| March 18, 2010 |
The regular meeting of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District board of Education held Thursday, March 18, 2010 was called to order at 7:00pm by Mr. Richard Charron. PRESENT: Richard Charron, Marcia Ricci, Sandra Clow, Denise Keyoskey, Carol Cooper, Robert VanBramer, Thomas Lansing ALSO PRESENT: Timothy Lange, Carol Cooper, Joseph Siracuse, Debra Cardnuto, Christopher Scanlan (7:20), Dena Sanders (7:20), Julie Jorgensen, Andrew Wein, Pau Ferrara, Susan Chura There were no comments from the public regarding items on this evening’s action agenda. Comments from the Administration Mr. Siracuse announced the dates for Universal Field Tests for students in grades 3 - 8 in English Language Arts and Math on May 12 - 14, 2010. Academic Intervention Service classes are continuing in the elementary. The Rotary Club is sponsoring Purple Pinkie Day here at school for all grade levels to bring awareness of the impact of polio and the efforts to eradicate the disease. Mrs. Zink is sponsoring a walk to support the American Diabetes Association. A few teachers, nurses and coaches have been trained in certain aspects of diabetes treatment so that they can attend games and field trips with students afflicted with the disease. The Green Garden Club, with PTO volunteers, is making plans to start constructing the garden beginning April 17th. Students will compete in a spelling bee and winners will compete with other school districts. Students in health classes and Re-Connecting Youth programs attended Safe Spring events on drug and alcohol use. Eighth graders attended career workshops at BOCES. Next week students in grades 9 - 12 will attend the NYSTI production of Romeo and Juliet. The Heath and Wellness committee is in the final stages of developing the tobacco free policy. The district is hoping for grant money for smoke-free campus signs. The third annual Purple Day, a K - 12 event to promote cancer awareness, will be held April 30th from 9:15 - 11am. Students will tie-dye purple t-shirts and sell purple flamingo lawn ornaments; proceeds to benefit the American Cancer Society. The annual Health Fair will be held the night of the budget vote on May 18th Presentation: Full Day Kindergarten, Mr. Siracuse Mr. Siracuse asked the Kindergarten teachers for their input on the new full day, full year Kindergarten program. While this is not a scientific study, this year’s Kindergarten students seem to be adapting well to the program. Social Differences Adapted to the program and school faster Much more independence than in the past For those who were not ready, they would not have been ready for either program There are a few that would have benefited from a half-day / full-day program. Academic They are further now in reading A-Z Started sentence writing earlier More center activity Fewer considered for retention Mr. Siracuse said that some children may be making progress now, but may in time reach a plateau, typically around 3rd grade. Support Staff Remedial Math students are further ahead Remedial Reading Fundations has not varied due to the nature of the program. Aimsweb produced encouraging results Overall, Kindergarten teachers had positive comments about the full day program. Preliminary Budget Presentation, Mr. Lange The BOE Finance Committee met three times in the month of March and together with Mr. Lange, Mrs. Lyon and the administrative staff, the budget was presented to the entire Board for their review. On April 1, 2010 the Board is expected to adopt the budget. Budget Development October 2009 - requisition booklets and worksheets distributed to staff December 2009 - building team meeting to discuss major budget items December 2009 - staff budgets to principals; principals submit budgets to Superintendent January 2010 - Superintendent meetings with principals to consider adjustments; submit approved budgets to business manager February - March 2010 New programs considered by Board of Education March 2010 - Finance Committee meetings to review proposals Budget Worksheet Summary Program Budget $14,023,471 Administrative Budget $1,751,772 Capital Budget $3,221,504 Total 2010-11 Budget $18,996,747 Total 2009-10 Budget $18,996,747 Notes: Program budget includes: instruction, transportation, technology Administrative budget includes: BOE, administration, staff development, mailings, benefits, employment and legal advertising, furniture, central printing Capital budget includes: capital project debt The board and administrators had a goal of a 0% budget increase for 2010-11. Developing the Proposed Budget State Aid projections per Executive Budget Estimated $2M assessments from Town of Waterford; non projected for Halfmoon Includes textbook series, Smartboards, copier replacements, approval of bus lease Budget Report - Developing the Proposed Budget 9.73% Decrease in state aid Kindergarten aid Commercial Property Reassessment Contractual obligations = greatest percentage of any school district budget 2010 - 2011 Budget Report First draft (3.2.10) $19,836,496; Current draft (3/18/10) $18,996,747 ($839,749) Membership in regional health consortium (this year, consolidated plan savings about 6%) Inclusion of on-line instructional program = cost savings + staffing impact Careful planning over time This district has a history of careful planning by knowledgeable people that has placed us in a better place than neighboring districts, specifically the BOE Finance Committee, Mrs. Lyon and Mrs. Feldkamp. Final Tax Levy Decrease = $300,000 (-3.15%) Projected Tax Impact Waterford: Increase per $1,000: $2.06, Projected Tax Rate: $62.25; 3.42% increase Halfmoon: Increase per $1,000: $1.18, Projected Tax Rate: $35.66; 3.42% increase Estimated Tax On Property Town Full Value Tax. Value Est. Bill Star Sr. Star Waterford $100,000 $33,800 $2,104 $1,472 $909 $80,000 $27,040 $1,683 $1,052 $488 Halfmoon $100,000 $59,000 $2,104 $1,472 $909 $80,000 $47,200 $1,683 $1,054 $488 Mr. Lange wants to thank the BOE Finance Committee, Mrs. Clow (Chair), Mrs. Ricci, and Mr. Lansing for their attentive and serious consideration and for the time and energy they put into developing the budget. They did a great job, stayed focused and remained student centered. He especially thanked Mrs. Lyon for being a phenomenal partner in budget development in her first year as Business Manager, and for her understanding, knowledge and leadership. The administrative team has had a difficult time and have met several times; always focusing on the children and what our community can support. Mr. Lange thanked them for their honesty, time and support. Mr. Lange also thanked the faculty for the very professional job they did when submitting individual budgets; always keeping in mind this economic climate. They are very strong leaders and he is particularly pleased with their work. Mr. Lange and Mrs. Lyon do not expect any significant news from Albany before our next Board meeting when our budget will be adopted. They are expecting varying tax rates from area districts. ACTION On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the minutes of the March 4, 2010 Board meeting. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the Treasurer’s Report for February 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the Budget Status Report. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the Appropriations Report. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the Student Fund Report. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the General Fund #60 for $23,370.41. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the annual meeting notice to be published on 4/2/10, 4/16/10, 4/23/10 and 4/30/10. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the 2010 - 2011 school calendar. The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 2/10/10 and 2/25/10. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board accepted the following year-end club reports 5 - 8 Ski Club Kim Hilton, Laura Clothier HS Ski Club Justin Miazga, Jim Zimmons On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved a first request from the JH SGA to investigate a trip to the Bronx Zoo in the spring. There will be approximately 135 students and 15 chaperones. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved a request from Ed Hines, Bus Driver, for a two month medical leave of absence beginning March 15, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants: Special Aid #17 for $1,500 General Fund #62 for $275,991.79 School Lunch #14 for $5,432.57 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the three year probationary appointment of Tammy Kivitz as teacher assistant in the high school for 6 hours per day; effective April 12, 2010 through April 11, 2013; salary per the CSEA contract. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the following health service contracts for students attending St. Mary’s School from other school districts. Ballston Spa $ 364.60 Brittonkill $ 1,093.80 Cohoes $ 13,854.80 Green Island $ 364.60 Hoosic Valley $ 3,646.00 Lansingburgh $ 23,334.40 Mechanicville $ 8,021.20 North Colonie $ 729.20 Saratoga Springs $ 364.60 Shenendehowa $ 45,210.40 Stillwater $ 1,093.80 Troy $ 1,458.40 Watervliet $ 729.20 TOTAL $ 100,265.00 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board accepted the year-end HS Drama Club report from Eric Nelsen. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board accepted the year-end Elementary Drama Club report from Deb Ricci. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Lynwood Darden as substitute bus driver for the 2009 - 2010 school year; salary per the CSEA contract. Comments from the Board, residents and staff Mrs. Ricci congratulated Mr. Nelsen, Mrs. Ricci, the students and everyone involved in the production of Peter Pan stating that the show was awesome! Mr. Charron personally thanked the Finance Committee, Mr. Lange, the administration, the faculty and Mrs. Lyon for their time and effort in developing the budget. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mr. VanBramer and by a vote of 7 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 8:04 to discuss an employment contract. They returned to regular session at 8:40 and adjourned. Julie Caulkins District Clerk