GOUVERNEUR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION GOUVERNEUR NEW YORK REGULAR BOARD MEETING January 15, 2019

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1 DRAFT 77 GOUVERNEUR CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION GOUVERNEUR NEW YORK REGULAR BOARD MEETING I. CALL TO ORDER The REGULAR MEETING of the Board of Education of Gouverneur Central School District was called to order by President David Fenlong, at 6:30 P.M., EDT in the High School Auditorium, leading those present in the Pledge of Allegiance. II. III. Trustees Present: Dr. William Cartwright, James Delity, David Fenlong, Lisa McGregor, Nickolas Ormasen, Laurie M. Roberts, Roland Roderick, Laura Spicer. Trustees Absent: Karen Geer Also Present: Lauren French, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Donna Runner, Assistant Superintendent; Cory Wood, High School Principal; Steven Coffin, Middle School Principal; Victoria Day, Elementary Principal; Robyn Knowlton, CSE/CPSE Chairperson; Harold Simmons, Director of Facilities; Tatia Z. Kennedy, District Clerk. COMMENT PERIOD President David Fenlong opened the floor for the first of two public comment periods, reminding those present to keep any comments to five minutes or less, and the Board will not respond to speakers during the meeting unless to address inaccurate information or ask clarifying questions. Discussion items not on the agenda must be clearly identified by topic, and questions raised may be responded to at the next meeting. No comments were offered. DISCUSSION A. Administrative Updates 1. Building Principals and CSE Principals discussed professional development planned for the upcoming half-day session, including interactive writing with Laurie Baker (on-site specialist for Fountas & Pinnell Classroom Support) at the Elementary school; and restorative practice and advisory time with Jon Kidde (principal consultant for Green Omega, L3C in Vergennes, VT), at the Middle school. Mr. Coffin responded to questions from board members, explaining how the morning advisory periods complement the culture established in the building between students and between students and staff, valuing character education and forming relationships using restorative dialogue. Mr. Coffin provided examples of students taking ownership of their actions, whether for discipline or broken relationships with their peers. Mr. Wood and Mr. Coffin also talked about upcoming Regents testing at the high school and midyear diagnostic assessments for NWEA. Trustee Dr. Cartwright questioned the district s progress in using internal staff to present professional development to coworkers; Assistant Superintendent Dr. Runner answered that we are currently using our own teachers for academics, but development is needed for classroom management and behavior. CSE/CPSE Chairperson Knowlton gave an overview of the practices and progress monitoring used by our special education teachers to make the process concise for students and easier for parents to understand. 2. Facilities Director of Facilities Harold Simmons told board members that minor issues were found in today s fire inspection of all buildings, and all issues will be corrected. No major issues were reported. B. COMMUNICATIONS None. IV. FINANCIAL REPORT None. V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Second Reading and Adoption of Revised Policies (See Sheet #1, Board Minutes File Folder) by Vice-President Lisa McGregor, and seconded by Trustee Dr. William Cartwright, that the Board of Education approve the revisions to the Board Policy Manual, effective immediately, as presented:

2 78 V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS (CONTINUED) A. Second Reading and Adoption of Revised Policies - Continued Registration and Professional Development Revised Participation in Graduation Ceremonies and Activities NEW Diploma or Credential Options for Students with Disabilities Revised Designation of Person in Parental Relation Revised Alcohol, Tobacco, Drugs, and Other Substances revised 7512 Student Physicals Revised Concussion Management Revised. DISCUSSION: Trustee Laurie M. Roberts, in reference to Policy , contributed that the registration also pertains to retirees who wish to keep their certification current for substituting. MOTION CARRIED. LISTED POLICIES APPROVED AND ADOPTED, AS PRESENTED. B. School Resource Officer (SRO) Update Vice-President Lisa McGregor summarized the recent meeting held between Superintendent French, High School Principal Wood, State Trooper D Ambrio, and herself, adding that President Fenlong was unavailable. Trooper D Ambrio recommended making the position a direct hire to allow the district to set the parameters for hours and expectations; informed them that if the SRO will carry a weapon they must hire a retired state trooper; and provided information on mandatory and recommended training. Superintendent Lauren F. French stated the safety committee, including board members Lisa McGregor, James Delity, and Nickolas Ormasen, is meeting in the upcoming week to work out a job description and hiring process as well as contract language, using contracts other schools current use as a starting point. Discussion ensued regarding additional details of the position, and Superintendent French stated she would have an update at the January 28 meeting with the safety committee s recommendations. C. Budget Update In Business Manager Carol LaSala s absence, Superintendent French informed those present that the governor s budget was just released today, and it appears to underfund education based on what was asked/predicted for need; Ms. LaSala will have more accurate information for the next board meeting. VI. CONSENT AGENDA President David Fenlong asked if any member on the Board wished to have any item on the Consent Agenda removed for special consideration and discussion. No member asked that any items be removed. Motion to approve Consent Agenda Items: by Trustee Roland Roderick, seconded by Trustee Laurie M. Roberts, that the Board of Education take the following action: A. Minutes Approve the minutes of the December 17, 2018 regular meeting, as presented. B. Claims Auditor s Reports (See Sheet #2, Board Minutes File Folder) Approve the Claims Auditor s Reports for the period 12/04/18 01/04/2019, as presented. C. CSE Business (See Sheet #3, Board Minutes File Folder) Approve the services, including additions, modifications and deletions, for the following classified students, as reflected in the attached CSE Meeting Minutes report: CSE Student ID#:

3 79 VI. VII. CONSENT AGENDA (CONTINUED) D. CPSE Business (See Sheet #4, Board Minutes File Folder) Approve the services, including additions, modifications and deletions, for the following classified students, as reflected in the attached CPSE Meeting Minutes report: CPSE Student ID#: E. Treasurer s Report December 2018 (See Sheet #5, Board Minutes File Folder) Accept the Treasurer s Report for the month of December 2018, as presented. F. Memorandums of Agreement to the GTA Contract (See Sheet #6, Board Minutes File Folder) Approve Memorandum of Agreement #1 between The Gouverneur Central School District and the Gouverneur Teachers Association contract dated July 1, 2017 June 30, 2020, as presented. Approve Memorandum of Agreement #2 between The Gouverneur Central School District and the Gouverneur Teachers Association contract dated July 1, 2017 June 30, 2020, as presented. Vote on Consent Agenda Items: DISCUSSION: When asked for more information on Item F, Superintendent Lauren F. French confirmed that these items had gone through LMC prior to board action. MOA #1 is a date change on the insurance buyout, and MOA #2 establishes a contractual rate to pay teachers who present professional development for preparation and presentation time. MOTION CARRIED. ITEMS ON CONSENT AGENDA, APPROVED AS PRESENTED. NEW BUSINESS A. Policy Review First Reading (See Sheet #7, Board Minutes File Folder) 7513 Administration of Medication; Other Products. Changed to Medication and Personal Care Items. The addition of the subheading "Feminine Hygiene Products" reflects that, effective July 1, 2018, school districts must supply feminine hygiene products in bathrooms within school buildings serving students in grades 6 to 12, at no charge to students. The title was changed to better reflect the content of the policy. Superintendent Lauren F. French confirmed that we are in compliance. B. Creation of Curriculum Map Writer Position for Upon presentation and recommendation of Lauren F. French, Superintendent of Schools, motion made by Vice-President Lisa McGregor, and seconded by Trustee James Delity, that the Board of Education approve the request from the Office of Curriculum and Instruction for Curriculum Map Writer Positions, at a daily stipend of $ to be paid from general funds. Each curriculum map project is worth a 3- or 7-day stipend for an individual or divided among individuals. Projects are selected by content area for revision (3-day stipend) or creation (7-day stipend). Stipend will be paid after July 1, 2019 and upon approved completion of the project. DISCUSSION: Assistant Superintendent Dr. Runner responded to questions from board members, clarifying that this position is being created for the school year. The position is similar to previous years except most will be 3-day revisions now that many content areas have been created. The funding must come from the general fund per state regulation; we cannot use grant funding. There is not a limit to the number of projects approved, although Dr. Runner sets aside $31,000; she has not reached that threshold during a school year yet. Dr. Runner stressed that it is her priority to have teacher voice in curriculum writing and let teachers decide how standards will be taught. MOTION CARRIED. CURRICULUM MAP WRITER POSITIONS, APPROVED.

4 80 VIII. SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT A. Retirements Rosalie Munger. Upon presentation and recommendation of Lauren F. French, Superintendent of Schools, motion made by Trustee Laurie M. Roberts, and seconded by Trustee Laura Spicer, that the Board of Education accept the request for resignation for retirement purposes from Rosalie Munger, 12-month Secretary I, effective July 31, 2019, with appreciation and thanks. YAYS: All Trustees Present NAYS: None. MOTION CARRIED. RESIGNATION FOR RETIREMENT PURPOSES OF ROSALIE MUNGER, EFFECTIVE 07/31/2019, ACCEPTED. B. Appointments 1. Substitutes by Vice-President Lisa McGregor, and seconded by Trustee James Delity, that the Board of Education approve the appointment of the following personnel as listed to work as per diem substitutes for instructional, support, buildings & grounds, and/or food service departments, pending completion of all requirements including mandatory training, NYSED fingerprint clearance, and necessary employee paperwork, for the school year: Jenafer Foster. MOTION CARRIED. SUBSTITUTE APPOINTMENT(S), APPROVED. IX. COMMENT PERIOD Boys Soccer. Dustin Currier of the Gouverneur Soccer Club told the board that he had met with Athletic Coordinator Frank Bush and varsity soccer coach Rick Wood and identified ways to build up the soccer program. He added his observation that he was not in favor of dropping out of Section 10 this year; however, he had observed some very positive things that came out of this, saying it was immediately noticeable for indoor soccer this year that athletes were working better together and had improved confidence, moving from last place to 5 th place out of 9 teams. He spoke about progress made at involving students at a younger age, utilizing more gym time, and building a presence in the community. He announced that his club is hosting the first U-10 coed tournament in the beginning of March. Stating that the issue of community poverty hits everywhere, he added they have started looking for sources of community sponsorship, adding they have provided free uniforms this year to over 200 students at no cost to them, and scholarships for players who could not afford to join. He concluded by thanking the school and athletic staff for everything they ve done so far getting us more presence at the younger level. President David Fenlong thanked him for his comments, saying, Thank you for your passion to carry on what you believe in. X. PROPOSED EXECUTIVE SESSION and APPOINTMENT OF CLERK PRO TEMPE. Motion made by Trustee Laurie M. Roberts, and seconded by Trustee Roland Roderick, to enter into executive session to discuss current litigation matters, and to appoint Superintendent Lauren F. French as Clerk Pro Tempe for the remainder of the meeting. MOTION CARRIED. EXECUTIVE SESSION ENTERED AT 7:36 P.M., WITH SUPERINTENDENT FRENCH AS CLERK PRO TEMPE FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE MEETING. RETURN TO OPEN SESSION OPEN SESSION RESUMED AT 8:33 PM. XI. RESOLUTION AGREEMENT Motion made by Trustee Dr. William Cartwright, and seconded by Vice-President Lisa McGregor, WHEREAS, the parent of a student with a disability filed a due process complaint with the District on October 1, 2018 alleging violations of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act; and WHEREAS, the District and the parents resolved all issues concerning the claim by mutual agreement (the Agreement ), subject to approval by the Board of Education; and

5 81 XI. XII. RESOLUTION AGREEMENT (CONTINUED) WHEREAS, the Board of Education has reviewed the Agreement, including the mutual promises and releases set forth therein, and desires to authorize the District to act in accordance therewith. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT The Agreement between the District and the parents of the student with a disability is hereby approved. The District s Superintendent of Schools is authorized to execute the Agreement on behalf of the Board and to take all steps necessary to implement the Agreement. MOTION CARRIED. SEPARATION AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE, APPROVED. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business or discussion, motion made by Trustee Laurie M. Roberts, and seconded by Trustee Nickolas Ormasen, that the Board of Education adjourn the meeting. YEAS: All Trustees Present. NAYS: None. MOTION CARRIED. MEETING ADJOURNED AT 8:35 PM, EDT. Respectfully submitted, Tatia Z. Kennedy, District Clerk David Fenlong, President