December 18, 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 18, 2006, 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. Steve Esposito
Absent Mr. Alvin Watson
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
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, November 20, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals:
Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, and Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Ms. Katrina Lord
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Green at 7:41 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

The Board received the following correspondence: Correspondence from Cooper Nieman & Co., C.J. Hooker Middle School Concert Program, Intermediate School Winter Concert Program, Goshen High School Winter Concert Program, the Middle School Gladiator, The Scottie SAS Newsletter and Various newspaper articles

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Martha reported on recent SLN News Call to Action relating to Charter Schools and the Taylor Law. NYSSBA is requesting districts to call and urge representatives to not allow this special session to be used to increase the number of Charter Schools and no veto Taylor Law overrides. The Board agreed that Martha Bogart should place calls representing the District and thanked her in advance.

Mr. Reese updated the Board on the Winter Concerts he has attended along with Mrs. Unhjem and some Board members. The concerts have been divided into choral productions and instrumental productions. Mr. Reese commented on the balance of the musical selections.

Mr. Reese reported he has had meetings with the Village Mayor to begin preliminary discussions on village contracts. A meeting had been scheduled with Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt, but due to a late legislative session, she was detained in Albany. This meeting will be rescheduled. Mr. Reese also informed the Board he will be meeting with Senator Larkin in early January.

Mr. Reese handed out information from O/U BOCES on the presentation of the BOCES budget to component districts. This year O/U BOCES would like to host one evening on March 14th at 6:00 p.m. at their campus to present their budget to each district instead of going to each individual district. Mr. Reese asked the Board to think about this and discussion would resume at our January 2nd meeting.

Mr. Reese thanked Barbara Koryicki for the delicious cookies she brought to the meeting.

Mr. Reese mentioned the flyer handed out at the table from OCSBA and their January 3rd meeting date. This meeting will deal with the budget development process.

In Mr. Abbondanza’s absence, Mr. Reese reported that the budget development process is on target. All administrators will be meeting after the break to refine and finalize their draft budgets for presentation to the Board.

Mr. Reese asked Jim Riley to join the Board at the table and update the members on the current status of the telephone project. Mr. Riley reported that two tours and site visits were conducted due to the response of interested bidders. The bids are scheduled to be opened on January 3rd, with the Board approving the winner at the January 16th meeting.

There have been three addendums made to the original specifications. Mr. Riley mentioned this is better than having change orders during the installation phase of the project.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on her attendance at two Sharing Sessions conducted by faculty members. This process was implemented at the Scotchtown Avenue School. The sessions allow teachers who attended conferences to come back and turnkey with their peers, as well as utilize the tools and knowledge obtained at the conference.

Mrs. Unhjem also attended along with Colleen Kane, a conference sponsored by Orange County dealing with Human Rights and Education, which was held in Harriman.

Martha Bogart commended Daria for implementing the “sharing sessions” and sharing experiences learned at conferences.

PERSONNEL

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Celine Bach, Music Teacher, at the C.J. Hooker Middle, effective July 1, 2007. Mrs. Bach has been with the District for the past 34 years.

Mr. Reese mentioned that members of the faculty and staff will be submitting their retirement letters and mentioned that all retirees will be separately honored, recognized and acknowledged at the June Board meeting.

Mr. Watson mentioned Mrs. Bach will be greatly missed.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0

Accept retirement of Celine Bach music teacher effective July 1, 2007. Ms. Bach has been with the District for 34 years.

Accept resignation of Marianne Petersen payroll and benefits assistant effective January 13, 2007.

Approve extended medical leave of Joan Pisacane clerk typist is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence effective December 12, 2006 through January 1, 2007.

Approve extended child care leave of Elan Caruso special education teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave through on or about April 16, 2007.

Approve extended medical leave of Mary Beth Sebring bus driver is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence effective January 3, 2007 through January 17, 2007.

Approve extended appointment of Elizabeth Xanthis special education teacher through on or about April 16, 2007. Ms. Xanthis is filling the child care leave of Elan Caruso.

Approve extended appointment of Arlene Petit temporary teacher aide through March 31, 2007. Ms. Petit is awaiting results of her Civil Service Exam.

Approve appointment of Suzie Peacock teacher aide/attendance office at a salary of $10.16/hr. for 5.5 hours per day effective January 2, 2007. Mrs. Peacock was a former employee in this position for the District. Mrs. Peacock is also being appointed as a restricted teacher aide to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective January 2, 2007.

Approve appointment/increase hours of Michelle Cooper special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiations) for 5.75 hours per day effective December 5, 2006. Ms. Cooper is filling the 1:1 aide for student #115094 increasing her hours from 5 to 5.75 hours per day. Ms. Cooper is filling the newly created position.

Approve appointment of Erica Walsh special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiations) for 3 hours per day, effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Walsh is filling the newly created position for student #114902 at the October 3, 2006 Board meeting.

Approve appointment of Susan Zaphiris 1:1 special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiations) for 4 hours per day, effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Zaphiris is filling the new created position for student 115204.

Approve appointment of Sophie Szarwark food service helper at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiations) for 3 hours per day, effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Szarwark is replacing Jo Medlar.

Approve appointment of Harry Gordon, Jr. substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Michael Henshaw substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Matthew Carcaterra substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Mr. Carcaterra is not certified.

Approve appointment of Margaret Kruger-Cello substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Kruger-Cello is not certified.

Approve appointment of Maureen Farrell substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Farrell is not certified.

Approve appointment of Matilda Fuchs substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Fuchs is not certified.

Approve re-appointment of Christina Russo-Gabriele substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Russo-Gabriele has provisional N-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Tracy Gansrow substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Gansrow is not certified.

Approve appointment of Kathryn Keenan substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Keenan is not certified.

Approve appointment of Linda Heczko-Lown substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Heczko-Lown is not certified.

Approve appointment of Therese McLoughlin substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. McLoughlin has provisional art certification.

Approve appointment of Daniel Osburn substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Mr. Osburn is not certified.

Approve appointment of Jayme Roe substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Roe is not certified.

Approve appointment of Mark Sutherland substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective December 19, 2006. Mr. Sutherland has permanent 7-12 social studies certification and provisional SAS certification.

Approve appointment of Irene Wilson substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective December 19, 2006. Ms. Wilson has initial 1-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Sarah Adams substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Suzanne Cremin substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Regina Eisenbacher is being appointed as a restricted teacher aide to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Musumeci teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5 hours per day effective January 2, 2007. Ms. Musumeci is a substitute teacher for the District. Ms. Musumeci is also being appointed as a restricted teacher aide to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective January 2, 2007. Ms. Musumeci is filling the position of Michelle Cooper.

Approve appointment of Roseanne Thorne substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Michael Hanrahan tutor at a salary of $29.02/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Abigail Russell tutor at a salary of $29.02/hr., as needed, effective December 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of 2006/07 Middle School Co-Curricular Assignments – 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 2007 through December 2007. (see official minutes)

Approve disposal of obsolete equipment – see official minutes

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/03/06;110865/CJH/LD
10/03/06;112938/CJH/LD
10/17/06;109779/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 10/20/06;115137/CJH/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/30/06;106444/GHS/OHI
10/31/06;114454/Valleyhead, Inc./ED
Committee on Special Education 11/08/06;114608/SAS/SLI
Subcommittee on Special Education 11/15/06;113899/BOCES/A
11/16/06;108562/GHS/LD
11/30/06;106938/BOCES/OHI
11/30/06;106437/BOCES/LD
12/04/06;111223/GIS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 12/05/06;115081/Inspire/Preschool w/ disability
12/07/06;115166/Preschool w/ disability
12/11/06;115215/Preschool w/ disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 10/23/06;112995/GHS/MD
10/30/06;108621/GHS/OHI
11/16/06;109065/GHS/LD
11/16/06;111506/BOCES/OHI
11/22/06;102389/GHS/LD
11/22/06;108229/GHS/OHI
11/27/06;115079/SAS/SLI
11/27/06;114692/BOCES/ED
11/28/06;115110/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 11/29/06;115099/BCES/ED
11/29/06;111579/CJH/LD
11/30/06;107728/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 12/06/06;111738/BOCES/LD
12/06/06;115038/BOCES/ED

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart, 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:

Michelle Cooper Erica Walsh Harry Gordon, Jr.
Michael Hensha w Matthew Carcaterra Matilda Fuchs
Christina Russo-Gabriele Tracy Gansrow Kathryn Keenan
Linda Heczko-Lown Therese McLoughlin Daniel Osburn
Jayme Roe Mark Sutherland Irene Wilson
Maureen Farrell Margaret Kruger-Cello Sarah Adams
Suzanne Cremin Susan Zaphiris Sophie Szarwark
Roseanne Thorne

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.

Two drafts of the 2007/08 Student Calendar was distributed to Board members. A committee of superintendents formulated two drafts for districts to consider. The calendars differed in the amount of vacation time students received in March and April. Graduation is June 27th in 2008. The calendars are based on the Regents exam schedule that the State sets. Mr. Reese mentioned that 14 out of 17 school districts favored Draft B (a longer April break). The calendar was discussed for information only, BOCES will send a final version and the District can adopt the BOCES calendar or refine it. This item will be placed on future Agendas for discussion.

Mr. Reese briefly explained the new policy that will be read for the first reading.
The new policy Regulation Procedures for Filing Complaints/Appeals will establish
a formal, structured procedure for handling each individual complaint received. This
policy mainly is structured for information on Title 1 and AIS. The second reading and
adoption will take place on January 2nd.

Mr. Reese reported on the status of the middle school courtyard in memory of Jenn DeMarco, who last year lost her life in an automobile accident. Students and staff have been fundraising for over a year. The District has been fortunate to receive donations from McCarey Landscaping, Unilot Pavers and the PTO. Work on the courtyard is nearing completion. A formal dedication will take place in the spring.

The second Privilege of the Floor was opened.

Michael Stroka and Judy Green wished everyone a safe and Happy Holiday Season and Mrs. Green thanked everyone in attendance.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka to enter into Executive Session with no intent to return. Another motion by Robert Kish seconded by Steve Esposito to enter into Executive Session to discuss work history of a particular employee. AYES 6 NAYS 0


Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk