APPROVED MINUTES
PROPOSED NOVEMBER 17, 2005
MINUTES REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION
of the of the
SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Held at Brookside Elementary School
Kirkwood, New York, County of Broome
MEMBERS Mrs. Janice Young
PRESENT: Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton
Mr. John Pollock
Mrs. Mary Haskell
Mrs. Alicia Bishop
Mrs. Christine Moriarty
Mr. Rusty Storm
Mr. Kevin McGuigan
ABSENT: Mrs. Julia Bowers (personal)
ALSO Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent
PRESENT: Dr. Renee Stalma, Assistant Superintendent
Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board
Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk
Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist
Ms. Celia Bucek, District Business Coordinator
Mrs. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal
Mr. Angelo Ranieri, Director of School Facilities
Approximately 35 teachers
Approximately 16 residents, 15 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. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to accept into record the attendance for the November 17, 2005 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Brookside 2nd graders welcomed the Board of Education with a song.
Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Thankful – Feeling and expressing gratitude."
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bishop, to approve the minutes of the November 3, 2005 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma
Presentation – Mrs. Simpson gave an overview of Brookside and spoke about the Annual Literacy Night. Mrs. Kathy Gaji spoke regarding Essentials of Writing and Lori Coe spoke regarding Academic Intervention Services.
VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 (Agenda Items) – Mr. Robert Drake voiced his concern with the surplus funds in the budget, class sizes, and the need for an assistant superintendent. Mrs. Holly Finch, Mr. David Finch, Mrs. Tammy Drake and Mr. Brooks Lee also voiced their concern with these issues. Questions were asked as to who is responsible for the finances, if aides could be hired to help in the classrooms, if all the elementary schools had some class sizes of 25 students and the necessity for an assistant superintendent. Mrs. Young explained that the District is waiting for the audit report to see what happened with the budget, and that the administration is working with the Central Business Office to get answers. Mrs. Young also explained what goes into determining class sizes at each school – census, where residents live, space, etc. Donnelly only has enough space for two classrooms per grade. Mrs. Young reported that the District cannot hire more staff while they are on the contingency budget. Mrs. Young will respond to Mr. Drake with a letter as to the necessity for an assistant superintendent. Mr. Lee asked for a copy of the audit report and a report on what the District pays to use the Central Business Office at BOCES. Mrs. Young replied that a Freedom of Information request would have to be filed with the District Office for this information.
Mrs. Sharon LaMantia welcomed the Board to Brookside. Mrs. LaMantia stated that she was proud of the school community and appreciates the hard work of the teachers. She thanked the Board for their support of the Brookside craft fair and the Texas Roadhouse fundraiser. Mrs. LaMantia voiced her concern regarding a transportation issue and stated that she would like the equity of the busing at Brookside looked at.
Mrs. Mary Rader stated that so many people for so many years worked hard to bring pride to the District. Mrs. Rader stated that it is her plea that everyone work hard to bring the pride back. Mrs. Rader also stated that she hopes that the committees that are being formed (Budget, Facilities, and Restructuring) are not being formed blindly. Mrs. Rader feels that someone lost a grip on what is happening a few years ago. Mrs. Rader feels that the District may lose some good people, that the economy is bad. Mrs. Rader does not want the teachers to feel the way they do or have the bigger class sizes.
FINANCIAL REPORT – Ms. Bucek reviewed the financial reports. Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the October financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce
Mission Statements:
Budget Advisory Committee – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, to charge the Budget
Advisory Committee:
The Budget Advisory Committee will review with the District administration the financial and staffing requests of the various building administrators and district supervisors along with all fixed costs and other customary expenses for the purpose of advising the Superintendent and the Board of Education in establishing the school district's annual budget. This review will also include examination of projected revenues for the ensuing year. The Central Business Office will be involved in the process to provide documentation and support. The responsibility of the Budget Advisory Committee is not to create the budget, but to advise the Board and the Superintendent in that process. It is the goal of the District to provide the best education for its students at the most reasonable cost to the District taxpayers while meeting all applicable regulations and contractual obligations. The Committee's work may be in cooperation with that of the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee and the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee.
Mrs. Boyce reported that the call to solicit public input will go out in early December. The committee's work will start around the end of January and go through March. Mr. Pollock stated that he would like to see what the needs are, the costs associated with the needs and how they will be prioritized. Mrs. Boyce stated that she generally prioritizes in the following categories – Health and Safety, State and Federal Law, Contractual Obligations, NYS Learning Standards, and Other. Mrs. Haskell asked if having a business manager or continuing with the Central Business Office would be looked at. Mrs. Boyce explained that the committee could provide input but it will be the BoardÕs decision as to which to use. Mrs. Young stated for the record that Jack Bell, Ken Goldberg and Bill Bialy have expressed interest in serving on this committee.
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee – Mrs. Haskell made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to
charge the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee:
The Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee will review with the Board of Education, the Superintendent, and other appropriate District administrators and supervisors the condition and status of all of the District's facilities, including both building and grounds. The purpose of such review is to advise the Superintendent and the Board of Education regarding the need for repair, replacement, expansion or consolidation of the DistrictÕs facilities with consideration of the programmatic needs of the District's students.
The responsibility of the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee is not to develop plans or to determine a specific course of action, but rather to advise the Board and the Superintendent in their decision-making. The Committee's work may be in cooperation with that of the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee and the Budget Advisory Committee.
Mrs. Boyce reported that the state building conditions survey has been completed and sent to SED. This is material that the committee will start with. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee – Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, to
charge the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee:
The Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee will review with the Board of Education, the Superintendent, and appropriate District administrators and supervisors the need to continue, discontinue or revise programs of the District.
The responsibility of the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee is not to evaluate the quality of either staff or program, but to advise the Board of Education and the Superintendent regarding the future status and scope of the program. It is not the responsibility of the committee to determine the day-to-day operation of any department or program, but to advise the Board and the Superintendent of the needs and desires of the community regarding the education of its students and other matters related to that education. The Committee's work may be in cooperation with that of the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee and the Budget Advisory Committee.
Mrs. Young stated for the record that Liz Finch and Sharon LaMantia have expressed interest in serving on this committee. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Mrs. Hamilton asked that all three committees meet together to report on and discuss their work. Mrs. Boyce stated that each committee should have 2 or 3 liaisons to the other committees. Mr. Pollock suggested that the committees report to the Board on a monthly basis.
Tuition Rates – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the tuition rates for 2005-06 be
approved:
Grade Level of Pupil Tuition for Regular Education Pupil
Full Day K-5 $4,630
Grades 6-12 $6,747
Mr. McGuigan asked if these rates covered the cost of educating a student. Mrs. Boyce reported that if the student is a special needs student the cost is not covered. It only covers the cost of regular education. Mr. Storm asked if the Board can choose not to accept a nonresident student. Mrs. Boyce stated that a distinction can be made in the policy to only accept nonresident students of District staff. Once you accept a nonresident student (not a staff member's child), then you have to accept all of the nonresident students. This policy will be looked at in the future. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Appointments – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Haskell, that following appointments be approved:
Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Effective Date
Mike Ford Modified Assistant As Per Contract 2005-06
Boys Basketball
Beth Grill Substitute Teacher No As Per Contract 2005-06
Reappointment
Music Department Chairperson/Coordinator – That Jim Apicella be appointed Music Department Chairperson for the 2005-06 school year at a stipend of $2693; and that Gail Markstein be appointed Music Coordinator for the 2005-06
school year at a stipend of $2,693.
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Return of Tax Claims – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that be it RESOLVED, whereas, Education Law provides that the tax collector shall be relieved of responsibility for the uncollected portion of the tax list when a complete list of delinquent tax items have been certified to the Susquehanna Valley Board of Education. The tax collector has affixed her affidavit to such statement to the tax warrant as follows:
AMOUNT AMOUNT
OF TAXES OF TAXES
ASSESSED TAX AMOUNT OF & PENALTIES & PENALTIES
TOWN VALUATION RATE TAX LEVY COLLECTED UNCOLLECTED
Binghamton 171,921,907 29.5747 5,084,545 3,492,882.87 209,262.89
Conklin 177,670,793 31.4105 5,580,720 3,721,754.45 404,399.58
Kirkwood 35,419,117 26.3226 932,324 587,549.76 73,354.36
Vestal 47,511 472.5586 22,452 16,477.66 396.70
Windsor 722,500 28.3027 20,449 15,481.58 2,049.68
TOTAL 7,834,146.32 689,463.21
Total delinquent penalties collected and deposited with District Treasurer: $12,529.28
Total amount of taxes collected and deposited with the District Treasurer: $7,821,617.04
TOTAL $7,834,146.32
AND WHEREAS the Superintendent has examined and verified the accuracy of the signed report of the tax collector;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accept the report of the tax collector and having determined that the collector has accounted for the full amount of the tax warrant, direct that the lists of delinquent tax items with the addition of the 2% penalty be certified to the Office of the County Treasurer and/or other tax
enforcement officer;
AND IT IS FURTHER DIRECTED that the warrant, tax roll and tax collector's copies of the tax receipts be placed on
file in the school district.
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Student Health Services – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that payment of a $15,614.00 invoice be approved for providing health services to seventy-four (74) Susquehanna Valley resident students ($211.00 each) attending non-public schools in the Binghamton CSD during the 2005-06 school year. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Extended Season Coaching Payments – Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the following
coaches be paid for an extended coaching season:
Mike Kent 1 week @ $120/week = $120
Al Mydlinski 2 weeks @ $120/week = $240
Jon Thompson 2 weeks @ $60/week = $120
Patty Fian 1 week @$120/week = $120
Stephanie Lockwood 1 week @ $60/week = $60
Marion Foley 1 week @ $120/week = $120
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Leave of Absence – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the following personnel be
granted a leave of absence:
Name Reason Paid/Unpaid Dates
Kelly Dyson, teacher Extend current Unpaid 12/12 – 12/19/05
maternity leave
Phyllis Buchanan, Medical Unpaid 10/25/05 – 1/2/06
Food Service Worker
Milissa Long, Maternity Paid Anticipated Sick, Personal, Sick Bank
Teacher Aide 12/19/05 – 2/10/06 FMLA
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Instructional Tenure – Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the following teacher be granted
tenure in her respective tenure area on the effective date indicated:
Name Tenure Date Tenure Area
Roxanne Terry 12/5/05 Elem., Pre-K – 6
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Supervising Lifeguard – Mr. McGuigan made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that Patty Fian be approved as supervising lifeguard, at a rate of $9.50 per hour, effective November 19, 2005. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma
Textbook Adoption – Dr. Stalma and Don Blenco reviewed the new textbook. Dr. Stalma reported that some grant money left over from last year was being used to pay part of the cost of the textbook. Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Haskell, that the Technology 10 Course textbook, Architecture, Residential Drawing and Design, author: Scott Foresman, publisher: Goodhart-Wilcox, copyright: 2004 be adopted. This textbook will be designated for use for the Technology 10 Course in the Susquehanna Valley High School. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – No Report
VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Simpson reported on the 5th grade Social Studies testing. Mrs. Simpson thanked all the staff that helped to prepare for tonight's presentations.
Sharon Rowe thanked Julie Barber for organizing the events and activities to mark National French Week November 7-10. Mrs. Rowe also reported that the Spanish Level 4 course, Spanish 201, has been reinstated through BCC.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Mrs. Bishop made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the Board of Education meet in Executive Session to
discuss negotiations. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
At 8:49 p.m. the Board recessed.
At 9:10 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session.
At 10:15 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session.
Instructional Leave of Absence – Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the following
personal leave of absence (previously approved 6/22/05) be adjusted from 9/1/05 – 6/30/06 to:
Jody Sebura Butts Unpaid 9/1/05 – 1/30/06
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, 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 10:25 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Kalmen
School District Clerk