BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Meeting
September 9, 2008
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mrs. Grey, |
|
MEMBERS ABSENT: |
Mr. DiLallo (out of town) |
|
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 7 p.m. by Mrs. Grey.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs. Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Announcements
Emergency Exits - Mrs. Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.
A pool construction site walk through was held at 6:30 p.m. for the Board of Education.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
Mr. Casey requested that the Special Education Review be added to this evening’s agenda and be presented after Public Comments.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to accept this evening’s agenda with the modification suggested.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mr. Mincher praised the success of Superintendent’s Day which contained activities and workshops highlighting diversity.
Mrs. Wiggins was pleased with all of the presentation and programs contained in Superintendent’s Day. She noted that Dr. Robinson did a phenomenal job as the representative for Shenendehowa at NYSSBA.
Mrs. Blaauboer enjoyed the first day of school and praised the Facilities and Operations personnel for the fine condition of the buildings. She is also pleased with the information and newsletter that Transportation provided this year.
Mr. Casey commented on the opening of school and how the work never stops for our Facilities/Maintenance personnel. There are many new projects started and he is impressed with the sensitivity and dedication of our staff to get things done with the least disruption to students and staff.
Mrs. Bowles enjoyed the walk-thru and interaction with the students, teachers and staff. She appreciates the hard work that is done in the District.
Mrs. Grey welcomed everyone back and thanked those who make the start of the school year successful. The opening day, the seminars and the walk-thru were all great. The pool tour was interesting and she noted how we are constantly progressing in this District.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Students
Russ Hayes and Lauren Kipp introduced themselves as the new representatives to the Board of Education for the Student Senate.
Ms. Pam Kelly, an Okte parent, is concerned that the 5th grade class size at Okte Elementary is too high. The classes range from 21 to 27 which makes the medium 24. Four classes are above the parameter. She finds it extremely irresponsible that the District allows this to happen. She provides tutoring for her child which costs her $40 per week and noted that her child told her that a teacher has been teaching in the hall. This is an irresponsible way to handle an overcrowded situation. This is a transitional area and the District should not be surprised when this many children come in. Also, private school children could return at any time because of the economy. Mrs. Kelly is also concerned about the new busing guidelines which do not allow children to go home on another bus. This will create more of a hazard for the children being picked up since more traffic will be at the school and on the roads. Parents have commitments and this will make things difficult for families.
Ms. Kathy Crouth, an Okte parent, hopes for the highest possible quality of education at Shenendehowa and she is concerned about the class size. How can education succeed when there are so many children in the classes with so many individual needs? It’s irresponsible. We are not thinking of the students as we should. They are not middle school children. They are still elementary students and should be treated as such. Twenty-seven children in one classroom when it is crowded is a hazard.
Michael Smith, father of Alexander Smith who attends Skano, accused the special education administration of lying and falsifying documents on an ongoing basis. He stated his son has received less than half of the occupational therapy sessions that were required on his IEP. He has filed a complaint with the State. He believes IEPs are not being implemented and information is being suppressed from the parents. He asked the Board to please verify what is happening here and make sure IEPs are implemented. The situation is out of control.
SPECIAL EDUCATION REVIEW
Mike Smith, Director of Student Services, introduced Mr. Larry Gloeckler who is the Executive Director of the Special Education Institute at the International Center for Leadership in Education. Mr. Gloecker described how the review of the special education program is conducted and noted that it will take place over a three-year period. He answered questions from the Board of Education and provided a document entitled Shenendehowa Central School District Special Education Review. (This document is on file in the official minutes folder.)
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson provided copies of an enrollment report to the Board. He mentioned Okte specifically and said we are looking at the types of students who attend there. The primary focus is how to provided needed services to these children. We will look at the data presented from the report to address the needs of children. We see fluctuation throughout the school year. We will watch the trends to see how the numbers hold. There are certain buildings that we have to watch very closely.
Dr. Robinson mentioned elementary schools and efficiencies in transportation. The goal is to have buildings on the same schedule. Arongen and Shatekon will be on the same bus schedule on October 6. Dismissal times are being discussed.
Dr. Robinson commented on transportation issues with children riding on buses other than their own. He noted that allowances will be made for 1) emergency situations, 2) child care changes, 3) not-for-profit activities, and 4) team projects and homework. The District understands that it sometimes take until October for childcare issues to be settled. Dr. Robinson reminded everyone that the Shenendehowa Transportation Department is not CDTA.
The Carillon Bells Clock Tower will now be located in the front of High School East to create more visibility.
There will be a Hazard Drill on September 13 at Shatekon Elementary at 8:30 a.m. Art Hunsinger and Laraine Longhurst planned this together.
Dr. Robinson reported on the Trails Committee. A $500,000 grant had been applied for from the NYS Department of Transportation and a grant of $488,500 was received.
He described the route of the trails and how they will connect the various parts of the town.
5. TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Dutkowsky presented two names to receive tenure.
Several Board members had comments regarding Mr. Gnat: 1) how people trust him and 2) his passion for technology and for his students.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the tenure recommendation presented by Dr. Dutkowsky be accepted.
|
Name |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
|
Sean Gnat |
Class Assistant Principal |
10/17/08 |
D. Flynt |
|
Kathleen O’Brien |
Elementary Education |
10/12/08 |
G. Pace |
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
1) May 2008
2) June 2008
3) July 2008
4) Audit Committee Minutes (June 2, 2008)
There were no comments on the Claims Audit Report.
Dr. Teresa Snyder and Mr. Robert Melia provided a presentation on the Shenendehowa District Report Card – Accountability and Overview Report 2006-2007. (Copies of this report and back-up documents are on file in the official minutes folder.)
Laraine Longhurst answered questions and noted suggested changes to these regulations.
7. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports
1) August 12, 2008
2) August 26, 2008
MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for July 2008 and the Minutes of August 12 and August 26, 2008.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) Student Placements
MOTION by Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services for 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 provided a corrected Shenendehowa CSD Transportation Department Increase/Decrease in Blocks of Time 2008-2009 document.
MOTION by Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations with the revised Transportation hours document as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
A. RETIREMENTS, with appreciation and regret
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Joseph Natalie
Position: Cleaner
Reason: Retirement after 21 years
Commencing: January 16, 2009 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Louise Brooks
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: September 1, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Lori Burmaster
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
Commencing: September 1, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Carolyn Duscha
Position: Counselor’s Aide
Commencing: September 3, 2008 (end of day)
e) Name: Natascha Fawthrop
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: August 15, 2008 (end of day)
f) Name: Jane Hegener
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: September 3, 2008 (end of day)
g) Name: Kelly Penc
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: September 2, 2008 (end of day)
h) Name: Stacy West
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Commencing: August 31, 2008 (end of day)
C. ABANDONMENT OF POSITION
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Kelly DeLong
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: August 31, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Terrance Rigney
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: August 31, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: David Rivers
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: August 31, 2008 (end of day)
D. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Dena Marie delaRocha
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 10/02/08 – 11/17/08
b) Name: Dena Marie delaRocha
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 11/18/08 – 06/30/09
c) Name: Shanna Maher
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 11/23/08
d) Name: Shanna Maher
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 11/24/08 – 11/30/08
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Brad Countermine
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 01/04/09
E. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Transportation staff changes pursuant to bidding (documents
available in official minutes folder.)
F. 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: Kelli Harding
Tenure Area: Special Education
Status: Three year Probationary
Commencing: September 8, 2008
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1)
b) Name: Lisa Hubbard
Tenure Area: Special Education
Status: Two year Probationary
Commencing: September 29, 2008
Salary: $49,307/yr. (Step 6)
c) Name: Karen Lauver
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Status: Three year Probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2008
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
d) Name: Carolynn Sloat
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Status: Three year Probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2008
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1)
e) Name: Kim Smith
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Status: Three year Probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2008
Salary: $47,825/yr. (Step 5)
f) Name: Kathleen Schwarz
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Commencing: September 1, 2008
Salary: $68,984/yr. (Step 17)
g) Name: Maura Cautela
Position: 0.5 FTE Speech
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $50,836/yr. (Step 7) pro-rated
h) Name: Deborah Dixon
Position: 0.5 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
i) Name: Christine Dupuree
Position: 0.2 FTE Music
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
j) Name: Audrey Kuhn
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
k) Name: Kimberly Pinnell
Position: 0.5 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
l) Name: Heather Sliwinski
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 10/23/08
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
m) Name: Kristin Taylor
Position: 1.0 FTE Speech
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 10/31/08
Salary: $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated
n) Name: Lisa Varley-Ross
Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $55,711/yr. (Step 10)
o) Name: Jill Gould
Position: Academic Administrator for Math/Science
(Grades K-5)
Term: three (3) days
Salary: per diem rate
p) Name: Christopher Mars
Position: Auditorium Manager – High School-East
Building
Term: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $2,000 Stipend
q) Name: Christopher Mars
Position: Auditorium Manager – High School-East
Building
Term: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $25/hr. (evenings/weekends)
r) Name: Elizabeth Mars
Position: Auditorium Assistant Manager – High
School-East Building
Term: 09/01/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $25/hr. (evenings/weekends)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Russell Mein
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: September 10, 2008
Salary: $14.43/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 1)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
1) Verdin Company Contract – Clock Tower (Revised)
Board members asked questions regarding the terms of payment , “sole source” status, and future costs. Dr. Robinson explained the process. In response to the future cost question, Dr. Robinson said there will be some degree of warranty. The Foundation has been generous but some future costs will truly be the District’s responsibility. We, as a school district, should take this on to give pride and appreciation to the District.
MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Casey, that the Board of Education approve the contract for The Verdin Company to design and construct the Carillon Bell Tower to include Option 1 and Option 2 at a total cost of $130,654. (A copy of this contract is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Bid – School Buses
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education award the bid for IFB #90-09-Trans “School Buses” to Leonard Bus Sales, Inc. which is the lowest responsible bidder meeting the intent of the specifications. (A copy of this bid award is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) Donation – Target Store
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education accept the grant of $150 from Target for support of general program operations at the Shenendehowa Central School District.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4) Change Order
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve Change Order No. HC-02 in the amount of ($42,664) to Campito Plumbing & Heating, Inc. (A copy of the change order is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
d) Policy/Governance
1) Policies – 1st Reading – Policy 5520 Student Extra Classroom Activities (Repeal current 5520); Policy 5230 Acceptance of Gifts, Grants and Bequests to the School District (Repeal current 5230)
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the Policy 5520 and Policy 5230 with the changes noted and repeal current Policy 5520 and current Policy 5230.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
There were no further public comments.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to adjourn the meeting at 9:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board