SAUGERTIES CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Saugerties, New York 12477 BOARD OF EDUCATION MINUTES Regular Meeting 6:30 PM Meet the Board Tuesday, 7:00 PM Regular Meeting Morse Elementary ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ (A) OPENING OF MEETING; DESIGNATION OF EMERGENCY EXITS; ROLL CALL; PLEDGE President Thomann called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. BOARD MEMBERS PRESENT: Robert Thomann, Board President James Mooney, Board Vice President Krista Barringer Damion Ferraro Florence Hyatt Raymond Maclary George Heidcamp Charles Schirmer BOARD MEMBER ABSENT: Angie Minew OTHERS PRESENT: Lissa Jilek, Business Manager Sherry Francello, District Clerk Seth Turner, Superintendent Nicholas Perpetua, Student Representative Larry Mautone, Asst. Superintendent (B) APPROVAL OF MINUTES October 27, 2015; November 4, 2015; November 10, 2015 A MOTION (Hyatt/Ferraro) to APPROVE the minutes of October 27, 2015, November 4, 2015, and November 10, 2015
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 12 (C) PRESENTATIONS AND HONORINGS 1. Lights Out Fundraiser for Saugerties Marching Band Bob Siracusano Superintendent Turner shared that the Lights Out benefit concert sponsored by Mr. Siracusano raised $31,600 in support of the Saugerties Marching Band. Mr. Siracusano requested permission from the board to organize a fund raiser to be held in November 2016 to be used for an activity chosen by district officials. Board members spoke enthusiastically regarding the project and thanked Mr. Siracusano for his service to the community and school district. 2. High School Science Fair Lula Rappoport Overall top prizewinner at the district s recent Science Fair, Lula Rappoport (10 th grader) demonstrated the App she created to be used on all smart phones. The App contains daily, weekly and monthly updated high school information for Saugerties High School students. 3. Morse Elementary School Mr. Dieckmann Donald Dieckmann, Morse Principal, shared the many projects, activities, fund raising, safety, and kindness campaigns that the students, parents and staff organize throughout the year. (D) (E) PUBLIC RECOGNITION (20 MINUTES) - NONE COMMUNICATIONS TO THE BOARD 1. 2016-2017 Budget Development Superintendent Turner shared the district s vision and mission statement, together with Superintendent goals. He asked that board members begin to formulate and share their goals and priorities with the administration throughout each stage of the budget process, enabling him to incorporate those goals within the budget constraints. Lissa Jilek, Business Manager, shared a brief review of existing district revenue sources, together with an explanation of the tax cap, property tax freeze credit, and the inequities of the state formulation aid (i.e. Gap Elimination).
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 12 Superintendent Turner also shared that he feels a certain level of comfort going into the 2016-2017 budget planning due to a number of reasons, including Business Manager Jilek s expertise in maximizing state aid and BOCES aid, that GAP Elimination could go away, and teacher retirement payments are going down. Trustee Barringer suggested that the board invite the Town Tax Assessor come to speak at the February meeting regarding the changes that are rumored to be coming regarding property taxes and how that may effect school tax revenue. (F) SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Superintendent Turner spoke on the following topics: - thank you to the Morse PTA for hosting this evening s board meeting. - interviewing process to begin for two positions created by retirements - attending school safety meeting - recommended Who s Driving the Bus conference on January 5 th regarding school funding and how private money and political influence are impacting education - thanks to the efforts of Assistant Superintendent Mautone, Principal Averill and Assistant Principal Kappler a grant of $20,000 has been awarded to cover the cost of the district s professional development (LAP), (G) STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE S REPORT Mr. Perpetua reported that student auditions for the senior play and LipSync have begun. (H) BOARD MEMBERS REMARKS Trustee Barringer asked for updates in the new year on the items discussed in the past including the French and English programs, and who will be appointed the Drama Club advisor. Trustee Schirmer asked about formulating a resolution accepting Mr. Siracusano s offer to organize a fundraiser in the fall of 2016. Trustee Hyatt suggested waiting until a decision is made as to the beneficiary of the concert, so as to include same in the resolution. Trustee Heidcamp wished the Board of Education members, superintendent and public a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 12 Trustee Maclary asked about including Ms. Rappoport s App into the district s format. Trustee Mooney thanked the Morse PTA for hosting this evening s meeting. He also shared information regarding a free trial for girl s hockey for ages 3-10 on December 12, 13, 19, and 20 th. Trustee Mooney recommended the careful reading of the new Education Act, suggesting that everyone contact their congressman with concerns, as he believes passing the Act in it s present form may not be the best thing for our students. (I) BOARD PRESIDENT S REMARKS After wishing everyone a happy new year, President Thomann stated that he is proud and happy to be part of the Board of Education of this district. (J) (BREAK) President Thomann called for a break at 8:22 p.m. President Thomann called the meeting back to order at 8:42 p.m. (K) EDUCATION AND CURRICULUM Director of Elementary Education Susan Gies and elementary art teachers Elisa Tucci and Jodi Adams presented an overview of the new Elementary Visual Art Curriculum K-6 program, fielding questions from board members. A MOTION (Schirmer/Ferraro) to APPROVE the following resolution (agenda item K.1. 1. Elementary Art Curriculum - Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education hereby approves the implementation of the K-6 Art Curriculum. (L) PERSONNEL INSTRUCTIONAL 1. Resignation - Resolution the Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that following resignation(s) be approved:
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 12 NONE A MOTION (Schirmer/Ferraro) to APPROVE the following resolutions (agenda items L.2. through L.3.g) 2. Leave of Absence Resolution Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the request from the following individual(s) for a leave of absence be approved: a. Rachel Haberski part-time teaching assistant, for a leave of absence effective January 20, 2016 through May 13, 2016. b. Kylene Thomas professionally certified Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6) teacher, for a leave of absence effective on or about May 1, 2016 through on or about June 23, 2016. 3. Appointments - Resolution Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the following appointments be approved, conditioned upon receiving fingerprint clearance: a. Instructional Substitutes Effective Date Marks, Kathleen 12/9/15 Vasconi, Yasmin 12/9/15 Whitlow, Edward 12/9/15 b. Lori Ann Frey teaching assistant with Level I certification, be appointed to a part-time teaching assistant position at $18.17/hr. (prorated per SESA) effective December 9, 2015. c. Danielle Duke teaching assistant with Level I certification, be appointed to a part-time teaching assistant position at $18.17/hr. (prorated per SESA) effective December 9, 2015. d. Kristen Cannon teaching assistant with Level I certification, be appointed to a part-time teaching assistant position at $18.17/hr. (prorated per SESA) effective December 9, 2015. e. Rebecca Fricke initially certified Childhood Education (Grades 1-6) teacher, be appointed to a part-time teaching assistant position at
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 6 of 12 $18.17/hr. (prorated per SESA) effective December 9, 2015. f. Carole Redmond teaching assistant with Level I certification, be appointed to a part-time teaching assistant position at $18.17/hr. (prorated per SESA) effective December 9, 2015. g. Cheryl O Dell permanently certified Mathematics (Grades 7-12) teacher, be appointed to a term Math position at Master s Step 1 ($52,463 prorated), effective on or about February 22, 2016 through on or about June 10, 2016. (M) PERSONNEL NON-INSTRUCTIONAL A MOTION (Hyatt/Mooney) to APPROVE the following resolution (agenda items M.1. through N.11.) 1. Resignation Resolution Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the resignation of the following individual(s) be accepted: a. Cheryl Walker part-time monitor, effective November 16, 2015. b. Louise Mason part-time monitor, effective December 12, 2015. 2. Leave of Absence Resolution Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the request from the following individual(s) for a leave of absence be approved: NONE 3. Appointments Resolution Resolved: Upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the following appointments be approved, conditioned upon receipt of fingerprint clearance: a. Non-Instructional Substitutes Effective Date Lane, Victor 12/9/15 Mignano-Campbell, Rebecca 12/9/15 Schoonmaker, Patricia 12/9/15 Sweeney, Andrew 12/9/15 VanDerBeck, Henry 12/9/15
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 7 of 12 b. Amie Sinnott part-time monitor at $13.15/hr. effective December 9, 2015. c. Danielle Grant part-time monitor at $13.15/hr. effective December 9, 2015. d. Angel Rodriguez be appointed to a probationary position as a (full-time, 12-month) School Driver/Messenger at an annual salary of $41,168 (prorated) effective December 9, 2015. (N) BUSINESS OFFICE RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Treasurer s Report Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Treasurer s Report for the month of October 2015, with said report being made up of the monthly Cash Balance Statement, Investment Summary, Bank Reconciliation, General Fund Appropriation Status Report and General Fund Revenue Status Report and further, directs the District Clerk to place on file the Treasurer s Report for the month of October 2015. 2. Claims Auditor Report Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Claims Auditor Report of November 2015. 3. Transportation Contract Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education accepts the bid of First Student, Inc. for transportation of student(s) from within the Saugerties Central School District to/from the Vanderheyden Hall, 614 Cooper Hill Road, Wynantskill, New York at a cost of $315.00 per day with district provided fuel; and the Board authorizes the Board President and Superintendent to execute the contract documents. 4. Transportation Contract Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education accepts the bid of Coxsackie Transport, Inc. for transportation of students from within the Saugerties Central School District to/from Astor, 6339 Mill Street, Rhinebeck, New York and Abilities First, Red Hook High School, 103 West Market Street, Red Hook, New York at a cost of $383.00 per day without district fuel, and
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 8 of 12 Board with contractor providing a bus monitor; and the Board authorizes the President and Superintendent to execute the contract documents. 5. Budget Transfers Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education approves the attached budget transfer #1 proposed by the Business Manager pertaining to the 2015-2016 school year. 6. Tax Collection Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education accepts the report submitted by the Receiver of School Taxes indicating that $1,038,235.12 was collected during the month of November. 7. Summary of Unpaid Taxes Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the Affidavit of Collector for the Summary of Unpaid Taxes for the 2015-2016 collection period. 8. Copiers/Computer Lease with Ulster BOCES Resolution Resolved: That the Saugerties Central School District approve a 3 year (36 month) Instructional Purchase Agreement (IPA) with Ulster BOCES for the purpose of obtaining fourteen (14) printers/copiers and software. 9. 2015-2016 Substitute Rates Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education approves the following temporary, per diem, substitute rates for the 2015-2016 school year. Non-instructional Substitutes: Clerical: $ 9.00 per hour Teacher Aide: $ 9.00 per hour Teaching Assistants: $ 9.00 per hour Monitor: $ 9.00 per hour Custodial: $10.00 per hour Food Service: $10.00 per hour Instructional Substitutes: Certified Teacher: Uncertified Teacher: Home Tutors: $95.00 per day $80.00 per day $30.00 per hour 10. Internal Auditor Resolution
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 9 of 12 Resolved: That the Saugerties Central School Board of Education accepts the proposal submitted by Michael Wolff, CIA, Advisory Services to provide the Internal Audit Function for the district, for fiscal year ending 2016, at a cost not to exceed $6,562.50. 11. Vehicle Purchase Resolution Resolved: That the Board of Education hereby approves the purchase of one (1) 2004 Ford F350 Dump Truck from the Town of Saugerties Highway Department with 10 Fisher 4-way plow and 8 Western Hydraulic Sander at a price of $8,000. (O) BOARD ACTION/DISCUSSION ITEMS A MOTION (Mooney/Hyatt) to APPROVE the following resolution (agenda item O.1.) 1. CSE and CPSE Recommendations - Resolution Resolved: That the recommendations of the CSE meetings of 10/5/15, 10/21/15, 10/23/15, 10/29/15, 10/30/15, 11/2/15, 11/4/15, 11/5/15, 11/6/15, 11/7/15, 11/9/15, 11/11/15, 11/12/15, 11/16/15, 11/17/15, 11/19/15, 11/20/15, 11/23/15 and the CPSE meetings of 10/30/15, 11/20/15 and 11/23/15 be approved. A MOTION (Barringer/Ferraro) to APPROVE the following resolution (agenda item O.2.) 2. School Voter List Discontinuance Resolution annual duly the New BE IT RESOLVED that, pursuant to its authority under Section 2014[3] of the New York Education Law, the Board of Education hereby revokes the provisions for personal registration of voters, with regard to any future meeting, budget vote and election and/or special meeting and election noticed and held in accordance with the provisions of Article 41 of York Education Law. 3. Commissioner Elia s Visit to the Mid-Hudson Region Discussion
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 10 of 12 Trustees, teachers and administrators shared their impressions of the information disclosed by the new Commissioner, and the lack thereof. 4. Board Goals Discussion President Thomann asked board members to utilize the NYS School Board Associations website for ideas for this self-evaluation goals. The board s goals will be developed over the next few months. 5. Superintendent Goals Discussion A MOTION (Hyatt/Mooney) to AMEND the agenda adding the following resolution (amended agenda item O.5.a) A MOTION (Schirmer/Ferraro) to APPROVE the following resolution (amended agenda item O.5.a) O.5. a. Board of Education Goals for the Superintendent. all 1. The Superintendent shall establish practices and procedures, and shall make recommendations to the Board of Education, which will lead to continued improvement of high school graduation rates, and college admission rates for students and subgroups. 2. The Superintendent shall strive to negotiate a new labor agreement (contract) with the Saugerties Teachers' Association within the parameters established by the Board of Education. operations. 3. The Superintendent shall review roles and responsibilities of administrative positions, and shall make recommendations to the Board of Education to address any deficiencies and/or to establish more efficient means of 4. The Superintendent shall apply district resources appropriately to insure all students have high quality educational opportunities and are able to demonstrate academic progress. These considerations shall be evidenced in the District Budget (within the established tax cap), the Professional Development Plan, the District Technology Plan, curricular and instructional initiatives, and other district initiatives.
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 11 of 12 and measures. 5. The Superintendent shall provide oversight to the facilities of the district, will take actions and make recommendations to the Board of Education to address issues related to facility needs, including improved security (P) COMMITTEE REPORTS AND OTHER MATTERS 1. Audit Committee new internal auditor appointed 2. Visitation Committee meeting date to be set 3. Board Ethics Review Committee meeting date to be set 4. Policy Committee President Thomann appointed Trustee Maclary as chairman, and Trustee Hyatt, Trustee Minew as committee members (Q) PUBLIC RECOGNITION (10 Minutes) Mary Garland, STA President, encouraged all to attend the Education Inc.video (the privatizing of American education) being shown at UPAC on January 13, 2016 at 6:30 p.m. (R) EXECUTIVE SESSION Resolution A MOTION (Ferraro/Hyatt) at 8:32 p.m. to APPROVE the following resolution and move into Executive Session Resolved: That the Board hereby recesses into Executive Session for the purpose of discussing STA negotiations, acquisition of property and the employment history of a particular person or person(s), or matters possibly leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation. (S) FUTURE BOARD MEETINGS 1. January 12 Regular Meeting Mt. Marion Elementary- 6:30 p.m. Board Budget Workshop 2. February 9 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Board Budget Workshop 3. March 8 Regular Meeting Cahill Elementary - 6:30 p.m. Board Budget Workshop 4. March 29 Special Meeting 7:00 p.m. Board Budget Workshop
Board of Education Regular Meeting Minutes Page 12 of 12 5. April 12 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. Board sets budget for vote 6. April 20 Special Meeting 7:00 p.m. - Board Votes on BOCES Annual Budget and Board votes on BOCES Board Members 7. May 10 Regular and Special Meeting for Annual Public Budget Hearing - 7:00 p.m. 8. May 17 Budget Vote-Four Elementary Schools - 6:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. 9. May 24 Special Meeting Opening and tallying affidavit ballots, accepting vote results 7:00 p.m. 10. June 14 Regular Meeting 7:00 p.m. 11. July 12 Annual Organizational/Regular Meeting A MOTION (Mooney/Barringer) at 11:34 p.m. to return to open session (S) ADJOURNMENT A MOTION (Mooney/Schirmer) at 11:34 p.m. to ADJOURN Respectfully submitted, Sharon L. Francello District Clerk