BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
August 14, 2007
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. DeFeciani,
Mrs. Longhurst, |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 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.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved. Motion carried.
2. BOARD OF EDUCATION
COMMENTS/REPORT
Mr. DiLallo updated the Board on the activities of NYSSBA concerning
legislation that would shift the burden of proof to school district in all
individualized education program challenges.
Currently the burden of proof rests with the parents and this
legislation would shift the burden of proof to the school district. Mr. DiLallo is hoping for a veto.
Mr. Huff
commented on NYSSBA’s priority legislation regarding school fund balances. The new legislation increases the percentage
of a school district budget that may be retained from the current 2% to 3% and
this will become 4% the following year.
He noted that this increase will prove helpful as we discuss the tax
levy.
Mr. Huff
also noted that the District will be providing most of the necessary funding
needed to administer mandatory testing required as part of No Child Left Behind
(NCLB). The Federal Government should
fully pay for implementation of these tests rather than pass the cost off to
the local taxpayers.
Mrs.
Grey commented on the information provided to incoming high schoolers for the
2007-08 school year. She referred to it
as Welcome
to High School. She thanked the
High School staff for providing this information.
3. PUBLIC
COMMENTS
Mrs. Kathy Ophardt reported that she read in the paper that Okte’s
student numbers have gone down because of redistricting, and that the fifth
grade has gone down to three classes.
She asked that an additional fifth grade teacher be added if the numbers
change and there is a need for a fourth section.
Mrs. Ophardt was glad to see a policy addressing a school dress
code. She feels the local stores will
carry a more appropriate clothing line if we have a policy and parents will be
happy if age appropriate clothing becomes more available. She noted that our kids should know how to
dress to go to work and perhaps planning a fashion show for students could be
something to consider.
Mr. Paul Hanson asked if any new information is available regarding Okte
class sizes. Mr. Casey pointed out that
the Board of Education does not respond during Public Comment, but observing
changes during the month of August will give the Board a good snapshot of how
the numbers stand.
4.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Robinson updated the Board on the Capital Region BOCES
Superintendent search. He noted that in
the past the
Dr. Robinson reported that there was an incident of vandalism at the
High School on Saturday night. He said
we are working with the police and hopefully we will soon know who the vandals
were.
Dr. Robinson introduced Vanessa Farley, Shenendehowa’s Claims
Auditor. New legislation requires school
district to have a Claims Auditor audit the internal processes of business
offices. Mr. Huff noted that the Claims
Auditor reports directly to the Board of Education and the purpose of this
position is to make sure that things are in place as required by the State
Comptroller. Dr. Robinson added that Ms.
Farley will be more active with the Audit Committee in the fall.
Dr. Robinson asked about a Board Retreat. Mr. Casey noted that he will talk to Board
members to see what type of retreat should be planned.
Dr. Robinson commented on the DRAFT
2007-08 District Goals and Objectives
document which he distributed to the Board.
He noted the new format is for the public document and there is an
action plan document that backs it up and is the responsibility of
administrators.
Dr. Robinson announced the following dates:
·
Superintendent’s
Conference Day will be held on September 4 and Commissioner Mills will be
present that morning. The Shatekon
Elementary Dedication will take place that afternoon.
·
New
teacher orientation will be held on August 20.
There are approximately 65 new teachers.
·
Summer
School Graduation will take place on Friday, August 17, at 1 p.m. in the High
School Little Theatre.
·
The
unveiling of the Wall of Fame by the Sports Boosters will occur on
September 7 at the football game.
Dr. Robinson reported that enrollment sections at the grade levels are
being watched for internal transfers. We
hope to have a clear direction by the end of the week. Mr. Casey added that we do have another
Board meeting on August 28. We will make
any adjustments if necessary at that time.
Dr. Robinson added that shifting within sections is not unusual right up
until the opening of school.
5. TENURE
RECOMMENDATIONS
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Grey, to accept the tenure
recommendations as presented this evening by Dr. Dutkowsky.
A question was raised as to the difference between assistant and
associate principals as far as tenure is concerned. Dr. Dutkowsky explained that the High School
Assistant Principals and the High School Associate Principals come under the
same tenure area which is designated as “assistant principal.” This allows the District to move an internal
person between two titles without having that person serve a new three-year
probationary period.
Mr. Casey noted that he feels the Assistant/Associate Principal plan is a
great plan and its implementation has been a good improvement for the High
School. Mrs. Grey added that good things
have been done across the District and at the High School with this new
staffing.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. INFORMATION
ITEMS
a. Policy Governance
1) Public
Hearing/1st Reading Code of Conduct, Policy 3410, 3410A
Mrs. Longhurst reported that an Ad hoc Committee was formed to review and
revise the Code of Conduct. The feeling
was that the Code worked very well, the committee did not want major changes,
but it did feel that the Code could provide a lot more detail. Mrs. Longhurst commented that it is great to
be able to tell a student that “Here is where it says…. The plan is to approve the Code in September
which will leave a little more time for comment and revision.
Mr. Casey asked if Questar BOCES provided us with what is needed and
Mrs. Longhurst responded, “Yes, they provided what needs to be included
and we compared this with other districts.”
Dr. Robison explained that the Code document itself was used as the
policy. The policy is in the calendar,
it’s in the High School folders, and the elementary schools have various forms
of it on some of their publications. The
Code is always on the website along with other policies that have been approved
recently. We believe we have a document
that reflects what is best across the State.
It’s much more accessible to people.
2) First Reading – Policies 3411, 3412, 4710,
4714, 5410, 6470, 7220, 7223, 7224, 7310, 7311, 7312, 7313, 7314, 7315, 7317,
7330, 7340, 7350, 7360
Mr. DiLallo had a question regarding 4710 Grading Systems and Mr.
Flynt explained how interim reports are used at the High School. A question was also raised about 7360
Weapons in School and the Gun-Free Schools Act. There was confusion as to the definition of a
firearm according to Federal regulations. Dr. Robinson noted that the wording came directly
out of the Federal regulations. Mr.
Mincher suggested taking the language out. Mr. Casey concluded the discussion by saying
that we need to be extremely clear as to the language and the Policy Review Committee
will look at this further.
Mrs. Bowles commented that she liked the way the Code is put
together. However, she feels that the Law Enforcement paragraph is very
complex and needs to be cleared up. Mrs.
Longhurst noted that she will keep track of suggestions and changes for the
next reading.
Mr. Mincher had a concern regarding “cyber bullying” and whether or not
it should be moved to a Level 3 Infraction.
Dr. Robinson noted that it is considered a Level 2 and has the
possibility of turning into a Level 3, but the big move within the Code is that
“cyber bullying” is now documented.
Mrs. Grey’s concern was that the Code be applied consistently with every
student.
Mr. Huff asked what the makeup was of the Ad hoc Committee. Mrs. Longhurst responded that the
membership consisted of Assistant
Principals, Academic Administrators, Dr. Robinson, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mr. Culnan, Mr. Smith, Elementary Principals, and herself.
Mr. Huff asked if there was an issue with the Suspension policy. Dr. Robinson explained that the issue
was actually with the Tutoring Policy.
This policy needs to be modified.
Instructional policies will be reviewed next and hopefully this will
take place early in the school year.
Mr. DiLallo asked about the dress code in reference to hats. Mrs. Longhurst explained that the principals
were given the discretion as to what they wanted to do concerning hats. Dr. Robinson emphasized that our utmost goal
is to have an environment conducive to learning.
To fulfill the public hearing portion of Information Items, the public was asked for comments.
Mrs. Ophardt asked that the District please spell out the code. Is a cell phone to be used for certain
reasons? Should it be turned off? As far as hats go, when can hats be worn? Mrs. Longhurst replied that hats could be
worn in school with the administrator’s discretion and the policy says that
phones cannot be turned on during academic hours.
b. Business Affairs
1) Year-End
Financial Report
Dr. Robinson reviewed the 2006-07 Year-End Financial Report, noting
particularly the change in the fund balance.
Mr. Huff commented that this verifies the rationale to increase the fund
balance. It will allow us to temper the
tax impact from year to year. Mr. Casey
suggested that it might assist the Board if monthly financial reports were made
available.
2) Claims Auditor Report
Ms. Farley’s report had been previously reviewed by the Board of
Education. Mr. Huff, as a member of the
Audit Committee, commented that the findings show that a very good job has been
done to assure that the District’s finances are being discharged properly. Vanessa Farley’s recommendations are terrific
and are probably above and beyond the duties of her position.
Ms. Farley commented on the fine job the people in the Business Office do
and their willingness to help her in her position.
7. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports
1) July 10, 2007
It was noted that a correction is required under 9. Adjournment in the minutes. Mr. DiLallo’s name was listed twice.
MOTION by Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mr. Huff, to accept the Treasurer’s
Reports for June 2007 and the Minutes of July 10, 2007, with the change required
on Page 16. The minutes should read
“MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to adjourn the meeting at
8:25 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Policy/Governance
1) Second
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept the policies
presented for second reading.
Unanimously approved, motioned carried.
2) Appointment of NYSSBA Voting Delegate and
Alternate
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that Mr. DiLallo continue
to serve as the NYSSBA Voting Delegate.
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that Mrs. Wiggins serve as
the Alternate.
Unanimously approved, motioned carried.
b. Students
1) Special Education Placements
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, that the Board of
Education accept the placements and services for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008
school years based upon the recommendation of the District Committee on Special
Education, the Committee on Special Education Subcommittee, and the Committee
on Preschool Special Education (this document is on file in the official
minutes folder).
Unanimously approved, motioned carried.
c. Personnel
Dr. Dutkowsky noted two changes necessary on page 3: Mary Marino should be listed as Step 1 and
Kathleen Pierce’s commencing date should be 7/11/07 – 7/17/07.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to accept the Staffing
Recommendations and Addenda as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky this evening.
A. RETIREMENTS, with appreciation
and regret
1) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Judith Ortel
Position: Teacher Aide
(Special Education)
Reason: Retirement
after 28 years
Commencing: December 7, 2007 (end
of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified
Staff
a. Name: Sandy Gonzalez
Tenure
Area: School
Administrator/Supervisor
Commencing: August 10, 2007 (end of
day)
b. Name: John Rizzo
Tenure
Area: Spanish 7
– 12
Commencing: August 1, 2007 (end of
day)
2) Classified Staff
a. Name: Deborah Alexander
Position: Teacher Aide
(Special Education)
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
b. Name: Carlene Evans
Position: Food Service
Helper (part-time)
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
c. Name: Kristina Heffner
Position: Typist
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
d. Name: Antoinette Palko
Position: Typist
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
e. Name: Richard Peek
Position: Head Night
Cleaner
Commencing: August 14, 2007 (end of
day)
C. RESCIND
APPOINTMENT
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Shannon Phinney
Tenure
Area: Visual
Arts
Commencing: July 25, 2007 (end of
day)
D. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a. Name: Jean Greenspan
Position: Typist
From: 8 hrs./10
mos.; Group III
To: 8
hrs./12 mos.; Group VII
Commencing: September 10, 2007
Salary: $20.37/hr.
(Clerical Schedule, Group VII,
Step
7)
b. Name: Gail Digman
Position: School Monitor (Secondary)
From: 3 ¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
To: 6
¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $15.82/hr.
(Secondary School Monitor
Schedule, Step 5)
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: Colleen Coletta
Position: 0.2 FTE
Health Education
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)* pro-rated
b. Name: Erica Gifford
Position: 1.0 FTE
Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
c. Name: Robert Keyser
Tenure
Area: Social
Studies 7 - 12
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
d. Name: Joseph J. Kott, Jr.
Tenure
Area: English
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
e. Name: Sujatha Kumar
Tenure
Area: Special
Education
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $42,245
(Step 3)*
f. Name: Jessica Mann
Tenure
Area: Special
Education
Status: 2 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $46,297
(Step 6)*
g. Name: Mary Marino
Tenure
Area: English
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $39,743
(Step 7)*
h. Name: Meredith McKee
Tenure
Area: Elementary
Education
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $40,975
(Step 2)*
i. Name: Nicole Narcavage
Position: 0.8 English
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)* pro-rated
j. Name: Kathleen Pierce
Position: Library Media
Specialist
Commencing: 08/15/07 – 08/31/07
Salary: per diem
rate [up to five (5) days]
k. Name: Brianna Rolston
Position: 0.8 FTE
Spanish
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)* pro-rated
l. Name: Julianne Sauer
Tenure
Area: Spanish 7
- 12
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $40,975
(Step 2)*
m. Name: Julie Sawyer
Tenure
Area: Speech and Hearing Handicapped
Status: 3 year probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $42,245 (Step 3)*
n. Name: Matthew Schwartz
Tenure
Area: Music Education
Status: 3 year probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $39,743 (Step 1)*