BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
OCTOBER 21, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, October 21, 2004, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 6.
Absent: Dr. Best, Mr. Estrada - 2.
Others Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Present: Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
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 6:30 p.m. Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular corporation and matters leading to the appointment, employment, or promotion of a particular person. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:54 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag. He noted that Mr. Estrada was attending the NYSSBA Annual Convention in Buffalo.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the minutes of August 18, 26, September 7, September 9, 2004.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The Board recognized William Galvin, Mechanicstown PTO president, who coordinated the recent blood drive at Mechanicstown. Mr. Perrino said that the event was a success, with the number of donors exceeding the goal. The PTO hopes to host another blood drive in the spring and increase their goal to 50 donors.
Mr. Perrino also said that the new field lighting will be dedicated on October 26.
Mr. Crescenzo extended congratulations to former Board member Robin Markovits who was recognized by the Mid Hudson School Study Council for Excellence in Board Member Service and to Alicia Olsen who was recognized for Excellence in Support Staff Service.
Dr. Eastwood said that Governor George Pataki has proclaimed October 25-29, 2004 as School Board Recognition Week in New York State. School Board Recognition Week is observed throughout the State to honor the men and women serving as members of school boards who are dedicated to children, learning and community, and devote many hours of service to elementary and secondary public education as they continually strive for improvement, excellence and progress in education. Dr. Eastwood thanked the members of the Board for their service to our community.
At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have a break in the proceedings. Motion was unanimously approved.
The meeting resumed at 8:15 p.m.
No written communications were read.
Dr. Eastwood introduced Lt. Paul Rickard from the City of Middletown Police Department. Lt. Rickard explained some of the safety procedures followed during the recent bomb threat incidents, some of which are now recommended because of knowledge gained from other incidents, such as the Columbine tragedy. He explained that, while a systematic evaluation will be conducted if necessary, it is current accepted practice that students be sheltered in place rather than be evacuated unless there is an aggravating threat, such as a suspicious package. Lt. Rickard said that police plans are shared with District administration who trust the judgment of the police departments who have been trained how to deal with such emergency situations. He also emphasized that bomb threats are felonies, parents could be responsible for any costs incurred because of the threat, and a student can lose his driver’s license for making threats.
Martin Sassi of the firm of Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. reviewed the Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2004. The financial statement of the governmental activities, each major fund and the fiduciary fund information of the District were audited. Mr. Sassi said that the audit was conducted in accordance with generally accepted United States auditing standards and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Mr. Sasis said that no transactions were entered into by the District during the year that were both significant and unusual or transactions for which there was a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus.
Al Muhlnickel, Director for Food and Nutrition Services, presented information on the District’s Food Service Program and the budget for this program. The Food and Nutrition Services Program is a self-sustaining program, receiving no funding from the District. Mr. Muhlnickel said that labor and benefit costs have risen substantially while revenues have decreased due to non service days, uncollected revenues and bank fees. He continued by detailing some of the actions that have been taken to hold the food service budget in line. Further cutting the food cost and other non-labor items would deteriorate the program and would limit the options available to children. Mr. Muhlickel concluded by saying that the District has two options to consider: further cut the program and risk alienating students, or seek support from the District.
Board Member Reports:
Mrs. Botti reported that she attended the High School Open House. She said that this was the first year with the house configuration and it appeared to be well-received by parents.
Mr. Perrino thanked the custodial/maintenance staff for having the buildings in great shape for the open houses. He also noted the good participation by the PTO in Chorley’s reading program. Mr. Perrino concluded by congratulating all our athletes on the good deportment.
Mr. Geiger spoke about the success of our recent Open Houses. He also expressed support of our athletes and noted the dedication of our coaches. Mr. Geiger announced that a production of The Legend of Sleepy Hollow will be presented at Monhagen next Friday.
Mr. Crescenzo said that he and Dr. Eastwood followed up on information presented by Mr. Estrada at the last Board meeting by forwarding a communication to the Town of Wallkill Planning Board asking to be kept informed about expected growth in the town. Mr. Crescenzo also spoke about the need to have a liaison from the Town to our Board.
Mrs. Botti said that she, Mr. Crescenzo and Dr. Eastwood attended the National School Boards Annual Convention in Savannah. Some of the workshops included NCLB, communication in a crisis, special education, strategies to deal with rising health care costs.
Visitors:
Dick Wolslayer spoke about the good cooperation between the school district and local municipalities, particularly noting sports camp.
Nanci Itzla congratulated Richard DelMoro on his appointment as Director of Secondary Education, commented on attendance at the NSBA convention, and the status of full-day kindergarten. Dr. Eastwood said that full-day kindergarten is proceeding on schedule, with the appropriate staff development and curriculum being addressed.
Ruth Figueroa spoke about the need to better communicate emergency situation information to parents. Dr. Eastwood said that the District is looking at notification procedures to determine where they can be improved.
Roy Paul said that when staff remains calm during incidents, students also remain calm. He also commended High School Principal George Vanderzell on his interaction with the Student Action League.
John Gennarelli said that it was good to hear from our students, advocated for attendance at local conferences, and inquired about the duties being assigned to Bernard Cohen. Dr. Eastwood replied that the District is required by law to continue Mr. Cohen’s salary during the 3020-a process and that the District is in the process of providing Mr. Cohen with new assignments.
Andy Mulick complimented the District’s security staff in their handling of the recent threats.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that one Technology Technician position be eliminated and a Computer Systems Specialist position be created in its place effective November 19, 2004.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #9, copy attached.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Five Superintendent-approved budget transfers were presented, each less than $5,000.
Ms. McKean presented the proposed Budget Development Calendar for the 2005-06 School Year. An additional budget hearing date was scheduled for March 17, prior to the date the Board adopts the budget.
Dr. Eastwood said that Erie I BOCES Policy Services will be assisting the District with updating the District’s Policy Manual. The first step in this process is to examine policies that are specific to our district. These policies will be sent to central office administrators and principals for any corrections, additions, or deletions that may be necessary. The Board will begin its review of these policies at the November 4 Board meeting.
Mrs. Kaplan reported on the method used in providing staff training on sexual abuse policies. Small group sessions with turnkey trainers helped to facilitate the dissemination of this information. Mrs. Kaplan noted that Dr. Hanna reported to Commissioner Mills in a letter dated October 8, 2004, that he had observed four staff training sessions that were indicative of the District’s efforts to design and present this information that will insure the health and safety of our students.
Mr. Scott reported on the recent water pressure problems at Mechanicstown School. It was found that there were pieces of limestone in the meter, the filter had malfunctioned, and sand filter media was pushed into the water system. Staff worked throughout the weekend to restore water to the sinks and toilets and drinking water was provided to the building. Mr. Scott reported that no Health Department regulations were violated, and the situation continues to be monitored.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Special Services Memorandum #7, copy attached.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Financial Memorandum #7, copy attached.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Field Directed Allowances, as follows:
Mechancistown
Eugene DiLorenzo, Inc. CFA No. GC-04 $23,933.00
David L. Kemptron, Inc. CFA No. MC-02 $ 1,200.00
Harry F. Rotolo & Son, Inc. CFA No. EC-04 $ 7,523.72
Truman Moon/Chorley
Waltech Construction Corp. CFA No. GC-01 $24,039.00
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Scott noted that these allowances have been reviewed and recommended by Clark Patterson Associates. He said that the allowances do not increase the contract cost to the District and all allowances were part of the base bids.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp to accept the following donation – The Arthur Audio Book from the Fans of Clay Aiken.
Ayes: Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Fischer said that the District will receive 32 copies of The Arthur Audio Book, Stories for Heroes. This donation is made by the fans of Clay Aiken as part of an overall charitable campaign called Operation Christmas Spirit.
Visitors:
John Gennarelli noted that the District increased school meal prices last year; commended the staff of Buildings and Grounds on its progress; asked when the Mechanicstown project will be turned over to the District; and addressed noise levels in our cafeterias.
Roundtable:
Dr. Eastwood said that the issue of placing a crossing guard at Wickham and Wisner has been communicated to the Mayor and the Police Chief. He also noted that the principal at Twin Towers will be establishing a committee to address traffic issues around the building.
Dr. Eastwood said that candidates for the Security, Health and Safety position are being interviewed by a committee. This committee will make recommendations to the Superintendent for further review, and it is hoped that an appointment will be forthcoming shortly. Dr. Eastwood said that a position called Health and Safety Director was combined with a security component, and the position’s main focus will now be on security issues. This position will immediately begin by working with local law enforcement and school personnel to put together a District-wide and individual building safety plans.
Dr. Eastwood next addressed his recommendation that the District look into having two K-2 buildings and two 3-5 buildings. He said that what is most appropriate educationally for children should drive the building configuration. He noted that there is very significant research and developmental theory that says that grade 2 belongs in a primary setting, not in an intermediate building. Dr. Eastwood has also talked with staff dealing with ESL and bilingual students in the early grades and it is clear that students in grades 1-2 need the support of the early literacy environment in a primary building.
Dr. Eastwood continued by addressing the suggestion of having K-5 buildings. He said that this configuration would cause each school to have very small sections of each grade level with resources split among the four buildings. Additionally, having four schools with grade levels of K-5 could exacerbate at-risk situations with the District’s high transient population.
Mrs. Botti thanked the Technology Department for offering training in First Class for members of the Board. She also noted that copies of the Board’s 2004-2005 norms have been distributed to Board members.
Dr. Eastwood said that the Board has been provided with copies of all bargaining unit contracts. The Board will need to start discussions in executive sessions pertaining to negotiations parameters and goals.
At 11:05 p.m., Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to have an executive session to discuss the employment history of a particular person. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:55 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Perrino 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 #7
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: October 21, 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. 7 dated October 21, 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):
July 28, September 8, 9, 15, 20, 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 2004
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
October 4, 21, 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 #7
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
DATE: October 21, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #7
1. Cancellation & Refund of Taxes Approved (see attached)
2. Reduction in Tax Liability Accepted (see attached)
3. FS-10 Reports Accepted
|
FUNDING SOURCE
611
619
CPSE
Early Grade Class Size Reduction
NYS Targeted Pre-Kindergarten
State-Funded Mentor Teacher – Internship
Teacher Resource and Computer Training
Title I
Title II Part A – Teacher and Principal Recruitment and Training
Title II Part D – Enhancing Education Through Technology
Title II Part D – Enhancing Education Through Technology
Title III – LEP
Title IV - A
Title V – A
|
BUDGET
$1,405,691
67,930
28,810
136,404
372,071
234,277
105,000
2,116,630
380,435
58,775
562,500
104,243
52,481
$28,718
|