May 2, 2006 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A Public Hearing 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, on Tuesday, May 2, 2006, at 7:00 p.m.

Present Mr. Steven Esposito, President
Mrs. Judy Green, Vice President
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Marty Knapp
Mr. Alvin Watson
Absent Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Michael Stroka

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem

Mrs. Judy Green, Vice President called the meeting to order at 6:20 p.m. On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Robert Kish the Board entered into Executive Session for the purpose of work history of a particular employee.

The Public Hearing was called to order by Mr. Steve Esposito at 7:020 p.m. to present the proposed 2005/06 school budget.

Mr. Abbondanza, Mrs. Unhjem and Mr. Reese presented a power point presentation on the proposed 2006/07 budget. The Central Office Administrative staff publicly acknowledged the time and effort placed on the budget during the budget development process by the Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee.

The proposed budget of $51,711,300 indicated an increase over the present 2005/06 budget of $48,744,712 or a 6.1% increase. This percentage increase includes the Group Home and Incarcerated Youth at the Orange County Jail, which are housed in the Goshen Central School District. Since these two programs are 100% reimbursed by the State the increase for the proposed 2006/07 budget is 5.9% or $47,704,665 without these two programs. The tax levy of $32,820,520 represents a 4.97% increase. The proposed budget includes the addition of a .4 internal auditor, .6 data administrator, .5 custodial worker, one special education teacher at the high school through PPS, two special education teaching assistants, two elementary teachers, two teacher aides and a .4 music teacher at SAS, one elementary teacher and two teacher aides at GIS, and one Assistant Principal, one English teacher, one Social Studies teacher, .8 Science teacher, .4 Health teacher and a .6 music teacher. Voters will be asked to vote on the purchase of four (4) 66-passenger or larger school buses, one (1) 24-passenger or larger mid-size wheelchair bus; and one (1) 22-passenger van bus or larger for a maximum aggregate cost not to exceed $530,516. Mr. Abbondanza summarized an austerity budget for the district. The voters will be asked to vote for three Board members. There are four candidates running.

Mr. Esposito closed the Public Hearing at 8:10 p.m. on a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Michael Stroka. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried. The regular meeting resumed at 8:11 p.m.

Mr. Esposito thanked everyone for attending the Public hearing. Mr. Esposito led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education approves the draft of the minutes for the meeting of April 3, 2006, April 10, 2006, and April 27, 2006. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board received the following correspondence: Goshen Public Library and Historical Society Newsletter, letter from the Goshen Public Library on the results of the library vote, correspondence from Mary Arne on results of Science Olympiad placements, correspondence from Goshen Rotary Club regarding scholarship opportunities, OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting, Youth Ending Hunger club newsletter, and various newspaper articles.

Mr. Esposito opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Esposito publicly gave a retort on the article in the weekend’s edition of The Times Herald Record on District Audits. Mr. Esposito sited the two issues addressed as being discussed and addressed with the District Auditors after the completion of the audit. Mr. Esposito mentioned this was publicly discussed at open meetings, where there was not representation from the newspaper. Mr. Esposito also reported that the 1999/2000 Capital Project came in under budget.

Mr. Esposito also publicly thanked administrators and budget committee members for presenting a sound fiscal budget for the voters.

Mrs. Bogart thanked the budget committee for their dedication and hard work during the 2006/07 budget development.

Mrs. Bogart thanked Mrs. Arne, former Board President and member, for attending the Public Hearing.

Mr. Reese reported he had the pleasure and opportunity to attend the Middle School Choral, Strings and Orchestra and Band concerts.

The Science Olympiad team will be having a car wash to raise funds for their competition.

The Odyssey of the Mind will hold a car wash on May 14th and also have a spaghetti dinner to raise funds for their upcoming Worlds Competition in Ames, Iowa. The Citizens’ Budget Advisory Committee will be attending the fundraiser as part of their weekly budget meeting.

Mr. Reese reported that he had received correspondence from O/U BOCES on the current mumps epidemic in Ames, Iowa. The District is currently monitoring this situation, however, the new reports that the outbreak seems to be under control and the team should be able to continue the competition process.

Mr. Abbondanza personally thanked the efforts and contributions to the administrators and committee for putting together a sound budget to place before the voters.

Mr. Abbondanza updated the Board and community on the current Capital Projects. Closing date for bids on the demolition of the Main Street Annex will be held at 2:00 p.m. on May 19th.

The bid will be out in the papers within the next two weeks for the roof project at the Middle School. The work will be done over the summer.

Mrs. Unhjem mentioned that the School Report Card was included as part of the Public Hearing Document. The Report Card includes the 2004/05 data. The 2005/06 Accountability Status shows the District’s four buildings are in good standing.

Mrs. Unhjem reported that two of the District’s teachers will be receiving STANNYS Awards. Ms. Meredith Yatto, will receive Outstanding First Year Teacher and Sheryl Lynch will receive Outstanding Elementary Teacher.

Janine Robinson has also received Outstanding New Social Studies Teacher Award. Mrs. Unhjem congratulated all three teachers.

The Middle School Service Group will be sponsoring a Senior Citizen Banquet on May 4th from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m.

PERSONNEL

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Marty Knapp, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Pete Paduch effective July 1, 2006. Mr. Paduch has been with the District for the past 33 years. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese commented on Mr. Paduch’s dedication and contributions to the District. Mr. Paduch is a former graduate of the District and resident of the District. Mr. Reese and the Board wished Mr. Paduch much happiness in his retirement.

Accept retirement of Pete Paduch grade 6 teacher effective July 1, 2006. Mr. Paduch has been with the District for over 33 years.

Approve appointment of Donna Weyant as Supervisor of Transportation at a salary of $78,000 effective June 12, 2006. Ms. Weyant is filling Pete Brockmann’s position.

Accept resignation of Saveria Greco food service helper effective April 5, 2006.

Approve medial leave of Keith Brown custodial worker is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective February 15, 2006 through approximately May 1, 2006.

Approve medical leave of Jura Sperauskas AIS teacher is requesting a medical leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective April 24, 2006 through approximately May 31, 2006.

Approve leave of absence of Judy Derderian teacher aide is requesting a leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective April 24, 2006 through June 23, 2006.

Approve extension of medical leave of Bill Silling bus driver is requesting an extension to his medical leave effective April 27, 2006 through May 31, 2006.

Approve appointment of Kathleen Andryshak probationary elementary teacher at a salary of $52,330 (M-5) effective July 1, 2006 with a tenure date of September 1, 2008. Ms. Andryshak has been a leave replacement teacher for the 2005/06 school year. Ms. Andryshak has N-6 permanent certification. Ms. Andryshak is replacing Vanessa Boyd.

Approve appointment of Allison Plate probationary teacher at a salary of $44,502 (B-3) effective July 1, 2006 with a tenure date of September 1, 2008. Ms. Plate has been a leave replacement teacher for the 2005/06 school year. Ms. Plate has initial 1-6 certification. Ms. Plate is replacing Elizabeth Kimiecik.

Approve appointment of Patricia Racioppo food service helper at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 3 hours per day effective May 9, 2006. Ms. Racioppo is currently a substitute food service helper. Ms. Racioppo is replacing Margaret Utner.

Approve appointment of Joanne Donovan special education teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5.75 hours per week effective March 31, 2006. Ms. Donovan is replacing Robin Paulus. Mrs. Donovan is also being appointed as a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective March 31, 2006.

Approve extended appointment of Keri Snook leave replacement teacher extend appointment effective April 24, 2006 through approximately May 31, 2006. Ms. Snook will be filling the medical leave of Jura Sperauskas.
Ms. Snook is currently a leave replacement teacher for Mrs.Opel.

Approve appointment of Jonathan Redeker leave replacement social studies teacher at a salary of $41,789 (B-2) effective August 31, 2006 through approximately January 1, 2007. This appointment is an extension to the leave Mr. Redeker is currently filling for the 2005/06 school year. Mr. Redeker has initial 7-12 social studies certification. Mr. Redeker is filling the leave of Ardyth Watson.

Approve appointment of Carlos Perez custodial worker at a salary of $27,109 (Step B) effective May 8, 2006. Mr. Perez is filling the position of Gary Benefield. Mr. Perez has been a substitute with the District.

Approve appointment of Donna Venditto as temporary 1:1 special education at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5 ¾ hours per day effective April 24, 2006 through June 30, 2006. Ms. Venditto is also being appointed as a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective April 24, 2006 through June 30, 2006. This position is being increased from 5.5 hours per day to 5.75 hours per day effective April 24, 2006.

Approve appointment of Robert Andersen substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr, as needed, effective May 8, 2006.

Approve appointment of Corrina Catalano substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr. as needed, effective May 9, 2006.

Approve appointment of Kelly Kantner substitute bus driver at a salary of $14.71/hr. as needed, effective May 8, 2006. Ms. Kantner has been a substitute bus monitor for the District.

Approve appointment of Kim Lodico substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr. as needed, effective May 9, 2006.

Approve appointment of Andy Kujawski as special assignment physics teacher at a salary of $250/diem effective April 24, 2006, due to the fact that Dr. Laura MacGinitie-Derevensky is in the hospital, and to prepare for the Regents exam.

Approval of Obsolete Equipment (see official minute)

Approval of Replacement Contract for Student at St. Dominic’s with TriStar Transport, Inc. (see official minutes)

CSE/CPSE
Section 504 01/09/06;114657/GIS/LMLA
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/15/06;114119/SAS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/24/06;113653/Preschool Learning/Declassified
Committee on Special Education 03/28/06;114691/GIS/VI
03/31/06;114797/BOCES/MR
03/31/06;114799/BOCES/MD
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/31/06;107694/GHS/OHI
Section 504 04/06/06;109929/GHS/LMLA
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 04/12/06;114133/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 02/23/06;113698/SAS/Declassified
02/23/06;111258/SAS/Declassified
Committee on Special Education 03/15/06;112323/SAS/SLI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/16/06;113098/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/16/06;114258/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 03/17/06;112528/CJH/Ineligible
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/22/06;113623/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 03/24/06;113902/SAS/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/30/06;112530/GHS/LD
03/29/06;113852/BOCES/MD
Committee on Special Education 03/30/06;108483/GHS/HI
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/04/06;114632/GHS/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/16/06;114146/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/29/06;113833/BOCES/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/15/06;112922/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/15/06;113572/SAS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/28/06;114798/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/31/06;113311/BOCES/A
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/14/06;113899/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/14/06;112615/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
03/15/06;112676/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/15/06;113792/SAS/LD
03/07/06;114577/BOCES/MD
03/09/06;110470/BOCES/MD
03/09/06;109610/BOCES/MD

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Marty Knapp, 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:

Donna Weyant Carlos Perez Kim Lodico
Corrina Catalano Robert Andersen

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 School Report Card was discussed under Mrs. Unhjem’s Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Report.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the 12-Month Employees Holiday Calendar for 2006/2007 school year as presented.
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Esposito opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community member asked about tax breaks for senior citizens. Mrs. Bogart mentioned that the Board had adopted in December the Senior Citizen Tax Exemption. Senior citizens should inquire at their Village or Town Boards for information and qualifications.

A community member asked if a Meet the Candidates Night has been planned. The Board responded not to their knowledge.

A community member mentioned that the Goshen School Board was the first Board to support the Senior Citizen and Emergency Worker tax exemption.

Mr. Watson asked if Science Olympiad and other teams will be recognized at an upcoming Board meeting. Mrs. Arne had written a letter to the Board with the current results of the Goshen team and competition. The team came in third at the State level.

Mrs. Green commented on the middle school concert last evening. It was a wonderful evening and the students did a spectacular job.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m. on a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Marty Knapp.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk