Minutes – Workshop Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – October 21, 2009 – 7:00 PM
Public Hearing: Environmental Assessment Review & Community Forum: Middle School Project

CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                                 CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                              QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez (arrived at 7:10 PM)
Daniel Torres
                                                               

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
                                                                Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
                                                                Mike Robinson, Director of Food Services
                                                                Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
                                                                Naomi Kleinsasser, Student Representative
                                                                Louis Turpin, Rhinebeck Architecture & Planning
                                                                Phillip Zempke, Rhinebeck Architecture & Planning
                                                                Luis Rodriguez, The Palombo Group
                                                                Jeffery Budrow, Fraser and Associates
                                                                Members of the Public and Press
                                                               
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

RECOGNITION – SCHOOL BOARD RECOGNITION WEEK – OCTOBER 19-23

• Recognition of Roderick O. Dressel Jr. and Michael Swigart, Retiring Community Members of the Audit Committee – President Dukler and Audit Committee Chair Patrick Rausch expressed appreciation for the service provided by these volunteer community members.  Mr. Swigart and Mr. Dressel who recently retired from the Audit Committee were not in attendance at the meeting.  Certificates will be mailed to them.

• Presentation of Certificates of Appreciation to Members of the Board of Education – Superintendent Rice expressed appreciation to members of the Board of Education for their hard work and dedication to the school district.  Each member was presented with a certificate and a copy of the Governor’s Proclamation designating October 19-23 as School Board Recognition Week.  A brief reception followed during which time the public could personally meet and speak with board members.

BRIEF RECEPTION – LOBBY OF THE AUDITORIUM

The meeting resumed at 7:26 PM as Mr. Dukler once again called the meeting to order.

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                                             AGENDA CHANGES

President Dukler announced the following Addendum to the Agenda:

ADDENDUM
PUBLIC HEARING

Change Item 5.1 Request for Approval to Pass the Negative Declaration on the Environmental Assessment to omit “(as attached)” in paragraph #4 an insert “which documents shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting and…..”

PERSONNEL

CHANGE Effective date on existing Personnel Item 12.4 as follows:

12.4        Coaching Resignation
Recommendation  - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the following resignation:

Nicole Oliva                          Girls JV Softball Coach                        Effective 10/5/09

ADD:

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 employees, on an as-needed basis with remuneration as per NPUT contract effective for the 2009-2010 school year:

Alexis Mallory
Cathy Law

OLD BUSINESS

CHANGE Resolution 13.3 Heading and Policy Title to read as follows:

13.3    Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 7521 Students with Life Threatening Health Conditions

SUBJECT:    STUDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING HEALTH CONDITIONS

NEW BUSINESS

ADD:

14.3        Request for Approval to Accept Donation

Recommendation –that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:  BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept a donation of flowers, shrubs and trees from Masseo Landscaping for the courtyard at the New Paltz Central High School.

                                                                                                                                                                                               
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the Agenda as amended by the Addendum.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

PUBLIC HEARING ON ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT REVIEW FOR THE
MIDDLE SCHOOL BUILDING PROJECT

Jeffery Budrow from Fraser and Associates commented on the SEQR process and the associated legislation.  It is a legal process required for all public and private projects, large and small.  The process was done carefully in preparation for the resolution which is being presented to the Board this evening regarding the Middle School Renovation Project.  He explained the long and short Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) which his company helped to complete on behalf of the district with the assistance of Louis Turpin from Rhinebeck Architecture & Planning.  The negative declaration which will be voted on this evening brings the SEQR process to a conclusion. The public was given the opportunity to ask questions. 

Linda Geary, Gardiner – SEQR & Traffic Impact

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:

                                                                                                                                                                NEGATIVE DECLARATION
                                                                                                                                                                SEQRA PROCESS

5.1          Request for Approval to Pass the Negative Declaration on the Environmental Assessment
Recommendation - that the following resolution be approved:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District (the “Board of Education”) has under consideration a capital project consisting of New Paltz Middle School Renovations and Additions Master Plan, including renovations and additions to the New Paltz Middle School (MS) building and site, demolition of the abandoned District Office structure, and relocation of the School District's central food service facilities and central receiving and storage facilities from the MS to the High School campus (the “Proposed Action”); and

                WHEREAS, the Board of Education is designated under SEQRA as Lead Agency for the Proposed Action; and

WHEREAS, the Proposed Action is a Type I Action and is subject to the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”); and

                WHEREAS, the Board of Education’s consultants have prepared a Full Environmental Assessment Form (EAF) for the Middle School portion of the Proposed Action and a Short Form EAF for the High School portion of the Proposed Action, which documents shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting, and which have been reviewed and accepted by the Board of Education, indicating that the Proposed Action will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment;

                NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, as Lead Agency, after having reviewed the components and aspects of the Proposed Action and the Full and Short Form Environmental Assessment Forms, hereby determines that such Proposed Action will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and makes a negative declaration for purposes of the State Environment Quality Review Act.

The contact person for the New Paltz Central School District is: Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Jeff Myer, Gardiner – Thank You for Memorial Bench for Devon
                                                                                                                                                                                               
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Naomi Kleinsasser reported on past and future events and activities at the high school. 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS (5 MIN)

Superintendent Rice clarified financial audit information figures that were provided at the last Community Forum by Edgar Rodriguez.  Mr. Rodriguez commented that he had been mislead by school staff resulting in the miscommunication of information.

Superintendent Rice commented on relocation plans for the Middle School Project.  Efforts have been made to include parents and staff in the brainstorming process by recruiting Site Based Team members.  A  District Team will then be established from representatives of the Site Based Teams.  The final relocation plan will be established after an affirmative vote on the project.  Representatives are being sought by the High School PTA at present.

The project scope needs to be finalized and then a bond referendum vote date.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS – MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT (60 MIN)

• COMMUNITY FORUM ON MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT – President Dukler opened the floor to the community to comment on or ask questions about the Middle School Project.

Kevin Barry, New Paltz – Timing Wrong; Politicians & District Collaborate

(Donald Kerr announced that he will keep a running record of statements made by the public using a flip chart which can be viewed by the audience.)

Floyd Niffen, New Paltz – Relocation Plan; Break project into phases
Jim O’Dowd, New Paltz – Financial Impact of Sustainable Energy
Anthony Adamo, New Paltz – Need Relocation Plan Before the Vote. Cost of Relocation.
Arlene Black, New Paltz – Impact on Students Important; Why not offer variety of options; Is all of this needed?
Jacob Lawrence, New Paltz – What if project takes more than a year? Can SUNY help us with relocation?
Kevin Barry, New Paltz – Market Value of Middle School;
Jeanine, Gardiner – Reduce K and no Pre-K; Use libraries for Kindergarten; Build in one summer
Jacob Lawrence - Use of Modular
James Depew, New Paltz – Not in favor bringing older students to Lenape
Barbara Weiner, New Paltz – Keep MS students together
Terri Barbado, New Paltz – BOCES Rental; Penalties for going over deadline; Each building take a grade
Austin Moran, New Paltz – Existing Debt; Plan for other expected projects; State Aid assumption
Ron Bitali, New Paltz – Wants a dollar figure

• BOE FURTHER DEFINE PROJECT SCOPE

President Dukler asked members to consider approving a dollar amount to bring to the public for this project and to determine a date for the meeting at which they would make this final decision.  This is crucial to determining when the referendum will be presented to the public for a vote. Discussion followed.  It was stated that the board should not rush but take time to get the answers for the public.  Most members agreed to hold off on the vote until January or February.

Edgar Rodriguez did not agree with any of the dates. He feels that the board should spend more time to discuss the project and come up with a plan that will help the community to process all of the questions and possible solutions.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by David Dukler that the board schedule a board resolution vote for January 6, 2010 to set up for a bond resolution vote on February 28, 2010.

                                                                                                                                BOND RESOLUTION VOTE DATE

Motion carried 6 YES – 1 NO (Edgar Rodriguez) with 7 members voting.

Mr. Rodriguez commented that he has not yet made a decision about the Middle School Project and feels that it is important to get more information before moving forward.

Members discussed possible dates for future Community Forums.  The following dates were suggested:

November 10, 2009               Lenape
November 16, 2009               Duzine
December 1, 2009 High School
December 9, 2009 Middle School

The purpose of these forums will be to answer questions expressed by the public and to sell the scope of the project that will have been decided by the board. Discussion continued with emphasis on the need to establish the scope and the script for presentation to the public.  The script will need to be consistent and informative.

AUDIT COMMITTEE – Mr. Rausch asked that the board authorize him as Chair of the Audit Committee to sign the engagement letter.  He also asked members for guidance in using the expertise of new Community Members of the Audit Committee to focus on and create a long term plan.  Mr. Rausch commented on the need to amend Policy 5572 Audit Committee to authorize the Chair of the Audit Committee to sign the Engagement Letter each year so that board action need not be taken to make such authorization.  (This amendment to Policy 5572 was made later in the meeting during the second reading of revisions to the policy.  The amendment will be considered again at a third reading on November 4, 2009.)

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   MINUTES
                                                                                                                                                                                                10/7/09
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes                            
of the Regular Business Meeting of October 7, 2009.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Dan Torres 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 2009/2010 school year:

Lauren Papot                        Art Teacher           Effective 10/22/09 – 12/23/09              BA Step C $48,310 prorated
(For Tom Mason)

12.2        Instructional Appointments - Substitutes
Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following substitute teachers with remuneration as per rates established at the July 1, 2009 Organizational Meeting:

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:

12.4        Coaching Resignation
Recommendation  - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the following resignation:

Nicole Oliva                          Girls JV Softball Coach                        Effective 10/5/09

 12.5       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 2009-2010 school year:

                                                                                                                Stipend
Melissa Greuver                   Varsity Boys Swim Coach                  $3570
Nicole Oliva                          Varsity Softball Coach                        $3570
Matthew Cutney                  JV Boys Basketball Assistant            Unpaid

12.6        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:

Paul Mattes                           Teacher Aide                                        Effective 1/11/2010

12.7        Non-Instructional Appointment
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 non-instructional employee:

Yuliya Kornyeva                  Substitute School Monitor                 Effective 10/5/09                   $9.00/hr                  as needed

12.8        Non-Instructional Leave of Absence
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve an unpaid leave of absence for the following non-instructional employee:

Elaine Purdy                          School Lunch Cashier                         Effective 10/5/09 – 11/5/09

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 employees, on an as-needed basis with remuneration as per NPUT contract effective for the 2009-2010 school year:

Alexis Mallory
Cathy Law

MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

OLD BUSINESS (Consent Agenda)                                                                                                                 OLD BUSINESS

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of
Education approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 as
follows:

13.1        Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 8470 Home Schooled Students

SUBJECT:    HOME SCHOOLED STUDENTS

            From time to time, parents will choose to instruct their children at home. Although New York State law does not recognize home schools as private elementary or secondary schools, the School District will attempt to cooperate with parents who wish to provide home schooling for their children realizing that the child who is educated at home should receive an education in a manner consistent with an educational plan and at least substantially equivalent to that given to students of like age and attainments in the local public schools. The required subjects should be taught in a competent, systematic, and sequential manner, specifically in relation to the required courses as enumerated in Commissioner's Regulation Section 100.10.

                Primary responsibility for determining compliance with Commissioner's Regulations addressing home instruction rests with the Superintendent of Schools of the school district in which a home-instructed student resides.

Provision of Services to Home Schooled Students

            Students instructed at home are not awarded a high school diploma. A high school diploma may only be awarded to a student enrolled in a registered secondary school who has completed all program requirements set by the Board of Regents, the school or the District.

a)         Extracurricular Participation

Students instructed at home are not eligible to participate in interscholastic sports. Commissioner's Regulations mandate that only students enrolled in the public school are allowed to participate in interscholastic sports. However, the School District does permit home-instructed students to participate in intramural and other school-sponsored extracurricular activities.

b)        Textbooks and Materials

The District shall not provide textbooks and other materials to home-instructed students.

c)         Health Services

The School District is not required to furnish health services.

d)        Remedial Programs

The District is not responsible for providing remedial programs.

e)             Occupational and Vocational Education Programs

The District is not authorized to provide, by law, Occupational and Vocational Education programs or programs for the gifted to home instructed students.

f)         Special Education Services

Home-instructed students may not participate in the instructional program of the School District except for special education programs and services the District is required to offer.

The District shall offer a home-instructed student with disabilities the special education services as addressed in the approved Individualized Education Program (IEP) by the Committee on Special Education. However, there is no requirement that such services be provided in the student's home. Further, the District shall conduct a census and register of students with disabilities who reside in the District in accordance with Education Law and Commissioner's Regulations.

For school age home-schooled students with individualized home instruction plans (IHIP) determined to be in compliance with the Commissioner’s Regulation who are students with disabilities, the Committee on Special Education (CSE) will develop an individualized education services program (IESP) for the student. The IESP will be developed in the same manner and have the same contents as an individualized education program (IEP). An IESP is developed in consideration of the parents’ decision to home school their child.

In order to receive services, the parent must request special education services in writing to the board of education of the school district of location by June 1 preceding the school year for which the request for services is made. However, for a student who is first identified as a student with a disability after the first day of June preceding the school year for which the request is made and prior to the first day of April of such current school year, the parent must submit the written request for services within 30 days after the student was first identified. A request may also be submitted within 30 days of a change in the student’s school district of residence. Home schooled students may receive such services during the regular school year only.

Special education services will be provided to home-schooled students on an equitable basis as compared to special education programs and services provided to other students with disabilities attending public or nonpublic schools within the district.

Parents of home-schooled students who disagree with the IESP recommendation of the CSE will be entitled to due process pursuant to Education Law section 4404 just as parents of nonpublic students are.

The location where special education services will be determined by the CSE/CPSE and could include the site of home schooling.

g)            Use of School Facilities

Students instructed at home shall not be allowed to use school facilities, except as provided for community organizations in Policy #3280 - Community Use of School Facilities, Materials and Equipment.

13.2    Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 8280 Instruction for English Language Learners or Students with Limited English Proficiency

SUBJECT:    INSTRUCTION FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS OR STUDENTS
                                WITH LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

            The Board of Education recognizes its responsibility to ensure that students of foreign birth or ancestry, who have limited English proficiency (LEP) or English Language Learners (ELL), are provided with an appropriate free-standing program of English as a Second Language (ESL).

            The instructional programs and services available to limited English proficient pupils to help them acquire English proficiency may include, pursuant to Commissioner's Regulations, free-standing English as a second language programs, appropriate support services, transitional services, in-service training and parental notification

A student who, as a result of a disability, scores below the State designated level on the Language Assessment Battery-Revised (LAB-R) or the NYS English as a Second Language Achievement Test (NYSESLAT) shall be provided special education programs and services in accordance with the individualized education program (IEP) developed for such student and shall also be eligible for services available to an ELL/LEP student when those services are recommended in the IEP. Such a student will be counted as an ELL/LEP student as well as a student with a disability for purposes of calculating State aid.

The parent/guardian of a student identified as an English language learner or as limited English proficient shall be informed in his/her native language, if necessary, of the student's identification for and/or participation in an English language learner instructional program as well as other school related information.

The Superintendent shall ensure that all data required by the Commissioner's Regulations is submitted to the State Education Department in a timely manner.

13.3    Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 7521 Students with Life Threatening Health Conditions

SUBJECT:    STUDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING HEALTH CONDITIONS

            Students come to school with diverse medical conditions which may impact their learning as well as their health. Some of these conditions are serious and may be life-threatening.

Students, parents, school personnel and health care providers must all work together to provide the necessary information and training to allow children with chronic health problems to participate as fully and safely as possible in the school experience.

All students within the District with known life-threatening conditions should have a comprehensive plan of care in place: an Emergency Care Plan (ECP) and/or Individualized Healthcare Plan (IHP), and if appropriate an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Section 504 Plan.

School Health Team

            The District has identified the following as important members of the School Health Team to ensure that health information is complete, appropriate accommodations are prepared and any necessary medication and environmental protocols are in place for students with life-threatening health conditions:

a)         Parents/Guardians and Students;

b)        School District Administrators;

c)         School Medical Director;

d)        School Nurse;

e)         Teachers;

f)         Guidance Counselor/Social Worker;

g)        Teaching Assistants and Teacher Aides;

h)        Food Service Personnel;

i)          Custodial Staff;

j)          Transportation Personnel;

k)         Athletic Director, Coaches and After School Volunteers;

l)          Coordinators for Special Education

m)        Director of Health Services

Anaphylaxis

            Although anaphylaxis can affect almost any part of the body and cause various symptoms, the most dangerous symptoms include breathing difficulties and a drop in blood pressure or shock which are potentially fatal. Treatment for anaphylaxis includes immediate removal of the allergen, and treating the rapidly progressing effects of histamine release in the body with epinephrine and antihistamines.

            Particularly for those students with chronic life-threatening conditions such as diabetes, seizure disorders, asthma and allergies (food, insect sting, latex, medications, etc.) which may result in severe, life-threatening reactions to various environmental triggers, it is necessary that the District work cooperatively with the parent(s) and the healthcare provider to:

a)         Immediately develop an Emergency Care Plan (ECP) for each at risk student to ensure that all appropriate personnel are aware of the student's potential for a life-threatening reaction;

b)        If appropriate, develop an Individualized Healthcare Plan that includes all necessary treatments, medications, training and educational requirements for the student. If the student is eligible for accommodations based upon the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Americans with Disabilities Act, the appropriate procedures will be followed regarding evaluation and identification;

c)         Provide training by licensed medical personnel (e.g. registered professional nurse) for all adults in a supervisory role in the recognition and emergency management of a specific medical condition for specific students;

d)        Obtain specific legal documents duly executed in accordance with New York State law; appropriate health care provider authorization in writing for specific students that includes the frequency and conditions for any testing and/or treatment, symptoms, and treatment of any conditions associated with the health problem; and directions for emergencies;

e)         Secure written parent permission and discuss parental responsibility that includes providing the health care provider's orders, providing any necessary equipment, and participation in the education and co-management of the child as he/she works toward self-management;

f)         Allow self-directed students, as assessed by the school nurse, to carry life saving medication with prior approval by the medical provider, and according to health practice and procedures, as long as duplicate life saving medication is also maintained in the health office in the event the self-carrying student misplaces their medication;

g)        Assure appropriate and reasonable building accommodations are in place within a reasonable degree of medical certainty.

            In addition, the District will:

a)         Provide training for all staff in the recognition of an anaphylactic reaction;

b)        Have standing emergency medical protocols for nursing staff;

c)         Request the School Medical Director to write a non-patient specific order for anaphylaxis treatment agents for the school's registered professional nurse to administer in the event of an unanticipated anaphylactic episode;

d)        As permitted by New York State law, maintain stock supplies of life saving emergency medications such as epinephrine and antihistamine in all health offices for use in first time emergencies;

e)         Ensure that Building-level and District-wide school safety plans include appropriate accommodations for students with life-threatening health conditions;

f)         Encourage families to obtain medic-alert bracelets for at risk students;

g)        Educate students regarding the importance of immediately reporting symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Creating an Allergen-Safe School Environment

            Avoidance of exposure to allergens is the key to preventing a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction. Educating the entire school community about life-threatening allergies is crucial in keeping students with such allergies safe. The risk of accidental exposure or cross-contamination is always present, particularly for students with food allergies. The school setting is a high-risk environment for accidental ingestion of a food allergen due to the presence of a large number of students, increased exposure to food allergens, and cross-contamination of tables, desks and other surfaces.

            To guard against accidental exposure to allergens, monitoring of the following high-risk areas and activities is crucial:

a)         Cafeteria;
b)        Food sharing;
c)         Hidden ingredients in art, science and other projects;
d)        Transportation;
e)         Fund raisers and bake sales;
f)         Parties and holiday celebrations;
g)        Field trips;
h)        Before and after school programs.

Use of Epinephrine Auto-Injector Devices (Epi-Pens) in the School Setting

The administration of epinephrine by epi-pen to a student with a known severe allergy needing an anaphylactic treatment agent may be performed by a school staff member responding to an emergency situation when such use has been prescribed by a licensed prescriber. However, a registered professional nurse/nurse practitioner/physician/physician's assistant must have trained the staff member to administer the epi-pen for that emergency situation and given him/her approval to assist the student in the event of an anaphylactic reaction.

Documentation of training must be maintained in the Anaphylaxis Protocol for Non-Licensed School Staff Members for each affected student. The emergency response by non-licensed school staff members is permitted under the Medical Practice Act (Education Law Section 6527(4) (a) and the Nurse Practice Act (Education Law Section 6908 (1) (a) (iv)) and is covered by the "Good Samaritan Law" (Public Health Law Section 3000-a).

Chronic Health Condition Self-Management

The District will work toward assisting students in the self-management of their chronic health condition based upon the student's knowledge level and skill by:

a)         Adequately training all staff involved in the care of the child;

b)        Assuring the availability of the necessary equipment and/or medications;

c)         Providing appropriately trained licensed persons as required by law;

d)        Providing additional appropriately trained adults to complete delegated tasks as allowed by law;

e)         Developing an emergency plan for the student; and

f)         Providing ongoing staff and student education.

Motion to approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 13.1, 13.2 and 13.3 carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Patrick Rausch asked that the board consider an additional revision to the Audit Committee Policy by adding a provision that the Audit Committee Chair be authorized to sign the Letter of Engagement and Agreed Upon Procedures from the Internal Auditor.  The district’s attorney will be consulted for the exact wording and the policy will be brought back to the board for a third reading.

13.4    Second Reading of Revisions to Policy 5572 Audit Committee
SUBJECT:    AUDIT COMMITTEE

            The Board of Education establishes a standing Audit Committee. The Audit Committee (AC) shall consist of three members of the Board of Education and two members of the community at-large. Both  Members of the Board of Education serve one year terms and community members serve two year terms. Community members’ terms shall be staggered and appointments made by resolution of the Board of Education. Community members shall take an oath of office.

            All members serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary expenditure incurred in relation to attendance at training events or mandatory conferences. Employees of the District are prohibited from serving on the Audit Committee. Members of the Audit Committee shall be deemed School District Officers.

            The role of the Audit Committee shall be advisory to the Board of Education.

            The audit responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:

• Provide recommendations regarding the appointment of the External (Independent) Auditor for the District;

• Meet with the External (Independent) Auditor prior to commencement of the audit to set audit and risk assessment parameters;

• Receive and review the draft annual audit report and accompanying draft management letter and, working directly with the External (Independent) Auditor, assist the Board of Education in interpreting such documents;

• Is empowered by the Board of Education to allow the Chair of the Audit Committee to fully execute the yearly Letter of Engagement and Agreed Upon Procedures from the District’s Internal Auditor;

• Make recommendation to the Board on accepting the annual audit report;

• Review every corrective action plan developed by the School District and assist the Board in its implementation;

• Assist in the oversight of the Internal Audit function including, but not limited to providing recommendations regarding the appointment of the Internal Auditor, meeting regularly with the Internal Auditor, reviewing significant findings and recommendations of the Internal Auditor, monitoring the School District's implementation of such recommendations, and evaluating the performance of the internal audit function;

• Assist in the oversight of the Claims Audit function including, but not limited to, providing recommendations regarding the appointment of the Claims Auditor, meeting regularly with the Claims Auditor, reviewing significant findings and recommendations of the Claims Auditor, monitoring the School District's implementation of such recommendations, and evaluating the performance of the claims audit function;

• Review annually Board policies on audit and finance and refer any proposed changes to the policy committee before Board review and action;

• Review annually this committee charter, for changes that may be necessary as a result of new laws, regulations or special circumstances. Refer any proposed changes to the Board of Education for review and action;

• Conduct executive sessions as allowed by law;

• Conduct an annual self assessment of the Audit Committee; and

• Create an annual committee agenda for the ensuing year to assure completion of all responsibilities.

            The finance responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:

• Review, at least quarterly, the monthly financial statements prepared for the Board of Education and make any recommendations to the Board for consideration and/or action;

• Propose for Board consideration any variations in reporting format or methodology of regular finance reports.

• Review matters as referred by the Board of Education.

            The Audit Committee shall make monthly reports to the full Board of Education.

NEW BUSINESS (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                 NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of
Education approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3 as follows:

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: 11054, 11523, 11524, 11495, 9128, 12074, 12047, 11449, 610, 8215, 2590, 12101, 8410.

14.2        Request for Approval of Administrative Internship of Kathryn Pines Flanagan

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the Administrative Internship of Kathryn Pines Flanagan

14.3        Request for Approval to Accept Donation

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept a donation of flowers, shrubs and trees from Masseo Landscaping for the courtyard at the New Paltz Central High School.

Motion to approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 14.1, 14.2 and 14.3 carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

14.4        Request for Approval to Authorize Audit Committee Chair to Execute Letter of Engagement with Internal Auditor

Motion made by Patrick Rausch that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
                                               
2009-2010 LETTER OF ENGAGEMENT/RISK ASSESSMENT

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorize the Audit Committee Chair (Patrick Rausch) to execute the Letter of Engagement with the District’s Internal Auditor (Sickler, Torchia, Allen & Churchill) for the 2009-2010 Risk Assessment.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

FINANCIAL REPORTS                                                                                                                                   FINANCIAL REPORTS
                                                                                                                                                                                SEPTEMBER 2009

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Treasurer’s Report for       
September 2009 and Budget Transfer Schedule #3 be approved.               
                                                                               
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

OTHER DISCUSSION                                                                                                                                       OTHER DISCUSSION
                                                                                                               
Edgar Rodriguez requested that the Board consider purchasing materials made available from the NYSSBA
Convention.  Discussion followed.  President Dukler indicated that a decision would not be made this evening and that further discussion would take place in the future.  Members who attended the Annual Convention will report at the next meeting.  KT Tobin Flusser will also report on the New Board Member Workshop that she attended.  The four members will be allowed five minutes each for their presentations.

Patrick Rausch asked if the members would be willing to entertain a short Executive Session for board health purposes. Maria Rice asked if it was for personnel purposes.  When it did not appear to be the case, Superintendent Rice suggested that the board go into a retreat so that the meeting could adjourn at this point.  Don Kerr felt that it was late and the board was not at its best.  David Dukler felt that the purpose was a good one but he was on the down side of his ability to maintain focus this late in the evening.

Patrick Rausch said, “Yes I’ll make the motion to see where we are.”  Steven Greenfield said, “Yes I’ll second it.”

NOTE:  The specifics of a resolution were not audibly stated thus resulting in confusion as to whether the resolution was to hold a retreat or adjourn.

Superintendent Rice asked, “Is this to adjourn?”  Patrick Rausch said,  “No this is to move into retreat.”

Superintendent Rice said that it was not necessary to move into retreat and that the board needed to adjourn and then have their retreat. 

David Dukler said, “We need to have a sense of the board.”

Patrick Rausch said, “We need to do a vote to see if we are going to have a retreat.”

Mr. Rausch stated that he wanted to vote to see who wanted to have a retreat after the meeting adjourned.  Members were asked to raise their hands if they wanted to meet in a retreat.  Edgar Rodriguez said that he was not available.  All other members voted that they would be available to go into retreat.

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr that the meeting adjourn at 10:35PM.

Discussion continued with several members stating that they did not want to adjourn

President Dukler Called the Question.

Motion to adjourn FAILED with a vote of 1 YES (Edgar Rodriguez) to 6 NO.

Mr. Rodriguez stood to leave (10:37 PM) and stated, “I will meet with you in retreat in the future after you take the workshop on Undoing Racism.” Mr. Rodriguez left the room.

President Dukler stated for the record that the meeting is not adjourning and that Trustee Rodriguez made an insinuation that the board members are racists.

Members continued discussion about the dynamics of board interaction with one another and the need to make sure that accurate information is provided by board members to the public.

ADJOURN

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the meeting adjourn at 10:40 PM

Motion to adjourn carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk