BOARD OF EDUCATION
Study Session
October 23, 2007
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins (arrived at 7:03 p.m.) |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. DeFeciani, Ms.
Wetmore, |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at precisely 7 p.m. by Mr. Casey.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mr. Casey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Emergency Exits
Mr. Casey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.
Announcements
This week is School Board Appreciation Week and Ms. Jill Bush, Gowana Middle School Principal, expressed appreciation to the Board of Education on behalf of all three Middle Schools by thanking them for everything they do and for the improvements and new rooms at the Middle School Complex. The Board was presented with a card and cookies from the Middle Schools. Cards and apples were also received from Skano Elementary.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Grey, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. ACTION ITEMS
a. Kids Are Runners, Too Agreement
Dr. Robinson explained that the Foundation for Healthy Living seeks out
grant opportunities to implement best practices to promote healthy living for
students. Obesity is a target area and
this program is to promote running for kids.
At the
end of five weeks, students will have completed a half marathon and will
have learned healthy living and nutrition concepts. The activities suggested
in this agreement are activities the District already practices. A survey will follow and a database will be
prepared which will serve as a baseline.
This will help us be prepared to apply for grants. By accepting this agreement, the District
will avoid having it be necessary for everyone to sign up individually.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of Education
approve the agreement between the Foundation for Healthy Living and the
Shenendehowa Central School District to have 4th and 5th
grade students participate in a school-based fitness program and survey.
Mrs. Bowles expressed some concerns she had with the agreement,
particularly the section which refers to using Shenendehowa in the Foundation’s
promotion. This should not be allowed if
for some reason we are no longer associated with the Foundation. Dr. Robinson noted that our attorney, Kathryn
McCary, also had a few modifications she felt were necessary to the
agreement. Dr. Robinson explained that
these concerns will be worked out and the Board will be notified of the changes
before the agreement is finalized. He
pointed out that our insurance company will provide the required coverage
mentioned in the agreement.
Mrs. Grey was willing to accept the agreement with the identified
contingencies and Mr. DiLallo suggested the motion be amended as follows and
Mrs. Wiggins agreed:
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to authorize the
Superintendent to enter into a contract with the Foundation for Healthy Living
for the purpose of implementing the Kids are Runners Too program as a part of
elementary physical education, contingent upon modifications to the agreement
to reflect that student or faculty participation is no longer applicable, as
well as to clarify that any use or representation of the District’s name, data,
or image shall not be without prior agreement with the Superintendent.
Motion carried (5 yes).
b. Adoption of Audit Report
Ms. Wetmore noted that Marvin and Company presented the Audit Report
containing the Financial Report and the Single Audit Supplementary Financial
Report at the Board meeting of October 9, 2007.
A copy of the Extraclassroom Activity Funds Financial Report will be
presented at the next Board meeting.
MOTION BY Mr. Huff, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of Education
acknowledge receipt of the Financial Report and the Single Audit Supplementary Financial
Report from the independent auditor, Marvin and Company, P.C. for the fiscal
year ending June 30, 2007.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
c. Awarding of Pool Construction Bids
Mr. Casey presented the results of the pool bid and the tally information
to the Board of Education. He commented
that one major advantage we have today is that we have a tentative agreement to
move forward with an agreement with the Clifton Park Water Authority. This will save the District approximately $200,000
in construction costs, as well as continued savings from not having to operate
the well system.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of
Education approve the bids for the completion of the Pool Project which is part
of the Middle School Project approved by Shenendehowa voters in January 2004.
Mr. Mincher asked if the plan is to completely eliminate the three alternate
items being excluded. Dr. Robinson
responded that the three alternates are (1) a set bleachers that will be purchased
separately, (2) UV Filter will be eliminated, and (3) the metal deck will be
eliminated since it is more aesthetic than functional. This last item was suggested by Martin Weber
of DCLW.
Mr. Huff asked if the total listed on the pool bid report is what the
Board is voting on. What was the January
budget authorization?
Dr. Robinson explained that the authorization for the Middle School,
Pool, and Transportation Department was $10.3 million. The underground utilities are what connected
the three projects. The EXCEL project
totals $8.2 million. We are now moving
to close out the Transportation and Middle School projects.
Mrs. Bowles asked how close are we to what we have available in
funding? Dr. Robinson responded
that we will have to watch some of the contingencies. The project is very tight and the
alternatives are very selective.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Dr. Robinson asked the architects who were present what the timeline may
be for the pool construction. John Jojo,
from DCLW, replied that they hope to break ground in late November 2007, have
the pool complete in May 2009 and ready to use in September 2009.
At this time, Dr.
Robinson presented the Board members with a portfolio from the District
in appreciation for their dedication and hard work.
STUDY SESSION
HS Alternative Education Program Update
Donald Flynt, High
School Principal, and Claire Brown, Assistant Principal at High School East,
presented a PowerPoint presentation and a video presenting the High School
Alternative Education Program Update.
The teachers involved in the Alternative Education – 10th
Grade Program are John Choi (Math), Derek Dayton (English), Amy Rabuck
(Biology), and Ann Conway (Social Studies).
The 27 student
involved created a video with the help of Adrien Gleason showing how each of
them would “defy gravity.” The year 2010
will be the first graduating class from this program. The class motto is “Reach for 2010!”
Mrs. Brown presented
the video and the PowerPoint program (a copy of the PowerPoint program is on
file in the official minutes folder) which described how the program was
created and the steps necessary to bring it to fruition. Mrs. Brown pointed out that the program needs
a Social Worker and location is an issue for next year.
Mr. Casey expressed
his delight with the program and told the group the Board will probably asked
them to come back. Another discussion is
needed to look at budget and where the program is going. Mr. Casey asked what the main concerns are regarding
this program. The teachers in attendance
explained that (1) behavior issues have to come first, (2) they are concerned
that the students are receiving everything academically that they need, and (3)
Regents exam questions are challenging – students will close down if they don’t
understand.
Mr. Casey recognized
an Alternative Education student in attendance, Jim Quintal, and said he is
excited to see this group of student graduate.
Jim’s mother was also in attendance and she explained how this new program
helped her son make great strides.
Mr. Huff commented
that he hopes the funding for this program can be increased in the budget
process.
3. SUPERINTENDENT’S
COMMUNICATION
Dr. Robinson explained that the Summer Program Update originally on the Board Meeting Schedule will be held at the November 13 meeting.
The Bus Garage Dedication will be held tomorrow (October 24, 2007) at 9:30 a.m. at the Bus Garage site.
Dr. Robinson reminded School Board
members about the NYSSBA Annual Conference held at the Sheraton in
Dr. Robinson introduced Mr. Paul Padalino,
Superintendent of Watervliet City Schools.
He is completing the Doctorate Program at
4. ADJOURNMENT
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to adjourn the meeting at 8:35 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda L. Sparks, Board Stenographer
Approved by: _____________________
Kathleen A. Wetmore
Clerk
of the Board