BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Meeting
December 9, 2008
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Melia, Ms. Mylod, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Snyder, Ms. Wetmore |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:30 by Mrs. Grey.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Mincher, to convene to Executive Session for Board discussion regarding negotiations with CSEA.
Other than the seven Board of Education members, Attorney Norma Meacham, Ms. Wetmore, Dr. Snyder, Dr. Dutkowsky, and Dr. Robinson were in attendance at the Executive Session.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to return to Public Session at 7 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mrs. Grey called the Public Session of the Board of Education to order at 7:04 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 issues.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer to adopt this evening’s agenda.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mr. Mincher reported that he had an opportunity to review a document prepared by Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, which is an analysis of tax implications and what they mean to local towns and their effect on schools. A full copy will be sent to the Board of Education.
Mrs. Wiggins reminded everyone of the holiday concerts starting on December 8 and will continue over the next couple of weeks. The next concert is at High School West. She suggested everyone should check the website for exact details.
Mr. Casey noted that this is the last time we will meet this year. This has been an interesting year and we are all convinced that next year will be even more interesting as we deal with challenging issues. He is particularly interested in the information received from the last meeting pertaining to the projections of growth. Growth will be a challenge to us, but Mr. Casey looks forward to it.
Mrs. Grey reminded everyone that at the last study session the Board reviewed protocol for webcasting. We are currently webcasting all of our Board meetings in their entirety. The protocol can be reviewed depending upon the outcome.
Mrs. Grey commented on the success of the Grapevine and how it makes it possible for the Board of Education to commit to communicating with the entire community, particularly with the budget process starting early. She also noted that we are moving forward with the Special Education Study being conducted by an outside consultant.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Students
Russ Hayes and Lauren Kipp reported that the Holiday Match Fundraiser for local benefits has been initiated. This year proceeds will be contributed to CAPTAIN and the Saratoga County Children’s’ Fund.
Mrs. Diane Betzwieser, Academic Administrator for Science Grade 6 – 8, described the win at the Lego Competition for the Middle School. Courtney Mahar, Technology Teacher and Gowana, was also present. Only ten students could compete, but Ryan Rest came tonight to represent the group. The entire group contained about 50 students. The 9th grade also won.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson reported on his visit to the American International School in Kingston which is located in Jamaica. He talked with people who wished they had half of what we had here at Shenendehowa. The public school teacher/student ratio is 45 to one.
The United States Government is helping to support this particular school. Dr. Robinson said a long-term relationship has been established with the school and he described the curriculum and classroom procedure currently used by the school. Dr. Robinson explained that it was an interesting experience – many things are different but many things are similar between the American International School and Shenendehowa. The students were eager to learn and hungered for the experience. He is looking forward to a partnership with this school and noted that we truly do live in a global society.
Dr. Robinson provided a copy of the Final Report to Governor David A. Paterson from the New York State Commission on Property Tax Relief. It contains an executive summary and recommendations. Mrs. Grey and Mrs. Bowles, as well as Mr. DiLallo and Mr. Casey, will accompany Dr. Robinson at a meeting with Assemblyman Reilly on January 14 and with Senator McDonald on January 21. The Governor’s proposal will be made public on December 16. Dr. Robinson made it clear that what is discussed at the meeting tonight regarding budgeting may change drastically after we hear what the Governor’s proposal may contain.
5. TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS
Dr. Dutkowsky presented five names to receive tenure this evening.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education award tenure to the following individuals:
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Name |
Tenure Area |
Date |
Administrator |
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Rebecca Carman |
Academic Administrator for Health Education/Physical Education |
01/09/09 |
T. Snyder |
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Christie Burns |
Physical Education |
03/22/09 |
R. McDonald |
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Brooke Davis |
Elementary Education |
01/30/09 |
J. Burns |
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Andrew Fetsko |
Elementary Education |
02/15/09 |
G. Pace |
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Jessica McDonnell |
Health Education |
01/11/09 |
J. Burns |
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. INFORMATION ITEMS
Mr. Robert Melia, Assistant Superintendent for Management Services and Quality Control, explained the District Dashboard Data and presented a PowerPoint presentation. The data provided a description/comparison of various items of interest regarding the District’s student data over a number of years. Mr. Melia explained that the Dashboard is much more extensive than what is presented this evening. Many pieces are designed specifically for use by the administration of the District.
Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Chief Financial Officer, presented the proposed three-year financial forecast. Dr. Robinson explained that the information provided at this time is an assumption. It is an exercise of scenarios and gives a picture of the reality with which we need to deal. The staff recognizes that we have to do things differently or we could jeopardize the education of the students. The information is very preliminary and many things could change between now and March.
The 2009-10 Budget Assumptions and Expectations ties in with the information provided for the three-year financial forecast. The bottom line is we want to provide a quality education to our students.
7. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports (October 2008)
1) October 28, 2008
November 4, 2008
November 18, 2008
November 25, 2008
MOTION by Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for October 2008 and the Minutes of October 28, November 4, November 18, and November 25, 2008, as presented. Mrs. Bowles asked that in the future reference be made specifically to PowerPoint presentations and the people and their titles presenting them.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) CSE/CPSE Placements
Ms. Michelle Mylod presented the Special Education placements this evening.
MOTION by Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, 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
MOTION by Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
A. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Donna Colapinto
Position: Elementary Coordinator
Commencing: December 1, 2008
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Nancy Daigle
Position: Teacher Aide (Computer Lab)
Commencing: November 21, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Gail Digman
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
Commencing: November 12, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Christine Klein
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: November 4, 2008 (end of day)
d) Name: Donald Marcello
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: November 24, 2008 (end of day)
e) Name: Joseph Mayo
Position: Director of Facilities
Commencing: December 2, 2008 (end of day)
f) Name: Michael Petrillose
Position: Automotive Repairer
Commencing: December 1, 2008 (end of day)
g) Name: Elizabeth Williams
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: December 12, 2008 (end of day)
B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Julie Sawyer
Position: Speech
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 12/18/08 – 02/12/09
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Judith Gardner
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 02/02/09 – 04/03/09
b) Name: Deborah Luciano
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 11/12/08 – 01/04/09
c) Name: Diane Silverman
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 11/12/08 – 01/30/09
C. MODIFICATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Shanna Maher
Position: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
From Commencing: 12/01/08 – 12/19/08
To Commencing: 12/01/08 – 12/14/08
D. CREATION OF POSITIONS
1) Non-Represented Staff
a) Position: Board of Education Videographer
Commencing: 12/10/08 – 06/30/09
E. RESCIND APPOINTMENT
1) Coaching Staff
a) Name: Dave Rushman
Position: Girls Varsity Bowling Coach
Commencing: December 10, 2008
F. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Maritza Reyes
From Position: Bus Monitor; 2 ˝ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Bus Monitor; 4 ˝ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $12.75/hr. (School Bus Monitor Schedule,
Step 1)
b) Name: Sarah Sanders
From Position: Bus Driver; 2 ˝ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To Position: Bus Driver; 5 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $19.96/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
c) Transportation changes – see attached
G. CHANGE IN SALARY
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Louise Cowan
Commencing: 10/02/08 – 01/07/09
From Salary: $23.36/hr.
To Salary: $26.19/hr.
H. MODIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Philip Martin, Jr.
Tenure Area: Assistant Principal
From: Three year Probationary
To: Four year Probationary
Commencing: January 17, 2006
I. 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: Carol Funyak
Position: Maturation Program
Status: Term
Commencing: 12/10/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $25/hr. up to $3,000
b) Name: Carol Goliber-Sibson
Position: 1.0 FTE Secondary Mathematics
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
c) Name: Danielle Parra
Position: 1.0 FTE Music
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
d) Name: Heather Sliwinski
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 10/24/08 – 12/14/08
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
e) Name: Joan Suda
Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
f) Name: Kristin Taylor
Position: 1.0 FTE Speech
Status: Term
Commencing: 12/18/08 – 02/12/09
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Diana Cimini
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Non-Competitive
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule,
Step 1)
b) Name: Christine D’Amato
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
c) Name: Heather Knapp
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Classroom assigned
to Counselor); 15/hrs./wk., 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $14.94/hr. (Elementary Classroom Aide
Schedule, Step 1)
d) Name: Jennifer Salmon
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education); 3 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule,
Step 1)
e) Name: Kevin Simonette
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: December 10, 2008
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
3) Non-Represented Staff
a) Name: Kelly DeFeciani
Position: Board of Education Videographer
Status: Term
Commencing: 12/10/08 – 06/30/09
Salary: $2,500
4) Coaching Appointment
a) Joseph Murphy, Freshman Girls’ Basketball Head Coach
Step 1, Salary = $2,541
5) Elementary Coordinator – Stipend $1,458 (pro-rated)
a) Denise Ostwald
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that Business Items 1 through 4 be combined for approval by the Board of Education. Mr. Casey felt it necessary to abstain from the vote on item number 5 since he recently rejoined the CAPTAIN Board of Directors.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
1) Annual Visual Inspections
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education accept the Report of the Annual Visual Inspection for 2008 per the attached summary. (A copy of this summary is on file in the official minutes folder.).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Disposal of Used Furniture, Equipment, Books
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the administration to sell, discard, destroy, or donate to a not-for-profit organization the equipment, furniture, and books on the attached list which are of no further use to the school district. (The list of items is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) Bids
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education award Bid #09-16/Copy Paper, Bid #09-14-SL/Groceries, and Bid #09-08-FAC/Custodial Supplies to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as per attached materials. (Bid information is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4) 403(b) The OMNI Group Agreement
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the administration to enter into an agreement with the OMNI Group to serve as the third party administrator (TPA) for the Shenendehowa Central School District in regard to the 403(b) Retirement Plan. (A copy of this agreement and plan document are on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
5) Purchase of Service Agreements – Consolidated Grant
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education authorize the Superintendent or designee to enter into purchase of service agreements for the Saratoga Center for the Family, CAPTAIN Youth and Family Services, and Family and Children’s Services of the Capital Region, Inc., with funding obtained from the Consolidated Grant for the period of September 1, 2008, through August 31, 2009.
Unanimously approved, motion carried (Mr. Casey abstained from voting).
1. Policies for 2nd reading and approval – Policy 5321 Use of Credit Cards; Policy 7130 Entitlement to Attend-Age and Residency
Mrs. Longhurst noted that a few minor changes had been made in the wording of the policies.
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, that the Board of Education approve Policy 5321 Use of Credit Cards and Policy 7130 Entitlement to Attend-Age and Residency as presented in the seconded reading.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
9. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No additional public comments.
10. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board