July 18, 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 Wednesday, July 18, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Michael Stroka
Mr. Alvin Watson
Absent Mr. Robert Kish
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
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 18, 2007 at 7:30 p.m.

Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mrs. Martha Bogart, Vice President
Mr. Steve Esposito
Mr. James Kimiecik
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Michael Stroka
Absent Mr. Robert Kish
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Robert Miller
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Kent Maslin
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Director of Transportation Mrs. Donna Weyant
Student Senate Representative
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Judy Green at 7:47 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.

The Board received the following correspondence: List of 2007/08 Board members; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green mentioned a revised Resolution and Consent Agenda packet was placed at the table with changes for the meeting.

Mrs. Bogart did not have a Legislative Update.

Mr. Reese did not have anything to report under Superintendent’s Report, but would discuss items under New Business.

Mr. Miller did not have a report.

Mrs. Unhjem presented a new Economics textbook for the Board’s approval. Mrs. Unhjem stated this is a required course that next year will be taught by three social studies teachers due to Naomi Goldberg’s retirement. Mrs. Unhjem is presenting the book and asking for approval at this meeting, so that the order can be placed so that the textbook is available for students in September.

Personnel

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Joseph Lawlor effective September 1, 2007. Mr. Lawlor has been with the District for 15 years.
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the remainder of the Consent Agenda (Revised) as presented. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept retirement of Joseph Lawlor bus driver effective September 1, 2007. Mr. Lawlor has been with the district for 15 years.

Accept resignation of Billie Teixeira Spanish teacher effective July 8, 2007.

Accept resignation of Michelle Testa part-time account clerk effective July 11, 2007. Mrs. Testa was recently appointed Senior Secretary in the Business Office.

Accept resignation of Jodie Maassen-Waizenegger elementary/grade 6 teacher effective August 13, 2007.

Approve appointment of Rayna St. Pierre probationary Spanish teacher at a salary of $57,374 (MA-7) effective September 4, 2007 with a tenure date of September 4, 2009. Ms. St. Pierre has permanent Spanish 7-12 certification. Ms. St. Pierre is replacing Abigail Rember.

Approve appointment of Nanette DeGroat as leave replacement math teacher at a salary of $44,698 (BA-2) effective September 4, 2007 through January 25, 2008. Mrs. DeGroat has been a leave replacement/long-term substitute teacher for the District. Mrs. DeGroat is filling the leave of Sarah Barquero. Mrs. DeGroat has initial 7-12 math certification.

Approve appointment of Carmela Goldberg teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.5 hours per day effective September 4, 2007. Ms. Goldberg is replacing Susie Peacock.

Approve appointment of Martin Knapp as student supervisor/teacher aide at a salary of $13.30/hr. for 5.75 hours per day effective September 4, 2007. Mr. Knapp is filling the newly created position during the 2007/08 budget process.

Approve appointment of Andrea McClorey temporary tax collector at a stipend of $6,500 effective September 4, 2007 through November 9, 2007.

Approve appointment/Increase in hours of Ilene Egyud teacher aide/greeter at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 4 hours per day effective September 4, 2007. Ms. Egyud has been a recess aide for 2.25 hours per day and will increase her hours to 4 hours per day. Ms. Egyud is filling the newly created position during the 2007/08 budget process.

Approve creation of new position of Special Education Teaching Assistant for CJ Hooker Middle School at a Level I Teaching Assistant status to accommodate enrollment increase in Self Contained/Special Class at the middle school effective September 4, 2007.

Bus Excess for Trade For Parts Credit
Bus # Year Chassis Vin # Credit
155 1996 International 1HVBBAAN8TH305068 $3,100
156 1996 International 1HVBBAAN6TH305070 $3,100
160 1997 International 1HVBDABK7UH457893 $2,250
177 1999 GMC 1GDHG31FXX1080474 $3,800
178 1999 GMC 1GDHG31F7X1082053 $3,800
TOTAL $16,050
CSE/CPSE
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 05/03/07;113712/Ineligible
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/07/07;113091/GHS/OHI
05/07/07;110602/GHS/OHI
05/08/07;107139/GHS/OHI
05/08/07;112363/GHS/LD
05/09/07;114091/GHS/LD
Committee on Special Education 06/20/07;108483/GHS/HI
03/27/07;114145/Preschool Learning/A
Subcommittee on Special Education 03/29/07;113568/GHS/LD
05/09/07;107959/GHS/LD
05/09/07;112251/GHS/ED
05/10/07;109779/GHS/OHI
05/10/07;113814/GHS/LD
05/25/07;113924/GHS/OHI
06/04/07;112081/GHS/OHI
06/11/07728/BOCES/ED
06/19/07;107798/GHS/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 07/12/07;115529/Preschool w/disability
Subcommittee on Special Education 02/22/07;112922/SAS/SLI
03/09/07;111232/GIS/SLI
04/12/07;113090/CJH/SLI
04/12/07;112247/CJH/LD
04/12/07;114408/GIS/LD
04/12/07;114050/GIS/LD
04/12/07;114691/CJH/VI
04/20/07;112939/CJH/LD
04/20/07;111361/CJH/ED
Committee in Special Education 04/24/07;111223/GIS/OHI
04/24/07;112815/GIS/LD
05/07/07;113275/GIS/LD
05/07/07;112899/GIS/OI
05/07/07;112892/GIS/HI
05/07/07;113922/GIS/ED
06/12/07;112527/CJH/LD

Michael Stroka thanked Jodie Maassen for her years of service and stated she would be missed and wished her good luck.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and second by Al Watson, 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:

Rayna St. Pierre

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. Reese reported and updated the Board on the selection process for the Construction Manager for the proposed 2007/08 capital project. Eight firms responded to the RFP with four finalists who were interviewed last evening. After the four proposals were compared committee members unanimously agreed to appoint Andron Construction as the Construction Manager for the proposed capital project. References were checked prior to the official interview.

Committee members included Al Watson, Jim Riley, Jane Unhjem Robert Miller, Roy Reese and Russ Davidson. Mr. Watson stated he felt that Andron had the experience and staff to take on a project of this size.

Mr. Esposito asked if the firms were aware of the District’s schedule for the project? All firms were made aware of the schedule and preliminary work.

Further updates will be forthcoming at the August 13th meeting.

Mrs. Green asked if the Board had additional comments or questions because the next item was to appoint the Construction Manager. The Board did not.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education appoints Andron Construction Corporation as the Construction Manager to assist with pre-bond services for the proposed 2007/08 capital project. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Michael Stroka, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts a donation in the amount of $3,300 from the Class of 2007 toward the purchase of a grill for the Cafeteria Department. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Steve Esposito, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the Board President, or the Board Vice President in the Board President’s absence, to issue a Tax Anticipation Note, in the amount of $100,000, in anticipation of real property taxes to be received from the property owners of the Goshen Central School District for the benefit of Goshen Public Library, during the fiscal year of the School District commencing July 1, 2007, and renewals thereof, if necessary. The Note shall be issued on or about August 29, 2007, for a period of approximately thirty-(30) days. Said Note shall be sold privately to a bank to be determined, at the prevailing interest rate, where it shall be redeemed upon maturity, which date shall not extend beyond the close of the applicable period provided in the Local Finance Law for the maturity of such notes. AYES 5 NAYS 1 (Martha Bogart)

Mrs. Bogart mentioned the mandated training Fiscal Responsibility where board members were advised that districts offering library TANS could mean a red flag. Mrs. Bogart’s concern was that the library has been offered a TAN for the past six years.

Board members had discussion stating that this did not reflect overspending on the library’s part, but a cash flow shortage until taxes are collected by the school district. Mr. Miller stated this is not a deficit problem. Michael Stroka mentioned that the District’s attorney and library’s attorney had reviewed these requests. Mr. Watson asked if this would cause an adverse effect on the school district? Michael Stroka said it would not.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education adopts the Prentice Hall Economics Principles in Action textbook as a component of the Goshen High School Social Studies program. (Copyright 2007 by Pearson Education, Inc.)
AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.
Mr. Reese asked Donna Weyant, Transportation Director, to join the table to discuss the new bus arrival and dismissal schedule for the 2007/08 school year. Mrs. Weyant mentioned that a change in afternoon dismissal would allow an additional 10 minutes from the middle school to the elementary schools. Added traffic, road closures and bridge repairs have forced the District to re-route bus schedules. Pick up will start at the high school and then to the middle school. This schedule change had been a topic at the Administrative Summer Summit in June.

Mrs. Weyant also addressed an informational bulletin received from NYAPT informing districts of an ongoing study of seatbelts on school buses. Mrs. Weyant mentioned that the design of high back seats on buses has proven to be safe for students. Seatbelts are provided for those students who wish to use them. Mrs. Weyant stated that DOT requires seatbelts on buses, but does not require students to wear them. Lap belts are currently the controversial issue with younger students, showing that the lap belts have little, if any, benefit in reducing serious-to-fatal injuries in severe frontal crashes.

The Board thanked Mrs. Weyant for her report.

The Board discussed Board Committees from the 2006/07 school year. Mrs. Green asked that members begin to think of what committees they would like to serve on for the upcoming school year. The past few years, a Saturday workshop has been held to work on goals and committees. Mr. Kimiecik mentioned he would be joining the Growth Task Force Committee, since he has served as a community member.

Mrs. Green asked Mr. Esposito if he had completed the required Fiscal Responsibility courses for board members. Mr. Esposito mentioned he will sign up for upcoming sessions.

Mr. Watson suggested a Building Committee be formed with the upcoming proposed capital project. Mr. Watson mentioned during the last project, board members served on a Building Committee. Mrs. Bogart mentioned that the Board had previously approved any change order more than $15,000 and suggested that this process continue.

Mr. Esposito mentioned that a representative from KG & D and the construction firm be present at board meetings. The August 13th meeting will have representatives from both firms along with Dr. Paul Seversky, presenting the demographic study.

Mr. Stroka asked for a true cost of the project. Mr. Stroka also asked for an update on the use of a calculator on the website for resident use. Mr. Reese mentioned this has been looked into and can be done.

Safety was discussed around the students should construction begin. Mr. Reese reported that Andron Construction has strict procedures and protocol for safety.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

Mr. Esposito mentioned that the Audit Committee will be meeting on Tuesday, August 31, 2007 with Internal Auditors, Cooper & Niemann to review the draft of their audit.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:43 p.m. on a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Martha Bogart, the Board unanimously agreed to enter into Executive Session with no intent to return for the purpose of work history of a particular employee. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk