| July 8, 2010 |
The re-organization meeting of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District Board of Education held Thursday, July 8, 2010 was called to order at 7:00pm by Timothy P. Lange, Superintendent of Schools. PRESENT: Richard Charron, Marcia Ricci, Sandra Clow, Denise Keyoskey, Carol Cooper, Thomas Lansing ALSO PRESENT: Timothy Lange, Carol Lyon, Christopher Scanlan, Patty Merola, Carrie Philo, Mike Marchese, Sean Sullivan, Tim McDonough, Paul Sylvester, Karen Diener, residents ABSENT: Robert VanBramer Mr. Lange welcomed everyone and called the annual reoganization meeting to order. PRESENTATION: Information on re-organization meeting appointments. Mr. Lange reviewed the background information on individuals recommended for appointment at the reorganization meeting. Details such as number of years in the position and salary were provided to Board members. Board of Education members were provided with circulation numbers and advertising costs on local newspapers. Accounts at First Niagara, JP Morgan Chase and Key Bank were reviewed. A brief history of the district’s school physician was provided. A short discussion followed with Mr. Lange stating that motions on this evening’s action agenda can be amended. Mr. Lansing asked if hiring the same auditing firm for 25 years was acceptable. Mrs. Lyon said it is a common practice, other districts have used the same firm for many years; and as long as Requests for Proposals are issued periodically, there should not be a problem. Mr. Lange noted that it is necessary to appoint an official bank this evening and the district will, in the meantime, issue RFP’s. If our current banks respond and qualify, they will remain. However, appointments can be changed or amended at any time. This process should be completed by October 1st. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 Mr. Lange was elected chairman of organizational meeting. The oath of office was administered to Mr. Lange, Superintendent of Schools Mr. Lange read into record the official Oath of Office for Board of Education members. Board members signed and returned the oath of office cards to the District Clerk. Mr. Lange called for nominations for the position of President of the Board of Education. Mrs. Ricci nominated Mr. Charron for the position of President of the Board of Education. There were no other nominations. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 Mr. Charron was elected President of the Board of Education. Oath of Office was administered. Mr. Lange called for nominations for the position of Vice President of the Board of Education. Mrs. Keyoskey nominated Mrs. Ricci for the position of Vice President of the Board of Education. There were no other nominations. On motion by Mrs. Keyoskey, seconded by Mrs. Cooper and by a vote of 6 - 0 Mrs. Ricci was elected Vice President of the Board of Education. Oath of Office was administered. The meeting was turned over to Mr. Charron. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following items. Mr. Lansing asked if there were any changes from last year. There is one new parent member on the Committee on Special Education and Questar III now provides Internal Auditing service. Appointment and administration of Oaths of Office to: A. District Treasurer: Nancy Spretty B. Clerk of the Board: Julie Caulkins C. Tax Collector: Gwen Piacente D. Confidential Employees: Gwen Piacente, Account Clerk and Julie Caulkins, Clerk of the Board/Secretary to the Superintendent, Joseph Spretty, Computer Network Manager Other appointments: A. School Attorney: Girvin & Ferlazzo, P.C.; External Auditor: Wilson, Stark & Basila PC B. Treasurer for Extra-Classroom Activity Account: Nancy Spretty C. Attendance Clerk: Paula Caradori D. Supervisors of the Extra-Classroom Activity Account: Faculty Auditor: Julie Caulkins; Chief Faculty Counselor: High School Principal E. Claims Auditor: Paula Caradori F. Internal Claims Auditor: QUESTAR III G. Section 504 Compliance Officer and Title IX Compliance Officer: Director of Special Education Services H. Committee on Special Education and Pre-School Education designated members: Dena Sanders, Director of Special Education Services, Karen Grimes and Kelly Denvir, School Psychologists, Patricia Wright, Robin Koblensky and Vanessa Gleason, CSE Parent Representatives/Members Designations: A. Official Bank Depository of all funds: First Niagara Bank, JP Morgan Chase, Key Bank B. Regular monthly meeting dates: per attached schedule C. Official Newspaper: Gazette Newspaper Authorizations A. Chief School Officer to certify payrolls for the school year. B. Board to authorize all employee payrolls as they become due pursuant to CSEA, WTA and WAA contract for the school year. C. Designate Business Manager as School Purchasing Agent. D. (1) Authorization to establish a petty cash fund of $100 and the Business Manager to administer same. (2) Authorization to establish a Tax Collector petty cash fund for the months of September and October of $100 and the Business Manager to administer same. (3) Authorization to establish a petty cash fund of $50 for the Library and the Business Manager to administer same. (4) Authorization to establish a petty cash fund of $100 for the cafeteria and the Business Manager to administer same. E. Designation of authorized signature on checks RESOLVED that the Board of Education approve, pursuant to Education Law, Article 35, Section 1720.2, authorization of one signature, the Treasurer’s, in drawing down funds. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that in the absence or inability of the Treasurer to perform this duty, the President of the Board of Education is authorized to sign in the Treasurer’s place. F. The Chief School Officer is authorized to represent the Board of Education of Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD for all State and Federal programs for the school year. G. The Chief School Officer is authorized to approve the budget transfers not to exceed $1,000 per item. H. The authorization to transfer funds, by the District Treasurer or the Business Manager, verbally or electronically with First Niagara Bank, JP Morgan Chase and Key Bank. I. Authorization of the Business Manager or Clerk of the Board to be present at all bid openings. J. Authorization of destruction of records yearly as prescribed by law as determined by the Records Retention Officer. Bonding of Personnel A. District Treasurer B. District Tax Collector C. Treasurer of Extra-Classroom Activity Account D. Cafeteria Manager Other Items A. Establishment of mileage reimbursement rate at the current IRS reimbursement rate, adjusted as necessary to reflect periodic IRS adjustments. B. Establishment of tuition rates for students attending BOCES Occupational Education programs at the current BOCES rate for the 2010-2011 school year. C. Tutoring rates for the 2010-2011 school year per the WTA contract. D. Approval to continue the revised policy regarding substitute teacher pay dated 9/1/01, enclosed. E. Establishment of Board Committees by President: Finance/Insurance Policy/Program Development Rules & Curriculum/Employment Building & Grounds Public Relations F. Establishment of liaisons to the following committees for Board representation: Senior Citizens Legislative Youth Council Town Board Village Board Saratoga County School Boards G. Authorize the Board members to attend conferences, seminars and meetings for the 2010-2011 school year. End of Reorganization Meeting The regular meeting of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District immediately followed. Comments from Administration Mr. Scanlan reported on a successful and fun trip the Bronx Zoo by the 7th and 8th graders in June. Year end activities went along smoothly. Graduation on June 26th was a great event with memorable speeches by Mitchel Clow, Salutatorian and Brittany Dawson, Valedictorian. The ceremony was timely, the room was air conditioned and Mr. Lange and Mr. Charron presented their messages very well. Mr. Scanlan said he and other faculty and administrators will miss this senior class stating they are a unique group of students many of whom are going on to two year colleges and pursuing careers in the arts. Administrators and guidance counselors are working on the schedule for next year and also, the logistics for the new Compass Learning program. Mr. Lange has been in contact with Patrick Devaney of Compass Learning to coordinate the installation of the computers and staff training. The old distance learning room is getting a new face-lift with new paint, flooring and equipment. The stone wall at the main entrance is being repaired. Discussion: Transfer of Deed on Waterford Public Library, Michael Marchese, President; Timothy McDonough, Director Mr. Lange welcomed the group representing the Waterford Public Library. The Library Board is requesting the transfer of the deed to the Library. Mr. Marchese and Mr. Sullivan gave a brief history noting that prior to 1992 the Public Library did not own the building they are in now. They used space in the Town Hall for many years. In 1992 the Library Board purchased the railway station and made major renovations to the building. The school district held the bond for that project. Two years ago the bond was paid off by the Library Board and the transfer of the deed is now requested. The Library never leased their current building, and has paid for the property, renovations and maintenance. Mr. Sullivan provided a brief anecdotal history as to why the school held the deed. He stated Library Board members used to be appointed by the School Board dating back to the 19th century. Laws changed in the 1940's but the relationship continued. The school district was involved when the bonds were issued for the library’s building and renovation project but did not want the building and it was understood that the building would be turned over to the library. Mr. Lange said our attorney assured us that the transfer of the deed was a simple process. The district continues to provide fire inspection services but that will end once the transfer is completed. The members of the Library Board thanked the School Board for their attention to this matter. Presentation: WHHS 2010 Graduation Report; NYS Regents Report, Mr. Lange The Guidance Office provided a report on the details of the June 2010 senior class and graduation. Ms. Cardnuto and Ms. DiFabio will provide a more detailed report including Regents scores and year end details for grades 9 - 12 in August. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 7:40pm. They returned to regular session at 8:10 and resumed the regular meeting. ACTION On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the minutes of the June 17, 2010 and June 28, 2010 meetings. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants: (Ms. Ricci questioned the monthly maintenance fee for the elevator) Construction Fund #16 for $245,755.41 General Fund #89 for $67,930.80 School Lunch Fund #21 for $167.09 Special Aid #24 for $6,086.79 Information on the NYS retirement incentive from Mr. Lange. The June 30th date allows the district to use funds from 2009 - 2010 to cover the costs associated with the retirement incentive. It is a financial benefit to the district. In addition, Mr. Lange wanted to make sure the public is aware that Part A allows the district to target positions for the district’s benefit. The district is targeting the following positions: Kindergarten Teacher, Chemistry Teacher, Superintendent of Building and Grounds, Custodian, Food Service, Teacher Aide, Typist and Monitor. The only way the district could take advantage of this retirement incentive is to save 50% of the salaries of eligible employees in the Teachers Retirement System and the Employees Retirement System over the next two years. If the 50% savings is not met through the process of hiring or staffing, the district cannot offer this incentive. It is important for all employees who are targeted - that this is not guaranteed. The district is not permitted to mix the savings between TRS and ERS. Those who are interested in taking the incentive should notify the district. If the district does not reach the 50% savings benchmark for either TRS or ERS the retirements will not be allowed. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 5 - 1 the Board approved the following resolution as amended (Mrs. Ricci opposed). Be it resolved that the Board of Education of the Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD does hereby elect to provide the benefits of Part A of Chapter 105 of the Laws, 2010, commencing on June 30, 2010 for all eligible employees who retire with an effective date of retirement set during the twenty (20) day period beginning with and immediately following the commencement date and who are otherwise eligible as specified by Part A of Chapter 105, Laws of 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the general art supply bid for a total of $1,737.11 Mason, 36 items $1,135.15 Nasco, 19 items $ 304.04 Triarco, 23 items $ 297.92 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the elementary art supply bid for a total of $3,822.67 Blick, 3 items $ 255.97 Nasco, 172 items $3,290.97 Triarco, 15 items $ 275.73 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the junior high art supplies for a total of $1,642.87 Blick, 4 items $ 66.92 Nasco, 25 items $1,124.53 Triarco, 17 items $ 451.42 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Nancy Hurd as .8 FTE Business and Distributive Education 7 - 12 Teacher effective July 1, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Mary Kelley as .8 FTE Spanish 7-12 Teacher effective July 1, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted, with regret, the resignation for the purpose of retirement, of Joan Walworth, Elementary Teacher, effective June 30, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Jack Daigneault as Bowling Coach for the 2010 - 2011 school year; salary per the WTA contract. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a retainer agreement between the Waterford-Halfmoon UFSD and Girvin and Ferlazzo, P.C. Attorneys at Law for labor relations services in the amount of $20,000; $140 per hour for non-litigation issues; $160 for litigation and hearings. Mr. Lange noted that the fee is reflective of no increase over the 2009 - 2010 school year. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a request from Carolyn DelZotto, Guidance Office Secretary, for an 8 week leave of absence beginning on or about August 9, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following year-end club reports: Grades 5 & 6 Art Club Debi McDermott Spanish Club Mary Kelley Adult Education Paula Caradori Elementary Yearbook Annemarie Strife Scrabble Joyce Toub HS Honor Society Carol Donnelly Class of 2010 Nancy Smith Class of 2013 Nancy Smith, Delene Clow JH SGA Nancy Smith Chess Club Justin Miazga HS Art Club Carol Donnelly Mock Trial Tony Bianchini On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board adopted the Districtwide and Building Safety Plans as required by NYS Education Commissioner’s Regulations. The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 4/21/2010, 5/5/2010 and 5/6/2010 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the General Fund warrant #2 for $45,173.08 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the 2010 summer transportation contract with Folmsbee Transportation at the May 31 CPI of 2.2% to the following school: CP Center Langan School $5,550 (summer program) On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following 2010 - 2011 school year contract extensions at the May 31 CPI of 2.2% with Folmsbee Transportation: To and from school $476,076.29 BOCES $44,299.27 LaSalle/CCHS $45,442.00 Field Trips Driving $38.20 Waiting $31.25 Minimum $105.84 Non-Public Schools Combination St. Pius, Bishop Magin $43,130.60 Combination Bid 2004 Altamont, Sacred Heart $39,212.47 Langan School $33,898.43 Albany Academy/St. Ambrose $44,725.99 Oakwood School $17,006.08 VanAntwerp Middle School $38,157.39 Mohonasen HS $43,782.48 Broad St./SAEC $33,094.40 Mountainview $33,094.40 Northeast Parent & Child $23,545.80 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following 2010 summer transportation contract: Durrin, Inc. at $167 per day to Broad Street School in Glens Falls On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following 2010 summer transportation contract: Star & Strand at $147 per day to the Center for Disabilities On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the resignation of Kathy Akin as summer cleaner effective on or about August 9, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Kathy Akin as a per diem substitute for the position of Guidance Secretary to fill an eight week leave of absence beginning on or about August 9, 2010. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Don Joss as substitute teacher for the 2010 - 2011 school year. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Casey Caradori as substitute teacher aide for the 2010 - 2011 school year. The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated May 10, 2010 On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board awarded the general supply bid to W. B. Mason for school supplies in the amount of $9,882.60. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board appointed Courtney Horan to the following position: Full time teacher, tenure area Childhood Education 1 - 6, salary step 3MS. This appointment reinstates Ms. Horan to her probationary position from the Preferred Eligibility List and per Educational Law 2510 (3)(a) and 3013 (3)(a), for the period of 9/8/09 through 9/7/12. There were no comments from the Board of Education, residents or staff. On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 8:30 to discuss a personnel issue. They returned to regular session at 9:25 and adjourned. Julie Caulkins District Clerk