The Webutuck Board of Education held their December 6, 2010 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

 

The following Board members were present:

Dale Culver, President

Joanne Boyd

Joseph Herald

William McGhee

Joseph Matteo

John Perotti

Casey Swift

 

Also Present:

Steven D. Schoonmaker, Superintendent

Mary Grden, School Business Administrator

Therese Trotter, District Clerk

 

Absent:

Joseph Herald

 

CALL TO ORDER

President Culver called the business meeting of December 6, 2010 to order at 7:40 p.m.  

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

There were no comments from the public.

 

Principal’s Report

Principal McEnroe thanked Janet McSpiritt and Rebecca Hart for organizing the Grandparents luncheon.  It was a huge success.  The kitchen and maintenance staff did a wonderful job. She reported that it was the largest number of people we have every had which was over 300.  Principal McEnroe also commented on all of the programs taking place during the Christmas season.  Students and staff are collecting food for the Food Drive that will be distributed locally.  The Hat and Mitten tree which is run by the social workers has begun collecting items.  Students and staff bring in hats and mittens for our local residents that are in need.  On December 23, WES will hold its annual Christmas breakfast for Gr. 4-6.  The teachers and staff prepare and cook breakfast for all of the students at EBIS.  The PTA has generously donated $250 for a holiday gathering across the street at WES.  The Holiday Gift Shop is another annual event where students in Grade K-6 can buy a little gift for Mom and Dad students.  Lastly, she reported that reports cards were recently given out to parents Pre-K though 6.  Teachers meant with parents during conferences and the new report card was explained to the parents.  There has not been a lot of feedback thus far.

 

 

 

Principal Sauer passed out a report from the Guidance Department to the Board members stating what is taking place within the Guidance Department for students.  He also provided the Board members with a report that looks at the number of failures in each class.  He stated to the Board that they should not look at the numbers at face value instead it is something he will follow and review at a later date.   Principal Sauer stated that the winter sports season is upon us and highlighted upcoming games.  He also announced the 9-12 grades Winter Concert this Wednesday, December 8.  The 6-8 Grade Winter Concert was last week and it was wonderful.  He highlighted some of the different programs happening in the Jr./Sr. High School before the winter break.  The School is collecting items for the Adopt A Family program.  The Student Council will be putting on Spirit Week next week as a beginning for the winter sport’s season.  On December 16 Rachel’s Legacy, which is a follow-up to Rachel’s Challenge, will take place. There will be a student presentation during the school day and then an evening presentation for the whole community.  Lastly, he reported that Report Card Pick-Up Night was better than it has been in several years, about two-thirds of our parents came in to pick them up.

 

The Director of Athletics spoke about the extra-curricular eligibility regulation. He is looking at monitoring students weekly.  Mr. Wood feels it will make students more accountable and cognizant of their work.  Students need to be responsible for their actions in becoming eligible.  Mr. Wood has been working with a couple of students monitoring them weekly and their grades have improved.  Mr. Schoonmaker spoke in detail about this process which he had used in another school that worked successfully.  Board members were in agreement with using this model.

 

Discussion

1. DLT

A Board member and the Board President are interested in resurrecting the District Leadership Team.  This Committee would work in conjunction with the Building Excellence Team (BET).  In the past it focused on everything from finance to academics.  It was discussed that the Educational Summit could provide names of people who would like to continue in the manner of the District Leadership Team.

 

2. Cafeteria Committee

The Board President would also like this Committee to be resurrected.  He suggested some employees and administrators that should be on it.  He would like to meet before the winter break.

 

 A Board member was concerned with the number of committees that the Board would like to resurrect.  Her concern is that maybe nothing would get accomplished because there were so many committees.

 

CONSENSUS AGENDA VOTE

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion to approve the consent agenda as amended.  The Superintendent clarified adding a slash to the title of Alyssa Westfall that would read Substitute Teacher/Aide/Assistant. Mr. McGhee called for pulling #7 under Personnel for further discussion and clarification on #6. 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    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

CLERK’S REPORT

*1.   Approval of Minutes for October 18, November 1, and November 15, 2010 Board meetings.

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following Minutes as submitted.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

2.  Delegations – None

3.  Non-Staff Communications - None

 

PERSONNEL

*1.  Substitute Support Staff Appointments

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo 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:

 

            Kathleen Sullivan                                            Substitute Food Service Helper

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $10.69/hour                                                                                                                                                                                                     Kathleen Sullivan                                            Substitute Clerical Worker

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $12.85/hour

 

Martina Henriquez                                          Substitute Cleaner

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $13.36/hour

 

Elizabeth Ward                                               Substitute Cleaner

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $13.36/hour

 

Ronnie Hall                                                     Substitute Monitor

            Effective:  December 7, 2010                         $11.29/hour

 

            Richard Pickering                                           Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $16.80/hour

 

            Wayne Sprossel                                               Substitute Bus Driver

            Effective: December 7, 2010                          $16.80/hour

 

Alyssa Westfall                                               Substitute Teacher/Aide/Assistant

Effective:  December 7, 2010                         $11.96/hour

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 

*2.  Support Staff Resignation

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby accepts the following Support Staff Resignation:

 

            Kenneth Stevens                                             Bus Driver

            Effective: November 15, 2010

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*3.  Abolishment of Support Staff Position

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Webutuck Central District hereby abolishes the following position, (1.0 FTE) Custodian, effective December 31, 2010 as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*4.  Creation of Support Staff Position

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of one (1.0 FTE) Custodial Worker position, effective January 1, 2011.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*5.  Support Staff Appointments

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo 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:

 

            Ruben Long                                                    Custodial Worker (part time)

            Effective:  November 22, 2010                      Replaces:  James Morse

            Salary:  $13.43/hour, Step 1, as per CSEA contract

 

Kenneth Stevens                                             Monitor (full time)

            Effective: November 16, 2010                       Replaces:  Lucinda Williams  

Salary: $11.35/hour, Step1, as per CSEA Contract

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*6.  Rescind Resignation

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo 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 resignation from the November 1, 2010 resolution and hereby reinstates Gladys Chapman to Custodial Worker, effective November 5, 2010.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

7.  Instructional Appointment

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

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

 

            Carrie Caldiero                                                School Social Worker

            Effective:  January 3, 2011                             Tenure Area:  Social Work

Probationary Period: January 3, 2010 – January 2, 2013

Annual Salary:  $47, 452 Step 1                     Replaces: Thomas Marshall

 

*8.  Resignation of Authorized Position

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

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

 

Emergency Planning Committee Chair           George Strid

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*9.  Position Authorizations

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education designate the following individuals to the positions as indicated, at no additional compensation, and shall be authorized to act on the Board's behalf in said positions:

 

            Superintendent Hearing Officer                     John Merwin

            Emergency Planning Committee Chair           Mary Grden   

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*10.  Approval of Impartial Hearing Officer

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education approves          Wendy K. Brandenburg, Esq., as the Impartial Hearing Officer, pending a special education hearing, pursuant to Part 200 of New York State Commissioner Regulations.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

1.  Adoption of Bond Resolution

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

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE PURCHASE OF ONE (1) 30-PASSENGER SCHOOL BUS AND (2) TWO 7-PASSENGER MINIVANS FOR USE BY THE NORTHEAST CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, DUTCHESS AND COLUMBIA COUNTIES, NEW YORK, AT A MAXIMUM ESTIMATED COST OF $80,000 AND AUTHORIZING THE ISSUANCE OF SERIAL BONDS AND BOND ANTICIPATION NOTES OF SAID SCHOOL DISTRICT IN THE AMOUNT OF $79,475.97 TO PAY THE COST THEREOF.

 

            WHEREAS, at the special meeting of the Board of Education of the Northeast Central School District, Dutchess and Columbia Counties, New York, duly called, held and conducted on May 18, 2010, a majority of the duly qualified voters of said School District voting thereat approved a proposition authorizing the purchase of  (1) 30-passenger school bus at a cost not to exceed $46,000 and (2) two 7-passenger minivans maximum estimated cost of $17,000 each for an aggregate maximum estimated cost of $80,000; and providing for the levy of a tax therefor to be collected in installments with obligations of said School District to be issued in anticipation thereof; and

 

            WHEREAS, it is now desired to provide for the financing thereof, to set the details and to provide for other matters in connection therewith;

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Northeast Central School District, Dutchess and Columbia Counties, New York, as follows:

 

            Section 1.  The purchase of the following vehicles for use by the Northeast Central School District, which are not assessable improvements, is authorized as follows:

One (1) 30-passenger school bus at a cost of $41,149.37

And

Two (2) 7-passenger minivans at a cost of (19,163.30 each) $38,326.60

 

            Section 2.  The specific objects or purposes for which said obligations are to be issued pursuant to this resolution is to finance the cost of the purchase of said passenger vehicles.

 

            Section 3.  The maximum estimated cost of the aforesaid items is $80,000 and the plan for financing thereof is by the issuance of serial bonds of said School District in the amount of $79,475.97, hereby authorized to be issued pursuant to the Local Finance Law and this resolution.  An annual appropriation shall be made in each year sufficient to pay the principal of and interest on such obligations becoming due and payable in such year.  Such obligations shall be payable from amounts which shall annually be levied on all the taxable real property in said School District, and the faith and credit of said Northeast Central School District are hereby pledged for the payment of said obligations and the interest thereon.

  

           Section 4.  It is hereby determined that the period of probable usefulness applicable to the aforesaid specific classes of objects or purposes is five (5) years, pursuant to subdivision 29 of paragraph (a) of Section 11.00 of the Local Finance Law.  The proposed maturity of the obligations authorized by this resolution will not be in excess of five (5) years.

 

            Section 5.  Subject to the provisions of the Local Finance Law, the power to authorize the issuance of and to sell bond anticipation notes in anticipation of the issuance and sale of the serial bonds herein authorized, including renewals of said notes, is hereby delegated to the President of the Board of Education, the Chief Fiscal Officer, or to the Vice-President of the Board of Education in the President’s absence.  Such bond anticipation note and any renewals thereof shall bear interest and be of such terms, form and contents, and shall be sold in such manner as may be prescribed by said President of the Board of Education, consistent with the provisions of the Local Finance Law. There are presently no outstanding obligations which have been issued in anticipation of the sale of such obligations.

 

            Section 6.  All other matters, except as provided herein, relating to such bonds shall be determined by the President of the Board of Education, including the power to designate such bonds as “qualified tax exempt obligations” pursuant to Section 265(b)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, if at the time of such designation, such officer is able to certify that: (i) the School District is, and was as of October 23, 1985, a political subdivision of the State of New York; (ii) it is reasonably anticipated that (a) the amount of “qualified tax-exempt obligations”, within the meaning of Section 265(b)(3) of the Code which will be issued by the School District during this calendar year shall not exceed $10,000,000.00 and (b) the bonds do not constitute part of an issue, and are not part of a series of issues issued for a common purpose, exceeding $3,000,000.00 in the aggregate; and (iii) the sum of principal amount of the bonds and the principal amount of any other obligations heretofore designated by the School District during the current fiscal year does not exceed $10,000,000.00.  Such bonds shall contain substantially the recital of validity clause provided for in Section 52.00 of the Local Finance Law and shall otherwise be in such form and contain such recitals, in addition to those required by Section 51.00 of the Local Finance Law, as the President of the Board of Education shall determine.

 

            Section 7.  The validity of such obligations may be contested only if:

 

(a)        Such obligations are authorized for an object or purpose for which such School District is not authorized to expend money; or

 

(b)        The provisions of law which should be complied with as of the date of publication of this resolution or summary thereof are not substantially complied with and an action, suit or proceeding contesting such validity is commenced within twenty (20) days after the date of such publication; or

 

(c)        Such obligations are authorized in violation of the provisions of the Constitution.

 

            Section 8.  This resolution shall take effect immediately.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 

2.  Authorization to Declare Surplus Vehicles

Mrs. Swift made and Mrs. Boyd seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby authorizes that the following vehicles be declared surplus and authorizes their sale through public bid: 

 

Vehicle #                                             ID#                                          Mileage

1999 Ford Taurus Car #1        Vin # 1FAFP58U7XA221048           199,424

2001 Ford Taurus Car #3        Vin # 1FAFP58UX1A208320           177,809

1998 International Bus #85    Vin # 1HVBBAAN7WH522406       139,060

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

*3.  Amendment of 2010-2011 District Calendar

Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED the Webutuck Board of Education amends the 2010-2011 District Calendar for the month of February only.  The Superintendent’s Conference Day shall be moved from Friday, February 18 to Tuesday, February 22, 2011.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

4.  Approval of Waste Disposal Company

Mr. Matteo made and Mr. McGhee seconded the following motion:

The District will spend about $500.00 a year on this. DEC

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, the Webutuck Board of Education approves Healthcare Waste Solutions as the waste disposal company for the Webutuck Central School District.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

5.  American Red Cross Mass Care Shelter Agreement

Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

A Board member asked about including a generator on this.  The School Business Manager agreed and is looking to include a generator under this.

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the “Statement of Agreement” concerning the use of facilities as Mass Care Shelters by the American National Red Cross for the 2010-2011 school year.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

6.  Acceptance of Donations

Mr. Matteo 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 accepts the following donations with gratitude:

 

            $  90.00           Dale Culver                                         Spectator Bus Transportation

            $500.00           Webutuck Teachers Association         Arts in Education Fund

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

 

7.  Authorization to increase the 2010-2011 Budget

Mr. Matteo made and Mrs. Boyd seconded the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the increase of the 2010-2011 Budget in the amount of $22,895.00 in Budget Code A1621.430 00 00 21 to be recorded in Revenue Account Code A2680, for the funds received from NYSIR for the insurance recovery of hail damage, with such funds to be expended from A1621.430 00 00 21 for the repair of said damage.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

8.  Authorization for Filing of 2010-2011 Returned Tax Claims (Resolution distributed in Board Packet).

Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

9.  Approval of Budget Transfers

Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo seconded the following motion:

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

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT

The Superintendent announced some of the events coming up in the District as follows; the Winter Concert for Grades 6-8 is on Wednesday, December 8 and on December 9 is the Educational Summit.  He reported that he had received notification on the scope of work application for the Race to the Top, he is working on APPR which is a focus for our county-wide curriculum and assessment committee.  He mentioned that it will be a mandatory subject for negotiations in the future. The Superintendent went on to say that he and several administrators and Instructional Council members have had Moodle Training.  He also has been working with Lynn Buckley on the program One Book One School for the WES building. He has contacted Barnes and Nobles and is trying to work out a promotional activity that will support us in the process.  It was suggested to speak to our local bookstore about supporting the project.  Lastly, the Educational Summit was discussed and what process will be used on that night.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.  A Board member stated she will go to the Friday seminar on evaluations of administrators and superintendents.  She also announced that the girls’ basketball team is fundraising by having a pasta dinner before the Wednesday night concert this week.

 

Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo made the following motion:

Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, BE IT RESOVLED that the Board of Education approves a new Adhoc Cafeteria Committee to serve at the will of the Board.

 

The Board President announced that on December 13, the Finance Committee will meet 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm to discuss next year’s budget.  Also on the same evening from 6:30-8:30 pm the Policy Committee will meet to begin looking over policies 0-3000.

The Chair of the Finance Committee summarized what was discussed at the Finance meeting early in the evening.  He stated that they focused on the building survey and what needs to take place in the next five years.

 

It was announced that Grades 3-5 will have their Winter Concert next Wednesday, December 15 at 7:00 pm and also that Laura Calabrese is the new PTA President voted in at the PTA meeting tonight.

 

The School Business Manager commented that there is no news on the D.E.C. dig oil samples.  She also asked for guidance from Board of Education on the use of the Amenia building for a Town of Amenia dance recital.  The children are not charged it is a grant that funds the program.  The Board approved the use of the building.

 

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following topics were commented on by audience members:

-expectation of Educational Summit

 

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. McGhee seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 8:55 pm for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person or persons and the item pulled off the consent agenda.

Ayes    6          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Mr. Perotti left at 10:00 pm.

 

RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION

Mrs. Boyd made and Mrs. Swift seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and to reconvene the public session at 10:17 pm. 

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Instructional Appointment

Mrs. Swift made and Mrs. Boyd 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 appointments:

 

            Carrie Caldiero                                                School Social Worker

            Effective:  January 3, 2011                             Tenure Area:  Social Work

Probationary Period: January 3, 2010 – January 2, 2013

Annual Salary:  $47, 452 Step 1                     Replaces: Thomas Marshall

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mrs. Swift made and Mr. Matteo seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting of December 6, 2010 at 10:23 pm.

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Therese M. Trotter

District Clerk