Dover Union Free School District s2

DOVER UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT Dover Plains, NY 12522

REGULAR BOARD MEETING TUESDAY – JANUARY 12, 2010 High School Library

MINUTES

I. OPENING PROCEDURES: Vice-President Schibanoff called to order the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Dover Union Free School District at 7:03 p.m. in the Dover High School Library.

A. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice-President Schibanoff led the assembly in the Pledge of Allegiance.

B. ANNOUNCEMENT RE: CAPACITY, EXITS AND EVACUATION: Vice-President Schibanoff announced that the capacity of the Dover High School Library is 70 persons and also advised where the exits are located.

C. ATTENDANCE:

Board Members: Also Present: Kathleen Schibanoff, Vice-President Craig T. Onofry, Superintendent Brigid Casson Christopher Prill, Asst. Supt. Penny Dye for Business Affairs Patricia Hoag Gail Gasparro, District Clerk Russell Infantino 3 community members Gail Rohr Lisa Seifts Marie Spencer

Board Members Absent: Sam Shufelt, President

D. EXECUTIVE SESSION: Motion by Gail Rohr, second by Penny Dye, and carried unanimously, to recess into Executive Session at 7:04 p.m. for the purpose of discussing:

a. Collective negotiations. Minutes January 12, 2010

b. The employment history of a particular person.

Motion by Marie Spencer, second by Gail Rohr, and carried unanimously, to return to Regular Session at 7:39 p.m.

E. LEGISLATIVE REPORT: Kathleen Schibanoff reported:  The Governor’s State of the State message addressed several issues, but not education directly. The future is still looking dismal.  The Dutchess County Legislative Conference will take place in March. Dr. Onofry reported:  The budget for 2010/2011 will be a difficult one.  The DWTA has opted to postpone negotiations until a later date. Chris Prill reported:  The state aid being withheld by Governor Paterson amounts to approximately $430,000 for the Dover UFSD.  The stimulus money designated for next year has already been tapped into this year.  A presentation on the proposed Cricket Valley project will take place at the next Board meeting.

F. STUDENTS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION: None.

G. PERSONS TO ADDRESS THE BOARD OF EDUCATION:  Inquiry on the “Race to the Top” Memorandum of Understanding.

II. PRESENTATIONS:

1. H.S. Cafeteria Project Proposals – At the last Board meeting, Morris Associates and Rennia Engineering presented their plans for the upcoming project. It is being recommended that Morris Associates be appointed lead engineer; Rennia Engineering will oversee the cafeteria portion of the project along with any alternates. Administration has already requested and received input from several key parties with regard to the design.

2. Block Scheduling Committee Report – The Block Scheduling Committee has recommended that the scheduling be modified somewhat to improve its effectiveness and to correct compliance issues, while maintaining the integrity of the blocks. Mr. Tierney said that much work needs to be done by administration and the Guidance Dept. to explore different schedule options. Changes would go into effect September 2011.

2 Minutes January 12, 2010

3. Ryan Courtien, Town Supervisor – Mr. Courtien addressed the Board and advised them of the following:  The Town of Dover is in the process of reviewing their Master Plan. Mr. Courtien offered an invitation for a Board member to fill the seat being vacated by Sam Shufelt.  There is the possibility of an internship in his office for a Dover junior or senior who is interested in pursuing a career in government/leadership.  With regard to the proposed Cricket Valley project, both the DEC and Town of Dover would like to be named as lead agency. The decision is made by the DEC.

ITEMS MARKED WITH AN ASTERISK (*) WERE APPROVED BY CONSENT AGENDA.

III. ROUTINE MATTERS:

*A. ACCEPTANCE OF MINUTES: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the minutes of the Regular Board Meeting of December 8, 2009.

*B. ACCEPTANCE OF CASH DISBURSEMENT SCHEDULES: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the following Cash Disbursement Schedules: SN-75 through SN-93.

*C. ACCEPTANCE OF TREASURER’S REPORT: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the Treasurer’s Report for the month ending November 30, 2009.

IV. NEW BUSINESS:

A. INSTRUCTIONAL:

*1. RESOLUTION TO DIRECT COMPREHENSIVE MEDICAL EXAMINATION/ EVALUATION: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to adopt the following Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Superintendent is hereby authorized to direct a comprehensive medical examination and evaluation of Employee No. 2240, in accordance with the provisions of Section 913 of the Education Law, based upon a memorandum from the Superintendent to the Board, dated January 11, 2010; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby directs that Employee No. 2240 submit his medical records from the

past two years, if any, to the School Physician at or before such examination/evaluation.

*2. TENURE APPOINTMENT FOR KARA ACKEN, HIGH SCHOOL MATH TEACHER: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to approve the High School Math tenure appointment for Kara Acken, effective January 13, 2010.

*3. APPOINTMENT OF LAURA BRACKEN, 0NE-FIFTH TIME SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to approve the appointment of Laura Bracken as a one-fifth time Special Education Teacher at the Dover Middle/High School, effective October 19, 2009.

(continued) APPOINTMENT OF LAURA BRACKEN, 0NE-FIFTH TIME SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHER: (Continued)

Certification: New York State Certification Area: Special Education Effective Date of Cert.: Feb. 1, 1998 Tenure Area: Not applicable

Salary for the 2009/2010 school year will be at Level B, Step 1: $44,482.00, pro-rated. Benefits will be in accordance with the DWTA Contract. The probationary period is not applicable.

B. NON-INSTRUCTIONAL:

*1. RESIGNATION OF SALLY SMITH, CUSTODIAL WORKER: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the resignation of Sally Smith from the position of Custodial Worker, effective December 22, 2009.

C. OTHER BUSINESS:

*1. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept a donation of $617.14 from the Barnes and Noble Bookstore in Poughkeepsie to the Dover Elementary School Library.

*2. APPROVAL OF SCOPE OF MS/HS PORTION OF EXCEL PROJECT:

Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to approve the scope of the Middle/High School portion of the EXCEL project, as outlined in Attachment No. 10/2012. The lead engineer will be Morris Associates. Rennia Engineering Design will oversee the cafeteria portion of the project (and courtyard, if permissible).

*3. ACCEPTANCE OF FINAL BUILDING PROJECT REPORT AND APPROVAL TO TRANSFER FUNDS: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the Final Building Project Report for the Athletic Storage Building, as per Attachment No. 10/2013, and to approve transferring the remaining funds of $2,844.87 to the General Fund.

*4. APPROVAL OF RECOMMENDATIONS BY THE COMMITTEE ON SPECIAL EDUCATION: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to approve the following:

Upon the determination after review by the Dover District Committee on Special Education, and with parental notification and consent, the named students shall be placed in Special Education programs, as outlined in Attachment No. 10/2014.

Names of students are on file in Office of Special Education; however, in accordance with the provisions of the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act of 1976, as amended, the Dover UFSD maintains the confidentiality of pupil records.

*5. AUTHORIZATION TO SIGN “RACE TO THE TOP” MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING: Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to adopt the following Resolution:

BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the signing of the District’s “Race to the Top” Memorandum of Understanding (RTTT MOU), as submitted to the New York State Education Department.

*6. ACCEPTANCE OF DONATION:

Motion by Russell Infantino, second by Lisa Seifts, and carried unanimously, to accept the donation of a 57” projection television from Mrs. Maria O’Leary to the Wingdale Elementary School.

V. DISCUSSION ITEMS:

1. State Aid Status – Our state aid, although delayed, is expected to be received. Next year’s situation will most likely be more of a problem.

2. Fingerprint Fee – Dr. Onofry was asked to revisit the District’s fingerprint fee policy. After discussion with the Board, it was decided to leave it as is.

3. “Race to the Top” Memorandum of Understanding – The authorization approved by the Board at this meeting allows the District to be eligible for possible federal monies.

4. Building Use Inquiry – The J.H. Ketcham Fire Co. has asked permission to use the High School weight room on a weekly basis. The Board has no objections and says they should follow the same building use procedures as other outside groups.

5. School Resource Officer – The latest news is that the County will no longer be providing a School Resource Officer to our District free of charge. More information will follow regarding any alternative options.

VI. INFORMATION AND PROPOSALS:

A. COMMUNICATION: WRITTEN AND VERBAL:

1. Members of the Board.  The next meeting of the Dutchess County School Boards Association will take place in February.  Lisa said she liked the new look of our website.  BOCES is looking to fill the seat being vacated by Sam Shufelt and asked if another Board member would be interested.  Inquiry regarding what new efforts are being taken with drug abuse issues. Dr. Onofry responded that a survey was recently taken and that another drug-related assembly will take place soon.  Sincere condolences go out to the Ingoglia family on their recent tragic loss.  Inquiry regarding the new superintendent’s search. Dr. Onofry responded that Dr. Pennoyer will begin looking at applications after the deadline is up.  Local newspapers are not covering our sports teams. Dr. Onofry said he will check with Mr. Esposito to see if coaches are forwarding the information to the newspapers to publish.

 Kudos to DES Librarian Annie Davis for organizing the recent Book Fair.

2. Persons to address the Board of Education. None.

B. SCHOOL CALENDAR:

1. Regular Board of Education Meeting – Tuesday, Jan. 26th, 7:00 p.m., High School Library.

VII. ADJOURNMENT: Motion by Patricia Hoag, second by Gail Rohr, and carried unanimously, to adjourn the meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Gail Gasparro, District Clerk