BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
DECEMBER 15, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, December 15, 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, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 8.
Absent: Mr. Perrino – 1.
Others Present: Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
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 8:00 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.
Mr. Crescenzo sent get well wishes to Mr. Perrino who is home recovering from recent surgery.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the minutes of November 17, and December 1, 2005.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Written Communications:
The District Clerk read a letter from Jean Heater, Coordinator, and Debbie Morris, Chair of the Middletown Mentor-Intern Program which thanked the Board for its support during their recent presentation at the NYSSBA conference in Rochester.
The District Clerk also read a letter addressed to Mrs. Botti from Hugh Clark, Director of Leadership Development Services of the New York State School Boards Association. This letter thanked Mrs. Botti for her participation in fiscal oversight training workshops.
Mr. Crescenzo read a letter from Susan and Jonathan Newmark which recognized the efforts of the District’s Fine Arts staff and students. Mr. & Mrs. Newmark said that Middletown High School musicians were very well represented at the All State Music Festival recently held in Rochester.
Ms. Fischer responded to a comment from a parent at a prior meeting concerning Individualized Education programs. She said that special education teachers relay information regarding any needed modifications to the student’s regular education teachers.
Visitors:
Barbara Ryan spoke about the number of monitors at the High School and the absence of an art class teacher. She also encouraged parents to attend Board meetings.
Andrew Mulick addressed heat issues at Monhagen and the High School, silent lunches at Monhagen, and the need for teachers to have email training. Dr. Eastwood said that the District is looking at the heat issues with the District’s new architect.
Eric Blimeron spoke about various building maintenance issues and the need to have a timeline for repairs.
Martin Sassi of the firm of Nugent & Haeussler, P.C. reviewed the Audit Report for the year ended June 30, 2005. Mr. Sassi said that the firm’s responsibility is to perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance that the financial statements are free of material misstatement. Tests on compliance with provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, etc. were performed. Mr. Sassi said that the firm noted no transactions entered into by the School District that were both significant and unusual, or transactions for which there is a lack of authoritative guidance or consensus.
District Construction Project Liaison Art Lange presented information regarding the New York State Education Department’s safety standards for school construction and maintenance projects. He said that it is the mission of the Orange Ulster BOCES Safety & Health/Risk Management Department to assist the School District in providing safe and healthful learning environments that comply with applicable federal, state, and local environmental and safety regulations. Mr. Lange reviewed several items required by Commissioners regulations and outlined the measures that Orange Ulster BOCES will undertake to help the District to meet these requirements.
Ms. Perkins left the meeting at this time.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel Memorandum #26, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Personnel Memorandum #27, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Since there was no need to review personnel folders, this item was tabled.
Superintendent-approved Budget Transfer #13 was presented.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Special Services Memorandum #12, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #13, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to establish an Audit Committee.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to adopt 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
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to approve the following Field Directed Allowances – MHS Project:
Morris ParkContracting $2,868.90
CFA No. GC-01
N.S.C. Abatement Services, Inc. $10,200.00
CFA No. AC-01
N.S.C. Abatement Services, Inc. $14,402.00
CFA No. AC-02
Harry F. Rotolo & Son, Inc. $13,624.65
CFA No. EC-02
Harry F. Rotolo & Son, Inc. $6,806.25
CFA No. EC-03
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following Final Payment:
David L. Kempton, Inc.
Mechanical Contract – Mechanicstown Project
$31,306.99
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following resolution:
Resolved, that the Board of Education hereby affirms the decision of the Superintendent of Schools in an appeal concerning student #0085103.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Roundtable:
Mr. Geiger spoke about some of the many activities which have happened around the District. He complimented the MHS jazz band, choir, and concert band on their excellent performance. He said that the students at Monhagen gave a wonderful production of “Scrooge” under the direction of Forty Esposito. The High School Key Club also held a very well attended spaghetti dinner.
Mr. Geiger continued by speaking about the need to have communication with parents at a time other than the regularly scheduled board meetings.
Mr. Estrada thanked all those who worked on the Chorley first grade concert. He said it was a very entertaining event.
Mr. Crescenzo said that many Middletown students will be participating in the Parks and Recreation performance at the Paramount this Sunday.
Mr. Crescenzo concluded the meeting by wishing everyone a safe and healthy New Year.
At 9:45 p.m., Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of personnel matters. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 9:55 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 #12
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: December 15, 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. 12 dated December 15, 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):00
October 27, November 8, 9, 14, 16, 17, 22, 23, 29, 30, December 1, 2005
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
December 6, 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 #13
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: December 15, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #13
1. Treasurer’s Reports Accepted
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the months of August, September and October 2005:
Treasurer’s Report
Expense Report
2. FS 10 Report Accepted
Funding Source Budget
Title I School Improvement Grant $215,000.00
Title I Grants to LEAs $2,572.00
3. Cancellation and Refund of Taxes Approved (see attached)
4. Return of Uncollected School Taxes Approved
Resolved, that the Middletown City School District tax collector’s report of 2005-06 for uncollected school taxes and penalties be acknowledged as follows: as of December 12, 2005 in the City of Middletown an amount of $2,122,370.62, the Town of Wallkill an amount of $1,226,551.30, the Town of Wawayanda an amount of $44,731.35, be it further
Resolved, that the County Treasurer be empowered to collect the above delinquent taxes due in the Town of Wallkill, Wawayanda respectively, and the City Treasurer be empowered to collect these delinquent school taxes in the City of Middletown, as per the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools.
5. Audit Report for the 2004-2005 School Year Accepted
Whereas, the Education Law, Section 2116-a and Regulation of the Commissioner of Education, Section 170.2 require action by the Board of Education to annually secure an audit by an independent auditor and,
Whereas, it is further required that a copy of such audits accompanied by an acceptance resolution by the Board of Education be filed with the State Education Department, be it
Resolved, that the Board of Education accepts the Financial Audit Report, Federal Single Audit Report, Extraclassroom Activity Fund Audit Report and Management Letter for the fiscal year 2004-05, as submitted by our independent auditor, Nugent and Haeussler, P.C.
6. Utilization of BOCES for the Purchase of Network Printers, Maintenance and Installation Approved
Whereas, the Enlarged City School District of Middletown wishes to purchase network printers, maintenance and installation to upgrade and expand the current components in the district and,
Whereas, the District has arranged with Orange-Ulster Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) to purchase such equipment, 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:
- The Superintendent of Schools is authorized to enter into agreement with BOCES to provide network printers, maintenance and installation.
- The District will be billed by BOCES.