BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

Study Session Meeting

August 25, 2009

The board of education met in executive session prior to the meeting. Motion was made by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo to convene to executive session at 5:02 for the purpose of discuss pending litigations. All members of the board of education were present, as well as Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Kathleen Wetmore, and Attorney David Rowley.

No actions were taken. Motion made by Mr. Richard Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins to reconvene in public session. Motion carried and the board returned to public session at 6:01.

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:07 p.m. by Mrs. Grey.

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Mrs. Janet Grey, Mrs. Sharon Bowles, Dr. William Acker, Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mr. Rick Mincher, Mrs. Mary Wiggins
OTHERS PRESENT:	Dr. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Mr. Robert Melia, Academic Administrators, and Glen Griffith-Community News.

Pledge of Allegiance

Mrs. Janet Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

Emergency Exits

Mrs. Janet Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.

1. ADOPT AGENDA

MOTION BY Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.

Unanimously approved. Motion carried.

2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

Dr. William Acker thanked Ms. Kathy Wetmore and Mr. Greg Mayo for their time in going over the purchasing policies with him. Dr. Acker is interested in the bidding policies and association of these reviews. He commented that the policy seems quite solid and felt they had a very productive meeting.

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer acknowledged the transportation department in preparing the logistics for bus schedules and associated materials for parents.

Mr. Rick Mincher thanked the board for their hard work while he was away.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins noted that the Saratoga County School Boards Association meeting will be held on September 14^th at Panza’s Restaurant in recognition of National Board Certified teachers. Robyn Ellen Messare is being recognized at this event. Mrs. Wiggins also commented on the wonderful job of the summer school leadership team.

Mrs. Sharon Bowles noted that she attended and spoke at the summer school graduation and was pleased to see the students off onto their next phase and their new endeavors.

Mrs. Janet Grey noted that she and Dr. Oliver Robinson presented at the NYSSBA Leadership Training Session last week. Mrs. Grey felt that she and Dr. Robinson offered an informative presentation which was beneficial to those in attendance. She was excited to see other districts using the partnerships that exist at Shenendehowa between the board and Superintendent as a potential model.

Mr. Gary DiLallo discussed the various NYSSBA Resolutions to be voted on at the upcoming convention in October. Mr. DiLallo noted that he is generally in favor of those resolutions supported by the NYSSBA Resolutions Committee and not in favor of those resolutions not supported.

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer sought and was provided clarification on Resolution #2, #4, #11, and #13.

Mrs. Sharon Bowles concurred with Mrs. Blaauboer’s comments, as well as sought and received clarification pertaining to the intent of resolution #3.

Mrs. Janet Grey indicated that these resolutions are for the New York State School Board conference and encouraged board input on the resolutions. She stated that as our delegate, Mr. DiLallo would be representing the Shenendehowa Board in voting and Mrs. Mary Wiggins as the alternate.

Mrs. Janet Grey noted her attendance and the distinct pleasure to speak at the new teacher orientation, with 26 new teachers in attendance. Mrs. Jill Bush, Mrs. Chris Koblensky and Dr. Oliver Robinson also spoke at the orientation.

3. PRESENTATIONS

Construction Update

Mr. August Freeman, the district’s project manager, provided the board with a status report of the respective projects.

It was noted that there will be a public notice posted on the Shenendehowa website indicating that campus roads will be closed for paving and striping.

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer extended her thanks for all of Mr. Freeman’s hard work. She raised a question regarding the vestibule buzzer door systems. Mr. Freeman indicated that a list for access codes still needs to be determined.

Mr. Freeman extended his thanks to the administrators who have helped facilitate this whole process.

Dr. Robinson commented that Friday, September 11^th will be the first home varsity football game & dedication of athletic facility.

Year End Goals Report Summary

An overview of the summary was presented by Dr. Robinson. Comments and compliments were offered by all members of the board.

Year End Financial Report

Ms. Kathleen Wetmore provided a brief overview of the factors impacting the budget, reserves, state aid, recommended tax levy, equalization rates and assessed values.

Dr. Acker commented that Ms. Wetmore and Dr. Robinson deserve a lot of credit, as this year-end financial report reflects good management and adaptability to changes mid-year.

2009-2010 Goals and Study Session Topics – documented provided to the board.

4. ACTION ITEMS

a. Personnel

1) Approval of Staffing Recommendations

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations of Dr. Dutkowsky, presented by Dr. Robinson, as follows:

A. RESIGNATIONS

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Molly Towne

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Commencing: August 25, 2009 (end of day)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Heidi Gerstenberger

Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Debbie Kuhl

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Commencing: August 18, 2009 (end of day)

c) Name: Floria Lowin

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Commencing: September 4, 2009 (end of day)

d) Name: Walter Reilly

Position: Bus Driver

Commencing: August 12, 2009 (end of day)

B. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Stephanie Bowen

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Reason: Unpaid Personal

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 11/06/09

b) Name: Danielle Lieberman

Tenure Area: Elementary

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 09/20/09

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Joann Brady

Position: Bus Driver

Reason: Unpaid Personal

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 01/22/10

C. CREATION OF POSITION

1) Classified Staff

a) Position: RP School Nurse

No. of Positions: 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing; 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

D. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Stephen Decker

From Position: 0.8 FTE Physical Education

To Position: 0.9 FTE Physical Education

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $43,851/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated

b) Name: Travis Dillabough

Position: 1.0 FTE Social Studies

Status: term

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

From Salary: $43,851/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated

To Salary: $45,210/yr. (Step 2) pro-rated

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Kathleen Priscott

From Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education); 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$17.54/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 5)

*pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

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: Jonathan Coleman

Position: 0.8 FTE Art

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $45,210/yr. (Step 2) pro-rated

b) Name: Shannon Hotaling

Position: 1.0 FTE LOTE

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $46,611/yr. (Step 3)

c) Name: Michelle Mahoney

Position: 1.0 FTE Mathematics

Status: term

Commencing: 09/08/09 – 12/08/09

Salary: $48,057/yr. (Step 4) pro-rated

d) Name: Kimberly Marchand

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: two year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $48,057/yr. (Step 4)

e) Name: Joseph Nicolella

Position: Interim Gowana Principal

Status: term (days worked)

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 11/25/09

Salary: $475 per diem

f) Name: Jodi Rajchel

Position: 1.0 FTE Physical Education

Status: term

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

Salary: $46,611/yr. (Step 3) pro-rated

g) Name: Wendy Ryan

Position: 0.4 FTE Mathematics

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $46,611/yr. (Step 3) pro-rated

h) Name: Caitlin Stillwell

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $46,611/yr. (Step 3)

i) Name: Molly Towne

Tenure Area: Academic Administrator for Special Education (Grades 9-12)

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: August 26, 2009

Salary: $73,000/yr. (pro-rated)

j) Name: Diane Warner

Position: 0.2 FTE Music

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $78,324/yr. (Step 20) pro-rated

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Kelly DeFeciani

Position: Board of Education Videographer

Commencing: 07/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $2,500/yr.

b) Name: Cheryl Chiarenza

Position: RP School Nurse

Status: Temporary

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: *$20.36/hr. (Nurse Schedule, Step 2)

c) Name: Charles Dunham

Position: Aquatics Coordinator; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.

Status: Provisional

Commencing: August 24, 2009

Salary: $35,000/yr. (pro-rated)

d) Name: Beth Ratsep

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria); 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status: Probationary, Labor

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$14.43/hr. (Cafeteria Monitor Schedule, Step 1)

e) Name: Rachel Rogers

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria); 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status: Probationary; Labor

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$14.43/yr. (Cafeteria Monitor Schedule, Step 1)

*pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

3) Summer Curriculum Work – see attached

4) Personal Care Training – see attached

5) Summer CSE Work – see attached

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

b. Year End Reserves

c. Establish and Fund Retirement Contribution Reserve

Ms. Wetmore mentioned the tax certiorari reserve, and that as a school district, there are some things we can’t control. The figures are based on the assessments of property provided by the respective towns.

MOTION by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, that the Board of Education approves items B & C.

Dr. Robinson briefly took a moment to highlight reserves, liability and debt process to the board and general public. He noted that by being able to leverage the finances, opportunity will be great to impact the flexibility in our budget.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

d. Bids (3)

MOTION by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Dr. William Acker, that the Board of Education approve item D.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

e. Appointment of NYSSBA Conference Delegate

MOTION made by Mr. Rick Mincher seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins commented that she is proud to have Mr. Gary DiLallo serve as Shenendehowa’s voting delegate, and was pleased to have had the opportunity to serve as alternate at the 2008 convention.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

5. ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer to adjourn the meeting. Meeting adjourned 7:57PM. Unanimously approved, motion carried.

It was noted that the next board meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 15^th and Tuesday, September 29^th at Gowana Humanities Library at 7:00PM.

Respectfully submitted,

Vanessa N. Ford

Secretary to Clerk of the Board

Approved by: _____________________

Kathleen A. Wetmore

Clerk of the Board