BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
APRIL 7, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, April 7, 2005, 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 Present: Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Peter Ancona, Director for Technology Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session to discuss matters regarding the employment of a particular person and for discussion regarding collective negotiations.
Public session resumed at 7:15 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of March 3, 2005.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Sherrie Bergus, performing arts teacher at J. W. Chorley Elementary School, was named teacher of the year by Sam's Club Foundation. The Teacher of the Year Program is designed to recognize outstanding teachers throughout the U.S. and in areas where Sam's Club are in operation. Each year in February, nominations are made on behalf of outstanding educators. Nominations were submitted from our community, surrounding counties, and online. The school will receive $1000, which will be presented by representatives in May.
Mr. Estrada attended the Sojourner Truth Award recognitions which are conducted by Orange County Community College. The awards are given to students in the county via nomination from school staff members. Mr. Estrada said that the following students from Middletown High School were recognized: Eugean Atkins, Attiya Awadallah, Tyrell Davis, Efrain Esquivel, Lashay Evans, Kristhiam Gonzalez, Jennifer Joseph, Emy Kamal, and Jesus Sanchez for Perseverance/Effort; Marquis Cabrera, Kam Cheng, Tan Cheng, Moises Huaman, Cynthia Oliveras, Morgan Samaniego, Daneisha Sandford, and Francisco Torijano for Mathematics; Chenelle Norman for Citizenship; Clinton Yap, Elizabeth Moro, Alex Reid, and Percel Ross for Performing & Media Arts; Patrice Toussaint for Academic Achievement; and Ervin Ventura and John Ramirez for Athletics. The following students from Monhagen Middle School were recognized for their achievements: Cesar Huaman, Jade Jetjomlong and Brittany Russell for Perseverance/Effort; Adriana Torres and Irma Reyes for Citizenship; Tracey-Ann Lafayette for Language Arts. Also recognized from Twin Towers Middle School were: Flora Cheng for Perseverance/Effort; Dominic Redmond, Raissa Sanchez, Chelsea Scott, and Roshane Williams for Sciences; and Daryl Tunstall for Mathematics.
Mr. Crescenzo announced that several scholarships are still available for High School seniors; the application deadline is May 15.
Mr. Crescenzo said that in addition to voting on the budget and any propositions, voters will also elect one person to serve a five-year term on the Board of Education. Parties interested in running for the Board must be 18 years of age, a qualified voter, able to read and write, resident of the district for one year, cannot be employed by the District, and cannot live in the same household with a family member who is also a member of the board. Petitions are available at the office of the District Clerk. The Orange County School Boards Association is also offering a workshop for prospective school board members.
The following communications were read:
- A letter from Karen Rhein asking for the Board to reinstate technology teachers in the 2005-06 budget
- A letter from Silke Trester requesting that the Board reconsider the decision to eliminate the position of instructional technologist
- A letter from Janet Coyle concerning the position of technology specialist
- A letter from Adrienne Markel which expressed support of the instructional technology program at Middletown High School
- A letter from several staff members at Monhagen Middle School asking the Board to reconsider the decision to eliminate computer technology positions
- A letter from Lennie Kay Ziccolella regarding the position of computer specialist at Monhagen Middle School
- A letter from Sheila Esposito on behalf of MTA members which expressed reservations regarding the planned changes to the District’s technology department
- A letter from Bill Galvin concerning the attendance record of Dr. Best at Board meetings
Visitors:
The following persons addressed the Board concerning the March 17 proposal to eliminate computer technology positions in the 2005-06 budget: Tony Nappo, John Green, Cynthia Oliveras, Lori Poveromo, and Liz Hluchan.
Presentation:
Phyllis Z. Conley presented information on a study she conducted for the purposes of developing a baseline of strengths and needs for improvement of the special education services in the Middletown City School District. She gathered information on the District’s current service delivery and generated recommendations that could be implemented to strengthen the existing organizational structures and service delivery system. Ms. Conley said that the framework for her recommendations is based in the belief that students with disabilities should be educated in the general education classroom alongside their typically developing peers. She said that school systems that deliver effective special education services in the least restrictive environment adopt a systemic inclusive philosophy that focuses on supports and services instead of distinguishing between which students should be included or not. Ms. Conley said that in order to cultivate the implementation of these instructional opportunities for all students with special needs in Middletown, a philosophical shift and organizational changes will need to occur.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada attended an OCSBA meeting at which students presented different aspects of BOCES curriculum. He said that one of Middletown’s students, Barbara Romer, shared information and some of her work done in the BOCES art program. The OCSBA annual dinner meeting will be held on June 1; the guest speaker will be the president of the New York State School Boards Association. Mr. Estrada continued by saying that on June 15, NYSBA will conduct a class on Planning for Your Governance Team’s Transition at BOCES.
Mr. Geiger said that the National Honor Society will have a coffee house at the High School on April 8; a murder mystery will be held at Monhagen next week; and the Relay for Life will be held in June.
Mr. Perrino spoke about the good cooperation between the City of Middletown and the School District. He noted that Recreation and Parks conducted an Easter egg hunt with the assistance of Middletown’s NJROTC students. A vacation program was also run by Recreation and Parks which provided jobs for 20 Middletown students. Mr. Perrino said that he and Mrs. Knapp will be participating in the National Library Week program at Truman Moon.
Mrs. Botti noted that the MHS Academic Awards Dinner will be held on June 1.
Mr. Crescenzo read a letter from the Marya Kennett Dance Centre in Goshen which thanked the members of Middletown’s NJROTC for ushering during their production of the Nutcracker this past December. He also read a correspondence from the Minisink School District which thanked Dr. Eastwood for his offer of assistance following the fire.
Mr. Crescenzo also spoke about recent articles in the Times Herald Record. He explained that the District, by law, cannot discuss personnel issues. He continued by saying that local police departments are required to notify school districts of registered sex offenders in the school district area. The school district is required to notify parents, directing them to the police department and the State web site for further information. Mr. Crescenzo said that the District was fulfilling its obligations via the letter that was recently sent to parents.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel Memorandum #27, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #28, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: Geiger - 1. Motion was declared approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #29, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Botti, Crescenzo – 5. Noes: Geiger, Tobiassen – 2. Motion was declared approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that the resolution approved March 3, 2005, to abolish one Attendance Clerk position at Middletown High School effective April 8, 2005, be amended to change the effective date to June 30, 2005.
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.
Mr. Scott reported that the New York State Emergency Management Office has notified the District that it will receive a payment for $2,544.95 for costs incurred during Tropical Depression Ivan last fall.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #18, copy attached.
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 approve the SEQRA for District-wide Security Measures (see attached).
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 SEQRA for Renovation of Twin Towers Exterior Stairs and Walks (see attached).
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:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown is hereby authorized to expend an amount not to exceed $99,060,624 to meet the estimated expenditures during the 2005-2006 school year, and is authorized to levy the necessary tax therefor.
Mrs. McKean said that the budget amount originally presented to the Board was $101,910,624. At the Board’s direction, this budget amount was pared down by $3,000,000. The Board also requested that funding ($150,000) for two school resources officers be included in the budget to be presented to the voters. On May 17, the voters will vote on a budget of $99,060,624.
Mrs. McKean said that the legislators have proposed an increase in State aid of approximately $1 million over original projections. With this additional aid, the estimated tax levy increase will be approximately 6.39%, instead of the original projected increase of 8.69%. The Board discussed the possibility of reinstating the computer technology positions, which would necessitate a tax levy increase of 7.5%. The Board also discussed the need to bolster tax certiorari reserves, reinstatement of other programs, and relief to the taxpayer.
Mrs. Botti called the question and proceed with a vote on the motion on the floor.
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 capital improvement bond proposition:
Shall the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown be authorized to expend a sum estimated not to exceed $100,000 for reconstruction and repairs to the District’s Middle School buildings, together with original equipment, machinery, apparatus, appurtenances, and incidental improvements and expenditures therewith, and that the estimated aggregate sum of $100,000 or so much thereof as may be necessary, shall be levied and collected upon the taxable property of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown during the 2005-06 school year.
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 Bond Resolution for Security Monitoring System, as per the 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 the following proposition for Security Monitoring System:
Shall the April 7, 2005, bond resolution authorizing the District to issue bonds for security system upgrades at various School District facilities at a maximum estimated cost of $500,000; providing for a tax levy therefor in annual installments to pay such bonds; pledging the District’s faith and credit for the payment of such bonds; having a maximum maturity of five years; and delegating various powers to the chief fiscal officer, be approved.
Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Roundtable:
Mr. Estrada said that he will no longer read anonymous letters that are directed to his attention.
Mrs. Knapp inquired about the possibility of having a voter referendum for repairs to the High School track.
Dr. Eastwood noted that New York Sate Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther will be in-district on Friday.
Mr. Crescenzo announced that the next Board meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 26, so that the Board can participate in the vote for the BOCES administrative budget and BOCES board member election.
Ms. Tobiassen requested that timeframes for presentations be established.
At 11:22 p.m., Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to have an executive session for the discussion of the employment histories of specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:40 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 #18
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: April 7, 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. 18 dated April 7, 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):
February 9, 10, 15, 16, 17, 22, 24, March 2, 2005
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
March 21, 22, April 4, 5, 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