BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
FEBRUARY 24, 2005
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, February 24, 2005, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Mr. Estrada, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 6.
Absent: Dr. Best, Mr. Geiger – 2.
Others Present: Kenneth Eastwood, Superintendent
Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Mr. Crescenzo called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to have an executive session for the discussion of matters pertaining to collective negotiations. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:55 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo led the pledge to the flag and asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Rosemary Reisert. Mr. Perrino said that Ms. Reisert had been a long-time library clerk with the School District and had also worked at Thrall Library.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of February 3, 2005.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo announced that on February 22, the MHS boys varsity basketball team was presented with the Section 9 officials' sportsmanship banner for the 2004-05 season. This recognition is based on the behavior of the students, spectators and coaches.
Mr. Crescenzo also acknowledged the work of MHS teacher Shirley Thompson who devoted extra time and effort to do labs with our AP Chemistry students.
Mr. Crescenzo read a letter received from the Department of Navy that designates Middletown High School as a distinguished NJROTC unit for the 2004-2005 school year. This distinction is made in recognition of the outstanding support provided by the High School and the overall achievement of the NJROTC unit during the 2004-05 school year. Competing units are ranked according to degree of excellence attained in administration, academic performance, military proficiency, and host school support. Distinguished units are entitled to make nominations to the military academies.
Mr. Estrada noted that the girls varsity basketball team will play in the semi-finals at Newburgh tomorrow evening. He also announced that the MHS Rifle Team placed second in the State.
The District Clerk read a letter from Mary Woodward regarding the overall demeanor and atmosphere at Twin Towers Middle School. Dr. Eastwood said that he has met with administrators and representatives from faculty regarding the types of concerns expressed in Mrs. Woodward’s correspondence to determine appropriate interventions.
Responding to questions from Mr. Perrino, Dr. Eastwood continued by saying that various studies and audits are being conducted to help administration understand the reality of what is happening in-district. Many of these audits are being funded through federal or state funds. The Board supported this course of action.
The District Clerk also read a letter from Board Member William Geiger who was unable to attend this meeting due to a family commitment out of state. Mr. Geiger responded to the following quote in a recent article in the Times Herald Record: “Mr. Crescenzo said that Mr. Geiger has promised to respect the confidentiality of executive sessions and will refrain from voting on resolutions concerning grievances or negotiations.” Mr. Geiger said that he has not abdicated his obligation to vote on any issue, noting that New York State School Law states that he has no conflict of interest when voting on collective bargaining agreements. Mr. Crescenzo responded that the issue of Mr. Geiger’s wife’s standing with the Middletown Teachers’ Association has been researched, and Mr. Geiger is entitled to all the rights of any other member of the Board.
Mr. Crescenzo said that two vacancies must be filled on the Orange-Ulster Cooperative Board. Candidates for election to the BOCES Board must be nominated by resolution by one of the component school districts prior to March 25. Mr. Crescenzo read letters from current BOCES Board members Mary Arne and Carl Onken, who are both seeking re-election.
Dr. Eastwood addressed a recent article in the Times Herald Record concerning High School graduation figures. He said that the State expects each year’s cohort of 9th graders to graduate within four years. District staff reviewed the records of students enrolled in the District at the beginning of 9th grade and where these students were at the end of four years, and found that the non-graduation rate was much higher than previously acknowledged.
Responding to questions from the Board, Dr. Eastwood and Mr. DelMoro said that the restructuring committee is addressing safety and security issues in our schools. The Board noted that short-term solutions to everyday problems are needed, as well as consistency in administrative support.
Visitors:
Dominick Coviello, a volunteer at Mechanicstown, spoke about the wonderful activities that were held at the school in recognition of the 100th day of school. He also addressed concern about behaviors at the Middle School and suggested that an alternative school be pursued.
John Genarelli, a representative on the MHS School Improvement Team, said that many groups are looking at the same issues pertaining to behavior. He emphasized the need for some accountability at the building level.
Presentations:
Kirsten Ruglis, Executive Director for the Hudson Valley Regional School Support Center, provided the Board with information about accountability under the No Child Left Behind legislation. She said that each district is treated as if it were “one big school.” Test results are aggregated for all students attending school in the district and continuously enrolled students in district-placed settings outside of the school district. For a school district to make adequate yearly progress in a grade and subject, each district accountability group must make adequate yearly progress in that grade and subject. Ms. Ruglis continued by reviewing both the original and the revised rules for State and Federal Accountability Improvement Status Identification. She also reviewed the data for Middletown and the improvement processes which must be followed based on the level of corrective action required.
Mrs. McKean presented information on the Capital & Benefit Components of the proposed 2005-06 Budget. She began by giving a history of the percentage of growth in the capital budget from the 2000-01 school year to the present. Mrs. McKean said that it is anticipated that the capital budget will increase approximately 18% in the 2005-06 school year, partly due to our current construction projects.
Mrs. McKean continued by presenting a five year history of the District’s employee benefits costs and the percentage of growth for each year. It is anticipated that employee benefits will increase about 12.94% in the 2005-2006 school year.
Mrs. McKean summarized the increases in the proposed budget for 2005-06 as follows: Administration - $244,231; Program - $4,812,536; Capital - $1,994.445; Benefits - $2,217,181. Total budget increase: $9,268.393, or a budget increase of 10%.
The Board discussed the proposed budget and the effect that the budget increase will have on taxes, and came to consensus that a budget increase of no more than 5.5% - 6% would be acceptable in order to maintain services to our students. Administration will provide recommendations to bring the budget increase into this range so that the Board can see the effect of a smaller budget increase. Mrs. McKean explained that a budget vote can be put before the voters only twice; after that, the Board must adopt a contingency budget. Using the State’s new method of calculation for contingency budgets, which is based on the consumer price index and some exclusions for growth and capital expenditures, the District’s budget would increase approximately 2.3%, necessitating significant cuts in the budget. Discussions of the proposed budget will continue at the March 3 meeting of the Board.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Perrino reported that the Kids First Program raised over $700 at a spaghetti dinner fund raiser. He said that this program, sponsored by the First Presbyterian Church, is a non-sectarian mentoring program which helps children from Mechanicstown and Maple Hill with homework and social skills.
Mr. Crescenzo said that this Friday the District’s Fine Arts department, in conjunction with the Paramount Theatre, will hold a tsunami relief program called, "Dance for Hope." All proceeds from the program will be donated to the American Red Cross International Disaster Relief Fund to be used for tsunami relief efforts that are on-going in Asia.
Mr. Perrino said that Twin Towers Middle School will honor students achieving academic excellence at a Renaissance breakfast sponsored by the PTO on Monday.
Mr. Crescenzo also shared a plaque received from the New York State School Boards Association which shows the District’s years of membership.
Mr. Perrino noted the Monhagen/Twin Towers basketball challenge will be held this Friday.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to approve Personnel Memorandum #22, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #23, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Dr. Eastwood presented the 2005-2006 school year calendar. He noted that the calendar took into account the District’s contractual obligations. The calendar will be presented for Board approval at the next regular meeting.
Dr. Eastwood presented Superintendent-approved budget transfer #11, which was for one transfer.
Mr. Scott said that the District is required to maintain a working Storm Water Management Plan to help prevent storm water pollution. He said that information regarding ways to protect and conserve groundwater is posted on the District’s website.
Mr. Scott also spoke about the custodial/maintenance team cleaning process which is being implemented at Twin Towers. He said that this process is proving to be a more efficient way of maintaining our buildings.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Special Services Memorandum #15, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to approve Financial Memorandum #15, copy attached.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following final payment:
Mechanicstown School Project
Eugene DiLorenzo, Inc.
Highland, New York
$173,053.00
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve the following change order:
Mechanicstown School Project
Harry F. Rotolo & Sons
Middletown, New York
Change Order No. EC-03
$7,698.00
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the disposal of various surplus vehicles in accordance with Board policy and Municipal law.
Ayes: Estrada, Knapp, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 6. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Roundtable:
Responding to a question from Mr. Estrada, Dr. Eastwood said that a dedication is being planned for the new addition at Mechanicstown.
The Board agreed that informational public hearings on the proposed 2005-2006 school year will be held on March 17 and May 5, beginning at 7:00 p.m., followed by regular meetings of the Board.
Mrs. Botti said that there will be a public meeting with the Middletown Common Council on Tuesday, March 1, 2005, beginning at 7:00 p.m. One of the discussions will center on the civil service commission.
Mr. Perrino said that the deadline to apply for Star exemption is March 1. Senior citizens who qualify for the enhanced Star must re-apply every year.
Mr. Estrada noted that the Newburgh bond referendum for repairs to buildings was successful.
Mrs. Knapp inquired about the readiness of the outdoor track.
At 11:10 p.m., Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of the employment histories of specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:50 p.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 #15
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: February 24, 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. 15 dated February 24, 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.
COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
January 12, 19, 20, 25, 27, February 1, 10, 2005
COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
February 7, 22, 2005
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
APPOINTMENTS TO COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION:
MEMBER NAME POSITION EFFECTIVE
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: February 24, 2005
RE: Financial Memorandum #15
1. Cancellation and Refund of Taxes Approved
City of Middletown
Michael Sr. & Karen Palmer
Section 8, Block 7, Lot 8.2
Refund: $841.26
2. Amendment of Health Tuition Rates Approved
See attached