BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
JANUARY 22, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, January 22, 2004, 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: Patricia McLeod, Acting Superintendent
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
Peter Ancona, Director of Technology
Lorelei Case, School Business Executive
Mrs. Markovits called the meeting to order at 6:39 p.m. Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, to have an executive session for the discussion of specific personnel and contractual issues. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:45 p.m. Mrs. Markovits led the pledge to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the two Warwick teachers who recently passed away.
Mrs. Markovits opened a Public Hearing to obtain an expression of public opinion on two proposed school tax exemptions. Opinions were solicited on changes to the real property tax exemption sliding scale for senior citizens with limited income, and to obtain an opinion on a partial tax exemption for persons with disabilities. This is a new exemption and mirrors the scale of the senior citizen tax exemption. Mrs. Markovits said that taxpayers are not eligible for both exemptions. Copies of the resolution and proposed scale have been available in the District Clerk’s office since January 12.
Since no one asked to be heard, Mrs. Markovits closed the public hearing, noting that the Board will vote on the resolutions later in this meeting.
Mrs. McLeod introduced coaches Marty Harnick and Denise Sherman who presented members of the girls and boys High School cross country teams. Mr. Harnick announced that these students have achieved scholar-athlete recognition. He said that this is the tenth year in a row that the boys cross country team has received this honor, and Ms. Sherman said that this is the second time the girls cross country team has received this recognition.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the minutes of December 4 and 9, 2003.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The District Clerk read a letter from staff members at the High School which recommended some steps that District leadership should take in response to the Grand Jury Report to begin the healing process and point the District in a positive direction.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #11, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to table the request for 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.
Response to Previous Questions:
Mrs. McLeod reported that when school is closed for extended periods of time, Parmalat box milk is used in order to meet New York State nutritional standards. Parmalat is used because of its extended shelf life in case deliveries are delayed when our buildings are closed during long recesses.
Mrs. McLeod said that information regarding the STAR program has been placed on the District’s website. She also reported that Mr. Ancona is working with the Acting High School principal to put a system in place for identification badges for students.
Mrs. McLeod introduced Principal Fred Griffin, Chorley; Principal Gordon Dean, Twin Towers; and Principal Susan Short, Mechanicstown, who gave overviews of the magnet programs in each of their schools. Mr. Griffin said that Chorley’s magnet program has three components – performing arts, technology and science. Mr. Dean said that Twin Towers also has three components – math labs, theater arts, and the bridge program (alternative education). Mrs. Short said that Mechancistown’s program focuses on their microsociety and technology. Mrs. McLeod said that all of the District’s grants have been restructured, at the State’s request, to focus on ELA and math.
Mrs. Markovits responded to a question concerning previous proposition votes that were not connected with board member elections. She said that our last proposition vote for the High School reconstruction had an average voter turnout.
Opportunity to Address the Board:
Maxine Meyer said that it was distressing that employees did not feel comfortable enough to report inappropriate behavior to leadership.
Debra Ierardi addressed the procedures followed at the High School when students arrive late to school.
John Gennarelli asked if there are any policies concerning parents’ rights. He also compared the bridge program at Twin Towers to the Repair Shop program at the High School, and asked if magnet money is allocated to other schools in the district.
Cliff Moore, MHS assistant principal, offered to meet with the parent to discuss the handling of students who arrive late to the High School. He also expressed his desire to be considered for the position of principal.
Robert Dickover spoke about a High School student who has been in this country for many year, who was stopped for speeding in the Town of Wallkill and retained because of immigration difficulties. He spoke about the need to have some sort of program to educate people on what they can do to obtain protected status.
At 9:15 p.m., Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mr. Crescenzo, to have a break in the proceedings of the meeting. Motion was unanimously approved. Public session resumed at 9:25 p.m.
Board Member Reports:
Mrs. Botti said that she, Orange-Ulster BOCES Superintendent Dr. Robert Hanna, bargaining group leaders and Central Office administration met to review the District’s child abuse recognition and reporting procedures and training standards. Discussion focused on the appropriate dissemination of policies to staff, limiting training sessions to 25 people, who trains and monitors. She said that the District’s intent is to set the standard in New York State for this kind of training. Mrs. McLeod said that administrative regulations will be prepared to support the new policies and that all staff will be made aware of all policies in this regard.
Mr. Perrino said that programs were held at Monhagen and Twin Towers this past Saturday, January 10, to help students prepare for the ELA tests. Over 100 students participated. He thanked all those who made this possible, including teachers, Food Service personnel and Buildings and Grounds staff.
Mrs. Elliott thanked the community for its support of the District and for recognizing the many good programs we have in our schools.
Mrs. Reilly gave a presentation on the New Visions Program. She said that this program provides an in-depth study of career opportunities where students observe staff in actual work situations, allowing them the opportunity to explore a variety of professions. The students spend from 4-12 hours a week in clinical rotations throughout various settings, and also receive instruction in English, U. S. Government, Macro Economics and General Psychology. These classes are taught by SUNY Orange instructors. Mrs. Reilly said that Middletown currently offers programs in four areas: Education, Engineering, Health & Medical and Law and Government. Students enrolled in the program receive up to 12 college credits, plus additional credits dependent upon the program in which they are enrolled.
Mrs. Reilly continued by reviewing the minimum admission requirements to participate in the New Visions Program: an overall grade point average of 85% with no grade below 80 in any English class; 85% or higher on English Regents; successful completion of all graduation requirements, except English, Social Studies and Physical Education by the end of the junior year. There are additional requirements for specific programs, and the student must complete an admission essay, submit academic references and interview with the admissions committee. Mrs. Reilly concluded by reviewing the application timeline, cost per student, transportation, and the impact on the senior schedule.
The Board requested that similar presentations be given on the District’s physical education and summer school programs.
Mr. Conway said that Supplemental Education Services (SES) started in December and that 60 students are now participating in the program, 13 through Sylvan Learning Center and 47 in Kaplan Services. He said that Kaplan instructs our students at Monhagen and Twin Towers and Sylvan provides instruction at their own facility. Pre-testing has been conducted and post-testing will be done at the end of the program in order to measure students’ progress. Both programs are now focusing on ELA. After the assessments are given in this area, the programs will focus on Math.
Mrs. Elliott left the meeting at 10:00 p.m.
Mr. Conway next updated the Board on the Orange-Ulster Health Plan. He said that the network of providers was changed in January to GHI as a cost savings measure. He said that the GHI program has more providers than the previous provider, and more providers are being recruited and accredited in Orange County. Mr. Conway said that there are some transitional issues that need to be resolved. He noted that if an eligible enrollee was pre-certified for a medical procedure by the former network provider, the Orange-Ulster consortium will honor that pre-certification.
Mrs. McLeod said that the District is planning for a September 2005 opening of our full-day kindergarten program. Staff is reviewing enrollment figures, staffing needs, budgets for furniture and equipment, etc. Transportation boundaries are also being calculated. Information regarding the full-day kindergarten will be distributed to the community and will be placed on the District’s website.
Mrs. Botti reviewed the following Board polices: The Children’s Internet Protection Act: Internet Content Filtering/Safety Policy and Staff Use of Computerized Information Resources. In accordance with Board policy, these two policies will be presented for Board approval at the next regular meeting of the Board.
Mrs. McLeod said that the information concerning Superintendent-approved Budget Transfer #7 had been provided to the Board earlier in the week.
The Board continued its discussion of the School/ Parent Liaison Position. The Board felt that a bilingual person with flexible hours is preferred. It will be necessary to establish measurable goals for the position. Mrs. McLeod said that the District currently has a strong ESL/Bilingual program that will work in tandem with this position.
Mrs. McLeod said that District Goals were provided to the Board at the last meeting. Mrs. Botti said that the goals were very ambitious, focused on excellence. She said that the schools were in alignment, and the schools are working toward increasing test scores.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #12, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. McCormack said that he had reviewed the CSE and CPSE recommendations.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #12, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The Board suggested that information concerning the senior citizen and disabled tax exemptions be publicized. Mrs. McLeod said that this information will be placed on the District’s website.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to assume the position of Lead Agency for the SEQRA review on two projects: City of Middletown Amchir Point Senior Community and Town of Wallkill Lusanne Development Corp. Park.
Mr. Scott said that the lead agency will determine the need and extent of environmental analysis and review for this project. He recommended that the District remain an interested party to these proceedings.
Vote on the motion to assume the position of Lead Agency was taken.
Ayes: None. Noes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 7. Motion was unanimously defeated.
Visitors:
Nancy Bookbinder said that the New Visions Program is a good program for our students. She recommended that the District publicize it earlier so that more students can take advantage of the opportunity to earn college credits and to explore career opportunities.
Roundtable:
The Board agreed to utilize the services of Erie BOCES to develop a new Policy Manual for the District.
Mr. Estrada thanked Mrs. Bookbinder for bringing the New Visions Program to his attention.
Mr. Estrada also spoke about the “My View” that Mr. Crescenzo authored. He said that as a new member of the Board, he came into the position determined to let the community know if issues such as immorality, unethicalness, dishonesty, bias or moral negligence were a concern. He said that if he found this type of behavior on the Board, he would not remain part of this group. Having been a member of the Board for several months now, Mr. Estrada said that he does not consider the members of the Board to be immoral, he does not consider them to be unethical, they have plenty of integrity, are very honest, unbiased in decisions made thus far, and are not morally negligent. Mr. Estrada concluded by suggesting that people voicing their opinions choose their words wisely.
Mr. Crescenzo thanked Bob Gaydos of the Times Herald Record for printing his article in its entirety. He noted that since the article was printed, he has received numerous e-mails and phone calls in support of the Board and the District.
Responding to a concern expressed by Mrs. Botti, Mrs. McLeod said that the media, including Channel 20, will provide information regarding the status of Regents exams in the case of inclement weather.
Mrs. McLeod also commended the staff of Buildings and Grounds for their work during the recent cold snap; said that the first draft of the 2004-05 school year calendar is being prepared; and that summer program information will be announced on Channel 20.
At 11:20 p.m., Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session to discuss issues relating to the superintendent search and matters pertaining to the evaluation of specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 12:30 a.m. Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to adjourn the meeting at this time. Motion was unanimously approved.
Respectfully submitted,
Alicia E. Olsen
School District Clerk
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
PUPIL PERSONNEL/SPECIAL SERVICES
MEMORANDUM #12
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: January 22, 2004
RE: Committee on Special Education/Committee on Preschool Special Education
Resolved, that the special programs and services required by the recommendations in the Pupil Personnel/Special Services Memorandum No. 12 dated January 22, 2004, shall be implemented by the Board of Education within the time period provided by law, and
Be it further resolved, that the proposed appointments set forth below to the CSE and CPSE are hereby confirmed.
1. COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
November 19, December 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 18, 2003
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
January 20, 2004
3. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
Nilsa Rodriquez Parent member January 22, 2004
4. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
Nancy Gonzalez Parent member January 22, 2004
5. APPOINTMENTS OF SURROGATE PARENTS:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM #12
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Lorelei Case, School Business Administrator
DATE: January 22, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #12
1. Donations Accepted
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts with gratitude the following donations:
Academy of Finance – High School
First Federal Savings & Loan of Middletown $1,000
Rowley Building Products Corp. 500
The Bank of New York 500
2. Revenue & Expense Reports Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the month of November 2003:
Treasurer’s Report
Extraclassroom – High School
3. Transportation Addendums Approved (see attached)
4. Amendment of Senior Citizen Tax Exemption Approved (see attached)
5. Partial Property Tax Exemption for Persons with Disabilities And Limited Income Approved (see attached)