February 20, 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 Tuesday, February 20, 2007, 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
Mr. Alvin Watson
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Interim Business Official Mr. Ron Musson
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 Tuesday, February 20, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

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

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Interim Business Official Mr. Ron Musson
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, and 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 Mr. Kevin Lees
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Green at 7:44 p.m. Mrs. Green called for a motion to enter Executive Session. On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson the Board entered into a brief Executive Session at 7:44 p.m. for the purpose of work history of a particular employee. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Meeting reconvened on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish at
7:55 p.m. AYES 4 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Esposito and Mr. Stroka left the meeting at 7:52 p.m. prior to the meeting reconvening.

Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

The Board received the following correspondence: Letter from O/U BOCES on Board members whose terms are expiring and seeking anyone interested to run; schedule for O/U BOCES District Budget Presentation in March; upcoming Fiscal Responsibilities of School Board Members workshop required by SED being hosted on June 16, 2007; CJ Hooker Black History Month Celebration Schedule of Events; and Various newspaper articles

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Two community members addressed the Board on the Athletic program in the District. Both members stressed the importance of athletics and urged the Board to address some issues that place the District’s athletic program far behind neighboring districts. They asked that the Board consider placing monies in the budget for improvements for the weight room and sports equipment. Both community members are very active in the sports program in the community and the District. The community members stressed the importance of academics as well as sports in a well-rounded educational program.

A community member addressed the Board on the issue regarding the Grade 4 song for the spring concert. The Board does a wonderful job and hates to see issues that result in different sides.

The Board thanked the community members for their views.

Mrs. Green welcomed Kevin Lees, who is filling in for Katrina Lord, at the Board table.

Mrs. Green reported she and the Superintendent had the opportunity to attend the Legislative Brunch hosted by Mid-Hudson School Study Council, where 8 State and Assembly members joined educational leaders. Mrs. Eileen Casey spoke for the educational members to the legislators on obtaining additional state aid and relief for the taxpayers.

Mrs. Bogart reiterated that the information printed in the newspapers regarding State Aid included the STAR aid and was not a true percentage of aid.

Mrs. Bogart reported she had the opportunity to attend the Young Republicans Club at the High School with guest speaker Senator Larkin. Senator Larkin assured the group he will try to obtain additional State Aid.

Mr. Reese offered congratulations to the Junior and Senior Science Olympiad teams for placing second and third and fourth place respectively. The teams will go on to compete at the State level in New Paltz and West Point. Mr. Reese wished all members good luck at the upcoming competition.

Mr. Reese recommended that the Board consider rescheduling the April 23 meeting to April 26. The District has received correspondence that BOCES is holding their annual meeting on Thursday, April 26th. Rescheduling will allow the Board to meet once during that week and three times during the month. The Board was in agreement. Action will take place at the next meeting.

Mr. Musson reported on the District credit card. The credit card was in Joe Abbondanza’s name and expired in January. Credit cards are usually in the name of the superintendent or business manager. Mr. Musson recommended the Board consider placing the card in the name of the District Clerk, who makes reservations for the Board, while searching for a new business official. The Board was in agreement.

Jane Unhjem reported on an in-service program being offered by Professor Fran Spielhagen from Mount Saint Mary College to the faculty.

Mrs. Unhjem mentioned the new Goshen High School Spectrum is on the website.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on a grant the District has been awarded from Best Buy thanks to Mrs. Knight and Mrs. Giunta to enhance the computer education program at the Intermediate School. The grant was in the amount of $1,500 and the District was invited to apply for an additional $15,000.

Mrs. Unhjem introduced Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, Mrs. Kathy Magid and Mr. Carlos Rodriguez, who highlighted the physical educational wellness program at the Intermediate School. The program’s theme is Fit Forever, tying into the New York State Standards in all physical activities in the building. The Board thanked Mrs. Knight, Mrs. Magid and Mr. Rodriguez for their presentation.

Mr. Stroka reentered the meeting at 8:24 p.m.

PERSONNEL

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept resignation of Anne Pendelton food service helper effective February 16, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Nicole Hernandez special education teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective on or about April 10, 2007 through June 22, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Claire Straebler French/Latin teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical of Absence effective on or about May 21, 2007 through January 28, 2008.

Approve leave of absence of Thomas Martinez bus monitor is requesting a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective February 1, 2007 through March 1, 2007.

Approve adjustment to return date of Janine Robinson grade 7 social studies teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave through April 16, 2007.

Approve extension of appointment of Jesyca Greene leave replacement social studies teacher extension to her appointment through April 16, 2007. Ms. Greene is filling the child care leave of Janine Robinson.

Approve child care leave of Elena Jordon grade 7 ELA teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective on or about May 11, 2007 through June 22, 2007.

Approve extension of leave of absence of Kerry Rourke teacher aide is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective February 8, 2007 through February 19, 2007.

Approve extension of appointment of Jeanne Bouchard long-term substitute teacher aide extension of appointment effective February 8, 2007 through February 19, 2007. Ms. Bouchard is filling the medical leave of Kerry Rourke.

Approve appointment of Arlene Petit clerk typist at a salary of $25, 886 (Step A) effective February 21, 2007. Ms. Petit is replacing Margarita Ramirez.

Approve appointment of Linda Barbaro substitute custodial worker and substitute food service helper at a salary of $8.50/hr. and $7.75/hr. respectively, effective February 21, 2007.

Approve Surplus/Obsolete Equipment – see official minutes

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/03/07;110026/CJH/OHI
01/08/07;111139/GIS/LD
01/18/07;115042/SAS/SLI
01/24/07;112967/GIS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 01/25/07;113106/GIS/Declassified
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/26/07;111353/CJH/ED
Committee on Special Education 01/26/07;113317/GIS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/26/07;110939/GIS/ED
01/30/07;113572/BOCES/OHI
01/31/07;107133/BOCES/ED
Section 504 01/31/07;112374/CJH/LMLA
Committee on Special Education 02/01/07;115234/BOCES/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 02/06/07;115231/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 02/07/07;113597/Home/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 02/07/07;114865/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 02/08/07;115183/McQuade/ED
02/09/07;107755/AHRC/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 02/12/07;114483/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 01/26/07;115099/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/31/07;113653/BOCES/OHI
Committee on Special Education 02/05/07;115283/GIS/SLI
Subcommittee on Special Education 02/06/07;115122/BOCES/MD
02/07/07;111268/GIS/OHI
01/02/07;113593/SAS/SLI

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish, 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:

Linda Barbaro

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.

The Board discussed and reviewed the draft of the revised Policy #7240 Student Records: Access and Challenge. The Board will officially take action at the next meeting to adopt the revised change.

The scheduling of the Board Workshop with the Growth Task Force Committee was pulled and will be rescheduled for a future date.

ADDENDUM

Mrs. Green mentioned an Addendum that the Board will be taking action on at the meeting.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson the Board of Education hereby ratifies the provisions of the Memorandum of Agreement between the District and the Goshen Teachers’ Association, dated February 20, 2007, and authorizes the expenditure of those monies necessary to fund the 2007-2010 Collectively Negotiated Agreement with the Goshen Teachers’ Association. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The proposed budgets of Technology, Pupil Personnel Services and Athletic Departments were presented to the Board.

Sandra Giunta joined the Board to present the proposed 2007/08 Technology Budget. A history of district-wide gaps and goals was reviewed. The new Technology Plan has been developed and currently implementing the plan. An overview of the infrastructure building by building was highlighted noting that the High School has a new lab. E-mail upgrade, maintenance, technical support, Zen, wireless connectivity and remote access were also discussed. Upgrades for the buildings were highlighted. Professional development has occurred in all buildings. Curriculum integration with technology is being conducted with the staff. The District Web Page was highlighted noting that teachers are developing individual web pages. Mrs. Giunta presented her current staff and request for one teaching assistant, one technician and a status change of a teaching assistant to Technology Teacher. A District level proposed budget and building-by- building budgets were presented. A three-year comparison was presented. A proposed change of $72,763 is being requested for technology for the 2007/08 school year for a total proposed budget of $521,552. The increase includes getting the District back on an every five-year replacement cycle of replacing 20% of the equipment each year. This budget will replace 48% of technology that is over six years old. Equipment, Material and Supplies is a major factor in the increase.

The Board thanked Mrs. Giunta for her presentation.

Ms. Butler joined the table to present the proposed budget for Pupil Personnel Services. Mrs. Butler highlighted that the District currently services 364 special need students with projections for 2007/08 totaling 387. Out of District students including St. Dominic’s is was highlighted, noting that St. Dominic’s is reimbursed by the State 100% of total cost. Out of District programs include O/U BOCES, AHRC, McQuade, Astor Learning Center, Center for Discovery, Sullivan and Rockland County BOCES. Preschool totals, ELL students, Section 504 students were presented in the presentation. Mandated summer services were discussed. A comparison of expenses for the last three years was overviewed. A decrease in Out of District Programs, ELL services and Group Home were noted for the upcoming 2007/08 school year.

Ms. Butler presented an overview of programs and services currently being offered to parents and students in the District, which include, Visual Motor Integration Program, Handwriting Club, additional self-contained classes at the Intermediate School, parent training and support, update computers and hardware, general contractual costs for summer related services, the establishment of special education classes at Evening High School and the anticipated return of students in grades K-8.

Mrs. Bogart reiterated the fact that the Group Home’s total is included in the budget, but is reimbursed 100% by the State. The District will again break this down separately when presenting the 2007/08 budget.

The Board thanked Ms. Butler for her presentation.

Mr. Siracuse joined the table to present his 2007/08 Athletic Department budget. Mr. Siracuse emphasized the District has 55 athletic teams including Varsity, JV and modified teams for the 2006/07 school year. There are a total of 67 coaches, of which 75% are Goshen teachers. An overview of expenses was presented including dues/fees/tuitions, contractual costs, equipment, officials, scorekeepers and game supervision were presented. The cost for BOCES/OCIAA for league dues has increased.

Proposed increase for equipment included $16,000 for increases for the sport teams and Fitness Room. Mr. Siracuse is requesting increasing the modified teams for the 2007/08 school year. A second team is being proposed for the following sports: girls modified basketball and soccer; boys modified soccer, modified baseball and softball, boys basketball program assistant and girls basketball program assistant. The District has witnessed a larger amount of students trying out for these sports. The proposed 2007/08 Athletic budget summary totals $222,500, which is an increase of $23,600.

Mr. Siracuse reported that fall and spring sports have a larger level of participation that sports offered during the winter.

Mr. Watson commended Mr. Siracuse on the proposed increase for modified teams for the 2007/08 school year.

The Board thanked Mr. Siracuse for his presentation.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Karchawer, GTA President, addressed the Board and personally thanked and acknowledged the members and Mr. Reese for successfully completing negotiations between the District and teachers.

Mrs. Green thanked Mr. Karchawer and was pleased an agreement was made.

Mr. Kish reported that Odyssey of the Mind teams will be competing at O/U BOCES on Saturday, March 24th.

Kevin Lees mentioned that the Blood Drive is being held this coming Friday.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:50 p.m. on a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk