TIME & PLACE: 6:00 P.M. – HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA
KIND OF MEETING: PUBLIC BUDGET HEARING / REGULAR
ELECTED MEMBERS PRESENT BURTON, FLORUSSEN, GELL, GUASP, JAQUEWAY, QUANDT
ELECTED MEMBERS EXCUSED: KUEHNLE
APPOINTED MEMBERS PRESENT: DAVID BLANCHARD, SUPERINTENDENT
SARAH BLOOD, SCHOOL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATOR
DEBRA CARDELLA, DISTRICT CLERK
ALSO PRESENT: ANDREA POLIKOSKI, ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
DR. KEVIN CALACONE, JR./SR/ HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL
1 MEDIA REPRESENTATIVE; 1 DISTRICT RESIDENT;
0 FACULTY/STAFF MEMBERS; 4 STUDENTS
President Jaqueway called the Regular Board of Education Meeting of May 8, 2018, to order at 6:04 p.m.
President Jaqueway led everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
Motion was made by Mrs. Gell, seconded by Mr. Florussen to enter into Executive Session to discuss negotiations, matters pertaining to specific individuals, and contractual items.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
President Jaqueway declared the meeting to be in recess at 6:05 p.m.
The Executive Session came to order at 6:07 p.m. with Mr. Burton, Mr. Florussen, Mrs. Gell, Mr. Guasp, Mrs. Jaqueway, Mr. Quandt, Ms. Blood and Superintendent Blanchard in attendance.
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Florussen to end the Executive Session at
7:15 p.m.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Guasp, seconded by Mr. Burton to return to the Regular Meeting Session.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
President Jaqueway declared the Regular Meeting to be reconvened at 7:21 p.m.
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Quandt to approve the Minutes of the Special Meeting on April 17, 2018.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Florussen, seconded by Mr. Quandt to approve the Minutes of the Regular Meeting on April 19, 2018.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Florussen, seconded by Mr. Guasp to approve the Minutes of the Regular / BOCES Vote Meeting on April 25, 2018.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
President Jaqueway reviewed the Agenda and the May/June calendar of events and facilities use.
The following were additions/changes to the agenda:
Personnel – Add Item c. – Approve J. Burke Stipend
Personnel – Add Item d. – Approve M. Kelly Addition to SCS Sub List
Personnel – Add Item e. – Accept K. Gannon Sub Caller Resignation
Personnel – Add Item f. – Approve STA Contract for 2018-2020
Business – Add to Item b. – Additional CSE Recommendation List
Business – Add Item g. – Donation
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
President Jaqueway offered the privilege of the floor.
No one wished to speak.
BOARD OF EDUCATION REPORT
Mr. Guasp complimented the work of our Varsity Baseball athletes at the Little League Batting Clinic. Mrs. Jaqueway complimented our musicians on a great job at the NYSSMA Recital.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Music Teacher Carrie Styles Received Excellence in Teaching Award
Superintendent Blanchard announced that High School Music Teacher, Carrie Styles, was presented with the Governor’s Empire State Excellence in Teaching Award and received a plaque and a $5,000 check. This award recognizes teachers in 10 regions across New York who are successfully preparing the next generation for the future and exemplifying the highest standards of teaching by working to foster creativity, instill a love of learning, and inspire independent thinking and student initiative.
School Musical “Cinderella” Recognition
Mrs. Jaqueway offered congratulations to the staff and students of the musical “Cinderella” which won various nominations and awards. Jackson VanDerwerken wins Best Supporting Actor at Proctor’s High School Musical Theatre Awards ceremony. In a competition sponsored by Schenectady Light Opera Company, SCS’s production won 3rd place and the entire leading case was recognized as “Outstanding Performers.”
Student Discipline Trends in the Jr./Sr. High School
Superintendent Blanchard introduced Dr. Kevin Calacone, Jr./Sr. High School Principal, who reported on discipline data in the high school. Dr. Calacone provided several comparisons since the implementation of PBIS: Negative referrals down 59% from two years ago; Negative referrals down 61% from last year, In School Suspensions down 65% from last year; Out of School Suspensions down 57% from last year, Superintendent’s Hearings down 80% from last year; and Late to school is down 26% from last year. Positive referrals were up 48% from last year and progress is still being made.
Electronic Cigarette Use
Superintendent Blanchard presented information regarding the alarming rise in e-cigarette use among minors. Due to the deceptive manner in which they are manufactured, they look like computer components but deliver toxic chemicals to our students. The district is looking into detection devices to stem the use on campus and to educate students as to the dangers.
Public Hearing on 2018-19 Budget
Superintendent Blanchard and Ms. Blood began the Public Hearing on the 2018-19 Budget. Copies of the 2018-19 Proposed Budget were available to the public.
Ms. Blood said the Proposed 2018-19 Budget is $23,822,954 which would be a 1.74% increase from the voter-approved 2017-18 budget. The major cost changes include are Employee Salaries and Employee Health Insurances.
Due to the new Standards, funding has been increased for curriculum development in various areas as well as the music program and technology. It is well past the time to reinvest and update our technology.
Ms. Blood reported that propositions for the vote by eligible district residents would authorize Schoharie Central School District to purchase replacement school buses at a cost not to exceed $313,041 and authorize to expend funds from an established Capital Reserve Fund authorized by voters on May 16, 2017, not to exceed $2.5 million.
Also on the ballot for the vote on May 15 is the election of two board members for two open seats for Mr. Kuehnle and Mr. Quandt whose terms end on June 30, 2018. Ms. Blood stated one district resident has filed a petition for re-election, Mr. William Kuehnle and the other would be decided by the voters electing a write-in candidate.
The Annual District vote would be on May 15, 2018, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. in the High School Library Lobby and Classroom.
Superintendent Blanchard thanked Ms. Blood for her presentation and asked if there were any questions or concerns from the public regarding the budget. No one had any questions.
Copies of the budget are available in any of the school offices.
PERSONNEL
Motion was made by Mr. Quandt, seconded by Mr. Florussen that the Board of Education accept the recommendations of Superintendent Blanchard to accept, with regret and best wishes, the retirement resignation of Debra L. Pelepzuck, Bus Driver, effective 6/30/18.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Guasp that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Blanchard to appoint the following individuals and add their names to the Substitute Teacher Roster from the Capital Region BOCES Teacher Substitute Service, effective 5/9/18:
1. Kouardaoughli, Anthony – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
2. McCue, Christine – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
3. Selsley, Adam – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
4. West, Jeffrey – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
5. Krasny, Jill – Certified Teacher $95/day
6. Palladino, Alyssa – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
7. Toth, Erica – Non-Certified Teacher w/ Degree $85/day
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mrs. Gell, seconded by Mr. Florussen that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Blanchard to approve a one-time $3,500 stipend for Jazmin R. Burke, School Psychologist Intern for the 2017-18 School Year.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mrs. Gell, seconded by Mr. Quandt that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Blanchard to approve the addition of Mary Kelly to the SCS Certified Substitute Teacher list, at the current substitute rate of pay for certified Teaching Assistant, effective retroactive to 5/3/18.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Quandt that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Blanchard to accept the resignation of Karen A. Gannon as Elementary Substitute Caller, effective 6/30/18.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Guasp, seconded by Mr. Florussen that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of Superintendent Blanchard to approve the Resolution to ratify the Memorandum of Agreement executed by the Superintendent of Schools and the President of the Schoharie Central School District Teachers Association, on April 26, 2018, for a contract covering the period of July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2020.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
BUSINESS
Board Members received the report of the Claims Auditor for the April 2018 Warrant in the total amount of $508,583.82 for their review.
Motion was made by Mrs. Gell, seconded by Mr. Florussen that the Board of Education accept the recommendation of the Committees and approve the authorization of funds to implement the special education program services and placements consistent with such recommendations for the 2017-18 school year based upon the report submitted to Board members dated May 8, 2018.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mrs. Gell, seconded by Mr. Quandt that the Board of Education approve the Senior Class Field Trip to Dippikill Wilderness Retreat in Thurman, NY, on June 7 & 8, 2018.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Guasp that the Board of Education accept, with thanks, a custom-built wind tunnel from Union College valued at $3,000 for use in the Technology Department.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mrs. Gell that the Board of Education approve the changes to the 2017-18 School District Calendar:
1. 5/18/18 Changed to Elementary School Full Day Classes Not in Session
(High School Remains Early Dismissal at 11:30am)
2. 5/25/18 Classes NOT in Session – Extended Memorial Day Holiday
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Burton, seconded by Mr. Florussen that the Board of Education approve the 2018-19 School District Calendar.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
Motion was made by Mr. Guasp, seconded by Mr. Quandt that the Board of Education accept, with thanks, the $500 donation from Donald A. Swart for Nancy Widin Swart Scholarship Fund.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
OTHER BUSINESS
The following items were distributed to Board Members for review:
Elementary School Monthly Report – May 2018
Jr./Sr. High School Monthly Report – May 2018
New School Board Member Orientation Invitation for 6/7/18
Budget Newsletter May 2018
Enrollment Numbers as of 5/1/18
President Jaqueway stated that the next Board of Education Meetings will be as follows:
Public Budget Vote – Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 9am to 9pm High School Library Lobby and Classroom.
Regular Meeting – Tuesday, May 15, 2018, 8:00pm in the Elementary School Cafeteria.
Motion was made by Mr. Guasp, seconded by Mr. Burton to adjourn the Regular Board of Education Meeting.
Yes – 6
No – 0
Excused – 1 (Kuehnle) Motion Carried
President Jaqueway declared the Regular Board of Education Meeting of May 8, 2018, to be adjourned at 7:53 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Debra Cardella
District Clerk