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BOARD OF EDUCATION
MIDDLETOWN, NEW YORK
JUNE 3, 2004 A regular meeting of the Board of Education of the Enlarged City School District
of Middletown, New York was held Thursday, June 3, 2004, at the Board of
Education Office, 223 Wisner Avenue, Board Vice-President Susan Botti,
presiding.
Present: Mr. Crescenzo, Mrs. Elliott, Mr. Estrada, Mr. McCormack,
Mr. Perrino, Mrs. Botti – 6.
Absent: Dr. Best, Mrs. Knapp (arrived at 8:30 p.m.), Mrs. Markovits - 3.
Others Kenneth Gray, Acting Superintendent
Present: Timothy Conway, Asst. Superintendent for Business
Thomas Scott, Superintendent of Buildings and Grounds
Ellen Kaplan, Director for Personnel Services
Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
Peter Ancona, Director of Technology
William Geiger, Board member-elect
Rose Tobiassen, Board member-elect
Mrs. Botti called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Mr. Crescenzo made a motion,
seconded by Mr. Estrada, to have an executive session to hear an appeal of a
Superintendent’s hearing, to review specific personnel matters pertaining to
evaluatory issues, and to discuss contractual matters. Motion was unanimously
approved. Public session resumed at 7:30 p.m.
Mrs. Botti asked for a moment of silence in remembrance of Jerry Polenski, who
worked in the Buildings and Grounds Department of the school district. She said
that Mr. Polenski was a man of integrity and his passing will be a great loss to
our community.
Mrs. Botti also said that thoughts and prayers go out to Helen Fishbeck, who is
ill. Mrs. Fishbeck, whose daughter will be graduating this year from Middletown
High School, is a long-time resident and timeless advocate for our community.
Dr. Gray introduced Stefanie Bonfanti, a Middletown High School student, who has
been chosen as an Orange County Dairy Princess. Ms. Bonfanti spoke about the
importance of dairy farming in the county.
Dr. Gray also presented James Kelly, a Middletown staff member, who has been
selected to receive the New York Institute of Technology Dean’s Award for an
Office-Campus Student for 2004. This award is conferred upon an off-campus
student in instructional technology or elementary education who has shown
superior accomplishment in teaching, scholarship, and integration of technology
in instruction.
Dr. Gray also announced that MHS teacher Shirley Thompson has been recognized as
Orange County Science Teacher of the Year.
Mr. McCormack made a motion, seconded by Mr. Crescenzo, to approve the minutes
of April 1, 22, 29, 2004.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 6. Noes: None.
Motion was unanimously approved.
The District Clerk read a letter from Marsha Tepper which recommended that the
District conduct a special election or leave the seat vacant until the next
regular election should a vacancy occur on the Board.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to cast a vote in
support of Mary Arne in the election of a member to the Board of Cooperative
Educational Services.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 6. Noes: None.
Motion was unanimously approved.
Board Member Reports:
Mr. Estrada reported that he and Mr. Crescenzo visited the Kids First program
that is held at the First Presbyterian Church. He commended Bill Noha and the
many other people who volunteer their services in this mentoring program.
Mr. Estrada also attended a Chorley Cherubs play at the Paramount; he encouraged
the District to utilize this facility for more productions. He also said that
while visiting the High School, he sat in on a presentation that Vietnam
veterans were giving to students. He concluded by commending High School staff
on their fine jobs at the Sports Banquet and the Academic Awards Banquet.
Mr. Perrino spoke about the Pre-K with Dad program held at Memorial, noting that
this is a good parental involvement initiative. Mr. Perrino also attended the
annual dinner which recognizes outstanding students from the county and the
Academy of Finance recognition ceremony held at Orange County Community College.
Mr. Crescenzo attended the recent Renaissance breakfast held at Twin Towers
where more than 140 students were recognized. He also spoke about the Kids First
after school mentoring program which provides 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders with
one-on-one homework assistance. The program is also designed to give support and
encouragement to the children to help them achieve their potential. Having each
child become an integral part of the community is a primary goal. Mr. Crescenzo
said that the program began in 2002 and is sponsored by the First Presbyterian
Church. It is a non-religious program, staffed by volunteers, and is funded
completely by the community. In addition to the mentoring, the program also
provides activities that help to develop a sense of community.
Mrs. Elliott said that it was an honor to attend the Academic Awards Banquet.
This year more than 350 awards were presented. She said that there are many more
positives about the school district than is reported in the local newspaper.
Mrs. Elliott said that the school district and the school board has had to
suffer from much inaccurate reporting.
Mrs. Botti noted that since no formal resignations have been tendered from any
Board member, no action is necessary at this time.
Mrs. Botti reported that she attended a child abuse reporting training meeting.
Scheduling of training sessions for members of the entire district staff and the
handling of sex offender and pedophile alerts were discussed. Mrs. Botti said
that the administrative team will schedule the training sessions to begin in
August and conclude in December. She said that the district’s attorney will
again explain Education Law Article 23-b which states that the principal is the
primary person who calls the alert regarding suspected abuse.
Response to Previous Questions:
Mr. Scott reported that Mr. Jefferson has made arrangements to repair the
lapboard at the High School. These repairs should be done by July 1.
Dr. Gray provided the following information:
The High School project has no overbudgets because the project has not yet come
to the bid process.
Only a police department can apply for the funds for a school resource officer.
The Middletown Police Department has applied for funding for the District, which
is currently on a pending list. Dr. Gray said that the school resource officer
remains a police department employee, carries a weapon, and can be scheduled to
attend school events outside the normal school day.
The business of the Board of Education is conducted in public session. Taping
presentations for viewing on cable does not provide the Board with the
opportunity to ask questions.
Attendance at the High School is done period by period. Attendance sheets are
put in teachers’ mailboxes each morning and are completed and sent to the
Attendance Office at the conclusion of each period. The sheets are scanned and a
report is sent to teachers after first period. Dr. Gray said that if parents
call about their child’s attendance, information can be obtained from the
computer and parents may ask that the child’s attendance be monitored. He also
said that there is communication between the Attendance Office and the School
Attendance Officer if warranted. Dr. Gray noted that if a student is of age and
absent for more that 21 days, that student, with the permission of an
administrator, is removed from the attendance rolls.
3020-a charges are not levied out of revenge or to silence outspoken employees.
3020-a charges are brought after severe, serious allegations have been
investigated and there is reasonable proof that the charges are true. Dr. Gray
said that the District has no ethical or legal choice but to proceed with the
process regardless of the pressure that is being brought to bear. He said that
the due process rights of the individual must be safeguarded. He also said that
the orderly, responsible acts of civil disobedience of some students must be
weighed against the possible impact to the due process procedure.
High School Acting Principal GeorgeVanderzell met with the assistant principals
at the High School and reported that all clubs are active. A draft of extra
curricular assignments is posted and sent to the High School and to the middle
schools each year, and the principals advise if there are any defunct clubs.
When a couple retires from the school district they may not purchase two
individual health insurance plans, but may purchase a family plan. Dr. Gray
presented information on the cost of a single plan vs. the cost of a family
plan.
The cost to build the new Monroe-Woodbury High School and the addition to the
school was reviewed.
Opportunity to Address the Board:
John Gennarelli spoke about taping presentations, tenure acknowledgements, the
school resource officer, and having Mr. Cohen present at graduation.
Krystin Weiss supported Mr. Cohen’s attendance at graduation, and spoke about
the community support for action.
Stephen Brown addressed the need for the transportation liaison position, asking
that the Board reconsider this position.
Vince Pladdys said that Mr. Cohen should be permitted to attend graduation. He
asked that the Board take a vote to ascertain which Board members would support
this request.
Nick Constantino supported the appointment of Richard McCormack to fill Mrs.
Elliott’s Board seat should she choose to resign.
Mrs. Botti noted that, upon the recommendation of counsel, matters concerning
Mr. Cohen should be left with the arbitrator of the 3020-a proceeding. Mr. Cohen
has been given assignments and a timeline for their completion and has been
re-assigned to work from home. Mrs. Botti said that this is what was approved by
the Board when the recommendation came to the Board for a 3020-a proceeding.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Perrino, to amend Personnel
Memorandum #21, to vote on the tenure appointment of Patricia Reilly as a
separate resolution.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve the tenure
appointment of Patricia Reilly, Assistant Administrator to the Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, tenure due date of August 6,
2004.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Botti – 6. Noes: None.
Abstain: Perrino – 1. Motion was declared approved.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to approve Personnel
Memorandum #21, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to table the request for
personnel folders.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
A five minute break in the proceedings was held at this time.
Mr. Conway reviewed Superintendent-approved budget transfer #14.
Mr. Conway presented information from the May 2004 Orange Ulster School
Districts Health Plan publication “Health Beat.” He said that beginning in May
2004, as a result of the Medicare Prescription Drug Program approved by
Congress, Medicare eligible persons can apply for a discount prescription drug
card. However, the Health Plan advises that the drug discount card does not
appear to be worthwhile for plan members when the reduction realized by using
the discount card is compared to the amount charged for co-pays.
George Vanderzell, High School Acting Principal, presented an overview of school
performance in English Language Arts, Mathematics, and Science. He said that all
students, including those with disabilities, were included in the testing
process. Mr. Vanderzell said that Middletown scores were a little below those of
comparable schools and outlined some of the initiatives the District has put in
place to improve test scores. He stressed the importance of implementing some
measures to improve student attendance.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve Special
Services Memorandum #21, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve Financial
Memorandum #21, copy attached.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 5. Noes: Elliott,
Knapp – 2. Motion was declared approved.
Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr. Crescenzo, to adopt the attached
policy entitled Equal Educational Opportunities.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. Estrada, to adopt the attached
policy entitled Equal Employment Opportunity.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve the attached
policy entitled Student Attendance.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mrs. Elliott, to support the
Shenendehowa Central School District’s resolution to be considered at the next
NYSSBA convention to change the State Education Department teacher certification
requirements increasing the time available to earn a master’s degree and
professional certification to five years, the time allowance available prior to
February 2, 2004.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve the 2004-05
legal fee structure for John M. Donoghue, Esq.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to approve the following
resolution:
Whereas, the Board of Education considered an appeal of a Superintendent’s
hearing decision regarding student #50194 in executive session on June 2, 2004,
be it resolved that the Board’s determination is as follows: The finding of
guilt is affirmed.
Ayes: Crescenzo, Elliott, Estrada, Knapp, McCormack, Perrino, Botti – 7. Noes:
None. Motion was unanimously approved.
Mr. Crescenzo noted that all of the items presented for action by the Board have
been discussed at previous meetings.
Visitors:
John Gennarelli questioned the reasons why students do not attend school, the
status of the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, and the
kinds of assignments given to Mr. Cohen while he is re-assigned to work from
home.
Roundtable:
Mr. Estrada asked about the possibility of providing additional transportation
to the children who participate in the Kids First program. He also said that
presentations given at Board meetings can be re-played on our cable station, but
it is important for the original presentation to be given at the Board meeting.
Mrs. Knapp reported that the Women’s University Club recently honored four
Middletown High School students with scholarships.
Mrs. Elliott suggested that the Times Herald Record cover such events as
teachers who receive tenure, long-time retirees, the Academic Awards banquet,
and the Academy of Finance and sports banquets. Mrs. Elliott also encouraged
those who come to the microphone to be positive and to determine their facts.
Mrs. Botti reported that some of the High School chairpersons have asked to meet
with the Board regarding the plans for the High School renovation. The Board
formed a delegation of Mrs. Knapp, Mr. Crescenzo, Mr. Perrino, Mr. Conway, Mr.
Scott, and Dr. Eastwood to meet with the chairpersons.
At 10:30, Mr. Crescenzo made a motion, seconded by Mr. McCormack, to have an
executive session for the discussion of specific personnel leading to
evaluation, contractual matters, and personnel issues relating to Board
relations. Motion was unanimously approved. Public session resumed at 12:15 a.m.
There being no further business, Mrs. Elliott made a motion, seconded by Mr.
Crescenzo, to adjourn the meeting at this time. 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 #21
TO: Board of Education
FROM: Selena Fischer, Director for Pupil Personnel & Special Services
DATE: June 3, 2004
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. 21 dated June 3, 2004,
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):
March 8, 9, 18, 23, 25, 30, 31, April 1, 20, 22, 27, May 3, 2004
2. COMMITTEE ON PRESCHOOL RECOMMENDATIONS REACHED AT THE FOLLOWING MEETING(S):
May 10, 17, 18, 2004
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 #21 TO: Board of Education
FROM: Timothy J. Conway,
Assistant Superintendent for Business
DATE: June 3, 2004
RE: Financial Memorandum #21
1. Approval of Meal Prices
Resolved, that the following meal prices be in effect July 1, 2004:
Elementary breakfast $1.00
Elementary lunch $1.75
Secondary breakfast $1.25
Secondary lunch $2.00
2. Resolved, that the following reports for the month of April 2004 be accepted:
Revenue/Expense Reports
Treasurer’s Report
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