Board Meeting Minutes
Date: June 18, 2002
Kind: Monthly Business Meeting
Hilltop
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Others Present:
The meeting was called to order at 7:40 PM by President Burrell and began with the Pledge of Allegiance.
Resolution in Memory of Michael Condello
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, that the Nyack Board of Education acknowledges with deep regret the passing of former Board Trustee MICHAEL CONDELLO.
Mr. Condello, a graduate of Nyack High School, served on the Board from 1970 to 1973, and as its president the last year of his term. His service on the Board was just one aspect of the depth of his commitment to the Nyack community. Over his lifetime as a local resident, his caring, ethics, and conscientiousness were a constant in his local presence as a business owner, Nyack Village Treasurer, church leader and preserver of local history.
Mr. Condello's dedicated efforts helped to shape a brighter future for Nyack's children and community. They continue to have a positive impact through a scholarship fund for Nyack graduates, created in his memory. The Board sends its heartfelt sympathy to his family.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Recognition
TANIA FERNANDEZ, High School Representative to Hispanic Youth Leadership Institute
High School Yearbook Presentation
Yearbook Advisor, Georgia Williams introduced the Yearbook editors and thanked them for their efforts. A book was presented to each Board member. President Burrell commended them all on their hard work and thanked them for the gift.
Nyack Teachers Center Mini Grant Presentation
Each year the Center presents mini grants of up to $500 to members of the staff for a grant proposal for a classroom or professional development project. Those presented that evening, and introduced by Center Director, Joanne Niebanck, were: Carolyn Travers ( an approach to the answering of data based questions), Dorothy Edelstein (sidewalk drawings), Shelley Carlen (the integration of digital photography into lessons), Linda Maurino (memoirs). They were thanked for their creativity and initiative. Ms. Niebanck introduced the Nyack Policy Board members in the audience and thanked them for their time and efforts.
High School Yearbook Presentation
Yearbook Advisor, Georgia Williams introduced the Yearbook editors and thanked them for their efforts. A book was presented to each Board member. President Burrell commended them all on their hard work and thanked them for the gift.
Honoring of Retirees & Staff Service
Superintendent Roberta Zampolin introduced the staff members retiring and those with 25, 30 and 35 years service to the District for recognition. They were presented with a gift from the District, as was the graduating Student Representative. The Superintendent and Board members expressed their appreciation for the dedication and caring of the staff in bringing excellence to each child and touching so many lives positively. They were all wished well.
The Board recessed at 8:30 PM for a celebratory reception and reconvened at 8:50 PM.
Presidents Report
President Bryan Burrell reminded the Board that the Rockland County School Boards Dinner was on Friday evening and retiring Executive Director Kathy Reddy will be roasted and old and new Board members honored.
Student Representative's Report
Joe Patalano reported that:
The Regents and finals were almost over.
He congratulated all seniors on the many awards received on Senior Awards Night last week.
He introduced the new representative for next year, Erin Straw.
He thanked the Board and administration for their support in the past four years and for the wonderful education he received in the District and High School Principal, Phyllis Aliberto, for a great first year in the District.
Superintendent's Report
Mrs. Zampolin reported that:
Middle School Moving Up will be at Bowman Hall on the Nyack College Campus next week.
The agreement with Nyack College includes a discount for our staff on credits toward a Masters Degree.
There are 14 new staff members being appointed that night. Due to the lateness of the meeting, most of them could not be present that evening. The Board is invited to meet them at the new staff orientation on August 26th.
The Nyack Varsity Alumni Baseball game was on June 14th. They also have been raising funds for a dugout, which would be constructed this summer.
Board of Education Reports
Trustee Mark said he had participated in a Family Resource Center event a couple of weeks ago - a Fathers and Sons evening at Valley Cottage School. The activities and food were great, as well as the good feelings.
Trustee Hammond said he was amazed to think about all the service the staff honored that evening had given to the District.
Trustee Czajkowski said he had represented the Board at Senior Awards Night and it was a privilege to be there and see how well the seniors do. He saluted all staff honored that evening, whose service came collectively to close to 500 years.
Citizens Concerns
Parent Katie Berry read the attached statement from a group of parents regarding possible changes to the scheduling of music and art programs It requested proceeding cautiously and with more input. President Burrell said all changes are still under consideration and will not be decided until at least July. He thanked the group for their concern and comments.
Parent Patrick Holmes gave a letter of concern to the Board about a discipline matter with his son. He asked the Board to take action as soon as possible.
Several parents expressed concern about the extended half-day schedule at the Middle School at the end of the year. In addition, finals were taken by 7th graders two weeks ago so there are no academics recently. Dr. Evangelist said the half-day schedule was the same as last year - last year the district added tow extra half days for the scoring of the new assessment. She was unaware of why the finals were given so early. She agreed that it did not seem productive and it will be looked into.
Teacher Kathy Rife asked the Board to read the letter sent to them about her concerns that affected her resignation as a music teacher.
Parent Lisa Retallic said her son benefits greatly from the music program and being pulled out for lessons did not negatively impact hem. He also encouraged people to take the Undoing Racism course being offered by the District at the end of the month. It is only half full currently.
Parent Kathy Plachy read the attached letter about not cutting back on the scheduling of music and art programs. Parent Sally Bell hoped that any new programs adopted this summer left enough time for teachers to be trained properly, so as not to have to be cancelled as Advisory was at the Middle School last year.
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to change the order of the agenda and have the Code of Conduct workshop review done then.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Workshop: Code of Conduct
President Burrell said that consensus was needed from the Board that evening whether to proceed with the same language for the dress code or delete #6 and substitute other language as discussed previously. Students had suggested other less restrictive language that would still put boundaries on clothing permitted. The language can be modified after the meeting, but first the direction must be decided.
Trustees Burrell, Mark, Hammond, and Davis said they were in favor of going with the students' recommendation. Trustee Czajkowski supported the existing language because it is a more objective situation.
Action Items
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to take action items 20-24 in one motion.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Davis seconded to approve the following:
The minutes of April 23,and April 25, 2002 and Mary 7 and May 21, 2002.
The Treasurer's Report of May, 2002
The Business Functions (Budget Status Report, the Revenue Status Report and the Co-Curricular Activity Fund Reports) from May, 2002
Appointment of David Holt as temporary Chairperson of Special Education
Roberta Bolton as temporary Chairperson of Committee on Pre-school Special Education
Motions Approved (6-0)
Lease with Nyack College
Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, THAT THE Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District authorize the Board Vice President to execute a new lease with Nyack College subject to attorney review.
Motion Approved (5-0-1)
Trustee Burrell abstained
Bids
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Davis seconded to approve take the bids in one motion.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Davis seconded to approve the following bids:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District extend the following transportation contract for 2002 summer school programs:
School Carrier Cost
Summer School Peter Brega, Inc. $12,891.25 (+CPI)
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District award small bus contracts for the 2002-2003 schools year to the lowest responsible bidders meeting the specifications as per attached.
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District extend the following transportation contracts for 2002 summer school programs:
School Carrier Students Cost
Jawonio TransGroup (Laidlaw) 5 $6,295.63 (+CPI)
Jesse Kaplan Rockland BOCES 12 $15,272.52 (+CPI)
Summer Stars/ESL Peter Brega, Inc. 100 $8,932.50 (+CPI)
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District extend the following service contracts for the 2002-20033 school year at the CPI increase of 2.8%.
2001-02 2002-03
Contract Cleaning Service (Key Maintenance) $482,087 $495,585
Grounds Maintenance Service (O'Brien's Landscaping) $172,862 $177,702
Sanitation Collection Service (Donato Marangi, Inc.) $ 45,606 $ 46,883
Motions Approved (6-0)
Personnel
Resignations
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District accept the resignation of JOANN APOSTLE, Clerk Typist, for the purpose of retirement effective August 5, 2002.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District accept the resignation of TANYA M. ENGLAND, Teaching Assistant at the Nyack High School effective June 30, 2002.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the following resolution:
BE IT RESOLVED, That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District accept the resignation of PIERRE RANCI, ESL Teacher and Department Chairperson at Nyack High School effective June 30, 2002.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Unpaid Leaves of Absence
RESOLVED, That MARY MARK, Teaching Assistant at Valley Cottage School be granted an Unpaid Leave of Absence effective September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003.
Motion Approved (5-0-1)
Trustee Mark abstained
RESOLVED, That CHRISTINA DUNCAN, Teaching Assistant at Upper Nyack School be granted an Unpaid Leave of Absence effective November 1, 2002 through February 3, 2003.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Appointments
Trustee Mark moved and Trustee Johnson seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that DAVID C. MCCALLA be appointed to the position of Middle School Principal for a three year probationary period effective July 1, 2002 through July 1, 2005 at an annual salary of $120,399.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Mark moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that the individual named above (RACHEL BERLIN, FAMILY RESOURCE COORDINATOR) be appointed to the terms set forth effective September 1, 2002. (see attached).
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Davis seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that ELLEN SKILL-HUGHES be appointed to the position of English Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, Step 9, Scale 6 - $60,252.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Johnson seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that CAROLYN MONAHAN be appointed to the position of Special Education Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2003, Step 8, Scale 6 - $55,706.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools ELIZABETH HAGGERTY be appointed to the position of Special Education Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2004, Step 5, Scale1 - $42,140.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of KRISTIN CAPIO be appointed to the position of Social Studies Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2005, Step 4, Scale 6 - $47,453.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools that LAURA ARIZA be appointed to the position of Spanish Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2005, Step 5, Scale1 - $40,781.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools JESSICA ROSTAWANIK be appointed to the position of Biology Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2005, Step 5, Scale1 - $40,781.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Johnson moved and Trustee Hammond seconded to take the following resolutions as one motion.
Motion Approved (6-0)
Trustee Mark moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the following:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools ADELE MATRAKOS be appointed to the position of English Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2004, Step 5, Scale1 - $49,916.
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools MIRELA HADALLER be appointed to the position of ESL Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2004, Step 11, Scale8 - $65,504.
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools VANESSA GEBBIA be appointed to the position of English Teacher on a probationary basis effective September 1, 2002 through September 1, 2003, Step 2, Scale 1 - $36,873.
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools TRACI ANDREWS be appointed to the position of Social Studies teacher on a Leave Replacement basis effective September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, Step 9, Scale 1 - $49,164.
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools JASON FRECHETTE be appointed to the position of English Teacher on a Leave Replacement basis effective September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, Step 2, Scale 6 - $43,327.
Motions Approved (6-0)
Trustee Hammond moved and Trustee Czajkowski seconded to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED, on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools MARY MARK be appointed to the position of Reading Teacher on a Leave Replacement basis effective September 1, 2002 through June 30, 2003, Step 1, Scale 6 - $39,931.
Motion Approved (5-0-1)
Trustee Mark abstained
President Burrell left the meeting at 9:40 and Vice President Hammond took over.
Workshops
Pride Survey: The drug and alcohol use survey is administered to students throughout the county. The results were presented by Walter Schneider, Dean at St. Thomas Aquinas and Professor of clinical Psychology. He is in charge of the countywide survey data. Nine years ago a baseline Pride survey was administered to measure the effectiveness of programs and intervention efforts. Results show:
The 5th grade has made great progress, concluding that the schools are doing a great job in communing dangers of substances at this level.
The 8th grade has shown positive, if not profound results.
The 10th graders show resistance to the message. They knew the danger in the 5th grade, but now efforts seem to be falling on deaf ears.
Conclusions are that health education must continue drug and substance abuse message after the 8th grade and environmental messages must change.
Nyack results are somewhat different: More than elsewhere, there are higher rates of partying in the 8th grade than the 10th grade - higher drinking, taking marijuana and cocaine. But, these results lack internal consistency since they are so different from the trend all over. The sample size is very small and four or five students can change results. There may be a few students who are not answering honestly or possible in trouble.
Mr. Schneider was thanked for his expertise and time.
Review of Academic Intervention Services Plan: The Plan, mandated for creation by Districts, by the State, was originally adopted in October, 2000 and reviewed in October, 2001. Some changes are recommended (see attached).
Question was asked about how parent is told about a service to their child. Dr. Evangelist a letter is sent to the parent. Services are based on multiple measures - teacher assessments, and percentile placement on tests. Parents cannot refuse services during the school day.
The Plan must be reviewed every two years, but Trustee Hammond asked if the Board would like to review the Plan in a year. The Board agreed it would.
Professional Performance Review Plan: The Commissioner's regulation states that effective July 1, 2000 each district shall adopt an annual or multi year plan for the annual professional performance review of its teachers providing instructional services or pupil personnel services. Nyack's initial plan was for one year. The revised adoption, which reflected changes driven by the initial implementation, was also a one-year plan. Based on this year's satisfactory experience, it is recommended that the Plan be continued in place.
Attendance Policy:
Policy #200/Board Goals and Objectives: The goals were sent to all the site-based teams for review. All felt they should remain the same.
Action on Workshop Items
Trustee Davis moved and Trustee Johnson seconded to take the following resolutions as one motion.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Trustee Czajkowski moved and Trustee Mark seconded to approve the following resolutions:
BE IT RESOLVED< That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District adopt the Academic Intervention Service Plan effective 2002-2004.
BE IT RESOLVED< That the Board of Education of the Nyack Union Free School District adopt the Annual Professional Performance Review Plan effective 2002-2004
Motions Approved (5-0)
Trustee Mark moved and Johnson seconded to table the approval of the Code Of Conduct.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Trustee Mark moved and Trustee Johnson seconded to adjourn to Executive Session at 10:50 PM for discussion of personnel matters.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Trustee Johnson moved and Trustee Davis seconded to reconvene to Public Session and adjourn at 11:30 PM.
Motion Approved (5-0)
Respectfully submitted,
Gail Fleur, District Clerk