Untitled Document

Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – January 20, 2010 – 7:00 PM

CALL MEETING TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:02 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield (arrived 6:03 PM)
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Daniel Torres

ABSENT: Edgar Rodriguez

ALSO PRESENT: Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:02PM for the purpose of discussing the
employment history of particular individuals, matters made exempt by FERPA, contract
negotiations, and receiving legal advice from the district’s attorney.

Motion carried 5 - 0 with 5 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by
Daniel Torres that the Board return to Public Session at 6:45 PM.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:02PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                             QUORUM CHECK
                                                                David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Daniel Torres

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent

                                                                Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business
                                                                Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent for Pupil Personnel Services
                                                                Barbara Clinton, Principal, New Paltz Central High School
                                                                Richard Wiesenthal, Principal, New Paltz Middle School
                                                                Antonia Woody, Athletic Director
                                                                Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
                                                                Members of the Public and Press

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

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM: GUYS AND DOLLS – Principal Richard Wiesenthal introduced teacher Mary Holmes who has been working with middle school students in the musical production of Guys and Dolls. The audience enjoyed the vocals provided by students Everett Haddard, Julia Cohen, Griffin Silvestro, Benton Kaufman, Connor Hyman, and Mary Curran.

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board move into Executive Session
At 7:15 PM to receive legal advice from the district’s attorney.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres to move out of Executive Session at 7:25 PM.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

President Dukler announced the following addendum to the agenda in addition to moving up the First Reading of Policy 7420:

ADDENDUM

PERSONNEL

ADD the following names to existing Personnel item 12.7 Election Inspectors:

Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, approve the following appointments of the following Election Inspectors for the 2009 – 2010 School Year:

Maria C. Davila
Shari Osborn
Floyd Kniffen

ADD:

12.8 Non-Instructional Resignations
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the resignation of the following non-instructional employee:

Barbara Agor School Monitor Effective 1/19/2010

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the agenda be accepted as amended.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

RECOGNITION – President Dukler recognized Steven Greenfield for his successful completion of staff development courses for board members through New York State School Boards Association.

PUBLIC COMMENT PUBLIC
COMMENT
Nora Strano, New Paltz – Code of Conduct and Unethical Behavior, Election Inspectors
Josh Honig, New Paltz – Cutting of Funds, Election Inspector & First Amendment Rights
Fawn Tantillo, New Paltz – Middle School Project, Election Inspectors
Rick Bundt, New Paltz – Audit of Facilities, High Performance Report by KT
Ian Potthaus, New Paltz – Cell Phones in School
Stephanie Wells, New Paltz – Greenworks
Bob Gabrielle, New Paltz – Middle School Presentation to the Village Board & State Aid
Rachel Lagodka, New Paltz – Alternative Energy Plan for the Middle School
Bob Gabrielle, New Paltz – Advocacy for Middle School Project, Mold
David Porter, New Paltz – Race to the Top
Josh Honig, New Paltz – Race to the Top
Carol Connolly, New Paltz – Middle School Project

Edgar Rodriguez requested the opportunity to inspect the middle school roof damage that has been referenced in this evening’s Public Comment session. Members agreed that he has the freedom to do this. He asked for a decision from the board. President Dukler will speak to the superintendent about the matter.

FIRST READING POLICY 7420

Members agreed to move the following first reading to this portion of the meeting. Athletic Director, Antonia Woody, was on hand to comment on the changes to this policy. In addition, she briefly reported on the work of the various sub-committees of the Health Advisory Committee.

14.6    First Reading of Policy 7420 – Sports and the Athletic Program
              2010                        7420
          1 of 2
              Students
SUBJECT:    SPORTS AND THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM

Athletics are an integral part of a well balanced educational program. Therefore, the Board supports within its resources a broad sports program with equal access for both males and females, with emphasis on maximum participation, through interscholastic and intramural activity. The District will comply with recommendations from the U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) regarding Title IX equal opportunity for males and females in the District's total athletic program.

The interscholastic athletic program shall conform to the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education as well as the established rules of the New York State Public High Schools Athletic Association and the State Education Department.

Eligibility for interscholastic athletic competition requires that the students:

Provide written parental/guardian consent;

Pass satisfactorily the medical examination administered by the school physician/nurse practitioner/physician’s assistant or the student's personal physician/nurse practioner/physician’s assistant who is licensed to practice in the State of New York. The school physician/nurse practitioner retains final approval on all physicals performed by the student's personal physician; and

Meet the requirements for interscholastic competition as set forth by the Commissioner's Regulations and the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

Selection/Classification Process

The Board approves the use of the selection/classification process for all secondary school interscholastic team members. The Board directs the Superintendent to implement the procedures and maintain a file of those students deemed eligible as a result of those procedures.

The Board recognizes that the New York State Education Department (NYSED)/ New York Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA) Section Classification program was designed for mature and exceptionally skilled students to advance to a higher level of competition. The program is not to be used to fill positions on teams. It is aimed at the very few select students who can benefit from such placement because of their level of readiness and expertise. Only the exceptional athlete is permitted for classification to a higher level of competition. Based on this purpose the district’s policy for eligibility to advance to a higher level of competition is as follows:

Students in seventh or eighth grade may not classify up to a high school team at any time if a Modified Program is offered in a given sport. Eigth graders who have successfully completed a year in a modified sport may attempt to classify up in that sport.
As a general rule, students may only test up to the JV level if no Modified team in that sport is offered. If no JV level is offered only then may students attempt to qualify for the Varsity level.
Requests for Section/Classification may be generated from one or more of the following: Director of Athletics, Physical Education teacher, coach or member of the family in question.
Students who satisfy the requirements of the Section/Classification process in a particular sport may have to satisfy additional physical skills testing and/or maturity level ratings if they elect to participate in the Section/Classification process for another sport. Physical skills testing and maturity level are sport specific. Selection/Classification results are valid for the duration of a student’s enrollment in the 7th and 8th grade for that particular sport.
A student who does not meet the criteria as a 7th grader to selectively classify to a higher level may try again as an 8th grader for that particular sport. A student who does not qualify as a 7th or 8th grader may still try out for any of these teams when he/she reaches 9th grade, the age/grade appropriate level for Junior Varsity (JV) and Varsity, without taking the Selection Classification Test.
A student may attempt to classify for one sport per season, Fall, Winter, Spring. Inability to qualify during one season does not preclude attempting to qualify during a subsequent season.
The Board directs the Superintendent to implement the procedures and maintain a file of those students deemed eligible as a result of the Selection/Classification process and procedures.

Student Athletic Injuries

No student should be allowed to practice or play in an athletic contest if he/she is suffering from an injury. The diagnosis of and prescription of treatment for injuries is strictly a medical matter and should under no circumstances be considered within the province of the coach. A coach's responsibility is to see that players injured during a practice or competition are given prompt and competent medical attention, a parent/guardian is notified, an incident report is filed with the respective health office, and that all details of a doctor's instructions concerning the student's functioning as a team member are carried out. No student will be allowed to practice or compete if there is a question whether he/she is in adequate physical condition.

A physician's certificate may be required before an athlete is permitted to return to practice or competition.

The District will take reasonable steps to see that physical risks to students participating in the interscholastic athletic program shall be kept at a minimum by:

Requiring medical examinations of participants;

Obtaining appropriately certified and/or licensed persons to coach all varsity, junior varsity, and modified games; and

Ensuring that equipment is both safe and operative within approved guidelines.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS

SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice briefly commented on the Governor’s Budget Proposal including various areas of mandate relief. She commented further on budget philosophy and multi-year budget planning. February 24 will be the first meeting to begin the budget process. Patrick Rausch indicated the need for an immediate decision by the board to give the superintendent the board’s budget philosophy. Mrs. Rice advised that a first run budget will be presented after which the board will be able to give further direction. Discussion will take place at the Audit Committee with the board giving further direction at the next meeting. Mrs. Rice commented that she is moving forward with a two year budget using board established parameters. Discussion continued. Mrs. Rice reported on the BOCES refund check. Mr. Linden further explained the reason for the refund as established by law.

2010-2011 CALENDAR – The board was presented with a draft calendar for the 2010-2011 School Calendar. Superintendent Rice highlighted some of the events on the calendar. Questions and answers followed. Donald Kerr brought up the subject of schools being closed for Election Day in November. He asked that this discussion take place now rather than in November. Superintendent Rice indicated her opposition to closing school for this purpose.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE – David Dukler commented on the need for this board to discuss the issue of school funding. A political action plan was previously suggested for purposes of developing strategies. Mr. Dukler developed a proposal for a Legislative Action Committee, an advisory committee designed to advocate and inform. A Charge will need to be created for this committee. Members were asked to provide their suggestions. Superintendent Rice advised members that they will need to decide if this is an advisory or standing committee. Mr. Dukler would like this committee to be an advisory committee with members of the community being involved. After a year the board could change it to a standing committee.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by KT Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:

LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE

9.1 Request for Approval to Create a Legislative Action Committee

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education create a Legislative Action Committee.

Discussion followed.

Patrick Rausch made a friendly amendment to change the resolution to read “ BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education create an Advisory Legislative Action Committee to run through June 30, 2010 to be composed of three board members and three community members.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

MIDDLE SCHOOL GREEN BUILDING PRESENTATION – KT Tobin Flusser provided a PowerPoint presentation on “High Performance and Green Building” components to the proposed Middle School Project. The presentation explained LEED and CHPS certification and the cost to the project.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) Items 12.1 – 12.6 and 12.8 PERSONNEL
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions as amended
by the addendum:

12.1 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:

Nicole Albamont	effective 1/21/10 – 6/30/10
Joan Skinner	effective 1/21/10 – 6/30/10
David Stone	effective 1/21/10 – 6/30/10

12.2 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 advisorship for the 2009/2010 school year, with remuneration as per NPUT contract:

David Thibodeau Bowling Club High School

12.3 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:

Stephen Ford
Jamie Dymond

12.4 Instructional Appointment - Mentor
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the appointment of the following instructional employee as a mentor with remuneration as per NPUT contract:

Stephannie Costello

12.5 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:
Name Title Effective Date Salary Hours

Danielle Furu                        Substitute Teacher Aide                     1/21/2010                               $10.00/hr                as needed
Danielle Furu                        Substitute School Monitor                 1/21/2010                               $9.00./hr as needed
Danielle Furu                        Substitute Clerical                                1/21/2010                               $12.00/hr                as needed
William Patterson Substitute Clerical (DO)                      1/21/2010                               $14.00/hr                as needed
William Patterson Substitute Clerical                                1/21/2010                               $12.00/hr                as needed
William Patterson Substitute Custodial Worker             1/21/2010                               $11.00/hr                as needed

12.6 Correcting Resolution - Non-Instructional Resignation for Purposes of Retirement
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, does hereby approve a correcting resolution to change the effective date of the resignation of the following employee for purposes of retirement from January 26, 2010 to January 29, 2010:

Francis Vasalka

Barbara Agor School Monitor Effective 1/19/2010

Motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 12.1 – 12.6 and item 12.8 carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

President Dukler read Personnel Item 12.7 below.

Motion made by Don Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the board approve the following resolution as amended by the addendum:

12.7 Election Inspectors
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the appointment of the following Election Inspectors for the 2009-2010 School Year:

John Johnson
Elena Maskell
Kathleen Mironchik
Nora Strano
Maria C. Davila
Shari Osborn
Floyd Kniffen

Motion to approve Personnel Item 12.7 as amended by addendum carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS

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

13.1 Request for Approval to Ratify Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby ratifies the signing of the District’s Race to the Top (RTTT) MOU by the Superintendent of Schools and Board President, as submitted to the New York State Education Department.

Discussion followed. Both Edgar Rodriguez and Steven Greenfield indicated that they would not be voting to ratify the RTTT MOU.

Motion carried 4 YES (David Dukler, Donald Kerr, Patrick Rausch, Daniel Torres) to 3 NO (KT Tobin Flusser, Steven Greenfield, Edgar Rodriguez)

NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS

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

14.1 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: 8287, 1211, 355, 12101, 5930, 6804, 1426, 9073, 1843, 6812, 11152, 412, 258, 7011, 8154,12095, 10516, 11464, 10732, 12096, 12110, 10542, 9971.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

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

INSTALLMENT PAYMENT OF TAXES
RESOLUTION POSTPONED
14.3 Request for Approval of Installment Payment of Taxes

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Section 1326-a of the Real Property Tax Law (RPTL) permits a board of education to authorize the payment of taxes in excess of $50 in three installments, the first being at least 50% of the total tax due, the second being at least 50% of the remainder plus interest and the third being the remainder plus interest; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District wishes to provide its taxpayers with the opportunity to pay school taxes in installments in accordance with the provisions of Section 1326-a RPTL;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes giving School District taxpayers the option of paying school taxes in three installments pursuant to Section 1326-a RPTL, with the first installment of 50% of tax due in September not later than the last day of the penalty-free period, the second installment of 50% of the remaining tax due plus 2% interest on October 15th and the third installment of the remaining taxes due plus 3% interest on October 31st; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the School Tax Collector develop appropriate procedures to implement the collection of school taxes in three installments.

Discussion followed. Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent, suggested that there are some disadvantages to installment payment of taxes. David Dukler suggested that the motion be postponed.

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr that the Board of Education postpone action on this resolution until the first meeting in March.

Motion to postpone carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Mr. Linden will research answers to the questions posed by the members.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by KT Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:

BOARD OF EDUCATION V. MICHELLE C. DONALDSON

14.4 Request for Approval to Execute a Settlement Agreement in the Matter of Board of Education of the NPCSD v. Michelle C. Donaldson, et al.

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes the execution of a settlement agreement regarding the interest payments due in the Matter of Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District v. Michelle C. Donaldson, et al., as presented to the Board at this meeting. A copy of said agreement shall be incorporated by reference in the minutes of this meeting.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

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

BUDGETARY TRANSFER
JUDGEMENTS

14.5 Request for Approval of Budgetary Transfer
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 following transfer:

Transfer $109,267.65 To A1930400 Judgments
From A9020800 Teacher Retirement

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

FINANCIAL REPORTS FINANCIAL REPORTS
NOVEMBER 2009

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by KT Tobin Flusser that the Treasurer’s Report for
November 2009 and Budget Transfer Schedule #5 be approved.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

NYSSBA REPORT – Edgar Rodriguez reported on his attendance at the New York State School Boards Annual Convention in New York City in October 2009. After commenting on a number of the workshops that he attended, Mr. Rodriguez expressed the need to look again at Shared Decision Making models in an effort to help bring the community together after the February 9th vote.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Chairs of the Audit Committee, Facilities Committee and Policy Committee gave brief reports on their work.

MINUTES OF MEETING

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by KT Tobin Flusser
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         MINUTES
           1/6/10
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Regular Business Meeting of January 6, 2010.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

BOARD OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

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

BOARD OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

14.2 Request for Approval of Board of Education Operational Guidelines as Revised

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve revisions to the Board of Education Operational Guidelines as follows:

Discussion on the Operational Guidelines began with Steven Greenfield questioning item ii located under item II Participation, item #7. Mr. Greenfield suggested that the line which reads “Be supportive of BOE decisions” be omitted from the Guidelines. Discussion followed.

BOARD OPERATIONAL GUIDELINES

“Professional board members ideally have no preconceived notions, nor are they affiliated with pressure groups intent on advancing a particular agenda or philosophical stance. They do not make commitments or promises before hearing and discussing issues in legally constituted board meetings. Savvy board members avoid the informal “let’s decide this in the parking lot before we go into the meeting.” Responsible board members encourage open, frank discussion among the members and always strive to make the best decisions for all students enrolled in the district. Students are the reason for public education.”
~ Jeff Straton, The School Board Member’s Manual

STATEMENT OF UNDERSTANDING

It is incumbent upon all members of the Board of Education to ensure that the Board function according to the guidelines suggested below as an otherwise is deemed appropriate. The success of the Board in its fulfillment of its duties cannot be achieved without the active cooperative participation of all members.

MEETINGS

Board of Education Meetings will start on schedule and will strive to end no later than 11 PM.

Special days or times for discussion of individual topics will be set aside.

Private dialogue should not replace group discussions and decision making. Board decisions can only take place at the Board table. Members will limit their comments to an expression of opinion rather than an attempt to lobby others.

Employee/public input will be sought as it relates to a topic under discussion if such input is deemed appropriate for informational purposes.

The Board of Education will work to bring closure to any topic under discussion, assuring that all members have had an equal opportunity to speak.

Members will notify the Board Clerk of planned absences.

Members will model active listening skills. Such skills include listening for understanding, asking clarifying questions, and waiting until the speaker is finished until speaking, waiting to be recognized by the moderator (usually the BOE President) unless the discussion is freeform, and seeking to solve problems.

Members shall agree to maintain confidences shared among members in retreat settings.

Sub-committees may be established in order to do BOE business more efficiently. The sub-committee will have a chairperson who is responsible for seeing that the committee meets.

The sub-committee will keep minutes of its meetings and report to the officers, the SOS and the full BOE in a timely manner.

PARTICIPATION

Board members will strive to sincerely build respectful relationships with one another and with the Superintendent.

Board packets will be read in preparation for each meeting.

Problems and concerns about packet contents, including FYI’s, should be brought to the attention of the Board President prior to the meeting.

Requests for information which must be researched or compiled should be made through the Board Officers and copied to the full Board.

“Do unto others” - Respect and listen to each other. Disrespectful behavior and comments are inappropriate. Feedback should consist of comments that are specific and non-judgmental. Attack the problem, not the person!

When talking with district employees, whether formally or informally, members should always bear in mind that they may be viewed as a person of authority. In all instances interaction should be amicable and non-coercive. In no instance may a Member require or appear to require any specific action or position from any district employee.

In their communication with the press or public, Members are to:

Express only personal opinions and not speak for the Board
Be supportive of BOE decisions

The Code of Conduct of the New York State School Boards Association shall guide our members in their actions and behavior.

Communication from officers to trustees, on issues that will come before the board as whole, will strive to provide all members with the same information at the same time.

When a trustee brings an issue of staff, community, or personal interest/concern to the Superintendent, the concern is communicated via BOE officers (family/parent issues are explicitly excluded, provided that the chain of command has been followed).

PRODUCTIVITY

The Board will:

Establish and evaluate Board goals on an on-going basis.

Conduct annual Board operational self-evaluations followed by an improvement plan if indicated.

Learn governance and practice governance.

Strive to operate in a pro-active manner, including, but not limited to:

following a process of goal setting and evaluation
receiving well-documented recommendations with adequate time for discussion and revisions
articulating informational needs for reports and recommendations

Refuse to become involved with micromanagement by emphasizing planning, policy making and public relations.

6. Initial orientation for new Board members will occur prior to the reorganizational meeting. It is recommended that the new Member solicit a mentor as needed.

7. Meeting agendas shall be approved by the BOE at the start of each meeting. Late additions to the agenda are discouraged but as needed, the BOE may approve such additions.

8. Each spring, the Board will establish a detailed Board calendar for the coming year.

IV. COMMUNITY RELATIONS

The BOE will be conscientious of the image created of the Board by their behavior at the Board table.

The BOE will be responsive to public input. All letters to the BOE should receive a prompt, courteous response through the Board President or her/his designee.

The BOE will listen actively to the members of the New Paltz School District on matters concerning the district and its governance. Members will take care not to create the impression of promised action or outcome but rather make it clear that decisions can only be made by the Board as a whole. When appropriate, constituents will be directed to the appropriate school official if known if such direction would help in the resolution of the matter presented.

When a situation occurs where four or more members of the BOE are together outside of board business, members shall practice due diligence to assure no BOE business is conducted.

Discussion continued regarding line “ii” and the need to omit or retain the wording. David Dukler Called the Question.

Motion carried 4 YES (David Dukler, Donald Kerr, Patrick Rausch, Daniel Torres) to 3 NO (KT Tobin Flusser, Steven Greenfield, Edgar Rodriguez) with 7 members voting to approve the Operational Guidelines as presented on the agenda without a change to item ii.

FIRST READING POLICY 7622

Members had a First Reading of Policy 7622 as follows:

SUBJECT:    DISTRICT POLICY REGARDING RESPONSE TO INTERVENTION (RTI) PROCESS

            In accordance with Commissioner's Regulations, the School District has established administrative practices and procedures for implementing District-wide initiatives that address a Response to Intervention (RTI) process applicable to all students. For students suspected of having a potential learning disability, the District will provide appropriate RTI and AIS (Academic Intervention Services) prior to a referral to the Committee on Special Education (CSE) for evaluation.

The District's RTI process shall include the following minimum requirements:

a) Scientific, research-based instruction in reading and mathematics provided to all students in the general education class by qualified personnel;

b) Screenings shall be provided to all students in the class to identify those students who are not making academic progress at expected rates;

            c)         Scientific, research-based instruction matched to student need with increasingly intensive levels of targeted interventions for those students who do not make satisfactory progress in their levels of performance and/or in their rate of learning to meet age or grade level standards;
            d)        Repeated assessments of student achievement will be implemented to determine if interventions are resulting in student progress toward age or grade level standards; and
            e)         The application of information about the student's response to intervention to make educational decisions about changes in goals, instruction and/or services and the decision to make a referral for academic intervention services or special education programs and/or services.

The District's RTI program consists of multiple tiers of instruction/assessments to address increasingly intensive levels of targeted intervention to promote early identification of student performance needs and/or rate of learning, and to help raise achievement levels for all students.

Instructional Support Teams, whose members may include, but are not limited to, regular education teachers, special education personnel, the school psychologist, designated administrators, and other individuals deemed appropriate by the District, will be available for each building to address the needs of students not making academic progress at expected rates.

The Instructional Support Team's responsibilities shall include, but are not limited to, the following:

a) Analyzing information/assessments concerning a student's response to intervention and making educational decisions about changes in goals, instruction and/or services;
b) Determining whether to make a referral for special education programs and/or services.

Parent Notification
Written notification shall be provided to parents when their child requires an intervention beyond the teacher’s differentiation of instruction that is provided to all students in the general education classroom and requires more intensive academic intervention services. Such written notice shall include the following information:

The amount and nature of the student performance data that will be collected and the general education services that will be provided as part of the RTI process;
Strategies for increasing the child’s success in learning; and
The parents’ right to request an evaluation for special education programs and/or services.

OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION

The following items were added to the Comeback List:

State Issues Conference – Will the district pay for the hotel room for members to attend?
Revisit 100.11 Plan to add community members to the District Team

PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
Fawn Tantillo, New Paltz – MS Project & Board Operational Guidelines
Carol Connolly, New Paltz – Green Initiatives
Ed Burke, New Paltz – MS Heating System & Budget Process

ADJOURN ADJOURN

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board
adjourn at 11:40 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,
______________________
Beverly J. Sickler, District Clerk