BOARD OF EDUCATION

MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK

OCTOBER 20, 2005

A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, October 20, 2005, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.

Present: Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Ms. Perkins, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 8.

Absent: Dr. Best - (arrived at 9:00 p.m.) - 1

Others Present: Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Darlene McDonough, Director for Elementary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Peter Ancona, Director for Technology

Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to have an executive session to discuss matters regarding contract negotiations and Board/Superintendent relations. Motion was unanimously approved.

Public session resumed at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.

Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of September 22, 2005.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

No written communications were read and no recognitions were presented.

Mr. Crescenzo presented a chronology of the events that recently occurred at the High School which necessitated the building being evacuated, and addressed rumors that have been circulating in-district.

Dr. Best arrived during the visitors’ comments.

Visitors:
Josephine Clark, Sharon Diana, Jean DeMatteo, Julie Palazzo, Mick Roche, Anthony DiGennaro, Barbara Ryan, Theresa Marchena, Madrena Pearson, Marquis Cabrera, Nicole Diana, Samuel Freeman, and Kathy Bellars spoke about issues at the High School including scheduling, safety and construction concerns.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #21, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Presentations:
Mechanicstown Principal Susan Short and Maple Hill Principal Paula Amaditz presented the Student Achievement Test Data for their respective schools. Ms. Short and Mrs. Amaditz spoke about the configuration of the students in the buildings, presented five year data overviews for students’ proficiency on the 2nd, 3rd and 5th grade Terra Novas and the 4th grade State assessments. They also presented the Adequate Yearly Progress Reports on ELA and Math.

Steven Heaslip said that Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. has assisted the District in the assessment of energy utilization at several school facilities. Energy audits were performed at the elementary, middle and high schools and the District central office building. Mr. Heaslip said that several measures, including HVAC control, lighting upgrades and boiler upgrades were recommended, which will result in an annual energy and operational savings of approximately $344,000. The implementation cost of the project will be State aided.

Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown (“District”) solicited requests for proposal for an energy performance audit including a rehabilitation of existing District buildings in order to improve energy efficiency (“Project”); and

WHEREAS, on September 23, 2004, the Board authorized the District to negotiate a performance contract agreement with Siemens Building Technologies (“Siemens”); and

WHEREAS, the Project is not subject to environmental review in accordance with the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA), 6 N.Y.C.R.R. 617.5(c);

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, approves the Performance Contracting Agreement between the District and Siemens to provide facility improvement measures consisting of lighting upgrades, mechanical equipment upgrades, water upgrades, temperature control upgrades and envelope an infrastructure upgrades, not to exceed $4,693,010 in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement, including Exhibits “A” through “M,” as more fully described and attached hereto;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes the Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Kenneth Eastwood, to execute the Performance Contracting Agreement with Siemens.

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following resolution:

RESOLUTION DATED OCTOBER 20, 2005.

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK, TO ENTER INTO A LEASE PURCHASE AGREEMENT IN CONNECTION WITH THE ENERGY SERVICES AGREEMENT WITH SIEMENS BUILDING TECHNOLOGIES, INC. AND PROVIDING FOR OTHER MATTERS IN RELATION THERETO.

Recital
WHEREAS, the City School District of the City of Middletown, Orange County, New York, (the “School District”) has entered into an Energy Services Agreement with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. (the “Agreement”) and

WHEREAS, in order to finance the improvements contemplated under the Agreement it is necessary to enter into a lease purchase agreement with Real Lease, Inc. and the execution of related closing documents;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF MIDDLETOWN, ORANGE COUNTY, NEW YORK (by favorable vote of not less than two-thirds of said Board of Education) as follows:

Section 1. For the purpose of financing the Agreement (or such portion thereof as the President of the Board of Education shall determine to be in the best financial interests of the School District) the execution and delivery of a lease/purchase agreement with Real Lease, Inc. (the “Lease”) in substantially the form presented at this meeting and appended hereto is hereby authorized.

Section 2. The President of the Board of Education and the School District Clerk and all other officers, employees and agents of the School District are hereby and directed for and on behalf of the School District to execute and deliver all certificates and other documents, perform all acts and do all things required or contemplated to be executed, performed or done by this resolution or any document or agreement approved hereby.

Section 3. All other matters pertaining to the terms and delivery of the Lease shall be determined by the President of the Board of Education and all powers in connection thereof are hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education. The execution of the Agreement with Siemens Building Technologies, Inc. is hereby approved and confirmed.

Section 4. This resolution takes effect immediately.

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Board Member Reports:
John Perrino spoke about a program at the Middletown Fire Department in which students aged 16 and 17, with appropriate grades can participate. He said that this is a way in which young people can contribute to the community in a positive manner. Mr. Perrino also spoke about the danger caused by false alarms.

The Board reviewed a proposed policy on Nepotism. In accordance with Board policy, this policy will be adopted at the next regular meeting of the Board.

Policies entitled Telecommunications Equipment Use by Staff, Possession and Use of Personal Cell Phones In School, Use of the District Credit Card and Reimbursement for Meal Expenses Incurred During Staff Meetings were also presented. These policies are being considered as a result of reviews conducted in other school districts by the State Comptroller’s Office.

Mr. Crescenzo presented Superintendent approved Budget Transfer #9.

Ms. McKean reviewed the proposed Budget Development Calendar for the 2006-2007 School Year.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Special Services Memorandum #8, 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 Mrs. Botti, to approve of Financial Memorandum #9, 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 Mr. Estrada, to approve the following resolution:

WHEREAS, there are continued problems with roof leaks at several of our facilities (including but not limited to Chorley, Twin Towers, Administration Building, High School), and there is a continuing concern about the integrity of the roofs of the school facilities, and

WHEREAS, there are continuing concerns about the safety of the surface of the district track facility, and

WHEREAS, the Board of Education determines it necessary in the discharge of its duty to (1) protect the health and safety of students and staff; (2) safeguard the assets of the district, to conduct a study of the roofs and the track facility,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education declares the expenses associated with conducting a study of the District’s roofs and High School track to be ordinary and contingent expenses not to exceed $100,000, and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the costs of such study be appropriated from unreserved and unencumbered fund balance available as of June 30, 2005.

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approval the disposal of the following Surplus/Obsolete Equipment:

1992 Chevrolet Pick up Truck No. 17

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

No visitors asked to address the Board.

Ms. Tobiassen left the meeting at this time.

Mr. Estrada facilitated a review of the NYSSBA 2005 Proposed Bylaw Amendments and Resolutions, including a resolution entitled Task Force on Financing School District Retirement Benefits. Mr. Estrada will be the voting delegate at the NYSSBA Annual Convention to be held this month in Rochester.

Mrs. Botti introduced the topic of Board meetings with the Middletown Common Council. She suggested that a written agenda be prepared for these meetings. The Board will continue discussion of Council/Board meetings at a future meeting.

Mrs. Knapp said that she was present at one of the High School evacuations, and noted some of the processes that have been put in place to protect students and staff.

Mrs. Botti said that the Board needs to find a way to conduct the business of the District and, at the same time, provide opportunity for the public to have a voice. Dr. Best recommended that visitors be reminded that they can disagree without being disagreeable.

Mr. Estrada spoke about the role of faculty during emergencies, release of students during emergency situations, and the designation of Faller Field as the site to utilize during evacuations.
Dr. Eastwood said that emergency responders have advised the District that letting staff and/or students leave in vehicles during emergency situations will hinder the access of emergency vehicles to the school. He said that students must evacuate the building as quickly as possible, cannot go to their lockers, and must go the Faller Field staging area.

Mr. Estrada said that Academy of Finance and the Academy of Information Technology will hold its annual recognition dinner on October 27.

Responding to a question from Mrs. Knapp, Dr. Eastwood said that he frequently visits the construction site at the High School, where he checks workers’ badges, reinforcing the need that they be publicly displayed.

Dr. Eastwood also said that staff will have access to grades on the Cross Pointe program. He also said that some conversions have been held up to ensure that users have the equipment and training to use the programs.

Mr. Geiger said that the District needs to set aside some time to hear from members of the public; thanked the staff of Buildings and Grounds for their assistance during evacuation and Ken Haverlan for his quick response in formulating corrective procedures; suggested that the Times Herald Record present an article regarding the corrective procedures.

Responding to a suggestion that the District look at the Orange County Fairgrounds as a possible evacuation shelter, Dr. Eastwood said that the staging area must allow for the entrance of emergency vehicles.

Discussion was held regarding having the City provide additional crossing guards in the Route 211/Wisner Avenue area. Mr. Perrino said that it has not been the practice of the City to provide crossing guards for secondary schools; he will, however, address the issue with City officials.

Mr. Crescenzo said that School Board Recognition Week begins on October 24. He said that Board members serve because they care about all the students in the District.

Mr. Crescenzo read a letter from Stacey Bluestein which noted the extra efforts Chorley staff took regarding her child’s education.

At 12:35 a.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 #8

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: October 20, 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. 8 dated October 20, 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):

September 13, 14, 28, 29, 2005

2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):

October 11 and 18, 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

 

 

ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT
OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM #9

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: October 20, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #9

1. Budget Transfer #7 Approved

From:	A.2610.8501.05.2600.05	Library Supplies – Mechancistown	$ 6,892.00
To:	A.2610.8521.05.2600.00	Library Books – Mechanicstown	6,892.00
From:	A.2110.8429.10.2510.00	Pre-K Support	98,500.00
To:	A.2110.8501.05.2510.05	Supplies – Pre-K Support	5,720.00
To:	A.9060.8804.10.9100.00	Health & Dental	92.780.00

2. FS-10 Reports Accepted

FUNDING SOURCE	BUDGET
21st Century Community Learning	$   599,927
Class Size Reduction	165,728
Comprehensive School Reform	141,500
CPSE	28,326
Extended Day/School Violence	89,767
IDEA-B Section 611	1,585,176
IDEA-B Section 619	81,487
Mentor/Teacher	52,500
Targeted Pre-K	383,556
Teacher Center	104,900
Title I	2,182,805
Title II – Part A	327,040
Title III – LEP	136,368
Title IV	48,891
Title V – Part A	7,773
Universal Pre-K	404,928
Title IID Tech – Hi Need	449,845