BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
SEPTEMBER 23, 2004
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, September 23, 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
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. Estrada 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 and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jim Sorrell. Mr. Perrino said that Mr. Sorrell had been a long-time teacher and department chair with the Middletown School District and had been involved in a number of extra-curricular and community activities.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the minutes of August 4, 13 and 14, 2004.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo introduced and welcomed School Business Administrator Elizabeth McKean.
No written communications were read.
Mr. Crescenzo said that consideration of the following resolutions are needed to allow additional time for the District to obtain check signing signature software.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to amend the agenda to consider additional resolutions at this time.
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 the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that the Board of Education hereby extends the appointment of Peter Ancona to the position of School District Treasurer through October 13, 2004.
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 following resolution:
Be it resolved, that the Board of Education hereby appoints Elizabeth McKean to the position of School District Treasurer effective October 14, 2004 through June 30, 2005.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The School District Clerk administered the Oath of Office to Ms. McKean.
Dr. Best left the meeting at this time.
Paul Halpern, Chairman of the Academy of Finance Advisory Board, said that the Academy introduces students to career opportunities in the financial services industry. A member program of the National Academy Foundation, the Academy of Finance operates as a “school within a school” and is located in more than 275 high schools nationwide. Mr. Halpern introduced William Ruggles, Director of the Academy of Finance, which is now in its eighth year of operation, and Elvira Scotto-Padavano, Director of the Academy of Information Technology, which is in its third year of operation. Ms. Scotto-Padavano and Mr. Ruggles gave an overview of the goals of their programs, the curriculum that is followed, and the internships offered through the programs.
Dr. Best returned to the meeting during the following presentation.
Mr. Scott said that the concept behind performance contracting is that a company will evaluate facilities to determine what areas can be upgraded to realize energy savings. The building upgrades will be paid for with the energy savings. Mr. Scott introduced Mr. Steve Heaslip of Siemens Building Technologies who presented information on an alternative means of financing building improvements through performance contracting. The goals are increased energy efficiency, building upgrades, and an improved learning environment. This program is self-funded through energy retrofits. Mr. Heaslip reviewed some of the facility improvements suggested for the District’s buildings, such as lighting upgrades, window replacements, hot water heater upgrades, etc. The upgrades will be coordinated with the District’s capital projects and qualify for NYSED building aid.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to amend the agenda to consider Personnel Memorandum #7 at this time.
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 approve Personnel Memorandum #7, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Eastwood said that the District has been exploring the possibility of preparing a Long-Range Financial Plan to help in the development of future budgets. He introduced David Allardice of Allardice & Associates who said that prior to presenting a financial plan, the District’s finances were reviewed to determine the financial health of the District. A limited review of the general fund comparative balance sheet, and the general ledger fund revenues, expenditures, and fund balances as prepared by the District’s auditors for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2001, 2002 and 2003 was conducted. Ms. McKean explained the significance of a balance sheet. Mr. Allardice continued by reviewing the types of revenues and expenses encountered by the District. He noted that the District’s revenues have exceeded expenditures each year, which he said was a good budgeting practice. He suggested that the District monitor loans to other funds, such as special aid, capital and lunch funds, reduce the amount of the appropriated fund balance to a 2-3% level, establish a tax certiorari and other reserves, and maintain the allowable 2% unappropriated fund balance. He said that the District’s future financial viability could be challenged by contract negotiations, tax certiorari situations and other issues over the next several years, and prudent management of District resources will be required to maintain financial viability. Mr. Allardice said that it is anticipated that the Long Range Financial Review will be completed, reviewed by administration, and presented to the Board at the November 18 Board meeting.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to amend the agenda to have the visitors’ opportunity to address the Board at this time.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Andrew Mulick announced that the Orange County Bankers Association will hold a golf outing to benefit the academies of finance in our local schools. He also spoke about the amount of the fund balance that was utilized to reduce the tax levy in 2004-05.
Dr. Eastwood responded to questions from John Gennarelli concerning the status of the security, health and safety officer; the school resource officer; school improvement teams; and further investigations regarding the Sigler incident.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to amend the agenda to move Board Member Reports to the Roundtable portion of this meeting.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp was absent from the meeting at this time.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that a Temporary Part-time Food Service Warehouse Person position be created in the Food Service Department effective September 24, 2004.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that the Receptionist Position at the Board of Education Office be abolished and that a Bilingual Keyboard Specialist position be created effective October 22, 2004.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp returned to the meeting at this time.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, 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.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to adopt policy #0000 Mission Statement, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: Geiger – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Dr. Eastwood reviewed Superintendent-approved budget transfer #4 which was for one transfer.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Special Services Memorandum #6, 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. Estrada, to approve Financial Memorandum #6, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Scott reviewed a proposal from Clark Patterson Associates to perform State Education Department mandated inspections on all district facilities. A list of recommended maintenance and repair projects, with priority rankings and budget estimates to complete the work, will be established. The fee for conducting this five-year facilities assessment is $35,000.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to appoint Clark Patterson Associates to conduct a five-year facilities assessment of all district facilities.
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, to approve the following Field Directed Allowance:
Harry F. Rotolo & Sons: CFA #EC-03- $11,010.88
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 the following Field Directed Allowance:
Eugene DiLorenzo Corp.: CFA #GC-3-$34,263.00
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, to authorize the District to negotiate a Performance Contract with Siemens Building Technologies.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Eastwood explained that the contract will be presented to the Board for final approval.
Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to appoint Financial Services Consultant Allardice & Associates.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada reviewed information regarding new housing that is either being built or is before the Town of Wallkill Planning Board. Over 200 single family homes, 450 apartments and almost 100 townhouses are being proposed within a two square mile area. Mr. Estrada suggested that the Board communicate to the Town that while it is not the School District’s intent to stifle economic development, all development should be done with prudence and pace. The School District would like enough notice to improve its infrastructure and to plan for this type of development. Mr. Crescenzo will prepare a correspondence to be presented by Mr. Geiger to the Town Planning Board.
Mr. Perrino reported on a meeting held with the members of the Middletown Common Council. He said that it was a very positive meeting, noting areas of cooperation such as sports camp. The District will also look into assisting the City with its website and having its meetings broadcast.
Mr. Perrino said that parents have contacted him regarding transportation of students who live less than a mile from their schools. Parents have also inquired about having more crossing guards. Dr. Eastwood recommended that a committee be established to review current transportation requirements.
Mr. Geiger congratulated students at the High School for their work on the school newspaper. He also spoke about the value of our volunteers, noting the service of David Weltman who helps with our music programs. Mr. Geiger also applauded the efforts of Nancy Holbrook, a teacher/coach, who has been fulfilling her teaching duties while battling a temporary disability.
Mr. Crescenzo thanked Greg Bennett for all his work on the High School musicals and said he will be missed.
Dr. Eastwood said that retired employees occasionally return to the District for short periods of time. He suggested that the District immediately pay the fingerprinting costs for these returning employees, rather than have them wait for reimbursement. The Board agreed with this suggestion.
Dr. Eastwood recommended that the District’s building configuration be reviewed. He said that our current grade configuration is not an effective use of staff, programs, or staff development. A more consistent grade configuration, with two primary K-2 buildings and two intermediate 3-5 buildings, would be programmatically beneficial and would help in such areas as staff development, shared services, and transportation of students. The Board supported Dr. Eastwood’s recommendation that the District form a committee composed of parents, teachers, administrators, etc. to review the building configuration.
Mrs. Botti said that she, Mr. Crescenzo, Mr. Estrada and Mr. Geiger attended a NYSSBA conference on Public School Governance. Mr. Crescenzo and Mr. Estrada participated in the veteran strand, and Mrs. Botti and Mr. Geiger attended the new board member strand. Mrs. Botti said that it was emphasized that board members should make their decisions based on substance, not politics. Once seated on the board, a board member represents all community members, not just those who supported the candidate during the campaign for election. Mr. Crescenzo also noted the value in being able to network with board presidents from eighteen other school districts.
Mr. Estrada continued the discussion regarding the proposed NYSSBA bylaw amendments and resolutions that will be voted on at the NYSSBA Annual Meeting to be held in Buffalo in October. The Board provided input regarding its position on the resolutions.
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 11:40 p.m. There being no further business, Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, 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 #6
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: September 23, 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. 6 dated September 23, 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):
August 10, 18, 2004
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
September 21, 2004
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
Kisha Burgos Parent-Member September 24, 2004
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 #6
TO: Board of Education
DATE: September 23, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #6
1. Appointment to Orange Ulster School District Health Plan and Orange Ulster School District Workers’ Compensation Plan Approved
Resolved, that Elizabeth McKean is hereby appointed as the Enlarged City School District of Middletown’s representative to the Orange Ulster School District Health Plan and the Orange Ulster District Workers Compensation Plan for the 2004-05 school year, effective September 20, 2004.