April 7, 2008 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 will be held in the Conference Room at the Main Street School at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, April 7, 2008, for the purpose of medical, financial, credit, or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal, or removal of a particular person(s) or corporation.

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 Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller

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, April 7, 2008 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Steve Esposito
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Ms. Colleen Kane, Ms. Melissa Lawson
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
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 7:35 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of March 3, 2008, March 17, 2008, and March 31, 2008. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for January 2008 was acknowledged. The Audit Committee did not have a report under Financial Update. At a future meeting review of items covered in audit letter was requested.

The Board received the following correspondence: Invitation to Scotchtown Avenue School Author/Illustrator Breakfast; correspondence from Martha Bogart thanking the Board for nominating her for the O/U BOCES Board; correspondence from Mary Luciana asking to place her name in nomination for election to O/U BOCES Board; correspondence from Washingtonville Central School District thanking Bob Quinn for his help in crisis debriefing; correspondence from Susan Murray-Tetz and Roberta Greene thanking the District for support in County Wide Plan for Violence and Critical Incident; In-Service Decoding and the Reading Process; Winter Sports Season Summary; correspondence from Goshen Science Olympiad Organization; results from Goshen Science Olympiad Junior Division Competition; Orange County Quiz Bowl May 5, 2008; thank you from the Jung family; correspondence from O/U BOCES on upcoming Annual Meeting notice; correspondence form Michelle and Armando Figueiredo; Mid-Hudson School Study Council Annual Dinner Meeting; NYSSBA Up to the Challenge Joint BOCES Workshop; GIS Husky Tales; Youth Ending Hunger;
correspondence from Model UN Team; correspondence from John Matta; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green briefly mentioned the O/U BOCES budget presentation dinner, where most of the board was present. A very nice evening and Mrs. Green appreciated the opportunity to sit with fellow board members.

Mr. Reese reported he had the opportunity to attend Scotchtown Avenue School’s 50th Anniversary Celebration prior to the board meeting. Mrs. Murphy and Ms. Lawson and staff did excellent job. The Jazz Band performed for invited audience.

Mr. Miller did not have a report.

Mrs. Unhjem reported April is National Library Month and the schools will be hosting author visits.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on the Goshen High School Musical held over the weekend.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that Junior Science Olympiad B Team placed 5th and A Team placed 6th during their competition.

Mrs. Unhjem reported the Mock Trial team placed 2nd after a very close competition with Port Jervis.

All teams were congratulated on their results.

Personnel

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 Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept resignation of Wanda Caldwell teacher aide effective March 17, 2008.

Accept resignation of Catherine Navilio teacher aide effective March 27, 2008.

Accept resignation of Sterling Ponder student supervisor/teacher aide effective March 31, 2008.

Approve amended retirement date of Sandra Giunta computer/teacher on special assignment is amending her retirement date effective July 8, 2008.

Approve extended child care leave of Alyssa Boice elementary teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Approve child care leave of Kerry Larney elementary teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Approve child care leave of Melissa Vaughan elementary teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Approve child care leave of Dana Richner AIS/Math Specialist teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 2, 2008 through January 9, 2009.

Approve child care leave of Katherine Loftus special education elementary teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009.

Approve extended medical leave of Wayne Pelton head custodian is requesting an extension to his medical leave of absent under the Family Medical Leave Act effective March 28, 2008 through April 18, 2008.

Approve extended medical leave of Diane Pena food service helper is requesting an extension to her medical leave of absence effective March 28, 2008 through June 28, 2008.

Approve appointment of Kathryn Loughran probationary library/media specialist at a salary of $52,600 (MA-30-1) effective September 1, 2008 with a tenure date of September 1, 2011. Ms. Loughran has pending initial library media specialist certification. Ms. Loughran is replacing Karen Glenn.

Approve appointment of Valerie Oakley leave replacement elementary teacher at a salary of $51,305 (MA-2) effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Ms. Oakley has been a leave replacement teacher for the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Oakley is filling the leave of Kerry Larney.

Approve appointment of Stephanie Shada leave replacement elementary teacher at a salary of $46,352 (BA-2) effective July 1, 2008 through June 30, 2009. Ms. Shada has been a leave replacement teacher for the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Shada is filling the leave of Alyssa Boice.

Approve appointment of James Jack substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective March 27, 2008. Mr. Jack has pending initial social studies 7-12 certification.

Approve appointment of Marisa Lopez substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Patricia Murphy substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Patricia O’Malley substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Rebecca Jane Pantoni substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Leslie Roney substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Lucille Howe substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr. and substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Debra Smith substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective April 8, 2008.

Approve appointment of Stephanie Heinz a special education teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5 hours per week effective March 28, 2008. Ms. Heinz is filling the position of Cathie Navilio. Ms. Heinz is also being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective March 28, 2008.

Approve appointment of Carolyn Freeman a teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 4.25 hours per day effective April 8, 2008. Ms. Freeman is replacing Wanda Caldwell. Ms. Freeman is also being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective April 8, 2008.

Approve temporary increase in hours of Robert Hough student supervisor/teacher aide temporary increase in hours from 5.5 hours per day to 6.5 hours per day effective March 31, 2008 through June 26, 2008. This increase will help provide coverage lost due to Sterling Ponder’s resignation during High School dismissal.

Approve Obsolete Equipment (see minutes)

Approve Demolition and Disposal of CJ Hooker Middle School Bleachers (see minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 01/30/08;112608/GIS/LD
02/06/08;112548/BOCES/A
02/08/08;111361/CJH/ED
02/20/08;115050/GIS/LD
02/29/08;108185/GHS/LD
03/03/08;114202/SAS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 03/04/08;111087/GIS/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/07/08;113766/GIS/SLI
03/07/08;115672/BOCES/MR
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/17/08;114667/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/20/08;115737/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/24/08;115746/Preschool w/disability
03/24/08;115747/Preschool w/disability
03/28/08;115231/Preschool Itinerant Services Only
03/28/08;115529/Preschool/Learning Experience
03/12/08;115545/Preschool/Learning
03/12/08;115382/Preschool/Learning Experience
03/12/08;115381/Preschool/Learning Experience
03/25/08;115911/Preschool w/disability
03/26/08;115737/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/28/08;115910/Preschool w/disability
04/01/08;113753;Preschool/Learning Experience
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/06/08;113924/BOCES/OHI
Committee on Special Education 03/06/08;113145/GHS/OHI

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, 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 administrative, instructional and non-instructional employees on an emergency basis:

Kathryn Loughran Marisa Lopez Patricia Murphy
Patricia O’Malley Leslie Roney Lucille Howe

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that such emergency conditional appointments shall become conditional appointments upon receipt of State clearance from SED.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The third presentation on updated Board Goals was presented.
Goal #1
To work collaboratively with the community to develop a budget process that focuses resources on student achievement
Goal #1 update:
• Citizen’s Budget Advisory Committee has met every Wednesday since February 8th
• Sharing budget development information through weekly Indy column, THR articles, district newsletter, and website
• Currently preparing special budget newsletter to be mailed in May
• “Budget Tour” is being scheduled
Goal #2
To support efforts to maintain a safe, positive and effective learning environment
• Targeted conferences and workshops
• Conference day speakers
• Safety Audits
Goal #2 update:
• Tom Connelly’s final training re-scheduled for October 10, 2008
• New video cameras installed and operating
• New York State School Safety Program: Roy Reese, Bob Litz, Kent Maslin and Jim Riley, March 31st
• Critical Incident Training: Jane Unhjem and Colleen Kane, April 15th
• Full report and presentation by Tom Connelly at May 6th Board of Education meeting
Goal #3
To support individual student learning through differentiated instruction
Provide equal focus at every ability level to insure students are appropriately challenged. (AIS, special education, Honors, Advanced Placement, College in the Classroom, and independent study).
Goal #3 update:
• Response to Intervention (RtI): K-12 sharing session March 27, with follow-up
• Olympics of the Visual Arts: SAS and CJH competed for first time
• Review of foreign language requirements and scheduling at CJH and GHS
• Teacher portfolios: differentiated instruction
• Under consideration at GHS:
• AP Environmental Science course
• SUNY Orange calculus course in daytime program
• Criteria for “honors” courses
Emergency Conditional Appointments
Board Goal Update
Goal #4
• To monitor community growth and plan responsibly for future district needs
• Work closely with municipal officials/planners and Demographer
• Conduct energy audits and implement efficient energy use
• Include “Green” practices in new construction and renovations
• Use alternative energy sources
Goal #4 update:
• Growth Task Force met on January 31 to debrief:
• 17 members (construction management, architects)
• Results of referendum
• “Going Forward”
o Meetings with officials of the Town, Village, and Hamptonburgh
• $2.4 bond for repairs and to maintain infrastructure
• Referendum for three new school buses
Goal #5
• To maintain and monitor operations of the school district in keeping with required mandates and local expectations
• Special Education regulations and reporting
• Office of the Comptroller compliance requirements
• Implement appropriate internal control protocols with best practice standards
• NYSED & NCLB curriculum mandates
Goal #5 update:
• Update to the initial risk assessment
• Testing of internal controls at Transportation Dept.
• BOCES has issued RFP for actuary
• Safe has been relocated to Business Office
• Contractual employees: sign-off for NYSLRS
• Finance Manager:
o Server installed
o MHRIC assisted in process
o Training for payroll clerk
o Creating database for conversion from InfoMatic to Finance Manager
Goal #6
To continue to support and develop the athletic program based on identified areas of need: program, facilities, staffing.
Goal #6 update:
• $2.4 bond includes replacement of bleachers and repair of running track
• Continued development of wrestling program, both modified and JV/Varsity

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Reese acknowledged a gift (replica of the Taj Mahal) given to the District by a Rotary Exchange student, staying with Jane Unhjem.
The Board was very appreciative of the gift and thanked her publicly.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish, the Board of Education accepts the proposal for property and casualty insurance from NYSIR for the 2008/09 school year per proposal dated March 11, 2008. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Riley joined the board members at the table to discuss the emergency repair of the wall on the second story of the CJH Middle School over the cafeteria section. The wall is protruding. Currently working with architects and taken necessary precautions to secure the area. Bob Miller has contacted SED to obtain information on emergency project. Currently waiting to see how would be eligible for State Aid. The board will officially act on this at the April 17 meeting.

The board thanked Jim Riley.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimiecik WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District is contemplating a capital project involving repairs, renovations, and reconstruction work at the High School, Middle School, Intermediate School, Transportation Garage and Main Street Building, including High School burner replacement, elevator lift system control replacement, and track repair and repainting; Intermediate School elevator control replacement; Middle School bleacher demolition/abatement/replacement and historic window abatement and restoration; Transportation Garage roof and abatement; Main Street Building roof and abatement; and High School and Intermediate School parking lot repaving and re-marking (the “Proposed Action”); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education wishes to comply with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the proposed Scope of Work and views the collective Scope of Work as one Proposed Action; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has consulted with its Architects, KG&D with respect to the potential for environmental impacts resulting from the Proposed Action; and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the Proposed Action with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in the SEQRA Regulations at 6 NYCRR Part 617.5 and has determined that the Proposed Action is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District hereby determines that the proposed repairs, renovations and reconstruction of the District’s buildings as one collective Proposed Action is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations and will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment, and that no further review of the Proposed Action is required.

The contact person for the Goshen Central School District is: Mr. Roy Reese, Superintendent of Schools. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the overnight field and track trip to Penn Relays in Philadelphia, PA from April 23-26, 2008.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Robert Miller, Jane Unhjem, and Roy Reese presented the first draft of the complete proposed 2008/09 budget. The District has six teachers retiring in June. The District is requesting a full time District of Location special education teacher. An overview of the Appropriations Budget by expense category was highlighted comparing the last four years. A breakdown of the budget history was presented along with a historical tax levy breakdown. The proposed 2008/09 budget amount of $59,455,743, with an austerity/contingency amount of $57,934,630 was presented along with the bus proposition and capital improvement propositions.

Board members discussed how to lower the budget amount further and reviewed the line-by-line budget and possible ways to decrease the amount presented.

Student Representative, Peter Orlando, excused himself at 10:00 p.m.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of Floor.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

The meeting was adjourned at 10:10 p.m. on a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk