September 4, 2007 Board meeting minutes

GOSHEN CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION

(Back)

A tour of the school facilities was held at 5:45 p.m. for Members of the Board of Education on Tuesday, September 4, 2007 departing from Main Street School.

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

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 Tuesday, September 4, 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
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. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patricia Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, Ms. Colleen Kane, Ms. Melissa Lawson
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
CSE Chairperson Ms. Deirdre Hallinan
Director of Athletics Mr. Robert Siracuse
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 7:32 p.m. Mrs. Green asked for a motion to enter into a brief Executive Session. On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by James Kimiecik the Board entered into an Executive Session for the purpose of work history of a particular employee. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by James Kimiecik the meeting reconvened at 7:42 p.m. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green led the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a moment of silent meditation.
On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Robert Kish the Board of Education accepted the draft of minutes of August 13, 2007 and August 20, 2007. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Treasurer’s Report for June 2007 was acknowledged under Financial Update.

There was no report from the Audit Committee.

The Board received the following correspondence: High School Summer Graduation Program; correspondence from Goshen Chamber of Commerce to Interact Club Members; e-mail from NYSSBA on upcoming workshops; OCSBA Delegates’ Meeting flyer; MHSSC fliers; 2006/07 Sports Participation Survey & Season Summaries; and various newspaper articles.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green reported on the bus tour that members of the board took prior to the meeting. She was happy to report that the buildings were immaculate and ready to be occupied for opening day. Mrs. Green mentioned the hard work by a number of people over the summer.

Mr. Reese thanked the four members who were able to attend Opening Day festivities. Mr. Reese was happy to report that the day was very successful.

Mr. Miller reported on the telephone and security project. Target completion date is set for October.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the board on New Teacher Orientation held over three days with 31 new teachers and 2 teaching assistants.

Mrs. Unhjem also reported that Harriet Val was honored for 35 years of service at the Opening Day meeting.

Personnel

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the retirement of Joan VanDeWeert, bus driver, effective August 30, 2007. Mrs. VanDeWeert has been with the District for over 28 years. AYES 7 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board approved the remainder of the Consent Agenda as presented. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept retirement of Joan VanDeWeert bus driver effective August 30, 2007. Mrs. VanDeWeert has been with the district for the past 28 years.
Approve appointment of Joan VanDeWeert substitute bus driver at a salary of $15.68/hr., as needed, effective September 1, 2007.

Accept resignation of Cristal Berkeley food service helper effective September 4, 2007.
Approve appointment of Cristal Berkeley substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 4, 2007.

Accept resignation of Amanda Judge AIS teacher effective August 27, 2007.

Approve medical leave of absence of Belinda Hunter custodial worker is requesting a medical leave of absence under the Family Medical Leave Act effective August 3, 2007 through September 28, 2007.

Approve extended medical leave of absence of Richard Besaw custodial worker is requesting an extension to his medical leave of absence effective August 13, 2007 through August 23, 2007.

Approve appointment of Begona Aronsen bus driver at a salary of $16.63/hr. for 5 hours effective September 5, 2007.

Approve appointment of Richard Duong substitute custodial worker at a salary of $8.50/hr., as needed, effective September 5, 2007.

Approve appointment of Pamela LaLonde part-time long-term substitute French teacher at a salary of $150/diem effective September 4, 2007 through approximately January 31, 2008. Ms. LaLonde is filling the child care leave of Claire Straebler (French classes). Ms. LaLonde has permanent French 7-12 certification.

Approve appointment of Linda Mabie part-time long-term substitute Latin teacher at a salary of $100/diem effective September 4, 2007 through approximately January 31, 2008. Ms. Mabie is filling the child care leave of Claire Straebler (Latin classes). Ms. Mabie has permanent French and Latin 7-12 certification.

Approve appointment of Angela Toscano substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 5, 2007.

Approve creation of position of 1:1 teacher aide for student #112389 at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.75 hours per day, effective September 5, 2007. This is a new position being created for IEP for Student #112389.

Approve reclassification of position of AIS teacher position at the high school is being reclassified to teaching assistant-AIS teacher at the high school effective September 5, 2007.

Approve appointment of Linda Bauer teaching assistant-AIS at a salary of $34,634 (Level IV B) with a tenure date of September 5, 2010, effective September 5, 2007. Mrs. Bauer is a former employee of the District and is filling the new reclassification position (AIS teacher – Amanda Judge).

Approve appointment of Margaret Storms long-term substitute Family/Consumer Science teacher at a salary of $216.47/hr. (BA-1) effective September 4, 2007 through approximately November 30, 2007. Ms. Storms is filling the position of Matthew Petrillose. Ms. Storms has initial 1-6/initial 1-6 w/disability certification.

Approve appointment of Mary Ditalia AIS leave replacement teacher at a salary of $ 239.47/diem (MA-1) effective September 4, 2007 through October 19, 2007. Ms. Ditalia is filling the leave of Nancy Sozio. Ms. Ditalia has provisional N-6 certification.

Approve appointment of Jeremy Eherts part-time custodial worker at a salary of $13.26/hr. for 4 hours per day effective September 1, 2007. Mr. Eherts is filling the new position created during the 2007/08 budget.

Approve appointment of Laurie Laing substitute bus driver at a salary of $15.68/hr., as needed, effective September 18, 2007.

Approve appointment of Denise Hassan 1:1 teacher aide at a salary of $10.61/hr. for 5.75 hours per day, effective September 4, 2007. Ms. Hassan is filling the new position created for student #111549.

Approve change in position/hours of Regina Hartmann teacher aide is changing from 1:1 special education teacher aide to teacher aide with hours decreasing from 5.75 to 5 hours per day, at a salary of $10.61/hr., effective September 4, 2007.

Approve change in position/hours of Jane Hastings is changing from teacher aide to special education 1:1 teacher aide with hours increasing from 5 to 5.75 hours per day, at $10.61/hr., effective September 4, 2007.

Approve change in location of Carleen Schaumburg special education 1:1 teacher aide moving from the Intermediate School to the Middle School for Student #113953 at a salary of $10.61/hr., f or 5.75 hours per day, effective September 4, 2007.

Approve change in hours of Kathleen Dawson teacher aide change in hours from 5.5 to 5.75 effective September 4, 2007. Ms. Dawson is taking an extra ¼ hour from teacher aide position of Deborah Matyus.

Approve change in hours of Suzanne Cremin teacher aide change in hours from 5 hours per day to 4.75 hours per day (reduction of .25) effective September 4, 2007.

Approve change in hours of Vita Dowdell teacher aide increase in hours from 5.5 to 5.75 (increase of .25) effective September 4, 2007. (.25 coming from Suzanne Cremin)

Approve increase in hours of bus drivers - Kenneth Bowen, Wanda Cooper, Dominick DiNardo, Michele DiSapio, Louis Dispigna, Dawn Frawley, Carl Grzywaczewski, Norman Tenorio, Catherine Thomas and Carrie Weber increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.63/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of bus drivers - Bonnie Agostini, Cynthia Amador, Ann Arcerio, Lisa Delgado, Diane Jacob, Elizabeth Korycki, Rick McCormack, Daniel Rivera, Hilda Sandoval, Joseph Sanzone, and Denise Valluzzi increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.78/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of bus drivers - Floyd Frawley, Jane Kalleberg, James McGovern, Bernardino Picchione, and Marjorie Silling increase from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.93/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of bus drivers -Linda Ahrens, Florence Crawn, Linda Kroll, Nancy McBride, Susan Palmer, and Margaret Schumacher from 5 hours to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $17.08/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Harry DeBrock bus driver increase from 5 to 6 hours per day at a salary of $16.78/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Janice Gracey bus driver increase from 7 to 7.25 hours per day at a salary of $17.08/hr. effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of R. Michael Osburn bus driver increase in hours from 7 to 7.25 hours per day at a salary of $16.93/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of Lori Vandemark bus driver increase in hours from 6.5 to 6.75 hours per day at a salary of $16.93/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to the change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of bus monitors – Nancy Aronsen, Caterina Catanese, Marian King, Barbara Price, and Harriet Waites increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $10.61/hr. effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to change in school hours.

Approve increase in hours of bus monitors – Joanne Gelb and Debra Pawliczak increase in hours from 5 to 5.25 hours per day at a salary of $10.76/hr., effective September 1, 2007. This increase is due to change in school hours.

Approve appointment of John Wright Assistant JV Football Coach for the 2007/08 fall season.

EVENING HIGH SCHOOL

Approve appointment of Roger Kalin as Evening High School Lead Teacher at a salary of $41.38/hr., for 3.5 hours per evening, 2 evenings per week, effective 2007/08 school year. Mr. Kalin is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Karen Coldon as Evening High School secretary for 2 hours per evening for 4 evenings a week at a salary of $21.00/hr. effective 2007/08 school year. Ms. Coldon is replacing Norma Murphy.

Approve appointment of Paul Bennis Evening High School Economics teacher for 3.5 hours per week, 1 evening per week (second semester) at a salary of $30.96/hr. for the 2007/08 school year.

Approve appointment of Patricia Grandolfo as Evening High School English 12 teacher at a salary of $33.83/hr. for 3.5 hours per evening, for 1 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Grandolfo is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Kristin Green as GED English and GED Science Teacher at a salary of $30.96/hr. for 3.5 hours for two evenings per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Green is returning to Evening High School

Approve appointment of Michael Hanrahan as Evening High School Participation in Government teacher at a salary of $30.96/hr. for 3.5 hours per week for one evening per week (first semester), effective the 2007/08 school year. Mr. Hanrahan is a social worker for the high school.

Approve appointment of Heidi Lawrence as Evening High School Math 2A teacher at a salary of $33.83/hr., for 3.5 hours evening, for 1 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Lawrence is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Marlin Maduras as Freshman English 1 & 2 (OCCC Course) at $31.89/per hour for 3.5 hours per evening for 1 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Mr. Maduras is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Paul Tenny GED Social Studies teacher at a salary of $38.08/hr. for 3.5 hours per evening, for 1 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Mr. Tenny is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Elizabeth Xanthis as Evening High School English II teacher at a salary of $34.85/hr. for 3.5 hours per evening, 1 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Mrs. Xanthis is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Jessica Weir as Evening High School GED tutor/ testing at a salary of $38.08/hr. for 3.5 hours per evening, as needed, effective the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Weir is returning to this position.

Approve Appointment of Anna LaRegina as Evening High School substitute teacher at a salary of $30.06/hr., as needed, effective the 2007/08 school year.

Approve appointment of Patti Douglas as Evening High School library aide at a salary of $10.93/hr. for 2.5 hours per evening, 2 evenings per week, effective the 2007/08 school year.

Approve appointment of Gail Frey as Evening High School security at a salary of $50.00/per evening for 3 hours per evening, 2 evening per week, effective the 2007/08 school year. Ms. Frey is returning to this position.

Approve appointment of Martin Knapp as Evening High School security at a salary of $50.00/per evening for 3 hours per evening, 2 evenings per week, effective the 2007/08 school year.

Approve appointment of Millicent Ferrara as Evening High School substitute security at a salary of $50.00/per evening, as needed, effective the 2007/08 school year. Mrs. Ferarra is returning to this position.

Approve resignation of Ford Elliott Head Varsity Football Coach at a stipend of $5,347 effective August 21, 2007.

Approve appointment of Ford Elliott Assistant Varsity Football Coach at a stipend of $4,861 effective August 21, 2007. Mr. Elliott is replacing John Mardyniak.

Approve resignation of John Mardyniak Assistant Varsity Football Coach at a stipend of $4,861 effective August 21, 2007.

Approve appointment of John Mardyniak Head Varsity Football Coach at a stipend of $5,104 effective August 21, 2007. Mr. Mardyniak is replacing Ford Elliott.

Approve resignation of Daniel VanCura Head JV Football Coach effective August 13, 2007.

Approve Obsolete Equipment (see official minutes)

Approve Surplus/Obsolete Siemen Telephone Switching System Model #SD192MX232, Serial #U4-10394;12 IT & T 10 button telephone instruments in the basement telephone room at the Middle School

CSE/CPSE
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/19/07;115136/CJH/MD
04/24/07;111375/CJH/LD
05/01/07;112531/CJH/LD
05/01/07;110018/CJH/SLI
05/01/07;111359/GHS/LD
05/09/07;109100/GHS/LD
05/09/07;109086/GHS/LD
05/29/07;111353/BOCES/ED
06/07/07;113853/GHS/LD
06/08/07;109956/GHs/LD
06/08/07;107154/BOCEs/ED
06/21/07;109173/GHS/LD
Committee on Special Education 06/21/07;115503/GHS/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 07/10/07;110470/BOCES/MD
07/18/07;113552/BOCES/ED
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 08/07/07;115582/Preschool w/disability
08/15/07;115231/Preschool Itinerant Services Only
Committee on Special Education 05/03/07;115134/CJH/LD
05/03/07;115133/GHS/LD
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/07/07;108185/GHS/LD
05/07/07;109006/GHS/ED
05/07/07;109615/GHS/LD
05/07/07;111657/GHS/LD
07/02/07;113588/BOCES/Ineligible
Committee on Special Education 08/03/07;115497/CJH/LD
08/06/07;109123/CJH/LD
Committee on Special Education 08/06/07;115528/CJH/SLI
08/23/07;115155/SAS/OHI
08/23/07;114054/GIS/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 04/24/07;111498/CJH/LD
05/07/07;114109/GHS/LD
05/07/07;110057/GHS
05/07/07;107617/GHS/LD
05/07/07;113074/GHS/LD
05/07/07;114632/GHS/ED
Committee on Special Education 05/07/07;110421/GHS/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 05/30/07;112650/GIS/SLI
07/18/07;113814/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 07/19/07;111151/Center for Discovery/A
07/24/07;115219/SAS/OHI
Subcommittee on Special Education 08/07/07;107601/GHS/MD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 08/13/07;115564/Preschool Learning Experience
Committee on Special Education 08/22/07;115182/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 08/29/07;111353/BOCES/ED
Committee on Special Education 08/15/07;112270/CJH/OHI
08/20/07;115570/CJH/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 08/20/07/115199/BOCES
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 08/20/07;114993/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
08/20/07;114483/Preschool w/disability
08/21/07;114680/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
08/23/07;115397/Preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 08/23/07;115310/BOCES/SLI
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 08/29/07;115466/Inspire/Preschool w/disability
08/13/07;115563/Preschool w/disability

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, 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 administrative, instructional and non-instructional employees on an emergency basis:

John Wright Richard Duong Angela Toscano
Denise Hassan

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.

Mr. Reese asked Mr. Davidson from KG & D, Mr. Schunter from Andron Construction, and Dr. Paul Seversky from NYSSBA/Advisory Solutions to join the board at the table to present updated information on the proposed capital project.

Information relating to a breakdown of particular, special/large areas and square footage costs were presented from the construction manager. Figures included the fees for the architects and construction manger firm. The demographer’s numbers were based on mid-range figures, which the costs from the construction firm were projected from. It was stated that a preliminary review by SED be conducted prior to going up for a referendum vote. Mr. Davidson stated that this project is based on growth and should reflect a favorable aid reimbursement.

It was noted that the District has an A2 rating for bond rating.

Mr. Esposito mentioned that zoning laws might be changing in the Town of Goshen. The mid-range growth figures reflected the projects that currently have been approved or are under construction.

The Board agreed to schedule a workshop for Monday, September 10th and well as the previously discussed September 11th workshop.

On a motion by Steve Esposito and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education schedules two board workshops for the purpose of discussion of the proposed capital project on September 10, 2007 at 7:30 p.m. and September 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m. AYES 7 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 approves the list of Board Committees for the 2007/08 school year, as presented, adding James Kimiecik under Student Population Growth Task Force Liaison. AYES 7 NAYS 0
Motion carried.

On a motion by James Kimiecik and seconded by Al Watson, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the appointment of Education Solutions Consulting to provide data warehouse and data analysis services for the 2007/08 school year. AYES 6 NAYS 1 (Michael Stroka) Motion carried. (Some board members had questions regarding services and Mr. Watson asked for a breakdown. Mrs. Unhjem will provide this at the next meeting).

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by James Kimiecik, that the Board of Education hereby declares certain Math and Social Studies textbooks (as set forth on the attached list, which is made a part of this resolution), to be obsolete, surplus and of no value to the School District; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent to dispose of such textbooks through the Follett Book Buy-Back Program, for which the District will receive a credit voucher for the purchase of new books and/or audiovisual materials from Follett Library Resources. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Martha Bogart, upon the recommendation
of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the entry of the names
of the 2007 Summer Graduates in the Board of Education Minutes. (see official minutes)
AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by James Kimiecik upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education enters into an Agreement with William Valentino to provide Spanish Translation Services for special education students for the 2007/2008 school year in the amount of $15.00 per hour. (see official contract in minutes) AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by James Kimiecik, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the Independent Internal Audit Report for the period of July 1, 2006 through December 31, 2006 prepared by Cooper Niemann & Co., LLP. Deleting wording in third paragraph (Our procedures and findings, followed by the District responses, are as follows:) The Board requested a revised letter be submitted noting change. AYES 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Green opened the second Privilege of the Floor.

A community member addressed the Board with concerns that projections from the demographer might be too low and would rather plan to build what we need currently instead of construction again in 10 years. He also suggested the District look at Amazon.com for selling books.

The Audit Committee will be contacting Cooper Niemann & Co., and will make recommendations to the Board.

The External Audit is projected to be received by October 15th.

Michael Stroka asked if last year’s issues were closed.

Robert Kish asked about Science Olympiad coaches. Mr. Reese mentioned teachers have agreed to coach, but have not been named as of this meeting. The Board will approve all Co-Curricular assignments.

Mr. Watson thanked Mrs. Unhjem for the information provided on teacher retention.

Mr. Esposito commented on the Sport Survey and asked that this year improvement be made to increase athletic program.

Mrs. Unhjem mentioned that a summary of 2006/07 Schedule B will be presented after the teachers return to school.

The meeting was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. on a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Steve Esposito, 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 7 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia B. Brown
District Clerk