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APPROVED MINUTES PROPOSED MARCH 3, 2005 MINUTES SPECIAL 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 Mr. Rusty Storm Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton Mrs. Susan Pollock
ABSENT: Mrs. Julia Bowers (personal)
ALSO Mr. Richard T. Stank, Interim Superintendent PRESENT: Mr. Michael Melamed, Interim Assistant Superintendent Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board Ms. Diane Kalmen, School District Clerk Ms. Maureen Kline, Director of Special Services (CSE) Mr. Charles Hutchinson, High School Assistant Principal Mrs. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal Ms. Mary Frances Charsky, Donnelly Principal Ms. Debbie Merrell, Math Teacher, High School Mr. Joel Wilson, Director of Health, P.E. and Athletics; and member of Health and Safety Committee Mr. Tim OÕHearn, School Wellness Coordinator; and member of Health and Safety Committee Ms. Jennifer Ewanow, Co-President, Cedarhurst PTA; and member of Health and Safety Committee Ms. Holly Finch, Co-Vice President, Cedarhurst PTA; and member of Health and Safety Committee Ms. Natalie Brubaker, Administrative Intern; and member of Health and Safety Committee Mrs. Elizabeth Einstein, Country Courier 3 residents, 10 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. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, to accept into record the attendance for the March 3, 2005 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Brookside Character Education Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Brookside Character Education Word of the Month – "Perseverance."
APPROVAL OF MINUTESMrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pollock, to approve the minutes of the February 17, 2005 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Presentation – Mr. Michael Melamed reviewed the report summary from Callie Kavleski, B-T BOCES Environmental Health and Safety Coordinator, on the testing done at Cedarhurst. Mr. Melamed talked about the major areas of concern: the crawl space under the school, an infested area rug in one of the classrooms, the ventilation and humidity in the building, and areas where water can enter the building. Mr. Melamed also reviewed results from an Occupant Health and Comfort survey that Cedarhurst staff participated in. Mr. O'Hearn introduced members of the Health and Safety Committee. An informational meeting will be held for parents at Cedarhurst next week. Wayne Jennings Environmental Management, Inc. has also been hired to conduct testing at Cedarhurst. A report from them should be coming next week. Mr. O'Hearn outlined recommendations to help correct the problems at Cedarhurst. The infested rug in the classroom at Cedarhurst needs to be removed by a Professional Mold Remediation Contractor. Area rugs in the other schools will be removed also, by school personnel. For the short-term solution to improving ventilation, it was suggested that windows be opened. The humidity comes from the dishwasher in the kitchen. Another issue that came up that will have to be looked at is the asbestos found in ceiling and floor tiles. Mr. O'Hearn stated that a recommendation to remove the asbestos will be in the final report. Mrs. Hamilton asked how much has been spent on the situation at Cedarhurst so far. Mr. Stank replied that about $22,500 has been spent, which includes the removal of the rugs at Cedarhurst. Mr. Stank will take the following actions: 1) Enter into an agreement with a certified Professional Mold Remediation Contractor to remove the area rugs from Cedarhurst (should be done this weekend); 2) Explore the feasibility of having an architectural engineer do a structural study regarding the water in the crawl space and drainage of the building; and 3) Contact an HVAC specialist to make an assessment on what we can do to improve ventilation in the building.
VOICE OF THE PUBLIC – Ms. Holly Finch commented that Mr. Melamed has done an extremely wonderful job dealing with the Cedarhurst situation. Ms. Finch voiced her concern that the building is very water damaged and stated that proper ventilation will eliminate a lot of the issues. Ms. Finch and Mrs. Sutton talked about the research they have done on mold and the health issues that mold can cause. Mrs. Debbie Merrell stated that she is hearing for the first time that it is her child's classroom with a problem and asked what happens when her son goes to school tomorrow. Mr. O'Hearn replied that no one will have contact with the rug, only with their feet and they will try to isolate as much as possible. The carpet should be removed from the classroom this weekend. Mrs. Sue Sutton talked about the health problems her son has had all winter and also voiced her concern over the teacher's recent illness.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Stank Special Education Recommendations – Mrs. Pflanz-May made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the Susquehanna Valley Board of Education: * Authorize the 5 services recommended on CPSE list dated February 11, 2005. * Authorize the 16 services recommended on CSE list dated January 26, 2005. * Authorize the 14 services recommended on CSE list dated February 2, 2005. * Authorize the 14 services recommended on CSE list dated February 9, 2005. * Authorize the 17 services recommended on CPSE list dated February 16, 2005. * Authorize the 18 services recommended on CSE list dated February 23, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Instructional Retirement – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, that the retirement of John Burd, Middle School Art Teacher and Department Chair, be accepted with regret after 32 years of dedicated service to the District, effective July 1, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Instructional Retirement – Mrs. Pflanz-May made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that the retirement of Sandra Morgan, Middle School Math Teacher and Department Chair, be accepted with regret after 35 years of dedicated service to the District, effective July 1, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Long-Term Substitute Teacher – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pollock, that the appointment be approved of Kelly Schneider as a long-term substitute teacher, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check, assignment at Cedarhurst, during Bridget Bevacqua's leave of absence, to begin on or about April 8, 2005, 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. (8 yeses)
Leave of Absence – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that Marion Foley, High School Physical Education Teacher, be granted a paid medical leave of absence to care for her father on an as needed basis, effective March 4, 2005. She will use sick time and Family and Medical Leave. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Instructional Retirement – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the retirement of Jean Peczek, Cedarhurst elementary teacher, be accepted with regret after 13 years of service to the District, effective July 1, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Melamed Teacher Aide – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Finch, that the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Jessica Brink, as teacher aide, currently assigned at Donnelly, at a rate of $6.92 per hour, effective March 4, 2005, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Leave of Absence – Extension – Mr. Finch made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the unpaid leave of absence (medical) of Shirley Kowaleski, food service helper, effective November 29, 2004, through March 1, 2005, be extended through April 15, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
BOARD DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Pollock stated that the report from the Strategic Planning Committee meeting held February 10 is in the Board packets. She asked that Board members let her know if they have any questions or comments.
Mrs. Moriarty reported on the legislative breakfast she attended along with Mrs. Young and Mr. Melamed.
Voice of the administrators – Mrs. Simpson reported on events at Brookside. The Literacy Building committee held a book night last week. Mr. Stank read to beginning kindergarten and kindergarten classes in honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday. Parent conferences were held today. A movie night was held last week.
Ms. Charsky reported on events at Donnelly. A movie night was held last week. Rebecca Dibble, 5th grader, was able to send over 1,000 health kits to the tsunami victims. Donnelly will have two Odyssey of the Mind teams competing this weekend. Parent conferences were held today. Ms. Charsky also reported on the upcoming BCMEA Music Festivals.
Mr. Hutchinson reported that the drama club will be performing Peter Pan on March 11 and 12. Jamilynn Poletto is Class of 2005 Valedictorian, and Brandi Carter is Class of 2005 Salutatorian. Two SV Seniors are in the running for NYS Lottery Scholarships – Matt Stopper and Jen Work. The Dollars for Scholars phone-a-thon was rescheduled to next week.
Mrs. Kline reported that Suzanne Jackson, Dept. of Quality Assurance, SED, visited and was pleased with the progress that has been made toward the focused review goals. Teachers from SV will be visiting Johnson City on March 10 to collaborate with teachers there. There is a meeting on March 11 with a SETRC trainer.
CORRESPONDENCE – Mrs. Pflanz-May sent a condolence card on behalf of the Board to Cliff Kasson, whose mother passed away.
Mrs. Moriarty provided the Board with the notes from the forum held on the Superintendent's search and also a reminder of upcoming meeting dates for the search.
Newspaper Clippings – Wrestling – Section 4, Division II quarterfinals: Garrett Morabito (SV) dec. Tyler Malmberg (Mar); Kirby Fletcher (Wal) dec. Dennis Godbout; Josh Steward (Nor) dec. John Depersis (SV); Zach Stratton (Nor) dec. Jordan Rozboril (SV). Sibling bond helps SV senior find her career path – article and picture of Colleen Gabriel and her sister Jane. Girls bowling – STAC All-Stars Central/East All Conference Team– Melissa Whitney, Lauran Zanrucha, Becca Barton, Sara Rae Weyant. Boys basketball – STAC All Stars – All-Conference Central East – Joel Patch; All-Central Division – Bill Reardon, Pat Shager, Andy Thompson. Wrestling – STAC All Stars – All-Conference – Dennis Godbout; All-Division Central Division – Garrett Morabito, Joe Ostrowsky. High school experiences offer building blocks to life – Student Voices article written by Jonathan Youket, junior. Girls bowling – Sus Valley girls run away to win Section 4 Qualifier, Sabers advance to state tourney. Boys basketball – Shager leads SV's prolific attack, three Sabers top 17 points, SV 80, ME 75. Whalen's 26 lead BCC men – Pat Whalen, SV graduate, playing basketball for BCC. Girls' bowling – SV wins the Section 4 Class B Tournament title. Musicians win recognition – Molly McGuigan, Colleen Gabriel, Allison Oczko, Evan Stark, Brian Fitzsimmons, John Marshall selected for the 2005 All-County Band; Jeremy McMichael, Evan Stark, and John Marshall selected for the High School Area All-State Festival. Hail to the planning chiefs, Families find ways to keep children busy during four-day break – Megan Cleary, SV teacher quoted. Student to attend medicine forum – Gina Mangino nominated to attend the 2005 National Yough Leadership Forum on Medicine in Washington, D.C; Gina also had her biography published in Who's Who Among American High School Students in 2003-04. Boys bowling – SV wins Section 4 Class B Tournament Title. Students design scoring table – Cara Verhoeven, Kara Harrison and Carrianne Cole designed the new scoring table used for winter sporting events in the gymnasium. Students receive scholarships – Valerie Clark, Caitlin Cox, Joel Patch, Dan Kourliouros, Jennifer Bryan, Jamilynn Poletto and Kristina Eggleston are the recipients of a New York State Scholarship for Academic Excellence. Mold in SV school not toxic – Tests show ventilation problems at Cedarhurst.
EXECUTIVE SESSION Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Pflanz-May, that the Board of Education meet in Executive Session to discuss personnel, negotiations, and the superintendent's search. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) At 8:15 p.m. the Board recessed. At 8:30 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session. At 10:34 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session.
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the meeting be adjourned. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
There being no further business, Mrs. Young adjourned the meeting at 10:34 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Kalmen School District Clerk |