BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
OCTOBER 6, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, October 6, 2005, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, 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 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
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m. Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to have an executive session to discuss matters regarding collective negotiations. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:40 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.
Mr. Geiger and Mrs. Knapp were absent during this part of the meeting. Mr. Crescenzo noted that both were attending Open House at the High School.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the minutes of September 8, 2005.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo - 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo introduced Maple Hill Vice Principal Alan Lewis, author of a newly published book for children entitled I Grew Up On A Farm. Mr. Lewis said that he wrote about his childhood growing up on a local farm in Middletown because he felt the life of an American farmer needed to be preserved for future generations, especially with the ever-increasing numbers of houses being built in place of the farms that used to fill the landscape.
Mr. Crescenzo next introduced Athletic Director David Coates who said that the varsity and JV cheerleaders were able to attend cheerleading camp by raising $5,000 through fundraisers. He said that Middletown won superior trophy awards and Holly Babbin received recognition as outstanding cheerleader.
Mrs. Botti read a State of New York Legislative Resolution sponsored by Senator John Bonacic. This resolution honored former MHS student Michael Dickstein for being named a Merrill Presidential Scholar at Cornell University. The resolution also commended MHS teacher Shirley Thompson who was named as Mr. Dickstein’s inspiration. The Merrill Presidential Scholars Program provides for a one-time scholarship to be established in each teacher’s name for a financially needy Cornell student from the teacher’s high school or geographical area.
No written communications were read.
Mr. Crescenzo gave a statement responding to an advertisement that was placed in the Times Herald Record by the Middletown Teachers Association. He emphasized that the District takes issues regarding the safety of our students and staff very seriously, noting actions that have been taken regarding construction equipment at the High School and air quality monitoring. Mr. Crescenzo said overcrowding is the reason that an addition is being made to the High School and clarified that the High School is operating with the same amount of instructional space as last year, minus a gymnasium and an auditorium which have been lost due to the new construction. The new construction will add more classrooms, a new gymnasium and an auditorium to the building.
Mr. Crescenzo also addressed concerns pertaining to the new software package that is being implemented this year and several other issues that were brought to light as a result of audits done in-district, such as the lack of standardized curriculum, very low graduation rates, the lack of a professional development plan, and the need for program budgeting. He said that tremendous change has been required in a very short time frame, and Dr. Eastwood continues to look at District problems and to implement resolutions to these matters. Mr. Crescenzo said that all District staff needs to continue to work together to resolve our problems.
Visitors:
Sheila Esposito said it was not the intent of the MTA to place blame, but to emphasize the need to work collaboratively for timely and appropriate resolution to District issues. Mrs. Esposito also noted the role that the MTA played in the development of the professional development plan.
Dr. Eastwood said that attendance and class lists continue to be addressed. Many of the problematic class schedules are those for students requiring AIS services. He noted that the AIS and Compensatory Education programs had to be modified to meet State regulations which require school districts to provide specific time and intervention for students most at-risk. He also noted that as a result of a district audit, extra sessions and 9.5 teachers have been added to alleviate overcrowding in the bilingual classes.
Dr. Eastwood continued by saying that the professional development plan was listed as a goal last summer. He said that all staff need to stay focused on our students and their performance and the State requirement that all students need to be proficient at State standards. All students regardless of their backgrounds must receive appropriate education and intervention to be successful.
A parent inquired about the purpose of the new software that the District is using, printing issues, High School Open House scheduling, and some staff members’ inability to explain benchmarking to parents.
Dr. Eastwood responded that the District purchased software consisting of three packages; a financial package, a human resource/payroll package, and a student information package.
Dr. Eastwood also said that the Executive Principal at the High School met with staff, and it was decided to hold Open House tonight, instead of the date that was previously scheduled, to allow staff more time to deal with issues at the school.
Mr. DelMoro explained that benchmarking is a strategy that will assess students’ writing abilities in order to identify strengths and weaknesses and provide for appropriate intervention. He said that the benchmarking process has nothing to do with student grades.
Mr. DelMoro also explained that the District is conducting quarterly assessments in our secondary schools. The quarterly assessments were developed by teachers this summer via a curriculum writing project. These quarterly assessments represent 20% of a student’s marking period grade.
Dr. Eastwood said that the District receives State aid on the software purchase; local cost will be approximately 30% of the purchase price. The purchase of a new software package was recommended by Dr. Hanna, who had been appointed by the Commissioner of Education to oversee the District and to make recommendations for District improvement. Dr. Eastwood noted that most of the problems encountered have been human resource related, not software related.
Eric Blumenal spoke about maintenance issues in our schools.
Mrs. Knapp and Mr. Geiger returned to the meeting during the following presentations.
Donna Napolitano, Truman Moon Principal, and Fred Griffin, Chorley Principal, presented information on their respective Student Achievement Test Data. Data regarding school enrollment, including breakdowns for the numbers of regular education, ESL, and classified students was presented. Mrs. Napolitano said that analyzed data helps to identify trends in teachers’ delivery of instruction, which was useful for instructional change. She also shared an analysis of first grade ELA and Mathematics Terra Nova scores for the past three years at Truman Moon, and spoke about the methods for collecting data this school year. Mrs. Napolitano said that this year a baseline of student academic achievement with all new assessment tools and data will be established, and by June 2007 the District will have comparative data reflecting student growth and achievement in English Language Arts and Mathematics at the primary buildings.
Mr. Griffin also presented school enrollment data and information on the percentages of students in first and second grades meeting or exceeding standards in levels 3 and 4 in ELA and Math. He said that students were assessed three times a year, and noted that mathematics instruction, using hands-on activities and manipulatives, has been the strong point at Chorley.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada said that an Orange County School Boards Association meeting was held yesterday. He noted that a workshop on the financial responsibilities of School Board members will be held on December 3 at BOCES. He said that attendance at this workshop will fulfill the State mandate for school board training in financial oversight responsibilities.
Mr. Perrino said that a meeting with the Middletown Common Council will be held on October 12 at City Hall to discuss issues of mutual concern.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #20, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
The policy on Nepotism was reviewed. Wording proposed by the District’s counsel will be incorporated into the policy, and will be presented for a first reading at the next meeting of the Board.
Superintendent approved budget transfer #8 for four transfers was presented.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve Special Services Memorandum #7, 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. Knapp, to approve Financial Memorandum #8, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Music teacher Gregory Bennett addressed the Board with concerns about the number of students in his classes at Middletown High School.
Roundtable:
Dr. Eastwood said that when the 2005-06 budget was prepared, no requests for additional music instructors were received from the High School. In order to add more staff at this time, funding will need to be transferred from other budget allocations. He also spoke about space availability at the High School, which he said is currently at 100% utilization. Dr. Eastwood and Mr. DelMoro will determine what can be done to alleviate the overcrowding in the music programs at the High School.
Mr. Perrino noted the following:
- The impact of tax increases on the community
- The Mechanicstown PTO will support the MicroSociety Program for 2005-06
- Mechanicstown will have a blood drive on October 11
- Parent attendance at Open Houses was good
- Bill Noha’s Kids First Program will have a meeting for new mentors on October 11
- There was good security at the Middletown/Newburgh football game
- Good comments are being received regarding the activities of the SRO’s in our schools
Discussion regarding the NYSSBA 2005 Proposed Bylaw Amendments and Resolutions, including the resolution to support a Task Force on Financing School District Retirement Benefits was postponed until the October 20 meeting of the Board.
Ms. Tobiassen left the meeting at 11:00 p.m. Mr. Geiger left at 11:05 p.m.
Dr. Ashley, Executive Principal at MHS, reported on the Open House that was held at the High School earlier this evening. He said that it was well attended by parents. Dr. Ashley also said that his office is open one night a week for parents to come into meet with him regarding any concerns they may have.
At 11:45 p.m., Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of the collective negotiations. Motion was unanimously approved.
At 12:06 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 #7
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: October 6, 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. 7 dated October 6, 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, 15, 21, 22, 27, 2005
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
September 27, 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 #8
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: October 6, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #8
1. Donation Accepted
Academy of Finance
Citigroup Foundation $3,000.00
2. Treasurer’s Report – July 2005 -- Accepted