BOARD OF EDUCATION
WHITNEY POINT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
PO BOX 249
Whitney Point, NY 13862
Date: March 3, 2009
District Mission:
To provide an excellent education ensuring that all children maximize their potential, become contributing citizens, and pursue lifelong learning.
District Beliefs:
· All children possess unique qualities and come to school eager to learn and be successful.
· We respect all people within our community and treat them with dignity at all times.
· Learning is a partnership that includes school staff, parents, family and the community.
· Knowledge allows for critical thinking and effective decision-making.
· Purposeful and intentional change is a constant that leads to educational improvement and positive results.
· Compliance with state and federal regulations is critical to school district success.
Meeting called to order at: 7:09 PM
Present Absent
James DiMascio President X
Sara Benscoter Vice-President X
Stephanie Champney Member X
Kathleen Driscoll Member X
Mary Ellerson Member X
Thomas Tasber Member X
Mary Hibbard Superintendent of Schools X
Laura Lindsley District Clerk X
Patricia Kuenecke Director of Curriculum and Instruction X
Others in attendance: David Horton, Mandy Gyles, Kim Becker, Jessica Williamson
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the Minutes from the Board meeting held on February 24, 2009.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Commendations
Mrs. Hibbard commended:
• Walt Peck and the High School Challenge Team for their second place finish out of twelve teams in the Upstate Academic Competition at SUNY Oneonta on February 26, 2009. The juniors and sophomores also finished eighth which was quite respectable.
• Jessica Williamson, Christine Ryder and the Music Boosters for the induction ceremony of the newly formed Tri-M Music Honor Society. The following students were inducted into the Tri-M Music Honor Society at a ceremony held at the TRA on Thursday, February 26, 2009:
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Katelyn Allabaugh
Brianna Bennett
Hannah Bieber
Ryan Cadwell
Chris Carey
Meaghan Champney
Taylor Clink
JJ Davidson
Maria Dewey
Vince Dickson
Danielle Eaton
Brittany Fuller
Michelle Sickles
Nick Stevens
Chris VanDusen
MacKenzie Vojtko
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• Jared Sanford for submitting the winning logo which will be used on the t-shirts and publicity for the Whitney Point Celebration of Hope to be held on May 30th.
• Murphee Hayes, Joy Olson and Mike Furnare of the Rural Health Network, and Deborah Wade of UHS for their organization of the C.A.T.C.H. Kids Club, a physical education program for 3rd graders funded with grant dollars received from the Rural Health Network.
• Beverly Wasson, Don Steger, Joyce Favaloro, Laura Dunham, Sharon Crosier, Sheila Davies, Jackie Bucinell, Joe Hauptfleisch, Maria Carver and LaVawn Short of the TRA Celebrations Committee, and Amy Spinella for raising $233 in the Hats for Hearts fundraiser.
Policies: For Second Reading
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached updated Provision of Interpreter Services to Parents who are Hearing Impaired Policy.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached updated Appointment and Training of Committee on Special Education (CSE)/Subcommittee on Special Education Members Policy.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached updated Appointment and Training of Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) Members Policy.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached updated Individualized Education Program Distribution Policy.
Moved by Kathleen Driscoll Seconded by Mary Ellerson
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Comments from the Public
NONE
1. Old Business
a. Budget
Mrs. Hibbard and Mrs. Lindsley presented an updated revenue projection and budget numbers.
Mrs. Lindsley discussed the revenue projection based on the Governor’s proposal, which freezes Foundation aid, includes a deficit reduction assessment, and reduction in State aid representing the district’s 15% share of preschool special education costs. Mrs. Hibbard explained these costs have been covered 100% by the County and State but that the Governor is proposing local school districts pay for 15%. Indications are the State will cover school district’s share from a deduction in State aid for 2009-2010.
A base budget with a 5.49% budget increase was reviewed. Mrs. Lindsley stated benefits, fuel and utilities, and transportation costs were factors in the increase. Using the Governor’s proposal of revenues this budget would result in a 42.52% levy increase.
Mrs. Lindley explained the Title 1A and IDEA funding from the Federal stimulus package does not increase general fund revenue. These two funding streams are held in the Special Aid account and can be used to reallocate general fund expenses to such. A second budget projection utilizing this information was reviewed and indicated a 4.27% budget increase with a corresponding 36.87% levy increase.
Contingent level budget scenarios were reviewed, which under the base budget projection allows for a 3.66% increase and related 34.06% levy increase. The budget projection with Federal funding allows for a 3.59% increase with a contingent level budget, which results in a 33.07% levy increase.
Mrs. Hibbard and Mrs. Lindsley explained the projections include only the known information at this time, the Governor’s proposal and additional Federal funds for Title 1 and IDEA. The district has not received any information or indication of the amount of Stabilization Funding that will be coming. Under regulations the Board has until April 25th to approve a budget for vote.
The Board discussed the difficulty faced in this budget process with the potential lack of a timely State budget and information regarding the Stabilization Funding.
2. New Business
a. Non-Resident Students
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of Hannah Klunze, grade 2, and Makayla Klunze, grade 1, to attend the Whitney Point Central School District as tuition-paying students for the 2009-2010 school year. Please see attached request.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
Mrs. Hibbard clarified the students are not currently enrolled in the district but will attend next year and will be included in the district’s enrollment numbers.
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of Trevor Glezen, grade 5, and Madison Glezen, grade 4, to attend the Whitney Point Central School District as tuition-paying students for the 2009-2010 school year. Please see attached request.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
Mrs. Hibbard clarified the students have attended Whitney Point in the past and wish to return.
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
c. Notice of Public Meeting and Nomination Form for the BOCES Board of Trustees
The Board selected a nominee to the BOCES Board of Trustees. John Crosby and Roger Merrill are currently seeking re-election.
Nominee: Roger Merrill
Nominated by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Mary Ellerson
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
c. Committee on Special Education
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the attached recommendations of the Committee on Special Education.
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
ADDENDA
Equipment Sale
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the disposal of the following computers for $100.00 each at a public sale to be held on Friday, March 20, 2009 from 1:00 – 6:00 p.m. in the High School cafeteria:
6 Dell GX240 (Desktop)
7 Dell GX260 (Desktop)
6 Dell GX280 (Desktop)
30 Dell Inspirion 1100 (Laptop)
18 Dell Latitude C640 (Laptop)
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
Mrs. Hibbard stated advertising will occur in the district newsletter and Whitney Point Reporter. The sale is first come first serve and all units are being sold as is. Funds are considered General Fund revenue, sale of equipment is a revenue line in the budget.
Mrs. Kuenecke clarified the equipment is five years or older and therefore no longer under manufacturer warranty.
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Mrs. Hibbard recommended Board approval of the donation of the following computers to the Northern Broome Senior Center:
4 Dell GX260 (Desktop)
Moved by Mary Ellerson Seconded by Stephanie Champney
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
FYI
February Enrollment Report
March 3-6 NYS Math Assessment for grades 3-5
March 11-12 NYS Math Assessment for grades 6-8
Comments from the Public
Mr. Horton questioned when the Board will approve a budget?
Mrs. Hibbard stated that by law the Board must approve a budget on or before April 25th. Regulation requires certain public notifications are made within very specific time frames.
Ms. Becker questioned when proposed cuts will be announced and what are the plans?
Mr. DiMascio stated the Board will determine a position quickly and provide direction to administration. To agree upon a number the Board must factor the resources to be provided and review the contingency level. The difficulty in the decision will be to balance the number with the needs.
Ms. Becker stated taking more away may be difficult since the district has made reductions in the past years.
Mr. DiMascio clarified the Board will weigh the needs of the district with the needs of the community to make the best informed decision.
Ms. Becker asked when information will be made available to staff?
Mrs. Hibbard stated the budget information provided tonight will be included in the Board minutes. Information will be shared with staff as and when it becomes available.
Ms. Gyles asked if there have been discussions in extending the school day?
Mrs. Hibbard responded that a High School committee has been looking at such an option but that it is not in the plan for this budget.
Mr. Horton speaking as the NYSUT legislative representative asked what message would the Board like carried forward to our representatives?
Mr. DiMascio asked for time to formulate a response and collect the Board’s thoughts. Mrs. Hibbard stated a committee of local superintendents and business officials prepared a position paper on changes that would provide relief to districts. Mr. Horton is welcome to a copy of the paper, which has been shared with representatives.
Meeting Adjournment
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 8:14 PM.
Moved by Stephanie Champney Seconded by Kathleen Driscoll
5 Aye 0 Nay 0 Abstained APPROVED
Executive Session:
For matters of personnel and contractual issues.
FYI:
Badminton for Heart: March 4th, 6-8:30 in the High School gymnasium
Odyssey of the Mind Competition: March 7th at BOCES
Celebration of the Young Child: March 28th at from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in the CEA cafeteria.
Laura Lindsley
District Clerk
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