BOARD OF EDUCATION

MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK

JULY 6, 2006

A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, July 6, 2006, at the Board of Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, immediately following the Annual Reorganization Meeting, Board President Vincent Crescenzo, presiding.

Present:       Mrs. Botti, Mr. Estrada, Mr. Geiger, Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Paul,
                      Ms. Perkins, Mr. Perrino, Ms. Tobiassen Mr. Crescenzo – 9.

Others          Kenneth W. Eastwood, Superintendent of Schools
Attending:    Elizabeth McKean, School Business Administrator
                      Richard DelMoro, Director for Secondary Education
                      Selena Fischer, Director of Pupil Personnel and Special Services
                      Darlene McDonough, Director for Elementary Education
                      Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
                      Michael Tuttle, Chief Technology Officer

Mr. Geiger made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the minutes of June 8 and June 15, 2006.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Crescenzo read a thank you note from Antonietta Corea. Ms. Corea thanked the Middletown City Schools for the T. C. Waltz Scholarship she received. She will be attending PACE University in pursuit of a law degree.

Mr. Crescenzo also read a letter from Mrs. Alicia Olsen. Recently retired, Mrs. Olsen was the District Clerk for over 17 years. She expressed her thanks to everyone for their kind words, flowers, cake, and gift cards. She was looking forward to having time to spend with her family, friends and herself.

Board Member Reports:

Mr. Paul commented on the success of this year’s graduation ceremony.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Personnel Memorandum #1, copy attached.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel Memorandum #2, copy attached.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Ms. Perkins made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel Memorandum #3, copy attached.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Perrino asked if the duties of the summer school principals would be shared. Dr. Eastwood explained that the duties would be shared.

Mr. Richard DelMoro introduced, Mr. Patrick Woods, who will be a counselor at the High School, he was at Twin Towers as an interim since December 2005.

Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, requesting personnel folders for the purpose of conducting personnel business in executive session.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Special Services Memorandum #1, copy attached.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve Financial Memorandum # 3, copy attached.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mrs. Knapp made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the Update to District Level School Safety Plan.

Mr. Estrada suggested that the Board President and/or Vice-President be part of the Safety Plan. Dr. Eastwood explained the Board Officers would be part of the exercise of the Safety Plan so that they can see how it is run.

Mr. Perrino expressed his concerns that in the event of a crisis the Board is notified. Dr. Eastwood said the Board would be informed as soon as possible.

Mr. Estrada expressed concerns in reporting a crisis to parents.

Mr. Ken Haverlan, Director of Security, Health and Safety, explained that in this District Level School Safety Plan, each school building has its own building level plan.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp for the rejection of the bid for a Food Service truck.

Mrs. McKean, School Business Administrator, explained the reason for the rejection. The truck did not meet the requirements that are specific to our needs.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Estrada made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, of the rejection of a sanitation bid.

Mr. Geiger asked if there would be a lapse in service. Mr. Scott indicated that there would not be any lapse in service.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mr. Geiger, to approve Twin Towers Fire Alarm System.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Mr. Perrino made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Knapp, to approve change orders for MHS construction project.

Ms. Perkins asked for a review of all change orders.

Mr. Scott explained that JMOA was preparing a summary of the change orders. He also explained that unforeseen things happen during renovation and demolition.

Dr. Eastwood explained that the board has a good oversight of what is happening and is very involved in what is being done at the High School. Dr. Eastwood reiterated that during demolition and renovations there are situations that are discovered and have to be dealt with.

Mr. Estrada said that JMOA has an inherent interest in bringing a project in on budget and on time. He commended the administration and the board for the many past pressures during which they have had to put halts on various stages of this project; knowing we needed to go forward with the project and be on budget and on time.

Dr. Eastwood commented on the excess soil and his discussion with JMOA regarding the sudden rush to be rid of the soil. It was agreed upon by Dr. Eastwood, Mr. Scott and JMOA that the soil would not be removed until the soil is spread out and used it to its fullest extent.

Mrs. Knapp asked that if JMOA could supply the board with an outline of the change orders that we had previously, how close we are to our cap and present a new estimate.

Dr. Eastwood explained about the testing of the soil and that the Board is following all necessary guidelines and requirements of the Department of Environmental Control.

Ayes: Estrada, Geiger, Knapp, Paul, Perkins, Perrino, Tobiassen, Crescenzo-8. Noes: None. Motion was unanimously approved.

Roundtable:
Mrs. Knapp commented on the report cards that were sent out. She felt the errors had to be rectified and that it was not a CrossPointe problem.

Dr. Eastwood explained that is was not a CrossPointe problem, what happened is that the data from CrossPointe that was put into a report generator and in that report generator an instruction was either missed or shut off, thus the report cards were sent out with some information missing. He also stated that we are in the process of correcting the problem. We will have in place, Report Procedures, which will be a checklist of procedures to be followed.

Mr. Tuttle explained that a letter was sent out to the community to explain the situation.

Mrs. Knapp stated that the phones to the High School Guidance Department are being routed to Mechanicstown, during the construction, and you are able to reach someone at that location.

Mrs. Knapp asked that it be made public that the track would be closed for the summer due to the construction. Dr. Eastwood explained the danger around the construction site and that because there are safety issues, the track is closed.

Mr. Perrino shared the fact that one of our board members, Mrs. Knapp, is featured in this month’s edition of Your Health created by Orange Regional Medical Center. He further stated his concerns about some of the summer school bus stops. Dr. Eastwood explained that the same procedures are in place this year that were in place last year.

Mrs. McKean explained that Ms.Colo, School District Treasurer, will be working with the bus company to determine if additional bus stops will be needed and to determine the cost of the additional stops.

Mr. Perrino asked if the Board would consider having a senior from the High School as an ex officio member of the Board.

Mr. Crescenzo explained that the proposal would have to be presented as a referendum on the ballot. Mr. Crescenzo said he would look into the matter.

Mr. Perrino praised the good work of the Food Service Department, especially for their efforts at graduation this year, which was held at Orange County Community College.

Mr. Geiger commended everyone for their efforts, making this year’s graduation a success. He welcomed Roy Paul to the Board. He also asked about the future growth of the district.

Mr. Paul thanked the voters for their support. He then congratulated Mr. Crescenzo and Ms. Tobiassen. He also thanked the Board for their support. Mr. Paul then brought to the table, discussion about next year’s All Night Graduation Party. He felt the timeframe was not favorable. He asked if the closing hour could be extended beyond 2:00 a.m.

Mr. Knapp explained the difficulty in having adult supervision all evening and into the morning hours.

Mr. Estrada welcomed Mr. Paul and Mr. Perrino to the Board. He congratulated Mr. Crescenzo and Ms. Tobiassen on their appointments. He commended Ms. Perkins for her efforts during her first year as a Board Member. He wished Dr. Eastwood and the Cabinet continued success in the coming year.

Mr. Crescenzo will be verifying the name of the school submitted by NYSSBA regarding funding of mandatory state tests.

Mr. Estrada discussed the possibility of attending the NYSSBA Conference, which is being held this year in New York City. He also discussed the positive features of attending the conference.

Mr. Crescenzo reinforced the positive effects of attending the conference and he emphasized the learning experience of attending the conference.

By a show of hands, it was determined that at least five board members would be interested in attending the NYSSBA Conference in NYC.

Mr. Crescenzo thanked Sheila Esposito, Robin Geiger and Gary Day, representatives for the MTA, for promoting an atmosphere of cooperation during the recent negotiations.

Ms. Perkins welcomed the newest member, Mr. Paul, and congratulated Mr. Perrino on his re-election to the Board. She also congratulated Mr. Crescenzo and Ms. Tobiassen on their appointments. Ms. Perkins thanked everyone for their support during her first year on the Board. She spoke of the benefits of attending the conferences. She conveyed her concerns about maintaining open communication with the Board and the community.

Dr. Eastwood referred to the School Law Conference being held in New Paltz on August 4. A decision will be made at the next meeting as to which Board members will be attending.

Mr. Crescenzo concluded by commenting on the improvement of our graduation rate. He thanked our employees, our school volunteers and expressed hope for the upcoming year.

At 10:45 p.m., Mr. Paul made a motion, seconded by Ms. Perkins, to go into executive session for the discussion of the employment of particular persons. Motion was unanimously approved.

Public session resumed at 11:45 p.m. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at this time.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Popstein

Acting School District Clerk

 

 

ENLARGED CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

OF MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK

PUPIL PERSONNEL/SPECIAL SERVICES

MEMORANDUM #1

 

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: July 6, 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. 1 dated July 6, 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):

April 4, 25, May 3, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 22, 24, 30, 31, June 1, 7, 8, 13, 2006

2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):

June 20, 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 #3

TO: Board of Education
FROM: Elizabeth McKean
DATE: July 6, 2006
RE: Financial Memorandum #3

1. Approval of Budget Transfer #1
2. Acceptance of Treasure’s Report-May, 2006
3. Approval of Cancellation and Refund of Taxes