WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL
Board of Education Minutes
July 13, 2006 Reorganization Meeting
Members Present:
Teri Martin
Jacqueline Maier
William Haltermann
A.J. Savasta
Drew Shuster
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 7:29 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, Teri Martin.
On motion by A. J. Savasta, Teri Martin was nominated for President of the Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year, and there being no other nominations, A. J. Savasta moved and Jacqueline Maier seconded that Teri Martin be elected as President of the Board of Education.
Yes Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 0 Motion Carried
Abstained: Haltermann
On motion by Jacqueline Maier, A. J. Savasta was nominated for Vice President of the Board of Education for the 2006-2007 school year, and there being no other nominations, Jacqueline Maier moved and Drew Shuster seconded that A. J. Savasta be elected as Vice President of the Board of Education.
Yes Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 0 Motion Carried
Abstained Haltermann
The Board Clerk, Ms. Senigo, administered the Oath of Office to elected officers.
Ms. Martin, elected President of the Board of Education, took the chair.
On motion by A. J. Savasta, seconded by Jacqueline Maier, 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
Teri Martin administered the Oath of Office to Felicia Senigo, the new District Clerk, with Mrs. 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 Jacqueline Maier, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried unanimously, the following Appointments were approved for the 2006-2007 school year:
a. School Physician-Dr. Jacqueline Maier; Alternate-Teri Martin
b. School Attorney-Ferrara, Fiorenza Larrison Barrett & Reitz, P.C. (BOCES Attorney)
c. School Census Taker- Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
d. Central Treasurer of Extra-Curricular Activity Fund-Melissa Schlobohm
e. Comptroller for Extra-Curricular Activity Fund- Assistant Superintendent
f. Attendance Officer- Assistant Superintendent
g. Auditor of School Accounts-Alexander Varga, CPA of Catskill
h. Internal Auditor-Christine Thorington
i. Payroll Clerk-Marjorie Curran
j. Complaint Officer-John Wiktorko
k. Records Access Officer-Felicia Senigo
l. Records Management Officer- Emily Morse
m. LEA Asbestos Designee-Bruce Pallas
n. District Civil Service Appointment Officer-Marjorie Curran
o. Capital Assets Preservation Program Coordinator-Bruce Pallas
p. 504/ADA Officer-Janna Morrison
q. 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.
r. Board member to serve on Executive Committee of the Greene County School Boards Association-A. J. Savasta
s. Liaison for Homeless Children and Youth-Janna Morrison
t. 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 A. J. Savasta, seconded by Jacqueline Maier and carried unanimously the following Designations were approved:
a. 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
b. 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; additionally the April regular BOE meeting is set for April 19, 2007
c. Newspapers-Windham Journal and The Daily Mail
d. Bus Drivers and Sub Drivers Physicals – No later than August 31, 2006
e. Radio-WRIP; TV and Radio-School Closing Network
f. Mileage reimbursement at the current rate as established by the IRS
On motion by Drew Shuster seconded by A. J. Savasta and carried unanimously the following Authorizations were approved:
a. Chief School Officer to Certify Payrolls-John Wiktorko
b. Deputy Signer for Certification of Payroll- Assistant Superintendent
c. School Purchasing Agent- John Wiktorko
d. Authorized Signature on Checks for Funds-Marjorie Curran
e. Deputy Authorized Signature on Checks for Funds-John Wiktorko
f. Authorized Signatures on Checks for Extra-classroom Activity Funds-Melissa Schlobohm and Assistant Superintendent
g. Authorized to Approve Budget Transfers up to $1,000-John Wiktorko
h. Authorization of Petty Cash Fund in the amount of $100-Felicia Senigo
i. Authorized to apply for Grants in Aid (State and Federal)-John Wiktorko
j. Superintendent to approve attendance of staff to conferences-John Wiktorko
k. 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 A. J. Savasta seconded by Jacqueline Maier and carried unanimously the following Additions were approved:
a. Adoption of all Board Policies that are in place as of this date
b. 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), District Wellness Committee (Drew Shuster, Dr. Jacqueline Maier, John Wiktorko, Bunny Tompkins, Bridget Pelham, Diana Potter, Jay Laveroni, Jean Stremlo and Natasha Shuster)
c. Acceptance of existing Substitute Lists for teachers, teacher assistants, aides, bus drivers, bus aides, tutors and nurses
d. Approval of list of Impartial Hearing Officers as provided by the State Education Department
e. Adoption of GASB 34 accounting practices threshold to be set at $1,000.00 for depreciation.
f. CSE Committee:
(1) The parent(s) or persons in parental relationship to the student.
(2) The regular education teacher of the student, whenever the student is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
(3) A special education teacher of the student, or a special education provider, if appropriate.
(4) The school psychologist – Janna Morrison
(5) The CSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; Alternate CSE Chairperson-Nicole Blais
(6) 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.
(7) 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.
(8) If appropriate, the student
(9) Special Education Teachers-Helen McDonald, Joanne Landi, John Hillis, Sherry Baron and Bridget Pelham.
(10) School Physician-Dr. Jacqueline Maier
(11) Parent Representatives-Karen Moore, Ruth Christman, Susan Valentine, Sabine Starr, and Cynthia Telles
Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE):
(1) Parents of the preschool child.
(2) A regular education teacher of the child whenever the child is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
(3) A special education teacher of the child or, if appropriate, a special education provider of the child.
(4) The CPSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; alternate Nicole Blais
(5) 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.
(6) Other persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the child, including related services personnel as appropriate that the school district designates.
(7) 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.
(8) 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:
(1) The parent(s) of the student.
(2) One regular education teacher of the student whenever the student is or may be participating in the regular education environment.
(3) The student’s special education teacher or, if appropriate, special education provider of the student.
(4) The CSE Chairperson-Janna Morrison; alternate Nicole Blais.
(5) Persons having knowledge or special expertise regarding the student, including related services personnel as appropriate.
(6) The student, if appropriate.
b. CSE/CPSE Surrogate Parents- Mr. and Mrs. Richard Pelham.
The Board continued with regular business at this time.
The Minutes of Regular Meeting June 08, 2006 were read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta, Shuster
No 0 Motion Carried
The Minutes of Special Meeting June 22, 2006 were read, amended to include the dollar amount of the bond and approved on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta, Shuster
No Motion Carried
The Treasurer’s Report for May 2006 was read and approved on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta, Shuster
No Motion Carried
The Bill Schedules for June and July 2006 were read and approved on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
The Superintendent Transfers for June 2006 were read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
The Annual Financial Statement on Extra Classroom Activity Fund from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006 were approved on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
Ms. Martin read the rules and then called for Public Comments of which there were none.
RESOLVED that the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Education Law and part 303 of the Rule of the Board of Regents and upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby renew the appointment of Richard Jackson to the position of teacher in the Mathematics 7-12 tenure area for an interim period to commence on September 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that he will be paid on Step 13 of the current WAJ Teachers Association contract on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, that the Board hereby appoints Christine Thorington to the position of school administrative secretary effective July 17, 2006, at an annual salary of $29,200, pending her successful completion of the required Civil Service test or successful transfer of the required Civil Service classification; and that Ms. Thorington be credited with five sick days effective July 17, 2006, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this appointment is made on an emergency basis pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner of Education on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints the following individuals to the pool of staff members for the 2006 Summer School Program with negotiated hourly rates set per appropriate contractual agreements for the number of days and hours of operation as determined by the Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent upon review of program needs.
Elementary Teacher Jennifer Stokes
High School Teachers Joanne Daly, Melissa Schlobohm
on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
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 2006-07 school year effective September 6, 2006 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that she be paid on Step 7 as per the current WAJ Support Staff Contract on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 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 2006-07 school year effective September 6, 2006 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that she will be paid on Step 9 as per the current WAJ Teachers’ Association Contract on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, that the Board approve the recommendation from the Committee on Special Education for student #’s: 305, 575P, 575, 679, 742 on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by William Haltermann.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
The Board of Education officially endorses the provisions for borrowing held within the Official Statement for new issuance of a Bond Anticipation Note, dated June 28, 2007, as presented under separate cover on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 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 A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves a contract extension with Chartwells Dining Services for July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2007 as presented under separate cover and, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the basic student breakfast meal price is set at $0.90 and the basic student lunch meal price is set at $1.45 for the 2006-2007school year on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, old textbooks that are out of date and no longer used in the curriculum, which the school has been unable to sell, be offered free of charge to the public; and further, any remaining books thereafter be discarded on motion by A J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 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 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 on motion by A.J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts a bid of $5,280.00 from Mathies & Sons, Inc., Slippery Rock, PA. for (1) 1995 IH Bluebird 62 passenger bus, 6 cyl. Diesel, DT 466 with 83,030 miles on motion by A.J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the bid of $300.00 from James Avery, Hudson, NY for (1) 1996 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera SL Stationwagon, 6 cyl., with 109,810 miles on motion by A.J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
There were no additions to the agenda.
RESOLVED, that the Board go into Executive Session at 8:13 PM for the purpose of discussing one employee leading to the possible appointment of employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of this person on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
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 10:05 PM on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, pursuant to Section 3012 of Education Law, and in compliance with Part 30.3 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, the Board appoints Dr. John Gratto, who holds Permanent New York State Certification as School District Administrator (SDA), to the position of Assistant Superintendent, for a probationary period of three years commencing August 1, 2006 through July 31, 2009; with contractual terms and conditions detailed in a separate document upon completion of negotiations, pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner of Education.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No Motion Carried
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:07 PM on motion by Jacqueline Maier, seconded by A. J. Savasta, and carried by those present.
Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board
John Wiktorko, Clerk ProTem