September 15 2009 Minutes FINAL

BOARD OF EDUCATION

Shenendehowa Central School District

Clifton Park, New York

Business Meeting

September 15, 2009

MEMBERS PRESENT:

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

OTHERS PRESENT:

Dr. Oliver Robinson, Mrs. Kelly DeFeciani, Mr. Thom Van Gelder, Mr. Donald Flynt, Mrs. Michelle Mylod, Mr. Michael Smith, Mrs. Jill Bush, Mr. Greg Pace, Mr. Joseph Nicolella, Mrs. Laraine Longhurst, Dr. Michael Dutkowsky, Mrs. Kristen Giudici

ABSENT:

Mrs. Mary Blaauboer

The meeting of the Board of Education was called to order at 7:04 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

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

Unanimously approved. Motion carried.

2. BOARD OF EDUCATION COMMENTS / REPORT

Mr. Rick Mincher commented on his visit to and the work of the Malone, NY 911 emergency corp. He also commented on the impressive presentation by Mr. Gregory Owens on Crucial Conversations at the Superintendent’s Conference Day.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins congratulated all on the opening of the school year. She indicated that the SCSBA meeting had been cancelled due to low enrollment; however she wanted to highlight the hard work and achievements of Robyn Ellen Messare in receiving National Board Certification. The next SCSBA meeting will be held on Monday, November 9^th – there is no October meeting due to the School Boards convention that month. There will be a Leadership Reception held at Michael’s Banquet House, admission is $15.00. Mrs. Wiggins will send further details via e-mail.

Mr. Gary DiLallo commented on the new athletic field dedication in that students will be able to benefit from its use on both curricular and interscholastic levels. He is very grateful Shenendehowa has such a facility on its campus.

Mrs. Sharon Bowles comments on the aquatics center and the 3^rd grade swim program. Mrs. Bowles also commented on the upcoming Carillon dedication and the impact it will have on current and future Shenendehowa students.

Mrs. Janet Grey noted that Mrs. Mary Blaauboer was absent this evening. She indicated that Mrs. Blaauboer recently attended the school board academy and will be sharing pertinent documents with the board. Mrs. Grey extended her thanks to buildings for the walk-through tours and opening day. She commended the maintenance staff on all of their hard work. She noted that Mr. Greg Owens was a wonderful highlight to the Opening Day program and that Crucial Conversations should be encouraged at Shenendehowa. Mrs. Grey commented further on the successful dedication of the athletic field.

Mrs. Janet Grey made note of the Goals document being reviewed at tonight’s meeting. She also indicated that she and Mr. Mincher will be attending the presidential inauguration of Dr. Robinson at the New York State Council of School Superintendents event on October 4^th.

Mrs. Grey mentioned the upcoming retirement of Mrs. Louise Cowan, congratulating her on this milestone, and expressing the fact that Mrs. Cowan will be very much missed within the district. Congratulations were also extended to Mrs. Robyn Ellen Messare on achieving National Board Certification.

3. a. PUBLIC COMMENTS

No public comments

3.b. STUDENT SENATE REPORT

Katya Lapina and Priya Kumar reported on the upcoming Homecoming and in-school Spirit Day on September 25^th. They are both very excited about the new athletic field facilities. There will be a semi-formal school spirit dance on September 26^th and a Powder Puff game scheduled for September 24^th.

4. SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

Dr. Robinson commented on having a great opening day. He extended his thanks to the board members who did walk-through opening day tours of the buildings. He indicated that their presence in the buildings makes a real impact on the students and staff.

The Carillon Bells dedication is in the process of being organized. Dr. Robinson noted graduates such as Mr. Richard Lee and Mr. Ken DeCerce who graduated from the first classes of Shenendehowa. We will be looking to involve alumnae in this event. The issue of reinstituting the alma mater was mentioned and we will be working with Matt Cremisio on this.

5. INFORMATION ITEMS

a. 2009-2010 District Goals

Dr. Robinson reviewed and highlighted the district goals for the following areas: Instructional Programs, Human Resources, Organizational Culture, Facilities & Operations and Budget & Finance.

b. Claims Audit Report

The claims audit reports were presented by Ms. Kathleen Wetmore for the months of April, May, June and July 2009. Ms. Wetmore received and addressed questions from Dr. Acker in regards to purchase orders and expediting shipments.

Mrs. Mary Wiggins thanked Ms. Wetmore and her team for the work done on this report. She also extended her appreciation to Vanessa Farley.

c. Audit Committee Meeting Minutes

d. Policies / Regulations

Mrs. Laraine Longhurst presented to policies and regulations for first reading. She indicated that the cover memo outlined the changes to the document. Mrs. Longhurst received and addressed questions from the board in regards to item 5.d.

6. CONSENT ITEMS

a. Treasurer’s Reports

Minutes

1) July 7, 2009

MOTION by Mr. Gary DiLallo, seconded by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, to accept the Treasurer’s Reports for and the Minutes of July 7, 2009 as presented.

Unanimously approved, motion carried.

7. ACTION ITEMS

a. Students

MOTION by Mrs. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mrs. Sharon Bowles, 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. Mary Wiggins, seconded by Mr. Gary DiLallo, 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: Richard McDonald

Tenure Area: Principal (Elementary)

Reason: Retirement after 20 years

Commencing: December 31, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Stephen Klein

Tenure Area: Science

Reason: Retirement after 37 years

Commencing: January 29, 2010 (end of day)

c) Name: Kevin Kralovic

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Reason: Retirement after 30 years

Commencing: January 31, 2010 (end of day)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Michael Goddard

Position: Bus Driver

Reason: Retirement after 16 years

Commencing: September 16, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Charmaine Schaefer

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Classroom)

Reason: Retirement after 16 years

Commencing: December 31, 2009 (end of day)

B. RESIGNATIONS

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Desiree Burke

Tenure Area: Music

Commencing: October 4, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Kristen Giudici

Tenure Area: Home Economics - General

Commencing: September 7, 2009 (end of day)

c) Name: Sean Gnat

Tenure Area: Assistant Principal (High School)

Commencing: September 7, 2009 (end of day)

d) Name: Matthew Heckman

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Commencing: September 7, 2009 (end of day)

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Laura Cavanaugh

Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)

Commencing: September 13, 2009 (end of day)

b) Name: Bradley Countermine

Position: Bus Driver

Commencing: August 28, 2009 (end of day)

c) Name: Lisa DeCelle

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Commencing: September 1, 2009 (end of day)

d) Name: Sarah Giecewicz

Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)

Commencing: September 16, 2009 (end of day)

e) Name: Christine Klein

Position: School Monitor (Elementary Cafeteria)

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

f) Name: Cynthia Lagace

Position: Bus Driver

Commencing: August 21, 2009 (end of day)

g) Name: Christine Orner

Position: Food Service Helper (part-time)

Commencing: August 28, 2009 (end of day)

h) Name: Danielle Vincent

Position: School Monitor (Secondary)

Commencing: August 31, 2009 (end of day)

i) Name: Ann Yund

Position: School Monitor (Secondary)

Commencing: August 20, 2009 (end of day)

C. RESCIND LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Lori Kessler

Tenure Area: Physical Education

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

D. LEAVE OF ABSENCE

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Gabrielle Carrozza

Tenure Area: General Special Education

Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing: 10/07/09 – 11/30/09

b) Name: Meredith Flynn

Tenure Area: Elementary

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 10/31/09 – 12/08/09

c) Name: Meredith Flynn

Tenure Area: Elementary

Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing: 12/09/09 – 01/03/10

d) Name: Jenny Pfaffenbach-Hicks

Tenure Area: Social Studies

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 10/14/09 – 12/08/09

e) Name: Jenny Pfaffenbach-Hicks

Tenure Area: Social Studies

Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing: 12/09/09 – 01/03/10

f) Name: Anna Russo

Tenure Area: English as a Second Language

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 10/16/09 – 12/08/09

g) Name: Anna Russo

Tenure Area: English as a Second Language

Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing: 12/09/09 – 01/03/10

h) Name: Amanda Trent

Tenure Area: Elementary

Reason: Unpaid FMLA

Commencing: 10/13/09 – 12/08/09

i) Name: Amanda Trent

Tenure Area: Elementary

Reason: Unpaid Child Rearing

Commencing: 12/09/09 – 01/03/10

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Benedetta Milham

Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)

Reason: Unpaid Personal

Commencing: 2009-2010 school year

E. ABANDONMENT OF POSITION

1) Classified Staff

a) Name: Jeffrey Robertson

Position: Bus Driver

Commencing: September 16, 2009

F. TERMINATION

1) Classified Staff

a) Name: Brian DeCerce

Position: Bus Driver

Reason: Section 73 Civil Service Law

Commencing: September 16, 2009

b) Name: Ruth Rossdeutscher

Position: Cook Manager

Reason: Section 73 Civil Service Law

Commencing: September 15, 2009

G. CREATION OF POSITION

1) Certified Staff

a) Position: Special Education

No. of Positions: 0.4 FTE

Commencing: September 1, 2009

2) Classified Staff

a) Position: Teacher Aide (Special Education)

No. of Positions: 34.5 hours/day

Commencing: September 1, 2009

H. CHANGE OF EMPLOYMENT

1) Certified Staff

a) Name: Kathleen Fay

From: 1.0 FTE Mathematics

To: 0.6 FTE Mathematics, 0.4 FTE Teacher on Special Assignment

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

b) Name: Jodi Rajchel

Position: 1.0 FTE Physical Education

Status: term

From Commencing: first semester 2009-2010 school year

To Commencing: 09/01/09 – 11/06/09

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

c) Name: Wendy Ryan

From Position: 0.4 FTE Mathematics

To Position: 0.8 FTE Mathematics

Status: term

Commencing: 09/01/09 – 06/30/10

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

2) Classified Staff

a) Name: Drupatie Chunoo

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.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

b) Name: Frederick Conley

From Position: Bus Driver; 3 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: Bus Driver; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $20.52/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)*

c) Name: Catherine Conroy

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $11.38/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 3)*

d) Name: Lori Cook

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

To Position: Bus Driver 21 hrs./wk., 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

e) Name: Catherine Gervais

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

f) Name: Diane Grover

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.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

g) Name: John Lemyre

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

To Position: Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

h) Name: Jean Ludlum

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

i) Name: Russell Mein

From Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 6 ¼ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

To Position: School Monitor (Secondary); 7 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $14.79/hr. (School Monitor Schedule, Step 2)*

j) Name: Christine Orner

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

To Position: Bus Driver; 4 ½ hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $20.52/hr. (School Bus Driver Schedule, Step 3)*

k) Name: Sandra Seeber

From Position: Bus Monitor; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $14.43/hr. (School Bus Monitor Schedule, Step 3)*

l) Name: Kimberly Somers

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

m) Name: Karen Vega

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $11.38/hr. (School Lunch Part Time Schedule, Step 3)*

n) Name: Diane Walsh

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

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

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

o) Name: Susan Wifladt

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

To Position: Bus Driver; 4 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

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

p) Name: Susan Zalewski

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

To Position: Food Service Helper (full-time); 6 hrs./day, 10 mos./yr.

Commencing: September 1, 2009

Salary: $12.77/hr. (School Lunch Full Time Schedule, Step 3)*

3) Transportation Change – see attached

*pending settlement of CSEA collective bargaining agreement

I. 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: Kristen Giudici

Tenure Area: Assistant Principal (High School)