EAST GREENBUSH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, June 12, 2013 Administration Center MINUTES 1.
Call to Order – Dr. Harrison – 7:30 p.m.
MEETING BEGINS
2.
Attendance
ATTENDANCE
Ms. Blostein Ms. Curran Ms. Curtin Mr. Dunn Ms. Garrigan-Piela Dr. Harrison Ms. Maciol Mr. Mann Ms. Taylor Also Attending Dr. Nagle Ms. Bowman Mr. Edson Mr. Lyons
Present Absent x (arrived at 8:05 p.m.) x x (arrived at 7:33 p.m.) x x x x (arrived at 7:32 p.m.) x x
x x x x
Student Council Representatives Angela DeRubertis AJ Maney 3.
x x
Ex Officio Student Council Comments None at this time.
EX OFFICIO COMMENTS
Recognition of the Class of 2013 Valedictorian and Salutatorian Dr. Nagle recognized the Class of 2013 Valedictorian and Salutatorian. Eric Assaf, Valedictorian, is a member of the National Honor Society and has pursued a challenging and rigorous course of studies throughout his high school career. Eric will receive an Advanced Designated Regents Diploma with High Honors distinction. His diploma will also denote his mastery in mathematics and science. Eric’s high school career has included involvement in a myriad of extracurricular activities including participation in soccer, track, bowling, Reach Out Student Mentoring Program, Science Olympiad, and Mock Trial.
RECOGNITIONVALEDICTORIAN AND SALUTATORIAN
Eric has demonstrated his leadership abilities throughout his high school career. On the Mock Trial Team, Eric served as the
team junior lawyer, senior lawyer, and he was elected as President this year. He was also elected as the team captain for the Varsity Bowling Team, the 2012 Suburban Council Champs. He received a Suburban Council Honorable Mention for his exemplary efforts. Eric has earned distinction and recognition for his efforts on Science Olympiad competitions. Last year, Eric and his partner were named Regional Champions in the Optics event and he earned a silver medal in Astronomy. He finished in the top 10 at the New York State finals. Eric is a wellrounded individual who is bright, hardworking, dedicated, conscientious, highly organized, and a natural born leader. Lukas Kiehl, Salutatorian, has a genuine passion for learning. He views education as the important foundation for professional success which ultimately serves the common good. Lukas’ academic performance is superior and has earned him his place as Salutatorian of his graduating class. Personally, Lukas is a very warm and caring individual with a great sense of humor. This year, Lukas was inducted in the Les Savant Chapter of the National Honor Society. Since the 9th grade, Lukas has been an active participant in our school community. He has served as a Student Council Representative, has done a great job as the advisor/lawyer of the Mock Trial Team, and played JV and Varsity Soccer. Finally, Lukas has maintained perfect attendance since the 6th grade! This fall, Lukas will be attending SUNY Albany’s Nanoscale Engineering Program. 4.
Public Forum None at this time.
PUBLIC FORUM
5.
Board Forum Ms. Garrigan-Piela thanked all the Goff staff and parents who assisted with the Philadelphia and Washington trips. She spoke of the trips as a great opportunity for students who might never have the chance to visit the sites and see parts of our nation’s history. Ms. Garrigan-Piela participated in the Race for Help held at Goff Middle School. She said the school district was well represented by alumni, teachers, staff, Board members, and current athletes, including Kyle Gronostaj. Two alumni Kelly Grace and Katie Schmidt placed first and second for the women, and many elementary students ran the kid’s race. School volunteers included the Columbia High School cheerleading program, and many dollars were raised to stop the cycle of domestic violence.
BOARD FORUM
Ms. Garrigan-Piela extended congratulations to students receiving awards at recent ceremonies. She also congratulated the students, parents, teachers, administrators, and members of the community as
students graduate from high school, middle school, and elementary schools in June. Ms. Garrigan-Piela visited the US Army facility at Fort Drum and was impressed with the level of technology, training, and resources. Some of the programs offered include: Army Educational Outreach Program, March2Success, ASVAB/Career Exploration Assessment, Army Reserve Scholar Athlete Program, Youth Certificate of Recognition, concurrent admission program, computers for learning, Army Assets, Anti-Bullying Program, facility tours, and educational benefits. She spoke about the many activities during her visit including mapping using Arc GIS, simulated battles, and emergency medical treatment. Ms. Garrigan-Piela plans to share the information with the education and technology committees to see how the school may take advantage of these opportunities. Ms. Garrigan-Piela will meet with the Albany Area Grassroots Committee on June 13 and report back. She plans to visit West Point and the STEM research facility in Boston in the near future. Ms. Curran congratulated the valedictorian and salutatorian and said they set a great example for the student body and community. She recognized all the students that will graduate in June. Ms. Curran acknowledged the new officers of the District’s unions. She attended an outstanding 7th grade concert and spoke of the progress of our music students. Ms. Curran served as a chaperone on the Philadelphia trip and thanked Mr. Garab and the staff for their organization efforts for the benefit of students. She extended condolences to the Clark and Leonard families who lost loved ones serving in the military in Afghanistan. Ms. Taylor acknowledged the outstanding efforts of the top two Columbia High School students and said that they make us very proud. She was pleased that Ms. Cobb-Higgins will be working as Goff Garden advisor and hoped for continuation of the program next year. Ms. Taylor thanked the athletic staff and coaches for their volunteer efforts culminating in the Section II community service award this year. She congratulated the faculty and staff retiring at the end of the school year. Ms. Taylor recognized Ms. Becker and Ms. Puzo for their pride in their work, and commitment to the children of the district. Ms. Curtin recognized Lukas Kiehl for starting Super Fans for Columbia. She congratulated Eric Assaf and Lukas Kiehl for their accomplishments. Ms. Curtin announced that the District received the Section II community service award and said it demonstrates that sports are much more than just playing the game.
Ms. Maciol also congratulated the top two students in Columbia’s senior class and the Top 25 featured in a newsletter from the guidance department. She congratulated everyone on a successful budget and capital projects vote. Ms. Maciol said there was a lot of time, effort, and teamwork and acknowledged the administration on their hard work. She also recognized the newly elected Board of Education members. Dr. Harrison extended congratulations to the valedictorian and salutatorian for their accomplishments. He was pleased with the outcome of the recent vote on budget, buses, and capital projects. Dr. Harrison commented on the quality and professionalism of this year’s Devil’s Advocate from Columbia High School and enjoyed the review of the recently issued Taylor Swift CD. Dr. Nagle announced that Capital Region BOCES, together with Questar III BOCES, has won a 2013 NSPRA Gold Medallion Award for the entry, Your Schools in Fiscal Peril: Running Out of Time and Options. There were only 3 winners in a field of 66 entrants for the award within the United States and Canada. Dr. Nagle said the entry was part of the advocacy campaign, including the budget rally, during January 2013. 6.
Minutes Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the District Clerk, the Board of Education approves the minutes of April 23, 2013 and May 8, 2013. Moved by: Ms. Taylor Seconded by: Ms. Curran Vote: Ayes – 8, Nays – 0 Motion carried.
MINUTES
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: Ms. Curran Seconded by: Ms. Curtin Vote: Ayes – 8, Nays – 0 Motion carried.
REGULAR BUSINESS
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 - #75, 76, 77, 78, 79, VO79 2. Howard L. Goff, April 2013 Financial Activity Report 3. Columbia High School, April 2013 Financial Activity Report
CONSENT AGENDA FINANCIAL REPORTS
B.
Personnel 1. Instructional/Instructional Support Personnel #609 as Recommended by Superintendent 2. Non-Instructional Support Personnel #609 as Recommended by Superintendent
PERSONNEL
C.
Acceptance of Gifts and Authorization to Increase the 2012-2013 ACCEPTANCE OF Budget GIFTS, INCREASE BUDGET
D.
Surplus and Obsolete District Property – K-5 Reading Program Textbooks
SURPLUS-K-5 READING PROGRAM TEXTBOOKS
E.
2013-2014 403(b) Administration Agreement – Omni Group
OMNI GROUP AGREEMENT
F.
Health Services Contract
HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT
G.
Bid – Paper Towels, Hand Soap, and Related Dispensers
BID-PAPER TOWELS
H.
Appropriation of E-RATE Funds
E-RATE FUNDS
I.
Workers Compensation and Unemployment Reserves Update
WORKERS COMPENSATION AND UNEMPLOYMENT RESERVES UPDATE
J.
Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund Update
RETIREMENT CONTRIBUTION RESERVE FUND UPDATE
Ms. Garrigan-Piela thanked the All Sports Club for providing funds of $4,803 to support freshman sports programs. She said that direct donations to the district totaled over $40,000, but many other donations are provided to PTO’s, booster clubs, and other organizations to support school activities. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked about donating used textbooks. Mr. Edson said the matter had been researched and donations would be improper. Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Consent Agenda, including Item #11-I, Workers Compensation and Unemployment Reserves Update, Item #11-J, Retirement Contribution Reserve Fund Update, and addendum to Item #11-B-1, Instructional/Instructional Support Personnel Memorandum #609, be approved as presented. Moved by: Ms. Taylor Seconded by: Ms. Maciol Vote: Ayes – 8, Motion carried.
Nays – 0
12.
New Business None at this time.
NEW BUSINESS
13.
Committee Reports Ms. Garrigan-Piela reported that the Technology Committee was reviewing infrastructure, on-line testing, additional reporting, and the In Bloom issue. She expressed concern that In Bloom will be marketing student and parent data for profit, and schools will be required to provide the data. Ms. Garrigan-Piela announced a technology forum to be held on August 28 and 29 at Columbia High School with a theme of improving instruction with technology and featuring a nationally known speaker. Other local districts will be invited to participate.
COMMITTEE REPORTS
Ms. Garrigan-Piela announced that the Education Foundation Officers for next year will be Steve Taylor-President, Jude MulveyVice President, Lynne Burdick-Secretary, Rob Panasci-Treasurer, and Michele Skumurski-Assistant Treasurer. Ms. O’Toole will be stepping down as secretary but will continue to chair the fund-raising committee. The Foundation also met on Tuesday, June 11 to award summer enrichment grants. Awards will be smaller than in the past, but the Foundation is pleased to defray the costs of enrichment even in a small way. The Foundation hopes to raise more funds next year and gain the support of the community. Mr. Edson reported that the Finance and Audit Committee met to
review the scope of the external audit occurring in June and August for the year ended June 30, 2013. He also said the internal auditor presented reports on cash, payroll, and the risk assessment, which will be distributed to the Board in the next packet. Mr. Edson said that the Policy Committee has been issued five new and revised draft policies to review. Ms. Curtin reported that CCS met and one of the major concerns was a lack of available math textbooks that link to the new Common Core Standards. 14.
Public Forum None at this time.
PUBLIC FORUM
15.
Board Forum Dr. Harrison expressed serious concern about the In Bloom issue that will have New York State requiring schools to submit parent and student data without a guarantee of security. He said that he was considering a letter to the Times Union on the matter. Ms. Garrigan-Piela commented that it was inappropriate to expect schools to incur costs to build systems to report the data to In Bloom. Dr. Harrison also expressed concern about the profit motive associated with In Bloom having the data.
BOARD FORUM
Dr. Nagle requested Board members to submit comments on the 20122013 goals update and 2013-2014 proposed goals to her office by June 14. 16.
Executive Session Motion by Ms. Curtin and seconded by Ms. Maciol to go into executive session to discuss litigation, collective bargaining, and the employment history of certain persons. Vote: Ayes – 8, Nays – 0 Motion carried. Time: 8:03 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Mead District Clerk 16.
Executive Session The executive session began at 8:10 p.m. and concluded at 9:55 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
17.
Adjournment ADJOURNMENT Motion by Ms. Taylor and seconded by Ms. Curtin to adjourn the meeting.
Vote: Ayes – 9, Motion carried. Time: 9:55 p.m.
Nays – 0
Respectfully submitted,
Karen J. Curran Assistant Clerk
