WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL
Board of Education Minutes
July 12, 2007
Reorganization Meeting
Windham School
Presiding Officer A.J.Savasta President
Members Present: Teri Martin William Haltermann A.J. Savasta Drew Shuster
Absent: Jacqueline Maier
Others Present:Mag Scarey
John Wiktorko, Superintendent of Schools
Felicia A. Senigo, Clerk of the Board
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The Board Clerk, Felicia Senigo, called the meeting to order at 7:36 PM and led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Ms. Senigo administered the Oath of Office to the newly elected Board Member, A. J. Savasta.
On motion by Teri Martin, A. J. Savasta was nominated for President of the Board of Education for the 2007-2008 school year, and there being no other nominations, Drew Shuster moved and William Haltermann seconded the motion.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
On motion by Drew Shuster, William Haltermann was nominated for Vice President of the Board of Education for the 2007-2008 school year, and there being no other nominations, Drew Shuster moved and A. J. Savasta seconded the motion
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
The Board Clerk, Ms. Senigo, administered the Oath of Office to elected officers.
Mr. Savasta, elected President of the Board of Education, took the chair and thanked Teri Martin for her years of dedicated service as president.
On motion by Teri Martin, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried unanimously, the following Officers were appointed for the 2005-2006 school year:
School District Clerk-Felicia Senigo
School District Treasurer –Marjorie Curran
Deputy Treasurer –John Wiktorko
School District Tax Collector- Barbara Mead
Mr. Savasta administered the Oath of Office to Felicia Senigo, the District Clerk, with Ms. Senigo administering the Oath of Office to Marjorie Curran and John Wiktorko both as Superintendent of Schools and Deputy Treasurer. The Oath of Office will be administered to Barbara Mead within two weeks.
On motion by Teri Martin, seconded by Drew Shuster and carried by those present the following appointments were made for the 2007-08 school year:
School Physician-Dr. Jacqueline Maier; Alternate-Teri Martin
School Attorney-Ferrara, Fiorenza Larrison Barrett & Reitz, P.C. (BOCES Attorney)
School Census Taker- Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Central Treasurer of Extra-Curricular Activity Fund-Melissa Schlobohm
Comptroller for Extra-Curricular Activity Fund- Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Attendance Officer- Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Auditor of School Accounts-Alexander Varga, CPA of Catskill
Internal Claims Auditor-Christine Thorington
Assistant Internal Claims Auditor – Peggy Tompkins
Internal Auditor – Sichler Torchia Churchill, Hudson, New York
Payroll Clerk-Marjorie Curran
Complaint Officer- Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Records Access Officer-Felicia Senigo
Records Management Officer- Emily Morse
LEA Asbestos Designee/Chemical Hygiene Officer-Bruce Pallas
District Civil Service Appointment Officer-Marjorie Curran
Capital Assets Preservation Program Coordinator-Bruce Pallas
504/ADA Officer-Janna Morrison
Board of Registration-Margaret Tompkins, Roberta Vining, Patricia Charbonneau, and Joanne Conlin; alternates, Denise Woodbeck, Cathy Euchler and up to 3 representatives from the Greene County Board of Election as deemed necessary by the Board of Education.
Board member to serve on Executive Committee of the Greene County School Boards Association-A. J. Savasta
Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth-Janna Morrison
Educational Official to receive court notification regarding a student’s sentence/adjudication in certain criminal cases and juvenile delinquency proceedings-John Wiktorko
On motion by Teri Martin, seconded by William Haltermann and carried by those present the following designations were made for the 2007-08 school year:
Official Bank Depositories as listed within the District Investment Policy: Key Bank, First Niagara, CLASS, The Bank of Greene County, JP Morgan Chase, Fleet Bank (Bank America), and Trustco Bank
BOE Regular Meeting Dates-2nd Thursday of every month with the Regular May meeting being set as the 1st Thursday after the Annual Meeting Budget vote.
Newspapers-Windham Journal and The Daily Mail
Bus Drivers and Sub Drivers Physicals – No later than August 31, 2007
Radio-WRIP; TV and Radio-School Closing Network
Mileage reimbursement at the current rate as established by the IRS
On motion by Drew Shuster, seconded by Teri Martin and carried by those present the following other additions were made for the 2007-08 school year:
Chief School Officer to Certify Payrolls-John Wiktorko
Deputy Signer for Certification of Payroll- Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
School Purchasing Agent- John Wiktorko
Authorized Signature on Checks for Funds-Marjorie Curran
Deputy Authorized Signature on Checks for Funds-John Wiktorko
Authorized Signatures on Checks for Extra-classroom Activity Funds-Melissa Schlobohm and Dr. John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Authorized to Approve Budget Transfers up to $1,000-John Wiktorko
Authorization of Petty Cash Fund in the amount of $100-Felicia Senigo
Authorized to apply for Grants in Aid (State and Federal)-John Wiktorko
Superintendent to approve attendance of staff to conferences-John Wiktorko
Board authorizes the payment in advance of audit of claims for public utility services (including electric, gas, water, sewer and the telephone/cell services), postage and freight, and express charges, with all such claims being presented at the next regular Board meeting for audit, and the claimant and the officer incurring or approving the claim jointly and severally liable for any amount not allowed by the School Board (General Municipal Law §1774(3), 2524(2))
On motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster and carried by those present the following designations were made for the 2007-08 school year:
:
Adoption of all Board Policies that are in place as of this date
Approval of all Committees that are in place as of this date including Audit Finance Committee (William Haltermann, A. J. Savasta, Katherine Murray, Barbara Neumeister), Board Capital Project Committee (A. J. Savasta, Drew Shuster, John Wiktorko, Construction Manager), Board Academic Committee (William Haltermann, Teri Martin, Dr. John Gratto, Paige Shephard, Bridget Pelham, Michelle Beaumont, Jennifer Stokes, Donna LeRoy, Ann Rode), District Health & Safety Committee (John Wiktorko, Bruce Pallas, Marjorie Curran, Representative of the WAJ Teacher’s Assn., Representative of the WAJ Non-Instructional Support Assn., Construction Manager).
Acceptance of existing Substitute Lists for teachers/tutors, teacher assistants, aides, bus drivers, bus aides and nurses
Approval of list of Impartial Hearing Officers as provided by the State Education Department
Title IX Compliance Officer – John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Adoption of GASB 34 accounting practices threshold to be set at $1,000.00 for depreciation.
CSE Committee:
The parent(s) or persons in parental relationship to the student.
The regular education teacher of the student, whenever the student is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
A special education teacher of the student, or a special education provider, if appropriate.
The school psychologist – Janna Morrison
The CSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; Alternate CSE Chairperson-Nicole Blais
An additional parent member of a student with a disability residing in the school district or a neighboring school district, provided that such parent is not a required member if the parents of the student request that the additional parent member not participate in the meeting.
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the student, including related services personnel as appropriate, as the school district or the parent(s) shall designate.
If appropriate, the student
Special Education Teachers-Helen McDonald, Joanne Landi, John Hillis, Sherry Baron and Bridget Pelham.
School Physician-Dr. Jacqueline Maier
Parent Representatives-Karen Moore, Ruth Christman, Susan Valentine, Sabine Starr, and Cynthia Telles
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE):
Parents of the preschool child.
A regular education teacher of the child whenever the child is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
A special education teacher of the child or, if appropriate, a special education provider of the child.
The CPSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; alternate Nicole Blais
An additional parent member of a child with a disability residing in the school district or a neighboring school district and whose child is enrolled in a preschool or elementary level education program, provided that such parent is not a required member if the parent(s) of the child request that the additional parent member not participate-Susan Valentine and Cynthia Telles.
Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate that the school district designates.
For a child in transition from early intervention programs and services, the appropriate professional designated by the agency that has been charged with the responsibility for the preschool child.
A representative of the municipality of the preschool child’s residence, provided that the attendance of the appointee of the municipality shall not be required for a quorum. (Eileen Beare, Municipal Representative).
Sub-Committee on Special Education:
The parent(s) of the student.
One regular education teacher of the student whenever the student is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
The student’s special education teacher or, if appropriate, special education provider of the student.
The CSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; alternate Nicole Blais.
Persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the student, including related services personnel as appropriate.
The student, if appropriate.
CSE/CPSE Surrogate Parents- Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pelham.
The Board began the regular monthly meeting at this point.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the Minutes of the June 4, 2007 special meeting on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the Minutes of the June 14, 2007 regular meeting on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the Minutes of the June 26, 2007 special meeting on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Audit Finance Committee and the Superintendent, the Board approves the Bill Schedule for June 2007 as presented on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
Approval of Superintendent Transfers for June 2007 on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
A Thank You Note from retired Teacher’s Assistant, Elaine Mattice, was read.
There were no public comments.
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint, Sheila DeLong as a temporary Teaching Assistant for a special needs student for the 2007-08 school year effective September 5, 2007 and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that she be paid on Step 8 as per the current WAJ Support Staff Contract on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint, Sharon Quinn as a long-term, 0.5 basis Elementary Art substitute for the 2007-08 school year effective September 5, 2007 and be it FURTHER RESOLVED that she will be paid on Step 10 as per the current WAJ Teachers’ Association Contract on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board designates Dolores Bushemi, Christine Thorington or Emily Morse to carry out the required duties of the District Clerk when necessitated by the unavoidable absence or incapacitation of the District Clerk during the 2007-08 school year on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves adding Dolores Bushemi to the list of secretarial substitutes on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves a contract with Chartwells Dining Services for July 6, 2007 through June 30, 2008 as presented under separate cover and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the basic student breakfast meal price is set at $1.289 by FMSC and $0.90 set by WAJCSD and the basic student lunch meal price is set at $2.112 by FMSC and $1.45 set by WAJCS for the 2007-2008 school year and insertion of a 21 day menu instead of a 15 day menu on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by William Haltermann. A long discussion ensued regarding the pros and cons of this particular vendor.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No Shuster Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the awarded DCMO BOCES bid from Mirabito Fuel Group to deliver the following products for the period July 1, 2007 through June 30, 2008: Lot 1D, Kerosene, Fixed, TW at $2.9627 (used for Diesel 60/40 blend); Lot 3D, #2 Fuel Oil, fixed, TW at $2.6315; and Lot 4D, Diesel, Ultra Low Sulfur fixed, TW at $2.8227 on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by William Haltermann.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, by the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District, that the authority of the Board of Education pursuant to Real Property Tax Law Section 556 with respect to refunds and credits of real property taxes paid in the case of clerical error, unlawful entry, or error in essential fact, is hereby delegated to the treasurer, upon audit by the internal claims auditor, where the recommended refund or credit is $2,500 or less: and be it Further resolved, that applications for refund of taxes based upon a change in assessment by final order of a court in any tax certiorari proceeding, pursuant to §726 of the Real Property Tax Law, is delegated to the treasurer upon audit by the internal auditor, in an amount not to exceed $2,500 and be it Further resolved, the treasurer shall report monthly to the Board any and all refunds made during the prior month; and be it Further resolved that this Resolution shall take effect immediately and remain in effect during this calendar year, and shall be submitted to the Board in January annually for consideration of renewal.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
Whereas, The Cooperative Purchasing Service is a plan of a number of public school districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES Area in New York, to bid jointly equipment, supplies and contract items, and
Whereas, The Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District is desirous of participating with other districts in the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES in the joint bidding of the items mentioned above as authorized by General Municipal Law Section 119-0, and
Whereas, The Windham-Ashland-Jewett School District wishes to appoint the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to advertise for bid, accept, tabulate bids and award bids on their behalf; therefore;
Be it resolved, that the Board hereby appoints the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters relating above, and designates the Evening Sun Newspaper as the legal publication for all Cooperative Purchasing bid notifications, and,
Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District authorizes the Delaware-Chenango-Madison-Otsego BOCES to represent it in all matters leading up to the entering into a contract for the purchase of the above mentioned commodities, and,
Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District listed below agrees to (1) assume its equitable share of the costs of the Cooperative Bidding; (2) abide by majority decisions of the participating districts; (3) abide by the award of the BOCES Board; (4) and that after the award of the bid it will conduct all negotiations directly with the successful bidder(s) on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Martin, Savasta and Shuster Absent: Jacqueline. Maier
No 0 Motion Carried
The Assistant Superintendent gave his report as follows:
The Academic Committee has had its first meeting
The Attendance Comparison was given from June 2006 to June 2007. Attendance has improved.
The ELA test results were discussed
The Regent’s test results were discussed
Teri Martin stated that she would like to see more teachers on the Academic Committee.
The Board agreed that they want to see better test results in the future.
The Superintendent gave his reports as follows:
Asked the Board for suggested dates for the retreat
ONC BOCES is looking for another board member
WAJ is allowing ONC BOCES to use our vehicle for Divers Ed this summer. WAJ will be reimbursed for expenses by HTC
The water connection to the Town of Windham has been resolved after a few meetings with town officials
Mr. Wiktorko provided a detailed project update. The project is on time and on budget
The Capital Project Committee had its first meeting and will continue to meet once a week to address minor dust issues in those areas
Resolved, that the Board go into Executive Session at 8:58 PM to discuss two individuals leading to the possible appointment of employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of these persons on motion by Drew Shuster, seconded by William Haltermann and carried by those present.
The items discussed during the Executive Session will be made public as appropriate at future meetings of the Board of Education.
The Board reconvened into regular session at 9:55 PM on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.
With no further business to conduct, the meeting was adjourned at 9:56 PM on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.
Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board
John Wiktorko, Clerk ProTem