BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

Business Meeting

August 11, 2009

MEMBERS PRESENT:	Mrs. Janet Grey, Mrs. Sharon Bowles, Dr. William Acker, Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mrs. Mary Wiggins
OTHERS PRESENT:	Dr. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mrs. Michelle Mylod, Mr. Robert Melia, Mr. Paul Ripchik, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mr. Donald Flynt & Mr. Glen Griffith-Community News
ABSENT:	Mr. Rick Mincher

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:13 p.m. by Mrs. Janet Grey.

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 Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept the agenda as presented.

Unanimously approved. Motion carried.

2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

Several board members commented on the efforts made over the summer to ensure the most effective start of the new school year, noting that students should be encouraged to embrace the varied opportunities presented to them. Compliments were also offered to the success of various summer programs and the summer school graduation.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins noted that September 14^th will be the first meeting for SCSBA. Recipients of National Board Certification will be honored at this meeting, and Mr. Jeff McLellan will be guest speaker. The meeting begins at 6:00PM at Panza’s Restaurant.

A written statement for Mr. Mincher who was in Wyoming was read by Mrs. Grey. The statement spoke to the success of summer academy, thanking Mr. Scott D’Ambro and Karin Skarka for their contributions. Mr. Mincher also indicated the student interest of having a marching band at Shen and was impressed by the initiative and leadership of this student to have consideration given to this request.

Mrs. Janet Grey thanked the board members for their efforts, and taking time to participate in the board retreat.

3. PUBLIC COMMENTS

No comments

4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Robinson reported on the status of construction projects within the district, He also noted that a dedication ceremony of the Athletic Field complex is being planned to take place prior to the first varsity football home game on September 11^th at 6:00PM. More details will follow on this.

Dr. Robinson also noted respective packets for the NYSSBA conference in October 2009, which include confirmations for conference, hotel and travel as well as the resolution booklet. Mr. Gary DiLallo will be recommended to serve as the voting delegate representing the Shenendehowa Central School District, with Mrs. Mary Wiggins serving as an alternate.

The enrollment and class size impact at the elementary level was reviewed and discussed. It was noted that the 2009-10 school year represents the best class size configuration in recent years. It was noted that there may be some shifts in enrollments going into the middle school grades.

At the direction of the Dr. Robinson, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore provided a brief overview of the factors impacting the recommended tax levy, equalization rates and assessed values.

Mr. William Acker commented on the great execution of the presentation of the tax levy items.

5. CONSENT ITEMS

a. Treasurer’s Reports

Mr. William Acker asked why the amount was so low for income-earning interest. Ms. Wetmore commented that interest rates have dropped dramatically, and these were estimated in March 2008 (before the financial market decline). She can’t predict in which direction it will go in the upcoming year.

2. Minutes

1) July 7, 2009

MOTION by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for July 2009 and the Minutes of July 7, 2009, as presented.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

6. ACTION ITEMS

a. Students

Presented by Mrs. Michelle Mylod. Questions were asked regarding discrepancies on data from the Student Services packet. It was noted that there are sixty fewer students than last year.

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services 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 minute folder.)

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

b. Personnel

1) Approval of Staffing Recommendations

An addendum was provided by Dr. Michael Dutkowsky outlining a few items related to staffing items. It was recommended that the board pass item E.3.e which talks to Shen Summer Adventures staffing. Item (E.1.Q) was withdrawn from page 5 as Ms. Melinda Barnes has taken a permanent position in another school district. Dr. Dutkowsky also recognized the retirements of Virginia Elliot and Elaine Drohan.

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

A. RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Virginia Elliott

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Reason: Retirement after 33 years

Commencing: September 1, 2009 (end of day)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Elaine Drohan

Position: Typist

Reason: Retirement after 20 years

Commencing: November 15, 2009 (end of day)

B. RESIGNATIONS

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Jessica Best

Tenure Area: Mathematics

Commencing: July 21, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Andrew Murnan

Tenure Area: Science

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Stephanie Crozzoli

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Classroom)

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: James Hoy

Position: Bus Driver

Commencing: August 10, 2009 (end of day)

c) Name: Michelle Santamarina

Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)

Commencing: July 30, 2009 (end of day)

d) Name: Rose Savallo

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Commencing: July 13, 2009 (end of day)

C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Jennifer Sprague

Tenure Area: Mathematics

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 09/08/09 – 12/08/09

b) Name: Melissa Precopia

Tenure Area: LOTE

Reason: Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing: 2009-2010 school year

c) Name: Stacie Williams

Tenure Area: Mathematics

Reason: Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Lisa Partlow

Position: Bus Driver

Reason: Unpaid Personal

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 03/01/10

D. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Kathleen Wetmore

From Title: Chief Financial Officer

To Title: Assistant Superintendent for Finance and Operations

Commencing: August 12, 2009

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Kevin Lyons

From Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 6 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$16.33/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 5)

b) Name: Barbara Meager

From Position: Typist; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: Typist; 8 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$18.05/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group B, Step 6)

c) Name: Russell Mein

From Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 5 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 6 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status: Probationary, Labor

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$14.79/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 2)

d) Name: Carol Sexton

From Position: Typist; 8 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: Senior Typist; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.

Commencing: August 31, 2009

From Salary: *$20.62/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C, Step 7)

To Salary: *$22.04/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group D, Step 7)

e) Teacher Aide (Special Education) – see attached

*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: Mary Pat Beaulac

Tenure Area: Business

Commencing September 1, 2009

Salary: $57,717/yr. (Step 10)

b) Name: Gabrielle Carrozza

Tenure Area: Special Education

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

c) Name: Amy Chrzanowski

Tenure Area: Foreign Language

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

d) Name: Katelyn Cromer

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2007

Salary: $49,547/yr. (Step 5)

e) Name: Lisa Groat

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

f) Name: Nichole Keiper

Tenure Area: Mathematics

Commencing September 1, 2009

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

g) Name: Darlene Kern

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

h) Name: Kelli Kniss

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: two year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $54,298/yr. (Step 8)

i) Name: Erin Madden

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

j) Name: Brian Skinner

Tenure Area: Elementary

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: November 5, 2008

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

k) Name: Jennifer Sykes

Tenure Area: Physical Education

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $51,082/yr. (Step 6)

l) Name: Kristin Taylor

Tenure Area: Special Education

Status: two year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $55,981/yr. (Step 9)

m) Name: Victoria Viskovich

Tenure Area: Foreign Language

Status: two year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $59,507/yr. (Step 11)

n) Name: Lawrence Wyngowski

Tenure Area: Social Studies

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

o) Name: Andrew Akins

Position: 1.0 FTE School Counselor

Status: term

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

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

p) Name: Andrew Akins

Position: 1.0 FTE School Counselor

Commencing: 08/12/09 – 08/31/09

Salary: per diem rate up to eleven (11) days

q) Name: Melinda Barnes

Position: 0.4 FTE LOTE

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

r) Name: Pamela Bird

Position: 0.4 FTE LOTE

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $54,298/yr. (Step 8) pro-rated

s) Name: Colleen Coletta

Position: 0.9 FTE Health

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

Salary: $49,547/yr. (Step 5) pro-rated

t) Name: Deborah Dixon

Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

u) Name: Heidi Gerstenberger

Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

v) Name: Daniel Gleason

Position: 1.0 FTE Music

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 05/22/10

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

w) Name: Carol Goliber-Sibson

Position: 1.0 FTE Mathematics

Status: term

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

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

x) Name: R. Jeffery Graybeal

Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

y) Name: Corinne McDermott Jackson

Position: 0.9 FTE Social Studies

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

z) Name: Cathleen King

Position: 1.0 FTE English Language Arts

Status: term

Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

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

aa) Name: Stacey McDonald

Position: 1.0 FTE Special Education

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

bb) Name: Ashley Parker

Position: 1.0 FTE Elementary

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

cc) Name: Jill Gould

Position: pursuant to §7.B of the SAA contract

Commencing: 03/02/09 – 06/26/09

Salary: $100.00/day for twenty-nine (29) days

dd) Name: Paul Ripchik, Jr.

Position: Associate Principal

Commencing: August 12, 2009

Salary: $101,000/yr. pro-rated

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Stephanie Crozzoli

Position: Typist (Library); 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Status: Probationary; Competitive

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: *$15.86/yr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C, Step 1)

*pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

3) Summer Work

Certified Staff

a) Name: Kimberly Marchand

Position: Summer Curriculum Work

Commencing: 08/11/09 – 08/31/09

Salary: $25.00/hr. up to twelve (12) hours

b) Name: Paul Yattaw

Position: Summer Academy Planning

Commencing: 08/11/09 – 08/31/09

Salary: $25.00/hr. up to ten (10) hours

c) Summer Curriculum Work – see attached

d) Summer School (additional staffing) – see attached

e) Shen Summer Adventures (additional staffing) – see attached

4) Approval of Amendments to the Superintendent’s contract as proposed by the Board of Education

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 08/11/09 BOARD AGENDA (ADDENDUM)

A. RESIGNATION

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Jill Bush

Tenure Area: Principal (Middle School)

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Brian Whitley

Tenure Area: Assistant Principal (Middle School)

Commencing: September 7, 2009 (end of day)

B. ABOLISHMENT OF POSITION

1) Certified Staff

a) Position: Deputy Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, Support and Accountability

No. of Positions: 1.0 FTE

Commencing: August 31, 2009

C. CREATION OF POSITIONS

1) Certified Staff

a) Position: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

No. of Positions: 1.0 FTE

Commencing: September 1, 2009

2) Classified Staff

a) Position: Aquatics Coordinator

No. of Positions: 1.0 FTE

Commencing: August 24, 2009

D. APPOINTMENT - (This appointment is 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: Jill Bush

Tenure Area: Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction and Assessment

Status: three year probationary

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $127,000/yr. (pro-rated)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Charles Dunham

Position: Aquatics Coordinator

Status: Provisional

Commencing: August 24, 2009

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

Regarding amendments on Dr. Robinson’s contract, Mrs. Sharon Bowles expressed her appreciation for Dr. Robinson’s work ethic and leadership to the Shenendehowa Central School District. She noted that personally it’s a pleasure to continue to work with him and collaborate on initiatives for the children and the community. A formal press release will be going out later in the week. When it comes to leading by example, Dr. Robinson does this in every manner. He continues to face challenges in fiscal matters.

Mrs. Janet Grey made a point in saying as Dr. Robinson continues to make great strides in that he has requested a salary freeze and has also taken the lead to take a higher insurance premium - being the first to take an increase to 15 %. The board has been incredibly supportive of his initiative, part of which is shown through a five-year contract extension (through 2014). They all appreciate the work he has done for the district and for this community. Mrs. Grey emphasized that the board is completely in support of Dr. Robinson and his efforts.

All board members expressed their appreciation and support of Dr. Robinson.

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the ratification of Dr. Robinson’s contract, presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

c. Business Affairs

1) Bids (8)

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, to accept business item 1 (Bids). Dr. William Acker questioned about counter bids, especially in regards to the buses. He asked how we know that we are getting a fair price and what is the basis for the price we are paying? Dr. Robinson and Ms. Wetmore explained that this is more of a protocol, and that there are procurement regulations that we have to follow. On certain items, there is only one vendor that can cater to our need. Leonard Bus Company is more accommodating from a service and price standpoint. The price point we are receiving is within the market scope, and there is some experience and relationship that justifies the cost of the used bus (these buses we leased brand new and now we are purchasing them).

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

2) Extension of Contract – Charter Bus Services

3) Change Order – Bast Hatfield

4) BOCES Ancillary Services Agreement

5) Tyler Technologies VersaTrans Consulting Agreement

6) Wildwood Sublease Agreement

7) Special Services Contract

8) Special Education Tuition Contracts

It was requested that items 2-8 be bundled for approval.

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, to accept business items 2-8.

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer questioned the charter bus contract extension. Dr. Robinson replied that we are very confident about these vendors meeting our safety protocol standards. They are on the same parallel as us in regards to safety and background checks.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins questioned the Special Education contracts in regards to 2009-2010 tuition for students. Ms. Wetmore said that the numbers have not been provided yet. Mrs. Wiggins asked further on the determination of fees, to which Ms. Wetmore provided that we typically pay on previous year’s rate from the State Education Department. The reconciliation is provided after the state comes out with the new rate.

Dr. Acker questioned the Wildwood Program subleasing. It was outlined that this is leasing for off-site programming. It is collaborative and done through grant funding to assist in preparing students for job placement initiatives.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

9) Adoption of 2009-2010 Tax Levy

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker, to adopt the 2009-2010 Tax Levy.

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer commented that the last section of the document is what everybody needs to know and understand. She thanked Ms. Wetmore for making it so clear. She noted that at times, it gets very confusing and people only hear what affects them directly. This synopsis helps them understand the overall picture.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

7. PUBLIC COMMENTS

The next board meeting will be the August 25^th study session with some subsequent action items. Executive session will be at 5PM.

Mrs. Sharon Bowles noted the recent appointment of a new Commissioner at New York State Education Department, Dr. Steiner.

Dr. Robinson indicated that he, along with other superintendents, are looking forward to meeting with Dr. Steiner and noted that the Board of Regents also has a new chancellor, Merryl Tisch.

Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo to adjourn.

Motion carried, all in favor.

Meeting adjourned at 7:20PM.

8. ADJOURNMENT

Respectfully submitted,

Vanessa N. Ford

Secretary to Clerk of the Board

Approved by: _____________________

Kathleen A. Wetmore

Clerk of the Board