BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Meeting
November 4, 2008
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo
(arrived at 7:12 p.m.), Mrs. Grey, Mr. Mincher, |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. Longhurst, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Smith, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:30 by Mrs. Grey.
MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to move into Executive Session.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mr. DiLallo was not present for the Executive Session but Ms. Wetmore, Dr. Dutkowsky, and Dr. Snyder were in attendance. The Board discussed a special education hearing settlement, a potential Education Law Section 913 Resolution and an appeal to expunge a student suspension. A general consensus was reached on the student suspension appeal and the Superintendent was instructed to follow up with the parents. The Board took action on the 913 Resolution which is allowable in Executive Session and shall remain confidential. Motion was made by Mr. Casey and seconded by Mr. Mincher.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to return to Public Session at 7:05 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mrs. Grey called the Public Session of the Board of Education to order at 7:10 p.m.
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.
Mrs. Grey announced that an Executive Session was held at 6:30 p.m. to discuss personnel and other matters. She also noted that the public session will be webcast.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Mrs. Wiggins, to adopt this evening’s agenda with two modifications: 1) Under Action Items 7.a., add 7.a.2. for approval of a special education hearing resolution; 2) Under Information Items, add 5.f. (remove 7.d.1. from Action Items.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mrs. Blaauboer commented upon the generous outpouring of help from the community to families in the area having extreme difficulties. It’s touching to watch. For all of Shenendehowa’s “bigness,” it really is a community.
Mr. Mincher mentioned the fund raising activity to be held on November 19 at the 99 Restaurant. The program is to benefit children in the hospital and purchase a widescreen television for them.
Mrs. Wiggins noted how our students are learning to care about others and are learning to love their neighbors. This is wonderful while we are gearing up for the holiday season
Mrs. Bowles reported on her attendance at the NYSSBA Conference and that she attended several interesting seminars; Mandarin Chinese, environmental programs, international business, etc. She participated in great conversations with other districts concerning the education our children will need to hold jobs in the future. She appreciated the opportunity to attend the conference and it is great to bring things back to share.
Mr. Casey recognized a district resident, Commissioner Mills, who is finishing his term in June after serving at least 13 years as Commissioner of Education. He has worked tirelessly and consistently for education. He has been very responsive to this Board and has referred to us as “his Board of Education.” Mr. Casey extended a “thank you” to him personally for the commitment he has made to education in the State.
Mrs. Grey expressed sympathy to the families of Nicholas Cammarata and Kathy Lanning. The asked those present to observe a moment of silence in their memory. She noted that the staff and administration at Gowana have been very responsive to the families and children at Gowana.
Mrs. Grey thanked everyone for allowing the Board members to attend the NYSSBA Conference. This opportunity allows Board members to learn what is happening around the State and see what is working and what is not working. She attended approximately eight different sessions that were very productive. She thanked Mrs. Wiggins for serving as delegate and voting on the Board’s behalf.
Mrs. Grey reminded everyone of the Veterans’ Day Dash to be held on November 11. It’s a 5K which will take place through District property. She also thanked everyone, students included, for the cards for Board Recognition Day.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Students
Russ Hayes and Lauren Kipp reported that a mock election was held last Tuesday. Mr. Obama won and the turnout was good.
No public comment.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson distributed a draft calendar for the development of the budget for 2009-10. He asked that the Board members go through it and provide any comments to either him or Kathy Wetmore. This document will be presented to the principals at their meeting on the 18th.
Dr. Robinson also commented on the NYSSBA Conference, particularly vendors who provide packages for foreign languages and other vendors who provide local analysis data. Dr. Robinson mentioned the resignation of Commissioner Mills and his tremendous leadership to the State.
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
There was no discussion on the Claims Audit Report.
Dr. Robinson reported that the exit interview with the Comptroller’s Office has taken place and everything went well.
Joe Mayo – Director of Facilities, Jay Tourtellot – Director of Operations, and Mark Bailey – Accounts Manager of Day Operations, gave an update on the security of High School East. Mr. Bailey presented a PowerPoint presentation to demonstrate how the new security cameras and system will work. The target date for completion of the High School East project is January 2009. (A copy of the update from the Facilities and Operations Department is on file in the official minutes folder.)
There were favorable comments from the Board of Education, particularly regarding the amount of storage the camera system has and how the cost of technology has reduced while technology has improved.
d. Summer Program Update
The following Summer Programs were presented this evening:
· Shenendehowa Summer Program – Jon Conover
· SAS Summer Program (Summer Academic Support) – Mike Smith
· Concepts in Motion, Skills in Motion – Lisa Mickle and Kathy Giunta
· ESL Summer Program – Mike Smith
· Summer School – Dr. Snyder, Kristen Giudici, Matt Heckman
PowerPoint programs (if provided) and a Summer School Student Survey are on file in the official minutes folder.
e. Policy Regulations (Review Only) – Reg. 3110R Public information Media Relations; 3281R Use of School Owned Materials and Equipment; 5683R Bomb Threat Response Guidelines; 7130R residency Guidelines; 7130F.1 Resident Affidavit; 7130F.2 Parent Affidavit; 7130P Student Registration Guidelines; 7130F.3 Affidavit of Emancipation
Laraine Longhurst answered questions regarding this review.
f. Policy/Governance
1. Policies for 1st reading – Policy 5321 Use of Credit Cards; Policy 7130 Entitlement to Attend-Age and Residency
Mrs. Longhurst and Dr. Robinson answered the Board’s questions regarding these policies.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports (September 2008)
1) October 14, 2008
MOTION by Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for September 2008 and the Minutes of October 14, 2008, as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) CSE/CPSE Placements
Mr. Smith provided a revised copy of the Special Education Placements.
MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the revised 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.
2) Approval of Special Education Hearing Resolution
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the resolution that the Superintendent of Schools be and hereby is authorized to execute the agreement to settle the claim concerning a student with a disability as discussed in executive session.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Personnel
1) Staffing
Dr. Dutkowsky presented the staffing report with one correction on Page 1, Item B.2)c). Kelly Walsh’s resignation day is October 28, 2008. Dr. Dutkowsky commented on the upcoming retirement of Ann Frantti, Elementary School Principal at Orenda and the great work she has done. She will be missed. He also distributed a timeline to the Board of Education for the hiring process for this position.
MOTION by Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations with the correction noted as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
A. RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Ann Frantti
Tenure Area: Elementary Principal
Reason: Retirement after 27 years
Commencing: June 30, 2009 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Chalene Bleichert
Position: Elementary Social Studies Coordinator
Commencing: September 11, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Lori Kessler
Position: Girls Freshman Basketball Coach
Commencing: October 14, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Mark Nirsberger
Position: Systems Analyst
Commencing: October 28, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Margie Oliveira
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: October 31, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Kelly Walsh
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: October 29, 2008 (end of day)
C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Pamela Schwagar
Position: Secondary English
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 12/10/08 – 12/19/08
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Vanessa Ford
Position: Confidential Secretary to the Superintendent
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 11/13/08 – 01/07/09
D. EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Shanna Maher
Position: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 12/01/08 – 12/19/08
b) Name: Albina McKeon
Tenure Area: Secondary Social Studies
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
c) Name: Tricia Spain
Tenure Area: Secondary Mathematics
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
d) Name: Renatta Tallman
Tenure Area: Music
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
e) Name: Stephanie Vara
Tenure Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
E. CREATION OF POSITIONS
1) Certified Staff
a) Position: Speech
No. of Positions: 0.1 FTE
Commencing: 11/05/08 – 06/30/09
F. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Maura Cautela
From Position: 0.5 FTE Speech
To Position: 0.6 FTE Speech
Status: Term
Commencing: 11/05/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $50,836 (Step 7) pro-rated
b) Name: Amy Christopher
From Position: 1.0 FTE School Counselor
To Position: 0.5 FTE School Counselor
Status: Term
Commencing: 11/10/08 – end of first semester
2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: William Brocks
From Position: Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $19.96/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
b) Name: Frederick Conley
From Position: Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Bus Driver; 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $20.52/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)
c) Transportation changes – (on file in the official minutes folder)
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: Travis Dillabough
Position: 1.0 FTE Secondary Social Studies
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
b) Name: Erica Ladu
Position: 1.0 FTE Secondary English
Status: Term
Commencing: 11/13/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
c) Name: Brian Skinner
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary Education
Status: Term
Commencing: 11/05/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Diana Fink
Position: Bus Driver; 21 hrs./week, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
b) Name: Sarah Gicewicz
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule,
Step 1)
c) Name: Margaret Hamilton
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule,
Step 1)
d) Name: Christine Klein
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Classroom);
6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Non-Competitive
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $15.70/hr. (Elementary Classroom Aide
Schedule, Step 3)
e) Name: Karen Kord
Position: Typist; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Competitive
Commencing: November 10, 2008
Salary: $15.86/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C, Step 1)
f) Name: Jeffrey Robertson
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
g) Name: Donald Schaak
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
h) Name: Frank Zadlo
Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 15 hrs./wk.,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 5, 2008
Salary: $14.43/hr. (Secondary School Monitor Schedule,
Step 1)
3) Elementary Coordinator – Stipend $1,458 (pro-rated)
a) Michelle Michalowski
4) Homework Club 2008-2009 – Stipend $697
a) Chris Boynton
b) Jenna Hafter
c) Robert Keyser
d) Kathryn McTiernan
e) Julianne Sauer
f) Larry Silverman
5) Morning Activities 2008-2009 – Stipend $697
a) Chris Capezzuti
b) Jenna Hafter
c) Erica Miller
6) Morning Activities 2008-2009 – Stipend $1,394
a) Dan Smith
7) Library Coordinators – Stipend $1,296
a) Susan Kirby-Lemon
b) Sandra Russell
8) Mentor Appointments – Stipend $1,000
a) Jim Orton - Music
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
1) Health Service Contracts
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or his designee to enter into health services contracts from those districts providing health services to Shenendehowa students for the 2008-2009 school year.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Private School Placement Contracts
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or his designee to enter into consultant services contracts from those districts providing evaluations, consultant teacher and related services to students who are residents of the Shenendehowa School District for the 2008-2009 school year.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) External Audit Corrective Action Plan
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the Corrective Action Plan prepared as a result of the June 30, 2008, external audit conducted by Cusack & Company.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
(Item d. moved to Information Items)
e. Appoint Residency Determination Officer and Residency Determination Appeals Officer
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education appoint Robert Melia as Residency Determination Officer (in place of Laraine Longhurst) and appoint Laraine Longhurst as Residency Determination Appeals Officer (in place of Robert Melia).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No public comments.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to adjourn the meeting at 8:48 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board