WALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION

Transcription

1 WALTON CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF EDUCATION April 19, 2016 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education was called to order by President Breese, at 5:30 PM, in the Distance Learning Lab, Stockton Avenue. Trustees present: Breese, Neale, Hoyt, Reynolds, Ward, and Fay. Trustees absent: Williams. Call to Order Roll Call Others present: Superintendent Clough; T. Gregory Dale, School Business Administrator; Adam Hoover, Long-Term Substitute Director of Special Education; Charles Spagnoli, The Law Firm of Frank W. Miller. The following arrived at 6:06 PM: S. Corey Phraner, District Clerk; Principals Michael Snider and Robert Knuschke; Michelle Reed, Curriculum Coordinator; Mark Lamoreaux, Assistant Principal; Andrew Gates, Athletic Director; Pamela Brown and Richard Robinson, BOCES Staff; Anne Hartman, Stephanie Rosa and Tracie Dieter, Faculty; Julia Steitz and Robert Phraner, O Neill High School students; Theresa Steitz, Jennifer Davis, Jessica Reed, Jodie Schwartz, Loraine Davila, Joyce Bishop, Marilynn Lewis and Phil Lewis, Community Members; P.J. Harmer, Communications Specialist. It was moved by Neale, seconded by Hoyt, that the Board Meet, in Executive Session, at 5:30 PM, to review recommendations of the CSE and CPSE; consultation with school counsel. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. General Session re-convened at 6:06 PM. The Pledge of Allegiance was recited. It was moved by Ward, seconded by Neale, that the minutes of March 22, 2016 Regular Meeting; April 5, 2016 and April 14, 2016 Budget Worksessions be approved as presented. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. Following review, it was moved by Reynolds, seconded by Fay, that the recommendations of the CSE & CPSE (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #1) be approved by the Board of Education as recommended. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. There was no public comment Executive Session General Session Pledge of Allegiance Approval of Minutes Approval of CSE/CPSE Recommendations Public Comment

2 April 19, 2016 Page 2 Dr. Reed gave a brief recap of the $1,168,536 Smart Schools Bond Act District Plan and asked for questions from the public. There was none. As a follow-up to the presentation given prior to the first New York State Education Department (SED) review visit to the middle school, Dr. Reed discussed the five areas of review and recommendations made by SED. Ms. Kimberly Matthews has been assigned to work with the district for the next two years. In June 2016, the district will look at results from the upcoming parent/student survey that will be released in May. The Focus School identification may be changed in at the earliest. Dr. Reed and Principal Knuschke will attend another training in Albany next month. SED is returning for a follow-up visit on May 6, Dr. Reed answered questions from the Board. Julia Steitz and Robert Phraner enthusiastically described the Travel Club s trip to the Galapagos Islands/Ecuador in February The group visited Quito, Isabella Island, Santa Cruz, San Cristobal and other places. Seeing the different culture and way of life was eye opening. The students described their experiences hiking to the top of the volcano Sierra Negra, snorkeling, walking among the wildlife, and tasting new foods. Both students adamantly agreed that the experience will encourage them to travel abroad in the future. The students thanked the Board for giving them the opportunity to travel and for inviting them to report back on the trip. Mrs. Rosa and Mrs. Dieter reviewed the 2018 proposed trip to Puerto Rico. This trip is considered a domestic trip and continues the Spanish language/science theme that the previous two trips have followed. There will be a one-to-six chaperone-to-student ratio. Students will have an opportunity to complete paperwork to earn high school credit. The nine day trip is estimated to cost less than $3,000 per student and students would again have ample opportunities for fundraising. Mr. Dale reviewed the final budget which has not changed much since the second draft. The allowable tax levy is 2.92% for Walton, but the Board has directed the district to craft a budget with a 0% increase. A final budget of $20,133,226 has been proposed. Mr. Dale also provided a four-year projection of budgets through The budget newsletter will be out to the community in early May. President Breese presented Trustee Neale with a Board of Education Excellence Award from the New York State School Presentations: Smart Schools Bond Act Focus District update 2016 Galapagos Islands Trip 2018 Puerto Rico trip Final Budget Discussion Items

3 April 19, 2016 Page 3 Boards Association s School Board U program. President Breese recently attended a Commissioner s Roundtable in Albany. Discussions took place on Common Core Learning Standards, Grades 3-8 New York state testing assessments, special needs students and testing accommodations, accountability of school districts (such as Focus School designations), and parents opting out their children from state tests among other topics. President Breese noted that there was a recommendation that CSE chairpersons place specific instructions in the student s Individualized Education Program (IEP) with aid modifications. Charles Spagnoli, Esq. briefed the Board of Education on three appeals to the Commissioner of Education filed by Joyce Bishop and Marilynn Lewis and two voter propositions for the May 17, 2016 annual meeting/budget vote submitted by Joyce Bishop and Marilynn Lewis. Mr. Spagnoli explained that two of the appeals were denied by the Commissioner; one appeal was dismissed before it reached the level of the Commissioner. He also explained that the two submitted voter propositions would be in conflict with the law and are therefore not allowed. It is the counsel s recommendation that the Board decline to put the voter propositions on the May 17, 2016 ballot. Trustee Fay inquired if the district knew what the cost to taxpayers has been as a result of the filings? Superintendent Clough indicated that the figure is close to $20, Charles Spagnoli, Adam Hoover, Robert Phraner, Julia Steitz and Theresa Steitz were excused at 7:35 PM. Correspondence: - BTD Health Insurance Consortium meeting May 13, 2016 no longer in the consortium, no one will be attending. Meeting: - Special Board of Education Meeting April 20, 2016 at 12:00 noon for the BOCES Administrative Budget Vote Following discussion with school counsel and explanation as to why these propositions are not allowable by law, Superintendent Clough brought fourth voter petitions received by the district from Joyce Bishop and Marilynn Lewis to be voted upon by the Board of Education. Correspondence/Information Additions to the Agenda The District Clerk did not have any additions/changes to the agenda.

4 April 19, 2016 Page 4 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, April 19, 2016, 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 that the Junior/Senior trip to Puerto Rico in February 2018 as proposed (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #3) be approved. that the following donations be accepted with sincere appreciation: - $ cash donations to the Speech and Debate Club - $ from Charles and Sandra Gregory to the Speech and Debate Club - $30.00 from Butch and Judy Neale to the Speech and Debate Club that the Installment Purchase Agreement between Walton Central School District and Broome-Tioga BOCES (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #4) for the purchase of technology equipment be approved. that the final Smart Schools Bond Act District Plan (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #5) be approved. that the following proposition be included on the ballot for May 17, 2016: Consent Agenda Financial Reports Approve Puerto Rico Trip Accept Donations Approve Installment Purchase Agreement Approve Smart Schools Bond Act District Plan Approve Ogden Library Proposition for Ballot 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 $116,755 to the sum of $119,090 in accordance with the New York State Education Law 259. that the attached list of Permanent Chair, Election Inspectors and Assistant Clerks (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #6) be appointed for the Annual Meeting/Vote on May 17, Appoint Election Inspectors and Assistant Clerks

5 April 19, 2016 Page 5 that Andrew Jackson be removed from the District Wide Safety Committee, and that the following people be added for the school year: - Frank Ward - Michelle Reed - Andrew Gates - Brett Wood - Cindy Bakker - Clarence LaParr - Deborah Liddle - Eric Scofield - Jennifer Lamoreaux - Katelyn Minde - Lara Fassler - Melissa Grossmann - Justin Preston - Nina Pfeffer - Josephi D Addezio, Walton Police Department - John Lauffer, Utica National Insurance that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education authorizes the Superintendent of Schools to enter into an agreement between Walton Central School District and the American Red Cross to use the O Neill High School/Dr. George F. Mack Middle School and the Townsend Elementary School as emergency shelter. upon recommendation of the Superintendent that the following appointment approved by the Board of Education on March 22, 2016 be rescinded: 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 Dawn Shanahan to the labor class position of Part-Time School Monitor, and serving a 26-week probationary period, to commence on April 4, 2016 at the rate of $10.90/hour. that the attached request to extend an unpaid leave of absence from that the attached request for an unpaid leave of absence for from Sarah Quereau, School Psychologist, (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #10) be approved. Appoint District Wide Safety Committee Members Authorize American Red Cross Agreement Personnel: Termination(s)/Removal(s)/ Abolishments Rescind Appointment - Dawn Shanahan Unpaid Leave(s) of Absence School Psychologist Sarah Quereau

6 April 19, 2016 Page 6 that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Food Service Helper effective April 20, 2016: - Dawn Shanahan that upon the emergency appointment made by the Superintendent of Schools on March 21, 2016, the following people be appointed as a Substitute Teacher effective March 21, 2016: - Brian Backus that upon the emergency appointment made by the Superintendent of Schools on March 21, 2016, the following people be appointed as a Substitute Teacher-Aide effective March 21, 2016: - Brian Backus that upon the emergency appointment made by the Superintendent of Schools on March 21, 2016, the following people be appointed as a Substitute School Monitor effective March 21, 2016: - Brian Backus that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Custodial Worker effective April 20, 2016: - Eric Webler that the following people be appointed as a Substitute Teacher-Aide effective April 20, 2016: - Eric Webler that the following people be appointed as a Substitute School Monitor effective April 20, 2016: - Eric Webler 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 Karen Olsen-Hamill to the labor class position of Part-Time Food Service Helper, and serving a 26- week probationary period, to commence on June 1, 2016 at the rate of $4,860.00/annum. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Ward, seconded by Fay, that the attached Proposed Budget in the amount of $20,133, (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #7) be adopted and presented to the voters at the Annual Meeting/Vote to be held May 17, Yes 6 No 0 Carried. The district clerk clarified that the bus proposition to be presented on the voter ballot is the wording in the legal notice. President Breese read the as follows: Shall the Appointment(s): Substitute Food Service Helper Dawn Shanahan Substitute Teacher Brian Backus Substitute Teacher-Aide Brian Backus Substitute School Monitor Brian Backus Substitute Custodial Worker Eric Webler Substitute Custodial Worker Eric Webler Substitute Custodial Worker Eric Webler Part-Time Food Service Helper Karen Olsen- Hamill Adopt Budget Adopt Bus Proposition

7 April 19, 2016 Page 7 Board of Education of the Walton Central School District be authorized to lease and expend, including incidental costs and financing, an amount not to exceed the estimated maximum cost of $350, for the entire term of the lease, and for a term not to exceed five (5) years, the following motor vehicles: four (4) sixty-five (65) passenger school buses; and to levy real estate taxes in annual installments to pay for leasing the vehicles; and that in anticipation of such tax, to issue obligations of the District? President Breese asked the Board of Education if everyone understood the language that would be presented to the voters on the ballot for the bus proposition? The Board agreed that they did. It was moved by Hoyt, seconded by Reynolds, that the attached proposition regarding the lease of four buses, as described in the attachment (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #8), be adopted and presented to the voters at the Annual Meeting/Vote to be held May 17, Yes 6 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Neale, seconded by Ward, that that the Board of Education hereby adopts the attached (See Supplemental Minute Folder, April 19, 2016, Attachment #9) Property Tax Report Card. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. President Breese read each of the motions recommended by school counsel for the voter propositions. Adopt Property Tax Report Card Reject voter propositions It was moved by Ward, seconded by Fay, that the following proposition be rejected for inclusion on the ballot for May 17, 2016, on the ground that the subject-matter is beyond the authority and power of the electorate, and would contravene state law: Be it resolved, commencing with the 2017 Annual Walton Central School District Board of Education Election and Walton Central School District Budget Vote that such election and vote will be conducted by the Delaware County Board of Elections, not by the Walton Central School District as has been the previous practice. A yes vote is a vote to reject the proposition and not place it on the ballot. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. It was moved by Reynolds, seconded by Neale, that the following proposition be rejected for inclusion on the ballot for May 17, 2016, on the ground that the subject-matter is beyond the authority and power of the electorate, and would contravene state law:

8 April 19, 2016 Page 8 Be it resolved, commencing 2017, that no person who has been elected to serve on the Walton Central School Board of Education for three full successive terms (nine years) shall again be eligible to hold that office until after one full term (three years) has transpired. A yes vote is a vote to reject the proposition and not place it on the ballot. Yes 6 - No 0 - Carried. Superintendent s Remarks: It has been a goal of mine to have the buildings in use twelve months of the year. The YMCA will be operating a summer program during July. Flyers will be going home tomorrow to Townsend students. The YMCA also operates the after school program here during the school year. This year we will offer free breakfast/lunch to anyone under the age of 18. Adults may purchase the meals. We will also be having a summer reading program for grades K-3 and a summer school at the middle/high school. Superintendent Clough invited Rick Robinson to update the Board on technology upgrades that will be going on this summer. Mr. Robinson indicated the district will be installing an additional 70 Chromebooks in the second floor classrooms; and updating the server to a Microsoft product; as well as installing Windows 10 throughout the district. I would like to thank Mrs. Rosa and students who helped send out the senior class sponsored magnet of mental health resources to all members of our community. This was a tremendous undertaking. Posters are being distributed around the village. The staff Panorama survey is complete. A survey of parents/students will be released in May. Spring break is coming up. Students will be back on May 4 th. School Business Administrator s Remarks: Mr. Neale, Mr. Ward and I attended the Workers Compensation Alliance meeting last week. Letters and forms to active members are out for the new health insurance. Letters to retirees should be out this week. Thank you for supporting the proposed budget. There is a 0% tax levy increase. Andy Jackson has officially retired. We are trying to find a replacement. The district has conducted lead testing of our water. Lead levels are well below the level that would raise concerns about our students health. We will retest in six and twelve months. Superintendent s Remarks School Business Administrator s Remarks

9 April 19, 2016 Page 9 Mr. Clough stated that new signs have been installed around the buildings that pets are prohibited. More signs may be needed. Curriculum Coordinator s Remarks: We will continue work for the Focus District designation, holding a teacher institute this summer for professional development, the grading policy, and applying for the Smart Schools Bond Act funding. It was moved by Hoyt, seconded by Neale, that the Board Meet, in Executive Session, at 8:05 PM, to discuss a personnel matter. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. General Session re-convened at 8:41 PM. It was moved by Neale, seconded by Hoyt, that the meeting be adjourned. Yes 6 No 0 Carried. Curriculum Coordinator s Remarks: Executive Session General Session Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:41 PM. S. Corey Phraner Roger B. Clough II District Clerk Assistant Clerk