Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – February 3, 2010 – 7:00 PM

CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                               CALL TO ORDER

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:06 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                             QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez (arrived 7:10 PM)
Daniel Torres
                                                               

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

PLEDGE TO THE FLAG                   

AGENDA CHANGES                                                                                                                                                          AGENDA
                                                                                                                                                                                                CHANGES

President Dukler recommended that the board strike New Business Item 9.5 and move New Business Items 9.1 and 9.3
immediately after Public Comment.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres to accept the Agenda as amended.

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC
                                                                                                                                                                                                COMMENT
Fawn Tantillo, New Paltz – Public Comment and Committee on Open Government
Bob Gabrielli, New Paltz – Cost of Repairs
Josh Honig, New Paltz – Operational Efficiency & Budget Cuts
Kevin Barry, New Paltz – State Aid Cuts and Informing Public
Rick Bundt, New Paltz – Compact for Learning & Shared Decision Making
Carol Connelly, New Paltz – Compact  & Including the Community & Budget Shortfalls
Ed Burke, New Paltz – Not Providing Info the People Need Re: budget
John Johnson, New Paltz – Middle School Project Not the Right Time
Lilyan Spool, New Paltz – Vote No
Leonard Loza, New Paltz – Middle School Funding

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

CSE & CPSE PLACEMENTS

9.1          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: 12135, 336, 2628, 427, 589, 610, 10601, 9078, 8412, 6094b, 5694, 139, 6805, 1933, 338, 9355, 261, 8888, 605, 1156, 6977, 8001, 10978, 10977, 10908, 8005, 8040, 9851, 9840, 10801, 2573, 12131, 8171, 2590, 8127, 10964, 12094, 10080, 9610, 9570, 9638, 10774, 11256, 10961, 9890, 10738, 11524, 11523, 12105, 9651.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

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

BUS DRIVERS CONTRACT

9.3          Request for Approval to Approve Bus Drivers Contract

WHEREAS, the negotiating teams for the District and the New Paltz School Bus Drivers’ Association (hereinafter the “School Bus Drivers’ Association”) executed a Memorandum of Agreement calling for the creation of a five (5) year successor Collectively Negotiated Agreement to the one that expires on June 30, 2010; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education is required by law to approve the expenditure of additional monies required to fund the provisions of the Collectively Negotiated Agreement; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby ratifies the January 26, 2010 Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the School Bus Drivers’ Association covering the period from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2015 and authorizes the funding of those monies necessary to implement the provisions of the 2010-2015 Collectively Negotiated Agreement.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

1. TSEC Proposal for Funding on Behalf of Npcsd – Donald Kerr, Facilities Chair, explained that The Solar Energy Consortium is applying for funds on behalf of the New Paltz Central School District.  The application is being submitted to Congressman Hinchey’s Office.  If successful, the funds will reduce the cost of the Middle School Project.  Mr. Rodriguez expressed that he is troubled by an outside agency applying for funds without board discussion.  He asked if there are commitments on the part of the school district regarding these funds.  He objected that a press release went out without board permission.  He asked that this be discussed at the next meeting. Mr. Greenfield expressed appreciation for the application being submitted.

1. BUDGET PHILOSOPHY DISCUSSION - Mr. Rodriguez noted that the Audit Committee will be meeting to discuss budget philosophy on February 10.  Mr. Rausch agreed that budget philosophy will be discussed for the future and not the current budget.  Mr. Rodriguez asked about the tours to be held February 4 at the middle school and who will be leading them.  He also asked if other members of the public could have a tour of the attic to see the roof repairs.  Assistant Superintendent Linden asked that people who are interested in a tour of the attic call his secretary. Mr. Dukler advised that the matter will be looked into.

1. Middle School Project Presentation – Q & A – President Dukler and Vice President Kerr began  with a PowerPoint presentation on the Middle School Project. Members of the audience were invited to ask questions.  A lengthy session of questions, answers, comments and discussion followed.

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr
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                               1/20/10
of the Workshop Meeting of January 20, 2010.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             
Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting. (Steven Greenfield stepped out of the room.)

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:

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

7.2          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 advisorships for the 2009-2010 school year, with remuneration as per NPUT contract:

Susan McNaughton            Co-advisor            Young Elementary Music Symposium
Laura Faure                           Co-advisor            Young Elementary Music Symposium

7.3          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:

Madeline Nostrand              Food Service Helper                            Effective 1/29/2010

7.4          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    

Alexis Montalvo                  School Bus Driver                                2/4/2010                                 $22.20/hr                5.5 hrs/day
Tersa Faso                            Substitute School Bus Driver            1/22/2010                               $20.00/hr                as needed
John Casiano                        Custodial Worker                                 2/4/2010                                 $29,100/yr              as per contract

                                                                                                                                                                (pro-rated)
7.5          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:
Name                                      Title                                                       Effective

Elaine Purdy                          School Lunch Cashier                         1/21/2010 – 2/20/2010
Angela Bulson                     School Monitor                                    1/11/2010 – 3/17/2010         

MOTION carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.  (Steven Greenfield stepped out of the room.)

OLD BUSINESS (Consent Agenda)                                                                                                                          OLD BUSINESS

Motion made by Patrick Rausch and seconded by Donald Kerr that the Board of
Education approve Old Business Items 8.1 and 8.2.

8.1          Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 7420 Sports and the Athletic Program
BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, after a first and second reading of Policy 7420 Sports and Athletic Program, does hereby approve revisions to the policy as follows:

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:

1. Provide written parental/guardian consent;

1. Pass satisfactorily the medical examination administered by the school physician/nurse practitioner/physician’s assistant or the student's personal physician/nurse practitioner/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

1. 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 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:

1.   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. Eighth graders who have successfully completed a year in a modified sport may attempt to classify up in that sport.
2.   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.
3.    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.
4.   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.
5.    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.
6.    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. 
7.    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: 

1. Requiring medical examinations of participants;

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

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

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 United States Code (USC) Section 1681 et seq.
45 Code of Federal Regulations Part 86
8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Section 135

8.2          Second Reading and Approval of Revisions to Policy 7622 District Policy Regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) Process (Changes were in punctuation only.)

BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, after a first and second reading of Policy 7622 District Policy Regarding Response to Intervention (RTI) Process, does hereby approve the revisions 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:

1. 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;

1. Strategies for increasing the child’s success in  learning; and

1. The parents’ right to request an evaluation for special education programs and/or services.

34 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Sections 300.309 and 300.311
Education Law Sections 3208, 4002, 4401, 4401-a, 4402, 4402, and 4410
8 New York Code of Rules and Regulations (NYCRR) Sections 100.2(ii), 200.2(b)(7), 200.4(a), 200.4(j)(3)(i), and 200.4(j)(5)(i)(g)

Motion to approve Old Business Consent Agenda Items 8.1 and 8.2 carried
6 – 0 with 6 members voting. (Steven Greenfield stepped out of the room.)

NEW BUSINESS                                                                                                                                            NEW BUSINESS

9.1          Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements

9.1 Approved earlier in the meeting.

Motion made by Kathleen Tobin Flusser and seconded by Daniel Torres
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:  

                                                                                                                BIENNIAL REVIEW OF SHARED DECISION MAKING                                                                                             

9.2          Request for Approval of the Biennial Review of Shared Decision Making (SDM)

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the Biennial Review of the District Plan for the Participation of Parents and Teachers in School-Based Planning and Shared Decision Making as presented.

Discussion followed.  Mr. Rodriguez asked for a postponement of any action since the two meeting rule had not been followed and since no recommendations from the Building Level Teams was provided to the board members.

MOTION TO POSTPONE

Motion made by Edgar Rodriguez and seconded by Patrick Rausch to postpone action on the Biennial Review in order to observe the two meeting rule.

Discussion continued with Vice President Kerr suggesting that the matter be put on the Comeback List.

Patrick Rausch made a friendly amendment to the motion as follows:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education postpone action on the Biennial Review in order to observe the two meeting rule and to discuss the matter within the next three meetings.

Motion carried 6 YES – 1 NO (David Dukler)  with 7 members voting.

9.3          Request for Approval to Approve Bus Drivers Contract

9.3 Approved earlier in the meeting.

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

2010-2011 SCHOOL DISTRICT CALENDAR                                                                                 
9.4          Request for Approval of the 2010-2011 School District Calendar
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Maria C. Rice, does hereby approve the 2010-2011 School District Calendar as presented.

Discussion followed regarding closing school on Election Day and eliminating half days at the end of the year for students.

Mr. Dukler Called the Question.

Motion carried 6 YES – 1 NO (KT Tobin Flusser) with 7 members voting.

The following resolution was removed from the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.

9.5          Request for Approval to Accept Donation from NPUT for Middle School Project Informational Newsletter Postage (Resolution removed from Agenda.  No action taken.)
Recommendation – that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Maria C. Rice, does hereby accept a donation of $500 from New Paltz United Teachers (NPUT) for the cost of postage to inform district residents about the Middle School Project.

                                                                                                                                                                                               
FINANCIAL REPORTS                                                                                                                                   FINANCIAL REPORTS
                                                                                                                                                                             12/09 & SCHEDULE #6

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Donald Kerr that the Treasurer’s Report for           
December 2009 and Budget Transfer Schedule #6 December 2009 be approved.    
                                                                                               
Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

                                                                                                               
PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC
            COMMENT

None

ADJOURN                                                                                                                                                                            ADJOURN

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board
adjourn at 11:27 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk