December Minutes

 

DATE    DECEMBER 12, 2006                                          KIND OF MEETING        REGULAR

WHERE HELD      HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY                           PRESIDING OFFICER     James Fuchs

MEMBERS PRESENT:  James Fuchs,                                 MEMBERS ABSENT:       Louis Buck

Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston,

Linda King, Wendy Matthews, Naomi O'Reilly, 

Supt. Bruce Levin, Sec Prin David Eagle, Elem 

Principal Mark Bessen, Deputy Treas Lyn Derway.

                                                          OTHERS PRESENT

Anthony Cocca, Math Teacher and Math Department Chairperson, Raymond Chandler, Elementary Math Curriculum Leader, Heather Fair-Sears, K-6 Curriculum Coordinator

 

Meeting called to order 7:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

The Board of Education was pleased to honor the student members of the Academic Quiz Team on their undefeated season.  In January they will be competing to qualify for national competition.  The students were invited to attend the Board meeting, along with their parents and advisor Barbara Conner, and were given a certificate of recognition for their efforts by Vice President James Fuchs.

Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of November 14, 2006, be approved.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE:          None

TREASURER'S REPORT:

Motion by Gerard Humiston, second by Linda King, that the Treasurer's Report for the month of November 2006 be approved.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

1.       Printed Material

          a)     First Quarter Honor Roll

          b)     December Elementary and Secondary Newsletters  

2.       Anthony Cocca, Math Teacher, Raymond Chandler, Elementary Teacher, and Heather Fair-Sears, K-6 Curriculum Coordinator, highlighted the K-12 Math program using a Power Point presentation.  Mr. Cocca reported on changes to the math curriculum by the New York State Education Department.  Mr. Chandler reported that the elementary math curriculum committee is looking at a new math textbook.  Mrs. Fair-Sears is advisor to a new elementary math club for accelerated and interested students. 

3.         Mark Bessen, principal of the elementary school, reported that during a recent faculty meeting several teachers discussed the core of team teaching and the future, the Thanksgiving Feasts, the K-12 District Winter Concert, and the upcoming kindergarten play. 

a)       Mr. Bessen reported on preparations for the upcoming ELA and math state tests.  Primary teachers are also involved in the training so they will be aware of what will be tested.  The teachers have item analysis data for each student and WSWHE BOCES will make it more user friendly so teachers can sort information.  Saturday classes have been successful with a number of Intermediate I students attending.  Some feedback on the ELA pretest included positive comments from parents who stated that the students were happy to see a test prior to taking the actual test.  The teachers are taking data from the test and identifying areas to work on.  

4.       David Eagle, principal of the secondary school, reported on the K-12 District Winter Concert, the recent French Honor Society Induction, the Technology Workshop held on December 1, that he and Supt Levin presented at a 21st Century Student Workshop, that Lamar Hill, a recognized authority on Nanotechnology talked to 11th and 12th graders who questioned him on the impact of the industry on the Lake George area, and that several students were recognized in the BOCES Literary Journal. 

a)       The president of Student Council reported that the students are planning a Hypnotist Show in January and will donate half of the proceeds to the Homeless Youth Coalition and they will continue their discussion on leadership.

b)       Mr. Eagle reported on the first Parent Focus Group.  This meeting is in addition to the Student Focus Groups that meet several times during the year.  Several parents were invited to meet and discuss issues.  Two more Parent Focus Groups will be held throughout the remainder of the school year.

5.             Supt. Levin reported

          a)      on a recent study by CGR, which was commissioned by WSWHE BOCES, to assess technology availability in our                   component school districts in preparation for careers in Tech Valley .  Lake George is a leader in technology in our area             and has the second largest number of course offerings.

                   1.    He talked about Lamar Hill, an authority on nanotechnology, who discussed job opportunities in nanotechnology with                          Lake George students. 

                  2.    That we are trying to prepare students for employment in a global economy.

          b)      that the WSWHE BOCES Board of Education election of a new Board member has been delayed until January 17.

          c)      on the budget process which has begun.  A business class has created a new process for submitting requisitions in an                       electronic format.  The winning form was selected by Susan Mellon, Administrative Assistant to Mr. Eagle.

         d)       that the Buildings and Grounds and Audit Committees will be looking at building projects which can be financed through                       EXCEL aid available to school districts this year.  A tentative date for a public vote is set for April 3.

         e)       on the Saturday program for elementary students.  He complimented Mr. Bessen and Mrs. Fair-Sears on setting up the                       program.

         f)       that drug possession and use will not be tolerated and the penalties will be severe as was the case in several recent                      Superintendent Hearings.

PUBLIC COMMENT: 

1.       Approximately 30 persons attended including students from the Academic Quiz Team and their parents.  There were no public comments.

BUSINESS

1.       Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Gail Chandler, Elementary Teacher, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

1a.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Raymond Chandler, Elementary Teacher, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

1b.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Brian Clements, District Computer Coordinator, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

1c.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Steven Heller, Biology Teacher, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

1d.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Sherry Kearns, Teaching Assistant, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

1e.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Donna O’Brian, Teaching Assistant, for the purpose of retirement effective June 20, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

2.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the resignation of Nancy Obarowski, effective January 17, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

3.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, upon the recommendation of Supt. Levin, that the Board approved the appointment of Charles Luke as a Bus Driver at the annual salary of  $8,987 (prorated to $39,572.85) effective December 13, 2006.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

4.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, upon the recommendation of Supt. Levin, that the Board approve the appointment of Maryann Gipson as a Secretary to the Committee on Special Education effective February 1, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

5.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board, upon the recommendation of Supt. Levin, approve the appointment of Ryan Robinson as an hourly Teacher Aide (Hourly salary $10.21, based on $14,839) effective December 8, 2006 – June 30, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

6.       Motion by Gerard Humiston, second by Linda King, that the Board appoint Lyn Derway as the LEA designee for asbestos reporting effective January 1, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

7.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board accept the recommendations of the Committee on Special Education.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 12/12/06.)

8.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board approve the appointment by President Louis Buck on December 8, 2006, of Michael Lazan as an Impartial Hearing Officer for an upcoming impartial hearing.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

9.       Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston , that the following resolution be adopted:  RESOLVED, that the Board of Education acknowledges receipt of the report of tax collection from Collector James Mathis, Town of Lake George , Bolton and Fort Ann , and Collector Darlene Dougher, Town of Queensbury , as indicated on the report located in the supplemental file.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously. (See supplemental file dated 12/12/06.)

10.     Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the following resolution be adopted:  RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the filing of the return tax claims for 2006 with the respective County Treasurers .   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

11.     Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Linda King, that the Board approve an agreement between Lake George Central School District and Capital Region BOCES for internal audit services for the rate of $650 per staff day (7.5 hr day) effective January 1, 2007 – June 30, 2007.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

12.      Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board adopt the schedule leading to the 2007 Annual Meeting.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 12/12/06.)

13.      Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board approve the changes to the Conditional and Emergency Conditional Appointments of Substitutes in Substitute Teacher Registry.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 12/12/206.)

13a.    Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board approve the changes to the Conditional and Emergency Conditional Appointments of Substitute Aides, Custodians, Cafeteria Staff, Bus Drivers, and Nurses.   Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.   (See supplemental file dated 12/12/06.)

14.     Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board adopt and/or amend the following policies:

a)             2.2.1        Annual Organization Meeting

b)            2.2.2        Agenda of the Annual Reorganization Meeting

c)             2.2.3.6     Regular Meeting Agenda

d)            2.2.5        Number of Members of the Board and Term of Office

e)             2.2.5.2     Filling of Vacancies

f)             2.2.5.3     Orientation of New Board Members

g)            6.9.1        Military Spouse Leave - New

h)            7.17         Parental Involvement Policy

i)              7.6.2        Distribution of Literature - New

j)              8.7.3        Fixed Asset Inventory Management System

         k)             8.7.25.     District Provided Cell Phones

         l)              2.2.8        Policy on Public Access to School Records - Appendix  

Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

MISCELLANEOUS:

1.             Several audience members commented positively on the math department presentation.

Motion by Naomi O’Reilly, second by Gerard Humiston, that the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss negotiations with the Lake George Education Association and the employment history of a particular person.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

Motion adjourned 9:10 p.m.

Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the meeting be reconvened.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting reconvened 9:39 p.m.

Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the meeting be adjourned.  Ayes - James Fuchs, Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Wendy Matthews, Linda King, Naomi O’Reilly.  Nays - None.  Absent – Louis Buck.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting adjourned 9:39 p.m.

 

                                                                                                                Patricia A. Dougall

                                                                                                                          Clerk