APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED DECEMBER 7, 2006

MINUTES REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

of the of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Donnelly Elementary School Cafeteria

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

MEMBERS Mrs. Janice Young

PRESENT: Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton

Mr. John Pollock

Mrs. Mary Haskell

Mrs. Christine Moriarty

Mr. Rusty Storm

Mrs. Julia Bowers

Mr. Kevin McGuigan

Mr. Bill Yelverton

ALSO Dr. Renee Stalma, Acting Superintendent

PRESENT: Mr. Carl Kieper, Coughlin & Gerhart

Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk

Ms. Celia Bucek, Central Business Office

Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist

Mr. David Daniels, High School Principal

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

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

Ms. Connie Way, Food Service

Mr. Don Blenco, Technology Teacher, Middle School

Mr. Tony Alduino, Music Teacher, Brookside, Donnelly and Middle School

Ms. Debra Merrell, Math Teacher, High School

Mr. Mark Shuster, Technology Teacher, High School

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

Ms. Sharleen Vascello, Director of Transportation

Ms. Donella LaVelle, Head Driver, Transportation

Mr. George Basler, Press & Sun Bulletin

Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

WBNG-TV

Newschannel 34

23 residents, 4 students

Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:00 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 December 7, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

Middle School Word of the Month – Mrs. Young read the Middle School Word of the Month – "Generous – willing to share with others."

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to approve the minutes of the November 2, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

Mr. Storm made a motion, seconded by Mr. Yelverton, to approve the minutes of the December 5, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Mr. Rich Massar spoke regarding obtaining the equipment from California Fitness for the weight room. Mr. Massar stated that a meeting was held to discuss the legal issues of putting the equipment in the room. Mr. Gorgos is looking into the legal issues. Another issue is funding for the equipment. Mr. Massar would like a financial commitment from the Board to purchase this equipment. Mr. Massar asked if money from the EXCEL aid apportionment for SV could be used toward any of this. Mrs. Young replied that Mr. Wilson, Director of Athletics, would be giving a report on the weight room and the equipment later in the meeting. Students Chad Starzer, Dan Massar, and John DePersis talked about the condition of the current equipment and the benefits of having the new equipment. John DePersis showed a dumbbell that had a crack. Mr. Mark Schuster stated that fundraising was started in 1994 to buy new equipment for the weight room and that he feels there has been little or no support from the District to keep equipment coming in. Mr. Schuster feels it is very important to step up and give students and athletes something to be proud of. Mr. Schuster talked about how exercise helps with confidence and self-esteem.

Mrs. Susan Pollock voiced her concerns with the integrity of the Board, its actions against Carol Boyce, and the effects on this District. Mrs. Pollock talked about the role of the Board when she served from 1999-2005. The Board's role was to set policy and allow the superintendent to implement it; to work together following proper procedure; and to gain and maintain the public trust. The board did not follow the terms of Mrs. Boyce's contract execute any evaluation My opinion is that there never was a good faith attempt to settle these matters because the goal was dismissal right from the beginning

Mr. Bill Diffendorf, Jr. asked if the Director of Transportation would be at the meeting tonight. Dr. Stalma reported that Ms. Vascello will be at the meeting, that she was delayed because there was a bus accident. Mr. Diffendorf stated that changes have been made in transportation and it is better, but it is not where it should be. Mr. Diffendorf asked what time breakfast is served at the schools. Dr. Stalma replied that it has been difficult to have students to school for breakfast with the transportation time and the way the buses are coming in. Dr. Stalma offered to meet with Mr. Diffendorf to discuss his concerns.

Mrs. Chris Miller asked about the total cost of the agreement with Mrs. Boyce, what the cost of an interim superintendent would be, and all the legal costs to date. Mrs. Young replied that she cannot comment since this is a personnel issue. Mrs. Miller stated that at a Board meeting in September there was a resolution passed to inform the public of the legal expenditures for the personnel case. Mrs. Young replied that the first bill was $5,000 and there was another bill of 10,000 through October 15. She has not seen the bill through November 15 yet. Mrs. Miller voiced her concern that this money is not being spent on the students, stating that students do not have textbooks. Mrs. Miller asked how the students are going to get a quality education. Mrs. Miller feels that this money could have been used for materials and programs. Mrs. Young replied that she could not comment. Ms. Holly Finch stated that this situation did not happen overnight, it has been years of accumulation. Ms. Finch commended the Board members who will question things and talk to the public in public. Ms. Finch stated that what is printed in the newspapers is only a little information, not everything, and that people have to trust the Board. Ms. Finch stated that if people on this Board feel so strongly about fighting in public, they should see if being on the Board is worth their while, if it is for the good of the District. Ms. Finch asked that the Board not look to BOCES in the search for a new superintendent. Ms. Finch feels that Board members should turn in their resignation if they cannot make a decision or put this behind them. Ms. Laurie Chantry stated that if the Board is listening why was the last Board meeting, which was postponed due to the weather, not rescheduled so that the Board could listen to people before the decision was made on the personnel case. Mrs. Young replied that it was in the best interest of the District not to reschedule and she went along with just having the next meeting on December 7. Mrs. Debra Merrell stated that this situation has not affected the education students are getting in any way, that textbooks are a way for the textbook companies to make money. Mrs. Merrell also stated that the education in the District is not failing and that the District has wonderful technology to use for educating. Mrs. Merrell stated that she would love to see the new equipment in the weight room, that it would be nice to have something positive.

Mr. Jack Bell reported that members of the Budget Advisory Committee met with representatives in Senator Libous' office to look at ways of providing financial aid to help with revenue in districts affected by the flooding. Mr. Bell reported that we should know more in March.

Mrs. Pam Freije asked if there was an answer yet on the building use of Cedarhurst, that there is a soccer team that has to travel 25 miles to use a facility in Windsor. Mrs. Young replied that the number of janitorial staff has been down and that the Director of Building and Grounds retired. Dr. Stalma reported that everyone that requested to use the facility has received a response and described the situation with the janitorial staff. Mr. Joel Wilson reported on the groups using the facility and how many nights they are using it. Dr. Stalma stated that she will look and see what fell through the cracks. Mrs. Haskell asked if groups use the school facilities on the weekends. There are contractual obligations when custodial staff work on the weekends. Mrs. Pam Freije stated that only six people showed up for the committee meeting on Monday night so the meeting was cancelled. She stated that this is a wasteful and inefficient use of everyone's time. Mrs. Young replied that this was because the co-chairs could not be there. The one co-chair who was supposed to be there was sick and could not make it. Mr. Adam Miller voiced his concern that the soccer team has to travel to Windsor to use the facility. Mr. Miller stated that the paperwork was submitted and has not been signed. Mrs. Young replied that Dr. Stalma is filling in for the Director of Building and Grounds and has not seen the paperwork. Dr. Stalma stated that the contractual obligations for the custodial staff will have to be looked into.

Mr. Daniels stated that all the principals want the best for the students, including equipment. Mr. Daniels reported on a meeting held this afternoon in which Mr. Tagliaferri asked the teaching staff about textbooks. The teachers stated that they are in good shape with textbooks. Mr. Daniels asked that when people have concerns such as these that they contact the building principals. Mr. Daniels stated that textbook companies have a difficult time keeping current with some subjects.

Mr. Jerry Derrick stated that he gets the impression that the Budget Advisory Committee is being looked on unfavorably. Mrs. Young replied that it is not. Mr. Derrick stated that if the Board cannot work together than they should resign. Mrs. Hamilton asked about the committee meeting with Senator Libous, stating that no one contacted her about the meeting. Mrs. Hamilton, as a member of the committee, would have attended the meeting if she had known about it. Mr. Derrick stated that they are trying to establish a fund for NYS districts affected by the flooding. Mrs. Young stated that no one is put out that they went to see Senator Libous and are bringing in the report to the Board. Mr. Derrick stated that he thought the postponed Board meeting would be rescheduled so that he could speak before the decision was made on the personnel matter. Mr. Derrick offered to help pay for the new equipment for the weight room.

Mrs. Rader reported on the history of searches for a superintendent from her experience. Mrs. Rader stated that BOCES has always helped with the searches and that the Board has listened to the community and staff. Mrs. Rader said that personnel cases cannot be discussed and that what the teachers said was true, that this is not affecting education. Mrs. Rader also stated that things are discussed in Executive Session that the public cannot know of. Mrs. Rader talked about how the Board has had differences off opinion in the past but has always been able to sort things out and still work together. Mrs. Rader stated that the community needs everyone working together.

Cindy Manchester stated that she does not see any allegations that could not be rectified by talking. Mrs. Manchester asked why Mr. Gorgos was not helping with this. Mrs. Manchester stated that she does not understand why the Board has done this and asked what the plans are to make amends. Mrs. Haskell replied that everyone on the Board is their own person and has their own opinion, and that the decision was based on recommendations. Mrs. Haskell stated that she is disheartened with what has happened to the District. Mrs. Young reported that a lot has been publicized that was not authorized and that there is much more to the picture that only the Board knows. Mrs. Young stated that everyone made the best decision they could with the information they had. Mrs. Young also stated that the Board is struggling to work together and is working on a civility code. Mrs. Haskell and Mr. McGuigan both stated that issues such as mediation were discussed. Mr. McGuigan also stated that the Board members are doing their job, that the public only sees the outcome and not all the details.

FINANCIAL REPORT – The Financial Reports were reviewed. Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. Yelverton, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the October financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Transportation Report Presentation – Mrs. Vascello reported on transportation. Mrs. Vascello explained adjustments that have been made in the bus runs, some displaced students have moved and a couple of routes in Kirkwood have been changed. Mrs. Vascello stated that the longest bus runs are Brookside and the Kirkwood area and are about 45 minutes. Mrs. Vascello reviewed the report on when bus drivers clock out. Dr. Stalma reported that there is still an issue with getting students to Donnelly on time for breakfast and classes. The District is working to make sure all the clocks in transportation and the schools have the same time. Mr. McGuigan asked about the situation with the bus drivers and the Cornell ROTC request. Mrs. Young replied that she apologized to the bus drivers on behalf of the Board. Mrs. Vascello reported that all the students involved in the bus accident tonight made it home safely.

Weight Room Update – Mr. Wilson gave a presentation on the weight room action plan and timeline. Mr. Wilson reviewed the goals for the weight room: 1) to renovate the existing weight room to create more floor space by removing one wall; and 2) to receive donated equipment through the Gridiron Club for use by the Susquehanna Valley CSD community. Mr. Wilson stated that these changes will help meet the ongoing goal of serving the children, staff, and residents by providing an improved facility for both weight training and cardiovascular fitness activities. Mr. Wilson showed pictures of the current equipment and provided a list of some of the existing equipment that he would like declared obsolete. Mr. Wilson talked about the work that needed to be done to create more space and how he would like to see the work done over the holiday break. Mr. Yelverton stated that the District needs to be partnered with the community on this and that the Board has to step up and contribute financially. Dr. Stalma reported that this was not budget in the 2006-707 school year, so it is not within the legal parameters to spend the money on the equipment this year. Dr. Stalma explained that this would have to go out to bid process and that work is starting on the 2007-08 budget now. Mr. Massar asked if money from the EXCEL aid apportionment for SV could be used for this. Dr. Stalma replied she does not think we can use the money for this. Mr. Kieper explained that spending for equipment cannot be increased this year unless it is equipment necessary for health and safety. Mrs. Young stated that the Board has not accepted the offer of the equipment because there are unresolved issues to be taken care of first, including a union issue. Ms. Celia Bucek explained that equipment lines cannot be increased in this yearÕs budget, that other equipment budgeted for this year could not be purchased if the equipment was purchased for the weight room. Mrs. Young stated that the Board can approve the concept tonight, but if the District goes on contingency budget next year they cannot purchase the equipment. Mrs. Haskell asked to be part of the fundraising committee for the equipment. Mrs. Young stated that a resolution will be on the agenda for the December 21 meeting regarding this.

Facilities and Capital Improvement Advisory Committee – Mrs. Chris Miller reported that the Facilities and Capital Improvement Advisory Committee would like to bring in Fiscal Advisors and Marketing, Inc. to discuss the EXCEL aid apportionment for SVSD with the Board, the Budget Advisory Committee, the Program and Restructuring Advisory Committee and the Facilities and Capital Improvement Advisory Committee. Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that Fiscal Advisors and Marketing, Inc. give a presentation on Monday, December 11, 2006 at 6:30 in the High School Library, on the EXCEL aid apportionment for the Susquehanna Valley Central School District. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

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

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

* Authorize the 13 services recommended on CSE list dated October 25, 2006

* Authorize the 11 services recommended on CSE list dated November 1, 2006

* Authorize the service recommended on CSE list dated November 2, 2006

* Authorize the 11 services recommended on CSE list dated November 8, 2006

* Authorize the 1 service recommended on CSE list dated November 9, 2006

* Authorize the 6 services recommended on CSE list dated November 21, 2006

* Authorize the 1 service recommended on CPSE list dated November 17, 2006

Appointments – that the following appointments be approved:

Effective

Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Date

Gwendalyn Iversen Substitute Teacher Yes As Per Contract 12/8/06

Aubrey Brainard Substitute Teacher Aide $6.75 per hour 12/8/06

Michael Chantry Lifeguard $6.75 per hour 10/26/06

Robert Dent Custodian $7.57 per hour 11/27/06

Elizabeth Kozel Substitute Teacher Yes As Per Contract 12/8/06

Catrina Lurenz Substitute Teacher Yes As Per Contract 12/8/06

Laura Pilotti Substitute Teacher Yes As Per Contract 12/8/06

Mary Miller Substitute Teacher Arizona As Per Contract 12/8/06

Larry Kozak Bus Driver $9.60 per hour 12/8/06

Joshua Galusha Custodian $7.75 per hour + 12/8/06

.35 night differential

Kara Steele Modified Boys Swim Coach As Per Contract 12/8/06

Rebecca Sefton Substitute School Nurse R.N. $12.00 per hour 12/11/06

Rebecca Sefton School Nurse R.N. $13.46 per hour 1/2/07

School Tax Reimbursement – that due to notice of change of assessment by the Brome County Real Property

Tax Service, the following refund is approved:

Payable to Assessment Change Amount

Tracy A. Burdick From: $66,566 $392.02

24 Whiting Way To: $55,308

Conklin, NY 13748

And that due to duplicate payment of the 2006-07 school tax bill, the following refund is approved:

Payable to Tax Map Amount

Earl Sessions 161.69-1-1 $ 6.41

93 Hemlock Hill Road 161.69-1-4 9.60

Whitney Point, NY 13862 161-69-1-8 19.21

$35.22

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

effective date indicated:

11/21/06 Bevacqua, Bridget Art.

11/29/06 Browning, Kelly Speech

2007-08 BOCES Services – that be it RESOLVED, that the unit cost methodology is hereby approved for shared services with the Broome-Tioga Board of Cooperative Educational Services for the 2007-08 school year.

Budget Transfers – Salary Codes – to approve the following transfers to adjust salary codes:

FROM: DESCRIPTION: TO: DESCRIPTION: AMOUNT:

01012110-120 Teacher Salaries K-5 06062110-130 Teacher Salaries 6-12 $65,088.00

02022110-120 Teacher Salaries K-5 05052110-130 Teacher Salaries 6-12 $38,469.00

04312250-120 Teacher Salaries K-5 05312250-130 Teacher Salaries 6-12 $49,641.00

06062110-120 Teacher Salaries K-5 06062110-130 Teacher Salaries 6-12 $26,890.00

2110 Teaching - Regular School

2250 Pupils w/Handicapping

Conditions

09969050-800 Unemployment Insurance 09969080-800 Other Benefits $6,200.00

9080 Tuition Reimbursement

10101620-467 Electric 09101620-430-09 O&M EEI Contract $35,000.00

Project 09 EEI

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

Matthew Schneider Paid 1/24/07 – 2/16/07 Sick, Personal, FMLA

Return of Tax Claims – 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 173,893,255 31.378770 5,456,557 3,753,737.97 257,018.95

Conklin 178,884,395 34.821413 6,229,007 4,241,783.90 326,552.18

Kirkwood 35,361,789 27.857845 985,103 594,768.51 88,234.32

Vestal 48,243 524.990968 25,327 18,257.93 253.29

Windsor 722,500 32.117094 23,205 18,085.12 2,479.88

TOTAL 8,626,633.43 674,538.62

Total delinquent penalties collected and deposited with District Treasurer: $14,399.69

Total amount of taxes collected and deposited with the District Treasurer: $8,612,233.74

TOTAL $8,626,633.43

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 collectorÕs copies of the tax receipts be placed on file in the school district.

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses, Mr. Yelverton stepped out)

Cross Contract Agreement – Mr. McGuigan reviewed the Cross Contract Agreement. Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Moriarty, that be it RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize a Cross Contract Agreement with the Tompkins-Seneca-Tioga BOCES for the Internal Audit Service for 25 days/15 days at a cost of approximately $670 per day. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Dr. Stalma reported on the professional development for the Middle School and High School on curriculum mapping which will take place on Friday, December 8.

BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – No Report

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Kline reported on staff participating in professional development. Steve Decker, school psychologist has been trained in non-crisis intervention has can now train other staff. Jennifer Potter attended a Transition Planning Workshop and Kelly Browning attended NYS Alternate Assessment training

Mr. Daniels reported that the "SV Talent or Not" show will be held tomorrow night. Six students will be receiving the NYS Scholarship for Academic Excellence: Brandon Freeland, $1,500 for four years; $500 for four years each to Kyle Hibbard, Shane Thorn, Molly McGuigan, Patrick Mullins, Alycia Mullins, and Dan DeVoe.

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

Executive Session to discuss personnel matters. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

At 9:59 p.m. the Board recessed

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

At 11:35 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session

MOTION TO ADJOURN – Mrs. Haskell made a motion, seconded by Mr. Storm, that the meeting be adjourned.

Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)

There being no further business, Mrs. Young adjourned the meeting at 11:35 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk