PROPOSED                                                   APPROVED MINUTES

MINUTES                                                        OCTOBER 5, 2006

of the                                        SPECIAL 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                                                                             

                       Mrs. Mary Haskell                                                      

                       Mr. Bill Yelverton

                       Mrs. Christine Moriarty                                               

                       Mr. Raymond Storm

                       Mrs. Julia Bowers

                       Mr. Kevin McGuigan

 

ABSENT:        Mr. John Pollock  (out of town, 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

                       Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

                       Mr. Gerardo Tagliaferri, Middle School Principal

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

                       Mrs. Megan Cleary, Science Teacher, High School

                       Mr. Mark Bordeau, Food Service Coordinator

                       Mrs. Conni Way, Food Service

                       Mrs. Gayle Ditch, Computer Aide

                       Mr. John Paske, Executive Director, Broome-Tioga Association of Chief School Officers and School

                             Boards Association

                       Ms. Susan Lawkowski, Eric 1 BOCES

                       Mrs. Elizabeth Einstein, Country Courier

                       11 residents, 9 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. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to accept into record the attendance for the October 5, 2006 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 – "Optimistic – Looking at the bright side of situations."

 

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

 

Presentation – Susan Lawkowski, Eric 1 BOCES, gave a presentation on the policy manual services they offer.  Ms. Lawkowski reviewed two sample policies, a list of required policies, and a list of financial accountability policies.  Ms. Lawkowski also reviewed a flow chart showing the steps in the process of updating a policy manual.  It would take a year to fifteen months to complete a policy manual update.  The policy manual would then be available in hard copy, on a CD, or both.  Mr. Yelverton asked if there was an electronic search available on the CD.  Ms. Lawkowski explained that it would be a word document search capability.  Mr. Yelverton asked about policies that may be missing from the policy manual.  Ms. Lawkowski replied that they would go through and make sure that all required policies are in place.  Mrs. Moriarty asked about the cost of using these services to update the policy manual.  The cost would be $7,900 payable in two years, $3,950 each year, and the cost is aidable.  Mrs. Boyce explained that our cost after aid would be a total of $1,728 payable in two years, $869 per year.  Mrs. Young explained that the district would have to pay the full cost for the first year, $3,950, and the aid reimbursement would come in the following fiscal year.  Mrs. Haskell asked about additional costs for the manual maintenance over the years.  Ms. Lawkowski replied that the initial cost is good for two years, after that there are three levels of service.  The first level of policy update service would be $595 annually.  The second level would provide updates and a quarterly summary of recommended revisions and would cost $1,500 annually.  The third level of manual maintenance service would cost $2,100 annually.  Mrs. Boyce compared that to attorney fees to update a policy, $595 annually is equal to about two hours of legal time.  Erie 1 BOCES also has the same service for Administrative Manuals.  Mrs. Hamilton asked if it would be wise to update the Administrative Manual at the same time as the Policy Manual.   Ms. Lawkowski does not recommend updating both manuals at the same time because of the work involved.  Mr. Yelverton asked if a flow chart for the updating of the Administrative Manual was available.  Ms. Lawkowski replied that there is one but she did not have it with her.  The Board will have to decide if they want to use these services to update the Policy Manual.

 

Presentation – Mrs. Megan Cleary and students gave a presentation on a trip they would like to take to Walt Disney World in March, 2007, to participate in two of their Youth Education Series programs.  They would like to participate in the Making Waves with a Marine Career program, marine biology, and the Keepers of the Kingdom Program, conservation and wildlife biology.  Students would fundraise to obtain the money for the trip and Mrs. Cleary is applying for a Target Trip grant of up to $1,000.  Mr. and Mrs. Cleary will chaperone.

 

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC – Mrs. Judy Larkin asked if there was any information about a swim club using the District pool.  Mrs. Young replied that there was no information, the club would not be under school auspices so this question would have to be asked of the person approving the request.  Mrs. Larkin stated that the Saber Swim Club sent a letter requesting they be allowed to use the facilities and asked if the club was out completely on their request.  Mrs. Boyce replied that the letter had been responded to.  Mrs. Young stated that the request had not been reconsidered, that with the activities that are taking place the request cannot be accommodated. 

 

Mr. David Finch voiced his concern with the amount of time his daughter has to be on the bus, 1 hour 15 minutes each way.  Mr. Finch feels this is too long a ride for any child.  Mrs. Boyce will set up a meeting with Mr. Finch and Mrs. Vascello to discuss this.

 

Mrs. Rader reported on the History of the District book.  Mrs. Rader called Mrs. Boyce to make sure the money was still in the budget to have the book printed.  Gail Goldberg has been writing the book.  Because of the flooding and other personal issues, Mrs. Goldberg has not been able to finish the book but she expects to have it done in December.  It has been a long time since the quote was received from the printer, but the printer will keep the same price.  A number of copies will be given to people and the committee has ideas for selling copies.  The committee needs a Board decision to print the book.  Mrs. Rader also talked about updating the Policy Manual.  Mrs. Rader stated that it is an astronomical task and that in the past there have always been three Board members on a committee to do this.  Mr. Gorgos would let the committee know what policies would be eliminated and what new policies were needed.

 

Mrs. Miller asked what proactive measures are being taken so that programs do not have to be cut next year with the critical financial times the District is facing.  Mrs. Young replied that she has talked with Eliot Spitzer and that the District is working with town and state officials to help alleviate the burden.  Ms. Hamilton reported on the Budget Advisory Committee meeting held on September 28.  The committee has come up with things they would like to focus on:  getting program equipment up to date, such as musical instruments; doing a full transportation study; and studying mandated or shared staff positions.  Mrs. Hamilton reported that they are also working on a resolution for aid for our District and flood victims.  Ms. Young stated that there have not been any conversations to cut programs, that the District does not know where they stand at the present time with the tax base.  Mrs. Hamilton stated they we probably won't know until March.

Mrs. Moriarty asked if there was a spending freeze yet.  Mrs. Boyce replied no, but it will be coming soon.  Mrs. Boyce explained that energy usage is being looked at, there are regular inspections and the findings are shared with the building administrators.  The District is also looking at sharing as much transportation as possible, SV and Windsor rode together to a golf match.  Debby Preston will be coming next week to talk with the Budget Advisory Committee and other town supervisors have been invited to attend as well.  John McDonald, Tax Assessor, will be meeting with the Program Committee.  Mrs. Young explained that there will be a savings in health insurance costs with a three tier prescription plan.  The District will also be receiving a Medicare rebate which will be about $50,000.  Another rebate will be coming later in the year.  Mrs. Miller stated that the District is making an effort to save but then spending more on legal fees with the new firm obtained for a personnel case.  Mrs. Miller stated that she feels there was nothing put in place in the agreement to cap the expenditure.  Mrs. Young stated that there is not a cap on the expenditure for any legal advice, even that from Mark Gorgos, Coughlin and Gerhart, that extenuating circumstances may drive Mark's costs up.  Mrs. Miller stated that this personnel case was based on evaluation and asked who evaluates the Board.  Mrs. Young explained that the Board evaluation is a self-evaluation and the Board President keeps the evaluation.  The evaluation is confidential.

 

Mr. McGuigan reminded everyone of the hearings for the Maines expansion being held on October 6.

 

Mr. David Finch asked about school taxes not paid by residents.  Mrs. Young replied that the county picks up the unpaid taxes for school districts.  Mr. Gorgos explained that this is not a relief for property owners, that the county will pick up the unpaid taxes for three years and then put the property up for a tax sale.

 

SUPERINTENDENTÕS REPORT – Mrs. Boyce

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

Science Trip to Florida – that ten students take part in Youth Education Series Programs at Walt Disney World in Florida.

 

School Tax Reimbursement – that due to overpayment of the 2006-07 school tax bill, the following refund is

approved:

Payable to                                Tax Map                      Amount

Maynard Fahs, Jr.                     161.17-1-1           Tax bill amount  $  229.24

2224 Pierce Creek Road                                       Check amount       1539.51

Binghamton, NY 13903                                      Refund amount   $    30.91

 

And that due to an error in payment of the wrong school tax parcel, the following refund is approved:

Payable to                                Tax Map                      Amount

Central NY News, Inc.               191.02-1-18               $13,147.70

203 Ingraham Hill Road                                      

Binghamton, NY 13903                                     

 

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

*    Authorize the 13 services recommended on CPSE list dated September 20, 2006

 

Marching Band/Winterguard 2006-07 – that the following appointments be approved for 2006-07:

Name                                             Position                                 Stipend

Meggan Olds                Marching Band Director                              $1350

Gwendalyn Iversen         Marching Band Instrumental Instructor           $2000

Sarah Ayres                  Marching Band Colorguard Instructor            $2000

Meggan Olds                Winterguard Director                                   $1350

Sarah Ayres                  Winterguard Instructor                                 $2000

Gwendalyn Iversen         Winterguard Instructor                                 $2000

 

Mrs. Haskell asked how many students are involved in Marching Band and Winterguard.  Mr. Daniels reported the estimated number in each group and stated that the stipends are not based on the number of students but instead on the huge time commitment for of the Directors and Instructors for each group.

 

Retirement – That the following retirement be approved:

Name                                   Position                                Effective Date

Angelo Ranieri           Director of Building and Grounds            10/30/06

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

 

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

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

clearance and criminal background check:

                                                                                                                  2006-07

Name                        Position                                        Rate of Pay          School Year      Effective Date

Marissa Curry            Asst. Co-JV Cheerleading (Winter)    As Per Contract       3rd year          2006-07

Shanna Brown            Asst. Co-JV Cheerleading (Winter)    As Per Contract       2nd year          2006-07

Pat Hogan                 Asst. JV Boys Basketball                 As Per Contract       3rd year         2006-07

Mike Ford                 Asst. Freshman Boys Basketball       As Per Contract       3rd year          2006-07

Anthony Ruffo           Asst. Modified Boys B Basketball     As Per Contract       3rd year          2006-07

Brendan Heslin           Asst. Modified Girls B Basketball     As Per Contract       5th year          2006-07

Rich Pflanz                Asst. JV B/G Bowling                    As Per Contract       4th year          2006-07

Mark Schuster            Asst. JV Wrestling                          As Per Contract       2nd year          2006-07

Aaron Kaminsky         Asst. Modified Wrestling                 As Per Contract       3rd year          2006-07

Kathryn Guiles           Water Aerobic Instructor/                  $9.50 per hour                             10/5/06

                               Supervising Lifeguard

Janet Scarinzi             Substitute Teacher                           As Per Contract                           10/6/06

Janet Scarinzi             Substitute Teacher Aide                   $6.75 per hour                             10/6/06

Janet Scarinzi             Substitute Typist                            $6.75 per hour                             10/6/06

Susanne Ganoung       Substitute Teacher                           As Per Contract                           10/6/06

Shirley Kowalewski    Substitute Food Service Worker        $6.75 per hour                             10/6/06

 

Activity Advisors (Middle School) – that the Middle School Activity Advisors be approved:

Middle School

Science Olympiad                     Mary Therese Ostanek                          $500

                                              Michael Pavlovich                               $500

Odyssey of the Mind                 Al Mydlinski                                      $333

                                              Jay Vimislik                                       $333

                                              Marcy Anbro                                      $333

Yearbook                                 Terri Howard                                     $1800

Student Council                        Margaret Collins                                 $600

                                              Barbara McCain                                  $600

Honor Society                          Jennie Sherman                                   $400

                                              Eric Holmberg                                    $400

Peer Mediation                         Marcy Anbro                                      $400

                                              Margaret Collins                                 $400

ADSIP                                    Natalie Brubaker                                  $400

                                              Nicole Schultz                                    $400

Weatherwatch                           Stacey DiRenzo                                   $150

                                              Matthew Schneider                              $150

                                              Total                                              $7,699

 

Activity Advisors (High School) – that the High School Activity Advisors be approved:

Senior High

Class of 2007                           Sarah Thorson                                     $750

                                              Elizabeth Strnatka                                $750

Class of 2008                           Kathy Hattala                                      $450

                                              Norm Cline                                        $450

Class of 2009                           Meghan Snell                                     $450

                                              Gianna Cordisco                                  $450

Class of 2010                           Krista Clapper                                     $450

                                              Rachel Heslin                                     $450

Drama                                     Kathy Hattala                                      $500

                                              Norm Cline                                        $500

Yearbook                                 Michaeline Rader                              $1,650

                                              Diane Hunt                                         $550

Student Council                        Jennifer Potter                                     $500

                                              Sharon Repp                                       $500

Honor Society                          Mary Ellen Fennimore                          $350

                                              Paul Gould                                         $350

Spirit                                      Elizabeth Strnatka                                $300

                                              Meghan Snell                                     $300

SADD                                     Lisa Chavez                                        $500

Mathletes                                 Liz McGrath                                       $500

Mock Trial                               Sarah Thorson                                     $450

Peer Leaders                             Paul Gould                                         $450

                                              Jennifer Potter                                     $450

                                              Karen Lyke                                         $150

Science Olympiad                     Michael Pavlovich                               $150

                                              Gary Priscott                                      $150

Scholarship Challenge                TBD                                                 TBD

                                              Total                                             $12,500

 

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

 

Appointments – The resolution to approve the following emergency conditional appointment pending fingerprint

clearance and criminal background check is being held for discussion in Executive Session:

                                                                                                                 2006-07

Name                        Position                                        Rate of Pay          School Year      Effective Date

Al Plouffe                 Head Varsity Coach Girls Softball     As Per Contract       1st year           2006-07

 

Appointments – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that the following emergency

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

                                                                                                                 2006-07

Name                        Position                                        Rate of Pay          School Year      Effective Date

         Ray Haskell               Asst. JV Girls Basketball                 As Per Contract       11th year         2006-07

Stephen Haskell          Asst. Modified Girls A Basketball     As Per Contract       2nd year          2006-07

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

 

Statutory Installment Bond Resolution - At a regular meeting of the Board of Education of Susquehanna Valley Central School District held in the Board Room at the Susquehanna Valley Senior High School, 1040 Conklin Road, Conklin, New York, on October 5, 2006 at 7:00 p.m.  The following resolution was offered by Board Member Mrs. Moriarty, who moved

its adoption:

STATUTORY INSTALLMENT BOND RESOLUTION OF

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY

CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, NEW YORK

Recital

WHEREAS at a special Meeting and Election duly called and held on March 7, 2006 in Susquehanna Valley Central School District, New York (herein called ÒDistrictÓ), the qualified voters of the District approved a Proposition (a) authorizing the Board of Education to purchase one 30 passenger bus at a cost not to exceed $67,665.49 and four 66 passenger buses at an estimated maximum cost of $89,647.49 each, and totaling $423,255.45, and authorizing the expenditure of an amount not to exceed $423,255.45; (b) voting a tax in the amount of $423,255.45 to be levied by and collected in installments; and (c) in anticipation of said tax, authorizing the issuance of bonds of the District in a principal amount not to exceed $423,255.45  and voting a tax to pay the principal and interest on said bonds as the same shall

become due and payable; AND

WHEREAS, Tioga State Bank has provided the lowest bid quote for a Statutory Installment Bond in the amount of $413,091.95 for the financing of such purchase(s), and the Central Business Office has recommended this financing with

Tioga State Bank, it is

RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, IN THE COUNTY OF BROOME, NEW YORK AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1.     A five (5) year Statutory Installment Bond in the amount of $413,091.95 shall be executed with Tioga State Bank, at an interest rate of 4.03%, and for this purpose, Tioga State Bank shall be added to and included on the approved list of financial institutions of the District.

Section 2.     The President of the Board of Education, as Chief Fiscal Officer of the District shall execute all required

documents, in a form approved by legal counsel for the District necessary to effect the Statutory Installment Bond

The adoption of the foregoing resolution was seconded by Board Member, Mrs. Hamilton, and duly put to a vote which resulted as follows: (8 yeses)

 

Mrs. Boyce provided Board members with an agenda for the Superintendent's Conference Day being held tomorrow.

 

Mrs. Boyce read a thank you card from the Broome County Domestic Violence Shelter (SOS Shelter) for the old cell phones that were donated.

 

Mrs. Boyce reported that BOCES will be having a presentation, One County's Approach to Health Insurance on October 24 at 5:00 p.m.

 

Mrs. Boyce reported that safety will be on the next Administrative Cabinet agenda.  Mrs. Boyce stated that danger can be found in the most least likely places.  Mrs. Haskell asked if the elementary schools had built their crisis response teams yet.  Dr. Stalma reported that there was a meeting last Friday and the committees were built.

 

Mrs. Boyce read a letter from the State Department of Health which reported that the District did not have an elevated asthma hospitalization rate.

 

Mrs. Boyce reminded Board members of the dates for the Fiscal Oversight Fundamentals for Board Members training.

 

Mrs. Boyce stated that last year there were guidelines for facilities usage because the District was on a contingency budget.  Mrs. Boyce would like direction from the Board for guidelines for this year.  This will be discussed at the next meeting.  Mr. McGuigan asked for a report on how much the District made from the fees for facilities use last year.

 

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENTÕS REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Presentation – CSE (Committee on Special Education) – Mrs. Kline gave a report on Special Education services, reviewing how and where services are provided, regulations and mandates, and our Key Performance Indicators.  Center Based services are provided at the Endicott Learning Center, Columbus Learning Center, Area Center, The Greater Binghamton Health Center.  There are District Based Services at Windsor and Chenango Forks.  Mrs. Boyce stated that SV has space if BOCES is interested in another site.  Mr. Yelverton asked how a child is identified and the exit criteria used.  Mrs. Kline explained the identification process and exit criteria.  Mr. Yelverton as how our demographics compare to other districts.  Mrs. Kline stated that they are similar.

 

Legislative Committee – Mrs. Hamilton reported on the meeting held at BOCES on September 27.  The purpose of the meeting was to review proposed resolutions for the NYSSBA Annual Business Meeting on October 28, 2006.

Mrs. Hamilton provided a list of the resolutions recommended for adoption at that meeting.

 

Budget Advisory Committee – Mrs. Hamilton reported that the committee met on September 28.  The Committee will be focusing on getting program equipment up to date, such as musical instruments; doing a full transportation study; and studying mandated or shared staff positions.  Mrs. Hamilton reported that they are also working on a resolution for aid for our District and flood victims.  The next meeting will be held on October 12 at 6:30, which is Meet the Candidates night.

 

Internal Audit Committee – Mr. McGuigan reported that the committee has received the first draft of the external audit.  Two firms have offered services but the cost is more than expected.  The committee will se if BOCES has services to offer.

 

Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee – Suzanne Vimislik, Co-Chair, provided minutes of the September 25 and the August 7 meeting.  Four subcommittees were formed to gather information – Academic, Financial Impact, Transportation, Other District Research.

 

BOARD DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Moriarty attended a meeting at BOCES on consolidation.  Health insurance was discussed and there will be a BOCES presentation on One County's Approach to Health Insurance.  Standardizing curriculum was discussed.  Mrs. Moriarty provided Board members with copies of articles from NYSSBA on Code of Conduct, What Makes a Good School Board Member, and What does a School Board Member Do.  Mr. Yelverton reported that he received a one copy of a tri-fold pamphlet explaining the Custom Improvement Program from NYSSBA.  Mr. Yelverton has asked NYSSBA to send more to be given to all the Board members and Administrators for their review and individual consideration for possible use as a method of self-improvement.

 

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mr. Wilson reported on homecoming week activities.  We are almost at the end of the fall season.  Mr. Wilson talked about the mini-conference his staff will be attending tomorrow.  The Safe and Drug Free Schools Committee and the Health and Safety Committee will be having their first meeting.

 

Mr. Daniels reported on homecoming.  Shane Thorn earned the commended scholar recognition with the PSATs.  Jacob Pemberton and Molly McGuigan are being nominated for the WendyÕs High School Heisman National Award.

 

Mr. Tagliaferri reported on the preliminary ELA results, modest gains have been made with 8th grade.  Mr. Tagliaferri talked about the NYStart Program.  Student Council is working on a float for homecoming.  The PTO parent tea is being held next week.  Students in 8th grade will be participating in a Teen Summit as part of the Worth the Wait Program.  Mathways to the Stars is underway.  The first school dance is being held on October 27.  Mr. Tagliaferri reported that safety procedures are reviewed at the beginning of every year.

 

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

Executive Session to discuss the held motion and personnel.  Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously.  (8 yeses)

At   9:27 p.m. the Board recessed

At   9:40 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session

At 10:50  p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session

 

Appointments – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion to approve the following emergency conditional appointment

pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check is being held for discussion in Executive Session:

                                                                                                                 2006-07

Name                        Position                                        Rate of Pay          School Year      Effective Date

Al Plouffe                 Head Varsity Coach Girls Softball     As Per Contract       1st year           2006-07

 

There was no second for the motion, so the motion failed.

 

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

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

At 10:58 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session

At 12:22 a.m. the Board returned to Regular Session

 

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mr. Yelverton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, 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 12:22 a.m.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk