EAST GREENBUSH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Meeting Genet School Wednesday, June 24, 2009 MINUTES 1.
Call to Order – Mrs. Graziano – 7:37 p.m.
MEETING BEGINS
2.
Attendance
ATTENDANCE Present
Mr. Angelo Mrs. Curley Mrs. Curran Mrs. Dobert Burke Mrs. Graziano Mr. Hammill Mrs. Hart Mrs. LeClair Mr. Mann Mr. Sullivan Mrs. Taylor Dr. Werking Also Attending Dr. Guptill Mrs. Bowman Mr. Edson Mr. Jenkins
x x x (Board Member Elect) x x (Board Member Elect) x x x x x (Board Member Elect) x
x x x
Student Council Representatives Ricardo Lopez Patrick Puentes Colleen McBride x 3.
Absent x
x
x x
Ex Officio Student Council Comments Colleen McBride thanked members of the Board of Education for allocating time during the meetings for the Student Council updates. She wished everyone a successful new school year in the fall.
EX OFFICIO COMMENTS
Student Recognition Dr. Guptill recognized Valedictorian Jane Lu for her academic excellence at Columbia High School. She described Jane as a superior student who also was captain of the Science Olympiad Team, Co-editor of the newspaper, Vice President of FBLA, and Vice President of Mock Trial. Dr. Guptill praised Jane’s volunteer work at the State Museum and the library’s summer reading program. Jane will attend Dartmouth next year.
STUDENT RECOGNITION
Dr. Guptill also recognized Salutatorian Shadai Graham as an accomplished student. She spoke of Shadai’s honors level and advanced placement coursework. Shadai was honored by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation earlier in the year as an Achievement Scholar. She will attend Harvard next year. The Superintendent honored Ricardo Lopez as the Student Council liaison to the Board of Education. She said that Ricardo has excelled in cross country, indoor track, outdoor track, Amnesty International, Symphonic Band and the National Honor Society. Ricardo will attend SUNY at Albany in the fall. Dr. Guptill acknowledged the efforts of Colleen McBride to bring Student Council updates to the Board. She said that Colleen has been involved in Leaders of Tomorrow Leading Today, Student Council, Prom Committee, and German Club. Colleen was Captain of the Columbia Girls Varsity Soccer Team and a Varsity Lacrosse Scholar Athlete. Dr. Guptill praised Colleen’s volunteer work with the Miracle League. She will attend SUNY Oswego in the fall. Special Recognition – Board Member SPECIAL Ms. Martinelli, Co-president of the Special Needs Parent Support Group, RECOGNITIONextended her appreciation to Dr. Werking and Mr. Sullivan for their BOE MEMBER service to the community. She honored Mrs. Curley as a strong advocate for students with special needs during her time on the Board, with the PTOs, and with the Special Needs Parent Support Group. Ms. Martinelli gave an open invitation for another Board member to serve as liaison to the Support Group. She said that Mrs. Curley was not a single issue advocate, always did the right thing, was a unique individual, and will continue to serve the community in some way. Community Volunteer Recognition Dr. Guptill, the principals, and Central Administration recognized volunteers from the buildings and Central Office. Red Mill Elementary Mr. Caporta acknowledged STARS volunteer Mrs. Murphy for her work in the first grade classroom and tutoring twice a week. Bell Top Elementary Mr. McHugh recognized Ms. Catman for her many efforts with PTO fundraisers, Moving Up ceremony and end of year slide show. He also honored Ms. Nadareski for being a room parent, coordination of the Book Fair, and assistance with Drama Club presentations. Genet Elementary Ms. Yeomans praised the work of PTO volunteers: Ms. Stone, Ms. Kennedy, and Ms. Weinlein. She said they set a new direction to make the PTO a great success.
COMMUNITY VOLUNTEER RECOGNITION
Green Meadow Elementary Ms. Wagner thanked Ms. Secor for her work as a STARS volunteer in the first grade class preparing project materials, answering student questions, and assisting with portfolios. The principal recognized Ms. Powhida for finding new books to give to children at the school. She honored Ms. Stagnitta for “Operation Backpack” to collect supplies and shoes for students in Afghanistan schools. Donald P. Sutherland Elementary Mr. Alvey said that Ms. Eager has been an active member of the PTO, organizing the school talent show, art and science fair, and end of year ice cream social. Her work allowed all students to go free on the trip to the Bronx Zoo. Goff Middle School Mr. Reeve welcomed the volunteer service of Ms. Hallenbeck, who has spent many hours planting flowers around the schools and assisting with pancake breakfasts and ziti dinners. Columbia High School Mr. Sawchuk recognized Ms. Ehrlich as a key member of the Columbia PTSO, her work on the Communication Committee, and participation on the Code of Conduct Committee. Ms. Ehrlich has also been actively involved with the School Improvement Team. Athletics Mr. Leonard stated that volunteers Ms. McBride and Ms. Signorelli had each been supporting the Athletic Department for over 10 years by planning banquets and fundraisers for the various teams in the District. Special Education Ms. Squillace admired the work of Ms. Martin as parent member volunteer on the Committee on Special Education. She said that Ms. Martin serves as an advocate for parents and is a resource for parents who need support and reassurance. Central Administration Mr. Edson recognized the community members on the Finance and Audit Committee: Mr. Lindemann, Mr. Chesser, and Ms. Morse. He said that Mr. Chesser was community minded, school savvy, and always reflective. Mr. Edson noted that Mr. Lindemann brings accounting knowledge, experience, and attention to detail to the Committee. He stated that Ms. Morse was an active contributor, practical, and a hard worker.
Board Recognition Dr. Guptill extended a sincere thank you to Dr. Werking, Mrs. Curley, and Mr. Sullivan for their many years of volunteer service as members of the Board of Education. She described a volunteer as a person who remembers to do something to make other people happy, who takes loneliness out of the alone by talking to them, who is concerned when others are unconcerned, who has the courage to be a prophet and to say the things that have to be said for the good of all. The Superintendent shared that all three Board members have given over 1,000 hours of volunteer time during their tenure on the Board because they believe in our schools and the positive impact that members can have on programs and services directly impacting students. Dr. Guptill said that thank you seems not enough for the three individuals who had done so much to promote opportunities for students in the East Greenbush Central School District. She stated that all of them would be missed. 4.
Public Forum Mr. Davis, an alumnus of the Columbia High School class of 1966, reflected on his time with Dr. Werking in school. He said that Dr. Werking had dreams and goals and worked for positive change in the District. Mr. Davis called Dr. Werking a man who believed in himself, a champion of ideas, and responsible for carrying on a tradition of family in the District. He also said Dr. Werking exhibited compassion, dignity, truth, and justice in his time on the Board. Mr. Davis expressed his gratitude to Dr. Werking for his service on the Board and being part of the foundation of the District. He said that he was honored by Dr. Werking’s friendship.
PUBLIC FORUM
Ms. Kaufman recalled Dr. Werking’s efforts in garner support to discontinue dissection of cats in the high school biology course. She said that Dr. Werking approached this issue and others with a great deal of articulation, commitment, sensitivity, and passion. Ms. Kaufman reflected on their very close friendship and the many sacrifices made by Dr. Werking. She called on the Board to continue working to bring the District back to a number one Suburban Council ranking. Ms. Kaufman said Dr. Werking was a champion for anyone and everyone. She commended Dr. Werking’s watchdog role and voice for a positive direction for the school. Ms. Kaufman gave Dr. Werking a plaque to commemorate his Board service. 5.
Board Forum Mr. Hammill thanked all of the volunteers recognized with awards. He said they are an inspiration and make the community special with the lives that they touch. Mr. Hammill wished Dr. Werking, Mrs. Curley, and Mr. Sullivan well. He stated that the shoes of these Board members would be tough to fill.
BOARD FORUM
Mrs. Curran commended the students of the District for great work during the year and commented on the personal growth. She also commended the parents and staff volunteers for their fine efforts and positive activities in the schools. Mrs. Curran thanked Mr. Sullivan, Dr. Werking, and Mrs. Curley for their many volunteer hours as Board members, said they were wonderful to work with, and stated she would miss their many discussions. Mr. Sullivan noted it was the third time he has retired from the Board of Education. He thanked all of the Board members for their support, wished them luck in the future, and said it was an honor to serve with them. Mrs. Taylor congratulated the graduating classes in the elementary, middle, and high schools who have worked very hard all year. She stated that the work of the volunteers in our schools is remarkable and appreciated. Mrs. Taylor wished the departing Board members good luck in the future and also wished future success to Ms. Wagner and Mr. Reeve. Mrs. Burke commended the achievement of the school valedictorian and salutatorian at Columbia High School. She thanked the student representatives for updating the Board during the school year on activities and events. Mrs. Burke reflected on the magnitude of the volunteer work in the District and that the schools would not be what they are today without the volunteers. She thanked Dr. Werking, Mrs. Curley, and Mr. Sullivan for their outstanding service to the District. Mrs. LeClair also commended the student council presentations during the year. She admired the work of all students during the year. The volunteers recognized during the meeting were an inspiration to her and made her want to volunteer more time to the District. She said she would miss working with Dr. Werking, Mr. Sullivan, and Mrs. Curley on the Board. Mrs. Curley expressed her appreciation to the volunteers for all their service to the District. She said our District was very fortunate to have a high level of parent involvement in programs. Mrs. Curley thanked members of the Special Needs Parent Support Group for their kind words and leadership. She also commended Mrs. Squillace and Mr. Coyle for working so well with parents and the committee. Mrs. Curley extended her appreciation to all of the Board members and gave each a flower. She was pleased to announce that Dr. Guptill is engaged to be married. Mr. Mann congratulated the volunteers and said that the level of involvement speaks wonders for the District. He thanked Mr. Reeve and Ms. Wagner for their work and wished them well in the future.
Mr. Mann said it was a pleasure to serve with Mrs. Curley, Mr. Sullivan, and Dr. Werking, and he learned a lot from all three individuals. He attended the moving up ceremony at Genet and commended Ms. Yeomans and staff for organizing the event. Dr. Werking thanked Ms. Kaufman and Mr. Davis for speaking regarding his tenure on the Board. He expressed his appreciation to many individuals who were attending the meeting on his behalf. Dr. Werking reflected on his time on the Board and some of the more controversial and maverick ideas brought forward. He thanked Dr. Guptill for honoring him with a cake. Dr. Werking recognized members of his family: his sister Judy and husband Mike, sister-in-law Geri, nieces Cassie Jean and Raychelle, and brother Jim. He also recognized Mr. Pearson, Mr. Bruce, Ms. Belmont, Ms. Kaufman, and Mr. Davis in the audience. Dr. Werking reflected on his time as a Board member and said it reminded him of the song “I did it my way”. He said he was leaving with many smiles and fond memories. Mrs. Graziano thanked Mr. Sullivan, Dr. Werking, and Mrs. Curley for their efforts to serve the interests of children as Board members. She respected the opinions of Mr. Sullivan, Mrs. Curley’s work with the PTOs, and said nothing else could be stated on Dr. Werking that was not already said. Mrs. Graziano congratulated the volunteers recognized during the meeting and wished Ms. Wagner a nice retirement. Dr. Guptill introduced Ms. Kitty Summers, who will be working next year as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. She noted Ms. Summers’ experience in the Albany and Cohoes School Districts. Dr. Guptill recognized teachers who will be joining the District in the fall and welcomed them. She thanked members of the Board, staff, and administration for their hard work during the year. Dr. Guptill invited everyone to attend the Columbia graduation on Saturday, June 27 and the Goff elevation celebration on Thursday, June 25. Recess declared at 9:04 p.m.
RECESS DECLARED
Meeting resumed at 9:24 p.m.
MEETING RESUMED
Dr. Werking left the meeting at 9:24 p.m. 6.
Minutes Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the District Clerk, the Board of Education approves the minutes of May 6, 2009 (BOE Meeting) and May 27, 2009 (BOE Meeting).
MINUTES
Moved by: Mrs. Curran Seconded by: Mr. Sullivan Vote: Ayes – 6, Nays – 0 Motion carried. 7.
Regular Business Approval of Programs for Resident Children with Disabilities Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education approves the programs for resident children with disabilities as presented. Moved by: Mrs. Curley Seconded by: Mr. Mann Vote: Ayes – 6, Motion carried.
REGULAR BUSINESS
Nays – 0
8.
Reports and Presentations – Superintendent of Schools None at this time.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS
9.
Tabled Motions None at this time.
TABLED MOTIONS
10.
Old Business None at this time.
OLD BUSINESS
11.
Consent Agenda A. Financial Reports 1. Warrants - #79,80,81 2. Activity Reports – Columbia High School and Goff School
CONSENT AGENDA FINANCIAL REPORTS
B.
Personnel 1. Instructional/Instructional Support Personnel #529 as Recommended by Superintendent 2. Non-Instructional Support Personnel #529 as Recommended by Superintendent
PERSONNEL
C.
Health Service Contracts
HEALTH SERVICE CONTRACTS
D.
Recommendation of 2009-2010 Department Chairs
DEPARTMENT CHAIRS
E.
Acceptance of Gifts
ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS
F.
Authorization to Increase 2008-2009 Budget
INCREASE BUDGET
G.
Bid for Art Supplies and Magazines
BID-ART SUPPLIES AND MAGAZINES
H.
Bid for Paper Towels, Hand Soap, and Related Dispensers
BID-PAPER TOWELS, HAND SOAP, DISPENSERS
I.
Bid for District-wide Filters
BID-FILTERS
J.
Designation for Date for Organizational Meeting
DATE FOR ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING
K.
Authorization to Dispose of Technology Equipment
DISPOSE OF TECHNOLOGY EQUIPMENT
L.
Bid for Plastic Bags
BID-PLASTIC BAGS
M.
Request to Correct Tax Rolls
CORRECT TAX ROLLS
N.
Project Lead the Way-Intent to Participate Form and Cooperative Bidding Resolution
PROJECT LEAD THE WAY RESOLUTION
O.
Bid for Columbia High School Baseball Field Fence
BID-CHS BASEBALL FIELD FENCE
P.
2009-2010 Mentoring Program Proposal
MENTORING PROGRAM PROPOSAL
Q.
Pouring Rights Agreement Renewal
POURING RIGHTS AGREEMENT RENEWAL
R.
Attendance at New School Member Academy
NEW SCHOOL MEMBER ACADEMY
S.
2009-2010 Free and Reduced Price Income Policy Information
FREE AND REDUCED INCOME POLICY
T.
2009-2010 403(b) Administration Agreement-The Omni Group
403(B) AGREEMENTTHE OMNI GROUP
U.
Attendance at NYSSBA Annual Summer Law Conference
ATTENDANCE AT NYSSBA ANNUAL SUMMER LAW CONFERRENCE
Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Consent Agenda, including Addendum to 11-B-1, and Item 11-T, 2009-2010 403(b) Administration Agreement-The Omni Group, and Item 11-U, Attendance at NYSSBA Annual Summer Law Conference, be approved as presented. Mr. Mann questioned the scope of work related to the mentoring consultation. Mrs. Bowman explained that the mentoring consultant would assist in preparing the required SED blueprint, incorporate changes into the plan, and make suggestions for improvement during the school year. Mr. Mann asked if the program would continue in the future. Mrs. Bowman said the program will continue, with some modifications. Mr. Mann asked whether the role of the consultant would include facilitation of some of the mentoring meetings. Mrs. Bowman said the consultant provides professional development and training to the mentors and mentees as part of the mentoring plan changes. Moved by: Mrs. Curley Seconded by: Mr. Sullivan Vote: Ayes – 6, Nays – 0 Motion carried. 12.
New Business None at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
13.
Committee Reports None at this time.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
14.
Public Forum None at this time.
PUBLIC FORUM
15.
Board Forum BOARD FORUM Mrs. Burke suggested that a cost-benefit analysis be performed to review changes in payroll distribution of checks and direct deposit stubs.
Dr. Guptill suggested that the proposed changes be reviewed at the committee level. 16.
Adjournment Motion by Mrs. LeClair and seconded by Mrs. Curran to adjourn the meeting. Vote: Ayes – 6, Nays – 0 Motion carried. Time: 9:30 p.m.
ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Mead District Clerk
