Regular Meeting Minutes

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District was held in the Auditorium at the Middle School in said district on April 11, 2005.

The President of the Board of Education, Margaret Smith, called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

Present: Smith, Bradley, Carpenter, Crisafulli, Conlon, Superintendent Marcelle, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kavanaugh, Business Administrator Nolie, and Acting District Clerk Hartman.

Absent: Ahnert, Carpenter.

Hearings

• An unidentified Glendaal parent of a fourth grader spoke regarding her concern about crunching the 60 fourth graders into two sections next school year. She noted that the population is growing in both the Glendaal and Glen-Worden School areas. She feels that having 30 students in one class would hurt the students.
• Mark Stockman, 328 Ridge Road, also a parent of a fourth grader at Glendaal, stated that although he is concerned about having smaller class size, he also would like to keep his tax rate down. He stated that he believes it is more important to have smaller class sizes at the kindergarten level, and that by the time kids are in 5^th grade they are more mature and can handle it.
• Lisa Pross, Pine Street, another parent of a fourth grader at Glendaal, stated that she would not like to see only two sections next year and voiced a concern for the students’ achievement.
• Joe Gallagher, 337 Vley Road, also voiced a concern about class size and feels that having 30 students in one class would be a difficult adjustment for the kids.
• Denise Fraoli, 75 Baldwin Road, also addressed the Board regarding class size. She stated that she did not believe that 5^th graders could handle a class size of 30.
• Tamara France, 331 Vley Road, another Glendaal parent, commented that she spoke with her fifth grade son about a class size of 30 to get his feeling on it. Her son feels that 30 kids are too many for one class.
• Jennifer Pietro, 398 Closson Road, commented that 30 kids to a class is not conducive to learning.

RECOGNITION OF SUPERINTENDENT MICHAEL MARCELLE

Margaret Smith, President of the Board of Education, made the following comments regarding Michael Marcelle, who will be leaving the district at the end of the month.

On behalf of the Board of Education, the Scotia-Glenville school community and the Scotia community, we would like to thank you for your nine years of dedicated service to our district. Under your leadership, the focus has always been on doing what's best for our students.  You have accomplished many wonerful things as our superintendent and you have always made everyone feel  a part of the process. We have always talked about the Scotia "family" and you were a very important part of that family.  We will certainly miss you and we wish you the very best as you begin your new job at South Colonie.

Community Forum / Budget Discussion

President Margaret Smith began the Community Forum/Budget Discussion with a slide presentation providing an overview of the 2005-2006 Preliminary Budget. President Smith reviewed the various budget categories noting the factors impacting an increase in the 2005-2006 budget. The 2005-2006 Preliminary Budget reflects an increase of $2,711,044 over the 2004-2005 budget.

Mrs. Smith reviewed several options that the Board is still considering in order to add an additional kindergarten teacher at Glendaal which include:

· Glendaal - Reducing grade 5 from 3 sections to 2 sections

· Sacandaga – Reducing grade 1 from 3 sections to 2 sections

· Eliminate Prefirst

· Eliminate through attrition

Following the presentation, Mrs. Smith opened the forum up for public comments. There were many community members present and approximately twenty people (including parents, teachers and coaches) voiced their opinions on several issues including the following:

• The reduction of a fifth grade section at Glendaal
• Reinstatement of the $15,000 to the Athletic program
• Tax increase
• The affect on the community if programs are lost

Mrs. Smith thanked everyone for their comments. Mr. Marcelle advised that the Board will not be adopting the budget at this time, but will reconvene on Wednesday, April 13. Mr. Marcelle advised that the purpose of this meeting was to hear from the community. A final decision as to what will be included in the 2005-2006 budget and what is out, will need to be made at the next meeting.

Board members discussed the issues that are still yet to be determined. Mrs. Carbone questioned Tom Bried, Athletic Director, if the $15,000 was added for athletics would all teams get to play scrimmages and non-league games. Mr. Bried assured the Board that this amount would fund all teams to participate in scrimmages and non-league games. Mrs. Bradley commented that she supports the additional $15,000 for the Athletic Program. She feels that the Athletic Program is important to the community, and that there is an important connection with academics. Mr. Conlon expressed a concern with adding the additional funds for athletics in place of the Teaching Assistant (position being cut from Glen-Worden). He also express his disapproval of discussing items individually based on the tax rate. Mr. Kavananugh clarified that the Teaching Assistant position and the $15,000 for the Athletic Program are unrelated. He explained that the change in status (moving a Teaching Assistant at Glen-Worden to the Middle School) is based on establishing equity among the three elementary schools [similar in size] – Lincoln, Glen-Worden and Glendaal.

Other concerns and questions discussed by Board members included:

• Projection of fuel and utility costs.
• Breakage based on the two newest retirements.
• Can the Kindergarten teacher be added to the budget with the breakage and still keep the tax increase under 6 percent?

Following the discussion, Superintendent Marcelle, stated that the Board will need to make final decisions at the next meeting (April 13). Final decisions will be made by the Board on the following items on April 13:

· Additional $15,000 for the Athletic Program

· Additional $14,000 for staff development

· Shifting the Teaching Assistant from Glen-Worden to the Middle School

· Additional kindergarten teacher at Glendaal

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education approve the following:

Adopt 2005-2006 School Calendar

The 2005-2006 school calendar, as submitted. (The 2005-2006 School Calendar is contained as Appendix A to these minutes.)

Request for Overnight Trip – Glen-Worden Grade 5 to Camp Chingachgook

The overnight trip for Glen-Worden grade 5 students and chaperones to Camp Chingachgook in Lake George, NY, to participate in the Outdoor Education Program from September 29-30, 2005. (The request is contained as Appendix B to these minutes.)

Resolution: Accept Gift and Donation for Arts in Education Program

The Resolution to Accept the Gift and Donation for the Art in Education Program, dated April 11, 2005, as submitted. (The resolution is contained as Appendix C to these minutes.)

Resolution: Agreement with O-C-M BOCES to Participate in Energy Purchasing Services

Adopt the Resolution to Participate in Energy Purchasing Services with O-C-M BOCES and authorize the President of the Board to sign the agreement. (The agreement is contained as Appendix D to these minutes.)

ROLL CALL

Ayes: 5

Noes: 0

MOTION CARRIED

CAPSBA/Legislative Liaison/PTA Reports

Pam Carbone advised that CAPSBA will be holding the Annual Dinner Meeting on May 19, 2005 at the Questar III Rensselaer Education Center.

Ben Conlon, Legislative Liaison, commented that the State Budget was on time this year.

Pam Carbone advised that the PTA Council will be holding Meet the Candidate night on May 4, 2005.

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education accept/approve the following items under Communication and Staffing. Tenure Recommendations were tabled until the next meeting (April 13, 2005).

Communications

a. The letter of resignation for retirement purposes of Linda C. Lewis, School Psychologist (Sacandaga School, effective c.o.b. June 30, 2005, with appreciation for her service to the district. (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix E to these minutes.)

b. The letter of resignation for retirement purposes of Kathleen A. Lake, English Teacher (Middle School), effective c.o.b. October 7, 2005, with appreciation for her service to the district. (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix F to these minutes.)

c. The letter of resignation of Roberta DeLong, Typist (Middle School Guidance Office and District-wide Records Management Clerk), effective c.o.b. April 22, 2005, in order for her to accept the position as District Clerk. (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix G to these minutes.)

Report of Superintendent

a. Tenure Recommendations

Tenure Recommendations were tabled until the next meeting April 13.

b. Staffing

1) Approve the probationary appointment of Roberta DeLong as District Clerk (Management/Confidential) (Business Office), effective April 25, 2005, in accordance with Civil Service Regulations, and approve the 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 contracts, as submitted. (the contract is enclosed as Appendix H to these minutes.)

ROLL CALL

Ayes: 5

Noes: 0

MOTION CARRIED

Routine Business

a. Treasurer's Report: February 2005

Margaret Smith, Board President, noted receipt of the Treasurer’s Report.

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve the following minutes:

b. Minutes:

March 7, 2005 Special Meeting

March 14, 2005 Regular Meeting

March 16, 2005 Special Meeting

March 21, 2005 Special Meeting

March 28, 2005 Special Meeting

March 30, 2005 Special Meeting

ROLL CALL

Ayes: 5

Noes: 0

MOTION CARRIED

c. Extraclassroom Activity Accounts: February 2005

President Smith noted receipt of the Extraclassroom Activity Accounts.

Other Business

· The Board of Education will be meeting with the PTA groups on Tuesday, April 12^th for a budget presentation.

· At the April 25^th meeting the Board of Education will be voting on the BOCES budget and BOCES Board positions.

· Mr. Marcelle will draft a list of “Other Issues to Explore”. A listing of items that the Board will discuss in the near future at a planning session.

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education adjourn to Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel and/or negotiations.

ROLL CALL

Ayes: 5

Noes: 0

MOTION CARRIED

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 9:15 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 9:30 p.m.

MOVED by Conlon that the meeting be adjourned.

ROLL CALL

Ayes: 5

Noes: 0

MOTION CARRIED

The meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.

____________________________

Diane Hartman, Acting District Clerk