October 15, 2007 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

An Executive Session of the Members of the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District, Orange County, New York, was held in the Conference Room at the Main Street School, on Monday, October 15, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Robert Kish
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese

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, October 15, 2007 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
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. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight
Assistant Principals: Ms. Colleen Kane, Ms. Melissa Lawson
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
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 7:36 p.m. Mrs. Green announced that Webelo Pack 65 is in the audience and will be performing the flag ceremony at the meeting. The Scouts are attending to work toward a Merit Badge.

The Scouts led the Pledge of Allegiance. Mrs. Green asked for a moment of silent meditation, remembering the family of Erin Ortiz and the Rose family.

On behalf of the Board, Mrs. Green thanked the Scouts for their ceremony.

The Board received the following correspondence: Correspondence from Orange County Interscholastic Athletic Association; Correspondence from Bob Siracuse regarding Cheerleading; In-Service Course on SmartBoard for New Users; Goshen Library Campaign Committee invitation to Harvest & History; MHSSC Annual Report; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

One of the scouts addressed the board with a message on recycling.

Mrs. Green took a moment to thank the community, administrators and all involved in their support provided to the students of the district over the loss of Erin Ortiz.

Mr. Reese reported he had the pleasure of meeting with the Scouts a week ago when he was invited to one of their meetings. Mr. Reese introduced the members of the Pack.

Mr. Reese reported that the Growth Task Force met and members were given a three- page packet that provided information for residents on the upcoming capital project. A more detailed packet will be provided at the October 30th meeting.

Mr. Reese reported he had the opportunity to attend the BOCES 50th Anniversary Celebration over the weekend and handed board members copies of the commemorative program.

Mr. Reese reported that Governor Spitzer has declared the week of October 22nd as Board Recognition week. Mr. Reese read the Declaration Proclamation to the board and audience. Mr. Reese thanked the board members for their service to the school district.

A list of scheduled dates was provided to board members listing organizations that Mr. Reese and Mrs. Unhjem will address regarding the capital project. All members are welcome to attend if they are available. To-date, three meetings are scheduled. The Public Hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

Mr. Miller introduced Mr. Sassi from Nugent & Haeussler, who joined the members at the table to present the 2006/07 financial audit report.

Mr. Sassi reported the audit included three separate reports that all received an unqualified opinion (clean) report. As of close of the school year on June 30, 2007, the district is fiscally sound. Mr. Sassi recommended that the district continue to be prudent in the budget planning process.

The board thanked Mr. Sassi for his report.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that the current issue of the Goshen High School Spectrum is on the web.

Mrs. Unhjem had provided a Homework Guideline handout for board members and briefly discussed the district’s policy. Mrs. Unhjem reported that teachers from all four buildings met to establish these guidelines. Mrs. Unhjem reported these guidelines would be placed on the district’s web page.

Personnel

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approve the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Approve extension of leave of absence of Robert Ennis custodian is requesting an extension to his medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective October 1, 2007 through December 1, 2007.

Approve extension of leave of absence of Belinda Hunter is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 29, 2007 through October 23, 2007.

Accept resignation of Annette Penny food service helper effective October 25, 2007.
Approve appointment of Annette Penny 1:1 teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.75 hours per day effective October 25, 2007. Ms. Penny is filling the new created position for student #110736.

Approve appointment of Brendan Burke substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective October 16, 2007. Mr. Burke has social studies 7-12 certification.

Approve appointment of Walter McGrath substitute bus driver at a salary of $15.68/hr., as needed, effective November 5, 2007.

Approve appointment of Heidi Lawrence Evening High School GED Math teacher at a salary of $33.83/hr. for 3.5 hours per evening one evening per week.

Accept Equipment Award Bid – see official minutes

Motion to reject Athletic Reconditioning Bid and Re-bid.

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 09/10/07;115556/GHS/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/18/07;111353/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 09/19/07;115664/GIS/MD
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/19/07;111148/GIS/LD
09/19/07;110736/CJH/A
09/20/07;Burke22/MHS/LD
09/20/07;Burke15/District of Res./LD
09/20/07;Burke3/MWHS/LD
09/20/07;Burke20/NFA/VI
09/20/07;113527/GIS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 09/25/07;114893/SAS/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/27/07;BOCES/MD
09/28/07;GoshenC1/MVCSD/SLI
10/03/07;109821/Center for Dis/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/10/07;115466/Inspire/Preschool/w disability

On a motion by Martha Bogart 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:

Brendan Burke

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such emergency conditional appointments shall become conditional appointments upon receipt of State clearance from SED.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese and Mrs. Unhjem gave a brief powerpoint of the 2007/08 board goals with annotations.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimieick, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education adopts the 2007/08 Board Goals as presented. (see official minutes) AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the financial audit report for the year ended June 30, 2007 as presented by Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. on October 15, 2007. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Agreement for Services for Student 112076 was pulled from the agenda.

WHEREAS, Rockland County BOCES has offered the Goshen Central School District the opportunity to participate in a cooperative bid for the purchase of electricity, natural gas and fuel in an effort to obtain better prices from bidders for all participants; and

WHEREAS, such cooperative activities are authorized by Article 5-G of the General Municipal Law; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes it to be in its best interests to participate, with other Rockland and Orange County school districts, in this cooperative bid, due to the highly volatile nature of electricity, natural gas and fuel oil markets; and

WHEREAS, the bidding procedures utilized by Rockland County BOCES comply with the requirements of the General Municipal Law; and

WHEREAS, due to the highly volatile nature of these markets it is imperative that the District act expeditiously in terms of accepting the bid prices in order to obtain the best prices for these items;

NOW, THEREFORE, on motion duly made by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson
it is

RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the District’s participation in the cooperative bid for the purchase of electricity, natural gas and fuel through the Rockland County BOCES; and

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to act on behalf of the District to accept such bids for electricity, natural gas and fuel oil pursuant to the cooperative bid that are in the best interests of the District in accordance with the following conditions, subject to ratification of any such action by this Board at its next meeting:

a. The annual ceiling price bid for electricity is 10.2¢ per kWh or less;
b. The annual ceiling price bid for natural gas Basis is $2.70/mmBtu or less;
c. The annual ceiling price for natural gas commodity at the NYMEX Henry Hub is $11.00/mmBtu or less;
d. The annual ceiling price for #2 Fuel Oil is $2.35/gal or less; and

IT IS FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent is to report to this Board, in writing, within 24 hours any action he has taken pursuant to this resolution; and

IT IS RESOLVED that this delegation of authority may be revoked at any time by action of this Board. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

This cost is for the transmission of gas.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education agrees to extend the Energy Procurement Consulting Agreement with EPEX effective July 1, 2007 until June 30, 2009 (with additional one year term indicated in Section 6 – July 1, 2009 through June 30, 2010) as per attached Addendum to Energy Procurement Consulting Agreement from EPEX. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools the Board of Education accepts the Rockland BOCES Cooperative Bid #2007/08-15 for electric supply and awards the electric supply bid to PEPCO Energy Series for the period starting on the scheduled meter read date in November 2007 and ending on the scheduled meter read date in June 2009 at the following blended rates: O&R SC – 2 Accounts - $0.09808/kWh; O & R SC – 3 Accounts - $0.09638/kWh for the following locations: Elementary Main St.
Account # 4857108004; Garage Account # 5825205002; and Intermediate School Account #4859205006. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Steve Esposito, that boards of education support the New York State School Boards Association’s ongoing actions to prevent the reduction of federal funding for Medicaid reimbursements. The proposed federal cuts to New York State alone would have an enormous negative impact on school property taxpayers, who are already overburdened. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Support Resolutions from Briarcliff Manor School District for NYSSBA 2007
Convention were pulled from the Agenda.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, that the New York State School Boards Association calls upon the Commissioner of Education and the New York State Legislature to determine that local school districts having a School Resource Officer (S.R.O.) Program be eligible to receive state aid through a BOCES Coser agreement in order to help defray the costs associated with that program.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education reschedules the November 19, 2007 Board Meeting to November 20, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. for the Public Hearing for discussion of the Capital Project.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the assessment corrections as specified by the Orange County Supreme and County Courts as summarized and to direct the Tax collector to take the necessary actions in accordance with Small Claims Assessment Review (SCAR) for Alison Esposito and Donna Allen in the amount of $2,512.73; Thomas & Elizabeth Golubinski in the amount of $887.84; William & Elizabeth Guerrido in the amount of $949.25; Arvind & Mridula Kamthan in the amount of $1,418.30; Dilok Kulanusorstit in the amount of $2,937.11; Kirankumar Kothari in the amount of $2,708.16; Marie Manon in the amount of $1,404.33; Ronald Raspa & Maryann Genovese in the amount of $1,228.44;

Richard and Maryann Ronzoni in the amount of $954.83; and Gregory Smith in the amount of $477.42; for the 2007/08 tax year. (see official documentation in minutes)
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the correction of assessment errors as specified by the Orange County Director of Real Property Tax as summarized and to direct the Tax collector to take the necessary actions in accordance with Real Property Tax Law for Anthony & Maureen Curtin in the amount of $743.28 for the 2007/08 tax year. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor

A community member asked for an update on the status of Science Olympiad. She was informed coaches have been named and have scheduled meetings.

A community member asked if site plans would be available soon regarding the athletic drawings under the capital project.

Mr. Watson reported he feels comfortable with what the board would like him to do as Delegate at the NYSSBA Convention.

Mrs. Green discussed the Superintendent Evaluation process that she obtained from her Roundtable Meeting at OCSBA. Members mentioned they would like a procedure established, follow up process, use this document along with a narrative, and the focus should be on the goals established by the board. The members also agreed to begin the process earlier in the year.

Michael Stroka inquired about the STAC forms. Mr. Miller will check into the extent of work and provide a timeframe.

Mr. Kimiecik reported he and Mrs. Green monitored lunch schedule at Scotchtown Avenue and commended teacher aides and custodial staff.

Mr. Watson mentioned that the Audit Committee will have to meet soon to discuss direction of the Internal Audit. They are planning on meeting before November 5th.

The High School Drama Club will be performing on October 26 and 27.

Student Representative, Peter Orlando, thanked Mr. Reese and the district for their help in putting in place the support for students after hearing about Erin Ortiz.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:05 p.m. on a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk