The Webutuck Board of Education held their August 29, 2011 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

The following Board members were present:

Dale Culver, President

William McGhee

Judy Moran arrived at 8:07

Kristen Panzer

John Perotti

Robert Trotta arrived at 7:37 pm

 

Also Present:

David Paciencia, Interim Superintendent

Therese Trotter, District Clerk

 

Absent:

Joanne Boyd

Mary Grden, School Business Manager

 

CALL TO ORDER

President Culver called the business meeting of August 29, 2011 to order at 7:31 p.m.  

 

GIFT PRESENTATION

Lynn Buckley presented the Webutuck School District with a framed print of the Amenia and Millerton Schools painted by a local resident.  She gifted the District with the print to be hung in the Superintendent’s or District Office as a memory of how the District has evolved over the years.  The Board members gratefully accepted the gift.

 

Mr. Perotti made and Mrs. Panzer seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education gratefully accepts the donation of a framed print from Lynn Buckley as a gift to the school.

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments from the public.

 

CONSENSUS AGENDA VOTE

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion to approve the consent agenda (as amended).  The amendment by Kristen Panzer called for removing #8 and #10 under Personnel for further discussion in Executive session. 

A consent agenda is a single vote, which approves all asterisked (*) items.  Board policy (#008a) prohibits discussion of consent agenda items. Asterisked items can be pulled from the consent agenda for discussion by any one Board member. 

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

CLERK’S REPORT

*1.   Approval of Minutes for August 4, 8, 15, and 17, 2011 Board meetings.

 Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded a motion to accept the minutes as submitted:

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 2.  Delegations Playground Committee

Marilyn Unger, a member of the Playground Committee, spoke about the Committee wanting a paved walkway at the Webutuck Elementary School building from the school to the playground for some time.  The Committee has been fund raising for the past several years for improvements to the playground.  It was noted the walkway would also make it handicapped accessible.  Mrs. Unger explained to the Board that she had discussed the process of getting the walkway completed with a donation from the Playground Committee with the School Business Manager.  They accepted the lowest bid from Dominic Lopane for an amount of $4,900.  The Playground Committee would like to donate the $4,900 to the school so the walkway can be paved.  (Dominic Lopane thought the playground would need to only be closed for one day.)

 

Mrs. Panzer made and Mr. Perotti seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education gratefully accepts the donation of $4,900 from the Playground Committee to pave the walkway from the playground to Webutuck Elementary School.

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 3.  Non-Staff Communications - None

 

PERSONNEL

*1.  Instructional Resignation

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the following instructional resignation:

Anna Duffy                                                    Biology Teacher

            Effective:  August 31, 2011

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*2.  Support Staff Appointments

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the following support staff appointments:

            Wayne Sprossel                                               Probationary Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $16.87, Step 1

 

            Kelsey Cougler                                               Probationary Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $16.87, Step 1

 

            Kathy Van Anden                                          School Monitor

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $11.29, Step 1

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*3.  Rescind Support Staff Appointment(s)

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby rescinds the following support staff appointments:

            Thomas Vitolo                                                (.5FTE) Custodial Worker

            Effective:  August 22, 2011                           Salary:  $13.43, Step 1

 

            Thomas Vitolo                                                (.5FTE) Maintenance Worker

            Effective:  August 22, 2011                           Salary:  $16.87, Step 1

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*4.  Substitute Support Staff Appointments

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the following substitute support staff appointments:
            Dorothy Newvine                                           Substitute Teacher Aide/Assistant

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $11.96/hour

 

Christine Haley                                               Substitute Teacher Aide/Assistant

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $11.96/hour

 

Ellen Limoges                                                 Substitute Monitor     

Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $11.29/hour

 

Elizabeth Ward                                               Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $ 16.80/hour

           

            Thomas Tierney                                               Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $ 16.80/hour

 

            Myron Bates                                                   Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $ 16.80/hour

           

            Michael Carey                                                 Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $ 16.80/hour

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*5.  Substitute Instructional Appointment

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the following substitute instructional appointment:

            Christine Haley                                               Substitute Teacher

            Effective:  September 1, 2011                                    Salary:  $90/day

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

*6.  Administrative Appointment

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves the following administrative appointment:

Mary Grden                                                    Permanent School Business Manager

Effective: August 30, 2011                            Salary as per previous contract          

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*7.  Appointment of Member of the Committee on Special Education and Pre-School Special Education

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that for the school year 2011-2012 the following individual shall be appointed to the position as indicated and shall be authorized to act on the Board's behalf in said position:

            Co-Chairperson CSE:                                    Kenneth Sauer

            (Primarily for 7-12)

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

8. Rescind Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2011-2012 School Year

This item was removed from consent for further discussion in Executive Session.

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby rescinds the following 2011-2012 extra-curricular appointments:

Peter Stefonowich                                          Boys’ Varsity Soccer 

Kevin Doyle                                                    Girls’ JV Soccer

Kenneth Sauer                                                            Varsity Volleyball

Henry Pollinger                                               Boys’ JV Soccer

 

 *9.  Amend Support Staff Appointment

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby amends the following support staff appointment to reflect the appropriate effective date:

            Patricia Lynch                                                 School Nurse RPN

            Effective:  September 1, 2011           

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

                       

10.  Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2011-2012 School Year

This item was removed from consent for further discussion in Executive Session.

Ms. Moran made and Mr. McGhee seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following 2011-2012 extra-curricular appointments, contingent upon meeting coursework/certifications consistent with the NYSED coaching sequence requirements:

            Kevin Doyle                                                    Boys’ Varsity Soccer

            Lauren Williams                                              Girls’ JV Soccer

            Stephanie Bonk                                               Varsity Volleyball

            Patrick Ivain                                                    Boys’ JV Soccer

            Kevin Kleepsies                                              Boys’ Modified Soccer

           

Daniel Hart                                                     Modified Cross Country

previously appointed

(stipend:  $2,125) not in WTA contract

 

Patricia Carmody                                            Co-Advisor Class of 2014

 

*11.  Support Staff Resignation

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby accepts the support staff resignation for the following individual:

            Adam Honour                                                 Bus Driver

            Effective:  August 31, 2011

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

  DISCUSSION

            1.  Cape Counselor

The Superintendent stated that Elaine Trumpetto had reached out to the Webutuck School District to notify them that the District could acquire a CAPE counselor at no cost for this year.  The Superintendent stated that that it could be a shared service between Pine Plains and Webutuck Schools.  The days have yet to be figured out.  Discussion ensued.

 

Mr. Perotti made and Mrs. Panzer seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts a CAPE counselor position from the Council on Addiction Prevention and Education (CAPE) at no cost to the District for the 2011-2012 school year.

 

            2.  CSEA Negotiation Dates

The Superintendent stated that the dates need to be established to begin meeting with the CSEA Negotiations team.

 

            3.  Finance Committee

It was brought to the Superintendent’s attention that there was prior discussion to bring Mr. Matteo to the Finance Committee.  He stated that the Board would need to appoint him.

 

Approval of Member of Finance Committee

Mrs. Panzer made and Mr. McGhee seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education appoint Joseph Matteo to serve on the Board Finance Committee for the 2011-2012 school year at no remuneration.

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

            4.  Reimbursement Issue

The Superintendent stated that the District has an employee that made an error that cost the District monetarily and the District was deducting money from his pay check to pay for the mistake.  The Superintendent stated that it was time to forgive and forget and he recommended that the payment deduction practice cease.  Other Board members supported this recommendation.

 

            5.  Tax Levy Statement

The District wanted to clear up any questions taxpayers might have on their upcoming school tax bill.  The School issued a statement that the Millerton Newspaper will print this week explaining the process of the tax levy and tax rate and why some towns would see a marked increase.  He stated that he would like to send the statement out as a Key Communicator.  Discussion ensued.

 

            6.  Retreat for Administrators

The Superintendent explained that the Administration Retreat information could be found in the Board packets.  There was no cost to the District.  The Superintendent went over the list of items he discussed with the Administrators. Discussion ensued.

 

7.  School Sign Designs

The Signs displayed at the Board meeting were designed by Mr. Roccanova’s technology class as mock ups of possibilities for the school information sign at the bottom of the hill on Route 22.  Discussion ensued.

 

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

*1.  Approval of Lease Agreement with NECC

Mr. Trotta made and Mr. Perotti seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Webutuck Central School approves the Lease Agreement with NECC to rent a portion of MES for the purpose of before and after school programs to extend the lease agreement from October 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012 or as outlined in such Extension Agreement.

                        Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

2.  Approval of Budget Transfers

Mrs. Panzer made and Ms. Moran seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the attached budget transfer schedule #4 and #5 over five thousand dollars ($5,000) per Board resolution dated 7/6/10 .

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

3.  Approve of Stericycle Agreement

Mrs. Panzer made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Steri-Safe Service Agreement (medical waste removal) for the 2011-2012 school year.

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

4.  Approval of Tax Warrant North East Rate Update

Mr. Trotta made and Ms. Moran seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the tax warrant rate update for the Town of North East for the 2011-12 school year as listed below and recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

No Moran

Town              Amount of Levy                    Tax Rate (per thousand)

North East       $  4,789,580                                        11.6467425

                                                            was previously (11.646658)

                        Ayes    5          Nays    1          The motion carried.

Mr. Perotti was the lone dissenter.

 

5.  Approval of Transportation Contract

Ms. Moran made and Mrs. Panzer seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the Transportation Contract between Northeast Central School District and Barbara Giordano for the period of service from June 26, 2011 to August 30, 2011.

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ms. Moran made and Mrs. Panzer seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 8:35 pm for the purpose of discussing particular personnel issues.

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

           

RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. McGhee made and Mr. Perotti seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and to reconvene the public session at 8:41 pm. 

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.  The President made a statement about an article that recently appeared in the local newspaper.  A local leader had made a statement in the newspaper about the marijuana plants recently discovered in Amenia and that it was due to the amount of drugs used in the Webutuck School District.  The Board President stated he was greatly disappointed by the statement and that the students were painted as heavy drug users.  The President did acknowledge that, like every school, the District has its problems but to put a statement out there without facts was irresponsible and misleading.  Discussion ensued.

 

Mr. Trotta made and Mr. Perotti seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED that the Webutuck Central School Board of Education hereby appoints James A Gratto, Jr, as Superintendent of Schools for the period September 1, 2011 to August 31, 2014 and further approves the Employment Agreement dated August 31, 2011 setting forth the terms and conditions of such appointment and employment.

                        Ayes 5             Nay 1              The motion carried.

Mrs. Panzer was the lone dissenter.

 

Rescind Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2011-2012 School Year

Mrs. Moran made and Mr. Trotta seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby rescinds the following 2011-2012 extra-curricular appointments:

Peter Stefonowich                                          Boys’ Varsity Soccer 

Kevin Doyle                                                    Girls’ JV Soccer

Kenneth Sauer                                                            Varsity Volleyball

Henry Pollinger                                               Boys’ JV Soccer

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2011-2012 School Year

Ms. Moran made and Mr. McGhee seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following 2011-2012 extra-curricular appointments, contingent upon meeting coursework/certifications consistent with the NYSED coaching sequence requirements:

            Kevin Doyle                                                    Boys’ Varsity Soccer

            Lauren Williams                                              Girls’ JV Soccer

            Stephanie Bonk                                               Varsity Volleyball

            Patrick Ivain                                                    Boys’ JV Soccer

            Kevin Kleepsies                                              Boys’ Modified Soccer

           

Daniel Hart                                                     Modified Cross Country

previously appointed

(stipend:  $2,125) not in WTA contract

 

Patricia Carmody                                            Co-Advisor Class of 2014

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Ms. Moran made and Mrs. Panzer seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 8:53 pm for the purpose of discussing particular personnel issues.

                        Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Ms. Moran left at 8:53 pm.

 

RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. McGhee made and Mr. Perotti seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and to reconvene the public session at 9:33 pm. 

                        Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mrs. Perotti made and Mr. Trotta seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting of August 29, 2011 at 9:34 pm.

                        Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

 

Therese M. Trotter

District Clerk