BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
JUNE 16, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, June 16, 2005, at 223 Wisner Avenue, Middletown, New York, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Dr. Best, Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 8.
Absent: None.
Others Present: Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Darlene McDonough, Director for Elementary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to have an executive session to discuss matters pertaining to litigation.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:55 p.m.
Mrs. Knapp was absent from the meeting during the following vote:
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of May 18, 2005.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp returned to the meeting at this time.
Greg Bennett, Choral Director, said that approximately 40 students attended the New York State School Music Association's Solo Festival in June. He introduced four MHS students who received perfect scores of 100 on their NYSSMA Level 6 All-State auditions, which will automatically allow them to be considered for selection to the 2005 New York State School Music Association's All-State performing ensembles. Jessica Ruggles, a soprano, and Justin Randolph, a tenor, both received perfect scores of 100 from their respective judges. Peter Baltera, a tuba player and Joseph Palazzo, a percussionist received scores of 100 as well.
Dr. Eastwood announced that the following students were inducted into the National Technical Honor Society: Stefani Bonfanti, Sylvia DeLeon, Danitza Diaz, Chenelle Norman, Barbara Romer, and Erika Scott.
Mr. Crescenzo said that Monhagen Middle School librarian Bette Bonitz was instrumental in securing a $500.00 Orange-Ulster BOCES School Library Systems Development Grant. This grant helps school libraries increase their audiobook collection, which will promote literacy, support Monhagen’s Accelerated Reader Program, and afford students many opportunities to practice their listening and comprehension skills in preparation for New York State assessments.
Mr. Crescenzo read the names of the juniors inducted into the National Honor Society.
Mrs. Botti said that Cornell University’s Merrill Presidential Scholar Program honors graduating seniors who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship achievement, strong leadership ability, and the potential for contributing to society. The students are chosen by deans of each of the seven undergraduate colleges. At the same time, the students honor the high school teachers who had made important contributions in their lives and who most inspired their scholastic development. This year, former MHS graduate Michael Dickstein named Science Department Chairperson Shirley Thompson to be recognized with this honor. A $4,000 scholarship is established in each teacher's name for a financially needy Cornell student from the teacher's high school or geographical area.
The District Clerk read a letter received from Diana Slater regarding the status of the Social Studies chairperson.
No previous questions were pending.
Visitors:
Martin Harnick thanked the District for its assistance with the Orange Classic. He also addressed the Social Studies chair appointment, expressing concern that not filling this position expeditiously will result in matters being left undone before the start of the next school year.
Nancy Bookbinder presented a year-end report from the High School’s School Improvement Team. She said that the issues explored by the SIT committee had a goal of improving student achievement, but said that many roadblocks were encountered, including concerns with the Restructuring Committee.
Patti Turken, President of the Twin Towers PTO, thanked John Perrino for his help and support of the PTO.
Mr. DelMoro said that the process followed by the restructuring team was a direct result of our students not achieving annual yearly progress. He noted that two members of the restructuring team, as well as Principal Vanderzell, are on the MHS school improvement team, working collaboratively.
John Genarelli spoke about the Shared Decision Making document and the need for security during construction at the High School.
Presentation:
MHS teachers William Donohue and Jason Lichtenstein gave a presentation on the High School weight program. This supervised weight training program, open to all students, works on agility, flexibility and endurance. In order to participate in the program students are required to pass all classes or make a concerted effort to do so, demonstrate good citizenship, and act like role models for other students.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada reported the following:
Mr. Estrada, Mr. Crescenzo, Mrs. Knapp, and Board member-elect Lynne Perkins attended a public governance seminar sponsored by the New York State School Boards Association held at Orange Ulster BOCES.
The NYSSBA Board of Directors has nominated Carl Onken of Orange-Ulster BOCES to be the association’s next president.
Responding to some visitor comments, Mr. Estrada said that the District has gone through some trying times in the past few years, which has caused great
concern to all members of the school community. He said that there are a lot of changes that need to be implemented. However, it is unrealistic to expect these changes to occur overnight, and it is frequently difficult to implement change, especially those that address long-term problems.
Mr. Geiger congratulated staff and students at Twin Towers on their excellent academic awards ceremony; said that Steve Austin’s music program conducted at the High School was outstanding; spoke about Bill Hull’s race car program and the wonderful band concert performance at Twin Towers. Mr. Geiger concluded by congratulating all our graduating seniors on their achievement.
Ms. Tobiassen congratulated Debbie Morris, Health, Family, and Consumer Science Department, for her work at the recent flea market which raised money for charity. She also acknowledged Jean Heater and the Middletown Teacher Mentor program for their warm welcome at their end of the year meeting. She noted that a number of the new teacher mentors were Middletown graduates. Ms. Tobiassen said that this program has been recognized throughout the State and this fall will be doing a presentation at the New York State School Boards Association meeting in Syracuse.
Mr. Perrino said that trying to make our buildings as safe as possible, the District has committed to funds for two school resource officers in the next school year. Mr. Perrino also spoke about the good community cooperation in the Ruthie Dino Marshall Run-Walk which raised money for scholarships and the Y’s summer camp, and the excellent Athletic Awards Banquet. He also complimented the Buildings and Grounds staff on the fine condition of our athletic fields.
Mr. Crescenzo said that the District has made tremendous progress this school year under the direction of Dr. Eastwood. He said that we are a district of excellence and will be moving forward.
Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to amend Personnel Memorandum #38, copy attached, to remove the appointments of High School department chairs.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Personnel Memorandum #38, as amended.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #39, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Personnel Memorandum #40, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Abstain: Knapp – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #41, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Personnel Memorandum #42, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Superintendent-approved budget transfer #17 was presented.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools have discussed and agreed upon the terms of a new contract for the Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2005,
Now, therefore, it is resolved that the Board President is authorized to execute the contract between the Board of Education and the Superintendent of Schools effective July 1, 2005.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: Geiger – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Mr. Geiger said that while recognizing that Dr. Eastwood has worked tirelessly on many of the efforts to help get our District on the right path, he could not support this resolution because of aspects dealing with timing.
Mr. Scott said that Clark Patterson and JMOA Engineering have reviewed the bids for the site work at Middletown High School and recommend the award of this contract be made to Morris Park Contracting Corp.
Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to award the site contract work for the Middletown High School project to Morris Park Contracting Corporation in the amount of $2,350,000.00.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Ancona said that the Federal e-rate program and the Enhancing Education Through Technology (ETTT) grant require a BOCES-approved technology plan. The present plan expires at the end of June. An addendum to the existing plan has been prepared to meet the e-rate and ETTT requirements on an interim basis, pending completion of a full planning process and development of a three-year technology document in the fall.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the Addendum to Long Range Technology Plan.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Kenneth Haverlan, Director for Security, Safety and Health, presented the District-wide School Safety Plan update. He said that much of the information contained in the Plan has been acquired from local, state and federal sources and has not changed from the previous plan. Most of the changes in the update are due to restructuring the material for easier use, and general updates pertaining to points of contact.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the District-wide School Safety Plan Update.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Special Services Memorandum #22, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Financial Memorandum #20, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to amend the agenda to include consideration of two additional resolutions.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion to amend the agenda was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to ratify and approve an agreement with the Middletown Teachers Association regarding curriculum writing.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, that the District labor and employment counsel be directed to apply to the appropriate court to resolve any and all issues in the representation of the District in pending litigation.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Nancy Bookbinder said that much time and energy has been expended by the school improvement teams, and many good ideas have come from the teams. She said that the school improvement teams need the support of the Board and administration.
Robin Geiger said that school improvement teams need to follow the procedures in the school improvement plan. Changes must be based on data collected through surveys, and there is a process that must be followed before suggested changes come before administration.
John Genarelli said that school improvement teams have asked for data driven information. He also said that the issue of the school resource officers needs to be settled this evening so that the resource officers can be in place by September. He also questioned if the lawsuit involving Mr. Sigler has been settled and if further investigations of staff will be conducted.
Roundtable:
Mr. Estrada said that the lack of stability of leadership in our District has led to a lack of direction. The action taken by the Board this evening pertaining to the contract between the District and Dr. Eastwood will help provide the necessary stability and leadership for the District to move forward.
Mrs. Botti spoke about setting a Board retreat date in order to do goal setting.
Dr. Eastwood said that yesterday members of Central Office met with Board member-elect Lynne Perkins to discuss District and department initiatives.
Mrs. Botti announced that the Reorganization Meeting will be held on July 7.
Mrs. Botti congratulated the District’s 2005 graduates and read the names of the following honor grads: Mark Botti, Jessica Castaneda, Seetha Chandrasekhara, Tatyana Dreger, Alexandra Geiger, Jennifer Murray, Chenelle Norman, Michelle Pederson, Susan Riddick, Maggie Rourke, Morgan Samaniego, Erica Scott, Timothy Takagi and Jayme Wonderland.
Responding to a question from Mrs. Knapp, Dr. Eastwood and Middletown Police Department representative Sgt. Gerald Mishk said that the nature of the school resource officer position is not conducive to part-time appointment. It is necessary to spend funds for the training and equipping of each resource officer. Jurisdictional issues must also be resolved since the District has schools in both the Town of Wallkill and the City of Middletown. Mr. Perrino suggested that the District approve two school resource officers and look for funding for a third position, lobbying our local legislators for their support. Mr. Estrada said that the Board must come to a resolution on how to properly supply two school resource officers to three buildings, since the voters approved funding for two school resource officers. It was noted that the State Police, which would have jurisdiction in both the City and the Town, have declined to furnish a school resource officer. Sgt. Mishk said that the Police Department will need a decision on the school resource officers by the beginning of July in order to meet their scheduling, training and equipping schedule.
Dr. Eastwood suggested that the Board release the funding for one school resource officer to be placed at the High School, and said that administration will continue to research and communicate with our legislators regarding additional resource officers. Dr. Eastwood said that he would make a further recommendation in early July. The Board agreed to support this suggestion.
At 11:35 p.m., Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to have an executive session for the discussion of the employment history of specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:50 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to adjourn the meeting. 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 #22
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: June 16, 2005
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. 22 dated June 16, 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.
1. COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
April 12, 13, 14, 19, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, May 2, 4, 5, 9, 11, 18, 19, 2005
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
June 7, 14, 2005
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 #20
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: June 16, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #20
1. Budget Transfer #12 Approved
|
From A.2110.8501.10.2100.05
To A.1670.8411.10.1200.00
From: A.2010.8110.10.2010.06
To: A.1310.8160.10.0400.06
|
Supplies - Districtwide $20.000.00
Postage $20.000.00
Deputy Superintendent $31,500.00
Salary – Business Administrator $31,500.00
|
2.Revenue and Expense Reports Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the months of December 2004 and January, February, March and April 2005:
Treasurer’s Report
Expense Report
3. Appointment of Auditors for 2004-2005 Approved
Nugent and Haeussler at a fee of $31,000.
4. Reserves Approved
Be it resolved, that the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, pursuant to the provisions of Sections 1709(8-c) and 2503(1) of the Education Law, hereby establishes a property loss and liability reserve fund for the purpose of covering unanticipated property losses claims (hereinafter “Property Loss and Liability Reserve Fund”); and
Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes a sum up to, but not to exceed $220,000, be appropriated from the unappropriated fund balance of the 2004-05 General Fund, and deposited into the Property Loss and Liability Reserve Fund; and hereby directs the District officer having custody of the District monies to invest the monies deposited in the Property Loss and Liability Reserve Fund subject to applicable restrictions imposed by New York State law.