Board of Education Meeting Highlights - October 20, 2009

October 20, 2009 Board of Education Meeting Highlights

Ashley Allen sat on the Board this week as the student representative, she is the VP of Student Council.

The following new staff introductions were made:
Jonathan Burnett – 7-12 Vocal Music
Emily DeRouchie – Computer
Stephanie Forget – 6th grade ELA
Bridgett Havens – English 12
Sarah LaFaver – HS Science AIS
Susannah Luttman – Grade 5
Jenna Morris – Grade 1
Stacy Perry – UPK
Kristy Stubbs – Speech Therapist
Ashley Wanke – Grade 4

Erie I Policy Services – Discussion of Level 2 versus Level 1 services – call with Janel Halgren
Level I – Monthly New Policies
Level II – Monthly Updates and Policy Revisions

Discussion about Parent Survey – ad hoc committee to be created to review.

Board work sessions will be scheduled for the 1st Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. beginning November 3.

Audit Report – Auditor presented at the October 6 Audit Committee Meeting
- Estimate of $53 million to support current staff and retirees in current dollars for health benefits
- Fund balance improved from $454,254 in 2007/08 to $2,555,199 in 2008/09
- Some factors we will be facing
- Increase in natural gas prices
- Employer contributions rates to retirement
- Health insurance premiums
- Special Education
- ARRA appropriation was one year
- Highest tax rate in the county
- Fund balance $1.5 million for reserves to protect against future budget increases
- Proposed GAP amount to be taken back is $262,251 for 2009/10 not sure how, if or when this might happen as these are the Governor’s suggestions at this time
- - not sure until State finances are in order
- - need to look at ways to conserve
- Concern from community member – how and why we are doing capital renovations
- Will schedule information session to answer community questions
- Will include information in the District newsletter – where we are at – where we are going

New Money Market account open at Chase Bank approved.

Winter Sport coaches and athletic event supervisors were approved.

Lego robotic coaches Laura Gutenman, Mark Bennett, Diana Morrison, and Kaylene Pernice were approved.

Homework club advisor Jason Gallant approved.

Homework club tutor Kurt Wells approved.

Recommended substitutes were approved.

Rita Lavigne approved as a Food Service Worker.

Heather Morrow approved as the Speech language pathologist.

Temporary Maintenance stipend approved.

Transportation Supervisor stipend approved.

Adult volunteer Janice Scott approved.

Travel Club trip to Dominican Republic April 17, 2010 approved.

Correction Action Plan for State Audit approved.

Correction plan for the External Auditors approved.

Policy on Bullying: Peer Abuse in the School approved.

Resolution in support of a shared fuel facility and salt storage shed approved.

District Goals approved:
Choose a K-12 Writing Program to Pilot in 2010-11 School Year
Research and create a district-wide plan for staff technology skills
Create a formal RtI Plan, Grades K-4

Board of Education Meeting - October 20, 2009

The next Board of Education Meeting will take place in the District Board Room on Tuesday, October 20 at 6:30 p.m.

Special Board Meeting Scheduled - Friday, September 25, 2009

A special Board of Education meeting has been scheduled for Friday, September 25th at 7:30 a.m. to discuss student running along Route #56. Please come and voice your opinion!

Board of Education, September 15, 2009

Eagle Scout Matt Voltz is doing a project to redo the school’s courtyards. Kevin Gibson will be working at Norwood Recycling Center to fix anything broken, paint, etc. Adult supervision will be present. Before and after pictures to be done.

Superintendent of Massena Central School Roger Clough and his staff did a presentation on their Alternative Education Program. The Board may decide to look at a similar program, future discussion to take place

Our Internal Auditor James Barry, presented. Cash findings – reconciled in timely manner, documented correctly. Payroll – properly classified, taxes done timely, amounts made were exact. Revenue – BOCES and school property tax revenue verified at 100%. Non-salaried expenditures (BOCES) – expenditures correlated, no exceptions noted. Proper documentations. Payroll signed off on properly. Intercompany accounts – zeroed out correctly. Core of financial records are sound. Suggestions – cash investments with NYCLASS annualized rates (1/08 =1.98%, 1/09 = .47%, 5/09 = .26%) unacceptable and we should get a higher rate – look at money markets and CDs. Should put out to bid. Health insurance – consider health savings account. Employee files – create a one page “Employee Summary Form”. Will share what he is creating for another school. Have a surprise payroll distribution with claims auditor without school knowing at direction of school board.

Alan Rowledge gave a transportation update. In the spring he evaluated the bus routes. Maintenance performed over the summer. Internal and external cleaning done on all buses. In August 3 new buses arrived 2 – 60 passenger buses, 1 – 21/1 wheel chair bus with the option of going to 3 wheelchairs. Traded in 3 1997 60 passenger buses. With new summer delivery children started on correct bus and didn’t have to change bus number during year. One route was eliminated from both the elementary (UPK-4) and secondary (5-12) route. Recommends 7-8 year bus replacement program, not a lot of value left when we keep them that long – between 4th and 5th year expenses increase when we get to 9 and 10 years we are putting an additional $3000 into buses that we are going to be getting rid of the following year, value of trading sooner is higher – would need to buy approximately 3 buses a year to achieve this and get caught up – and will take approximately 5 years to get on the 7 to 8 year plan. Recommends purchase of computerized routing software program which costs $10,000 to 15,000. Recommends training for bus technician (Bill Meader). Would like consideration of more clerical help. From time to time, parents send note in asking for child to ride bus home with friend. On occasion we may not be able to honor request because as buses may be full.

Artie Frego gave an update on the cafeteria. We have a new nutritional makeover – water and juice only no high sugar drinks. Fresh or frozen foods. 7 grams or less total fat, 2 grams or less of saturated fats, 360mg or less of sodium, 15 grams or less of sugar, at least 25% juice, all milk is low fat, no sugar or artificial sweeteners for water, portion sizes not to exceed 1 serving. We broke even in 2008/2009. We make more money on breakfast now just by letting children off the bus sooner to allow them to eat. Hope to have ability October 2009 to accept credit/debit cards, port will open to allow parents to view transaction histories and what children are purchasing for meals. Planning to open breakfast kiosk in high school.

Adam Cook spoke about the potential girls hockey merger with Potsdam Central School. PCS is open to merger, but they must charge a fee for students to play. We do not charge Madrid Waddington Students to play with us. Benefactor who paid for football merger and is willing to pay for girls hockey. 6 interested girls, tryout process, all may not make the team. Students will have to provide their own transportation as practice times change and location of practice is at arena (unlike with football). This was approved by the Board.

Enrollment data :
9/09 – 1033
9/08 – 1026
9/07 – 1095

2009 enrollment breakdown:
Elementary – 424
Middle – 297
High – 312

Kindergarten numbers are at 80 this year versus 64 last year.

Trail project – looking at all season walking/recreation trail to connect communities to school. 7 SLU students coming every Friday of the semester to create. Goal to get one leg of trail. Ben Yandoh and Kent Fetter are getting involved.

Temporary Guidance Counselor – Sarah Streit approved.

Food services substitutes –Rita LaVigne & Sonya Cryderman approved.

Wilson teacher change to step 1 of master’s schedule – Suzannah Luttman approved.

Spanish/French Club cruise approved.

Substitute list approved.

Per diem Speech and Language Pathologist – Dianna Alfano approved

Substitute Speech and Language – Heather Morrow

Board Goals approved –
1. In order to enhance communication with the community, the NNCS BOE will hold 6 Let's Talk event during the 2009-2010 school year.
2. In order to enhance communication with the community, the NNCS BOE will provide updated bios and photos to be placed on the school website by the October Board meeting.
3. All new board members will complet the NY state mandated fiscal training.
4. All board members will attend at least 2 educational events duringthe 2009-2010 school year designed to enhance their ability to function as an effective board member.
5. The NNCS BOE will hold two retreats during the 2009-2010 academic year to promote team building and enhance the effectiveness of the board.

Kevin Whalen scholarship created for a graduating student who participated in HS football.

Work Session to be scheduled via doodle.

August 21, 2009 Special Board Meeting

The Board approved a change order to the capital project to remove an existing drainage pipe, install a new pipe, catch basin, manholes and repave the area that is excavated.

August 18, 2009 Board of Education Highlights

Senior Dan Colbert was honored with a certificate of commendation for saving the life of a student at the summer recreation program by performing the Heimlich maneuver on a student who was choking.

A slide show was shared of students that participated in the summer school and summer recreation programs. Norwood American Legion, Norfolk American Legion Auxiliary, Norfolk Lions, Norwood Kiwanis, and the Norwood Lake Association were thanked for their contributions to the program and making sure that our students were fed.

The capital project, according to architect Shawn Travers is 65-70% done.

The tax levy in the amount of $5,541,198 was approved.

The following teachers were approved for appointments:

Bridgette Havens – English Teacher grades 7 -12, 3-year probationary appointment
Jenna Morris – N-2 Teacher, one-year appointment
Sheila Burns -.5 Reading Teacher
Sarah LaFaver – 7-12 AIS Science Teacher, 3-year probationary appointment
Susannah Luttman – Wilson Reading Teacher, 1-year appointment
Tim Opdyke – appointed Emeritus 7-12 Social Studies Teacher for 2009-2010

The Heritage Committee will not be pursuing a Hall of Achievement at this time as there has not been enough community interest.

August Board Meeting Reminder

Just a quick reminder that the August Board of Education meeting will take place on Tuesday, August 18th at 6:30 p.m. in the District Board Room.