Mohonasen Central Minutes of Meeting of the Board of Education Monday, April 13, 2015, Farnsworth Technology Center Call to Order Roll Call Executive Session The Board meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Cafarelli at 5:30 PM. Mr. Cafarelli requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the flag. Board Members Present: Thomas Andriola, Dominic Cafarelli, Nancy del Prado, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccirillo, Gary Spadaro, and Lisa Gaglioti Administrators Present: Dr. Kathleen Spring, Chris Ruberti, and Lisa Cutting MOTION made by Mrs. del Prado, seconded by Mr. Spadaro, that an executive session be convened for the purpose of discussing contract negotiations. The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting. MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that an executive session be adjourned at 7:00 PM. The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting. Return to Public Session Roll Call Communications Superintendent The Board meeting was called to order by the President, Mr. Cafarelli, at 7:05 PM. Mr. Cafarelli requested those present to stand and join in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Board Members Present: Thomas Andriola, Dominic Cafarelli, Nancy del Prado, Stacy MacTurk, Robert Piccirillo, Gary Spadaro, and Lisa Gaglioti Administrators Present: Dr. Kathleen Spring, Chris Ruberti, Lisa Cutting, Karla Empie, David Collins, Brian Shaffer, Timothy Hulihan, Debra Male, Scott Hays, Michele Whitley, Diane McIver, and Matthew Stein Others in Attendance: Mallory Mrozinski and Nathaniel Canfield-Lord (Student Representatives), approximately 20 faculty members, and 15 district residents Dr. Spring gave an update on New York State testing. She discussed the test refusal movement that is in process and some of the goals at hand. She talked about the possibility of being visited by the State Education Department during the testing and also concern of possibility of being labeled a focus school from lack of participation in the assessments, which could affect school funding. Dr. Spring then introduced Mr. Collins and some of his staff and students to assist him in his presentation. Mr. Collins reported on Cross Building Initiatives and some of the goals and experiences from the teachers and students through academic and social cross-building connections. Mr. Vachon and Mrs. Steele also presented with some of their students on the Arts, Health & PE, and Enrichment classes through mentoring and High School Tutors. Mr. Collins then presented a video. Dr. Spring then started the budget presentation by stating that we should get approximately 1.3 Million state aid. Although, receiving the state aid is based on districts successfully negotiating the APPR plan by November 15th.
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 2 At this time Mr. Ruberti recapped the working budget for 2015-16. He discussed projected expenditures and revenues for the 2015-16 as well as the tax levy limit calculation, which is 2.17%. He spoke briefly about the purchase of 2 full-size passenger buses and 4 Type A 34-passenger van/buses. He reported that there are three Board vacancies up for election and petitions are available until the 20 th. The budget will be adopted at the April 21 st Board meeting. The budget hearing will be May 11 th at 6:00 pm in the LGI and the Budget vote will be May 19 th with the election of the new Board members. Mrs. Cutting discussed proposed class sizes for the 2015-16 school year based on projected enrollments. She also discussed Proposed Staffing increases for 2015-16 which is contingent upon state-approval of the new APPR plan by November 15, 2015. Student Representatives Communications Board of Education Student Representative Nathanial Canfield-Lord reported on the Science Olympiad Dodgeball tournament. Ms. Mrozinski then reported on the Tri-M Music Honor Society s Annual Workshop Day. She mentioned that they invited Schalmont this year for the first time and she felt it was the best workshop she ever attended. They also reported that at the next Board meeting they would be introducing the students who will be in the running for next year s Board representatives. Mrs. del Prado thanked Mr. Andriola for attending the Capital Region BOCES Annual meeting and mentioned that some of Mohonasen s culinary art students were involved in the culinary and floral design part of the dinner meeting and the food was outstanding. Mohonasen students did a great job as part of the group. She also recognized the families and staff that helped at the Family Fun night. It was a good, fun night. Mr. Spadaro thanked Mrs. Cutting and Mrs. Male and all of the staff that collected food for the weekend serving program at the Family Fun Fair. He mentioned that the program is growing and not only is it reaching the capital district, but it is reaching the Syracuse area. Also, he thanked Mr. Hughes and his Youth Group. Mrs. MacTurk read a brief guideline statement regarding Public Privilege of the Floor. Public Privilege of the Floor Ms. Pacheco of Bradley Boulevard spoke regarding the impact of the standardized testing and announced that a few faculty members have written letters about what is happening in the classroom as a result of the common core state exams for grades 3-8. The following parents either read letters written by faculty members or voiced their own concerns over the impact of the standardized testing: Mrs. Becky Ryan, Miles Standish Road Ms. Denise Lehman of Oaklawn Avenue Ms. Linda Judeikis of Gladstone Street Mr. Patrick Ryan of Miles Standish Road Ms. Anne Tedford of Tower Street Mr. Chad McFarland of Santa Lane quoted some notes from (SAANYS) School Administrators Association of New York State from the 2014 implementation of the testing.
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 3 Mr. Robert Piccirillo commended their passion and then read an article that was written to Mr. Robert Dana, the President of the Board of Education of the Kenmore-Tonawanda Union Free in Buffalo, New York. This letter states the violation of law if school districts refuse to administer the required State assessments and the results pursuant to Education Law 306. New Business - Instructional Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements Approval of Field Trip to Yankee Stadium New Business Business/Personnel Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with Rensselaer City School District Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with North Colonie Central Approval of Fund Surplus Agreement and Release Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with Niskayuna Central Request for Approval and Arrangement for the Committee on Special Education Recommendations and Student Placements and Committee on Pre- School Special Education MOTION made by Mrs. del Prado, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education approve and arrange for the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education and Committee on Pre-School Special Education for meetings held on February 24, March 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 16, 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26, 30, and 31, 2015. Request Approval for Middle School Developmental Skills Class to Participate in a Field Trip to Yankee Stadium on April 29, 2015 MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mr. Spadaro, that the Board of Education approve the request for the Middle School Developmental Skills class to participate in a field trip to Yankee Stadium in Bronx, New York on Wednesday, April 29, 2015. Request for approval of Health and Welfare Contract with Rensselaer City MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mrs. del Prado, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with Rensselaer City School District, in the total amount of $475.81 for the 2014-15 school year. Request for Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with North Colonie Central MOTION made by Mrs. MacTurk, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with the North Colonie Central, in the total amount of $8,486.10 for the 2014-15 school year. Request for Approval of Fund Surplus Agreement and Release MOTION made by Mr. Spadaro, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education authorize the Fund Surplus Resolution Agreement and Release. Request for Approval of Health and Welfare Contract with Niskayuna Central MOTION made by Mrs. del Prado, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that the Board of Education approve a health and welfare contract with Niskayuna Central School District, in the amount of $2,127.52 for the 2014-15 school year.
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 4 Approval of Additional Survey Work Approval of Contract with Educational Data Services Consensus Agenda Approved Minutes Request for Approval of Additional Survey Work MOTION made by Mrs. Gaglioti, seconded by Piccirillo, that the Board of Education authorize a contract with Weston and Sampson to provide additional survey work at the cost of $5,800.00. Request Approval of Contract with Educational Data Services MOTION made by Mr. Piccirillo, seconded by Mr. Spadaro, that the Board of Education approve the contract with Educational Data Services for the 2015-16 school year at a price of $11,500. MOTION made by Mrs. del Prado, seconded by Mrs. MacTurk, that the Board of Education approve the following consensus agenda: 1) Minutes and 2) Personnel. Minutes APPROVED minutes of meeting held on March 23, 2015 and March 30, 2015. Approved Personnel Recommendations Approved the following Personnel Recommendations: Retirements Nadine Vasko, 1432 Orlyn Drive, Schenectady, NY 12309 Stenographer Effective Date: Close of business July 29, 2015 (amended from the 4/22/14 agenda) Appointments Rebecca Pollick, 1412 Via Del Mar, Niskayuna, NY 12309 Appointment: Long-term Substitute Elementary Education Date of Commencement: December 1, 2014 Expiration Date: Close of business June 30, 2015 (amended from 1/5/15 agenda) Certification Status: Childhood Ed. Gr. 1-6, Professional Step 7 plus graduate credits, pro-rated Melissa Antonini, 120 Oakridge Drive, Glenville, NY 12302 Appointment: Long-term Substitute Elementary Education Date of Commencement: November 12, 2014 Expiration Date: Close of business April 14, 2015 (amended from 10/6/14 agenda) Certification Status: Early Childhood Ed. B-2, Initial; Childhood Ed. Gr. 1-6, Initial; Reading, Permanent Step 4 plus graduate credits, pro-rated
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 5 Appointments (cont.) Deborah Kavanaugh, 47 County Route 76, Stillwater, NY 12170 Principal Leader 2014-2015 School Year $1,500 Stipend/year Debra Male, 2045 Helderberg Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12306 Principal Leader 2014-2015 School Year $1,500 Stipend/year Michele Whitley, 28 Bayberry Drive, Malta, NY 12020 STLE3 Grant Coordinator 2014-2015 School Year $1,500 Stipend/year Martha Lashin, 1128 Eugene Drive, Schenectady, NY 12303 Home Tutor Effective Date: March 6, 2015 $25/hour Todd Moslander, 524 Maple Avenue, #4, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Home Tutor Effective Date: April 14, 2015 $25/hour Joseph McCullough, 2772 Maida Lane, Schenectady, NY 12306 Maintenance Leader March 16, 2015 June 30, 2015 $2,500 Stipend, pro-rated Lynn Flansburg, 2715 Clyde Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12306 Account Clerk Typist (10-Month) Effective Date: April 13, 2015 $20,777.00 pro-rated Michelle Budka, 133 Swan Street, Scotia, NY 12302 P/T Bus Driver Effective Date: March 31, 2015 $17.13/hour Jennifer Smith, 907 Sacandaga Road, Scotia, NY 12302 Substitute Account Clerk Effective Date: April 2, 2015 $13.00/hour Timothy Young, 48 Stock Lane, Rensselaer, NY 12144 Substitute Teaching Assistant Effective Date: March 20, 2015 $11.45/hour
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 6 Appointments (cont.) 2014-2015 Intramurals Marc Vachon (50 sessions) Extracurricular Advisors 2014-15 Mohonasen High School Extracurricular Advisor/Co-Advisor Club/Organization Class of 2018 Kathleen Wylie (already appointed) / Dennae Hughes Review Sessions for NYS ELA Exams 1.5 hr. sessions - $33.59/hour To be held between March 17-March 31, 2015 Instructor # of Sessions Cheryl Donovan, Faith Faas, Rachel Geracitano, 1 Session each Erin Degnan, Lisa Daviero Laura Gallelli, Kim Coelho, Esther Vrooman, 2 Sessions each Melyssa Burega, Erika Pangburn Danielle Grainer 3 Sessions Review Sessions for NYS Math Exams 1.5 hr. sessions - $33.59/hour To be held between April 1-April 16, 2015 Instructor # of Sessions Renee Gandrow 1 Session Lisa Carnibucci, Mary Ann Nickloy, 2 Sessions each Paul Browne, Matthew Rider Therese Black 3 Sessions Leaves of Absence Laurie Dennis, 766 Trottingham Drive, Niskayuna, NY 12309 Elementary Education January 29, 2015 May 6, 2015 (Family Medical Leave) May 7, 2015 June 30, 2015 (Unpaid Leave of Absence) amended from the 1/5/15 agenda Reason: Family Medical Leave / Unpaid Leave of Absence Resignations Lynn Flansburg, 2715 Clyde Avenue, Schenectady, NY 12306 P/T Account Clerk Effective Date: Close of business April 10, 2015 Michael Cappon, 921 Randall Road, Niskayuna, NY 12309 P/T Bus Driver Effective Date: Close of business March 23, 2015 Janine Carroll, 202 Steeple Way, Schenectady, NY 12306 Account Clerk Typist Effective Date: Close of business April 10, 2015
M i n u t e s o f t h e A p r i l 1 3, 2 0 1 5 B o a r d M e e t i n g P a g e 7 Resignations (cont.) Michelle Budka, 133 Swan Street, Scotia, NY 12302 Substitute Bus Driver Effective Date: Close of business March 30, 2015 Removal From Service Richard Darling, 11 Oxford Drive, Apt. #1, Latham, NY 12110 Substitute Teaching Assistant Effective Date: April 13, 2015 Carol McTernan, 139 Sanders Avenue, Scotia, NY 12302 Substitute Teaching Assistant Effective Date: April 13, 2015 Privilege of the Floor Executive Session No comments were made MOTION made by Mr. Spadaro, seconded by Mr. Piccirillo, that an executive session be convened at 9:06 PM for the purpose of discussing Contract Negotiations. The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting. MOTION made by Mr. Andriola, seconded by Mrs. del Prado, that the executive session be adjourned at 10:15. The motion was passed unanimously, seven members present and voting. Adjournment MOTION made by Mr. Spadaro, seconded by Mrs. del Prado, that the Board of Education meeting be adjourned at 10:15 PM. The motion passed unanimously, seven members present and voting. Christopher J. Ruberti, District Clerk