Minutes � Regular Business Meeting � Board of Education � New Paltz Central High School � Dec. 3, 2008 � 7:00 PM
CALL MEETING TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by David Dukler, Board President.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
Roderick Dressel Jr. (arrived 6:03 PM)
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Laura Walls
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by Steve Greenfield that the Board of SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:03 PM for the purpose of discussing the employment
history of particular individuals, the school history of particular students in accordance with their
FERPA rights and contract negotiations (collective bargaining).
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by
Don Kerr that the Board return to Public Session at 7:01 PM.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 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
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
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
Dan Torres, Substitute Student Representative
Members of the Public and Press
ROLL CALL ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
AGENDA CHANGES AGENDA
CHANGES
No agenda changes were made.
Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education accept the agenda as presented:
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM - NEW PALTZ CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL: PRINT & BROADCAST
JOURNALISM – High School Principal Barbara Clinton introduced Journalism teacher Joel Nedem who explained the collaborative efforts of students working with NPZ TV and the school newspaper The Maroon in his Journalism course. Student Mike Cerasaro spoke on his personal experience from having taken the Journalism course. Questions and answers followed. Teacher Joe Dolan who was present was also recognized for his work with the students.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENTS
None
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Dan Torres substituted for Emily Freedman. He reported on events and activities at the high school. He also reported on the School Climate Survey meeting of the Action Team that was held yesterday at BOCES.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
Ø SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice reported on her recent correspondence to government officials regarding cuts in educational funding. A draft letter to the Governor was provided for the board’s approval. Members reviewed the letter and offered their suggestions. A number of straw polls were taken to decide what items to eliminate. Mrs. Rice will re-draft the letter and send to all members in the Friday packet. The final version will be mailed to the Governor next week.
Ø EDUCATIONAL MASTER FACILITIES PLANNING – Superintendent Rice presented a proposal to craft an RFP to hire a consultant for the purpose of creating an Educational Facilities Plan. Her recommendation is a result of her meeting with demographic analysis expert, Peter Fairweather. The board will vote on the matter at a future meeting, however, questions and concerns were entertained. There was some disagreement among members as to the need for hiring a consultant and the timing of this RFP. Members engaged in an exchange of opinions and ideas and agreed to revisit the matter in the future.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Ø None
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ø AUDIT COMMITTEE – Patrick Rausch reported on the work of the committee at their last meeting on November 12, 2008. Discussion ensued regarding Mr. Rausch’s signing of two (2) engagement letters on behalf of the Board with Internal Auditor Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill. On advice of counsel, it was determined that the letters constitute an agreement/contract and therefore cannot be signed by one board member without authorization by the full board. Past precedent had established this process, however, the need to make corrections to the process was made evident when the district’s attorney was consulted. To remedy the situation the following action was taken by the board.
LETTERS OF ENGAGEMENT
SICKLER, TORCHIA, ALLEN & CHURCHILL
INTERNAL AUDITORS
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of Education retroactively authorizes Patrick Rausch, Audit Committee Chair, to sign the two (2) engagement letters from the firm of Sickler Torchia, Allen & Churchill as valid and binding. (Engagement letters shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.)
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
Mr. Rausch stated that the December 10 meeting of the committee is being cancelled and another meeting will be held most likely on January 28, 2009 at 6:30 PM
Ø FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr reported that Rhinebeck Associates will require the services of a construction manager. The Facilities Committee agreed to this and suggested that Greenwood Corporation be used. Mr. Kerr also reported on discussion at the committee level regarding relocation of the high school Guidance Office. The committee would like to discuss funding of this project but not without giving the board a heads up. Discussion followed. Mr. Kerr went on to report that a draft review of the Middle School Feasibility Project will be presented in January and the final report given to the board on February 18, 2009. Additional discussion followed.
Ø POLICY COMMITTEE – Edgar Rodriguez announced that the next meeting of the committee will take place on December 10, 2008 at 5:00 PM. The second reading and approval of ten policies will take place this evening.
Ø HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr reported that there will be another meeting next month. He asked the board if the issue of placing pay phones in the buildings should be taken to the Health Advisory Committee. Members agreed that because there is a safety issue involved, the matter should be presented to the HAC to explore.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr
that the Board of Education approve the following recommendation: MINUTES
11/19/08
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Regular Business Meeting of November 19, 2008.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) PERSONNEL
Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:
12.1 Instructional Leave Replacement Appointment
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the leave replacement appointment of the following instructional employee for the 2008/2009 school year:
Pamela LaLonde French Effective 1/5/09 – 2/23/09 MA Step 6 ($66,010) pro-rated
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:
John Caparimo
Judi Esmond
Heather Marie Piccone
Marilyn Rivera-Diaz
Dyani Sangnier
Jessie L. Swanson
12.3 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
Dawn Smith Perm. Sub. School Bus 12/4/08 $20.00/hr 4 hours per day
Driver
Hollie Labas Perm. Sub. School Bus 12/4/08 $20.00/hr 4 hours per day
Driver
Martha Koenig Sub. School Bus Driver 11/24/08 $19.00/hr as needed
James Fabiano Sub. Custodial Worker 11/12/08 $11.00/hr as needed
12.4 Non-Instructional Increase of Hours
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby increase the following non-instructional hours:
Name Title Effective Date Salary Other
Marti Gallo School Bus Attendant 12/4/08 $15.42/hr 4 hours to 6.25 hrs/day
12.5 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 Pamela Pece
12.6 Appointment of Scoreboard/Clock Operator
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 scoreboard/clock operator for the 2008-2009 Winter Sports Season at $40 per event:
William Judge
MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Patrick Rausch 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: 11305, 1798, 11308, 8141, 338, 6804, 9101, 10598, 9346, 9494; 1066B, 10317, 10947, 2005B, 1056B, 9971, 10878, 1047B, 1050B,10001, 10082, 9319, 10880, 10892, 9507, 10060, 10792, 9998, 10013, 9912, 10917, 1063B.
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:
2009 LEGISLATIVE PROGRAM
UC SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOC.
14.2 Request for Approval to Adopt the 2009 Legislative Program of the UC School Boards Association
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District adopts the 2009 Legislative Program of the Ulster County School Boards Association.
Specifically, we support:
Ø Phasing out reliance on local property tax to provide a “sound basic education” state-wide in favor of a broader state-wide taxing system including income tax.
Ø To attract and retain regional education leaders, eliminate the salary and benefit cap on District Superintendents.
Ø Revision of the Contingency Budget Law to exclude increases in Special Education, energy expenses, and health costs for staff and retirees from the formula.
Ø Update and enhance the BOCES Aid Formula and encourage additional shared services.
Ø Wicks Law Reform
Ø Full funding of mandates
Ø Legislation that provides full funding and supports legal reforms (including Triborough Amendment Reform) for the State’s public schools to eliminate the need to fund Charter School initiatives.
Ø Reduce reporting requirements.
Discussion followed.
Motion carried 5 YES to 2 NO (Steve Greenfield, Edgar Rodriguez) with 7 members voting.
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Laura Walls for the Board of
Education to approve the following New Business Consent Agenda items 14.3 through 14.12.
CONSENT AGENDA
POLICES: 3130, 3230,
5130, 5730, 6170, 7614,
7622, 8271, 8430, 8450
14.3 Second Reading and Adoption of New Policy 3130 School District Standards and Guidelines for Web Page Publishing
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District adopt Policy 3130 School District Standards and Guidelines for Web Page Publishing as presented.
14.4 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 3230 Complaints and Grievances
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approves a revision to Policy 3230 Complaints and Grievances as presented.
14.5 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 5130 Contingency Budget
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve revision to Policy 5130 Contingency Budget as presented.
14.6 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 5730 Transportation of Students
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 5730 Transportation of Students as presented.
14.7 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 6170 Fingerprinting of Prospective School Employees
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 6170 Fingerprinting of Prospective School Employees as presented.
14.8 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 7614 Preschool Special Education Program
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 7614 Preschool Special Education Program as presented.
14.9 Second Reading and Approval New Policy 7622 District Policy Regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) Process
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District adopt new Policy 7622 District Policy Regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) Process as presented.
14.10 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 8271 Children’s Internet Protection Act: Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 8271 – Children’s Internet Protection Act: Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy as presented.
14.11 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 8430 Independent Study
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 8430 – Independent Study as presented.
14.12 Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 8450 Home Tutoring (Homebound Instruction)
BE IT RESOLVED, that after a first and second reading, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve a revision to Policy 8450 – Home Tutoring (Homebound Instruction) as presented.
Motion to approve Consent Agenda 14.3 through 14.12 carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
FINANCIAL REPORTS FINANCIAL REPORTS
Motion made by Laura Walls and seconded by Don Kerr that the Treasurer’s Report for
October 2008 and Budget Transfer Schedules #3 be approved.
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION
Edgar Rodriguez asked that the matter of changing the Charge of the Diversity Committee be put on the Comeback List. It was requested that the Diversity Committee be provided with the Bias Awareness Report and the Discipline Report.
Patrick Rausch asked that discussion take place on the matter of whether or not a board member should serve on committees like the Diversity Committee.
Steve Greenfield asked for a discussion in the future with Steve Callahan, Director of Facilities, for the purpose of prioritizing the numerous categories assigned the title of “bond” in his Five Year Report. Assistant Superintendent Richard Linden provided some insights regarding the matter.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
None
EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
SESSION
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Laura Walls to move into
Executive Session at 9:42 PM to discuss contract negotiations and the employment
history of particular individuals.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
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
Out of Executive Session
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Laura Walls that the Board RETURN
return to Public Session at 10:55 PM. PUBLIC
SESSION
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7members voting.
ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board
adjourn at 10:56 PM.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk