BOARD OF EDUCATION
Regular Meeting
October 9, 2007 – Shatekon Elementary Library
|
MEMBERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mr. Huff, |
|
MEMBERS ABSENT |
Mrs. Grey |
|
OTHERS PRESENT: |
Mrs. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, |
The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7 p.m. in the Shatekon Library 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 announced that this meeting is being held in the Shatekon Library and several other Board meetings throughout the year will be scheduled in locations other than the Gowana Library.
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. Casey thanked the Student Senate for inviting him and Mrs. Grey to its Speak-Out Session to talk about the proposed Code of Conduct in relation to the dress code section. It was determined that more communication needs to take place. The SFA organized the Speak-Out and heard from a multitude of students who had many opinions. Mr. Casey believes those opinions are clearly listed in the document presented for approval. Many good comments, both written and verbal, were
contributed by students. Having the Participation in Government class present at the Public Hearing was very beneficial.
a. NYSSBA Resolutions
Mr. DiLallo expressed concern regarding school construction, construction costs and scheduling issues. A meeting with local experts, including Martin Weber from DCLW who has expertise in this area, will be held at NYSSBA November 16.
Mr. DiLallo explained that the business meeting of NYSSBA is held prior to the convention. Proposals need to be submitted by a particular date. The Committee on Resolutions will decide whether the resolutions are moved forward. After reviewing all 22 resolutions, Mr. DiLallo definitely concurs with the ones the Committee has endorsed. In summary, Mr. DiLallo supports the resolutions that have been endorsed and will vote accordingly on behalf of the Board.
Mr. Huff added that perhaps schools should have special funding. Mr. Huff heartily supports that the State should pay for all of the mandates for testing and should increase the fund balance to 4% or 5%.
Mr. Casey noted that Mr. DiLallo
has been Shenendehowa’s delegate to NYSSBA.
Having a Board member serve as a delegate makes the Board more aware of
actions by NYSSBA and creates some consistency.
Mr. DiLallo will be representing Shenendehowa in
Mr. Huff commented that the cost of school supplies was an issue at a previous Board meeting. Of particular concern to him is graphing calculators. The District is supposed to cover the cost of graphing calculators for high school level math courses. Shenendehowa provides some graphing calculators, but Mr. Huff is not certain that Shenendehowa is in full compliance with the letter of the law by not allowing students to take them home. Also, he finds it upsetting that we may ask a student to prove that they cannot afford to purchase a calculator. We need to investigate more fully to see if we can provide the calculators as directed. Shenendehowa prides itself in going beyond.
Mr. Huff also noted that he appreciates parents and students for commenting on the Code of Conduct. It is important to get input from all of those affected.
3. PUBLIC COMMENTS
Student Senate Representatives, Shivanthi Narendran and Patrick Maguire,
commented on the success of the homecoming game. They also appreciated the fact that Mr. Casey
and Mrs. Grey attended the Speak-Out meeting and providing information to the
students.
Mrs. Kathy Ophardt commented on testing procedures at Okte and the layout
of the building. Some students find it
difficult to hear because of noise and should be pulled from the classroom for
testing. She also commented on the
busing policy. Currently some children are
dropped off on one side of the street to save gas. However, there is a risk of them being
injured by oncoming traffic. Also, if
the parent is not at home, bus drivers should keep the child on the bus and
take the child back to the elementary school as a safety concern. Drivers need to know where the children
should go.
Ms. Mary Ellen Seitelman thanked the Board for working so quickly and
effectively to get the honors math group for this year’s class and it is now
part of the regular program. She also
commented on the statewide AGATE Conference being held at the end of the
month. Teachers will be sponsored from
the District.
Mrs. Patricia Bloss noted that the Homecoming game was the best one
ever. She also commented on the proposed
new sports facility and noted how the Lacrosse Booster Club is in favor of turf
fields. There was a tournament at RPI on
March 18 and the turf fields there could be played on all day long. Having a turf field will save money in a lot
of ways. Money can be saved on
transportation if games could be played at Shenendehowa. Also, there is currently no sound system and
a sound system has to be brought in which never works very well. A clean, safe concession stand would benefit
everyone.
Mrs. Donna Lynch, Social Studies teacher for 12th grade,
reported that 129 students looked at the Code of Conduct. She thanked Laraine Longhurst for taking time
to talk with the students. She also
noted that gambling is not allowed.
Students cannot buy or sell tickets.
Mr. Donald Ferguson from the Junior Plainsmen and the Shenendehowa
Football Booster Club said they wholeheartedly support the track upgrade. The benefits are enormous.
Mr. David Miller from the Football Booster Club said the track upgrade is
not only great for the teams that play there, but it will be great for the
spectators. Viewing will be better. Many of these games are community
events. It would improve the public
health of our high school students. We
will also be able to transfer our physical education activities to the
outdoors. This new field could be used
as late as November or December and as early as February or March. This program will benefit every child that
goes through Shenendehowa and physical education.
Mr. Richard Kukak from the Shenendehowa Basketball Club reported that, as
a parent of student athletes, our athletic facilities have become over used and
somewhat inadequate. He wants to see the
facilities improved.
Mr. Jim Harris from the Track Booster Club is in favor of the athletic
complex. It can be used in the winter
and the spring. He is 100% behind this
project.
A past president of the Football Booster Club expressed concerns
regarding bleachers that could handle the handicapped. Also, she feels that bathrooms with running
water would be a benefit.
Mr. Mark Thompson, a Track Coach, is concerned with the health and safety
and management of practice facilities.
The athletic complex will bring in funds from activities and the
community will benefit. It is no longer
as safe to run on the current track.
4. SUPERINTENDENT
REPORT
Dr. Robinson explained that the Athletic Complex we are proposing does
not benefit just one entity. It is a combination
of many assets for the community. At
this point, Dr. Robinson provided a presentation called Track-Field-Campus Connection, Capital
Project Referendum. (A copy of
this presentation is on file in the official minutes folder.)
Mr. DiLallo asked if there is a rationale for having the vote on the
referendum in December rather than waiting until May. Dr. Robinson explained that it is being kept
separate from the budget vote so voters don’t confuse the initiative. Also, the time for construction and going
through the State Education Department process is vital. The project should be timed so that
construction will take place in late spring and July to work around the
athletic schedule. We want to be ready
for the next school year. He also noted
that by voting now, the District is able to combine this project with an
existing project at the High School and get about 60% of the cost reimbursed
through State building aid.
Mr. Huff noted that there is a bond issue every five years or so. How do these needs fit into the total
picture? How does this fit into the
picture with the other projects?
Dr. Robinson responded that this allows us to maximize the aid by tying
this project to an EXCEL project that is underway at the high school. If this new project is done by itself, aid
becomes an issue. We are trying to keep
things maintained and maximize our aid ratio.
We want to continue keeping the debt service level.
Mrs. Bowles questioned the trails and site work. Is this being accomplished through grants or
collaboration with the town? Dr.
Robinson responded that hopefully funding will become available through the
Federal and State governments which will focus on safety. We are working with the Open Trails Committee
and the Town Supervisor to talk about safety issues, pedestrian crossing, and
amber lights. This is still being
discussed at the State level, but we don’t want to wait until that happens. We also are looking at how we might use some
reserves. We will borrow only what we
need, seeking to minimize the impact on tax payers.
5. INFORMATION
ITEMS
a. Policy Governance
1) First
Mr. DiLallo asked about Policy 7130.
Is the mandatory age still up to date?
Mrs. Longhurst explained that students between the ages of 16 and 17
must have a fulltime job in order to leave school. Otherwise they must stay in school until the
end of the school year.
Mr. Huff noted a difference in wording in Policy 7411 from repealed
Policies 5200 and 5220. Dr. Robinson
noted that this is protection for the school primarily for school sponsored
publications.
Mrs. Wiggins had some questions concerning parental access to reports in
Policy 7210. Mrs. Longhurst clarified
the process.
b. 2006-2007 Audit Report
Mr. Frank Venezia, the Director of Marvin & Company, P.C., presented
the 2006-2007 Audit Report for the
In reference to the Management’s Discussion and Analysis Report, a question
was asked if there would be new findings if the regulations had not
changed. Mr. Venezia replied that
this was possible. Marvin & Company
had to do a more in-depth study for internal controls. On June 30, 2008, more new standards will be
in effect and more findings will probably be discovered at that time. The fact that a risk assessment has already
been done has put Shenendehowa a little ahead of the curve. Auditing standards are changing
constantly. What auditors look for is
the prevention of fraud.
Mr. Venezia also noted that the District must record the post-retirement
liability which will require the hiring of actuaries. This will be a significant liability for the
District and will be in effect at the beginning of the 2008-2009 school year.
6. CONSENT ITEMS
a. Treasurer’s Reports
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to approve the
Treasurer’s Report for the month of July 2007.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Minutes
1)
September 11, 2007
2)
September 25, 2007
Mrs. Bowles asked to have several paragraphs on page 4 changed for
clarification in the minutes of September 11, 2007. The wording she requested is as follows:
Mrs. Bowles had a technical question
concerning the relationship between Policy 3410 and 3410-A in relation to Mr.
Casey’s suggestion on further review of the Code. Policy 3410 requires that the Board adopt a
policy which is the Code under discussion in 3410-A. She sought to clarify that 3410-A is a policy
also, not a regulation that can be changed without Board action.
Mrs. Grey commented on the differences
between policies and regulations. Mrs.
Bowles clarified further that her question related to the process for adoption
of the detailed Code in 3410-A is the same as that for any other Board policy. Dr. Robinson explained that the two policies
are connected. We will proceed with the
second reading and action on the general policy 3410 only tonight and look to
take action on Policy 3410-A at a later date.
Mrs. Grey noted that we need to make sure
that the use of 3410-A is applied consistently.
We need to ensure that these conversations take place and key
stakeholders are involved.
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr.
DiLallo, that the Board of Education approve Policy 3410 and the repeal of
5310.
Mr. Huff asked to include some clarification to the last paragraph on
page 5. The addition he requested is as
follows:
Mr. Huff handed out copies of the
December 1, 2006, State Ed memo on "charging for calculators" and the
December 11, 2006, On Board article on "Districts Must Foot Bill for Graphic Calculators.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to approve the September 11,
2007, and the September 25, 2007, minutes with the corrections/ revisions noted
above.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
7. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1)
CSE Parent Committee Appointment
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to appoint the following
as parent members of the District committee on Special Education and Committee
on Preschool Special Education:
Donna Gold
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2)
Special Education Student Placement
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, that the Board of
Education accept the attached placements and services for the 2007-2008 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
MOTION BY Mr. Huff, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to accept the staffing
report as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.
A. RESIGNATIONS
1) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Brenda Burmaster
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: September 21, 2007 (end of day)
b. Name: Donald Colvin
Position: Cleaner
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
c. Name: Shannon Denton
Position: Automotive Service Worker
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
d. Name: Glenn Dionne
Position: Technical Systems
Supervisor
Commencing: October 15, 2007 (end of day)
e. Name: Stephen Gaetano
Position: Cleaner
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
f. Name: Linda Irwin
Position: School Monitor
(Secondary)
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
g. Name: Deborah Miner
Position: Food Service Helper
(part-time)
Commencing: September 28, 2007 (end of day)
h. Name: Maritza Reyes
Position: Food Service Helper
(part-time)
Commencing: October 5, 2007 (end of day)
i. Name: Tammy Simmons
Position: School Monitor
(Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: September 6, 2007 (end of day)
B. MODIFICATION
OF RETIREMENT
1) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Sharon Pottenger
Position: Typist
From
Commencing: September 30, 2007
To
Commencing: September 28, 2007 (end
of day)
C. LEAVE
OF ABSENCE
1) Certified
Staff
a. Name: Sara DiNallo
Tenure
Area: Secondary English
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 11/02/07 – 12/20/07
b. Name: Kelly Keyes
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 2007-08 school year
c. Name: Melissa Precopia
Tenure
Area: LOTE
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 10/15/07 – 12/04/07
d. Name:
Tenure
Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 11/13/07 – 12/11/07
e. Name:
Tenure
Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 12/12/07 – end of first semester
2007-08
school
year
f. Name: Laura Ryan
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 10/18/07 – 12/07/07
g. Name: Laura Ryan
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 12/10/07 – 01/25/08
h. Name: Meghan Sprissler
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 10/29/07 – 11/16/07
2) Classified Staff
a. Name: Mary Dimaina
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 09/05/07 – 01/01/08
D. ABOLISHMENT
OF POSITIONS
1) Classified Staff
a. Position: Stenographer, 8 hrs./day;
12 mos./yr.
No. of
Positions: 1.0 FTE
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
b. Position: Senior Typist, 8
hrs./day; 12 mos./yr.
No. of
Positions: 1.0 FTE
Commencing: October 9, 2007 (end of day)
E. CREATION
OF POSITIONS
1) Certified Staff
a. Position: JV Assistant Wrestling
Coach
No. of
Positions: 1.0
Commencing: October 10, 2007
b. Position: Special Education
No. of
Positions: 0.5 FTE
Commencing: October 10, 2007
2) Classified Staff
a. Position: Typist, 8 hrs./day; 10
mos./yr.
No. of
Positions: 2.0 FTE
Commencing: October 10, 2007
F. CHANGE
IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Walter Chaikowski
From: 1.0 FTE Music
To: 1.1 FTE Music