January 7, 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 Monday, January 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Absent Mr. Robert Kish
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, Mrs. Daria Murphy
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
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 7:32 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation remembering the families of Ann Desiglioli, Ralph Sawyer, Carol LoBreglio, Casey Hulick, Sue-Anne Dropkin, Jean Barrett, Liz Jung and Linda Schnipper.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by James Kimiecik the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of December 3, 2007, December 6, 2007, and December 17, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report was not presented at the meeting, but will be on the February 4, 2008 agenda.

The Audit Committee announced they will be meeting on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, at 6:30 p.m. under Financial Update.

The Board received the following correspondence: GTA Winter Gathering; 2008 Legislative Questionnaire from Senator John Bonacic; Correspondence from Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP; Correspondence from Jennifer Maccagnan commending Deirdre Hallinan; Orange County School Board Association Delegates’ Meeting; MHSSC 23rd Annual Legislative Brunch; CJH The Gladiator; and various newspaper articles.

Mr. Reese asked board members to review and respond to the questionnaire from Senator John Bonacic polling constituents for alternative way of funding public schools.

Mrs. Bogart also recommended the board respond to the questionnaire.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green noted the timetable for the process in evaluating the superintendent that was enclosed in the board packet. New format for evaluation process based on goals. Mrs. Green mentioned the timetable will keep the board on track for ------ with the Superintendent’s Contract.

Mr. Reese moved the two tenure appointments under New Business to this portion of the meeting. Mr. Reese introduced Katie Sinsabaugh and Mary Ann Knight, along with family members and co-workers. Mr. Reese stated he was very proud of both candidates. Mrs. Knight is receiving her third tenure appointment. Mrs. Unhjem mentioned Ms. Sinsabaugh’s portfolio was on display for board members and the audience.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the tenure appointment of Katherine Sinsabaugh in the tenure area of elementary education effective February 25, 2008. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green called for a brief recess to congratulate the candidates at 7:44 p.m.

Mrs. Green reconvened the meeting at 7:53 p.m.

Mr. Reese continued his report by stating he had discussions with Margo May who notified the district that Mary Gammon, Appeals Coordinator for the State Education Department, was in receipt of the affidavit and has forwarded said documents to the commissioner.

Mr. Reese reported he had contacted district superintendents as well as speaking with Mary Arne regarding paperless board meetings. At this time it would not save the district money. O/U BOCES board does like paperless board meetings, where majority of local districts are not in favor. Good process that requires time to get use to. Mr. Reese mentioned he will contact Paul Strollo, Harriman BOCES Technology Coordinator, to obtain additional feedback and will report at the next meeting.

Mr. Reese mentioned that the Middle School French classes are requesting approval for a trip to Montreal over the spring break. Information was handed to Central Office this afternoon. Full discussion and action will be placed on the agenda for the next meeting. Mr. Reese mentioned he will send copies of proposal to members prior to the next meeting.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that grades 3, 4, and 5 will be implementing the NYS ELA tests this week, with grades 6,7, and 8 implementing next week.

Results of the NYS Grade 5 Social Studies tests have been received. Mrs. Unhjem was happy to report that 94% (193 students) received Level 3 & 4, and 6% (13 students) received Level 2 & 1. A full report will be presented at a future meeting.

Mr. Miller reported that the telephone system cutover has occurred. New main numbers have been placed on the District’s web page. Mr. Miller reported that security system is progressing and training is ongoing. Monitors are in all the buildings.

Personnel

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 Jacklyn Chapman, Foreign Language teacher, effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Chapman has been with the District for 23 years. 6 AYES 0 NAYS Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Karen Glenn, librarian, effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Glenn has been with the District for 14 years. 6 AYES 0 NAYS 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 accepts the retirement of Harriet Val, elementary teacher, effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Val has been with the District for 38 years. 6 AYES 0 NAYS Motion carried.

Mr. Reese and the board commended three retirees on many years of service and professionalism to the students and district. All will be missed.

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

Accept retirement of Jacklyn Chapman Foreign Language teacher effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Chapman has been with the District for 23 years.

Accept retirement of Karen Glenn librarian effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Glenn has been with the District for 14 years.

Accept retirement of Harriet Val elementary teacher effective July 1, 2008. Ms. Val has been with the District for 38 years.

Approve child care leave of Theresa Baker English teacher is requesting a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective approximately April 28, 2008 through June 10, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence of Linda Kroll bus driver is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective January 2, 2008 through January 17, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence of Diane Pena food service helper is requesting a medical leave of absence effective November 26, 2007 through approximately January 6, 2008.

Approve appointment of Theresa Vandenburg bus driver at a salary of $16.63/hr. for 5 hours per day, effective January 2, 2008. Ms. Vandenburg is replacing Jody Monroe.

Approve appointment of Sharon Quackenbush 1:1 special education teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.75 hours per day, effective January 8, 2008. Ms. Quackenbush is replacing Carleen Schaumburg.

Approve appointment of Sarah Donofrio leave-replacement ESOL teacher at a salary of $47,893 (MA-1) effective January 14, 2008. Ms. Donofrio has Initial ESOL pending certification and Initial Spanish 7-12 pending certification. Ms. Donofrio is filling the leave of Janet Davis.

Approve appointment of Jeremy Eherts long-term substitute custodial worker at a salary of $13.26/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008 through approximately June 28, 2008. Mr. Eherts is currently a part-time custodial worker for the district.

Approve appointment of Frances Adamo substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Roseanne Cassar substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Melissa Cody substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Carolyn Freeman substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Deirdre Keppler substitute bus driver at a salary of $15.68/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Vivian McGuire substitute teacher aide and substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Patricia Moore substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Francesca Sarantapoulas substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Sheila Venable substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Elizabeth Richards substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective January 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Lindsay Karchawer substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective January 10, 2008. Ms. Karchawer is not certified.

Approve create position of temporary teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr., for 5.75 hours per day, effective January 8, 2008 through June 30, 2008. This position is being created to provide temporary clerical support to Pupil Personnel for mandated regulations and data inquiries.

Approve appointment of 2007-08 Co-Curricular Stipends (see official minutes)
Approve disposal of Obsolete Equipment (see official minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 11/07/07;110629/CJ/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/08/07;113924/BOCES/OHI

Committee on Special Education 11/15/07;111009/GHS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/27/07;112076/CJH/OHI
Committee on Special Education 11/27/07;109123/CJH/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/27/07;111090/BOCES/SLI
11/28/07;112547/BOCES/MD
11/28/07;113902/SAS/OHI
11/28/07;114552/GHS/OHI
11/29/07;114772/BOCES/Strive/A
Committee on Special Education 11/29/07;106444/GHS/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/29/07;114936/SAS/SLI
11/30/07;115557/CJH/ED
12/01/07;112358/GIS/A
12/06/07;Burke13/Non Public School

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimiecik, 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 administrative, instructional and non-instructional employees on an emergency basis:

Frances Adamo Melissa Cody Carolyn Freeman
Vivian McGuire Patricia Moore Francesca Sarantapoulas
Sheila Venable Elizabeth Richards

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.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the payment of the tax certiorari judgment awarded to Dana Distributors, Inc. (SBL 126-1-5.2) as per court order filed November 27, 2007, in the amount of $48,703.73 for the 2005/06 school year, and $64,350.36 for the 2006/07 school year for a total judgment of $113,054.09.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said payment is to be made in two equal installments, $56,527.05 to be paid in the 2007/08 school year and $56,527.04 to be paid in the 2008/09 school year.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said payment is to be paid to Cronin, Cronin & Harris, P.C. as attorney for the petitioner, Dana Distributors, 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 $113,054.09 (A1964.405) and that the $113,054.09 be transferred to the General Fund Budget from the Tax Certiorari Reserve as the offsetting source of revenue.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried. Mr. Miller answered question raised concerning resolution, that this was the instructions from the District’s auditors. Mr. Miller reported that the tax certiorari reserve fund would have a balance of $1,644,921 after disbursement.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community member asked if Progress Reports could include a grade range. Mr. Reese will discuss this with administrators.

Mr. Esposito agreed with request for grade range on Progress Reports.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:14 p.m. on a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Steve Esposito. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk