REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING – November 16, 2006
Location: Kenneth L. Rutherford Elementary School Cafeteria – 7 p.m.

ROLL CALL
A
Present: Jacob Billig (left at 7:17 p.m., returned at 8:42 p.m.) Tara Buckstad, Liza Glick, Eugene Nesin, Robert Rosengard, Robert Stewart, Jesse CampanaroAlso Present: Patrick Michel, Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Pagano-Fuller, Assistant Superintendent Gladys P. Baxter, School Business Official, Susan Horton, Chairperson of the District Audit Committee, Mary Buchholz, District Clerk Absent: Vivian Liff, Richard Feller

EXECUTIVE SESSION
5:07:0
Upon Motion to go into Executive Session by Robert Stewart, seconded by Robert Rosengard at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the medical, financial, credit or employment history of a particular person or corporation, or matters leading to the appointment, employment, promotion, demotion, discipline, suspension, or removal of a particular person or corporation. Tara Buckstad arrived at 6:10 p.m. Jacob Billig arrived at 6:15 p.m.Motion to come out of Executive Session at 7:10 p.m. by Robert Stewart, seconded by Eugene Nesin.

President, Alyce Van Etten called the meeting to order at 7:12 P.M.
7:07:0
Upon motion by Jacob Billig, seconded by Robert Stewart, for an “Order of the day” change, with regard to employee releases.Upon motion by Robert Stewart, seconded by Robert Rosengard, Be it resolved that the Superintendent is authorized to enter into settlement agreements and releases, which shall become a public record upon its execution.

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
B
None

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE
C
Student Representative Jesse Campanaro gave report on student activities at the High School.

PRESENTATION
D1
Susan Horton, Chairperson of the District’s Audit Committee, introduced outside audit company, Cooper, Niemann & Co., CPA’s, LLP. She introduced the new external audit firm. A presentation was given by Andrew J. Arias, CPA, Cr.FA. Details of the audit process was explained, accompanied with a handout from the firm.

©ROUTINE MATTERS Consent Agenda
E.6:0
Upon motion by Robert Rosengard, seconded by Robert Stewart, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent approved the following Consent Agenda items.
Ea.
©Minutes of November 2, 2006 - As amended.
Eb.
©TREASURER’S REPORT
Ec.
©TAX REPORT
F2a.
©PERSONNEL
F2a.
LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Mrs. Linda Dollard, MEP Teacher at Chase/Cooke Elementary Schools, requests a leave of absence for illness, effective October 4, 2006 to December 22, 2006.
F2a.
TEMPORARY APPOINTMENT Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Education Law and in compliance with Part 30.3 of the Rules of the Board of Regents, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, does hereby appoint Theodore Kusulas to the temporary position of Interim High School Assistant Principal, at a salary of $85,000 per year, prorated, to be effective November 8, 2006 to June 30, 2007, replacing Rafael A. Marquez.
F2a.
TENURE RECOMMENDATIONSabrina Graham – Academic Tenure Area – Social Studies – Grades 7 - 12
F2b.
©CSE SERVICES
F2c.
©CPSE SERVICESF2d.©EXCESSED ITEMS

OLD BUSINESS
F1
None
NEW BUSINESS
F2
Upon motion by Tara Buckstad, seconded by Liza Glick, Vivian Liff abstained, the Board of Education approved the Joining of Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.
APPROVAL OF JOINING SULLIVAN COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
F2e.5:0:1
Upon motion by Tara Buckstad, seconded by Liza Glick, Vivian Liff abstained, the Board of Education approved the Joining of Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce.
CORRECTION OF TAXES
F2f6:0
Upon motion by Robert Stewart, seconded by Eugene Nesin, the Board of Education approved the Correction of Taxes.
BOARD GOALS
F2g6:06:0
Upon motion by Robert Rosengard, seconded by Tara Buckstad, that the Board Goals be placed on the Agenda as an Action Item. Upon Motion by Robert Rosengard, seconded by Eugene Nesin, the accepting of the Board Goals was approved by the Board.
CORRESPONDENCE
G
Given to Central Office.

INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
Ha
Compliance with Section 1708 of New York State Education Law Annual Visit to Schools – A walkthrough for Rutherford will be set up prior to the next Board Meeting, December 7th being held at the Robert J. Kaiser Middle School.
Hb
Policy Committee – Final stages of finishing report. Next meeting is scheduled for December 5th, @ 5:00 p.m. in the Middle School Library.
Hc
Audit Committee – The Committee met with the new claims auditor, Marie Eck, and internal auditor, Andy Pavloff. The new internal auditor will meet with the accounting staff at the end of January 2007.
Hd
Public Relations Committee – Good meeting with Renata Gittler. Next meeting Thursday, November 30th at 5:00. Proposal by Jacob Billig that group meet every alternate Thursday that Board doesn’t meet.
He Facilities Committee – A brief was given on the construction update. Another walkthrough will be scheduled to make sure work has been completed.
Hf
Board Goals and Evaluation – Made an action item, see F2g.
Hg
Demographic Study Proposal –The Advisory Solutions for the NYS School Board Association’s proposal was presented to the Board. It included 3 different options. Gave costs of the studies. Recommendation for advisement. Will review with other companies.
Hh
CABC – Monticello Firehouse Chat went very well. Good turnout and exchange with the public. Rock Hill Firehouse Chat went well. Good public turnout. Many people asked how to join the committee. Next meeting is scheduled at Smallwood Firehouse on December 6th, at 7:00 p.m.
Hi
Focus Review for Special Education – First step has occurred. The District met with State level personnel. The administration will send a press release out with regard to the comprehensive overview by an outside agency.
Hj
Boys and Girls Club – Dr. Patrick Michel with county executives to create an infrastructure outside of the school for children to go to. Working with Fallsburg and will split the operating costs of running the club with them. Plans currently are that the 25% of money will come from the two Districts, 25% will come from fund raisers, and 25% will come from endowments. Business plan and presentations will begin in January 2007.
Hk
New Secretary – Salary will come from Title I funding. Will be reviewed and be an action item for the next Board meeting.
Hl
Sullivan County School Boards Association Meeting – December 5th at 6:00 p.m. at SC BOCES, Career and Tech Dining Room.– Lyn Ramsey Golash will be the presenter. Topic: Trends in Negotiations.
Hm
Legal Updates – A review and update of our District’s Code of Conduct will be discussed in the near future. Will defer to Central Administration for future discussions.
Hn
Racino Money – Learned that MSCD was left out of Racino money. A proposal was issued to tour other towns directly affected by local casinos. Will contact local government officials to express District’s concern about being left out of the process and any funds from the Racino.

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
I
Questions and Comments from the Public: Arleene Siegel-Lerner – Staff appreciation lunch at the High School on Friday, November 17th at 11:00 a.m.Liza Glick suggested that the School Safety reports be a discussion topic will be on a Board Agenda for a meeting in January.

ADJOURNMENT
J7:0
Upon motion by , Tara Buckstad, seconded by Robert Rosengard, the Board adjourned at 9:23 P.M.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ryan-Buchholz, District Clerk

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