Minutes – Regular Workshop Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – March 4, 2009 7:00 PM
Executive Session 6:00 PM – Career Life Prep Center

CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                  CALL TO ORDER

Meeting was called to order at 6:03 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                            QUORUM CHECK
                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr. (arrived at 6:05)
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
                                                                Edgar Rodriguez
               
ALSO PRESENT:                                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                           EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Vice President, Don Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that                                         SESSION
the Board of Education move into Executive Session at 6:03 PM for the purpose of
discussing the employment history of specific individuals, and for discussing litigation,
pending litigation, or settlement discussions.

Motion carried 5 - 0 with 5 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Roderick Dressel, Jr. and seconded by
Don Kerr that the Board return to Public Session at 7:05 PM.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 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
                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr.
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
                                                                Edgar Rodriguez
                               

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
                                                                Debra Banner, Assistant Superintendent
                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent                      
                                                                Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent
                                                                Richard Wiesenthal, Principal of Middle School
                                                                Bill Richers, Director of Information and Communications Technology
                                                                Thelma Gill, Acting District Clerk
Members of the Public & Press 

 

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                               AGENDA CHANGES    
President Dukler announced there were no agenda changes.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM: MIDDLE SCHOOL – “STEPPING UP” AT THE MIDDLE SCHOOL    

Special musical performance by the Middle School cast members of  Annie.
Principal Wiesenthal gave a brief review of how “Stepping Up” started and spoke on the program’s goals.

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                               PUBLIC COMMENTS
KT. Tobin Flusser, New Paltz

Mathew Swerdloff, Gardiner

   

STUDENT RECOGNITION – ANNIKA HAVNAER, VALEDICTORIAN & LAURA FULLMAN, SALUTATORIAN FOR THE CLASS OF 2009
Principal Clinton spoke on the scholastic achievements of Annika and Laura.  Certificate Award of Achievement presented to Annika and Laura by President Dukler, Vice President Kerr, and Superintendent Rice.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT
Dan Torres substituted for Anthony Zraley.   Dan reported on the following:

                                                                                                                                                                                               
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEM

 

                   

 

 

 

Patrick Rausch provided update on conference that he attended in Albany.  Some key points made by Patrick were on the state’s deficit, Wicks’ law, Taylor law, Triborough amendment, Tier 5, regional negotiations and spoke about the stimulus packet.  Questions and answers followed.  

President Dukler addressed open board seat. It was noted that Kate Hymes-Flanagan is a former board member.  A motion was requested by President Dukler to fill vacant board seat.

 

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that Kate Hymes-Flanagan fill vacant seat created by Laura Walls’ resignation until the election.
       
                                                                                                                             APPOINTMENT OF KATE HYMES-FLANAGAN

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.
President Dukler will contact Kate-Hymes Flanagan to inform her of Board’s action.

President Dukler informed board members of the BOCES Board Seat Vacancies.  He informed there are currently two “At Large” 3 year terms available.  He asked whether board members wanted to nominate anyone.  Don nominated Patrick, nomination seconded by Rod.

Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Don Kerr to nominate Patrick Rausch for 3 year at “At large” seat on the Ulster County BOCES Board of Education.                                              
                                                                                                                                                BOCES AT LARGE NOMINATION

Motion carried 5-0 with 5 members voting. (David Dukler stepped out of the room.)       
       
COMMITTEE REPORTS and ASSIGNMENTS FOR 2008-2009
Audit Committee – Patrick Rausch reported he met with auditor and that he reviewed claim auditor law with auditor. 
Internal audit done, reviewed 2007-08 risk assessment.  Also reviewed 2008-09 current risk assessment and came up with some corrective actions.

Facilities Committee – Don Kerr reported on meeting with Rhinebeck Architects, Excel project and New Paltz High School Guidance Suite.  He requested the Board make the following three decisions at the next board meeting in regards to the middle school renovation.

The next Facilities Committee meeting will be on March 11, 2009.
 

Policy Committee – Edgar reported the Policy Committee met on February 11, 2009.   A first reading of Policy No. 3160 (Naming and Dedication) was done.  The Policy Committee approved the proposed Change Order Policy, and will look at the “Ethical Principles for Excellence in Public Service” at the next meeting.  The next Policy Committee meeting is on March 11, 2009.            

Health Advisory Committee – Don reported that a proposal was received from the Wellness Committee.

MINUTES OF MEETING                                                                                                                                   MINUTES
                                                                                                                                                                                                 2/11/09
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steven Greenfield that the Board of Education approve the following recommendation:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the Regular Business Meeting of February 11, 2009.                                                
                                                                                                                                                               
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL
Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:

12.1        Instructional Appointment - Long Term Substitute
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby approve the appointment of the following long term substitute instructional employee with remuneration as per NPUT contract:

Keri Zurlini            Elementary            Effective  2/2/09 - 4/3/09                      MA, Step 1 $58,340 (prorated)

12.2        Instructional Substitute Appointments - Certified
Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following certified substitute teachers at a per diem rate of $100 for the 2008-2009 school year:

Andrea Schwan
Stefanie Hoelderlin
Arnold Strauss
Janelle Ferguson

12.3        Instructional Substitute Appointments - Uncertified
Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following uncertified substitute teachers at a per diem rate of $80 for the 2008-2009 school year:

Stacy Maddalena
Kaniel Keogan
Ruth Wetzel

12.4        Instructional Appointment – Correcting Resolution
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve a correcting resolution to change the effective appointment date of Director of Guidance, Kathryn M. Pines, from September 1, 2008 to July 1, 2008, with an annual stipend of $10,000.

 

 

 

12.5        Home Tutors – 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 instructional employees, on an as-needed basis with remuneration as per NPUT contract effective for the 2008-2009 school year:

Charnikia V. Pinesett           Effective 3/4/09
Ekaterini Vlamis                    Effective 3/4/09

12.6        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 coach for the 2008-2009 school year with remuneration as per NPUT Contract:
                                                                                                                Stipend
Heather Ligotino                  JV Softball                                             $2,910
Jeff Salt                                  Modified Softball                                 $2,189
Frank Alfonso                      Varsity Softball                                     $3,430
Suzanne Wirth                      Modified Girls Track                            $2,080
David Moore                        Modified Track Assistant                  Unpaid

12.7        Extension of Leave Replacement Appointment Subject to Approval of 211 Waiver by the Commissioner
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby extend the following leave replacement subject to the approval by the Commissioner of a 211 Waiver.

Pamela LaLonde         Foreign Language (French)        Effective 2/24/09 – 6/30/09   MA Step 6   $66,010 pro-rated

12.8        Non-Instructional Appointments
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following:

Name                                      Title                                                       Effective Date                       Salary                    Other    
Raffaela Benson                   Sub. Teacher Aide                               2/5/09                                     $9.75/hr                  as needed
Raffaela Benson                   Sub. School Monitor                           2/5/09                                     $8.75/hr                  as needed
Raffaela Benson                   Sub. Clerical                                          2/5/09                                     $11.00/hr                as needed
Blaise Bradley                       Sub. School Bus Attendant               2/12/09                                   $9.75/hr                  as needed
Carol Navara-Micari            School Bus Attendant                        3/5/09                                     $12.08/hr                6.75 hrs/day
Amelia Junquet                    Sub. School Bus Attendant               2/9/09                                     $9.75/hr                  as needed
Felice Kren                            Sub. Teacher Aide                               2/6/09                                     $9.75/hr                  as needed

12.9        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:

Frank Hilton                          School Bus Driver                                Effective 1/26/09 to 6/30/09

12.10      Non-Instructional Extended Emergency Conditional Appointments
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby extend the appointment of the following non-instructional employees for an additional 20 days in anticipation of fingerprinting clearance.

Sherry Kitay         
AnnMarie Dixon
Dawn Britton

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.

 

OLD BUSINESS
Motion made by Edgar Rodriguez and seconded by Steven Greenfield that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:  

13.1        Second Reading and Approval of Revision to Policy 7450 – Fund Raising by Students (Advertising, Sponsorship and Fund Raising by Students)

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,  after a second reading  does hereby  approve revisions to Policy 7450 – Advertising, Sponsorship and Fund Raising by Students.

SUBJECT:    ADVERTISING, SPONSORSHIP AND FUND RAISING BY STUDENTS

School-business relationships based on sound principles can contribute to high quality education.  However, compulsory student attendance confers on educators an obligation to protect the welfare of their students and the integrity of the learning environment.  Positive school-business relationships should be ethical and structured in accordance with the principle that “Selling or providing access to a captive audience during the mandatory school day for commercial purposes is exploitation and a violation of the public trust.”

The sale of advertising or sponsorship tag lines shall be limited to approved, recognized student clubs involved publishing and/or production and must be directly related to the educational purpose of such clubs which serve as training grounds for future journalist, marketing specialists, and the like.  For example, Yearbook Club, Media Arts Club, etc. 

For purposes of this policy the following definitions apply:

Advertising is the written or graphic statement made by a seller which calls for the public’s attention to it by emphasizing the desirable qualities of the product or service so as to arouse a desire to buy or patronize the advertiser’s product or service.

Sponsorship provides financial or resource support in exchange for ‘tag line’ recognition spoken by a program announcer or printed in a font comparable to those used in the educational production. 

Tag lines are simple statements such as “This [program, segment, publication] is sponsored by [name of sponsor]” and do not include statements made by a seller.

In accordance with this policy, advertising shall be limited to print materials while sponsorships may be employed in both print and visual media. 

All club activities involving advertising and/or sponsorships shall be directly overseen by the school principal who is authorized to assure that compliance with this policy protects students from unwarranted commercialism.  The Superintendent of Schools is given full discretion to approve or disapprove club actions whenever questionable.

All funds or other donations provided by sponsors and advertisers shall be managed in accordance with District Policy #5520 Extra Classroom Activity Fund. Club faculty advisers, club leadership and any club member involved in advertising and/or sponsorships and/or finances shall participate in a financial management and fiduciary training program provided by the District.  Such program shall be developed and administered by the Superintendent of Schools or her/his designee.

Fund raising projects in which students sell merchandise, provide services, or in other ways solicit money for school activities may be sponsored by school organizations with the express approval of the Building Principal. Any such plan shall have a clearly defined purpose and, in general, shall contribute to the educational experience of students and shall not conflict with instructional programs or state mandates. Fund raising activities away from school property shall be held to a minimum.

All merchandise used in fundraising will conform to Board of Education standards as outlined in Policy 5410 section M.

All participation shall be voluntary, with written parent/legal guardian consent for children in grades K through 8.

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting

NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:  

                                                                                                                                                CSE & CPSE PLACEMENTS

14.1        Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements
 BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education approve the following Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) recommendations and student placements: 9319, 9618, 9312, 9327, 10911, 9292, 9133, 10592, 11322, 11297, 1083B, 9135, 10874, 10416, 10417, 10770, 9913, 10582, 10581, 10583, 10381, 1752, 11335, 1848, 10311, 2032, 2546, 2506, 1843, 10277, 900, 9064, 10511, 727.

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.

Motion made by Steven Greenfield and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:
 
                                                                                                                                APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION INSPECTORS

14.2        Request for Approval to Appoint Election Inspectors for the May 19, 2009 Budget Vote
 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education does hereby authorize the District Clerk to contact and appoint additional eligible election inspectors as needed for the May 19, 2009 Budget Vote.

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:

SECTION 75 HEARING OFFICER APPOINTMENT
                                                                                                                                     SUSPEND EMPLOYEE #1022

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints Margaret Leibowitz as the Hearing Officer pursuant to Section 75 of the New York State Civil Service Law, with respect to Employee No. 1022, and authorizes the Hearing Officer to hear evidence, make a transcript of proceedings and to issue a written report of her findings of fact and recommendations, including a disciplinary penalty, if any.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby suspends Employee No. 1022, without pay, commencing on March 5, 2009, up to the maximum permitted by the New York Civil Service Law during the months of the employee’s paid work year and then with pay during the pendency of these proceedings, if during a time when the employee would otherwise be paid.

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.

14.4        First Reading of New Policy 3160 Naming and Dedicating School District Property

Members of the Board reviewed the following policy making the following highlighted changes: POLICY 3160 - NAMING AND DEDICATING SCHOOL DISTRICT PROPERTY

                The Board of Education is responsible for naming any new facility.  The Board, in its discretion, may establish procedures for the naming of any building or other district property.  In selecting a name for any facility, the Board may take into account those persons who have been involved in the planning, construction or renovation of the facility, or any other relevant considerations. Suitable building plaques or other memorials may be authorized by the Board.

The Board of Education recognizes the importance and benefit of publicly recognizing the outstanding performance and contributions of people associated with our school district. This recognition can take many forms, including a board resolution or proclamation, a memento awarded to the individual, a plaque affixed to a wall in a hallway of a school building designated as a “Hall of Fame”, a plaque affixed to a district facility, the dedication of a facility or part of a facility to an individual or individuals, or other form of recognition deemed suitable by the board.

This recognition should be for a person or persons who have attained substantial national or local prominence, or who have provided significant benefit to the district either in the course of his/her employment or volunteer efforts on behalf of the district.  The recognition may be purchased with district funds authorized by the board, or through funds received by the district from student, community or parent groups or individuals.  The board reserves the right to approve the materials, design and wording of all forms of recognition.

The board also reserves the right to hold a public dedication of any new facilities, structures, plaques or other form of public recognition.  Sufficient notice to the community regarding the date and time of such dedication will be made.

 

Naming and Dedicating School District Property in Honor of Individuals

I.              Qualifying School District Property

                A portion of the school district property can be named, renamed, dedicated or rededicated (collectively referred to as naming) if the property is: 1.) not presently named or dedicated in honor of an individual, and 2.) not presently named for the City of    .  One or more of the following conditions must exist for the property to qualify (the naming shall apply only to that portion of the district’s property as described in each of the four categories):

                Category 1 – Major Enclosed Buildings and Facilities

 

                Category 2 – Major Support Facilities and Outdoor Athletic Facilities

               
Category 3 – All Other Outdoor Facilities

               
                Category 4 – All Other Property

II.            Qualifying Individuals

 

Category 1 – For the naming of school district property in Category 1, the individual must be recognized nationally or internationally for significant and far-reaching positive contributions in his or her lifetime that have lasting and enduring value to the community in one or more of the areas of Education, the Arts, Science, Medicine, History, Government, Law, Human Rights or Civil rights.

Category 2 – For the naming of school district property in Category 2, the individual must be recognized district-wide, regionally, state-wide, nationally or internationally, for significant positive contributions in his or her lifetime or in service to the school district that have lasting and enduring value to the community in one or more areas of Education, the arts, Science, Medicine, History, Government, Law, Human Rights, Civil Rights or sports.

Category 3 – For the naming of school district property in Category 3, the individual must be recognized community-wide for significant positive contributions in service to the subject or the school district.

III.           Procedures
                                               
1.             A written request for the naming must be submitted to the President of the Board, accompanied by supporting documentation and narrative to illustrate compliance with the above criteria. Residents and/or employees of the district may nominate a person or persons for recognition by submitting a written proposal to the District Clerk.  The request will be forwarded to the Policy Committee for an initial determination of compliance with district naming and dedication criteria. The proposal must include clear justification for the recognition, a specific description of the recognition proposed, the exact wording of any inscriptions, and the materials to be used to fabricate the recognition.  Items should be fabricated so they are as maintenance free as possible.

2.             Hypothetical proposals may also be submitted for an advance indication of technical compliance with the aforementioned criteria subject to a Public Hearing, as described below, and final discretionary approval of the Board.  Such hypothetical proposals shall be forwarded to the Policy Committee for a determination and an indication to the Board of technical compliance.

3.             The Chairperson of the Policy Committee shall call a meeting within 30 days to review the request and supporting documentation.  If the Facilities Committee finds that the request substantially meets the required criteria, and in the judgment of its committee members merits recommendation to the Board of Education, it will forward its findings and a rationale for its recommendation.

4.             For the naming of school district property falling into Categories 1-3, where the Policy Committee recommends acceptance of the proposal, a resolution shall be prepared for review by the board, and if acceptable to a majority of the board, presented to an ad-hoc action team built from one member of public from each standing committee/bldg. level team/DWC that has a member of public, chosen by that committee/team for additional review, and the Superintendent or the Superintendent’s appointed representative. The ad-hoc team will report and recommend to the full board within one month from the Board’s initial vote. Any changes resulting from the ad-hoc action team’s recommendation(s) must be approved by a majority vote of the Board.

5.             Following the conclusion of step 4, if the majority of the board votes to proceed, the board will hold two Public Hearings prior to the board’s final action. A final vote by the full board may be held after the conclusion of the second hearing.

6.             The board shall, by two thirds vote, approve any of the above forms of recognition to be displayed or placed on, or in, or affixed to, district property.

7.             The President of the Board of Education shall communicate in writing a response to the proposed naming to the requesting party.

8.             The materials and wording for the plaque commemorating the naming of property in Categories 2-4 shall be approved by the Board of Education by majority vote, and shall be permanently affixed by the school district at, in, or near the property dedicated, as it deems appropriate.

9.             Costs related to approved namings in Categories 2-4 shall not be borne by the school district.
               

 

 

FINANCIAL REPORTS                                                                      FINANCIAL STATEMENTS JANUARY 2009

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of Education accept the
Treasurer’s Reports of January 2009 and Budget Transfer Schedule #6.

Motion carried  6 – 0 with 6 members voting.
                                                                                                                               
PUBLIC COMMENTS

None

ADJOURN

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of Education adjourn at 10:42 PM.

Motion carried 6-0 with 6 members voting.

Respectfully Submitted,

 

____________________________________
Thelma Gill
Clerk Pro Tempore