Special Meeting Minutes

 

A Special Meeting of the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District was held in the Library Media Center at Lincoln Elementary School in said district on January 24, 2005.

 

The President of the Board of Education, Margaret Smith, called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.

 

Present:      Smith, Ahnert, Bradley, Carbone, Carpenter, Crisafulli, Conlon.  Dr. Barbara Nagler was present during Executive Session prior to the Open Session of the meeting.

 

Superintendent Marcelle, Business Administrator Nolie, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kavanaugh, Acting District Clerk Hartman were present during the Open Session of the meeting.

 

                      Margaret Huff, School District Attorney, was present during Executive Session following the Open Session portion of the meeting.

 

Absent:        None

 

MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education adjourn to Executive Session to discuss matters relating to personnel.

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  7

                                                                        Noes:  0

                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 6:01 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 6:55 p.m.    

 

Pledge of Allegiance

 

Recognition of Retiring Instructional Personnel:  Phyllis Kulmatiski, Art Teacher

 

President Smith made the following comments regarding Phyllis Kulmatiski, who is retiring from the district as an Art Teacher:

 

Phyllis Kulmatiski, who has fondly become known as ÒMrs. K,Ó has come a long way since leaving Our Lady of Mercy in Syosset!  Following her graduation from SUNY New Paltz, Phyllis continued her studies in Ceramics, Education, and Art History.  She moved upstate and began her teaching career as a substitute art teacher in both the elementary and secondary levels.  Phyllis then spent several years away from art education to pursue her own freelance work in pottery and illustration.  

 

Phyllis joined the Scotia-Glenville High School Art Department in 1981.  During her 24 years with us, ÒMrs. KÓ has become well known for her dedication to her students and the arts.  Students can be seen in her art room throughout the day not only for their art classes, but often whenever they have extra time Ð even after school hours. Phyllis has worked many hours outside of regular class time to help students prepare for exhibits throughout the region and the State.  Students

 

 

have a ÒhomeÓ in Mrs. KÕs room, coming in to work on their projects, as well as to be present within the warm, welcoming atmosphere that Phyllis creates wherever she goes. 

 

PhyllisÕ career has been filled with many personal and professional achievements.  She has continued to work on her own artwork, having her sculptures exhibited throughout the Northeast in Boston, New York City, Chesterwood and Vermont.  She has been named to WhoÕs Who Among AmericaÕs Teachers, the Artists of the Mohawk Hudson Region, as well as having been elected to the National Association of Women Artists.  Several of her pieces have been commissioned by the Schenectady Museum, as well as by the Teresian House in Albany. 

 

ÒMrs. KÓ has served on a variety of committees at the high school and has also worked with students as the advisor to many different clubs.  For several years, she helped plan and implement many GIVE programs.  She created the Interdisciplinary Holocaust Memorial Project, the Peace Wall, the Recycling Project, and ÒSweat Free Schools.Ó  In addition, the

Japanese Rock Garden in the new high school courtyard was planned, facilitated and implemented by Phyllis, with the help of her students.

 

PhyllisÕ time during the coming years will no doubt be quickly filled with time spent on working on her sculptures at Skidmore, as well as traveling with her husband Andrew, as they visit their son Andy in Utah and daughter Anna in Cape Cod.

 

Phyllis, we would like to thank you for your twenty-four years of dedication to our Scotia-Glenville students and community.  We wish you well, and we will miss you! 

 

Congratulations on your retirement, Phyllis!

 

Mrs. Kulmatiski was presented with a certificate of appreciation.  She thanked the Board and expressed her appreciation to the staff, parents and students.

 

Hearing/Privilege of the Floor

 

á      Jerry Moore addressed the Board of Education concerning the Interim SuperintendentÕs rate of pay and commented that it should be stated publicly.  In addition, Mr. Moore stated that he would like to see all of the documents that were used to negotiate the TeachersÕ Contract. 

 

Curriculum Report:  Special Education Ð Anthony Albanese, Director of Pupil Personnel Services

 

Tony Albanese, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, began the presentation.  He advised that the Board will hear from staff, parents and students involved in three new programs Ð Primary Skills Program (grades 2 and 3), Middle School Skills Program (grade 6) and the Life Skills Program (grades 9-12).   Mr. Albanese introduced Ann Peluso, Glendaal Elementary Principal, who spoke on behalf of the Primary Skills Program.  She introduced Trish Roeser, an elementary teacher involved with the Primary Skills Program. 

 

Ms. Roeser provided a slide presentation demonstrating highlights of the Primary Skills Program.  Ms. Roeser noted that the program utilizes manipulatives and provides a hands on learning environment for students.   Following the slide presentation, one of the students in the program explained why she likes the program.  In addition, a parent who has a child in the program, spoke to the Board about how pleased she is with the program and how it has benefited her childÕs growth in all areas.

 

Shari Keller, Principal of the Middle School, spoke on behalf of the Middle School Skills Program noting that it has provided a positive learning environment for students.   She introduced Sarah Cardinali, a Middle School Teacher who has been working with the students in this program.  Ms. Cardinali highlighted some of the reasons the program has been so successful at the Middle School.  Ms. Cardinali noted the many opportunities available to students because of this program and thanked the Board of Education for their support.

 

Lynda Castronovo, Principal of the High School, spoke on behalf of the High School Life Skills Program.  She advised that this program provides a wonderful opportunity for young adults to learn life skills.  She introduced Duncan Leach who provided a slide presentation highlighting the types of things that students are exposed to in this program.   A parent of a daughter who is in the program spoke on the benefits her daughter has received from this program.  She stated that she has developed more independence and that she is happy to be in this program.

 

Mr. Albanese concluded the presentation.  He thanked the Board of Education, parents and staff for their support.  Following the presentation, the Board was able to ask any questions they had. 

 

(Additional information is contained as Appendix A to these minutes.)

 

2005-2006 Budget Discussion:  Central Services

 

Michael Marcelle, Superintendent of Schools, and Dorothy Nolie, Business Administrator, reviewed the Central Services  budget needs for the 2005-2006 school year.  A list of needs for each facility, prepared by Jim Rodecker, Building and Grounds Supervisor, was discussed.  Projects and equipment needs for the 2005-2006 school year have been broken down into three categories Ð Health and Safety, Priority 1, and Priority 2.   The Board discussed the needs of each facility.  In addition, the criteria used to determine the type of priority was questioned.

 

The projects budgeted in the area of Central Services may need to be adjusted if a decision is made to proceed with a Facilities Project.    The Board of Education is scheduled to discuss the Facilities Committee report at the next meeting, February 7, 2005.   Mr. Marcelle will advise the members of the Facilities Committee that the Board will be discussing their report on February 7, 2005.   (Additional information is contained as Appendix B to these minutes.)

 

Mr. Marcelle noted that the revised budget calendar was included in board packets. 

 

Resolution:  Appoint Interim Superintendent 

      

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution, dated January 24, 2005, to appoint John Briggs McAndrews as Interim Superintendent - Scotia-Glenville Central School District, effective March 15, 2005, as submitted.   Mr. Conlon stated for informational purposes that the Interim Superintendent will be paid biweekly at the rate of $550.00 for each day he works in that capacity.  (The contract is contained as Appendix C to these minutes.)

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  7

                                                                        Noes:  0     

                                                                        MOTION CALLED

 

 

 

Resolution:  Refund Real Property Taxes

 

MOVED by Bradley that the Board of Education adopt the Resolution, dated January 24, 2005, to refund real property taxes, as submitted.  (The resolution is contained as Appendix D to these minutes.)

 

                                                                        ROLL CALL

                                                                        Ayes:  7

                                                                        Noes:  0

                                                                        MOTION CARRIED

 

MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education approve/accept the following items under Communications and Staffing:

 

Communications

 

       a.    Approve the request for an unpaid leave of absence of Jennifer Smialek, Elementary Teacher (Glendaal Elementary School), for childcare purposes, effective January 21, 2005 through June 30, 2005.  (The letter of request is contained as Appendix E to these minutes.)

 

       b.    Accept the letter of resignation of Michael Mastrella, Fitness Center Assistant (Senior High School), effective c.o.b. January 22, 2005, with appreciation for his service to the district.  (the letter of resignation is contained as Appendix F to these minutes.)

 

Routine Business

 

a.  Staffing

 

      1)     Approve the regular substitute appointment of Melissa M. Jerreld as Elementary Teacher (Glendaal Elementary School), effective January 25, 2005 through June 24, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $38,770 (Step 4 +M).  Ms. Jerreld has permanent certification.

 

       2)    Approve the part-time appointment of Alyssa Mallozzi as Teacher Aide (Senior High School), effective February 1, 2005 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $7.98/hour (35 hours/week). This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs 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.

 

      3)     Approve the part-time appointment of Kimberly Bouley as School Monitor (Lincoln Elementary School), effective January 25, 2005 through June 30, 2005, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the rate of $7.89/hour (2 hours/day).     This appointment is conditioned on the school districtÕs 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.

 

                4)     Approve the probationary appointment of Susan Ambessi as Cleaner (Middle School), effective January 25, 2005, in accordance with Civil Service regulations, with 2004-2005 salary to be at the annual rate of $20,363.20 (Step 1).

 

                 5)    Approve the addition of the following substitutes for the 2004-2005 school year:

 

                         Substitute School Monitor/Teacher Aide Substitute

                         *Barbara Tedford

                         * Thomas J. Tucker

 

                         Substitute School Bus Driver

                         Andrea Yezzo

 

       *These appointments are conditioned on the school districtÕs receipt of clearance for the employees 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 the Carbone that the Board of Education accept the Placement of Students with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on Preschool Special Education at their meeting on January 14, 2005.

 

                                                                   ROLL CALL

                                                                   Ayes:  7

                                                                   Noes:  0

                                                                   MOTION CARRIED

 

Other Business

 

 

á      Mr. Marcelle noted that the next Board of Education meeting will be held at Glendaal Elementary School on February 7, 2005.

 

á      Mr. Marcelle advised that the Friends of Music will be meeting on Wednesday night to discuss the renovations to the high school auditorium seating.    The Friends of Music are interested in being involved with this project, and would like to discuss this further with the Board of Education.  Mr. Marcelle advised that this will have to be looked into further, noting that this could open up a lot of issues.  For instance, the work will have to be bid out. 

 

á      Mr. Kavanaugh, Director of Curriculum and Instructor, provided an update on several grants. 

 

á      Mr. Kavanaugh advised that at the February 28th Board of Education meeting there will be a presentation on the Young Scholars and Scotia Scholars programs.  Margaret Smith noted that

 

 

 

she recently had several parents come up to her to say that they were very happy with the Young Scholars and Scotia Scholars Programs.

 

á      Mr. Marcelle reported that $1,272 was collected for the ÒDress Down DayÓ fundraiser for Tsunami relief. 

      

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

 

                                                                               ROLL CALL

                                                                               Ayes:  7

                                                                               Noes:  0

                                                                               MOTION CARRIED

 

The Board of Education adjourned to Executive Session at 9:10 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 10:34 p.m.

 

MOVED by Ahnert that the meeting be adjourned.

 

ROLL CALL

Ayes:  7

Noes:  0

                                                                       MOTION CARRIED

 

The meeting adjourned at 10:34 p.m.    

 

                            

 

                                                                                                                   ____________________________

                                                                                                                   Diane Hartman, Acting District Clerk