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

PUBLIC HEARINGS 
Code of Conduct, District Safety, 2009-2010 Budget

CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                                 CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:04 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                              QUORUM CHECK
                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr.
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Kate Hymes-Flanagan
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
                                                                Edgar Rodriguez
                                                               
ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
                                                                Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent
                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent
                                                                Stephanie Giammatteo, Principal, Lenape Elementary School

President Dukler appointed Maria Rice as Clerk Pro Tempore for this portion of the meeting.

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                                      EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steven Greenfield that the Board of                                                  SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:05 PM for the purpose of discussing the
employment history of particular individuals, matters made exempt under FERPA,
negotiations with a company, interviewing a candidate for possible employment.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by
Steve Greenfield that the Board return to Public Session at 7:08 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                                                     CALL TO ORDER

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:15 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                             QUORUM CHECK
                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr.
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Kate Hymes-Flanagan
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
                                                                Edgar Rodriguez
                                                               
ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

                                                                Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business
                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
                                                                Debra Hogencamp, Principal, Duzine Elementary School
                                                                Antonia Woody, Athletic Director
                                                                Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
                                                                Maureen Ryan, Supervisor of Transportation
                                                                Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
                                                                Danielle Salanitri, Student Representative
                                                                Members of the Public and Press

ROLL CALL                                                                                                                                                                        ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG                                                                                                                                    PLEDGE

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                                                          AGENDA
                                                                                                                                                                                                CHANGES
Mr. Dukler announced a change to the agenda as follows:

Personnel Item 12.12 Non-Instructional Appointments – Delete the following item:

Lisa Borges                           School Bus Attendant                        5/7/09                                     $12.08/hr                5 hrs/day

Motion made by Rod Dressel and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of Education accept the agenda as amended.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM – THE GREEN CLASSROOM – DUZINE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL GARDEN 

Principal Debra Hogencamp announced that the children had planted a garden at Duzine Elementary School.  Ms. Hogencamp introduced Teacher Adrienne Houk-Maley and some of the Second Grade students who participated in the project.  The children created a scroll mural which they used to tell the story of the students’ hopes and dreams in beginning the project.  Each student explained the actual process of planting from beginning to end.  As the children spoke, a PowerPoint montage of actual pictures of the children working was displayed on the wall.  The presentation was well received by the audience.

RECOGNITION – Joan Dikowitz, Bus Driver of the Year

Director of Transportation Maureen Ryan and Assistant Director of Transportation Leigh Benton were on hand to honor Ms. Joan Dikowitz for going above and beyond the call of duty to meet the qualifications for being named Bus Driver of the Year.  Ms. Ryan explained the process for the competition and offered congratulations.  A Certificate of Recognition was presented to Ms. Dikowitz by President David Dukler.

PUBLIC HEARINGS

• Code of Conduct – Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services and Chair of the Health Advisory Committee announced the one change made to the Code of Conduct dealing with a change in wording related to look alike drugs and drug paraphernalia. 

There were no public comments or questions.

• District Safety Plan – Toni Woody, Director of Athletics and member of the Health Advisory Committee, reported on the changes to the plan.  The document was made more user friendly with procedures being outlined.  The plan is smaller than before and easier to use. Ms. Woody was asked to explain the chain of command in emergency situations. She explained standard statewide protocols.

The only public comment was made when Joan Dikowitz asked about the role of the DEC in emergency situations.

• 2009-2010 Budget – Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business briefly highlighted the budget which will be presented to the voters on May 19, 2009 from Noon to 9:00 PM.

There were no comments or questions from the public.

The Code of Conduct and the District Safety Plan will be presented to the Board of Education for approval on May 20, 2009.

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT

Danielle Salanitri, new Student Representative, was introduced and welcomed to the board table.  Ms. Salanitri reported on events and happenings at the high school.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS
 

• SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice reported on Albany’s rescue plan for the MTA and stated that it will not impact the school district budget. Elting Memorial Library awarded the top 20 bookmark designs to area students.  The winner was Dale Wilson from Lenape School.  Sixteen of the runners up were also Lenape students.

• DIVERSITY COMMITTEE PROGRESS REPORT – Debra Hogencamp and James Childs reported on the work done by the committee regarding the Charge given to the Diversity Committee by Superintendent Rice.  Ms. Hogencamp went on to report on the Action Plan of the committee.  Members of the board were provided with a written report. Questions and answers followed regarding the assessment process being implemented by the buildings. 

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

• President Dukler commented on the Stoneleigh Woods letter and stated that the letter has been finalized.
• Rescheduling of meeting dates for the Policy Committee and Audit Committee was discussed given that a Special Meeting has been scheduled for May 13 to interview candidates for an administrative position.  Meeting dates for the Superintendent’s evaluation were also taken into consideration resulting in the need to move into Executive Session.

Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board of Education move in
Executive Session at 8:35 PM for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular individual.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board return to Public Session at
8:50 PM.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS – Brief committee reports were given by the following:

• AUDIT COMMITTEE – Patrick Rausch  
• FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr
• POLICY COMMITTEE – Edgar Rodriguez announced the next meeting will be on May 14 at 5:00 PM.
• HEALTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   MINUTES
                                                                                                                                                                                4/15/09
                                                                                                                                                                                4/22/09

BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Regular Business Meeting of April 15, 2009 and the Special Meeting of April 22, 2009.
                                                                                                                                                                                               
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

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

President Dukler provided a brief bio of Mr. DuBois who has served the district for more than 36 years.  Members accepted his resignation with regret.

12.1        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 for purposes of retirement:

Bruce DuBois                       School Bus Driver                                  Effective 6/30/09

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steve Greenfield that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions 12.2 through 12.14 as amended:

12.2        Extension of Probationary Term for Instructional Employee
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools and the Board President are hereby authorized to sign an Agreement extending the probationary term of David Frisina, a Mathematics tenure area probationary employee, through June 2010, as recommended by Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools.

12.3        Extension of Probationary Term for Instructional Employee
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent of Schools and the Board President are hereby authorized to sign an Agreement extending the probationary term of Marc Knittel, a Foreign Language tenure area probationary employee, through June 2010, as recommended by Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools.

12.4        Administrative Substitute Appointment - Elementary Principal
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following substitute Elementary Principal as per agreement:

Virginia Ferri                         Elementary Principal            Effective 4/28/09 – 6/30/09

12.5        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 instructional employee:

Lara Tozzi                              English                                   Effective 5/26/09 – 6/30/09                 

12.6        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:

Jill Peters

12.7        Instructional Substitute - 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:

Larry B. Smith                       Effective 6/25/09

12.8        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:

Laura Martin         Elementary            Effective 5/11/09 – 6/25/09  BA, Step C ($46,230 pro-rated)
(Replacing Eileen Brown)

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

Gian Starr                           English Teacher                               through 6/25/09                              
(Lara Tozzi)

12.10      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:

Ron Weller III                     Custodial Worker                                    Effective 5/28/09

12.11      Non-Instructional Leaves 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 employees:

Name                                      Title                                                       Effective
Judith Quinn                         School Bus Attendant                        2/12/09-6/25/09

Clarrissa Blue                        Food Service Helper                            4/20/09-9/1/09

Elaine Purdy                          School Lunch Cashier                         4/9/09-5/14/09

12.12      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                    Hours    
Meryl Brown                         Substitute Food Service Helper         4/28/09-5/6/09                       $9.50/hr                  as needed

Meryl Brown                         Food Service Helper                            5/7/09                                     $10.50/hr                4 hrs/day

Lisa Borges                           Substitute School Bus                       
                                                Attendant                                              4/27/09-5/6/09                       $9.75/hr                  as needed

12.13      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                  Rebecca Fiorese                   Dawn Britton        Marianne Moline

12.14      Request for Approval to Appoint Election Inspector
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:  BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education appoint Jessica Hendler to serve as an Election Inspector for the 2008-2009 School Year with remuneration at $10.00 per hour.

MOTION carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

OLD BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            OLD BUSINESS

None

NEW BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Rod Dressel 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: 9052, 8221, 1325, 8975, 259, 11252, 1677, 4749, 4812, 6907, 8565, 6812, 1176, 6043, 7103, 1155, 2160, 1156, 8939, 7048, 7123, 10229, 10811, 1476, 10292, 2522, 6198, 6206, 6056, 7010, 1304, 8404, 11308, 10873, 1799, 11347, 10388, 8828, 256, 6988, 9995, 6512, 9346, 9073, 11342, 8161, 10881, 10515, 1087B, 10155, 11161, 9128, 10139, 10110, 9854, 9505, 10332, 9911, 9610, 10081, 10186, 10013, 10947, 10386, 11263, 9909, 1086B, 10955.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

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

                                                                                                                                                  HEALTH & WELFARE CONTRACT
                                                                                                                                                       ARLINGTON CSD 2008-2009

14.2        Request for Approval of Health & Welfare Contract – Arlington Central School District 2008-2009
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the Health and Welfare Contract, forwarded under separate cover, for Arlington Central School District for a total amount of $15,215.40 for the 2008-2009 school year for 36 children who are residents in the New Paltz Central School District attending a school in the Arlington Central School District.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

• First Reading of Revisions to Policy 3420 Policy on Harassment/Hazing/Bullying 

The following first reading was not changed by the members of the Board of Education.

SUBJECT:    POLICY ON HARASSMENT/HAZING/BULLYING

            The Board of Education is committed to providing a safe, productive and positive learning environment, free of harassment and intimidation. The Board condemns all forms of harassment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status or disability. The Board condemns all forms of hazing and bullying. The Board specifically prohibits harassment, hazing, and bullying on school grounds and at all school-sponsored events, programs and activities, including those that take place at locations off school premises.

            It is the policy of the New Paltz Central School District that no member of the school community - students, faculty, administrators, or staff, vendors/contractors and others who do business with the School District, as well as school volunteers, visitors, guests and other third parties - may harass or intimidate any other member of the community.

What is Harassment?

            Verbal or physical conduct that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual because of that person’s race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, or use of a recognized guide dog, hearing dog or service dog. Harassment can also occur if conduct is directed toward a person's relatives, friends, or associates. Harassment does one or more of the following:

a)         Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual's work performance or is used as a basis for employment decisions (including terms and conditions of employment) affecting such individual and/or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment;

b)        Has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with a student's academic performance or participation in an educational or extracurricular activity; and/or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive academic environment; and/or effectively bars the student's access to an educational opportunity or benefit; or

c)         Otherwise adversely affects the employment and/or educational opportunities and benefits provided by the District.

Examples Of Harassment Include But Are Not Limited To:

a)         Epithets, slurs, negative stereotyping or threatening, intimidating, or hostile acts that relate to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, or use of a recognized guide dog, hearing dog or service dog (including jokes or pranks that are hostile or demeaning).

b)        Written or graphic material that denigrates or shows hostility or aversion toward an individual or group because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, political affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, military status, veteran status, disability, or use of a recognized guide dog, hearing dog or service dog and that is displayed on walls, bulletin boards or other locations the adversely affect the school community environment.

c)         E-mail, Internet, and other electronic communications use that violate this policy.

What is Hazing?

            Hazing refers to soliciting, encouraging, aiding, or engaging in "hazing" behavior. "Hazing" is defined as any humiliating or dangerous activity expected of another to join a group, regardless of their willingness to participate. Hazing behaviors include, but are not limited to:

            a)         Humiliation: socially offensive, isolating or uncooperative behaviors.

            b)        Substance abuse: abuse of tobacco, alcohol or drugs.

            c)         Hurtful, aggressive, destructive and disruptive behaviors.

            d)        Various forms of physical, emotional and/or sexual abuse which may range in severity from teasing/embarrassing activities to life threatening actions.

What is Bullying?

            Bullying is the process of one individual knowingly abusing the rights of others to gain control of the situation and the individuals involved. A bully deliberately and persistently uses intimidation and manipulation to get his/her way. Bullying can take these forms:

            a)         Physical (including, but not limited to, hitting, kicking, spitting, pushing, taking personal belongings);

            b)        Verbal (including, but not limited to, taunting, malicious teasing, name calling, making threats);

            c)         Psychological (including, but not limited to, spreading rumors; manipulating social relationships, or engaging in social exclusion, extortion, or intimidation); and

            d)        Internet or cyber-bullying (including but not limited to, the use of instant messaging, e-mail, websites, chat rooms, and text messaging when such use infringes upon the general health, safety and welfare of District students and employees).
Complaint Procedure

a)         Students may report alleged incidents to any staff member with whom he/she feels comfortable (for example, a teacher, the Building Principal, school nurse, guidance counselor or the District's designated Complaint Officer).

b)        Adults shall report alleged incidents to the Building Principal, the Superintendent of Schools, or the District's designated Complaint Officer.

c)         The names and contact information of the District's designated Complaint Officer can be found in the annual school calendar, in student and staff handbooks, on the District's website and other readily accessible places.

d)        Allegations are recommended to be submitted in writing, although verbal complaints will also be investigated.

e)         All allegations will be quickly, thoroughly and fairly investigated in accordance with written investigation procedures developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

f)         To the extent possible, your confidentiality and that of any witnesses and the alleged harasser will be protected against unnecessary disclosure. When the investigation is completed, you will be informed of the outcome of that investigation.

You Have Responsibilities Under This Policy

            All members of the school community are responsible for creating a working and learning environment that is free of harassment, hazing and bullying. It is important to contact one of the individuals listed under "Complaint Procedure," if any of the following occurs:

            a)         You believe you have been subjected to conduct that may violate this policy.

            b)        You believe you have been retaliated against in violation of this policy.

            c)         You have been told about or witnessed conduct that you think may violate this policy.

Special note: Knowingly making false accusations against another individual is wrong and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

            The Board of Education prohibits retaliation against anyone for registering a complaint pursuant to this policy, assisting another in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under the policy. Anyone experiencing any conduct that he/she believes to be retaliatory should immediately report it to one of the individuals listed under "Complaint Procedure."

Penalties

            Harassment, hazing and bullying will not be tolerated in the New Paltz Central School District. If an investigation of any allegation of such conduct shows that the behavior has taken place, the harasser(s) will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including permanent suspension or termination from employment.

Regulations, Appeals, Education

            Regulations will be developed for reporting, investigating, remedying allegations, appeals, dissemination and education shall be developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

NOTE:            Refer also to Policy #3421 -- Policy on Sexual Harassment

14.4        First Reading of Revisions to Policy 3421 Policy on Sexual Harassment

The following first reading was not changed by the members of the Board of Education.

SUBJECT:    POLICY ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT

            It is the policy of the New Paltz Central School District that no member of the school community - students, faculty, administrators, or staff, vendors/contractors and other who do business with the School District, as well as school volunteers, visitors, guests and other third parties - may sexually harass any other member of the community. The Board of Education condemns all forms of sexual harassment and specifically prohibits such conduct on school grounds and at all school-sponsored events, programs and activities, including those that take place at locations off school premises.

What is Sexual Harassment?

            Sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute harassment when:

            a)         Submission to such conduct is made or threatened to be made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment or education; or

            b)        Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used or threatened to be used as the basis for academic or employment decisions affecting that individual; or

            c)         Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's academic or professional performance or creating what a reasonable person would sense as an intimidating, hostile, or offensive employment or educational; or

            d)        Conditions exist within the school environment that allow or foster harassing activities of a sexual nature, including but not limited to obscene pictures, lewd jokes, sexual comments and innuendo, sexual advances.

Examples of Sexual Harassment Include but are not limited to:

a)         Unusual or unwelcome pressure for a dating, romantic, or intimate relationship.

b)        Unwelcome touching, patting, or hugging.

c)         Pressure for or forced sexual activity.

d)        Unnecessary and unwelcome references to various parts of the body.

e)         Belittling remarks about a person's gender or sexual orientation.

f)         Inappropriate sexual innuendoes or humor.

g)        Obscene gestures.

h)        Offensive sexual graffiti, pictures, or posters.

i)          E-mail, Internet, and other electronic communications use that violates this policy.

What is Not Sexual Harassment?

            Sexual harassment does not refer to occasional compliments of a socially acceptable nature. It refers to behavior that is not welcome, that is personally offensive, that debilitates morale, and that, therefore, interferes with employment or educational effectiveness.

Complaint Procedure

a)         Students may report alleged incidents of harassment or discrimination to any staff member with whom he/she feels comfortable (for example, a teacher, the Building Principal, school nurse, guidance counselor or the District's designated Complaint Officer).

b)        Adults shall report alleged incidents harassment or discrimination to the Building Principal, the Superintendent of Schools, or the District's designated Complaint Officer.

c)         The names and contact information of the District's designated Complaint Officer can be found in the annual school calendar, in student and staff handbooks, on the District's web site and other readily accessible places.

d)        Allegations are recommended to be submitted in writing, although verbal complaints will also be investigated.

e)         All allegations will be quickly, thoroughly and fairly investigated in accordance with written investigation procedures developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

f)         To the extent possible, your confidentiality and that of any witnesses and the alleged harasser will be protected against unnecessary disclosure. When the investigation is completed, you will be informed of the outcome of that investigation.

You Have Responsibilities Under This Policy

            All members of the school community are responsible for creating a working and learning environment that is free of discrimination and harassment, including sexual harassment. It is important to contact one of the individuals listed under "Complaint Procedure," if any of the following occurs:

            a)         You believe you have been subjected to conduct that may violate this policy.
            b)        You believe you have been retaliated against in violation of this policy.
            c)         You have been told about or witnessed conduct that you think may violate this policy
           
            Special note: Knowingly making false accusations against another individual is wrong and will result in appropriate disciplinary action.

Retaliation Prohibited

            The Board of Education prohibits retaliation against anyone for registering a complaint pursuant to these policies, assisting another in making a complaint, or participating in an investigation under the policies. Anyone experiencing any conduct that he/she believes to be retaliatory should immediately report it to one of the individuals listed under "Complaint Procedure."

Penalties

            Sexual harassment will not be tolerated in the New Paltz Central School District If an investigation of any allegation of sexual harassment shows that harassing behavior has taken place, the harasser will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal or expulsion.

Regulations, Appeals, Education

            Regulations will be developed for reporting, investigating, remedying allegations, appeals, dissemination and education shall be developed by the Superintendent of Schools.

14.5        First Reading of Revisions to Policy 5520 Extraclassroom Activity Fund

The following first reading was not changed by the members of the Board of Education.

SUBJECT:    EXTRACLASSROOM ACTIVITY FUND

An extraclassroom activity fund shall be established for activities conducted by students whose financial support is raised other than by taxation or through charges of the Board of Education.

            All extraclassroom activity funds shall be handled in accordance with the financial procedures illustrated by Finance Pamphlet No. 2, the Safeguarding, Accounting and Auditing of Extraclassroom Activity Funds, published by the New York State Education Department.  It is the building administrator’s responsibility to ensure the financial procedures outlined in the pamphlet are adhered to.

Proper books will be kept and all moneys deposited in appropriate accounts as set up by the Board of Education. These accounts shall be subject to audit. All transactions involving extraclassroom funds shall be on a cash basis and no accounts shall remain unpaid at the end of the school year. Funds shall be invested in accordance with the Board of Education's Fiscal Management Policy on the "Investment of District Funds".

            Funds of discontinued extraclassroom activities and of graduating classes shall revert to the account of the general student organization or student council and shall be expended in accordance with the organization's constitution.

The Building Principals, with approval of the Superintendent of Schools, shall set up procedures for receipt and payment from the extraclassroom activity fund in their respective schools.  There must be a minimum of one numbered receipt for the cumulative total of cash received from each fund raising event.

14.6        First Reading of New Policy 5580 Change Orders for Capital Projects

Members discussed the wording of this policy as presented by the Policy Committee and made several changes as indicated by highlighting.

SUBJECT:    CHANGE ORDERS FOR CAPITAL PROJECTS

                The Board of Education recognizes that it is in the nature of construction projects that unanticipated conditions will arise and that those conditions often need to be addressed in a very short time frame.  In order to ensure that the District’s capital construction projects can progress to completion in a timely, efficient and cost effective manner, it is desirable to delegate the authority to review and approve certain change orders without Board approval.  The Board also recognizes its responsibility to the public to be accountable for the expenditure of funds for construction projects.

                A change order is a mechanism for handling changes that occur during construction, adding to or deleting from the original scope of work of an executed construction contract, which alters the original contract amount or completion date.  A change order, however, may not be used to make substantial changes to the scope of a project.  It is the intent of the Board that change orders be kept to a minimum and be reviewed in detail in accordance with the policy prior to approval.

                Change Order Procedure

• The Construction Manager, Architect or the District Administration may recommend a change order, but have no authority to approve a change order without prior District approval in accordance with the procedure in this policy. 
• All change order requests must include:

→ sufficient detail and technical data to denote what is being done,
→ a clear explanation why it is being done,
→ the maximum estimated cost of the change order, and
→ the revised contract total.

                Authority to Approve Change Orders

• The Superintendent of Schools and/or Assistant Superintendent for Business are authorized to approve change orders of $15,000 or less. that are cost neutral, reduce cost as well as up to and including $15,000.
• The Board Facilities Committee is authorized to approved change orders up to and including $25,000, as well as those that provide an extension of time.
• The Board of Education will appoint a Change Order Board to review change orders over $25,000 and make recommendations to the Board of Education.  The Board of Education must approve any change order over $25,000 before any work is commenced.
• All change orders approved by the Superintendent/Assistant Superintendent for Business or Board Facilities Committee shall be reported to the Board of Education at its meeting.
• When a change order is approved, a purchase order will be created or an original purchase order amended.
• All change orders will be reflected in a capital project budget status report attached to the change order request by the Assistant Superintendent for Business before it is approved.
• All approved change orders shall become part of the official record of the project.
• All change orders must:

→ include the SED Project Control Number and the name of the SED Project Manager.
→ be signed by the Architect/Engineer, the Construction Manager, the Contractor, and one of the following district representatives: Board President, Superintendent of Schools, and Assistant Superintendent for Business.
→ include all information provided in the change order request.
→ and be maintained in a standard format.

Change Order Board
The Board shall establish a Change Order Board (COB) each year at the annual organizational meeting to assist the Board in reviewing change orders.  In the case of multi-year capital projects, a separate COB will be appointed by the Board of Education for that specific project.

• The COB shall consist of three individuals nominated by the Board President and approved by the Board of Education, to include one member of the Board’s Audit Committee and two members from the community-at-large who have requisite skills and abilities.
• The COB shall meet at least monthly once bids have been awarded for a capital project and more often, as needed, with the project Construction Manager and the Assistant Superintendent for Business for the following purposes:
• To track project expenditures and AIA reporting for quality control and conformance with budget and schedule;
• Review minutes of construction meetings;
• Monitor the handling of unforeseen conditions and appropriate allocation of responsibility for such conditions; and
• Review change order requests exceeding $25,000 for submission to the Board and make recommendations to the Board for action.
• The COB shall be advisory to the Board and any expenditure recommended by the COB requires Board approval.

The Board of Education reserves the right to increase  change the limits set forth in this policy for future construction projects by policy amendment or by resolution.

• First Reading of New Policy 5673 Employee Personal Identifying Information

The following first reading was not changed by the members of the Board of Education.

SUBJECT:    EMPLOYEE PERSONAL IDENTIFYING INFORMATION

            In accordance with Section 203-d of the New York State Labor Law, the District shall restrict the use and access to employee personal identifying information. As enumerated in law, "personal identifying information" shall include social security number, home address or telephone number, personal electronic mail address, Internet identification name or password, parent's surname prior to marriage, or driver's license number.

            The District shall not unless otherwise required by law:

            a)         Publicly post or display an employee's social security number;

            b)        Visibly print a social security number on any identification badge or card, including any time card;

            c)         Place a social security number in files with unrestricted access; or

            d)        Communicate an employee's personal identifying information to the general public.

            A social security number shall not be used as an identification number for purposes of any occupational licensing.

            District staff shall have access to this policy, informing them of their rights and responsibilities in accordance with Labor Law Section 203-d. District procedures for safeguarding employee "personal identifying information" shall be evaluated; and employees who have access to such information as part of their job responsibilities shall be advised as to the restrictions on release of such information in accordance with law.

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

                                                                                                                                                                             REPEAL POLICY 7160

14.8        Request for Approval to Repeal Policy 7160 Count of Immigrant Children and Youth
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria Rice,                 
Superintendent of Schools and the Policy Committee, does hereby repeal Policy 7160 Count of Immigrant Children and Youth.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Don Kerr that the Board of
Education to approve the 2009-2010 Board Calendar of meetings as presented.

Discussion followed with members agreeing to add a Self Evaluation Retreat on January 13, 2010.

                                                                                                                                                       2009-2010 BOARD CALENDAR
                                                                                                                                                                MEETING SCHEDULE

14.9        Request for Approval of 2009-2010 Calendar of Board of Education Meetings
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the 2009-2010 Calendar of Board Meetings as amended to include a January 13, 2010 meeting date. (Approved calendar is located on last page of these minutes.)

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

OTHER DISCUSSION                                                                                                                                       OTHER DISCUSSION

Patrick Rausch requested that the calendar of board meetings that was just approved be placed on the site where members access the electronic board packet.  He suggested that a folder titled “Reference” be created for this type of document so that members will have easy access to frequently needed information. 

The matter of the “Confidential” file which is also located on this site was discussed.  Objections were made by members to not being able to print documents located here.  Superintendent Rice explained the rationale for this restriction, however, members agreed to exercise caution when printing memos taken from this file.  It was agreed that the restriction to printing be removed but that a watermark noting “CONFIDENTIAL” be placed on documents placed in this file.  It was agreed that the password would still be required for access.
                                                                                               
EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                                      EXECUTIVE
                                                                                                                                                                                                SESSION
Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Steve Greenfield to move into
Executive Session at 10:00 PM to discuss negotiations with a company/firm.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                              QUORUM CHECK
                                                                Roderick Dressel Jr.
David Dukler
Steven Greenfield
Kate Hymes-Flanagan
Don Kerr
Patrick Rausch
                                                                Edgar Rodriguez

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent

Out of Executive Session
Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Rod Dressel that the Board                                                       RETURN
return to Public Session at 10:16 PM.                                                                                                                               PUBLIC
                                                                                                                                                                                                SESSION
Motion carried 7 - 0 with 67members voting.

                                                                                                                                                                               
ADJOURN                                                                                                                                                                            ADJOURN
Motion made by Steve Greenfield and seconded by Kate Hymes-Flanagan that the Board
adjourn at 10:16 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk
 

New Paltz Central School District

2009-2010
Board of Education Meeting Schedule
2009

2010

Please note that all Board of Education meetings begin at 7:00 PM and are held at the New Paltz Central High School Audion unless otherwise noted.