Regular Meeting Minutes
A
Regular 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 November 8, 2004.
President
of the Board of Education Margaret Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00
p.m.
Present: Ahnert, Bradley, Carbone, Carpenter, Conlon, Crisafulli, Smith, Superintendent Marcelle, Business Administrator Nolie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kavanaugh, District Clerk DÕAlessandro
Absent: None
RECOGNITION OF RETIRING INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL:
MELINDA NEWLIN, REMEDIAL READING TEACHER
Margaret
Smith, President of the Board of Education, recognized the retirement of
Melinda Newlin before Privilege of the Floor. Congratulations were extended to Ms. Newlin and the
following comments were made:
Melinda Newlin, most commonly known as Mindy, came to
Scotia-Glenville in 1978. In her application to the Scotia-Glenville Schools,
Mindy stated her Philosophy. She
emphasized the teacherÕs role in developing Òautonomous, responsible persons
who achieve their potentialÓ and her commitment to continue to Ògrow and
develop her (own) potentialÓ.
Throughout her successful career in Scotia schools, Mindy Newlin stayed
true to her basic beliefs; and the students and staff have benefited as a
result.
Working with students who found reading difficult,
Ms. Newlin utilized her diagnostic skills, communicated with parents and other
staff, and continually tried to make her materials relevant and
interesting. Students who worked
with Mindy had a remarkable rate of growth and progress. They were routinely challenged, yet
always knew that Ms. Newlin cared deeply for their success. She always made
sure that she recognized students for their efforts and growth.
Throughout her career, she was the consummate
life-long learner. She actively
sought resources to support her instruction, and was a willing team member
working with classroom teachers to best support her students.
Her teaching colleagues always saw in Mindy Newlin
the intelligent student advocate and her many other unique qualities. Outside of the instructional day, Mindy
was an active member of various building and district committees. One of the most valued gifts of time
that she gave when she transferred from the Junior High to the Elementary level
was the initiation of the Mother Daughter Book clubs. It allowed her to share her love of reading with interested
students and adults. Mindy was a
strong supporter of PTA activities and, of course, she was a frequent Teen Town
chaperone. Mindy is an excellent
cook who shared her delicious baked goods at staff functions, and an eager
gardener who would gladly share her vegetables and flowers. SheÕs given so much of herself to
support and encourage so many students and fellow staff members. We appreciate all that she has given
and done for us. We wish her the
very best in her much deserved retirement.
Congratulations, Mindy!
Hearing/Privilege of the Floor
Denise Fraioli, 75 Baldwin
Rd., President of the Glendaal PTA, spoke regarding Board Policy #1511:
Advertising in the Schools as it relates to the Schenectady Ski Club.
DISCUSSION: EFFICIENCY STUDY
Mr.
Kavanaugh gave a summary and explained the breakdown of the study. He thanked David Versocki and
administrators for putting the study together. Ms. Smith recommended the study be used as a Òkick offÓ for
the new budget season. Ms. Bradley
suggested the survey needs closure and follow-through as it fits into the
budget cycle. Mr. Conlon expressed
that the study should be an ongoing process.
Mr. Marcelle summarized by recommending that Board
Members highlight areas which they would
like to address. Mr. Marcelle will post a message on the intranet to staff to
let them know the Board
is addressing comments and also indicate Board
appreciation for the work which went into this study.
(The Listing of Efficiency Comments are contained
in Appendix A to these minutes.)
NYSSBA ANNUAL CONVENTION REPORT
Ms. Smith attended the convention and reviewed the vote on several of the resolutions that addressed Schedule for Dues, Teacher Certification Requirements, No Child Left Behind, and alternatives to suspension. She noted that the Cultural Diversity Resolution changed wording from ÒtoleranceÓ to ÒacceptanceÓ.
Mr.
Marcelle indicated that the 1998 survey is a starting point to develop a
community survey. There is a Council PTA on 11/17, which would be the time to
announce having a survey, but suggested waiting until after the Christmas
holiday to distribute. Mr. Conlon
asked for the results of the 1998 survey.
Mr. Marcelle will pull these results together for the Board. Mr. Carpenter suggested adding
questions that are controversial and more thought provoking.
Timeframe
of survey discussed. Ms. Bradley
suggested speaking with Bob Hanlon and hooking the survey into the next Tartan
Report to be distributed in January.
Mr. Marcelle discussed the possibility of putting the survey on the website
with a discussion around potential problems of verifying residency.
Mr.
Marcelle asked the Board to write additional questions for the survey for next
Board meeting. (The Community Opinion Survey is contained in Appendix B to
these minutes.)
Revised Board Policy #4343 (Home Instruction), as
submitted.
ADOPT NEW BOARD POLICY #4714.1: INTERPRETERS FOR HEARING-IMPAIRED PARENTS
New
Board Policy #4714.1 (Interpreters for Hearing-Impaired Parents), as submitted.
ADOPT NEW BOARD POLICY #1511: ADVERTISING IN THE SCHOOLS
New Board Policy #1511 (Advertising in the Schools),
as submitted.
(Policy #4343, 4714.1 and #1511 are contained as
Appendix C to these minutes.)
ROLL CALL
Ayes: 7
Noes: 0
MOTION CARRIED
Discussion: 2005-2006 Budget
Mr.
Ahnert reviewed the history of budget changes to the proposed budgets and
suggested the Board give guidance for the budget process. The Board discussed the budget process
and suggested a preliminary 5% budget increase. The Board discussed significant increases in benefits that
will impact the budget. Mr.
Marcelle suggested beginning the process with a carry forward budget and not
starting with a contingency budget.
MOVED by Bradley that the Board of Education approve
the non-resident student tuition enrollment
of Courtney Guy, Grade 11 student, for the 2004-2005
school year.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: 7
Noes: 0
MOTION CARRIED
CAPSBA/Legislative
Liaison/PTA Reports
á
Mr. Crisafulli, Mr.
Marcelle and Ms. Carbone will be attending the CAPSBA meeting on Tuesday,
November 9.
á
Mr. Conlon discussed
the campaign for fiscal equity and the potential for additional lawsuits.
MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve the following items under Communications and Staffing.
The resignation of Yacouba Sangare, Boys' Basketball
Coach Ð Modified 8th, effective c.o.b. October 29, 2004.
a.
Staffing
1) The adjustment to the 2004-2005 annual salary of
Geoffrey Olson, Elementary Teacher (Glendaal School), from $47,097 (Step 10 +M +6) to $47,664 (Step 10 +M +27½).
2) The part-time
appointment of Carolyn Moran as School Bus Driver (Transportation), effective
November 9, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the
hourly rate of $14.16, 4.5 hours/day.
3) The part-time appointment of Lori Kling as Teacher Aide
(Transportation), effective November 9, 2004 through June 30, 2005, with
2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $8.22/hour, 2.25 hours/day.
4) The following additional winter coaching appointments
for 2004-2005:
Boys'
Basketball
Modified 8th Mark
Gatta, Jr. Step
1 $2,061
Indoor
Track
Assistant Matthews
Hughes Step
1 $2,129
ROLL
CALL
Ayes: 7
Noes: 0
MOTION CARRIED
ROUTINE
BUSINESS
a.
Placement of
Children with Disabilities
MOVED
by Bradley that the Board of Education accept the recommendations of the
Placement of Students with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on
Special Education at their meetings on 10/06/04, 10/19/04, 10/20/04, 10/21/04,
10/22/04, 10/25/04, 10/26/04, 10/27/04, 11/01/04 and the Committee on Preschool
Education at their meeting on 10/22/04.
ROLL
CALL
Ayes: 7
Noes: 0
MOTION CARRIED
OTHER BUSINESS
á
The 2005-06
transportation budget is in process and will be put on the next agenda.
á
Mr. Ahnert will be not
attending Board Meeting on 11/22.
á
Mr. Conlon applauded a
good job on legislative grant.
á
Mr. Kavanaugh announced
that Claire McDermott received 2nd SHOPA Grant.
á
Mr. Kavanaugh discussed
the memo regarding Science textbooks.
Mr. Conlon asked if there was a website to review recommended
books. Mr. Kavanaugh will check on
this. Ms. Carbone feels the
recommended books are the right choice.
á
Discussed evacuation
drill on 11/10. Mr. Marcelle
stated that parents, local residents and press were notified.
á
The Board discussed the
fire departmentÕs service to the district and will send a letter to the town
supporting the retention of the services provided by the village.
MOVED by Bradley 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 8:30 p.m. and returned to the Open Session at 9:20 p.m.
MOVED by Bradley that the meeting be adjourned.
ROLL CALL
Ayes: 7
Noes: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
____________________________
Maggie
DÕAlessandro, District Clerk