Webutuck Board of Education held the January 28, 2008 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

 

The following Board members were present:

Dale Culver, President

Joseph Herald left at 11:15 pm

Susan Lounsbury

Andrew Jablonsky

William McGhee

John Perotti left at 11:15pm

 

Also Present:

Dr. Richard N. Johns, Superintendent

Linda Peters, School Business Administrator

 

Absent:

Bernadette Coniglio

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Culver called the business meeting of January 28, 2008 to order at 7:32 p.m.��

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following were comments from audience members:

-Sean Hosier is not on the Agenda.ďż˝ Will he be appointed as a modified track coach?ďż˝ The Superintendent spoke about the Athletic Committee that was formed and it was looking at improving the sportsďż˝ teams overall.ďż˝ It is not so much about Mr. Hosier as looking at where the District is going long-term in regards to teams and coaches.ďż˝ When that is answered they will appoint individuals.ďż˝ Discussion ensued.

 

FFA Presentation Bonnie Finkle

Bonnie Finkle presented a slideshow from the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis that several students attended at the end of October.ďż˝ Some of their stops along the way were Niagara Falls, Air Force Museum and Cincinnati Zoo to name a few.ďż˝ A Board member commented how great the slideshow was.ďż˝ Casey Brady, Alura Penny, Sam Brady and Sienna Finkle all spoke about their experiences during the Convention including learning leadership skills, public speaking, and listening to two keynote speakers.ďż˝ Discussion ensued.

 

DISCUSSION

1.ďż˝ Board Goals

The Student Representative had spoken to students about goals.ďż˝ They asked the Board to try not to cut sports programs.ďż˝ Also, to budget funds for each sport equally and not to cut the drama and theatre programs.ďż˝ Goals stated from the President of the Board were:

Strive for Academic Excellence; Maintain Fiscal Balance; Better Communication between Buildings and Administration; Better Communication between Board Members and also between the Superintendent and Board. �The Superintendent�s goals are in line with the Board�s goals. Discussion ensued.

 

2.ďż˝ Superintendent Goals

The Superintendent stated his goals came from many discussions with the Board and direction from the Board.ďż˝ His top priorities are Academic Excellence and Moving Ahead, and Financial Responsibility.

The forum on Property Taxes has been rescheduled for February 28, 2008 at 7:30 pm in the High School Auditorium.

An audience member asked what the community can do about property tax whether it can be send letters, speak with our representatives and Senators.ďż˝ Pine Plains and Webutuck are being penalized.ďż˝ It was suggested to invite Pine Plains to the Forum.ďż˝ Discussion ensued.

 

3.ďż˝ Board Policies

A Board member asked if any revisions occurred on these.ďż˝ They were revised some time ago.

Third Reading

The Board will review the following policies as a third reading and act on their approval:

 

            Policy #103a    Computer Philosophy and Policy

            Policy #502      Student Conduct and Discipline

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA VOTE

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended.  The amendments offered by Mrs. Lounsbury called for removing item #8 under Personnel to be discussed in Executive Session; Mr. McGhee called for removing item # 3 under Personnel and Mr. Herald called for removing #1 under Business and Operations for further discussion.

The following asterisked items can be consent agenda items.  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.  The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

CLERK’S REPORT

*1   Approval of Minutes as amended for November 5, 19, and December 3, 2007 Board meetings.

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the approval of minutes noted above as submitted. 

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*2.  Acceptance of Financial Reports as Submitted

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the motion to accept the Financial Reports as Submitted.

            Treasurer’s Report for the month ending November and December                   Comprehensive Budget Status Report ending November and December         

           Comprehensive Revenue Status Report ending November and December          

           Warrants #31-42

 

The six Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

3.  Delegations

There were none.

4.  Non-Staff Communications

There were none.

 

PERSONNEL

*1.  Non-Instructional Substitute Appointment

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Non-Instructional substitute appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools

 

            Denise Lapp                                         Substitute Teacher Aide

            Effective:  November 11, 2007

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*2.  Non-Instructional Appointment

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby approves the following Non-Instructional Appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Debbie Pinckney                                  Library Teacher Aide

            Effective: January 29, 2008                   Replaces Donna Merritt

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

3.  Non-Instructional Resignation

This item will be discussed in Executive Session.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby accepts the Non-Instructional Resignation, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Carol Fuller                                          Senior Typist

            Effective:  December 31, 2007

 

*4. Instructional Resignation

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby accepts the following Instructional Resignation, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Audra Berryann                                    AIS Teacher

            Effective:  December 21, 2007

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*5. Instructional Substitute Appointment

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Instructional Substitute Appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Relseia Pruner                                      Substitute Teacher

            Effective:  January 8, 2008       

 

            Kerri Ann Bocker                                 Substitute Teacher

            Effective:  January 2, 2008

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*6.  Instructional Appointment

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Instructional Appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Kerri Ann Bocker                                 .5 Special Education Teacher

            Effective:  January 2, 2008                    Tenure Area:  Special Education

            Graduated in December 2007               New Position

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

*7.  Leave Replacement Appointment

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Leave Replacement appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Charity Brady                                       AIS Teacher

            Effective:  January 2, 2008                    Leave Replacement for Audra Berryann

            Certificate Pending

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

8.  Extra-Curricular Appointment for the 2007-2008 School Year

This item will be discussed in Executive Session.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Extra-Curricular appointment for the 2007-2008 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

            Mentor                                               Mentee

            Susan Campbell                                    Evelyn Peters

            Brian Geraghty                         Anthony Trocino

            Joelene Vanwagenen                            Kerri Ann Bocker

 

*9.  Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2008-2009 School Year

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Extra-Curricular appointments for the 2008-2009 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Mark Moren                            Head Varsity Girls Soccer Coach

            Trisha Casler                            Girls JV Soccer Coach

            Morgan Massa                         Girls Modified Soccer Coach   

            Henry Pollinger             Boys Modified Soccer Coach

            Kathleen Kelly              JV Field Hockey Coach

            Denise  Clapper                        JV Volleyball Coach

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*10.  Amend Position Authorization Resolution from July 9, 2007 Agenda

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education amend the Position Authorization  resolution adopted on July 9, 2007 appointing Patricia Carmody as 504/ADA Coordinator to now indicate each building principal as 504/ADA Coordinator in their respective buildings and Dr. Johns as the 504 Compliance Officer, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*11.  Authorization to Execute Memorandum of Agreement

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute the Memorandum of Agreement with the Administrators Association declaring Empire State Supervisors and Administrators Association (ESSAA) their association of representation, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

12.  Data Manager Appointment

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

A Board member asked if this was data point assessments.  No, this has to do with recording regents’ statistics and the like; it comes under No Child Left Behind.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Non- Instructional appointment with a $1,000 annual stipend, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Barbara Riley                                       Data Manager

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

13.  Instructional Resignation

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby accepts the following Instructional Resignation, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Peter Stefonowich                                ACE Teacher

                        Effective:  January 9, 2008

 

                        Stephen Perotti                         Teaching Assistant

                        Effective:  January 11, 2008

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

14.  Instructional Resignation

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby accepts the following Instructional Resignation contingent on Board approval of “90 day extension of health and dental benefits”, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Erica Dinsmore                         Secondary Math Teacher

                        Effective:  January 14, 2008

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried.

 

            Dale Culver                  Yes                  William McGhee           Yes

            Joseph Herald              No                   John Perotti                  Yes

            Andrew Jablonsky        Yes

            Susan Lounsbury          Yes

           

15.  Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2007-2008 School Year

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Extra-Curricular appointments for the 2007-2008 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

                       

                        Amy Schultz                             Advisor for Webutuck Rising Stars Club

                        David Garvin                            Volunteer Varsity Boys Basketball Coach

                        Tricia Casler                             Co-Advisor EBMS Year Book

                       

                        Mentor                                   Mentee

                        Sherry Fisher                            Charity Brady

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

16.  Instructional Substitute Appointments

Mr. Jablonsky made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

A Board member questioned if there was a plan for Mr. DiUglio to address the Math class situation.  Yes, there is a plan.  A Board member asked if Mr. Reid is still involved.  He is helping with Math labs.  Mr. Price is also helping the teacher get up to speed with the curriculum and where the students should be.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Instructional Substitute Appointments, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Lisa Lawrence                                      Permanent Substitute Teacher

                        Effective:  January 14, 2008                  Replaces Charity Brady

 

                        Anthony DiUglio                                   Substitute Secondary Math Teacher

                        Effective:  January 28, 2008                  Replaces Erica Dinsmore

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

17.  Non-Instructional Substitute Appointment

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

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following Non-Instructional Substitute Appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Holly Schrom                                       Substitute Bus Driver

                        Effective:  January 29, 2008

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

18.  Instructional Appointment

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the following Instructional Appointment, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Susan Rothvoss                                    Teaching Assistant

                        Effective:  January 11, 2008                  Replaces Stephen Perotti

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

19.  Approval of Itinerant Substitute Contract Template

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Herald seconded the following motion:

The Superintendent explained we have had permanent substitutes in the past.  There is a tremendous need for substitutes in our District.  A permanent substitute helps in this capacity as always available.  The WTA does not cover substitutes.  The District needs a standardized contract for an Itinerant Substitute.  A Board member asked how many we have right now.  There is only one.  Discussion ensued.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves the Daily Itinerant Substitute Teacher contract template, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

1.  Approve Transfer of Funds to Debt Service Account

The actual figure to be transferred needs to be inserted into this resolution before approval by the Board.  It will be discussed in Executive Session.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Webutuck Board of Education approves the transfer of remaining District-wide reconstruction funds to the Debt Service Account, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

 

2.  Reject Bid for Surplus 2003 Ford F550 Dump Truck

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

A Board member asked this to be explained again -why we were rejecting this.  The School Business Official stated the District would be losing money on the deal.  The bid was not a high enough price.

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby rejects all bids for the surplus 2003 Ford F550 Dump Truck, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

3.  American Red Cross Mass Care Shelter Agreement

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

A Board member noted this contract’s name has changed to Mass Care Shelter Agreement last year it was just American Red Cross Care Shelter Agreement.  It was suggested to write a letter again for a generator.  A Board member stated electricity it is not required by the Red Cross at a Mass Care Shelter which he found ludicrous.

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, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

4.  Cooperative Bidding Authorization

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

A Board member asked if the District can make modifications to this.  He talked about the milk situation he had spoken about previously. The District would have to specify the type of milk container so the students get something other than the cardboard carton.  The Superintendent stated the District can ask the consortium to bid particular items.  The Board President stated we are agreeing to not put out bids for the same items they put out bids for. The idea is people buy more should get a better price.  It also states the Business Official will periodically report on the efficiency of this.

 

            WHEREAS, the Dover Union Free School District (hereinafter “Dover”) has offered municipalities, including the Webutuck Central School District (hereinafter “School District”), the opportunity to participate in cooperative bids regarding the purchase of certain commodities and services utilized by Dover, in an effort to obtain better prices from bidders for all participants; and

 

            WHEREAS, the Board of Education believes that it would be in the best interest of the School District to participate in such cooperative bidding for the particular commodities and services; and

 

            WHEREAS, such municipal cooperative activities are authorized by Article 5-G of the General Municipal Law;

 

            NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Webutuck Central School District hereby authorizes the School District's participation in such cooperative bidding to the following conditions: (1) the School District agrees to purchase the specific commodities and services being put out to bid and purchased by Dover and (2) agrees not to submit separate bids or requests for proposals or quotations for the same or similar commodities or services; and

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School Business Administrator of the Dover Union Free School District is hereby authorized to communicate the District's interest in participating in such cooperative bidding to Dover, and to review the list of commodities and services to be put out to bid and purchased by Dover in order to determine if it would be in the School District’s best interest to purchase any such commodities and services on a cooperative basis; and

 

            BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator shall report back to the Board of Education periodically regarding the efficacy of such participation.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*5. Creation of Extra-Curricular Student Account

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following Extra-Curricular student account and establishes the stipend for the Club Advisor at $200, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

                       

                        Webutuck Rising Stars

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

A Board member stated in the January 24 Business Administrator’s Update it states under Maintenance that the District mechanic will be in charge of maintaining all District trucks including trucks used for plowing.  She stated this has not been discussed at the Board level.  The School Business Administrator stated the question arose as to why we are using outside mechanics to maintain our vehicles as opposed to using our own mechanics.  Discussion ensued.

 

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

*1.  Committee on Special Education Monthly Reports

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Webutuck Board of Education hereby accepts the Committee on Special Education report for December 2007, prepared by the Webutuck Central School District Committee on Pre-School Education and by the Webutuck Central School District Committee on Special Education, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

*1.  Adoption of Board Policies

Mr. Herald made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby adopts the following policy as presented, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

                        Policy #103a    Computer Philosophy and Policy

                        Policy #502      Student Conduct and Discipline

The six Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

2.  Other

A Board member asked what is the status of the milk machine operated by the FFA Chapter and the one operated by the elementary school.  The Dairy Association are under the impression they are not being used and another school district needs them.  The high school machine is being used however the elementary is not.  There has been a series of problems w/ the elementary machine.  Dave Teeter from the Dairy Association should be contacted about the machine not being used.  Discussion ensued.

 

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

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education in the interest of moving negotiations along shifts authorization of negotiations for the CSEA contract to the Board Negotiating Committee.

A Board member asked who is on the Negotiating Committee.  Committee members are Dale Culver, Joe Herald, and Susan Lounsbury.  Is it appropriate for Mr. Herald to be a member of the negotiations team if his spouse is a CSEA member?  The Board Negotiation’s Committee can only recommend to the Board as a whole any particular action to be taken.  Also, the Board member stated she was not comfortable removing Jay Girvin from negotiations entirely.  Discussion ensued.

The six Board members present voted.  The motion was approved.

 

Dale Culver                  Yes                  Andrew Jablonsky                    Yes

Joseph Herald              Yes                  William McGhee                       Yes

Susan Lounsbury          No                   John Perotti                              Yes

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following comments were made by audience members:

-The FFA completely managed the milk machine last year.  The Food Service would help the students but this year things have changed.

-My taxes have more than doubled this year.  Thanked Board for getting involved in negotiations.  It will help morale.

-Came to the last Board meeting to speak about two classes that have been weak in the high school.  We have not heard from anyone.  We want to know how this is being handled.  Discussion ensued.

- Violations of 504 are not being addressed properly.

 

BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS

Board member clarified her position on the resolution approving Board members for the negotiation team.  She was not against having Board members involved in negotiations but who the Board chooses.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mrs. Lounsbury made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 9:25 pm for the purpose of discussing negotiations and personnel issues.  The Board invited Kathleen Byers into executive session. The six Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Mr. Herald made and Mr. Perotti seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the public session at 11:29 pm.  The four Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Non-Instructional Resignation

Mrs. Lounsbury made the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Board of Education hereby accepts the Non-Instructional Resignation, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Carol Fuller                                          Senior Typist

            Effective:  December 31, 2007

The four Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Extra-Curricular Appointment for the 2007-2008 School Year

Mrs. Lounsbury made the following motion as amended:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Extra-Curricular appointment for the 2007-2008 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Mentor                                               Mentee

            Susan Campbell                                    Evelyn Peters

            Joelene Vanwagenen                            Kerri Ann Bocker

The four Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Approve Transfer of Funds to Debt Service Account

Mrs. Lounsbury made the following motion as amended:

BE IT RESOLVED, the Webutuck Board of Education approves the transfer of remaining District-wide reconstruction funds in the amount $440,943.57 to the Debt Service Account, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

The four Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mrs. Lounsbury made a motion to adjourn the meeting of January 28, 2008 at 11:31 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Tracy Trotter

District Clerk