BOARD OF EDUCATION WHITNEY POINT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT PO BOX 249 Whitney Point, NY 13862
Date: September 16, 2008
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. 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 7:03 PM
Present Absent
James DiMascio President X
Sara Benscoter Vice-President X
Stephanie Champney Member X
Kathleen Driscoll Member X
Mary Ellerson Member X
Tyler Hust Member X
Thomas Tasber Member X
Mary Hibbard Superintendent of Schools X
Laura Lindsley District Clerk X
Patricia Kuenecke Director of Curriculum and Instruction X
1 Others in attendance: Steve Burghardt, Terri Wood, Murphee Hayes, Jo-Ann Sexton, Tom Ellerson, Ethel Croop, Katelyn Stalter, Nate Sherman, Arin Bigelow, Stephen Lumsden, Dana Rafferty, Jo-Anne Knapp, Jessica Ticknor, Bruce Tytler, Jeff Isaacs, Megan Merritt, Joy Rupert, Dan Sweeney, Brian Aingworth, Evette Banks
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the Minutes from the Board meeting held on September 2, 2008.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Commendations
Mrs. Hibbard commended:
The district staff for all of their planning, hard work and cooperative spirit, which contributed to the very smooth opening of the 2008 – 2009 school year.
Mrs. Hibbard thanked all for a successful opening.
Cindi Ford, High School mathematics teacher for her participation in a meeting with NYS Educational Commissioner, Richard Mills.
Mrs. Hibbard and Mrs. Kuenecke stated that Ms. Ford was one of two people in the region selected to discuss the progress of the regional math objectives with the Commissioner.
Dianne Ross, Daniel Sweeney and Brenda Ames at the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy for their help to the Western Barker Landowner’s Coalition. Please see attached letter from K. Dale Roe.
Mrs. Hibbard also extended her thanks to those involved in helping the Coalition.
The Tioughnioga Riverside Academy staff for planning and conducting the opening ceremony for the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy on Friday, September 5, 2008.
Mrs. Hibbard stated the event was a very nice beginning for the Tioughnioga Riverside Academy.
The Facilities Committee for their hard work and dedication throughout the planning process of the Phase II Renovation Project.
Mrs. Hibbard asked the following names be added to the Board Minutes:
The Tioughnioga Riverside Academy for the successful Curriculum Night/Open House for grades 7 & 8 held on September 11, 2008.
Mrs. Hibbard stated the event was the beginning to the fall open houses.
Correspondence
Attached letter from Kim Downs, Whitney Point Preschool and Daycare.
Policies
None at this time
2 Comments from the Public
NONE
1. Old Business
a. Renovation Project
Mrs. Hibbard and Mrs. Lindsley provided updates on the current Phase I Renovation Project.
Mrs. Hibbard stated the list of items to complete in Phase 1 has been compiled and the work is underway. A public open house to see the new High School math/science wing is scheduled for October 8th.
The preparation of close out documents has begun for the Abatement and Sanitation projects.
The Board discussed the exciting and great tour of the wing after last meeting and extended their appreciation to all upon completion for opening the of school.
2. New Business
a. Presentation
Presentation from the Athletic Action Committee’s sub-committee regarding league affiliation.
Ms. Hayes presented on behalf of the sub-committee the information that will be shared with the IAC members on September 17, 2008 requesting that WPCSD be allowed to join the IAC league. Mr. Ballard, Terry Wood, Tom Ellerson shared perspectives as members. Ms. Hayes stated that Mr. Arseneau was unable to attend the Board meeting but will join the committee along with Mrs. Hibbard at tomorrow’s meeting. The Board and meeting attendees shared thoughts and suggestions for improvements to the presentation.
b. Resignations
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the resignation of Kelli Ellerson, School Bus monitor, effective September 1, 2008.
Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Stephanie Champney
6 Aye 0 Nay 1 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the resignation of Victoria L. March, School Bus Driver, effective September 2, 2008. Please see attached letter.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Sara Benscoter
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
3 b. Appointments
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval the appointment of Diane Murtaugh, English Language Arts teacher, with a two-year probationary period, effective September 1, 2008. Please see attached recommendation.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
Mrs. Hibbard clarified that Ms. Murtaugh has been with the district one (1) year.
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Ronald Flanders, school bus driver, effective September 17, 2008. Please see attached application.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Richard Boyce, school bus driver, effective September 17, 2008. Please see attached application.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Lisa Boyce, school bus driver, effective September 17, 2008. Please see attached application.
Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Sara Benscoter
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of Jessica Williamson, Department Grade Chair for K – 12 Music department, for the 2008 – 2009 school year.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Tyler Hust
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Jean Crowningshield, CEA cafeteria worker, effective September 15, 2008.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
4 Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Kathleen Gummoe, Tax Collector and Accounts Payable Clerk, effective November 17, 2008.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Tyler Hust
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
c. Custodians Memorandum of Understanding
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached Custodial Memorandum of Understanding.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
Mrs. Hibbard clarified that this memorandum adds to the contract in place.
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
d. June Treasurer’s Report
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the June Treasurer’s Report.
Moved by Sara Benscoter Seconded by Tyler Hust
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
e. Change Orders
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the following change orders:
GC - 97 Level existing floor prior to installation of new corridor wall $9,473.00 GC - 98 Cost to install abuse resistant gypsum wallboard in math rooms $2,000
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
e. Certification of Phase II Vote
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the certification of the Phase II Renovation project vote as follows:
Total Vote Casts 529 Yes 373 No 155 Void Votes 1
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Sara Benscoter
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
5 ADDENDA
Resignations
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the resignation of Jo-Anne Knapp, Tioughnioga Riverside Academy Music teacher, effective August 19, 2008.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the resignation of Jo-Ann Sexton, Tioughnioga Riverside Academy, Guidance Counselor, effective June 30, 2008.
Moved by Tyler Hust Seconded by Mary Ellerson
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Non-Resident Student
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of Cody Camp, Grade 12, to attend Whitney Point High School as a tuition-paying student. Please see attached information.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Sara Benscoter
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Appointments
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the appointment of Christine Ryder, Tioughnioga Riverside Academy, Music teacher. Please see attached recommendation.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Sara Benscoter
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
6 Comments from the Public
Steve Burghardt stated the IAC and district share in the mileage impact of WPCSD participating. Ms. Hayes clarified that mileage information is included.
A discussion of nominations for inductions to the Hall of Fame ensued. Ms. Hayes will bring paperwork for new nominations to the next meeting.
A request for volunteers was made to assist with the 28 modified field hockey players and one coach.
A discussion ensued regarding High School students not allowed in the building until 7:45 am for safety. It was clarified that two (2) staff that receive a stipend supervise until 8:00 am when teachers are required to report. Mrs. Hibbard and Mr. Tytler responded to concerns about students’ ability to report for extra help and going to lockers.
Brian Aingworth questioned JV programs with the IAC. Ms. Hayes stated many have established teams but some do not. A discussion ensued concerning the direction of the district in funding modified, JV, and varsity sports.
Executive Session: None needed at this time
FYI:
Please see attached article from the SUNY Cortland Alumni News, Summer 2008 edition regarding Leslie Schall White an alumni of Whitney Point. Leslie established field hockey as the first girls’ sport at Whitney Point Central School District in 1972.
October 8, 2008 Public Open House for the Math/Science wing at the High School.
Meeting Adjourned 8:42 PM
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
7 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained
Laura Lindsley District Clerk
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