April Minutes

Meeting called to order 7:00 p.m.

The Pledge of Allegiance was recited.

Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the minutes of the Regular Meeting of March 11, 2008, the Special Meeting of March 25, 2008, the Special Meeting of March 31, 2008, and the Special Meeting of April 1, 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 March 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)             April Elementary Newsletter

                b)            April Labor Relations Report

2.             The 7-12 English Department highlighted their program and changes including new staff and courses.  They have begun a project to examine the strands (i.e. literary devices, grammar, and writing) of their program and provided examples.  The strands were developed to show introduction through mastery and at what grade these would happen.   A new AP English is being offered.

3.             Wendy Matthews, Board member, reported on a recent Buildings and Grounds Committee meeting.  The Excel construction project has been completed.  The new energy management system will result in reduced energy costs.  A seasonal buildings and grounds person will be hired to work from April to October.  A fire alarm will be installed at the bus garage.  Administrators met with personnel from the Town of Lake George to discuss parking at the elementary school.  The committee is developing a list of items for a future building project.

4.             Gerard Humiston, Board member, reported on a recent Curriculum Committee meeting.  The Foreign Language presented their program.  They highlighted the FLES program at the elementary school and the program for junior high and high school students.  Mandarin Chinese was added to the program this year and has been successful.  The department members reviewed their philosophy, methodologies, assessments, and their use of technology.  They shared a “wish list” with Board members for the future.

5.             Mark Bessen, principal of the elementary school, reported on the math exams, that a committee is reviewing new math textbooks, that Heather Fair-Sears has developed spreadsheets that allow her to share results of the math tests more quickly, on PARP, the upcoming Social Studies Fair, on the recently held Kindergarten Roundup and the potential enrollment in the fall, on Earth Day activities, and other upcoming events.

6.             Francis Cocozza, principal of the junior-senior high school, reported on the recent Middle Schools Conference he attended along with several junior-high teachers, on the Meet the Principal’s Night, the Spanish Honor Society Induction Ceremony, the upcoming Parent Information Meeting on AP Courses, on a Washington-Warren County “Spotlight on Youth” initiative funded by the New York State Department of Health which will plan activities for the young people of Lake George this next year.

a)             Mr. Cocozza reported that the National Junior Honor Society will be taking a day trip to New York City on May 2.

7.             Supt. Cahill reported:

a)             on the meeting on April 22 for the vote on the BOCES budget and board candidates.

b)            on the Public Hearing on the Budget to be held Tuesday, May 6, in the high school library at 7:00 p.m.  Meet the Candidates Night will be held at 7:30 p.m., following the Public Hearing.

c)             that the Vote on the Budget and Board Members will be held on Tuesday, May 20 from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

d)            on the Adirondack Area School Boards Association Student Award Dinner will be held on Thursday, May 15, at the Queensbury Hotel. 

7.             BUDGET WORKSHOP – Mrs. Derway reviewed the revenue portion of the 2008-2009 school budget.  The district will be receiving an increase in State Aid.  The two Pilot Agreements have been discontinued and the properties returned to the tax rolls.  Mrs. Derway reported that it is going to become increasingly difficult to maintain a $600,000 applied fund balance in future years.  She provided handouts.

PUBLIC COMMENT:

1.             Approximately 27 persons attended.  There were no comments.

BUSINESS:

1.             Motion by Linda King, second by Robert Bolen, that the Board accept the recommendation of Supt. Cahill and grant tenure to Heather Fair-Sears, K-6 Curriculum Coordinator, effective July 1, 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 recommendations of Supt. Cahill and grant tenure to the following:

                John Ellis               -               Elementary Teacher             -               September 1, 2008

                Brianne Fish          -               Reading Teacher                  -               September 1, 2008

                Jennifer Johnston-               Math Teacher                       -               September 1, 2008

                Nancy Lashway   -               Special Education Teacher -               September 1, 2008

                Jonathan Lewis    -               Special Education Teacher -               September 1, 2008

                Virginia Mondschein           Elementary Teacher             -               September 1, 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 accept the recommendation of Supt. Cahill and grant tenure to

                Janine Kandora           -        Teaching Assistant             -               September 1, 2008

                Megan Robbins          -        Teaching Assistant             -               September 26, 2008

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 Clifford Cooper, Cleaner-Nights 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.

5.             Motion by Lind King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board accept the resignation of Donna McCane, Account Clerk, for the purpose of retirement effective May 25, 2007.  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 accept the resignation of Robert Venton, Jr., Bus Driver, effective June 6, 2008.  Ayes -  Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

7.             Motion by James Fuchs, second by Linda King, that upon the recommendation of Supt. Cahill, the Board appoint James Domino, as a Bus Driver at the annual salary of $9,369 (prorated to $2,647.84) effective April 9, 2008.  Ayes -  Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

8.             Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board grant Megan Robbins her request for a leave of absence effective April 22, 2008 – June 2, 2008.  Ayes -  Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously.

9.             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 4/8/08.)

10.           Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board approve the changes to the Conditional and Emergency Conditional Appointments of Substitutes in Substitute Teacher Registry.  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 4/8/08.)

11.           Motion by Linda King, second by Robert Bolen, that the Board approve the changes to the Conditional and Emergency Conditional Appointments of Substitute Aides, Custodians, Cafeteria Staff, Bus Drivers, Nurses, Other Employees, and Volunteer Coaches.  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 4/8/08.)

12.           Motion by James Fuchs, second by Linda King, that the Board adopt the 2008-2009 school year calendar.  Ayes -  Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously. 

13.           Motion by Linda King, second by James Fuchs, that the Board of Education approve the proposed budget for the 2008-2009 school year in the amount of $19,116,126, and that this proposed budget be presented to the voters of the district to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting on May 20, 2008, during the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Ayes -  Naomi O’Reilly, Gerard Humiston, Robert Bolen, Daniel Cracco, James Fuchs, Linda King, Wendy Matthews.  Nays – None.  Motion carried unanimously. 

14.           Motion by Linda King, second by Robert Bolen, that the Board approve the Property Tax Report Card for the 2008-09 school year.  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 4/8/08.)

MISCELLANEOUS:             None

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

Meeting recessed 8:05 p.m.

Motion by Linda King, second by Wendy Matthews, 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 9:10 p.m.

Motion by James Fuchs, 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 9:11 p.m.

Patricia A. Dougall

        Clerk