May 15, 2006 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A regular meeting of the Members of the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District, Orange County, New York, with a motion being made to enter into Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of a particular employee, will be held in the Board of Education Room at the Main Street School on Monday, May 15, 2006, reconvening for the regular meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Mr. Steve Esposito, President called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Marty Knapp the Board entered into Executive Session for the purpose of work history of a particular employee.

Present Mr. Steven Esposito, President
Mrs. Judy Green, Vice President
Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Marty Knapp
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Alvin Watson
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals:Mrs. Mary Ann Knight
Mr. Michael Johndrow
Assistant Principals: Mr. Kent Maslin
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. Jim Riley
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Student Senate Representative
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

Mrs. Calohan’s 7th and 8th grade Strings Orchestra joined the Board at 7:15 and played for the Board and community.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Marty Knapp the meeting reconvened at 7:40 p.m.

Mr. Esposito led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation remembering the family of Steve Camposeo.

The February 2006 Treasurer’s Report was acknowledged under Financial Update.

The Board received the following correspondence: Invitation to GTA Retirement Dinner, OCSBA Annual Dinner Meeting, invitation to Author/Illustrator visit at SAS, letter of congratulations to Sheryl Lynch, correspondence from Pete Brockmann, on County-Wide Bus Poster Contest winners, list of Goshen High School, letter to the Editor from the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee, workshop on What is Your Child Really Doing in Cyberspace?, letter from Debra Marone complimenting Kyle Lewis, MHSSC Newsletter, Goshen Midd School Gazette, correspondence from the New York State Assembly and various newspaper articles.

Mr. Esposito reported that Lee Bush and Olivia Maffee would be competing in the next phase of the Bus Poster Contest.

Mr. Esposito thanked the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee for their letter of support in the newspaper.

Mr. Esposito mentioned at letter received from the Odyssey of the Mind team thanking the Board for their support in their upcoming competition in Ames, Iowa.

Mr. Esposito wished the candidates running for Board good luck in tomorrow’s vote and encouraged residents to vote.

Mrs. Bogart mentioned the Call to Action received from the State. She would like this to be on the Agenda for the next meeting.

Mr. Reese reported that this evenings Strings Ensemble will be part of the District Jazz Concert being held at the end of the month.

Mr. Reese reported that the Middle School Quiz Bowl team won the Orange County Championships.

The search for the Middle School Principal is winding down and a finalist will be presented to the Board and a decision made.

Mr. Abbondanza updated the Board on the progress of the capital projects in the District. The Main Street Annex bid opening will be held on May 19th, with a Special Board meeting on May 22nd to award the bid so that work can begin.

The public opening of the middle school roof project bid will be held on June 7th, with a Special Board meeting being scheduled to award the bid on June 12th.

Mrs. Unhjem gave an update on the District Spring Concerts and Kindergarten Festival.

Odyssey of the Mind team will be leaving for Ames, Iowa on May 23 for their competition. The team will be accompanied on their return, by six students from the Polish Team who will be staying with host families in Goshen.

Mrs. Unhjem updated on the Board on the Math B review sessions that the Math Department has been offering for students after school. A letter will be sent home and the after school review will continue for the upcoming test.

PERSONNEL

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Josephine Predmore effective September 19, 2006. Mrs. Predmore has been with the District for the past 27 years. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese worked with Mrs. Predmore in the past and remembered her for her work in the Athletic Department. Mrs. Predmore is a dedicated, wonderful employee, who will be missed. Mr. Reese wished her good luck in her retirement.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Suzanne Peacock effective June 30, 2006. Mrs. Peacock has been with the District for the past 16 years. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Knight mentioned Mrs. Peacock’s worked in the Intermediate School Attendance Office. She is a steady and mature employee and wonderful with the students. Mrs. Peacock will be missed and Mrs. Knight wished her good luck in her retirement

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts remainder of the Consent Agenda has presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0 ABSTAIN 1 (Robert Kish on Item
Motion carried.

Accept and approve the retirement/appointment of Josephine Predmore clerk typist effective September 19, 2006. Mrs. Predmore is also being appointed as a clerical substitute at $75/diem, effective September 19, 2006. Mrs. Predmore has been with the District for the past 27 years.

Accept the retirement of Suzanne Peacock teacher aide effective June 30, 2006. Mrs. Peacock has been with the District for the past 16 years.

Approve resignation/appointment of Marie Pascal bus driver effective May 15, 2006. Ms. Pascal is being appointed as a substitute bus driver at $14.71/hr., as needed, effective May 16, 2006.

Approve return early from medical leave of Marc Pizzo art teacher is requesting to return to work early from his requested medical leave effective May 16, 2006.

Approve leave of absence of Cynthia Vanchy is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective October 11, 2005 through May 23, 2006.

Approve leave of absence of Ellen Rogan speech therapist is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective April 3, 2006 through May 10, 2006. (Paid leave from April 3, 2006 through and including ½ day on May 8, 2006, and unpaid leave beginning ½ day on May 8, 2006.

Approve extension of child care leave of Anna Maria Slicker is requesting an extension to her child care leave effective June 24, 2006 through January 12, 2007.

Approve appointment of Christine Mertens bus driver at a salary of $15.60/per hour for 5 hours per day, effective May 15, 2006. Ms. Mertens is currently a substitute bus driver. Ms. Mertens is replacing Marie Pascal.

Approve appointment of Elizabeth Smith food service helper at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 3 hours per day effective May 22, 2006. Ms. Smith is replacing Saveria Greco.

Approve appointment of JoAnne Kich as temporary long-term special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5 hours per day, effective May 3, 2006 through June 30, 2006. Ms. Kich is replacing Joanne Donovan.

Approve appointment of Laura Fitzgerald as substitute teacher at a salary of $75/diem effective May 16, 2006. Ms. Fitzgerald has Initial 1-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Nicole Powell as substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective May 8, 2006. Ms. Powell is not certified.

Approve appointment of Dafna Garrahy as substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective May 9, 2006. Ms. Garrahy is not certified.

Approve appointment of Alix Casimir as substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective May 22, 2006.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Scheels as substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective May 16, 2006. Ms. Scheels has pending Initial 1-6 and special education 1-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Myra Canton as substitute teacher and tutor at a salary of $75/diem and $28.04/hr. respectively, effective May 16, 2006. Ms. Canton has permanent Common Branch Certification and was previously employed by the District as a Title I teacher.

Approve appointment of June Chiusano-Koch as substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr. effective May 22, 2006.

Approve change of tenure date of Kathleen Andryshak elementary teacher tenure date change to September 1, 2007.

Approve appointment of Joanne Weber as substitute teacher/tutor at a salary of $75/diem and $28.04/hr. respectively, effective April 28, 2006. Ms. Weber is a former employee of the District. Ms. Weber has permanent English 7-12 certification.

2006 Summer Employees

SAS Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Susan Amato as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Amato is a teacher at Scotchtown Avenue School.

Approve appointment of Margaret Goetze as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Goetze is a teacher at Scotchtown Avenue School.

Approve appointment of Joanne Karchawer as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Karchawer is a teacher at Scotchtown Avenue School.

Approve appointment of Janet Cueto as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Cueto is a teacher at Scotchtown Avenue School. Ms. Cueto will also be assigned to the Intermediate School portion of the summer program.

Approve appointment of Michelle Girardi as computer instructor effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Girardi is a Teaching Assistant at Scotchtown Avenue School.

Approve appointment of Vita Dowdell as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Dowdell is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Ann Marie Brosnan as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Brosnan is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Sunny Robinson as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Robinson is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Daniella Barone as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Barone is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Justine Barsuhn as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Barsuhn is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Dana Richner as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Richner is an employee for the District.

GIS Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Michelle Pacciarelli as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Pacciarelli is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Colleen McGovern as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. McGovern is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Gina Marrafino as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Marrafino is a teacher for the District.

Appointment: Pat Alexander as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Alexander is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Jean Barrett as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Barrett is an employee for the District.

Approve appointment of Jackie DeSantis as summer school teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. DeSantis is an employee for the District. Ms. DeSantis will also be assigned to the middle school as a summer teacher aide.

Approve appointment of Harriet Lefkowitz as summer school teacher aide/substitute summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. and $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. after July 1, 2006, respectively, (CSEA currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Lefkowitz is an employee for the District.

CJH Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Christine Ruggiero as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Ruggiero is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Elena Jordon as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Jordon is a teacher for the District.


Approve appointment of Dave Diermeier as summer school teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mr. Diermeier is a teacher for the District.

Goshen High School T-9 Program

Approve appointment of John Mardyniak as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. (approximately 35 hours/week). Mr. Mardyniak is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Bob McIntee as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. (approximately 26 hours/week). Mr. McIntee is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Gus Lawson as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. (approximately 26 hours/week). Mr. Lawson is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Michael Hanrahan as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. (approximately 26 hours/week). Mr. Hanrahan is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of Donna Guarneiri as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. approximately 26 hours/week). Mrs. Guarneiri is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Tom Gilbert as summer school T-9 teacher effective 06/26/06-06/30/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. (approximately 26 hours/week). Mr. Mardyniak is an employee of the District.

Summer Employees All Buildings

Approve appointment of Anthony Monti as summer school Psychologist effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mr. Monti is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of Kathleen Kish as summer school nurse (shared position) effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Kish is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of Christine Rudy as summer school nurse (shared position) effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Rudy is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of Gina Angelo as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Mrs. Angelo is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Jura Sperauskas as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Sperauskas is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Elan Caruso as summer school substitute teacher effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $36.94/hr. and $38.23/hr. effective July 1, 2006 (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Caruso is a teacher for the District.

Approve appointment of Shirley Petty as summer school substitue teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Petty is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of JoAnne Kich as summer school substitute teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Kich is an employee of the District.

Approve appointment of Deborah Carpenter as summer school substitute teacher aide effective 06/26/06-07/28/06 at a salary of $9.95/hr. (currently in negotiations) (3.5 hours/day). Ms. Carpenter is an employee of the District.

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/14/06;1135888/Inspire/Student w/disability/exited
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/23/06;113283/SAS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 03/30/06;114619/GIS/OHI
03/31/06;114772/BOCES/MD
04/05/06;1110911/CJH/Ineligible
04/25/06;107694/GHS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 04/27/06;114893/Ineligible
Committee on Special Education 04/28/06;CJH/Section 504
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/02/06;114785/Preschool w/disability
05/04/06;114892/Preschool w/disability
05/04/06;114720/Preschool w/disability
05/08/06;114145/Preschool w/disability
03/16/06;114551/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/22/06;114202/Preschool w/disability
03/22/06;114627/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;114255/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;113755/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;113699/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;114204/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;114046/Preschool w/disability
03/28/06;113727/Preschool w/disability
03/28/06;113920/Preschool w/disability
03/29/06;113834/BOCES/MD
04/04/06;112887/Preschool w/disability
04/05/06;114865/Preschool w/disability/Initial Referral
03/26/06;114680/Preschool w/disability
03/22/06;114430/Preschool w/disability
03/22/06;114047/Preschool w/disability
03/27/06;114720/Preschool w/disability
03/28/06;114653/Preschool w/disability
04/04/06;114743/CJH/ED
04/25/06;112330/BOCES/MR
04/25/06;114265/BOCES/MD
03/09/06;109610/BOCES/MD

Approval of Transportation Contract – Assignment of Gershowitz Contract to Chestnut Ridge Transport (see official minutes).

On a motion by Marty Knapp 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:

Elizabeth Smith Joanne Kich Laura Fitzgerald
Nicole Powell Dafna Garrahy Alix Casimir
Jennifer Scheels Myra Canton June Chiusand-Koch
Joanne Weber

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.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education schedules a Special Board Meeting on Monday, May 22, 2006, at 6:15 p.m. and Monday, June 12, 2006, at 6:15 p.m. for the purpose of awarding bids for the Main Street Annex Project and C.J. Hooker Roof Project. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board discussed the request from the Pine Bush School District. Pine Bush is seeking support from other districts to support a resolution requiring the State of New York to fully fund the writing and scoring of all mandatory state tests. The Board had questions and concerns on giving up option on who scores the state tests. Currently, Goshen is having state tests scored by Education VISTA. The Board asked Mr. Esposito to contact Pine Bush to get additional information on their request. The Board would be willing to support this request and is in favor of state funding, but would like to have the option to change the wording. The Board will discuss this further at the next meeting.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education schedules an Executive Session for Monday, June 5, 2006, and Monday, June 19, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of a particular employee, prior to the regularly scheduled Board meeting. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the closing of school on Friday, May 26, 2006, to adjust the school calendar to 180 instructional days.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Bogart commented that it has been a pleasure having Juan Canales sit at the Board table and represent the student body this past year.

Mr. Esposito would like to invite Juan Canales to be part of the self-evaluation process the Board will be doing.

Mr. Kish personally thanked the Board, administrators, teachers and community members for supporting the Odyssey of the Mind team.

Mr. Watson asked that the Annual Organizational Meeting be placed on the next Agenda.

Michael Stroka mentioned he will not be able to attend the OCSBA Annual Meeting and hoped someone from the District would attend.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:11 p.m. on a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka to go into Executive Session with no intent to return for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk