APPROVED MINUTES

PROPOSED JULY 20, 2006

MINUTES SPECIAL MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION

of the of the

SUSQUEHANNA VALLEY CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

Held in the Senior High School Library

Conklin, New York, County of Broome

MEMBERS Mrs. Janice Young

PRESENT: Mrs. Eleanor Hamilton

Mr. John Pollock

Mrs. Mary Haskell

Mr. Rusty Storm

Mrs. Julia Bowers

Mr. Kevin McGuigan

Mr. Bill Yelverton

ABSENT: Mrs. Christine Moriarty (business)

ALSO Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent

PRESENT: Dr. Renee Stalma, Assistant Superintendent

Mr. Oliver Blaise III, Coughlin & Gerhart

Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk

Ms. Celia Bucek, District Business Coordinator

Ms. Sharleen Vascello, Director of Transportation

Mr. Don Gerlach, Director of Technology

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

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

Mr. George Basler, Press & Sun-Bulletin

Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier

2 residents

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

RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Ms. Bowers, to accept into record the attendance for the July 20, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Report – Mrs. Rader gave a report on the relief distribution center at the High School gymnasium. The donation of clothing had to be stopped because the supply was so great. People are now picking up more personal hygiene items than cleaning supplies. FEMA and the Red Cross are changing their hours, they will now be open at the school Monday-Friday 9 am – 6 pm and Saturday 9 am – 3 pm. Mrs. Rader asked about changing the hours of the relief center to match FEMA and the Red Cross. The relief distribution center will be open Monday-Friday 10 am – 6 pm and Saturday 10 am – 3 pm (opening at 10 am due to staffing schedules). Mrs. Rader also asked about moving the center to Cedarhurst since the High School gymnasium will need to be used for fall sports soon. A custodian would be needed to open and close at Cedarhurst. Mrs. Boyce will discuss this with Angelo Ranieri and let Mrs. Rader or Mrs. Young know. Mr. Yelverton asked about using Donnelly for the relief center. Mrs. Rader stated that school will be starting in September and they anticipate the center being open longer than that. Mrs. Rader praised the teachers, staff, and community members helping with the relief center. Mrs. Rader stated that it proves how much everyone wants to stay here and that everyone has to work together.

APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Haskell made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to approve the minutes

of the June 27, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8

yeses)

Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2006 Annual

Reorganizational Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mr. Storm, to approve the minutes of the July 10, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Report – Mrs. Boyce read a report from Sharleen Vascello outlining the processes used to determine the student placements in the elementary buildings for 2006-07. Cost effectiveness, the least amount of time on the bus, not splitting up families, equity of special services, the number of sections for each grade and keeping class sizes to 20-23 students were all looked at. Mrs. Vascello worked on filling the buses to capacity in anticipation of an increase in fuel costs for 2006-07 due to new low sulfur requirements. Mrs. Boyce read a report from Don Gerlach outlining how Transfinder – Transportation Management System was used.

VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Debra Tucci, Holly Finch, Robert Strick, Liz Finch, Ray Kinney, Jerry Derrick, Ann Kinney, Tammy Derrick, Toni Strick, and David Finch voiced their concerns with the assignment of students to Donnelly and Brookside. Orchard Park in the Town of Binghamton is being split with some students going to Donnelly and some to Brookside. Main Street in the Town of Kirkwood is also being split. Mrs. Tucci turned in a petition asking that students from Orchard Park not be split and sent to two different schools. Mrs. Finch stated that she is circulating a petition regarding the Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent. Parents asked if students would be bused from Orchard Park to Donnelly and then to Brookside. The question was asked if only Cedarhurst students were being moved. Mrs. Tammy Derrick asked if the Board was listening and if they had any intention of going back and reviewing these assignments. Mrs. Young explained that it was never intended to be only Cedarhurst students moving. Mrs. Young talked about the redistricting discussed earlier this year regarding having K-2 at one school and 3-5 at the other and how the public had voiced their concerns against this redistricting at a meeting in May. Mrs. Young stated that the Board does listen, that they listened to everyone at the meeting and put this redistricting on hold for a year. The K-2, 3-5 redistricting has been given to committees to discuss. Sue Sutton asked for a list of class sizes grade by grade per school. Mrs. Young stated that one will be available for Mrs. Sutton to pick up at the District Office on Friday. This will also be put on the web site. Mrs. Rader stated that she feels promises were made and not kept and that the trust in the District is gone. Mrs. Rader stated that when she was on the Board she did not have the foresight to get the second part of the Capital Project started as a working tool. Mrs. Rader stated that she was for the K-2, 3-5 configuration, it would have affected everyone. Mrs. Rader asked that the community have more patience with the District and the Board while they work this out. Mrs. Rader stated that the Board has always listened to the community and they need to listen now. Mrs. Young talked about how the flooding may also impact transportation, students displaced by the flooding and living out of the District will have to be transported in. The District is working on locating residents who had to move out of the District due to the flooding. Mr. Pollock stated that when the Board first started addressing the assignment of students they asked some of the same questions residents are asking. Mr. Pollock also stated that one of the reasons sending all of the Town of Binghamton students to Brookside and Kirkwood residents to Donnelly did not work was class sizes, and making sure class sizes are balanced in the two schools is a legitimate issue. Mr. Pollock also talked about how the flooding will bring changes. Mr. Pollock stated that he is not convinced things can't be changed and adjusted and that this is certainly not set in concrete.

FINANCIAL REPORT – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the June financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce

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

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

* Authorize the 15 service recommended on CPSE list dated May 24, 2006

* Authorize the 1 services recommended on CPSE list dated May 25, 2006

* Authorize the 16 services recommended on CSE list dated May 31, 2006

* Authorize the 1 services recommended on CSE list dated June 6, 2006

* Authorize the 14 services recommended on CSE list dated June 7, 2006

* Authorize the 7 service recommended on CSE list dated June 13, 2006

* Authorize the 2 services recommended on CPSE list dated June 19, 2006

* Authorize the 9 services recommended on CPSE list dated May 25, 2006

Deputy Internal Claims Auditor – That be it RESOLVED that Jessica Raymond be and is hereby appointed Deputy Internal Claims Auditor of this District to serve at the pleasure of the Board of Education during the school year 2006-07 at no salary.

Professional Service Agreement – That a professional service agreement with Consultants in Exceptional Education, LLC, be approved for a consultant teacher at an hourly rate of $72.00, effective July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007.

2006-07 CSE and CPSE Committees – That be it RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee that qualified individuals shall be appointed to serve on the Committee on PreSchool Special Education for the 2006-2007 school year which in accordance with Federal and State law and regulations shall consist of:

* District Representative who may include CPSE Chairperson, Director of Special Services and Assistant Superintendent: Maureen Kline

* Parents

* County Representative

* Other persons having knowledge or expertise regarding the child

* Special Education Teacher or Provider of the child

* Regular Education Teacher of the child who is or may be receiving regular education

* Appropriate professional for a child in transition from early intervention

* Parent representative, unless waived by parent

CSE Committee:

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee that qualified individuals shall be appointed to serve on the District Committee on Special Education for the 2006-2007 school year which in accordance with Federal and State law and Regulations shall consist of:

* District Representative who may include Director of Special Services, school psychologist and Assistant Superintendent: Maureen Kline

* School Psychologist: Herman Tio, Steven Decker, Christina Sampson

* Special Education Teacher or Provider of the Child

* Regular Education Teacher of the child who is or may receive regular education

* Parent(s) of or persons in parental relationship to the child

* School Physician, if requested

* Parent Representative, unless waived by parent

* Student, if appropriate

* Other individuals who have knowledge or specific expertise of the child

CSE Subcommittee:

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent or the Superintendent's designee that qualified individuals shall be appointed to serve on the Subcommittee on Special Education for the 2006-2007 school year which in accordance with Federal and State law and Regulations shall consist of:

* District Representative who may include Director of Special Services, school psychologist and Assistant Superintendent: Maureen Kline

* School Psychologist: Herman Tio, Steven Decker, Christina Sampson

* Evaluators:

* Regular Education Teacher

* Special Education Teacher or Provider

* School Psychologist: Herman Tio, Steven Decker, Christina Sampson

* District Representative, or person with knowledge or special expertise sufficient to fulfill the role: Maureen Kline

* Other persons having knowledge or expertise regarding the child

* Special Education Teacher or provider

* Regular Education Teacher of the child who is or may be receiving regular education

* Student, if appropriate

* Parent(s) of or persons in parental relationship to the child

12-Month Employee – That Judy Cavanaugh be appointed to a 12-month Senior Typist position (previously 10-month) at Brookside, effective July 1, 2006, at her currently hourly rate.

Appointment (Correction): That the following emergency conditional appointment be approved pending

fingerprint clearance and criminal background check:

Name Position Certified Rate of Pay Effective Date

Shannon Molyneaux Guidance Counselor Pending $43,500 8/21/06

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

Substitute Administrator – The Board discussed the recommendation that the substitute administrator appointment be approved of Robert Callahan, at a daily per diem rate of $250 per day, effective July 20, 2006. Mrs. Boyce explained this position, how Mr. Callahan is available now that he is retired and he would not need to be fingerprinted since he was employed by the District previously. Mr. Yelverton asked if other candidates would be looked at when a substitute administrator was needed. Mrs. Boyce replied they would be. Mrs. Hamilton asked about the salary. Mrs. Boyce explained how the salary was arrived at. It was decided to table this recommendation until the next Board meeting so that more information could be provided to the Board on salary and more candidates to choose from.

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

Instructional Resignations – That the resignation of Danielle Shaller, Special Education teacher, Cedarhurst, be accepted effective August 1, 2006; and that the resignation of Laura Parsons, Special Education teacher, Brookside, be accepted effective August 1, 2006.

Donnelly Walk-In Freezer – That Whereas the Susquehanna Valley Central School District did open for public bid according to General Municipal Law, the following bid: 06-07:1, Walk-In Freezer at Donnelly School and whereas, the bids were publicly opened and read on July 15, 2006, at 2:00 pm in the BOCES CBO Business Office, be it Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Director of Food Services and the Purchasing Agent, that the bid for Walk-In Freezer at Donnelly be awarded to Northern Tier Commercial Refrigeration and A/C at a bid price $13,428.50.

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

Cooperative Bidding – Mr. McGuigan made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that Whereas, it is the plan of a number of public school districts, other BOCES organizations, and the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES (the "BOCES") during the 2006-07 school year to bid jointly for the purchase of various types of computers and technology

commodities (the "Commodities"); and

Whereas, the Susquehanna Valley Central School District ("the School District") is desirous of participating in the

joint bidding of the commodities, as authorized by General Municipal Law, Article 5-G; and

Whereas, this Board of Education has received and reviewed the Cooperative Bid Procedures ("the Procedures")

governing its rights and responsibilities should it elect to participate in the joint bidding of the Commodities; and

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the Superintendent or designee to represent it in

all matters related above; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Cooperative Bid Procedures the Board of Education agrees to award bid item purchases according to the recommendations of the BOCES if such award is in the best

interest of the school district.

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

Professional Services Agreement – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that be it RESOLVED, that Susquehanna Valley School District agree to renew the contract with Kinney & Associates, Inc. to represent the district in preparation, submission, reconciliation of reimbursement claims resulting in the collection and reconciliation of Medicaid claims due Susquehanna Valley CSD. This contract shall be effective July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007, at an annual fee of $5,700. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) Mrs. Haskell asked if this was put out to bid. Ms. Bucek explained that this service did not have to be put out to bid. Mrs. Kline explained how this firm helps save the District money. Mrs. Bowers asked for the fee paid to this firm last year for these services. This will be provided to the Board.

Mrs. Boyce reported that Greg Jenkins, Conklin Presbyterian Church, was contacted by a fire department near NYC offering to purchase backpacks and fill them with school supplies for children negatively affected by the flooding. There will be a meeting with building principals next week to discuss the best way to make collections and store them. Mrs. Young reported on a meeting held on Wednesday night with teachers, PTA members, and town officials to discuss fund raising and putting up barrels to collect supplies. Mrs. Young suggested that Mrs. Boyce contact Tim Whitesell to coordinate these efforts for school supplies.

Pool Use – Mrs. Boyce reported that there is concern in the community that Conklin Pool will not be available this summer. The Town of Conklin has budgeted for the personnel and the District has a pool. Mrs. Boyce has been talking with Debra Preston about opening SV's pool to the community. Mr. Storm stated that he feels it would be very important to get the pool open for the children. Mr. Blaise brought up insurance concerns. The fee structure was discussed. The Board would like to open the pool admission free but if the Town's personnel is fee dependent, then one will have to be charged. Mr. Storm made a motion, seconded by Mr. Pollock, that Whereas Conklin Town Pool was rendered unusable by the flooding of 2006, it is Resolved that the Superintendent is authorized to negotiate and implement an agreement with the Town of Conklin for terms of public use of the SVCSD pool, as soon as possible. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Residency Issues – Mrs. Boyce read a letter from the State Education Department regarding the flooding and displaced/homeless families. Under the Federal McKinney-Ventro Homeless Assistance Act and New York Education Law these children have a right to return to their school district of origin in September if they are still temporarily housed at that time and each child is entitled to transportation within fifty miles. The District is working on finding out where families are living outside the District. A form is available in the schools, at the relief center, and can be downloaded from the web site. There was an article in the newspaper regarding this and it has been on the television news. Mrs. Boyce will have Jim Hull put a public service announcement on every electronic media also. Mr. Yelverton asked about making the form on the web site interactive. Mr. Gerlach explained that this is beyond the District's capabilities on the web. Mrs. Young stated that a majority of the residents do not have computers right now. Other sites to place the forms were also suggested: FEMA, the Red Cross, Conklin Presbyterian Church, Little White Church, the Post Office, and the Reliable. Mrs. Bowers suggested mailing a letter, even if someone does not receive their mail they may hear about it from someone who does receive the letter. The Board also discussed not having students pay tuition if they were displaced by the flooding. Mrs. Hamilton suggested working with local realtors to get lists of available housing in the District. Mrs. Young replied that this is being worked on. Mr. Storm made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that any students eligible to attend SVCSD in 2006-07 displaced by the flooding of 2006, or the effects thereof, are welcome to attend SVCSD without paying tuition and with transportation provided within the limits of the McKinney-Ventro legislation. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

Mrs. Boyce stated that even though this year's tax collection should be all right, there is uncertainty about what will happen next year with the tax rolls. Properties have been condemned, and assessments may change. Mrs. Boyce stated that public notices are being monitored to take count of any condemned properties against the tax rolls. Mrs. Bowers asked about the penalties that have to be paid if a resident is late paying their taxes this year. Mrs. Boyce replied that the penalties are state law. Mrs. Young reported that there is dialogue with the Attorney General for help.

Mrs. Boyce updated the Board on the use of the fields. Mr. Ranieri is working with Mark Gorgos to cut through the red tape to get testing done. Soil samples have been sent in and we are waiting for the results. There are significant ruts on the football field from the helicopter. Mr. Yelverton asked about researching and talking to other districts that have gone through this. Mrs. Boyce stated that there is a free service through an umbrella of SED for research. Mrs. Boyce read a report from Angelo Ranieri regarding the damage to the football field, athletic fields, tennis courts, fence by football field, and the front lawns at Donnelly and the High School. The Town of Conklin will be repairing the front of the High School and Donnelly where the debris was. They will dig out the contaminated dirt and put grass down in front of the High School and put millings down in front of Donnelly to put in more parking. Mr. Storm stated that he feels grass should be put down at Donnelly and not more parking. The Board discussed this and decided to let the administrators make the choice of what is done at Donnelly. A list of the damages is being kept for the insurance company and FEMA. Mrs. Boyce talked about the payroll issues due to the flooding.

ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Dr. Stalma

Dr. Stalma gave an overview of the nySTART Program database program and the reports that can be generated from it that only came from BOCES before. This analysis will assist in incorporating data into curricular planning and decision making, assist with more individualized instruction; and reinforce the data driven decision making at SV.

Dr. Stalma reported that 100 students are enrolled in the Summer Enrichment Program and that NYS is providing hot lunches at no charge.

BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – A thank you card was received from Margaret Malloy for the contribution to the SV Student Loan Fund in memory of her husband Thomas Malloy.

VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mrs. Kline reported that many teachers are coming in and working on goals this summer.

Mr. Gerlach reported that the technology is being moved out of Cedarhurst into the other school buildings. Work stations were set up for the emergency workers. Mr. Gerlach reported that the report cards had to be reprinted due to the flooding and he will be working on rolling the system over to next year. Staff is training at BOCES.

Mrs. Boyce reported that Mr. Yelverton had asked what measures were being taken in case of a pandemic flu outbreak and that she is now serving on a committee addressing this.

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

Executive Session to discuss personnel and real property issues. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8

yeses)

At 10:24 p.m. the Board recessed

At 10:28 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session

At 12:00 a.m. the Board returned to Regular Session

Salary Increase – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to increase the salary of the District Clerk to $5,300 for the 2006-07 school year. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)

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 12:01 a.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Diane M. Kalmen

School District Clerk