BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
August 28, 2007
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Mincher, Mrs. Wiggins |
|
MEMBERS ABSENT |
Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Huff |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Dr. Dutkowsky, Mrs. DeFeciani,
Mrs. Longhurst, |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:05 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
Mr. Casey noted that the Board Meeting on September 11 will be held in the Gowana Library and the Code of Conduct will be discussed.
1. ADOPT AGENDA
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. SUPERINTENDENT’S
COMMUNICATION
Dr. Robinson reflected that this summer has been a very busy but
productive summer. Many construction
projects are being completed, and 65 new teachers are on board and going
through the orientation process. He
continued by saying that we have many quality people who work for the school
district and we are ready for the opening of school. The Superintendent noted the following:
STUDY SESSION
Presentation of Track Renovation/Field Improvement
Project
Mr. Daniel Deats
from Cough Harbour & Associates, LLP, provided a presentation for track
renovation and field improvement on campus.
This would include converting the grass field into a multi-purpose
synthetic turf field and widening the track from six lanes to eight lanes. A copy of the presentation from
Mrs. Grey and Mr.
DiLallo had questions as to how the field could be used for sports other than
just football, particularly soccer and field hockey. Mr. Deats explained that the size of the
field is beyond the minimum but it can’t meet the optimum. Since it will be a synthetic field, many
different groups may use the field in the same day but it can’t be a primary
field for all types of sports.
Mrs. Wiggins had
questions concerning the drainage system, and Mr. Deats gave an overview of how
the draining will be installed. Mr.
DiLallo is happy that more than one game per day can be played on this of type
of field and the eight lanes allows for more
students to participate
in track. The track and field will be
important as a physical education facility and will augment the physical
education program.
Mr. Mincher had
questions regarding savings in maintenance and injury costs. Mr. Deats noted that injury costs would
probably be the same as a well-maintained grass field. Maintenance costs, however, can be improved since
there is no need for mowing, lining, etc.
Mr. DiLallo feels we are understating the advantage. This type of field needs to be compared to
maintaining two or three grass fields.
It’s not a one-to-one comparison.
Mr. Deats responded
to questions from Mr. Mincher and Mr. DiLallo concerning additional amenities
and the infrastructure to support elected additions. He noted that amenities can be added later
since the infrastructure will be there.
Mr. Mincher asked if
there is anything else in the project we haven’t thought through. Dr. Robinson noted that it isn’t fair to
expect Mr. Deats to answer these questions.
We will have several design development meetings to look at the
necessities and meet with both members of Shenendehowa staff and people from
the community to submit input. Mr. DiLallo
commented that we must include things that we really need. Otherwise they may cost more later.
Mr. Casey said it’s
important to move forward with this.
There has been strong support by the Boosters, and if there are any
serious concerns by the Board, we need to know now. Mrs. Wiggins hopes the numbers are
overstated rather than understated. Mr.
Deats responded that he is pretty confident his company can build what was
presented this evening with the numbers presented.
2007-2008 District Goals
Dr. Robinson and
Mrs. DeFeciani provided a video presentation supporting the 2007-08 District Goals and Objectives. Mrs. Wiggins expressed concerns regarding
transition issues, particularly Middle School to High School, Elementary to
Middle School, students coming from other districts, or home schooled students
transitioning to public school. Dr.
Robinson explained that this is a guidance/counseling piece and we do monitor
these situations closely. We provide information
to parents as to the sequence of courses and some information is being provided
to families electronically at this point.
Dr. Robinson will provide Mrs. Wiggins with additional information
regarding her concern.
Mrs. Grey feels this
is a great document and particularly liked the section under Human Resources that mentioned
“broadening the diversity of the district personnel.” She also noted that she would prefer the
document be a little more specific and not be so general. Dr. Robinson explained that this version was developed
for the public. The more detailed
version is being used by staff members and is going through an evolving
process. Mr. DiLallo commented that we
sometimes need direction as to what the specifics are. For example, what have we done to help
students who need more than four years to
graduate? What are we doing to challenge our students
beyond what we are already doing? Mr.
DiLallo thinks working with local colleges is a good resource. Mr. DiLallo asked how we would go about
dealing with all-day kindergarten if the State says we have a certain amount of
time to accomplish it.
Mr. Casey said we
don’t want to make things so difficult that we can’t get there. We’re using this document to change the
finish line every year. If our staff is
passionate, our students will be passionate.
Mr. Casey also noted that we need to be actively engaged in increasing
the diversity in our workforce.
3. ACTION ITEMS
a. Personnel
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the staffing
report as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.
A. RETIREMENTS, with appreciation
and regret
1) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Patricia Clark
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Retirement after 29 years
Commencing: December 18, 2007 (end of day)
b. Name: Michele Fannucci
Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)
Reason: Retirement after 15 years
Commencing: December 31, 2007 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified
Staff
a. Name: Allyson James
Tenure
Area: Health
Education
Commencing: August 17, 2007 (end of
day)
b. Name: Robert Lewis
Tenure Area: Special Education
Commencing: August 13, 2007 (end of
day)
c. Name: Christine Moore
Tenure
Area: Special
Education
Commencing: August 30, 2007 (end of
day)
2) Classified Staff
a. Name: Mildred Corneau
Position: Teacher Aide
(Special Education)
Commencing: September 4, 2007 (end
of day)
b. Name: Stephanie Cournoyer
Position: Teacher Aide
(Special Education)
Commencing: August 14, 2007 (end of
day)
c. Name: Eileen Johnson
Position: School
Monitor (Secondary)
Commencing: August 7, 2007 (end of
day)
d. Name: Joseph Natalie
Position: Head Night
Cleaner
Commencing: August 28, 2007 (end of
day)
e. Name: ElizaBeth Paige
Position: School
Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
f. Name: Dawn Placke
Position: Food Service
Helper (part-time)
Commencing:
August 15, 2007
(end of day)
g. Name: John Proctor
Position: Cleaner
Commencing: August 31, 2007 (end of
day)
C. RESCIND
APPOINTMENT
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: James Luciano
Tenure
Area: School
Counselor
Commencing: August 13, 2007 (end of
day)
D. LEAVE
OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Gail Krystek-Bates
Tenure
Area: School
Counselor
Reason: FMLA
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 09/28/07
E. CREATION
OF POSITIONS
1) Certified Staff
a. Position: School Psychologist
No. of
Positions 1.0 FTE
F. CHANGE
IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Jessmyn Schwartz
From Position: 0.5 FTE Music
To Position: 0.8 FTE Music
Term Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743 (Step 1)* pro-rated
2) Classified Staff
a. Name: Maria Rainville
Position: Teacher Aide
(Special Education)
From: 6
hrs./day; 10 mos./yr.
To: 6 ˝
hrs./day; 10 mos./yr.
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $15.16/hr.
(Special Education Aide
Schedule,
Step 1)
G.
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: Linda Brennan-Pagano
Tenure
Area: Special
Education
Status: 2 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $46,297
(Step 6)*
b. Name: Katelyn Cromer
Position: 1.0 FTE
Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
c. Name: Amanda DeAloe
Position: 1.0
Status: Term
Commencing: first semester
2007-2008 school year
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)* pro-rated
d. Name: Kelley Ekstrom
Position: 1.0 FTE
Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
e. Name: Sara Fenton
Position: 1.0 FTE
Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
f. Name: Louise Gilgallon-Smith
Tenure
Area: Family
and Consumer Sciences
Status 2 year
probationary
Commencing: October 1, 2007
Salary: $47,732
(Step 7)*
g. Name: Diane Kunz
Tenure
Area: Special
Education
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $43,555
(Step 4)*
h. Name: Erika Matthews
Position: 1.0 FTE
Elementary
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07
– 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
i. Name: Michelle McManus
Tenure
Area: Library
Media Specialist
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
j. Name: Brittany Miller
Tenure
Area: Mathematics
Status: 3 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $42,245
(Step 3)*
k. Name: Pamela Motler
Position: 0.6 FTE
English
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743 (Step
1)* pro-rated
l. Name: Diane Neuber
Position: 1.0 FTE
Secondary Science
Status: Term
Commencing: 09/01/07 – 06/30/08
Salary: $39,743
(Step 1)*
m. Name: Koren Newman
Tenure
Area: Elementary
Education
Status: 3 year probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007
Salary: $42,245
(Step 3)*
n. Name: Amanda Nixon
Tenure
Area: Elementary
Education
Status: 2 year
probationary
Commencing: September 1, 2007