BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Reorganizational Meeting

July 7, 2009

 

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Dr. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Ms. Amy Cullen, Mrs. Michelle Mylod, Mr. Robert Melia, and Glen Griffith-Community News

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 6:04 p.m. by Dr. Robinson, who presided over the meeting until the appointment of the board president.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Dr. Robinson led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.

 

Emergency Exits

 

Dr. Robinson pointed out the emergency exits from the room.

 

1.   ADOPT AGENDA

 

MOTION BY Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to accept this evening’s agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

2.   OATH/ELECTION

a. Oath of Office – Newly Elected Board Members

 

Ms. Wetmore swore in Dr. William Acker as a newly elected Board member and Mrs. Sharon Bowles and Mrs. Janet Grey as a re-elected Board members. 

 

b. Election of and Oath of Office – Board Officers

Dr. Robinson called for nominations for the president of the board of education. Mrs. Bowles nominated Mrs. Grey. There were no other nominations.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Sharon Bowles seconded by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer that Mrs. Janet Grey serves as Board President for the 2009-2010 school year.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Dr. Robinson swore in Mrs. Grey as president of the board of education, who then took over the presiding of the meeting.

 

Mrs. Grey called for nominations for the vice-president of the board of education. Mrs. Wiggins nominated Mrs. Bowles. There were no other nominations.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Janet Grey that Mrs. Sharon Bowles serve as Board Vice President for the 2009-2010 school year.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Mrs. Janet Grey swore in Mrs. Sharon Bowles as Board Vice President.

 

3.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS/REPORT

Mrs. Blaauboer offered her thanks and appreciation for the support of Mrs. Grey and Mrs. Bowles, noting that the leadership of the board this past year has been exceptional.

 

Mrs. Mary Wiggins offered congratulations to Mrs. Grey and Mrs. Bowles as well as the Shenendehowa graduates.

 

            Mr. Gary DiLallo thanked everyone who took an oath of office.

 

4.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

            None.

 

5.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Robinson distributed a draft version of the end of year report to board members for their review and reflection of the many things that are happening in the district. It was noted that the administrative retreat is coming up at the end of the month and feedback will be shared with the board shortly thereafter. The district goals will be presented to the board for review at the August 25th board meeting. 

 

Dr. Robinson noted that he and Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani have been meeting with the advanced team from the White House to receive Vice-President Joe Biden into the Shenendehowa Central School District.  Details of the event were still pending. Dr. Robinson noted that information about the event will be posted on the district’s website so that community members can access the information.  It is a tremendous honor for Shenendehowa to be chosen as site for the Vice President of the United States to visit. 

 

Dr. Robinson highlighted that there were several questions about the agenda items, which were addressed in advance.  Also, there were several modifications made to the board minutes of June 9, June 23 and June 30, 2009. Mrs. Mary Wiggins suggested that any minute revisions should be sent to the board members in advance of the meeting when action will be taken on said minutes. 

 

6.   CONSENT ITEMS

a.   Treasurer’s Reports

 

b.      Minutes

1)   June 9, 2009

2)   June 23, 2009

3)   June 30, 2009

 

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for June 2009 and the Minutes of June 9, June 23 and June 30, 2009, as presented. A brief review of changes to the minutes was made.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8.   ACTION ITEMS

a.   Approval of Code of Ethics

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher to accept the Code of Ethics as presented this evening.

 

Unanimously approved, motioned carried.

 

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items B through E (Approval of Annual Appointments,   Approval of Annual Authorizations, Authorization of Depositories/Petty Cash Funds, and Authorization of Employee Bondings) be “bundled” for approval. 

 

A brief discussion was raised as to how much the bonding cost.  Ms. Wetmore replied that the cost was $2,800.00, if done separately, it would likely cost more.  Dr. Acker asked “Have we needed this insurance in the past”?  He also asked about self-funding a portion of the bonding.  Ms. Wetmore indicated that the bonding includes the crime and prevention policies together.  

 

Mr. Rick Mincher asked about the item related to petty cash funds.  Ms. Wetmore said that the education foundation is totally separate and we do not deal with that all.  No checks even come to us for that. 

 

Also noted, the Free and Reduced Price Lunch Hearing Officer should be listed as Ms. Kathleen Wetmore instead of Mrs. Lisa Ostrowski and the Appeals to Free and Reduced Price Lunch should be the Assistant Superintendent-CIA.

 

Motion was made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles to approve the “bundled” items.  Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

 f.   Students

1)  Acceptance of Special Education Placements

 

Presented by Mrs. Michelle Mylod for 08-09 and 09-10 school years. 

 

MOTION by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services for the 08-09 & 09-10 school years 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. 

 

 

g.   Personnel

1)  Approval of Staffing Recommendations

 

Dr. Dutkowsky presented the staffing report with an addendum regarding the adult transition summer work program.  Dr. Dutkowsky indicated that items G.1. a & b should be deleted.

 

Dr. Dutkowsky commented on the retirement of Ms. Pamela Bird and wished her the very best in her future endeavors. 

 

Dr. Dutkowsky highlighted that the title changes for the academic administrators is a result of the recent administrative restructuring efforts. One area of tenure will be for Academic Administrator K-8. 

 

It was noted that the coaching appointments have been processed using the much more refined process, ensuring that coaching applications and licenses are on file and in compliance with SED Office of Teaching Initiatives standards.   The Human Resources office has been diligent in assuring that all paperwork is in compliance.   

 

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, 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)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Pamela Bird

                                    Tenure Area:                Foreign Language

                                    Commencing:             June 30, 2009 (end of day)

 

 

 

 

 

B.          RESIGNATIONS

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Steven Satterfield

Position:                       Academic Administrator for Special Education (Grades 9-12)

                                    Commencing:             July 25, 2009 (end of day)

 

2)                  Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Sharon Gully

            Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary)

            Commencing:             June 29, 2009 (end of day)

 

C.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Tara Fear

                                    Tenure Area:                English

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    Commencing:             09/08/0911/06/09

 

                        b)         Name:                         Tara Fear

                                    Tenure Area:                English

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing:             11/09/09 – end of first semester 2009-2010 school year

 

c)         Name:                         Lori Kessler

                                    Tenure Area:                Physical Education

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    Commencing:             09/08/0911/06/09

 

d)         Name:                         Lori Kessler

                                    Tenure Area:                Physical Education

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing:             11/09/09 – end of first semester 2009-2010 school year

 

                        e)         Name:                         Robyn-Ellen Messare

                                    Tenure Area:                Music

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    Commencing:             09/01/0910/08/09

 

                        f)          Name:                         Robyn-Ellen Messare

                                    Tenure Area:                Music

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Child-Rearing

Commencing:             10/09/09 – end of first semester 2009-2010 school year

 

D.         ABOLISHMENT OF POSITION

            1)         Certified Staff

a)          Position:                     Academic Administrator for ELA/Social Studies (Kindergarten-Grade 5)

                                    No. of Positions:                      1.0 FTE

                                    Commencing:             June 30, 2009

 

E.          CREATION OF POSITION

            1)         Certified Staff

a)         Position:                       Special Education

                                    No. of Positions:                      0.5 FTE

                                    Commencing:             July 1, 2009

 

                        b)         Position:                       Art/Music/Physical Education

                                    No. of Positions:                      0.5 FTE

                                    Commencing:             July 1, 2009

 

F.          CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Diane Betzweiser

From Position:              Academic Administrator for Science (Grades 6-8)

To Position:                  Academic Administrator for Science (Kindergarten-Grade 8)

                                    Effective:                     July 8, 2009

 

                        b)         Name:                         Diane DeSilva

From Position:              Academic Administrator for English Language Arts (Grades 6-8)

To Position:                  Academic Administrator for English Language Arts (Kindergarten-Grade 8)

                                    Effective:                     July 8, 2009

 

                        c)         Name:                         Carrie Peverly

From Position:              Academic Administrator for Mathematics (Grades 6-8)

To Position:                  Academic Administrator for Mathematics (Kindergarten-Grade 8)

                                    Effective:                     July 8, 2009

 

                        d)         Name:                         Michael Gutchell

From Position:              Academic Administrator for Social Studies (Grades 6-8)

To Position:                  Academic Administrator for Social Studies (Kindergarten-Grade 8)

                                    Effective:                     July 8, 2009

 

                        e)         Name:                         Jill Gould

From Position:              Academic Administrator for Mathematics/Science (Grades K-5)

To Position:                  Academic Administrator for Kindergarten-Grade 8 Programs

                                    Effective:                     July 8, 2009

 

 

 

 

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:                         Megan Beauchamp

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE School Counselor

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             first semester 2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $49,547/yr. (Step 5) pro-rated

 

            b)         Name:                         Megan Beauchamp

                        Position:                       School Counselor

                        Commencing:             07/01/0908/31/09

                        Salary:                          per diem up to fifteen (15) days

 

c)         Name:                         Jonathan Coleman

                        Position:                       0.6 FTE Art

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             09/01/0906/30/10

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

 

            d)         Name:                         Travis Dillabough

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE Social Studies

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             first semester 2009-2010 school year

                        Salary:                          $42,327/yr. (Step 1) pro-rated

 

e)         Name:                         Elizabeth Fiorillo

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE School Psychologist

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             first semester 2009-2010 school year

Salary:                          $46,611/yr. (Step 3) pro-rated, stipend pro-rated

 

            f)          Name:                         Nicole Narcavage

                        Position:                       0.8 FTE English 

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             09/01/0906/30/10

                        Salary:                          $54,298/yr. (Step 8) pro-rated

 

            g)         Name:                         Eileen Chera

                        Tenure Area:                Elementary

                        Status:                          2 year Probationary

                        Commencing:             September 1, 2009

                        Salary:                          $78,324/yr. (Step 20)

                       

            h)         Name:                         Audrey Kuhn

                        Tenure Area:                Elementary

                        Status:                          3 year Probationary

                        Commencing:             September 1, 2008

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

 

i)          Name:                         Ashley Stoddard

                        Tenure Area:                Foreign Language

                        Status:                          3 year Probationary

                        Commencing:             September 1, 2009

                        Salary:                          $43,851/yr. (Step 1)

 

            j)          Name:                         Daniel D’Amboise

                        Commencing:             07/01/0908/31/09

                        Salary:                          per diem rate up to five (5) days

 

k)         Name:                         Michael Smith

                        Commencing:             07/01/0908/31/09

                        Salary:                          per diem rate up to seven (7) days

 

2)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Jacalyn Geisel

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education); 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

b)         Name:                         Christine Klein

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

            Status:                          Labor

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$15.75/hr. (Cafeteria Monitor Schedule, Step 4)

 

c)         Name:                         Lisa LaDuke

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

            Status:                          Probationary, Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

d)         Name:                         Melissa Martin

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

            Status:                          Probationary, Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

e)         Name:                         Sandra Saia

Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education); 6 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary, Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

 

f)          Name:                         Michelle Schweda

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

            Status:                          Probationary, Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             September 1, 2009

Salary:                          *$16.00/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 2)

 

g)         Name:                         Beverly Girard

            Position:                       Typist

            Commencing:             06/25/0906/26/09

Salary:                          *$19.04/hr. (Clerical Schedule, Group C, Step 5)

 

*pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

 

3)                   Summer Work

a)                  Summer Curriculum – see attached

b)                  Summer Special Education Program – see attached

c)                  Coaching Appointments – see attached

 

4)                   Elementary Instructional Coordinators – see attached

 

5)         DLST and District Administrative Support Staff Salaries – see attached

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

h.    Business Affairs

 

1)  Bid

 

2)   Adoption of Free and Reduced Price Policy

 

3)   Approval of Agreement to Participate in Monroe 2 – Orleans BOCES Project Lead the Way Bid

 

            4)   Intermunicipal Agreement with Questar III BOCES

 

5)   Authorization of Third Party Administrator Agreement for Tax Sheltered Annuities with Omni Group

 

Discussion

 

Mrs. Mary Wiggins complimented Mrs. Lisa Ostrowski on her work with the food service program.  She is impressed by the budget numbers and the way Mrs. Ostrowski maintained the overall integrity of the program.

 

Dr. William Acker had an inquiry related to the BOCES Questar III Intermunicipal Agreement..  Specifically, he inquired about the basis of the 8% increase.  Ms. Wetmore replied that the change is in personnel who are assigned to do the work at Shenendehowa. 

 

Dr. Acker also asked if we do any business with Questar III BOCES and will this be a conflict of interest.  Ms. Wetmore indicated that we access some other services, such as state aid planning, however, this does not impact the ability to use them for internal functions.  Dr. Robinson noted this arrangement has been cleared through the Comptrollers Office.

 

Mr. DiLallo asked if they participate in Tech Valley High School as well. 

 

Mr. Mincher commented that he is thrilled that Dr. Acker catches these items and brings them up at the Board meetings. 

 

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items h. 1-5 be “bundled” for approval.  A motion was made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles. 

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

 

            6)   Use of Cell Phones

 

7)   Approval of Compensation and Fee Schedule

 

            8)   Use of District Credit Cards

 

Mrs. Janet Grey recommended that items h. 6-8 be “bundled” for approval.  Motion made by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Dr. William Acker. 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

It was noted that the district’s cell phone provider is Nextel.

 

9)  Approval of Facility Use Fees

 

Mr. Rick Mincher asked if the facility use fee schedule can be modified half way through the year. Dr. Robinson noted that Mrs. Amy Cullen closely monitor the facility use requests and modifications can be made as deemed appropriated. He also highlighted the schedule not reflect fees for the upgraded athletic fields and the pool. He noted that the intent is not to make profit, but to cover the main overhead costs, mainly labor in most cases.  

 

Dr. William Acker asked about recovering costs in relation to the “group two” users. Dr. Robinson noted that the large majority of users fall under the Group One category.  Mr. Gary DiLallo asked to clarify that in regards to school related groups, the costs incorporated into fees are additional to primary fees.  

 

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer expressed her appreciation that there is such a system in place that residents and those outside of the district are able to use the facilities.  She feels it promotes a strong sense of community and she is very grateful.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Wiggins seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo that the Board of Education approves the facility use fees for the 2009-2010 school year. (Copies of these fees are on file in the official minutes folder.)

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

Dr. Robinson provided Mrs. Grey with a copy of the authorized press release from the White House about the impending visit of Vice President Biden. Mrs. Grey read the release.

 

Dr. Robinson noted that the Board of Education members will be receiving tickets to the event. 

 

8.   PUBLIC COMMENTS

 

No additional public comments.  Mrs. Janet Grey noted to move into Executive Session to discuss contractual issues.  

 

Motion by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins to convene to executive session.  Motion carried, all in favor.  

 

No actions were taken in executive session.

 

Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker to adjourn.  Motion carried, all in favor.  Meeting adjourned at 7:13PM.

 

 

9.   ADJOURNMENT

 

It was noted that the Board retreat will begin at 4:30PM on Wednesday, July 22, 2009. 

 

 

                                                                  Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Vanessa N. Ford

                                                                  Secretary to Clerk of the Board

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board