Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – October 7, 2009 – 7:00 PM
CALL MEETING TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:31 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 6:34 PM)
Daniel Torres
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Steven Greenfield and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:32 PM for the purpose of discussing the employment
history of a particular individual.
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Steven Greenfield and seconded by
Donald 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 7:09 PM by David Dukler, Board President.
BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Daniel Torres
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
Antonia Woody, Athletic Director
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
Naomi Kleinsasser, Student Representative
ROLL CALL ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
AGENDA CHANGES AGENDA
CHANGES
President Dukler presented the following Addendum to the Agenda.
PERSONNEL
ADD Personnel Items:
7.11 Memorandum of Agreement Between District and NPUT
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby approves a Memorandum of Agreement between the District, NPUT, and Thomas Mason as executed by the Superintendent of Schools on the 7th day of October 2009, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Memorandum of Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
7.12 Instructional Resignation – Purpose of Retirement
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby accepts the letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement of art teacher Thomas Mason, as presented to the Board at this meeting, effective close of business on December 31, 2009.
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education accept the Agenda as amended by the Addendum.
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
Glen Geher – Homework
Eric Watson – Homework
Favio DeNissi – Homework
Jennifer Zabrowski – Homework
Superintendent Rice spoke to the issue of homework. She reviewed the history of the district’s homework policy and then spoke of the educational goals that the district wants to achieve as we move into the 21st century. She stated that homework must connect, be purposeful and learning must be the reason. Homework should not be make work or busy work and not time mandated. It is important to develop study skills and discipline without creating stress for children. Parents have the prerogative and should make the decision about how much homework is appropriate for their children. Teachers should assign work that is engaging, purposeful and focused on learning. Not all parents agree on this matter with some feeling that homework has created a stressful situation for their children. In the end, parents have the power to determine what is best at the elementary level.
Edgar Rodriguez announced the Multi Cultural Conference on November 13th at SUNY New Paltz.
Superintendent Rice reported that the New Paltz Marching Band led the way over the Walkway and did a phenomenal job.
Naomi Kleinsasser, the new Student Representative, was introduced to the Board of Education.
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Patrick Rausch introduced Andrew Arias from Cooper, Niemann & Co., the accounting firm which conducted the external audit for 2008/2009 fiscal year.
Mr. Arias explained the audit process, stating that the main objective is the audit of the district’s financial statements relying on internal controls to be sure the district is in compliance with laws and regulations. He stated that it was a good clean audit with few adjusting journal entries being required.
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:
ACCEPT EXTERNAL 2008-2009 AUDIT REPORT
5.1 Request for Approval to Accept the External Audit Report for the 2008-2009 Fiscal Year
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accept the 2008-2009 External Audit Report as presented by the accounting firm of Cooper, Niemann & Co., LLP, Certified Public Accountants.
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
· EDUCATIONAL BASIS FOR NEEDED IMPROVEMENTS – Middle School Staff
Superintendent Rice asked the question of why we need to do more than just repair the middle school. Why is new space and renovated space important to our educational program? To answer these questions Mrs. Rice introduced a team of teachers from the middle school. Each teacher spoke to a specific aspect of the proposed plan and how it will enhance learning for students. The teachers present were Mary Holmes, Mary Beth Ferrante, Terry Ritter, Barbara Weiner, Susanna O’Brien and Charles Seymour.
Questions and answers followed.
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
New Student Representative Naomi Kleinsasser thanked the board for all their work in making the new school year begin smoothly. She reported on upcoming sports events and activities at the high school.
Out of a total of 19 proposed resolutions from New York State School Boards Association, members discussed five resolutions with which they had disagreements and concerns. These resolutions are numbers 1, 2, 9, 15 and 16. Each of the resolutions was discussed and a straw poll taken as follows:
Resolution 1 – NYSSBA recommends. Members unanimously oppose.
Resolution 2 – NYSSBA recommends. Members oppose with a vote of 2 YES (Patrick Rausch, David Dukler) to5 NO.
Resolution 9 – NYSSBA recommends. Members oppose with a vote of 2 YES (Patrick Rausch, David Dukler) to 5 NO.
Resolution 15 – NYSSBA opposes. Members unanimously support resolution.
Resolution 16 – NYSSBA opposes. Members unanimously support resolution.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution: MINUTES
9/16/09, 9/18/09
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Regular Workshop Meeting of September 16, 2009 and the Special Meeting of September 18, 2009.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) PERSONNEL
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel consent agenda:
7.1 Request for Approval to Execute Addendum Agreement to Superintendent’s Contract
Recommendation – that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes its President to execute an Addendum Agreement, dated October 7, 2009, to the Superintendent’s Contract, extending the Superintendent’s employment through July 1, 2014 and establishing the Superintendent’s annual salary for the period from July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010 at $192,870. A copy of such Addendum Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
7.2 Instructional Appointment - 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:
Melinda Benanti |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Kenneth N. Brooker III |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Mary Ann Carpenter |
effective 9/24/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Rachel Leigh Chase |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Rachael Dragula |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Corey Feldman |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Gail Freedman |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Alana Kaufman-Berson |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Amy Korol |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Melissa Milano |
effective 10/23/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Barbara Perkins |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Amber Scanlan |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Kathleen Shannahan |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Kelsey Lyn Swanson |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Robin Van Keuren |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
Kristen Vasta |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
|
7.3 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:
Melissa Bernardini |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
Sara Davidson |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
Judi Esmond |
effective 10/1/09 – 6/30/10 |
Laura Rose Gertler |
effective 9/30/09 – 6/30/10 |
7.4 Instructional Appointment - Mentors
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following instructional employees as mentors for the 2009/2010 school year with remuneration, as per NPUT contract:
Robin Taliaferro (co-mentor)
Joy Ward (co-mentor)
Jim Gill
Susan McNaughton
Lisa Hasbrouck (co-mentor)
Candice Cramer (co-mentor)
Kieren Bell
7.5 Instructional Resignation
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the resignation of the following instructional employee:
Isabelle Grizolet-Evans Teaching Assistant Effective September 30, 2009
7.6 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 2009/2010 school year, with remuneration as per NPUT contract:
High School
AIDS Awareness Lenora Koffman
All County Band Ralph Schroer
All County Choir Linda Eckert
Amnesty International Alexandra MacKinnon, Co-Advisor
Jennifer Piccione, Co-Advisor
Book Club Michelle Diana
Play/Drama Club Nancy Owen
Environmental Club Cathy Law
French Club Renee (Schaefer) Salamone
Freshman Class Souad Kurzban, Co-Advisor
Antoinette Russolello, Co-Advisor
Gay/Straight Alliance Lisa St. John
Newspaper (Maroon) Joel Neden
International Club Joseph Dolan, Co-Advisor
Kathleen Nugent, Co-Advisor
International Foods (Cooking) Beth Lazzaro
Italian Club Giovanna DeFilippi
Japanese Club Alexis Mallory
Junior Class Linda Sutton
Literary Magazine Michelle Diana
Marching Band Ralph Schrorer
Math Club Kathryn Stewart
Mock Trial Albert Cook
Model United Nations James Coleman
Honor Society William DeFino, Co-Advisor
Stephanie Costello, Co-Advisor
Open Studio in Art Mary Rappleyea
Peer Leadership Lenora Koffman, Co-Advisor
Joel Neden, Co-Advisor
Peer Mediation Mary Rappleyea, Co-Advisor
Lenora Koffman, Co-Advisor
SADD Thomas Tegeler
Science Olympiad Chad Foti
Senior Class Bonne Masseo
Snow Club Chad Foti, Co-Advisor
Marc Knittel, Co-Advisor
Sophomore Class Michelle Diana
Spanish Club Mary Fisher
Musical (Spring) Nancy Owen
Student Government Stephanie Costello
Technology Club James Tracy, Co-Advisor
Jennifer Cone, Co-Advisor
Ultimate Frisbee Kurt Ulrich
Vocal Ensemble Linda Eckert
Yearbook Sue Sherburne, Co-Advisor
Kathleen Nugent, Co-Advisor
Cheerleading Jennifer Pottinger
Middle School
Student Council Jessica Grey
Newspaper (Mirror) Sue Pereira
Reflections Randi Rosen
Yearbook Jill Belgrave
Art Club Kim Sturgis
Rock N Soul (Jazz Band) Charles Seymour
All County Band Charles Seymour
Geography Bee Trina Naclerio, Co-Advisor
Geography Bee Jen Bruntil, Co-Advisor
Science Olympiad Mark Pizzarello
Drama Club Mary Holmes
All-County Chorus Linda Eckert
7.7 Non-Instructional Appointments
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following non-instructional employees:
Name Title Effective Date Salary Hours
Nina Hein Substitute School Monitor 9/24/2009 $9.00/hr as needed
Nina Hein Substitute Teacher Aide 9/24/2009 $10.00/hr as needed
Nina Hein Substitute Clerical 9/24/2009 $12.00/hr as needed
Maria Meoli Substitute School Nurse 9/17/2009 $100/day as needed
Suzette Yenzer Permanent Substitute School 10/8/2009 $22.20/hr 4 hrs per day
Driver
Lamont VanWezemaal Permanent Substitute School 10/8/2009 $22.20/hr 4 hrs per day
Driver
Joseph B. Winne Jr Facilities & Operations Worker 10/13/2009 $41,090/yr as per contract
7.8 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:
Clarissa Blue Food Service Helper Effective 9/8/2009 – 9/28/2009
7.9 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:
Name Position Stipend
Kerri Hirsch Co –coach JV Girls Basketball $1515.00
Nicole Vitale Co-coach JV Girls Basketball $1515.00
Kerri Hirsch Varsity Girls Lacrosse $3570.00
Salvatore Rosa Varsity Girls Basketball $4330.00
7.10 Home Tutors
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:
Kathleen Morabito
Rita Toohey
7.11 Memorandum of Agreement between District and NPUT
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby approves a Memorandum of Agreement between the District, NPUT, and Thomas Mason as executed by the Superintendent of Schools on the 7th day of October 2009, as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said Memorandum of Agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.
7.12 Instructional Resignation – Purpose of Retirement
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby accepts the letter of resignation for the purpose of retirement of art teacher Thomas Mason, as presented to the Board at this meeting, effective close of business on December 31, 2009.
MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS
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 9.1 through 9.3 as follows:
9.1 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: 009421, 2011B, 132, 10511, 11328, 8287, 12968, 11515, 9301, 9968, 1677, 9995, 8870, 9458, 10811, 8036, 9531, 11507, 10933, 11522, 11256, 11495, 11337, 10096, 12005, 10751, 11514, 10381, 11522, 11494.
9.2 Request for Approval to Appoint Community Members to the Audit Committee
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following community members to the Audit Committee:
Kristen Cash-Holland Effective 10/8/09 – 6/30/10
Stephen Bagley Effective 10/8/09 – 6/30/11
9.3 Request for Approval to Appoint Construction Management Firm for the Middle School Building Project
Recommendation - that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New
Paltz Central School District appoint The Palombo Group as the Construction Management Firm for the Middle School Building Project.
Motion to approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 9.1 – 9.3 carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:
9.4 Request for Approval to Repeal Policy 7313 Suspension of Students
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved: BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District does hereby repeal Policy 7313 Suspension of Students.
Discussion followed.
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
Members briefly discussed the following first readings. The only change was to Item 9.8 Policy 5572 Audit Committee as highlighted below.
9.5 First Reading 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.
9.6 First Reading 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.
9.7 First Reading of Revisions to Policy 7521 Students with Life Threatening Allergies
SUBJECT: STUDENTS WITH LIFE THREATENING
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.
9.8 First 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 member terms shall be staggered and their 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:
The finance responsibilities of the Audit Committee include the following:
The Audit Committee shall make monthly reports to the full Board of Education.
The foregoing policies will be presented to the Board of Education on October 21 for a second reading and approval.
FINANCIAL REPORTS FINANCIAL REPORTS
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Treasurer’s Reports for
July 2009 and August 2009 and Budget Transfer Schedules #1(June 2009) and
#2 (August 2009) be accepted.
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.
OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION
Mr. Kerr asked that the Comeback List include the topic of the difference in cost of construction at SUNY versus the district.
PUBLIC COMMENT PUBLIC
COMMENT
No Public Comment
ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board
adjourn at 10:40 PM.
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk