Elmira City School Ditrict

ELMIRA CITY SCHOOL DITRICT

ELMIRA, NEW YORK

REGULAR MEETING OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

EFA Community RoomMarch 15, 2006

933 Hoffman Street5:30 pm Executive Session

Elmira, NY149056:00 pm Regular Meeting

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER / Board President Michael Crimmins called the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education to order at 5:35 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
ATTENDANCE / Present: Dave Clovsky, Michael Crimmins, Barton Graham, Dan Hurley, Robin Long, Betsy Mattoon, Ethel Stroman
Student Representative Present: Alise Farr, SHS Student Representative, Alexis Lian, SHS Student Representative
Absent: Mary Beth Turner (6:05 pm), Robert Woods (5:45 pm)
Aaron Bacome, AlternativeHigh School Student Representative
Others: Dr. Raymond Bryant, Attorney John Ryan, Robert VanKeuren
CALL FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION / Mrs. Mattoon moved, seconded by Ms. Stroman, that the Board move into Executive Session for the purpose of collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law 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. Attorney John Ryan and Mr. Robert VanKueren were invited to attend. (5:37 pm).
Motion Carried
Yes:Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman
No: None
Not In Attendance: Turner, Woods
Janet M. Watson
Board Clerk
CLERK PRO TEM / Clerk Pro Tem was not needed.
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / Mrs. Matton moved, seconded by Mr. Woods, that the Board return to open session. (6:09)
RECONVENE / The Board of Education reconvened at 6:12 p.m.
ATTENDANCE / Others: Christine Mecke, Elizabeth Spiro,
APPROVAL OF AGENDA / Mrs. Mattoon moved, seconded by Mr. Woods, that the Board accept the agenda including I1b and L Personnel addendum.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
RECOGNITION
Tenure / ETA President Doug Martin presented Wendy Brown with her tenure with the ElmiraCitySchool District. Mr. Martin had Wendy as a student.
Pat Breux & Sandy Follett / Christine Mecke, Mrs. Long and Mr. Crimmins recognized Pat Breux and Sany Follett as Grief Counselors. Mrs. Mecke thanked them and commended them on a great job and for all their support during our recent tragedies in the District.
Executive Secretary / Valerie Castiglia, Superintendent’s secretary was unable to attend due to a death in the family.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORTS
Board Members / Mr. Woods reported how busy he has been getting ready for the playAida at SouthsideHigh School. He visited Evelyn Guyette’s second grade class at Beecher at BoothElementary School and was very impressed with the students and how very hard she worked with them.
Mrs. Mattoon attended a breakfast at RiversideElementary School and had breakfast with Mayor John Tonello. She discussed the opening of Brand Pool with him. Dr. Bryant commented that he too had a meeting with the Mayor in regards to the opening of Brand Pool. Mrs. Mattoon told us of a young boy she had met at the breakfast who was so excited that he was going to Disney World and then spoke to a little girl in the 3rd grade who walks quit a distant to school and her family was recently evicted from their home. She commented on how diverse our schools are and how we really are not always aware of what goes on with the children of the District.
Mr. Hurley visited the new addition in the Maintenance department and commented on what a wonderful job they have done and by them doing this project it has saved the district a lot of money. He said the job was absolutely beautiful. He also attended a health committee meeting and reported that they should come to a resolution by the end of this month.
Mr. Graham reported that he had breakfast with the Legislators and former Mayor of Corning in Hammonsport, N.Y. Mr. Graham asked Dr. Bryant to send a letter to George Winner our State Senator in regards to establishing reserve funds for sufficient health plans. He suggested that all the Board members sign this letter before it is sent. He also attended PFO meetings at BroadwayMiddle School, DivenElementary School and ErnieDavisMiddle School. The common issues discussed at all the meetings were safety, zero tolerance with student behaviors, uniforms, disruptive students and what to do with them, and an AlternativeMiddle School. Parents also were concerned about safety with parent volunteers. DivenElementary Schoolis thinking of having an outdoor carnival and Mr. Graham asked the other Board members if they knew if permits were needed to run this carnival. Mrs. Turner suggested that Diven call Hendy and PineCity because they have had carnivals in the past. Mr. Graham attended a presentation by Tom O’Hara at ErnieDavisMiddle School in regards to internet safety and how students can be seduced and be brought into unsafe places on the internet such as“My Space.com.” Dr. Bryant commented that there are two solutions for this problem, (1) parental control (2) kid to kid discussions.
Mr. Clovsky attended the play Annie presented by BroadwayMiddle School and commented on what a good job the students did. That evening he also attended the RiversideElementary Schoolauction at Lib’s Supper Club, they raised a little under $2,000.00.
Ms. Stroman reported that in the past few months she has had conversations with parents and students regarding race related issues. She attended a meeting with the Eastside parents group regarding problems that we have in the District and that we need to continue to push forward to bring the District together on all levels with equality and respect.
Mrs. Turner attended the Riverside breakfast and commented on how much the students enjoyed having them at the breakfast. She also participated in “Bring Your Parent to School Week”. She stated that it was a wonderful experience and more schools and parents should be involved. She felt good things came out of it and it was wonderful to see what your child’s day was like. It was very informative to see what they do, who they hang around with, what they face during the course of the day when you are not with them.
Mrs. Long also attended the Riverside breakfast and enjoyed seeing all the students. She also attended BroadwayElementary School and visited the classrooms. She stated that the administrators were doing a good job. She also attended budget meetings.
Mr. Crimmins has been gathering information on the superintendent’s evaluation. He also recognized Riverside Principal, Carrie Rollins for being inducted into her high school’s hall of fame for basketball and softball. He attended the play Annie and visited DivenElementary School.
Associations Representatives
CMCW / President Michael Thomas completed the evaluation form on Dr. Bryant and told Mr. Crimmins that he could share this evaluation with Dr. Bryant. Negotiations are going well but there are issues that are still outstanding. He appreciates the efforts that Dr. Bryant has put forth for the District.
CWA / President Paul McKlevis didn’t have much to report but stated that the District treated the association firmly but fair during their negoations. Dr. Bryant thanked him and his workers for shoveling and getting students home from the snow last week.
ISEA / No one was in attendance to report.
ESSAC / Principal Carrie Rollins spoke on behave of ESSAC. She reported that they were finalizing the Superintendent’s Conference Day. They were having Grandparent’s Day at RiversideElementary School. She spoke about being inducted into the hall of fame and how important sports were to her in shaping her future by teaching her dedication, enthusiasm and respect which she has carried over into her career.
ETA / No one was in attendance to report.
Student Representatives / SHS Representative, Alise Farr reported that she was busy organizing the surveys from the Youth Summit. She plans to attend the policy meeting this week in regards to I pods, cell phones etc. She sees students talking on cellphones and using I pods in the halls and feels there needs to be some policy as to their use. They have instituted a new policy at SHS in regards to having the doors locked in the hallways and cafeteria between classes; she stated it has helped a lot because of the amount of students in the hallways. The biggest problem that she can see is smoking in the bathrooms and the odor it causes. SHS play is this week and they will be performing Aida. Student council is selling Shamrocks for Muscular Dystrophy; they also sold carnations for Valentine’s Day and will be raffling off Easter baskets.
EFA Representative, Alexis Lian reported that the youth summit survey was given to the students in the history classes at EFA and she was in the process of organizing those results. On February 23rd students from all grades met and talked about guidance department concerns. The information they received was anonymous. She plans to attend the policy committee meeting on March 17th and has concerns about cell phones and I pods; when and where they should be used. This week at EFA was March Madness spirit week. They had a kick off assembly for Relay for Life. EFA has raised the most funds of any high school in the area. She reported that Eileen Collins came to visit and that the assembly ran very smoothly. EFA is planning a band showcase and java jive, they also had an honor roll breakfast this week for students on the honor roll or high honors. Student received certificates and parents were invited to attend. The EFA play this year will be Greece and will be held on April 7, 8, 9th. Spring sports have started and are going very well.
VISITORS WISHING TO ADDRESS THE BOARD / There were no visitors wishing to address the Board.
BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS
Advocacy/Community Relations / Board member Robin Long reported that Headstart is selling restaurant coupon booklets for $20.00 each. The ErnieDavisCommunity Center has gone back and forth with the city in regarding to Jones Court. The city wants the land that Jones Court is on and they would like to demolish Jones Court.
Audit Committee / Board member Barton Graham introduced Jessica Lawrence, who is the ECSD internal auditor and explained that Jessica will report to the Board. Mr. Graham explained to the Board that the law of fiscal responsibilities will make it easy to do away with board members and that the Board Members’ terms may be reduced to less than three years, currently they are three year terms.Mr. Graham stated that a big part on risk assessment is required by the statute. He also stated the internal claims auditor is different than the internal auditor. The next audit committee meeting will be on March 22nd and is open to the public.
Internal Auditor / ECSD Internal Auditor Jessica Lawrence reported on the 2006 Work Audit Plan. She has met with various people in and outside of the District to help her understand the District’s needs. She also met with Mr. Gosden and Dr. Bryant and toured the Central Business Office. She attended a workshop preparing for the internal audit function. The Commissioner of Education Regulation governs her position and is still in draft form for public comments through May. She is hoping for clarification for the internal test work/risk assessment. She may have to make slight changes for the work plan for 2006. Mrs. Lawrence was very impressed with the newly renovated building in the district. She met with faculty, supervisors and has received a broad understanding for Risk Assessment which is 90% complete. Mrs. Lawrence is continuously reading and researching for updates including the NYSED website, and The Office of the Comptroller.
Policy Committee / Board member Dave Clovsky stated that the next meeting of the policy committee will be Friday, March 17th from 11:30-1:00 in the board room at the administration building. They will be discussing I pods, cell phones, issues of uniforms in school, safety and zero tolerance from students. The committee is looking for as much feedback from teachers and other groups as they can get. Dr. Bryant stated that teachers should wear uniforms also and that it is not professional to swear sweatshirts and jeans to school. Further issues that will be discussed will be the Code of Conduct and that the code of conduct for athletes should also be for other groups such as National Honor Society, Key club etc. Dave Carpenter has also been asked to attend the meeting to consolidate transportation policies.
Law Office / Board President, Michael Crimmins reported that Attorney John Ryan is creating a law office for all litigation for the District and will report to the Board. Attorney Ryan will organize legal documents such as subpoenas, notice of claims, law suits against the District, etc. The Board and Attorney Ryan need to come to an agreement as to what expectations the Board requires from Attorney Ryan. Attorney Ryan will join the Board in June to report on this new venture.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT / Dr. Bryant reported that on March 30th at 7:00 p.m. at SHS there will be a meeting for coaches, parents and student athletes. Mr. John Underwood former distance runner will speak on alcohol and drug use. Parents are required to attend; they will have to sign a consent form or their child will not be able to participate in sports. We need to amend our policy and make it a policy for not only athletes to sign an agreement regarding drugs and alcohol but other groups such as honor society, key club, etc. Dr. Bryant stated that the school guidance counseling survey will be presented at the next Board meeting. Kristen Butler and Dr. Bryant have been working on a program to electronically send the Board their information for the meetings. Dr. Bryant passed out the school survey stating that 788 people have completed this survey thus far. This survey includes budget, instruction, building and grounds, transportation, Board of Education development/activities. The rating scale is 1-5 with 5 being the highest rating. Dr. Bryant continued to discuss the survey and its results/ (Copy available in the Clerk’s Supplemental File).
CONSENT ITEMS / Mrs. Long moved, seconded by Mrs. Turner, that the Board approve the following consent items.
Minutes / Approve the minutes of the February 1, 2006 Special Meeting and February 15, 2006 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education. Also approve amended minutes of the July 6, 2005 Regular Meeting of the Board of Education.
Financial Reports
Treasurer’s Report / Accept the Treasurer’s Report for January 2006 as presented.
(Copy available in Clerk’s Supplemental File)
Central Treasurer’s Report / Accept the Central Treasurers’ Report for January 2006 as presented.
(Copy available in Clerk’s Supplemental File)
Donations
ChemungCanal Trust / The gift of $2,000.00 donated by Chemung Canal Trust Company to DivenElementary School and, furthermore, that the General fund budgeted expenditures for 2005-2006 be increased by $2,000.00 at budget code A2110-07-56-0487.
Beecher PFO DVD Player / The gift of a DVD player for the BeecherElementary School’s library/media center and computer lab for teachers to sign out for school business/instruction.
Hendy Avenue Rock Climbing Walls / The gift of three more panels on the rock climbing wall to extend the present wall in the HendyAvenueElementary School’s gym.
Hendy Avenue Folding Chairs / The gift of 252 new blue folding chairs for the HendyAvenueElementary School’s auditorium.
Reimbursements / The receipt of a reimbursement totaling $362.84 and that the 2005-06 General fund expenditure code A2110-40-56-0500 be increased by $320.00, that the 2005-06 General Fund expenditure code A2610-39-36-0525 be increased by $10.00, and that the 2005-06 General fund expenditure code A2610-41-36-0460 be increased by $32.94.
Committee on Special Education / The placement of students classified by the District Committee on Special Education (CSE) Teams.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
OLD BUSINESS / Mrs. Turner moved, seconded by Mr. Woods, that the Board of Education approve the second reading of the new policy #8291 Animals in the Schools (Instructional Purposes). This policy will take effect immediately upon approval of the second reading by the Board. Discussion ensued in regards to allergies, who would take care of them on vacations, transporting the animals to and from school. Dr. Bryant commented that other Districts have removed this policy. Additional research is needed.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
NEW BUSINESS
2006-07 School Year Calendar / Mrs. Long moved, seconded by Mrs. Mattoon, that the Board of Education approve the 2006-07 school year calendar. (Copy available in Clerk’s Supplemental File).
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
Revision of Policy #5720
Scheduling and Routing / Mr. Clovsky moved, seconded by Mr. Woods, that the Board of Education approve the revision of policy #5720, Scheduling andRouting. This policy will take effect September 6, 2006.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
Adjustments to the 2005-06 Tax Warrant / Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mrs. Long, that the Board approve $2,539.95 in tax decreases to the 2005-06 tax warrant as a result of a property filed application for correction and a Supreme Court decision.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
Deputy Superintendent Appointment / Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mr. Clovsky, that the Board approve Joseph P. Hockreicter’s contract and Job Description as Deputy Superintendent of the ElmiraCitySchool District. (Copy available in Clerk’s Supplemental File).
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
PERSONNEL / Ms. Stroman moved, seconded by Mr. Woods, that the Board approve the Personnel Packet and PersonnelAddendum for Executive Session.
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
CALL FOR EXECUTIVE SESSION
CLERK PRO TEM / Ms. Stroman moved, seconded by Mrs. Mattoon, that the Board move 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 motion for Executive Session Ms. Stroman moved, seconded by Mrs. Mattoon that the Board appoint Mrs. Long as Clerk Prom Tem in the absence of the Clerk. Invited into Executive Session where
Mr. VanKeuren. (8:25 p.m.)
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
Janet M. Watson
Board Clerk
RETURN TO OPEN SESSION / Mr. Woods moved, seconded by Mrs. Mattoon, that the Board move to open session. (10:30 p.m.)
Motion Carried
Yes: Clovsky, Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon,
Stroman, Turner, Woods
No: None
Not In Attendance: None
PERSONNEL / Consideration for Motion to Approve Personnel Packet and it’s addendum.
Motion Carried
Yes: Crimmins, Graham, Hurley, Long, Mattoon, Stroman,
Woods
No: Clovsky, Turner
Not In Attendance: None
(A) RETIREMENTS
Administrative
Karen M. Lesky
Assignment: / Elementary Principal / GeorgeWashingtonElementary School
Effective Date: / October 2, 2006
Background: / Fourteen (14+) years of service
Non-Instructional
Sidney W. Roberts
Assignment: / Custodial Laborer / ErnieDavisMiddle School
Effective Date: / September 15, 2006
Background: / Eighteen plus (18+) years of service
(B) RESIGNATIONS / Non-Instructional
Emily A. Jackson
Assignment: / 20-Hour Teacher Aide/ GeorgeM.DivenElementary School
Effective Date: / March 10, 2006
Kathleen R. Jackson
Assignment: / Food Service Helper/ GeorgeM.DivenElementary School
Effective Date: / February 24, 2006
Joann Storms
Assignment: / Bus Driver / Bus Garage
Effective Date: / March 6, 2006

Amendment to Board Packet