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APPROVED MINUTES PROPOSED MARCH 17, 2005 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 (arrived at 7:06 p.m., personal) Mrs. Julia Bowers Mr. Rusty Storm Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton Mrs. Susan Pollock
ALSO Mr. Richard T. Stank, Interim Superintendent PRESENT: Mr. Michael Melamed, Interim Assistant Superintendent Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board Ms. Irina Pecheny, Central Business Office Ms. Diane Kalmen, School District Clerk Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal Mr. Charles Hutchinson, High School Assistant Principal Mr. Gerardo Tagliaferri, Middle School Principal Mr. Robert Callahan, Cedarhurst Principal Mrs. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal Ms. Mary Frances Charsky, Donnelly Principal Mrs. Kathy Hattala, English Teacher, High School, SVTA Representative Mr. Ben Maslona, Fiscal Advisors Ms. Sandra Barton, Cedarhurst Cook Manager Mr. George Basler, Press & Sun-Bulletin 15 residents, 3 students
Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to accept into record the attendance for the March 17, 2005 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Ambitious – having a strong determination to accomplish a goal."
APPROVAL OF MINUTESMrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to approve the minutes of the March 3, 2005 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Superintendent's Report – Mr. Stank Refunding Bond Resolution – Mr. Ben Maslona gave an overview of the refunding of the bonds and how much the District could save over the next fifteen years. Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Storm, to approve the Refunding Bond Resolution dated March 17, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 (Agenda Items) – Mrs. Sue Sutton voiced her concern with the mold issue at Cedarhurst and stated that she would like to see an action plan and a timeline for dealing with the situation. Mrs. Sutton and Mrs. Holly Finch talked about a questionnaire to parents on the symptoms their children were having. Mrs. Finch voiced her concerns about the SED health and safety regulations and the District Health and Safety Committee. Mrs. Finch asked that children with symptoms be moved to another building. Mrs. Tina Corbin talked about her two children and the symptoms and illness they have had this year. Mrs. Sandy Barton, Cook Manager at Cedarhurst, voiced her concern that the ventilation system needs to be improved, she talked about the high humidity and temperature in the kitchen. Mrs. Jennifer Ewanow also asked for an action plan and timeline.
Mrs. Kathy Hattala spoke regarding the SV drama club, how much work goes into each production by the directors, the parents and the students. She asked that the District consider supporting the drama club with stipends and a budget for props, costumes, etc. Mrs. Roseanne Norris, Mrs. Mary Rader, Mr. Greg Jenkins, and Mrs. Jackie Devoe also voiced their support of the drama club. Mrs. Rader stated that the recent performance of Peter Pan was outstanding. Mr. Jenkins stated that the students need to be taught how to go out and make a living and for some of them that will be through the arts. Mr. Jenkins also talked about how much money is put into athletics. Mrs. Norris talked about how much her daughter loves performing. Mrs. Devoe stated that her son is not an athlete and talked about how much he loves performing. Mr. Daniels publicly thanked Crystal Lown and Linda Stark for their outstanding job in the Peter Pan show.
FINANCIAL REPORT – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the February financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT cont'd – Mr. Stank Annual Meeting Vote – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pollock, that be it RESOLVED, that the Legal Advisor and the District Clerk make the necessary preparations for the Annual Budget Hearing to be held Tuesday, May 10, 2005 at the Susquehanna Valley Senior High School Auditorium in the Town of Conklin, County of Broome, at 7:00 p.m. That the budget vote and the balloting for the election of Board members is to be held on Tuesday, May 17, 2005 at the Susquehanna Valley Senior High School in the Town of Conklin, County of Broome, between the hours of 12:00 p.m. (noon) and 9:00 p.m. and that the voting machines are to be used for voting. That the District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to give proper notice of said meeting and notice dates. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
School Calendar – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the school calendar for 2005-06 be approved as proposed. Mrs. Bowers, referring to a letter from Oneitta Ludwig, SVTA President, asked about the impact on testing with the new calendar, which gives a week off in February. Mr. Stank replied that the all tests are given later in the school year except for the math test, which the state has moved from May to March. Mrs. Bowers also asked about the impact on student trips and competitions. Mr. Stank replied that the schedules can be worked out. Mrs. Pollock suggested that some superintendent's conference days could be scheduled in April to provide a long weekend. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Resignation – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the resignation of Tim O'Hearn, School Wellness Coordinator, be accepted with regret effective the close of business April 8, 2005. Tim has been an asset to the District and will be truly missed. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
2004-05 Advisors – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that Rachel Perry and Alissa Brand receive a $250 stipend for Odyssey of the Mind advisors at Cedarhurst for 2004-05. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that the appointment be approved of Jean McArdle as a certified long-term substitute teacher, assignment at Cedarhurst, during Shannon HoganÕs leave of absence, expected to begin April 24 through the remainder of the 2004-05 school year, at a $134.96 per diem with no sick days or personal days. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Tuition Free Student – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, to allow Drew Small to attend Susquehanna Valley in his senior year tuition free. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the appointment be approved of Stephen Boel as a long-term substitute teacher (NYS certification pending), assignment at the high school, during Meggan Olds' leave of absence, expected to begin April 4, through the remainder of the 2004-05 school year, at a $179.95 per diem with no sick days or personal days. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Winterguard/Marching Band Stipends 2004-05 – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that Stephen Boel be approved as the Winterguard and Marching Band technician at a $200 stipend for each position. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Student Health Services – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that payment of a $15,471.92 invoice be approved for providing health services to seventy-four (74) Susquehanna Valley resident students ($209.08 each) attending non-public schools in the Binghamton CSD during the 2004-05 school year. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
2004-05 Spring Coach – Mrs. Pflanz-May made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the following spring 2004-05 coaching appointment be approved: 2004-05 Level and Sport Coach Began School Year Salary Modified Assistant Boys Baseball Anthony Ruffo 2004-05 1st Year As Per Contract (blue team) Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Melamed Bus Driver – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the emergency conditional appointment be approved, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check, of Dennis Rowlands, as Bus Driver, at a rate of $9.23 per hour, effective March 18, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Custodian – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the emergency conditional appointment be approved, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check, of John Beal, as Custodian, current assignment at the High School, at a rate of $7.28 per hour with a $ .35 per hour night rate differential, effective March 21, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Resignations – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the following resignations for retirement purposes be accepted effective end of business day March 31, 2005: Lewis Coryell Custodian Cedarhurst Beverly Mackie Nurse Donnelly Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Substitute School Nurse – Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that Beverly Mackie be approved as a substitute school nurse, at a rate of $13.36 per hour, effective April 1, 2005. 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 REPORTSLegislative Committee – No Report Health Committee – No Report New Board Member Committee – No Report Committee on Public Relations – No Report School to Work Committee – No Report Strategic Planning Committee – Mrs. Pollock stated that she sent out the Strategic Plan information and has received some responses. She will be collecting responses until the end of March and will have the final report ready in April. Mrs. Bishop asked if a link to the Strategic Plan could be put on the web site. Mr. Stank stated that it could be and that there would also be copies available at the schools. Mrs. Bishop also suggested that an email link be put on the web site so that people can send ideas. Chem Free After Prom Committee – No Report Consolidation Committee – Mrs. Moriarty reported on the first meeting of the Consolidation Committee. They reviewed the consolidation study and discussed what the first priorities to look into should be. History of the District CPR Committee – Mrs. Rader reported that a memo was sent to all original fifteen committee members inviting them to a meeting on March 15. The committee is now down to five or six members. There is still a lot of work to be done, pictures and slides have to be categorized into years. Gail Goldberg is writing the text and asks that all written information be in to her by June 16. The book will mainly be in picture form.
VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Simpson reported on events at Brookside: as part of the Teacher/Parent enrichment after school activities, a speaker from Roberson came this week and the after school swim program will be starting. Music in Our Schools Week - the orchestra performed in the mall on Monday and the band and chorus performed today.
Ms. Charsky reported on events at Donnelly. The science fair was held this week. Music in Our Schools Week - Donnelly performed at the mall on Tuesday. Two Odyssey of the Mind teams from Donnelly won ribbons.
Mr. Tagliaferri reported on Middle School events. The music concert was held Tuesday at the high school auditorium. Music in Our Schools Week - the orchestra, band and chorus will be performing at the mall. Three of the Middle School Odyssey of the Mind teams placed and won trophies. The Science Olympiad team placed in the regional competition and will now be going on to the states. The Drug Quiz Show placed. Weather Watch is coming up. The Parent Involvement Committee and the JR team registered to establish a PTO.
Mr. Daniels reported that the Dollars for Scholars phone-a-thon has finished. Tuesday will be the high school music concert. Mr. Daniels recognized the students in the audience: Preston Hertzog for his bowling, Evan Starke for his performance in Peter Pan, and Brandi Carter for her performance in Peter Pan and also Class of 2005 Salutatorian.
OLD BUSINESS – Mrs. Young reported that the production of Peter Pan was incredible. Mrs. Young walked in the diabetes walk at the mall on Sunday and stated that 10% of the people walking were District residents walking in support of a young lady in the District.
NEW BUSINESS – Mrs. Moriarty asked if more budget information would be coming soon. Mr. Stank replied that it would be. Mrs. Moriarty stated that everyone here would like to support the drama club, but that the District is in tough budget times and the budget has to be sold to the public.
Newspaper Clippings Reported On – Girls bowling - SV girls finish 3rd in states. Young at Art - picture done by Perri Clifford, Cedarhurst student. School Report Card - SV statistics.
Newspaper Clippings Submitted – School officials to address air quality - information meeting to be held at Cedarhurst. 'Shining Sabers' honors students - program recognizes and encourages students to continue to work hard for academic success, second semester Shining Sabers: Zach Loomis, Samantha Kovitch, Khrystal Stock, Katrina Young, Zach Barker, Bruce Beamer, Robert Way, Dustin Grill, Katie Stankiewicz, Matt Bensley, Hillary Maroney, Ben Diffendorf, Travis Gaska, Kas Satterfield, Zack Wilson, Stephanie Freije, Josh Pappas, Amanda Kibbler, Marjorie Twining, Joe Sheriff, Tiffany Elliott, Caitlin Finch, Corey Katusha, Tiffany Hawley, Ryan Bonilla, Colby Hampton, and Alicia Reese. Weather cancels meeting - information meeting on the air quality issues at Cedarhurst rescheduled due to weather. Seven receive state scholarships - Valerie Clark, Caitlin Cox, Joel Patch, Dan Kourliouros, Jennifer Bryan, Jamilynn Poletto and Kristina Eggleston are recipients of a New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Snow spurs changes for 2 school districts - Binghamton and Susquehanna Valley cancel superintendent's conference day and hold classes. Former supervisor appointed to post - Timothy O'Hearn appointed to run the day-to-day operations of Schuyler County. Cedarhurst needs to fix ventilation.
VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #2 (Non-Agenda Items) – No Comments
EXECUTIVE SESSION Mrs. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that the Board of Education meet in Executive Session to discuss budget, negotiations, and personnel. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses) At 8:20 p.m. the Board recessed. At 8:33 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session. At 10:27 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session.
Mrs. Pflanz-May asked about the Board seats that are up for election and how someone gets a petition to run for one of the seats. Mr. Stank replied that they have to come in to the District Office to pick up a petition and that 25 signatures are needed on it.
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 10:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Kalmen School District Clerk |