BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
AUGUST 4, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Wednesday, August 4, 2004, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen,
Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 7.
Absent: Dr. Best - 1.
Others Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Present: Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Peter Ancona, Director of Technology
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to have an executive session to discuss Board/Superintendent relations. Motion was unanimously approved. Public session resumed at 7:39 p.m.
Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Dr. Best’s father, Deacon Cleveland Best, Sr., who passed away on Saturday.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the minutes of July 17, 2004.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo said that Patricia McLeod served our District very well for a number of years as a principal, assistant superintendent and acting superintendent of schools. He presented a plaque to Mrs. McLeod in recognition and appreciation of her service to the District.
The District Clerk read a letter from Louis Paz regarding rising school budgets.
Melissa Cortellini, Communications Coordinator, gave a presentation on the communications efforts to be undertaken by the District in the 2004-05 school year. She said that the goal is to improve internal and external communications by offering a variety of informative, engaging and user-friendly print and web resources for the community and district-wide staff. Ms. Cortellini said that communications will include bi-monthly District newsletters, monthly newsletters from the schools, letters to parents and staff from the Superintendent, and an updated website.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada said that the Town of Wallkill Rotary Club will hold a wiffle ball tournament to benefit non-profit youth organizations on September 25-26. Mr. Estrada also said that he will be attending the NYSSBA Annual Convention in Buffalo in October. Information regarding the proposed bylaw changes will be sent to the Board shortly for their review.
Mr. Perrino said that the field lighting project is on schedule and should be available by mid-September.
Mr. Crescenzo spoke about some of the activities that took place at Festival Square this past Friday. He particularly noted the participation of two singers from the High School and the Pine Bush band and the wonderful community spirit.
Mr. Crescenzo also spoke about the success of some of our graduates. He noted that the owner of a new shop, Something Sweet, is a graduate of Middletown High School.
Visitors:
Mr. Crescenzo said that he and the Superintendent will attempt to immediately answer visitor questions, if possible. He reviewed the format for public participation, saying that each visitor will have four minutes to address the Board and that there will be no dialoguing.
Nancy Bookbinder said that the communications plan appears to be a good effort. She suggested that it be communicated how people can express concerns and that teacher updates and recognitions need to be published.
Dr. Eastwood said that it is necessary for the District to respond to the needs of our students. Responding to this need, the organization of the District has been investigated and some administrative reorganization is being recommended. At the Central Office level, Dr. Eastwood recommended that the following positions be abolished: Deputy Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, and Assistant Administrator to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction, and the Keyboard Specialist assigned to the Assistant Administrator to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction. Dr. Eastwood said that the District needs a strong focus on instruction and recommended that the following positions be established to support this effort: Director for Elementary Education (Grades K-5), Director for Secondary Education (Grades 6-12), and Coordinator for Literacy (Grades K-8) Federally Funded.
Dr. Eastwood continued by explaining his recommendation to divide the High School into four houses. He said that the high school principal position and the two assistant principal positions will be abolished. The positions of executive principal and four house principals will be established. Each house will contain approximately 500 students, with a single team of staff members supporting each house. The house principals will function with the full authority of a principal, and the executive principal will oversee the houses and focus on instruction, not management, issues. Dr. Eastwood said this will help the District ensure that students are graduating competitively.
Dr. Eastwood said that literacy development is very important during the first nine years of school. The District will take a more definitive, logical, effective approach to our literacy development programs. Dr. Eastwood said that a position of Coordinator for Literacy will be established. The Coordinator will work with staff, looking at how literacy is approached throughout the grades in order to provide instructional programs to ensure that our students can read, write and think as they go into high school. Dr. Eastwood said that federal money should be available to fund this position.
The Health and Safety Coordinator will be eliminated and a position of Director for Security, Health and Safety will be established. This position will evaluate our security measures and programs and develop programs and responses that will increase the security of staff and students.
Dr. Eastwood said that the architects for the high school reconstruction have been made aware of the new high school concept.
Responding to a request from Mr. Perrino, Dr. Eastwood reviewed the status of the School Resource Officer. He said that the grant prepared by the Middletown Police Department was initially denied. The District, however, remains in the grant cycle process. Dr. Eastwood said that the District must pick up one of the three year's costs for this position, typically the third year. The Board has supported a proposal to fund a school resource officer in the first year, anticipating grant funding in the next grant cycle. Dr. Eastwood said he hopes to have the School Resource Officer in place as soon as possible, but noted that this police officer must undergo significant training before entering the school system.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to abolish the following positions, effective August 5, 2004:
Deputy Superintendent
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction
Assistant Administrator to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction Keyboard Specialist (assigned to the Assistant Administrator to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction)
Middletown High School Principal
Middletown High School Assistant Principal (2 positions)
Health & Safety Coordinator
Keyboard Specialist (assigned to the Assistant Administrator to the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum & Instruction)
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to create the following new positions, effective August 5, 2004:
Director for Elementary Education (Grades K-5)
Director for Secondary Education (Grades 6-12)
Coordinator for Literacy (Grades K-8) Federally Funded
MHS Executive Principal
MHS House Principals (4 positions)
Director of Security, Health & Safety
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to amend the agenda to consider an additional personnel resolution.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved that the Board of Education hereby appoints Peter Ancona to the position of School District Treasurer effective August 9, 2004 through September 24, 2004.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The District Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Mr. Ancona.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #3, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Eastwood said that the annual Board Retreat will be conducted on August 13 and 14. The Board will set the Board’s short and long range goals that will assist administration to establish District goals.
Dr. Eastwood notified the Board that the District is going through its annual financial audit. This year, the audit will be more extensive than usual in light of investigations that have occurred in other districts.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to re-certify the District Shared Decision-Making Plan.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the New York State Department of Education has advised that effective July 9, 2004 it will be promulgating lists of available Impartial Hearing Officers on a District-specific basis; and
Whereas, the New York State Department of Education has recommended districts adopt a resolution confirming that Impartial Hearing Officers will now be appointed off the District-specific list,
Now, therefore, be it resolved, that effective immediately, impartial hearing officers in the District will be appointed from the District-specific list maintained for that purpose by the New York State Department of Education’s Impartial Hearing Reporting System.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Energy Management Program Request for Proposals.
Dr. Eastwood asked that this item be removed from consideration to provide an opportunity for additional review.
Ms. Tobiassen withdrew the motion on the floor.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the Employee Benefits Consultant.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #3, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #4.
Because of some inconsistencies in the numbering of the budget transfer information, Dr. Eastwood recommended that consideration of the Financial Memorandum be postponed until the next meeting of the Board.
Mrs. Knapp withdrew the motion on the floor.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to maintain the vacancy on Board of Education created by the resignation of Mrs. Elliott.
Mr. Crescenzo said that this was a difficult decision for the Board of Education. The Board considered the time required for soliciting and processing applications for those who would be interested in serving on the Board, as well as the expense involved in conducting a special election. It was concluded that the seat will remain vacant until the next vote.
Vote was taken on the motion on the floor.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
John Gennarelli spoke about freshman orientation and rules, regulations and expectations.
Richard McCormack questioned the necessity for another library media specialist position at the High School. He also said that it is good for the public to learn how the new positions are being funded.
Dr. Eastwood responded that Commissioner’s Regulations specify the number of librarians required in a school building based upon the student population of the building. Dr. Eastwood said that it is important to attend to the needs of our students and will reallocate funds and reorganize its funding structure in order to do so, if necessary.
Nancy Bookbinder asked how the High School will be divided. Dr. Eastwood responded that the schools will be divided alphabetically.
Roundtable:
Mrs. Botti reviewed the Board committee appointments for 2004-2005.
Mr. Estrada confirmed the sessions that he will be attending at the NYSSBA Annual Convention.
Mr. Estrada next addressed a recent article in the Times Herald Record in which he was said to have been in favor of a “tight lipped approach” regarding the Sigler incident. Mr. Estrada clarified that between January and April 2003, he attended four school board meetings at which he made comments during the visitors portion of the meeting. Those comments centered around some individuals in the public who wanted the entire Board to resign from their positions in response to the Sigler incident. Mr. Estrada’s view was that the public should let the District Attorney and the police do their investigations before making judgments. He emphasized that at no time had he directly communicated with any reporter from the Record. After reading this article, he contacted several staff members at the Record regarding the incorrect characterization and learned that the reporter wrote the article based on recollections of events that occurred more than 18 months ago. He concluded by saying that the Record needs to hold their reporters to a higher standard of accountability, and must verify information before it is put in print.
Mr. Crescenzo concurred that the Record is printing misinformation. He clarified some of the inaccurate information printed regarding the Sigler incident reporting and the timeline of various incidents. Mr. Crescenzo also clarified that a volunteer was banned from the School District for a one-year period. Having served the one year, that individual was permitted to again volunteer in our schools. Mr. Crescenzo said that our District made a huge step forward on July 1 with the hiring of a new superintendent of schools. He said that the District is walking through the door of educational renaissance and this is what the Times Herald Record needs to concentrate on.
Mr. Geiger thanked teachers for their day-to-day support of our students.
Mr. Perrino corrected information printed in the Times Herald Record by noting that an administrator was not promoted after the finding of the Grand Jury Report, but had been promoted two years earlier.
At 9:15 p.m., Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session to discuss personnel issues leading to the appointment, employment, promotion of a particular person. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 10:10 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger 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 #3
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: August 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. 3 dated August 4, 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.
COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
April 22, May 7, 11, 25, 26, June 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 24, 2004
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
July 22, August 3, 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 #4
TO: Board of Education
DATE: August 4, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #4
Approval of Budget Transfer #3 (2004-05)
Approval of Certification of Acceptance for the National School Lunch, School Breakfast and Policy Statement for Free and Reduced Price Meals and Free Milk for the 2004-05 School Year
Award of Physical Education Supply Bid