BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Business Meeting

December 8, 2009

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

Mrs. Janet Grey, Mrs. Sharon Bowles, Dr. William Acker, Mr. Gary DiLallo, Mr. Rick Mincher, Mrs. Mary Wiggins, Mrs. Mary Blaauboer

OTHERS PRESENT:

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Diane Betzweiser, Mrs. Claire Brown, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mrs. Vanessa Farley, Mrs. Robin Gawrys, Mrs. Kristen Giudici, Mr. Robert Melia, Mrs. Charlene Opatkiewicz, Mr. Greg Pace, Mr. Greg Schaefer, Mrs. Molly Towne, Ms. Rose Velan, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Mrs. Elizabeth Wood

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:07 p.m. by Mrs. Janet Grey.  It was noted that the Board of Education met in Executive Session.  The executive session was called to order at 6:00PM by Mrs. Janet Grey, motion made by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer to convene to executive session at 6:01PM.  All members of the board were present. Also in attendance during executive session were Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mrs. Jill Bush, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore and Mr. David Christopher.  The board discussed the specifics of a parent appeal of the superintendent’s decision to deny a change in bus stop.  Formal action was to be made in public session.  The board also discussed the specifics of collective bargaining with the CSEA and SUSA groups.  No action was taken in executive session.  Motion made by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Dr. Will Acker to reconvene to public session at 7:03PM. 

 

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

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept the agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

 

2.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

            Dr. William Acker opened the board comments, reflecting on his meeting with Commissioner of Education, David Steiner.  Dr. Acker felt there were some very exciting initiatives that are underway, including forward-thinking plans to address all types of student learning.

 

            Mrs. Mary Blaauboer commented on a letter written to the editor of The Times Union regarding the importance of the Friendship Dinner.  Mrs. Blaauboer reflected on the valuable lessons that the Orenda Holiday Shop, such as teaching students about budgeting & spending, kindness and volunteerism.  She also attended the chorus and orchestra concert at Orenda Elementary.  Lastly, Mrs. Blaauboer mentioned an article written in the SAANYS journal on state academic standards which she felt was very well presented. 

 

      Mr. Rick Mincher noted that he attended the Gowana Partnership Team meeting, with Mrs. Robin Gawrys at the lead.  He felt she did a very strong job and anticipates more good things to come from Mrs. Gawrys.  Mr. Mincher also polled those in attendance at the board meeting to see who knew where the AED was located in the building to emphasize the importance of planning prior to being in the midst of a critical situation.  The metaphorical meaning was meant to focus our understanding of what tools are available as we face potential economic crisis with the proposed initiatives announced by Governor David Paterson.

 

            Mrs. Mary Wiggins expressed her joy of the upcoming holiday season.  She asked those in attendance to please remember the holiday concerts, and all of the hard work that Mr. Matt Cremisio and the music staff put into preparing for these events.  She noted that the Saratoga County School Boards meeting for December has been cancelled.  The next scheduled meeting is on February 8, 2010, with Shenendehowa serving as host.     

 

            Mr. Gary DiLallo provided reflections on recent activity with Albany legislature, noting that it is not out of the realms to see mid-year reductions. 

 

            Mrs. Sharon Bowles noted that she attended the high school Program of Studies kick-off session, in which the focus was helping prepare students to meet the demands of 21st Century.  Mrs. Bowles felt there were several dynamic groups that helped to focus the conversations and direction of the meeting.  She noted that a lot of emphasis was placed on “soft skills”, such as attitude, perseverance, interpersonal and communication skills.

 

            Mrs. Janet Grey commented on how well attended the Community Conversations with the Superintendent was at Chango Elementary.  Mrs. Grey also took a moment to acknowledge Mr. Ben Roberts’ attendance at the meeting, as well as his pending appointment as the new principal at Arongen Elementary.    

             

3.a.      STUDENT SENATE REPORT

Priya Kumar spoke about the Student Senate’s Holiday Match, raising funds to be donated to Hannah’s Hope.  Hannah Sames is a student at Tesago Elementary who has been diagnosed with Giant Axonal Neuropathy (GAN).  GAN is a rare neurological disorder that impacts every nerve cell in the body.  Miss Kumar reported on the great participation for this effort and is happy to know the Student Senate is helping one of our own. 

 

 

3.b.      PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments.

 

4.   SUPERINTENDENT’S COMMENTS

Dr. Robinson spoke on the issue of government and school aid, including possible mid-year cuts.  As President and a member of the New York State Council of School Superintendents, he indicated that they are looking to join forces to orchestrate possible legal action to prevent these cuts from happening.  Dr. Robinson also spoke about the efforts of the Diversity Committee to organize a community-wide celebration of the differences that make Shenendehowa such a dynamic learning community. 

 

5.   TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Dutkowsky presented three names to receive tenure.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, that the tenure recommendations presented by Dr. Dutkowsky be accepted. 

 

Name

Tenure Area

Date

Administrator

 

 

 

 

Judimarie Bodien

LOTE

01/31/2010

G. Schaefer

 

 

 

 

Alison LeClerc

Elementary

12/31/2009

E. Wood

 

 

 

 

Elizabeth Wood

Elementary Principal

01/01/2010

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

6.  INFORMATION ITEMS

      a.  Claims Audit Reports (August, September, October 2009)

  1. Audit Committee Meeting Minutes - November 30, 2009

Ms. Kathleen Wetmore presented highlights from the Claims Audit Reports & Audit Committee Meeting minutes and addressed questions from board members. 

 

      c.  Three-Year Financial Forecast

            Ms. Kathleen Wetmore presented the three-year financial forecast. Ms. Wetmore covered areas related to salaries, benefits, contracts and retirement contributions through TRS/ERS.  She indicated that the state aid scenario does not look promising.

 

            Dr. Robinson noted that the information provided is not a budget in itself, it is purely an exercise to provide a backdrop to look at the development of the budget over the next several months. 

 

            Ms. Wetmore addressed and answered questions from board members. 

 

7.  CONSENT ITEMS

a.   Treasurer’s Reports

  1. Minutes

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items 7.a. &  7.b (1 and 2) be combined for approval on the agenda. 

 

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for and the Minutes of November 10th and November 24th, 2009 as presented.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8.   ACTION ITEMS

a.1.   Special Education Placements

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services presented by Mrs. Michelle Mylod, based upon the recommendation of the District Committee on Special Education, the Committee on Special Education Subcommittee, and the Committee on Preschool Special Education.  (These documents are on file in the official minute folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

  b.  Personnel

1)  Approval of Staffing Recommendations

MOTION by Mr. Rick Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the staffing recommendations, presented by Dr. Dutkowsky, as follows:

 

A.         RETIREMENT, with appreciation and regret

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Carolyn Eckles

                                    Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                                    Reason:                       Retirement after 20 years

                                    Commencing:             April 16, 2010 (end of day)

 

B.          RESIGNATION

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Patricia Laiacona

                                    Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

                                    Commencing:             December 8, 2009 (end of day)

 

b)         Name:                         Thomas Popielarz

                                    Position:                       Automotive Repairer

                                    Commencing:             November 18, 2009 (end of day)

 

                        c)         Name:                         Genevieve Willsey

                                    Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time)

                                    Commencing:             November 16, 2009 (end of day)                                

 

C.         AMEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Amy Green

                                    Position:                       Account Clerk Typist

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    From Commencing:    09/19/09 – 11/13/09

                                    To Commencing:        09/19/09 – 11/12/09

 

D.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Judith Gardner

                                    Position:                       Bus Driver

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Personal

                                    Commencing:             02/01/10 – 03/26/10

 

E.          CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Julia Timpanaro

From Position:              Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position:                  Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                    Status:                          Permanent; Labor

                                    Commencing:             December 9, 2009

                                    Salary:                          $12.29/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 6)*

 

            2)         Transportation Changes – see attached

 

F.          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:                         Travis Dillabough

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE Social Studies

                        Status:                          term    

                        Commencing:             second semester 2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $45,210/yr. (Step 2) pro-rated

 

b)         Name:                         Carol Goliber-Sibson

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE Mathematics

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             second semester 2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $45,210/yr. (Step 2) pro-rated

 

            c)         Name:                         Cathleen King

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE English Language Arts

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             second semester 2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $45,210/yr. (Step 2) pro-rated

 

            d)         Name:                         Christopher Mars

                        Position:                       Auditorium Manager – High School-East Building

                        Commencing:             2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $2,000 Stipend

 

            e)         Name:                         Christopher Mars

                        Position:                       Auditorium Manager– High School-East Building

                        Commencing:             2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $25/hr. (evenings/weekends)

 

            f)          Name:                         Elizabeth Mars

Position:                       Auditorium Assistant Manager– High School-East Building

                        Commencing:             2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $25/hr. (evenings/weekends)

 

2)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Vanessa Cambria

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)*

 

b)         Name:                         Laura Evans

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

Salary:                          $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)*

 

c)         Name:                         Janet Green

Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria); 2 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $14.43/hr. (Cafeteria Monitor Schedule, Step 1)*

 

d)         Name:                         Lorraine Ketchum

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

Salary:                          $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 1)*

 

e)         Name:                         Patricia Laiacona

            Position:                       Typist; 3 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $14.23/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group B, Step 1)*

 

f)          Name:                         Olivia Morrison

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

Salary:                          $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)*

 

g)         Name:                         Julie Nelson

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

Salary:                          $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)*

 

h)         Name:                         Elizabeth Pishkula

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

Salary:                          $15.65/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 1)*

 

i)          Name:                         Walter Reilly

            Position:                       Bus Driver; 2 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $18.73/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 1)*

 

j)          Name:                         Matthew Robinson

            Position:                       Automotive Repairer; 8 hrs./day, 12 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $19.25/hr. (Automotive Repairer Schedule, Step 1)*

 

k)         Name:                         Phyllis Thompson

Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             December 9, 2009

            Salary:                          $10.77/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 1)*

 

STAFFING RECOMMENDATIONS FOR 12/08/09 BOARD AGENDA (ADDENDUM)

 

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:                         Benjamin Roberts

Tenure Area:                Principal (Elementary School)

                                    Status:                          three year probationary

                                    Commencing:             January 11, 2010

                                    Salary:                          $95,000/yr. (pro-rated)

 

Dr. Dutkowsky noted his gratitude for the service of Ms. Carolyn Eckles as a special education teacher aide and noted the pending appointment of Mr. Ben Roberts as the incoming Arongen principal. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

2)  Ratification of the CSEA Contract

MOTION by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, that the Board of Education approve the ratification of the CSEA contract, as presented by Dr. Dutkowsky.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

  c.    Business Affairs

1)  Amendment to 403(b) Plan Document

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher, to accept business item 8.c.1. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

      2)  Annual Visual Inspection

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Dr. Will Acker, to accept business item 8.c.2. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

3)      Bids (3)

4)      Change Orders (3)

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items 8.c.3 &  8.c.4 be combined for approval on the agenda. 

 

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher, to accept business items 8.c.3 and 8.c.4.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

5)      Contracted Services - Facilities

6)      Contracted Services – Professional Development

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items 8.c.5 &  8.c.6 be combined for approval on the agenda. 

 

MOTION by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, to accept business items 8.c.5 and 8.c.6.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

7)      Disposal of Used Furniture, Equipment & Books

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, to accept business item 8.c.7.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8)      Donations

MOTION made by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, to accept business item 8.c.8.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

9)      Establishment of the Gale Munson PEACE Memorial Fund

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker, to accept business item 8.c.9.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Mrs. Grey expressed her thanks to Mr. Munson for his consideration of establishing this fund at Shenendehowa, honoring Mrs. Munson.

 

10)  Purchase of Service Agreements – Consolidated Grant

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher, to accept business item 8.c.10.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

11)  Appeal of Parent Concerning Bus Stop

MOTION made by Mr. Rick Mincher, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept business item 8.c.11 as denied.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

9. PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments

 

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

 

Motion carried, all in favor. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:23PM.

 

  1.  ADJOURNMENT

 

                                                                 

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Vanessa N. Ford

                                                                  Secretary to Clerk of the Board

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board