Special  Meeting Minutes

 

A Special 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 March 17, 2003.

 

President of the Board of Education Kurt Ahnert called the meeting to order at 6:30 p.m.

 

Present:      Ahnert, Bradley, Carbone, Carpenter, Conlon, Magruder, Smith, Superintendent Marcelle, Interim Director of Curriculum and Instruction Hodgins, District Treasurer Nolie, District Clerk Galivan, Margaret Huff

 

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

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 7:05 p.m.

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Hearing/Privilege of the Floor

 

Mr. Ahnert, President of the Board of Education extended the privilege of the floor for anyone who had any comments about topics other than the budget.  None.

 

2003-2004 Budget Community Forum

 

Mr. Ahnert welcomed everyone in attendance.  Mr. Ahnert then reviewed the budget process.  He outlined several factors that are impacting the 2003-2004 budget including salaries, contractual costs, benefits and the increase in utilities.  Mr. Ahnert outlined additional T.O. needed in grades K-12 in order to meet new state mandates in the areas of AIS and Special Education.  Mr. Ahnert then discussed the effect of the Governor’s aid proposal on the school district and the budget.  Mr. Ahnert referred to the contingency budget fact sheet and discussed how variables such as state aid, changes in property assessments, increases in utilities and health insurance premiums will affect the final tax rate.  Mr. Ahnert concluded by saying that  that the key decision the Board has to make is to decide on a fair tax rate for the community that will still provide children with the programs they need.

 

Several members of the community, students and faculty expressed opinions on the budget and the potential tax increase.

 

Discussion:   2003-2004 Budget

 

Superintendent Marcelle presented the Board with a revised spreadsheet outlining program cuts, the proposed savings they would generate, along with the possible consequences of the cuts.  The Board then discussed these cuts.  Mrs. Bradley was not in favor of cutting modified and JV sports and she felt Advance Placement classes were essential.  Mrs. Smith discussed fees for certain sports.  Mr. Magruder asked for a detailed breakout of teacher cuts and information on the savings involved in eliminating the one-mile radius bus run.  Ms. Carbone said she didn’t want to see Adult Education taken out of the budget.  Mr. Carpenter didn’t want to see staff development cut.  Mr. Conlon had questions regarding the elimination of the Academic Head for Math position.  Mr. Ahnert discussed the importance of making the cuts stick.

 

Resolution:  School Bus Purchase and Maintenance Vehicle  Proposition

 

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution, dated March 17, 2003, regarding the school bus purchase and maintenance vehicle proposition in the amount of $316,678 to be submitted to the voters at the annual school election. (The Resolution is contained as Appendix A to these minutes.)

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

Legal Notice of Annual District Election and Budget Vote

 

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve the Legal Notice of Annual District Election and Budget Vote, as submitted.   (The Resolution is contained as Appendix B to these minutes.)

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

Approval of the Professional Development Plan (PDP)

 

MOVED by Magruder that the Board of Education approve the Professional Development Plan (PDP), as submitted.  (The Resolution is contained as Appendix C to these minutes.)

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

MOVED by Bradley that the Board of Education approve the following items under Communications and Staffing:

 

COMMUNICATIONS

 

a.      The request to extend the unpaid leave of absence of Amy M. Hart, School Psychologist (Glendaal and Glen-Worden Schools), for childcare purposes, effective September 1, 2003 through June 30, 2004.  (The letter is contained as Appendix D to these minutes.)

 

b.      The letter of resignation of Bernard Torres, Lead Cleaner (Sacandaga School), effective c.o.b. March 14, 2003, in order for him to accept his new position of Custodian-Night (2nd shift). (The letter is contained as Appendix E to these minutes.)

 

 

routine Business

 

a.       Staffing

 

1)   The supplemental payment of $12.75/day for Cathy L. Stealey, per diem substitute Guidance Counselor (Senior High), effective March 11, 2003 through April 15, 2003, for each full day of service.  Ms. Stealey has provisional certification.  This appointment is conditioned on the school district’s 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:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

b.    Placement of Children with Disabilities             

 

MOVED by Smith that the Board of Education accept the Placement of Children with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on Special Education at their meetings on February 26, 27; March 3, 4, and 6 and Informed Consent and Left District.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

Other Business

 

·      The Board discussed upcoming PTA meeting dates and a meet the candidate night scheduled for April 8, 2003.

 

·      Superintendent Marcelle reminded the Board that the next meeting will be held on March 24, 2003 and will include the third Budget Community Forum.  Mr. Carpenter suggested meeting in the Middle School Auditorium next week and the Board agreed.

 

·      Superintendent Marcelle reminded the Board that there would be a meeting with Assemblyman Tedisco on Friday, March 21, 2003 at 4 p.m.

 

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

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 9:40 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 9:53 p.m.

 

MOVED by Magruder that the meeting be adjourned. 

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:53 p.m.

 

__________________________

                                                                                         Amanda Galivan, District Clerk