December 4, 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 held in the Conference Room at the Main Street School, on Monday, December 4, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

Present Mr. Michael Stroka, Vice President
Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. Alvin Watson
Absent Mrs. Judy Green, President
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 Monday, December 4, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

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

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, and Mrs. Mary Ann Knight,
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, and Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by Vice President, Mr. Stroka at 7:43 p.m. Mr. Stroka led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.
On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of November 6, 2006 and November 20, 2006. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for September 2006 was acknowledged under Financial Update. Mrs. Bogart asked the question regarding the Chase Money Market Account. Mr. Abbondanza reported this account reflects the Library TAN the Board approved.

The Board received the following correspondence: Invitation to Harness Racing Museum Holiday Concert, correspondence from Shaw & Perelson, correspondence on Creating a Class Web Page with FrontPage, Goshen High School Spectrum Newspaper, thank you letter from Darian Murphy to Goshen Lions Club, Mid-Hudson School Study Council Survey Report, correspondence from Liberty Mutual and various newspaper articles.

Mr. Stroka opened Privilege of the Floor.

A community member addressed the Board on her concern over the word Christmas being changed in some of the musical pieces in the upcoming concerts. Several students had approached her being upset over the change of the word. She also had heard that there possibly would not be December concerts next year. Mr. Reese addressed her that she had not left a telephone number when she called the District Office. Her concern had been addressed and corrected when the administration had been made aware of the situation. Mr. Reese also mentioned that New York State Law is very specific on what a public school district can and cannot do when it comes to religious/secular issues.

A member of the High School Student Senate addressed the Board with concerns the students have regarding security. She reported that the Student Senate would be meeting with High School Administration in the morning to voice their concerns. Mr. Reese mentioned that the Student Senate should follow the proper protocol with concerns stating that they should discuss issues with the High School Administration, if not satisfied, then the Superintendent and then the Board. Mr. Reese thanked her for attending the meeting.

Mrs. Bogart reported she has not recent SLN updates, which usually happens when there is a change in office.

Mrs. Green mentioned the upcoming Harness Museum Holiday Gathering where the high school choral groups will be performing.

Mr. Reese asked Jim Riley to join the table to update the Board on the Village of Goshen Sewer/Water issues. Mr. Riley reported that the Village has been holding Public Hearings with regard to building a new sewer/waste plant and the impact this capital project will have on village residents and taxes. Mr. Riley will be in contact with the Village on the progress and will report to the Board with additional information as it becomes available.

Mr. Reese reported he had the pleasure of attending the Science Olympiad Spaghetti Dinner Fundraiser on the weekend.

The Middle School Cupola is finished and lighted.

Mr. Reese reported that Mrs. Green has requested a monthly overall calendar of District events be given to Board members.

Mrs. Bogart asked that an updated on the sewer/waste issue be placed on the December 18th meeting agenda.

Mr. Abbondanza updated the Board on the telephone project. The specs have been finalized and sent off to the printer. December 8th at 1:00 p.m. a bid conference will be held for potential bidders to explain the project and have a tour of the facilities. Bids are due back by 11:00 a.m. on January 3, 2007. Official action on awarding the bids will occur at the January 16th meeting. There are two projects on the table; the telephone project and the security phase.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that the District’s Wellness Policy is being used as a model policy by other districts.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that the grade 5 social studies state exam was administered to the students over a two-day period. The text included 35 multiple-choice questions, DBQ essay including 7 documents, and an essay where students looked at four documents. Mrs. Unhjem will present the final results when they are released from SED.

PERSONNEL

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 Sylvia Carlisle, teacher on special assignment/special education teacher, effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Carlisle has been with the District for the past 34 years. AYES 5 NAYS 0

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Claire Kamp, School Psychologist, effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Kamp has been with the District for the past 21 years. AYES 5 NAYS 0

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Debra Quackenbush, Senior Food Service Helper, effective October 30, 2006. Mrs. Quackenbush has been with the District for the past 27 years. AYES 5 NAYS 0

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 5 NAYS 0

Accept retirement of Sylvia Carlisle teacher on special assignment/special education teacher effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Carlisle has been with the District for the past 34 years.

Accept retirement of Claire Kamp school psychologist effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Kamp has been with the District for the past 21 years.

Accept retirement of Debra Quackenbush senior food service helper effective October 30, 2006. Ms. Quackenbush has been with the District for the past 27 years. This amended action will reflect the change from resignation to retirement.

Mr. Reese mentioned that all retiree will be addressed at the annual recognition at the end of the school year.

Approve leave of absence of Mary Beth Sebring bus driver is requesting a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective November 12, 2006 through January 2, 2007.

Approve extended leave of absence of Marguerite Bullaro bus driver is requesting an extension to her leave of absence effective November 25, 2006 through April 10, 2007.

Accept resignation of Joanne Kich teacher aide through December 22, 2006.
Appointment: Joanne Kich as substitute teacher aide effective January 2, 2007.

Approve extension of appointment of Kristin Gray grade 5 leave replacement teacher effective March 6, 2007 through June 30, 2007. Ms. Gray is filling the child care leave Debra Gonzalez.

Approve appointment of Michael LaMonica Earth Science/general science teacher at a salary of $41,789 (BA-1) effective December 18, 2006 with a tenure date of December 18, 2009. Mr. LaMonica has pending initial earth science 7-12 certification/pending initial general science 7-12 certification. Mr. LaMonica is replacing Patricia Sherman.

Approve appointment of Jonathan Redeker social studies teacher at a salary of $43,145 (BA-2) effective January 1, 2007 with a tenure date of January 3, 2009. Mr. Redeker has initial social studies 7-12 certification. Mr. Redeker has been a leave replacement teacher since January 1, 2006. Mr. Redeker is replacing Ardyth Watson.

Approve appointment of Susan Tucker bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA under negotiations) for 5 hours per day effective December 1, 2006. Ms. Tucker is replacing Jennifer Wilding. Ms. Tucker has been a substitute bus driver for the District.

Approve appointment of Stephanie Heinz substitute food service helper and substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective December 5, 2006.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Hill as substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective December 5, 2006.

Approve increase in hours of Gina Cardona food service helper increase in hours from 3 to 4 hours per day effective December 5, 2006. Ms. Cardona is filling the position of Donna Helt.

Approve appointment of Karin D’Amelio 1:1 teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently under negotiation) for 5 hours per day, effective December 5, 2006. Ms. D’Amelio is filling the new position created on November 6, 2006 for student #110896.

Accept reassignment of Eileen Nelson teacher aide who is acquiring .75 hour of student 110896 to increase hours to 6.75 per day effective December 5, 2006.

Approve appointment of Colleen McGovern tutor for St. Dominic’s student at $29.02/hr., as needed, effective November 27, 2006.

Approve High School 2006/07 Co-Curricular Assignments: See official minutes.

Approve Disposal of Obsolete Equipment

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/03/06;110255/CJH/OHI
10.17/06;109969/GHS/OHI
10/17/06;114395/GHS/TBI
10/17/06;113503/GHS/ED
10/17/06;112251/GHS/ED
Committee on Special Education 10/17/06;110421/GHS/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/17/06;109173/GHS/LD
10/17/06;114632/GHS/ED
Committee on Special Education 10/24/06;111029/GHS/LMLA/Section 504
10/25/06;115055/GIS/LD
10/31/06;107728/BOCES/ED
11/02/06;115179/Home/MD
11/03/06/114902/BOCES/ED
11/09/06;111231/BOCES/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 11/13/06;114667/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
11/13/06;115198/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/14/06;112548/AHRC/A
Committee on Special Education 11/16/06;114046/SAS/A
10/25/06;115181/BOCES/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/09/06;115026/SAS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 11/14/06;111080/SAS/Ineligible
11/03/06;114902/BOCES/ED

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, 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:

Michael LaMonica Stephanie Heinz Jennifer Hill
Karin D’Amelio

Be it further resolved, that such emergency conditional appointments shall become conditional appointments upon receipt of State clearance from SED. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Robert Kish resolved, that the Board of Education does hereby approve the terms of the Release and Settlement Agreement concerning Student No. 112076 and; resolved further that the Board of Education does hereby authorize the Superintendent of Schools to execute such Release and Settlement Agreement on behalf of the District. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish resolved, that the Board of Education does hereby approve the terms of the Release and Settlement Agreement concerning Student No. 113006 and; resolved further that the Board of Education does hereby authorize the Superintendent of Schools to execute such Release and Settlement Agreement on behalf of the District. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green entered the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Judy Green upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the overnight varsity wrestling trips at Burnt Hills for December 15-16, 2006, and Middlebury Tournament for December 28-30, 2006, and Long Island Classic Wrestling Tournament for January 12-14, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $1,500.00 from the Scotchtown Avenue School PTO for purchase of indoor activities for recess. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried. The Board will formally send a thank you to the PTO.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart the Board of Education agrees to increase the budget, based on a donation from the Scotchtown Avenue School PTO for indoor activities for recess, in the amount of $1,500.00 in Code #A211045434.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Privilege of the Floor was opened.

William Greene, Middle School music teacher handed out programs for the upcoming Middle School concerts to members of the Board.

Bob Kish mentioned he and Al Watson had received a draft of the District’s Technology Plan and commended Sandra Giunta on a fine job. Mr. Kish asked what steps would need to be taken for the Board to go to paperless meetings?

Mr. Kish also reported that he and Mr. Esposito are currently updating the District’s safety policies.

Mr. Esposito mentioned that the three retirees presented on the Consent Agenda had a combined 80 years of service to the District.
Mr. Esposito reported that the Audit Committee has hired an internal auditor and a meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 11th with the District’s external auditor, internal audit and Audit Committee. Mr. Watson mentioned that the Audit Committee is required to maintain minutes. Mr. Watson will maintain the minutes of the Audit Committee.

Judy Green apologized for being late for the meeting. She mentioned she was at the Galleria in Middletown over the weekend and heard the Jazz Band.

Mrs. Green mentioned that tomorrow starts the holiday concerts and urged as many members to attend.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:26 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish to go into Executive Session with no intent to return to discuss work history of a particular employee.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk