APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED                                                 JANUARY 19, 2006

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. Eleanor Hamilton                                                                

                        Mr. John Pollock

                        Mrs. Alicia Bishop                                                                     

                        Mrs. Christine Moriarty                                                               

                        Mr. Rusty Storm (arrived at 8:31 p.m., personal)                             

                        Mr. Kevin McGuigan

                        Mrs. Julia Bowers

 

ABSENT:         Mrs. Mary Haskell (business)

 

ALSO               Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent

PRESENT:       Dr. Renee Stalma, Assistant Superintendent

                        Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board

                        Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk

                        Ms. Celia Bucek, District Business Coordinator

                        Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist

                        Ms. Maureen Kline, Director of Special Services (CSE), and member of Program and Restructuring

                                    Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Joel Wilson, Director of Health, P.E. and Athletics, and member of Facilities and Capital Projects

                                    Advisory Committee

                        Ms. Debbie Merrell, Math Teacher, High School, and member of Program and Restructuring

                                    Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Don Blenco, Technology Teacher, Middle School, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Jack Fox, Special Education Teacher, High School, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Don Gerlach, Director of Technology, and member of Facilities and Capital Projects

                                    Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Gerardo Tagliaferri, Middle School Principal, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Robert Callahan, Cedarhurst Principal

                        Ms. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal, and member of Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory

                                    Committee

                        Mr. Angelo Ranieri, Director of School Facilities, and member of Facilities and Capital Projects

                                    Advisory Committee

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

                        Mr. Seth Cosens, Business Teacher, High School

                        Mr. Mark Bordeau, Food Service Coordinator, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Jeff Renner, Art Teacher, High School

                        Mr. Ken Goldberg, resident, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mr. Jerry Derrick, resident, and member of Budget Advisory Committee

                        Mrs. Mary Rader, resident, and member of Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee

                        Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

                        3 residents, 27 students

 

Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.

 

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to accept into record the attendance for the January 19, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Optimistic – Looking at the bright side of situations."

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, to approve the minutes of the January 5, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Mr. David Finch asked about the air quality testing at Cedarhurst. Mrs. Boyce and Mr. Ranieri explained that one test was done in early January. The machine has now being calibrated and then a second test will be done. There should be information available at the Healthy and Safety Committee meeting in February on the results.

Mrs. Rader stated that she received a phone call from a comment she made at the November 17 meeting regarding the funds discovered in the budget that "someone lost a grip on what is happening a few years ago." Mrs. Rader apologized for this comment, stating that it was neglect on her part to say someone. Mrs. Rader asked that a change be made on the November 17 minutes to reflect that it was held in the Town of Binghamton and on the December 15 minutes to reflect that it was held in Conklin. Mrs. Rader asked about the propositions that will be placed before the voters in March.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the December financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce

Resolutions – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, to approve the following resolutions:

Appointments: That the following appointments be approved:

Name                         Position                    Certified         Rate of Pay       Effective Date

Katie Sullivan               Substitute Teacher             Non-Certified         As Per Contract       1/17/06

Andrew Palmer              Substitute Teacher             Certified               As Per Contract       1/17/06          

Duane Bronson              Substitute Teacher             Non-Certified         As Per Contract       1/17/06

Sarah Dickerson             Substitute Teacher             Non-Certified         As Per Contract       1/17/06

Kathryn Andrew            Substitute Teacher             Non-Certified         As Per Contract       1/17/06

Virginia Whitenight       Substitute Teacher             Certified               As Per Contract       1/19/06

Bonnie Archambeau       Custodian (Provisional)                                 $7.43 Per Hour        1/23/06

Frank Woodward           Substitute Custodian                                    $6.75 Per Hour        1/20/06

 

Fire and Safety Inspector – That John Shevalier be appointed as the District's certified fire and safety inspector for a fee of $650, and will conduct the inspection on February 21 and 22, 2006.

 

Drivers Education Instructor – That Hugh Baird be approved as the drivers education instructor for the remainder of the 2005-06 school year, and be paid a stipend of $3200, paid bi-weekly for each semester (winter, spring, summer) as long as student enrollment numbers are adequate. This expense will be covered by a $350 per student fee managed by the Central Business Office.

 

2005-06 Mentors – That Valerie Hoffman be appointed a mentor for the 2005-06 school year at a stipend of $1,000.

 

Custodian – That David Tarby be appointed a permanent custodian at a rate of $7.43 per hour, effective January 9, 2006, current assignment at the High School, pending fingerprint clearance and criminal

background check.

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

Camera Donation – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accept the donation of a Panasonic Palmcorder IQ video camera to Cedarhurst

Elementary from Elizabeth and David Finch.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation for this generous

donation to Cedarhurst Elementary.

Mrs. Young thanked Mr. and Mrs. Finch for their commitment and dedication to the District.

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

Vision Testing Equipment Donation – Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accept the donation of a vision testing machine, Instal-Line

Plus, to Brookside Elementary by the Binghamton Lions Club valued at $836.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education extends its sincere appreciation for this generous

donation to Brookside Elementary.

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

Equipment Disposal – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, that a Pertec Antenna Positioner, serial #000194; a MXACCM received, serial #000193; and a Primstar receiver be scraped. The equipment was donated to the school years ago, but the satellite dish was disposed of several years ago making the rest of the equipment obsolete and has a $0 value. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)


Senior Class Trip
– Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the senior class trip be approved to Orlando, Florida, April 11 through April 15, 2006. The advisors for this trip are Debra Merrell and Seth Cosens and will be accompanying and chaperoning this trip along with volunteer chaperones (10 students per chaperone). The trip will be funded by the Senior Class, fund raising, and the individual students. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (7 yeses)

 

Mrs. Boyce reviewed Broome-Tioga BOCES Component Schools proposed calendars for the school years 2006-07, 2007-08, and 2008-09.

 

Mrs. Boyce provided the Board with a status report on the Superintendent's Goals and an update on her entry plan. The instrument to evaluate the Superintendent has been provided to Board members. Mrs. Young would like all the responses in by February 2.

 

Mrs. Boyce reported that Paul Ievins has offered student tickets for a performance of the opera The Magic Flute on February 6. Notice of this opportunity has been sent to all the schools.

 

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Dr. Stalma talked about the student artwork on display in the Board room. These students have artwork on display:

Nichole Shultz's students:

6th Grade: Madalyn Fiala, Kristina Rogers

8th Grade: Kallie Clapper, Anthony Tiziani, Brittney Blazicek, Ashley Matias

Kristin Oliver's students:

6th Grade: Abby Hogan, Austin Lash, Jasmin Basmajian, Elizabeth Slater-Chantry, Abby Godbout

8th Grade: Megan Gorton, Vincent Chong, Lloyd Boyle, Mackenzie Rounds, Colby Hampton

 

Dr. Stalma gave an update on the grades 3-8 testing. Dr. Stalma provided information to the Board on a BOCES workshop for parents "What Every Parent Should Know About Schools, Standards, and High Stake Tests" being held on March 13. Dr. Stalma asked for a Board volunteer to serve on the Professional Development Plan Committee. Mrs. Hamilton volunteered.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Hamilton reported on the Conklin Town Board meeting she attended and one of the items discussed at the meeting on limiting the movement of sex offenders. This will be discussed further at the next Town Board meeting on January 24 and voted on February 14.

 

Mrs. Hamilton and Mrs. Moriarty reported on the Broome-Tioga School Boards Association dinner meeting held on January 11. Mrs. Hamilton reminded Board members of upcoming conferences and workshops: Legislative committee meeting on January 30; Legislative breakfast on February 11; Legislative issues conference in Albany March 5-7; "So You Want to be a Board Member" workshop on March 22; Board Presidents and Vice Presidents workshop on March 29.

 

Mrs. Young reminded Board members of upcoming events: the reception to meet the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent on January 24; presentation by Allen Buyck on team building and becoming a better Board member on January 31; and presentation by Joe Steflik on the Taylor Law on February 9.

 

Ms. Bucek gave a presentation on "Understanding Fund Balance," reviewing reserves, appropriated fund balance, unappropriated fund balance, and SV's project fund balance. Ms. Bucek also provided historical information on SV's budget, state aid and tax levy from 1997-98 to the present.

 

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mr. Callahan, Ms. Simpson, Mr. Tagliaferri, and Ms. Kline reported on the grades 3-8 testing that just took place in the schools. The number of substitute teachers that have to be hired so teachers can score the tests was discussed.

 

Mr. Tagliaferri reported that the Texas Roadhouse Fundraiser will be held January 25 and a school dance is being held February 3.

 

Mr. Gerlach reported on how the student management system, implemented a year ago, has worked and also talked about the unique student identifier.

 

Mr. Wilson reported on the Wrestling Tournament held on January 16, and the winter sports season. Mr. Wilson also reported that synchronized swimmers who could potentially make the Olympic team used the pool for training and practice.

 

Mr. Bordeau reported that the wellness policy is being worked on and showed the new bottled water with the Saber logo that is available.

 

Mrs. Mary Rader, resident, thanked Mr. Hull and the SV staff for getting the good articles in the press and talked about Michael Hoskins being nominated for the US Naval Academy.

 

Mr. Jeff Renner talked about the student artwork on display in the Board room and the student artwork on display at the Cooperative Gallery Student Juried Art Exhibit in Binghamton, which opened January 6. The students who participated in the show and the awards they received: PHOTOGRAPHY: Melissa Krisko - 1st Place; Kara Gorgos -2nd Place; Chelsea Washington - Honorable Mention. Also entered photos: Katherine Banko, Stephanie McKay and Zachary Bowen. GRAPHICS: Nicole Ragard - 2nd Place; Sara Davis - Honorable Mention. Also entered graphics project: Jacquelyn Olson. SCULPTURE: Justine Duke, Matt Simonds, Kyle Stead, Kelli Wido, Taylor Tedeschi Group Project; Josh O'Brien, Brittney Whited, Kristen Petersen, Jeremiah Sorensen, Gary Wren, Kasey Smith - Group Project Honorable Mention. Sculpture Individual Works: Justine Duke, Taylor Tedeschi. DRAWING: Will Martin, Megan Rychlewski, Stacey Ruiz. PAINTINGS: Katie Harder, Catie Clark. MIXED MEDIA: Ayla Kamen. The show will be on display through January 22, 2006 at the Cooperative Art Gallery.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

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

discuss personnel. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

At 8:57 p.m. the Board recessed.

At 9:04 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session.

At 9:08 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session.

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, 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 9:08 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk