BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
NOVEMBER 6, 2003
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, November 6, 2003, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Robin Markovits, presiding.
Present: Mr. Crescenzo, Mrs. Elliott, Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Knapp,
Mr. McCormack, Mr. Perrino, Mrs. Botti, Mrs. Markovits – 8.
Absent: Dr. Best – 1.
Others Present: Timothy Conway, Deputy Superintendent
Patricia Reilly, Acting Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction
Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Peter Ancona, Director of Technology
Mrs. Markovits called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session for the discussion of matters pertaining to legal issues.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:35 p.m. Mrs. Markovits led the pledge to the flag.
Mrs. Botti called a point of order, noting that the James Drohan, the school district’s attorney, was present at this time to assist with a discussion regarding a proposed policy. Mrs. Botti suggested that the first reading of the policy pertaining to school volunteers be conducted at this time.
The Board reviewed the policy on School Volunteers, copy attached. It was suggested that a change be made to the third paragraph so that this paragraph would read: “The Superintendent shall have input to any ad hoc committee formed by the Board of Education to the same extent that such input would be provided to Board activities themselves.” Changes were also recommended to the fifth paragraph, which will now read: “However, appointments by a principal to volunteers in their buildings where those volunteers serve on school based committees shall be subject to the approval of the Superintendent of Schools and the Board of Education.”
Mrs. Markovits said that regulations to outline procedures relating to this policy will be prepared by the Acting Superintendent. She also noted that the policy will be presented, per Board policy, at the next Board meeting for adoption.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, to approve the minutes of October 9, 27, 28, 2003.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No written communications were read.
Response to Previous Questions:
Mrs. Markovits announced that Susan Short, principal of Mechanicstown School, has obtained an advisor for the Little Buildings Club.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Board Member Reports:
Mrs. Botti, Mr. Estrada, and Mr. Perrino attended the performance of Dracula at the High School. They commended the performers as well as those working behind the scenes on a wonderful production. It was suggested that a list of all the businesses that contributed to the success of this program be put in the program and on Channel 20. Mr. Perrino also suggested that the seniors from Mulberry House be invited to attend future dress rehearsals.
Mrs. Markovits said that the District’s Code of Conduct is scheduled for a review at the next Board meeting. She thanked all those who worked on updating this document, and said that the new policies regarding the reporting of child abuse and executive misconduct will be included in the updated Code. Mrs. Markovits said that this information will also be disseminated in plain language to every household in the District.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve Personnel Memorandum #7, attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No District Presentations were given.
District Updates:
Mr. Conway provided information on the Orange County true value tax rates, a calculation which eliminates the disparities in assessing practices in the various municipalities in the county and allows a true comparison of taxing efforts. He noted that in the fall of 1999, Middletown was the 3rd highest out of 17 school districts in the county. In the fall of 2003, Middletown is 10th out of 18 school districts. Mr. Conway said this is primarily due to Middletown’s small budget increases over the last few years.
Mr. Conway next updated the Board on modifications to the Orange-Ulster Health Plan, effective January 2004. He noted some of the more significant changes, including increases in prescription co-pays, an increase in in-patient precertified out-of-network co-pays, an increase in the calendar year maximum benefit, and various changes in psychiatric and substance abuse coverages. Mr. Conway also said that the network provider will change from Beech Street to Devon GHI. Mr. Conway encouraged employees to attend one of the regional meetings held by the Orange-Ulster Health Plan so that they can more fully understand the changes to the plan. Literature will be distributed to employees and posted on the Orange-Ulster Health Plan website explaining the various changes.
Mr. Conway said that Mr. Scott is continuing his emphasis on safety planning by conducting a tabletop drill on November 19 at Thrall Library. This drill will simulate an emergency situation within one of our buildings.
Mr. Conway reviewed three budget transfers that were approved by the Acting Superintendent.
Concluding, Mr. Conway said that November 7 is a staff development day; there will be no school for students.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Special Services Memorandum #7, attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to amend the agenda to include an additional item for Board consideration.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the parent of a classified student and the District have received a decision from an impartial hearing officer on or about October 15, 2003, regarding residential placement; and
Whereas, the parent’s representative has indicated that the parent is desirous
of settling the matter, and it appears to be in the best interests of the District to do so;
now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the District pay a sum not to exceed $43,500 for costs associated with the hearing and residential placement of the student for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 school years upon receipt by the District of a stipulation which contains terms and conditions meeting with the approval of the Superintendent and the Board’s attorneys.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #9, attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Roundtable:
Mrs. Botti requested that the Board continue to receive hard copies of the Board packets until all difficulties involving laser fiche are resolved.
Mrs. Markovits opened the discussion regarding the need for a new custom Policy Manual for the District. It is hoped that a contract will be available from Erie BOCES to be reviewed by the District’s attorney by the next Board meeting. Mr. Perrino noted that the costs for utilizing Erie BOCES for this service will be State aided at the rate of 66%, and is payable over a two-year period. Mrs. Botti said that Erie BOCES will also provide custom Administrative Regulations.
At 8:30 p.m., Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of litigation and specific personnel matters. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 10:30 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
Alicia E. Olsen
School District Clerk