Board of Education s12

WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

BOARD OF EDUCATION WHITNEY POINT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PO BOX 249 Whitney Point, NY 13862

Date: March 15, 2011

District Mission:

To provide an excellent education ensuring that all children maximize their potential, become contributing citizens, and pursue lifelong learning.

District Beliefs:  All children possess unique qualities and come to school eager to learn and be successful.  We respect all people within our community and treat them with dignity at all times.  Learning is a partnership that includes school staff, parents, family and the community.  Knowledge allows for critical thinking and effective decision-making.  The community is well served by maximizing the use of available resources and by the responsible stewardship of assets.  Purposeful and intentional change is a constant that leads to educational improvement and positive results.  Compliance with state and federal regulations is critical to school district success.

Meeting called to order at 7:02 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance was recited Present Absent

James DiMascio President X

Sara Benscoter Vice-President X

Anthony Burchell Member X

Stephanie Champney Member X

Kathleen Driscoll Member X

Mary Ellerson Member X

Thomas Tasber Member X Mary Hibbard Superintendent of Schools X

Laura Lindsley School Business Executive X

Patricia Follette Director of Curriculum and Instruction X

Cynthia Burchell District Clerk X

1 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 Others in attendance: Kim Becker, Barbara Boyce, Gordon Boyce, Shellie Burns, Toni Carrow, Meaghan Champney, Laura Chestnut, Jessica Corson, Dillan Courtright, Jennifer Cucci, Stacey Davis,

Chelsea Dedrick, Edward Driscoll, Alissa Fetherbay, Rebecca Foran, Edna Ford, Dawn Fox, Charles Gilmore, Abby Harrington, Murphee Hayes, Taryn Hubbard, Alma Hulbert, Gwyn Hust, Nicole Huston, Jeff Isaacs, Kelsey Jerauld, Kristen Jerauld, Emily Johnson, Kathryn Jones, Jake Keenan, Katie Kemak, Joe-Anne Knapp, Mary Knapp, Renee Korb, Kyle Leonard, Judy Livingston, Raven Manzo, Sarah Marye, Cathy Milhalko, Adriana Milisavljevich, Paige Monsen, Russell Moors, Diane Moors, Jake Pfeiffer, Tracy Pfeiffer, Tim Pisarczyk, John Prindle, John Prindle, Mary Lou Prindle, Kelsey Roberts, Aubrey Ross, Travis Russell, Shawn Sabo, Sherry Sculley, Jo-Ann Sexton, Andrew Singer, Norma Snyder, Kirsten Sorochinsky, Casey Stahl, Marcia Stahl, Robert Stevens, Dan Sweeney, Dan Tasber, Daniel Thorp, Sally Tonkin, Bruce Tytler, Anna Warfield, Lenny White, Logan Winter-Potter

Minutes

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the Minutes from the Board Meeting held on March 1, 2011.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Warrant

None

Correspondence

None

Policies – 1 st Reading

None

Policies – 2 nd Reading

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached updated Revenues Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached District Investments Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

2 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Operation and Reporting of District Investments.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Accepting Gifts Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Sale and Disposal of School District Property Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Stephanie Champney

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Use of Credit Cards Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Expense Reimbursement Regulation Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Expense Reimbursement Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Meals and Refreshments Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Use of Cell Phones Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Authorized Use of School Owned Materials and Equipment Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Anthony Burchell

3 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached School Board Conferences, Conventions and Workshops Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Stephanie Champney

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Petty Cash Funds and Cash in School Buildings Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Insurance Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Hazardous Waste and Handling of Toxic Substances by Employees Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Tobacco Use Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Energy Management Conservation Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Equal Opportunity Employment Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Equal Opportunity Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

4 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Health Examinations Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Alcohol, Drugs and Other Substances (School Personnel) Policy.

Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Drug-Free Workplace Policy.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Sexual Harassment Policy.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Comments from the Public

None

Commendations

Mrs. Hibbard commended:

 Mrs. Brodsky, Caryl E. Adams reading teacher, for coordinating another successful Read Across America Day, on March 2, 2011 at the CEA. Mrs. Brodsky organized readers consisting of staff and community members to read favorite Dr. Suess books to the classrooms throughout the building. Mrs. Hibbard commented that the volunteers reading the books seemed to enjoy the experience as much as the children.  Mrs. Gilbert, Mr. Jones, and the Whitney Point High School Concert Band, Glee Club, Saxophone Quartet, Select Chorus and Concert Chorus for the special Whitney Point High School Auditorium Dedication Concert held on March 3, 2011 in the High School Auditorium. Please see attached.  Mrs. Mau, Mr. Sweeney and the TRA (Tolerance, Respect and Acceptance) committee along with many community businesses for the successful Girls’ Day Out held on March 5, 2011. Proceeds raised were used for an in-school anti-bullying program.  Mr. Jones, Ms. Gac, Mrs. Knapp, Mrs. Heinle, Mrs. Gilbert and the Whitney Point Central School District’s choral students for the recent District Chorus Concert held on Tuesday evening, March 8th in the High School Auditorium. Please see attached.

5 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

Old Business a. Phase II Update Mrs. Lindsley provided an update on the Phase II Renovation work. Mrs. Lindsley stated 70 out of the 90 smartboards have been installed. The remainder will be in place during renovations at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy. The ceiling and lights in the High School are scheduled to be completed over spring break. The solar panels have been approved by NYSEG. The District should soon be able to use the electricity generated by the solar panels. Planning is underway for the loading dock at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy. b. Budget Update

Mrs. Hibbard presented updated budget information. Mrs. Hibbard reviewed the responsibilities and realities of the budget development process. Factors affecting budget development, such as the District Mission and Beliefs, shared decision making, strategic planning, and reduced revenues were discussed. Whitney Point is heavily reliant and state aid. That source of revenue is once again decreasing for the district. Factoring in reductions in state aid and known increases in expenditures creates a $2,442,873 budget gap.

Reductions were identified to close that gap: .5 administrative position, 12.5 teaching positions, 5.5 teacher aides, 1 bus mechanic, 1 bus driver, and 5 bus attendants. In addition $195,455 in reductions from other areas of the budget were listed. In addition to these reductions, Federal Ed Jobs money, a onetime revenue source, will be used to fund 5.75 positions. Mrs. Hibbard reviewed the positions impacted and reviewed the 2011-2012, K-8 and High School class sizes.

This budget draft would result in a tax levy impact of 3.39%

Charles Gilmore asked about the surcharge to the district for water and sewer services since two of the school buildings operate outside of the Village. Mrs. Hibbard stated the Board has had conversations about annexation into the Village of Whitney Point. At this time no formal process has been initiated and no permission has been given. He then questioned the Athletic director’s salary. Mrs. Hibbard indicated that she didn’t know the number, but mentioned that all salaries are posted on Pressconnects. Mrs. Hibbard stated that as Director of Health, Athletics and Physical Education position does much more for the district than manage the athletic program. He then inquired as to the number of sports teams fielded this year. Laura Lindsley was able to access the information and reported that the Athletic Director’s salary was over $90,000. The district fielded 48 athletic teams this year including modified, junior varsity and varsity teams with 700 student participants. Charles Gilmore indicated that schools are for the core courses and not for athletics. People are leaving New York State because they can’t afford the taxes. A discussion ensued.

Ron White asked if we have looked into shared services with other schools in the region. Mrs. Hibbard responded that we are collaborating with Marathon Central School District. She further explained that the Boards of Education have met together twice this year to identify areas for further cooperative efforts. The districts currently share one technology teacher and limited transportation.

Alma Hulbert commented that 12.5 teachers is a great deal and she is concerned what these reductions will do to class size.

Kathryn Jones asked if the government comes through with more money, how will it be disbursed? Mrs. Hibbard responded that the Board would have to consider the options and decide based how to provide the best possible education program for the students and favorably position the district for the future.

6 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 Mrs. Jones further commented that she noticed there were no secretarial cuts. Mrs. Hibbard stated clerical reductions were discussed but ruled out at this time.

Gordon Boyce asked if there were coaching cuts. Mrs. Hibbard responded that reductions were made to other areas of the athletic budget in an effort to maintain as many opportunities as possible for students to participate in the athletic program.

Russell Morse asked if state aide goes down, would that mean more cuts? Mrs. Hibbard stated that the Governor’s budget proposal is usually the worst case scenario.

Kyle Leonard asked why there are 29 students in his English class, but only sixteen students in some of his other classes. Mrs. Hibbard responded there are several factors that influence class size including how many sections of instructional support are needed and offering honors, AP and elective classes. Some classes are larger than others to accommodate schedules.

Sherry Sulley stated the priority list seemed to contradict the budget reduction. Mrs. Hibbard stated reductions were made to all areas with considerations for class size and opportunities for students.

Kathryn Jones asked where the reserves are coming from. Mrs. Lindsley clarified ARRA stimulus money allowed the district to offset general fund expenses to special aid which enabled the district to fund reserves in preparation for predicted revenue reductions. Mrs. Hibbard stated building reserves is a common strategy many district use to prevent fluctuations in the tax levy in years of decreased revenues.

Dillan Courtright inquired why the district has money for renovations, but not to put toward the budget. Mrs. Hibbard explained the state allocates money for schools to use on capital projects including the renovation work and improvements to our schools. If we weren’t involved in renovations we would not be generating building aid.

Ms. Cucci stated that she feels teachers are overwhelmed. The district has taken on several new initiatives to meet increasing accountability demands and mandates. The rate of change is making veteran teachers feel like new teachers.

Ms. Becker stated she was on the Financial Planning Committee and asked if a tax increase of 4, 5 or 6% has been considered? Sara Benscoter stated the Board had not discussed that. The Board will consider the questions and comments to provide the best education for our students.

New Business a. High School Annual Report

Mr. Tytler and Mr. Isaacs presented the 2010-2011 High School Annual Report. Mr. Tytler opened by reviewing the District’s mission statement and identifying members of the Share Decision Team. He discussed the School Report Card and Whitney Point’s relation to the numbers as a rural high needs district. Cohort scores were compared in the ELA and Math testing, graduation rate, and dropout rate. He also reviewed the Cohort numbers are they relate to the number of students taking college level/AP courses.

Mr. Isaacs reviewed the fifteen students of the 2006 Cohort who have maintained student status as 5th year (2010-2011) high school students and the efforts to keep them engaged in the educational process.

Mr. Tytler then reviewed the High School’s strategy for identifying and tracking students in need of academic assistance. Mr. Tytler discussed the future goals of the High School as they pertain to the percentage of cohort passing regents gate exams, percentage of cohort having mastery on all regents

7 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 exams, and increasing graduation rates. Sara Benscoter thanked Mr. Isaacs and Mr. Tytler for all their hard work keeping track of the students. Mr. Tytler stated that it was all possible due to the hard work and efforts of the staff available. Thomas Tasber stated it was encouraging to see the teachers mentoring without a stipend and going above and beyond just because they want students to succeed. b. 2011-2012 School Calendar

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached 2011-2012 School Year Calendar.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED c. Committee on Special Education

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached recommendations of the Committee on Special Education.

Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED d. Certification of Bus Vote

Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the Certification of the Bus Vote as follows:

Number of votes recorded as voting “YES” 66

Number of votes recorded as voting “NO” 23

Number of votes void 0

Total number of votes cast 89

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Anthony Burchell

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED e. Change Orders Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the following Phase II change orders:

MC-010 Provide all labor, material and equipment to install relocated fin tube to the High School kitchen storage room separated from the ceiling mounted unit ventilator. The sum of $2,900.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $150,713.00, allowance balance remaining is $147,813.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

8 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 MC-011 VOID Provide all labor, material and equipment to furnish and install two (2) exhaust to the High School lobby toilet rooms due to the discovered condition of the existing fans prohibiting the reuse. The sum of $4,420.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $147,813.00, allowance balance remaining is $143,393.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

MC-012 Provide all labor, material and equipment to replace two (2) relief valves on the Elementary school boilers, run new relief piping off PRV to floor as required by the NYS inspector. The sum of $2,226.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $147,813.00, allowance balance remaining is $145,587.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

PC-007 Provide all labor, material, and equipment to relocate the existing High School auditorium roof leader by raising the piping into and through the roof joists, tie into existing piping and insulate. The sum of $2,570.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $118,985.00, allowance balance remaining is $116,415.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

PC-008 Provide all labor, material, and equipment to connect water lines to miscellaneous High School kitchen equipment. The sum of $1,729.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $116,415.00, allowance balance remaining is $114,686.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

PC-009 Provide all labor, material, and equipment to investigate and resolve a domestic hot water problem near the science toilet rooms. Replace a failed circulation pump with a new model. The sum of $1,536.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $114,686.00, allowance balance remaining is $113,150.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

PC-010 Provide all labor, material, and equipment to rebuild the existing kitchen mixing valve and replace an existing 3” copper union tee that was leaking. The sum of $780.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $113,150.00, allowance balance remaining is $112,370.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

PC-011 Provide all labor, material, and equipment rebuild the failing existing drinking fountain outside the High School art room. The sum of $403.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $112,370.00, allowance balance remaining is $111,967.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

9 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11 GC-017 Provide all labor, material and equipment to install an additional 47 High School auditorium chairs, applying credit for 100 tablet arms, adjusting miscellaneous chair number plate and shoe accessories. The sum of $7,269.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $249,820.00, allowance balance remaining is $242,551.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

GC-018 Provide all labor, material and equipment to paint select wall areas of the High School gymnasium to complete the renovation. The sum of $3,300.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $242,551.00, allowance balance remaining is $239,251.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

GC-019 Provide all labor, material and equipment to furnish and install 16 roller shades in the High School cafeteria. The sum of $2,414.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $239,251.00, allowance balance remaining is $236,837.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

GC-020 Provide all labor, material and equipment to stain to match the stage floor the new thickened concrete slab required to support the new theatrical rigging. The sum of $345.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $236,837.00, allowance balance remaining is $236,492.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

GC-021 Provide all labor, material and equipment to install stainless steel door astragals at the High School gymnasium storage rooms because the new doors were installed in existing frames resulting in the joint between the stiles to be too great creating a security issue as the latch could be opened without a key. The sum of $720.00 is to be applied to the contractor’s contingency allowance of $236,492.00, allowance balance remaining is $235,772.00.

The Contract Sum will be changed by this Change Order in the amount of $0.00

Motion to table change order MC-12 was made by Stephanie Champney and seconded by Thomas Tasber.

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

A motion was made to approve the amended list of change orders by Stephanie Champney and seconded by Thomas Tasber.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Thomas Tasber

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Comments from the Public 10 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

None Meeting Adjournment

Motion to adjourn the meeting to Executive Session at 9:22.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Executive Session

For matters of personnel and contractual issues

FYI

Whitney Point tournament exceeds fundraising goal – Pressconnects Article March 18, 2011- No School, Superintendent’s Conference Day March 19, 2011 – Family Fun Carnival, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m., CEA March 26, 2011 – Celebration of Youth Children, 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., CEA March 26, 2011 – Odyssey of the Mind State Competition, Binghamton University April 1, 2011- Mother/Son Bingo, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m., TRA April 4, 2011 – High School Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m., HS April 6, 2011 – Grades 4-5 Spring Concert, 7:00 p.m., TRA April 9 – April 17, 2011 – No School, Spring Recess

Future Board Dates

March 29, 2011 – Budget Development Process Update

Cynthia R. Burchell District Clerk

BOARD OF EDUCATION

11 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

WHITNEY POINT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PO BOX 249 Whitney Point, NY 13862

Date: March 15, 2011

District Mission:

To provide an excellent education ensuring that all children maximize their potential, become contributing citizens, and pursue lifelong learning.

Meeting called to order at 9:27 p.m. Present Absent

James DiMascio President X

Sara Benscoter Vice-President X

Anthony Burchell Member X

Stephanie Champney Member X

Kathleen Driscoll Member X

Mary Ellerson Member X

Thomas Tasber Member X

Mary Hibbard Superintendent of Schools X

Laura Lindsley School Business Executive X

Patricia Follette Director of Curriculum and Instruction X

Executive Session

For matters of personnel and contractual issues.

12 WPCSD – BOE Minutes 03/15/11

Meeting Adjournment

James DiMascio motioned to adjourn the Executive Session at 10:14 p.m.

Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll

6 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED

Cynthia R. Burchell District Clerk