APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED JANUARY 4, 2007

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

of the of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Richard T. Stank Middle School

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

MEMBERS Mrs. Janice Young

PRESENT: Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton

Mr. John Pollock

Mrs. Mary Haskell

Mrs. Christine Moriarty

Mrs. Julia Bowers

Mr. Kevin McGuigan

Mr. Bill Yelverton

ABSENT: Mr. Rusty Storm (personal)

ALSO Mr. Gerardo Tagliaferri, Interim Superintendent

PRESENT: Dr. Renee Stalma, Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Carl Kieper, Coughlin & Gerhart

Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk

Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist

Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

Mr. Roland Doig, Middle School Assistant Principal

Ms. Joanne Simpson, Brookside Principal

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

Mr. Joel Wilson, Director of Athletics, P.E. and Health

Mr. Jack Bell, Co-Chair, Budget Advisory Committee

Mr. Jerry Derrick, Co-Chair, Budget Advisory Committee

Mr. Ken Goldberg, member of Budget Committee

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

Ms. Ann Laczak, Family and Consumer Science Teacher, Middle School

Ms. Gina Rachmaninoff, Social Studies Teacher, High School

Ms. Sharon Rowe, Language Teacher, High School

Ms. Marion Foley, Physical Education Teacher, High School

Mr. Evan Romer, Math Teacher, High School

Ms. Kathleen Searing, English Teacher, High School

Mr. Glen Huntley, Head Custodian, Middle School

Mr. Mark Bordeau, Director of Food Service

Mr. Don Gerlach, Director of Technology

Mr. Stephen Haskell, 5^th Grade Teacher, Donnelly

Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

8 residents, 8 students

Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to accept into record the attendance for the January 4, 2007 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Tolerant" – showing acceptance of opinions, practices, races, or religions that differ from one's own.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, to approve the minutes of the December 21, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Mr. Rich Massar thanked everyone for their help in getting things started with the work on the weight room. The wall has been taken down and a statement has been received from the owner of California Fitness that there are no liens against the equipment. Legal aspects of the transfer of the equipment from the Gridiron Club to the District are being addressed and the equipment needs to be inspected. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that the inspectorÕs report will have to be looked at before the equipment is transferred to the District and the old equipment will have to be moved to storage, possibly at Cedarhurst. Mr. Tagliaferri reported that maintenance of the equipment will be paid for through the Director of Athletics' budget. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that he has scheduled a building walk through of Cedarhurst on Tuesday. Mr. Massar asked if the old equipment could be turned back to the Gridiron Club to sell to help purchase this new equipment. Mr. Kieper explained that the District cannot give away property, if it has value it has to be sold, if it has no value it can be disposed of. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that they are trying to get the old equipment tagged as surplus. Mr. Kieper stated that the District may be able to give the equipment to the Gridiron Club through a contract, but it would take longer. Mrs. Young stated that the Board will need time for legal advice and

discussion before a contract can be decided on.

Ms. Margaret Menart started to voice her concern regarding a special needs child. Mr. Kieper stated that confidential student information cannot be exchanged in open session, that Mrs. Menart could request the Board to go into Executive Session to discuss this. Mrs. Young asked if Mrs. Menart had brought her concerns to the Director of Special Services. Ms. Menart stated that she had but does not feel things have been resolved. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that if anyone has an issue with an administrator that they feel has not been adequately resolved, they should bring their concern to him and he will gladly look into it.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mr. Tagliaferri

Budget Committee Report – Mr. Don Blenco reported that the Budget Advisory Committee started meeting in September and began looking at the extent of the loss of properties due to the flooding, what losses might be due to reassessments, what the loss of enrollment is and the effect on state aid, and ways to reduce spending. The committee has contacted 13 or 14 politicians asking for help and has not received much response. There has been ongoing help with executives from Senator Libous' office. They are working on a recalculation of state aid, and the development of a fund for districts affected by the flooding. A meeting is being set up in January to meet with all the districts affected collectively. The executives, after meetings with the State Education Department, know that we cannot do this on our own. There is a meeting with Assemblyman Crouch on January 18. Mr. Jerry Derrick talked about the assessments of the homes that were flooded and how that affects the tax base. Mr. Derrick also talked about the equalization and tax rates. Mr. Derrick stated that the money we are asking the state for is critical and that everyone needs to contact our politicians. Mr. Derrick reported that there may be a reduction in the District's state aid due to the loss of enrollment. Mr. Jack Bell gave a presentation on different projections on school tax revenue loss depending on FEMA buyouts and reassessments. Ms. Marion Foley asked if the District had filed for FEMA. Mr. Tagliaferri and Dr. Stalma replied that the District did file for FEMA and has filed some insurance claims for damages. Mrs. Young asked if the fact that districts really need an expedited idea of what equalization rates will be so they have some semblance of there they stand has been addressed with the politicians. Mr. Blenco replied that we need to get as much information as we can to a representative from Senator Libous' office, that there is no fund to cover this and a fund has to be created. Mrs. Young stated that the Board and the District would be months behind in this process and thanked the Budget Advisory Committee for their work. Mr. Pollock stated that the work is appreciated and he would like committee members and Board members to contact Governor Spitzer's office. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that the next meeting of the Budget Advisory Committee is January 22 and a representative from the Central Business Office will now be attending the meetings. Mr. Tagliaferri has asked CBO to start creating budget scenarios for next year.

Weight Room Update – Mr. Wilson reported that the wall has been taken down and a statement has been received from the owner of California Fitness that there are no liens against the equipment. Mr. Wilson talked about the inspection of the new equipment and the painting that needs to be done in the weight room. Mr. Wilson reported that figures for a maintenance agreement for the new equipment is being worked on. The declaration of the old equipment as surplus and moving the old equipment to storage is still being worked on. Mr. Yelverton asked when the Board will discuss the contract with the Gridiron Club. Mrs. Young stated that first a legal investigation has to be conducted as to what can or cannot be done. Mr. Yelverton stated that this group rescued this equipment before it left town and the school should be in partnership with the community. Mr. Yelverton also stated that if the District goes on a contingency budget next year it cannot buy equipment, but it has to honor contracts. Mr. Kieper stated that the wording for the contract has to be worked on and that if the District goes on a contingency budget next year it cannot buy equipment even if there is a contract. Mr. Kieper also talked about binding next year's Board to a contract and how they could rescind the contract if the District is on a contingency budget. Mr. Kieper stated that the District cannot accept the donation of this equipment if a financial commitment to help purchase the equipment is asked for. Ms. Marion Foley asked what the commitment of the District will be to maintain the new equipment. Mr. Tagliaferri replied that if the District gets ownership it is responsible for maintenance and that an agreement would be built into next yearÕs budget. The District will pay to have the equipment inspected and is looking for volunteers to help with painting and moving the old equipment into storage. Ms. Foley asked if the District had a grant writer. Mr. Tagliaferri and Dr. Stalma replied that the Assistant Superintendent deals with consolidated grants and the District does not have a grant writer like the Binghamton City School District does. Mr. Tagliaferri reported that the District used to participate in the BOCES grant writing program and it is being looked into for next year. Dr. Stalma reported that she looked through some grant money the District has and there is nothing for equipment. Mr. Derrick suggested that all the coaches do some fundraising. Ms. Foley talked about fundraising with students and heads of businesses.

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

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

* Authorize the 3 services recommended on CPSE list dated December 15, 2006

* Authorize the 16 services recommended on CSE list dated November 29, 2006

* Authorize the 1 service recommended on CSE list dated December 5, 2006

* Authorize the 13 services recommended on CSE list dated December 12, 2006

* Authorize the 5 service recommended on CSE list dated December 13, 2006

* Authorize the 14 services recommended on CSE list dated December 20, 2006

Appointments – that the following emergency conditional appointments be approved pending fingerprint

clearance and criminal background check:

Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Effective Date

Robin Marble Substitute Teacher Pending As Per Contract 1/5/07

Allison Cass Substitute Teacher Yes As Per Contract 1/5/07

Instructional Leave of Absence – that the following teachers be granted a medical leave of absence:

Name Paid/Unpaid Anticipated Dates

Amy Cortes Paid 4/5/07 – 6/6/07 Discretionary, Sick Bank, FMLA

Natalie Brubaker Paid/Unpaid 2/26/07 – 6/13/07 Discretionary, Sick Bank, FMLA

Wage Increase – that due to the minimum wage increase effective January 1, 2007, to $7.15 per hour, that the

wage be increased for the following personnel:

Name Position Name Position

Whitney Huntley Lifeguard Judy Boyle Substitute Teacher Aide

Clarissa Reynolds Lifeguard Aubrey Brainard Substitute Teacher Aide

Whitney Rozboril Lifeguard Karen Canini Substitute Teacher Aide

Michael Chantry Lifeguard Della Finney Substitute Teacher Aide

Alycia Mullins Lifeguard Ralph Fuller Substitute Teacher Aide

Derek Clapper Laborer Michelle Howland Substitute Teacher Aide

Dennison Copp Laborer Angela Keefer Substitute Teacher Aide

Eric Freije Laborer Andrew Kline Substitute Teacher Aide

Gertrude Jenkins Laborer Yvonne Kourliouros Substitute Teacher Aide

Andrew Kline Laborer Beverly McKenzie Substitute Teacher Aide

Shannon Ranieri Laborer Rebecca Netherton Substitute Teacher Aide

Richard Stabell Laborer Barbara Sabine Substitute Teacher Aide

Sally VanWinkle Laborer Rhonda Sharak Substitute Teacher Aide

Ellen Fortunato Substitute Typist Kelly Stewart Substitute Teacher Aide

Michelle Howland Substitute Typist Rachel Storti Substitute Teacher Aide

Angela Keefer Substitute Typist Lindsay Travers Substitute Teacher Aide

Yvonne Kourliouros Substitute Typist Margaret Betz Sub. Food Service Helper

Nancy Milkovich Substitute Typist Thereesa Cieply Sub. Food Service Helper

Theresa Nocerino Substitute Typist Judith Davis Sub. Food Service Helper

Shannon Ranieri Substitute Typist Jennifer Fiala Sub. Food Service Helper

Kelly Stewart Substitute Typist Michele Prozeralik Sub. Food Service Helper

Cindy Willis Substitute Typist Mary Ann Travis Sub. Food Service Helper

Robert Dent Substitute Custodian Shannon Ranieri Substitute Custodian

Alan Rowe Substitute Custodian

Appointments – that the following emergency conditional appointments be approved pending fingerprint

clearance and criminal background check:

Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Effective Date

Barbara Adams School Nurse RN $14.85 per hour 1/18/07

Chad Freije Substitute Teacher No As Per Contract 1/5/07

Wage Increase – that per Article 14, Section I, E of the SVESSA contract, effective January 1, 2007, drivers shall be paid for extra trips at the regular rate of pay for driving time and at the minimum wage rate of $7.15 per hour for layover time.

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

Appointment – Mr. McGuigan made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the following emergency

conditional appointment be approved pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check:

Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Effective Date

Kacy Haskell Substitute Teacher No As Per Contract 1/5/07

Upon poll vote the motion was approved. (7 yeses, 1 abstain) (Pollock, yes; Moriarty, yes; Yelverton, yes; Haskell, abstain; Hamilton, yes; Bowers, yes; McGuigan, yes; Young, yes)

Leave of Absence Assistant Principal – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that be it RESOLVED, that Roland Doig is granted a leave of absence from his position as Assistant Principal of the Richard T. Stank Middle School, effective January 5, 2007, and for a term to continue until further action of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Appointment Acting Principal – Mr. McGuigan made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that be it RESOLVED, that Roland Doig is appointed to the position of Acting Principal of the Richard T. Stank Middle School effective January 5, 2007, to serve in that capacity until further action by the Board of Education, and at a per diem rate of pay equivalent to his current rate of pay as the assistant principal plus $33 per day, with the further understanding that all benefits and privileges afforded to him under the current contract with CNCT shall continue, all as more fully set forth in an agreement to be executed between Mr. Doig and the District upon the approval of District legal counsel. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Instructional Leave of Absence – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Haskell, that be it RESOLVED, that Natalie Brubaker is granted a leave of absence from her position as a health teacher effective January 5, 2007, and for a term to continue until further action of the Board of Education, or commencement of her leave. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Appointment Acting Assistant Principal – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that be it RESOLVED, that Natalie Brubaker is appointed to the position of Acting Assistant Principal of the Richard T. Stank Middle School effective January 5, 2007, to serve in that capacity until further action by the Board of Education or commencement of her leave, and at a per diem rate of pay equivalent to her current rate of pay as health teacher plus $64 per day, with the further understanding that all benefits and privileges afforded to her under

the current contract with SVTA shall continue.

Mr. Pollock asked if Ms. Brubaker was the only candidate. Mr. Tagliaferri explained that Ms. Brubaker would be the best internal candidate to ensure a smooth transition of leadership in the Middle School, having served an internship under both Mr. Doig and Mr. Tagliaferri during the 2003-04 school year and earning her administrative

certification. Mr. Tagliaferri, Mr. Doig, and Ms. Brubaker discussed having her student teacher from the second quarter assume the health position in the Middle School. The student teacher has completed all her requirements at Cortland. Mr. Tagliaferri stated that this will give approximately a month and a half to explore other options which

may include bringing in an interim assistant principal from outside.

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

Mr. Tagliaferri updated the Board on his activities the last two weeks. Mr. Tagliaferri has met with Rich Massar to get an update on the steps that need to be worked out to bring the weight room project to fruition, he looked at the equipment proposed for transfer, and met with Mr. Wilson for an update on the removal of the wall. Mr. Tagliaferri has reviewed all the documents associated with this endeavor and has been in contact with Mark Gorgos and Carl Kieper at Coughlin and Gerhart to ensure that all is in order. Mr. Tagliaferri has been in contact with the Central Business Office and has received training on the operation of MUNIS. All purchases and expenditures are under his review now. Mr. Tagliaferri also met with representatives of CBO to review the fund balance and other financial statements of the District. Mr. Tagliaferri visited with all District employees, with the exception of the Director of Transportation who was on vacation, to address immediate concerns. Visits were made to Brookside and Donnelly for building walk-throughs and meetings with the principals. Office procedures are being reviewed with District Office staff. Mr. Taliaferro attended the basketball game between SV and Candor at the Stop DWI Tournament. Mr. Tagliaferri met with the attorneys today and will be attending the Facilities Committee meeting next week.

Mr. Tagliaferri and Mr. Gerlach reported on a shared part time technician position with BOCES. This position is already in the budget due to change in salary with the loss of one technician and a hiring of a new technician. The salary for the position would be state aidable. This position would be responsible for things such as fixing printers. Mrs. Moriarty asked if the department was down a tech person. Mr. Gerlach replied yes and also down a secretary. Mrs. Haskell stated that there are not enough computers at Donnelly. Mr. Gerlach replied that all the equipment from Cedarhurst was distributed to the other schools.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Dr. Stalma reported that she has been busy transitioning the Superintendent's responsibilities to Mr. Tagliaferri since his appointment. Mrs. Young thanked Dr. Stalma for all her work as Acting Superintendent and stated that Dr. Stalma did an excellent job for the District. Dr. Stalma was given a round of applause acknowledging such.

BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Hamilton thanked her colleagues on the Budget Advisory Committee for their work and reported on the topics of discussion at the last two meetings: letters have been sent to politicians, the EXCEL money earmarked for the District, aid being investigated for the District, having a census done, the appraisal of Cedarhurst, the building conditions and capital projects, assessments, equalization rates, and FEMA buyouts. The next meeting is scheduled for January 8 and a meeting is being held with Assemblyman Crouch on January 18.

Mrs. Young reported that a Board workshop retreat will be held on January 11 at 6:30 p.m.

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mr. Wilson reported on the athletic tournaments that took place over the holiday break. Jarod Salton has been named an Academic All-Star on WBNG-TV.

Mrs. Kline reported that this is the time for testing and talked about the planning. Steve Decker, school psychologist has been trained in non-crisis intervention and is now ready to train other staff.

Mr. Bordeau reported on activities planned during Heart Healthy Week in February.

Ms. Simpson reported on the Grades 3-5 testing that will be taking place.

Mr. Doig reported on the testing that will be taking place in the Middle School.

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Hamilton 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 9:00 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk