WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL
Board of Education Minutes
August 9, 2007
Regular Meeting
Windham School
A. J. Savasta, President
Members Present:
A. J. Savasta,
William Haltermann,
Drew Shuster,
Teri Martin,
John Wiktorko, Superintendent,
Marge Curran, Treasurer ,
Dolores Bushemi, Acting Clerk
Members Absent:
Jacqueline Maier,
Felicia Senigo
Others Present:
John Gratto
Anne Rode
Mag Scarey
Diana Potter
Michael Ryan
Board President, A. J. Savasta, called the meeting to order at 7:06 p.m.
Mr. Savasta led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Minutes of the July 12, 2007 meeting were read and approved on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Audit Finance Committee and the Superintendent, the Treasurer’s Report for June 2007 was read and approved on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Audit Finance Committee and the Superintendent, the Board approves the Bill Schedule for August 2007 as presented, on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by William Haltermann:
1. General Fund-Checks #35162-35237 in the amount of $185,786.53
2. Cafeteria Fund-Check #159 in the amount of $5,751.15
3. Federal Fund-Checks #2100-2102 in the amount of $2,797.97
4. Capital Fund-Checks #1031-1042 in the amount of $891,749.31
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, the Board of Education approves payment of Checks #35238 and #35239 in the amount of $38,810.16 on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Audit Finance Committee and the Superintendent, the Superintendent’s Transfers were approved on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
The Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District permits public comment to the Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting. Individuals will state their names and addresses before speaking. Comment will be given in a civil manner, will be of reasonable duration, and will respect the privacy of all individuals. The Board will respond to questions, if appropriate, in the days following the meeting.
Mr. Savasta reading the rules, called for public comments. There were no public comments.
New Business
A presentation regarding Chartwells’ cafeteria program was made by their cafeteria manager. Diana Potter. Starting this September, Chartwells will offer Balance Choice Breakfasts. Ms. Potter listed choices available for students as well as menus for both Balance Choice breakfasts and lunches. Her management has requested a letter from WAJ outlining what foods the Board would like to see served. The Board requested that a copy of Ms. Potter’s menus be given to each member. A motion was made to reactive the Wellness Committee.
RESOLVED, that the Wellness Committee be reconstituted for the purpose of reviewing the cafeteria issues including menus, on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by William Haltermann.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
Mr. Wiktorko gave an update on the Capital Project using a slide presentation and outlined all of the work done to date. The project is on time and on budget. Phase One will be completed for the start of school. The temporary playground will be open for the start of school. The WAJ school calendar will have an insert about entering the campus area. Mr. Wiktorko is working with the town about student parking and utilizing the town’s two available lots. The front area grass needs two years to really take hold and we are asking the public to stay off the grass during this time. He is very appreciative of the staff and public cooperation.
Mr. Shuster stated that the contractors are extremely responsive to any safety issues brought to their attention.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints the following individuals to the extra curricular positions for the 2007-08 school year as presented on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster:
Central Treasurer of Extra-Curricular Activity Fund-Melissa Schlobohm
Comptroller for Extra-Curricular Activity Fund-John Gratto, Assistant Superintendent
Senior Class Advisor (Class of 2008)-Amy Bentley
Junior Class Co-Advisors (Class of 2009)-Deborah Valerio and Michelle Beaumont
Sophomore Class Co-Advisors (Class of 2010)-Joel Middleton and Rebecca McGowan
National Honor Society Advisor-Donna LeRoy
National Jr. Honor Society Advisor-Joanne Daly
Student Council Advisors-Jay Laveroni and Christine Corrigan
Drama Advisor-James Starr
Drama Producer-Andrea Krieves
Drama Volunteer Advisor-Michael Porter
Art Club Advisor-Daniel Yolen
Yearbook Co-Advisors-Daniel Yolen and Melissa Schlobohm
Science Club Advisor-Joyce Valenti
Elementary Science Club (Pilot) Advisor-Deborah Valerio
Peer Buddy Coordinator-Nicole Baldner
Peer Buddy Advisors-Nathan Hoyt, Joyce Valenti, Sue Ellen McCullar and Deborah Valerio
Band Director-Leslie Thomas
Chorus Director-Andrea Seymour
Imagination Celebration Co-Coordinators-Maria Constantinides and Kathy Ramundo
Morning Program Coordinator-Kathy Ramundo
Morning Program Team-Margaret Scarey, Linda Varelas, and Nicole Baldner
Women of the 21st Century Co-Advisors-Kathy Ramundo and Janice Hitchcock
French Club Advisor-Amy Bentley
Athletic Director-James Adair
Boys Varsity Soccer Coach-James Adair
Boys Varsity Soccer Assistant Coach-James Starr
Boys Modified Soccer Coach-Joel Middleton
Girls Varsity Soccer Coach-Jay Laveroni
Girls Modified Soccer Coach-Melissa Schlobohm
Boys Varsity Basketball Coach-Nathan Hoyt
Boys Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach-Joel Middleton
Boys Modified Basketball Coach-Michael Porter
Girls Varsity Basketball Coach-James Adair
Girls Jr. Varsity Basketball Coach-Janice Hitchcock
Basketball Game Worker Pool for Score Keeper, Shot Clock Operator, Game Clock Operator, Scorekeeper-Jay Laveroni, Cathy Euchler, Alexis Rion, Janna Morrison, Lola Hoyt and Suzanne Filippone
Boys Varsity Baseball Coach-Jay Laveroni
Boys Modified Baseball Coach-James Adair
Girls Varsity Softball Coach-Joel Middleton
Varsity Golf Coach-Janice Hitchcock
Tennis Coach-Jonathan Spear
Wee Warriors Coordinator-James Adair
Wee Warrior Coaches Pool-James Adair, Janice Hitchcock, Joel Middleton and Nathan Hoyt
Cheerleading Advisor-Beth Verhoeven
Snowboarding Coaches-Jennifer Stokes and James Starr
Alpine Skiing Head Coach-Jere Jaeger
Alpine Assistant Ski Coach-Andrea Krieves
Math Counts-Joanne Daly
National Geographic Spelling Bee-Rebecca McGowan
Mock Trial Competition-Rebecca McGowen
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Karen F. Fritz to a three (3) year probationary teaching position in the Mathematics 7-12 tenure area effective September 1, 2007 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Fritz be paid on Step 4 as per the current W-A-J Teachers’ Association Contract pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Mark R. Imbierowic to a new three (3) year probationary teaching position in the English 7-12 tenure area effective September 1, 2007 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Mr. Imbierowic be paid on Step 8 as per the current W-A-J Teachers’ Association Contract pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Bernadine Gribbins to a three (3) year probationary teaching assistant position effective September 1, 2007 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Gribbins be paid on Step 4 as per the current W-A-J Support Staff Agreement pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education and obtaining Teaching Assistant certification on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Linda Cunningham to a three (3) year probationary teaching assistant position effective September 1, 2007 and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Cunningham be paid on Step 1 as per the current W-A-J Support Staff Agreement pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education and obtaining Teaching Assistant certification on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Vickie Malegiannakis to a one (1) year teaching assistant leave replacement position effective September 1, 2007 and ending June 30, 2008 which would be the last day of employment, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Malegiannakis be paid on Step 1 as per the current W-A-J Support Staff Agreement pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education and obtaining Teaching Assistant certification on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Frederick Valentine as a part time bus driver for the 2007-2008 school year, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mr. Valentine be paid on Step 2 as per the current W-A-J Support Staff Agreement pending the completion of all qualifying certifications and pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding Barbara Sturman to the list of substitute teachers for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding Mary Lackaff to the list of substitute teachers for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by William Haltermann
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding Jane Ohl to the list of substitute teachers and substitute teacher’s assistants for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding Heather Drum to the list of substitute teacher’s assistants for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by William Haltermann.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding Susan Valentine to the list of substitute teachers and substitute teacher’s assistants for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED that the Board approves adding James Steffens to the list of substitute teachers for the 2007-08 school year pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
Other
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the tax warrant for the 2007-2008 school year in the amount of $8,012,437.00, collection to begin September 4, 2007 and end November 2, 2007 on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
Resolved, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the recommendation from the Committee on Special Education for student #’s: 231, 586P and 1081 on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the offer from Vintage Pianoworks to purchase the WAJ Steinway Piano Model M Ser. #298948 in the amount of $3,000.00 on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the bid from T. C. Briggs Contracting & Supply, Inc. to provide and install a water line from Route 23 going south to the rear of the W-A-J District along the east drive of the school as presented under separate cover on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the bid from Evergreen Disposal Corp. for cartage/garbage removal for the 2007/08 school year as presented under separate cover on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
Important dates were read.
The Assistant Superintendent gave his report:
1. The Academic Committee met prior to the Board meeting
It was decided not to implement the Basal Reading series in 2007-08
Plans are being made to formulate a Comprehensive District Education Plan
Curriculum Mapping in English Language Arts has been completed
WAJ will use Scantron scoring for quarterly tests in 2007-08
2. Summer school is in session for Regular Education students. Thirty-seven students are attending and attendance is good. Classes in 7th and 8th grade English and Math have been added this year.
3. Four new teachers have been hired to date and each will be assigned a mentor.
4. Orientation for new teachers will be held August 28th.
5. Tentative plans have been made to assign 55 At Risk students to advisors.
6. WAJ has applied for three grants from the Rural Education Association to train advisors, provide Career Awareness Training, and develop a Peer Mentoring Program.
Mr. Haltermann stated that the current Board of Education policy for Math Acceleration starts in 4th grade, not in 8th grade. A discussion by Board members ensued. Dr. Gratto will look into this.
The Principal gave her report. She is:
Scheduling meetings with parents and students
Meeting with senior class advisors and officers to discuss senior privileges
Working a draft of the agenda for Conference Day
Working on fire drill issues, which are impacted by the construction
Working on the Student of the Month Assembly program to make sure it continues every other month so that students will be properly recognized
Working on the Morning Program, which will be held twice a month based on the gym schedule
Mr. Shuster raised the question of what happens to the construction workers during a fire drill. Mr. Wiktorko stated they have their own plan. He further noted that the SED have identified certain areas of the building for egress.
The Superintendent presented his report:
1. The BOE Retreat date of August 16th is no longer feasible. Board members are asked to submit three dates through the third week of September which would be convenient for them.
2. The Commissioner of Education ordered a study with the Rockefeller Institute to look into the reorganization of BOCES units throughout the State, including ONC BOCES’ request to annex four Capital Region BOCES schools. Along with several recommendations involving BOCES statewide, the Institute recommended that the Commissioner order an additional study to research the future of ONC BOCES with regard to cost effectiveness if it were to split the unit into other BOCES.
3. Last year the new teacher reception prior to the September Board meeting proved to be very successful. Board members concurred that a similar reception be held prior to next month’s meeting.
The Board members thanked Mr. Wiktorko for his construction project oversight.
There were no additions to the Agenda.
The Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District permits public comment to the Board of Education at its regular monthly meeting. Individuals will state their names and addresses before speaking. Comment will be given in a civil manner, will be of reasonable duration, and will respect the privacy of all individuals. The Board will respond to questions, if appropriate, in the days following the meeting.
Mr. Savasta called for public comments; there were none.
RESOLVED, that the Board go into Executive Session at 9:20 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the employment history of 4 individuals leading to the possible appointment of employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of these persons and collective bargaining on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by William Haltermann.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
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 10:30 p.m. on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board accepts the resignation of Jose Antonio Merzeau effective September 4, 2007 on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Teri Martin.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board does hereby appoint Frank Valerio to a six (6)-month probationary appointment as a mechanic/bus driver beginning August 13, 2007, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Mr. Valerio be paid on Step 1 as per the current W-A-J Support Staff Agreement pending the completion of all qualifying certifications and pending a Clearance for Appointment from the Commissioner on Education on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Drew Shuster.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, on motion by Teri Martin and seconded by Drew Shuster, the Board elects Gerry Loucks as a BOCES Board Member.
Yes Savasta, Haltermann, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:37 p.m. on motion by Teri Martin, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.
Dolores Bushemi, Acting Clerk of the Board John Wiktorko, Clerk Pro Tem