BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
MARCH 4, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, March 4, 2004, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Robin Markovits, presiding.
Present: Dr. Best, Mr. Crescenzo, Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Perrino,
Mr. McCormack, Mrs. Botti, Mrs. Markovits – 8.
Absent: Mrs. Elliott – 1.
Others Robert J. Hanna, Acting Superintendent
Present: Timothy Conway, Deputy Superintendent
Patricia McLeod, Asst. Supt. for Curriculum & Instruction
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
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
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 litigation involving a student, a specific personnel evaluation issue, and to hear an appeal of a superintendent’s hearing. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Hanna congratulated the teams and coaches that participated in the Odyssey of the Mind program.
Mrs. Markovits announced that Maple Hill has been identified as one of the most improved schools in the 4th grade ELA in New York State. She said that principal Paula Amaditz and members of the staff will be recognized at a future meeting.
Mrs. Markovits introduced Dr. Kenneth Gray, who will serve as the District’s interim superintendent. She said that Dr. Gray was previously a superintendent of schools in Livingston Manor and an interim superintendent in the Highland Central School District. Dr. Gray had also served as a teacher in the Middletown School District. Dr. Gray expressed appreciation to the Board for the opportunity to work in Middletown again. Mrs. Markovits also thanked Dr. Hanna for his service as interim superintendent.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the minutes of January 8, and 15, 2004.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No written communications were read.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino and Mr. Crescenzo attended the Renaissance breakfast at Twin Towers, where over 170 students who attained honor roll and high honor roll status were recognized. Mr. Perrino thanked the staff and parent members who make this program so successful.
Mr. Crescenzo said that it was good to reward those students who worked so hard to attain honor roll status. He noted the number of businesses who contributed awards to this program.
Mrs. Knapp said that a coffeehouse concert was presented in downtown Middletown which showcased some of the fine musical productions of our District’s students.
Mr. McCormack, Mrs. Botti, Mrs. Knapp, and Mrs. Markovits attended the Orange County School Board’s Association meeting. He said that Mrs. Markovits was a very well-received guest presenter on the topic of crisis management. Mr. McCormack said that he will be attending the 2004 State Legislative Network conference in Albany next Monday and Tuesday.
Mrs. Botti reported that the Training Task Force met on Monday. She said that this task force is attempting to find appropriate and manageable ways to train every employee in the District in the issues of child abuse recognition and reporting.
Mr. Perrino acknowledged the efforts of Twin Towers Assistant Principal Janet Davis and District grant writer Ken Packer in acquiring $600,000 over five years for the District’s after school programs.
Mr. Estrada thanked Fine Arts Director Ina Segnit for her presentation regarding fine arts initiatives that was given to the Wallkill East Rotary Club.
Dr. Best thanked Mrs. McLeod for serving as acting superintendent and extended his best wishes to her as she returns to the position of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction.
Mrs. Markovits said that she recently visited the schools around our District. She said that the High School was conducted in an orderly manner, with students on task. Maple Hill’s bee symbol reminds everyone to be on task and to be busy. At Truman Moon, kindergartners were working on computer skills. Chorley students were practicing a fine arts performance. Mechanicstown was celebrating its 100th day and the parent group was serving ice cream sundaes to all.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel Memorandum #15, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:
Resolved, that effective March 5, 2004, Dr. Kenneth F. Gray be and hereby is appointed to serve as Interim Superintendent of Schools at a per diem rate of $600. Dr. Gray’s employment will expire upon the appointment of a new superintendent of schools and is subject to the terms of the letter of agreement dated February 25, 2004.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 7. Noes: None. Abstain: Best – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Response to Previous Questions:
Mr. Conway reported that the District received a $50,000 donation from the Snapple Corporation. $25,000 went toward the field lighting project and the remaining $25,000 was for the purchase of three scoreboards. The scoreboards will be installed by a contractor over the summer. Mr. Conway also reported on the cost of Snapple products.
Mr. Conway said that the short in the scoreboard in the pool area has been repaired.
Mr. Conway said that the public votes only on the expenditure portion of the budget. Neither the Board nor the public vote on the tax rate or the tax levy.
Transportation costs will be decreasing next year because the new service started last year after a successful voter proposition had lower ridership than originally projected.
Mr. Conway said that a 12.5% increase in the tax rate on average is projected. This figure is based in part on the expectation that there will be an enrichment of the Governor’s proposed aid figures. Mr. Conway also noted that the tax base increases about 2% a year. Mr. Conway said that each year it has been planned to use some of the District’s fund balance to temper the tax increase.
Mrs. McLeod expressed appreciation of the acknowledgment of her work over the past months, and welcomed Dr. Gray to the District.
Mrs. McLeod reviewed the costs for the AT courses, the Syracuse Program and the New Visions Program to the District and to participating students’ families.
Continuing, Mrs. McLeod said that the State has not yet issued a comparative analysis of the 5th grade Social Studies examination; however, the Mid-Hudson Regional Information Center will be issuing a regional report.
Concluding, Mrs. McLeod said that all persons who begin volunteering after January 2004 will be fingerprinted if they come in regular contact with our students.
Opportunity to Address the Board:
Dennis Pavelok spoke about the recent article in The Times Herald Record concerning two students will cerebral palsy.
Krystin Weiss presented a petition in support of having Bernard Cohen re-assigned to the High School.
Vince Pladdys, on behalf of the High School Senior Class, invited the Board to a forum to be held at the High School television studio to be moderated by teacher Fred Isseks to address concerns regarding Mr. Cohen.
Gloria Cortez expressed support of Patricia McLeod and concern that she was not considered for the permanent appointment of superintendent.
Jared Geiseheimer and Joel Mariasch spoke in support of Mr. Cohen.
John Gennarelli addressed the cost of Snapple, support of Mr. Cohen, and the number of Board member seats available in July.
Mr. Conway said that the Interest Income Report was sent to the Board earlier in the week. Mrs. Case said that there will be a decrease in interest income because of fewer funds in debt service and capital accounts, and also because of a change in the timing of the receipt of State aid.
Mr. Conway reviewed a budget brochure format that will incorporate a question and answer format.
Mrs. Case presented information regarding the proposed budget for 2004-2005. She began by reviewing important dates leading up to the day the voters vote on the budget, May 18. Mrs. Case explained anticipated revenues and specific aids and their impact on next year’s proposed budget. Mrs. Case and Mr. Ancona reviewed BOCES programs and the costs associated with the various programs.
Mrs. Case said that if the budget is not approved by the voters, a contingent budget must be put in place. Early projections indicate that approximately $3.4 million in costs will have to be removed from the proposed budget. After mandated reductions for equipment purchases, the District would have to consider reductions in athletics, technology, the pre-k program, Ashokan, and staffing.
Mr. Ancona gave a brief presentation on the District’s updated website. He explained the information that will be available to staff from the District’s data warehouse from various templates, including basic information, waivers, test scores, etc. He introduced Melissa Cortellini, the District’s website coordinator, who said that the front page of the website will include news briefs about District activities. Lunch menus, calendars, Board meeting schedules and minutes, policies, budget presentations, forms, school information, etc., can also be accessed. Mr. Ancona said that the website is constantly being updated.
Mr. Conway gave an update on the District’s health insurance program. He noted that many new health care providers have been incorporated into the plan. He said that GHI now exceeds the number of providers that were available under Beech Street. Mr. Conway said that the Orange-Ulster Health Plan has negotiated a deal with Orange Regional Medical Center that reduces employee co-pays.
Mr. Conway reviewed Superintendent-approved budget transfer #10 which was for eight transfers.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Special Services Memorandum #15, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Financial Memorandum #15, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to adopt the attached policy entitled Staff Student Relations.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to table consideration of the policy entitled Student Attendance, pending further review.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to amend the agenda to consider a resolution pertaining to an appeal of a Superintendent’s hearing decision.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the Board of Education considered an appeal of a Superintendent’s hearing decision in executive session on March 4, 2004, be it resolved that the Board’s determination is as follows:
1. The finding of guilt is affirmed;
2. The penalty is modified to the extent that the principal is directed to review the suspension at the end of the third marking period.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 7. Noes: None. Abstain: McCormack – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Mr. McCormack noted that he abstained from the vote because he was not present with the review of the appeal was conducted.
Visitors:
John Gennarelli addressed the following: how the funds for the lighting project are being handled; the cost for the acting positions; how the District communicates with the Hispanic community; the status of investigations put on hold because of insurance concerns. Mrs. Markovits said that the District has directed our attorney to enter into a negotiation with our insurance company that will limit the amount of time that the District will hold off on the investigations.
Roundtable:
Mrs. Knapp said that the Key Club went to the Special Olympics and the Gypsies hockey team has proceeded to playoffs.
Mr. Estrada thanked all the individuals who took part in the focus groups for the search for a superintendent of schools. He said that the recently-approved community liaison position will be able to bridge the communication gap with the Hispanic community. Mr. Estrada also congratulated the girls basketball team for all their hard work this season.
Dr. Best commended the student focus group, noting their fairness and openness. He said that he has received some constituency comments regarding the salaries of some staff members. He also recommended that the Board re-visit the superintendent candidate selections.
Mrs. Botti suggested that the Board discuss the possibility of having an ice hockey team given the current interest in this sport.
Mr. Crescenzo inquired about identification badges for members of the Board. He thanked Al Muhlnickel and members of his staff for the wonderful dinners prepared during the superintendent search process. Mr. Crescenzo commended the students for speaking out regarding their concerns, but said that a greater understanding of the 3020-a process would help to clear up some misconceptions.
Mr. McCormack thanked Bob Nowicki and Bill Aguirre for being on standby for custodial services during the superintendent search process. He also said that the Board needs to look at alternative ways to bring educational programs into our schools, such as the Keystone On-Line Learning University utilized by Ulster BOCES which allows students to enroll in on-line classes taught by NYS certified teachers.
Mr. Perrino noted the excellent participation by students, parents, and the community in the superintendent search process. He also expressed concerns with staff and salaries and thanked Mrs. McLeod for her good work.
Mrs. Markovits said that the Board has been invited to join the National School Boards Association. Because of the cost involved, the Board declined to join.
The Board will meet on April 26 to participate in the BOCES Board member election and budget vote. Mrs. Markovits said that Mr. Boss, Mr. Bogart, and Mrs. Slattery are seeking re-election. Mrs. Slattery has also asked that Middletown place her name in nomination.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Crescenzo, to place the name of Dorothy Slattery in nomination for election to the Orange-Ulster BOCES.
Ayes: Best, Crescenzo, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti, Markovits – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Markovits thanked Mrs. McLeod for all the time and energy she gave the District while serving as acting superintendent. She said that she did a yeoman’s job in a very difficult time.
Mrs. Markovits also thanked Alicia Olsen and Patricia Popstein for their assistance throughout the superintendent search process.
At 10:05 p.m., Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to have an executive session for contractual matters, for evaluation leading to tenure, and for items leading toward the hiring of a new superintendent. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:30 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 #15
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: March 4, 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. 15 dated March 4, 2005, 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.
COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
December 17, 2003 January 29, 30, February 2, 3, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 17, 2004
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
March 2, 2004
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
APPOINTMENTS OF SURROGATE PARENTS:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM #15
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Lorelei Case, School Business Administrator
DATE: March 4, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #15
1. Revenue and Expense Reports Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the month of January 2004:
Treasurer’s Report
Extraclassroom Report – High School
Expense Report
2. Budget Transfer #10 Approved
From: A.1240.8150.10.0300.66 Salary-Chief Sch.Admin $20,000
A.9010.8802.10.9100.00 State Employees Ret. 12,600
A.9731.8700.10.9201.00 Interest – BANS 47,400
To: A.2010.8150.10.2010.06 Salary – Inst. Curriculum $80,000