ELMIRA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT ELMIRA, NEW YORK SPECIAL MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Fassett Elementary School November 1, 2006 309 W. Thurston Street 6:00 pm Executive Session Elmira, NY 14901 7:00 pm Meeting MEETING CALLED TO ORDER ATTENDANCE Board President Michael Crimmins called the Special Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 6:04 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag. Present: David Clovsky, Michael Crimmins, Anthony Fisher, Jr., Barton Graham (6:06 p.m.), Daniel Hurley, Robin Long, Mary Beth Turner, Robert Woods Absent: Ethel Stroman, Southside High School Student Representative Alise Farr Student Representatives: Elmira Free Academy Student Representative Alexis Lian, Others: Dr. Raymond Bryant, David Gleason, Joseph Hochreiter, Chris Mecke, Attorney John Ryan, Robert VanKeuren EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mr. Fisher that the Board moves into executive session for discussions about proposed, pending or current litigation and the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation also included for executive session Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mr. Fisher that the Board appoints Robin Long as Clerk Pro Tem in the absence of the Clerk. Also invited into Executive Session were Mr. Hochreiter, Mr. VanKeuren, Mr. Jeffrey Manwarring and Attorney Ryan. (6:05 p.m.) 212
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods Abstain: Graham Janet M. Watson District Clerk RETURN TO OPEN SESSION Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Hurley that the Board returns to open session. (7:05 p.m.) Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods Abstain: Graham RECONVENED The meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m. Mr. Crimmins announced his resignation as President of the Board and presented the Clerk with his written letter of resignation. Mr. Crimmins will be embarking on a new career opportunity with Chemung Canal Trust Company. The district has several accounts at that institution and he feels it would be a conflict of interest to continue as President of the Board but will continue his duties as a Board member. The Clerk accepted Mr. Crimmins resignation. APPROVAL OF AGENDA Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Hurley to accept the agenda with the following changes: Add Jeffrey Rosenheck, Southside High School Student requesting permission from the Board for SHS to hold a dance-a-thon, this will be placed under item E Capital Construction Update before Timetable for projects Delete Consent Item I-1 Approval of Economic Opportunity Program contract Add personnel Addendum under item J Mr. Graham would like to submit a resolution reaffirming duties and responsibilities of proactively safe guarding district assets. Mr. Crimmins suggested deferring Mr. Graham s request to a special meeting; he also suggested using the language that Attorney Ryan will provide for this resolution. 213
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods RECOGNITION Mr. Crimmins along with Dr. Bryant and Doug Martin recognized the following district employees as newly tenured teachers: Laura V. Austen Maureen K. Barr David R. Benjamin Marcia J. Capurso Andrew T. Colucci Laurie A. Donohue Carolyn B. Evershed Amy J. Gennosa Evelyn M. Guyette Jessica M. Jamison John M. Kiereck, Jr. Amy E. Lange Laura S. Littlefield Peter L. Manuelpillai Michelle M. May Louise O Connor Annelise K. O Hara Jessica A. Ossiboff William A. Paggio Kelly L. Palmer Zachary W. Sarno Tamara A. Scharborough Julie M. Shelp Nathan D. Smith Jillian L. Treubig (Mahon) Matthew M. Usack Sara E. Vakiener Jessica M. Vanscoy Bradley A. Wales Sarah E. Wilbur CAPITAL CONSTRUCTION UPDATE Southside High School Dance-A-Thon Timetable for projects Jeffrey Rosenheck, Southside High School Student requested permission from the Board to hold a dance-a-thon fundraiser to be held at Southside High School. Mr. Rosenheck explained that the proceeds from this event will be deposited into a trust fund account for the purchase of lights for the Hurley Athletic Field. The event will take place on November 9, 2006. This was a very successful fundraiser and last year the students raised $2,500.00. Mr. Crimmins asked Mr. Rosenheck why he chose this fundraiser and he stated that parents brought this fundraiser to his attention and he felt it was a fundraiser that boosts community interest and was something that the students supported. Mr. Gleason started his presentation by stating that the district has begun to move forward since the voter referendum approval on October 19th and that he has been working very closely with Roy McMasters. He went on to say that the paperwork has been submitted to the office of the State Comptroller in Albany. The first project will be at Washington and bids are being sent out this week in the hopes in getting them back in December. Renovation work at Washington will begin in January and will be completed in June 2007. The next project will be to move the 214
population of Riverside Elementary School to Washington. Renovation work at Riverside will begin in August 2007 and continue through June 2008. Coburn will be the next project and this project will begin in February of 2008. Mr. Clovsky asked Mr. Gleason when the work at Beecher Elementary School would begin. Mr. Gleason explained that they we operating on local funds and not on the funds from the referendum vote. They plan to start Beecher in January of 2008. Dr. Bryant asked Russ Robinson from Welliver McGuire if Beecher Elementary School could be started first. Mr. Robinson was reluctant to answer Dr. Bryant s request without first checking with his company but reassured Dr. Bryant that he will get back to the Board with this information. Mr. Robinson did state that they have a project approval for Washington from the SED. Mr. Crimmins said it was his understanding that we spent Capital funds first and then Albany will give us funds to continue our projects. Welliver McGuire Hunt Engineering VISITORS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD SUPERINTENDENT S Mr. Russ Robinson informed the Board that the HVAC, plumbing and electrical contractors have completed their contractual work and punch list items. Mr. Robinson went on to say that the final inspection at Beecher Elementary School is being scheduled with Hunt Engineers and Architects. Fassett Elementary had their roof inspected. He also stated that technology is near completion. Mr. Crimmins asked when the 88 million dollars would be closed out; Mr. Robinson felt it would be next summer. Mr. Crimmins also asked Mr. Robinson if he felt the $250,000 would hold out; Mr. Robinson felt that the cost would be increased a little. Mr. Crimmins asked Mr. Gleason how he sees the mini project allocation of funds. Mr. Gleason stated he needs to investigate this request and will report back to the Board. The Board will have a more accurate account as to how many funds are left at the December meeting. There was no one present from Hunt Engineering at this meeting. Mr. Robinson said that Mr. Jeff Robbins will be presenting the schematic design at Coburn at another meeting. President of ISEA, Jeanne Schlecht read a letter from Ann Donovan a 2 nd grade aide at Broadway Elementary School in regards to the ISEA not having a contract. Several members of the ISEA union stood as Ms. Schlecht read the letter and presented to the Board pictures of ISEA walking for a fair contract at the October 19 th meeting. Mr. Hochreiter started his presentation by referring to the five 215
REPORT Curriculum Update First Annual Empty Bowls Program Social Worker Update Sixth Grade Update year plan that was presented at an earlier meeting. He discussed the team teaching at Broadway Middle School and Ernie Davis Middle School and he had just spent the last three days with Doug Harris and Judy Carr from the Curriculum Renewal Committee. They discussed Language Arts and Pre-K through 5 th grade. Mr. Hochreiter stated that elementary principals are prioritizing change initiatives. He went on to say that the 8 th grade initiative is test environment for state exams and looking at data analysis. When Mr. Harris and Ms. Carr visited Ernie Davis and Broadway Middle School they noticed significant cultural changes. The middle schools are using the instructional support teachers by getting into the classrooms. He stated that the high schools don t need to look at the state for their scores; they are scored in-house by working with the department chair people. Dr. Bryant presented a slide show on how poverty and hunger impacts our community. (Copy available in Clerk s Supplemental File). He continued by stating that numerous studies have demonstrated that poor nutrition can negatively impact student academic achievement. Dr. Bryant stated that one of the reasons that the district does not have a February vacation is that students will go hungry. Studies also show that students sitting hungry in class can t concentrate and learn. Dr. Bryant congratulated Parley Coburn Elementary School for raising $10,000 for the Samaritan Center. Lisa Norton, Coordinator from Children s Integrated Service and Chris Mecke spoke in regards to the Social Workers. Mrs. Mecke stated that the principals are very happy with the case members, coordinators and liaisons in the schools. They have all received training on clear track which is the link to all IEP s in the district. Mrs. Mecke stated that it is determined by the building principal if the social worker stays in the building all day. At the elementary schools the social worker is only there part of the day. Mr. Hochreiter reported that he used professional development during the summer and he felt it was very useful. He stated that 85% of the teachers made the professional development meeting and all teachers attended in September except one. The middle school principals are organizing instructional strategies for the 6 th graders. Mrs. Turner stated that concerns have been brought to her attention in regards to students not getting what they need by teachers who teach two subjects instead of one. Mr. Graham would like to see how Mr. Hochreiter s five year plan will impact the budget. Mr. Crimmins asked Dr. Bryant if the focus areas are 216
changing and Dr. Bryant stated that they were not. NEW BUSINESS Establish an Orchestra Club at EFA Trust Account Established for Lights at Hurley Athletic Field Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mr. Fisher that the Board of Education approves the request for the addition of an Orchestra Club at Elmira Free Academy. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods Mr. Hurley moved, seconded by Mr. Wood that the Board authorizes all contributions received by the District for the potential Capital Improvement Project of the purchase and installation of lighting facilities at Hurley Athlete Field shall be deposited into a trust and agency account established in the Munis Accounting System. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mrs. Long that the Board approve the following items: Committee on Special Education (CSE) Appointment of a School Psychologist for the Committee on Special Education PERSONNEL LEAVES OF ABSENCE The placement of students classified by the district Committee on Special Education (CSE) Teams. Appointment as a school psychologist for the Committee on Special Education. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods No: None Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Woods that the Board approves the Personnel Packet. Non-Instructional Roberta L. Buelow 217
Bus Driver/Bus Garage Reason: Family Medical Leave Extension Effective Date: October 17, 2006 through October 24, 2006 Beth Dann Bus Driver/ Bus Garage Reason: Family Medical Leave Effective Date: October 17, 2006 through December 11, 2006 *EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT The following appointment which is marked as *Emergency Appointment is made as emergency conditional appointment which is valid for twenty (20) business days from date of effective appointment or until a conditional clearance is obtained from the State Education Department (SED), whichever occurs first. The following emergency conditional appointment is made to the positions indicated and the Board hereby determines the following: 1. The District has been unable to fill the vacancy despite good faith efforts which would have allowed sufficient time for SED clearance or conditional clearance. 2. There is no other qualified person available to fill the vacancy temporarily. The position needs to be filled to maintain services, which the District is legally required to provide, or services which are necessary to protect the health, education or safety of students and staff. APPOINTMENT Instructional Probationary Michael E. Kone Special Education /Hendy Avenue Elementary School Justification: Retirement/Karen Barnes Effective Date: November 2, 2006, contingent upon providing the Elmira City School District with the appropriate New York State teaching certification Tenure Date: November 2, 2009 Tenure Area: Special Education Certification: Students with Disabilities - Grades 1-6, pending Salary: $36,640, Step 1 (B+20) Background : BS, Weber (Utah) State University, Major; Elementary Education Experience: Substitute teacher, Elmira City School District, (2 Months); Student teacher, Corning-Painted Post ( New York) City School District; Student teacher, Ogden(Utah) City School District 218
ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE SUBSTITUTE LIST Instructional Substitute Teachers Sharidy L. Hart Margaret E. Kutchukian Deletions Heather C. Beatty Debra C. Carlier Danielle M. Erway Non-Instructional Deletions Bus Driver Robert L. Rebarchik STIPENDS Non-Athletic Appointments Class 5 Lansing R. Dimon DMS Laurel S. Sherman EFA Jazz Ensemble Year 1 $1593 Assistant Marching Band /Color Guard Year 1 $1593 prorated Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods No: None 219
PERSONNEL ADDENDUM Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mr. Clovsky that the Board approves the Personnel Addendum. There was some confusion as to what the Board was voting on in the personnel addendum. The question was if the vote was on the entire addendum or just the EFA Varsity Bowling Coach. Mrs. Long moved, seconded by Mrs. Turner that the Board modify and separate the EFA Varsity Bowling Coach position. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods No: None Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Fisher that the Board approves the personnel addendum separating out the EFA Varsity Bowling Coach. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, Woods No: None Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mrs. Long that the Board approves the appointment for Elmira Free Academy Varsity Bowling Coach. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley No: Long, Turner, Woods LEAVES OF ABSENCE Instructional Karin E. Fargo Elementary/Grade 6/Broadway Middle School Reason: Family Medical Leave Extension Effective Date: September 5, 2006 through November 14, 2006 Claire L. Kerwan Elementary/Grade 6/Broadway Middle School Reason: Family Medical Leave Effective Date: September 6, 2006 through December 13, 2006 220
Non-Instructional Terry L. Adams Food Service Helper/George M. Diven Elementary School Reason: Short-term leave Effective Date: October 11, 2006 through November 6, 2006 Doreen A. Hags Bus Driver/Bus garage Reason: Family Medical Leave Extension Effective Date: October 19, 2006 through November 5, 2006 * EMERGENCY APPOINTMENT The following appointment which is marked as *Emergency Appointment is made as emergency conditional appointment which is valid for twenty (20) business days from date of effective appointment or until a conditional clearance is obtained from the State Education Department (SED), whichever occurs first. The following emergency conditional appointment is made to the positions indicated and the Board hereby determines the following: 3. The District has been unable to fill the vacancy despite good faith efforts which would have allowed sufficient time for SED clearance or conditional clearance. 4. There is no other qualified person available to fill the vacancy temporarily. The position needs to be filled to maintain services, which the District is legally required to provide, or services which are necessary to protect the health, education or safety of students and staff. APPOINTMENTS Administrative Probationary *Emergency Appointment Barbara H. Borrelli Assistant Principal/Ernie Davis Middle School Justification: Newly Created Effective Date: November 13, 2006 contingent upon passing a drug screening and obtaining New York State Education fingerprint clearance Tenure Date: November 13, 2009 Tenure Area: Assistant Principal Certification: School District Administrator, permanent Salary: $65,000, prorated Background: CAS, SUNY Brockport, Major: School Administration; MS, SUNY Geneseo, Major: Special Education; BS, SUNY Potsdam, Major: Music Education Experience: Assistant Principal, Brighton (New York) Central School District (2 years); Committee on Special Education Chairperson, Penfield (New York) Central School District 221
(1year); Teacher, Wayland-Cohocton (New York) Central School District (8 years); Teacher, Keshequa (New York) Central School District (1 year); Teacher, Dansville (New York) Central School District (1 year); Teacher, Genesee Valley (New York) BOCES (8 years) *Emergency Appointment Richard E. Dobson Assistant Principal/Broadway Middle School Justification: Newly created Effective Date: December 4, 2006 contingent upon passing a drug screening and obtaining New York State Education fingerprint clearance Tenure Date: December 4, 2009 Tenure Area: Assistant Principal Certification: School District Administrator, permanent Salary: $65,000, prorated Background: MS, Fordham University, Major: Education Administration; MS, Canisius College, Major: Counselor Education; BA. SUNY Buffalo, Major: Psychology Experience: Dean of Students, New York City (New York) School District (2 years); School Counselor, New York City (New York) School District (3 years) Instructional Probationary *Emergency Appointment Angelina M. Venturini Spanish/Broadway Middle School Justification: Replacement/Matthew McGrath Effective Date: December 4, 2006, contingent upon passing a drug screening, obtaining New York State Education fingerprint clearance and providing the Elmira City School District with the appropriate New York State teaching certification Tenure Date: December 4, 2009 Tenure Area: Foreign Language Certification: Spanish 7-12, Conditional Initial, pending Salary: $41,464 Step 11 (B) prorated Background: BS, Lycoming (Pennsylvania) College; Major: Spanish and Elementary Education Experience: Substitute teacher, Jersey Shore (Pennsylvania) Area School District (6 months), Substitute teacher, Montoursville (Pennsylvania) Area School District (6 months); Student Teacher, Jersey Shore (Pennsylvania) Area School District 222
Instructional Long Term Substitute Gretchen A. Silliman Special Education/Elmira Free Academy Justification: Replacement/Carolynn Shangraw Effective Date: November 1, 2006 Certification: Special Education, permanent Salary: $37,940, Step 1 (B+30+M), prorated Background: MS, Mansfield University, Major: Mental and/or Physical Handicapped; BS, Mansfield University, Major: Special Education Experience: Substitute teacher, Elmira City School District (2 months); Teacher, Horseheads (New York) Central School District (4 years); Teacher, Odessa-Montour Falls (New York) Central School District (12 years); Teacher, Watkins Glen (New York) Central School District (5 years) Non-Instructional Non-Competitive Tammy L. Miller Food Service Helper/George M. Diven Elementary School Justification: Replacement/Sheila Silvernail Effective Date: November 6, 2006 Salary: $3,968, Step 1, prorated ADDITIONS/DELETIONS TO THE SUBSTITUE LIST/YES PROGRAM Non-Instructional Additions Teacher Aide Susan C. Mason YES Program Brittany Liddington 223
Instructional Deletions Substitute Teacher Wendy L. Jurusik Daniel B. Loven STIPENDS Non-Athletic SENIOR HIGH WINTER COACHING RESIGNATIONS Pertinent Information: Payment will be made in accordance with the District/Elmira Teachers Association Agreement District Indoor Track Assistant Pamela H. Jefferson MODIFIED WINTER RESIGNATIONS Broadway Middle School Modified Boys Basketball Modified Girls Basketball Timothy L. Hyde Michael K. Kessler SENIOR HIGH WINTER COACHING APPOINTMENTS Elmira Free Academy Michael K. Kessler Varsity Bowling Coach Effective Date: Winter 2006-2007 Sports Season Salary: $3,219 Step 3 (Class 3) Certification: Social Studies Occupation: Social Studies/Elmira Free Academy Background: MS, Murray State College; BA, Lafayette College Experience: Varsity Football Coach/Elmira Free Academy (1 year); Junior Varsity Football Coach/Southside High School (1 year); Assistant Football Coach/Mansfield University (4 years); Football Coach/Sayre Area High School (7 years); Assistant Football Coach/Southside High School (2 years) 224
MODIFIED WINTER COACHING APPOINTMENTS Ernie Davis Middle School Modified Wrestling Timothy J. Pribanich $2,477, Step 1 (Class 3) EXECUTIVE SESSION Mr. Fisher moved, seconded by Mr. Clovsky that the Board moves into Executive Session for the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of a particular person or corporation also included for Executive Session Mr. Fisher moved, seconded by Mr. Clovsky that Robin Long be appointed Clerk Pro Tem in the absence of the Clerk. Mr. Hochreiter, Mr. VanKeuren and Attorney Ryan were also invited into Executive Session. (10:00 p.m.) Mr. Woods excused himself at 10:00 p.m. Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, No: None, Woods Janet M. Watson Board Clerk RETURN TO OPEN SESSION Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Fisher that the Board returns to open session (11:17 p.m.) Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, No: None, Woods 225
ADJOURNMENT Mr. Fisher moved, seconded by Mr. Clovsky that the meeting be adjourned. (11:17 p.m.) Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Fisher, Graham, Hurley, Long, Turner, No: None, Woods Robin Long Clerk Pro Tem 226