March Minutes

DATE               MARCH 11, 2008                                   KIND OF MEETING               Regular

WHERE HELD    Elementary School Library                            PRESIDING OFFICER       Naomi O'Reilly

Members Present:  Naomi O'Reilly Gerard Humiston,                    Members Absent:         

Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs. Linda King,

Wendy Matthews, Supt. Mary Cahill, Elem Prin Mark Bessen,  

Sec Prin Francis Cocozza, K-6 Cur Coord Heather Fair-Sears,

Assist Prin Robert Monahan, Deputy Treas Lyn Derway  

                                                                OTHERS PRESENT

Dr. Janie Cornell, Assistant Supt for Instructional and School Support Services;  Anthony Mueller, Director of School Support SErvices

 

The Regular Meeting called to order 7:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Linda King, second by Gerard Humiston, that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of February 12, 2008, and the Special Meeting of March 4, 2008, be approved.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

CORRESPONDENCE:          None

TREASURER'S REPORT:

Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Treasurer's Report for the month of February 2008 be approved.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

REPORTS:

1.             Printed Material: 

                a)             Elementary March Newsletter

                b)            Secondary March Newsletter

                c)             2008-2009 Junior High Program of Studies

                d)            2008-2009 Senior High Program of Studies

                e)             Rural Schools Association Winter Issue

                f)             Labor Relations Report

2.       Dr. Janie Cornell, WSWHE BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Instructional and School Support Services, talked briefly about the programs that BOCES provides for students and schools.  Lake George is participating in the Mandarin Chinese program for which BOCES provides an instructor.  Several students spoke about their experiences attending BOCES programs such as cosmetology and the New Visions programs in engineering and healthcare.

a)       Anthony Mueller, BOCES Director of School Support Services, talked about the computer and technology services offered by BOCES to the district.  We are using a pilot program of onsite tech services and  the use of an instructor one day a week through Model Schools.

3.       Gerard Humiston, Board member, reviewed highlights from a recent Audit Committee meeting.  An internal auditor will be reviewing internal processes in March.  The preliminary budget for 2008-09 was being developed.  Next year BOCES will be providing our Internet services, computer equipment and licenses..  A new payroll software program, WinCap, will be in place by July1.  RFP’s for attorneys, engineering firms, and 403B coordinators will be sent out.

4.      Mark Bessen, principal of the elementary school, reported on the recent Math Night and math tests, and that a committee was looking  at the master schedule to determine how to maximize time.

a)             He demonstrated how an interactive Smart Board works and talked about how the teachers use it.

5.       Francis Cocozza, principal of the junior-senior high school, reported on meeting with PTSO and his goal of having a program at the high school level, the upcoming music concert, foreign language BRAVO at which Supt. Cahill and he are judges, on the Meet the Principal night, on an upcoming Saturday night with games and activities offered as an alternate to dances, changes in the Special Education Department, and on the retirement of Robert Monahan, Assistant Principal.

a)             The Student Council Vice President reported that they had a new advisor and on upcoming activities.

6.             Supt. Cahill reported:

                a)             on the BOCES Annual Meeting to be held on April 2 at the Myers Education Center

                b)            on the schedule leading to the 2008 Annual Meeting.  Dates to pick up nominating                                                              petitions for Board candidates and budget workshop meetings were reviewed.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

1.       Approximately 26 people attended.  Heidi Underwood, Nordic Ski Team Coach, thanked the school for its support of the ski season.  The school held its first annual cross country ski meet.

BUSINESS:

1.             Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board accept the resignation of    Robert Monahan, Assistant                    Principal, for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2008.          Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert                    Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

2.             Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board accept the resignation of Scott         Snyder, Physical                    Education Teacher, for the purpose of retirement effective June 30, 2008.                   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard                    Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda               King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion                    carried unanimously.

3.             Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board grant Trista Tallon, Social Studies Teacher, her request for a             leave of absence on or about May 24, 2008 – June 20, 2009.                  Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert                   Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda         King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

4.             Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board accept the resignation of    Patricia Hart, Administrative                   Assistant, effective March 7, 2008.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly,         Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James                   Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.             Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

5.       Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that upon the recommendation of Supt. Cahill, the Board appoint Mary Ellen Fisher as a Teacher Aide (.5FTE) at the annual salary of  $7,735 (prorated to $2,984.84)  effective March 12, 2008.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

6.        Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board approve the adjustment in salary for Kathryn Crandall, Teacher Aide, from 4 hours to 8 hours.  Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

7.       Motion by Linda King second by James Fuchs, that the Board accept the recommendations of         the Committee on Special             Education.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert   Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.          Nays – None.  Motion      carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 3/11/08.)

8.       Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board approve the changes to the               Conditional and Emergency  Conditional Appointments of Substitute Aides, Custodians,      Cafeteria Staff, Bus Drivers, Nurses and Other Employees.   Ayes - Louis Buck, James Fuchs,             Robert Bolen, Gerard Humiston, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.   Nays - None.  Absent –   Naomi O’Reilly.  Motion carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 3/11/08.)

9.       Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board approve the changes to the               Extracurricular and Co-Curricular Personnel List.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard          Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

10.     Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board amend the following policies:

a)             6.1.4.2 - Department Head

b)            6.1.4.2.1 - District Technology Coordinator

c)             6.1.4.2.3 - Department Head- Special Education K-6, 7-12

d)            6.1.4.3 - Athletic Director

e)             6.1.4.5 - Elementary School Counselor

f)             6.1.4.8 - Library Media Specialist

g)            6.1.4.12 - School Psychologist – Elementary

h)            6.2.2.3 – Retirees- Medicare

i)              6.3.4.1 - Building and Grounds Superintendent

j)              6.3.4.2 - Cook Manager

k)             6.3.4.5 - Building Maintenance Mechanic

l)              6.3.4.6 - Registered School Nurse

m)            6.4.2.3 – Retirees – Medicare

n)            6.5 – Family and Medical Leave Act

o)            8.7.25 – District Provided Cell Phones

         Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda               King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

11.           Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board approve the use of the Law               Firm of Girvan &                   Ferlazzo, PC of Albany, New York, on an as needed basis at the rate of               $185 per hour for the use of a partner,                   $175 per hour for the use of an associate, and $60 per         hour for a paralegal and/or law clerk.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly,    Gerard      Humiston,              Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays –   None.  Motion carried unanimously.  (See supplemental file dated 3/11/08.)

12.           Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board establish a Special Meeting to          vote on the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES Budget and Board of                 Education members on Tuesday, April 22 at 7:30 a.m.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard        Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays              – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

Miscellaneous:

1.       Ann  Hall, community member, asked about the condition of the tennis courts.  Board members and Supt Cahill responded and the buildings and grounds committee will review the situation as they plan future projects.

2.        Robert Bolen, Board member, spoke about the 13th Annual 8th and 9th grade Basketball Invitational.  There are approximately 60 volunteers.  He thanked the school for allowing the tournament to be played.

Motion by James Fuchs, second by Linda King, that the Board enter into Executive Session to discuss the employment history of particular persons.   Ayes – Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

Meeting recessed 8:00 p.m.

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

Meeting reconvened 9:30 p.m.

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

Meeting adjourned 9:31 p.m.

                                                                                                                Patricia A. Dougall

                                                                                                                          Clerk

 

 

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