September 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 Tuesday, September 5, 2006, at 6:30 p.m. for the purpose of work history of particular employees.

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

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 5, 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
Absent 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
Principals:
Mr. Robert Litz, Mr. Kent Maslin, Mrs. Mary Ann Knight, and Mrs. Daria Murphy
Assistant Principals: Mrs. Patty Lercara, Mr. John Piscitella, Ms. Colleen Kane
Director of PPS Ms. Barbara Butler
Director of Buildings & Grounds Mr. James Riley
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. Green at 7:40 p.m. 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 7, 2006, August 21, 2006, and August 29, 2006. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board received the following correspondence: OCSBA flyer, memo from Mr. Reese regarding Middle School Auditorium, flyer on An Overview on Developing New, Effective, Local, Special Education Programs, CJ Hooker Middle School The Gladiator, and various newspaper articles. Additional correspondence received at the table: Letter from Warwick Valley Central School District hosting Symposium/Summit on
October 21, 2006.

Mrs. Green opened Privilege of the Floor.

Mrs. Green reported on the Tour of Facilities the Board had on August 29, 2006. All buildings were toured and inspected for opening day. The Board thanked Jim Riley and his staff on outdoing themselves.

Mrs. Green mentioned she attended the Opening Day exercises. Mr. Reese’s opening remarks to the staff were inspiring.

Mrs. Green asked when Student Senate is organized for Mr. Litz to provide a student representative for Board meetings.

Mr. Reese reported he attended the 23rd Summer School Graduation held in the Board Room on August 23rd and in the evening the Freshman BBQ. Both invents were well attended and wonderful.

Executive Session

Meeting Called to Order

Approval of Minutes

Correspondence

Privilege of the Floor

President’s Report

Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Reese mentioned Opening Day and a good start to the new school year. Mr. Reese was present at Scotchtown on first day of school to see students arriving. Wonderful start to the new year.

At this point in the meeting Mr. Reese introduced Mr. Riley and Mr. Briller from KDF RepoGraphics, Inc. Mr. Briller presented a powerpoint on Protecting your Critical Facility Documents. The presentation provided information on the preservation of architectural and engineering plans and drawings. Mr. Briller mentioned grants are available for this service. The Board thanked Mr. Briller for his presentation.

Mr. Abbondanza addressed the Board with the current status of the collection of taxes to-date. The auditors will be returning to the District for finalized audit this week.

The telephone project has had all documentation submitted to SED and the District is waiting to hear.

Mrs. Unhjem updated the Board on the new teacher orientation held August 28, 29, and 30th.

Mrs. Unhjem reported on Opening Day and Mr. Thomas Lickona’s “Character Education” address to the faculty. Mr. Lickona also presented an evening workshop for parents of the community. September 1st continued the Superintendent’s Conference Day with faculty working in individual buildings.

Mrs. Unhjem presented the new 12th grade English textbook, British Literature, which is the final textbook in the new English curriculum. The Board will adopt this textbook at the next regular meeting.

Mrs. Unhjem mentioned that the District Art teachers will be displaying their work at Central Office on September 18th, with an Opening beginning at 5:30 p.m. Their work will be on display through October.

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 and Addendum minus item “e“ AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Accept resignation of Margaret Mills-Kaplan effective August 21, 2006.

Approve appointment of Margaret Mills-Kaplan as substitute teacher aide at a salary of $7.75/hr. effective August 21, 2006.

Accept resignation of Ann Marie Nelson food service helper effective August 16, 2006.

Approve appointment of Betsy Diaz substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 12, 2006.

Approve appointment of Diana Romer substitute food service helper at a salary of $7.75/hr., as needed, effective September 12, 2006.

Approve change of hours of Carleen Schaumburg teacher aide change of hours from 5.75 to 5 hours per day effective August 30, 2006.

Approve creating new position of teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. for 5 hours day effective September 11, 2006. This position is being created at Central Office due to increased enrollment and subsequent increased personnel.

Approve appointment of Laura Reynolds teacher aide at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiation) for 5 hours per day effective August 31, 2006. Ms. Reynolds is currently a substitute with the district. Ms. Reynolds is replacing Margaret Mills-Kaplan.

Approve change of assignment of Gina Martin teacher aide change of assignment from the Intermediate School 5.75 hours per day, to the High School 5.5 hours per day, effective August 31, 2006. Ms. Martin is being reassigned due to the student’s IEP and is replacing S. Johnson.

ADDENDUM

Approve appointment of Susie Peacock long-term substitute teacher aide for 5.75/hrs. per day at a salary of $9.95/hr. (CSEA currently under negotiations) effective September 5, 2006. Ms. Peacock is temporarily filling the position vacated by Susan Coppola.

Disposal of Obsolete Equipment

CSE/CPSE
Committee on Special Education 06/30/06;111692/BOCES/ED
Subcommittee on Special Education 08/07/06;110636/BOCES/LD
Committee on Special Education 08/17/06;115038/BOCES/ED
08/17/06;114679/BOCES/LD
Committee on Preschool Special Ed 08/24/06;115081/Inspire/preschool w/disability
Committee on Special Education 08/25/06;114741/SAS/SLI
08/28/06;113076/BOCES/ED
08/28/06;114489/BOCES/ED
08/29/06;113653/BOCES/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:

Ann Marie Nelson Betsy Diaz Diana Romer

Be it further resolved, that such emergency conditional appointments shall become conditional appointments upon receipt of State clearance from SED. AYES 6N AYS 0 Motion carried.

Mr. Reese mentioned the upcoming Saturday morning Board Workshop on September 9th for discussion on Board Goals and Board Committees beginning at 8:00 a.m.

Board members discussed the three options available for the Board to act on with regard to Marty Knapp’s resignation. Options include, an appointment from the Board, a special meeting for election of a new member, or leave the seat vacant. All members were in agreement that the public should vote in Board members and unanimously agreed to leave the seat vacant until the May 2007 Annual Budget Vote and Board Member Election.

Members discussed the 2006 Bylaws, Amendments and Resolutions for the upcoming NYSSBA Annual Conference. Mr. Watson will represent the district. The Orange County School Boards Association will be addressing amendments and resolutions being presented for approval at the conference during their upcoming meeting. There are 13 proposed resolutions being recommended for adoption and 15 proposed resolutions not being recommended. Martha Bogart thanked Al Watson for representing the District at the annual conference.

On a motion by Martha Bogart and seconded by Steve Esposito, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts, the Board of Education accepts the bid award to R D’s Paving, Inc. in the amount of $23,500 for asphalt paving for the Intermediate School playground. (see official minutes)

AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson the Board of Education authorizes Martha Bogart, SLN Representative to contact the offices of Assemblywoman Rabbitt and Senator Larkin regarding Senate Bills 3178 and 7503. AYES 6 NAYS 0

Motion carried.

On a motion by Robert Kish and seconded by Al Watson (Resolution of the Goshen Central School District Board of Education Declaring September 2006 Act for Education Month)

Whereas one in three students across New York State does not graduate on

time;

Whereas New York State's contribution to funding public education is lower

than the national average, leading to dramatically increased local property

taxes;

Whereas New York State has the largest funding gap between high and low

income school districts and one of the highest student achievement gaps;

Whereas the New York State Court of Appeals has ruled that the state is

failing in its constitutional obligation to provide all of New York's public

school students with access to a sound basic education;

Whereas the Court of Appeals specified that significant increases in school

funding are necessary to provide a sound basic education to students;


Whereas increased education funding, invested in proven educational

strategies with clear accountability provisions is a sound strategy to

improve educational results;

Whereas the proportion of total school funding provided by state government

is at a fifty year low and local property taxes in the state are at an all

time and national high;

Whereas we wish to show support for reform of the state's school aid formula

and significant increases in state aid, recognizing local need and costs,

combined with accountability to ensure educational results;

This resolution was explained by not fully read and was noted to be included as part of the Minutes.

Be it Resolved that the Goshen Central School District Board of Education declares September 2006 to be Act for Education Month in the Goshen Central School District. AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Steve Esposito upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the entry of the names of the 2006 Summer Graduates in the Board of Education Minutes.

AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

The Board thanked the Middle School PTO for their generous donation of $2,000 to the Jennifer DeMarco Memorial. Mrs. DeMarco was a teacher at the middle school, who lost her life last year. The school will be dedicating space in the new courtyard in Mrs. DeMarco’s memory. The donation will be added to help the students follow through on their creation.

On a motion by Al Watson and seconded by Steve Esposito, be it resolved, that the Board hereby terminates the employment of Barbara England, a School Bus Driver, in accordance with the provisions of Section 71 of the Civil Service Law, with the opportunity to be reinstated to the same or similar position, if a vacancy exists, upon making application therefor within one year after termination of the disability.

AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

On a motion by Michael Stroka and seconded by Robert Kish, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education approves the payment of tax certiorari to Kelvin and Elizabeth Joseph in the amount of $2,032.09, as presented.

AYES 6 NAYS 0 Motion carried.

Mrs. Bogart voiced her concern regarding 485b Tax Exemptions and the County Legislature voting to create IDA’s, which can overrule local districts. The district is currently in the process of refunding a $1.7M tax certiorari for a business. Martha asked if further research could be done and information provided back to the Board.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m. on a motion Robert Kish and seconded by Robert Kish.

Respectfully submitted,
Cynthia M. Curry
District Clerk