November 20, 2007 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A Public Hearing 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, on Tuesday, November 20, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. for discussion on the proposed capital project.

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

The Public Hearing was called to order by President, Judith Green at 7:03 p.m. Mrs. Green began the hearing with a statement that this has been a three-year project being placed before the voters on December 4th. Mr. Reese and Mrs. Unhjem will be presenting a power point on the proposed project and answer any questions.

Representatives from KG & D, Andron Construction, and Dr. Paul Seversky were introduced who were in attendance, and available for questions.

The project being presented to the community totals $69,949,000. Highlights of the power point included the explanation of the building project, a combined three-year effort with members of the community, town officials, administrators, architect, and faculty, known as the Growth Task Force Committee, two Demographic Studies, timeline of the pre-bond process and bond process, and percent of state aid allowance for this project. A demonstration of the tax clicker/calculator was displayed with examples provided. An explanation of BOCES uses of classrooms and the advantages was presented. A list of possible consequences that could occur if project is not approved was addressed.

A breakdown of the additions/renovations for Scotchtown Avenue School, Middle School, High School and Athletic fields was presented along with conceptual drawings of the proposal. The Intermediate School will have infrastructure work only.

The presentation ended and was opened to questions from the audience.

Mrs. Green concluded the Public Hearing at 9:34 p.m. on a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Michael Stroka AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green thanked all present for attending the Public Hearing

The Board took a brief recess.

The regular meeting reconvened by Mrs. Green at 9:44 p.m.

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 immediately following the Public Hearing.

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:44 p.m.
Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation, remembering Al Watson’s family.

The Board received the following correspondence: 2007/08 Staff Directory;
GIS Husky News; Youth Ending Hunger flyer; Correspondence from Dr. Mary Ann Wilson from O/U BOCES; OCSBA December Delegates’ Meeting; and Various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

A community member mentioned that Science Olympiad is currently holding their candy sale and spaghetti dinner will be Saturday, December 1st.

Community member read a letter from a student regarding Science Olympiad.

A community member voiced concern over Science Olympiad.

There was no President’s Report.

There was no Legislative Update.

Mr. Reese reported on the “Road Tour” for discussion of the capital project. Mr. Reese thanked board members for support and attendance. A total of 21 presentations have been scheduled.

Mr. Miller reported that the tax collection season has ended.

The District is currently working on the 2008/09 budget preparation.

Mr. Miller reported that the Business Office is currently working on STAC reports. Mr. Stroka asked if all STAC reports were being looked at? Mr. Miller mentioned currently working on reports cited in the audit. Mr. Esposito asked to randomly look at other STAC reports. Mr. Miller will look at reports.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that grade 5 Social Studies exams were administered and ready for scoring.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that Parent/Teacher Conferences are being held.

Mrs. Unhjem briefly overviewed the November 6th Professional Development Day and will fully update the board at the next meeting on K-12 ELA program. Mr. Esposito asked if this topic could be a future article for the Indy?

Personnel

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

Approve medical leave of absence of Linda Barbaro food service helper is requesting a medical leave of absence effective October 23, 2007 through November 19, 2007.

Approve medical leave of absence of Belinda Hunter custodial worker is requesting an extension to her medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective October 24, 2007 through October 30, 2007, and unpaid medical leave of absence effective October 31, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence of Sherri Raco food service helper is requesting a medical leave of absence effective October 25, 2007 through November 19, 2007.

Approve appointment of Mary Ditalia AIS Leave Replacement at a salary of $47,893 (MA-1) (pro-rated) effective December 10, 2007 through June 25, 2008. Ms. Ditalia is filling the child care leave of Michele Pacciarelli. Ms. Ditilia has been a leave replacement for the District.

Approve appointment of Sandra Conklin bus driver at a salary of $16.63/hr. for 5 hours per week effective December 1, 2007. Ms. Conklin has been a substitute driver for the District. Ms. Conklin is replacing Kim Kaiser

Approve appointment of Oscar Hernandez substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective November 21, 2007.

Approve appointment of Marie Kalantgis substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective November 21, 2007.

Approve appointment of David Andryshak substitute Evening High School security aide at a salary of $50/evening, as needed, effective November 21, 2007.

Approve appointment of Maribeth Garrity Evening High School tutor at a salary of $30.06/hr., for 3.5 hours, as needed, effective the 2007/08 school year.

Approve appointment of 2007/08 Winter Coach Stipends

Award Bid for Athletic Equipment Reconditioning to Stadium System, Inc. (see official minutes)

Obsolete Textbooks from Goshen Christian School (see official minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 09/25/07;113993/Parentally Placed/LD
10/12/07;115685/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/17/07;114691/CJH/LD
10/21/07;109100/GHs/LD
10/25/07;113572/GIS/OHI
10/26/07;115059/GIS/LD
10/29/07;112081/GHS/OHI
10/30/07;112493/GIS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 10/30/07;111166/GIS/OHI
11/01/07;113605/GIS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/08/07;111149/SAS/LD
Committee on Special Education 11/08/07;113712/SAS/SLI
10/18/07;108931/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/05/07;110054/BOCES/ED
11/08/07;108807/Home/LD

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Steve Esposito, 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:

Oscar Hernandez Marie Kalantgis David Andryshak

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 and Mrs. Unhjem presented a power point on an update of the 2007/08 Board Goals. Highlights included:

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

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

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

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

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

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

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the amended Release and Settlement Agreement for Student #111139 as presented.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito that the Board of Education accept the 2007/08 report of the tax collector as presented (see attached) and having determined that the collector has accounted for the full amount of the tax warrant, directs that the lists of the delinquent tax items, with the addition of penalty, be certified to the Office of the County Treasurer and/or other tax enforcement officer.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 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 schedules a budget workshop for Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. AYES 6 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community member thanked the board for offering A.P. Physic classes.

Mr. Kish mentioned he has heard from community members regarding the Science Olympiad program. Some community members feel they are not getting support from
the District. Mrs. Green mentioned that the board does not get involved with Clubs. The board agreed, but asked if an update and program plans from coaches could be provided at the next meeting.

Mrs. Bogart recommended that Mr. Reese speak with administrators and the building principals report to the board.

Goshen Youth Football Division I played at West Point and won.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:33 p.m. on a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk