May 14, 2007 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

An Executive Session of 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, on Monday, May 14, 2007 at 7:00 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, Mr. John Piscitella, and Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Pupil Personnel Services Ms. Barbara Butler
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 7:35 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation, remembering the families of Evelyn Schneider, Mary Ann Knight, Toni Gazzaniga and Jen Muller.

The Board received the following correspondence: Invitation to GTA retirement dinner, program from the Elementary School All-County music Festival 2007; invitation to Spring Festival of Arts; correspondence from Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP on upcoming Special Education Conference; correspondence from Shaw, Perelson, May & Lambert, LLP regarding changes in Laws Affecting Child-Find Obligations and Delivery of Dual enrollment Services, CJ Hooker Middle School Weekly Parent Roundup; Mid-Hudson School Study Council Messenger, Youth Ending Hunger Club correspondence; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green mentioned the upcoming June 6th Orange County School Boards Association Annual Dinner meeting.

Mrs. Green had the opportunity to attend the Quiz Bowl at the Middle School and the High School concert.

Mrs. Bogart reported on the recent Call to Action and would be willing to contact the appropriate representatives regarding the WICKS law legislation. The Board agreed for Mrs. Bogart to make the contact for the district.

Mr. Reese introduced Mr. Riley and two representatives from the New York State Power Authority. Mr. Reese mentioned that Mr. Roddey had addressed the Board regarding alternative energy sources. Mr. Riley has attended conferences on this subject and has invited Mr. Hamor and Ms. Phillips to present a presentation to the Board.

Mr. Hamor and Ms. Phillips’ presentation was entitled Power to Schools. The New York State Power Authority will conduct a no risk audit of which the district is not financially responsible for. Should the district decide to enter into a formal agreement, financing is provided by NYPA and payment is made through savings on the projects the district partakes in. The second phase is a Design Phase, which entails a more detailed cost savings picture. NYPA handles all bidding for the district and applies to SED for proper permits. This portion is also at no risk.

The Construction Phase includes a project manager from the Power Authority. Training is provided to district employees. Repayment occurs when project is complete with an 18- year payback period. Cost Recovery Agreement is the next step. Other alternatives include clean alternative energy – technology, solar panels and wind tunnels. The New York State Power Authority has done work for Cornwall, Minisink, Monroe Woodbury and Kingston City Schools. The Board thanked Mr. Haber and Ms. Phillips for their presentation.

Mr. Reese updated the Board on the 2007 Budget Tour.

Mr. Reese reported on the Middle School Orchestra and Wind Ensembles competition in the Hershey Park Music in the Park.

Mr. Reese reported that Mike Kelly was recently awarded Student of the Year out of all administrative interns in the administrative program at New Paltz. Mr. Reese congratulated Mr. Kelly on his award.

Mrs. Green acknowledged a Girl Scout troop sitting in the audience working toward their leadership badge.

Mr. Musson reminded everyone to vote tomorrow.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on a recent videoconference by Beth D’Addio’s first grade class and first grade students from Hong Kong.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the Board on the Mandarin Chinese program that will be offered to select sixth grade students in September of 2007. Students will be selected by the end of the month and Mrs. Unhjem will further provide further updates at that time. This program is being provided through BOCES and a three-year grant they have received. Mrs. Knight is working with a group of third and fourth grade teachers interested in training in August to introduce Chinese culture, history and language to elementary students.

Mrs. Unhjem briefly summarized the new format of the School Report Card. Overall results listed all Goshen Schools in good standing. Mrs. Unhjem thanked Harvey Babischkin on providing the data.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that the 2007 ELA scores are being released on May 18th.

Mr. Watson asked if further information could be provided on the drop out rate. Mr. Esposito asked for further information on how the district uses this data information to provide services for students. These requests will be addressed at a June Board meeting.

Personnel

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints Deirdre Hallinan as CSE Chairperson for Pupil Personnel Services at a salary of $78,000 effective July 2, 2007, with a tenure date of July 2, 2010. Mrs. Hallinan has SDA/SAS certification.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. Mr. Kish abstained from appointment “mm”. AYES 5 NAYS 0 Abstention 1

Approve amended resignation date of April McDonald effective May 7, 2007.
Approve appointment of April McDonald substitute teacher aide/clerical at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective May 14, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Karen Jane McDonnell Speech Therapist is requesting child care leave through the Family Medical Leave Act effective September 4, 2007 through October 12, 2007.

Approve appointment of Deirdre Hallinan CSE Chairperson at a salary of $78,000 effective July 2, 2007 with a tenure date of July 2, 2010. Ms. Hallinan has SDA/SAS Certification and Permanent N-6/special education certification. Ms. Hallinan is replacing Sylvia Carlisle.

Approve appointment of Sherri Raco food service helper at a salary of $10.27/hr. for 3 hours per day, effective May 15, 2007. Ms. Raco is replacing Anne Pendelton.

Approve create position of temporary special education 1:1 teacher aide effective 06/25/07-08/10/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 for 5 ours per day. This position is being created for the IEP of Student 113407.

Approve appointment of Melanie Hoffmann substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective May 15, 2007. Ms. Hoffmann has Perm/Prof/SOCE N-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Kayla Collins substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective May 18, 2007. Ms. Collins has pending initial math 7-12 certification.

Approve appointment of Stephen Zoutman substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective May 15, 2007. Mr. Zoutman has pending physical education certification.

Approve appointment of Michael Isseks substitute Evening High School Administrator at a salary of 33.00/hr., for 3.5 hours per evening, as needed, effective May 3, 2007. Mr. Isseks is an employee for the district.

2007 Summer Employees

SAS Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Susan Amato as summer school pre-K teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Amato is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Margaret Goetze as summer school post-K teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Goetze is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Joanne Karchawer as summer school post grade 1 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Karchawer is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Janet Cueto as summer school ELL teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Cueto is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Catherine Manuele as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Manuele is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of AnnMarie Brosnan as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Brosnan is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Gail Falstein as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Falstein is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Vita Dowdell as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Dowdell is an employee for the district.

GIS Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Michele Pacciarelli as summer school post grade 2 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Pacciarelli is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Gina Maraffino as summer school post grade 3 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Maraffino is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Colleen McGovern as summer school post grade 4 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. McGovern is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Amanda Capelli as summer school ELL teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Capelli is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Celeste Cummings as summer school computer teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Cummings is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Pamela Graver as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Graver is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Katherine Russo as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.75/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Russo is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of MaryAnn Rudy as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Rudy is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Harriet Lefkowtiz as summer school teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Lefkowitz is an employee for the District.

C.J. Hooker Middle School Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Josh Dornfest as summer school post grades 5-7 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mr. Dornfest is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Kelli Scanlon as summer school post grades 5-7 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Scanlon is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Jodie Maassen as summer school post grades 5-7 teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Maassen is an employee of the district.

All Buildings Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Erin Sherry as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Sherry is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Alison Fitzpatrick as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Fitzpatrick is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Dana Richner as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Richner is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Katherine Adamczyk as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Adamczyk is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Justine Diaz as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Diaz is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Diane Nywening as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Nywening is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Therese Urato as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Urato is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Kelly Clavelle as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Clavelle is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Anthony Monti as summer school psychologist effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mr. Monti is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Kathleen Kish as summer school nurse effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Kish is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Karen Cole as summer school substitute nurse effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $38.23/hr. and $40.52/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Cole is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Kathy Valerio as summer school substitute teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Valerio is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Shirley Petty as summer school substitute teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Petty is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Roberta Krebs as summer school substitute teacher aide effective 06/29/07-07/27/07 at a salary of $10.27/hr. and $10.60/hr. effective July 1, 2007 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Krebs is an employee for the district.

Approve appointment of Sue Hough high school summer aide at a salary of $10.49/hr. effective May 15, 2007 through June 30, 2007, $10.83/hr. effective July 1, 2007 through August 17, 2007. Ms. Hough will work 5 hours per week through July 6, 2007 and then 3 hours per day, Monday – Thursday effective July 9, 2007 through August 17, 2007. Ms. Hough is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Sharlene Bischof high school summer substitute aide at a salary of $10.49/hr. effective May 15, 2007 through June 30, 2007 and $10.83/hr. effective July 1, 2007 through August 17, 2007. Ms. Hough will work 5 hours per week May 15, 2007 through July 6, 2007 and then 3 hours per day, Monday – Thursday, effective July 9, 2007 through August 17, 2007. Ms. Bischof is an employee of the district.

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/15/07;1098489/GHS/MD
03/22/07;115110/Home/ED
03/26/07;109173/GHs/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/27/07;114720/Preschool Learning/Preschool w/disability
Section 504 03/29/07;112024/GIS/LMLA
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 04/10/07;112887/Exited/None
04/10/07;114440/Exited/None
04/10/07;115155/Exited/None
Committee on Special Education 04/13/07;115394/Washingtonville HS/SLI
04/24/07;115390/BOCES/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/15/07;115081/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/26/07;113038/BOCES/MR
03/28/07;108917/BOCES/A
04/12/07;111506/BOCES/OHI
04/12/07;111231/BOCES/ED
04/24/07;112564/CJH/OHI
03/22/07;113311/BOCES/A
03/22/07;113099/BOCES/A
03/28/07;113926/BOCES/A
03/29/07;112362/BOCES/OHI
04/12/07;110613/BOCES/A
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/15/07;114680/Inspire/Preshool w/disability
03/15/07;114992/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/15/07;114993/Inspire/Preshool w/disability
03/27/07;113694/Preschool Learning/Preschool w/disability
04/10/07; 114892/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/19/07;112198/BOCES/A
03/22/07;113899/SAS/A
03/22/07;113755/SAS/OHI
03/28/07;111070/BOCES/A
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 04/10/07;115166/Preschool w/disability

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, 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:

Deirdre Hallinan Sherri Raco Melanie Hoffmann
Kayla Collins Stephen Zoutman

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 Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints Robert Miller, Jr. as Assistant Superintendent for Business at a salary of $125,000 effective July 2, 2007 with a tenure date of July 2, 2010. Mr. Miller has permanent School Business Administrator and School District Administrator certification.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.
Mr. Esposito thanked the committee on bringing a viable candidate to the Board.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Board of Education, hereby appoints the law firm of Jacobowitz & Gubits as special counsel for the purposes of compliance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act in connection with the proposed capital project 2007/08.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the correction of assessment errors as specified by the Orange County Director of Real Property Tax as summarized and to direct the Tax Collector to take the necessary actions in accordance with Real Property Tax Law. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with Marian Hammaren to provide Occupational Therapy Services for special education students for the 2007/2010 school years in the amount not to exceed $54.86 per hour for 2007/08; $57.19 per hour for 2008/09; and $59.48 per hour for 2009/10 for not less than one half hour and not more than 33 hours per week. (see official contract in minutes)
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with Marian Hammaren to provide Occupational Therapy Services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year at St. Dominic’s Group Home in the amount not to exceed $54.86 per hour for no more than 10 hours per week. (see official contract in minutes) AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Addendum Agreement with Marian Hammaren to provide services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year as the Chairperson of the Committee on Preschool Special Education to be compensated in the amount not to exceed $4,000 (see official contract in minutes) AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with Marilyn McDonald to provide Occupational Therapy Services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year in the amount not to exceed $36.05 (minimum rate per visit shall be $18.00) per hour for not less than one half hour and no more than 35 hours per week. (see official contract in minutes)
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with Carmine Garritano to provide Occupational Therapy Services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year in the amount not to exceed $30.90 (minimum rate per visit shall be $15.45.) per hour for not less than one half hour and no more than 36 hours per week. (see official contract in minutes)
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community member asked if grades/average as well as comments could be placed on Progress Reports.

Mr. Kish reported on the recent Eagle Scout Awards Ceremony of Troop 63 where Kevin Lees was one of the scouts honored with an Eagle Scout Award. Mr. Kish thanked the school and parents for their support on behalf of the scout leaders.

Mr. Stroka asked to look at personnel records for administrators.

The Board agreed to enter into Executive Session. On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education agreed to enter into an Executive Session to review personnel records of administrators. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:38 p.m. on a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish to enter into Executive Session for the purpose of reviewing administrative evaluations. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk