Regular Board Meeting
November 13, 2007
|
Members Present: |
Ms. Bowles, Mr. Casey, Mr. DiLallo, Mrs. Grey, Mr. Huff, |
|
Members Absent: |
Mr. Mincher (Attending Capital Region BOCES mandatory Board member training) |
|
Also Present: |
Ms. DeFeciani, Dr. Dutkowsky,
Mrs. Longhurst, Mr. Smith, |
The Board of Education meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m.
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to move into Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. to discuss a pending legal action and contract matters.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Also present in the Executive Session were Dr. Snyder, Mr. Smith, Attorney Susan Johns, and Kathleen Wetmore.
MOTION BY Mrs. Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to move into Public Session at 7 p.m.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
Mr. Casey called the Public Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 7:05 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 meeting of the Board of Education to discuss a pending legal action and contract matters.
Mr. Casey recently had the
pleasure of joining Superintendent Robinson at SUNY Albany where outstanding
graduates were honored. Dr. Robinson was
recognized as the most outstanding alumni from the
1. Adopt an Agenda
MOTION BY Mrs. Wiggins, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2. Board of Education Comments/Report
Mr. DiLallo reported that the long-awaited NYSSBA round table on school construction will be held tomorrow (November 14) and hopefully there will be a worthwhile report as the outcome. Mr. DiLallo also noted that a recent “letter to the Editor” in the Commercial News was flagrantly inaccurate. There were several points made that totally misrepresent the school system and the proposal to be voted upon. The items mentioned were “bullying” and how Shenendehowa is addressing it; the Gifted & Talented and the Enrichment & Accelerated Programs and how they are being restructured within the District; and the proposed Athletic Complex. Mr. DiLallo explained that he feels the Athletic Complex has a community value. Local youth programs help make our athletics successful. Our objective is to have the resources available so that the special areas where kids have interests and talents have a chance to achieve. We are currently addressing things that have been neglected over time. We find this not as the cheapest alternative but the only alternative. Mr. DiLallo feels the facts are on our side and the District is doing a phenomenal job.
Mr. Huff thanked the administration for reaching out and addressing the FOCUS groups. He feels it is very worthwhile to get reports from the participants and he thanked them for their participation. Mr. Huff encouraged parents to participate in the Climate Survey available on the website. In response to Mr. DiLallo’s comments, Mr. Huff noted that we have to evaluate the allocation of our resources. Everyone has different ideas as to how we should do this and we have basically done a good job. Alternative Education is a good example – the pilot project needs more funding and expansion. Mr. Huff voted against the Athletic Complex at this time because he feels our money can be better used for academic issues. Yes, the sports field needs to be upgraded, but things have to put in balance.
Mrs. Grey acknowledged the “thank you” notes from the students of Gowana, Skano, and Shatekon to the members of the Board of Education. She also thanked the District for the portfolios provided to Board members. Mrs. Grey noted that she had the opportunity to go to the NYSSBA Conference with several other Board members several weeks ago. She attended several seminars and felt they were all very worthwhile, particularly the session on Creating a Positive Environment. Mrs. Grey commented on the strides made in technology at Shenendehowa and that many good things are going on for the future. She is looking forward to the five-year plan.
Mrs. Grey completely supports the Athletic Complex referendum. Not only for the reasons that Mr. DiLallo put forth. She also finds Mr. Huff’s discussion compelling. This is not an either/or. Just because we are working on one area does not mean we are ignoring others. Replacing the track alone would be about $1.5 million. We can do so much more with this plan. There are many things in this referendum that impact everyone. Mrs. Grey doesn’t believe we have to look at things as though we are “robbing Peter to pay Paul” all of the time. This is an extension of the classroom. This Board of Education is proactive in academic programs. Our focus is on the “whole” student. We are able to provide for our students and this is just one “piece of the pie.”
Mr. Casey explained that the Character Counts Website is a community-based effort which includes the PTA and others within the community. Concerning the CPWA Agreement, we need to try to do things the most efficient way possible and we are already tied into the Water Authority’s infrastructure. The situation is not the school versus the community, it’s the school AND the community. At this point Mr. Casey introduced Mr. Helmut Gerstenburger, Chairman – Board of Directors of the CPWA. Mr. Casey noted that he also appreciated the than-you notes from the students. Also, he feels that the work the District is doing is the right thing for the community as a whole.
Student Senate Report
Shivanthi Narendran and Patrick Maguire reported that the Senate participated in the Suburban Council Leadership Conference on September 29 which highlighted leadership and teamwork. Three workshops were available: (1) Teamwork, (2) Fundraising Opportunities, and (3) How Other Schools Operate. The representatives reported that they might adopt some of the programs for the Holiday Match Program.
3. Public Comments
Mr. Kathy Ophardt congratulated Dr. Robinson for the honor he received from SUNY Albany. She also noted that she was disappointed that she did not read anything in the newspapers to report what Shenendehowa was doing about MRSA, particularly since she has lost several family members to MRSA. Mrs. Ophardt also expressed concern regarding the age of the heating systems in a lot of the schools.
4. Superintendent’s Report
Mrs. Longhurst and Mrs. DeFeciani presented an Executive Summary on Focus Groups Discussions – October 2007. A copy of this summary is on file in the official minutes folder.
Dr. Robinson reported that probably for over a decade now, the District has been having conversations with CPWA about how we can collaborate more. The agreement on the agenda this evening will help us save and will also improve the quality of the water. In the last 30 to 60 days, things have moved along nicely and an agreement like this will benefit the school and the community as a whole. We are delighted to enter into this agreement and thanks to everyone.
Dr. Robinson said that the Budget Workbook has been given to the Board. He noted that there are additions to the calendar section. This process starts very quickly and he wants the Board to be aware of it.
Dr. Robinson announced that the 27th of November is the Public Hearing for the capital project. A newsletter is also being distributed.
Regarding FOCUS groups, Dr. Robinson said that the District tries to be in tune with the community. The FOCUS Groups are an opportunity for the community to bring issues to the District. He is pleased with the results of the FOCUS Groups, but the results were not very large.
5. Tenure Recommendation
The Board had a question concerning the title Secondary Assistant Principal. Dr. Dutkowsky explained that Associate/Assistant Principal is interchangeable with this title.
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Wiggins, to accept the Tenure Recommendations as presented this evening.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
6. Information Items
a. Extraclassroom Activity Fund
Audit Report
Mr. Frank Venezia from Marvin & Company discussed the Extraclassroom Activity Fund Financial Report – June 30, 2007. He explained that the issue with these funds is accountability for funds collected and not disbursements. He suggested that the District continue to review control over cash receipts and continue to implement procedures. Training will be necessary to develop accountability and will also be a deterrent.
b. Internal Claims Auditor
Report
Vanessa Farley, Claims Auditor, reported that the October training has gone well overall. It was a good refresher course. Dr. Robinson thanked Kathy Wetmore
for putting things into place. Mrs. Bowles asked why the training was a “refresher” course. Dr. Robinson responded that the training will provide us with greater accountability and control. The people involved can be new people or people who have done things a certain way for years. Dr. Robinson hopes to make the budget more transparent. Administration is thinking of changing the coding system to have the budget be easier to follow. Our current system is unique and we want to make it consistent with the State chart of accounts.
c. Summer Program Update
Mr. Frank Rosselli, Community Education Coordinator, provided a PowerPoint presentation which presented an overview of the activities available this past summer. Mr. Rosselli noted that three things make the Shenendehowa Summer Adventures unique: 1) Creative opportunity for young students, 2) Multicultural experience, and 3) Age appropriate content and structure.
Questions were raised regarding the extended school year programs and if these programs helped students keep in pace. Michael Smith, Director of Student Services, responded the children in these programs were right on track rather than taking months to get back on schedule. Mr. Smith said there is a definite difference.
d. Policy/Governance
1.
First Reading and Related Repeals – Policies 3258 (Enrollment
Projections), 5321 (Use of Credit Cards), 5612 (Facilities Planning), 5614
(Naming Facilities), 6160 (Personnel), 7134 (Attendance), 7213, 7213-R, 7221,
7222 (Student Progress), 8103 (Curriculum), 8242, 8243, 8260, 8280 (Elementary
and Secondary Instruction), 8320, 8330, 8331, 8340, 8350 (Instructional
Materials), 8410, 8420, 8470 (Instructional Arrangements). See
attached table for detailed policy information.
Mrs. Longhurst noted a change in Policy 8330. Mr. DiLallo requested a change in Policy 7213 in the third sentence to read “The District shall develop and each school shall implement…” He also had questions regarding Policy 7221 which Dr. Robinson explained.
Mr. Huff had a concern regarding Policy 8340. He requested that the word “calculators” be added to paragraph 2. Mrs. Longhurst explained that another policy will be presented which addresses materials other than textbooks. Mrs. Grey asked if the District will be assuming the cost for workbooks from Kindergarten through 12th grade. Dr. Robinson explained that we are trying to distinguish what is “necessary” for the course versus what would be “nice to have.” Mr. Huff noted that teachers need to be asked also as to what is
necessary – not just administrators. Dr. Robinson said we are working directly with teachers and departments.
7. Consent Items
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to approve the
Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2007.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
b. Minutes
1)
October 9, 2007
2)
October 23, 2007
Mr. Huff asked for two changes on Page 2 in the fifth paragraph: In the third sentence, change the word
“clubs” to read “course.” The beginning
of the fourth sentence should read “Shenendehowa provides some graphing
calculators….
Prior to the Board meeting, Mrs. Ophardt requested a change to her
comment to the Board. In the first
paragraph, fourth sentence on page 3, the wording should be, “Some children are
dropped off on one side of the street to save gas! However, there currently is a risk of them
being injured by oncoming traffic.”
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Bowles, to approve the October 9,
2007, and the October 23, 2007, minutes with the corrections/revisions noted
above.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
8. ACTION ITEMS
a. Students
1)
Appeal of Impartial Hearing Decision
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, that the Board of Education
accept the following resolution:
WHEREAS, Impartial Hearing Officer Delores F. Freed rendered an interim
pendency decision dated October 14, 2007, pursuant to Part 200 of the
Regulations of the Commissioner of Education; and
WHEREAS, the Shenendehowa Board of Education desires to appeal said
decision;
NOW, THEREFORE it is hereby recommended that the Board of Education
approve the resolution regarding the interim decision of Impartial Hearing
Officer Delores F. Freed, dated October 14, 2007, to be appealed to the New
York State Review Officer and that the Superintendent of Schools and School
District’s attorneys be authorized to take steps to implement the same.
Unanimously approved, motion carried.
2)
Special Education Student Placement
MOTION BY Mrs. Grey, seconded by Mr. DiLallo, 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
After presenting the staffing report, Dr. Dutkowsky expressed his
gratitude to Joan Benedict for her fine work for the last 25 years. He commented on her dependability and
dedication to the
MOTION BY Mr. DiLallo, seconded by Mr. Huff, to accept the staffing
report as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.
A. RETIREMENT,
with appreciation and regret
1) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Joan Benedict
Position: Senior Clerk
Reason: Retirement after 25 years
Commencing: December 28, 2007 (end of day)
b. Name: Sarah Burke
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Retirement after 7 years
Commencing: November 1, 2007 (end of day)
c. Name: Kay McCormick
Position: Bus Monitor
Reason: Retirement after 19 years
Commencing: October 28, 2007 (end of day)
B. RESIGNATIONS
1) Certified
Staff
a. Name:
Position: Student Services
Coordinator-Student Placement
Commencing: January 8, 2008 (end of day)
2) Classified Staff
a. Name: Camille Ayotte
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: November 13, 2007 (end of day)
b. Name: Robert Kalinowski
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: October 22, 2007 (end of day)
c. Name: Deborah Miner
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: September 28, 2007 (end of day)
d. Name: Theresa Picard
Position: School Monitor
(Elementary Cafeteria)
Commencing: November 6, 2007 (end of day)
e. Name: Rosemary Ryan
Position: Busport Attendant
Commencing: November 13, 2007 (end of day)
f. Name: Wayne Swanson
Position: Bus Driver
Commencing: October 12, 2007 (end of day)
C. LEAVE
OF ABSENCE
1) Certified
Staff
a. Name: Sara DiNallo
Tenure Area: Secondary English
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 12/21/07 – 01/31/08
b. Name: Sarah Keyes
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 11/01/07 – 02/11/08
c. Name: Sarah Keyes
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 02/12/08 – 06/30/08
d. Name: Tracy Rodriguez
Tenure
Area: School Counselor
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 12/17/07 – 01/29/08
e. Name: Tracy Rodriguez
Tenure
Area: School Counselor
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: 01/30/08 – 04/02/08
2) Classified
Staff
a. Name: Natascha Fawthrop
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 10/29/07 – 06/25/08
b. Name: Marie Ferretti
Position: School Monitor
(Secondary)
Reason: Intermittent Unpaid FMLA
Commencing: 11/06/07 [up to twelve (12) weeks]
c. Name: Lynne Smith
Position: Bus Driver
Reason: Unpaid Personal
Commencing: 09/21/07 – 01/02/08
D. EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Judimarie Bodien
Tenure
Area: LOTE
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-08 school year
b. Name: Denise Dembowski
Tenure
Area: LOTE
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-08 school year
c. Name: Bonnie Psomas
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-08 school year
d. Name: Jan Reilly
Tenure
Area: School Counselor
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-08 school year
e. Name: Tricia Spain
Tenure
Area: Secondary Mathematics
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-08 school year
f. Name: Stephanie Vara
Tenure
Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
Commencing: second semester 2007-2008 school
year
E. MODIFICATION OF LEAVE OF ABSENCE
1) Certified Staff
a. Name: Suzanne McQuade
Tenure
Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid FMLA
From
Commencing: 11/13/07 – 12/11/07
To
Commencing: 11/20/07 – 12/18/07
b. Name:
Tenure
Area: Special Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
From
Commencing: 12/12/07 – end of first
semester 2007-08
school year
To
Commencing: 12/19/07 – end of first
semester 2007-08
school year
c. Name: Meghan Sprissler
Tenure
Area: Elementary Education
Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing
From
Commencing: 10/29/07 – 11/16/07
To
Commencing: 05/18/07 – 10/26/07
F. CHANGE IN EMPLOYMENT
1) Classified Staff
a. Name: Bonnie Brantigan
Position: Bus Monitor
From: 22 hrs./week, 10
mos./yr.
To: 4 ½ hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
Status: Probationary, Labor
Commencing: November 14, 2007
Salary: $13.25/hr. (School Bus
Monitor Schedule, Step 2)
b. Name: Susan Butera
Position: Typist; 8 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
From: Clerical Schedule,
Group B, Step 5
To: Clerical
Schedule, Group C, Step 5
Commencing: November 14, 2007
Salary: $18.44/hr. (Clerical
Schedule, Group C, Step 5)
c. Name: Barbara Fillipone
Position: Bus Monitor
From: 2 ½ hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
To: 5 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
Commencing: November 14, 2007
Salary: $13.98/hr. (School Bus
Monitor Schedule, Step 3)
d. Name: Beverly Girard
Position: Typist; 8 hrs./day, 10
mos./yr.
From: Clerical Schedule,
Group B, Step 4
To: Clerical
Schedule, Group C, Step 4
Commencing: November 14, 2007
Salary: $17.67/hr. (Clerical
Schedule, Group C, Step 4)