Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 1
THE BOARD OF EDUCATION Pleasantville Union Free School District
I. CALL TO ORDER: President Sol Skolnick called the meeting to order at 7:30 P.M. Board Members present were Sol Skolnick, David McCullagh, Thomas Exton, Bill Ultan, Lois Winkler. Also present were Superintendent of Schools Donald Antonecchia, Assistant Superintendent for Business David Quattrocchi and School Attorney Margo May.
A. Approval of Board Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2010. It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education approves the Board Meeting Minutes of February 9, 2010.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
Mr. Skolnick reviewed milestone dates for the superintendent’s search and presented the breakdown of inquires/requests and referrals received as of February 26, 2010.
Mr. Skolnick read the follow press release:
PLEASANTVILLE NY, March 3, 2010 – After twenty-three years of dedicated and exemplary service to the children of the Pleasantville School District, Dr. George Cancro has announced his intention to retire at the conclusion of this school year. Dr. Cancro will be sorely missed by students, staff, and parents alike. His leadership has produced lasting enhancements in the educational programs and facilities for our Middle and High School students.
Dr. Cancro began in Pleasantville as the High School’s Dean of Students (1987-1988). He served the District’s middle-level students from 1989-2004, first as the on-site administrator of the North Campus (grades 6-8), reporting to two principals — Mrs. Marilyn Glotzer (K-6) and Dr. Donald Antonecchia (7-12) — and then as Middle School Principal.
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 2
He oversaw major construction projects in1995 and 2002, welcomed and integrated the fifth grade into the Middle School (1993-94), and led the school to its selection as a federal Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2000.
In 2004, Dr. Cancro became principal of Pleasantville High School, enhancing its standing as a comprehensive High School while guiding it through a major facilities review and the current construction project.
Dr. Cancro also has been the District’s Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Coordinator and CPR instructor, drawing upon his extensive background in emergency services. On behalf of the school community, the Board of Education thanks Dr. Cancro for all he has done for the children of Pleasantville and wishes him well in his retirement.
In order for a new high school principal to be in place for the 2010- 2011 school year, the District plans to follow the search model that was used to fill the 2005 vacancy for the Bedford Road School principal. Members of the Pleasantville community will be involved in a comprehensive and inclusive search process. To begin this process, the District will run an advertisement on March 7 and 14, with an application deadline of April 16. Among the qualities a candidate must possess in order to be considered for the position are the following: • A genuine concern for students • Successful teaching and administrative experience • Exceptional leadership skills to facilitate shared decision- making • A strong background in curriculum and instruction, technology, and scheduling • Effective written and oral communication skills • A sincere interest in the school community and its traditions • Energy, enthusiasm, and a high degree of visibility
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 3
In the immediate future, we will work with the leaders of various constituent groups to solicit participation on interviewing committees comprised of community representatives, Board members, parents, teachers, Civil Service support staff, and administrators. Should the search proceed as planned, semifinalists will visit the District and meet with these committees during mid-May. All members of the Pleasantville community will be invited to meet the finalists in early June. The Board of Education intends to be in a position to announce the new Pleasantville High School principal later that month.
II. SPECIAL REPORTS:
A. Superintendent’s Report Dr. Antonecchia thanked Dr. Cancro for his many years of dedicated service to the students of Pleasantville Middle School and High School. He also thanked Village Superintendent of Public Works Steve Johnson and the District’s Director of Building and Grounds Steve Chamberlain for their hard work in getting the 18” of snow removed from the streets and school grounds after the storm. March 26, 2010 will be a Superintendent’s Conference Day. Bedford Road School held its 14 th annual school-wide Healthy Heart Week. In partnership with Northern Westchester Hospital, grades 3 and 4 participated in a Wellness Fair. Students attended three workshops on dental awareness, nutrition information and cooking. Dr. Antonecchia thanked parents and community members for their informative presentations. High School art students had their work displayed at Pace University’s Choate House Gallery and the Katonah Museum.
B. Construction Update Mike Saraceno of Andron Construction updated the Board on progress made on the High School construction project. Erik Wilson of KG&D gave a report covering the green features of the construction mentioning such items as indoor environmental quality, durability of facility, ease of maintenance, preservation of natural resources, energy efficiency and long-term benefits to the community.
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 4
C. Board Budget Analysis David Quattrocchi gave a brief update on the proposed 2010-2011 budget. The proposed preliminary budget of $44,865,000 represents a 1.4% tax rate increase and a 7.67% budget-to-budget increase. Sol Skolnick reviewed the upcoming budget dates.
III. The following individuals participated in public discussion:
1. Robert Carnes – Onderdonk Place 2. Jeffrey Goldberg – Fairview Avenue 3. Tara Klein – Grove Street 4. Robert Carnes – Onderdonk Place 5. Louis Conte – Pollywiggle Lane 6. Russ Klein – Grove Street 7. Michael Clark – Hillview Terrace 8. Deborah Fischer – Martling Avenue
IV. SUPERINTENDENT’S RECOMMENDATIONS:
A. RESIGNATION: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Lois Winkler that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education accepts the following resignation for the purpose of retirement:
1. George Cancro High School Principal Effective Date: June 30, 2010
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
B. APPOINTMENTS/REAPPOINTMENTS: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Lois Winkler that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education approves the following Appointments/Reappointments:
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 5
1. Substitute Teachers/Chaperones – 2009-2010 School Year: NYS Certified a) Salvatore Spataro Yes b) Laura Cacciato 40 days c) Lauren Moss 40 days
2. Substitute Teacher Aides – 2009-2010 School Year:
a) Salvatore Spataro Step 1 (certified) b) Lauren Moss Step 1 (uncertified)
3. Spring Coaches – 2009-2010 School Year:
a) Bruce Reitenbach – Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Step 3 b) Christopher Kear – Asst. Boys’ Varsity Lacrosse Step 3 c) James Carey – Boys’ Modified Lacrosse Step 3 d) Robert Jordon – Head Varsity Baseball Step 3 e) Anthony Cervini – Asst. Varsity Baseball Step 3 f) Daniel Iorio – JV Baseball Step 3 g) George Lamar – Modified Baseball Step 1 h) Robert Slotoroff – Boys’ Varsity Tennis Step 3 i) Allison Steinberg – Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Step 3 j) Thomas Micucci – Asst. Girls’ Varsity Lacrosse Step 3 k) Rosemary Sotherden – Girls’ JV Lacrosse Step 3 l) Robert Bernarducci – Girls’ Modified Lacrosse Step 3 m) Robert Delle Bovi – Varsity Golf Step 3 n) Gina Perino – Head Varsity Softball Step 3 o) Debra Fimmano – Asst. Varsity Softball Step 3 p) Stacy Tedrow – JV Softball Step 1 q) Sara Keegan – Modified Softball Step 2 r) Dawn DiMassimo – Head Girls’ Varsity Track Step 3 s) Anjuli Singh – Asst. Girls’ Varsity Track Step 3 t) Luke Sotherden – Boys’ Varsity Track Step 3 u) Cameron Lowder – Asst. Boys’ Varsity Track Step 1 v) Elizabeth Hill – Modified Track Step 3 w) Robert Kear – Boys’ JV Lacrosse Step 3
4. Additional Assignment – 2009-2010 School Year:
a) Robert Slotoroff Substitute for After School Academy $40.00 per hour paid through 611 AARA Grant Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 6
5. Student Worker – 2009-2010 School Year:
a) Jessie Edelman – $8.00 per hour
6. Extra-Curricular – 2009-2010 School Year:
a) William Roche YMCA Youth and Government Program (March 12, 13, 14) $186.00 per night for Friday and Saturday and $150.00 per day for Saturday and Sunday
7. Change of Assignments for the 2009-2010 School Year:
Special Education
a) Amanda Barnes Substitute Teacher Aide to Special Education Teacher Aide Effective Date of Change: 3/8/2010
b) Leslie Centofanti Teacher Aide to Teaching Assistant Type of Appointment: Regular Substitute Effective Date of Appointment: 3/8/2010 Termination Date of Appointment: 6/30/2010 or at the will of the Board Salary: As per Teachers’ Contract (prorated) Certification: Teaching Assistant Tenure: N/A
c) Tania Zuccaro Teaching Assistant to Special Education Teacher Type of Appointment: Regular Substitute Effective Date of Appointment: 3/8/2010 Termination Date of Appointment: 6/30/2010 or at the will of the Board Salary: Level B-1, Step 1 (prorated) Certification: Childhood Education (Grades 1-6), Students With Disabilities (Grades 1-6) Tenure: N/A
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 7
Middle School
a) Donna Gavagan Teaching Assistant to Elementary Teacher Type of Appointment: Regular Substitute Effective Date of Appointment: 3/26/2010 Termination Date of Appointment: 6/30/2010 or at the will of the Board Salary: Level B-1, Step 4 (prorated) Certification: Pre Kindergarten, Kindergarten & Grades 1- 6 Tenure: N/A
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
V. BUSINESS OF THE BOARD:
A. RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON PRE-SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and the Committee on Pre-School Special Education, the Board of Education reviews the following classifications, and arranges for the following placements, and/or services for cases numbered: 2209, 0909, 0708.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
B. RECOMMENDATION OF THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools and the Committee on Special Education, the Board of Education reviews the following classifications, and arranges for the following placements, and/or services for cases numbered: 739899, 240910, 430809.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 8
C. REVISION TO BOARD MEETING CALENDAR FOR 2010-2011: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby revises the Calendar of Public Board Meetings for the 2010-2011 school year as attached. The Annual Organization Meeting will take place on Tuesday, July 6, 2010.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
D. APPROVAL OF MERGER: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, pending budget approval, hereby approves the merger of the Pleasantville High School Varsity Ice Hockey Team with that of Westlake High School, Valhalla High School and Briarcliff High School for the 2010-2011 season.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
E. APPROVAL OF MERGER: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, pending budget approval, hereby approves the merger of the Pleasantville High School Boys’ Varsity Swim Team with that of Westlake High School, Valhalla High School, Briarcliff High School and Byram Hills High School for the 2010-2011 season.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
F. APPROVAL OF MERGER: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, pending budget approval, hereby approves the merger of the Pleasantville High School Indoor Track Team with that of Westlake High School for the 2010-2011 season.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 9
G. APPOINTMENT OF ELECTION PERSONNEL: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the following individuals to work at the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Election on Tuesday, May 18, 2010, at a rate of $13.76/hour and authorizes the District Clerk to hire substitutes for Election Inspectors who cannot serve on the day of the vote:
Inspectors of Election : Margaret Limitone Veronica Costanza Maria DiBenedetto Joseph Genovese Dorothy Perry Suzanne Carpiniello Ellen Duwe John Nicholson Vicki Nicholson
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
H. NOMINATION FOR BOCES BOARD: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Pleasantville Union Free School District nominates Joseph Wooley to be a candidate for a seat on the Board of the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services for a three year term beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2013.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
I. AMENDMENT TO BOARD MEETING MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 9, 2010 – APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: It was duly moved by Lois Winkler and seconded by Bill Ultan that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Four Winds Hospital for additional professional services in the amount of $2,040.00 providing tutorial services, bringing the 2009- 2010 school year maximum to $8,286.00 .
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 10
VI. BUSINESS AFFAIRS:
A. REPORT FOR ACCEPTANCE: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, the Board of Education accepts the following report:
1. Treasurer’s Report – January 2010
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
B. The following report was submitted for informational purposes:
1. Monthly Report – January 2010
C. APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of Education has been presented with a proposed settlement for property located at 444 Bedford Road and 109 and 111 Wheeler Avenue, tax map #106.6-5-16 through 19, in the tax certiorari matter of 444 Associates Co. LLC/Greendeal Realty Company v. Town of Mount Pleasant; and
WHEREAS, the settlement would require a refund from the school district for the tax assessment years 2003 through 2008 in the sum of $74,140.41 and a reduction in assessment for the tax assessment year 2009 of 9,800;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education accepts the proposed settlement in this matter subject to approval of the settlement by the Town Board of the Town of Mount Pleasant.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 11
D. APPROVAL OF TRANSPORTATION CONTRACT: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that, upon the recommendation of the Assistant Superintendent for Business, the Board of Education approves the transportation contract to Westchester Exceptional Childrens School in North Salem with All County Bus, LLC for the 2009-2010 school year at $175.00 per day pending receipt and review of all corporation and insurance materials.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
E. APPROVAL OF PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of John E. Osborn, P.C. for professional services providing legal services related to our energy performance contract for the 2009- 2010 school year at a maximum of $5,000.00.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
F. APPROVAL OF ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL SERVICES: It was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education adopts the following resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Education, Inc. for additional professional services in the amount of $2,200.00 providing hospital tutoring services, bringing the 2009- 2010 school year maximum to $11,000.00; and for additional hospital tutoring services in the amount of $1,100.00, bringing the 2009-2010 school year maximum to $12,100.00.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
VI. The following individual participated in public discussion:
1. Jeffrey Goldberg – Fairview Avenue 2. Robert Stack – Pierce Drive 3. Robert Carnes – Onderdonk Place Public Meeting Minutes High School Information Center March 2, 2010 page 12
VIII. OLD BUSINESS :
A. WPSBA Legislative Breakfast Rescheduled to March 11 due to snow. B. David McCullagh reported that he and Lois Winkler attended an informative and well-attended meeting sponsored by the Westchester-Putnam School Boards Association entitled “Everything You Wish You Knew Then and Need to Know About Now.”
IX. NEW BUSINESS :
A. Sol Skolnick announced the following: 1. Transportation – Written requests for transportation to private and parochial schools during the 2010-2011 school year must be received by the District Office by Thursday, April 1, 2010. Applications may be obtained from the District Office. 2. School Board Vacancy – There will be one vacancy for the Office of Member of the Board of Education for one three-year term commencing July 1, 2010 and ending June 30, 2013. Petitions are available at the District Office. At least forty (40) signatures of eligible voters are required. Petitions must be returned to the District Clerk no later than 5:00 P.M., Monday, April 19, 2010.
At 10:10 P.M., it was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the Board of Education convenes to executive session to discuss matters pertaining to contracts and/or matters pertaining to the employment history of particular individuals. The Board will not be returning to take any action.
Motion carried 5 yes – 0 no
At 10:59 P.M., the Board of Education reconvened to public session.
X. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business to come before the Board of Education, it was duly moved by David McCullagh and seconded by Thomas Exton that the meeting be adjourned at 11:00 P.M.
Motion TO ADJOURN carried 5 yes – 0 no