MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GENEVA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

GENEVA HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY

101 CARTER ROAD

GENEVA, NEW YORK

 

February 11, 2008

         

 

          Members of the Board present:

 

                   Stanton Tepfer, Vice President

S. Ford Weiskittel

                   Norbert Amberg

D. Thomas Scherer

Erminia Colizzi Wooster

                   Josephine Guard

 

          Member excused:  Mitchell Wilber, President

 

          Others present:

 

                   Robert C. Young, Jr., Superintendent of Schools

                   Paul Darnall, Asst. Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction

                   Lauren Poehlman, Asst. Superintendent for Business Services

                   Various staff and community members

 

         

The meeting was called to order by Vice President Dr. Tepfer at 6:34 p.m.

 

          Superintendent Robert Young led all present in the salute to the flag.

 

Moved by Mr. Weiskittel, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the Board move into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations. 

Yes:          6

Absent:     1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

Vice President Tepfer declared the Board out of executive session at 7:40 p.m.

 

          Vice President Tepfer asked if anyone from the audience wished to address the Board at this time.  No one came forward and the public participation was closed at 7:42 p.m.

 

          Student liaisons Karina VanHouten and Andrienne Elkin updated the Board on activities at the Carter Road Complex which include the possibility of a senior trip (dinner cruise to the Thousand Islands), Festival of Nations to celebrate diversity in Geneva, ARC is hosting the HS dance, the winter pep rally, including tug of war and pie throwing contests, sports update and an American Math Contest.

 

          Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mrs. Wooster that the following extracurricular trips be approved:

1.  GHS Girls Varsity Softball Team to Grandstand Softball Classic Tournament, Myrtle Beach, SC, April 12 -20, 2008 with Coach Greg Notebaert.

2.  GHS Boy’s Varsity Baseball Team to Hawaiian Tropic Classic Baseball Tournament, Myrtle Beach, SC, April 11-19, 2008 with Coach Clark Mauchly.

3.  GMS for Mathalon to WFL BOCES, Newark, NY, June 3, 2008 with teachers Brenda Senack and Mike Briggs.

     4.  GMS 8th Grade (Teal Team) to Fort Ontario and Safe Haven Museum, Oswego, NY, May 29, 2008 with teachers K. Mastrangelo, K. Phillips, D. Beckers, A. Seeley, C. Blomgren, N. Clark, M. Briggs and J. Porschet.

      5.  GMS 8th Grade (Yellow Team) to Fort Ontario and Safe Haven Museum, Oswego, NY, May 30, 2008 with teachers B. Hudson, P. Holm, G. Enzinna, R. Osborne, M. Wagner and K. Heidrick.

 Yes:            6

 Absent:       1 (Mr. Wilber)

      Motion was carried.

 

Stu Einstein, Mayor of Geneva, introduced Dr. Joseph Marinelli, District Superintendent - WFL BOCES, who updated the Board on various programs that BOCES provide to students.  Sandy Keller, Victoria Utter, Laura VanNiel and Adrienne Elkin provided additional highlights of BOCES services.

 

Moved by Mr. Amberg, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the following policy recommendations be approved:

1.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7623 Additional Procedures for Identifying Students with Learning Disabilities

2.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7313 Suspension of Students

3.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7611 Children with Disabilities

4.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7612 Grouping by Similarity of Needs

5.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions Board Policy #7615 Least Restrictive Environment

6.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7620 Students with Disabilities Participating in School District Programs

7.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7640 Student Individualized Education Program (IEP):  Development and Provision

8.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7660 Parent Involvement for Children with Disabilities

9.  First reading, reaffirmation with major revisions of Board Policy #7670 Impartial Due Process Hearings/Selections of Impartial Hearing Officers

Yes:             6

Absent:        1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mr. Weiskittel that the minutes of the special meeting held on January 3, 2008, and the regular meeting held on January 14, 2008 be approved.

           Yes:            6

           Absent:       1 (Mr. Wilber)

           Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Amberg, seconded by Mr. Scherer that the following reports be accepted:

1.   Superintendent

2.   Assistant Supt. for Curriculum/Instruction

3.   Assistant Supt. for Business Services

4.   Director of Pupil Personnel Services

5.   Director of Technology

6.   Director of Athletics/Activities

7.   Director of Head Start

8.   Director of School Facilities and Operations

9.   Principals

     Following Board review of the Administrator Reports,    administrative staff is excused, with the exception of those who have a relationship to subsequent agenda items

10. Internal Claims Auditor

11. Treasurer’s Report for December 2007:

         .1  Cafeteria & Breakfast Program

         .2  Capital Fund

         .3  Federal Fund

         .4  General Fund

12. Fund Balance Projection (January –June)

13. Cash Flow Analysis

14. Acknowledgment of the arrangement and placement of

students as recommended by CSE and CPSE for meetings on

September 27, October 3, 8, 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 26, November          15, 16, December 6, 7, 19, 20, 2007

           Yes:             6

Absent:       1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

There was no correspondence received.

           

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the following textbooks be adopted:

1.  Geometry; Publisher – Amsco; for grades 9 – 12.

2.  Personal Financial Literacy; Publisher – Thomas South-Western; for grades 10 – 12.

 Yes:            6

Absent:        1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the 2008-2009 school calendar be adopted.

 

That the application for correction of school tax error for John and Beverly Fordon, tax map number 199.00-1-1-110, failure of assessor to act on an agricultural exemption, for the Town of Geneva, be approved.

Yes:              6

Absent:       1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Amberg, seconded by Mr. Weiskittel that the Board of Education accept, with genuine regret, the retirement requests of:

1.  Elizabeth A. Hudson,  English Teacher at Geneva Middle        School, effective June 30, 2008, after 30 years of service

2.  Janalee Weaver, Elementary Teacher at West Street School, effective June 30, 2008 after 24 years of service

3.  Carl Wenzel,  Business Education Teacher, Geneva High School, effective June 30, 2008, after 33 years of service

4.  Kathleen Henderson, English Teacher at Geneva High School, effective June 30, 2008, after 30 years of service.

5.  Barbara Haight, Physical Education Teacher at West Street   School, effective June 30, 2008, after 30 years of service.

The Board and Administrators extend to Elizabeth A. Hudson, Janalee Weaver, Carl Wenzel, Kathleen Henderson and Barbara Haight their deep appreciation for the years of faithful service rendered to this District and their best wishes for good health and happiness throughout their retirement years. The Board offers the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Elizabeth A. Hudson, Janalee Weaver, Carl Wenzel, Kathleen Henderson and Barbara Haight has served the children of the Geneva City School District with distinction for many years, and WHEREAS, throughout the years they have consistently discharged their duties in an outstanding and highly professional manner, giving unselfishly of their time and effort,

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Geneva City School District, County of Ontario, State of New York, accepts with deep regret the retirement requests of Elizabeth A. Hudson, Janalee Weaver, Carl Wenzel, Kathleen Henderson and Barbara Haight and records in the minutes of this meeting this expression of the Board’s deep appreciation of their devoted service, as well as its sensitivity to the loss from the staff of these trusted and valued employees,

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Clerk of the Board be and hereby is instructed to transmit to Elizabeth A. Hudson,

Janalee Weaver, Carl Wenzel, Kathleen Henderson and Barbara Haight a copy of this expression of the Board’s gratitude.

 

          That the following Co-curricular appointment, compensation per GTA Agreement be approved:

1.  Phil Johnson, Student Council Advisor, GHS.

2.  Steve Palumbo, Spring Musical Band Director, GHS.

 

That the following Department Chairperson, for the 2007-2008 school year, compensation per GTA Agreement be approved:

1.  Bethany Murphy, Health Department, 6-12.

 

That the following coaching appointments for the 2007-2008 Spring Sports season, compensation per sports matrix of the GTA Agreement be approved:

           1.  Clark Mauchly, Head Baseball Coach

           2.  Bill McDermott, JV Baseball

           3.  Shane Valliere, Modified Baseball

 4.  Jose Otero, Modified Baseball

           5.  Greg Notebaert, Head Softball Coach

 6.  Keisha Bree, JV Softball

 7.  Melinda Fay, Modified Softball

 8.  Rachel Falkey, Modified Softball

 9.  L.J. Russell, Head Boy’s Lacrosse

10. Scott Ditzell, Assistant Varsity Boy’s Lacrosse

11. Brian Travis, JV Boy’s Lacrosse

12. Chris Clemenson, Modified Boy’s Lacrosse

13. Dave Williams, Head Girl’s Lacrosse

14. Lauren Serrett, Assistant Varsity Girl’s Lacrosse

15. Kimberly Wager, JV Girl’s Lacrosse

16. Arlene Eddington, Modified Girl’s Lacrosse

17. John McCully, Head Boy’s Tennis

18. Mark Pitifer, Head Boy’s Track

19. Michael Cooper, Head Girl’s Track

20. Mark Sutter, Assistant Track

21. Matt Tumbelekis, Modified Track

22. Aaron Backhaus, Assistant Modified Track

 

That the Board of Education accept, with genuine regret, the retirement request of:

Barbara John, Teacher Aide, North Street School, 5.50 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 14, 2008 after 21 years and 4 months of service.

1.  The Board and administrators extend to Barbara John

            their deep appreciation for the years of faithful service rendered to this District and their best wishes for good health and

happiness throughout the retirement years.  The Board offers the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Barbara John has served the children of the Geneva City Schools with distinction for many years, and discharged her duties in an outstanding and highly professional manner, giving unselfishly of her time and efforts.

                 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE Board of Education of the Geneva City School District, accepts with deep regret the retirement request of Barbara John and records in the minutes of this meeting this expression of the Board’s deep appreciation of her devoted service, as well as its sensitivity to the loss from the staff of this trusted and valued employee,

                   BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the clerk of the board be and hereby instructed to transmit to Barbara John a copy of this expression of the Board’s gratitude.

 

That the following support staff leaves of absence be approved:

1. James Olschewske, Custodian, West Street School, 12 months, effective December 26, 2007 through February 13, 2008, due to medical reasons, this is an extension of the original leave.

2.  Deborah De Yulio, Custodian, Middle School, 12 months, effective December 3, 2007 through February 18, 2008, this is an extension of the original leave, workers compensation.

 

That termination of the following support staff probationary appointment be approved:

         1.  Bryan Wilson, School Bus Driver, District Central Services       Facility, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 25, 2008.

 

That the following support staff increase in hours be approved:

                  

                   1.  John Linsky, School Bus Driver, District Central Services Facility from 5.00 hours per day, 10 months to 5.50 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 29, 2008, due to students being added to the run.

                       2.  Betty Hilfiger, School Bus Driver, District Central Services Facility from 7.00 hours per day, 10 months to 7.70 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 29, 2008, due to students being added to the run.

                   3.  Alice Overstreet, School Bus Monitor, District Central Services Facility from 4.00 hours per day, 10 months to 4.25 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 29, 2008, due to students being added to the run.

 

That the following support staff probationary appointments be approved:

                   1.  Alysa Austin, Recreation Assistant, 21st Century Program, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, with a probationary period effective January 2, 2008 through January 1, 2009, at salary Line D, Step 1 of the CSEA contract, replacing Joshua Nolin who has accepted another position in the district.

                   2.  Emilee Massa, Recreation Assistant, 21st Century Program, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, with a probationary period effective January 10, 2008 through January 9, 2009 replacing Jennifer Van Buren who resigned.

                   3.  Andrew Williams, Electrician, District Central Services Facility, Maintenance Department, 8.00 hours per day, 12 months, with a probationary period effective January 25, 2008 through January 24, 2009.

 

That the superintendent’s recommendation to approve the following support staff probationary appointments be approved; these are conditional appointments pending approval by the NYS Education Department based on the fingerprinting process and conditional upon the contingent hiring process or emergency contingent process:

1.     Thelma Mateo, Food Service Helper I, Middle/High School, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, with a probationary period effective January 22, 2008 through January 21, 2009, at salary Line A, Step 1 of the CSEA contract, replacing Linda Burleson who resigned.

 

2.  Alan VerStraete, School Bus Monitor, District Central Services Facility, 4.50 hours per day, 10 months, with a probationary period effective January 28, 2008 through January 27, 2009, at salary Line D, Step 1 of the CSEA

contract, replacing Adrianne Reyes who has accepted another position in the district.

 

That the following support staff substitutes for 2007-08 be approved:

School Bus Driver

Bryan Wilson

School Bus Monitor

Sergio Lisboa

Joseph Hairfield

William Sinack

Deborah De Rosa

Recreation Assistant

Sean Noonan

Teacher Aide

David Ciancaglini

Nancy Vervoordeldonk

Roberta Fordon

Lifeguard

Roberta Fordon

Jon Presutti

Messenger

Anthony Kaim

 

That the following support staff substitutes for 2007-08 be approved; these are conditional appointments pending approval by the NYS Education Department based on the fingerprinting process and conditional upon the contingent hiring process or emergency contingent process:

School Bus Driver

Matthew Colvin

Roger Hartwell

School Monitor

Beth Dinkel

Joseph Ficcaglia

Typist

Beth Dinkel

Health Aide

Beth Dinkel

School Bus Monitor

Maria Peralta

Student Supervisor

Joseph Ficcaglia

 

That the following instructional substitutes for 2007 – 2008 be approved; pending approval of NYS Education Department based on fingerprinting process & conditional upon contingent hiring process or emergency contingent process:

                    Teachers

Justina Augustine

Nicole Carter

                      Kristen Cook

                      Bridget Fitzgerald

Paula Foote

Gerald Humiston

Jessica Lyons

Richard Norman

Kieran Parker

Nelson Perez

Jonathan Pitchford

Jon Presutti

Mark Rossiter

Adria Smith

Amanda Smith

Philipp Welser

 

          That the following permanent appointment be approved:

1.  Nellie Roberts, from Typist on Leave of Absence to permanent Administrative Aide, effective February 11, 2008.

           Yes:              6

          Absent:         1 (Mr. Wilber)

          Motion was carried.

 

 

Negotiations – Nothing to report as this time.

 

Legislation – Nothing to report at this time.

 

          There was no report on Head Start (Federal).

         

          Four County School Board Association – March 8, 2008, Legislative Breakfast

         

          Board of Education Self-Assessment – Next meeting will be on March 6, 2008, at the Administration Center, Conference Room A at 7:00 p.m.

Finance and Audit Committee Meeting – Next meeting will be on February 25, 2008, at the Administration Center, Conference Room A at 7:00 p.m.

 

  Negotiations Workshop – Next workshop will be held at the March 10, 2008, Board of Education Meeting, Geneva High School in the Library at 6:00 p.m.

 

  2008 Geneva High School Graduation – Graduation will be held on Friday, June 27, 2008.

                  

           Moved by Mr. Amberg, seconded by Mr. Weiskittel that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the chair at 9:41p.m.

           Yes:                      6

            Absent:        1 (Mr. Wilber)

            Motion was carried.

 

           Moved by Mrs. Guard, seconded by Mr. Scherer that the Board move into executive session for the purposes of discussing real estate negotiations, a student discipline matter and a personnel matter at 9:42p.m.

           Yes:             6

           Absent:        1 (Mr. Wilber)

           Motion was carried.

 

          Moved by Mr. Weiskittel, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the chair at 10:44p.m.

          Yes:              6

          Absent:         1 (Mr. Wilber)

Motion was carried.

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Glenda Doris Myers, Clerk

                                                Board of Education