September 18, 2006 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A Workshop of the Members of the Board of Education of the Goshen Central School District, Orange County, New York, was be held in the Board Room at the Main Street School, on Monday, September 18, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. with Members of the Goshen Public Library Historical Society.


Present Mrs. Judy Green, President
Mr. Michael Stroka, Vice President
Mrs. Martha Bogart
Mr. Robert Kish
Mr. Alvin Watson
Mr. Marty Knapp
Mr. Steve Esposito
Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
District Counsel Mr. David Shaw

Present Ms. Pauline Kehoe
Mrs. Tiffany Milidantri
Mr. Gene Degen
Mrs. Patty Garnett
Mrs. Janet M.
Mrs. Laura Engle

Mr. Reese opened the workshop at 6:34 p.m. personally thanking both Boards for committing to the meeting. Ms. Kehoe stated she would be giving Mr. Reese a copy of a map of the Cohen property as it relates to the Salesian property.

Mr. Reese noted that the District’s legal counsel was present to answer any questions, and the library’s architect was in the audience. The library’s attorney will be in contact with David Shaw regarding any questions after the workshop.

Discussion on the school district owning the property and the library owning the parcel of land was raised. Mr. Shaw commented on legal issues regarding ownership of the land and the school districts obligation to the building. Control of all of the premises and building would be the library’s responsibility.

Mr. Shaw cited Comptroller’s Opinion of 1953, Vol. 9 - Decision that a Board of Education must do the bonding and own building.

Mr. Esposito asked if the library would have a mortgage? Ms. Kehoe stated they have started a capital campaign and may not have to mortgage. Under Education Law 226, Par. 6, empowers a library to enter into a mortgage for the property, but a school district cannot.

The library was advised that part of the law states they could fund purchase of land if they had enough funds in their budget without public money, they could purchase parcel.

The library could purchase the land with private money, if a referendum fails, the library would own a parcel of land.

David Shaw mentioned that a mortgage can be paid off with private funds not from a bond. If it should get to the point of bonding, the district would have to secure New York Bond Counsel.

Ms. Kehoe mentioned the land purchase amount is $600,000 with an appraised value of $900,000. The library will be fund raising for the contents of the building.

Mr. Stroka asked when they would have enough funds to furnish a library? Ms. Kehoe stated hoping to have an idea when it goes for a vote.

Ms. Kehoe stated the library currently is in 60 day due diligence period, with another 60 days beyond that period. The library hopes to close by the end of the year.

Mrs. Bogart asked how the library in 2002 asked the voters for land purchase, which was defeated, and is not required to do so now? Mr. Degen will ask that question to the library’s attorney. The library mentioned that this referendum was not put for a second vote because the public was not aware what the use would be for. The library had not efficiently publicized the referendum.

Mr. Shaw recommended the district contact the Comptroller’s office and obtain Opinions from bond counsel to see if a change has occurred since 1953.

Ms. Engel mentioned the capital campaign that the library is undertaking and long term planned fund raising.

Mrs. Bogart asked if the school district is protected from being sued? David Shaw advised both boards that if the school district owns the building they could be sued. District should have insurance. Ms. Kehoe asked if library could carry insurance listing the district?

Discussion began on contractor relationship. This would be conducted between contractor and owner of the building, which would be the school district.

Mr. Hoffman, the library architect, mentioned what the Cornwall School District had done during their library/school district construction. Both parties were named on the contract.

Discussion on where the library referendum vote should be held, whether at the school district or library. The library will discuss recommendations further with the library board.

Mrs. Green asked that designs not duplicate what is currently offered in the community to help keep cost down. Ms. Kehoe stated that the library has been asked for requests for a meeting space during the day for groups of 5 to 35.

Mr. Hoffman asked the Board what the purpose was for their request to see his background? Mr. Reese stated that if the school district was going to be securing the bond and inheriting the debt, they were interested in reviewing his background and experience in dealing with the State Education Department. Mr. Watson stated Mr. Hoffman’s credentials were impressive. Mr. Esposito assured the library that it was not the intention of the school district to become involved with the architect’s relationship with the library, but to work collaboratively together. Mr. Hoffman advised the school board he currently has a relationship with KG & D.

The workshop ended at 7:30 p.m. The Board of Education thanked the library trustees and Mr. Hoffman for meeting.


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, September 18, 2006 at 7:30 p.m.


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

Superintendent of Schools Mr. Roy Reese
Assistant Superintendent for Business Mr. Joseph Abbondanza
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum Mrs. Jane Unhjem
Principals: Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, and Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of Transportation Mr. James Riley
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
Student Senate Representative Ms. Katrina Lord
Members of the Faculty, Press and Citizens of the District

The regular meeting was called to order by President, Mrs. Green at 7:40 p.m. Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation,

The Board received the following correspondence: Correspondence from the New York State Public Relations Association notifying Christina Damiano that the District’s Winter Newsletter would be receiving an award at the upcoming NYSSBA conference, memo from Jane Unhjem regarding What is Your Child Really Doing in Cyberspace? parent workshop, Fall 2006/07 In-Service Course Catalog, thank you letters from various organizations to National Honor Society, summary of teacher –vs- non-teacher coaches, correspondence from Mary Ann Knight acknowledging donation of a French Horn and Saxophone from Catherine Bartlett, correspondence from NHSSC, correspondence from Shaw & Perelson on New York State law on Student Disciplinary Suspensions, and Court-Overturn of Commissioner’s Decision, and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

A community member addressed the Board on the Character Education parent workshop offered on August 31st. She applauded the district on the effort to offer parent workshops, but had concerns regarding the religious tones by the guest speaker.

Mrs. Bogart complimented Mrs. Unhjem on her efforts to provide staff development for the faculty.

Mrs. Green congratulated Mr. Reese on receiving an award from Dr. & Mrs. Dominic Cirigliano on Kid’s Day America/International recognizing Mr. Reese’s devotion and work with the children in the district.

Mrs. Bogart had included a draft of a letter to be sent to representatives in the State Legislature when responding to Call to Action for approval. The Board unanimously approved the letter and agreed for Mrs. Bogart to respond.

Mrs. Bogart mentioned the August 7th Call to Action with three bills being sent to the Governor - S3177 dealing with the current Taylor Law, S5376B dealing with employee “whistle blower”, and S7387 dealing with employees returning after lay off.

Mr. Reese acknowledged Katrina Lord, Student Senate Representative, at the table.

Mr. Reese addressed the community member and apologized for not responding to her e-mail regarding the parent workshop. Mr. Reese had discussed this with Mrs. Unhjem.

Mr. Reese updated the Board on current transportation routes and problems that have occurred with increased traffic at dismissal. The district has been working with the Village Police and will be re-routing the middle school departure to the high school.

Members of the Growth Task Force Committee will be presenting some of their recommendations after 2+ years of solid work to the Board at the October 16th meeting.

Mr. Reese received the engineer’s report certifying the middle school auditorium ceiling. There was no structure damage and classes will resume in the auditorium beginning tomorrow.

Mr. Abbondanza briefly updated the Board on the status of the district audit.

Mr. Abbondanza reported that the RFP’s for the internal auditor position have been finalized and going out next week. The audit committee will be reviewing responses and making a decision. This position is required by December 31st.

The school district will be taking action on the $1.7 million dollar tax certiorari refund from the Town of Wallkill at its next meeting. The district currently has enough money in the Tax Certiorari Reserve to cover the payment.

Mr. Abbondanza reported that more requests are currently awaiting decisions. Mr. Watson asked if the reserve had sufficient funds? Mr. Abbondanza assured the Board that due to careful management of the budget that there were surpluses available to replenish the Tax Certiorari Reserve account.

Mrs. Unhjem commented that the K-12 Art Faculty held a reception early in the evening displaying their personal work. Their work will remain on display at Central Office through November.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on upcoming parent workshops that the district would be offering.

Mrs. Unhjem introduced Mr. Maslin who joined the table to update and explain to the Board the advantages of the new middle school schedule. This year instructional periods went from 7 to 8, totaling 9, including a lunch period. The last period of the day is devoted and focused on reading and literacy. Instructional times went from 48 minutes to 42 minutes. Mr. Maslin presented a schedule from each grade level showing the changes. The new scheduling provides additional opportunities and increased participation in programs for the students. There is still post-session opportunities with the new schedule. The Board thanked Mr. Maslin

PERSONNEL

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 Consent Agenda as presented, minus item “o”. AYES 6 NAYS 0

Accept resignation of Susan Coppola teacher aide/attendance effective August 31, 2006.

Accept resignation of Theresa Ferraro teacher aide effective September 11, 2006.

Approve extended leave of absence of Corwin Howarth bus monitor is requesting an extension to his leave of absence effective September 1, 2006 through October 31, 2006.

Approve child care leave of Deborah Moneymaker speech pathologist is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective from on or about November 16, 2006 through February 1, 2007.

Approve child care leave of Janine Robinson middle school social studies teacher is requesting child care leave under the Family Medical Leave Act effective on or around November 22, 2006 through March 5, 2007.

Approve extended child care leave of Anna Maria Slicker grade 5 teacher is requesting an extension to her child care leave (continue Family Medical Leave, if eligible) effective January 12, 2007 through June 22, 2007.

Accept resignation of Gayle Scott custodial worker effective September 30, 2006.

Approve appointment of Gayle Scott courier, at a salary of $33,867 (Step H – currently CSEA contract under negotiation) effective October 1, 2006. Ms. Scott is replacing Werner Fick.

Approve appointment of Roberta Krebs teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 4.25 hours per day effective September 25, 2006. Ms. Krebs is replacing Kathleen Dawson.

Approve appointment of Jody Monroe bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiations) for 5 hours per day effective September 28, 2006. Ms. Monroe is filling the newly created position. Ms. Monroe is currently a substitute driver.

Approve appointment of Norman Tenorio bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiations) for 5 hours per day effective September 25, 2006. Mr. Tenorio is replacing William Silling. Mr. Tenorio is currently a substitute driver.

Approve appointment of Anthony Vallone bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiations) for 5 hours per day effective September 26, 2006. Mr. Vallone is replacing Barbara England. Mr. Vallone is currently a substitute driver.

Approve appointment of Carrie Weber bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiations) for 5 hours per day effective September 27, 2006. Ms. Weber is filling the newly created position. Ms. Weber is currently a substitute driver.

Approve appointment of Ellen Folkl teacher aide/attendance at a salary of $10.16/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiations) for 7 hours per day effective September 13, 2006. Ms. Folkl is also increasing her hours from 5.75 to 7 hours per day. Ms. Folkl is replacing Susan Coppola.

Approve appointment of Deanna Crawford substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Crawford is not certified.

Approve appointment of Maria Dymon substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Dymon is not certified.

Approve appointment of Margaret Hughes substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Hughes is not certified.

Approve appointment of Parvin Karim substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Karim is not certified.

Approve appointment of Jennifer Musumeci substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Musumeci is not certified.

Approve appointment of Donna Sypher substitute teacher at a salary of $70/diem effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Sypher is not certified.

Approve Appointment of Suzanne Peacock substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 19, 2006. Ms. Peacock is a retiree of the district.

Approve appointment of Christal Berkeley substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 25, 2006.

Approve appointment of Kathleen Dawson, a teacher aide at C.J. Hooker Middle School, is being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective September 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Glynnis Jorgensen, a teacher aide at C.J. Hooker Middle School, is being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective September 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Kathy Valerio, a teacher aide at C.J. Hooker Middle School, is being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective September 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Kathleen Thompson, a teacher aide at C.J. Hooker School, is being appointed a “restricted teacher aide” to cover a classroom when the teacher is out of the room effective September 19, 2006.

Approve change of hours of Arlene Petit temporary teacher aide change in hours from 7 hours per day to 8 hours per day, effective September 19, 2006.

Approve creation of new position of bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation) for 5 hours per day effective September 25, 2006. This is being created for district growth.

Approve creation of new position of bus driver at a salary of $15.60/hr. (CSEA contract currently under negotiation) for 5 hours per day effective September 25, 2006. This is being created for district growth.

Approve reclassification of 1:1 teacher aide position of 1:1 teacher aide position is being reclassified to a special education teacher aide/inclusion for 5.75 hours per day at a salary of $9.95/hr. effective September 19, 2006.

Approve appointment of Deborah Carpenter as special education teacher aide/inclusion at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5.75 hours per day effective September 25, 2006. Ms. Carpenter is being appointed as long-term substitute teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5.75/hrs. per day effective September 19, 200

CSE/CPSE

Committee on Special Education 08/17/06;114838/BOCES/MD
08/17/06;114843/BOCES/MD
08/22/06;115042/SAS/SLI
08/22/06;115026/SAS/SLI
08/25/06;115099/BOCES/ED
08/28/06;112281/Initial Referral/Ineligible
08/28/06;115044/BOCES/A
08/28/06;115035/GIS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 08/28/06;113391/GIS/OHI
Section 504 08/30/06;110408/GHS/LMLA
Committee on Special Education 09/06/06;114692/BOCES/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 09/13/06;115155/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 08/28/06;111545/CJH/LD
09/08/06;115094/BOCES/SLI
Subcommittee on Special Education 09/11/06;112459/GHS/OHI

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:

Deanna Crawford Maria Dymon Margaret Hughes
Parvin Karim Jennifer Musumeci Donna Sypher
Christel Berkley Roberta Krebs
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.

No formal action was needed on the grade 12 new English textbook presented for review at the last meeting. In March of 2005, the Board took action on the new English textbook series. This is the last textbook being purchased in the series.

The Board briefly discussed the NYSSBA conference. Mr. Watson will be attending the upcoming OCSBA meeting to hear what other districts are considering. Mr. Watson will report back to the Board.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the offering of the current District Retirement Incentive to members of the bargaining unit, as described in the GTA Contract, from September 19, 2006 until October 13, 2006. AYES 6 NAYS 0

Motion carried.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Michael Stroka upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education agrees to extend the period of time for the payment of taxes, without penalty, until October 10, 2006, for senior citizens 65 years or older who receive the Enhance Star Exemption.

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 approves the High School Class Trip to Orlando, Florida from May 18-21, 2007. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board reviewed the Committees and Board Goals for the upcoming 2006/07 school year. Two new goals are being added to the six goals adopted last year. The following are the 2006/07 Board of Education Goals:

Aligning Goals and Resources

For Student Achievement

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION GOALS

2006/2007


1. To work collaboratively with the community to support the district budget


2. To develop a budget process that focuses resources on student achievement


3. To support efforts to create a safe and more positive and effective learning environment


4. To support individual student learning through differentiated instruction


5. To increase contact time between educators and students


6. To create an educational environment that will develop and retain a qualified
professional and support staff


7. To examine and monitor growth within the community, evaluate its impact, and plan responsibly for future district needs.


8. To support all phases of the athletic program and identify areas of need. This will include but not limited to:

facilities
program
staffing

Reports on the progress of the goals will be reported at the December 18th meeting and June 4th meeting.

Privilege of the Floor was open to the public.

A community member complimented the middle school staff on their initiative to promote reading for fun. She commented better readers are better learners.

Another community member stated he appreciated the concerns of some board members on the schedule change, but complimented Mr. Maslin and middle school staff on the implementation of the new schedule. He stated many parents have been concerned with ELA scores. He suggested trying for one year and revisit.

Bob Litz on behalf of the members of the GAA and GTA congratulated Cindy Curry on her upcoming marriage.

Mrs. Bogart mentioned she will be addressing the Call to Action discussed under Legislative Update.

Mr. Esposito complimented the district on the display of work of district art teachers. This provides a great opportunity for the art teachers and as well as the community.

Mr. Reese commented that the display was the work of Mr. Robert Hoover and Mrs. Jane Unhjem, and he thanked both for their foresight.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:09 p.m. on a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Martha Bogart to enter into Executive Session with no intent to return for the purpose of work history of a particular employee.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk