The Webutuck Board of Education held their April 28, 2010 meeting at 6:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

The following Board members were present:

Dale Culver, President

Joseph Herald

Andrew Jablonsky

Joseph Matteo

John Perotti

 

Also Present:

Lee Bordick, Superintendent

Therese Trotter District Clerk

 

Absent:

William McGhee

 

CALL TO ORDER

President Culver called the business meeting of April 28, 2010 to order at 6:30 p.m.  

 

President Culver spoke about the recent creation of the position Assistant Superintendent at the last Board of Education Meeting.  He related the events leading up to the creation of the position.  He stated that the resolution would be rescinded at the next Board meeting.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following topics were commented on by audience members:

Nancy Gagne, PTA President, read a letter representing the WTA and CSEA unions.

-no discussion about adding positions at recent meetings

-process of adding position

-where is the $118,000 coming from after cutting 22 positions

-who suggested to Board that District needs this position

-no one asked the Curriculum Council for advice or opinions

-does it need to be an administrative position, that will cost more money

-this superintendent search process was surprising

-what procedures will be put in place so this won’t happen again

-public knew information before the school professionals (teachers) knew information

-$118,000 would be a lot of teaching assistants; which our high need students need

-building principals should be carrying out curriculum, had one conversation on curriculum this year

-curriculum information has not been discussed in public

-job description for Assistant Superintendent

-wait for the new Superintendent before adding anything

-is anyone losing their job for the $118,000

-need public forum from 5:30 to 7:30 pm to further discuss this

-webutuckforum.com has just been created

-new Superintendent is attending next Monday’s Board meeting

-teacher aides and assistants that were let go add up to $118,000

-need those permanent substitutes that were let go

-could we change the venue of Board meetings, need more seats and need a microphone

-principals should come to Board meetings

 

The District attempted to develop a budget and tax levy increase that could be supported by the taxpayers. The tax levy increase is 2.67 % with a 3.41 % reduction from last year’s budget.  This is the first time in the Superintendent’s work history that a budget is less than the previous year’s budget.  Discussion ensued.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Herald made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 7:36 pm for the purpose of discussing the employment history of a particular person or persons.

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

RECONVENE PUBLIC SESSION

Mr. Herald made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and to reconvene the public session at 8:34 pm. 

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Herald made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting of April 28, 2010 at 8:34 pm.

Ayes    5          Nays    0          The motion carried.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Therese M. Trotter

District Clerk