Webutuck Board of Education held the June 11, 2007 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

 

The following Board members were present:

Bernadette Coniglio, President

Joanne Boyd

Dale Culver

Joseph Herald

Susan Lounsbury

Joseph Matteo

John Perotti left at 11:10 pm

 

Also Present:

Dr. Richard N. Johns, Superintendent

Kevin Geoghan, School Business Administrator

Tracy Trotter, Superintendent�s Secretary

 

 

CALL TO ORDER

Ms. Coniglio called the business meeting of June 11, 2007 to order at 7:31 p.m.��

 

PUBLIC COMMENT ON AGENDA ITEMS

An audience member voiced concern about the list of policies to be approved and that one Board member was absent and two were going to be off the Board shortly, the Board should wait until the new Board convenes.

 

2007-2008 PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING

The floor was opened up to the audience to voice any questions or concerns.� An audience member had concerns that the approved budget had the components broken down and he would like to see the same break down for the contingency budget.� The School Business Official stated the contingent budget is the maximum contingent budget the District is allowed to adopt.� Discussion ensued.

 

Another audience member asked what is in the contingent budget line that makes it higher than the proposed budget.� The School Business Official stated the actual cost of debt.� The audience member also voiced concerns about the rising costs taxpayers will face in the years ahead.� Discussion ensued.

 

A Board member wanted to clarify how the Board approached the Budget.� The Board looked at the program from last year to this year and the Board rolled the program over.� Last year we were close to the contingency budget line. This year we are over taking money out of reserves to off set the tax cut.� Discussion ensued.

 

A Board member stated we kept the budget low.� It was close to the state mandated contingency budget line.� We looked at program.

Another Board member stated that he wanted to look at the Budget and cut to get it below 5%.� None of the Board wanted to cut program at this time however, we did not take a close look at every budget line.

 

What is the cost of running the Millerton building?� Is it in the Budget?� It is in the Budget but not broken out by building, it is a component of a larger number of budget items.� Discussion ensued.

 

DISCUSSION

1.� BOARD POLICIES �

Second Reading

A Board member stated there were a couple of changes in the policy.� A Board member did not see an appeals process for students.� It is in the handbook.� The Superintendent will check to see if it is in all the student handbooks.

�

The Board will review the following policy as a second reading.

 

����������� Policy #502����� Student Conduct and Discipline

 

Third Reading

A Board member questioned Section 4 in Policy #101a and if it is specific enough in accordance with the State and Federal law.  Discussion ensued.  It was decided to pull Policy #101a and Policy #502 to further review the appropriate language for the policy with the District Attorneys.  The Board will review the following policies as a third reading and act on their approval.

            Policy #008      Meetings

            Policy #008a    Consent Agenda

            Policy #009      Annual Meeting, Election and Budget Vote

            Policy #010      Legal Duties of Officers

            Policy #011      Delegation

            Policy #012      Minutes

            Policy #013      Internal Board Policy on Self Evaluation

            Policy #100      Purpose, Beliefs and Responsibilities

            Policy #101a    Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco and Other Substances

            Policy #101c    Dangerous Weapons in School

            Policy #102      Nondiscrimination

 

2.  Used Oil

A Board member stated the process has been saving us money – it is a good thing for the District.  The Board President asked the SBO to investigate the cost of purchasing a furnance for the District so we would be able to use the oil.

 

 

3.  MES Building

The items listed on the sheet from Mr. Lounsbury gave us an unsatisfactory rating at the Millerton building.  In-house staff has completed several things on the list.  Items discussed were the playground and our liability because the public uses the playground, the roof being part of the EXCEL project, the need for rescue windows.  The driveway will be expensive to fix.  Could we work with the town or village possibly on some of these items.  The Superintendent will call and investigate.

 

CONSENT AGENDA VOTE

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Perotti seconded a motion to approve the consent agenda as amended.  The amendment offered by Mr. Perotti called for removing items #5 under Personnel, #1 and #2 under Board of Education 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 seven Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

CLERK’S REPORT

*1   Approval of Minutes as amended for April 18, April 24, May 7, and May 21, 2007            Board meetings.

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Perottti seconded the approval of minutes as amended. 

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

 

*2.  Acceptance of Financial Reports as Submitted

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Perotti seconded the motion to accept the Financial Reports as Submitted.

           Treasurer’s Report for the month ending March (revised) and April.

           Comprehensive Budget Status Report ending April.       

           Comprehensive Revenue Status Report ending April.

           Warrants #71-80

The seven 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

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

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

 

            Mary Breyette                          Substitute Food Service Helper

            Effective:  April 25, 2007

The seven Board members present voted.  The motion was approved unanimously.

 

*2.  Non-Instructional Appointment

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

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

 

            Courtney Kendziera                  Teaching Assistant

            Effective:  May 18, 2007 (replaces Trisha Casler)

 

            Paige Robertson                       Seasonal Worker

            Effective: May 9, 2007

 

            John Cavaliere                          Seasonal Worker

            Effective:  April 30, 2007

 

            Gladys Chapman                      Custodial Worker

            Effective:  May 14, 2007 (replaces William Diaz)

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

 

3.  Instructional Appointment

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

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

 

            Henry Pollinger                         8th Grade ELA Teacher

            Tenure Area:  Secondary English           Estoppel Date:  August 31, 2010

            Effective:  September 1, 2007

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

 

*4.  Instructional Substitute Appointment

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Perotti 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:

           

            Patrick Monaco                        Substitute Teacher & Substitute Teacher Aide

            Effective:  May 29, 2007

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

 

5.  Instructional Resignation

Mr. Perotti read the motion and acknowledged the appreciation of the District for the many years of time and effort that Mr. Merwin and Mrs. Gamble gave to the District.

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education accepts the following Instructional resignation for the purpose of retirement, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

            Gail Gamble                             First Grade Teacher

            Effective:  June 30, 2007

 

            John Merwin                            Health Teacher

            Effective:  June 30, 2007

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

 

*6.  Extra-Curricular Appointment for the 2006-2007 School Year

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following Extra-Curricular appointment for the 2006-2007 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Vonalyn Malloy                        Asst. FFA Advisor

            Stipend:  $300 from the FFA Advisor Stipend

 

            Mentor                                     Mentee

            Cindy Dietter Smith                  Maxine Ifafore

            Cindy Dietter Smith                  Tabitha Thomas

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

 

*7.  Extra-Curricular Appointments for the 2007-2008 School Year

Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Perotti 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:

 

            Vincent Merendino                   Advisor Fishing Club

            Scott Richards                          Volunteer Advisor Fishing Club

            Robyn Kendziera                      Advisor Scrapbooking Club

            Brian Geraghty             Co-Advisor 6th Grade Class

            Margaret Brizzie                       Co-Advisor 6th Grade Class

            Christine Mathers                     Advisor 7th Grade Class

            Julia Heenan                             Advisor 8th Grade Class

            Denice Clapper                        Advisor Stamping Club

            Christine Mathers                     Advisor Safesitter Babysitting Club

            Christine Gillette                       Advisor Forensics Club

            Christine Gillette                       Advisor EBMS Yearbook

            Julia Heenan                             Advisor Cooking Club

            Craig Morton                           Advisor Digital Photography Club

            Jean Roccanova                       Advisor Scholastic Bowl

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

           

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

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

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:

 

            John Roccanova                       Advisor Holiday Gift Making Club

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

 

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

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

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves a reduction in the Unemployment Insurance Reserve Fund in the amount of $5,486.95 and authorizes an increase in the 2006-07 Budget in the same amount, code A9050.800, for the purpose of paying New York State for unemployment benefit claims in the 2006-07 school year as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby approves a reduction in the Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund in the amount of $10,827.17 and authorizes an increase in the 2006-07 Budget in the same amount, code A1964.440 00 00 20, for the purpose of paying court ordered tax refunds during the 2006-07 school year, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

*2. Authorization to Increase the 2006-07 Budget

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

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby recognizes receipt of unrestricted grant funds in the amount of $50,000 from Senator Leibell and directs its receipt to revenue code A3289 and authorizes an increase in the 2006-07 Budget in the amount of $10,507.00, budget code A1621.200 00 00 21 for the purpose of paying for playground equipment purchased for the Millerton Elementary School and further authorizes an increase in the 2006-07 Budget in the amount of $39,493, budget code A9901.960 00 00 20, for the purpose of making debt service payments on current or future voter-approved capital projects.

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

 

*3. Authorization to Release June Medicare Reimbursement Payments

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

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby authorizes the payment of Medicare reimbursement payments for retired members of the WTA in the same amounts as paid to CSEA retirees, for the period of January 2007 through June 2007, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

*4. Risk Assessment Report and Selection of Audit Focus

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

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts the Internal Auditor’s Risk Assessment Report dated April 30, 2007 as prepared by Nugent and Haeussler.

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education directs Nugent and Haeussler to perform additional audit work identified in the Risk Assessment Report as Area #4, Financial Accounting and Reporting, as recommended by the Audit and Finance Committee.

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

 

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

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

*1.  Committee on Special Education Monthly Reports

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Webutuck Board of Education hereby accepts the Committee on Special Education report for April and May 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 seven Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

*2.  Creation of After-School Clubs

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following after-school clubs:  EBMS Cooking Club, EBMS Digital Photography Club, EBMS Stamping Club and Safe Sitter Club, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

*3.  Creation of Athletic Club

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the Athletic Club, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

*4.  Approval of Textbooks – Social Studies Curriculum

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the following textbook series for Social Studies Grades 6-8 Curriculum – “Call to Freedom Beginning to 1877 and Call to Freedom 1865 to Present - Holt, Rinehart, Winston Series” for 7th & 8th Grades, and “World History -Harcourt” for 6th Grade, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

*5.  Adoption of Psychological Principals Courses I & II

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the creation of Psychological Principals I & II classes at Webutuck High School, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

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

6.  Creation of After-School Club

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the creation of the following after-school club:  Holiday Gift Making Club as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.  Adoption of Board Policies

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

Policy #101a was removed from the list for approval until school attorneys could be consulted.  A Board member referenced an audience member’s comments at the beginning of the meeting in regards to all of the policies to be approved.  A Board member was absent and two were ending their terms and should the Board wait until the new members have had time to review the policies.  Discussion ensued.

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

           

            Policy #006      Meeting Times

            Policy #007      Reorganization Meeting

            Policy #412      Family Medical Leave Act

            Policy #008      Meetings

            Policy #008a    Consent Agenda

            Policy #009      Annual Meeting, Election and Budget Vote

            Policy #010      Legal Duties of Officers

            Policy #011      Delegations

            Policy #012      Minutes

            Policy #013      Internal Board Policy on Self Evaluation

            Policy #100      Purpose, Beliefs and Responsibilities

            Policy #101c    Dangerous Weapons in School

            Policy #102      Nondiscrimination

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

 

2.  Approval of the District’s Negotiator for WTA Impasse Negotiations

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

A Board member questioned if there was any other alternative to impasse.  He stated past history has shown that collaborative style of negotiating works best.  Discussion ensued.

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Culver seconded a motion to table the motion until after Executive session.  The seven Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Mr. Jay Girvin of Girvin and Ferlazzo, as the District’s negotiator for the WTA Negotiations.

 

*3.  Donation of Computers

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

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the acceptance of 41 surplus computers which are available through the CREATE (Computer Recycling for Education and Technology Enhancement Act) project, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

4.  Appointment of Officials and Election Inspectors for the June 19, 2007 School Budget Vote for the 2007-2008 School Year

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

A Board member questioned if the inspectors were the same as the inspectors that volunteered for the May 15, 2007 vote.  Discussion ensued.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the appointment of the following persons for the June 19, 2007 School Budget Vote,

 

PERMANENT CHAIRPERSON & CHIEF ELECTION INSPECTOR:

 

Richard G. Howard

 

INSPECTORS OF ELECTION

Patricia Boice

Joan Murphy

J.C. Webb

Gloryann Webb                                                

Diane Price

Dorothy Newvine

Jane Rossman

Jean DeWitt

Barbara VandeBogart

Peg Coon

Arlene Iuliano                                                 

Freida Thompson

Lee Howard                                              

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education requires the Chairperson and each Election Inspector to sign a statement certifying receipt of the “Responsibilities and the Rules of Conduct for School Board Elections”,

 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, the Board of Education authorizes the District Clerk to appoint additional officials and inspectors if necessary.

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

 

5.  Adoption of Board Policy

Board members discussed the appropriate wording for State mandated courses to be incorporated into the Policy.  After the motion was made there was a friendly amendment made by Mrs. Boyd seconded by Mr. Matteo.

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

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

           

            Policy #005      Membership

 

6.  Other

A Board member spoke about the topic of Fencing found on the Maintenance and Operations Agenda.  He stated he did not want to see high fencing around the whole complex like an institution.

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

An audience member spoke about Senator Leibell’s grant.  Will he do the right things in the future for education, for teachers and taxpayers.  We are in a crisis.

 

A Board member thanked the PTA President for all of her time and effort throughout this past year.  Webutuck is fortunate to have the PTA and all of the time they give.  Thank you.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Perotti made and Mrs. Boyd seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 9:03 pm for the purpose of discussing negotiations and personnel issues. The five Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION 

Mr. Culver made and Mrs. Lounsbury seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the public session at 11:43 pm.  The four Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Approval of the District’s Negotiator for WTA Impasse Negotiations

Mr. Culver made and Mr. Herald seconded a motion to continue to table the WTA Impasse Negotiator motion to June 25, 2007 Board of Education meeting. The four Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves Mr. Jay Girvin of Girvin and Ferlazzo, as the District’s negotiator for the WTA Negotiations.

 

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mrs. Boyd made and Mr. Herald seconded a motion to adjourn the meeting of June 11, 2007 at 11:46 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Tracy Trotter

District Clerk