BOARD OF EDUCATION

MIDDLETOWN , NEW YORK

NOVEMBER 17, 2005

A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, November 17, 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 Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Present: Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
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 6:00 p.m. Dr. Best made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to have an executive session to discuss contract negotiations and legal matters. Motion was unanimously approved.

Public session resumed at 7:30 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag. He asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of the father of one of our teachers, Bill Ruggles.

Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of October 20, 2005.

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Cmdr. Andrew Wall introduced members of the NJROTC who worked with the local Lions Club in collecting, sorting, and boxing clothing to be used for the Katrina Relief Clothing Drive . Mr. Perrino said that the members of the ROTC are to be commended for their service to the community during this weekend effort.

Mr. Crescenzo announced that Melissa Cortellini, Communications Coordinator for the Middletown School District , was recognized by the New York Schools Public Relations Association for outstanding achievement at the NYSSBA Annual Convention in Rochester . Ms. Cortellini won an Award of Excellence for the budget/bond newsletter.

No written communications were read and no responses to previous questions were pending.

Mr. Crescenzo said that on November 15 he met with parents and community members who have expressed concerns, particularly regarding the High School. He will report on this meeting during the Roundtable part of the meeting.

Visitors:
Mr. Crescenzo said that beginning with the Board’s first meeting in January, the original format will be followed for visitors to address the Board. The first opportunity will be reserved for those visitors who wish to speak to items on the current agenda; the second opportunity will be for any educational issue.
Ed Godwin suggested that Board agenda and reports be put on the District’s website.
Patricia Best spoke about perception and the need for the Board to do what is in the best interest of students.

Kathy Bellars said that some concerns presented at recent Board meetings have been addressed, but that there are still issues regarding student attendance and rosters and the public address system at the High School.

Dr. Eastwood said that many problems within the District are being worked on, including the public address system and student attendance reporting. He said that the District is trying to ensure that the hardware and computer technical capacity is sufficient for all users that will be inputting attendance information.

Mr. Crescenzo listed some of the many good things that have been happening in the District. He noted the drama productions, winter concerts, food drives, Spirit Week at the High School, the Renaissance breakfast, Homecoming activities, an undefeated Math team, many successful early college admissions.

Ruth Figueroa spoke about discipline following a cafeteria fight at Monhagen.

Middletown High School Executive Principal Larry Ashley and House Principal Michael Barone presented Student Achievement Test Data for students at the High School. Performance of the English and Math Assessments for graduation years 2002-2004 was shared, broken down by ethnicity, socio economic status, gender, and disability.

James Oliver of Robertson Strong Apgar Architects (RSAA) said that the firm has over 38 years of K-12 education experience in New York State . He shared part of the firm’s professional portfolio which includes extensive educational planning, building and site design, and project management experience. RSAA has worked on extensive renovations, additions to existing buildings, as well as handling of maintenance items. Mr. Oliver continued by explaining the company’s approach and timeline for the Twin Towers concrete stair replacement project.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino reported on the proceedings of the school bus safety meeting. He said bus behavior expectations should be reinforced using Channel 20 and school newsletters.

Mr. Crescenzo said that a recent presidents/vice presidents workshop of the OCSBA focused on budget preparation and how to get information out to the public.

Mr. Estrada said that the Board may submit names in nomination of a new NYSSBA Area 9 director by December 15. He also noted the recent articles regarding executive sessions and TRS increases published in On Board. Mr. Estrada also said that a workshop, The Financial Responsibilities of School Board Members, will be held on December 3 at BOCES. He noted that attendance at this workshop will meet the state mandate for school board training in financial oversight responsibilities.

Ms. Perkins spoke about the opportunities available through the Middletown Teacher Center , noting that it is an award winning center.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Personnel Memorandum #23, copy attached.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to remove from the agenda an appointment of an emergency conditional appointment of a substitute teacher since the person is now being appointed to a probationary appointment.

With this revision duly noted, motion to approve Personnel Memorandum #23, as amended, was taken.

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Superintendent approved budget transfer #11 was presented.

The Board reviewed the following policies:

• Telecommunications Equipment Use by Staff
• Possession and Use of Personal Cell Phones In School
• Use of the District Credit Card
• Reimbursement for Meal Expenses Incurred During Staff Meetings
• Nepotism

Several revisions were suggested and the policies will be re-presented for discussion at the December 1 Board meeting.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Special Services Memorandum #10, 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 Mr. Estrada, to approve Financial Memorandum #11, 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 Ms. Perkins, to approve the appointment of Robertson Strong Apgar Architects of Syracuse, New York for architectural/engineering services for the District.

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 accept the following bids for the sale of Surplus Equipment:

1992 Chevrolet Pickup Truck
John McGuire, Montgomery , NY $1,876.00

1978 Chevrolet Mason Dump Truck
Timothy Paraskeva, Stormville , NY $1,652.00

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 the following payment schedule for scoring substitutes:

Certified substitutes $100.00/day
Uncertified substitutes $ 90.00/day

Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. McDonough explained that this is a one-time salary increase for the certified and non-certified substitute teachers for the purpose of releasing classroom teachers to score the 2006 ELA New York State Assessments in grades 3-8.

Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:

Be it resolved, that the Board of Education hereby affirms the decision in the Superintendent’s hearing concerning student #71027.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Patricia Best addressed the wording of the District’s proposed policies on credit cards and nepotism.
Roundtable:
Responding to a question from Mr. Geiger, Dr. Eastwood said that the District no longer employs an interim athletic director.

Dr. Eastwood and Mrs. Kaplan responded to a question concerning teaching vacancies by saying that there are a few positions that are not yet filled. It was noted that the District is receiving many applications, but that the vacant positions are difficult to fill because of their specialized nature.

Ms. Tobiassen left the meeting at 11:15 p.m.

Mr. Estrada said that the MHS play was extremely well performed under difficult circumstances. He suggested that the student performers be invited back to MHS when the new auditorium is dedicated.

Mr. Estrada also thanked Jean Heater and Debbie Morris for their outstanding presentation of Middletown ’s Teacher-Mentor Program at the NYSSBA Convention in Rochester .
Responding to a question from Mrs. Knapp, Dr. Eastwood said that space availability is hindering a solution to the chorus problem at the High School. The building is currently at 100% utilization.

Mr. Crescenzo shared information resulting from the Board’s meeting this past Tuesday concerning issues at the High School. He said that most people agree that education is going on and that the tone of the building is good, even though the building is overcrowded due to construction. Mr. Crescenzo reported that parents and students feel there is a need for greater communication, including more aggressive use of Channel 20 and Cable 6. Other suggestions included: having a parent forum at the High School; presentations by the SRO’s; meeting with Board members and the High School Executive Principal either during the evening or on Saturday mornings; including the SRO’s on the District’s email system. Mr. Crescenzo said that while the presence of weapons has been minimal, students are encouraged and expected to report their presence. He also noted that many students feel that metal detectors are de-humanizing. Administration will prioritize the suggestions and report progress at future meetings of the Board.
At 11:40 p.m., there being no further business, Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, 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 #10

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: November 17, 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. 10 dated November 17, 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 29, October 12, 19, 21, 25, 26, 31, November 1, 2, 8, 2005

2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
November 8, 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 #11

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: November 17, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #11

Board Transfer #9 Approved (see attached)
FS-10 Reports Accepted (see attached)
Health Tuition Rate for the 2005-2006 School Year Approved

Resolved, that the non-resident tuition rate for the Middletown City School District for the 2005-2006 school year will be $336.13 per pupil based upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools.

Utilization of BOCES to Purchase an AS400 I Series Computer Hardware, Software, Maintenance and Installations Approved

Whereas, the Enlarged City School District of Middletown wishes to purchase an AS 400 I Series computer hardware, software, maintenance and installation to upgrade and expand the current components in the district and,

Whereas, the District has arranged with the Ulster County Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), through the Regional Information Center, to purchase such equipment, software, maintenance and the necessary installation for its use; and

Whereas, BOCES is providing this as a service to a public school district at the District’s request;
Now, therefore, it is hereby resolved that:

1. The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to enter into an agreement with BOCES to provide an AS 400 I Series computer hardware, software, maintenance and installation.

2. The District will be billed by BOCES as detailed in the attached contract.

Budget Amendment #1 for the 2005-2006 Budget Approved

Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education approves an increase to the 2005-2006 budget in the amount of $50,000, for additional revenue received from the New York State Special Assembly Legislation for the purpose of hiring a third School Resource Officer.

Revenue:
Budget as adopted $99,160,624
A510/A3289 $ 50,000
$99,210,624

Appropriations:
Budget as adopted $99,160,624
A960/A2110.8440.10.2100.00 $ 50,000
$99,210,624

Donation Accepted
Educational Alliance Grant
Mobil on the Run $500.00

Cancellation and Refund of Taxes Approved (see attached)