Special Meeting Minutes

 

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District was held in the Auditorium of the Middle School in said district on March 29, 2004.

 

President of the Board of Education Kurt Ahnert called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

 

Present:      Ahnert, Carbone, Carpenter, Conlon, Magruder, Smith, Superintendent Marcelle, Business Administrator Nolie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kavanaugh, School Attorney Huff was present during Executive Session, District Clerk Galivan was present for Open Session

 

Excused:     Bradley

 

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

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:   6

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 6:30 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 6:52 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.

 

2004-2005 Community Budget Forum/Preliminary Budget

 

Mr. Ahnert presented an overview of  the 2004-3005 Preliminary Budget.  Mr. Ahnert explained that there are variables such as State Aid, changes in property assessments, health insurance premiums, fund balance, trade-offs, and utilities that will affect the percentage of the tax increase. Mr. Ahnert concluded by saying 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.  

 

Superintendent Marcelle began the presentation by referring to a handout outlining possible budget reductions.  He stressed that they are not recommendations, but ideas to consider and are likely to change as the Board identifies other possible reductions.  He explained that the proposed reductions are based on the following criteria:

 

á      Maintaining the integrity of the instructional day as best as possible.

á      Minimizing the impact on existing personnel.

á      Adding no new programs unless they: 

-       Offer a better delivery of services to our students

-       Are cost efficient.

                       

                        Superintendent Marcelle reviewed the items under consideration for reduction and the impact they would have on the programs and staffing.

 

                        President Ahnert invited comments from the community members, students and faculty.

Several members of the community made comments regarding the budget, proposed program reductions, maintenance of the plant, and acceptable tax rate increases.

 

Superintendent Marcelle began the budget discussion by reviewing Budget Reductions approved at the last meeting.  He then outlined the items that are no longer under consideration and items still under consideration.  The Board discussed inequities in elementary class sizes and Mr. CarpenterÕs proposal to cut 5.0 FTE Elementary.  The Board discussed the items still under consideration and came to a consensus on keeping the following reductions:

 

á      2.0 FTE Elementary Program

á      .8 program reduction in grade 8 core classes

á      .60 FTE Technology Middle School

 

                        The Board also came to a consensus on the following items they would no longer consider for reduction:

 

á      Transitional Kindergarten

á      .40 FTE Foreign Language Middle School

 

Efficiency Review Update

 

Director of Curriculum and Instruction Joseph Kavanaugh presented the Board with a consolidated list, which he outlined.  The board discussed the possibility of hiring a full-time grant writer.

 

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education approve the following items under staffing:

 

routine business

 

a.   Staffing

           

            1)     The change in the part-time appointment of David Bond as Cleaner (Lincoln Elementary School), from effective March 23, 2004 to effective March 29, 2004, with no change in 2003-2004 annual salary.

      

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  6

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

b.    Placement of Children with Disabilities             

 

MOVED by Magruder that the Board of Education accept the Placement of Children with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on Special Education at their meeting on March 1, 3, 4, 12,13, 16, 17, and the Committee on Preschool Special Education at their meeting on March 12, 2004.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  6

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

.

Other Business

 

á      The Board of Education discussed graduation venue options.  Most likely will be Union College Field House

 

á      The Board discussed the summer Drivers Education program.

 

á      There will be a Wednesday, March 31 2004 meeting at Glendaal.  It will focus on ELA preparation for 4th graders.

 

á      Superintendent Marcelle reminded the Board that there will be a Facilities Committee Meeting on Tuesday, March 30, 2004

 

á      The Saturday, April, 3 meeting of the Board of Education will take place at 2:00 p.m.

 

MOVED by Conlon that the meeting be adjourned.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  6

Noes:  0

MOTION CARRIED

 

 

 

The meeting adjourned at 9:57 p.m.

 

__________________________

                                                                                         Amanda Galivan, District Clerk