Note: the Following Are Not the Official Minutes of This Meeting.
BOARD CLIPS 1-4-05
(Note: The following are not the official minutes of this meeting.)
PROGRAMS AND PRESENTATIONS
Pioneer High School ceramics teacher Scott Losi reviewed the awards and distinctions earned recently by students in his program. In 2004, several Pioneer students received high honors in a national high school shaped clay competition at Syracuse University.
Cattaraugus-Allegany BOCES officials Lynda Quick (assistant superintendent) and Tom Potter (contoller) outlined a $9 to $10 million capital project which requires authorization of all 21 component districts. The project would pay for needed improvements on BOCES centers in Olean, Belmont and Ellicottville. A significant part of the proposal consists of roof replacement on the three buildings. If all districts approve, they would enter into a municipal agreement, with each paying a proportional amount of the cost based on enrollment. Pioneer, as the largest district in the BOCES, would pay the biggest share, $1.406 million or 14 percent. However, the district would receive BOCES building aid on 75.6 percent of that figure. The cost to an average Pioneer School District homeowner would be $5.90 per year for 15 years. Pioneer currently sends 67 vocational ed students to the Ellicottville BOCES, and also utilizes BOCES special education services.
DISCUSSION/WORK SESSION
In the superintendent’s report, Dr. Jeffrey Bowen stated he would serve on the advisory council for Genesee Community College, strengthening connections between Pioneer and GCC, while also facilitating a relationship between BOCES and GCC.
Dr. Bowen said he expected a CDEP (comprehensive district education plan) facilitator to be in place this week, allowing the data-based goals initiative to move forward. CDEP goals, missions, and visions have been established for several years, and it is time for a committee to review and revamp the plan.
The first meeting of a key communicators group is scheduled for Monday, Jan. 10, Dr. Bowen noted.
Building principals have sent letters home inviting parents and other members of the public to one of three forums being held this month regarding a common start time for Pioneer Middle School.
Dr. Bowen also mentioned that Pioneer continues to aggressively investigate a Dec. 20 bomb threat at the high school. Some students have come forward with information on the incident, accentuating the seriousness of the crime. Police who handled the matter indicated in their reports that the district responded properly to the threat.
Enrollment trends indicate that Pioneer has suffered a net loss of 41 students since the start of 2004-2005, Dr. Bowen said. Districtwide enrollment has dropped below 2,900, which impacts the amount of state aid received by Pioneer. Dr. Bowen called for more research into why the school enrollment is dropping, and said the trend will play a significant role in planning initiatives.
The National Honor Society inducted 33 new members in a ceremony held Jan. 3 at the high school.
NEW BUSINESS
The board approved:
• a contract for health and welfare services in the amount of $636.00 for services provided to four students residing in the Pioneer Central School District who are attending a non-public school in the Buffalo City School District.
• an increase in the non-instructional substitute hourly rate in order to meet New York State's new minimum wage as set in the Empire State Wage Act of 2004.
PERSONNEL
The board approved:
• The appointments of the following student teachers/interns: Kimberly Roberts, Melissa Boxler, Kelly Taylor, Sarah Neudeck
• The following substitute teacher appointments: Penny Hager, Kendra Ronan, Amy Franklin, Arthur Hackett
• The volunteer appointments of: Amanda Burdick (Delevan) and Scott Gleed (Arcade).
The board took no action on the unpaid family medical leave of Maila Mattson, Elementary Teacher , from January 5, 2005 – June 30, 2005.
In addition, all CSE/CPSE placements were approved.