Minutes � Business Meeting � Board of Education � New Paltz Central High School � November 19, 2008 � 7:00 PM
The meeting was preceded by a District Facilities Review from 5:15 PM to 6:45 PM during which time members of the Board of Education were given a tour by Facilities & Operations staff members for purposes of performing a physical inspection of the district�s buildings.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:04 PM by Laura Walls, Board President.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
Roderick Dressel Jr.
Steven Greenfield
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Laura Walls
ABSENT: David Dukler
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Barbara Clinton, Principal, New Paltz Central High School
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Steve Callahan, Director of Facilities & Operations
David Wygant, Maintenance Supervisor
Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
Emily Freedman, Student Representative
Members of the Public and Press
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
AGENDA CHANGES AGENDA
CHANGES
Vice President Laura Walls announced the following addendum to the agenda as well as the need for the
Board of Education to move into Executive Session at some point in the meeting.
Addendum
14.4 Request for Approval to Appoint Architectural Firms for Small Projects
Recommendation � that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the architectural firms of Lee A. Frizzell Architect, P.C. and Alfandre Architecture, P.C., as the architectural firms to perform services with regard to small School District projects, up to $250,000 per project, in accordance with their respective proposals dated October 22, 2008; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute agreements with Lee A. Frizzell Architect, P.C. and Alfandre Architecture, P.C., upon approval of the School Attorney, which agreements shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Rod Dressel to accept the agenda as amended by the
Addendum.
Motion carried 6 � 0 with 6 members voting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
None
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Emily Freedman, Student Representative, reported on events and activities at the high school over the past two weeks.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ø SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice announced that School Related Professional Recognition Day took place this week. She expressed appreciation for the work of the district’s support staff in the educational process. “Undoing Racism” was attended by 27 of the district’s staff. Mrs. Rice extolled the value of this workshop and reported that those who have attended in the past have benefited greatly from the training. Ms. Rice attended today’s Senior Citizen Thanksgiving Dinners held at Duzine and Lenape. She reported on the excellent programs presented by the children. She went on to review Governor Paterson’s deficit reduction package that was put forth this week, advocating mid-year cuts in State Aid. The result of the cuts will result in a loss of over $900,000 for New Paltz. Mrs. Rice presented each of the members with a publication from The Council of School Superintendents which provides a perspective on how mid-year state aid cuts will hurt schools and what the state can do to help schools cope with the diminished capacity to deliver aid. Superintendent Rice met with the Commissioner last week during which time these budgetary concerns were discussed. In light of cuts, the district needs to look at what we can do. The superintendent assured the board that she is staying on top of these budgetary issues and is seeking ways to deal with the financial crisis not only for this year, but also in preparation for the budget for next school year.
Ø SPECIAL EDUCATION REPORT – PLAN OF ACTION – Connie Hayes introduced Barbara Hastie and Kathleen Clark who provided highlights of the Special Education Report presented in members packets. Connie continued by reporting on the new IEP forms which are being mandated by the State. Much is being excluded from the new IEP and may necessitate multiple documents being created to include all necessary information. Questions and answers followed.
Ø K-12 GUIDANCE REPORT – Connie Hayes provided a PowerPoint presentation in which she gave an overview of the Guidance Plan for the 08/09 school year. Questions and answers followed.
Ø PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE REPORT – Stephen Callahan, Director of Facilities & Operations reviewed his written report to the board by highlighting a few areas on the list. Questions and answers followed.
Ø PUBLIC ACCESS STATUS REPORT – Bill Richers briefly reported on the renewal of the franchise with Time Warner and other advances in the work of the committee. Questions and answers followed.
Ø STATE AID REVENUE REPORT was provided in members packets. There were no questions or discussion.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Ø INITIAL BUDGET GOALS & PARAMETER DISCUSSION – Vice President Laura Walls asked Mrs. Rice to start the discussion. She asked board for parameters for the upcoming budget. Members offered their opinions. Cutting expenses, slow down growth to avoid loss of jobs and programs by negotiating with bargaining units, reimbursement for conservation efforts can produce revenue source and result in permanent cost savings, go with a contingency budget, no increase to the tax levy to make up for the deficit, implement multi-year planning, assess programming. Ms. Rice said a budget will be presented with nothing more than contingency. A prioritized list will be provided to indicate the superintendent’s recommendations. Even below contingency should be considered in a climate where people may be losing their homes.
Ø NYSSBA CONVENTION REPORTS – Four members attended this year’s convention – Edgar Rodriguez, Steve Greenfield, Laura Walls and Patrick Rausch. Each shared information that was obtained at some of the sessions that they attended. Voting delegate, Laura Walls, reported on the session and the results of some of the votes. She also reported on the Law Conference that was held prior to the convention. Members may leave printed materials from the convention in the District Office.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ø FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr reported on the activities of the committee. The final report on the middle school project will be provided by Rhinebeck Architect on February 18, 2009. The next meeting will take place on November 26, 2008.
Ø POLICY COMMITTEE – Edgar Rodriguez reported on the work of the committee. The next meeting will take place on December 10, 2008.
Ø HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr – The committee has not met since the last board meeting.
Ø AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE – Patrick Rausch reported on the work of the committee regarding the internal audit and risk assessment. Policies were reviewed and it was noted that there is a need for a policy regarding signature stamps. The matter of the shared desk and computer at district office was addressed. Mr. Rausch suggested that priority should be given to staff over board members and if possible provide a second desk. Officers will discuss the matter.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel
that the Board of Education approve the following recommendation: MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes
of the Regular Workshop Meeting of November 5, 2008.
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) PERSONNEL
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:
12.1 Instructional Leave Replacement Appointments
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the appointment of the following instructional leave replacements for the 2008/2009 school year:
Gian Starr English Effective 11/6/08 – 2/1/09 MA Step C ($54,170) prorated
(Replacing Lara Tozzi)
Marsha T. Waldman English Effective 11/10/08 – 1/31/09 MA Step A ($56,920) prorated
(Replacing Jenny Denman)
12.2 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:
Maya Hoffman
Leslie Rubin
Marsha T. Waldman Effective 11/3/08-11/7/08
Keri Zurlini
12.3 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:
Hayley M. Laufer
12.4 Non-Instructional Resignation
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:
Pearl Morse School Monitor Effective 10/31/08
12.5 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
Pamela Struzzieri School Monitor 11/20/08 $9.56/hr 16.75 hrs per week
Pamela Pece Sub. School Monitor 11/6/08-11/19/08 $8.75/hr as needed
Pamela Pece Sub. School Monitor 11/20/08 as per ESS as needed
Contract
Pamela Pece Sub. Teacher Aide 11/20/08 as per ESS as needed
Contract
Pamela Pece Sub. Clerical 11/20/08 as per ESS as needed
contract
Pamela Pece School Monitor 11/20/08 $9.56/hr 16.75 hrs per week
Robert Cusack Jr. Sub. School Bus Driver 11/3/08 $19.00/hr as needed
Donna Harder Sub. School Bus Driver 11/3/08 $19.00/hr as needed
George Wirthmann School Bus Driver 11/20/08 $20.00/hr 5.25/hrs per day
12.6 Non-Instructional – Correction to Rate of Pay
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve a correcting resolution to approve the rate of pay for the following non-instructional employees (original resolution approved on October 15, 2008):
Dina Mele Sub. Teacher Aide 9/26/08 $9.75/hr as needed
Sherry Kitay Sub. Teacher Aide 10/16/08 $9.75/hr as needed
Sherry Kitay Sub. School Monitor 10/16/08 $8.75/hr as needed
Kelly Gibbons Sub. School Monitor 9/3/08 $8.75/hr as needed
Kelly Gibbons Sub. Teacher Aide 9/3/08 $9.75/hr as needed
12.7 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.
David Young Sherry Kitay
12.8 Appointment of Chaperones for Winter Sports Events
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 chaperones for Winter 2008-2009 Sports Season at $30.00 per event:
David Moore
Kyle Martin
Anthony Covino
12.9 Winter 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:
Jeffrey Ackert, Assistant Basketball Coach, Unpaid
David Moore, Assistant Basketball Coach, Unpaid
MOTION carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of Education move into
Executive Session for the purpose of discussing negotiations with a firm or company.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Steve Greenfield 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: 1843; 8948; 2616; 10908; 1799; 8140; 9458; 11162; 636; 1325; 10967, 10935, 11239, 9618, 10927, 10742, 11300, 1057B, 1061B, 11300, 11294, 1063B,1056B.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution.
COOPERATIVE BIDDING FOR PLTW
MONROE 2-ORLEANS BOCES
14.2 Request to Participate in the Cooperative Bidding with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES for Bid #RFB-1375-08
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central School District participate in cooperative bidding (Bid # RFB-1375-08) with Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES for engineering & biomedical supplies and equipment for Project Lead the Way.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
14.3 First Readings FIRST READINGS
POLICIES
The following policies were given a first reading. A second reading and request for approval will take place at the next board meeting.
3130 – School District Standards and Guidelines for Web Page Publishing
3230 – Complaints and Grievances
5130 – Contingency Budget
5730 – Transportation of Students
6170 – Fingerprinting of Prospective School Employees
7614 – Preschool Special Education Program
7622 – District Policy Regarding Response to Intervention Process
8271 – Children’s Internet Protection Act: Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy
8430 – Independent Study
8450 – Home Tutoring (Homebound Instruction)
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:
APPOINT ARCHITECTURAL FIRMS FRIZZELL AND ALFANDRE
14.4 Request for Approval to Appoint Architectural Firms for Small Projects
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the architectural firms of Lee A. Frizzell Architect, P.C. and Alfandre Architecture, P.C., as the architectural firms to perform services with regard to small School District projects, up to $250,000 per project, in accordance with their respective proposals dated October 22, 2008; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute agreements with Lee A. Frizzell Architect, P.C. and Alfandre Architecture, P.C., upon approval of the School Attorney, which agreements shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION
Don Kerr brought up the matter of pay phones having been removed from the district’s buildings. As a matter of safety, he suggested that district owned pay phones be installed for use during those times when the offices are closed and phones are not available for use in the event of an emergency.
Mr. Kerr reported that a volunteer has stepped forward and agreed to produce a compilation of DVD’s consisting of the student presentations to the board called “Spotlight on Program”. The individual is willing to donate time and product.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board
adjourn at 9:40 PM.
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
Respectfully submitted,
____________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk