PROPOSED                                                 APPROVED MINUTES

MINUTES                                                        MARCH 9, 2006

of the                                        SPEICAL MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

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. Christine Moriarty                                                                                        

                       Mrs. Mary Haskell                                                           

                       Mr. Raymond Storm (arrived at 9:15 p.m., Bereavement)       

                       Mr. Kevin McGuigan

                       

ABSENT:        Ms. Alicia Bishop  (personal)

                       Mrs. Julia Bowers (personal)

 

ALSO             Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent

PRESENT:      Dr. Renee Stalma, Assistant Superintendent

                       Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board

                       Ms. Karen Mullins, SuperintendentÕs Secretary

                       Ms. Celia Bucek, District Business Coordinator

                       Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

                       Mrs. Maureen Kline, Director of Special Services

                       Mr. Joel Wilson, Athletic Director

                       Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

                       24 residents, 21 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. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to accept into record the attendance for the March 9, 2006, Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (6 yeses)

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to approve the minutes of February 16, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (6 yeses)

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Ms. Lori Teed voiced her concern regarding a problem with the bus driver of bus #188.  Mrs. Young tabled the discussion to Executive Session based on the School Attorney's recommendation.

 

Mrs. Susanne Ganoung stated that she will be retiring this year and it has been a privilege and pleasure to work for the District, the Board of Education, with parents, and with the staff of Susquehanna Valley, and hopes that she can continue to serve the District.

 

Mrs. Mary Rader would like to give praise to the District for the articles in the Country Courier spotlighting employees.  She didn't realize all that the bus drivers do and hopes that the taxpayers will always support a bus referendum like the one on Tuesday.

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce

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

 

Special Education Recommendations – That the Susquehanna Valley Board of Education:

¤     Authorize the 15 services recommended on CSE list dated February 8, 2006

¤     Authorize the 1 service recommended on CSE list dated February 10, 2006

¤     Authorize the 11 services recommended on CSE list dated February 1, 2006

¤     Authorize the 1 service recommended on CSE list dated February 13, 2006

¤     Authorize the 15 services recommended on CSE list dated February 15, 2006

¤     Authorize the 4 services recommended on CPSE list dated February 10, 2006

 

            APPOINTMENTS – That the following emergency conditional appointments pending fingerprint clearance

            and criminal background check be approved:

                       Name                        Position                    Certified              Rate of Pay          Effective Date

Luanne Vallese           Substitute Teacher          Certified              As Per Contract          3/3/06

Bridget Blackman       Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

Christine Casey          Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

Eric Pomeroy             Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

Jessica Remza            Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

Andrea Schultz           Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

Ryan Wagner             Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/3/06

                                   

            INSTRUCTIONAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE – That Michaeline Rader, High School teacher, be granted a paid medical leave of absence effective February 25 through May 22, 2006.  She will use discretionary days, sick bank, and FMLA.

 

            2005-06 SPRING COACHES – That the following spring 2005-06 coaching appointments be approved:

                                                                                        2005-06

Level & Sport                       Name of Coach     Began         School Year            Salary

Junior Varsity Girls Softball             Karen Bidwell      2004-05         2nd Year         As Per Contract

Modified Assistant Girls Softball      Lou Bishop          2004-05         2nd Year         As Per Contract

 

            RETIREMENTS – That the following retirements be accepted with much regret:

                                                                                                               Years of

Name                        Position                       Building                Service          Effective Date

Susanne Ganoung       Teacher                        Cedarhurst                 20              July 1, 2006

R.J Robertson            Teacher                        High School              33              July 1, 2006

Terry Blackman          Teacher                        Brookside                  33              July 1, 2006

Raanana Bernstein       Teacher                        High School              27              July 1, 2006

Edward Cuthbert         Guidance Counselor       Middle School           20              July 1, 2006

Margaret Betz             Food Service Worker      Middle School           32              June 16, 2006

Robert Callahan          Principal                      Cedarhurst                 27              June 30, 2006

 

            APPOINTMENTS - That the following emergency conditional appointments pending fingerprint clearance

            and criminal background check be approved:

                       Name                        Position                    Certified              Rate of Pay          Effective Date

Loren Carpenter          Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Daniel VanHart           Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Mary Westfall            Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Kara Bomysoad          Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Lisa Kemmerer           Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Karen Wood               Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Daina Prouty              Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Emily Warheit            Substitute Teacher          Non-Certified       As Per Contract          3/10/06

Virginia Nugent          Long-Term Substitute     Certified              $185.33                    3/1/06

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (6 yeses)

 

2006-07 SCHOOL CALENDAR – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the school calendar for 2006-07 be approved as proposed.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (6 yeses)

 

DISCUSSION – Mr. Pollock questioned the March 21 date on the 2007-08 calendar.  Mrs. Boyce clarified that that day was Good Friday, and that the week off in April was always the full third week in April, not necessarily the week of Easter.

 

Mrs. Boyce reminded the Board that there will be an employee recognition on March 15, at 3:30 p.m., in the High School cafeteria for those employees reaching a five year increment milestone with the district.

 

Mrs. Boyce announced to the Board that Broome-Tioga BOCES will be holding an Open House on Sunday, March 19, from 1-3 p.m.  The SuperintendentÕs office will supply the Board with copies of the flyer at the next Board meeting.

 

Mrs. Boyce announced that New York State has issued a State mandate regarding methamphetamine awareness.  She stated that all of our teachers are reporters and keeping an eye out for methamphetamine.

 

Mrs. Boyce announced that there are two Board nominations running for the Broome-Tioga BOCES Board.  She stated that we are not eligible to vote on these nominations.

 

Mrs. Boyce brought up the possibility of having a non-voting student on the Board of Education.  Mr. Gorgos will research putting this up for the May annual vote.  Mr. Gorgos stated that having a non-voting student on a Board was started in 2003 and modified last summer.  Juniors and seniors are eligible to run.  Mr. Daniels will poll the social studies classes to see if there is any interest from students in running for the Board.

 

Mrs. Boyce and Ms. Celia Bucek from the Central Business Office gave an update on the budget.  Mrs. Boyce stated that the governor has projected a decrease of over $105,000 in aid although our expenses continue to increase.  Mrs. Boyce stated that each bus lasts approximately 15 years, and we will have a bus replacement rotation cycle every three to four years which will help to keep repair costs down that are currently high.

 

Mrs. Moriarty asked if we will get any money back from the Health Insurance Consortium.  Mrs. Boyce said that we are not going to plan on that money, and when we do get it back, it will go into a reserve to help offset future increases in insurance. 

 

Mrs. Young asked if there were any increases in funds to make additional programs available such as summer enrichment, AP classes, etc.  There is an increase in athletics and a decrease in co-curricular activities. 

 

Mrs. Moriarity wanted to know when the Board is going to see what the tax levy percentages are going to be.  Mrs. Bucek, CBO, will have figures for them next week, but is holding out to see what the legislature does.  Mrs. Boyce pointed out that we cannot project numbers until we see what the state will do.  Mrs. Moriarty commented that we may have to cut some of these budget numbers to decrease the tax levy before we can think of adding more programs.  Mrs. Moriarty asked Mrs. Boyce for more information regarding the proposed equipment.

 

Mr. Pollock announced that the Budget Advisory Committee would like to expand the committee to others who may have some insight into the budget.  If anyone is interested, the committee meets on Mondays at 6:30 p.m. in the Board Conference Room.

 

Mrs. Boyce talked about how the budget was developed.  She stated that this year's budget was developed from scratch in what she calls a "needs based budget".  The budget was not arrived at by adding a percentage to last year's budget.  Each department administrator gave an explanation for every budget line.  We are working closely with CBO on a daily basis in a group effort so that we know the rationale behind every number.

 

Mr. Pollock asked if there were any changes in teachers or staff in the budget.  Mrs. Boyce stated that there have not been any changes as of yet, but that there will be.  Mr. Pollock also asked why the TRS percentage increase was so high.  Mrs. Boyce stated that the amortized amount was not put in last year's budget so that it will have to be doubled for this year.  Mr. Pollock mentioned the shortfall in the amount of money that was budgeted for long-term substitutes this year.  He asked for a history of the budgets for long-term subs.  Mrs. Boyce stated that one of the reasons for the shortfall is that we have a young staff that are starting families.

 

Mrs. Hamilton asked for a list of co-curricular activities.  Mr. McGuigan has asked for a description of accounts.  Mrs. Young asked what is in the Board of Education for next year.  Mrs. Boyce told her that the Board of Education budget consisted of money for New York State School Board Association dues and training for the possible three new Board members. 

 

Mr. Pollock asked why the central mailing percentage was up so high.  Mrs. Boyce stated that money for the BOCES Copy Center was also not budgeted for last year and is currently well over $100,000 so far this year.

 

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Renee Stalma, Ed.D.

Dr. Stalma stated that we have had the last day of math assessments, grades 3, 4, and 5, and have no problems.

 

Dr. Stalma talked about new student artwork in the Board room for the month of March.  These students have artwork

on display:

            Nichole Shultz's students:

6th grade:  Maddy Fiala, Alison Starke, Hailey Mead, Adonus Green, Emily Sharke, Kristina Rogers, Kaylyn Knewasser, Brady Hadlick, Caitlyn Rafferty, Jessica Mitchell

Studio Art:  Keegan Ross, Zach Burrows, Chelsey Clapper

Kristin Oliver's students:

8th grade:  Malory Wilson, Tyler Testonie, Sarah Haskell, Clarissa Daghita, Nick Geertgens, Ashley Holder, Doug Osgood, Josh Figura, Brittany Pope, Chelsea Rozboril, Josh Monta, Meghan Devires

 

Dr. Stalma stated that Mr. DanielsÕ presentation to the Board will be rescheduled for April 6, and Mr. Tagliaferri's presentation was rescheduled for March 16.

 

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Kline gave an update on professional development and stated that they have a speaker coming in to talk to the teacher aides.  Mr. Wilson announced the Winter Sports Awards ceremony will be held on March 13, at 7 p.m. 

 

Mr. David Daniels gave an update on the High School:  The Dollars for Scholars Phone-A-Thon raised approximately $9000 in pledges and will go for scholarships to the students of SV.  Mr. Daniels also gave a special thanks to Mrs. Julia Bowers for organizing the Texas Roadhouse dinner.  There were 13 candidates that applied for the New York State Lottery Leaders of Tomorrow scholarship; the nominees for this year are Zach Bowen and Keaton Rood.  Mr. Daniels gave a reminder that the drama production of Alice In Wonderland will be this weekend, as well as the winterguard show.  The annual college night was successful with Binghamton University and Broome Community College staff on hand to talk to students.

 

OLD BUSINESS – None

 

NEW BUSINESS – None

 

BOARD DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Our Broome-Tioga BOCES School Boards Association representatives met with Senator Libous at 2 p.m. today.  John Paske, Executive Director and Randall Kerr, Newark Valley, gave introductions.  Joseph Burns from Harpursville addressed state aid and financial issues.  John Kopalek, Chenango Valley, and Don Griffith, Union Endicott, talked about mandates and providing additional funding for mandates.  Ron Dougherty, Broome-Tioga BOCES expressed that BOCES should continue under the current formula.  Randall Kerr led the discussion on governance.  As districts, we should not have all votes on the same day; terms for board members are already community controlled.  Senator Libous warmly received us.  He listened potentially to our concerns and was very encouraging.  He thinks this is going to be a good year for education and is working diligently to get the state budget passed by April 1.

 

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

Executive Session to discuss negotiations.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (6 yeses)

At   8:10 p.m. the Board recessed

At   8:25 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session

At 11:11 p.m the Board returned to Regular Session

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. Storm, that the meeting be adjourned.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (7 yeses)

 

There being no further business, Mrs. Young adjourned the meeting at 11:24 p.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Karen Mullins

SuperintendentÕs Secretary