Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – November 4, 2009 – 7:00 PM
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 (left at 9:40 PM)
Patrick Rausch
Daniel Torres
ABSENT: Edgar Rodriguez
ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business
Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
Naomi Kleinsasser, Student Representative
Members of the Public and Press
ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.
PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
AGENDA CHANGES AGENDA
President Dukler announced the following addendum to the agenda:
ADDENDUM
PERSONNEL
ADD Personnel Items:
7.7 Winter Coaching Appointment
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following coach for the 2009-2010 school year:
Matthew Suits Boys Swimming Assistant Coach Unpaid
7.8 Instructional Appointment – Uncertified Substitute: Correcting Resolution
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby approve a correcting resolution to revise the name of a substitute teacher appointed by Board of Education on August 19, 2009 to appear as Josephine Ann Ruisi instead of Joanna Ruisi effective August 19, 2009.
NEW BUSINESS
ADD New Business Item:
9.2 Request for Approval to Establish New Extra-Curricular Club – Step Club
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby establish a new extra-curricular club at the New Paltz Central High School called the “Step Club”. Addendum continued
Addendum continued
9.3 Request for Approval to Appoint Advisor to the Step Club
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following Advisorship for the 2009-2010 School Year with remuneration as per NPUT Contract with said funds coming from those already allocated to the Outdoor Club which is not operating this year:
Stacy Sands Step Club Effective 9/1/09
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres to accept the Agenda as amended by the Addendum.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
Kevin Barry, New Paltz – JV Programs, Middle School Renovation & Cost of New School
BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
Superintendent Rice referred members to a PowerPoint handout which summarizes the history of the Proposed Middle School Building Project from its inception to the present. It states the various questions posed by the community and the answers to those questions. This information was collected from notes taken from past meetings and forums that focused on this project. It was ascertained that the public was in favor of maintaining the middle school at its present location. Members reviewed the PowerPoint handout, making suggestions as to how the handout could be revised/improved so as to provide accurate and pertinent information to the public. Discussion revolved around what points should be listed and what links might be provided to enhance and elaborate on those points. Members expressed that this PowerPoint presentation should be concise and brief enough yet informative enough to satisfy the public’s need for information. This discussion took place to use the collective eyes and wisdom of the board members to arrive at an appropriate document to be presented to the public. Members discussed the importance of dealing with the tax impact due to this project. There was disagreement on how the PowerPoint slide should describe the net increase of the project to the taxpayers. Because the discussion was getting lengthy, Mr. Kerr suggested that the comeback list include a discussion on budget philosophy for a future meeting. Discussion continued regarding the median cost of single family houses for New Paltz and Gardiner. Members feel that the median figure is more helpful than the average cost so that the public can have a better idea of where their tax increase might fall. Discussion continued regarding the best possible way to determine the real cost comparisons given the variety of options under consideration such as using a “band aid” or proceeding with a major capital project.
President Dukler asked the members to break from this discussion so that the Student Representative Naomi Kleinsasser could give her report on various sports activities and special events at the high school. Ms. Kleinsasser expressed her support of the Middle School Renovation Project and advised that individuals that she speaks with are in favor of this project.
Discussion continued with comments being offered by Louis Turpin and Luis Rodriguez regarding square footage cost of the project and appropriate sources for determining accurate figures. Mr. Dukler asked members to look back at the expressed concerns and think about moving the date forward for consideration of the bond vote. Members asked Mrs. Rice to proceed with focus on the presentation and the finer details being worked out later. The upcoming Community Forums are being held on November 10 and November 16. A poll was taken by Mr. Dukler to determine which members would be available for the Community Forums.
Steven Greenfield asked that the NYSSBA reports be held until a future meeting. Members agreed that in the interest of time Steven Greenfield, Patrick Rausch and Edgar Rodriguez will report on their attendance at the Annual Convention at the next meeting. Kathleen Tobin Flusser proceeded with her report.
KATHLEEN TOBIN FLUSSER - Ms. Tobin Flusser reported on her attendance at the New School Board Member Workshop, offering to share some of the handouts that she received. She elaborated on items of interest under Freedom of Information Law, Sunshine Laws and Open Government.
5.1 Request for Approval for Board President to Issue Corrective Letter
Action on the following resolution was postponed for a future meeting:
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education authorize the Board President to issue, on behalf of the Board of Education, a corrective letter to the New Paltz Times regarding the following items: Current debt on New Paltz Middle School and debt level projected at proposed bond issue date, overall level of district debt and the use of construction reserves versus other reserve funds.
Members proceeded to take action on resolution 5.2 as follows:
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the following motion be approved:
5.2 Request for Approval to Insure Accuracy in Financial Reporting
BE IT RESOLVED that in order to insure accuracy and maintain public confidence in financial reporting from the Board of Education, the presentation of financial material and handouts including financial analysis will originate from or be reviewed and approved by the Business Office of New Paltz Central School District for accuracy prior to presentation to the public.
Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
MINUTES OF MEETING
Motion made by Steven Greenfield and seconded by Daniel Torres
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution: MINUTES
10/21/09
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes
of the Regular Workshop Meeting of October 21, 2009.
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) PERSONNEL
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Steven Greenfield that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:
7.1 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:
Amanda Cahoon |
effective 10/26/09 – 6/30/10 |
Michaela Hanson De Stefano |
effective 10/21/09 – 6/30/10 |
Linda Halaska |
effective 10/20/09 – 6/30/10 |
Patricia Henneberger |
effective 10/26/09 – 6/30/10 |
Jessica Mary Hutter |
effective 10/19/09 – 6/30/10 |
Ryan Judge |
effective 10/15/09 – 6/30/10 |
Amie Harris Laino |
effective 10/26/09 – 6/30/10 |
Jeffrey LeDioyt |
effective 10/21/09 – 6/30/10 |
Cassandra Thomas |
effective 10/26/09 – 6/30/10 |
April Weber |
effective 10/26/09 – 6/30/10 |
7.2 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:
Catherine Swift |
effective 9/1/09 – 6/30/10 |
7.3 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:
Russell P. LaValle
7.4 Non-Instructional Resignation – Purposes of Retirement
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:
Duane Decker Custodial Worker Effective 12/31/09 (for purpose of retirement)
7.5 Non-Instructional Appointments
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following non-instructional employees:
Name Title Effective Date Salary Hours
Lauren Robinson Substitute Teacher Aide 10/26/09 $10.00/hr as needed
Christopher Morabito Substitute Teacher Aide 10/22/09 $10.00/hr as needed
Christopher Morabito Substitute School Monitor 10/22/09 $9.00/hr as needed
Christopher Morabito Substitute Clerical 10/22/09 $12.00/hr as needed
Mary Jo Martin Substitute Teacher Aide 9/30/09 $10.00/hr as needed
Jennifer Newell Substitute School Monitor 10/28/09 $9.00/hr as needed
Jennifer Newell School Monitor 11/5/09 $10.04/hr 4 hrs per day
Duane Decker Substitute Custodial Worker 1/1/2010 $11.00/hr as needed
Margaret Pishkur Teacher Aide 11/5/09 $12.68/hr 2 hrs per day
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:
Lenape Elementary School
David Finch All County Band Co-Advisor
Charles Seymour All County Band Co-Advisor
7.7 Winter Coaching Appointment
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following coach for the 2009-2010 school year:
Matthew Suits Boys Swimming Assistant Coach Unpaid
7.8 Instructional Appointment – Uncertified Substitute: Correcting Resolution
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby approve a correcting resolution to revise the name of a substitute teacher appointed by Board of Education on August 19, 2009 to appear as Josephine Ann Ruisi instead of Joanna Ruisi effective August 19, 2009.
MOTION carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS
Patrick Rausch, Chair of the Audit Committee reported that the Audit Committee would be meeting the next day and would review the following changes to Policy 5572 Audit Committee. With the possibility of additional changes, it was decided not to approve the revisions tonight but to have a fourth reading at the next regularly scheduled board meeting.
Members agreed to a fourth reading.
8.1 Third Reading and Approval of Policy 5572 Audit Committee
SUBJECT: AUDIT COMMITTEE
The Board of Education establishes a standing Audit Committee as an advisory 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 serving on the Audit committee are deemed to be School District Officers and
shall take an oath of office. They must also maintain the confidentiality of any confidential information received by them as well as information discussed in an executive session of the Audit Committee.
All members serve without compensation, but shall be reimbursed for any actual and necessary expenditures incurred in relation to attendance at training events or mandatory conferences. Audit Committee members, other than Board Members, must be independent and may not be an employee of the District, an individual who provided within the last two years or currently provides good or services to the District, an individual who owns or has a direct and material interest in a company providing goods or services to the District, a close or immediate family member of an employee, officer or contractor providing services to 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:
a) Provide recommendations regarding the appointment of the External (Independent) Auditor for the
District
b) Meet with the External (Independent) Auditor prior to commencement of the audit to set audit and risk assessment parameters;
c) 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;
d) Make recommendation to the Board on accepting the annual audit report;
e) Review every corrective action plan developed by the School District and assist the Board in its implementation;
f) 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. After the Board of Education’s appointment of the Internal Auditor, the Audit Committee Chairperson is delegated the authority to execute the Letter of Engagement and Agreed Upon Procedures with the Internal Auditor;
g) 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; provided however, that the Claims Auditor shall report directly to the Board of Education and shall be under the supervision and direction of the Superintendent of Schools;
h) Review annually Board policies on audit and finance and refer any proposed changes to the policy committee before Board review and action;
i) 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;
j) Conduct executive sessions as allowed by Public Officers Law and section 170.12 of the Commissioner’s Regulations. Any Board member who is not a member of the Audit Committee may be allowed to attend an executive session of the Audit Committee if authorized by Board resolution;
k) Conduct an annual self assessment of the Audit Committee; and
l) 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:
The Audit Committee shall make monthly reports to the full Board of Education.
NEW BUSINESS (Consent Agenda) NEW BUSINESS
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the following Consent Agenda items 9.1, 9.2, and 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: 6935, 809, 10977, 9176, 12102, 009421, 11517, 10580, 10981, 10130, 11508, 11533, 10933, 11491, 9505, 9565, 12076, 10013, 12003, 11372.
9.2 Request for Approval to Establish New Extra-Curricular Club – Step Club
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby establish a new extra-curricular club at the New Paltz Central High School called the “Step Club”.
9.3 Request for Approval to Appoint Advisor to the Step Club
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following Advisorship for the 2009-2010 School Year with remuneration as per NPUT Contract with said funds coming from those already allocated to the Outdoor Club which is not operating this year:
Stacy Sands Step Club Effective 9/1/09
Motion to approve New Business Consent Agenda items 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.
ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Steven Greenfield that the Board
adjourn at 9:49 PM.
Motion carried 5 - 0 with 5 members voting.
Respectfully submitted,
________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk