BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

 

Business Meeting

October 13, 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. Oliver Robinson, Mr. Bruce Ballan, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mr. Jim Cusack, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mr. Donald Flynt, Mrs. Robin Gawrys, Mrs. Christine Koblensky, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Mr. Jason Marra, Mr. Robert Melia, Mrs. Lisa Mickle, Mr. Joseph Nicolella, Mrs. Molly Towne, Ms. Kathleen Wetmore

 

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:05 p.m. by Mrs. Janet Grey.  It was noted that the Board of Education met in Executive Session at 6:00PM to discuss personnel litigation and negotiations. 

 

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 Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept the agenda as presented.

 

Unanimously approved.  Motion carried.

 

2.   BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

            Dr. William Acker attended training sessions at the Karigon and Okte Partnership Teams.

 

            Mr. Rick Mincher attended the Shenendehowa Education Foundation awards, as well as the Carillon Tower Dedication.  He noted how impressed he was with the diversity of attendees.  Mr. Mincher also was present at the New York State Council of School Superintendents annual meeting, at which Dr. Robinson was inaugurated as their President. 

 

            Mrs. Mary Wiggins attended the Saratoga County School Board Association meeting, held in conjunction with the Adirondack Area School Board Association.  Dr. Tom Rogers spoke very highly of Dr. Robinson at the meeting.  The next meeting will be held on November 9th with Saratoga Springs hosting.  The remaining meetings are as follows:  1/11/10, 2/8/10 (tentative snow date), 3/8/10 and 5/10/10.

 

            Mr. Gary DiLallo highlighted the recent milestone achievements of Shen coaches Mr. Mike Campisi and Mr. Brent Steuerwald.  He spoke on the fact that while as coaches they provide their players with athletic technique and skills, they more so provide the value of character and teamwork. 

 

            Mrs. Sharon Bowles commented on the success of the Carillon Tower dedication.

 

            Mrs. Janet Grey noted that this is National School Board Recognition Week.  Mrs. Grey shared that this is the finest board she has had the privilege of working with.  She also noted her attendance at the New York State Council of School Superintendents annual meeting and Dr. Robinson’s inauguration as NYSCOSS President.  Mrs. Grey mentioned details regarding the upcoming NYSSBA convention in New York City.   

             

3. a.     PUBLIC COMMENTS

            No public comments

 

3.b.      STUDENT SENATE REPORT

Katya Lapina and Priya Kumar commented on the upcoming Suburban Leadership Conference on November 26th.  The handball tournament/fundraiser will be held on November 13th. 

 

4.   SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The board is being presented with a small token of appreciation in honor of their service as school board members.  Dr. Robinson reported highlights of his meeting with Commissioner Steiner and Chancellor Tisch. 

 

5.   INFORMATION ITEMS

a.  Independent Audit Report

Mr. Jim Cusack and Mr. Jason Marra presented their finding on the Internal Audit Report.  Highlights included review of financial statements, accounting and policies, Federal grant programs, club accounts for students.  Overall, they feel the process went very well, as this is the second year working with the district.  Questions from the board members were addressed and answered by Ms. Kathleen Wetmore and Mr. Jim Cusack. 

 

6.  TENURE RECOMMENDATIONS

Dr. Dutkowsky presented two names to receive tenure.

 

MOTION BY Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Rick Mincher, that the tenure recommendation presented by Dr. Dutkowsky be accepted. 

 

Name

Tenure Area

Date

Administrator

 

 

 

 

Amber Quinn

Social Studies

 

11/15/09

D. Flynt

Laura Lamberton

General Special Education

09/17/09

M. Towne

 

 

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

7.  CONSENT ITEMS

a.   Treasurer’s Reports

 

  1. Minutes – August 25, 2009

 

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for and the Minutes of August 25, 2009 as presented.

 

Mrs. Mary Wiggins asked that page 7 of the August 25, 2009 minutes be changed to read “Mrs. Mary Wiggins commented that she is proud to have Mr. Gary DiLallo serve as Shenendehowa’s voting delegate, and was pleased to have had the opportunity to serve as alternate at the 2008 convention.”

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8.   ACTION ITEMS

a.1.   Special Education Placements

 

MOTION by Mr. Rick Mincher, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, that the Board of Education approve the special education placements and services 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 Mrs. Sharon Bowles, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, 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:                         Donna Lynch

                                    Tenure Area:                Social Studies

                                    Reason:                       Retirement after 25 years

                                    Commencing:             February 1, 2010 (end of day)

 

            2)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Joann Brady

                                    Position:                       Bus Driver

                                    Reason:                       Retirement after 15 years

                                    Commencing:             September 30, 2009 (end of day)

 

b)         Name:                         Marcelle Etringer

                                    Position:                       Typist

                                    Reason:                       Retirement after 13 years

                                    Commencing:             October 16, 2009 (end of day)

 

                        c)         Name:                         Madeleine Hahn

                                    Position:                       School Monitor (Elementary Classroom)

                                    Reason:                       Retirement after 19 years

                                    Commencing:             February 1, 2010 (end of day)

 

B.          RESIGNATIONS

            1)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Cindy Altier

            Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary)

            Commencing:             October 9, 2009 (end of day)

 

b)         Name:                         Darlene Buttimer

            Position:                       Food Service Helper (part-time)

            Commencing:             September 25, 2009 (end of day)

 

c)         Name:                         Elizabeth Ross

            Position:                       Food Service Helper (full-time)

            Commencing:             August 31, 2009 (end of day)

 

C.         AMEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Jenny Pfaffenbach-Hicks

                                    Tenure Area:                Social Studies

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    From Commencing:    10/14/09 – 12/08/09

                                    To Commencing:        10/28/09 – 12/08/09

 

D.         LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Maureen Corrigan

                                    Tenure Area:                Elementary

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    Commencing:             11/11/09 – 12/08/09

 

                        b)         Name:                         Maureen Corrigan

                                    Tenure Area:                Elementary

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Child Rearing

                                    Commencing:             12/09/09 – 01/03/10

 

            2)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Martha Graziano

                                    Position:                       Registrar

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

                                    Commencing:             intermittent commencing November 2, 2009

 

 

                        b)         Name:                         Amy Green

                                    Position:                       Account Clerk Typist

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid FMLA

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

 

E.          EXTEND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

            1)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Amanda Fava

                                    Tenure Area:                Elementary

                                    Reason:                       Unpaid Child Rearing

                                    Commencing:             second semester 2009-2010 school year

 

F.          CREATION OF POSITION

            1)         Certified Staff

a)         Position:                       Physical Education

                                    No. of Positions:                      0.1 FTE

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

 

                        b)         Position:                       Field Hockey Coach

                                    No. of Positions:                      1.0

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

 

            2)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Position:                       Teacher Aide (Special Education)

                                    No. of Positions:                      7.0 hours/day

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

 

G.         CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

            1)         Certified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Stephen Decker

                                    From Position:              0.9 FTE Physical Education

                                    To Tenure Area:                        Physical Education

                                    Status:                          three year probationary

                                    Commencing:             September 29, 2009

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

 

b)         Name:                         Joann Hanson

                                    From:                           0.5 FTE Elementary

                                    To:                                1.0 FTE Elementary

                                    Commencing:             September 1, 2009

 

            2)         Classified Staff

                        a)         Name:                         Jacalyn Geisel

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

To Position:                  Teacher Aide (Special Education); 7 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                        b)         Name:                         Cathy Gurwitz

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

To Position:                  School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria); 2 ¾ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                    Commencing:             September 1, 2009

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

 

                        c)         Name:                         James Harding

                                    From Position:              Bus Driver; 2.3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                    To Position:                  Bus Driver; 21.5 hrs./wk., 10 mos./yr.

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

                                    Salary:                          $19.96/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)*

 

d)         Name:                         William Lukens

                                    From Position:              Bus Driver; 2 ½ hrs./day, 10  mos./yr.

                                    To Position:                  Bus Driver; 5 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

                                    Commencing:             October 14, 2009

                                    Salary:                          $19.96/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 2)*

 

                        e)         Name:                         Erik Smith

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

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

                                    Commencing:             October 1, 2009

Salary:                          $16.40/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 3)*

 

f)          Name:                         Kathleen Watrobski

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

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

                                    Commencing:             October 1, 2009

Salary:                          $17.54/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 5)*

 

g)         Name:                         Donna Wiseman

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

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

                                    Commencing:             October 1, 2009

Salary:                          $17.54/hr. (Special Education Aide Schedule, Step 5)*

 

            3)         Transportation Change – see attached

 

                                    *pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

H.         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:                         Katherine Helgerson

                        Position:                       0.4 FTE LOTE

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             10/14/09 – 06/30/10

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

 

b)         Name:                         Neil Kelsey

                        Position:                       1.0 FTE Elementary

                        Status:                          term

                        Commencing:             second semester 2009-2010 school year

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

 

c)         Name:                         Brittaney Rosmarin

                        Tenure Area:                Home Economics - General

                        Status:                          three year probationary

                        Commencing:             November 16, 2009

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

 

2)         Classified Staff

a)         Name:                         Raymond Coughlin

Position:                       School Monitor (Secondary); 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

b)         Name:                         Tammy Crivelli

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

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

c)         Name:                         Jennifer Kyea

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

            Status:                          Temporary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             10/14/09 – 06/30/10

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

 

d)         Name:                         Frances Matson

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

            Status:                          Probationary; Competitive

            Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

 

 

 

 

e)         Name:                         Laura Pieniazek

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

            Status:                          Probationary; Labor

            Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

f)          Name:                         Anthony Pizzo

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

            Status:                          Probationary; Non-Competitive

            Commencing:             October 14, 2009

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

 

                                    *pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

 

3)                   Mentors – $1,000 stipend - see attached

 

4)                   Summer Work – see attached

 

5)                   Instructional Coordinator – see attached

 

6)                   Homework Club/Morning Activities – see attached

 

7)                   Coaching Appointments – see attached

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

  c.    Business Affairs

 

1)  Acceptance of 2008-2009 Audit Report

 

MOTION made by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Dr. William Acker, to accept item 7.c.1.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried. 

 

      2)  Contracts – Special Education Tuition

 

3)   Contracted Services for Special Education

 

            4)   Contracted Services for ESL Students

 

5)      Health Insurance Broker Final Appointment

 

6)      Bids (2)

 

It was requested that items 2-6 be bundled for approval. 

 

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, to accept business items 2-6.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

7)      Contract Extensions (2)

 

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, to accept business item 7.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

8)      Change Order

 

9)      Revised Change Order

 

It was requested that items 8-9 be bundled for approval. 

 

MOTION made by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, to accept business items 8-9.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

  d.    Policies & Procedures

  

MOTION made by Mrs. Mary Blaauboer, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, to accept business items 8.d.

 

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

 

9. PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments

 

Motion by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Dr. William Acker to adjourn. 

Motion carried, all in favor. 

Meeting adjourned at 8:13PM.

 

  1. ADJOURNMENT

 

                                                                 

Respectfully submitted,

                                                                  Vanessa N. Ford

                                                                  Secretary to Clerk of the Board

 

                                                                  Approved by: _____________________

                                                                  Kathleen A. Wetmore

                                                                  Clerk of the Board