APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED                                                 DECEMBER 16, 2004

MINUTES                             REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

of the                                                                        of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Senior High School, Room 11

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

 

MEMBERS       Mrs. Janice Young                                                          

PRESENT:       Mrs. Christine Moriarty

                        Mr. John Finch, Jr.                                                         

                        Mrs. Alicia Bishop                                                         

                        Mrs. Donna Pflanz-May                                                   

                        Mrs. Julia Bowers                                                          

                        Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton                                                                

                        Mr. Rusty Storm                                                            

                        Mrs. Susan Pollock

                                                                                                                      

ALSO               Mr. John Paske, Superintendent

PRESENT:       Mrs. Dawn Shannon, Assistant Superintendent

                        Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board

                        Ms. Irina Pecheny, Central Business Office

                        Ms. Diane Kalmen, School District Clerk

                        Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist

                        Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

                        Mr. Charles Hutchinson, High School Assistant Principal

`                       Mr. Gerardo Tagliaferri, Middle School Principal                 

                        Mrs. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal

                        Mr. Joel Wilson, Director of Health, P.E. and Athletics

                        Mrs. Kathy Hattala, English Teacher, High School, SVTA Representative

                        Mr. Mike Chacanaco, Country Courier

                        2 residents, 2 students

 

Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.

 

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, to accept into record the attendance for the December 16, 2004 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Generous – Wiling to share and give to others."

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to approve the minutes of the December 2, 2004 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 (Agenda Items) – No Comments

 

FINANCIAL REPORT – Ms. Pecheny reported that 91% of the total tax was collected. A check will be coming from Broome County the end of March or beginning of April. Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the November financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Paske

Presentation – Mrs. Shannon, Mrs. Simpson, Mr. Tagliaferri, and Mr. Daniels gave a presentation on Academic Intervention Services.

 

Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that an emergency conditional appointment be approved pending fingerprint and background clearance of Ilene Whitney as long-term substitute teacher, Cedarhurst, during Doreen HopkinsÕ (Elementary Teacher) leave of absence, to begin November 26, 2004, through March 22, 2005, at a $179.95 per diem with no sick days or personal days. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Extended Season Coaching Appointments – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that the following

coaches be paid for an extended coaching season:

Al Mydlinski                  2 weeks @ $120/week           $240

Jon Thompson                2 weeks @ $60/week            $120

Mike Kent                      1 week @ $120/week            $120

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Tenure Probationary Period Change – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that Elizabeth Strnatka's probationary period for tenure be reduced to two years and be eligible for tenure September 7, 2006. Elizabeth received tenure in Special Education at Windsor Central School District. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Resignation – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the resignation be accepted, with regret, of Dawn Shannon, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, effective close of business February 4, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Mr. Paske provided the Board with the draft Notice of Vacancy for the Superintendent's position. The Board reviewed the Notice.

 

Mr. Paske reported that Gabrielle Xlander, senior, has been appointed Vice-Chair of the Broome County Youth Bureau's Advisory Board.

 

Mr. Paske reported that John Dancescia was recognized as EMS Instructor of the Year by the Susquehanna Regional Emergency Medical Services Council.

 

Mrs. Young and Mr. Paske attended a meeting with the Center for Governmental Research regarding reorganization, shared services and possible mergers in the 15 school districts in Broome and eastern Tioga counties. A report from the group will be available for the Board on Tuesday, December 21.

 

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Shannon

Custodians – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that the following custodian emergency conditional

appointment be approved pending fingerprint and background clearance:

William Baird         $7.28 per hour         Currently assigned HS         Effective December 17, 2004

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Food Service Helper – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that pending fingerprint and background clearance, the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Alice Hart as Food Service Helper, currently assigned at the Middle School, at a rate of $6.41 per hour, effective December 3, 2004. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Substitute Teachers 2004-05 – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the following emergency conditional substitute teacher appointment be approved for the 2004-05 school year pending fingerprint clearance and

criminal background check:

Laura Roberts                Effective 12/17/04             Non-Certified: BA/Psychology/Ithaca College

                                                                                               MS/Education/Elmira College

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Substitute Teacher (Reappointment) – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that the following substitute

teacher from the 2003-04 school year be reappointed for the 2004-05 school year:

Eric Wiggins                 Non-Certified

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Correction – Teacher Aide – Mrs. Pflanz-May made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pollock, that the appointment be approved of Michele Fanara, as Teacher Aide/Cafeteria (not Substitute Food Service Worker), Cedarhurst, at a rate of $6.25 per hour, effective December 8, 2004. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Bus Driver – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that pending fingerprint and background clearance, the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Fred Brand, Bus Driver, at a rate of $9.23 per hour, effective January 3, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

School Nurse – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that pending fingerprint and background clearance, the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Kara Zimmerman, R.N., School Nurse, currently assigned at Brookside, at a rate of $13.36 per hour, effective December 17, 2004. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Senior Typist – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pollock, that pending fingerprint and background clearance, the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Jalynn Poletto, Senior Typist, currently assigned at the Middle School, at a rate of $8.50 per hour, effective December 17, 2004. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Substitute Food Service Helper – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Crystal Hampton as substitute food service helper, at a rate of $6.25 per hour, effective December 17, 2004, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Substitute Teachers 2004-05 – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the following emergency conditional substitute teacher appointment be approved for the 2004-05 school year pending fingerprint clearance and

criminal background check:

Jennifer Casiuk               Effective 12/20/04           Non-Certified: BS/ECC/SUNY Cortland

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

Substitute School Nurse – Mrs. Pflanz-May made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that Christina Wettstone, R.N., be approved as substitute school nurse, at a rate of $12.00 per hour, effective December 17, 2004. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

SVTA Representative – No Report

SVESSA Representative – No Report

Student Council Representative – No Report

 

CORRESPONDENCE – None

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS

Legislative Committee – No Report

Health Committee – No Report

New Board Member Committee – No Report

Committee on Public Relations – No Report

School to Work Committee – Mr. Daniels reported that the committee met and reviewed the goals for the 2004-05 school

year. The committee talked about developing a credit course in the high school to keep the program going.

Strategic Planning Committee – Mrs. Pollock reported that the committee met tonight and reviewed the plan. The committee decided that the plan was more of a standards of excellence and that more of a strategic plan is needed especially

with a new superintendent coming on board next year. The committee will meet again in January.

Chem Free After Prom Committee – Mrs. Moriarty reported that a chicken and biscuit dinner fundraiser will be held January 28.

 

Mrs. Pflanz-May is serving as a Board representative on a Walkable Community Committee in Conklin and she asked that it be added to the Board agenda so she can report on it.

 

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Simpson report on events at Donnelly for Ms. Mary Frances Charsky. Donnelly held its winter concert and the music teachers are commended for an excellent job. The PTA reached its goal and has donated new playground equipment. Mrs. Simpson reported on the Reflections Program at Donnelly. Gift drives are taking place for needy families. Donations are being accepted for the school kits being send to Iraqi children. Greeting cards were sent to DonnellyÕs sister school in Yuganda and medical supplies and books will be collected and sent as well. Donnelly is collecting for CHOW and Toys for Tots.

 

Mrs. Simpson reported on events at Brookside. Brookside held its winter concert. Gift drives are taking place for needy families. Donations are being accepted for the school kits being send to Iraqi children. The Peer Leaders visited the school and talked with 5th graders. Mrs. Simpson welcomes the new staff at Brookside. The drama club will be holding their holiday event on Friday, December 17. The cafeteria had a holiday feast today along with a holiday trivia contest.

 

Mr. Tagliaferri reported that a number of Middle School students have art work on display at the UHS art show. The Middle School held its winter concert and the music teachers and Middle School staff are commended for an excellent job. Mr. Tagliaferri reported on the JR Team fundraisers. Gift drives are taking place for needy families. The sr. citizen winter holiday dinner is being held December 21.

 

Mr. Daniels reported that gift drives for needy families are also taking place at the Sr. High. The winter concert is being held Tuesday, December 21.

 

Mr. Wilson reported that the boys basketball team is in 1st place. Mr. Wilson also reported on the National Athletic Directors Conference he attended.

 

Mrs. Hamilton reported on events at Cedarhurst. There was an article in the Press & Sun-Bulletin about the school kits Cedarhurst is putting together for Iraqi children. Cedarhurst held its winter concert and will be performing at the Oakdale Mall on March 9. There will be a District-wide concert on April 20.

 

OLD BUSINESS – None

 

NEW BUSINESS – None

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #2 (Non-Agenda Items) – Mrs. Sandy Ruffo stated that the Board is in a different place than where they were previously, they will be looking for leadership in the District. Mrs. Ruffo commented that the Strategic Plan is a collaborative effort between the Board, the administration, and the staff and the committee should consider this when looking at the plan. Mrs. Ruffo thanked Mr. Paske and Mrs. Shannon for their contributions to the District.

 

Mrs. Pflanz-May read the newspaper clippings. Girls bowling – Whitney's 739 series helps SV girls break STAC record in victory over Vestal – Melissa Whitney, SV 7, Vestal 0. Boys bowling – SV 7, Vestal 0. Wrestling – SV Tournament being held Saturday, December 4. Girls basketball – SV 70, JC 61. Boys basketball – SV 67, JC 58. Wrestling – SV Tournament, SV comes in 4th place, Championships, Garrett Mirabito (SV) dec. Eric Azersky (Bing.) 7-5, John DePersis (SV) dec. Sev Popolizio (C-R) 5-1. Student joins honor society – Keith Gorgos accepts membership in Golden Key International Honor Society. SV grad Smith wins marathon – Cheryl Smith was the fastest runner at the Orange County Marathon finishing the 26.2 mile course in 2 hours, 50 minutes, and 39 seconds. Girls volleyball – ME 3, SV 2. Boys bowling – CV 6, SV 1. Boys basketball – SV 65, Owego 53. Wrestling – Binghamton 42, SV 30; SV 45, Horseheads 21. Girls basketball – Owego 52, SV 32, picture of Jenn Mullins. Wrestling – Unatego 51, SV 19. Girls volleyball – Binghamton 3, SV 0, Courtney Ward had 14 assists. SV's surge keys victory over M-E, SV remains in first – SV 65, ME 59. Girls basketball – M-E 50, SV 45. Boys bowling – SV 7, CF 0. Girls bowling – SV 7, CF 0. Girls soccer – Section 4 All-State Selections, Class A – Fifth Team, Courtney Ward. Girls volleyball – Owego 3, SV 0. Girls basketball – Norwich 55, SV 39. Boys bowling – SV 5, Norwich 2. Wrestling – Vestal 59, SV 9. Boys soccer – NSCAA/ADIDAS All State Team – Fourth Team – Joel Patch. SV wins on half-court heave, PatchÕs long shot beats Norwich – Joel Patch, SV 63, Norwich 60.

 

Mrs. Bishop reported on the community Christmas program at Conklin Presbyterian Church and commended the SV students in attendance for their behavior. Mrs. Bishop also talked about how well behaved students were at a child development class she participated in.

 

Mr. Storm requested that new hires come to the Board meeting the night their appointment is on the agenda. Mrs. Young replied it can be suggested but they are not obligated to come.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the Board of Education meet in Executive Session to

discuss personnel, and negotiations. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

At 9:20 p.m. the Board recessed.

At 9:37 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session.

At 10:12 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session.

 

The Board discussed the ERS and TRS increases and the impact on the budget and negotiations.

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

 

There being no further business, Mrs. Young adjourned the meeting at 10:33 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk