February 7, 2005 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A regular meeting of the Board of Education was held in the Board of Education Room at the Main Street School, on Monday, February 7, 2005, at 7:30 p.m.

Present   
Mr. Alvin Watson, Vice President; Mrs. Martha Bogart; Mrs. Judy Green; Mr. Marty Knapp; Mr. Michael Stroka.

Absent
Mr. Steven Esposito, President; Mr. Anthony Millich
             
             
Also present were Interim Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese; Assistant Superintendent Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza; Assistant Superintendent Curriculum
Mrs. Jane Unhjem; Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Benjamin Bragg, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy; Assistant Principals: Mr. Kent Maslin, Administrative Intern Mr. Michael Isseks; Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. Peter Zegel, Director of Transportation Mr. Pete Brockmann, Director of PPS Mrs. Kusum Sinha, Student Senate Representative Krista Fashnacht; Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District.

The meeting was called to order by Mr. Al Watson, Vice President, at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Watson led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation remembering the family of Lorraine Kruger, whose mother-in-law recently passed away.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Marty Knapp the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of January 3, 2005, January 10, 2005 and January 18, 2005.
AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board acknowledged the Treasurer’s Report for December 2004. 

The Board received the following correspondence: NYSSBA Member Services Assessment Survey, memo from Peter Brockmann regarding Oneonta Bus Lines Charter qualifications, letter from O/U BOCES Board nomination to serve as Board member, letter from Mary Arne for support for nomination and re-election for O/U BOCES Board, NYSSBA SLN 2005 Issues Conference, note from Vicki Botta, Transportation Department Open House flyer, letter from Youth Ending Hunger Club, Goshen Public Library & Historical Society newsletter, thank you letter from Sue Ann Dropkin to Mrs. Botens, letter from Goshen Olympiad Parent Organization on upcoming senior team competition, various newspaper articles.

Mr. Watson opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Bragg publicly thanked the PTO for their donation of three hand held portable radios. Mr. Bragg reported that the PTO sold 750 tickets for the Harlem Magic basketball game on February 5 th .

Mr. Watson moved Addendum New Business Item of PTO donation to this portion of the meeting. Mr. Watson acknowledged the donation of a refrigerator from Andrea McClorey from GIS PTO, Susie Rando, CJH PTO with a donation of three hand held portable radios, and Kathy Mallard presented Mr. Watson with a check for $13,776 from the CJH PTO for the Spring Modified Sports.

Mr. Watson thanked Andrea McClorey, Susie Rando, and Kathy Mallard for their hard work.

Martha Bogart reported that the SLN Conference is a lobbying day. She will be willing to attend if the Board is in agreement.

Mr. Watson reported on his attendance at the MHSSC sponsored Legislative Brunch. Local legislators were present to discuss their views on state issues.
Mr. Reese also mentioned that Karen Brock, SAS PTO President was unable to attend but acknowledged the donation from SAS PTO for books, additional fencing and a security camera for the main office at Scotchtown.

Mr. Reese also personally thanked Andrea McClorey, Susie Rando and Kathy Mallard for their hard work for the students, faculty and staff. Mr. Reese conveyed Central Office appreciation as well as the Board of Education.

Mr. Reese reported that Capital Region BOCES will be meeting to review redoing the District website.  

Mr. Reese reported on the Annual Visual Inspection Report. Each building passed the annual inspection.

Mr. Reese reported that Scotchtown Avenue has greeters in the building.

Mr. Reese publicly announced the coverage from Christina Intranuovo in the local papers and thanked the Board for approving the communication specialist position.

Mr. Reese reported that Chris Tucci will be attending the next Board meeting to take photos of the Board for the yearbook.

Mr. Abbondanza updated the Board on the meetings held by the Citizens’ Advisory Budget Committee.  

Mr. Abbondanza also reported he would like the Board to consider adopting a resolution for Bond Refinancing and to enter into a business agreement with JP Morgan/Chase as an additional depository for the District.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the Board on the Math Summit with participation from administrators and faculty from K-12. The high school math program will be changing based on the new standards. Mrs. Unhjem also briefly reported on the K-8 math changes that will be implemented in the future.  

Mrs. Unhjem passed out a sample of what the TONYSS tests look like. The TONYSS resemble the current State Assessments of Grade 8 and 4 ELA and Math.

Personnel: On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Martha Bogart upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Terry McBride effective January 28, 2005. Mr. McBride has been with the district for the past 24 years. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Martha Bogart thanked Mr. McBride for this dedication and long service to the District.

Mr. Brockmann mentioned he has worked with Mr. McBride for the past 3½ years and thanked him for a wonderful job. Mr. McBride is instrumental in the training of bus drivers. Mr. Brockmann reported that Mr. McBride will be staying on as a substitute for the District. Mr. Brockmann mentioned that Mr. McBride is a patient, professional, dedicated A+ worker and wished him good luck.

Mr. Watson mentioned he has known Mr. McBride for many years. Mr. McBride is exceptional, involved in Science Olympiad and a terrific community member. Mr. Watson thanked Mr. McBride.

Mr. Reese also mentioned he has known Mr. McBride for 20 years. He has volunteered in many activities and has been a terrific role model for the students of the District. Mr. Reese wished Mr. McBride best of luck and thanked him for his dedicated service to the District.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept the retirement and approve the appointment of Terry McBride bus driver effective January 28, 2005. Mr. McBride has been with the District for the past 24 years. Mr. McBride is also being appointed as a substitute bus driver effective January 28, 2005 at a salary of $15.07/hour as needed.
Accept the resignation of John Andersen as temporary 1:1 teacher aide effective January 28, 2005.

Accept the resignation of Diane Petit as tax collector effective February 8, 2005.

Approve the change in title of Diane Petit from tax collector to probationary Technical Support Assistant effective February 8, 2005.

Approve the extended medical leave of Barbara England bus driver is requesting an extension to her medical leave effective February 1, 2005 through March 31, 2005.

Approve the child care leave of Jennifer Capozzi grade 3 teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective May 2, 2005 to September 1, 2005.

Approve the child care leave of Christina Pahucki middle school art teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective May 27, 2005 to September 1, 2005.

Approve the extension of assignment of Annette Michelitch temporary sr. library clerk is requesting an extension to her position from January 31, 2005 through June 30, 2005.

Approve the appointment of Katherine Bobb as substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective January 19, 2005. Ms. Bobb is also being appointed as a temporary leave replacement teacher at a salary of $43,155 (prorated) (M-1) effective on or about March 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005. Ms. Bobb has pending initial elementary 1-6/special education certification. Mrs. Bobb is filling the child care leave of Leigh Ann Tully.

Approve the appointment of Frank Capson as bus driver at a salary of $15.07/hr. for 5 hours per day effective January 31, 2005. Mr. Capson is currently a substitute driver for the District and is filling the position vacated by Terry McBride.

Approve the appointment of Amanda Judge temporary high school social studies teacher at a salary of $39,010 (prorated) (B-1) effective January 31, 2005 through June 30, 2005. Ms. Judge has provisional secondary social studies certification. Ms. Judge is replacing Michael Isseks.

Approve the appointment of Leslie Kennedy as substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Kennedy is also being appointed as temporary leave replacement middle school health teacher effective on or about April 18, 2005 through January 3, 2006 at a salary of $43,155 (prorated) (M-1). Ms. Kennedy has provisional health certification. Ms. Kennedy is filling the child care leave of Michelle Killenberger.

Approve the appointment of Richard Blaha as substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective February 8, 2005. Mr. Blaha has provisional NYS Public School Teacher N-6 certification.

Approve the appointment of Linda Vinti as tutor at a salary of $26.17/hr. effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Vinti is currently a substitute with the District.

Approve the appointment of Celeste Cummings as substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Cummings is not certified and currently is a substitute teacher aide for the District.

Approve the appointment of Sharon Pehush as substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Pehush as pending elementary K-6/special education certification.

Approve the appointment of Caterina Catanese as substitute food service helper at a salary of $6.50/hr. as needed, effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Caterina is currently a bus monitor for the District.

Approve the permanent status of Thomas Martinez bus monitor from probationary status to permanent status effective February 3, 2005.

Approve the creation of new position of a temporary special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.61/hr. for 5.5 hours per day effective February 8, 2005 through June 30, 2005. This temporary position is being created due to a new transfer student with disabilities.
Approve the appointment of the 2004/05 Spring Modified Sports Coaches
Approve the appointment of Kelly Shalian as .2 AIS teacher at the high school effective January 31, 2005 through June 30, 2005. Ms. Shalian is currently a .3 French teacher filling the newly created .2 position. Ms. Shalian will be a .5 teacher for the high school.  
Approve the appointment of Amanda Capelli as substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective February 8, 2005. Ms. Capelli is not certified.

Accept the resignation of Louis Frenette as maintenance/grounds worker effective February 8, 2005 pending acceptance of appointment of senior/head grounds man.

Approve the appointment of Louis Frenette as probationary Senior/Head Groundsman at a salary of $39,219 (Step G) effective February 8, 2005. Mr. Frenette is replacing Richard Shamro.

Approve the appointment of Vita Dowdell as temporary special education teacher aide at $9.61/hr. for 5.5 hours per day effective February 8, 2005 through June 30, 2005. Ms. Dowdell is filling the newly created temporary position.

Approve the disposal of obsolete equipment (see official minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education
10/26/04;110493/GHS/OHI

11/18/04;111086/SAS/SLI

11/23/04;113926/BOCES/SAS/A
Committee on Special Education
12/01/04;111738/BOCES/LD

12/15/04;108323/GHS/A

12/17/04;108977/CJH/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education
12/23/04;108157/BOCES/LD

01/10/05;113909/BOCES/SAS/MD
Committee on Special Education
01/12/05;110739/Initial Referral/Ineligible

01/12/05;113392/Initial Referral/Ineligible

01/13/05;112050/CJH/Initial Referral
Subcommittee on Special Education
01/18/05;113652/GHS/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed.
01/25/05;113450/Student w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education
01/25/05;110669/GIS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed.
01/25/05;114046/Initial Referral/Ineligible

01/28/05;113653/Preschool Learning/Classified

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka, 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:
             
Amanda Judge
Leslie Kennedy
Sharon Pehush
                           
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 Marty Knapp and seconded by Judy Green, WHEREAS, the Goshen Central School District finds that the use of a credit card in certain transactions is necessary and proper to insure the most efficient execution of appropriate governmental purposes; and

WHEREAS, the Goshen Central School District wishes to enter into a VISA Business Card Credit Agreement (the “Agreement”) with BANK OF AMERICA to provide such credit card privileges for the Goshen Central School District.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Roy Reese, Interim Superintendent of Schools, of the Goshen Central School District, or his successor, (the “prime holder”) is authorized to execute an agreement with BANK OF AMERICA for the purpose of obtaining credit card privileges with a total credit limit of $1,000 per card. Such limit in combination with the Goshen Central School District’s other net indebtedness does not cause the Goshen Central School District to exceed the debt limit applicable to such Goshen Central School District and the Goshen Central School District resolves to take all necessary actions to ensure that such total credit card debt limit will not, in the future, cause the Goshen Central School District to exceed its debt limit; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the prime holder is authorized to receive all statements regarding this account. The following named persons shall have their names deleted from the Bank of America VISA credit card.

NAME INDIVIDUAL CREDIT LIMIT

(1) Roy Reese Deleting - $1,000
(2) Jane Unhjem Deleting- $1,000

The District will maintain one credit card with a $1,000 limit with Joseph Abbondanza as the authorized user.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Roy Reese. or his successor, shall be authorized to amend the list of persons authorized to receive credit cards as necessary from time to time; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the form of the Bank of America VISA statement complies with all of Goshen Central School District’s claim requirements established by this Goshen Central School District pursuant to applicable law and that the officer who incurred the expense set forth in a statement submitted for payment shall approve such claim and verify that the services to which such expenses relate were obtained by such officer; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Goshen Central School District will pay out of previously allocated funds, or funds received in the current fiscal year, for any outstanding credit card debt incurred under the Agreement. The Goshen Central School District may not use the credit card under the Agreement for long term debt not fully payable out of current revenues or previously allocated funds, the Goshen Central School District will pay the outstanding balance each month; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Goshen Central School District hereby agrees to pay BANK OF AMERICA for all purchases and cash advances made on the account, together with finance charges and other charges assessed in connection therewith, notwithstanding that Goshen Central School District may not be obligated by law to pay such amount, and notwithstanding that the proceeds of any such advance may have been used to pay an expense for which proper appropriations, authorizations, approvals or bids had not been obtained, or which otherwise fails to satisfy legal requirements therefore. After repaying BANK OF AMERICA, the Goshen Central School District may pursue any legal remedy available to recover any funds expended for such unauthorized use or nonpublic purpose from any third party or unauthorized user. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Judy Green upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of education approves the 2005/2006 Student Calendar as presented. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Marty Knapp upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the donation of $2,500 of materials and books for Parent Resource Center, $4,500 for completion of playground fence and $3,000 for internal security camera for the Scotchtown Avenue School Main Office for a grand total of $10,000. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Marty Knapp upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $13,776 from the CJH Middle School PTO for Spring Modified Sports.
AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Marty Knapp the Board of Education agrees to increase the budget, based on a donation from the CJ Hooker Middle School PTO for Spring Modified Sports, in the amount of $13,776. AYES 5 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts a donation for three hand held portable radios from the PTO for use by the physical education department, the school nurse ad attendance office at the CJ Hooker Middle School valued at $795.64. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Judy Green upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts a donation of a refrigerator from the PTO for use by the Intermediate School faculty in the teachers’ lounge valued at $287.10. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried. The first reading of amended policy #5621 was read by Mr. Watson. Mr. Abbondanza explained the policy was being amended to better clarify equipment and fixed assets and reflecting new GASB regulations.

Mr. Abbondanza lead a discussion on the upcoming BOCES leases housed in District buildings. Three leases are due to expire June of 2005. Mr. Abbondanza reported the District is currently establishing groundwork for the initial negotiations. Interested Board members were asked to help in the negotiations. Mr. Esposito and Mr. Watson had previously volunteered to be on the committee.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Interim Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education schedules an Executive Session for Monday, February 14, 2005 at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of discussion of work history of a particular employee. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Zegel presented the proposed budget for Buildings and Grounds. Mr. Zegel highlighted 20 areas within the department that involves increases. Some of these areas include sewer rates, telephone service, garbage rates, BOCES Risk Management, custodial cleaning, fuel costs, maintenance of the buildings, elevator services, maintenance of current equipment. Buildings and Grounds would like to take two .2 custodial positions and make one .4 position and consider purchasing a used pick-up.  

The Board thanked Mr. Zegel for his presentation.

Mr. Brockmann presented the proposed Transportation Department budget to the Board. Mr. Brockmann gave a breakdown of the current fleet of buses. There are eight full size buses that are 10 years or older, with three buses this year absolutely needing to be replaced. Mr. Brockmann would like to place on the proposition 6 full size buses $556,696; (two for growth), 4 small buses - $194,128; (one additional for growth) and replace the service truck - $26,400 for a total of $777,224.  

Mr. Brockmann mentioned that buses are funded through a five-year BAN and are subject to state aid reimbursement.  

Mr. Brockmann showed increases in fuel, software, computer equipment (1), solar light for employee parking lot and purchase of AED.

Mr. Brockmann updated the Board on the current enrollment for the Group Home. Fourteen students are transported to four different schools. Transportation has been contracted out to save money. This is reimbursed 100% by the State.  

The Board thanked Mr. Zegel and Mr. Brockmann for their presentations.

Mr. Watson opened Privilege of the Floor.

A community member voiced concerns she had regarding information she had heard from an Executive Session. It was her understanding, after the Executive Session meeting, that the Board was placing the appointment of the Superintendent on this evening’s agenda. Her concern was that the Board had initially publicly announced there would be a search. She felt the Board should be upfront with the community and if a search is not being conducted, keep the community informed of the decision.  
Mr. Watson mentioned the Board would be reporting on this topic at the next Board meeting.

A community member questioned the math mid-term scores.

Marty Knapp publicly thanked Susie Rando and the Middle School PTO for the fund- raiser basketball game. Mr. Knapp also thanked Mr. Bragg, Mr. Maslin and the middle school staff who helped with this fund-raiser.  

The meeting was adjourned at 9:25 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Judy Green to go into Executive Session with no intent to return for the purpose of work history of particular employees. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk