MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING

OF THE BOARD OF EDUCATION

GENEVA CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT

 

GENEVA HIGH SCHOOL LIBRARY

101 CARTER ROAD

GENEVA, NEW YORK

 

March 10, 2008

         

 

          Members of the Board present:

 

                    Mitchell Wilber, President         

Stanton Tepfer, Vice President

S. Ford Weiskittel

                    Norbert Amberg

D. Thomas Scherer

Erminia Colizzi Wooster

                    Josephine Guard

 

          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 President Mitchell Wilber at 6:04 p.m.

 

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

 

Moved by Mr. Amberg, seconded by Mr. Scherer that the Board move into executive session for the purpose of discussing negotiations and tenure reviews for two employees. 

Yes:          7

No:           0

Motion was carried.

 

President Wilber declared the Board out of executive session at 7:33 p.m.

 

          President Wilber 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 7:34 p.m.

 

          Student liaisons Karina VanHouten and Adrienne Elkin reported on various activities at the Carter Road Complex such as spring sports which are now up and running, Hoops for Heart to benefit heart research, Jr. prom, Leadership Conference held at RIT (3/3/08), Fiddler on the Roof (3/28/08), Interact Club is sponsoring an auction, K. Dombrowski was Learner of the Month at Keuka College, Diversity Club is sponsoring “The Festival of Nations” celebration (3/14/08) at GHS and Mauve Keaton and Adam Murphy updated the Board on the various activities that will be held at the Festival such as food tasting, cultural artifacts, hair beading, face painting, flag making, calligraphy, Japanese fish painting, etc.  There is no cost for this event.   

 

          Superintendent Young thanked Karen Simon and all others for their efforts in making contributions to the community in collaboration with Otis Jennings through our social leadership commitment.

 

Dr. Paul Darnall, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum/Instruction, presented the NYS Report Card measuring test results from 2005-06 and 2006-07 in grades 3 – 8 and regents and advance placement data.  Overall, preliminary data indicates student achievement continues.  The district is continuing in its corrective action plan.  Cheri Hitchcock and Kelly Pielow were also present to share information on data analysis and answer questions.

 

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mr. Weiskittel that the following policy recommendations be approved:

1.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7623 Additional Procedures for Identifying Students with Learning Disabilities

2.  Second reading adoption of Board Policy #7313 Suspension of Students

3.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7611 Children with Disabilities

4.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7612 Grouping by Similarity of Needs

5.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7615 Least Restrictive Environment

6.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7620 Students with Disabilities Participating in School District Programs

7.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7640 Student Individualized Education Program (IEP):  Development and Provision

8.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7660 Parent Involvement for Children with Disabilities

9.  Second reading and adoption of Board Policy #7670 Impartial Due Process Hearings/Selections of Impartial Hearing Officers

10. Second reading, major affirmations and adoption of Board Policy #7421 Athletic Code of Conduct

11. Reaffirmation with minor changes and adoption of Board Policy #6550 Leaves of Absence

12. Reaffirmation with minor changes and adoption of Board Policy #7121 Diagnostic Screening of Students

13. Reaffirmation with minor changes and adoption of Board Policy #7614 Preschool Special Education Program

Yes:             7

No:               0

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Weiskittel, seconded by Dr. Tepfer that the minutes of the Regular Meeting held on February 11, 2008, and the Special Meeting held on February 19, 2008 be approved.

           Yes:             7

           No:              0

           Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mr. Amberg 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 January 2008:

         .1  Cafeteria & Breakfast Program

         .2  Capital Fund

         .3  Federal Fund

         .4  General Fund

12. Fund Balance Projection (January –June)

13. Cash Flow Analysis

14. Acknowledgement of the arrangement and placement of

students as recommended by CSE and CPSE for meetings on

      January 2, 4, 8, 10, 17, 18, 23, 24, 29, 30, 31, February 12, 13, 14, 15, 2008

                Yes:            7

No:             0

      Motion was carried.

 

There was no correspondence received.

           

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the following new courses be approved:

     1.  Enriched Math, Grade 6, GMS

     2.  Reading in the Content Areas, Grades 7 – 8, GMS

     Yes:          7

No:           0

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Weiskittel, seconded by Dr. Tepfer that the

contract agreement between Geneva City School District and Janet Chalker, Budget Vote Consultant, to provide consultant services, effective February 20, 2008 through June 30, 2008, at a cost of $20/per hour, not to exceed $300.00 be approved.

 

That contract agreement between Geneva City School District and Barbara Heinzman, Staff Developer, to provide services for staff development and coaching services for staff, effective January 1, 2008 through December 30, 2008, at a cost of $275/per day, not to exceed $30,000, grant funded be approved.

Yes:            7

Absent:       0

Motion was carried.

 

Moved by Mr. Scherer, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the Board of Education accepts, with genuine regret, the retirement request of:

1.  Joseph DeMeis, Elementary Principal at West Street

     School, effective July 7, 2008 after 31 years of service.

The Board and Administrators extend to Joseph DeMeis their deep appreciation for the years of faithful service rendered to this District and their best wishes for good health and happiness throughout his retirement years. The Board offers the following resolution:

WHEREAS, Joseph DeMeis, has served the children of the Geneva City School District with distinction for many years, and WHEREAS, throughout the years he has consistently discharged his duties in an outstanding and highly professional manner, giving unselfishly of his 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 request of Joseph DeMeis, and records in the minutes of this meeting the expression of the Board’s deep appreciation of his 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 is instructed to transmit to Joseph DeMeis a copy of this expression of the Board’s gratitude.

 

That the following instructional staff resignation be approved:

1.  Karen Heidrick, Special Education Teacher, Geneva Middle School, effective June 30, 2008, due to personal reasons.

 

That the following instructional leave of absences be approved:

 

1.  Lisa Gage, English teacher, Geneva High School, effective September 26, 2007 through January 21, 2008, due to medical reasons

2.  Jennifer Zeigler, Reading Teacher, Geneva High School, effective December 14, 2007 through February 25, 2008, due to child rearing

3.  Jamie Wagner, Elementary Teacher, North Street School, effective January 3, 2008 through February 13, 2008, due to child rearing

4.  Jennifer Strojny, Special Education Teacher, North Street School, effective March 12, 2008 through August 31, 2008, due to child rearing

5.  Melissa Butler, English Teacher, Geneva High School, effective February 12, 2008 through February 28, 2008, due to child rearing

 

That the following instructional tenure recommendation be approved:

1.  Tricia Budgar, English Teacher, Geneva High School.

 

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

1.  Melissa Butler, English Department, 9-12.

 

That the following Co-curricular appointments, compensation per GTA Agreement:

1.  Bruce Purdy, Assistant Director, Spring Musical, GHS

2.  Cara Bishop, Spring Musical Choreographer, GHS

 

That the following Coaching Volunteers for the 2008 Spring Sports season be approved:

1.  Boy’s Lacrosse – Mark Love, Ethan Poole, Jeff Dunham

2.  Girl’s Track – Tom Myers, Aliceann Wilber, Mickey Donnelly

3.  Softball – Tina Notebaert

 

That the following staff resignation be approved:

1.  Joan Santiago-Cedeno, Teaching Assistant, Geneva High School, effective February 29, 2008, due to personal reasons.  

 

That the following staff tenure recommendation, effective February 14, 2008, be approved:

1.  Silmarie Reyes, Teaching Assistant, Geneva Middle School.

 

That the following support staff resignations be approved:

1.  Megan Cranston, Recreation Assistant, 21st Century Program, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, effective January 30, 2008, due to moving out of state

2.  James Olschewske, Custodian, West Street School, 8.00 hours per day, 12 months, effective February 12, 2008 due to medical reasons

3.  Vanessa Phillips, Recreation Assistant, 21st Century Program, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, effective February 20, 2008, due to personal reasons

 

That the following support staff leave of absence be approved:

1.  Deborah De Yulio, Custodian, Middle School, 12 months, effective February 18, 2008 through March 17, 2008, this is an extension of the original leave, workers compensation   

 

That the following support staff permanent appointment be approved:

1.  Donna McGinley, Administrative Aide, PPSE/CSE Office,                  effective March 10, 2008

 

That the following support staff probationary appointment be approved:

1.  Maureen Augustine, Recreation Assistant, 21st Century Program, 3.50 hours per day, 10 months, with a probationary period effective February 25, 2008 through February 24, 2009, at salary Line D, Step 1 of the CSEA contract, replacing Patrick Mc Burnie who accepted another position in the district

 

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

Photocopy Machine Operator

Helen Sue Taylor

 

That the following support staff substitutes for 2007-08;

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 Monitor

Lydia Wright

School Bus Monitor

Lydia Wright

Library Aide

Lydia Wright

Recreation Assistant

Lydia Wright

Health Aide

Lydia Wright

Teacher Aide

Lydia Wright

Deidre Thomas

Maureen Rice

 

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:

Sub-Teacher

Clare Morgan

Jonathan Prater

 

That the following instructional substitutes for 2007– 2008 school year be approved:

Sub-Teacher

Jack Bonnell

Ryan Clemenson

Yes:           7

No:            0

Motion was carried.

              

    There was no report on negotiations.

 

     The Superintendent will send the Board members a copy of the Governor’s Proposed 2008-09 State Budget for Education.  Superintendent Young, Dr. Darnall, Mr. Amberg and Mr. Scherer attended the Legislative Breakfast on March 8, 2008.  An overview of the C4E Plan was reviewed.

 

     There was no report from Head Start (Federal).

 

     Mr. Scherer reported there will be a Seminar for Prospective School Board Members on April 5, 2008; General Membership Meeting on April 23, 2008.  Dr. Tepfer and Mrs. Colizzi-Wooster will attend the Fiscal Training scheduled on April 26, 2008.

 

     There was no report on IDA.

 

       That the following resolution relating to the annual meeting to be held on May 20, 2008 for the purpose of electing one School Board Member to a term of five years each, commencing on

       July 1, 2008 and ending June 30, 2013; and to vote on the 2008-2009 school budget:

       RESOLVED:  That May 8, 2008 be designated as registration day,

       with the registration to be held from 12:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at the

       offices of the Board of Education, 649 South Exchange Street,

       Geneva, N.Y.  (This meets a requirement of Section 2606 of the

       Education law.  It applies only to the school election.  Any qualified

       person can vote in all elections, including school elections, by

       registering by mail or in person with the appropriate county election

       board.  In order to vote on May 20, 2008, a person can register on

       any day, including May 20, 2008, with the county election board.)

           RESOLVED:  That the following polling place shall be open from

           12:00 Noon to 9:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 20, 2008:

           Geneva High School, 101 Carter Road, Geneva, New York;

           RESOLVED:  That the use of four voting machines will be

           authorized;

           RESOLVED:  That the following persons be appointed as inspectors of election:

           Sybil Amico, 137 Slosson Lane

           Marie Schmidt, 20 Columbia Street

           Oneil DeJohn, 10 Linwood Avenue

                     Gloria Ciancaglini, 62 Sprucewood Drive

           Salvano Ciancaglini, 62 Sprucewood Drive

           Josephine Prater, 29 Center Street

           Joanne Mattice, 30 Maple Street

           Rose Marie Sollenne, 16 Atwood Avenue

           Elsie Trochesset, 87 Lewis Street

           Ruth VanKoughnet, 40 Geneva Street

           FURTHER RESOLVED:  That the school district clerk be      authorized to appoint substitute inspectors and assistant clerks for any appointee unable to serve.  Nominating petitions for School Board Member with at least 100 signatures are due in the clerk’s office, 649 South Exchange Street, by 4:30 p.m. on April 30, 2008, last day to file petitions, be approved.

         

          That the nomination of the following individual to serve as a Board member of the Wayne-Finger Lakes Board of Cooperative Education Services Board, effective July 1, 2008, for a three-year term, ending June 30, 2011, be approved:

          1.  Stuart Einstein

          Yes:          7

           No:           0

          Motion was carried.

    

          Moved by Dr. Tepfer, seconded by Mrs. Guard that the Board move into executive session for the purposes of discussing compensation of an employee, discussing litigation, discussing a disciplinary matter of a particular employee, discussing litigation concerning a particular employee and discussing the acquisition of a particular parcel of real property at 10:10 p.m.

          Yes:         7

          No:           0

          Motion was carried.

 

          Mr. Wilber declared the Board out of executive session at 11:14 p.m.

 

          Moved by Dr. Tepfer, seconded by Mr. Weiskittel that the meeting be adjourned to the call of the chair at 11:15 p.m.

          Yes:          7

          No:            0

         

          Motion was carried.

 

                                                                      Respectfully submitted,

 

                                                                     

                                                                      Glenda Doris Myers, Clerk

                                                                      Board of Education