SCHOHARIE CENTRAL SCHOOL BOARD OF EDUCATION DATE: FEBRUARY 26, 2014 TIME & PLACE: 7:00 P.M. ELEMENTARY SCHOOL CAFETERIA KIND OF MEETING: REGULAR ELECTED MEMBERS PRESENT: BURTON, GUASP, ISLES, JAQUEWAY, MONSEES ELECTED MEMBER(S) EXCUSED: BLEAU; LIDDLE APPOINTED MEMBERS PRESENT: BRIAN SHERMAN, SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS ROBERT BONAKER, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT FOR BUSINESS ROSEMARY WILBER, DISTRICT CLERK ALSO PRESENT: STACEY DELANEY, JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL MARYELLEN GILLIS, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL LINDA NEVULIS, DIRECTOR OF PUPIL SERVICES JEFFREY ALGER, JR./SR. HIGH SCHOOL ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL AND DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS SHAWN GATHEN, SUPERVISOR OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS 2 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVES; 8 DISTRICT RESIDENTS; 2 STAFF MEMBERS; 2 STUDENTS President Isles led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. President Isles called the Regular Board of Education Meeting of February 26, 2014 to order at 7:13 p.m. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE REGULAR MEETING Motion was made by Mrs. Jaqueway, seconded by Mr. Guasp to approve the Minutes of the APPROVE MINUTES Meeting on. 1/15/14. 1/15/14 President Isles reviewed the Agenda and March calendar of events and facilities use. The following were additions/changes to the evening s agenda: CALENDAR AND AGENDA Personnel Item d. change per hour to per day Personnel Add Item g. accept resignation of Britta Domermuth, three-hour aide Personnel Add Item h. appoint Tanja Peters,Full-Time Teacher Aide It was noted that the Public Forum scheduled for March 12 th will not be held at this time. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR President Isles offered the privilege of the floor. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Mrs. Arlene Vrooman, district resident, spoke to the Board regarding the Junior and Senior High Bands not marching in both the Central Bridge and the Esperance Parades. She asked that the Board reconsider this. Superintendent Sherman said he is working with the fire departments to develop a compromise. He said they are exploring options for the Memorial Services that are held at the conclusion of the parades. Mrs. Barbara Simone asked who made the decision for the bands not to march in the Central Bridge Parade. Superintendent Sherman said after looking at all factors including cost, it was presented two years ago to the Board at two different meetings. He said he is waiting for a response from the fire departments to meet and try to work out a compromise. Mrs. Jaqueway reminded everyone that the memorial ceremony is held at the cemetery, not during the parade. Mrs. Isles agreed and said there was no disrespect intended. It was discussed, but was an administrative decision.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 2 Superintendent Sherman said that Mr. Pracher continues to practice and rehearse with the band for the parades. Mr. Burton asked if students are graded on attendance for marching in the parade. Superintendent Sherman said that students are graded on attendance at concerts. However, due to Memorial Day being a Federal Holiday, students are not graded for attendance at the parades. He said if a student does not attend, his or her grade will not be affected. All-Sports Booster Club President Isles introduced Barbara Sharpe, who would speak on behalf of the All-Sports Booster Club. Mrs. Sharpe said that, three years ago, the Booster Club was asked to raise $26,000 to fund the J.V. sports, as they were being cut from the budget. She said the Booster Club was able to raise sufficient funds the first year through several fundraisers. She said the second year was a little more difficult, and she feels this year would be almost impossible. She said the Booster Club is asking the Board to reinstate J.V. sports in the budget. Gretchen Randazzo thanked the Board on behalf of the Booster Club for supporting them. She said she heard there was a positive discussion at the Public Forum on February 12 th regarding J.V. Sports. She said the Booster Club has donated approximately $58,000 total for J.V. Sports. She said the Booster Club would like to take some time off from fundraising for J.V. Sports, but would like to raise funds for other items such as equipment. Superintendent Sherman said the Board has discussed this situation on several occasions during the past two years. He said that if the GEA (Gap Elimination Adjustment) is removed, it would put the District in a much better position to reinstate J.V. Sports. President Isles thanked the members of the All-Sports Booster Club for their generosity over the past several years. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT President Isles said she received an invitation from the Student Achievement Institute. Dr. William Daggett will be the speaker. She said she would highly recommend anyone to attend this seminar. BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT SUPERINTENDENT S REPORT Presentation of 2014-15 Tentative Budget PRESENTATION - 2014-15 TENTATIVE Superintendent Sherman and Mr. Bonaker gave a Power-Point presentation of the Tentative BUDGET 2014-15 Budget. Mr. Sherman said this presentation is an overview of the budget appropriations needed to deliver the mandatory and essential education programs and support services for Schoharie Central School District. He said the revenue projections being presented are based on the Governor s preliminary estimate of state aid for the 2014-15 school year. The total tentative 2014-15 budget is $21,693,18, which would be a $675,196 (3.21%) budget to budget increase from the voter approved 2013-14 budget. There are several major cost changes, including Retirement Systems, staff salaries, and BOCES Services. These costs account for $512,164 of the total budget change (or roughly a 76% increase). The appropriations for the health insurance premiums and medical prescription premium equivalents for employees and retired employees and their covered dependents is about $120,000 less than 2013-14. This is because the school district will be able to access carry-over money from savings realized by self-funding the prescriptions, and also the premium payment structure that has been put into place.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 3 Presentation of 2014-15 Tentative Budget (cont.) The following items have been added to the Preliminary Budget to comprise the Tentative Budget: Additional J.V. Athletics - $28,000 Additional Club Advisors - $16,000 Teacher Salaries - $43,416 More Physical Education Instruction - $20,000 More Reading Instruction - $18,000 Computer purchases through BOCES - $44,000 Grounds Maintenance: Snow Plow Attachment - $12,000 Track Maintenance - $5,000 The following items were requested, but are not included in the Tentative Budget: Small Tractor ( Gator ) - $8,000 Treadmill - $6,500 More Art Instruction - $67,000 More Technology Instruction - $67,000 More Math Instruction - $67,000 Math Training for Elementary Teachers - $10,000 Elementary Summer School - $16,000 Replacement Tumbling Mats - $4,000 Superintendent Sherman said the total cuts made over the last three years was $859,249, of which $714,006 was for staff position eliminations or reductions. The total loss in calculated state aid (including the amount projected by the Governor for 2014-15) is $7,375,144; an average of $1,474,828 per school year. The total of the increase in the school district tax levy over the same period of time is $1,409,818; an average of $281,964 per school year. Superintendent Sherman said the bottom line in the Tentative Budget for 2014-15 would increase appropriations by $674,196 over 2013-14. The state aid and other revenues would change by $198,860. The tax levy change (including the allowable change in accordance with the tax levy limitation formula) would be $234,090. As of this point, the Tentative 2014-15 Budget is out-of-balance by $241,246. This means that $241,246 in budget reductions and/or allocation of available fund balance is necessary, unless additional state aid is provided by the legislature. Superintendent Sherman concluded the presentation with Key Dates in the Budget process: March 12 th Scheduled Public Forum, 7 pm, Elementary School Cafeteria (if necessary) March 19 th Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm, High School Cafeteria April 2 nd Board of Education Meeting, 7 pm, High School Library Classroom April 9 th Possible Special Board of Education Meeting to adopt the Proposed 2014-15 Budget May 7 th Board of Education Meeting and Public Hearing on Proposed 2014-15 Budget, 7 pm, High School Cafeteria May 20 th Vote by Public on Proposed 2014-15 Budget There was a discussion regarding the scheduled March 5 th Board Meeting, which would be only one week from this evening. Motion was made by Mrs. Jaqueway, seconded by Mr. Burton to cancel the scheduled Board CANCEL Meeting on March 5 th. The next Board of Education Meeting will be March 19 th. SCHEDULED BOE MEETING ON 3/5/14
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 4 Proposed Capital Project Information Voter Proposition May 20, 2014 PROPOSED CAPITAL PROJECT INFORMATION Mr. Bonaker gave a presentation of a Proposed Capital Project, which would possibly MAY 20, 2014 be on the ballot for the May 20 th Budget Vote. The following are infrastructure items which would be included in the Capital Project: Roof Replacement o Replace 1999 roof over H.S. Classroom area o Replace 1999 roof over Gym entry area o Replace roof over 1926 Stair Dust Collection System at Wood Shop Asbestos Abatement in branch tunnels beyond main tunnel and in Shop area H.S. Intercom System Replace Classroom Flooring in two H.S. Classrooms and also in the Principal s and Assistant Principal s Offices Sign on lawn in front of H.S. Distance Learning Room Sound Attenuation The following are athletic items which would be included in the Capital Project: Replace H.S. Gym Bleachers H.S. Gym Equipment o Replace 4 basketball backstops o Provide ceiling suspended batting cage o Remove existing divider wall and replace with a new divider curtain o Re-locate volleyball sleeves in floor Gym Wall Padding Replacement Flagpole, with lighting, by athletic storage building/concession stand There was a discussion about replacing lockers in the boys locker room and also adding new lockers in the 5 th and 6 th grade wing in the elementary school. There was also a discussion about removing the lockers in the first floor hallway in the elementary school, and replace them with cubbies. There was a concern by some Board Members regarding having the Capital Project at the same time as Budget Vote. After a short discussion, all Board Members were in agreement to place the proposed Capital Project, which would include replacing the lockers in the boys locker room in the high school and consider adding the lockers in the elementary school. The total for this project is approximately $1,000,000. The Board will make a decision on the project proposal during the meeting of March 19 th. Proposed Bus Purchase Information Voter Proposition May 20, 2014 PROPOSED BUS PURCHASE Mr. Bonaker gave a presentation on a proposed proposition to authorize the purchase of INFORMATION four replacement school buses, which would include two 66-passenger buses and two MAY 20, 2014 22-passenger buses, at a cost not to exceed $270,000, net of trade-in of the four vehicles being replaced. The District would receive approximately 71.4% of the purchase price in state aide. The local share would be $15,444 per year for five years. The Board will make a decision on the bus purchase proposal during the meeting on March 19 th. Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mr. Burton to take a short break. RECESS
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 5 President Isles declared the Regular Meeting to be in recess at 9:24 pm. President Isles declared the Regular Meeting to be reconvened at 9:34 pm. RECONVENE MEETING PERSONNEL Motion was made by Mr. Buton, seconded by Mr. Guasp that the Board of Education APPROVE LEAVE OF accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to approve a Leave of Absence for ABSENCE F. Elisabeth Vogel from her Teaching Assistant position, effective 12/9/13 through F. E. VOGEL June 30, 2014. TEACHING ASSISTANT Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to appoint Michael Parker and add his name to the Substitute Bus Driver List, $13.58/hour, effective 2/6/14. APPOINT M. PARKER, SUBSTITUTE BUS DRIVER Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mr. Burton that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to appoint the following individuals as Odyssey of the Mind Volunteer Co-Coaches for the 2013-14 school year. 1. Samantha Ballard 2. Michelle Haverly APPOINT ODYSSEY OF THE MIND VOLUNTEER CO-COACHES Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to revise the Substitute Registered Nurse rate of pay to $85.00/day (previously $75.60/day), effective 2/27/14. APPROVE REVISION OF SUBSTITUTE REGISTERED NURSE RATE OF PAY Motion was made by Mrs. Jaqueway, seconded by Ms. Monsees that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to accept the resignation of Charlene Diamond as three-hour aide, effective retroactive to 2/21/14. ACCEPT RESIGNATION C. DIAMOND THREE-HOUR AIDE. Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education Table the appointment of the Spring Coaches for further discussion in Executive Session. TABLE APPOINTMENT SPRING COACHES
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 6 Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Guasp that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to accept the resignation of Britta Domermuth, three-hour High School Cafeteria Aide, effective 3/7/14. ACCEPT RESIGNATION B. DOMERMUTH 3-HOUR HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA AIDE Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education APPOINT accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to appoint Tanja Peters as Full-Time T. PETERS Temporary Teacher Aide (pending finger print clearance), 6 hours per day for Elementary FULL-TIIME Pre-K, Salary Step 1 - $10,403 pro-rated per SCEA Contract, effective 3/3/14 through TEMPORARY 6/26/14. TEACHER AIDE ELEMENTARY PRE-K BUSINESS Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mr. Burton that the Board of Education approve the Resolution for Municipal Cooperation for participation in NYCLASS (New York Cooperative Liquid Assets Securities System). APPROVE RESOLUTION FOR MUNICIPAL COOPERATION Motion was made by Mrs. Jaqueway, seconded by Ms. Monsees that the Board of Education APPROVE approve the Resolution to Authorize Agreement for Health/Welfare Services with RESOLUTION TO Cobleskill-Richmondville Central School District: 3 students - $1,793.55, for the AUTHORIZE 2013-14 school year. AGREEMENT FOR HEALTH/WELFARE SERVICES Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education accept, with thanks, a donation in the amount of $400 from the EPTSO for the Wee Read Program. ACCEPT DONATION Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mr. Guasp that the Board of Education accept the Treasurer s Report for January 2014. (copy attached to Official Minutes) TREASURER S REPORT Board Members received the Budget Status Reports Revenues and Appropriations, as of January 2014 for their review. BUDGET STATUS REPORTS Board Members received the reports of the Claims Auditor for the January 2014 Warrant in CLAIMS WARRANTS the total amount of $627,841.21 for their review. JANUARY 2014 Board Members received the Cash Flow Report as of January 31, 2014, for their review. CASH FLOW REPORT AS OF 1/31/14
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 7 Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education approve Budget Transfers for BOCES Services in the amount of $18,203.57 (copy attached to Official Minutes). APPROVE BUDGET TRANSFERS No 0 Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mr. Burton that the Board of Education approve the Resolution Regarding Immediate Elimination of the Gap Elimination Adjustment. (copy attached to Official Minutes). APPROVE RESOLUTION REGARDING IMMEDIATE ELIMINATION OF THE GAP ELIMINATION ADJUSTMENT Motion was made by Ms. Monsees, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway that the Board of Education accept the CSE, CPSE recommendation of the Committees and approve the authorization of funds to implement the special AND/OR 504 education program services and placements consistent with such recommendations regarding the RECOMMENDATION following students: 1. #0220 Requested Review 2. #90295 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting 3. #90367 Requested Review Transfer Student 4. #90404 Amendment Agreement No Meeting 5. #0360 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting 6. #0181 Amendment Agreement No Meeting 7. #0182 Amendment Agreement No Meeting 8. #90400 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting 9. #0177 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting 10. #90434 Initial Eligibility Determination Meeting 11. #0200 Amendment Agreement No Meeting 12. #90251 Amendment Agreement No Meeting OTHER BUSINESS The following items were distributed to Board Members for their review: Thank You Letter from Lonnie Palmer, Interim Superintendent, Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School President Isles stated that the next regular Board of Education Meeting will be as follows: Wednesday, March 19, 2014, High School Cafeteria, 7 pm Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mrs. Jaqueway to enter into Executive Session to discuss matters pertaining to specific individuals. OTHER BUSINESS NEXT MEETING EXECUTIVE SESSION President Isles declared the meeting to be in recess at 9:47 p.m. RECESS The Executive Session came to order at 9:50 pm. with Mr. Burton, Mr. Guasp, Mrs. Isles, Mrs. Jaqueway, Ms. Monsees, Superintendent Sherman, and Mr. Bonaker, present.
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 26, 2014 PAGE 8 Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Ms. Monsees to end the Executive Session and return to the Regular Meeting. END EXECUTIVE SESSION President Isles declared the Regular Meeting to be reconvened at 10:53 pm. Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Ms. Monsees that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Sherman to appoint the following individuals as Spring Coaches for the 2013-14 school year: RECONVENE MEETING APPOINT SPRING COACHES Leonard Coons, III Varsity Baseball E-3 $3,340 Eugene Stone Modified Baseball E-6 $1,880 Ed LaBadia Varsity Softball E-2 $3,260 Kevin Scofield JV Softball E-15 $3,410 Jacki Goy Modified Softball I-2 $1,550 Stephen Usher Varsity Boys Track E-6 $3,580 Jessica Gould Modified Boys Track E-2 $1,710 Steven Hoard Varsity Girls Track E-3 $3,340 Jessica Gould Modified Girls Track E-3 $1,750 Stanley France Varsity Boys Tennis (.5) E-10 $1,250 Eric Croote Varsity Boys Tennis (.5) I-2 $ 910 Tyler Schell Varsity Baseball Volunteer Jody Marsh JV Softball Volunteer Joel Hayes JV Softball Volunteer Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Guasp to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting. ADJOURN President Isles declared the Regular Board of Education Meeting of February 26, 2014 to be adjourned at 10:54 pm. Respectfully submitted, Rosemary Wilber District Clerk