WALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Transcription

1 WALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION March 24, 2015 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Breese, at 5:07 PM, in the Board Room, Stockton Avenue. Trustees present: Breese, Reynolds, Neale, Hoyt, Williams, Ward and Meckel. Trustees absent: None. Call to Order Roll Call Others present: Superintendent Clough; T. Gregory Dale, School Business Administrator; Frank W. Miller, School Attorney; Christopher Wilkinson, Labor Relations Specialist; Mike Rohrbach, NYSUT; Sonnet Constable, Carolyne Dutcher and Simone Tucker, Faculty. The following arrived at 6:00 PM: S. Corey Phraner, District Clerk; Principals Michael Snider and Julie Bergman; Amanda Hoover, Director of Special Education; P.J. Harmer, Community Relations; Lori Cetta, Tina Ammon and Anne Hartman, Faculty; Students of the Month and families; Meredith Hammerslag, Kiley Lamoreaux, Daniel Schulz, Kiana Beers, Taylor Gladstone, Victoria Sinistore, Serena Torres, Hunter McCall, Richard Wood, Serena Simpson and Eric Webler, O Neill High School students; Jim Suozzo and John Moffett, Delaware Operations; Dave Ohman and Bill Brown, Delaware Engineering; Mayor Ed Snow and Dave Breese, Village of Walton; Lisa Zuend-Misner and Heather Conklin, YMCA; Charles Gregory, Charlene Gregory, Joyce Bishop, Vernon Wildenstein, Wendy Reid-Jackson, Jennifer Fay, Lori Connolly and Todd Ogden, Community Members. It was moved by Neale, seconded by Hoyt, that the Board Meet, in Executive Session, at 5:07 PM, to discuss a Collective Bargaining Unit contractual matter and review recommendations of the CSE and CPSE. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. General Session re-convened at 6:04 PM. Executive Session General Session The Board of Education moved to the O Neill High School cafeteria for general session. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. It was moved by Ward, seconded by Williams, that the minutes of the February 10, 2015 Executive and Regular Meetings; and March 5, 2015 Special Meeting be approved as presented. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Minutes

2 March 24, 2015 Page 2 Approval of CSE/CPSE recommendations was pulled from the agenda until later in the evening. STUDENTS OF THE MONTH - Townsend Elementary School Sarah Wickham - Dr. George F. Mack Middle School Layla Sprague - O Neill High School Chelsea Darling Table CSE/ CPSE Recommendations Student Recognition President Breese thanked the students, parents and teachers for what each of them has done to develop the character of this month s students and mentioned common traits they shared: never giving up, being polite, helpful and having a positive attitude. Students of the month and their families were excused at 6:20 PM. O Neill High School students taking Participation in Government class were asked to introduce themselves to the Board of Education. Mrs. Tucker and O Neill High School Student Council members, led by Hunter McCall, presented information on a planned accident re-enactment they will videotape on May 1. Many outside agencies will be involved. To date, approximately 20 high school students in grades 9-12 are working to prepare the Shattered Dreams program. A draft itinerary was provided to the Board of Education and pictures of mock injuries were shown. Approximately 50 students will participate when the program is concluded. Students were excused at 6:35 PM. Mayor Snow opened discussion about the Bio-Digester project planned for the Village of Walton waste water treatment plant. Mr. Ohman, Delaware Engineering reviewed a PowerPoint detailing specifics of the planned project. There would be no cost to the district as it would be paid for by grant funding. Questions from the Board of Education were answered by members of Delaware Engineering, Delaware Operations, and the Village of Walton. The district would need to commit by the fall. Mayor Snow and Messrs. Ohman, Breese, Suozzo, Moffett and Brown were excused at 7:00 PM. Ms. Zuend-Misner, YMCA Child Enrichment Director stated that Ms. Conklin is the program director of the Delhi after school program which starts April 6. The YMCA was contacted by Superintendent Clough to explore a possible after school program in Walton. The YMCA would collaborate with the community to develop a safe, enriching environment for students to do homework, arts/crafts, indoor/outdoor games and play. Strict regulations of the NYS Office of Child and Participation in Government Students Presentations: Shattered Dreams Bio-Digester YMCA After School/Summer Programs

3 March 24, 2015 Page 3 Family Services must be followed for any program. Cost would depend on enrollment/fees incurred. A survey of interest is available on the Walton Central School website, the Townsend School office, and entry to the High School through March 27. Government subsidies would be applicable for eligible participants. Board approval would be needed in April to start in the fall A summer program would require talks with the Village of Walton. Mr. Gregory, Village Trustee, asked that it be recorded that the Village of Walton has not been approached about a summer program; this is a school initiative and it has not been coordinated with the village. Questions regarding building use and participant fees were asked by community members. It was requested that the YMCA be charged to use the buildings as other outside groups are. Walton Education Foundation member offered possible financial support. Mss. Zuend-Misner and Conklin were excused at 7:55 PM. Additions to the agenda were read by the District Clerk. Mr. Dale provided a brief update of the budget given that state aid runs will not be available to districts until April 1. He presented worst/best case scenarios based on the limited information he has been given from Albany. Approximately $200,000 of fund balance will be used this year to balance the budget; it is possible to use more next year depending on how much state aid we receive. The 1.84% tax cap limit will be presented to voters. Once the district receives state aid figures, a finance committee meeting and Board of Education budget work session will be scheduled in early April. Out of Order Public Comment Out of Order Additions to the Agenda Budget DRAFT It was asked what is left in the fund balance? Mr. Dale will provide that information. Mr. Dale explained that if the Board wished to move forward with the capital project, it is necessary to declare itself lead agency under SEQRA, and pass a resolution to adopt the proposal to put before the voters no later than March 31. Both resolutions are proposed tonight for the Board s consideration. He re-iterated that Townsend School has flooded badly and been repaired twice; and the Board has been looking into a solution for a few years. Mr. Dale presented debt service/building aid figures with and without the proposed capital project. Mr. Duell reviewed concerns raised at the last capital project public forum regarding student drop-off and traffic flow. Over 100 additional parking spaces are being incorporated into the plan versus what the district currently has between both campuses. Capital Project

4 March 24, 2015 Page 4 The present plan is to have buses line up in front of the middle school/high school, and allow for parent dropoff/pick up in front of the elementary school. The district has reached out to other agencies and received approval to act as lead agency in the Type 1 Action project. It has also been determined that there is no adverse effect on the environment with the project. There will be a regular Board of Education meeting on April 21 to adopt a budget to be presented to the voters. The BOCES Administrative budget and Board member election will take place on April 28 at a special Board of Education meeting. Superintendent Clough asked the Board for direction regarding conference reports as all registrations are done online through MyLearningPlan. The Board agreed to have him provide a summary with a few highlights. President Breese and Superintendent Clough attended the NYSSBA Capital Conference recently. The Board of Regents Vice Chancellor discussed APPR, Common Core, GEA and foundation aid; and suggested a split between what the Governor and legislatures are proposing in order to benefit the most districts. They also had an opportunity to hear a panel discussion with Liz Benjamin who hosts Capital Tonight. The following day they visited with many legislative members regarding finances and a bill resulting from the Walton CSD Facebook threats that is currently in both houses regarding threats of mass violence. MEETINGS - Workers Compensation Self-Insurance Alliance April 17, 2015 CORRESPONDENCE - DCMO BOCES Annual Meeting Notice April 9, 2015 at 6:00 PM It was moved by Neale, seconded by Reynolds to accept the recommendation of the Superintendent and approve, accept, and acknowledge the following Consent Agenda items: that the following current Financial Reports (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #2) be accepted as presented: - Treasurer s Report - Extra Classroom Account Balances Report - Revenue Status Report - Budget Status Report - Claim Auditor s Logs - Budget Transfer Report April Board of Education Meetings Conference Reports MyLearning Plan Albany Report Correspondence/Information Consent Agenda Accept Financial Reports

5 March 24, 2015 Page 5 that the following donations be accepted with sincere appreciation: - $100 from Alice Blackman to the Howard Merrill Memorial Fund - $ from Matthew Budine to the Varsity Club that the attached list of items dated March 18, 2015 (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #3) be declared surplus and disposed of. upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the following proposition approved by the Board of Education on February 10, 2015 to be placed before the voters at the May 19, 2015 school district election be rescinded and brought back for consideration at the earliest meeting after April 20, 2015: Shall the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District levy taxes annually so that the amount of such taxes paid to the William B. Ogden Free Library be increases from the current $114,466 to the sum of $116,755 in accordance with the New York State Education Law 259. that May 5, 2015 be declared Teacher Appreciation/School Nurse Day. that the attached application (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #4) for the following non-resident student, # be accepted as a non-resident student for the school year in accordance with policy 5111 Non-Resident Students. that the Board of Education approve the Letter of Engagement between the D Arcangelo & Co. LLP and the Walton Central School District (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #5) for the fiscal year ending June 30, that the resignation from John Clark, Part-Time Custodial Worker, effective March 13, 2015 (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #6) be accepted by the Board of Education. This supersedes the unpaid leave of absence approved by the Board of Education on February 10, that the attached request for unpaid leave of absence from Tracie Wood, Teacher, (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #7) be approved. that the attached request for unpaid leave of absence from Beth Howland, Guidance Counselor, (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #8) be approved. Accept Donations Declare Surplus Rescind Action by the Board of Education Declare Teacher Appreciation /School Nurse Day Approve Non-Resident Student Approve Letter of Engagement Personnel Resignation John Clark Part-Time Custodial Worker Unpaid Leave(s) of Absence Tracie Wood Teacher Beth Howland Guidance Counselor

6 March 24, 2015 Page 6 that the following tenure appointments be made: Name Tenure Area Tenure Date Cert. Status Michelle Castle Physical 9/1/2015 Physical Education Education Initial, Expiring 8/31/2016 Katelyn Minde Science 9/1/2015 Biology 7-12 Initial, Expiring 1/31/2016 Tracie Wood Special 8/29/2015 Special Education Education (Permanent) Adam Hoover English 8/29/2015 English Language Arts 7-12 (Prof) School Building Leader (Initial) Exp 1/31/2017 Childhood Ed (Gr 1-6) (Prof) Paul LeBlanc Physical 9/1/2015 Physical Education Education Initial, Expiring 8/31/2015 that the attached list of Athletic Recommendations for spring athletic season dated February 25, 2015 effective March 2, 2015; and dated March 16, 2015 effective March 23, 2015 (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #9) be appointed. that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Custodial Worker effective March 25, 2015: - John Clark that Ciara Grimstad be appointed as a long-term substitute teacher for a high school special education leave replacement effective April 7, 2015 for the school year. that Benjamin Moyse be appointed as a long-term substitute teacher effective March 2, 2015 for the school year. that the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District, pursuant to Rule XIV of the Civil Service Rules for Delaware County and its political subdivisions, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint Dan Hodges to the noncompetitive class position of Custodial Worker/Bus Driver, and serving a 26-week probationary period, to commence on December 29, 2014 at the rate of $23,391.00/pro-rated per annum. This supersedes the appointment approved by the Board of Education on January 27, that Glenn Miller be appointed to volunteer in Townsend School effective March 25, that the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District, pursuant to Rule XIV of the Civil Service Rules for Delaware County and its political subdivisions, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint William Burtner to the Appointment(s) Tenure Michelle Castle, Katelyn Minde, Tracie Wood, Adam Hoover, and Paul LeBlanc Athletic Recommendations Substitute Custodial Worker John Clark Long-Term Substitute Teacher Ciara Grimstad Long-Term Substitute Teacher Benjamin Moyse Custodial Worker /Bus Driver Dan Hodges Volunteer Glenn Miller Part-Time Custodial Worker William Burtner

7 March 24, 2015 Page 7 labor class position of Part-Time Custodial Worker, and serving a 26-week probationary period, to commence on March 16, 2015 at the rate of $7,470.92/pro-rated per annum. that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Teacher-Aide/School Monitor effective March 25, 2015: - Gina Wood - Jacob Davies - Phoebe Blume that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Teacher effective March 25, 2015: - Jacob Davies - Phoebe Blume Yes 7 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Reynolds, seconded by Ward, it is RESOLVED that Walton Central School District hereby nominates Judith Breese and Vanessa Warren for the position(s) of board member of the Delaware-Chenango- Madison-Otsego BOCES Board of Education. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Williams, seconded by Neale, that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution: WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District ( Board or District ) is proposing to construct a 59,210 square foot addition to an existing school building to renovate the existing Walton Middle /High School building to accommodate said addition, and expand the existing parking to include an additional 150 parking spaces at the Middle/High School campus located on Stockton Avenue in the Village of Walton to accommodate the relocation of the existing elementary school to the Middle/High School campus (the Project or Proposed Action ); and Substitute Teacher-Aide/ School Monitor Gina Wood, Jacob Davies, Phoebe Blume Substitute Teacher Jacob Davies, Phoebe Blume Nominate Candidate(s) to DCMO BOCES Board of Education Declare SEQRA Project Townsend Elementary School Jr./Sr. High School WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act ( SEQRA ) 6 NYCRR Part 617 and the regulations thereunder require the Board to undertake a review of the potential environmental impacts, if any, associated with the Proposed Action before approving the same; and WHEREAS, the Board in accordance with SEQRA, having classified the Proposed Action as a Type I Action and having determined itself as lead agency for the SEQRA uncoordinated review of the Proposed Action, circulated Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form ( FEAF ) and other supporting documentation to all known involved agencies and afforded the agencies thirty (30) calendar days to respond; and

8 March 24, 2015 Page 8 WHEREAS, the Board having received no objection from any of the identified involved agencies to its acting as Lead Agency assumed the role of Lead Agency within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.2(u); and WHEREAS, Parts 1, 2 and 3 (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #10) of the FEAF having now been completed and reviewed by the Board. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education based upon the record before it, including Parts 1, 2 and 3 of the FEAF, including the site plan, scope of work and the general, specific and detailed knowledge of the Proposed Action does hereby determine that: 1. The action will not result in any significant adverse environmental impacts for the reasons stated in the FEAF which is attached hereto; 2. An Environmental Impact Statement ( EIS ) is not required; and 3. A negative declaration is issued. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board directs its Architect/Engineer to file and publish its determination of significance related to the Proposed Action in the form of a SEQRA Negative Declaration in accordance with 6 NYCRR The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows: Judith B. Breese VOTING Yes; James D. Hoyt VOTING Yes; Harold A. Neale, Jr. VOTING Yes; Patricia G. Reynolds VOTING Yes; Ronda L. Williams VOTING Yes; Frank M. Ward VOTING Yes; Barrett T. Meckel VOTING Yes; Carried. It was noted that a page was missing from the addendum provided to the Board of Education. Mrs. Phraner made copies for the Board before continuing with item 14i. While Mrs. Phraner was making copies, Superintendent Clough had the following remarks: Alfie Kohn visited our district and gave two presentations to the community and staff. He presented on March 18 about the effects grading has on learning and on March 19 about homework. Feedback has been positive. Out of Order Superintendent Remarks

9 March 24, 2015 Page 9 It was moved by Neale, seconded by Reynolds, that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution: BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District, County of Delaware, New York, as follows: Approve Resolution Providing for the Holding of the Annual Meeting in and for Other Matters in Connection Therewith Section 1. A public hearing of the qualified voters of the Walton Central School District, County of Delaware, New York (the School District ), shall be held on May 5, 2015, at the O Neill High School, in Walton, New York, at 7:30 o'clock P.M. for presentation of the proposed budget for the following school year. The budget will be available for review on May 5, 2015 and thereafter at the School District office. Section 2. The Annual Meeting in and for the Walton Central School District, County of Delaware, New York, shall be held on May 19, 2015, at the School Bus Garage, in Walton, New York, at 12:00 P.M. and the polls shall be kept open for voting by voting machines between the hours of 12:00 o'clock P.M. and 9:00 o'clock P.M., Prevailing Time, on said date. The propositions hereinafter set forth in the Notice of said Meeting is described in Exhibit A attached hereto and hereby incorporated herein by reference. Section 3. The Clerk of said School District is hereby authorized and directed to cause a Notice of said Meeting in substantially the form attached hereto as Exhibit A to be published in a newspaper having a general circulation in said School District, such publication to be made so that such notice shall appear in said newspaper each four times within the seven weeks next preceding such district meeting, the first publication to be at least forty-five days (but, preferably, not more than forty-nine days) before said meeting, and to give such other notice as may be deemed desirable. Section 4. The School District Clerk is hereby authorized to amend the Notice of said Meeting from time to time as, in his or her discretion; such amendment may be required or desirable. Section 5. To the extent required by law, the Board of Education shall appoint election personnel to conduct said Meeting pursuant to a separate resolution of this Board of Education.

10 March 24, 2015 Page 10 Section 7. This resolution shall take effect immediately. Exhibit A NOTICE OF BUDGET HEARING AND VOTE WALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT WALTON, NEW YORK Budget Hearing A Budget Hearing for the inhabitants of the Walton Central School District qualified to vote at School District Meetings will be held at the Middle/High School Cafeteria of the Walton Central School District, commencing at 7:30 PM, on Tuesday, May 5, 2015 where there shall be presented the proposed school district budget for the following school year. Date of Annual Meeting The vote upon the appropriation of the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures or for any propositions involving the expenditure of money or the authorizing of levy of taxes, as well as the election of members of the Board of Education shall be held on Tuesday, May 19, 2015, in the School Bus Garage, Delaware Street, between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 9:00 PM. The following propositions shall be put forth to the voters: Proposition No. 1 Shall the submitted budget as presented by the Board of Education to the voters at the Budget Hearing be approved and be adopted and the necessary funds to meet the estimated expenditures be appropriated and the Board of Education be authorized to levy the necessary taxes to meet the estimated expenditures? Proposition No. 2 Shall the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District be authorized to (i) construct, reconstruct and equip School District facilities, including site improvement, the acquisition of original furnishings, equipment, machinery, apparatus, land and rights-in-land and any incidental improvements and expenses in connection therewith at a cost not to exceed $23,500,000, (ii) levy real estate taxes for the cost of such project, such taxes to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years

11 March 24, 2015 Page 11 and such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education and, (iii) in anticipation of the collection of such taxes, issue bonds and notes at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $23,500,000, and levy a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due? Statement of Money Required for Next School Year A copy of the statement of the amount of money which will be required for the next school year for school purposes shall be completed seven days before the Budget Hearing and may be obtained by any resident of the District, at each schoolhouse, during the period of 14 days immediately before the Annual Meeting and Election, between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM, except Saturday, Sunday, or holiday. Vote for Board Members Petitions nominating candidates for the office of member of the Board of Education must be filed with the Clerk of the District between the hours of 9:00 AM, and 4:00 PM not later than 5:00 PM on April 20, The following vacancies are to be filled: A three-year term ending June 30, 2018 presently held by James D. Hoyt A three-year term ending June 30, 2018 presently held by Ronda L. Williams A three-year term ending June 30, 2017 vacated by Melissa L. Grossmann and presently held by Barrett T. Meckel Each petition must be addressed to the Clerk of the District and signed by at least 25 qualified voters of the District, shall state the residence of each signer, and the name and address of the candidate. Vacancies upon the Board shall not be considered separate specific offices. The individuals receiving the highest number of votes shall be elected to the vacancies. Voter Propositions Any proposition that is required to be included for vote shall be submitted in writing by means of a petition, signed by at least 25 qualified voters, stating the residence of each signer, which proposition shall be filed with the Board of Education not later than 30 days before the date of the election as set forth in this notice unless a greater number of days is required by statute. Any proposition may be

12 March 24, 2015 Page 12 rejected by the Board of Education if the purpose of the proposition is not within the powers of the voters or where the expenditure of monies is required by the proposition, and such proposition fails to include the necessary specific appropriation. Qualified Voters Qualified voters of the School District shall be entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. A qualified voter is one who is (1) a citizen of the United States of America, (2) eighteen years of age or older, and (3) resident within the School District for a period of thirty (30) days next preceding the Annual Meeting. The School District may require all persons offering to vote at the Annual Meeting to provide one form of proof of residency. Such form may include, but is not limited to, a driver's license or a utility bill. Absentee Ballots Applications for absentee ballots may be applied for at the Office of the District Clerk at the District Office. Such applications must be received by the District Clerk at least seven days before the vote set in this notice if the ballot is to be mailed to the absentee voter or the day before the vote if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the absentee voter. Absentee ballots must be received in the Office of the Clerk of the District not later than 5:00 PM on the date of the vote. A list of all persons to whom absentee voters' ballots have been issued shall be available for public inspection during regular office hours which are between the hours of 9:00 AM and 4:00 PM. Any qualified voter, may upon examination of such list, file written challenge of qualifications of a voter of any person whose name appears on such list, stating the reasons for the challenge. Such written challenge shall be transmitted by the Clerk or designee to the Election Inspectors on election day. April 1, 2015 By Order of the Board of Education of the Walton Central School District S. Corey Phraner District Clerk The question of the adoption of the foregoing resolution was duly put to a vote on roll call, which resulted as follows:

13 March 24, 2015 Page 13 Judith B. Breese VOTING Yes; James D. Hoyt VOTING Yes; Harold A. Neale, Jr. VOTING Yes; Patricia G. Reynolds VOTING Yes; Ronda L. Williams VOTING Yes; Frank M. Ward VOTING Yes; Barrett T. Meckel VOTING Yes; Carried. There were no School Business Administrator remarks. It was moved by Neale, seconded by Ward, that the Board Meet, in Executive Session, at 9:05 PM, review recommendations of the CSE and CPSE. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. General Session reconvened at 10:06 PM. Following review, it was moved by Meckel, seconded by Williams that the recommendations of the CSE & CPSE (See Supplemental Minute Folder, March 24, 2015, Attachment #1) be approved by the Board of Education as recommended. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Williams, seconded by Hoyt, that the meeting be adjourned. Yes 7 No 0 Carried. School Business Administrator Remarks Executive Session General Session Approval of CSE/CPSE Recommendations Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 10:06 PM. S. Corey Phraner Roger B. Clough II District Clerk Assistant Clerk