Minutes � Workshop Meeting � Board of Education � New Paltz Central High School � November 5, 2008 � 7:00 PM
CALL MEETING TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by David Dukler, Board President.
President Dukler appointed Maria Rice as Clerk Pro Tempore for this portion of the meeting.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
Roderick Dressel Jr. (arrived 6:08 PM)
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield (arrived 7:12 PM)
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez (arrived 6:07 PM, left 6:18 PM, returned 6:25 PM)
Laura Walls
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
David Shaw, Attorney for the District
Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business (arrived 6:25 PM)
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:04 PM for the purpose of contractual negotiations,
the employment history of particular individuals, litigation and matters made exempt under FERPA.
Motion carried 4 - 0 with 4 members voting.
Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by
Patrick Rausch that the Board return to Public Session at 7:00 PM.
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
CALL TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:07 PM by David Dukler, Board President.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
Roderick Dressel Jr.
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield (arrived 7:12 PM)
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Laura Walls
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
Richard Wiesenthal, Principal, New Paltz Middle School
Debra Hogencamp, Principal, Duzine Elementary School
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.
AGENDA CHANGES AGENDA
CHANGES
There were no agenda changes.
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of
Education accept the agenda as presented.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM: “IN THE MIDDLE” MIDDLE SCHOOL TV STATION – Dr. Richard Wiesenthal commented on a new endeavor at the middle school – The Morning Show. Ms. Mary Holmes, Ms. Fran Lamb and Middle School Students provided the audience with an opportunity to view several episodes of The Morning Show. Students shared with the audience the various tasks that they perform in the production of this student run program. Announcers, script writers, camera operators, and behind the scenes tasks make up the work that is required to produce this daily event at the middle school. The presentation was enthusiastically received by the board and members of the audience.
RECOGNITION - NONE
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
Nora Strano, New Paltz – School Climate Survey, Undoing Racism
Tanya Marquette, Gardiner – Concerned Parents
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Emily Freedman, Student Representative reported on activities and events at the New Paltz Central High School.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ø SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice reported on the mock election held at the middle school. Each homeroom was a state in which the students learned about registering to vote, the Electoral College and other issues pertaining to the national election. A live debate between the presidential candidates took place in which real issues were discussed by students playing the parts of the presidential candidates. A similar exercise took place at the Duzine School when the children debated and voted on their favorite book. Mrs. Rice announced that the visual facilities inspection will take place on November 19 at 5:15 to 6:45 PM. Each of the facilities will be visited for an inspection by members of the board. Mrs. Rice provided each of the members with a draft calendar for 2009-2010 school year. Principals Wiesenthal and Clinton reported on Election Day at the middle school and high school. The day went smoothly in both buildings. Rod Castro, Administrative Intern, reported on the day after election mood at the high school.
Ø DIVERSITY REPORT & PLAN OF ACTION – Principal Debra Hogencamp and Diversity Consultant James Childs reviewed last years accomplishments, activities still in progress and the new action plan. Building Sub-committee members reported on what is happening at the building level by means of PowerPoint presentations.
In the interest of time, the Diversity Report was put on hold in order to allow Peter Fairweather to make his presentation regarding use of demographic data. The Diversity Report was completed later in the meeting.
Ø DEMOGRAPHICS PRESENTATION – Laura Walls introduced professional planner and forecaster, Peter Fairweather, who helps analyze communities and plans for the future. He pointed out that the census data every ten years is the most reliable data available, pointing out that at the end of the ten year cycle it can be somewhat outdated. Questions and answers followed. He noted that the New York Metro area is the sector that impacts this area the most. The County Planning Department can provide what is available for Ulster County. Data is the starting point. Once you have the demographics it is necessary to use them in an intelligent way. He suggested that an action committee be put together to study the migration data. Given the available migration data, several scenarios could be put together. Look at the high end and low end of the scenarios and ask what facilities are needed to accommodate the numbers. Ask the community which makes the most sense. The right questions need to be asked. Questions and answers continued. In the final analysis, Mr. Fairweather suggested that a facilities planner would be helpful in the district’s present situation. Academic planning needs to go along with facilities planning keeping in mind that the entire process is an inexact science. It was agreed that the members will digest what has been said. Mr. Fairweather will continue the discussion with Superintendent Rice.
Ø DIVERSITY REPORT - The Diversity Report was resumed by James Childs and Debra Hogencamp. The floor was opened for questions by the board and discussion continued. It was noted by Mr. Childs that New Paltz, while not having achieved perfection, does stand out as a model school district in planning and realizing activities aimed at providing a fair and just learning environment and school community.
Ø NYSSBA CONVENTION REPORT – Reports will be given at the next meeting.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ø AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE – Patrick Rausch reported on the work of the Audit Committee. Another meeting will take place next week on November 12, 2008 at 6:30 PM in the District Office.
FINANCIAL REPORTS FINANCIAL REPORTS
Financial Reports were discussed at this point while Mr. Linden was present at the meeting to answer questions.
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
SEPT 2008
Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of Education accept the Treasurer’s Report for September 2008 and Transfer Schedule #2 (September 2008).
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7
Members agreed to move the discussion of New Business Items 14.2, 14.4, 14.5, 14.8 to this portion of the meeting so that Mr. Linden would be available to answer questions. Questions and answers followed.
No action was taken at this point.
Ø AUDIT & FINANCE COMMITTEE – Mr. Rodriguez wanted to revisit discussion regarding the Audit Committee. He asked that the district go beyond a cash flow report with the board giving a directive. Discussion followed.
Ø FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr announced a meeting next week. He reported on discussion by the committee regarding a new/second tank for the septic system at the high school and announced that three local architects are being interviewed by the committee to be followed by a recommendation to the board. The Facilities Preventive Maintenance Schedule was discussed. Mrs. Rice indicated that a report is forthcoming.
Ø POLICY COMMITTEE – Edgar Rodriguez reported that a meeting of the committee will take place next Wednesday at the District Office. NYSSBA has an electronic policy service which he would like the committee to examine.
Ø HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr briefly reported on a request to establish a school garden, implementation of healthy foods program, change in water tanks and effect on water pressure, pay phones have been removed from the middle school, and how HAC operates.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr
that the Board of Education approve the following recommendation: MINUTES
10/15/08
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Regular Business Meeting of October 15, 2008.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) PERSONNEL
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions 12.1
through 12.7:
12.1 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:
Melissa Curcio
Haida Maya Earley
Patricia E. Tyrol
Lisa Morganstern-Perl
Cecile Eldridge-Perez
Matthew Karkos
Peter Bedrossian
Andrew Sandler
12.2 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:
Stephen Gagliardo
Melissa Ann Nelson
Seth Zimiles
Denise Jelley
Daniel Cassidy
Kristy Kleinfelder
12.3 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:
Cathy Law Environmental Club Advisor
Jared Avigliano Marching Band Co-assistant Advisor
David Finch Marching Band Co-assistant Advisor
12.4 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:
|
Coach |
Position |
Stipend |
|
Kerri Hirsch |
Girls JV Basketball Co Coach |
$ 1,455.00 |
|
Nicole Vitale |
Girls JV Basketball Co Coach |
$ 1,455.00 |
|
Christopher Brooker |
JV Wrestling |
$ 2,910.00 |
|
Matthew Moore |
Boys JV Basketball |
$ 2,910.00 |
|
Harry Cooper |
Varsity Gymnastics |
$ 3,430.00 |
12.5 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:
Marilyn Sullivan School Monitor Effective 10/17/08
12.6 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
Theodore Schurko Custodial Worker 11/6/08 $13,320/yr 4 hours per day
(pro-rated)
Angela Avila-Flores School Bus Driver 11/6/08 $20.00/hr 4.5 hours per day
Yusel Rashad Substitute Technical 10/29/08 $20.00/hr as needed
Services Specialist
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
MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS (Consent Agenda) NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following consent agenda resolutions 14.1 through 14.9:
14.1 Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements
Recommendation - that the following resolution be approved: 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:- 10063, 11190, 10130, 1059B, 9327, 10186, 10081, 9825, 10962, 9317, 9602, 8910, 10964, 11263, 9505, 10332, 11287; 1325, 1811, 1848, 1799, 11284, 2083, 427, 6812, 8124, 9355, 207, 875, 132, 8856, 9084, 9459, 10292, 2517, 1476.
14.2 Request for Approval to Award School Bus Purchase Bid for Five School Bus Vans
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education award the School Bus Purchase Bid for five School Bus Vans for $41,240.00 each for a total of $206,200.00 to Leonard Bus Sales, Inc.
14.3 Request for Approval to Authorize Appropriations & Ratify MOA with Schools Bus Driver Association
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT REOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes appropriations and ratifies the terms of the Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the New Paltz Central Schools Bus Driver Association dated October 23, 2008 as presented to the Board of Education at this meeting. A copy of said Supplemental Memorandum of Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
14.4 Request for Approval to Reject Bid for Vehicle – Four Door Mini-Van
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT REOLVED that the Board of Education reject all bids for the purchase of a four door mini-van.
14.5 Request for Approval to Reject Bid for Vehicle – Utility Truck with Plow
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT REOLVED that the Board of Education reject all bids for the purchase of a utility truck with plow.
14.6 Request for Approval to Commence Impartial Hearing in the Matter of Student No. 10542
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its attorneys Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, L.L.P. to commence an impartial hearing in the matter of Student No. 10542.
14.7 Request for Approval to Appoint Community Member to the Health Advisory Committee
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education appoint Iris Avishai-Cohen as a Community Representative to the Health Advisory Committee for a one year term to end on June 30, 2009. (This appointment fills a vacancy resulting from the resignation of Margaret Human whose term expires on June 30, 2009.)
14.8 Request for Approval to Participate in BOCES Cooperative Bidding
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved:
WHEREAS it is the desire of the participating school districts of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Ulster County, adopting this resolution to jointly request bids for certain commodities to be determined by the Superintendent of this school district from time to time for the 2008-09 school year,
NOW, therefore, be it
RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central School District hereby agrees to participate with other school districts of the Board of Cooperative Educational Services, Ulster County, New York, in the joint bidding of commodities to be requested by the school district Purchasing Agent and approved by the Superintendent; and be it further
RESOLVED that the specifications as prepared by the Steering Committee of participating school districts and presented to this Board of Education will be used and that this Board, if it desires to purchase these commodities agrees to purchase said commodities at the lowest bid price recommended by the Steering Committee of the joint school districts; provided, however, that each participating Board of Education in exercising its legal responsibilities, has the right to reject and/or modify the recommendation of the Steering Committee in the awarding of the bid; and be it further
RESOLVED that the invitation to bid will be advertised by BOCES in the Kingston Daily Freeman, the Middletown Times Herald Record and the Poughkeepsie Journal in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law.
14.9 Request for Approval to Execute Agreement Between with CWA Resolving Grievance No’s 45 & 46
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the terms of and authorizes its Superintendent of Schools to execute an Agreement between the Communication Workers of America (Custodial Unit) and the District resolving CWA Grievance Nos. 45 and 46 dated September 23, 2008 as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
Motion to approve consent agenda carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION
Don Kerr reiterated that the Comeback List should include the matter of allocation of budgeted funds not expended.
Patrick Rausch asked for a statement of where we are vis a vis the results of the efforts of the Nutrition Task Force.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
None
ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board
adjourn at 10:50 PM.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk