Special  Meeting Minutes

 

A Special 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 March 24, 2003.

 

President of the Board of Education Kurt Ahnert called the meeting to order at 7:00 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

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Hearing/Privilege of the Floor

 

Mr. Ahnert, President of the Board of Education asked if anyone would like to address the Board about topics other than the budget.  Brenda Gephardt, of 101 Wyatt Drive, voiced concerns over the trip to France.  Mr. Ahnert noted that a discussion on field trips is on the agenda for tonight’s meeting.

 

Jerry Moore of 123 Jay Street commented on domestic field trips.

 

2003-2004 Budget Community Forum

 

Mr. Ahnert welcomed everyone in attendance.  He explained the format for the budget community forum and reviewed the budget process.  Mr. Ahnert again presented the 2003-2004 budget information presented at the last two meetings.  Mr. Ahnert also reported that based on input from school and community members, the following areas have been identified as priorities by the Board of Education:

 

·      Advanced Placement Classes (SHS)

·      After school activities and clubs

·      Library Media Specialists

·      Team teaching (MS)

·      Interscholastic athletics

 

Mr. Ahnert noted that as $1,000,000 in budget reductions are considered, these priority items may be reduced but will not be eliminated.   Mr. Ahnert then turned the forum over to Superintendent Marcelle, who referred to the updated Budget Summary Sheet, which outlined possible reductions if 1,000,000 needs to be cut from the budget.  Superintendent Marcelle outlined possible cuts in classroom instruction in K-12, as well as non-instructional, Board of Education/District Office, and Athletics.  Superintendent Marcelle also said the final tax rate depends on how much state aid is restored when the state budget is finalized. 

 

Superintendent Marcelle then welcomed questions and comments from the audience. Many community members, students and faculty members made comments pertaining to the budget, the tax rate and upcoming spring field trips.

 

 

 

Discussion:   2003-2004 Budget

 

The Board discussed the 2003-2004 budget.  Mr. Ahnert referred to the spreadsheet outlining program reductions, proposed savings and recommendations.  The Board discussed the proposed reductions in classroom instruction and agreed that they would accept this.  The Board also discussed the savings that would be realized by eliminating Transitional Kindergarten, but agreed to support the program.   The Board discussed the elimination of the Academic Head of Math position, the recommended Physical Education reductions, and the Fitness Center.  The Board also discussed the recommended elimination of the Elementary summer school program.

 

Discussion:  Field Trips for the Remainder of the 2002-2003 School Year

 

The Board discussed the upcoming domestic and international field trips.  Superintendent. Marcelle explained that the High School Students are scheduled for a trip to France on April 20, 2003.  He said he would be holding a parent meeting at the High School to discuss this.  Superintendent Marcelle also noted upcoming trips to New York City.  After the Board discussed the pros and cons of domestic travel, Ms. Carbone made a motion:

 

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education cancel all trips to New York City for the next 3 weeks

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  5

Noes:  2

MOTION CARRIED

(Ahnert and Magruder voted no)

 

Resolution:  The John J. Haher Library Media Center

 

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution, dated March 24, 2003, regarding the naming of The John J. Haher Library Media Center, as submitted.   (The Resolution is contained as Appendix A to these minutes.)

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

Request for Overnight Field Trips:  5th Graders to Camp Chingachgook)

 

MOVED by Magruder that the Board of Education approve the requests for the overnight trips of the 5th graders and chaperones to Camp Chingachgook, Lake George, NY, as follows  (The Request is contained as Appendix B to these minutes.)

 

              Lincoln School                June 9 – June 11, 2003

              Sacandaga School        June 11 – June 13, 2003

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

          routine Business

 

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve the following items under Staffing:

 

a.       Staffing

 

1)   The part-time appointment of Ronald Raffan as School Monitor (High School), effective March 25, 2003 through June 30, 2003, with 2002-2003 salary to be at the hourly rate of $7.30 (3 hours/day).

 

2)    Terminate the provisional appointment of Thomas McAuliffe as Maintenance Mechanic, and grant him a probationary appointment to the same position, in accordance with Civil Service regulations, effective March 18, 2003, with no change in 2002-2003 per annum salary.

 

3)    Terminate the provisional appointment of Donald Petersen as Maintenance Mechanic, and grant him a probationary appointment to the same position, in accordance with Civil Service regulations, effective March 18, 2003, with no change in 2002-2003 per annum salary.

 

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 and Preschool Special Education at their meetings on March 10, 11, 12, 13, and 17; and Informed Consent and Left District.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

c.    Treasurer’s Report      

 

Mr. Ahnert noted receipt of the Treasurer’s Report for January 2003. (The report is contained as Appendix C to these minutes.)

 

Other Business

 

·      Superintendent Marcelle reminded the Board about the CAPSBA program which will be held April 9, 2003.  Ms. Carbone will be attending.

 

·      Superintendent Marcelle reminded the Board that there would be an open house at Glendaal Elementary on Tuesday, March 25 from 6:30-8:00.

 

·      The next Board of Education meeting will be held on March 31, 2003 in the Auditorium at the Middle School.  Tony Albanese will be presenting.

 

·      The Board discussed the Scotia-Glenville C.S.D./Burnt Hills Ballston Lake C.S.D YMCA Community Services agreement.

 

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 10:57 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 11:00 p.m.

 

·      The Board discussed the recent meeting with Assemblyman Tedisco. 

 

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 11:05 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 11:20 p.m.

 

MOVED by Magruder that the meeting be adjourned. 

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 11:20 p.m.

 

__________________________

                                                                                         Amanda Galivan, District Clerk