June 5, 2006 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 be held in the Conference Room at the Main Street School, on Monday, June 5, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

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

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
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 Monday, June 5, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mr. Steve Esposito, President
Mrs. Judy Green, Vice President
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Marty Knapp
Mrs. Martha Bogart
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:

Interim Principal: Mr. Robert Litz and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Mr. Michael Johndrow
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. Kent Maslin
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Mr. Juan Canales
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was reconvened on a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Marty Knapp, at 7:32 p.m. Mr. Esposito led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

At this point in the meeting, Mr. Esposito moved the recognition of 11 retirees to the audience. The following were recognized and honored for their many years of dedication and service to the students of the District: Pete Paduch, Yvonne Mirro, Dorothea Russo, Kathleen Hoerup, Ron Kessler, Gary Benefield, Bernadette Maher, Suzanne Peacock, Ruth Hulbert, Jo-Anne Bucchieri and Josephine Predmore. They were presented with a plaque. Mr. Reese thanked all of these dedicated employees for their many years of service.

Members of the Orange County Championship Quiz Bowl Team were introduced to the Board by Mr. Kent Maslin.

Members of the Mock Trial Team were introduced by one of the team members. Mock Trial for the third consecutive year placed first. The coaches of the team were also recognized – Mr. Robert Karchawer, Mr. Mark Stern and Mrs. Mary Ellen Albanese.
Members of the Science Olympiad Team were introduced by Coach Jim Boyd. The Middle School and High School team placed third in the State. The junior team placed third in the State championships. The coaches were also recognized and thanked for their hard work: Mr. Steve Hill, Mr. & Mrs. Wiegand and Mr. & Mrs. Djapic.

Members of the Odyssey of the Mind Team were introduced to the Board. This team won the State competition and was able to compete in the Worlds in Ames, Iowa. The team placed 16th out of 36 during this competition. The team was visited by a Polish team, who competed in the Worlds. This was organized with the help of Mr. & Mrs. Joel Finkelstein. Coach Beth Laskoski was thanked for her hard work and dedication to the team. Mrs. Laskoski on behalf of the team thanked the administration, Board of Education and community members for all of their support.

Mr. Esposito called a brief recess to thank all present at 7:57 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:14 p.m.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Judy Green the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of May 2, 2006, May 15, 2006, and May 22, 2006. AYES 67 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for March 2006 was acknowledged under the new format Financial Update.

The Board received the following correspondence: 2006 High School Yearbook, letter from Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. confirming services for year ending June 30, 2006, correspondence from Mid Hudson Study Council and various newspaper articles. Additional correspondence at the table included a postcard from the Odyssey of the Mind Team from Ames, Iowa.

Mr. Esposito opened Privilege of the Floor.

A community member mentioned a workshop she attended conducted by State Trooper Vic Pirtle on “Choking”. The workshop was well done and she suggested the District consideration a presentation for middle school students. The community members were surprised to learn of that the profile of the students involved are high achievers and athletes. Mr. Reese reported that letters had gone home to parents regarding the “Choking” topic reported in the paper, to make them aware of this.

Mr. Esposito, for the record, thanked the community for supporting the 2006/07 budget. Mr. Esposito also thanked the Odyssey of the Mind team for their postcard.

Mr. Esposito reported he had attended Student Recognition Awards honoring students. Mr. Esposito also attended the High School Awards Ceremony honoring students for academic successes as well as community service awards.

Mrs. Bogart asked that the Board re-read the SLN information on Charter Schools and discuss it at the next meeting. Mrs. Bogart briefly summarized the information. The cap for Charter Schools has been reached. Charter Schools take funding from the Public Schools. NYSSBA is asking for support by school districts to not change current set up. This item will be placed on the next agenda for further discussion.

Mr. Reese reported that the school district has been selected to participate in a roundtable discussion with the New York State Assembly Republican Task Force on Friday, June 9th. Members from Assemblywoman Annie Rabbitt’s office will tour Scotchtown Avenue School and then meet at Main Street for a formal roundtable discussion. Members of the Board, administrators and PTO members have been invited to participate in this program.

Mr. Reese mentioned he had the opportunity to attend the Senior Prom, which was an outstanding success. Mr. Reese also attended the 5th grade and 2nd grade concerts.

Mr. Reese reported that the Maintenance Department recently planted a tree near the Scotchtown Avenue playground in memory of Richard Shamro, who passed away last year. The tree was partially donated by Peter Zegel.

The eighth grade students left for their annual Boston Trip. Mr. Maslin briefly highlighted the trip. Although this year the trip was abbreviated, it was a wonderful educational and academic experience. Mr. Maslin reported the experience was second to none and that the students and staff should be commended and take pride in the experience.

Joe Abbondanza updated the Board on the 1998/2000 capital project close out. All five final cost reports have been completed and submitted to the State Education Department.

Mr. Abbondanza explained the resolutions presented this evening on rescinding resolution of Special Meeting on May 22, 2006, awarding the Main Street Annex Demolition bid and the two new resolutions awarding the bids to two contractors. The Board will also schedule a Special Meeting for June 12, 2006 to accept bids for the C.J. Hooker Roof Project.


The District will be meeting with members of Bridging the Gap to finalize on the telephone project. Specifications will be submitted to the State.

Mrs. Unhjem reported she also attended the 5th grade and 2nd grade concerts. Mrs. Unhjem also had an opportunity to attend the High School Festival of the Arts.

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 Kent Maslin as Principal of the C.J. Hooker Middle School at a salary of $97,000, effective July 1, 2006, with a tenure date of July 1, 2009. Mr. Maslin has SAS/SDA Certification.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Approve appointment of Kent Maslin as Principal of the C.J.Hooker Middle School at a salary of $97,000, effective July 1, 2006 with a tenure date of July 1, 2009. Mr. Maslin is currently the Assistant Principal at the Middle School. Mr. Maslin has SAS/SDA Certification. Mr. Maslin is replacing Benjamin Bragg.

Approve the change of FMLA date of Jura Sperauskas AIS teacher change of Family Medical Leave dates effective May 4, 2006 thourgh May 31, 2006.

Approve child care leave of Elan Caruso special education teacher is requesting a child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective approximately September 18, 2006 through January 2, 2007.

Approve extension of medical leave of Dawn Frawley bus driver is requesting an extension of her medical leave effective May 3, 2006 through June 18, 2006.

Approve child care leave of Debra Gonzales grade 5 teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective approximately September 5, 2006 through March 5, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Marlena Mooers special education teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective approximately September 25, 2006 through January 1, 2007.

Approve medical leave of Jill Quackenbush teacher aide is requesting a medical leave effective June 15, 2006 through June 22, 2006.

Approve child care leave of Billie Teixeria Spanish teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective August 31, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

Accept resignation of Varsha Persaud teacher aide effective May 25, 2006.

Accept resignation of Margarita Ramirez clerk typist effective May 15, 2006.

Accept resignation of Melissa Barrett as special education teacher effective June 30, 2006 pending her appointment as an elementary teacher.
Approve appointment of Melissa Barrett as elementary teacher at a salary of $49,279 (M-3) effective July 1, 2006 with a tenure date of August 31, 2009. Ms. Barrett is filling the position created during the 2006/07 budget.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Forgione as leave replacement elementary teacher at a salary of $41,789 (BA-1) effective August 31, 2006 through June 30, 2007. Ms. Forgione has Pending Initial 1-6/Special Education 1-6 certification. Ms. Forgione is filling the child care leave of Stacy Marks.

Approve appointment of John Russo as K-12 physical education teacher at a salary of $49,279 (MA-3) effective August 31, 2006 with a tenure date of August 31, 2009. Mr. Russo has NYS K-12 physical education teaching license and NYS school District Administration License. Mr. Russo is replacing Kathy Magid.

Approve appointment of Theresa A. Baker as English teacher at the high school at a salary of $58,431 (MA-9) effective August 31, 2006 with a tenure date of August 31, 2008. Ms. Baker has permanent English 7-12 certification. Ms. Baker is filling the position created during the 2006/07 budget.

Approve appointment of Marie Jane Panzer as social studies teacher at the high school at a salary of $56,905 (MA-8) effective August 31, 2006 with a tenure date of August 31, 2008. Ms. Panzer has permanent Social Studies 7-12 certification. Ms. Panzer is filling the position created during the 2006/07 budget.

Approve appointment of Patricia Douglas as school secretary in the high school guidance department at a salary of $30,051 (Step C) effective June 12, 2006. Ms. Douglas is replacing Joanne Buccheri.

Approve continued appointment of Eileen Lotito as special education leave replacement teacher effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007. Ms. Lotito is replacing Sylvia Carlisle who is on special teacher assignment.

Approve change of assignment of Kathryn Magid physical education teacher is being reassigned from District physical education teacher to the physical education teacher at the Intermediate School, effective August 31, 2006. Ms. Magid is replacing Kathy Hoerup.

Approve continue special assignment of Sylvia Carlisle temporary CSE Chairperson will continue her special assignment effective July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007.

Approve appointment of Carolyn Lastowski substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective June 6, 2006. Ms. Lastowski is not certified.

Approve appointment of Laura Reynolds substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective June 12, 2006.

Approve appointment of Mary Adams, Pamela Klusky, Hilda Ellis, Eileen Nelson, Meri O’Hara, Mary Rudy, Patricia Alexander, Tina Aviles, Carmina Carlucci, Phyllis Cass DenDanto, Harriet Lefkowitz, Deborah Matyus, Jill Quackenbush, Carol Schug, as restricted teacher aides to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective May 4, 2006.

Approve reclassification of title position is being reclassified from Account Clerk to Senior Account Clerk effective July 1, 2006. This is being requested to accurately reflect the duties of the position.

Approve creation of new position for a Speech & Language Pathologist for the Pupil Personnel Department effective August 31, 2006. This will reduce once current contractual position and will be funded by PPS federal funds.

Approve creation of new position of a Temporary Maintenance Worker at a salary of Step A ($13.77/hr) effective June 26, 2006 through September 1, 2006.

Approve appointment of Terry McBride temporary maintenance worker at a salary of $13.77/hr. (new salary after negotiations 7/1/06) effective June 26, 2006 through September 1, 2006.

Approve increase in hours for Richard Perez custodial worker increase hours to full time due to 4 hour increase by 2006/07 budget approval.

Approve appointment of Meghan Brassfield as tutor at a salary of $28.04/hr. effective June 6, 2006. Ms. Brassfield will be tutoring St. Dominic students. Ms. Brassfield is replacing Jill Hanatch.


Approve appointment of Katherine Adamczyk 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. Adamczyk is an employee of the district.

Approve appointment of Alison Fitzpatrick 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. Fitzpatrick is a teacher at Scotchtown Avenue School.

Approve appointment of Pat Colantuono 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. Colantuono is an employee for the District. Ms. Colantuono will also be assigned to the Intermediate School.

Approve appointment of Gail Falstein 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. Falstein is an employee for the District.

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

GIS/CJH Summer Employees

Approve appointment of Celeste Cummings 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. Cummings is an employee for the District.

All Buildings

Approve appointment of Therese Urato 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. Urato is a substitute for the District.

Approve the disposal of obsolete equipment (see official minutes)

Approve disposal of old 1990 Dodge Van Vin #2B7HB21Y1LK204501

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 03/06/06;107153/Initial Referral/KidsPeace
04/25/06;111097/SAS/VI
05/04/06;113799/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/04/06;108621/GHS/OHI
Committee on Special Education 05/09/06;111090/BOCES/SLI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/12/06;114936/Initital Referral/Preschool with disability
05/22/06;114952/Initial Referral/Preschool with disability
05/22/06;113804/Initial Referral/Preschool with disability
Committee on Special Education 04/04/06;114810/BOCES/MD
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/10/06;114470/SAS/OHI
05/01/06;106444/GHS/OHI
03/09/06;114509/BOCES/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 03/27/06;114145/Preschool w/disability/Preschool Learning
03/28/06;114653/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/29/06;113850/BOCES/MD
04/11/06;113841/BOCES/MD
04/25/06;111101/GIS/LD
04/25/06;110026/CJH/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/04/06;114892/Preschool w/disability
05/15/06;114626/Preschool Learning
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/15/06;109124/GHS/OHI
05/15/06;108201/GHS/LD
05/15/06;102389/GHS/LD
04/04/06;113597/BOCES/ED
04/25/06;113128/GIS/LD
04/25/06;111085/GIS/SLI
Committee on Special Education 05/09/06;111090/BOCES/SLI
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/10/06;114142/GHS/LD
05/10/06;112530/GHS/LD
05/15/06;108306/GHS/LD
05/15/06;113168/GHS/OHI
05/15/06;110057/GHS/OHI
05/15/06;111657/GHS/LD
04/11/06;110491/BOCES/MD
04/11/06;113857/BOCES/MD
04/11/06;114678/BOCES/MD
04/25/06;112157/GIS/OHI
04/25/06;113922/GIS/ED
04/26/06;111182/GIS/LD
04/26/06;111433/GIS/OHI
04/26/06;107133/BOCES/ED
05/04/06;106938/BOCES/OHI
05/04/06;109769/GIS/OHI
05/10/06;113983/GHS/LD
05/10/06;114583/GHS/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/22/06;114952/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/26/06;113404/GIS/OHI
05/04/06;112234/GIS/LD
05/04/06;112650/GIS/SLI
05/10/06;113091/GHS/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/12/06;114936/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/22/06;113438/CJH/OHI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/22/06;113804/Preschool w/disability

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Martha Bogart, 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:

Jennifer Forgione John Russo Theresa Baker
Marie Jane Panzer Patricia Douglas Carolyn Lastowski
Laura Reynolds Meghan Brassfield

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.

Mr. Esposito reported he spoke with Ginny Esposito from the Pine Bush Central School District Board of Education on their request for support on state funding for scoring mandatory tests. This item had been placed on last meeting’s agenda. The Board had discussed the request and had questions on the wording of the resolution from Pine Bush. Concerns from the Board included wording that the same people writing exams would be scoring exams. The District is currently using EdVista and is pleased with the scoring process. The Board agreed to support the resolution modifying it to state funding the cost of writing and scoring.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka, the Board of Education resolved that the New York State School Boards Association seeks to require the State of New York to fully fund the writing and scoring of all mandatory state tests for grades 3-8 (currently English Language Arts and mathematics). AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education rescinds the resolution on May 22, 2006 awarding the Main Street Annex demolition bid to Mazzocchi Wrecking, in the amount of $68,850 for the MST Annex Panelfab Demolition, SED Permit #05-1018. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Judy Green, the Board of Education approves the Award of Bid for Contract #1 – General Construction (for the demolition of the Main Street Annex) to Taylor Recycling, in the amount of $44,685.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Martha Bogart, the Board of Education approves the Award of Bid for Contract #2 – Abatement for the Main Street Annex to Mazzocchi Wrecking, Inc. in the amount of $12,000 for the MST Annex Panelfab Demolition, SED Permit #05-1018. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

A draft of the Annual Organizational Meeting was presented for discussion. Notation was made that the District will seek RFP’s (Request for Proposal) for an auditing firm this year. New State requirements limit the years of service provided by audit companies. The current Auditors have been with the District over the 5-year timeframe. The Board also discussed when to hold the meeting. Tentatively July 10 was mentioned. Formal adoption of the date will take place at the next meeting.

The District presented the Wellness Policy that by State mandate must be adopted by July 1st. This policy has suggested guidelines that will meet Federal School Lunch Program. The policy provides healthier eating habits for children. The formal adoption of this policy will be taken at the June 19th meeting.

The results of the 2006/07 Budget Vote were presented to the Board. A copy will be incorporated into the Minutes. This report is for informational purposes only. The Board acknowledged receipt.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Marty Knapp, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following new positions in the 2006/07 budget approved by the voters on May 16, 2006; .4 Internal Auditor, .6 Data Administrator; Building & Grounds: .5 Custodial Worker; Pupil Personnel Services: 1 Special Education Teacher at High School, 2 Special Education Teaching Assistants; Scotchtown Avenue School: 2 Elementary Teachers, 2 Teacher Aides, .4 Music Teacher; Intermediate School: 1 Elementary Teacher, 2 Teacher Aides; High School: Assistant Principal, 1 English Teacher, 1 Social Studies Teacher, .8 Science Teacher, .4 Health Teacher, and .6 Music Teacher. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Robert Kish, that the Board of Education establish the Internal Audit Function effective July 1, 2006 and an appointment will be made by December 21, 2006 to make it operational. The Internal Auditor appointed to this position will provide for an initial risk assessment of District operations. The Internal Auditor will provide for an annual review and update of this risk assessment. The Internal Auditor will provide periodic testing and evaluation of internal controls and report any significant risks and recommended changes to the Board of Education.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Judy Green and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the destruction of the absentee ballots for the May 17, 2005 Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Litz mentioned the upcoming Walk for Life sponsored by the American Cancer Society that will be held at the High School Friday evening into Saturday morning.

Mr. Kish reported on his experience at the Worlds Competition with the Odyssey of the Mind Team. The Opening Ceremony was impressive and the competition was a wonderful experience for the students. The visit by the Polish team was an added benefit for all students involved. Mr. Kish thanked the Board, host families, and community for their support. Mr. Kish also extended his thanks and appreciation to Mr. Joel Finkelstein for his tremendous support in bringing the Polish team to Goshen.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:19 p.m. on a motion by Marty Knapp and seconded by Martha Bogart.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk