PROPOSED                                                APPROVED MINUTES

MINUTES                                                            MAY 4, 2006

of the                                        SPECIAL MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Senior High School Music Suite

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

 

 

MEMBERS     Mrs. Janice Young                                                

PRESENT:      Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton                                         

                       Mr. John Pollock                                                  

                       Mrs. Mary Haskell                                   

                       Mrs. Christine Moriarty                                         

                       Mr. Raymond Storm                                                                                

                       Mr. Kevin McGuigan

                       Mrs. Julia Bowers

 

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

                       Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

                       Ms. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal

                       Mr. Angelo Ranieri, Director of School Facilities

                       Mr. Chuck Fasnacht, Energy Education, Inc.

                       Ms. Maureen Kline, Director of Special Services (CSE)

                       Mrs. Karen Bidwell, Physical Education Teacher and Administrative Intern, Middle School

                       Mrs. Debra Preston, Conklin Town Supervisor

                       Mrs. Conni Way, Food Service, Cedarhurst

                       Mr. Anthony Ruffo, 5th grade teacher, Donnelly

                       Mr. Shawn Baldwin, 5th grade teacher, Donnelly

                       Mr. Anthony Alduino, Music teacher, Brookside

                       Mrs. Karen Mullins, Secretary to the Superintendent

Budget Advisory Committee members:  Mr. Jack Bell, Mr. Jerry Derrick, Ms. Alicia (Bishop) Jones, Mr.

      Bill Yelverton, Mr. Ken Goldberg

Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee members: Mrs. Mary Rader, Mrs. Maggie Kosik, Mrs.

      Mary Jane Paske

                       Program and Restructuring Committee members: Mrs. Sandra Ruffo

                       Ms. Holly Finch, Co-President, Cedarhurst PTA

                       Mrs. Jennifer Ewanow, Co-President, Cedarhurst PTA

                       Mrs. Christine Miller, President, Donnelly PTA

                       Mr. Brian Liberatore, Press & Sun-Bulletin

                       Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

                       WBNG-TV

                       Newschannel 34

                       20 residents, 5 students

 

Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:04 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.

 

Presentation – Angelo Ranieri and Chuck Fasnacht gave an overview of Energy Educators and how this program could save the District money on utility bills.  Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to authorize the Superintendent to enter into an agreement with Energy Educators.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Haskell made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to accept into record the attendance for the May 4, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to approve the minutes of April 20, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses) 

 

Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to approve the minutes of April 24, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses) 

 

Discussion – Reconfiguration – Mrs. Young thanked everyone for their comments and concerns regarding the reconfiguration.  The Board discussed the reconfiguration and decided that more research is needed.  This will be turned over to the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee and the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee for more research.  Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Haskell, to refer restructuring to the Facilities and Capital Projects Advisory Committee and the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee to work in concert to investigate fully.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)  The Board praised the administrators for all their hard work in presenting this idea.  Mrs. Boyce stated that the administrators remain unified in their support that this is the best idea.  The administrators will support the Board's decision and will continue to research what is best for the students.  Mrs. Young stated that there will still be disruption in the elementary schools with the change of use of Cedarhurst and that information has to go out as soon as possible.  Mrs. Boyce will have weekly progress reports posted on the web for the moving of students from three elementary schools to two.

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Debra Preston thanked the Board for tabling the reconfiguration until more research is done.  Debra stated that the District has lost a lot of the trust of the community and that what happens in the schools is a reflection on the towns.  Mrs. Haskell stated that her whole world revolves around this school and that the Board did not have to ask for public input, they could have just voted on this.  Mr. McGuigan stated that the public forum was scheduled to get community input and that the Board is doing its best.  Mr. Jerry Derrick, Mr. Tom Edminister, and Mr. Jerry Wheelock voiced their concern with transportation of students with the change of use of Cedarhurst.  Holly Finch asked if the first budget is defeated if a second budget will be put up to vote and if so, will the public have input on what is cut.  Mrs. Young replied that it has not been decided yet if there will be a second budget vote.  Sandra Reifler stated that she did not hear how the reconfiguration would be beneficial to students and also stated that she would like the District to work with the community to come up with solutions to problems.  Vicki Bange thanked the Board for listening to the public and turned in signed petitions against the reconfiguration.  Ken Goldberg, David Finch, Elizabeth Finch, Mary Rader and Sandy Ruffo stated that they were appalled at some of the community members' behavior at the public forum on the reconfiguration.  Mr. Goldberg encouraged people to get involved and to be heard in a positive way.  Mrs. Ruffo stated that this is a new day and that people should be part of the solution and not part of the problem.  Mrs. Ruffo also stated that the people that sit on the Board try to make the best decisions they can.  Mrs. Rader talked about the job administrators do, how society has changed and you need positions like social workers in the schools.  Mrs. Rader stated that it is the administrators' job to inform us and it is the Board's responsibility to listen to administrators.  Mr. Jack Bell reviewed how little the difference in his taxes would be if the budget is approved vs. if the District has to go on a contingency budget. Cindy Green mentioned a web site, Townsoft.com., where you can see how much taxes are in each school district.  Cindy stated that when you look at other districts on this site you see that the taxes in SV are not that bad.  Laurie Henderson stated that communication is the key to everything and that better communication is needed between us all.  Laurie encouraged everyone to vote on May 16 and to remind their neighbors to vote.  Mr. Jerry Wheelock stated that he feels the school and community are communicating now.  Residents asked about closing Donnelly instead of Cedarhurst.  Mrs. Young explained that the cost for the asbestos abatement and expanding some classrooms at Cedarhurst was too much.  Jen Ewanow encouraged the Board to work with the PTAs because they are in the buildings all the time.  Mrs. Boyce offered to meet monthly with the four PTA presidents and their executive committees.  Bill Yelverton explained that an announcement went out asking for residents to serve on the committees and he volunteered to be on the Budget Committee.  Mr. Yelverton stated that there needed to be more community members on the committee.  Jessica Hartman expressed her concern that if the reconfiguration is done next year that cliques will be formed at an earlier age.

 

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce

Instructional Retirement – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the retirement of Shirley Lyons, elementary teacher of 35 years at Cedarhurst, be accepted with regret effective July 1, 2006.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses) 

 

Summer Sabbaticals – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Haskell, to hold the discussion on summer Sabbaticals to Executive Session.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

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 1 service recommended on CSE list dated April 4, 2006

*    Authorize the 15 services recommended on CSE list dated April 5, 2006

*    Authorize the 14 services recommended on CSE list dated April 12, 2006

*    Authorize the 2 services recommended on CSE list dated April 21, 2006

*    Authorize the 4 services recommended on CPSE list dated April 21, 2006

 

Resignation – Teacher Aide – That the resignation of Katie Williams, special education teacher aide, be accepted effective July 1, 2006.

 

Donation – That be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a donation for the Summer 2005 Marine

Studies Program from the Susquehanna Valley Student Activity Fund in the amount of $5,580.00.

Revenue Account Code A980 2770                  $5,580.00

 

Leave of Absence – (Correction) – That the following leave of absences be approved:

Name                                      Position               Paid/Unpaid       Medical/Personal         Effective Dates

Christina Howe-Sampson        Psychologist                 Paid                    Medical               8/21 – 9/29/06

William Leudemann               Teacher                        Paid                    Medical               4/12 – 5/3/06

Carol Bell                             Teacher                        Paid                    Personal              5/8 – 5/12/06

 

Long-Term Substitute Teacher - Extension – That the long-term substitute teacher appointment of John Giacche be extended through the remainder of the 2005-06 school year, during Oneitta Ludwig's leave of absence, at an adjusted rate of $185.33 per day.

 

Instructional Tenure – That the following personnel be granted tenure in their respective tenure areas on the

effective date indicated:

8/25/06               Paul Gould                         Social Worker

9/2/06                 Kate Scarinzi                      Elem., Pre-K-6

9/2/06                 Sharon Corea                      Elem., Pre-K-6

9/7/06                 Elizabeth Strnatka                Special Education

9/7/06                 Mindy Wilson                    Special Education

9/7/06                 Daniel Fitzgerald                 Social Studies

9/2/06                 Rachel Perry                       Special Education

 

Field Trip Permission/Donation – That the following Donnelly class field trips be approved (all admissions,

transportation, and snacks to be provided by PTA):

Grade 1:              Anderson Center – May 5

                          Transportation            $  80.00

                          Entrance fee                 247.00

                          Total                        $327.00

Grade 2:              Bement Billings – May 4

                          Transportation            $190.00

                          Entrance fee                 140.00

                          Total                        $330.00

Grade 3:              Kopernik, June 9

                          Transportation            $130.00

                          Entrance fee                 340.00

                          Total                        $470.00

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accept the donation of $1127 from Donnelly PTA for field

trips.

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

donation.

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

 

Tuition Rates – Mr. Storm made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the rates for 2005-06 inner districts

billing be approved as follows:

                                           Tuition for                    Tuition for

                                           Special Ed                    Special Ed

Grade Level                           Pupil 60% of                Pupil 20% of

of Pupil                                School Day                   School Week

Full Day K-5                            $20,490                       $12,989

Full Day 6-12                          $21,685                       $12,183

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

 

Public Bid – 30 Passenger School Bus – Mr. Pollock made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that Whereas, the Susquehanna Valley Central School District did open for public bid according to General Municipal Law, the following bid:  05-06:4, (1) 30-Passenger School Bus and whereas, the bids were publicly opened and read on April 28, 2006, at 1:00 p.m., in the BOCES CBO Business Office, be it resolved, upon the recommendation of the Director of Transportation and the Purchasing Agent, that the bid for (1) – 30 Passenger School Bus be awarded to Leonard Bus Sales at a bid price of $62,502.00.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

Out of District Students and Tuition – The Board discussed out of district students and tuition.  The Board would like more information, such as state aid impact, cost in other districts, impact on enrollment, before a decision is made regarding tuition.

 

Mrs. Boyce recognized Ann Laczek for receiving approval for BCC credit the child development courses in the Family and Consumer Science program.  Mrs. Boyce reported that Paul Gould has received the 2006 James L. Palmer Certificate of Achievement for his contributions in the field of alcoholism/chemical dependency. 

 

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

School Report Card – Dr. Stalma gave a brief summary of the School Report Card.  The School Report Card for 2004-05 will be reviewed with administrators.  A more detailed report will be given to the Board at a future meeting.

 

Safe and Drug Free Schools Planning Council – Dr. Stalma reported that this Council is being reconvened and asked for a Board member to serve on the Council.  Mrs. Haskell volunteered to serve.

 

BOARD DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Hamilton reported on the last Budget Committee meeting and on the Conklin sr. citizens luncheon she attended along with Mrs. Boyce and Dr. Stalma.  A presentation on the  budget and change of use of Cedarhurst was given at the luncheon.

 

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Simpson reported that Brookside held its science fair last week.  The 4th grade science test will be given next week.   Mary Monopoli, school nurse, will be teaching two sessions of a Red Cross program, ÒWhen I am in Charge.Ó

 

Mr. Daniels reported that the talent show was held last night and the Saber Follies will be held in two weeks.  A blood drive is being held tomorrow.

 

Mrs. Kline reported that this is a busy time with meetings, students graduating and students who will be starting kindergarten in the fall.  The 8th grade science test will be given next week.

 

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

Executive Session to discuss personnel, negotiations, and the appointment to the vacant Board seat.  Upon vote the motion

was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

At   9:00 p.m. the Board recessed

At   9:20 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session

At 12:15 a.m. the Board returned to Regular Session

 

Summer Sabbaticals – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, to approve summer sabbaticals for Maxine Rosenberg, and Cathie Ayres.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

Summer Sabbaticals – Mr. Storm made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to not approve summer sabbaticals for Joan Hebb and Kathryn Scarinzi.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

Rescind Instructional Transfer – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, to rescind the motion approved at the April 20, 2006 meeting that the instructional transfer of Alexia Miller to a reading position with a two year probationary period be approved.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

Board Appointment – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to appoint William Yelverton to complete the unexpired term of Alicia Bishop, expiring June 30, 2007, upon the administration of the Oath of Office by the District Clerk.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Bowers 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 12:30 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk