BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Regular Business Meeting

February 10, 2009

 

 

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

MEMBERS ABSENT:

Mr. DiLallo (out of town)

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 5:15 p.m. by Mrs. Grey.

 

MOTION BY Mr. Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to convene to Executive Session. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Dr. Snyder, Dr. Dutkowsky, and Ms. Wetmore were also in attendance.  The Board discussed confidential personnel and contractual matters pertaining to the 2009-10 budget.  At 6:30 p.m., Attorney David Rowley joined the session to discuss confidential working documents pertaining to pending tax certiorari claims against the District and the next steps toward settlement.  No action was taken by the Board.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Casey, to return to Public Session at 6:59 p.m.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Mrs. Grey called the Public Session of the Board of Education meeting 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 5:15 p.m. to discuss negotiation issues. 

 

 

1.   ADOPT AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer to adopt this evening’s agenda.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

2.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT

 

Mrs. Grey reminded everyone of the production of The Sound of Music on March 12-14 and the middle school production of Annie Jr. on March 26-28.  Also, Diane Warner and the Shen Choraliers will be performing on Sunday at Troy Music Hall.

 

Mrs. Grey mentioned that the (Almost) March Madness Basketball Tournament will be held on February 26 in the Shen High School East Gym.

 

Mrs. Grey congratulated Dr. Robinson for being proactive in supporting the cause for schools and his presentation of opportunities for legislators to consider. 

 

Mrs. Grey read a letter from former student, Joe Ellis, which expressed his appreciation for the great educational opportunities he received in the Shenendehowa Central School District. 

 

Mrs. Grey announced that Respect Day is on Friday.  She also mentioned that the NYSSBA State Legislative Issues Conference in Albany is coming up.  She asked that Board members check with Mrs. Cowan to verify the schedule.

 

Mrs. Grey announced that in order to mitigate some budgetary concerns, the Board has decided to offer a retirement incentive to all qualified certified staff.

 

3.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

a.   Students

 

Russ Hayes reported that the annual Handball Tournament was planned.  Approximately 18 teams turned out and there was much community involvement.  Lauren Kipp reported that this week is Pretty in Pink week and the campaign was expanded to include the entire District.  More than 700 shirts have been sold in an effort to raise funds for the Susan G. Koman Breast Cancer Foundation.

 

  1. Residents

 

No public comment from residents.

 

 

 

 

 

4.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

 

Dr. Robinson thanked Mrs. Grey for the efforts the Board and all concerned are trying to make on the legislative point regarding funding for school districts.  We’re concerned that the issues we are facing are not one-year issues.  Moving forward with our incentive proposal is one way.  Capital Region and Questar BOCES will be meeting in Albany on Thursday.  Forty-nine school districts are involved.  We need to do as much as we can to control our destiny and try to make the public understand what we’re doing.

 

5.   TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Dr. Dutkowsky presented the following names to receive tenure.  However, Virginia Harkness could not be in attendance due to a death in the family.

 

Name

Tenure Area

Date

Administrator

 

 

 

 

Virginia Harkness

Music Education

03/19/2009

M. Cremisio

 

 

 

 

Patricia Smith

School Psychologist

02/26/2009

E. Wood

 

 

 

 

 

Motion by Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept the tenure recommendations as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

6.   INFORMATION ITEMS

 

  1. Claims Audit Report (October 2008, November 2008, December 2008)

 

Mrs. Bowles commented that the 37% improvement in correct claim processing is quite impressive.  She appreciates the work being done to make sure that procedures and protocols are being followed.

 

  1. Policy/Regulations – Policies for 1st Reading (see back of agenda – on file in official minutes file);  Regulations for review only.

 

Mrs. Longhurst commented particularly on Policy 7110, 7110F.1, 7110F.2, and 7110F.3 and their additional use in the hardcore and poor attendance levels.

 

7.   CONSENT ITEMS

 

a.   Treasurer’s Reports (December 2008)

 

  1. Minutes – January 13, 2009; January 27, 2009

 

 

One change was requested for the January 13 minutes – Executive session time changed from 6:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. on page 1.  One change was requested for the January 27 minutes – Mr. Wiggins be changed to Mrs. Wiggins on Page 2.

 

MOTION by Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for December 2008 and the Minutes of January 13, 2009, and January 27, 2009, with the changes noted. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8.   ACTION ITEMS

 

a.   Students

 

1)  CSE/CPSE Placements

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services for the 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 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)  CSE/CPSE Members

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve Claire McGovern, School Psychologist substitute, as a member of the Committee on Special Education during the absence of Brigid Jeffers from February 23, 2009, to April 3, 2009.

 

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.  RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret

                        1)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                          Crystal Espey

                        Position:                       Bus Driver

                        Reason:                        Retirement after 25 years

                        Commencing:                June 24, 2009 (end of day)

 

b)         Name:                          Patricia Hipenbecker

                        Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                        Reason:                        Retirement after 10 years

                        Commencing:                May 29, 2009 (end of day)

 

       B.  RESIGNATION

                        1)         Certified Staff:

                                    a)         Name:                          Erica Ryan

                                                Tenure Area:                Elementary Education

                                                Commencing:                March 1, 2009 (end of day)

 

2)         Classified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                          Nancy Dering

                                                Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time)

                                                Commencing:                February 13, 2009 (end of day)

 

                                    b)         Name:                          Lisa Stanley

                                                Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                                                Commencing:                February 6, 2009 (end of day)

 

      C.  EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

                        1)         Certified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                          Joanne Zagorda

                                                Tenure Area:                Secondary Science

                                                Reason:                        Unpaid Personal

                                                Commencing:                second semester 2008-2009

 

      D.  CREATION OF POSITIONS

                        1)         Classified Staff

                                    a)         Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                                                No. of Positions:           0.75 hr./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                                Commencing:                February 11, 2009

 

                                    b)         Position:                       School Nurse (Student Assigned)

                                                No. of Positions:           2 hrs./day

                                                Commencing:                02/02/09 – 06/30/09

 

      E.   CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

                        1)         Certified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                          Marcie Alexander

                                                From Position:              Mentor (full year)

                                                To Position:                  Mentor (half year)

 

b)         Name:                          Peggy Salvador

                                                From Position:              Mentor (full year)

                                                To Position:                  Mentor (half year)

 

 

2)                  Classified Staff

a)         Transportation Changes in Block Time – (Block Time document
available in official minutes file.)

 

      F.   MODIFICATION OF EMPLOYMENT

                        1)         Certified Staff

                                    a)         Name:                          Carol Funyak

                                                Position:                       Maturation Program

                                                Status:                          Term

                                                Commencing:                12/10/08 – 06/30/09

                                                From Salary:                 $25/hr. up to $3,000

                                                To Salary:                     up to $3,000

 

      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:                          James Anderson

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE Secondary Science

                        Status:                          Term

                        Commencing:                second semester 2008-2009

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

 

b)         Name:                          Roberta Solomon

                                                Position:                       1.0 FTE LOTE

                                                Status:                          Term

                                                Commencing:                02/12/09-06/30/09

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

 

2)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                          Cheryl Chiarenza

                        Position:                       School Nurse (Student Assigned); 2 hrs./day

                        Status:                          Temporary

                        Commencing:                02/02/08 – 06/30/09

                        Salary:                          $19.39/hr. (Nurse Schedule, Step 1)

 

b)         Name:                          Vernon Bostick

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Alternative Education);
   6 ˝ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                        Status:                          Probationary, Labor

                        Commencing:                February 11, 2009

Salary:                          $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule,
   Step 1)

 

 

 

 

c)         Name:                          Thomas Popielarz

                        Position:                       Automotive Repairer; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.

                        Status:                          Probationary, Non-Competitive

                        Commencing:                February 11, 2009

Salary:                          $19.25/hr. (Automotive Repairer Schedule,
   Step 1)

 

3)                  Coaching Appointments

 

Name

Sport and Level

Step

Salary

James Carrese

Baseball – Varsity Head Coach

8

$5,462

Greg Christodulu

Baseball – Varsity Assistant Coach

7

$4,436

Keith Lansley

Baseball – JV Head Coach

6

$3,994

OPEN

Baseball – Freshman Head Coach

 

 

Charles Holohan

Lacrosse – Boys Varsity Head Coach

4

$3,458

Brian Vanderlofske

Lacrosse – Boys V Assistant Coach

2

$2,624

Mark Martin

Lacrosse – Boys JV Head Coach

8

$4,898

Chris Adamek

Lacrosse – Boys Freshman Head Coach

2

$2,624

Jenifer Kish

Lacrosse – Girls Varsity Head Coach

1

$2,742

Alaina Fersch

Lacrosse – Girls V Assistant Coach

6

$3,816

Jeanne Frevola

Lacrosse – Girls JV Head Coach

8

$4,898

Holli Mulholland

Lacrosse – Girls Modified Head Coach

8

$3,698

Daniel D’Amboise

Softball – Varsity Head Coach

8

$5,462

Frank Peduto

Softball – Varsity Assistant Coach

7

$4,436

Chris Farquharson

Softball – JV Head Coach

8

$4,876

Robert Swider

Softball – Freshman Head Coach

8

$4,575

Eugene Gould

Tennis – Boys Varsity Head Coach

8

$4,831

William McArthur

Tennis – Boys JV Head Coach

8

$4,220

Don Paretta

Track & Field – Boys Varsity Head Coach

8

$5,600

Mark Thompson

Track & Field – Boys Assistant Coach

8

$4,887

Scott Dochat

Track & Field – Boys Assistant Coach

8

$4,887

John Coletta

Track & Field – Boys Assistant Coach

5

$3,534

Brian Clawson

Track & Field – Boys Assistant Coach

8

$4,887

Rob Cloutier

Track & Field – Girls Varsity Head Coach

2

$3,534

Michael Marino

Track & Field – Girls Assistant Coach

7

$4,446

OPEN

Track & Field – Girls Assistant Coach

 

 

Maria Karis

Track & Field – Girls Assistant Coach

4

$3,290

Christine Burns

Track & Field – Girls Assistant Coach

3

$3,051

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

c.   Business Items

 

1)   Fixed Assets Inventory & Building Valuation

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the Fixed Assets Inventory and Building Valuation

 

proposal provided by Professional Underwriters for the District Office, Facilities & Operations Office, Transportation, Building & Grounds, and Arongen/Shatekon Elementary in addition to the annual update for the entire District at a total cost of $6,825.  (A copy of this proposal is on file in the official minutes folder).)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

9.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

No public comments.

 

10.   ADJOURNMENT

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to adjourn the meeting at 7:39 p.m.

 

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer

 

 

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board