EAST GREENBUSH CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT Board of Education Meeting Wednesday, June 13, 2012 Administration Center MINUTES 1.
Call to Order – Dr. Harrison – 7:31 p.m.
MEETING BEGINS
2.
Attendance
ATTENDANCE
Ms. Blostein Ms. Curran Ms. Curtin Ms. Dobert Burke 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 x x x x (Board Member Elect) x x x x x
x x x x
Student Council Representatives A.J. Maney Maddie Bove 3.
4.
x x
Ex Officio Student Council Comments None at this time.
EX OFFICIO COMMENTS
Special Presentation –Tenure Recognition Dr. Nagle said that five teachers were receiving tenure for their work in the classroom. She commended the teachers for being exceptional educators who continue to demonstrate enthusiasm for students, learning, and academic excellence. The Superintendent expressed her appreciation to the teachers for their commitment to education and the District. Dr. Nagle and Dr. Harrison awarded certificates to Ms. Hosier, Mr. Yearsley, Ms. Shaw, Mr. Kusche, and Ms. Connors. The Superintendent thanked family members and friends for attending the meeting recognition.
TENURE RECOGNITION
Public Forum None at this time.
PUBLIC FORUM
5.
Board Forum Ms. Burke congratulated Annette Brocks as valedictorian and Lydia Pazienza as salutatorian on their academic achievement. She also congratulated David Vlieg on achieving K-12 perfect attendance. Ms. Burke recognized the service of the teachers receiving tenure and said it was a great accomplishment. Ms. Maciol extended congratulations to the teachers receiving tenure and said it was exciting and a great honor. She was impressed with Columbia’s response to a recent student situation under the leadership of Mr. Sawchuk. She thanked the counseling staff and all employees for their dedication and response to a very difficult and challenging time. Ms. Curtin also thanked members of the Goff staff for responding during the crisis and assisting students. She congratulated the teachers receiving tenure. Ms. Taylor thanked Goff for fund-raising over $6,000 to support expenses of the Cancer Family. She said the caliber of the teachers receiving tenure is phenomenal and thanked them for their service. Ms. Taylor spoke about her son completing his education and all the wonderful teachers and staff who had such a great impact on his success. Ms. Curran congratulated all the tenured teachers for their accomplishments. She also recognized the accomplishments of all students soon to graduate at all levels, including students in Operation Graduation. She commended the District administration and staff for their efforts to achieve an increase in the student graduation rate. Ms. Curran commended the students in the music programs for their recent performances. She also recognized the success of the District’s athletic teams during the school year. Ms. Curran thanked Ms. Maciol and support provided by Rensselaer County during the recent crisis. Ms. Garrigan-Piela recognized the accomplishments of the teachers receiving tenure. She congratulated the baseball and track teams for their success and commented on the academic achievements of the athletes. Ms. Garrigan-Piela wished students success on the upcoming Regents Exams and said they are well prepared from their work in the classroom. She thanked Ms. Maciol and support provided by Rensselaer County during the recent crisis. Ms. Garrigan-Piela commended the administration and staff for the increase in the graduation rate. She spoke about attending a recent career and college readiness day at HVCC and the resources and support available to students for their future endeavors.
BOARD FORUM
Dr. Harrison thanked Mr. Taylor for his service and wished him well in retirement. He announced that Columbia High School received the Section II Sportsmanship Award for their work in all 3 seasons. Columbia is being considered for an award at the state level for their community outreach. He thanked the PTO’s at all schools for such outstanding support on the purchase of Promethean Boards for the classrooms. Dr. Harrison explained it was a buy one, get one free promotion that demonstrated the great contribution made by the PTO’s to our schools. Dr. Nagle congratulated the staff and administration at Columbia for their many efforts to support an increase in the graduation rate to 95%. She explained that only 3 years ago the graduation rate was at 83%. The Superintendent thanked the Board of Education for being supportive of staff and programs such as Operation Graduation, CAP, and the Freshman Academy. She also spoke of the outcomes achieved through using credit recovery programs. Dr. Nagle said the graduation rate is the second highest in the Suburban Council and a tremendous accomplishment. She noted that the Capital District Business Review ranking of schools will be out in the next two weeks. The Superintendent announced the NYSPHSAA athletic award received by Columbia and the current review of the school for a community service award. She recognized Mr. Leonard for his work with the athletes to make a difference in the community. Dr. Nagle distributed a copy of Columbia’s Labyrinth and said it highlights the talent of many of our students. She thanked Ms. Maciol and counselors from Rensselaer County for providing invaluable support and expertise during the recent crisis. The Superintendent also thanked our own counseling staff, teachers, and support staff for their outstanding work during the crisis. Recess declared at 7:48 p.m.
RECESS DECLARED
Meeting resumed at 7:57 p.m.
MEETING RESUMED
6.
Minutes Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the District Clerk, the Board of Education approves the minutes of May 23, 2012. Moved by: Ms. Burke Seconded by: Ms. Taylor Vote: Ayes – 9, 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,
REGULAR BUSINESS
the Board of Education approves the programs for resident children with disabilities as presented. Moved by: Ms. Curran Seconded by: Ms. Taylor Vote: Ayes – 9, Nays – 0 Motion carried. 8.
Reports and Presentations – Superintendent of Schools A. Construction Referendum Planning Dr. Nagle shared a handout from the architects regarding the possibility to build a new elementary school. Mr. Manning provided further explanation of the information. Ms. Garrigan-Piela questioned the technology upgrades in the proposed project with the constant changes in education. Ms. Burke also questioned Wi-Fi access in the elementary schools. Mr. Manning commented that much of the technology upgrade specifics will not be available until the design process. Mr. Lyons said that Wi-Fi access is planned for September 2012. Dr. Nagle shared that the buildings must be ready to accommodate on-line assessments, but SED has not issued specific information at this time. Ms. Burke asked if the proposals would support greener buildings. She said there are only so many times that a building can be fixed. Mr. Manning said that a number of the items such as roofs and steam boilers each represent a step toward green buildings. Mr. Mann asked for clarification on the value of all the proposals. Mr. Edson said the proposed listing was now revised and totaled almost $42 million. Mr. Mann felt that the $55 million local share for a new elementary school housing all K-5 students could be offset by energy efficiency and other savings. He continued to be in favor of considering a new building. Ms. Blostein reflected concern about the ability to sell the existing buildings and the cost of purchasing land. She did not believe that the savings achieved by consolidating into one elementary school would offset enough of the bonding cost. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked that NYSERDA grants be considered to fund a portion of the proposed project. Mr. Woodside said the District would apply for applicable grants. He said that other projects observed locally may be lease arrangements rather than a regular capital project.
REPORTS AND PRESENTATIONS CONSTRUCTION REFERENDUM PLANNING
Ms. Garrigan-Piela also questioned the availability of grants to promote increased security. Mr. Manning was not aware of additional grants for that purpose. Mr. Woodside noted that incentive dollars are typically minimal compared to the entire project. Mr. Dunn asked about the projected life of building systems after the renovations are complete. Mr. Manning said that each system would be different, but on the average would be 25 years. Mr. Woodside added that the system life should outweigh the normal life of the bonds. Mr. Edson clarified that bonding is typically 15 years for renovations, 20 years for additions, and 30 years for a new building. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked about the interest rate projected for longterm bonds. Mr. Edson said that a conservative 4% rate will be used. The actual interest rate will vary based on the date of permanent financing which is likely two or three years from the referendum approval date. Mr. Manning updated the Board regarding the lack of requirements for electronic door openers for individuals with disabilities. He said many new buildings are built with them as a convenience, but that they are not required. Mr. Manning reviewed the plans for security vestibules at each building. Mr. Ellsworth noted that Bell Top might also need an access ramp when changing the vestibule. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked if the plans will work with some personnel shifting spaces. Dr. Nagle said yes and that the principals had been consulted on the plans. Mr. Manning noted the proposal now included speed dips at Columbia High School. Ms. Garrigan-Piela questioned the percent state aid available to the project. Mr. Edson noted that most of the project was subject to aid, typically 90 to 95 percent. He said that the amount to be aided is then multiplied by the building aid ratio for the District, currently 72.1%. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked how long the construction would last. Mr. Ellsworth said it was likely to take place over two summers. Dr. Nagle said that some items could be done during the school year, and the sequence of work will need to be prioritized. Ms. Burke suggested a higher priority be assigned to the security vestibules. She noted a potential duplication on the Bell Top list.
Ms. Burke also suggested a higher priority for the cafeteria expansion. Mr. Mann agreed with a higher priority for the cafeteria and the vestibules, including security items. Ms. Garrigan-Piela commented on a bank parking lot canopy in use that could potentially provide an energy resource to a school building. Mr. Manning said that energy saving ideas would be part of the project consideration and implementation. Ms. Burke asked for clarification of the difference between priority 1 and 2. Mr. Ellsworth explained that priority 1 only related to building systems that were unsafe or led to an unsatisfactory rating for the building. Dr. Harrison asked for additional information to be prepared on the economic impact of potential bonding amounts. Dr. Nagle said it would be available at a future meeting. Mr. Edson suggested that the Board review the potential impact to the tax levy before making a determination on the priorities to include in the project. B.
Proposed Change in Policy – Second Reading • Code of Conduct Series 5300 Mr. Edson said the comments received at the last meeting were now reflected in the revised Code of Conduct policy. There were no further comments since the last Board meeting.
POLICIES-SECOND READING
Motion by Mr. Mann and seconded by Ms. Blostein to adopt policy series #5300, Code of Conduct. Vote: Ayes – 9, Nays – 0 Motion carried. 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 - #81, 82, 83, 84, 86 2. Activity Report – Columbia High School, Goff School (April 2012) 3. Treasurer’s Report (April 2012)
CONSENT AGENDA FINANCIAL REPORTS
B.
PERSONNEL
Personnel 1. Instructional/Instructional Support Personnel #589 as Recommended by Superintendent
2.
Non-Instructional Support Personnel #589 as Recommended by Superintendent
C.
Lead Evaluator Certification
LEAD EVALUATOR CERTIFICATION
D.
Resolution – Termination of Employment
TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT
E.
The Language of Composition Textbook
THE LANGUAGE OF COMPOSITION TEXTBOOK
F.
Acceptance of Gifts and Authorization to Increase the 20112012 Budget
ACCEPTANCE OF GIFTS, INCREASE BUDGET
G.
Authorization to Dispose of Voting Machines
DISPOSE OF VOTING MACHINES
H.
Authorization to Dispose of District Property
DISPOSE OF DISTRICT PROPERTY
I.
Health Service Contracts
HEALTH SERVICE CONTRACTS
J.
Approval of Inter-Municipal Agreement – Internal Auditing Services
INTERNAL AUDITING SERVICES
K.
Special Grants (2) – Questar III Common Core Learning Standards Algebra 1 and Geometry, National First Grade Teacher Conference, I Teach 1st
SPECIAL GRANTS
L.
Additional Administrative Duties – Henry Wysocki
H. WYSOCKIADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES
M.
Part-Time Rensselaer County Substance Abuse Counselor – Amended
RENSSELAER CO. SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR
N.
Grant Application – Special Legislative Funds
GRANT APPLICATIONSPECIAL LEGISLATIVE FUNDS
Ms. Taylor offered to abstain from the vote if requested by other members of the Board due to a family member being considered in Item #11-B-2. Ms. Taylor commented on Item #11-M and suggested that the student assistant specialist be full-time rather than part-time. She believed the extra expense will be a small price to pay as compared to the benefits received. Dr. Nagle said that the commitment will only be for a one-year period. Ms. Garrigan-Piela believed the full-time position would provide needed support to students. Dr. Nagle said that there are many student needs to be addressed and that support and intervention should begin at the middle school level. Ms. Maciol added the position will bring evidence-based programs to the classroom for outreach and prevention. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked about the classes that would receive the programs. Ms. Maciol explained that it will be a 5 or 6 week program. Dr. Nagle believed it would be appropriate in the health curriculum. Ms. Garrigan-Piela asked whether the high school and middle school principals support the proposed full-time position. Mr. Sawchuk and Mr. Sloane replied yes. Ms. Curtin asked about the possibility to share a part-time position between the schools. Mr. Sloane said that although the possibility existed, the limited time available would make sharing difficult. Mr. Dunn questioned the goal of the position. Dr. Nagle explained that the District previously had the position at the high school. The student counselor provides services relating to substance abuse intervention, and follow up with services relating to addiction. Members of the guidance department often give referrals. The student counselor is an extra member of the student support services team. Mr. Dunn questioned whether the need was greater at the high school or middle school. Dr. Nagle explained that there were needs and intervention necessary at both levels. She believed that the need at the middle school was camouflaged. Ms. Blostein expressed concerns that the proposed agreement was not in line with information presented during the budget process. She said that a counseling position was actually lost during the budget process, and the proposed agreement appears to reverse that loss.
Dr. Nagle explained that the work of the student assistant specialist is different from that of a guidance counselor. She said that the guidance counselors often cannot provide these services due to current caseloads. Ms. Blostein believed that the addition of the student assistant specialist will come across to the public as a change to the previous information presented. Dr. Nagle clarified that the roles of the guidance counselor relate to scheduling, college preparation, SAT registration, and college application review. She stated that the role of the student assistant specialist is much different. The Superintendent said she brought forth the proposal based on Board member comments at the last meeting to support an extra layer of intervention. Be it Resolved, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Consent Agenda, with addendum Item #11-N, Grant Application, Special Legislative Funds, amended Item #11-E, The Language of Composition, and without Item #11-M, Part-Time Rensselaer County Substance Abuse Counselor, be approved as presented. Moved by: Ms. Curran Seconded by: Ms. Burke Vote: Ayes – 9, Nays – 0 Motion carried. Motion to approve consent agenda Item #11-M, Full-Time Rensselaer County Substance Abuse Counselor, amended at a cost of $34,800 for a full-time student assistance specialist. Moved by: Ms. Taylor Seconded by: Ms. Garrigan-Piela Vote: Ayes – 7, Nays – 1 (Ms. Blostein), Abstentions – 1 (Ms. Maciol) Motion carried. 12.
New Business NEW BUSINESS Dr. Nagle provided the Board of Education with an update on 2011-2012 goals and a draft of proposed 2012-2013 goals. She asked Board members to review in advance of the July 2 organizational meeting. Ms. Garrigan-Piela noted she will be unable to attend the July 2 meeting due to another commitment.
13.
Committee Reports COMMITTEE Dr. Harrison reported that the Technology Committee reviewed purchase REPORTS of Promethean Boards. The high definition distance learning equipment purchased at a savings under budget will be complemented with video conferencing equipment. Dr. Harrison also reported the Education
Committee reviewed information on a Goff grading procedure, the APPR process, and distance learning. Ms. Garrigan-Piela said the Education Foundation sponsored an award for the Columbia Awards Ceremony last week and provided 100 students with close to $10,000 in grants for summer enrichment programs. 14.
Public Forum None at this time.
PUBLIC FORUM
15.
Board Forum Ms. Curran thanked the staff members at Goff for organizing the marathon held on June 12, 2012. She said it was a great activity for all involved.
BOARD FORUM
16.
Executive Session Motion by Ms. Taylor and seconded by Ms. Maciol to go into executive session to discuss collective bargaining and the employment history of certain persons. Vote: Ayes – 9, Nays – 0 Time: 9:12 p.m. Motion carried.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
Respectfully submitted,
Deborah L. Mead District Clerk 16.
Executive Session The executive session began at 9:20 p.m. and concluded at 10:20 p.m.
EXECUTIVE SESSION
17.
Adjournment Motion by Ms. Curtin and seconded by Ms. Garrigan-Piela to adjourn the meeting. Vote: Ayes – 9, Nays – 0 Motion carried. Time: 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted,
ADJOURNMENT
Karen J. Curran Assistant Clerk
