BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
JUNE 15, 2006
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held June 15, 2006, at the Board of Education, 223 Wisner Avenue, Middletown, New York, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Dr. Best, Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Ms. Perkins, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 9.
Absent: None.
Others Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Present: Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
Darlene McDonough, Director for Elementary Education
Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings & Grounds
Michael Tuttle, Chief Technology Officer
Roy Paul, Board member-elected
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for discussion of proposed, pending or current litigation. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:45 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag. He asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of George Caffrey, an employee in our Buildings and Grounds Department. Mr. Crescenzo also noted the passing of the sister of Kenneth Haverlan, the District’s Director for Security, Health and Safety.
Mr. Perrino said that Mr. Caffrey had made many significant contributions to our District, including serving as president of our CSEA local.
Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve the May 24 and June 1, 2006 minutes.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Recognitions:
Mr. Crescenzo said that Dr. Best’s term as member of the Board of Education expires at the end of June. Dr. Best was presented with a plaque in acknowledgement of his service to the Middletown School District. Mr. Crescenzo commended Dr. Best for his commitment to our students and families, particularly those at risk.
Mr. Crescenzo also noted that Alicia Olsen, Board Clerk, will be retiring from the District at the end of this school year.
At 8:00 p.m., Mr. Crescenzo called for a break in the proceedings, which resumed at 8:15 p.m.
No written communications were read and no responses to previous questions were pending.
Mr. Perrino spoke about some of the many activities that have occurred around the District in the past few weeks, including the Monhagen Fashion and Talent Show, the Ruthie Dino-Marshall Memorial Race, the track team banquet at the Wallkill Golf Club, the NJROTC awards ceremony, the Classic 10K Race, the academic awards ceremonies at Twin Towers and Monhagen, plus numerous concerts and other events. He thanked the many people who worked so hard to make these events successful.
Mr. Estrada commended the good behavior of our students at these events. He also said that all our students are well represented at these events, saying that one of the District’s biggest assets is its diversity.
Mr. Crescenzo said that the Board will consider Personnel items at this time.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #51, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Personnel Memorandum #52, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #53, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Personnel Memorandum #54, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Knapp made motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Personnel Memorandum #56, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: Tobiassen - 1. Motion was declared approved.
Ms. Tobiassen asked that it be noted that her opposition was not a reflection on any particular person, but was a matter of strong personal conviction.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Sheila Esposito, president of the Middletown Teachers Association, provided an end-of-year list of the positives that have happened this school year, including the teacher contract settlement, the implementation of detention advisors, three new department chairs, and the tenure recognition event. She also provided some items still to be addressed, including revision of the code of conduct, high school leadership, consistent enforcement of policy, feedback on training, elimination of undue clerical assignments for teachers, addressing of health and safety issues. She said that clear communication and the establishment of realistic timelines are key to success.
Presentations:
Chorley Elementary School, Maple Hill Elementary School and Mechanicstown Elementary School have all been recognized by the New York State Education Department as "high performing/gap closing" schools. All three schools met State standards in English Language Arts (ELA) and math during the 2004-2005 school year. Principals Paula Amaditz (Maple Hill), Fred Griffin (Chorley), and Susan Short (Mechanicstown) said that our schools used data to focus instruction and our scope and sequence as the structure to improve learning for all students. Truman Moon Primary Center Principal Donna Napolitano explained that if a school was held accountable for only a small number of students, served a homogeneous population, or did not serve grades that participated in State assessments, they were not eligible for the recognition. At the time the data was collected for these awards, Truman Moon did not have a grade 2 and was therefore ineligible for the commendation. Ms. Napolitano said that Truman Moon is successful as a feeder school to Maple Hill.
Ms. Napolitano next spoke about some of the benefits that have been realized as a result of the implementation of a full-day kindergarten program. She also spoke about some of the community programs at Truman Moon, such as the health screenings that were recently conducted in cooperation with Orange Regional Medical.
Eileen Rivera-Shapiro, Principal of Monhagen Middle School, presented information on Monhagen’s 2005-06 Restructuring Plan, which will be implemented by all members of Monhagen’s learning community beginning September 2006. She said that there is a need for implementation of effective strategies for instruction to meet the needs of today’s learners; a need for clear goals and strategies to develop positive and active relationships to improve student achievement; the need for implementation of consistent and cohesive practices and strategies to promote behavior which sustains the learning environment by faculty, administrators, parents and students. Mrs. Shapiro said that the discipline objective will be addressed and a building-wide plan will be added; curriculum writing opportunities will be available this summer; and there will be on-going professional development opportunities aligned with the district’s professional development plan. Mrs. Shapiro said the anticipated results include increased involvement of the entire learning community and increased student achievement in all areas.
Mr. Estrada spoke about the possibility of the District conducting a survey to determine how many of our families have access to computers. Mr. DelMoro noted that a survey had recently been sent out asking for feedback regarding our schools.
Dr. McDonough spoke about the progress of a gifted and talented program for the District. She said that a committee comprised of staff, administrators, parents, and PTO representatives have looked at prior programs, developed a definition of gifted and talented, developed a mission statement, aligned gifted and talented activities with our current scope and sequence, and have looked at resources.
Dr. Eastwood spoke about the results of the District’s violent and disruptive incident reports. He said that our schools have been working hard to deal with such incidents, noting that two unannounced drug sweeps were conducted this year with no hits. Dr. Eastwood said that he has requested the State Education Department to audit our VADIR data to validate the District’s reporting.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino reported that he and Ken Haverlan were invited by Sharon Loder to speak before the Neighborhood Watch Group. At this meeting, concern was expressed about the behavior of students who are not in school as they are supposed to be, and the behavior of students who are out of school on suspension.
Mrs. Botti reported on her progress in obtaining data on ways different districts staff the position of district clerk.
Ms. Perkins said that she had participated in a Spanish for Educators course sponsored by the Teacher Center.
Mr. Geiger reported that several Board members attended the Orange County School Boards Association annual dinner and meeting. Orange County Planner David Church and M. William Lahey, Chairman, Orange County Legislature, were the guest speakers. The topic presented was planning and growth in Orange County. Mr. Geiger suggested that the District invite Mr. Church to speak at a meeting of the Board.
Mr. Crescenzo said that the first community meeting was held this month at Thrall Library. It is hoped that there will be greater participation at subsequent meetings.
Dr. Best thanked the OCSBA for recognizing him as a retiring Board member at the annual dinner.
Superintendent-approved budget transfer #24 was presented.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #24, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best., to approve Financial Memorandum #24, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Perkins was absent from the meeting at this time.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best., to accept the following bids:
Painting Services
Alpine Paint
$29,785.00
High School Gym
3 Ton Dump Truck
West-Herr Ford
$38,318.00
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Scott next presented several change orders for the High School construction project. He said that the change orders have been negotiated by JMOA and approved by Clark Patterson Associates.
Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve the following change orders for the High School project:
Morris Park Contracting – Site Contract
SC-002 $9,800.00
Morris Park Contracting – General Construction
GC-006 10,000.00
GC-015 8,014.65
GC-016 7,000.00
GC-017 3,126.00
GC-018 3,000.00
GC-019 1,387.60
GC-020 2,339.72
GC-021 18,829.45
GC-022 15,168.23
GC-023 15,612.58
GC-024 15,221.26
GC-025 1,209.17
GC-026 12,602.48
GC-027 2,409.29
GC-028 8,176.61
GC-030 10,856.25
GC-031 1,710.72
GC-032 9,241.64
Harry F. Rotolo & Son, Inc.
EC-013 10,853.60
EC-014 3,015.79
EC-015 21,680.20
EC-017 573.23
EC-018 14,856.00
EC-019 19,205.00
EC-020 6,095.00
J.A.C. Mechanical – Plumbing
PC-004 6,292.38
PC-005 19,364.00
PC-006 5,221.15
Pearl River Plumbing & Heating
MC-002 10,201.00
MC-003 63,146.00
MC-004 15,899.00
MC-005 15,017.00
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Scott said that fire inspections were conducted on May 17 and 18. In order for the State Education Department to issue a certificate of occupancy, the Board must adopt a plan to correct any outstanding items. Mr. Scott said that all items cited by the fire inspector have been corrected or contracted for.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following plan for correction for the 2006-2007 school year:
All items which were cited during the annual fire inspection and have not been corrected as of June 15, 2006, will be corrected by the completion of the following capital projects:
44-10-00-01-0-02-18 MHS 2003 Bond Issue Project
44-10-00-01-0-02-19 MHS Energy Performance
44-10-00-01-0-01-21 TTMS Energy Project
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Perkins returned at this time.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following agreements:
- YMCA Universal Pre-K program
- NYSARC Universal Pre-K program
- New Beginnings Montessori School Universal Pre-K program
- RECAP/Western Orange Head Start Universal Pre-K program
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Middletown Teachers Association dated June 2, 2006, attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the revisions to the employment contract – Superintendent of Schools.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: Geiger - 1. Motion was declared approved.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Roundtable:
Responding to a question from Ms. Perkins, Dr. Eastwood said that the District is dealing with violent and disruptive student behavior in many ways, including anger management training and peer mediation.
Mr. Perrino reported that there is a movement in Albany to alleviate the property tax as the source for education funding. The governor is being asked to call a special session of the legislature to address the shifting of funds from the homeowner to some alternate funding.
Mr. Perrino also addressed the issue of graffiti and other vandalism in our schools. He said that vandals should be made to pay for their damages.
Mrs. Knapp asked about the status of the Reading First grant. Dr. McDonough said that there have been some issues with non-public schools, and grant award notifications are pending the resolution of these issues.
Dr. Eastwood said that an authority on full day kindergarten programs will be evaluating the District’s program. A status report will be given to the Board following this evaluation.
Mr. Estrada said that the progress of our kindergarten students was evident in Chorley’s Bookies and Cookies program.
Mr. Estrada also said that some of the difficulties with graffiti might be addressed with the increase in security that was approved by the voters. Dr. Eastwood said that the recent security audit indicates that there are some areas that need to be addressed. The roles of monitors and school security aides are being explored.
Mr. Estrada said that student/guest behavior at last year’s graduation was very good. He asked that a reminder be given to turn off cell phones prior to the start of this year’s program.
Mr. Geiger congratulated all those retiring from the District this year. He also congratulated our seniors and wished them a safe week before graduation. Mr. Geiger spoke about the possibility of organizing a senior/kindergartener program, where high school seniors welcome kindergartners on their first day of school, and kindergarteners express good luck to departing seniors.
Dr. Best said that he ran for the Board on the following platforms: implementation of an all-day kindergarten program; advocate for school resource officer; bilingual news; diversity. Dr. Best said that he was pleased to see the District’s progress in these areas.
Mr. Crescenzo said that a special meeting will be held on June 29 to hear a presentation from RSA Architects.
Mr. Crescenzo noted that this is the last regular meeting of the year. He said that many challenges have been met this year with tremendous success. He noted that we have a larger graduating class, fewer dropouts, and more students going on to college. Mr. Crescenzo thanked all our staff for making this happen.
At 10:55 p.m., Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of the employment history of a particular person, or matters leading to the appointment, employment of a particular person.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:30 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 #24
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: June 15, 2006
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. 24 dated June 15, 2006, 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):
March 21, April 5, 11, 12, 25, 26, 27, May 2, 9, 11, 12, 18, 23, 25, 2006
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
June 6, 2006
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
ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM #24
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: June 15, 2006
RE: Financial Memorandum #24
Reserves Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education funds the tax certiorari reserve by appropriating $600,000 from the fund balance.