BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
NOVEMBER 4, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, November 4, 2004, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, 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 Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Present: Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Services
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 8:35. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve the minutes of September 23 and 27, 2004.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Recognitions/Announcements:
Alexandra Geiger and Harrison Lockhart, MHS students, extended invitations to the Board to a performance of The Importance of Being Earnest.
Mr. Estrada presented an Internship Champion Award to the Middletown School District for the dedication and support of the Academy of Finance by sponsoring student intern Francisco Reyes.
No written communications were read; no previous questions were pending.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino spoke about the recent Field of Dreams ceremony, noting the tremendous community support for this project. He commended the staff of Buildings and Grounds for the excellent shape of our athletic fields. Mr. Perrino also recognized the staff and student participation at the Monhagen play and the Twin Towers haunted house.
Mr. Estrada acknowledged the interaction of the business community in school district activities, such as the field lighting project and the Academy of Finance.
Mr. Estrada updated the Board regarding the NYSSBA Annual Convention. He noted the following resolutions that were supported by the voting delegates:
- A resolution seeking legislation to exempt all school districts from the Wicks Law
- A resolution seeking to amend the Education Law to provide that all expenditures related to pension and other retirement costs, health insurance and other health related costs, and property and liability insurance be excluded when determining total expenditures for a school district’s contingency budget
- A resolution to change the commissioner’s regulations for a teacher to earn a master’s degree and professional certification from three to five years
- A resolution authorizing suspension without pay of certificated and non-certificated staff convicted of any felony or a crime of a sexual nature involving minors or students, including trafficking in pornography on or off school property
- A resolution to amend Education Law to extend the probationary period for teachers from three to five years
Mr. Estrada also said that the following resolutions from the floor were supported by the voting delegates:
- A resolution to give the District Superintendent of Schools the authority to give forms of student discipline other than suspension
- A resolution that internal claims auditors do not have to be district residents
- A resolution removing the requirement under NCLB that certificated special education teachers be highly qualified in each core subject they teach
Mr. Estrada said that the Wallkill Planning Board was pleased to have a representative from the School Board attend its meetings and noted that the Town plans to appoint a liaison to the Board of Education.
Mr. Geiger expressed his appreciation to John Perrino and all those who worked on the field lighting project, saying that it was a monumental achievement for our community and school district. He also congratulated Fortune Esposito, staff and students for another fine musical performance; congratulated the High School football team and the Middle School girls soccer team; and acknowledged the outstanding performance of the High School’s wind ensemble and concert band at the Fall Concert under the direction of Steve Austin.
Mr. Crescenzo also congratulated Mr. Esposito and said that the costumes were outstanding. Mr. Crescenzo said that he, Dr. Eastwood, Mrs. Botti and Mr. Estrada attended the Academy of Finance Annual Dinner. He thanked Paul Halpern, Bill Ruggles, Richard Rowley and the members of our community for their tireless efforts in support of the Academy.
Mr. Crescenzo suggested that that one or two staff or community members who have made a difference to the District be recognized at each of our Board meetings. He said that this District has some incredible resources that deserve recognition.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the Instructional Section of Personnel Memorandum #10, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the Non-Instructional Section of Personnel Memorandum #10, 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 Ms. Tobiassen, to approve the addition of Addendum #1 to the Personnel Memorandum.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the addition of Addendum #2 to the Personnel Memorandum.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to approve the probationary appointment of Eileen Rivera Shapiro to the position of Middle School Principal, as per Addendum #1, attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the probationary appointment of John Szakmary to the position of High School House Principal, as per Addendum #2, attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Information concerning Superintendent-approved budget transfer #6 for two transfers, each less than $5,000, was presented.
Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to accept the following International Student Exchange Students:
Pablo Garcia-Oliveros Reoyo – Spain
Hyun-Min Park – Korea
Maria Eickhoff – Germany
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #8, 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 #8, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve the Request for Proposals for Construction Management Services for the Middletown High School Project.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Scott said that the level of oversight needed at the High School project is very important for quality control.
Visitors:
John Gennarelli spoke about the Superintendent’s recommendation for redistricting.
Dr. Eastwood replied that the District has the capacity to have two K-2 schools and two 3-5 schools, which is his recommendation. He said that he has reviewed the documentation surrounding the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program and noted that the Board’s original desire was to have a K-2/3-5 configuration, which he said was both educationally and developmentally appropriate. Dr. Eastwood noted that attendance zones will have to be changed no matter which configuration is implemented because of the full day kindergarten program and the addition on Mechanicstown. He concluded by saying that he will be meeting with a committee next week regarding the configuration of our buildings.
Roundtable:
The Board reviewed and revised policies that Erie I BOCES has determined are indicative of our District. This review will continue at the next meeting of the Board.
Mr. Estrada announced that the Academy of Finance will be conducting a fund raiser raffle and that tickets will be on sale at the Galleria Mall on November 11.
Mr. Estrada requested that the Board plan a discussion of the long range plans for Chorley and Truman Moon.
Dr. Eastwood said that six audits or program reviews are currently being conducted throughout the District. He also said that in the 2004-05 school year, the District will be implementing the energy performance program, the High School capital project, and a health insurance review. The District will also be researching the two payment option for payment of taxes, conducting a facility condition study and a facility maintenance study. District-wide and building specific security program development and issues pertaining to residency and guardian requirements will also be reviewed. In addition, the following will be addressed: all day kindergarten, building grade configuration, volunteer policy, emergency procedures, and busing policy review.
Mr. Crescenzo thanked Mr. Estrada for serving on the advisory Board of the Academy of Finance.
Mr. Geiger said that the Orange County School Boards Association will have a presidents’ workshop on December 1 and the next delegates’ meeting is scheduled for January 5.
Mr. Geiger said that the Importance of Being Earnest will be performed on November 12 and 13 at 8:00 p.m. and again on November 14 at 2:00 p.m. Dr. Eastwood suggested that the District look into having Sunday performances free to senior citizens.
At 10:25 p.m., Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of possible litigation and employment matters relating to specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:15 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 #8
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: November 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. 8 dated November 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):
September 15, 22, October 5, 7, 14, 20, 2004
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
November 4, 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 #8
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: November 4, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #8
1. Audit Report for the 2003-04 School Year Accepted
Whereas, the Education Law, Section 2116-1 and Regulation of the Commissioner of Education, Section 170.2 require action by the Board of Education to annually secure an audit by an independent auditor and,
Whereas, it is further required that a copy of such audits accompanied by an acceptance resolution by the Board of Education be filed with the State Education Department, be it
Resolved, that the Board of Education accepts the Financial Audit Report, Federal Single Audit Report, Extraclassroom Activity Fund Audit Report and Management Letter for the fiscal year 2003-04, as submitted by our independent auditor, Nugent and Haeussler, P.C.
2. Reduction in Tax Liability Accepted (see attached)
3. Budget Development Calendar for the 2004-05 School Year Accepted (see attached)
4. FS-10 Reports Accepted
Magnet School Grant $400,000
21st Century Community Learning Center $600,000
Mentor Teacher Internship Program $ 52,500