April 10, 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, April 10, 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. Ronald 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, April 10, 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. Ronald Musson
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, and Mr. John Piscitella
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Student Senate Representative Katrina Lord and Kevin Lees
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:48 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation remembering the family of Jen Muller.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of March 5, 2007; March 19, 2007, and March 26, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for January 2007 was acknowledged under Financial Update.

Michael Stroka reported the Audit Committee met on March 29, 2007 to review proposals received for the external audit position. One of the firms was interviewed. The Audit Committee is recommending the reappointment of Nugent & Haessler as the District’s independent auditors. The appointment will take place at the April 16th meeting.

The Audit Committee is currently reviewing the internal audit report and will report back at a future meeting.

The Board received the following correspondence: Mid-Hudson Study Council Fiscal Responsibilities of School Board Members; Goshen Public Library and Historical Society Budget Newsletter; State Education Department Statement of the Governance Role of a Trustee or Board Member; Scotchtown Avenue School Author Visit; OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting; NYSSBA flyer on The Functioning Audit Committee Conference; NYSSBA 2007 Resolutions Kit, NYSSBA Distinguished School Board Service, Correspondence from Jane Unhjem regarding Requirements at the Middle School Level; Correspondence from Jane Unhjem K-6 class size; Correspondence from Intermediate School parent complimenting Carissa Opel; Goshen Intermediate School Literacy Week Schedule of Events; O/U BOCES Budget correspondence; Goshen High School The Spectrum; correspondence from The State Education Department on supplemental aid; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green announced that New York State School Boards Association will once again hold their annual meeting in New York City. Mrs. Green also announced the Functioning Audit Committee workshop offered by NYSSBA and upcoming Fiscal Responsibility Workshop offered in June by the Mid-Hudson School Study Council. The Fiscal Responsibility Workshop is the State mandated training. She reminded board members who have not taken this workshop to consider signing up.

Mrs. Green reported on the Roundtable meeting she had attended with other county board presidents. The main topic was on the successes and failures of Board of Educations. Orange County School Board Association is currently thinking of offering a retreat for board members on the Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members. This will be offered in September at O/U BOCES.

Mr. Reese reported on the success of the Spring Musical and welcomed back Katrina Lord to the board table.

Mr. Reese updated the members of the audience on the recent joint Growth Task Force and Board of Education workshop held on March 26th. The Growth Task Force meets again on April 17th, and further information will be forthcoming.

Two members of the community had addressed the board regarding the condition of the athletic fields. One of the community members has organized a meeting to be held in the Board Room with elected State, County, Town and Village officials to assist the district.

Mrs. Bogart reported she had done some research and contacted a former board member on a comment made by one of the community members that the Board of Education had turned down a concession stand/shed years ago. The former board member did not recall the board turning this stand/shed down.

Mr. Reese reported that middle school student Josh Shih won the New York State Geography Bee and will be going to Washington, D.C. in May for national competition. Mr. Watson mentioned that Josh is the second CJ Hooker Middle School student to win this State competition.

Mr. Reese reported the High School will be assigned an new SRO beginning after the break.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on the activities held in each of the buildings during the March 21st Staff Development/Superintendent Conference Day.

Mrs. Unhjem presented a new math book that the middle school staff is considering to help align the middle school students with the changing math standards from the State. The State will once again implement Algebra, Geometry and Trigonometry to the high school math requirements.

Mr. Reese mentioned that Jim Riley’s son won the grand prize for a high school student in the Alcohol and Substance Abuse poster contest. Over 2,000 entries had been received.

Personnel

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Approve medical leave of absence of Frank Capson bus driver is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective March 16, 2007 through June 11, 2007.

Approve medical leave of absence of Joseph Palancia student services is requesting a medical leave effective February 28, 2007 through March 30, 2007, (working 1 to 2 hours per day effective March 26, 2007 through March 30, 2007).

Approve extension to medical leave of absence of Thomas Martinez bus monitor is requesting an extension to his medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective March 1, 2007 through March 28, 2007.

Approve extension to medical leave of absence of Thomas Martinez bus monitor is requesting an extension to his medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective March 29, 2007 through April 24, 2007.

Approve medical leave of Matthew Petrillose Family/Consumer Science teacher is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective February 12, 2007 ending on or about June 25, 2007.

Approve medical leave of Marc Pizzo art teacher is requesting a medical leave of absence without pay effective March 2, 2007 through approximately May 11, 2007.

Approve leave of absence of Lenny Mumbauer part-time music teacher is requesting a leave of absence effective March 2007 through June 22, 2007.

Approve amended dates for child care leave of Elena Jordan ELA teacher amending dates for child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act beginning March 20, 2007 to on or about June 22, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Nancy Sozio AIS teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective June 8, 2007 through October 29, 2007.

Approve extended child care leave of Jessica Parker elementary teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008.

Approve appointment of Kelly Ryan as long-term ELA substitute teacher at a salary of $208.95/diem (B-1)effective March 23, 2007 through June 22, 2007. Ms. Ryan has pending initial 1-6/pending initial 5-9 English certification. Ms. Ryan is filling the child care leave of Elena Jordon.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Scheels as long-term special education substitute teacher at a salary of $208.95/diem (B-1) effective April 10, 2007 through approximately June 22, 2007. Ms. Scheels has initial 1-6/initial 1-6 special education certification. Ms. Scheels is filling the child care leave of Nicole Hernandez.

Approve appointment of Pamela Murphy as long-term substitute music teacher at a salary of $231.15/diem, effective April 11, 2007 through June 22, 2007. Ms. Murphy has permanent music certification. Ms. Murphy is replacing Lenny Mumbauer.

Approve appointment of Teri Dowling substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective April 11, 2007. Ms. Dowling has initial 1-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Wasequa Farook substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective April 11, 2007. Ms. Farook is not certified.

Approve appointment of Joseph Rieder substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective April 11, 2007. Mr. Rieder is not certified.

Approve appointment of Peter Rockermann substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective April 11, 2007. Mr. Rockermann is not certified.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Salmon substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective April 11, 2007. Ms. Salmon has permanent special education certification/provisional art certification.

Approve transfer of Anita Spero teacher aide at a salary of $10.27/hr. for 5.5 hours per day, is being transferred from Scotchtown Avenue School to the Intermediate School effective March 20, 2007.

Approve appointment of Helene Lennon Evening High School tutor at a salary of $29.02/hr. for 3 hours per evening, as needed, effective April 11, 2007. Mrs. Lennon is a teacher at the Intermediate School.

Approve appointment of Colleen McGovern Evening High School tutor at a salary of $29.02/hr. for 3 hours per evening, as needed, effective April 11, 2007. Mrs. McGovern is a teacher at the Intermediate School.

Approve appointment of Martin Knapp Evening High School substitute security officer at a salary of $50/diem for 3 hours per evening, as needed, effective April 11, 2007.

Approve disposal of obsolete equipment (see minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/29/07;106402/GHS/OHI
02/08/07;111634/GHS/LD
02/09/07;110896/CJH/OHI
02/09/07;111375/CJH/LD
02/09/07;112746/GHS/LD

02/13/07;109110/GHS/LD
02/13/07;113168/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 02/23/07;115279/BOCES/ED
03/05/07;114603/GIS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/06/07;106938/BOCES/OHI
03/08/07;108807/BOCES/SLI
03/12/07;112323/SAS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 03/12/07;115278/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/14/07;113983/GHS/LD
Committee on Special Education 03/14/07;115360/BOCES/A
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/15/07;114680/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/15/07;115235/GHS/OHI
03/21/07;114709/BOCES/MD
03/23/07;111139/GIS/LD
02/09/07;109222/GHS/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 02/21/07’113816/Inpsire/Preschool w/disability
03/15/07;114966/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/15/07;114992/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/15/07;115081/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/27/07;113753/Preschool w/disability
Learning Experience-Middletown
03/27/07;114255/Preschool w/disability
Learning Experience-Middletown
03/27/07;114720/Preschool w/disability
Learning Experience-Middletown
03/27/07;114204/Preschool w/disability
Learning Experience-Middletown
02/21/07;114551/Inspire preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/07/07;112566/BOCES/ED
03/07/07;115111/BOCES/ED
03/14/07;114772/BOCES/A
03/14/07;113866/BOCES/A
03/14/07;114797/BOCES/A
03/14/07;114577/BOCES/MD
03/15/07;113502/CJH/OHI
03/15/07;112430/CJH/LD
03/15/07;110681/GHS/OHI
03/15/07;113129/CJH/OHI
03/15/07;110253/CJH/LD
03/15/07;111349/CJH/A
03/15/07;115137/GHS/ED
03/15/07;112529/CJH/SLI
03/19/07;113909/BOCES/MD
03/22/07;114692/BOCES/ED
03/28/07;115199/BOCES/A
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 02/21/07;114420/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
02/21/07;114065/Inspire/Preschool w/disability

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Steve Esposito, 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:

Pamela Murphy Joseph Rieder Peter Rockermann
Jennifer Salmon

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.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Al Watson upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the adoption of the new PPRA - Student Privacy, Parental Access to Information, and Administration of Certain Physical Examinations to Minors Policy. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese reported that the Scotchtown Avenue School library had received a series of books to be used the social worker and psychologist from Orange County Cookers. The Board acknowledged this donation and thanked Kathy Kurek.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints the following returning summer student employees to summer positions/substitute custodial positions for 2007/08: Kristen Bell, Bryan Champlain, Sean Collins, Christopher Dorian, Peter Ferraro, Devin Frey, Maxwell Jordan, Karl McBride, Daniel Osburn, Thomas Ribitzki, Samantha Scolza, Maureen Smith, Ryan Unger, and Brian Weir, at a salary of $8.50/hr.

BE IT RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints the following as new summer student employees/substitute custodial workers for 2007/08, at $8.50/hr. Miles Corrigan, Iman Ahmad, Ryan Begany, DeJa Edwards, Daniel Ribitzki, Kenneth Kelly, Jeremy Falstein, Harris Ahmad, Eric VanDeWeert, Shelby Champlain, and Jason Pedersen. AYES 6 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent to Schools, the Board of Education approves the 12-Month Employees Holiday Calendar for 2007/2008 school year as presented.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese reported on correspondence received from Bayport-Blue Point Union Free School District asking Board of Educations in New York State to support a resolution regarding Repeal of Automatic Increments to be placed on the floor during the Fall 2007 NYSSBA Annual Conference. After reading the proposal and discussion, the Board unanimously decided not to support their request. Board members feel there is a good relationship between the Board and District negotiating units.

Mr. Reese reported that a local Orange County agency has approached the District to consider changing insurance carriers. The district is currently insured through a co-operative organization NYSIR. Mr. Musson recommended that the District hold off on considering changing carriers during their transition period. The State requires an official RFP be prepared and sent out. Mr. Musson recommended that a consultant be hired to prepare and analyze an RFP. Mr. Musson recommended that the district pursue this after a new business official has started so a proper and accurate RFP process can be held. The board took Mr. Musson’s recommendations into consideration and will wait until the fall. Mr. Musson will notify the local carrier of the board’s decision.

Mr. Reese presented a summary an overview of the proposed budget. Current retirements to date total four.

A line-by-line budget was distributed to the Board. Adjustments to personnel requests were included. Staff proposal for Central Office, Buildings and Grounds, Technology and Transportation include a principal account clerk, .5 custodian, .6 tech support assistance and one bus driver; staff proposals for PPS include special education teacher at GIS and ESL teaching assistant at SAS; staff proposals for Scotchtown Avenue School include: one assistant principal, two classroom teachers, .3 art teacher, .3 librarian, two teacher aides (four hours for security), and increase in hours for two current teacher aides for recess; staff proposals for the Intermediate School include increase of current music teacher position by .2; staff proposals for High School include a .5 secretary for assistant principal, computer lab teaching assistance and one teacher aide for nurse’s office and one part-time student supervisor.

A breakdown of proposed revenues was presented, along with state aid overview, a budget history comparison and tax levy comparison. Current proposal calls for a 6.9% increase over the 2006/07 school year with a 4.3% tax levy increase.

Mr. Musson mentioned that additional money was added to the budget for the new criteria for handling tax sheltered annuity accounts. Mr. Musson recommended the Board look into hire a company to handle this account.

Mr. Musson also reported that money was added to the budget for an increase in the assistant superintendent for business salary and recommended that the Board consider a new financial software package to update the old system currently being used.

Mrs. Green thanked Mrs. Unhjem, Mr. Musson and Mr. Reese for the budget presentation.

Note was made that the Public Hearing will be held on May 1st. A meeting is scheduled for April 16, 2007 for the Board to adopt the proposed budget, with one last presentation.

Mr. Esposito and Mr. Stroka were not comfortable with the part-time student supervisor at the high school. Mr. Esposito asked for a line item budget to be provided to the members. Mr. Stroka asked for additional justification for the student supervisor position.

Mr. Esposito asked for a county breakdown of administrative salaries to compare current salaries, for use in upcoming negotiations and hiring of a new Assistant Superintendent for Business.

Mrs. Bogart stated she was comfortable with the part-time student supervisor position at the high school. Mr. Kish agreed with Mr. Stroka on obtaining additional justification, especially with security cameras being considered. A question was asked if money could be used for another position, i.e. additional help for proposed new assistant principal position at SAS.

Mrs. Green stated she is proactive in providing security in the high school. A safe
atmosphere promotes learning.

Mr. Esposito stated he would like to attend the meeting a community member has organized with local politicians regarding athletic fields.

Mr. Stroka complimented the library on their recent newsletter for their upcoming budget vote.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk