CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                                 CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                              QUORUM CHECK

                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr. (arrived 6:28 PM)

David Dukler

Steven Greenfield

Don Kerr

Patrick Rausch

                                                                Edgar Rodriguez (arrived 6:17 PM)

                                                                Laura Walls

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

                                                                Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent

                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent

ROLL CALL

The roll was called as reflected above.

EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                                      EXECUTIVE

Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of                                                      SESSION

Education move into Executive Session at 6:04 PM for the purpose discussing the

employment history of particular individuals, the school history or particular students

in accordance with their FERPA rights, and litigation.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by

Steve Greenfield that the board return to Public Session at 6:29 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                                                     CALL TO ORDER

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:03 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                             QUORUM CHECK

                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr.

David Dukler

Steven Greenfield

Don Kerr

Patrick Rausch

                                                                Edgar Rodriguez

                                                                Laura Walls

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

                                                                Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent

                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services

                                                                Barbara Clinton, Principal, New Paltz Central High School

                                                                Stephanie Giammatteo, Principal, Lenape Elementary School

                                                                Antonia Woody, Athletic Director

                                                                Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology

                                                                Maureen Ryan, Supervisor of Transportation

                                                                Mike Robinson, Director of Food Services

                                                                Beverly Sickler, District Clerk

                                                                Emily Freedman, Student Representative

                                                                Members of the Public and Press

ROLL CALL                                                                                                                                                                        ROLL CALL

The roll was called as reflected above.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

Students from Lenape Elementary School assisted in leading in the Pledge of Allegiance.

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                                                          AGENDA

                                                                                                                                                                                                CHANGES

President Dukler presented the following addendum to the agenda:

Motion to accept agenda as amended made by Don Kerr and seconded by Roderick

Dressel.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM – Principal Stephanie Giammatteo introduced Elaine Thomas, Third Grade Teacher, who briefly explained that the “Hopes and Dreams Program” is part of the Responsive Classroom.  Students from the Third Grade each shared their particular hopes and dreams for the future, including some of the hopes and dreams of their classmates. 

RECOGNITION - Superintendent Rice read Governor Patterson’s Proclamation declaring the week of October 20 – 24, 2008 as School Board Recognition Week.  She presented each member of the board with a Certificate of Appreciation, thanking them for their service to the school district. (A reception of light refreshments in honor of the Board of Education preceded the Public Session of this meeting in the high school lobby.)

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC

                                                                                                                                                                                                COMMENT

Peter Healy, New Paltz – Prevailing Wage

Matt Swerdloff, New Paltz – Healthy Foods

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Emily Freedman, Student Representative, asked about promoting planting of tulips to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson.  Mrs. Rice suggested that these efforts go through the principal.  Emily reported on past and future activities and events at the high school.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS

Ø       SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Mrs. Rice introduced Maureen Ryan, Director of Transportation, who reported on an energy day workshop entitled “Government on the Energy Gridiron” held at SUNY New Paltz on October 8, 2008.

Ø       HOME SCHOOL REPORT – Superintendent. Rice commented on the Home School Report that was provided to members in their packets.

Ø       HAC REPORT & PLAN OF ACTION – Assistant Superintendent Connie Hayes and members of the HAC sub-committees reported on the work of the sub-committees.  Mr. Jim O’Dowd reported on the Wellness Sub-committee, Lenora Koffman on the Prevention Sub-committee and Toni Woody on the Safety Sub-committee.

Ø       TECHNOLOGY REPORT & ACTION PLAN – Bill Richers briefly summarized the written report provided to the members of the board in their packets.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

Ø       NEWCOMB CSD NYSSBA RESOLUTION – President Dukler stated that the Board had already supported this resolution. No further discussion took place.

Ø       VIOLENCE IN OUR SCHOOLS PRESENTATION AT SUNY ULSTER, OCTOBER 16 – Mr. Dukler encouraged members who are interested in attending to register on the day of the workshop.

Ø       DEMOCRAPHIC ENROLLMENT DATA DISCUSSION & DECISION – Laura Walls commented on demographic projections and the district’s need to take what information is available and fill in the gaps.  Numbers as well as socioeconomic and cultural demographics need to be considered.  More discussion is required in an effort to obtain better demographics on which to base decisions.  Discussion followed. It was agreed that this matter will be put on the Comeback List.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Ø       AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE – Patrick Rausch reported on the Internal Risk Assessments and Audits for the 2006-2007 and 2007-2008 school years.  The committee plans to fast track the current year in order to bring the district up to date. A meeting will be scheduled with staff to go over the risk areas.  The committee will come up with a list of policies that need review.  Discussion took place regarding the appropriate procedure for review of policies by the Board of Education and the Policy Committee.

Ø       POLICY COMMITTEE – Edgar Rodriguez reported on the work of the committee, providing each member with a draft of the minutes from the October 8, 2008 meeting.  Discussion took place regarding procedures that need to be implemented in the review of policies.  The matter of note taking, not only for the Policy Committee but also the other committees of the board, was discussed.  It was agreed that the task is cumbersome and time consuming and staff assistance would be appreciated.  This matter will be put on the Comeback List.

Ø       FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr reported that the committee met tonight.  In order for Rhinebeck Architect to proceed with their work, they need to know if there are preferences regarding various matters surrounding the middle school feasibility study.  Mr. Kerr itemized the areas that require direction from the board.  After board discussion, Mrs. Rice reviewed the board’s preferences and agreed to provide the information to Rhinebeck Architecture & Planning.

Ø       HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr  had nothing further to report after the HAC presentation this evening.

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steve Greenfield

that the Board of Education approve the following recommendation:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        MINUTES

                                                                                                                                                                                                10/1/08

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

Regular Workshop Meeting of October 1, 2008.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Edgar Rodriguez that the Board of

Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:

Mr. Rodriguez raised the question of what is being done to recruit students of color to join the clubs whose advisors are being appointed this evening. He had been asked this question at a meeting of Concerned Parents.  Discussion followed.

Mr. Dressel noted the retirement of bus driver Martha Koenig and commended her for her distinguished service to the school district.  Special recognition was noted for Ms. Koenig by members of the Board of Education upon her retirement.

12.1        Instructional Part-time Position – Increase Hours

Recommendation – that the New Paltz Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby increase the following part-time instructional position as follows:

Maura Musso        Reading                                Effective 10/16/08 Additional FTE .2                 (increase .5 to .7)

12.2        Instructional Appointment - Mentors

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 2008/2009 school year:

Judy VanHouten

Eileen Graves

12.3        Instructional Substitute Appointments - Certified

Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following certified substitute teachers at a per diem rate of $100 for the 2008-2009 school year:

Jennifer G. Barresi

Paul Schwartz

Michael E. Brady

Jill Peters

Kevin Grimsland

12.4        Instructional Substitute Appointments - Uncertified

Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following uncertified substitute teachers at a per diem rate of $80 for the 2008-2009 school year:

Natasha L. Shon

Gilbert Brink

Kurtis Nordahl

12.5        Advisorships

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 employees to the following advisorships for the 2008-2009 school year, with remuneration as per NPUT contract:

AIDS Awareness                                 Lenora Koffman                  

All County Band                                  Ralph Schroer                                      

All County Choir                                  Linda Eckert                                         

Amnesty International                        Alexandra MacKinnon

Book Club                                             Michelle Diana

Drama Club                                           Nancy Owen

French Club                                          Renee Schaefer                    

Freshman Class                                    Souad Kurzban, Co-Advisor

                                                                Lauren DePoala, Co-Advisor

Gay/Straight Alliance                          Lisa St. John, Co-Advisor                 

                                                                Lisa Watkins, Co-Advisor                 

High School Newspaper                     Joel Neden                           

International Club                                Mary Rappleyea, Co-Advisor

                                                                Joseph Dolan, Co-Advisor

International Cooking Club                Beth Lazzaro

Italian Club                                            Giovanna DeFilippi

Japanese Club                                      Alexis Mallory

Junior Class                                          Linda Sutton                                        

Literary Magazine                                Michelle Diana                    

Marching Band                                    Ralph Schrorer                                     

Marching Band Assistant                  Jared Avigliano

Martial Arts                                          Rodrigo Castro

Math Club                                             Kathryn Stewart

Mock Trial                                             Albert Cook

Model United Nations                        James Coleman

National Honor Society                      Heather Ligotino                 

Open Studio in Art                              Mary Rappleyea, Co-Advisor

                                                                Todd Martin, Co-Advisor

                                                                Judi Esmond, Co-Advisor

Outdoors/Outing Club                        Marc Knittel, Co-Advisor

                                                                Chad Foti, Co-Advisor       

Peer Leadership                                    Lenora Koffman, Co-Advisor

                                                                Joel Neden, Co-Advisor

Peer Mediation                                     Mary Rappleyea, Co-Advisor

                                                                Lenora Koffman, Co-Advisor           

SADD                                                    Thomas Tegeler

Senior Class                                          Bonne Masseo                    

Snow Club                                             Chad Foti, Co-Advisor

Marc Knittel, Co-Advisor

                                                                Todd Martin, Co-Advisor

Sophomore Class                                 Michelle Diana                    

Spanish Club                                        Mary Fisher

Spring Musical                                     Nancy Owen

Student Government                           Stephannie Costello           

Swing ‘N Salsa                                     Renee Schaefer

Technology Club                                 James Tracy

Ultimate Frisbee                                   Kurt Ulrich

Vocal Ensemble                                    Linda Eckert

Yearbook                                               Sue Sherburne, Co-Advisor

                                                                Kathleen Nugent, Co-Advisor                          

12.6        Non-Instructional Resignations

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

Name                                      Title                                       Effective Date

Martha Koenig                     School Bus Driver                10/31/08 (for purpose of retirement)

Peggyann Benjamin             Sub. Clerical                          9/29/08

12.7        Non-Instructional Appointments

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:

Name                                      Title                                       Effective Date                       Salary                    Other    

Raffeala Policastro               School Bus Driver                10/16/08                                 $20.00/hr                6 hours per day

Dina Mele                              Sub. Teacher Aide               9/26/08                                   $12.08/hr                as needed

Sherry Kitay                          Sub. Teacher Aide               10/16/08                                 $12.08/hr                as needed

Sherry Kitay                          Sub. School Monitor           10/16/08                                 $9.56/hr                  as needed

Sherry Kitay                          Sub. Clerical                          10/16/08                                 $11.00/hr                as needed

Kelly Gibbons                       Sub. School Monitor           9/3/08                                     $ 9.56/hr as needed

Kelly Gibbons                       Sub. Teacher Aide               9/3/08                                     $12.08/hr                as needed

Katrina Siple                         Food Service Helper            10/16/08                                 $10.50/hr                4.0 hrs/day

12.8        Request for Approval to Create New Positions

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

Substitute Educational Technology Resource Specialist                             $20.00 per hour

Substitute School District Database Program Specialist                               $20.00 per hour

Substitute School District Technical Services Specialist                              $20.00 per hour

12.9        Non-Instructional Extended Emergency Conditional Appointments

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.

Hilda Figueroa                      Melissa Shipe                       Jason Woolsey                   

Stacy Maddalena                 Jennifer Newell                     Katrina Siple

Shawn Long                          Aaron Fish                            David Young

12.10      Coaching Appointments

Recommendation  - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following coaches for the 2008-2009 school year:

MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

OLD BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of

Education approve the following resolution:

                                                                                                                                                                   CSE & CPSE PLACEMENTS

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:-10109, 10956, 10850, 1050B, 10542, 10792, 1054B, 11263, 11262, 10911, 10923, 1058B, 1057B: 8103, 6994, 9458, 2160, 9837, 2571, 5817, 11252, 8036, 1325, 9101, 464.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of

Education approve the following resolution:

                                                                                                                                                                                HEALTH & WELFARE

                                                                                                                                                                                WALLKILL 2007-2008

14.2        Request for Approval of Health & Welfare Contract – Wallkill Central School District 2007-2008

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the Health and Welfare Contract, forwarded under separate cover, for Wallkill Central School District for a total amount of $515.10 for the 2007-2008 school year for 1 child who is a  resident in the New Paltz Central School District attending a school in the Wallkill Central School District.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of

Education approve the following resolution:

                                                                                                                                                                      RESCIND POLICY 5322

                                                                                                                                                                        MOTION WITHDRAWN

14.3        Request for Approval to Rescind District Policy 5322 - Use of the District Cell Phone

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education rescind District Policy 5322 Use of the District Cell Phone.

Discussion followed with Mrs. Rice stating that she cannot implement the current policy as written since it requires staff to deduct or prepay for personal use of cell phones.  Legal counsel has advised that items in the policy pertain to collective bargaining issues.  Discussion followed.  Mrs. Rice requested that this resolution be put on the agenda for the sole purpose of drawing attention to the flawed nature of the policy with the intent that the board take appropriate action to correct the problem. 

Don Kerr withdrew the motion and Rod Dressel agreed.

No action was taken.

OTHER DISCUSSION                                                                                                                                       OTHER DISCUSSION

Steve Greenfield brought up the matter of security at the middle school on Election Day.  Discussion followed which included the question of whether or not students are being encouraged to vote or given the opportunity to vote during the school day.  Discussion followed.

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC

            COMMENT

None

ADJOURN                                                                                                                                                                            ADJOURN

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steve Greenfield that the Board

adjourn at 10:01 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

_____________________

Beverly J. Sickler

District Clerk