BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
JANUARY 26, 2006
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, January 26, 2006, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Dr. Best, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Ms. Perkins, Mr. Perrino,
Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 8.
Absent: Mr. Estrada (joined the meeting at 6:34 p.m.)
Others Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Present: Elizabeth McKean, 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.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session to discuss contract negotiations, legal, and personnel matters. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of January 12, 2006.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino introduced members of Boy Scout Troop 157 who are undertaking a community service project at the First Presbyterian Church. They will be replacing a worn floor at the church as an Eagle Scout project for one of the scouters. A spaghetti dinner fund raiser will also be held at the church on February 4.
Mr. Crescenzo introduced Athletic Director David Coates who said that the boys cross country, girls swimming & diving, girls soccer, and the girls tennis teams were all honored by the Scholar Athlete Program for achieving a 90 minimum grade point average. The program centers on a team concept of academic achievement for varsity athletes. Sponsored by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association’s (NYSPHSAA), students are recognized for academic excellence coupled with athletic participation. Recognized from the Middletown School District are:
Girls Swimming & Diving: Samantha Sherman, Leslie Amodio, Aarti Agarwal, Madelyn Stevens, Caroline Warrren, Katie Woodward, Chrissy Duggan, Susan Amodio, Alison Gillis, Kelli Weier, Meaghan Flessa, Raina Tawil -- Coach Frank Woodward
Boys Cross Country: David McCarey, Matthew Gawors, Timothy Hluchan, Matthew Gewing, Matthew Doolittle, Omar Acevedo, John Ocampo – Coach Martin Harnick
Girls Tennis: Antonietta Corea, Laura Friedman, Laura Johnson, Amanda Lubniewski, Kendall McCarey, Carolyn Murray, Jessica Ruggles, Bridgette Weiss, Mary Young -- Coach Tony Delcotto
Girls Soccer: Jenna McCarey, Carolyn Milner, Michaela Ivanchukov, Julie Armstrong, Samantha Allen, Wallys Briceno, Marilyn Brink, Jeimmy Ordonez, Lyana Roldan, Taj-Monet Anthony, Jena Fellenzer, Amelia Fish -- Coach Diane Wanser
Mr. Crescenzo said that personnel action items would be considered next.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve Personnel Memorandum #30, copy attached:
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo – 7. Nose: Knapp, Botti - 2. Motion was declared approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve Personnel Memorandum #31, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo – 7. Noes: Knapp, Botti – 2. Motion was declared approved.
Mrs. Botti said that she voted in the negative because she is disillusioned by the tenure evaluation process.
Mr. Perrino noted the good work that was done by the staff of Buildings and Grounds during the recent storms and the work done by the clerical staff during student exams. He also spoke about the wrestling tournament that was coordinated by custodian Larry Waterman.
Mr. Crescenzo commended the faculty and staff in our buildings for their hard work in making this District successful. He particularly noted the efforts of the staff at the High School who have experienced many inconveniences this year.
Mr. Crescenzo read a letter from the Hartford Insurance Company which handles the insurance policy that covers the construction at the High School. The letter commended the District on the controls in place at the job site, including security measures, welding procedures and storage practices.
Mr. Crescenzo also read an invitation to Board members to attend the annual Monhagen/Twin Towers Challenge Night on February 3. This event is a fund raiser to support the Ruthie Dino Marshall/Joe Giannocaro Memorial Fund.
Mr. Crescenzo addressed recent articles in the local newspaper which may have caused concern to individuals. He said that the newspaper has a powerful voice in this community and needs to be held accountable for misinformation that is printed. Mr. Crescenzo said that the newspaper presents a very negative view of the “Middletown attitude.” Mr. Crescenzo, however, said that “Middletown attitude” was proudly displayed this evening with our scholar/athletes and scouts. He said that the newspaper’s comments should be offensive to parents, staff and students.
Visitors:
Keith Phillips, Andy Mills, Cassie Mills, Rene Fister, Laura Harris-Whitley, Jerry Fisher, Reana Fisher, Nicole Harris, Elizabeth Collica, Hank Harfield spoke in support of the High School art teacher.
Mr. Crescenzo emphasized that the District cannot release the charges brought against the High School art teacher without the teacher’s permission, which was not granted.
Ms. McKean gave a presentation on the Instructional Component of the proposed 2006-2007 budget. She reviewed a six-year history of the percentage growth in the program portion of the budget and the major categories that will increase in the 2006-2007 budget. The proposed budget for 2006-2007 calls for a 9.43% increase in this portion of the budget. Ms. McKean said that these are preliminary numbers because aid figures, costs for BOCES services, etc. are not yet available. The next presentation on the proposed budget will be held on February 23. At that time, information on the capital portion of the budget will be presented.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino said that a work session with the Middletown Common Council will be held on January 30 at the Board Office.
Mr. Estrada noted the following:
- The 2006 position statements and bylaws for the NYSSBA convention will soon be available. Board members should review these documents and be prepared to discuss any resolutions/amendments they would like to have considered. Mr. Estrada said that the NYSSBA Annual Convention will be held in October in New York City.
- The OCSBA annual dinner will be held on June 7
- The Legislative Brunch will be held on February 11
- The State Legislative Network will meet on March 5, 6, 7 in Albany
Mr. Estrada also commended the staff at Middletown High School, Twin Towers, and Monhagen for nominating students for the Sojourner Truth Awards. The awards will be presented on March 10 at Orange County Community College.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr, Best, to create three Coaching Positions for the 2006 Spring Season (Boys JV Lacrosse, Girls JV Lacrosse, Girls Varsity Golf):
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Eastwood said that there are a large number of students interested in these sports, there are qualified coaches in-district, and this action will help the District comply with Title IX equivalency issues.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, 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.
Superintendent-approved budget transfer #15 was presented.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Special Services Memorandum #14, 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 Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #15, 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 amend the agenda to consider a resolution regarding a Superintendent hearing appeal.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion to amend the agenda was unanimously approved.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the Board of Education considered an appeal of a Superintendent’s hearing decision regarding student #0097073 in executive session on January 26, 2006, be it resolved that the Board’s determination is as follows: The finding of guilt is affirmed.
Ayes: Best, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Abstain: Estrada. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada noted that he was not present during this part of the executive session.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to amend the agenda to consider a resolution concerning Diamond State Insurance Company.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion to amend the agenda was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve the following resolution:
Resolved, that the Board hereby ratifies the terms of the settlement in the Matter of Middletown E.C.S.D., et al. v. Diamond State Insurance Company and further authorizes the Board President to execute the settlement agreement on the Board’s behalf.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 9. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
No visitors asked to address the Board.
Roundtable:
Responding to a request from Mrs. Knapp, Dr. Eastwood explained the difference in the quarterly GPA and the cumulative GPA. He also said that schedules for the new semester will be in students’ homerooms next week.
Mr. DelMoro spoke about issues surrounding honor roll determinations are being settled. A combined Renaissance breakfast will be held to honor students from both semesters who have achieved honor roll status. He also noted that the difficulty with a music situation at the High School has been alleviated by placing a teaching assistant in the classroom
Dr. Eastwood said that the Board will receive information on the progress of the High School construction and any problems encountered on a weekly basis through the Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds.
Responding to an inquiry from Mr. Estrada, Mr. Scott said that ceiling tile issues at Twin Towers and Mechanicstown have been corrected. Mr. Scott said that the District is looking into the possibility of using hold down clips and where/how students are playing since tiles are knocked out on a consistent basis in the gym areas.
Mrs. Botti said that topics presented for the meeting with the Common Council are suggested topics and will have to be prioritized to fit into the meeting time schedule.
Dr. Best suggested that the District look into ways for schools to emphasize the importance and value of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s leadership.
Mr. Geiger said that he was warmly welcomed when he visited our schools before the winter break, and he encouraged other Board members to visit the schools. He asked to be kept apprised of construction changes at the High School, and noted the new construction that will benefit our Arts programs at MHS. Mr. Geiger indicated that he would like to pursue the suggestion of meeting with community members on Saturday morning.
Ms. Perkins expressed how important it is for adults to think about the comments they make and to realize that they are setting the example for our children. She noted in particular the insensitive, offensive comments that were made by the attorney representing the art teacher.
Mr. Crescenzo noted the amount of material that is sent to the Board each week so that they will be well prepared for the Board meeting. He thanked those responsible for coordinating all these documents.
At 11:40 p.m., Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to have an executive session for the discussion of the employment of particular persons. Motion was unanimously approved.
At 12:10 a.m., there being no further business, Ms. Tobiassen 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 #14
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: January 26, 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. 14 dated January 26, 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):
December 1, 13, 14, 15, 21, 22, 2005 and January 4, 5, 11, 2006
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
January 24, 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 #15
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: January 26, 2006
RE: Financial Memorandum #15
1. Budget Transfer #12 approved
From: A.2630.8490.10.2639.00 BOCES Distance Learning $31,808.00
To: A.1680.8490.10.0405.00 BOCES Services 31,808.00
From: A.9060.8804.10.9100.00 Health & Dental Insurance 57,471.00
To: A.9060.8490.10.9100.00 BOCES Admin. Fee/Health Ins. 57,471.00
From: A.8070.8490.10.2835.00 BOCES Demographic Study 7,800.00
From: A.9731.8700.10.9201.00 BAN Interest 450.00
To: A.8070.8440.10.2835.00 Census- Prof. & Tech. Cons 8,250.00
2. Cancellation and Refund of Taxes approved -- see attached
3. Revenue and Expense Reports accepted
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education accepts the following reports for the month of November 2005:
Treasurer’s Report
Expense Report
4. Approval to Obtain Transportation Bids for Three-Year Period
Resolved, that the Middletown Board of Education hereby authorizes the Superintendent to obtain bids for transportation services for a three-year period beginning July 1, 2006.