October 3, 2006 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 be held in the Conference Room at the Main Street School, on Tuesday, October 3, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mr. Michael Stroka, Vice President
Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Steve Esposito
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem

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, October 3, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mr. Michael Stroka, Vice President
Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Steve Esposito

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals:
Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patty Lercara, Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Miss Katrina Lord
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Green at 7:38 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of September 5 and September 9, 2006. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Financial Update for July 2006 was acknowledged.

The board received the following correspondence: Shaw and Perelson letter, Clarkstown letter – NYSSBA, District Fall 2006 newsletter, various articles about literacy period, correspondence from Pauline Kehoe, Youth Ending Hunger newsletter, O/U BOCES September newsletter, district policy on home instruction, faculty inservice opportunities, parent workshop flyer, OCSBA delegates’ meeting and various newspaper articles. Additional correspondence received at the table: Invitation for workshop on Fiscal Oversight Fundamentals for School Board Members and Other School Officials.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Several parents and students addressed the board regarding the Science Olympiad program. They spoke very favorably of the program and expressed their concerns about the coaching for this year’s program. Several requested that Miss Sherman be reinstated as coach. They also expressed concern about the storage of Science Olympiad materials and that the program will still receive high support from the district.

Mr. Reese addressed the group explaining that he does not normally respond to privilege of the floor but he wanted to assure them that the administration has read all their correspondence and made a careful decision. The administration has always been supportive of the program by attending the competitions and fundraisers. The school district has spent over $91,000 in support of Science Olympiad in the past and will continue to intellectually, morally and monetarily support the program. There will be three coaches and their names will be announced shortly because this is a personnel issue.

Mrs. Green thanked the parents and students for their comments and concerns.

Mrs. Bogart had nothing to report.

Mrs. Green had nothing to report.

Mr. Reese has received requests from parents of Intermediate School students who live in Harness Estates and wish to walk to and from school. After meeting with the village police chief, village DPW, representatives from Harness Estates and Jim Riley it was decided that it is an unsafe passage for students to walk to school because of the traffic. Until the sidewalk issue can be resolved, students will have to ride buses.

The repairs to the roof over the gymnasium and auditorium at the middle school are near completion. A lighting project for the cupola is underway. It will be lit from both inside and outside.

At Scotchtown and the Middle School the insulation of the pipes for energy efficiency will be completed shortly.

The Intermediate School play area has been repaved. Plans for a walking track are in progress.

The installation of multi-fuel burners will begin next week at the Intermediate School. It will take 7-10 days to complete.

Mr. Reese spoke about an article in the Times Herald Record regarding unsafe schools and our district was included. He said this is not the case. We are required by law to have a five year building survey. The recommendations were that the Intermediate School could use wider water pipes because the pressure is low. They could also use heating and ventilation work which is already underway. There are no vermin in the school as the article alluded. Our buildings are safe.

Mr. Abbondanza gave an update on the Request for Proposal for internal auditor. The deadline is Friday, October 6th. There are only a few responses so he will follow up.

External Auditor – RFP will be ready in a few weeks for the audit committee to review.

The annual audit is wrapping up and a meeting of the audit committee will be scheduled soon.

Main Street demolition project paper work is finalizing and will be submitted soon.

Mr. Abbondanza also reported on the telephone project. He is waiting for project approval from the State Education Department. The bids will go out after the approval. Because most of the wiring is in place, he expects this to be about a two month project.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on the 2006 summer school programs. There were three separate programs; a K-8 summer school for extra support in reading and math which were housed at Scotchtown and the Intermediate School. 173 students participated, about the same number as last year. The second program was T-9 for students at risk of making a successful adjustment to high school. 15 students participated. The third program was the computer program which is open to all district students. 130 students participated. Mrs. Unhjem thanked Mrs. Mordoh, Mrs. Murphy, Mrs.Knight and all the teachers and aides who were a part of the success of these programs.

Mrs. Unhjem then spoke about the curriculum writing projects that were completed this summer. There were 18 projects this year. She highlighted some of the projects such as the Scotchtown teachers worked on a social and emotional learning project for students, Intermediate school teachers created a new health education curriculum for elementary and secondary. The middle school teachers worked on science labs for students and the high school developed new curriculum for the newly created English electives.

Mary Ann Knight, Joan Kissinger and Jan Besaw gave a brief presentation on a better way to teach spelling. This was a curriculum project for grades 3 through 6. The new program will also help students to write effectively. A handout was distributed. Mrs. Bogart thanked them for their presentation

Bob Litz and Patricia Cousins presented a brief look at the new forensics science elective for high school students. Mr. Litz explained that this year the high school was able to bolster the Unified Arts department and move more students from study halls into electives. More social studies electives are also being offered and there are a few students who are taking AP Physics as an independent study. Ms. Cousins gave a glimpse of the forensics class which is now the most popular new course at the high school.

PERSONNEL

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Martha Bogart upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda and Addendum AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept the resignation of Matthew Quick leave replacement health teacher effective 9/22/06.

Approve the leave of absence of Olympia Ohanrahan is requesting a medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective October 9, 2006 until approximately November 17, 2006.

Amend the termination date of Barbara England bus driver effective termination date September 6, 2006.

Approve appointment of Mirella Sullivan teacher aide at Scotchtown Avenue School at a salary of $9.95/hr., 5 ¾ hours per day, effective October 4, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). Ms. Sullivan is replacing Ellen Folkl. Ms. Sullivan was on the substitute teacher aide list from 2/13/06.

Approve appointment of Frank Fornario substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective October 4, 2006. Mr. Fornario has N-6/Special Education permanent certification.

Approve appointment of Jeffery Parker substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective October 10, 2006.

Approve appointment of Robert Wood substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective October 10, 2006.

Approve appointment of Jonathan Ferrari substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective October 10, 2006.

Approve appointment of Trina Blair substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective October 10, 2006. She is currently a substitute food service helper.

Approve appointment of Sharon Zeszutek cook manager at a salary of $21,588 (Step C) effective October 10, 2006. Ms. Zeszutek has been a food service employee for over for 12 years. Ms. Zeszutek is replacing Susan Tremper who retired. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation).

Approve appointment of Diana Romer food service helper at a salary of $9.95/hr., 3 hours per day, effective October 4, 2006. Ms. Romer is replacing Nancy Loeffler and has been a substitute food service helper since 9/12/06. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation).

Approve appointment of Santina Russo substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective October 4, 2006.

Approve appointment of Debra Lloyd substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective October 4, 2006.

Approve appointment of Sharon Quackenbush substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective October 4, 2006.

Approve appointment of 2006/07 Winter Coach Athletic Stipends (see official minutes)

Approve increase in Position for Karen Richards-Schoonmaker art teacher, increase position from .6 to .7, due to enrollment, effective October 4, 2006.

Approve change in hours for Floyd Frawley bus driver, decrease hours from 7 hours per day to 5 hours per day, effective October 1, 2006.

Approve change in hours for Michael Osburn bus driver, increase hours from 5 hours per day to 7 hours per day, effective October 1, 2006.

Approve creation of new special education teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 3 hours per day, effective October 4, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created for Special Education student number 114902.

Approve creation of new teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 2.25 hours per day, effective October 3, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created to release classroom teachers from recess duty. Under GTA contract they are over-subscribed.

Approve creation of new teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 2.25 hours per day, effective October 3, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created to release classroom teachers from recess duty. Under GTA contract they are over-subscribed.

Approve creation of new teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 2.25 hours per day, effective October 3, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created to release classroom teachers from recess duty. Under GTA contract they are over-subscribed.

Approve creation of new teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 2.25 hours per day, effective October 3, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created to release classroom teachers from recess duty. Under GTA contract they are over-subscribed.

Approve creation of new teacher aide position at Scotchtown Avenue at a salary of $9.95 p/h for 2.25 hours per day, effective October 3, 2006. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation). This position is being created to release classroom teachers from recess duty. Under GTA contract they are over-subscribed.

ADDENDUM

Approve appointment of Thomas Martinez substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr. as needed, effective October 10, 2006. Mr. Martinez is presently employed as a monitor in the transportation department.

Approve the disposal of obsolete equipment (see official minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/22/06;114257/None/preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 08/30/06;106884/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 08/30/06;108596/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 08/30/06;107959/GHS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/08/06; 107154/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/14/06;107133/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 09/15/06; 115110/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 09/15/06; 115111/BOCES/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Education 09/20/2006;113816/Inspire/preschool w/disability
Committee on Preschool Special Education 09/27/06;115158/None/ preschool w/disability
Committee on Preschool Special Education 09/28/06;113694/Learning Experience/ preschool w/disability

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Steven Esposito, 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:

Jeffrey Parker Robert Wood Jonathan Ferrari
Diana Romer Santina Russo Debra Lloyd
Sharon Quackenbush

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

Al Watson reported that he attended the NYSSBA meeting two weeks ago with Michael Stroka. Resolutions were not discussed. He will attend tomorrow night. He noted that Pine Bush is amending its proposal and Clarkstown has asked for support of their amendment.

On a motion by Steven Esposito and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education approves the payment of tax certiorari to Wakefern in the amount of $1,674,038.80, as presented. AYES 6 N AYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Stroka asked Mr. Abbondanza to explain where this money is coming from. Mr. Abbondanza explained that each spring the tax assessor notifies the district of the people who appealed their taxes. When he receives the appeals, the district tries to set aside the money for what is deemed a valid appeal. If the appeal becomes a tax certiorari, we will have the funds in reserve and do not need to borrow, go to the taxpayers or use this year’s budget money. Wakefern’s is a four year adjustment; most are not this large. We will need to replenish the reserves.

Mr. Watson requested that a letter be sent to the art teachers commending them for their display.

He also noted that the BOCES Newsletter has an article about “DocuWare” an electronic document management system which is helping the administration to go “paperless”. Mr. Watson offered to talk to Mary Arne about its effectiveness.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka to go into executive session with no intent to return for the purpose of a work history of a particular employee.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ellen Nutley
Acting District Clerk