November 5, 2007 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, November 5, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Robert Kish
Absent Mr. Steve Esposito
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
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 regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:33 p.m.
Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.
On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of October 1, 2007 and October 15, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for August 2007 was acknowledged under Financial Update.

The Audit Committee reported that the committee they decided to postpone meeting with Cooper & Niemann until outstanding items from the open audits are cleared up.

The Board received the following correspondence: Capital Project packet; New York Blood Center Annual Chairpersons Recognition Luncheon; Goshen Central School District Fall Newsletter; Updated Information from The State Education Department regarding Alcohol-Based Sanitizers; Correspondence from Scotchtown Avenue School regarding Parent Pick Up Procedures; Correspondence on John Hopkins CTY Talent Search 2007/08; Correspondence on MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus); Message from the New York State Comptroller; Correspondence from College at Oneonta; Memo from Jane Unhjem on October 24th Professional Development Day; Best Practices for Teaching and Learning flyer; OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting; Mid-Hudson School Study Council Leadership Symposium Summary; Correspondence from Christina Pahucki regarding Video Yearbook Club purchase of iMac computer; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green reported on the October 24th Professional Development Day devoted to safety that she was able to attend. The presenter, T.J. Connolly presented a powerful video and later worked with high school faculty. Mr. Connolly is scheduled to return two days in December for follow up.

Mr. Reese moved the tenure appointments to this portion of the meeting.

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 tenure appointment of Jane Unhjem in the tenure area of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction effective November 29, 2007. AYES

Mr. Reese mentioned Jane works closely with him and he appreciates her support. Martha Bogart also recognized Mrs. Unhjem’s dedication.

Mrs. Unhjem thanked her family, Rosemary Pereira and Mary Ellen Nutley for their support.

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 tenure appointment of Anna LaRegina in the tenure area of Special Education effective November 15, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese mentioned that Mrs. LaRegina was an outstanding student at Mount Saint Mary and outstanding as a special education teacher.

Mr. Reese reported on the Annual Chamber of Commerce Dinner Dance where Kristen Green and the Interact Club received Service Organization of the Year Award. Judy Green, Martha Bogart and Bob Litz were also in attendance. The Interact Club was formed as an extension of Rotary.

Mr. Reese mentioned that Howie Weiss was recognized as Person of the Year by the Goshen Chamber of Commerce.

Mr. Reese was able to attend the High School Drama Club’s presentation of Flying. The performance was exceptional and well performed.

Mr. Reese updated the Board and public on the Growth Task Force meeting and a list of “Road Tours” to discuss the capital project. Mr. Reese thanked Michelle West and her aide for help in copying the tri-fold prepared by Christina Intranuovo. Mr. Reese mentioned that the “clicker” is up and running on the web.

Mr. Reese reminded everyone the Public Hearing is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 20, 2007, followed by the regularly scheduled board meeting. The District’s architect and construction manager will be in attendance.

Mr. Miller reported that he had a meeting with Mr. Marti Sassi, Nugent & Haeussler to discuss the STAC documents for correction mentioned in the audit report. Mr. Miller has set the end of the school year as a goal for the three programs to be finished.

Mr. Kimiecik asked for a status on the telephone project. Jim Riley reported that the security portion of the project and cameras are in place. Software is being tested. Security system will be up and running next week. CBS is ready and waiting for Frontier to provide lines to the system.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the Board on recent professional development day of November 6th.

Mrs. Unhjem introduced Sandra Giunta, special teacher on assignment K-12 Technology Coordinator, who presented an update on the District’s Technology Plan. The Board thanked Mrs. Giunta for her presentation.

Personnel

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Martha Bogart upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 5 NAYS 0 ABSTAIN: 1 (Robert Kish item “c”)

Accept child care leave for Michele Pacciarelli AIS teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective approximately December 10, 2007 through June 25, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence for Dawn Frawley bus driver is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective October 9, 2007 through November 12, 2007.

Approve adjusted salary for Kathleen Kish part-time nurse salary adjustment to $32.51/hr. (pro-rated) to reflect the 2007/08 Nurses Terms & Conditions, effective July 1, 2007.

Approve appointment of David Block substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective November 6, 2007. Mr. Block is currently a substitute bus driver for the district.

Approve appointment of Caterina Catanese substitute aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective November 6, 2007. Ms. Cantanese is currently a bus monitor for the district.

Approve appointment of Marie Denardo substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective November 6, 2007.

Approve appointment of Barbara Drake substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective November 6, 2007.

Approve re-appointment of Jack Schnipper substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective October 16, 2007.

Approve reclassification of position of part-time account clerk is being reclassified to part-time tax collector effective November 6, 2007 per Orange County Civil Service.

Approve appointment of Roberta Krebs a teacher aide at the High School, is being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room, effective November 6, 2007.

Approve increase in hours of Begona Aronsen bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective September 17, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Kenneth Bowen bus driver increase in hours from 5.25 to 5. 5 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective September 20, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Kelly Kantner bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective September 17, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Jackqulyn Parker bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 6 hours per day at a salary of $16.78/hr., effective September 17, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Denise Raffone bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.78/hr., effective October 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Matilda Scherma bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective September 17, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Susan Tucker bus driver increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective October 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Rosel Howell food service helper increase in hours from 3 to 5 hours per day at $10/61/hr. effective October 29, 2007. Ms. Howell is replacing Annette Penny.

Approve appointment of Melissa Anghelone Evening High School substitute teacher at a salary of $30.06/hr., for 3.5 hours per night, as needed, effective the 2007/08 school year.

Approve Award Bid for Athletic Equipment – see official minutes

Approve Obsolete Equipment – see official minutes

Approve Resolution for Participation with Orange/Ulster BOCES and school districts in Orange County in the joint bidding of general supplies, paper supplies, cafeteria supplies, custodial supplies, health supplies, library supplies, milk, ice cream, bread, and technology supplies/equipment from January 2008 through December 2008. – see official minutes

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/26/07;113283/SAS/SLI
09/27/07;110669/CJH/OHI
09/27/07;111546/CJH/LD
Committee on Special Education 09/28/07;115677/GHS/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/01/07;115221/Inspire/preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 10/04/07;113591/CJH/Ineligible
Section 504 10/04/07;112650/GIS/LMLA
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/10/07;112273/CJH/OHI
Committee on Special Education 10/12/07;115685/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/15/07;111780/GHS/ED
10/15/07;109006/GHS/ED
10/16/07;110057/GHS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/22/07;115381/Preschool Learning Experience/preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/22/07;111151/Center for Discovery/A
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/22/07;114894/Children’s Annex/Preschool w/disability
10/22/07;114895/Children’s Annex/Preschool w/disability
10/24/07;114742/Preschool w/disability
10/29/07;115529/Preschool Learning Experience/preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/28/07;Goshen C2/LD
Committee on Special Education 10/04/07;114901/SAS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/05/07;114843/Home/MD
10/09/07;114420/SAS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 10/09/07;113407/SAS/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/16/07;114483/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/17/07;112358/GIS/A
10/19/07;111545/CJH/LD
10/19/07;113574/SAS/A
10/22/07;109124/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 10/22/07;112629/GIS/SLI
Committee on Preschool Special Education 10/23/07;114993/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/23/07;109769/CJH/OHI
10/25/07;115583/CJH/LD
10/26/07;115310/BOCES/SLI

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Michael Stroka 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 further 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:

Marie DeNardo, Barbara Drake

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 Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the
recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the adoption of the 2008/2009 budget development calendar. AYES 6 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into a Release and Settlement Agreement to provide tuition for Student #112076 for tuition payments totaling at least $5,764.00 for the 2007/08 school year. (see official Agreement in minutes). AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik and seconded by Martha Bogart 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 Tracey Maggiolo in the amount of $3,922.64; Leonard & Jennifer Espiscopio in the amount of $1,116.76; Fernando Merino & Caroline Chaboo in the amount of $2,562.99; and Michael & Lynne Doherty in the amount of $1,675.15 for the 2007/08 tax year. (see official documentation in minutes) AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Martha Bogart 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 the attached Firefighter/Ambulance Exemptions as presented the amount of $2,295.99 for Town of Goshen residents and $78.62 for Town of Chester residents for the 2007/08 tax year. (see official documentation in minutes) AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Al Watson upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education schedules a regular board meeting for Thursday, April 17, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board received a DRAFT copy of the 2008/09 student calendar for their review.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community asked if the Public Hearing could be televised and if consideration had been given to holding it at the Middle School?

A community member asked about the athletic equipment on the Consent Agenda.

Mrs. Knight reported that the Intermediate School had received a telephone call from a local World War II Veteran who wished to meet with the students to discuss the Battle of the Bulge. The Newspaper Club highlighted this visit. Mrs. Knight reported this was a wonderful experience.

A community member asked about the building project and if the community would be voting on what was being presented?

The designs are conceptual and changes were made to maximize state aide.

A community member asked if the District has addressed the question of why they are not building new?

Mr. Watson and Mrs. Green attended the annual NYSSBA Convention in New York City. Mr. Watson was the delegate and reported that during the Business Meeting all resolutions presented for adoption were adopted. Pine Bush and Briar Cliff Manor had late resolutions that also passed. Mr. Watson attended the keynote speech by Mr. Henry Winkler. Mrs. Green and Mr. Watson reported that KG & D were at the convention and presented a Building Green presentation. Mrs. Green attended 4 workshops and the Trade Show. KG & D along with Andron Construction had displays. KG & D displayed the Scotchtown Avenue Courtyard.

Michael Stroka asked for an update on Science Olympiad.

James Kimiecik asked if bonding is at a fixed rate?

The meeting was adjourned at 9:03 p.m. on a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk