BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Regular Meeting
January 13, 2009
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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, 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 Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to convene to Executive Session at 6:03 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Dr. Snyder, Dr. Dutkowsky, Ms. Wetmore, Attorney Norma Meacham and Attorney Stacey Barrick were also present to discuss negotiations and other confidential personnel matters.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, to return to Public Session at 6:46 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mrs. Grey called the Public Session of the Board of Education to order at 7 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 p.m. to discuss personnel and negotiation issues.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins to adopt this evening’s agenda.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT
Mrs. Blaauboer noted that parents really enjoy the Parent Portal and she appreciates the work that went into setting it up.
Mr. Mincher commented on the success of the Reflections Program which was developed by the National PTA to interest students in the arts. He is very pleased with this program and noted that Mrs. Blaauboer did an excellent job, not only in her dedication at school, but also in her handling of the administration of the PTA Reflections Program. This program, which is part of the Arts in Education program, requires a lot of time and energy to coordinate all of our unit PTAs and the Northeast Regional PTA. Shenendehowa had the most student participation within that region, due in large part to the hard work by Mrs. Blaauboer.
Mrs. Wiggins reported that the Saratoga County School Boards Association meeting held last night went very well. She said that the next meeting will be held on February 12 at the Queensbury Hotel. Thomas Rogers will be the guest speaker.
Mrs. Wiggins thanked all of the administrators for their help during and after the ice storm to make sure the school schedule returned to normal. Also, she noted that the community appreciated having access to the school buildings during the emergency. She was also delighted with the article highlighting Dr. Robinson that appeared in a recent issue of The Business Review.
Mr. DiLallo commented on the handling of the recent hockey team incident. He feels the principal, coaches and students involved did an outstanding job. Our Code of Conduct was a great guideline. Mr. DiLallo reflected on Gale Munson’s early demise. She was here more than 20 years and had a special love of her language and culture which she wanted to share with everyone. A memorial service will be held on January 24 at 2 p.m. at High School West.
Mrs. Bowles noted the importance of gathering information regarding the State’s fiscal situation and how it will affect Shenendehowa. Meetings will be held with elected officials of the State and we will continue to work and advocate for what is best for our children to prepare them for the future. Mrs. Bowles commented on the recent death of Dr. John Pryor and an article she read in an out-of-state publication that mentioned Dr. Pryor the Shenendehowa School District. The article described his wonderful legacy of service. This caused her to reflect on the great staff at Shenendehowa and how it has contributed much to this country.
Mrs. Grey asked for a moment of silence for Dr. Pryor and Mrs. Munson. They will both be sorely missed.
Mrs. Grey announced that two Board members were recognized by NYSSBA for participation in necessary activities and they received the Developmental Achievement Award. She presented a citation to Mr. Richard Mincher and Mrs. Sharon Bowles for this accomplishment.
Mrs. Grey explained that a draft mission statement was created at the last High School Partnership Team meeting. She asked that the Board review it, make any recommendations, and they will be forwarded on to Team members.
Mrs. Grey informed Board members of Lobby Day (March 1 through 3) to discuss 2009 State issues and rally to fight for our future. Appointments will be made with the State legislators. Mrs. Grey will send further information to Board members.
Mrs. Grey congratulated all involved in the handling of the hockey team situation this past week. It is imperative that we hold on to our Code of Conduct. We need to have consistency. She applauded the efforts of Mr. Culver, Mr. de la Rocha, and Mr. Flynt. She recognizes that kids make mistakes and this doesn’t make them bad kids.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Students
Russ Hayes and Lauren Kipp reported that the SFA’s first annual handball tournament will be held on the 26th of January. Teachers are invited and the students asked that the teachers let them know if they are forming a team. Mr. Hayes and Miss Kipp reported that the Holiday Match proceeds amounted to approximately $6,500. The money will go to CAPTAIN and to the Saratoga County Children’s Committee.
No public comment from residents.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
a. NYSSBA Developmental Achievement Citation
Dr. Robinson congratulated Mr. Mincher and Mrs. Bowles on the citation they received from NYSSBA.
Dr. Robinson said the Board will be asked to approve the Trails Grant. We are anxious to get the project started to coincide with one of our other capital projects.
Dr. Robinson presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled Building a Budget for 2009-10 in Light of the State’s Fiscal Crisis. Dr. Robinson explained that this information is not absolute. (A copy of this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
Ms. Wetmore described the process and procedure for the audit conducted in the District for Internal Controls Over Purchasing for the period July 1, 2006 – May 30, 2008. The audit report noted that the strengthening of the District’s internal control structure over the purchasing process during the 2007-08 fiscal year has had a positive impact resulting in increased compliance with the District’s policies and procedures. Ms. Wetmore explained how additional District-wide training contributed to making this compliance possible. (A copy of the audit report is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Dr. Snyder introduced Mrs. Dorothy Donlon, Ms. Jenny Pfaffenback and Mr. Rob Rider to describe the Freshman Seminar held for the 2008-09 school year. The Freshman Seminar Mission Statement consists of: Empower students to become effective communicators, adept thinkers and problem solvers, and instill in them a sense of social responsibility through a Freshman Seminar experience. Mr. Rider and Ms. Pfaffenback explained that Ms. Meghan Mahoney is also involved in the Freshman Academy but could not be in attendance this evening. Mr. Rider and Ms. Pfaffenback presented a PowerPoint presentation to describe the program. They also have ideas about how to increase the amount of instruction and increase the number of students without asking for any financial increase – they just want to keep the program going. (A copy of this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Mr. Gregory Schaefer, Academic Administrator for Languages Other Than English (LOTE), presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled Languages Other Than English which entails courses for grades 7 through 12 in Spanish, Latin, French, and German. Mr. Schaefer described the enhanced curriculum, the integration of technology, grade 6 language selection, and plans for the future. (A copy of this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Mr. Ken McDermith, Academic Administrator for Careers and Technical Education, presented a PowerPoint presentation entitled MS Technology Ed. Update, which explained the process for delivering technology to the middle school students, recent changes to technology, and the introduction of new technology. (A copy of this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
d. Textbooks and New Courses Approval
Dr. Teresa Snyder explained that the change in the Irish Literature course proposed by the English Department would have no budgetary impact. The
change could embed an honors level designation within the course for students who opt to do an in-depth study under the supervision of the classroom teacher. This was approved for Board consideration by the Instructional Planning Advisory Committee (IPAC). The second recommendation for course approval is to extend the Alternate Education program to 12th grade with a curriculum designed to prepare students with a set of skills for the workplace and a certificate of employability. This is presented to the Board with the understanding that it is contingent upon the budgeting process.
These proposals are recommended along with the recommendation for supplemental texts for Social Studies courses.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports (November 2008)
MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for November 2008 and the Minutes of December 9, 2008, as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1) CSE/CPSE Placements
Mr. Smith explained a recent amendment that makes it possible to amend an IEP without holding a meeting. Small adjustments can be made without having to pull a group of people together and take away from instruction. These adjustments are signed off by both parents and staff.
MOTION by Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, 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 reviewed the Change in Employment write-up in his confidential memo regarding the additional 0.2 FTE for Mr. Todd Hutson. He also explained that the STEP appointments on Page 3 are part of a grant.
MOTION by Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations presented by Dr. Dutkowsky:
A. RESIGNATIONS
1) Classified Staff
a) Name: Varda LeMonds
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Commencing: January 6, 2009
b) Name: Beth Philo
Position: Food Service Helper (full time)
Commencing: January 13, 2009 (end of day)
c) Name: Lay Lay Wong
Position: Food Service Helper (part time)
Commencing: December 31, 2008
B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Alison Leclerc
Tenure Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 02/13/09 – 03/30/09
b) Name: Alison Leclerc
Tenure Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 03/31/09 – 06/30/09
c) Name: Kristen Schram
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 02/13/09 – 03/29/09
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Megan Peterson
Position: RP School Nurse
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 02/09/09 – 03/22/09
C. EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: Colleen Coletta
Tenure Area: Health Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 04/03/09 – 06/30/09
b) Name: Erica Ryan
Tenure Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Lina Dardis
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 01/02/09 – 04/09/09
b) Name: Diane Silverman
Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 02/02/09 – 04/17/09
c) Name: Susan Zitwer
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 01/14/09 – 04/19/09
D. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a) Name: L. Todd Hutson
Tenure Area: LOTE
From: 1.0 FTE LOTE
To: 1.2 FTE LOTE
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $44,991 (Step 3)
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Erick Knizek
Position: Athletic Trainer; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.
From Status: Provisional
To Status: Probationary, Competitive
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $55,000/yr. (pro-rated)
E. 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: Lauren DiGianni
Position: STEP Workshop
Status: Term
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $250
b) Name: Rose Velan
Position: STEP Workshop
Status: Term
Commencing: first semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $250
c) Name: Linda Shady
Position: STEP Workshop
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $500
d) Name: Audrey Kuhn
Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $42,327 (Step 1) pro-rated
e) Name: Linda Powell
Position: 0.5 FTE Library Media Specialist
Status: Term
Commencing: 01/14/09 – 06/30/09
Salary: $50,836 (Step 7) pro-rated (up to 100 days)
f) Name: Erica Ryan
Position: Interim Academic Administrator for ELA/Social
Studies (Grades K-5)
Status: Term
Commencing: second semester 2008-2009 school year
Salary: $50,836 (Step 7) pro-rated
g) Name: Paula Tambasco
Position: 1.0 FTE Health Education
Status: Term
Commencing: 04/04/09 – 06/30/09
Salary: $43,639 (Step 2) pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a) Name: Donna Cramer
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule,
Step 1)
b) Name: Constance Mayville
Position: Bus Monitor; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $12.75/hr. (School Bus Monitor Schedule,
Step 1)
c) Name: Beth Philo
Position: Cook Manager
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $15.67/hr. (Food Service/Cook Manager
Schedule, Group VI, Step 4)
d) Name: Rowena Rao
Position: Teacher Aide (Computer); 6 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Non-Competitive
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $15.65/hr (Computer Aide Schedule, Step 1)
e) Name: Sharyn Roy
Position: Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day,
10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule,
Step 1)
f) Name: Lori Synder
Position: Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: January 14, 2009
Salary: $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
1. Approval of New Textbooks and Courses
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education approve the extension of the Alternate Education Program to 12th Grade, the change in the Irish Literature course recommended with the understanding that it is contingent upon the budgeting process, and the supplemental texts for Social Studies courses.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
d. Business Items
1) Safe Route to School Resolution Approval
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the Safe Routes to School Resolution. (A copy of this resolution is on file in the official minutes folder.).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2) Appointment of LEA Designee
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, that the Board of Education appoint Jennifer Bennett as interim LEA Designee for the Shenendehowa Central School District for the period January 13, 2009, through June 30, 2009.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
3) Fire Inspection Report
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education accept the 2009 Annual Fire Inspection Summary. (A copy of the 2009 Annual Fire Inspection Summary is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4) Grants
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, 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.
5) Change Order
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve Change Order No. HC-01 in the amount of ($19,000.00) to Digesare Mechanical, Inc. (A copy of this change order is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6) Bids
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education award Bid #09-19/Classroom & Office Supplies, #09-12/Trans/Transportation Bus Parts, and RFP #09-20/Blueprint Digital Scanning to the lowest responsible bidders meeting specifications as per attached materials. (Copies of these bids are on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. PUBLIC COMMENTS
No additional public comments.
9. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to adjourn the meeting at 8:43 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board