BOARD OF EDUCATION
Shenendehowa Central School District
Clifton Park, New York
Special Budget Study Session
February 24, 2009
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MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Blaauboer, Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo,
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OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky, Mr. Melia, Dr. Robinson, Mr. Smith, Ms. Wetmore |
The Special Budget Study Session of the Board of Education was called to order at 6 p.m.
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Blaauboer, to convene to Executive Session at 6 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Ms. Wetmore and Dr. Dutkowsky were also present and the Board discussed various personnel and contractual matters. No action was taken.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to return to the Study Session at 6:55 p.m.
Mrs. Grey called the Special Budget Study Session to order at 7:05 p.m.
Mrs. Grey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mrs. Grey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.
1. ADOPT AN AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins to accepted the agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. BOARD COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mr. DiLallo noted that we are in a very difficult period of time and much “partial” information is available. No one wants to be the conveyor of doom and gloom. However, it serves no purpose to have unrealistic expectations either. Mr. DiLallo does not believe that the stimulus plan will be a life preserver for us. People find themselves making decisions that could be applauded by some and criticized by others. It depends upon where they are coming from. Decisions within the District and their resulting impact will be kept as humane and positive as possible.
Mr. Mincher was fortunate to witness the Robotics Team perform at RPI on Saturday. The energy level and the aptitude of the students and teachers are really terrific. He noted the success of many of our sports teams across the District. Mr. Mincher acknowledged the PTA and the resiliency of their activities (Almost March Madness). He enjoys working with PTA members.
Mrs. Grey noted that in these difficult times, we are trying to protect the programs in which our students excel. We are doing so in a way that will hopefully allow people the opportunity to trust our judgment. Mrs. Grey noted that she and Dr. Robinson met with Senator Breslin. He is not within our district, but he does have some influence. The meeting was brief and some of what he said was interesting. There is nothing “set in stone” at this time. Senator Breslin was reminded that we have to come up with a budget. Our point was well taken. Dr. Robinson did a great job of follow-up with him and all of the other legislators with whom he has met.
Mrs. Grey explained that about a week ago, we had the unfortunate event of our buses getting damaged. Three wonderful gentlemen were able to assist in this situation. A certificate of appreciation was given to Kevin Snyder, Fred Maynard, and Ken Sicko. She also thanked Dave Christopher, Director of Transportation.
STUDY SESSION TOPICS
Elizabeth Wood – Shatekon Principal, Michael Gutchell – Social Studies Academic Administrator, and Donald Flynt – High School Principal represented the three grade areas and described the program and goals in the 2008-09 Mid-Year Goals Report. Diane Betzwieser provided additional comments for the Middle School programs. Questions and comments were received from the Board of Education members. (A copy of the 2008-09 Mid-Year Goals Report is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Augie Freemann, Construction Manager, described the 2009 Capital Projects which included the EXCEL Projects, Concession Stand and Track, Pool Project, Clock Tower, Pathways, and Pool Parking. (A copy of Mr. Freemann’s 2009 Capital Projects report is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Dave Christopher, Director of Transportation, presented his Bus Replacement Recommendation for the 2009-10 Budget Year. Mr. DiLallo expressed his concern regarding the 10-year cycle versus the 12-year cycle. He understands going to a 12-year cycle is a necessity but hopes we can return to the 10-year cycle in the future. Mrs. Blaauboer expressed her appreciation for the drivers and mechanics making
certain that our children are safe. (A copy of the Bus Replacement Recommendation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Dave Christopher - Director of Transportation and Laraine Longhurst – Assistant to the Superintendent discussed various options contained in the Preliminary Alternative Bell Schedule Proposal. It’s difficult working with the current school schedule at various levels. Alignments between the High School and Middle School have not been studied far enough to make recommendations. We could possibly save
mileage, driver hours and increase our spare buses. The number of students who ride buses is also being looked at. More information will be collected from parents and students concerning their plans for using the buses. This data will be used to put routes together. Focus groups are also studying bus stop placement and the length of the walk to the bus stops. Fewer stops will save fuel.
3. ACTION ITEMS
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the bids for the 2009 Reconstruction Project at Arongen, Skano/Tesago, High School East, High School West, Concession Building, Field Improvements and Track Reconstruction per the attached bid results provided by CSArch-Architecture/Construction Management in the total amount of $3,950,278. (A copy of the bid tally is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
MOTION BY Mr. Casey, seconded by Mr. Mincher, that the Board of Education approve Change Order No. SH02-001 in the amount of $65,000 to Family Danz and Change Order No. PC-03 in the amount of $66,929 to Mazone Plumbing & Heating.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
4. ADJOURNMENT
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks
Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk of the Board