10.19.2005

WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL

Board of Education Minutes

October 19, 2005

Teri Martin
Jacqueline Maier
William Haltermann
A. J. Savasta
Drew Shuster
John Wiktorko, Superintendent
Marge Curran, Treasurer
Felicia Senigo, Clerk

Board President, Teri Martin, called the meeting to order at 5:18 PM.

Ms. Martin led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The Minutes of the Regular Meeting of September 8, 2005 were read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

The Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 4, 2005 were read and approved on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

The Minutes of the Special Meeting of October 7, 2005 were read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

The Treasurer’s Report for August 2005 was read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

The Superintendent Transfer were read and approved on motion by William Halterman and Seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Mr. Haltermann asked about the salary increases and Marge Curran responded to his queries.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

The Bill Schedule for October 2005 was read and approved on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by William Halterman.

Mr. Haltermann asked about the entries for field trips and BOCES and Marge Curran responded to his queries.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

There was no correspondence.

Ms. Martin reading the rules, called for public comments.

JoAnn Piazzi wanted to state that the Windham Action Group supported the renovation process. Mr. Wiktorko cautioned residents about rumors and is available to answer questions the public may have regarding this renovation process. Members of the public had questions on the White Plan for the Capital Project.

A presentation by Mark Rogers, Alexander Varga & Company, was given regarding the 2004-05 independent auditor’s report. He reported that the audits are continually changing to conform more to business standards than to government standards of accounting.

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Audit Finance Committee, the Board accepts the Annual Report of the independent auditors, Alexander Varga & Company, for the 2004-2005 school year, as presented on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by A.J. Savasta.

Mr. Shuster asked that these reports be given to the Board earlier so that they can be read before the meeting.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, and Savasta.
No 0 Motion Carried
Abstained Shuster

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints Tara Weiman to the position of Teacher Assistant for the 2005-06 school year, commencing September 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006, which would be the last day of employment, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Weiman be paid on Step 1 of the WAJ Support Staff Collective Bargaining Agreement on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves an unpaid leave of absence for 9 days during the week of September 18, 2006 to Margaret Scarey on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by Drew Shuster.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves Deborah Pelham, a student at Greene County Community College, to serve as an intern to Darcy Rossignol for this semester on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints the following individuals to extracurricular positions for the 2005-06 school year as presented:

 Junior Varsity Baseball: Recind previous appointment of Joel Middleton
 Webmaster: Jay Laveroni
 Girls Basketball Program Volunteer: Jean Aplin
 Math Counts: Joanne Daly
 Morning Team: Mag Scarey, Nicole Blais, Gen DeBoyace, Linda Varelas
 Year book Co-Advisor – Patricia Long
on motion by Drew Shuster and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves Linda Varelas and Melissa Schlobohm as the mentors for the 2005-06 school year on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints Melody Coughlin to a long-term substitute position commencing October 20,2005 through June 30, 2006, which would be the last day of employment in this capacity, and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that Ms. Coughlin be paid on Step 1 of the WAJ Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement on motion by and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board authorizes the district to make a salary step adjustment for Richard Jackson from Step 9 to Step 12 as outlined within the current Windham-Ashland-Jewett Teachers Association Collective Bargaining Agreement based on years of prior public school teaching experience and current performance and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that such adjustment be made effective October 17, 2005 on motion by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves the application of Diane Iannuzzi to be a substitute teacher for the 2005-06 school year on motion by by Jacqueline Maier and seconded by William Haltermann.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, that the Board approves the recommendation from the Committee on Special Education for student #’s: 198, 514, 547, 558 and 559 on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board appoints Dr. Paul Seversky to conduct and submit a student population projection study for District consideration in capital and program planning on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board approves First Niagara Bank as the official bank for student programming on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
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 A.J.Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board authorizes the District to declare obsolete one (1) antiquated and damaged pull cart and one (1) antiquated copier, Canon NP 6050 and one (1) antiquated Risograph #CR1610UI due to lack of available parts.

Motion tabled until the Board of Education can look at the School Policy.

Important dates were read.

Mr. Lybolt gave his monthly report on the state of the school: Opening of school went smoothly
 More acceleration and AP classes being phased in
 Middle school teachers working very hard on a new approach to focus early on students who are showing signs of falling behind
 Ms. Valerio’s 4th grade class is doing well with the new Trout in the Classroom project
 Commends teachers on embracing the new computer program for grading. It worked perfectly this grading period.
 Listed the schedule for the Superintendent’s Day on October 21st
 Reported that Mr. Caswell has been a godsend as the new Dean of students.

Mr. Wiktorko gave his report:
 Grant money is available for new “Value Added” system of tracking students all the way through school
 Commented on Sen. Seward’s recent visit to the school ; Thanked the Senator for his continued support
 Thanked, again, the class of 1955 for their donation of $1100 toward special education programs
 Going to meet with the Office of Facilities Planning at SED regarding the capital improvement project plans
 Cannot release information regarding the Comptroller’s Audit yet. Anticipate report released in coming weeks
 There were change orders to the sewer connection resulting in higher fees that were approved by the Town, following contract; District consulted with town and requested all change orders be done only after school approval on any future work

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.

RESOLVED, that the Board go into Executive Session at 8:15 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the employment history of 3 employees and leading to the possible appointment of employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, dismissal or removal of these persons and/or corporations and to discuss proposed, current and pending litigation on motion by A.J. Savasta, seconded by Jacqueline Maier 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 9:22 p.m. on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by A. J. Savasta, and carried by those present.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:23 p.m. on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by A. J. Savasta, and carried by those present.

Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board

John Wiktorko, Clerk Pro Tem

Special Meeting
October 4, 2005

Members Present: Professional Guests Others Present

Teri Martin
Lee Bearsch (BCK)
JoAnn Piazzi
William Haltermann
Bob Costello (BCK)
Arthur Rood
A.J. Savasta
Roseanne Grof (BCK Bill Ticho
Drew Shuster
Chuck Bastion (Bernard Donegan )
Rebecca McGowan
Matthew Harm
John Wiktorko, Superintendent
Bill Caswell
Marge Curran, Treasurer
Mark Lybolt
Felicia Senigo, Clerk
Barbara Neumeister
Arlene Kuran
Peter Lerner
Janice Hitchcock
Jacqueline Maier
Bill MacGregor

Board President, Teri Martin, called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.

Ms. Martin led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The purpose of this meeting is to continue capital project planning.

Resolved, the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District authorizes the Superintendent and the District Architect to file appropriate documentation with the State Education Department to request a project number on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by William Haltermann.

Yes Haltermann, Martin Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

Superintendent Wiktorko after introducing Lee Bearsch and Bob Costello, District Architects, gave his report as follows:

 Gave an Overview of the proposed Project and short summary of past four Capital Improvement Input Committee meetings.
 Reported that the calculated State Aid by our District Fiscal Advisors is now at 35.7%

Lee Bearsch then presented six diverse floor plans for discussion both by the community and the Board of Education. The major points in the six different Conceptual Presentations are out lined below:

In all 6 floor plans presented these items were constant:
o Front façade stays the same
o Cafetorium is a multi use scheme
o The elementary grades are clustered in the SE section of the building
o The library is approximately 3,000-3500 sq. ft.
o The stage is larger than the existing stage
o Locker rooms become the kitchen area
o There is an elevator
o All classrooms have natural light by SED regulation
o Many classrooms will be larger than the existing classrooms and be more flexible in regards to educational use
o Elimination of vehicular traffic around the building
o Science labs will be equipped for their programs
o Classrooms will be upgraded in terms of infrastructure and technology

 A summary of the most important items in the public discussion are listed below:
o The community would like a professional to work on the population study because they believe that the school population in Greene County is declining.
o They would like to see no more than 2 floor plans presented in the near future so that a decision can be made as soon as possible in order to take advantage of the current State Aid ratio.
o They would like to see a ballpark figure of the cost of the project.
o The library should be in the 1956 wing if it is to be used by the community.
o The Architects need to look at current flood maps because the flood plain may have changed when the dams were built.

 Board of Education members contributed the following comments:
o Cafetorium should be centrally located: a new cafeteria is a must
o WAJ needs a new gymnasium
o Vehicular traffic needs to be eliminated from going around the building
o The Library should not be in the middle of the Elementary School: a location near the front for access may be preferable
o The final drawings should take into account supervision of students as much as possible
o Undecided on the merits of a courtyard, may be good
o Asked BCK for reduced drawings of each floor plan
o Each board member will contact Mr. Wiktorko tomorrow with a choice of plans

The next Board of Education Workshop Meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. on Friday, October 7, 2005 in the school library.

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education, authorizes the Superintendent to engage in discussions for the purposes of engaging a population study professional on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by A. J. Savasta.

Yes Haltermann, Martin Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, that the Board go into Executive Session at 9:27 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the proposed acquisition or lease of real property in which publicity would substantially affect the sale of said real property.

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 10:55 p.m. on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by A. J. Savasta, and carried by those present.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:56 p.m. on motion by Drew Shuster, seconded by William Haltermann, and carried by those present.

Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board

John Wiktorko, Clerk Pro Tem

Special Workshop Meeting
Friday, October 7, 2005

Teri Martin
Jacqueline Maier
William Haltermann
A. J. Savasta
Drew Shuster
John Wiktorko, Superintendent
Felicia Senigo, Clerk

Board President, Teri Martin, called the meeting to order at 6:34 PM.

Ms. Martin led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance.

The purpose of this meeting is to conduct district business and to continue capital project planning.

Correspondence from Joann Piazzi was read.

Members of the public offered suggestions and voiced areas of concern regarding plans for the Capital Project Improvement Committee meetings.

A teacher thanked Mr. Wiktorko for inviting Senator Seward to visit our school. She noted that the children were very excited about the visit.

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the board gratefully accepts a generous monetary donation in the sum of $1100 from the Windham-Ashland-Jewett CSD Class of 1955 Alumni to be used toward expenses related to special education on motion by A. J. Savasta and Seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster
No 0 Motion Carried

Mr. Wiktorko thanked the Alumni for inviting him to their dinner and for the gift. He enjoyed the evening very much.

The Superintendent thanked all who were present for attending the meeting and gave an updated Project Overview for those who had not attended previous meetings. He then introduced Lee Bearsch, the District Architect who presented all six plans for review before presenting a modified “White Plan” which was the plan most people had decided was the best plan. The White Plan contains:

 Priorities and criteria that community members had voiced as important in prior meetings
 Takes advantage of an already built corridor in the 1956 wing
 5th and 6th grades have their own stairwell plus the Computer Room and the Faculty Room are between the grades.
 180 students will be able to be fed at a time reducing the number of lunch periods to two
 There is an area for OT and PT in the Gym
 Classrooms allow for flexibility and new technology
 New air conditioning ventilation and new mechanical systems
 New lighting and new wiring
 The 1936 windows will be returned to their original design
 Materials will be replaced on the original façade
 Fitness room will be accessible to the public
 The Library will be an estimated 4400 sq. ft. with room to separate elementary grades from high school and technology
 The four types of traffic will be separated
 There will be approximately 90 parking spaces
 A traffic loop in the front of the building is being considered

Many members of the community offered new ideas such as:

 having more green spaces around the immediate building area
 completing the 2nd floor roof space over the proposed science area and/or 3 elementary classroom additions
 having a separate science/computer space for the elementary grades
 Putting the distance learning space in the Superintendent’s wing of the building for dual use as conference room and for supervision of equipment

The Board continued with the workshop session, discussing modifications to the plan among themselves and asking questions of Lee Bearsch. The Board agreed, in general, that they supported the White Plan and that the Architects should continue with modifications to the plan.

The next scheduled workshop is set for 10/19/05 at 5:00 p.m.

The next Regular Board of Education meeting will take place on October 19, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. A Curriculum Workshop was tentatively scheduled for 5:00 p.m. before the regular November BOE meeting.

There were no additions to the agenda

RESOLVED, that the Board go into Executive Session at 9:17 p.m. for the purpose of discussing the proposed acquisition or lease of real property in which publicity would substantially affect the sale of said real property on motion by William Haltermann 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 10:26 PM on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by A.J. Savasta, and carried by those present.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:27 PM on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by Drew Shuster, and carried by those present.

Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board

John Wiktorko, Clerk Pro Tem

Special Meeting Board Room
Thursday, October 27, 2005

Teri Martin
Jacqueline Maier
William Haltermann
A. J. Savasta
Drew Shuster
John Wiktorko, Superintendent
Felicia Senigo, Clerk

The meeting was called to order at 6:39 p.m.

Ms. Martin led those assembled in the Pledge of Allegiance

The purpose of this meeting is to conduct district business and to continue capital project planning.

Mr. Wiktorko listed the topics to be discussed this evening:
 Population Study Discussion
 SEQR Recommendations
 Project Scope and Costs
 Financial Impact of Proposed Capital Project
 Short and Long-Range Forecast of Financial Impact
 Proposed Vote Date December 20, 2005
 Final Discussions and Modifications

WHEREAS, the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District (the District) seeks to undertake a district wide construction/renovation project consisting of:
New Construction: Elementary classroom addition 8,200 sq. ft.; Middle School classroom addition 4,900 sq. ft.; high school classroom addition 4,900 sq. ft.; gymnasium addition 18,700 sq. ft.; loading dock/service addition 960 sq. ft.; new entrance lobby addition 1,400 sq. ft.; new canopy entrance at existing main entrance 700 sq. ft.; site related construction to support new additions.
Renovations to Existing Facilities: Elementary spaces; Middle School spaces including science room areas; High School areas including science room areas; cafeteria, auditorium, stage including structural modifications at stage, kitchen renovations including kitchen equipment upgrades, reconstruct existing classroom wing into district office. Renovations include demolition as required, new flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, lighting, power upgrades as needed, data and technology upgrades, new doors/frames/ADA hardware, upgrade HVAC, new specialties such as chalk and tack boards.
Removal of Existing Facilities: Existing office/metal building; existing modular classrooms.
Site Development Work: Upgrade existing driveways and bus loops; add parking areas; new property acquisition for athletic fields; new athletic field development.
Asbestos Abatement and Hazardous Material Handling: Remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials, lead based paint and hazardous materials as necessary to complete the specified construction.
WHEREAS, the State Environmental Quality Review Act (“SEQRA”) and the regulations thereunder require the Board to undertake a review of the potential environmental impacts, if any, associated with the project before approving same; and
WHEREAS, this project is a Type I Action within the meaning of SEQRA; and
WHEREAS, on October 14, 2005, Part 1 of the Full Environmental Assessment Form was transmitted to all involved agencies together with notification, transmitted on October 11, 2005, of the Boards desire to act as lead agency with respect to the environmental review of the proposed Project; and
WHEREAS, all involved agencies have consented to the designation of the Board as lead agency with respect to the environmental review of the proposed Project; and
WHEREAS, 6 NYCRR Section 617.7 requires a lead agency to issue a written determination of significance with respect to any proposed Type I action;
WHEREAS, the Board has carefully considered the nature and scope of the proposed Project, as set forth in the Full Environmental Assessment Form prepared with respect to such action, and makes the following determinations:

1. The proposed action involves:

New Construction Work: Elementary classroom addition 8,200 sq. ft.; Middle School classroom addition 4,900 sq. ft.; high school classroom addition 4,900 sq. ft.; gymnasium addition 18,700 sq. ft.; loading dock/service addition 960 sq. ft.; new entrance lobby addition 1,400 sq. ft.; new canopy entrance at existing main entrance 700 sq. ft.; site related construction to support new additions.
Renovations to Existing Facilities: Elementary spaces; Middle School spaces including science room areas; High school areas including science room areas, cafeteria, auditorium, stage including structural modifications at stage, kitchen renovations including kitchen equipment upgrades, reconstruct existing classroom wing into district office. Renovations include demolition as required, new flooring, wall finishes, ceilings, lighting, power upgrades as needed, data and technology upgrades, new doors/frames/ADA hardware, upgrade HVAC, new specialties such as chalk and tack boards, and minimum casework.
Removal of Existing Facilities: Existing office/metal building, existing modular classrooms.
Site Development Work: upgrade existing driveways and bus loops; add parking areas; new property acquisition for athletic fields; new athletic field development.

Asbestos Abatement and Hazardous Material Handling: Remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials, lead based paint and hazardous materials as necessary to complete the specified construction.

2. The proposed action is classified under SEQRA as a Type I action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.2(ai).
3. Upon consideration of the action, review of the Full Environmental Assessment Form, the criteria contained in 6 NYCRR 617.7(c), and all other supporting information, the Board identifies the following relevant areas of environmental concern, as set forth hereafter, and analyzes whether the proposed action may have a significant adverse impact on the environment.
4. The development and use of the property will not result in an adverse substantial physical change of the project site. The construction will require an approximate thirty (30) month period. Construction activities however will be normally scheduled to occur during business hours Monday through Friday, approximately 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. A Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will be required prior to construction in accordance with NYSDEC regulations. A State Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit may be required in accordance with NYSDEC regulations.
5. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect any unusual land forms.
6. The proposed development use of the property will not adversely affect any body of water designated as protected under the Environmental Conservation Law.
7. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect any non-protected existing or new body of water.
8. The proposed development and use of the property will not result in an adverse affect to surface or ground water quality or quantity.
9. The proposed development and use of the property will not alter drainage, stormwater or surface water runoff.
10. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect on air quality.
11. The proposed development and use of the property will not will not adversely affect any threatened or endangered species.
12. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect non-threatened or non-endangered species.
13. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect agricultural land resources.
14. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect aesthetic resources.
15. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect any site or structure of both historical, pre-historic or paleontological importance.
16. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect the quality or quantity of existing or future open spaces or recreational opportunities.
17. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect exceptional or unique characteristics of a Critical Environmental Area.
18. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect existing transportation systems.
19. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect existing community resources of fuel or energy supply.
20. The proposed development and use of the property will not result in any objectionable odors, noise or vibration.
21. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect public health and safety.
22. The proposed development and use of the property will not adversely affect the characteristics of the existing community.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action is an Type I Action within the meaning of 6 NYCRR 617.2(ai); and it is further
RESOLVED that the Board hereby declares itself lead agency with respect to the environmental review of the proposed project; and it is further
RESOLVED, that upon consideration of the foregoing, the Board finds and concludes that the proposed action will not result in any significant adverse impacts to the environment; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Board hereby issues a Negative Declaration with respect to the proposed action on motion by William Haltermann and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried
Absent Savasta

Chuck Bastion, the District Fiscal Advisor, presented a Narrative Time Line, Assessment Assumptions consisting of: the Building/Aid Ratio, the Bond percentage, projected vote, SED approval, estimated borrowing dates, interest rates and project costs, and White pages consisting of historical assessments, detail on computing building aid and the payback analysis.

Board Member A. J. Savasta entered at 8:00 p.m.
Lee Bearsch displayed the newest plans and spoke about the referendum budget. The local share will be $13,816,000 with State Aid providing $5,053,500 for a total of $18,870,000.

A short recess was called at 8:20 p.m. on motion by William Haltermann, seconded by A. J. Savasta and carried by those present.

The meeting reconvened at 8:45 p.m. on motion by Jacqueline Maier, seconded by A.J. Savasta and carried by those present.

The Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District permits public comment to the Board of Education at its meetings. 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.

Many members of the public had comments and questions regarding the presentations.

RESOLVED, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent and the District Fiscal Advisor, the Board appoints Girvin and Ferlazzo, P.C., as District Bond Counsel on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.

Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION OF THE WINDHAM-ASHLAND-JEWETT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT that a special meeting of the qualified voters of the School District be and the same is hereby called to be held in the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School Cafeteria, Main Street, Windham, New York on December 20, 2005 from 12:00 Noon until 9:00 p.m. prevailing time for the purpose of voting on the following proposition:

SHALL the Board of Education of the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School District be authorized to (1) acquire approximately 5 acres of land adjacent to or in close proximity to the School Building and construct additions to and reconstruct the School Building, including site work thereat, and acquire original furnishings, equipment, machinery or apparatus required for the purpose for which such building is to be used, at a maximum cost of $18,870,000, (2) expend such sum for such purpose, (3) levy the necessary tax therefore taking into account state aid received, to be levied and collected in annual installments in such years and in such amounts as may be determined by the Board of Education, and (4) in anticipation of the collection of such tax, issue bonds and notes of the District at one time or from time to time in the principal amount not to exceed $18,870,000, and levy a tax to pay the interest on said obligations when due?

The vote upon such proposition shall be by ballot registered upon voting machines. The hours during which the polls shall be kept open shall be from 12:00 Noon to 9:00 p.m. prevailing time or for as long thereafter as necessary to enable qualified voters who are in the polling place at 9:00 p.m. to cast their ballots.
Personal registration of voters is required, and no person shall vote whose name does not appear on the register of the School District. Any person registered to vote under the provisions of Article 5 of the General Election Law is entitled to vote and their names shall be placed upon the register of the School District.
Personal voter registration for persons not registered previously in the School District will take place between the hours of 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon, and l:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, December 5, 2005, to Friday, December 9, 2005, and Monday, December 12, 2005, to Friday, December 16, 2005 in the District Office at the Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School. Any person shall be entitled to have his/her name placed upon such register provided at such time he/she is known or proven to the satisfaction of the Board of Registration to be entitled to vote at the special district election to be held on December 20, 2005. The register containing the names of qualified voters will be available for inspection in the District Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the Special Meeting, except Sunday, December 18 and Saturday, December 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
An application for an absentee ballot must be submitted to the District Clerk, Windham-Ashland-Jewett Central School, Windham, New York, at least seven days before the Special Meeting if the ballot is to be mailed, or the day before the Special Meeting if the ballot is to be delivered personally to the voter. Qualified voters are eligible for an absentee ballot when absent from the district while polls are open due to business, occupation or studies; confined in a hospital or jail; has physical disability or illness; or are absent due to vacation. All absentee ballots must be received in the District Office, Main Street, Windham, New York, not later than 5:00 p.m. on the date of the Special Meeting. A list of all persons to whom absentee ballots shall have been issued will be available for inspection in the District Office between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. on each of the five days prior to the Special Meeting, except Sunday, December 18 and Saturday, December 17 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Any qualified voter may challenge the acceptance of the ballot of any person on such list, by making his challenge and reasons therefore known to the Inspector of Election before the close of the polls.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the District Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of such meeting in two newspapers of general circulation within the School District, four (4) times within the seven (7) weeks next preceding such School District meeting, the first publication to be at least forty-five (45) days prior to the date of the meeting on motion by A. J. Savasta and seconded by Jacqueline Maier.
Yes Haltermann, Maier, Martin, Savasta and Shuster.
No 0 Motion Carried

RESOLVED, that the Board go into executive session at 9:05 PM to discuss the proposed acquisition or lease of real property where publicity would substantially affect the value of such real property.

The items discussed during the Executive Session will be made public as appropriate at future meetings of the Board of Education on motion by A. J. Savasta, seconded by Jacqueline Maier and carried by those present.

The Board reconvened into regular session at 9:40 PM on motion by Drew Shuster, seconded by William Halterman, and carried by those present.

With no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:41 PM on motion by A. J. Savasta, seconded by William Haltermann, and carried by those present

Felicia Senigo, Clerk of the Board

John Wiktorko, Clerk Pro Tem

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