Untitled Document

Minutes – Business Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – March 3, 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 6:14 PM)
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez (arrived at 6:05 PM, left 11:15 PM)
Daniel Torres

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

EXECUTIVE SESSION EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Patrick Rausch 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 and contract negotiations.

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 7:02 PM.

Motion carried 7 - 0 with 7 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER CALL TO ORDER

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:13 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Patrick Rausch
Edgar Rodriguez (left at 11:15 PM)
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
Michelle Martoni, Principal, Lenape Elementary School
Debra Hogencamp, Principal, Duzine Elementary School
Anthony Tantillo, Assistant Principal, Middle 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
Tom Plitsch, Student Representative
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 asked that the board members have a brief discussion about the possibility of holding a Special Board Meeting on March 10th under Board Communications.

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Donald Kerr that the board accept the agenda as amended by President Dukler.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following resolution:
ACCEPT RESULTS OF BOND VOTE FOR MS PROJECT
FEBRUARY 9, 2010

3.1 Request for Approval to Accept the Results of the Bond Vote for the Middle School Project Held on February 9, 2010

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District does hereby accept the results of the Bond Vote for the Middle School Project Held on February 9, 2010 as follows:

Proposition
(a) That the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District, in the County of Ulster, New York (the “District”), is hereby authorized to construct additions, improvements and alterations to the Middle School building and the site thereof and related improvements in the District (the “Project”); and to expend therefor an amount not to exceed $49,780,000; (b) that a tax in the amount of not to exceed $49,780,000 is hereby authorized to pay said cost, such tax to be levied and collected in installments in such years and in such amounts as shall be determined by said Board of Education, and that in anticipation of such tax bonds of the District may be issued, and a tax is also hereby voted to pay the interest on said bonds as the same shall become due and payable; and (c) that not to exceed $5,000,000 which may be available in the "District-wide Construction and Reconstruction Capital Reserve Fund," heretofore established following voter approval on May 17, 2005, and not to exceed $929,000 which may be available in the District’s capital fund, arehereby authorized to be expended for the Project, and any of such amounts so expended shall offset and reduce a like amount of the taxes herein authorized.
YES: 983 NO: 2561

Mr. Rodriguez asked how many absentee ballots were cast. President Dukler advised that 153 were received.

Motion carried 7 – 0 with 7 members voting.

SPOTLIGHT ON PROGRAM: “NIGHT IN A DAY” – Grade 9 Students In-house Field Trip: Teachers Joel Needen, Lauren DePoala and Joseph Dolan were introduced by High School Principal Barbara Clinton. They along with several students spoke about a one day event during which students discussed the memoirs of Elie Wiesel entitled Night which was set during the Holocaust. Given the opportunity to live the story, the students explored indifference, inhumanity and losing one’s identity. The experience encouraged some of the students to create a project called “Never Again”, a Website which tells of human rights atrocities that have taken place in the world since 1945. Included in the evening’s presentation were video clips of students’ reactions to the experience as well as testimonials from individuals whose lives were directly impacted by the Holocaust.

PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT
Joe Storch, New Paltz – Budget
Michaelo Lundquist, Gardiner – Holocaust
Katherine Joyer, New Paltz – Middle School Renovation & Safety
Ed Mannix, New Paltz – New Paltz Athletic Association – No cuts
Tanya Marquette, Gardiner – Unite Our District & Facilities Maintenance & Community Participation
Rick Bunt – Five Year Repair Audit & Payback Schedule
Fawn Tantillo, New Paltz – Unite Our District & Collaborative Planning by Community Volunteers
Steve Graff, New Paltz – Ventilation at Middle School
Josh Honig, New Paltz – TSEC - The Solar Energy Consortium
Bob Gabrielle, New Paltz – Emergency Eye Wash Station

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Tom Plitsch, new Student Representative to the Board of
Education was introduced by President Dukler. Tom commented about events and activities at the high school.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS

SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS – Superintendent Rice announced the snow day count. A press release will provide information about any additional school closings. At present take back days will be March 29, March 30, March 31 and April 1in that order. That leaves one flood day. Using the flood day involves appealing to the commissioner.

Mrs. Rice thanked the community for the overwhelming response on February 9th when voters turned out in large numbers to vote on the Middle School Bond Vote. An Exit Poll was conducted on that day by students. Superintendent Rice introduced teacher Joseph Dolan who along with teacher John Orcutt oversee the class known as PIGLITS (Participation in Government, Literature, and Economics for Today’s Students).

EXIT POLL REVIEW – MR. JOSEPH DOLAN AND STUDENTS OF THE PIGLIT CLASS - Voters were asked why they voted the way they did. Students reported on how they came up with the actual poll. Questions of age, gender and if a person had children in the district were asked. Students signed up from noon to 9 PM to take the exit poll. Students provided some of the results of the poll for the audience. David Frisina’s statistics class will use the data for further reporting. The students regarded this as a service to the community. Questions and answers followed.

In keeping with recognition week statewide, Mrs. Rice thanked our district’s social workers for their work with district students. She went on to report on a meeting with Unite Our District members. She was encouraged about the positive nature of moving forward that was evidenced in the meeting. The Town Comprehensive Plan is on the Web for those who are interested in viewing it.

2010-2011 BUDGET PROPOSAL – Superintendent Rice provided a PowerPoint presentation which itemized the necessary cuts in staff and program in order to keep the tax levy at 4% increase. Assistant Superintendent, Richard Linden, reviewed possible reductions in employee benefits to further reduce the budget. Questions and answers followed with members offering suggestions on areas where cuts should be considered and where cuts should not be considered. Superintendent Rice will endeavor to provide the additional data requested by members in a 47 item list that made during this discussion.

CIPA (CHILDREN’S INTERNET PROTECTION ACT) – E-RATE CONSORTIUM REQUIREMENT FOR PARTICIPATION – Superintendent Rice explained that the CIPA is related E-rate requirements. The Board of Education needs to state for the record the following as an indication that board policies comply with all requirements of CIPA. Mrs. Rice read the following statement to confirm that the district in compliance:

“The New Paltz CSD internet safety policy addresses the following as required by CIPA: access by minors to inappropriate matter on the Internet and World Wide Web; the safety and security of minors when using electronic mail, chat rooms and other forms of direct electronic communications; unauthorized access, including so-called “hacking” and other unlawful activities by minors online; and unauthorized disclosure, use and disseminating of personal information regarding minors; measures designed to restrict minors’ access to materials harmful to minors and educating minors about appropriate online behavior including interacting with other individuals on social networking web sites and in chat rooms, and cyber bullying awareness and response.”

BIENNIAL REVIEW – Superintendent Rice reviewed the district’s Shared Decision Making Plan process and expressed the opinion that the district has complied with the requirements.

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

8.1 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. Edgar Rodriquez offered that approval of the Biennial Review is approving a plan which has diminished community participation. He stated that there is no evidence of any accomplishments of Shared Decision Making. He pleaded that the board move away from the model that does not allow the community to choose their own representatives. He stated that he will not approve this resolution and encouraged other members not to support this resolution. Superintendent Rice and other board members offered examples of Shared Decision Making successes in response to the objections made by Mr. Rodriguez. After voting, the Biennial Review of Shared Decision Making was approved by the Board of Education

Motion carried 6 – 1 (Edgar Rodriguez) with 7 members voting.

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

LEGISLATIVE BREAKFAST – David Dukler and Patrick Rausch reported on the Annual Legislative Breakfast held at West Point in February. Mr. Dukler encouraged members to contact their legislators about important issues. Patrick Rausch encouraged the public to vote out every single legislator because of inferior performance of their responsibilities.
MIDDLE SCHOOL PROJECT – DEBRIEF: Don Kerr suggested that this discussion wait. Members began discussion about a Special Meeting on March 10, 2010. Patrick Rausch did not want to cancel the Audit Committee on that date because of upcoming deadlines. Don Kerr expressed the need to hold the Facilities Committee. It was agreed to start the Special Meeting at 7:30 PM on March 10, 2010 in order to allow the Facilities Committee to meet at 5 PM and the Audit Committee from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
APPOINTMENT OF MEMBERS TO THE LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE – President Dukler appointed Daniel Torres and KT Tobin Flusser as members to the newly formed Legislative Action Committee. Mr. Dukler will serve as ex-officio member. This committee will be educational in scope and non-political.

Mr. Dukler reiterated that the March 10 Special Meeting will be held for budget discussion. It was agreed to have the Middle School Project Debrief at the Special Meeting as well.

MINUTES OF MEETING

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution: MINUTES
2/3/10

BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes of the
Business Meeting of February 3, 2010.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

PERSONNEL PERSONNEL

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

12.1 Tenure Recommendation
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby grant tenure to the following instructional employee:

Joseph Dolan English Effective 3/31/10

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA) Items 12.2 – 12.7 PERSONNEL
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel (consent agenda) resolutions:

12.2 Instructional Appointment - Mentor
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:

Mary Rappleyea Effective 2/25/10 – 6/30/10

12.3 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:

Kristin Feeley                       Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Nicole Rivera                        Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Raymond Berry Jr.               Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Amber Adams                      Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Faye Carlson-MacKenzie   Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Natalie Kikel                          Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Trish Lewis                           Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Jennifer McCarthy               Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10
Alicia Tuttle                          Effective 3/1/10 – 6/30/10
Jessica Winsman                 Effective 3/4/10 – 6/30/10

12.4 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:

Betsy Jordan Family and Consumer Science Teacher Effective 2/26/10

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:

Barbara Agor Substitute School Monitor Effective 2/25/10 $9.00/hour as needed

12.6 Coaching Appointments
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent, does hereby appoint the following coaches for the 2009-2010 school year:

Name                                    Position                           Stipend
Jon Stern                            Track Assistant                       unpaid
Glenn Eckert                      Track Assistant                      unpaid
William DeFino                  JV Baseball                       $3030.00
Kristen Conrad                   JV Softball                         $3030.00
Leonard Vaccaro                Modified Boys Track            $2160.00
Melissa Milano                   Modified Girls Track             $2160.00

12.7 Election Inspectors
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education does hereby ratify the action of the District Clerk in utilizing the services of the following individuals as Election Inspectors on February 9, 2010 and does hereby appoint them as Election Inspectors for the 2009-2010 school year with remuneration as per rate established at the July 1, 2009 Organizational Meeting:

Ann Stickel
George Wirthmann

Motion to approve Consent Agenda carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

OLD BUSINESS OLD BUSINESS

NEW BUSINESS NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres 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
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: 11458, 9837, 12131, 2083, 10311, 1694, 0776, 2042, 2510, 2074, 2500, 8036, 8017, 8103, 2571, 10606, 12058, 10981, 9629, 10395, 10931, 9541, 9128, 9602, 9537, 11037, 10751, 10933, 10583, 10770, 10582, 10581, 10542, 9854, 10053, 2474, 2506, 11328, 1648, 11546, 8161, 8816, 0239, 1848, 8963, 9458, 10804, 9301, 8200, 11518, 11157, 9971, 10063, 10637, 10093, 9505, 9623, 11514, 11494, 9618, 10707, 9827, 10115, 9825, 10186, 10791, 10081, 10381, 10468, 9555, 10738, 10416, 10592, 10630, 9592, 11521, 10917, 10110, 12129, 12130, 12125, 12126, 10650, 9998, 10786, 10687, 10417, 10109.

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

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

INSTALLMENT PAYMENT OF TAXES
RESOLUTION FAILED
14.2 Request for Approval of Installment Payment of Taxes
Recommendation – that that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District, upon the recommendation of Superintendent Maria C. Rice, 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.

Motion FAILED 0 to 6 with 6 members voting.

FINANCIAL REPORTS                                                                                                                                   FINANCIAL REPORTS
JANUARY 2010
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Treasurer’s Report for
January 2010 and Budget Transfer Schedule # 7 January 2010 be approved.

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

OTHER DISCUSSION OTHER DISCUSSION

PUBLIC COMMENTS PUBLIC
COMMENT

None

ADJOURN ADJOURN
Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Patrick Rausch that the Board
adjourn at 11:30 PM.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

Respectfully submitted,

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk