Minutes – Workshop Meeting – Board of Education – New Paltz Central High School – June 2, 2010 – 7:00 PM

CALL MEETING TO ORDER                                                                                                                                 CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order at 6:03PM by Donald Kerr, Board Vice President.

BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT:                                                                                                                              QUORUM CHECK
David Dukler (arrived 6:09 PM)
Kathleen Tobin Flusser
Steven Greenfield
Donald Kerr
Edgar Rodriguez
Daniel Torres

EXCUSED:                                            Patrick Rausch

ALSO PRESENT:                 Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools
                                                               

ROLL CALL
The roll was called as reflected above.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION                                                                                                                                                      EXECUTIVE
Motion made by Kathleen Tobin Flusser and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of                                     SESSION                              
Education move into Executive Session at 6:04 PM for the purpose of discussing the employment
history of particular individuals and contract negotiations.

Motion carried 5 - 0 with 5 members voting.

Out of Executive Session - Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by
Steven Greenfield that the Board return to Public Session at 6:39 PM.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

CALL TO ORDER                                                                                                                                                     CALL TO ORDER

The Public Meeting was called to order at 7:05 PM by David Dukler, Board President.

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

EXCUSED:                                            Patrick Rausch

 

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
Bill Richers, Director of Information & Communications Technology
Beverly Sickler, District Clerk
Julie Apuzzo & Luke Dempsey Student Representatives
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:

ADDENDUM

CHANGE
PERSONNEL Item 12.5 – Change from Administrative Resignation for Purposes of Retirement to Instructional Resignation for Purposes of Retirement as follows:

12.5        Instructional Resignation – Purposes of Retirement
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 instructional employee for purposes of retirement:

Susan McNaughton            Music Teacher                     Effective 7/1/10

CHANGE
PERSONNEL Item 12.8 Approval of Professional Development Planning Committee Members to include additional names as follows:

Recommendation –– BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education reauthorizes the continuation of the Professional Development Planning Committee Members:

Appointment of Professional Development Planning Committee Members

Superintendent’s Designee/Curriculum Rep                 Debora Banner
Administrative Rep                                                             Barbara Clinton
Parent Rep                                                                            Linda Apuzzo
                Teacher Rep                                                                         Rachel Busher
                Teacher Rep                                                                         Jill Belgrave
Teacher Rep                                                                         Jane Beck
Teacher Rep                                                                         Arielle Chiger

ADD
PERSONNEL
12.9        Instructional Resignation – Purposes of Retirement
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 instructional employee for purposes of retirement:

Joseph DeRise                      Elementary Teacher            Effective 6/30/10

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

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENTS                                                                                                                                                       PUBLIC
COMMENT
Tanya Marquette, Gardiner – Five Year Plan and Facilities Committee Membership
Albert Trezza, Attorney for Employee 3724 – Board denied him a meeting in Executive Session

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE REPORT – Luke Dempsey and Julie Apuzzo, Student Representatives, reported on events and activities at the high school including a new late policy which has been implemented.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTS & DISCUSSION ITEMS

  1. EXIT POLL PRESENTATION – Principal Clinton introduced teacher John Orcutt who reported on the origins of the Exit Poll. PIGLET Students Jasmine Towers and Brienne Merhof followed up with a report on the results of the exit poll taken at the May 18th Election/Budget Vote. Questions and answers followed.
  1.  SUPERINTENDENT COMMENTS
  2. Pesticide Legislation and NPCSD Status – Superintendent Rice reported that the district has been in compliance with old legislation and is in compliance with new legislation.  She briefly reported on the process for keeping compliance with the law.
  3. DARE Program – Mrs. Rice reported that the district will no longer participate in the DARE program.  Another program is being investigated but there is a cost.  Unless a grant can pick up the cost for the Town and the District will not be able to replace the program.
  4. Review of Drug Abuse Educational Programs and Services – Mrs. Rice referred the members to information provided by Connie Hayes, Assistant Superintendent, describing curriculum related to alcohol and drug prevention.  An overview of available services to students is also included.  The PRIDE survey provided data to create a social norming program.  More details of the PRIDE survey will come out in the State of the District Report in the fall. Mr. Rodriguez asked for specific data relating to New Paltz alone. Mrs. Rice agreed to report on these statistics. Ms. Tobin Flusser reported that there are no statistically significant differences between school districts in Ulster County.  Mr. Rodriguez pointed out that in the minutes of the Building Level Team at the high school there is no evidence of parental participation which is a concern.  Mrs. Rice agreed that the district has some drug problems but measures are being taken to investigate the issues. We are addressing all of the needs of students from young to old in a variety of ways.  Raw data and a more comprehensive review will be forthcoming. This issue will continue on the Comeback List.
  5. Race to the Top MOU - Mrs. Rice announced that the RTTT MOA was signed by the legislature.  Connie Hayes signed on behalf of the superintendent. The president of the teachers union did sign at the last minute.  This board did not agree to sign. Mrs. Rice indicated that she was required by law to sign the MOU.
  6. Middle School Building – Doctor Richard Wiesenthal, Principal of the middle school reported on issues in the building.  Just this week a roof leak resulted in plaster coming down in a stairwell.  The area has been blocked temporarily.  In addition there are pipe issues in sixth grade bathrooms.  Repairs will be made.
  7. DIVERSITY COMMITTEE REPORT – Debra Hogencamp, Rev. James Childs and members of the Diversity Committee were present to report on progress being made in the buildings.  Board members were provided with a written Executive Summary on the Diversity Plan Implementation.  Mr. Childs emphasized the ongoing work of the committee throughout the district.  Consistency is one of the necessary earmarks of this process.  The committee focused on new initiatives since the last report to the board. The Diversity Sub Committee has implemented some very successful activities. There has been collaboration with community groups which helps the committee to address various issues. Next steps are to extend the collaboration that Duzine and Lenape have experienced to the Middle School and High School. Questions and answers followed.
  8. EDCATIONAL MASTER PLAN – Superintendent Rice spoke on the work that has been done to develop this proposal.  By way of a PowerPoint presentation, Superintendent Rice and administrators provided the board with an overview of the various aspects of the plan. The standards have been trimmed and a more manageable plan established.  Limiting the paperwork and enlarging the discussion is the goal. Staff tried to make it simple, meaningful and connect it to the State of the District. Vice President Kerr commented on the importance of this effort to arrive at a comprehensive plan.  He stated that the work is impressive. Kathleen Tobin Flusser stated that this is a fabulous document. David Dukler agreed and expressed excitement over the plan.  Steven Greenfield thanked everyone.  The board’s roll was simply to ask that this be done by a certain date, allowing the administrators to do their work.  He expressed trust and gratefulness in the professionals.  Mrs. Rice emphasized the fact that administrators and their staff came up with the plan. Edgar Rodriguez concurred with all of the thanks expressed.  He expressed that the challenge is now for the board.  The Action Plans grows out of the Master Plan.  The results follow in the State of the District.  The challenge to the board is comprehensive planning.  The board sets the priorities.

 

BOARD COMMUNICATIONS

  1. Memorial Day Events – Steven Greenfield complimented and thanked the principals, teachers and students for their fine work in the various Memorial Day celebrations.
  2. Code of Conduct with Revision – Minor changes to the language were presented to the board by Assistant Superintendent Connie Hayes.  The changes were made by way of email as a result of the board members’ suggestions at the previous board meeting.

 

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

9.1          Request for Approval of Revisions to Code of Conduct and the District Safety Plan
Recommendation – that the following resolution be approved:  BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve revisions to the District Code of Conduct and the District Safety Plan pursuant to the Safe Schools Against Violence in Education Act (SAVE), as presented.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

President Dukler spoke about provision of supplies for board members in doing their work as board members.  There has been no precedent for this practice.  He indicated that it might be a practice that would not be well received by the public. 

The following committee chairs gave brief committee reports:

  1. AUDIT COMMITTEE – David Dukler
  2. FACILITIES COMMITTEE – Donald Kerr
  3. POLICY COMMITTEE – David Dukler

 

MINUTES OF MEETING   

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres
that the Board of Education approve the following resolution:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 MINUTES
5/19/10

BE IT RESOLVED that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education accept the minutes                            
of the Regular Business Meeting of May 19, 2010.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

 

 

 

 

 

 

PERSONNEL (CONSENT AGENDA)                                                                                                                             PERSONNEL

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the following personnel Consent Agenda resolutions except 12.5, 12.7 and 12.9:

12.1        Denial of Tenure – Employee No. 3724
Recommendation – that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria C. Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby approve the following resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, having reviewed and considered the Superintendent's recommendation not to confer tenure upon employee no. 3724,  Theresa Reetz, a Family and Consumer Science tenure area teacher in the District, hereby accepts such recommendation; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby directs the Board Clerk to notify the employee that her employment in the District will terminate on June 30, 2010.

12.2        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:

Monica Ayres                      Effective 6/3/10 – 6/30/10
Matt Gilgoff                          Effective 6/3/10 – 6/30/10
Carol Losee                           Effective 6/3/10 – 6/30/10

12.3        Instructional Resignations
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 employees:

Jennifer Piccione                  Effective 8/1/10

12.4        Extended Instructional Long Term Substitute
Recommendation that the New Paltz Central School Board of Education upon the recommendation of Maria Rice, Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint the following employee with remuneration as per union contracts or Board of Education approved rates.

Extended Long Term Substitute

Jennifer L. Walis                  School Psychologist                           Effective 6/08/10 – 6/18/10

12.6        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    
Cynthia Velez                        Food Service Helper                            6/3/10                                     $11.35/hr                4.25 hrs per day

 

12.8        Approval of Professional Development Planning Committee Members
Recommendation –– BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education reauthorizes the continuation of the Professional Development Planning Committee Members:

Appointment of Professional Development Planning Committee Members
Superintendent’s Designee/Curriculum Rep                   Debora Banner
Administrative Rep                                                              Barbara Clinton
Parent Rep                                                                             Linda Apuzzo
Teacher Rep                                                                          Rachel Busher
Teacher Rep                                                                          Jill Belgrave
Teacher Rep                                                                          Jane Beck
Teacher Rep                                                                          Arielle Chiger

Motion to approve Consent Agenda (except 12.5, 12.7 and 12.9) carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of Education
accept the following resignation with thanks for faithful service:

12.5        Instructional Resignation – Purposes of Retirement
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 instructional employee for purposes of retirement:

Susan McNaughton            Music Teacher                     Effective 7/1/10

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

Motion made by Kathleen Tobin Flusser and seconded by Daniel Torres that the Board of Education
accept with respect and appreciation the following resignation:

12.7        Non-Instructional Resignation for Purposes of Retirement
Recommendation - that the New Paltz Central Schools Board of Education, upon the recommendation of Maria Rice,                  Superintendent of Schools, does hereby accept the resignation of the following non-instructional employee:

Douglas Merritt                    School Bus Driver                                Effective 6/25/10

Don Kerr commented that bus drivers are internal extensions of the classroom – like family.

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of Education
accept the resignation of the following employee who has served for over 20 years bringing skill and care to the job.

12.9        Instructional Resignation – Purposes of Retirement
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 instructional employee for purposes of retirement:

Joseph DeRise                      Elementary Teacher             Effective 6/30/10

Motion carried 6 – 0 with 6 members voting.

 

OLD BUSINESS (Consent Agenda)                                                                                                                OLD BUSINESS  

Motion made by Donald Kerr and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board of
Education approve the following New Business Consent Agenda Items 13.1 and 13.2:

AMERESCO/ENERGY PERFORMANCE AGREEMENT

13.1        Request for Amendment of Resolution Approving the Appointment of Ameresco – Energy Performance
                Contract
Recommendation – that the following amending resolution be approved:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the resolution from the Board Meeting of September 16, 2009, appointing Ameresco to conduct an Energy Performance Contract with the Energy Conservation Measure Scope to be determined by the District’s Facilities Committee, in accordance with a proposal dated August 20, 2009, which proposal shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting, by authorizing the Board President to execute an agreement with Ameresco upon approval of the School Attorney.  The agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

       CSARCH/COMPREHENSIVE FACILITIES PLANNER AGREEMENT

13.2        Request for Approval to Appoint Comprehensive Facilities Planner

Recommendation – that the following amending resolution be approved:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the resolution from the Board Meeting of May 19, 2010, appointing CSArch Architecture/Construction Management for Educational Facilities Planning Facilitation and mandated Building Conditions Survey and Five-Year Facilities Plan (8 NYCRR Section 155), in accordance with a proposal dated May 3, 2010, which proposal shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting, by authorizing the Board President to execute an agreement with CSArch upon approval of the School Attorney.  The agreement shall be incorporated by reference within the minutes of this meeting.

Superintendent Rice advised the board that the Ameresco contract would not exceed $3,942,965 and CSArch contract would not exceed $117,415.

Motion to approve Old Business Consent Agenda Items 13.1 and 13.2 carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

 

NEW BUSINESS (Consent Agenda)                                                                                                                NEW BUSINESS

Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser
that the Board of Education approve the following Consent Agenda Items 14.1 through 14.4:                                                                                            
FRIENDLY AMENDMENT:

Daniel Torres made a friendly amendment to remove the words “New Paltz Middle School” from item 14.2.  Members agreed.

   CSE & CPSE PLACEMENTS

14.1        Request for Approval of Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the New Paltz Central School District approve the Committee on Special Education (CSE) and Committee on Pre-School Special Education (CPSE) recommendations and student placements: 10947, 10826, 12169, 12103, 12130, 9971, 10770, 11522, 12176, 11291, 11301, 11489, 10935, 10735, 10349, 11036, 12149, 2012B, 8975, 1735, 814, 809, 11162, 9917, 11527, 11490, 8221, 1888, 0808, 357, 727.

 

       TEXTBOOK PURCHASE

14.2        Request for Approval of Textbooks for the New Paltz High School and New Paltz Middle School

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the following textbooks for use at the New Paltz Central High School:

High School
Comparative Politics Today, Updated 9th Edition - Longman

                       HEALH & WELFARE CONTRACT
HIGHLAND CSD

14.3        Request for Approval of Health & Welfare Contract – Highland Central School District 2009-2010
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve the Health and Welfare Contract, forwarded under separate cover, for Highland Central School District for a total amount of $13,668.20 for the 2009-2010 school year for twenty (20) children who are residents in the New Paltz Central School District attending a school in the Highland Central School District.

AWARD AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL FUEL BID
MANSFIELD OIL COMPANY

14.4        Request for Approval of Automotive Diesel Fuel Bid from July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education award the Diesel Fuel Bid to Mansfield Oil Company for marketer differential prices of $.1332 for Premium Diesel and $.3593 for Kerosene.

Motion to approve New Business Consent Agenda Items 14.1 through 14.4 as amended by Mr. Torres’ friendly amendment carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

OTHER DISCUSSION                                                                                                                                       OTHER DISCUSSION

Post calorie listing on school menus – Daniel Torres

                                                                                                               
ADJOURN                                                                                                                                                                            ADJOURN
Motion made by Daniel Torres and seconded by Kathleen Tobin Flusser that the Board
adjourn at 9:36 PM.

Motion carried 6 - 0 with 6 members voting.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

________________________
Beverly J. Sickler
District Clerk