BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FEBRUARY 19, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, February 19, 2004, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Robin Markovits, presiding.
Present: Mr. Crescenzo, Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. McCormack,
Mr. Perrino, Mrs. Botti, Mrs. Markovits – 6.
Absent: Dr. Best, Mrs. Elliott, Mr. McCormack – 3 .
Others Robert J. Hanna, Acting Superintendent
Present: Timothy Conway, Deputy Superintendent
Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Peter Ancona, Director of Technology
Lorelei Case, School Business Executive
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Peter Ancona, Director for Technology Services
Mrs. Markovits called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to have an executive session to discuss legal matters pertaining to specific personnel issues and to hear an appeal of a superintendent’s hearing decision. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada left the meeting following executive session.
Public session resumed at 7:29 p.m. Mrs. Markovits led the pledge to the flag.
Mr. Conway announced that the Odyssey of the Mind teams will be competing at Orange-Ulster BOCES this Saturday.
Mrs. Markovits said that Mrs. McLeod has resigned as acting superintendent for the District, and has chosen to return to her former position of Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Markovits thanked Mrs. McLeod for her hard work and leadership during a period of unrest in the District.
Mrs. Markovits continued by saying that New York State Law requires that school districts have a superintendent of schools. She said that Dr. Robert Hanna, Superintendent of Orange-Ulster BOCES, will serve as the District’s interim superintendent. She said that it is anticipated that his service will be required for a short period of time, pending the appointment of an acting superintendent. Mrs. Markovits said that the Board will be interviewing candidates for the acting superintendent position on Monday.
Mrs. Markovits reported that the District has received an unsolicited correspondence from its insurance company regarding the District’s intent to conduct an investigation as a result of the recent Grand Jury Report. The insurance company has expressed concerns about the conduct of any investigation while litigation is pending. It is the position of the insurance company that the District should not undertake any further investigation as it will be detrimental to the defense of the District in the pending litigation. If the District proceeds with an investigation, the insurance company will consider this a failure to cooperate in the defense of the pending action in violation of the conditions of the insurance policy. The insurance company will then be required to relieve itself of any further obligation to the school district under its policy.
No written communications were read.
Board Member Reports:
Mrs. Botti, Mrs. Markovits, Mr. Crescenzo and school district attorney James Drohan met to review Article 23-b of the Education Law, and to make changes to the District’s policies on suspected child abuse. Revised policies will be presented to the Board at a subsequent meeting, and the District will also write appropriate administrative regulations.
Mr. Perrino reported that he visited Mechanicstown’s microsociety, which comprises more than 40 business ventures operated by students, including a bakery, video store, judicial system, mail delivery system, etc. Mr. Perrino said that Mechanicstown’s microsociety program has been internationally recognized.
Mr. Perrino also noted the Monhagen homework hotline and the healthy living program at Pre-K.
Mrs. Markovits said that she spoke at the Twin Towers parent group meeting on February 18. Concerns regarding the Sigler matter and the grand jury report were discussed.
Dr. Hanna said that he was pleased to assist the District in the role of interim superintendent of schools. He said that the Board will be interviewing three retired superintendents to serve as acting superintendents.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #14, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to table the request for personnel folders.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Response to Previous Questions:
Mrs. Markovits said that the cost of the new visions program and the costs of college courses offered at the High School will be reviewed at the next meeting of the Board.
Mrs. Markovits said that activities relating to High School graduation are team efforts of many staff members.
Opportunity to Address the Board:
Sheila Esposito, representing the MTA, spoke about the process for selecting a new superintendent for the District. She said that some concerns have been expressed about confidentiality and the change in interview dates.
Andrew Mulik spoke about the impact that budget increases have on the taxpayer. He questioned salary lines of proposed new hires. Mrs. Markovits indicated that this evening’s budget presentation will address these issues.
John Gennarelli addressed the following: the status of the investigation of other staff members; the postponement of the investigations because of insurance restrictions; fingerprinting of employees and volunteers. Mrs. Markovits responded to a question from Mr. Gennarelli by saying that the president of the Board will be presenting students with their diplomas.
Mr. Conway reviewed the results of the 5th grade Social Studies examination that was given in November. While this State exam does not count in the District measurement towards school accountability, Mr. Conway said that the test results show an overall 5% increase District-wide. He applauded the staff for their work in this endeavor.
Mr. Conway reviewed the Superintendent’s Conference Day Template. This year, conference days are scheduled for March 4 and 5 and will focus on generational poverty and integrating literacy into Science and Social Studies areas.
Mr. Scott reported that the District has recovered funds from both Federal Emergency Management and Selective Insurance. The District has been reimbursed $20,000 for labor and equipment used on the Presidents’ weekend storm and $25,000 for labor, equipment and damage from the August 2003 blackout.
Mr. Conway reviewed Superintendent approved budget transfer #9 which covered four transfer items.
Mrs. Case presented information regarding the proposed budget for 2004-2005. She said that the Board must adopt a budget by April 22 and that the budget will be presented for public vote on May 18.
Mrs. Case reviewed the categories where increases are required in the budget for 2004-2005, which calls for an expenditure increase of 5.9%. She said that there are many unknown budget and tax impacts, including changes to the State budget which traditionally increase aid to schools, and assessment and equalization rate changes. She explained that monies from the fund balance are typically used to reduce the tax levy; however, these funds may not be available by the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Assuming that assessments will increase 2% over last year and that State aid will increase $375,000 over the executive proposal, it is projected that the tax increase will be approximately 12.5% for the 2004-2005 school year.
Mrs. Case concluded her presentation by saying that the majority of budget increases are out of the control of the District and additional funding from the State for the 2004-05 school year is minimal. She emphasized that the proposed budget was developed with the educational needs of our students as the primary consideration.
Mrs. Botti presented polices on Staff-Student Relations and Student Attendance for first readings. She said that changes have been recommended by the District’s State-appointed monitor, Dr. Robert Hanna. In accordance with Board policy, these policies will be presented for adoption at the next regular meeting of the Board.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the 2004-05 School Year Calendar, as attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve credit change order #8 for Profex, Inc. in the amount of $2,895.60
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the final payment to Profex, Inc. in the amount of $53,193.91.
Mr. Scott said that this project, which included the installation of new doors and floor tile in five buildings, was completed for less than the original construction budget. He also noted that the combination of state building aid and RESCUE aid paid for 95% of this project.
Vote was taken on the motion on the floor.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Special Services Memorandum #14, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 5. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada returned to the meeting at this time.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Financial Memorandum #14, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to adopt in full the superintendent’s decision in a disciplinary hearing for student #50067.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to amend the agenda to consider a resolution pertaining to an appeal of a decision made pursuant to a superintendent’s hearing.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to remove from the agenda the resolution regarding the superintendent’s hearing appeal for student 90216.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Nancy Bookbinder said that the District needs to better use our resources, including the website and the services of our volunteers and students.
John Gennarelli asked several questions regarding the use of Snapple beverages in our schools. He also addressed the purpose of re-financing debt and the salary of the deputy superintendent.
Mr. Conway noted that the re-financing is not driving the increase in the proposed budget. The decrease in bond payments will continue to offset some of the proposed increases in the 2004-05 budget.
Roundtable:
Mr. Estrada thanked Mrs. McLeod for taking the position of Acting Superintendent during a tumultuous time. He said that she will continue to be a great asset to the District.
Mr. Estrada also noted that the debt refinancing was a one-time opportunity. He said that the budget process will be difficult, and that the Board is attuned to the needs of the community and students.
At 9:15 p.m., Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session for the discussion of possible litigation, contract and specific personnel evaluation matters. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 10.09 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at this time.
Respectfully submitted,
Alicia E. Olsen
School District Clerk
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
PUPIL PERSONNEL/SPECIAL SERVICES
MEMORANDUM #14
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: February 19, 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. 14 dated February 19, 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):
December 9, 18, 2003 and January 8, 13, 14, 20, 21, 23, 27, 29, 2004
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
February 17, 2004
3. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
4. APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
5. APPOINTMENTS OF SURROGATE PARENTS:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM #14
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Lorelei Case, School Business Administrator
DATE: February 19, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #14
1. Budget Transfer #9 Approved (see attached)
2. Revenue & Expense Reports Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the month of December 2003:
Treasurer’s Report
Revenue Report
3. Donations Accepted
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts with gratitude the following donations:
Monhagen Middle School Book Fair
Hoffman Lodge No. 412 F&AM $100.00
Academy of Information Technology
Rowley Building Products Corp. $500.00