New Hartford Public Schools
Board of Education Special Meeting Minutes
Ann Antolini School
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
7:00PM
Present: Sue Lundin, Davis Hoffnagle, Bryan Keilty, Mary Misiorski, Elaine Carmelich, Katie Fisk Natale, and Steve Tuxbury
Absent: Meg Toro and Jen Zenuh
Administrators: Philip B. O'Reilly, Ed.D., Kate Rieger, Steve Nadeau, and Connie Horvath
Guests: Gina Maroney, Alesia Kennerson, Roxanne Pangallo, Kathy Noble-Kline, Sarah Gaedeke, Lori Andrada, Monika Kulikowski, Georgia Austin, Melissa Giaconia, Nirad Petel, Dawn Whalen, Maria Watkins, Betsy Lavelle, Bevin Peet
A. Chair to Open Meeting
Chairperson Lundin opened the meeting at 7:03 PM
B. Chair to Select Order of Business
The Tech Leader Presentation – Use of Technology under New Business will be placed first under New Business. The agenda will then proceed as presented.
C. Superintendent’s Report
1. Special Education Census and Costs – Dr. O’Reilly made more adjustments to the 2010-2011 budget projection to accommodate some of the unanticipated Special Education expenses. He is still waiting for the cost projections for an out-of-district placement for a student with severe special education needs.
2. Update Social Networking—Students & Staff (6141.326 & 4118.51) – There is an internal group reviewing our “acceptable use policy” in order to combine the “social networking” and other technology related issues into one policy and regulation.
3. Primary Enrollment History – Dr. O’Reilly provided a primary enrollment chart showing that class sizes over the last 10 years have fluctuated between 75-95 students per grade. Enrollment at the primary elementary schools is down significantly over the 2010-2011 year.
4. 2011 Attorney Rates – Dr. O’Reilly noted the 2011 rate increase for the Board of Education attorneys.
5. ED001 Audit Report – The ED001 was successfully submitted by our auditor to the State Department of Education. We are 100% compliant.
6. Certification Compliance – We have been notified from State Department of Education that we are 100% compliant with teacher certification.
7. New Hartford Education Fund – The quarterly report for the New Hartford Education Endowment fund was presented. Dr. O’Reilly is optimistic that someone from the community will lead this group.
D. Building Report - None
E. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes—December 7, 2010 – Bryan Keilty made a motion to accept of minutes of December 7, 2010 as amended. Davis Hoffnagle seconded the motion. Unanimous.
2. Personnel Report
Retirement (Kate Rieger) – Sue Lundin announced the retirement of Kate Rieger and accepted a motion by Mary Misiorski to accept the resignation of Kate Rieger with the Board’s sincere thanks for her years of service and dedication to the New Hartford Public Schools. Elaine Carmelich seconded the motion. Unanimous.
FMLA/Child Rearing Leave (Tara Ljubuncic) – Katie Fisk Natale made a motion to approve the extended child rearing leave for Tara Ljubuncic. Elaine Carmelich seconded the motion. Unanimous.
3. Expenditure/Projection – Dr. O’Reilly discussed the financial status of the Hot Lunch Program and reviewed the 2010-2011 Financial Statement.
4. Constituent Contacts – Elaine Carmelich informed the Board that the Community Conversation group met twice. They are planning two events, two different times of the day so that as many people as possible can attend. One event will take place in the morning and the other at night. They are putting together a survey for evaluating our Strategic Plan and for planning the forum. They are meeting on Friday to finalize the survey.
Elaine Carmelich, also a member on the Wellness Committee, notified the Board that this committee will have their second meeting tomorrow. They hope to finalize and bring to the Board of Education a Health and Wellness Policy by the end of the school year.
Mary Misiorski attended the 5th and 6th grade band and chorus concert. It was standing room only. Mrs. Misiorski stated that it was nice to see so many students participating in the arts.
Katie Fisk Natale attended a Bridges Over Time program. She was very impressed with the work of the students to listen and present their own poetry.
Bryan Keilty attended a Board of Finance meeting where discussion of the 2011-2012 budget has begun. He thanked Alesia Kennerson for putting together the list of capital projects for the Board of Education.
F. Opportunity for Public Comment - None
G. Curriculum - None
H. New Business
1. Tech Leader Presentation—Use of Technology – Antolini Tech Leaders, Kathy Noble-Kline, Sarah Gaedeke and Monika Kulikowski gave a video presentation on how technology is being used in the classrooms. Students narrated and demonstrated the use of the mobile computer lab, Google Docs., Library Search Engines, Document Camera, Mimio, Smartboard, Digital Microscope, Responders, Skype, and Ipads.
2. Administrators Search Process – In order to prepare for the challenging task of replacing Principal Rieger, Dr. O’Reilly has developed a hiring time line and an action plan. He will be putting together a Search Committee, which will consist of the Superintendent, a Board of Education member, the Primary School Principal, two parents, two teachers, and one staff member.
3. Data Management Job Description – Dr. O’Reilly discussed the Data Management position. Due to the increase in state reporting and additional student data gathering, he is requesting to make this a full time position.
4. 2011-2012 NHPS Budget – Dr. O’Reilly presented the 2011-2012 budget and went over it page by page.
5. Medicare Receipts - Dr. O’Reilly has checked with the Board attorney and has been assured that the Central Office is doing all they can to reap some reimbursement money.
6. 2011-2012, 2012-2013 Calendar – This item was tabled to the next meeting.
7. Update: Ann Antolini Window and Door Project – Davis Hoffnagle and Steve Tuxbury, members of the Plant Facility Subcommittee, recommended going forward with the engineering services for the Ann Antolini Windows and Doors Replacement Project. Based on the recommendation of the Plant Facility Subcommittee, Davis Hoffnagle made a motion to sign a contract with Silver/Petrucelli and Associates for architectural and engineering services for the Window and Door Replacement Project at Ann Antolini School. Elaine Carmelich seconded the motion. Unanimous.
I. Old Business
1. Security Report – Tabled to the next meeting.
2. Policy (Second Reading)
Use of Physical Force (5144.1) – Elaine Carmelich made a motion to accept the Policy 5144.1, Use of Physical Force. Bryan Keilty seconded the motion. Unanimous.
J. Reports
1. Regionalization Study Committee Update – Region 7 Superintendents met with the Region 7 Regionalization Committee.
K. Communications to the Board of Education - None
L. Adjournment – Davis Hoffnagle made a motion to adjourn at 9:52 PM. Elaine Carmelich seconded the motion. Unanimous.
Respectfully submitted by Janet A. Condon, Recording Secretary
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Board of Education Meeting Minutes