:                                                Typist

                                                                Reason:                                  Retirement after 17 years

                                                                Commencing:                        December 23, 2008 (end of day)

 

       B.     RESIGNATIONS

1)             Certified Staff

                                a)             Name:                                     Barbara Barnhart

                                                Tenure Area:                         Special Education

                                                Commencing:                        August 31, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                b)            Name:                                     Lynne Rutnik

                                                Position:                                                Academic Administrator for Special Education

   (Grades 6-12)

                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008 (end of day)

 

                                c)             Name:                                     Jean Winkler

                                                Position:                                                Academic Administrator for Special Education

   (Grades K-5)

                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008 (end of day)

 

2)             Classified Staff

a)             Name:                                     Deborah Marino

                                Position:                                                School Monitor (Secondary)

                                Commencing:                        August 31, 2008 (end of day)

               

b)            Name:                                     Zia Markowski

                                Position:                                                School Monitor (Secondary)

                                Commencing:                        August 31, 2008 (end of day)

 

c)             Name:                                     Mollie Smith

                                Position:                                                Account Clerk Typist

                                Commencing:                        August 12, 2008 (end of day)

 

d)            Name:                                     Margaret Springli

                                Position:                                                Teacher Aide (Computer)

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008 (end of day)

 

       C.     LEAVE OF ABSENCE

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Joanne Zagorda

                                                                Reason:                                  Unpaid Personal

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

 

       D.     MODIFICATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE

                                1)             Classified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Mollie Smith

                                                                Reason:                                  Unpaid Personal

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

                                                                To Commencing:                  07/01/08 – 08/12/08

 

       E.      CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Joseph Grady

                                                                From Position:                      0.7 FTE Physical Education

                                                                To Position:                          0.8 FTE Physical Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

2)             Classified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     George Nixon

                                                                Position:                                                School Monitor Secondary

                                                                From:                                      3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

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

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                                                Salary:                                    $14.43/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 1)

 

       F.      MODIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Denise Adams

                                                                Position:                                                Mentor

                                                                From Commencing:              2008-2009 school year

                                                                To Commencing:                  2007-2008 school year

 

       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:                                     Melanie Baker

                                                                Tenure Area:                         Special Education

                                                                Status:                                    Three year Probationary

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2007

                                                                Salary:                                    $47,825 (Step 5)

 

 

 

b)            Name:                                     Lisa DiAcetis

                                                                Tenure Area:                         Elementary Education, Special Education

                                                                Status:                                    Two year Probationary

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                                                Salary:                                    $59,219 (Step 12)

 

c)             Name:                                     Nichole Keiper

                                                                Tenure Area:                         Secondary Mathematics

                                                                Status:                                    Three year Probationary

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1)

 

                                                d)            Name:                                     Michele Landau

                                                                Tenure Area:                         Speech and Hearing Handicapped

                                                                Status:                                    Two year Probationary

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                                                Salary:                                    $46,387 (Step 4)

 

e)             Name:                                     Erika Vidor

                                                                Tenure Area:                         LOTE

                                                                Status:                                    Three year Probationary

                                                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                                                Salary:                                    $44,991 (Step 3)

 

f)             Name:                                     Melinda Barnes

                                Position:                                                0.7 FTE LOTE

                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

g)            Name:                                     Megan Beauchamp

                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE School Counselor

                                Status:                                    Term

                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                Salary:                                    $46,387 (Step 4) pro-rated

 

h)            Name:                                     Pamela Bird

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE LOTE

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $50,836 (Step 7)

 

                                                i)              Name:                                     Amy Christopher

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE School Counselor

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

               

j)              Name:                                     Jill Cowburn

                                Position:                                                0.8 FTE English Language Arts

                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                Salary:                                    $44,991 (Step 3) pro-rated

 

 

 

 

k)             Name:                                     Travis Dillabough

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 Secondary Social Studies

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

                                                l)              Name:                                     Kathryn Henry-Starace

                                                                Position:                                                0.4 FTE Health Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

m)            Name:                                     Katie McDonough

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE Visual Arts

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

n)            Name:                                     Michael Olenyk

                                                                Position:                                                0.5 FTE Elementary Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

                                                o)            Name:                                     Danielle Parra

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE Music Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated

 

p)            Name:                                     Linda Powell

                                Position:                                                0.5 FTE School Media Specialist

                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                Salary:                                    $50,836 (Step 7) pro-rated

 

q)            Name:                                     Joan Suda

                                                                Position:                                                1.0 FTE Special Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

                                                r)             Name:                                     Christine Tuxill

                                                                Position:                                                0.6 FTE Family and Consumer Science

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated

 

s)             Name:                                     Diane Warner

                                                                Position:                                                0.4 FTE Music Education

                                                                Status:                                    Term

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

                                                                Salary:                                    $73,329 (Step 19) pro-rated

                               

 

 

 

2)             Classified Staff

a)             Name:                                     Erick Knizek

                                Position:                                                Athletic Trainer

                                Status:                                    Provisional

                                Commencing:                        August 14, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $55,000/yr. pro-rated

 

b)            Name:                                     Zia Markowski

                                Position:                                                Teacher Aide (Alternative Education);

   6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                Status:                                    Probationary; Labor

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

c)             Name:                                     Joseph Mayo

                                Position:                                                After Hours Security & Construction Coordinator

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $2,500/yr. (pro-rated)

 

d)            Name:                                     Mollie Smith

                                Position:                                                Payroll Clerk; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.

                                Status:                                    Probationary, Competitive

                                Commencing:                        August 13, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $25.37/hr. (Confidential Schedule, Step 7)

 

e)             Name:                                     Jay Tourtellot

                                Position:                                                Director of Operations

                                Status:                                    Provisional

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $70,000/yr. (pro-rated)

 

f)             Name:                                     Jay Tourtellot

                                Position:                                                SAVE Coordinator

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $2,000/yr. (pro-rated)

 

g)            Name:                                     Gina Wallace

                                Position:                                                RP School Nurse

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

                                Salary:                                    per diem rate up to four (4) days

 

3)                               Other

a)    Summer School Staff

1)     Certified Staff

Donna Walters                     Librarian

Linda Shady                          Counselor

Rose Velan                            Counselor

 

       2)    Classified Staff

Beverly Girard                       Secretary

Michelle Murphy                 Secretary

Laura Todorov                     Registration

Lori Chiusano                       Registration

Lynn Raucci                          Registration

Diane Yetto                           Registration

Catherine Barbaro                Nurse

 

Antoinette Adams               Monitor

Lou Donadio                         Monitor

Don Faniff                             Monitor

Dennis Mattice                     Monitor

Janet Svec                             Monitor

Danielle Vincent                   Monitor

Amy Ozols                            Monitor

Karen Tremblay                    Computer Lab Aide

 

b)                  Summer Work – Counseling Staff – per diem rate (Listing available in the official minutes folder.)

 

c)                  Elementary Instructional Coordinators 2008-2009 school year (Listing available in the official minutes folder.)

 

d)                  Coaching Appointments – Fall 2008 (Listing available in the official minutes folder.)

 

e)                  Faculty Manager – 2008-2009 school year

 

Name                                      Sport and Level                                    Salary

Robert Weeks                       2008-09 Faculty Manager                   $5,502

Greg Christodulu                  2008-09 Faculty Manager                   $5,502

 

ADDENDUM

 

A.    RESIGNATION

                                1)             Classified Staff

                                                Name:                                                     Gail Long

                                                Position:                                                                Food Service Helper (part-time)

                                                Commencing:                                        August 31, 2008 (end of day)

 

       B.     LEAVE OF ABSENCE

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                Name:                                                     Erica Ryan

                                                Tenure Area:                                         Elementary Education

                                                Reason:                                                  Unpaid Personal

                                                Commencing:                                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

 

       C.     APPOINTMENTS

                                1)             Certified Staff

                                                a)             Name:                                     Erica Ryan

                                                                Position:                                                Interim Academic Administrator for

   ELA/Social Studies (Grades K-5)

                                                                Status:                                    Term

                                                                Commencing:                        first semester 2008-2009 school year

                                                                Salary:                                    $50,836 (Step 7) pro-rated

 

b)            Name:                                     Cortnee Cornelius

                                Tenure Area:                         Elementary Education

                                Status:                                    Three year Probationary

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $46,387 (Step 4)

 

 

 

 

c)             Name:                                     Christine McCarroll

                                Tenure Area:                         Elementary Education

                                Status:                                    Three year Probationary

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $42,327 (Step 1)

 

2)                   Classified Staff

a)             Name:                                     Amy Green

                                Position:                                                Account Clerk Typist; 8 hrs./day,

   12 mos./yr.

                                Status:                                    Probationary; Competitive

                                Commencing:                        August 27, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $15.86/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C,

   Step 1)

 

b)            Name:                                     Varda LeMonds

                                Position:                                                Teacher Aide (Alternative Education);

   6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                Status:                                    Probationary; Labor

                                Commencing:                        September 1, 2008

                                Salary:                                    $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide

   Schedule, Step 1)

 

3)                   Other

a)                   Summer Curriculum Work – see attached (This list is on file in the

official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

  1. Business Items

 

1)  Adoption of 2008-2009 Tax Levy

 

MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the resolutions to confirm the tax rolls and authorize the tax levy and warrant.  (These documents are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

2)   School Lunch Prices

 

MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the increase of $.15 for school lunch at the middle school level for a total of $2.25 and $.25 for lunch at the high school level for a total of $2.50 for the 2008-09 school year.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

 

 

 

3)   Bid Awards (11) and Bid Extensions (3)

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education award the following bids and contract extensions to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as listed.  (Copies of these documents are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Bid #09-07/Calculators                  Bid #09-01-SL/Groceries

Bid #09-04/Copy Paper                 Bid #08-30-SL/Snack Items

Bid #09-06/MST Supplies  Bid #08-27-SL/Bread

Bid #08-28-SL/Ice Cream             Bid #08-29-SL/Government Commodities

Bid #08-26-SL/Dairy                     Bid #09-02-SL/Paper/Plastic/Cleaning

Bid #08-25-SL/Beverages                 Products

 

Contract #05-34 – Recapped Tires & Repair Service

Contract #04-35 – Boiler & DHW Maintenance & Repair

Contract #05-35 – Charter Bus Services

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

4)   Acceptance of Donation from Citibank

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education accept the gift of used furniture, value undetermined, from Citibank.  (A list of these items is on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

5)   Extension of Hybrid Bus Donation

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the New York State Bus Lease extension between Scholastic Capital, LLC, and the Shenendehowa Central School District.  This lease will be extended through February 28, 2009.  (A copy of this contract extension is on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

6)   Acceptance of Donation from Saint Rose

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education accept the gift of used equipment, value undetermined, from St. Rose.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

 

 

7)   Bus Bond Resolution

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education adopt the Bond Resolution to finance the purchase of buses and a four-wheel loader approved by the voters on May 20, 2008, to expend $1,328,000 for this purpose.  (A copy of the bond resolution is on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8)   Special Services Contract

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that the Board of Education approve the contracts for Service Connections, Inc. and The Center for Disability Services, Inc. to provide services to special needs students for the time periods indicated.  (Copies of these contracts are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

9.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

Mr. Robert Bennett reiterated his comments regarding additional time that would be added to the Kindergarten day if the schools converted to a four-day week.  This would help particularly in the winter since putting on winter clothes and getting on the buses takes up so much time.  He also stated that he understands the burden State mandates can create for the District.

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting at 7:58 p.m.

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer

 

 

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board