BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
MARCH 23, 2006
A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, March 23, 2006, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.
Present: Dr. Best, Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Ms. Perkins, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen, Mrs. Botti, Mr. Crescenzo – 8.
Absent: Mrs. Knapp – 1.
Others Present: Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Elizabeth McKean, Business Administrator
Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
Darlene McDonough, Director for Elementary Education
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel 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 Mr. Perrino, to have an executive session for the discussion of matters leading to the appointment or employment of specific personnel. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 7:20 p.m.
Mr. Crescenzo said that at this time information will be presented regarding the expenditure of funds and the budgeting of expenditures for the 2006-2007 school year and to obtain an expression of public opinion on the proposed budget.
Ms. McKean reviewed the process that was followed to develop the proposed budget and the assumptions which the Board approved in order to build the budget. She summarized the funding proposed for the administrative, program, capital and benefits sections of the budget and the percentage increases associated with each of these categories. Ms. McKean also reviewed the proposed additions and deductions that have been incorporated into the budget.
Ms. McKean said the budget as proposed for the 2006-2007 school year is $109,407,239, a 6.91% budget increase over the 2005-2006 school year, which will necessitate a local tax levy of $49,441,012. She continued by explaining the propositions that are suggested to be included on the May 16 vote. Referendum #1 will fund a $100,000 capital improvement program; referendum #2 for $350,000 is for electronic security and monitoring for student facilities; referendum #3 for $40,000, will enhance the District’s food service plan.
Dr. Eastwood said that if the District must implement a contingent budget, an additional $5 million will need to be removed from the proposed budget. Reductions of this magnitude will have to be from program or staff.
Ms. McKean concluded the presentation on the proposed budget by saying that the Board will adopt a budget on April 6; a formal public hearing will be conducted on May 4; and the budget vote will be held on May 16.
Mr. Crescenzo asked if any visitors would like to comment on the proposed budget. Reanna Fisher, a student at the High School, suggested that additional vegetarian selections be provided if the proposition to enhance the food service plan is approved by the voters.
Since no other visitors asked to be heard regarding the proposed budget, Mr. Crescenzo closed the hearing and opened the regular session of the Board by leading the pledge to the flag. Mr. Crescenzo noted the passing of Roger Andolsek and Anthony Vitale. Mr. Perrino said that Mr. Andolsek had been a valued member of our Buildings and Grounds staff for over 35 years and was well known in the community for his involvement in volunteer firematics. Mr. Vitale is remembered as a monitor at Twin Towers during the 1970’s and 1980’s.
Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti to approve the minutes of March 9, 2006.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Recognitions:
Athletic Director David Coates presented girls basketball coach Christine Medina who introduced MHS student Khadija Campbell. Ms. Medina said that the High School is very proud of Khadija’s achievement of becoming one of just four 1000 point scorers in Middletown’s history.Mr. Coates also introduced assistant boys wrestling coach Mitch Walker.
Mr. Walker spoke about the accomplishments of Omar Acevedo, who has over 100 career wins on his record.
The Board commended both of these students for their commitment to their sports and their outstanding achievements.
Mr. Perrino congratulated the staff, students, and parent group members who made the High School’s Whodunnit murder-mystery so successful. He also said that about 80 students on Middletown High School’s girls and boys varsity track teams participated in the Run for Hope to benefit the American Cancer Society. Students ran about one mile to Orange Regional Medical Center's Horton campus in Middletown to deliver daffodils to cancer patients. Mr. Perrino concluded by congratulating Betty Bonitz for securing a grant that will enable the District to purchase more books and other media for our students.
Mr. Estrada thanked SUNY Orange for hosting the recent Sojourner Truth Awards ceremony. He said that 56 students from Middletown were honored.
Mr. Crescenzo encouraged everyone to attend the MHS Drama Club and National Honor Society’s Second Annual Coffee House at the High School cafeteria tomorrow evening.
Mr. Crescenzo read a communication from National Honor Society students Kendra Tatusko and Melissa Cruz. The NHS has been collecting pop tabs that will be recycled. The money raised will help defray the cost for a local teacher to stay at the Ronald McDonald House of Chicago while accompanying her ill daughter. The drive will conclude on March 31 and over 100,000 pop tabs have been collected already.
Mr. Crescenzo next read a letter from Michael Bello asking for the Board to nominate him for a seat on the BOCES Board. He also read a letter from Mary Woodward which addressed the recent actions of Mr. Estrada and Mr. Crescenzo.
Visitors:
Jean DiMatteo spoke about the importance of parents expressing their opinions and concerns at Board meetings.
Tracey Hueston spoke about attendance issues for children investigating college opportunities. Dr. Eastwood explained that the District must account for all student absences for any purpose.
Adriana DiMatteo, Elizabeth Collica, and Reanna Fisher addressed issues concerning the District’s art program.
Hank Harfield expressed concerns about the graduation rates as printed in the Times Herald Record. Dr. Eastwood clarified that the newspaper printed erroneous information; a correction was subsequently printed.
Mitch Palais of JMOA presented an update on the progress of construction at the High School. He said that the project is fully on schedule for work to be performed during spring break. Classrooms will be ready for the opening of school in September.
Board Member Reports:
The District Clerk provided information on the Board member election to take place on May 16.
Mr. Perrino said that members of the Board recently met with members of the Common Council and the President of Orange County Community College. Topics discussed during the meeting included the Liberty Partnership Program, increasing graduation rates, and the expansion of the college.
Mr. Estrada provided an update on the petition drive currently underway which asks our state representatives to address the inequity of State aid to the Middletown School District as outlined in the Governor’s proposed budget. He thanked the Middletown Teachers Association for conducting a postcard campaign regarding this same issue.
Mr. Estrada said that correspondence has been received from three people seeking the Board’s support of their nominations to the BOCES Board: Eugenia Pavek, Mike Bello, and Elizabeth Blashka.
Mr. Geiger reminded everyone about the Coffee House to be held in the High School cafeteria on March 24.
Dr. Best encouraged residents to consider running for membership on the Board of Education.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best, to approve Personnel Memorandum #38, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to amend the agenda to consider an additional Personnel Memorandum.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion to amend was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Personnel Memorandum #39, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Superintendent-approved budget transfer #19 was presented.
Mr. Scott provided information on the District’ Storm Water Management plan which is filed with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation. DEC has indicated that the report and form submitted are complete and meet the established requirements. Mr. Scott said that the plan outlines what the District does to prevent water from roofs, parking lots, etc. from becoming polluted.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Dr. Best to approve Special Services Memorandum #18, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Financial Memorandum #19, copy attached.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Ms. Tobiassen made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve the following resolution:
Whereas, the District and the Middletown Teachers Association negotiating teams have reached a tentative agreement dated February 15, 2006, regarding the terms of a successor collective negotiations agreement to the one that expired on June 30, 2005; and
Whereas, the Superintendent of Schools has requested that the Board of Education authorize the appropriation and/or expenditure of the funds necessary to implement said agreement;
It is hereby resolved that the Board of Education authorizes the appropriation and/or expenditure of the funds necessary to implement the terms of said agreement with the Middletown Teachers Association dated February 15, 2006.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Botti, to nominate Eugenia Pavek as a candidate to the BOCES Board.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Ms. Tobiassen, to nominate Michael Bello as a candidate to the BOCES Board.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the following Change Orders – MHS Construction Project:
J.A.C. Mechanical Services PC-001 $12,224.20
Harry F. Rotolo EC-011 $ 9,440.00
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve the following resolution:
Be it resolved, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to approve emergency changes orders through December 31, 2006, for the MHS construction project in amounts up to and including $20,000 per change order.
Ms. McKean explained that in the renovation phase of a project, unforeseen events could result in the need for an emergency change order so that the project does not stop. The expectation is that the change order will come to the Board for approval at the next meeting, but the Superintendent’s approval will allow for work to proceed. Ms. McKean said that this resolution has been approved by the District’s attorney.
Ayes: Best, Estrada, Geiger, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Botti, Crescenzo – 8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Visitors:
Sheila Esposito, president of the Middletown Teachers Association, thanked the members of the MTA negotiating team for their hard work during contract negotiations. She also thanked Dr. Eastwood, Ms. McKean and the Board of Education for their efforts and their support.
Roundtable:
Mr. Estrada said that he has made three public apologies for his conduct at a prior meeting of the Board, two at meetings of the Board and one in the newspaper.
Mr. Geiger attended the NJROTC military ball and said that these students are fine examples of the Middletown student body. He attended the Kiwanis/Key Club pancake breakfast held at the High School, acknowledging the hard work of all involved. Mr. Geiger also praised the musical talents exhibited at the recent All-City Concert.
Mr. Perrino again recognized the Middletown High School girls and boys varsity track teams who participated in the Run for Hope to benefit the American Cancer Society.
Ms. Perkins spoke about the recent meeting with the Common Council, noting that Middletown’s participation in the Liberty Partnership Program looks promising. She also said that it is encouraging that legislators are looking at school district funding methods.
Mr. Estrada inquired when the existing art curriculum was put in place. Dr. Eastwood said that the scope and sequence of electives is being worked on now. He said that the electives offered are determined by the level of student interest, and that it would be fiscally irresponsible to run courses with low participation. Dr. Eastwood noted that staff has been added to the Fine Arts area and that the District is trying to protect our instructional programs.
Ms. Tobiassen suggested that presentations on department programs be presented at Board meetings on a cyclical basis.
Mr. Perrino inquired how Middletown compares to other districts in art course offerings. He suggested that school district form a cooperative venture in this area.
Dr. Best said that the District must remain lawful in its reporting of student attendance. He also suggested that the District find some method of acknowledging students at all levels who maintain exceptional attendance records. Ms. Perkins commented that having just one absence is a remarkable achievement.
At 10:40 p.m. Mrs. Botti made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session for the discussion of proposed, pending, or current litigation. Motion was unanimously approved.
Public session resumed at 11:15 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 #18
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: March 23, 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. 18 dated March 23, 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):
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
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 #19
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: March 23, 2006
RE: Financial Memorandum #19
1. Budget Transfer #16 Approved (see attached)
2. Cancellation of Taxes Approved (see attached)