Webutuck Board of Education held the December 3, 2007 meeting at 7:30 p.m. in the Webutuck High School Library.

 

 

The following Board members were present:

Dale Culver, President

Bernadette Coniglio arrived 8:30 pm

Joseph Herald

Andrew Jablonsky

John Perotti

 

Also Present:

Dr. Richard N. Johns, Superintendent

Tracy Trotter, Superintendent’s Secretary

 

Absent:

Susan Lounsbury

William McGhee

 

CALL TO ORDER

Mr. Culver called the business meeting of October 1, 2007 to order at 7:40 p.m.  

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

The following comments were made:

- Commented on a comment from a previous meeting of “We in Webutuck”.  It was a good time of year to push the “We in Webutuck”.  It weighed on his mind for the last two weeks, the Board and others should have commented on that statement.

 

WES/AES GOAL Presentation – Joel Freer

Joel Freer, AES and WES Principal presented the goals for the elementary buildings.  BET members in attendance were Glen White, Sue Campbell and Lynn Buckley.  The Committee started off the year discussing how to measure student success.  The Committee wanted to go deeper than just looking at the State assessments.  The E2’s (Essential and Enduring Learnings) have been identified at each grade level and will aid in measuring and strengthening student success.  The goal of E2’s is to look at where a child is struggling at the present moment, identifying that area and addressing it through AIS, a teacher etc.  Mr. Freer stated the goals of where WES would like to be at each grade level in this school year.  Discussion ensued.  A copy of the goals is attached to these minutes.

 

DISCUSSION

1.  Personnel recommendations (Because there is a single Board Meeting in

December, closed session review may be requested by any Board member at this time)

Discussion will take place in Executive Session.

 

 

2.  BOARD POLICIES –

First Reading

The Board will review the following policies as a first reading:

            Policy #103a    Computer Philosophy and Policy

            Policy #502      Student Conduct and Discipline

 

On Policy #103a #6 was added which states there will be a District Technology Plan and a technology acquisition plan.

 

There was discussion on additions and deletions, theft, vehicular violations and cheating as it relates to Policy #502. Discussion ensued.

 

Update Last Review Date

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

            Policy #103b    Use of Computers and Networked Information Resources

            Policy #301      Executive Function

            Policy #408      Personnel Files

            Policy #522      Clubs and Sports

 

There was discussion as to whether the Committee had reviewed these policies in a meeting setting.  There was a policy meeting and those that could make it reviewed the policies.  A Committee member wants to review Policy #301 and #522.  The Committee member suggested that the Board not waive the three readings as stated in the resolution under Board of Education of this Agenda.  Discussion ensued.

 

3.  FFA Trip Presentation

Dave McGhee called the District Clerk during the week and stated with the holidays and missing some Agricultural Advisory members that he requested to move the presentation to January.

           

4.  Establish Rate for Impartial Hearing Officer

The Board needs to establish a rate for an Impartial Hearing Officer due to a pending Hearing.  The Superintendent spoke to the school attorneys who directed the Superintendent to use the language “not to exceed $100 an hour”.  Discussion ensued.

 

5.  Shared Municipal Services Incentive Grant

Mike Haggerty followed up with the Board on this Grant that he spoke about at the December 4, 2007 Board meeting.  The Grant he is applying for will allow for a feasibility study of shared services (particularly in recreation) between the Town of Amenia and Webutuck School District.

 

The Board is not committing to any costs at this point by signing the Grant; the Board will be just supporting it.

 

6.  Board Goals

It was decided to wait until the next meeting to discuss Board goals after the student representative receives feedback from the student body.

 

 

CONSENT AGENDA VOTE

The Board President directed the District Clerk to strike the Consent Agenda resolution as there was only one consent item.

 

CLERK’S REPORT

1.  Delegations

There were none.

2.  Non-Staff Communications

There were none.

 

PERSONNEL

1.  Authorization to Execute Memorandum of Agreement

Ms. Coniglio made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to execute the Postgraduate Credits Memorandum of Agreement between the W.T.A. and the District which shall not constitute a precedent for any other future or past case, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

2.  Non-Instructional Appointment

Ms. Coniglio made and Mr. Perotti seconded the following motion:  A Board member asked for background on this individual.  It was decided to discuss it in Executive Session.  Mr. Jablonsky made a motion to table this motion until after Executive Session.

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

 

            Dennis Walsh                                       Seasonal Worker

The five Board members present voted to table the motion.  The motion carried.

 

Dale Culver                  Yes                  Andrew Jablonsky        Yes

Bernadette Coniglio      No                   John Perotti                  Yes

Joseph Herald              Yes

 

3.  Extra-Curricular Appointments

Mr. Perotti made a motion to table this motion until after Executive Session.

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

           

            Henry Pollinger             JV Boys Basketball Coach

            Evelyn Peters                Head Varsity Girls Softball Coach

            Shawn Hosier               Modified Track Coach

            Gary Murphy                Head Varsity Boys Baseball Coach

            Mike Riddle                 Assistant Varsity Boys Baseball Coach

            Pat Argentina                Volunteer Modified Boys Baseball Coach

            Doug Winslow  Head Varsity Track Coach

            Kathleen Kelly  Assistant Varsity Girls Softball Coach

            Denice Clapper            Modified Girls Softball Coach

 

            Paul Wladarczyk          Science Department Head

            Susan Campbell            ELA Department Head

            Margaret Brizzie           Social Studies Department Head

            Rosanna Hamm            Math Department Head

            Susan Harrington          Special Areas Department Head

            Linda Miller                  Special Education Department Head

 

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

 

5.  Instructional Appointment

A Board member questioned if the Board has to have her resign first.  The President stated we appoint an individual first and then they resign from their previous position.  There were questions about when she is to take her Teaching Assistant test.  Discussion ensued.  A Board member added language to the resolution regarding completing her teaching assistant exam.

Ms. Coniglio made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded the following motion:  A Board member continued to feel that the Board was putting the cart before the horse because she has not taken the Teaching Assistant test.  The Board should wait to take action until after she has taken the exam.  Mr. Herald made and Mr. Perotti seconded a motion to table the motion until after Executive Session.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Instructional Appointment upon completion of examination of Teaching Assistant, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Jennifer Brandt (from Teacher Aide)                 Teaching Assistant

The five Board members present voted to table the motion.  The motion carried.

 

Dale Culver                  Yes                  Andrew Jablonsky        Yes

Bernadette Coniglio      No                   John Perotti                  Yes

Joseph Herald              Yes

 

BUSINESS AND OPERATIONS

1.  Authorization for Issuance of Tax Refund

Ms. Perotti made and Ms. Coniglio seconded the following motion: 

The President asked the School Business Administrator how this matches up with the District’s tax certori account.  She responded it is already accounted for.

WHEREAS, by Order of John T. Meaney, Supreme Court Justice, State of New York, County of Dutchess dated October 26, 2007, reductions in assessment and tax refunds for the 2007 assessment year were adjusted in favor of petitioner, Peter Kuhlmann for property owned in the Town of Washington, in the Webutuck Central School District, Tax Parcel No. 135889-6965-00-917415-0000, said reductions in assessment as follows:

Assessment Roll                       From                            To

School Tax Year

 

2007/08                                   1,648,500                    1,500,000

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Business Administrator is hereby authorized to correct the 2007 assessment to reflect such valuation reductions, with a notation in the margin, opposite said entries that the corrections are by authorization of the above-referenced Order; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that pursuant to the terms of the above referenced Order, The School Treasurer is hereby authorized to refund any overpayments of school taxes for the 2007-08 school year, said refund in the amount of $1,604.17 and reduce the tax certiorari reserve by said amount.

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

 

2.  Authorization to Declare Surplus Vehicles

Ms. Coniglio made and Mr. Herald seconded the following motion:

A Board member questioned how is this public bid publicized?  He wanted to make sure it is not a select few that know about it.  It is published twice in the local papers in addition to the Poughkeepsie Journal.  Discussion ensued.

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

Vehicle #                                 ID#                              Mileage

 

1996    Ford Van         1FDJE37FTHA20586             156,262       

 

1996 Bluebird Bus        1BAAJCSA0TF067220          146,091

 

1996 Bluebird Bus        1BAADCSA3TF067221         128,172

 

1999 GMC Van           1GDHG31F9X1128319          148,746  

w/Wheelchair Lift

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

 

CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

*1.  Committee on Special Education Monthly Reports

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

A Board member questioned the Committee Chair of the Special Education Committee as to if he was meeting with the Special Education Chairperson. He responded not yet but they had spoken on the phone.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Webutuck Board of Education hereby accepts the Committee on Special Education report for November 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 five Board members present voted to approve the motion.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

BOARD OF EDUCATION

1.  Approval of Broadway Trip in New York City

Ms. Coniglio made and Mr. Herald seconded the following motion:

A Board member thought there were still unanswered questions that the music teacher was going to present to the Board such as if the time frame was going to change because of Regents and AP exams etc.  Also, are other students going to be included?  The High School Principal will speak with the music teacher and she will get back to the Board in January.

Mr. Perotti made a motion to table this motion until the January meeting.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby approves the Broadway Trip in New York City scheduled for May 19-21, 2008 as a school field trip, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

2.  Board Policies – Update Last Review Date

A Board member had previously discussed needing to review these policies in a Policy Committee meeting. and also to go through the three readings and not waive the three reading requirement. The Policy Committee Chair questioned if all the policies were going back to Committee.  A Committee member said he had questions on #301 and #522. 

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby revises the last review date on the following policies as presented and waives the three reading requirement.  The Policies were reviewed by the Policy Committee and no changes are recommended, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

 

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

            Policy #103b                Use of Computers and Networked Information Resources

            Policy #301                  Executive Function

            Policy #408                  Personnel Files

            Policy #522                  Clubs and Sports

 

3.  Establish a Rate for Impartial Hearing Officer

This will be discussed in Executive Session.

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby establishes a rate for an Impartial Hearing Officer not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) per hour plus expenses, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

 

4.  Resolution supporting the Town of Amenia’s application for a NYS Shared Municipal Services Incentive Grant for a joint capital improvement plan for the town and the Webutuck School District

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

A Board member stated it is a good opportunity to see if we have shared services and can go forward from there. 

Whereas, the Town of Amenia is seeking a grant to help pay for the completion of a joint capital improvement plan for the Town of Amenia and for the Webutuck School District; and

 

Whereas, the Webutuck Central School District recognizes the value of sharing services and working in conjunction with neighboring municipalities and with other governmental entities in order to achieve economies of scale and cost savings; and

 

Whereas, the Shared Municipal Services Incentive Grant Program, offered by the NYS Department of State, provides grants for two or more municipalities to work together on projects designed to save money over a five-year period; and

 

Whereas, the Town of Amenia has agreed to act as the lead applicant and is actively seeking the support of the Webutuck School District; and

 

Whereas, the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to submit an application in an amount not to exceed $100,000, with a local share cost of no more than $10,000; and

 

Now, therefore, be it resolved, that the Webutuck School District supports the application for a joint capital improvement plan and feasibility study for the sharing of services, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

PUBLIC COMMENT

Audience members had the following comments:

-Please do not forget about those students who are already achieving those goals set by BETS.

 

BOARD MEMBER QUESTIONS

There were none.

 

EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Jablonsky made and Mr. Herald seconded a motion to adjourn to executive session at 9:05 pm for the purpose of discussing personnel issues. The five Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

 

 

 

ADJOURNMENT OF EXECUTIVE SESSION

Mr. Perotti made and Mr. Jablonsky seconded a motion to adjourn the executive session and reconvene the public session at 11:45 pm.  The five Board members present voted.  The motion carried unanimously.

 

Mr. Herald left at 11:45 pm.

 

Non-Instructional Appointment

Mr. Perotti made and Ms. Coniglio seconded the following motion: 

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

 

            Dennis Walsh                                       Seasonal Worker

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

 

Extra-Curricular Appointments

Mr. Perotti made and Ms. Coniglio seconded the following motion:

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

           

            Henry Pollinger             JV Boys Basketball Coach

            Evelyn Peters                Head Varsity Girls Softball Coach

            Gary Murphy                Head Varsity Boys Baseball Coach

            Mike Riddle                 Assistant Varsity Boys Baseball Coach

            Pat Argentina                Volunteer Modified Boys Baseball Coach

            Doug Winslow  Head Varsity Track Coach

            Kathleen Kelly  Assistant Varsity Girls Softball Coach

            Denice Clapper            Modified Girls Softball Coach

 

            Paul Wladarczyk          Science Department Head

            Susan Campbell            ELA Department Head

            Margaret Brizzie           Social Studies Department Head

            Rosanna Hamm            Math Department Head

            Susan Harrington          Special Areas Department Head

            Linda Miller                  Special Education Department Head

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

 

Instructional Appointment

Mr. Perotti made and Ms. Coniglio seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the following Instructional Appointment upon completion of examination of Teaching Assistant, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools:

 

            Jennifer Brandt (from Teacher Aide)                 Teaching Assistant

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

 

Establish a Rate for Impartial Hearing Officer

Mr. Perotti made and Ms. Coniglio seconded the following motion:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby establishes a rate for an Impartial Hearing Officer not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100.00) per hour plus expenses, as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.

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

 

ADJOURNMENT

There being no further business, Mr. Perotti made a motion to adjourn the meeting of December 3, 2007 at 11:55 pm.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Tracy Trotter

District Clerk