Date:
Kind: Public
Workshop Meeting
Hilltop Board Room
Members Present Dr. Don Hammond, President
Bryan Burrell, Vice President
Claudette Clarke, Trustee
Vic Czajkowski, Trustee
Pierre Davis, Secretary
Michael Mark, Trustee
Members Absent: Fletcher Johnson, M.D., Trustee
Constante Andres, Student Representative
Others Present: Roberta Zampolin, Superintendent of Schools
Carleen Millsaps, Ass’t Supt. for Business
Gail Fleur, District Clerk
Staff Members
Community Members
President Hammond called the meeting to order at
Grants range from $40 to $2000 and are all based on what will enhance student learning. Presentations were made on the following projects funded by NTC mini grants:
§
Middle
School Photo Journalism
§ Foreign Language Immersion Experiences
§
Valley
Cottage Reading Fluency
§
Valley
Cottage Space Odyssey
§
Valley
Cottage Choral Reading
§
Valley
Cottage Artists’ Lives’ Library
§
High
School Web Assignments
§
High
School Book Club
All were thanked for their creativity and efforts.
Nyack High School
National Honor Society:
(Note: the Teachers Center presentation was interrupted midway to allow the Honor Society students, who had to leave, to present.)
Present were about 10
Society members and their advisor Pat Orazio, who introduced them. High School senior Peter Samoylo said that
the group had come a long way in two years in trying to upgrade itself based on
the national by-laws. Last year
community service standards were increased and program activities were
added. The next step, that they were
bringing before the Board, was an increase for membership to a GPA average of
89.5, which is aligned with what many other schools have. The group was not trying to eliminate
members, but make it a greater honor to belong, with regard to the State’s
emphasis on higher standards and greater expectations for students. In a school survey 92% of students and 96% of
staff agreed with the academic upgrade.
This would just affect incoming students, whom they would help to reach
the new level.
Board members expressed
concern that for freshmen and sophomores now at an 85 average, it would be
impossible to reach the new bar. Some
also felt that upgrades should be added all areas of membership qualification,
service, leadership, and character. They
all commended the group for challenging themselves and coming forth to make the
excellent Board presentation. Trustee
Burrell was still expecting more research on the subject and asked that the
Board wait to make a decision. It was
decided that the Board’s response, out of consideration for the students,
deserved more thought. It was promised
that a response would be made by or at the next Board meeting. Mr. Pete Samoylo questioned whether this
issue was a Board level policy matter.
President Hammond said that there was a policy on it. Mr. Samoylo said the average was lowered a
few years back and didn’t require a Board involvement then. President Hammond said that there was nothing
reflected in the minutes about hat decision.
Mrs. Zampolin thanked all
the students for the presentation.
Mrs. Zampolin reported:
§ The Hilltop Art Gallery had received a Golden Achievement Award from the National School Public Relations Association. She thanked Gail Fleur, Joe Fusaro and Tom Brennan for their efforts contributing to its success, and to Ms. Fleur for writing the nomination of the project for the award.
§ The Middle School Principal search process was reviewed. It is an ambitious timeline that tries to have a principal in place by August. If resumes received by the deadline do not indicate a solid candidate, the process will be stopped. Staff and community focus groups on the qualities desired in a principal had begun and a profile would be completed by June 15. An interview committee, consisting of staff and community representatives, would interview candidates in July.
Trustee Burrell reiterated that the Board understood that if credible candidates are not found at the end of resume collection the process would be paused.
Community member, Joanne Humphrey Saunders was concerned that the current high caliber principal, who resigned, was not asked to stay. She believed he had made a big difference at the school and the community wants to know why he had resigned.
President Hammond said he legally could not discuss such personnel issues in public. He assured her that the District is not taking the matter lightly and if she had any further concerns she should send a letter to the District’s legal counsel, via the District.
Mrs. Zampolin asked Walter Woodhouse to describe a proposal for Middle School Advisory. He explained that a scheduling committee, composed of parents and staff, had been meeting throughout the year, examining models and visiting other schools. The commitment remains to the purpose of Advisory, to give students support by building continuous relationships, and the proposal is for a different structure that is believed will do this better. It is to offer Advisory one day a week and take the time from the other four days and distribute it among courses, extending them from 39-42 minutes. Part of the WISDOM program has been recommended as the model for developing the sessions.
Both trustees Burrell and Clarke voiced concern that Advisory be continued to create the right climate in the Middle School.
President Hammond asked what the Board has to do to support the staff to make the necessary changes.
Trustee Burrell moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve Mr. Woodhouse’s proposal.
Parent Laura Weigel, a member of the scheduling committee, wants to see Advisory continue, but is concerned that changes in administration will be a detriment to its implementation. She was assured that there are many Middle School staff members, as well as Gina Cappiello, Director of Curriculum, that have the experience to implement it.
Parent Lori Barth, President of SEPTA, said she would like the group to be involved in the Middle School Interview Committee as PTA is. It was explained that parent representatives for the Committee are taken from the list of the school’s Interview Committee, not from the PTA. It was suggested that SEPTA approach a member on the Committee, after it is formed, with SEPTA’s concerns. Ms. Barth still felt that SEPTA has a unique perspective and should be on the Committee.
Trustee Mark said the High School concert was outstanding. He thanked the music department staff for raising the bar.
Trustee Czajkowski attended both the multi cultural celebration and the Authentic Science Symposium and they were excellent. This Monday will be the Monday Morning Quarterback Scholarship Dinner where four scholarships will be presented.
Trustee Clarke said that the art exhibit on the evening of the High School concert was also outstanding, as was Honors Night.
Trustee Burrell said he saw the videos in the DaVinci Center that evening as well and they were excellent. This Thursday is the RCSBA meeting and on June 17 is the annual dinner, where Ed Gordon will discuss the implications of the Brown Vs. the Board of education anniversary.
Trustee Davis reported that Nyack students received three out of the six Pop Warner scholarships for Rockland and Westchester.
Middle School parent Lynn Havilland read the attached letter from several 8th grade Middle School students’ families. It expresses concern that their students have been negatively affected academically by an unstable few years at the school, and. asking that attention be paid to the issue at the High School.
Amy Applebaum, one of the letter’s signers, said that this was not an issue of blaming anyone, but creating an awareness that students may be lacking some skills that can be addressed at the High School.
Parent Laura Weigel said that she has an 8th grader this year and an incoming 6th grader. She believes there are families not having their children return to the Middle School this year. She suggested asking them why and using their input for school improvement.
Instructional Program Updates: Music: Chairperson Dr. Douglas Bish presented. More than 60 performances were given this year by the music department and a new performance tour to Boston is scheduled this month. There is also a new summer strings program. Dr. Bish outlined some challenges to the program involving tools, facilities and scheduling. He stressed that it was important to be aware of them, and that the music program was headed in the right direction, but had a long way to go.
Trustee Burrell said he appreciated Dr. Bish’s candor and it was important for the Board to understand the issues. The Board knew that when elementary scheduling was changed that there would be some costs. It was important to think about all and try to figure out a way for all to win.
Trustee Mark thanked him for the report and said he knows the unbelievable educational benefits from the music program.
Parent Sally Bell said the issue of not being able to have all students rehearse together must be addressed and that other districts accomplish this as well as pull-out music lessons.
Dan Gottfried suggested that possibly High School musicians can help with peer tutoring.
Dr. Bish addressed the issue of the Marching Band. Earlier in the year he proposed that the Concert Band students be required to also participate in the Marching Band. Until October, the students would learn the marching music and routines. The goal was to strengthen the Marching Band, which was weak and did not represent the District well on the field. Even though he and Mr. Titcomb did promotional work for the Band, there were too many students who did not want to be in the Marching Band, weakening the enrollment for the Concert Band. Thus, he recommended that the High School no longer have a 15-25 member marching band, but rather a volunteer pep band that plays exclusively from the stands and not be expected to march in local parades.
The Board accepted this proposal and thanked Dr. Bish for his report and level of caring.
Instructional Program Update: Special Education – Director of Pupil Personnel Services and Professional Personnel, Winsome Gregory, presented the goals, number of pupils served and declassified, accomplishments, continuum of services, parent involvement, staff development and next steps for the special education program.
Trustee Clarke congratulated Ms Gregory for turning over the Special Education Department. She questioned who would get the Special Education Manual when it was completed and suggested there was a need for a simple language version of it that could also be on the website. In addition, she recommended that a description of District programs be in it. The District’s legal counsel is currently reviewing the material in the manual.
Trustee Burrell said he and trustee-elect Applebaum had attended a Student With Disabilities workshop in Albany and the materials will be shred. He applauded Ms. Gregory’s efforts.
Amy Applebaum said she was very concerned about the declassification numbers and the gap in numbers of students of color classified. The District must look at the root causes, possible part of the annual Staff Development Plan. LaVerne Campbell, Chairperson of the Committee on Special Education, explained that there are many ways that reasons for the gap, which is a national problem, are being explored: through workshops, focus groups, special meetings,
Ms. Gregory, addressing the declassification issue, said there are many supports in place for students that are declassified. The building team analyzes each student’s needs and makes recommendations for what supports are recommended.
Lori Barth, President of SEPTA, said that the group speaks to a number of parents who have concerns about their student’s needs being met; elementary level students who can’t access the services they need, not enough collaborative classes, lengthy evaluations, ESL parents not being aware of services availability. Ms. Gregory says that any parent believing their child’s needs are not being met should consult with the principal and then her. She will also confer with the parent Think Tank she has created.
Trustee Clarke moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to take action items 15-18 as one motion.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Clarke moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education accept the verified 2004-05 Budget Referendum and Trustee Election results (see attached).
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board approve the curriculum change for the Band as discussed and per the attached.
Motions approved (6-0)
District
Goals
Trustee Burrell moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the attached revised Board goals.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Burrell moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the reviewed Curriculum Development Policy #4200 with a new date for review of 2006 (See attached).
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Burrell moved and Trustee Mark seconded to take the following as one motion.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Burrell moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following:
Resolved on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that JASON ALICEA be appointed to the position of School Psychologist on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2004 through September 1, 2006, Step 4, Scale 6 – $$48,248. Appointee subject to being cleared by the NYS Education Department.
Resolved on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that MARGARET LUKENS BYRNE be appointed to the position of School Psychologist on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2004 through September 1, 2007, Step 2, Scale 8– $$48,176. Appointee subject to being cleared by the NYS Education Department.
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Burrell seconded to adjourn to Executive Session for discussion of personnel matters at 11:00 PM.
Motions Approved (6-0)
Trustee Mark moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to reconvene to Public Session and adjourn at 11:30 PM.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Fleur, District Clerk