Special Meeting Minutes

 

A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District was held in the Cafeteria at the Middle School in said district on September 13, 2004.

 

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

 

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

 

Excused:     Carpenter.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Hearing/Privilege of the Floor

 

None.

 

Curriculum Report:  Annual Guidance Report Š Anthony Albanese, Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Kimberly Shartrand, Guidance Department Chairperson

 

            Tony Albanese, Director of Pupil Personnel, commended the Guidance Counselors and the support staff.  He acknowledged Kimberly Shartrand, Guidance Department Chairperson, stating that under Ms. Shartrand the Guidance Office has been strengthened.  He introduced Kimberly Shartrand who provided the Board with an overview of the services provided by the Guidance Department and the improvements that have been made in the department.   After the presentation, Ms. Shartrand addressed questions raised by board members.  (Additional information is contained as Appendix A to these minutes.)  

 

Opening of School Update

 

            Mr. Marcelle reported on an excellent opening of school and commended everyone for their efforts.  In addition, Mr. Marcelle reviewed enrollment figures at all of the building levels, out-of-district placements and private home schooling. Mr. Marcelle commented that it was a busy summer preparing for the opening of school, and he commended all of the administrative staff for their efforts in the process of hiring new people before the start of school.  He stated that the school year is off to a good start.  (Additional information is contained as Appendix B to these minutes.)

 

Discussion:  2004 - 2005 Goals

 

            Mr. Marcelle noted that the Board of Education will be adopting the District Goals for the 2004-2005 school year at the next meeting.   Board members discussed the goals and brought up any concerns that they had.  Mr. Conlon voiced a concern with reviewing courses and determining what is needed prior to the budget session and prior to offering the courses to students.   Ms. Castronovo, High School Principal, pointed out that many of the courses are driven by the students.  Mr. Kavanaugh added that each Department Head needs to evaluate each course offered and determine if it is still needed.   Mrs. Bradley commented on the need for the district to offer a basic life skills course and that this is something that should be mandated for each student.  Ms. Castronovo

responded by stating that it would be difficult to add this requirement to a studentÕs schedule because their schedules are already so full with other required courses.   Mrs. Bradley stated that the numbers for the high school need to be reviewed before the budget process begins.   Mr. Marcelle said that the numbers will be provided to the board as soon as they are available.  Mr. Marcelle concluded by stating that the board will be asked to adopt the 2004-2005 goals at the next meeting.  (The 2004-2005 District Goals are contained as Appendix C to these minutes.)

 

Board of Education Policy Review

 

            MOVED by Bradley that the Board of Education approve the following Board Policies for a first reading, as submitted:

 

       Revised Policy #4343:          Home Instruction

       New Policy #4714.1:             Interpreters for Hearing-Impaired Parents

 

            Mr. Marcelle noted that these policies are on the agenda for approval as a first reading and will be presented at the next meeting for final approval.   Ben Conlon asked when the policies will go into effect.  In addition, he questioned how the public would be notified of these policies.  Mr. Marcelle stated that the policies will become effective immediately after adoption.  He advised that the policies will be put on the school districtÕs web site.  In addition, he stated that parents of students who are home schooled will be sent the information on the Home Instruction policy.   (Revised Board Policy No. 4343 is contained as Appendix D and new Board Policy No. 4714.1 is contained as Appendix E to these minutes.)

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  6

                                                                        Noes:  0

                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

                     

Abolishment of District Policies

 

       MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education abolish the following District Policies, effective immediately:

 

       District Policy 9290.1     Employment of Relatives of Board Members or School Administrators for Instructional Positions

 

       District Policy 9390.3     Employment of Relatives of Board Members or School Administrators for Support Staff Positions

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  5

                                                                        Noes:  1 (Crisafulli)

                                                                        MOTIN CARRIED

 

(Board Policy #9290.1 and 9390.3 are contained as Appendix F to these minutes.)


 

Establish Petty Cash Funds for the School Lunch Program

 

            MOVED by Ahnert that the Board of Education authorize the establishment of Petty Cash Funds for the School Lunch Program and appoint designated treasurers as follows:

 

       Fund                                         Amount        Treasurer

       Senior High School               $30               Lynda Castronovo

       Middle School                         $30               Shari Keller

       Glendaal School                    $30               Ann Peluso

       Glen-Worden School            $30               James Dunham

       Lincoln School                       $30               Ann Comley

       Sacandaga School                $30               John Tobiassen

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  6

                                                                        Noes:  0

                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

CAPSBA/Legislative Liaison/PTA Reports

 

The next CAPSBA meeting will be held next Thursday, September 23rd.  The first PTA Council meeting is scheduled for September 29th. 

 

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve/accept the following items under Communication and Staffing:

 

Communications

 

a.    Approve the request for an unpaid leave of absence for childcare purposes of Amy Kimball, Mathematics Teacher (Senior High School), effective September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2005.  (The letter of request is contained as Appendix G to these minutes.)

 

b.    Accept the letter of resignation of Colleen E. Verhayden, Teaching Assistant (Senior High School), and Sophomore Class Advisor (Senior High School), effective August 25, 2004, with appreciation for her service to the district.  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix H to these minutes.)

 

c.    Accept the letter of resignation of Tori Rockwell, School Nurse (Lincoln Elementary School), effective c.o.b. September 17, 2004, with appreciation for her service to the district.  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix I to these minutes.)

 

d.    Accept the letter of resignation of Sharon Dereski, School Monitor (Middle School), effective September 1, 2004, in order for her to accept her new probationary position as Teaching Assistant (Middle School).  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix  J to these minutes.)

 

       e.  Accept the letter of resignation of Wanda B. Topka, School Monitor (Glendaal Elementary School), effective August 18, 2004, with appreciation for her service to the district.  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix K to these minutes.)

 

       f.     Accept the letter of resignation of Ronald J. Raffan, School Bus Driver, and School Monitor (Senior High School), effective August 18, 2004, with appreciation for his service to the district.  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix L to these minutes.)

 

       g.    Accept the letter of resignation of Thomas W. Budge, School Bus Driver, effective August 26, 2004, with appreciation for his service to the district.  (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix M to these minutes.)

 

       h.    Accept the letter of resignation of Deborah Scharff, Teacher Aide (Transportation Department), effective September 3, 2004, with appreciation for her service to the district.   (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix N to these minutes.)

 

       i.     Accept the letter of resignation of Valerie Csontos, Teacher Aide (Sacandaga Elementary School), effective c.o.b. September 13, 2004, in order for her to accept her new position as School Monitor (Middle School).   (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix O to these minutes.)

 

       j.     Accept the letter of resignation of Nichole A. Bialahoski, JV Cheerleading Coach, effective August 31, 2004, with appreciation for her service to the district.   (The letter of resignation is contained as Appendix P to these minutes.)

 

Report of Superintendent

 

a.                       Staffing

 

1)    Approve the part-time appointment of Sheelah D. Shortell as Foreign Language Teacher (Spanish), (Senior High School and Middle School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $28,032.90 (Step 6 +M

+9, 70% basis).  Ms. Shortell has permanent certification. This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

2)    Approve the part-time appointment of Janet L. Cetnar as Business Education Teacher (Senior High School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $24,484.00 (Step 7, 60% basis). Ms. Cetnar has permanent certification.  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

3)    Approve the adjustment to the 2004-2005 annual salary of Kristin M. Huntsman, Guidance Counselor (Middle School), from $39,300 (Step 2 +M +18) to $36,700 (Step 2 +M +18).

 

4)    Approve the probationary appointment of Kara Sheehan as Teaching Assistant (Senior High School), effective September 1, 2004 through August 31, 2007, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $16,721.25 (Step 2, 7 hours/day).  Ms. Sheehan has a provisional teaching certification.  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education

Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

5)    Approve the part-time appointment of Kerry Traver as Teaching Assistant (Middle School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $15,526.88 (Step 2, 6.5 hours/day).  Ms. Traver has provisional teaching certification. This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

6)  Approve the change in assignment of Phyllis Wheeler, School Monitor (Middle School) from  7.5 hours/day to 2.25 hours/day, effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with no change in her current rate of pay, in order for her to accept a part-time Teaching Assistant position.

 

7)  Approve the part-time appointment of Phyllis Wheeler as Teaching Assistant (Middle School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $12,923.63 (Step 1, 5.5 hours/day).  Ms. Wheeler has Level I teaching assistant certification.

 

8)  Approve the change in assignment of Pamela Ruth, School Monitor (Middle School) from   6.5 hours/day to .75 hours/day, effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, in order for her to accept a part-time Teaching Assistant position, with no change in her current rate of pay.

 

9)  Approve the part-time appointment of Pamela Ruth as Teaching Assistant (Middle School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $9,399.00 (Step 1, 4 hours/day). Ms. Ruth's Teaching Assistant Certification is in process. 

 

10) Approve the part-time appointment of Ilia Bulford as School Monitor (Glendaal Elementary School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $7.89/hour (1.67 hours/day).  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

11) Approve the part-time appointment of Gail Smith as School Monitor (Glendaal Elementary School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $7.89/hour (5.17 hours/day). 

 

12) Approve the appointment of Valerie Csontos as School Monitor (Middle School), effective September 14, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $8.11/hour (6.5 hours/day). 

 

13) Approve the appointment of William Thwaits as School Monitor (Middle School), effective September 13, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate

of $7.89/hour (6.25 hours/day).  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department

following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

14) Approve the part-time provisional appointment of Michael Mastrella as Scotia-Glenville Fitness Center Assistant, effective September 8, 2004, in accordance with Civil Service Regulations, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $10.60/hour, 32.25 hours per week.  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

15) Approve a stipend in the amount of $1,000 for each of the following teachers as Technology Specialists for the 2004-2005 school year:

 

       Arlene Camp            Sacandaga Elementary School

       Barbara Jones         Lincoln Elementary School

       Marcia Smith            Glen-Worden Elementary School

       Patricia Roeser        Glendaal Elementary School

       Betty Fortna       Middle School

 

16) Approve the appointment of Monica Ebels as Teacher Aide (Lincoln Elementary School), effective September 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $8.06/hour, 30.5 hours/week. This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

17) Approve the  following additional salary list for  2004-2005, as submitted:

 

       School Monitors Š (Breakfast)

 

18) Approve the following additional fall coaching appointment:

 

Cross Country

Modified Boys & Girls            Kara Sheehan          Step 1                 $1,231

 

19) Approve the following additional substitutes for 2004-2005:

 

       Substitute Teacher Aides

       Andrea Civitello

       Suzanne Johnson

 

       Substitute School Monitor

       Wanda Topka

 

20) Approve the stipend of $12,731 for Bruce Kohout, Teaching Assistant (Senior High), as Coordinator of the Governor's Initiative for Voluntary Excellence (GIVE) Program, effective for the 2004-2005 school year.

 

21)   Approve the probationary appointment of Kathy Muscato as District Clerk (Management/Confidential) (Business Office), effective September 20, 2004, in accordance with Civil Service Regulations, and approve the 2004-2005 contract, as submitted.  This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employee from the State Education Department following a criminal history records check in accordance with the provision of Education Law ¤3035.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  6

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

Routine Business

                    

a.      Placement of Children with Disabilities

 

Moved by Conlon that the Board of Education accept the Placements of Children with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on Special Education at their meetings on August 25, September 2, 2004 and Informed Consents on July 23, July 26, August 24, September 3, 2004 and the Committee on Preschool Special Education at their meetings on May 28, August 25, 2004.

 

 

       b.    Minutes:      August 9, 2004         Regular Meeting

                                    August 12, 2004      Special Meeting

                                    August 23, 2004      Special Meeting

                                    August 26, 2004      Special Meeting

 

              MOVED by Bradley that the Board of Education approve the above minutes with the following corrections:

              Page 30:  Correct the Roll Call under Staffing (items #1 - #15) from Ayes:   5 to Ayes:  6

              Page 33:  Correct the Roll Call under Staffing, item #1, from Ayes:  7  to Ayes:  6

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  6

                                                                        Noes:  0

                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

                                   

  c.   Warrants:

 

Margaret Smith noted receipt of Warrant #9 totaling $737,341.40 and Warrant #11 totaling $704,884.35.  (The warrants are contained as Appendix Q to these minutes.)

 

Other Business

 

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 9:30 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 10:10 p.m.

 

MOVED by Carbone that the meeting be adjourned.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  6

Noes:  0

                                                                       MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:10 p.m.    

 

 

 

                            

 

                                                                                                                   ____________________________

                                                                                                                   Diane Hartman, Acting District Clerk