|
APPROVED MINUTES PROPOSED AUGUST 17, 2006 MINUTES REGULAR MEETING of the BOARD OF EDUCATION of the 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 Mrs. Christine Moriarty Mr. Rusty Storm Mrs. Julia Bowers Mr. Kevin McGuigan Mr. Bill Yelverton
ABSENT: Mr. John Pollock (personal)
ALSO Mrs. Carol Boyce, Superintendent PRESENT: Mr. Mark Gorgos, Legal Advisor to the Board Ms. Diane Kalmen, District Clerk Mr. Joel Wilson, Director of Health, P.E. and Athletics Mrs. Gayle Ditch, Computer Aide Mr. Jim Hull, Public Information Specialist Ms. Marcia Guardia, Country Courier 22 residents, 5 students
Mrs. Young, Board President, called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. and led the salute to the American flag.
RECORD OF ATTENDANCE – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to accept into record the attendance for the August 17, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, to approve as amended the minutes of the August 3, 2006 Special Meeting of the Board of Education. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Mrs. Young reported that the school will provide space at Cedarhurst for the relief center until September 15. At that point the need will be reassessed to see if it should be open longer.
Mr. Greg Jenkins reported that he has been in negotiations with the Board and the District to possibly move the relief efforts from Conklin Presbyterian Church to Cedarhurst. Mr. Jenkins stated that with or without the move, the intention is to maintain services as long as possible.
VOICE OF THE PUBLIC #1 – Mrs. Rader gave an update on the relief center. Mrs. Rader stated that the relief center had a slow start but now items go out as fast as they come in. Mrs. Rader talked about the move from the High School gymnasium to Cedarhurst, a smaller space. There is a need for more volunteers to staff the center. The Cedarhurst PTA has been staffing the center and Mrs. Rader called the Donnelly and Brookside PTAs to get more help. Mrs. Rader talked about the devastation to the community. Mrs. Young recognized the hard workers at the relief center. A list of the volunteers will be provided to Mrs. Boyce. Sue Sutton, Madeline Vilello, Holly Finch, and Chris Scott stated their concerns that the relief center will need to be open longer than September 15. People living in FEMA trailers do not have storage capability and will be coming in later when they can move back into their houses. Some people are just coming in for the first time now. Holly Finch showed the book where people sign up bigger items, 120 families need furniture. The book will be available at Neighbor Aid barbecue on August 26. Laurie Henderson talked about how proud she is to be a resident of Conklin and the Susquehanna Valley CSD. Ms. Henderson stated that the community has come together in ways that surprise people and that the District has been wonderful in what it has done for people. Ms. Henderson talked about the FEMA and NYS grant workers and the warm wonderful regard they have for the community. Mrs. Young thanked all the volunteers who have been staffing the relief center.
FINANCIAL REPORT – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, that the Board acknowledge receipt of the July financial reports. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) Mrs. Boyce reported, on behalf of Celia Bucek who was absent due to illness, that the audit started on Tuesday and the audit report will be discussed next month.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – Mrs. Boyce Presentation – Gayle Ditch and students Sierra Storm, Demi May, and Gina Carrel gave a presentation on the Summer Enrichment Program class in which the students designed an amusement park.
Resolutions – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, to approve the following resolutions: Resignations – that the resignation of Judy Boyle, Teacher Aide, Middle School, be accepted effective August 8, 2006; that the resignation of Karen Canini, Teacher Aide, Cedarhurst, be accepted effective August 8, 2006; and that the resignation of Sandra Barton, Cook Manager, Cedarhurst, be accepted effective August 31, 2006.
Appointment – that the following emergency conditional appointment be approved pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check: Name Position Rate of Pay Effective Date Tenure Eligibility Kara Passer Spec. Ed. Teacher $35,471 9/5/06 9/5/09
2006-07 Coaches – that the following 2006-07 coaching appointments be approved: 2006-07 Level & Sport Name of Coach Began School Year Salary Modified Girls Swim Kara Steele 2006-07 1st year As Per Contract Modified Girls Soccer Jim Desimone 2006-07 1st year As Per Contract
School Physician - Revision – that due to increased expenses, be it Resolved that Lourdes Hospital -- Kiran A. Talati, M.D. -- be and is hereby appointed School Physician to serve during the school year 2006-07 at a negotiated compensation of $109 per hour, $241 per football game. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (9 yeses)
Substitute Teachers 2006-07 – that the reappointment be approved of 2005-06 substitute teachers for the 2006-07 school year per Schedule A listing.
Substitute Support Staff 2006-07 – that the reappointment be approved of 2005-06 substitute support staff for the 2006-07 school year per Schedule B listing.
Summer Lifeguard Supervisor /Aquatics Director – that the emergency conditional appointment be approved of Kara Steele to Lifeguard Supervisor/Aquatics Director at a rate of $13.25 per hour effective July 1 through August 25, 2006.
Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
Appointments – Mrs. Moriarty made a motion, seconded by Mr. McGuigan, that the following emergency conditional appointments be approved pending fingerprint clearance and criminal background check: Name Position Rate of Pay Effective Date Tenure Eligibility Nicole Whited Aide $7.20 per hour 9/5/06 Melinda Cooper Aide $7.20 per hour 9/5/06 Tiffany Dineen French Teacher $36,821 9/5/06 9/5/09 Jessica Wright Long-Term Sub $188.02 per day 9/5/06 French Theresa Steflik Long-Term Sub $188.02 per day 9/5/06 FACS Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) Mrs. Boyce explained the vacancies in extremely high need areas, French and Family and Consumer Science. There are few to no qualified candidates. There is also a vacation in Technology in which there are few to no qualified candidates.
Central Office Salaries – Mr. Yelverton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the funds for salaries and the benefit agreement for confidential employees of the Non-Bargaining Unit (Karen Mullins, Debbie Wood, Joyce Crowley, John Dancesia) be approved with an increase in pay of 4% for the 2006-07 school year. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses)
2006-07 Tax Levy and Tax Warrant – Mrs. Hamilton made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Bowers, to approve the 2006-07 Tax Levy and Tax Warrant as follows: 2006-07 Tax Levy – that be it RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, that the sum of $12,719,199 represents the amount needed to balance the 2006-07 budget and that this amount be raised by levying taxes upon the taxable properties of the Susquehanna Valley Central School District, which have been certified by the Board of Assessors of the Towns of Binghamton, Conklin, Kirkwood, Vestal and Windsor, and be it further resolved that the District Clerk of this School District be and is hereby authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this resolution with the Board of Assessors of the County of Broome, Binghamton, New York.
2006-07 Tax Warrant – that WHEREAS: Chapter 73 of the Laws of 1977, amended 1318, subdivision 1 of the Real Property Tax Law: BE IT RESOLVED: That the Board of Education apply $500,000 to the reduction of the tax levy; BE IT ADDITIONALLY RESOLVED: To the tax collector of the Susquehanna Valley CSD, Towns of Binghamton, Conklin, Kirkwood, Vestal, and Windsor, County of Broome, New York State, you are hereby commanded: 1. To give notice and start collection on September 5, 2006 in accordance with the provisions of 1322 of the Real Property Tax Law. 2. To give notice that the tax collection will end on November 3, 2006. 3. To collect taxes in the total sum of $12,719,199 in the same manner that collectors are authorized to collect town and county taxes in accordance with the provisions of 1318 of the Real Property Tax Law. 4. To make no changes or alterations in the tax warrant or the attached tax rolls but shall return the same to the Board of Education. The Board may recall its warrant and tax roll for correction of errors or omissions in accordance with the provisions of 553 and 556 of the Real Property Tax Law. 5. To forward by mail to each owner of the real property listed on the tax rolls within 10 days after the start of the collection a statement of taxes due his/her property on press-numbered tax bill forms provided by the school district in accordance with the provisions of 922 of the Real Property Tax Law. To forward by mail, without interest penalties, to the Office of the County Treasurer a detailed tax bill of all state land parcels liable for taxes on the school tax rolls in accordance with provisions of 540 and 544 of the Real Property Tax Law. 6. To receive from each of the taxable corporations and natural persons the sums listed on the attached tax rolls without interest penalties when such sums are paid before the end of the first month of the tax collection period. To add two percent interest penalties to all taxes collected during the second month of the tax collection and to add three percent interest penalties to all taxes collected during any part of the third month of the tax collection period and to account for such sums as income due to the school district. 7. To issue receipts in acknowledgement of receipt of payments of taxes and to retain, preserve and file exact copies of all receipts issued as required by 986 of the Real Property Tax Law. 8. To promptly return the warrant at its expiration and if any taxes on the attached tax rolls shall be unpaid at that time, deliver an accounting thereof on forms showing by Town the total assessed valuation, tax rate, the total tax levy, the total amounts remaining uncollected as required by 1330 of the Real Property Tax Law.
This warrant is issued and delivered in accordance with 1306 and 1318 of the Real Property Tax Law. It is effective immediately after it is properly signed by a majority of the Board of Education. This warrant shall expire on the date stated above unless a renewal or extension has been endorsed on the face of this warrant in writing in accordance with 1318, subdivision 3 of the Real Property Tax Law. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) Mrs. Boyce reviewed the equalization rates – Town of Binghamton 87; Conklin 78.40; Kirkwood 98; Windsor 85; Vestal 5.20. Mr. Storm asked if they could be converted into tax percentage increase. Mrs. Boyce stated that she would ask the Central Business Office to calculate the percentages.
Mrs. Boyce talked about how conservative the District has to be in spending this year. Mrs. Boyce reviewed tax roll changes and the 2005 flood buyout from the assessor for the Towns of Binghamton and Conklin. Mrs. Moriarty asked if the state considered the District's aid with the properties that are bought out. Mrs. Boyce reported that this is being discussed with Senator Libous and districts are lobbying. Mr. Yelverton asked if there is any indication of buyout data. Mrs. Boyce replied that 152 applications have been filed for the buyout but it is unknown how many will receive the buyout. Assessments are finalized in March so no information will be available on the impact for the 2007-08 fiscal year until March 2007. It has been recommended that the District put as much as possible into the tax certiorari reserve fund for appeals that may be filed next year.
Mr. Storm urged the Board to continue support of the Summer Enrichment Program. Mrs. Boyce reported that attendance was not what it could have been due to the flooding.
Mrs. Boyce reported on additional relief efforts with FEMA, Empire State Development and Labor Department. The agencies will be housed in the high school until September 1. The Mental Health Association has received a grant and will be going door to door to talk to people affected by the flooding. They will take the DistrictÕs temporary relocation forms. The Mental Health Association will train the District staff in sensitivity and grieving.
Mrs. Boyce reported on the opening of school. Donnelly and Brookside daily schedule will be identical, they will both operate from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. On September 5, both schools will be open for tours from 5:00-6:30 p.m. On September 6 there will be a full day schedule for grades 1-12. Kindergarten Orientation will be from 12:00 (noon) to 2:00 p.m. on the opening day of school, September 6. Brookside will hold an open house on September 13, Donnelly on September 14. The high school and middle school schedules are the same: 7:52 a.m. - 2:12 p.m.
ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT – No Report (Dr. Stalma absent due to illness)
BOARD OF EDUCATION DEVELOPMENT REPORT – Mrs. Young reported that employees of the District affected by the flood will receive help from the NYS United Teachers. Mrs. Boyce asked about guidelines for receiving the assistance. Mrs. Young replied that Sue Woolsey and Oneitta Ludwig should be contacted.
VOICE OF THE ADMINISTRATORS – Mr. Wilson reported on Kara Steele, the new Aquatics Director. Mr. Wilson also reported that 25-70 residents are using the pool on a daily basis. The fall sports season started on August 14. The coaches have the relocation forms and are asking if any students are displaced. We are still waiting for the results of the testing on the soccer fields. The tennis courts are in the process of being repaired. The ruts in the football field have been filled in and seeded. Mrs. Haskell asked if there was any impact on switching volleyball from the winter to the fall. Mr. Wilson replied that there had not been. Mrs. Boyce reported that the soil is being retested in the fields because agencies could not agree on tolerance levels. Mr. McGuigan asked that the public be made aware of this.
Facilities Committee – Chris Miller, the new Chair of the Facilities Committee, asked what the deadline is for getting information back to the Board on the reconfiguration. Mrs. Miller also asked if the Program Committee should make the educational decision first about the reconfiguration before the Facilities Committee looks into it. Mrs. Young reported that the Program Committee will be looking at the educational aspect during the first half of the year. This will probably not be done for the 2007-08 school year since more time will be needed to look into it.
Executive Session – Mrs. Bowers made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Hamilton, that the Board of Education meet in Executive Session to discuss personnel. Upon vote the motion was approved unanimously. (8 yeses) At 8:20 p.m. the Board recessed At 8:34 p.m. the Board met in Executive Session At 11:12 p.m. the Board returned to Regular Session
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 11:13 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
Diane M. Kalmen School District Clerk |