Minutes – Regular Business Meeti

Meeting was called to order at 6:08 PM by Roderick Dressel Jr., Board President.

President Dressel appointed Maria Rice as Clerk Tempore for this portion of the meeting.

Motion made by Michael Swigart and seconded by David Dukler that the Board of SESSION

Education move into Executive Session at 6:10 PM for the purpose of discussing the specific

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:13 PM by Roderick Dressel, Board President.

Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent

ADDENDUM

12.7 Instructional Leave Replacement

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following instructional employee as a leave replacement:

Catherine Wanko School Psychologist Effective 2/4/08 – 6/30/09 MA, Step 1, $55,830 pro-rated

(Replacing Elise Coiteux)

12.8 Increase Hours for Non- Instructional Position from Part-time to Full-time

Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby increase hours from a part-time position to a full-time position for the following:

Betsy Griffin-Vesley Teacher Aide Effective 1/28/08 Increase hours from 5.5 hrs/day to 6.0 hrs/day

12.9 Home Tutor

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following instructional employee, on an as-needed basis with remuneration as per NPUT contract effective for the 2007-2008 school year:

Barbara Weiner

Mr. Dressel also announced that under Board Communications, the item regarding the African American Burial Ground will be postponed for a future meeting.

Ron Simon, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Cannot make decisions based on sentimentality

Sherry Osborne, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Embraces children walking to school

Lis Clock, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Enrollment doesn’t warrant new

KT Tobin, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Statement from New Paltz Greenworks Committee

Sue Stagen, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Stats don’t show need. Think it through.

Theresa Volitaire, New Paltz Greenworks – Middle School Dilemma: Why is new needed? Impacts global warming,

Liz Kelso, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Reuse and recycle - needs to be taught

Mary Woodburn, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Special Community that holds things dear

Sue Stagen, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Suggested extend school year to use facilities

Steve Greenfield, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Not holding to past but looking to future

Laura Gertler, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Concern over MS being located near HS

Terrence Ward, New Paltz – Middle School Dilemma: Not nostalgic. It’s about planning for the future.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT - Mike LaBrosse, Student Representative, reported on events and activities at the high school. Because of exams, few activities took place other than the noteworthy success of the Wrestling Team at the MHAL competition..

Ø SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice reported that Dan Torres, an amazing young man, went into Olympia Sports and saw that clothes were being sold with the New Paltz School School District name. He asked the owner if money was going to the district as a result of the sales. Because of his inquiry, the district will be getting some of the money from the sales. Mrs. Rice commented on Governor Spitzer’s proposed budget which was just released. If enacted, the total aide to the district would be a negative number in excess of $288,000. Since the district is considered a high wealth district we are at a disadvantage.

Ø MIDDLE SCHOOL DILEMMA COMMUNITY OUTREACH & FORUM – Mrs. Rice reported on the voice blog for those who do not want to or are not able to go on-line to provide input regarding the Middle School Dilemma. She reported on the comments made stating that one person said to sell the property, but all other comments supported renovation. Ms. Rice said that the blog comments supported what most people commented on this evening. Ms. Rice went on to report about the Duzine/Lenape PTA Forum. There was a 50/50 vote to build new vs. renovate. Ms. Rice reviewed various comments and concerns made at the meeting. David Dukler reported on the High School PTSA forum. There was split sentiment with similar ideas expressed. He reported that brainstorming was done at the forum, indicating that people are looking at both sides. Mrs. Rice went on to report on the Middle School Tour and Forum. Growth is not the reason for new vs. renovation. The need is based on the present condition of the middle school. Mrs. Rice turned over discussion to members of the board. Laura Walls asked that phone calls and small group meetings take place to involve Town of New Paltz Planning Board, Town of Gardiner, and Ulster County Planning Board prior to the Board of Education making a decision next week. She indicated that cost needs should be estimated so that the board can have a big picture analysis. Also, realtors should provide estimates as to the value of the middle school property. The next decision is to determine what the next steps are and what the timeline is. What are the top three/four things that we need to do after next week’s decision? Members need to agree on this. Hard data may change minds on how to proceed. Numbers that the board can look at and that the public can understand need to be presented. What is the value and what will the bonding cost? What is the highest and best use of the property? This will determine the value. Is acquisition of land a part of the future cost in this discussion? There is a cost of new, and cost of renovation and a cost of doing nothing. Members asked Mrs. Rice to provide them with the numbers for next week’s meeting. Firm cost estimates and the benefit to the education of our children are the issues that need to be addressed.

Ø FOOD SERVICE REPORT – Michael Robinson, Director of Food Services provided the members with the Food Services Operating Report for the 2006-2007 school year. He also gave an update on the status of the Nutrition Task Force recommendations. Questions and answers followed

Ø AFRICAN AMERICAN BURIAL GROUNDS DISCUSSION – This item on the agenda will be discussed at a future meeting.

Ø FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Rod Dressel reported on last week’s meeting during which the final interviews of the new Director of School Facilities & Operations took place. Meeting dates will be announced in the near future.

Ø POLICY COMMITTEE – No report was presented due to the absence of Patrick Rausch.

Ø HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Don Kerr reported that the Code of Conduct is in the process of revision.

David Dukler thanked the members who provided input in the interview process for the Director of Facilities & Operations.

Superintendent Rice announced that interviews for the Administrative Assistant will be starting soon with Laura Walls sitting in on the process. Mrs. Rice invited other member to participate.

BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the

Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby provisionally appoint Stephen J. Callahan as Director of School Facilities and Operations effective February 1, 2008 with an annually salary of $75,000 (prorated).

Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following instructional substitutes for the 2007/2008 school year:

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following instructional employee as a mentor for the 2007-2008 school year:

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the resignation of the following non-instructional employee:

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following:

Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby extend the appointment of the following non-instructional employees for an additional 20 days in anticipation of fingerprinting clearance.

Catherine Wanko School Psychologist Effective 2/4/08 – 6/30/09 MA, Step 1, $55,830 pro-rated

12.8 Increase Hours for Non- Instructional Position from Part-time to Full-time

Betsy Griffin-Vesley Teacher Aide Effective 1/28/08 Increase hours from 5.5 hrs/day to 6.0 hrs/day

14.1 Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the following Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) recommendations and student placements: 9302, 8161, 00001S, 10917, 9296, 9085, 147, 139, 9060.

Superintendent Rice reported that some changes need to be made to the calendar as presented. She reviewed those changes with the members who agreed to proceed with board action to accept the calendar as amended.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the 2008-2009 New Paltz Central School District Calendar as amended.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the 2008-2009 BOE Meetings Calendar for the 2009-2010 Budget/Election as presented and,

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the following 2008-2009 Board of Education Meeting Schedule:

14.5 Request for Approval to Establish the Seakill Custom Home Builders Scholarship

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education establish the Seakill Custom Home Builders Scholarship in the amount of $1,000 to be awarded to a graduating senior.

14.6 Request for Approval to Establish the Bart Groudine-Goldstein Scholarship

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education establish the Bart Groudine-Goldstein Scholarship in the amount of $250 to be awarded to a graduating senior.

Laura Walls asked that the recognition process continue. Superintendent Rice announced that an

July 2	Annual Organizational Meeting Regular/Workshop Meeting
July 16	Regular/Business Meeting
August 20	Regular/Business Meeting
September 3	Regular/Workshop Meeting
September 17	Regular/Business Meeting
October 1	Regular/Workshop Meeting
October 15	Regular/Business Meeting
November 5	Regular/Workshop Meeting
November 19	Regular/Business Meeting
December 3	Regular/Workshop Meeting
December 17	Regular/Business Meeting

January 7	Regular/Workshop Meeting
January 21	Regular/Business Meeting
February 4	Regular/Workshop Meeting
February 18	Regular/Business Meeting
February 25	Special Meeting – Budget Presentation
March 4	Regular/Workshop Meeting
March 18	Regular/Business Meeting
April 1	Regular/Workshop Meeting (Budget Hearing for Community Input)
April 15	Regular/Business Meeting (Budget Approval)
April 22	County-Wide Vote (BOCES)
May 6	Regular/Workshop & Public Hearing on Budget (Legal Requirement)
May 19 (Tuesday)	Annual Meeting - Election/Budget Vote
May 20	Regular/Business Meeting
June 3	Regular/Workshop Meeting
June 17	Regular/Business Meeting