BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Study Session Meeting

December 22, 2009  

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Janet Grey, Mrs. Sharon Bowles, Dr. William Acker, Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mr. Rick Mincher, Mrs. Mary Wiggins (arrived at 7:06PM)

OTHERS PRESENT:

 

 

 

Mr. Bruce Ballan, Mrs. Diane Betzweiser, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mrs. Rebecca Carman, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mr. Donald Flynt, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mr. Bob Melia, Mrs. Charlene Opatkiewicz, Mrs. Lisa Ostrowski, Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Ms. Kathy Wetmore, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood

STUDENT SENATE:

Miss Katya Lapina

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:01 p.m. by Mrs. Janet Grey. 

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Mrs. Janet Grey led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Emergency Exits

 

Mrs. Janet Grey pointed out the emergency exits from the room.

 

1.   ADOPT AGENDA

 

Mrs. Janet Grey asked for a motion to accept the agenda, requesting that item number 3 on the agenda be moved to the top of the meeting sequence.  MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Dr. William Acker, to accept the agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

(3).   SPECIAL RECOGNITIONS

           

Mr. Donald Flynt attended the New York Uncorked Gala, sponsored by the Times Union, at which the Shenendehowa Central School District was recognized and honored as the large school recipient for Excellence in Enrichment Programs.  Mr. Flynt noted the success of the journalism program at Shenendehowa high school, highlighting the Shen Pen newspaper.  Mr. Flynt further indicated that the Shen Pen will become an online periodical to promote larger readership.  On behalf of the Times Union newspaper, Mr. Flynt presented the board of education with the award. 

 

Mrs. Janet Grey presented Mrs. Mary Blaauboer with a certificate from the New York State School Boards Association.  Mrs. Blaauboer received 40 credits for courses attended through NYSSBA which were part of the Board Leadership Recognition Program.  

 

2.      BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

 

Dr. William Acker attended recent holiday concerts and expressed his appreciation to the Shenendehowa music department for their success this holiday season. 

 

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer attended the high school east symphonic chamber ensemble concert.  Mrs. Blaauboer noted that she was pleased to see the student teacher serve as the group’s conductor for the concert.  Mrs. Mary Blaauboer also attended the presentation from District Attorney Jim Murphy on the dangers of social networking sites.  She thanked Dr. Robinson for facilitating the presentation and thought that the message was well received.  She also attended the Shenendehowa Adult Community Center re-dedication and noted that it was a great experience in attending the event.  Mrs. Blaauboer wished a Merry Christmas to those in attendance. 

 

Mr. Rick Mincher attended the retirement celebration for Dr. McDonald at Arongen.  He felt it was a great send-off and wished Dr. McDonald the best for a happy retirement. 

 

Mrs. Mary Wiggins also wished those in attendance a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year filled with safety, love, peace, joy & happiness.  Mrs. Wiggins expressed her happiness knowing that we serve so many children in the Shenendehowa community. 

 

Mr. Gary DiLallo commented on his return from being out of town, and learning of Dr. Robinson’s recent exchanges with Governor Paterson.  Mr. DiLallo indicated that it is hard to express the displeasure of actions with people in power.   

 

Mrs. Sharon Bowles wished those in attendance Happy Holidays and best wishes for the new year.  

 

Mrs. Janet Grey extended her best wishes for a Happy Christmas and New Year’s and asked that those who will be traveling do so carefully. 

 

STUDY SESSION PRESENTATIONS

 

Mrs. Elizabeth Wood presented an overview of the Field Trip Committee recommendations. 

 

The second presentation was on Health and Wellness Committee, by Mrs. Lisa Ostrowski, Director of Shenendehowa Central School District’s Food Service Program and Mrs. Rebecca Carman, Academic Administrator for Health and Physical Education. 

 

The presentation related to State Aid reductions was postponed as there were no questions from board members at the time of the meeting.  

 

Dr. Robinson briefly presented an overview on the Race to the Top memorandum of understanding. 

 

All presentations were well received by the board of education.

 

4.  ACTION ITEMS

            a.  Medicaid Compliance Plan

Ms. Kathy Wetmore made a brief presentation on the Medicaid Compliance Plan. 

 

Motion made by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles to approve the Medicaid Compliance Plan as presented by Ms. Wetmore.    

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

b.      Approval of Elementary Behavioral Specialist   

 

MOTION by Mr. Rick Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendation, presented by Dr. Dutkowsky, as follows:

 

A.  APPOINTMENT - (This appointment is 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:                          Kim Guiffre

Tenure Area:                School Psychologist

                                                            Status:                          two year probationary

                                                            Commencing:                February 1, 2010

                                                            Salary:                          $52,666/yr. (Step 7) pro-rated

 

c.  NYSED Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to confirm district commitment to implement the Race to the Top strategies. 

 

Motion made by Dr. William Acker, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to approve the NYSED Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to confirm district commitment to implement the Race to the Top strategies. 

 

Mr. Gary DiLallo made note that he was very uncomfortable with this initiative and feels there may be “strings attached” when the federal government is distributing monies.  Indicated he will likely be voting against this approval. 

 

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer agreed with Mr. DiLallo, as the plan does not seem to be applicable to the Shenendehowa Central School District.  She believes the impact on administrators and future boards, as well as the type of reporting that is expected may weigh the district down.  She indicated that she would likely vote in the negative. 

 

Dr. William Acker expressed his excitement about this endeavor and feels there is an alignment between assessments and testing.  He feels there is value in the data assessment from which the Shenendehowa Central School District could benefit.  Dr. Acker noted his anticipated support in the affirmative. 

 

Mr. Rick Mincher felt that the timeline to commit to this project was very short-sighted and has been contrasting the risks and benefits of the initiative.  Mr. Mincher indicated that he would likely vote in support of the MOU. 

 

Mrs. Mary Wiggins posed the question, “Did NCLB make a difference?  Will this initiative make a difference?”  Mrs. Wiggins noted that Commissioner Steiner is an educator who understands the system and processes within education.  However, she would be dismayed to see a manipulation of the data collected.  Mrs. Wiggins stated her vote as undecided.

 

Mrs. Sharon Bowles asked if the Shenendehowa Central School District does not receive monies through this effort, what are we as a district required to do?  Is this simply an endorsement of a larger plan?

 

Dr. Robinson interjected that 80% of funds through the Race to the Top initiative will go to Big-5 district (based on Title I poverty index ratings).  The Shenendehowa Central School District will probably not benefit from the endeavor, however the support will be of advantage to other schools.  Overall, it is the support of the conditions and concerns that Shen would be providing through participation. 

 

Mrs. Janet Grey feels there is potential for this project to be a great opportunity.  Mrs. Grey did note that she feels like “she is signing a contract with blanks” and that as a board, we are being forced to sign on a quick deadline.  She is uncomfortable with the manner in which we are being asked to support this proposal. 

 

In favor – 4 (Mrs. Janet Grey, Mrs. Sharon Bowles, Dr. William Acker and Mr. Rick Mincher)

Against – 3 (Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, Mrs. Mary Wiggins)

 

5.                  ADJOURNMENT

Motion made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles to adjourn.

Motion carried, all in favor. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:49PM.

     

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Vanessa N. Ford

                                                                  Secretary to Clerk of the Board

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board