December 17, 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, December 17, 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
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
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 17, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Alvin Watson
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: 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
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 7:40 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance following a moment of silent meditation remembering the Picchione family, the Stamm family and the Stroka family.

The Board received the following correspondence: Program from Jingle Bells 2007 Harness Racing Museum Holiday Concert; Grades 4 & 5 Holiday Chorus Concert; High School Winter Concert; On Board article regarding “E-mail among legal pitfalls”; Mid-Hudson School Study Council flyer and 2007/08 calendar; Winter/Spring In-Service Courses; Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.) Red Ribbons; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Bogart reported on the recent Call to Action with information on the 2008 funding bill and issues relative to more money for schools in the areas of special education. The board directed Mrs. Bogart to contact state government officials to voice support for the House Appropriations Committee’s Labor, Health and Education funding bill. The board thanked Mrs. Bogart for her report.

Mrs. Green reported on the winter concerts she has attended. The Jazz Band will be performing on Wednesday evening at the Middletown Galleria, which will move the snow date to Thursday evening for parent performance.

Mr. Reese updated the board on the Affidavits to Commissioner Mills being prepared by Margo May.

Mr. Miller updated the board on the budget development process. Mr. Miller also reported the response to the audit Management Letter has been submitted.

Mrs. Unhjem highlighted two new textbooks that the Family Consumer Science Department is requesting approval to purchase.

Mrs. Unhjem the highlighted the second part of her K-12 ELA presentation to the faculty in November. This portion highlight Teaching of Writing and K-8 Building Culture of Literacy. Future goals were presented including literacy specialists for middle and high school levels, continued communication to promote continuity and consistency, and continued professional development for faculty. The board thanked Mrs. Unhjem for her presentation.

Mr. Stroka asked for an update on the literacy period at the middle school. Mrs. Unhjem reported that this period offers additional AIS services, special education services, accommodates Science labs and chorus and orchestra, as well as provides reading time for instructional services. This is the second year and has provided classroom libraries, increased circulation in the library, and has allowed the middle school ELA teachers to monitor program and provide services to their students.

Personnel

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

Accept resignation of Jessica Parker elementary teacher effective December 31, 2007.

Accept resignation of Carleen Schaumburg special education teacher aide effective December 17, 2007.

Approve medical leave of absence of Janet Davis ESL is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective December 17, 2007 through approximately June 27, 2008.

Approve medical leave of absence of Cheryl Gage physical education teacher is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective November 12, 2007 through approximately December 21, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Lyn Taber health teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective on or about March 3, 2008 through on or about June 18, 2008.

Approve appointment of Jill Klos probationary elementary teacher at a salary of $49,474 (M-2) effective December 31, 2007 with a tenure date of September 4, 2010. Ms. Klos has permanent N-6/special education certification. Ms. Klos has been a leave replacement teacher and is replacing Jessica Parker.

Approve appointment extension of Margaret Storms long-term substitute Family/Consumer Science effective November 30, 2007 through approximately January 25, 2008.

Approve appointment of Lori Turner substitute food service helper effective December 5, 2007 at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed. Ms. Turner is a bus monitor for the district.

Approve appointment of Emily Munoz substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective December 18, 2007. Ms. Munoz has initial 1-6 certification.

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 10/15/07;115672/BOCES/MR
11/09/07;113567/GHS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/15/07;114991/CJH/LD
11/20/07;115166/SAS/OHI
11/20/07;114133/SAS/OHI
11/20/07;115136/CJH/MD
11/20/07;108185/GHS/LD
11/21/07;114145/BOCES/A
11/28/07;115638/GHS/LD
11/29/07;107617/GHS/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Education 12/03/07;114858/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
12/04/07;115747/Preschool w/disability

12/04/07;115746/Preschool w/disability
12/11/07;115743/Inspire/Preschool w/disability

Committee on Preschool Special Education 12/06/07;115713/ Preschool w/disability
12/06/07;115737/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
12/11/07;115743/Inspire/Preschool w/disability

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the overnight varsity wrestling trip Sixth Annual Long Island Classic (Center Moriches, NY) on January 19-20, 2008. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Steve Esposito, 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 Michael Rundle & Jennifer Terpesta in the amount of $977.18; David & Krista Hludzinski in the amount of $1,289.87; Ronald & Mary Israelski in the amount of $1,636.07; Darek & Barbara Loter in the amount of $686.82; Salil & Vijaya Kathpalia in the amount of $l,965.51; Yosef & Honey Bernstein in the amount of $1,541.14; Christopher & Beth Dodin in the amount of $2,518.30; John & Jennifer Vancott in the amount of $714.73; Robert & Julie Ann Terrett in the amount of $1,583.03; Robert & Carol Field in the amount of $2,205.61; Lydia Strano Rojas & Camile Didio in the amount of $1,471.35; Blanche Herrington in the amount of $2,317.30; Paula & Martin Crawford in the amount of $1,423.88; Keith Dellavecchia & Karen Arent in the amount of $1,599.77; Lee & Sherrie Bergus in the amount of $1,798.00; Michael & Ester McGarry in the amount of $1,130.73; Vito & Carmina Carlucci in the amount of $1,175.40; Umakantha & Dhanu Sannesy in the amount of $636.56; Victor & Susan Lopiccolo in the amount of $1,256.36; Donald & Yvonne Anthony Mirro in the amount of $558.38; Frank Lattimer in the amount of $818.03; Mark & Linda Stern in the amount of $2,093.94; Denard Graver in the amount of $3,298.66; and Giovanni & Alissa Pirraglia in the amount of $977.18 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 Robert Kish, 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 Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. in the amount of $1,858.16 for the 2007/08 tax year.
AYES 7 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 adopts the purchase of the new High School Clothing-Fashion, Fabrics & Construction textbook – Glencoe/McGraw Hill & (Jeanette Weber) and Food for Today textbook Glencoe/McGraw Hill - Ninth Edition (Helen Kowtaluk), as components of the Family Consumer Science courses effective December 17, 2007.
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 enters into an Agreement with Elisa Baerga to provide Spanish Translation Services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year in the amount of $15.00 per hour. (see official contract in minutes) AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Kish reported on his recent visit with James Kimiecik to the high school to view technology in action. Both members thanked Mr. Litz, Mrs. Giunta and Mr. Sterett.

Mr. Kimiecik reported on a topic discussed at the OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting. One presentation from a Dutchess County School District on their experience with paperless board meetings. Mr. Reese mentioned that the Superintendent’s have attempted using paperless at their monthly meetings. Mr. Reese reported he will contact BOCES board member, Mary Arne to obtain further details.

Mrs. Green offered condolences to the three families mentioned in Moment of Mediation. Michael Stroka’s uncle, Dino Picchione, bus driver and whose wife, Ann, works for PPS, and Josh Stamm, former Goshen graduate and Eagle Scout.

Mrs. Green, on a lighter note, wished everyone a very nice holiday.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:40 p.m. on a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by James Kimiecik. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk