January 22, 2008 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A regular meeting of the Members of the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District, Orange County, New York was held in the Board of Education Room at the Main Street School on Tuesday, January 22, 2008, at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Alvin Watson
Absent Mr. Steve Esposito
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, Mrs. Daria Murhpy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, Ms. Colleen Kane, Ms. Melissa Lawson
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
CSE Chairperson Ms. Deirdre Hallinan
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Mr. Peter Orlando
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:31 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

Michael Stroka entered the meeting at 7:32 p.m.

The Board received the following correspondence: Memo regarding In-Service Group Wise: Working with Contacts and Calendar; correspondence for Mr. John Matta; copies of advertisements for the High School Yearbook and High School Spring Musical; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Peter Orlando entered the meeting at 7:34 p.m.

Mrs. Green announced that Mid-Hudson School Study Council will be holding their Annual Legislative Brunch at the Thayer Hotel on Saturday, February 9th. All members are welcome to attend.

Mrs. Bogart did not have information to report regarding the Governor’s proposed budget as of the meeting.

Mr. Reese mentioned that Mrs. Unhjem was absent from the meeting due to illness. Her presentations on update of Progress Reports and ELL will be provided at future meetings.

Mr. Reese announced the upcoming Middle School and Scotchtown Avenue School concerts.

Mr. Reese reported there has been a change to the Presidents’ Weekend Holiday for students. February 14th will now be a half day of instruction for students and half day professional development for faculty and February 19th will become a regular day of school. This is being done to bank a few snow days.

Orange-Ulster BOCES is beginning their budget discussions with component districts. Mr. Reese suggested either March 17th or April 7th the meeting to invite BOCES administrators to present their budget to the Board of Education. General consensus was for April 7th. Mr. Reese mentioned that O/U BOCES will be hosting a presentation of their budget on their campus on March 19th.

On display in the board room was a buffet hand crafted by high school student Tate Sumner. Excellent workmanship.

Mr. Miller updated the board on the status of the budget development process. The February 4th meeting presentations from Transportation, Buildings & Grounds and Technology will be given to the board.

Personnel

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Joan Pisacane, typist, effective January 28, 2008. Mrs. Pisacane has been with the District for over 6 years. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Marsha Root, special education teacher, effective July 1, 2008. Mrs. Root has been with the District for 19 years. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept retirement of Joan Pisacane clerk typist effective January 28, 2008. Mrs. Pisacane has been with the District for over 6 years.

Accept retirement of Marsha Root special education teacher effective July 1, 2008. Mrs. Root has been with the district for 19 years.

Accept resignation of Denise Bradshaw student supervisor/teacher aide effective February 4, 2008.

Accept resignation of Eleanor Knieriemen Social Studies Department Chair effective January 25, 2008.

Approve child care leave of Jessica Flagler elementary teacher is requesting child care leave effective approximately June 1, 2008 through June 30, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence of Rosel Howell food service helper is requesting a medical leave of absence effective January 18, 2008 through approximately February 29, 2008.

Approve extended medical leave of absence of Diane Pena food service helper is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence effective January 7, 2008 through February 1, 2008.

Approve appointment of Marie Kalantgis food service helper at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 3 hours per day effective January 23, 2008. Ms. Kalantgis is replacing Diana Romer.

Approve appointment of Jerry Smith substitute bus driver at a salary of $15.68/hr., as needed, effective January 23, 2008.

Approve appointment of Antoniette Barbosa substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective January 23, 2008. Ms. Barbosa has permanent special education certification and provisional N-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Lauren Brogan substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 23, 2008. Ms. Brogan is not certified.

Approve appointment of Andria Cochi substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective January 23, 2008. Ms. Cochi has initial 1-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Joseph Dise substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 23, 2008.Mr. Dise is not certified.

Approve appointment of Kristen Drew substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 23, 2008.Mr. Drew is not certified.

Approve appointment of Kevan Ottochian substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective January 23, 2008. Mr. Ottochian has initial 7-12 social studies certification.

Approve appointment of Edward Papa substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 23, 2008. Mr. Papa is not certified.

Approve appointment of Ellen Winter Penchenski substitute teacher at salary of $75/diem effective January 23, 2008. Mrs. Penchenski has initial 1-6 certification and initial literacy certification.

Approve appointment of Andrew Signorelli substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 23, 2008. Mr. Signorelli is not certified.

Approve appointment of Rosanne Cassar temporary teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.75 hours per day effective January 18, 2008 through June 30, 2008. Ms. Cassar is a substitute teacher aide and filling the position created at the January 7th board meeting.

Approve increase in hours of Joanne Gelb bus monitor increase in hours from 5.25 to 6 hours per day at a salary of $10.76/hr., effective January 2, 2008. This increase is due to change in the bus run.

Approve appointment of Jacklyn Chapman French Club Advisor at a stipend of $763.00 for the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Chapman is replacing Kyle Lewis.

Approve appointment of Maggie Jordan Newspaper Club Advisor at a stipend of $1,527.00 for the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Jordan is replacing Elena Jordon.

Approve appointment of Maggie Jordan Girls Leadership Advisor at a stipend of $763.00 for the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Jordan is replacing Elena Jordon.

Approve appointment of Nancy Frenette, Temporary Treasurer Middle School Extra Classroom Activities Account effective January 22, 2008. Mrs. Frenette is replacing Joan Pisacane and this position does not receive a stipend.

Approval to dispose of obsolete equipment (see official minutes)
CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/28/07;113566/GHS/ED
Committee on Special Education 11/28/07;111579/CJH/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 12/04/07;115278/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 12/05/07;113502/CJH/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 12/12/07;115570/CJH/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Education 12/14/07;115494/Preschool w/disability
12/17/07;115383/Preschool w/disability
12/18/07;115381/Preschool Learning/Preschool w/disability
12/18/07;114483/Preschool w/disability
12/18/07;115745/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/02/08;111546/CJH/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Education 01/09/08;114742/Preschool w/disability
01/10/08;115198/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 11/30/07;115712/GHS/LD
12/04/07;115030/GIS/LD
12/14/07;112198/BOCES/MD
Subcommittee on Special Education 12/17/07;113574/SAS/A
Committee on Special Education 12/19/07;114802/SAS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/02/08;111353/BOCES/ED
01/02/08;112898/GIS/A
Committee on Special Education 01/02/08;115386/SAS/OHI
01/07/08;113230/SAS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/07/08;113407/SAS/MD

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education appoints, whereas, the following employees have been fingerprinted, the fingerprints have been submitted to the New York State Education Department (SED) for processing and the District has not received clearance for such employees as of the date of this meeting. Therefore be it resolved, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board hereby appoints the following instructional and non-instructional employees on an emergency basis:

Lauren Brogan Joseph Dise

Be it further resolved, that such emergency conditional appointments shall become conditional appointments upon receipt of State clearance from SED. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese presented a second updated on the 2007/08 Board of Education Goals.

Goal #1 update:
Currently recruiting for Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee
2008-09 budget process has begun, with budget documents distributed to all administrators
2008-09 budget calendar has been established
Each principal and director have presented budget proposals to Central Office.

Goal #2 update:
October 24th professional development day, “School Safety & Security”
Keynote address by Tom Connelly, “Taking Your School’s Safety Temperature”
De-escalation workshops for high school staff members by Tom Connelly
School Safety Audits scheduled for December 12 and 13
School safety survey distributed to each principal
MRSA information distributed to parents and posted on our website
School safety audit completed by Tom Connelly, debriefing with principals, Jane Unhjem and Roy Reese
A full report will be presented to the board in May.

Goal #3 update:
New CCHS courses: French & Spanish
AP Physics: independent study
Mandarin Chinese at CJH
After school program for ELL students
Response to Intervention (“RtI”) at SAS and GIS
K-5 Social Studies curriculum committee
Planning for 6th and 7th grade Mandarin Chinese schedule
Training for Middle School and High School teachers and administrators Response to Intervention
Numerous meetings with K-5 social studies at building level with report and recommendations to Board of Education in June.

Goal #4 update:
Two demographic studies
Meetings with municipal planning officials
Contract with New York Power Authority to conduct energy audits & identify alternative energy sources
Wind, solar, geothermal
New/renovated construction will include “green” practices in consultation with KG&D architects
Growth Task Force will meet on January 30th for debriefing
Buildings and Grounds will be presenting their budget on February 4, 2008

Goal #5 update:
External audit completed and filed on time
Purchasing procedures communicated and implemented for audit compliance
Reconciling procedures are in place for correctly charging 2007-08 incarcerated youth, St. Dominic’s and 4408 summer school expenses and STAC forms
District treasurer attended an intermediate accounting conference on special aid funds and other accounting matters
Reviewing new software for the Business office
Jane working on “desk audit” for NCLB/Title I (Federal Government Audits)

Goal #6 update:
Drainage, crowning, & hydro-seeding of CJH athletic field
Restoration of “Castle” (press box)
Infield soil/clay on all baseball & softball fields
All practice & game fields fertilized and top dressed
Additional modified teams: soccer & basketball
Modified wrestling in place
Added assistant program coach: boys and girls basketball
Restoration of bleachers at CJH field
Athletic budget to be presented to Board of Education on February 20, 2008
Looking at adding an additional modified wrestling team. Currently 15 members on modified team.
Looking at adding an additional softball/baseball team

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Middle School Foreign Language trip to Canada April 17-19, 2008. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Al Watson the Board of Education hereby agrees to extend services for KG & D for an additional amount not to exceed $4,000.00 for completion of Pre-Bond Planning for the District-Wide additions and renovations project. (The original contract ended May 31, 2006, with a 16 month extension approved March 19, 2007.) AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education retains the services of architectural firm, KG & D, as the District architect as per attached proposal and fee schedule dated January 16, 2008, to perform architectural/consultation work on an as needed basis for capital improvements. (Official documentation in minutes).
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Robert Kish , upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the payment of the tax certiorari judgment awarded to Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. (SBL 41-1-109) as per court order filed October 19, 2007, in the amount of $17,508.02 for the 2003/04 school year, and $32,064.12 for the 2004/05 school year, and $42,453.18 for the 2005/06 school year, and $59,677.03 for the 2006/07 school year for a total payment of $151,702.35.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said payment is to be paid to Siegel, Fenchel & Peddy, P.C. as attorney for the petitioner, Ottaway Newspapers, Inc.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in order to fund said tax certiorari judgment that budgetary appropriations for the 2007/08 school year budget be increased by an additional $151,702.35 (A1964.405) and that the additional $151,702.35 be transferred to the General Fund Budget from the Tax Certiorari Reserve as the offsetting source of revenue. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Stroka reported the Audit Committee met on January 16th and are planning on meeting again on Thursday, January 31, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. to complete agenda items. Topics included the 2005/06 audit, 2006/07 internal and external audits.

Mrs. Green mentioned other districts have their business official sit on the Audit Committee.

Audit Committee meetings are subject to Open Meeting Laws.

Mrs. Green asked what direction the board should take with regard to future tax certioraris and replenishing the tax certiorari reserve fund. Question was raised on how the district can obtain reimbursement from the library for the library’s portion of tax certioraris.

Mr. Miller reported that a report is being generated providing data on current tax certioraris/SCARS listing school district –vs- library portion. Currently the tax certiorari reserve fund has $1,493,000.

Mr. Stroka asked if EXCEL aid has been applied for with regard to the telephone project and middle school roof replacement. Mr. Miller reported that Mrs. Green has signed the paperwork for the telephone project and roof project is ready to be submitted.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:16 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk