Regular Board Meeting
February 12, 2008
|
Members Present: |
Ms. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff (arrived 6:25 p.m.), Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins (arrived at 6:07 p.m.) |
|
Also Present: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Smith, |
Mr. Casey called the Board of Education meeting to order at 6 p.m.
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Grey, to move into Executive Session to discuss discipline and contract matters.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to move into the Regular Board Meeting at 7:04 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mr. Casey called the Public Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:08 p.m.
Mr. Casey led those present in the Pledge of Allegiance.
Announcements
Mr. Casey pointed out the exits from the meeting room.
Mr. Casey announced that an Executive Session was held prior to the regular Board meeting to discuss discipline and contract matters.
Mr. Casey noted that the agenda will be modified by moving the Mid-Year Goals Report (Information Item #5.c.) to the next Board meeting to be held on February 26, 2008. Also, Action Item #7.c.5. will be removed from the agenda as the details for this item have not been fully developed at this time.
1. ADOPT AN AGENDA
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by
Mr. DiLallo, to accept this evening’s agenda with the postponement of
Information Item #5.c. and the
removal of Action Item #7.c.5.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORTS
Mrs. Bowles noted that she appreciated the very informative presentation by the turf vendors and their description of what products could be used on the fields. They provided much information and allowed an opportunity to ask questions.
Mr. Mincher commented on the activity of the “blog.”
Mr. Huff attended the Irish Fest along with Dr. Robinson and Mr. Casey. He described it as a great activity and a wonderful way to experience the Irish culture. It provided innovation, creativity, and stimulated interest in the courses.
Mr. Huff also reminded everyone that we are working on the budget and it is important that people recognize that over the next several months they will have the opportunity to come and listen to the presentations and learn how the budget is developing.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
a. Student Senate Representatives
Maggie Seligman, the 2009 Junior Class President, substituted for Shivanthi Narendran and Patrick Maguire who were unable to attend this evening. She presented the Board of Education with Pretty in Pink t-shirts which were sold by the Junior Class as a fundraiser and to raise awareness for Breast Cancer Research. Proceeds from the sale of t-shirts, flowers and live-strong bracelets will be donated to Breast Cancer Research.
b. Residents
Mr. Stephen Schadewald of
Mr. Ron Jacobs, President of the PTA Council, and Ms. Nancy Robak, PTA Council Honorary Life Membership Committee Chairperson, described the origin of Founders Day (February 17) and the celebration of the founding of PTA. Each
year, to celebrate Founders Day, the PTA selects recipients for Honorary Life Membership. The Honorary Life Membership Award recognizes individuals for their superior dedication and distinguished service to children and youth in any or all of the following areas: home, school, community and place of worship. Nominees may be chosen from any area and are not required to be PTA members nor be well known beyond their own area of service. Nominees may be staff members, administrators, parents, or community members. Mr. Jacobs and Ms. Robak described the wonderful work and dedication provided to “her children” by Mrs. Mary Wiggins. They presented her with the Honorary Life Membership Award.
The Board members and all present congratulated Mrs. Wiggins. Mr. Casey said it is such a wonderful honor that the PTA recognizes people in all of these areas. Mrs. Wiggins has shown her commitment to education. There will be a dinner to recognizes recipients of this award in April.
4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr.Robinson noted that the District is in the process of preparing the budget. At the February 26 Board meeting, Board members will received a modified schedule of Board meetings.
5. INFORMATION ITEMS
a.
Mr. Casey presented the report prepared by Claims Auditor, Vanessa Farley. Mr. Huff pointed out that the word “FISCAL” has been added to the YTD column.
Mrs. Longhurst explained that the District’s Health Advisory Council/Wellness Committee will represent the District regarding the Student Wellness Policy
Questions were raised concerning the policies regarding child abuse in its various forms. Mrs. Longhurst noted that workshops concerning child abuse will be available for the high school and could possibly be part of the Superintendent’s Conference Day. Discussion followed regarding the matter of educational neglect. Dr. Robinson pointed out that we have no jurisdiction in the matter of a home-schooled child; however, a private school would be held responsible for children attending its program.
Dr. Dutkowsky reviewed the Policy entitled Process for Recruiting and Hiring Certified Staff Regulation, particularly the flowchart on Page 9 of the policy. This flowchart is intended to ensure that the process is followed in its entirety. Mr. Casey wanted to make sure that people know that our goal is to encourage diversity in our work force. Dr.Dutkowsky noted that he is working with and will be contacting various professional organizations that represent ethnically diverse groups and also college programs with ethnically diverse graduates as a way to cast a wider net in recruiting professional staff for the District. In support, Mr. Casey noted that the focus should also be on individuals who enter teaching as a second career. He noted that all students can benefit from the experience of a diverse workforce.
c. Mid-Year Goals Report (This item has been postponed until the February 26, 2008, Board of Education meeting.)
6. CONSENT ITEMS
1) January 8, 2008
2) January 22, 2008
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to approve the January
8, 2008, and January 22, 2008, minutes as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Treasurer’s
Reports
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to approve the
Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2007.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7.
ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1)
Special Education Student Placement
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of
Education accept the attached placements and services for the 2007-2008 school
year and the 2008-2009 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 (a copy of this
document is on file in the official minutes folder).
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Personnel
1)
Staffing
Dr. Dutkowsky presented the February 12, 2008, staffing report to the
Board.
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to accept the staffing
report as presented.
A. RETIREMENTS, with appreciation and regret
1) Certified
Staff
a) Name: Herbert Broome
Tenure
Area: Secondary
Science
Reason: Retirement
after 32 years
Commencing: May
20, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Lisa Perkins
Tenure
Area: Elementary
Education
Reason: Retirement
after 33 years
Commencing: July
1, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified
Staff
a) Name: Marie Farnsworth
Position: Teacher
Aide (Special Education)
Reason: Retirement
after 18 years
Commencing: June
30, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: John Sluti
Position: Bus
Driver
Reason: Retirement
after 7 years
Commencing: January
7, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Teresa Zurakowski
Position: School
Monitor (Secondary)
Reason: Retirement
after 24 years
Commencing: June
30, 2008 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified
Staff
a) Name: Natalie Walters
Tenure
Area: Music
Education
Commencing: February
11, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified
Staff
a) Name: Kathleen Gier
Position: Food
Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: February
12, 2008 (end of day)
b) Name: Nancy Mathewson
Position: Food
Service Helper (part-time)
Commencing: January
28, 2008 (end of day)
c) Name: Lynne Smith
Position: Bus
Driver
Commencing: January
2, 2008 (end of day)
C. LEAVE
OF ABSENCE
1) Certified
Staff
a) Name: Jennifer Erno
Tenure
Area: Elementary
Education
Reason: Unpaid
FMLA
Commencing: 02/07/08
– 04/07/08
b) Name: Deanna Grygiel-Thompson
Tenure
Area: School
Counselor
Reason: Unpaid
FMLA
Commencing: 03/05/08
– 04/07/08
c) Name: Albina McKeon
Tenure
Area: Secondary
Social Studies
Reason: Unpaid
FMLA
Commencing: 02/28/08
– 04/07/08
2)
Classified Staff
a) Name: Judith Gardner
Position: Bus
Driver
Reason: Unpaid
Personal
Commencing: 02/04/08
– 04/04/08
D. EXTEND
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified
Staff
a) Name: Tracy Rodriguez
Tenure
Area: School
Counselor
Reason: Unpaid
Child Rearing
Commencing: second
semester 2007-2008 school year
E. CHANGE
OF EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified
Staff
a) Name: Susan Butera
Position: Typist
From: 8
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 8
hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $18.44/hr.
(Clerical Schedule, Group C, Step 5)
b) Name: Suzanne Crowley
Position: Bus
Driver
From: 5
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 6
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $19/87/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)
c) Name: Nicholas Ringelberg
Position: Bus
Driver
From: 2
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 5
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $19.33/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
d) Name: Timothy Ross
Position: Bus
Driver
From: 2
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 4
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $19.33/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
e) Name: Victoria Rossi
Position: Bus
Driver
From: 2
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 4
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $19.33/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
f) Name: Margaret Stutz
Position: Bus
Monitor
From: 5
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 6
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $16.31/hr.
(School Bus Monitor Schedule, Step 8)
g) Name: Stephanie Uber
Position: Bus
Driver
From: 3
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 5
hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: February
13, 2008
Salary: $19.33/hr.
(School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)
h) Name: Tina Wilder
Position: Bus
Monitor
From: 5
½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.