Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – January 6, 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
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch (arrived 6:10 PM)
Edgar Rodriguez
Daniel Torres
                                                               

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
                                                               

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                                      EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Donald Kerr that the Board of                                                        SESSION
Education move into Executive Session at 6:02 PM for the purpose of discussing the employment
history of particular individuals, matters made exempt under FERPA, contract negotiations and
negotiations with a company.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by
Steven Greenfield that the Board return to Public Session at 7:00 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                                                     CALL TO ORDER
The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:20 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                             QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez
Daniel Torres
                                                               
ALSO PRESENT:                
Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent
Barbara Clinton, Principal, New Paltz Central High School
Richard Wiesenthal, Principal, New Paltz Middle School
Michelle Martoni, Principal, Lenape Elementary School
Debra Hogencamp, Principal, Duzine Elementary School
Antonia Woody, Athletic Director
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Maureen Ryan, Supervisor of Transportation
Mike Robinson, Director of Food Services
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

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                                                          AGENDA
                                                                                                                                                                                                CHANGES
President Dukler announced the following Addendum to the Agenda.

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the Agenda as amended by the Addendum.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC
                                                                                                                                                                                                COMMENT
Josh Honig, New Paltz – Bond Referendum and Cost to Inform Public
Ed Burke, New Paltz – Budget and After School Sports

In Memory of Margaret Wade-Lewis

Edgar Rodriguez briefly commented on the touching memorial service held on the passing of Dr. Margaret Wade Lewis, a respected and loved community member who impacted the lives of students here and in her church.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

  ALUMNI REPORT

• ALUMNI REPORT – Debora Banner, Assistant Superintendent, reported on the 2009 Alumni Study which had a 26% response rate.  This study surveyed students who graduated from New Paltz Central High School in 2005 and 2007.  A variety of questions were asked of the students to determine if they were adequately prepared to graduate from college and to handle future responsibilities. Ratings were up from a previous study that surveyed students who graduated in 2001 and 2004. Questions and answers followed.

   STATE OF THE DISTRICT

• STATE OF THE DISTRICT REPORT – Superintendent Rice introduced the Leadership Team whose members each provided a PowerPoint slide outlining the accomplishments of the 2008-2009 school year for their particular area of administration. Superintendent Rice began with an overview which included highlights in the areas of the Educational Master Plan, business and finance.  Debora Banner continued with a report on educational programming including staff development, work with bus drivers in preparing students to begin a day of learning, bias awareness training and other educational endeavors by teachers.  Special Education and Pupil Personnel Services will be covered at a future meeting in the absence of Connie Hayes.  Athletic Director, Toni Woody reported on physical education, athletics and health services. Bill Richers, Director of Information and Communications Technology, commented on how technology is used and how it impacts learning.  Infrastructure, which includes human resources and equipment, is critical to the educational process and was evaluated through the use of a survey.  The analysis of the data obtained is in progress. Principals Debra Hogencamp, Michelle Martoni, Richard Wiesenthal and Barbara Clinton highlighted the accomplishments of each of their buildings. Following Ms. Clinton’s report, Katie Flanagan, Director of Guidance, reported on the reorganization of the Guidance Department at the high school resulting in improved services to students. Maureen Ryan, Director of Transportation commented on the priorities of the department in providing safety and promptness first as well as preparing students for a day of learning. Michael Robinson, Director of Food Services, briefly reported on healthy food offerings that were introduced to the student menu as well as upgrades in equipment.  In addition, the WinSnap system has been implemented in all four buildings and use of recycled materials has increased.  Steve Callahan, Director of Facilities and Operations, reported on efforts to run the department using appropriate safety and conservation measures.  He outlined the various areas of repairs and renovations throughout the district while implementing a program of preventative maintenance.

Members moved New Business Item 9.2 which was included on the Addendum to this portion of the meeting.

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

         EMERGENCY REPAIRS TO THE MIDDLE SCHOOL ROOF

9.2          Request for Approval of Emergency Repairs to the Middle School Roof

WHEREAS, as a result of a leak in a portion of the roof at New Paltz Middle School, water ran through the walls and a section of the ceiling in the auditorium has collapsed resulting in a health and safety issue for the students and employees in this school building; and

WHEREAS, in order to ensure the safety, health and welfare of the students and employees in this school building as well as to preserve the property of the School District, it is necessary to immediately repair the roof, including but not limited to the Snow Guard System, installing new roof drains, EPDM and parapet walls repairs, including associated work; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education is empowered to determine that the expense of this activity is an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of '2023 of the New York State Education Law and '170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and that the project constitutes an emergency within the meaning of '103 of the General Municipal Law and, therefore, competitive bidding shall not be required;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District hereby determines and declares that the cost of the roof repair work described above, including associated work and incidental costs, at New Paltz Middle School constitutes an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of '2023 of the Education Law and '170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and an emergency within the meaning of '103 of the General Municipal Law, and hereby authorizes the expenditure of a sum not to exceed $50,000 for such purposes; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby determines that that the  roof repair project at New Paltz Middle School will not have a significant environmental impact and declares this project a Type II Action pursuant to '617.5 of the State Environmental Quality Review Act; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to make transfers between and within functional unit appropriations in order to pay the costs of this ordinary contingent expense.

Steve Callahan explained the need for repairs on the middle school roof and wall due to infiltration of water.  Discussion followed.  Mrs. Rice provided  information from Rhinebeck Architects to support the need for this repair.  Immediate action is indicated to prohibit further damage to the building.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

K-12 GUIDANCE PLAN – Kathryn Pines Flanagan, Director of Guidance, briefly commented on recent advances in the Guidance Department along with the transitioning of students from the middle school to the high school and best practices that can be implemented to streamline the process. 

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

                                                                                                                                      APPROVAL OF GUIDANCE PLAN

5.1          Request for Approval of 2009-2010 K-12 Guidance Plan

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Maria C. Rice, does hereby approve the 2009-2010 K-12 Guidance Plan as presented.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

                    STATE OF THE DISTRICT

Members returned to discussion of the State of the District Report.  Opportunity was provided for members to ask questions.  Edgar Rodriguez felt that the report lacked in assessment and evaluation while focusing mostly on positive events and good public relations. Evaluation is limited without giving the district’s condition at the moment and where we are going with recommendations for the future. Mrs. Rice took note of Mr. Rodriguez’ comments and agreed, stating that this is a work in progress. Superintendent Rice said that more hard data is forthcoming.  Discussion followed.

KT Tobin Flusser requested that the document be put on the website. Mrs. Rice agreed.

President Dukler thanked the Leadership Team for their hard work on the State of the District Report.

RACE TO THE TOP

COMMISSIONER STEINER’S REQUEST FOR A RACE TO THE TOP MOU – Superintendent Maria Rice explained the need for the board to proceed with approval to sign a Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding.  The program provides Federal grant money to the states but districts must take action by January 11, 2010 to qualify for the award. It will help NYS to be in a better position to receive the $700 million allocated to New York State.  She explained what the resolution is asking for.

Discussion followed. It was stated that our bargaining units are not in favor of this MOU. Questions , answers and discussion continued.

President Duker Called the Question and took a vote to authorize him to sign the Race to the Top MOU.   The vote was as follows:

7 YES to 0 NO with 7 members.

District Clerk, Beverly Sickler, pointed out that the motion had not yet been made to authorize the signing of the Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding prior to the board voting.

Board members disagreed and said that the resolution was made by Don Kerr and Dan Torres earlier in the meeting.  (The tape of the meeting revealed that this was not the case and the motion had never been made.  Hence, the board members were voting on a resolution that had not been put on the floor for action.  However, since the intention of the board was clear, the district’s attorney recommended that the board ratify the signing of the MOU at the next meeting.)
               
5.2  Request for Approval to Sign Race to the Top Memorandum of Understanding (Motion never made.)
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education approve the following resolution:
 BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby authorizes the signing of the
District’s Race To The Top (RTTT) MOU for submission to the New York State Education
Department.

• MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT CONTINGENCY PLAN REGARDING STATE AID & PRESENTATION SCHEDULE – Postponed with a few brief comments made later in the meeting.
• STONELEIGH WOODS PROPERTY – Postponed

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   MINUTES
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes                            
of the Workshop Meeting of December 16, 2009.                                                                                                                         

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                             PERSONNEL
Motion made by Patrick Rausch that the Board of Education approve the following
personnel consent agenda items 7.1 – 7.8:

7.1          Instructional Resignation
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the resignation of the following instructional employee:

Brian Masopust                   Social Studies                       Effective 12/20/09

7.2          Instructional Appointment - Substitutes
Recommendation that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following substitute teachers with remuneration as per rates established at the July 1, 2009 Organizational Meeting:

7.3          Instructional Appointment - Mentors
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following instructional employee as a mentor for the 2009/2010 school year with remuneration, as per NPUT contract:

James Coleman – effective 1/7/10 – 6/30/10

7.4          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 employee, on an as-needed basis with remuneration as per NPUT contract effective for the 2009-2010 school year:

Dora Lee Stack

7.5          Non-Instructional Resignation – Purpose 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:

Francis Vasalka                    School Bus Driver                                Effective 1/26/2010 (for purpose of retirement)
7.6          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    
Charles Juneau                     Substitute Custodial Worker             1/7/2010                                 $11.00/hr                as needed

Michele Ribas                       LPN /Teacher Aide                              Effective 1/18/10                   $28,800 annually (pro-rated)

Anne Marie Dixon               Teacher Aide                                        Effective 1/7/10                     $12.68/hr                2 hrs/day

Ruth Ann Serdah Teacher Aide                                                        Effective 1/7/10                     $15,165                   6.5 hr/day
                                                                                                                                                                (prorated)

7.7          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 employees:

Elaine Purdy                          School Lunch Cashier                         Effective 12/5/09 – 1/20/10

7.8          Instructional Probationary 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 employee with remuneration as per NPUT contract. 

Betsy Jordan         Home Economics                 Effective  2/1/10 – 1/31/13                   BA, Step A            $50,760 prorated

Motion to approve Consent Agenda Items 7.1 – 7.8 carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

Patrick Rausch asked that the board recognize the resignation of Francis Vasalka for retirement purposes.  All recent retirees will be honored and thanked for their service at the June 2010 meeting.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the appointment of Kathy Mironchik and Elena Maskell as Election Inspectors.

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

Kathy Mironchik
Elena Maskell
Nora Strano

Discussion followed as to the reason for not including the name of Nora Strano in the resolution.  Patrick Rausch withdrew his second to the resolution.  Don Kerr withdrew his motion entirely until further clarification can be obtained. President Dukler advised that he will turn the matter over to Superintendent Rice for further research.

No vote was taken on Personnel Item 7.9.

NEW BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            NEW BUSINESS

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

9.1          Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements
Recommendation - that the following resolution be approved:  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approve the following Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) recommendations and student placements: 11350, 9834, 9176, 9312, 9294, 11536, 10804, 132, 355, 11426, 11173, 10468, 10892, 11222, 10755, 10751, 11532, 11503, 10364, 10012.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

9.2          Request for Approval of Emergency Repairs to the Middle School Roof

This resolution was voted on earlier in the meeting.

FINANCIAL REPORTS                                                                                                                                   FINANCIAL REPORTS

Action on the November 2009 Financial Reports and Transfer Schedule was postponed until the return of
Richard Linden, Assistant Superintendent for Business.

                                                                                                               
PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC
            COMMENT
Josh Honig, New Paltz – Election Process & Race to the Top Grant
Lauren O’Malley, New Paltz – MS Renovation & Foreign Language at Duzine

OTHER DISCUSSION

President Dukler announced that the Woodcrest Community/Bruderhof would like a presentation regarding the Middle School Capital Project.  A date still needs to be determined.

CONTINGENCY PLAN REGARDING STATE AID FOR MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT

David  Dukler gave an overview of the various scenarios that would come into play if State Aid is cut off at any given point. Discussion followed.

ADJOURN                                                                                                                                                                            ADJOURN
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by KT Tobin Flusser that the Board
adjourn at 10:50 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk