Absent: Alyce Van Etten, Tara Buckstad, Jacob BilligAlso

Present: Patrick Michel, Superintendent of Schools Kathleen Pagano-Fuller, Assistant Superintendent for Student Learning Mary Ryan Buchholz, District Clerk

President, Robert Stewart, called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m.
1. Pledge to the Flag
2. Upon motion by Vivian Liff, seconded by Yvonne Housman, the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent, voted to adopt the Agenda
Yes: 5 Feller, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Glick, Van Etten

PRESENTATIONS
B.1. Board of Education Awards
2.Athletic Program Update – Fall Sports – Douglas Murphy, Director of Physical Education, Health, and Athletics
3.Syracuse University Public Policy – Jessika Fasce’ & Felicia Escoto. Monticello High School Students
 
QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
C. Dawn Simone, VP MATCO Football – Wanted an update on the proposed football program for the Monticello School District. Heard the program is off the table. She was informed that the district is going through its budget process now. More details regarding the program will be disclosed at a future meeting.

Rebecca Concors, MCSD student - Distributed a letter to the Board of Education members which voiced her concern over the usage of the YMCA facility at the High School. Her wish is to have the weight room available to all students when the facility is open.

Andy Concors, parent – Thought the awards ceremony given earlier in the meeting could be better coordinated. Would like to see less confusion presenting the awards to the scholar athletes.

BOARD REPORT OUT
D. Student Board member, Taylor Fasce’, gave a report out on recent activities in the High School.

Patrick Michel – Announced that the 10th Annual RJK Middle School Reading Night will take place on February 28, 2008 from 6p.m. to 8 p.m.

Richard Feller – NYSSBA’s Annual Convention will begin alternating the conventions sight starting in 2010. Next years convention will remain in NYC and will be held October 16th and 17th.

Liza Glick – Pleased to see the girls ski team winning several of their last meets. Team looks great this year.

CONSENT AGENDA
E. Upon motion by Yvonne Housman, seconded by Vivian Liff, the Board of Education upon recommendation of the Superintendent, voted to approve the Consent Agenda.Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
E.1.a. Minutes of January 3, 2008 – Regular Meeting
E.2 PERSONNEL
E.2.a. RESIGNATION
Victor Berretta, Bus Mechanic, wishes to resign effective January 4, 2008.
E.2.b. RESIGNATION
Sara Burgos, Bus Driver, wishes to resign effective January 31, 2008.
E.2.c. RESIGNATION
Jason Catanzariti, Cooke Elementary School Physical Education Teacher wishes to resign effective March 8, 2008.
E.2.d. RESIGNATION
Marguerite Puglisi, Teacher’s Aide at the Rutherford Elementary School, wishes to resign effective January 11, 2008 in order to accept the Teaching Assistant position at the Rutherford Elementary School, effective January 14, 2008.
E.2.e. APPOINTMENT
Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Educational 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 Michelina Garbarini to the position of Special Education Aide at a salary of $8.00 per hour for 6 hours per day and 185 days per year, pro-rated, for a probationary period of 60 work days with benefits as per the Teacher Aide contract, replacing Susan Stackhouse, to be effective January 7, 2008.
E.2.f. 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 Mark Gittleman to the probationary position of Tenure Area, Mathematics, Step 1, at a salary of $41,197 pro-rated, per year, effective January 14, 2008 to January 14, 2011. Replacing Jessica Bastek.
E.2.g. APPOINTMENT
Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Educational 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 Regina Kaufmann to the temporary appointment extension of Tenure Area, Art, at a salary of $38,687 pro-rated, per year, effective January 3, 2008 to January 11, 2008. Replacing Wendy McCauliff.
E.2.h. APPOINTMENT
Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Educational 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 Richard Pennell to the position of Mechanic at a salary of $15.00 per hour for 8 hours per day and 260 days per year, pro-rated, for a probationary period of 60 calendar days with benefits as per the Bus Drivers/Mechanics contract, replacing Victor Barretta, to be effective February 11, 2008.
E.2.i. 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 Marguerite Puglisi to the probationary position of Tenure Area, Teaching Assistant at a salary of $18,000 pro-rated, per year, effective January 14, 2008 to January 14, 2011. Replacing Denise Chocolate.
E.2.j. APPOINTMENT
Resolved, that the Board of Education of the Monticello Central School District, pursuant to Section 3012 of the Educational 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 Susan Stackhouse to the position of Aide for Students with Physical Needs at a salary of $8.25 per hour for 6 hours per day and 185 days per year, pro-rated, for a probationary period of N/A with benefits as per the Teacher Aide contract, replacing Angelina Beckham, to be effective January 22, 2008.
E.2.k. CHILD CARE LEAVE
Jill Yannetta, Rutherford Elementary School Special Education Teacher, requests a child care leave effective April 7, 2008 to June 30, 2008.
E.2.l. LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Ellen Alewitz, Music Teacher, is requesting an extension of her leave due to medical reasons effective January 3, 2008 to June 15, 2008.
E.2.m. RECOMMENDATION TO TERMINATE
Kaled Awny, Sub Cleaner. To be effective January 14, 2008.
E.3. CSE SERVICES
E.4. CPSE SERVICES
E.5 EXCESSED ITEMS

ACTION ITEMS
F.1. Old Business - None
F.2. New Business
F.2.a. CREATE POSITION OF FRESHMAN ACADEMY LEADER Upon motion by Eugene Nesin seconded by Liza Glick, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Creation of the Position of Academy Leader, at a salary of $1,200, pro-rated.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.b. RESIGNATION OF ALBERT STOPPY AS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICE MANAGER
Upon motion by Liza Glick seconded by Vivian Liff, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Resignation of Albert Stoppy as Automotive Service Manager as of May 15, 2008.
Yes: 5 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, StewartNo: 0 Abstained: 1 NesinAbsent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.c. RECOGNITION OF BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS STAFF
Upon motion by Vivian Liff seconded by Richard Feller, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Recognition of Buildings and Grounds Staff during the month of February 2008.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.d. INTERSCHOLASTIC SUPPLY BID - SPRING
Upon motion by Eugene Nesin seconded by Liza Glick, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Interscholastic Supply Bid – Spring 2008.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.e. BUDGET TRANSFERS
Upon motion by Yvonne Housman, seconded by Eugene Nesin, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Budget Transfers.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.f. CHANGE ORDER
Upon motion by Robert Stewart, seconded by Eugene Nesin, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Change Order of $47,520.88 for Electrical Work at the High School.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.g. TREASURER’S REPORT
Upon motion by Yvonne Housman seconded by Eugene Nesin, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Treasurer’s Report.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.h. RESCIND PROBATIONARY APPOINTMENT OF BRIAN EDWARDS
Upon motion by Liza Glick seconded by Vivian Liff, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to Rescind the Probationary Appointment of Brian Edwards.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.i. APPOINTMENT OF BRIAN EDWARDS
Upon motion by Yvonne Housman seconded by Liza Glick, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Appointment
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, Stewart No: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.j. CREATION OF ELEMENTARY SPANISH TEACHING POSITION FOR CHASE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL – C4E FUNDING
Upon motion by Vivian Liff, seconded by Liza Glick, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Creation of an Elementary Spanish Teaching Position for Chase Elementary School with Contract for Excellence (C4E) Funding.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.k. CREATION OF ELEMENTARY POSITION FOR RUTHERFORD/COOKE ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS – C4E FUNDING
Upon motion by Richard Feller, seconded by Yvonne Housman, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Creation of an Elementary Teaching Position for Rutherford/Cooke Elementary Schools with Contract for Excellence (C4E) Funding.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
F.2.l. APPROVAL OF SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT FOR EMPLOYEE 101807
Upon motion by Robert Stewart, seconded by Vivian Liff, the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent voted to approve the Settlement Agreement for Employee 101807.
Yes: 5 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, StewartNo: 0 Abstained: 1 NesinAbsent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten

CORRESPONDENCE
G. Read aloud and passed on to Central Office. Sullivan County BOCES Budget – Please arrange to be available April 22, 2008, at 7:30 p.m. to vote on the SCBOCES administrative budget.

INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION
H.a Compliance with Section 1708 of New York State Education Law Annual Visit to Schools – RJK Middle School is complete. The High School will be completed in the near future.
H.b. Facilities Committee Construction Update – The next meeting will be February 5, 2008 in the Central Office Conference room at 10:00 a.m. High School oil tanks are in. Cooke Elementary School – Work is complete. Chase Elementary School is next.
H.c. Recycling – On Wednesday, January 23rd, Pat Michel and John Travis met Bill Cutler and went “Dumpster Diving” in the High School’s garbage retainers. Bill Cutler did an analysis of the garbage that was sorted through. Will digest the findings and report back to Central Office. The District’s goal is to have a recycling program established by September 2008.
H.d. C4E – Contract for Excellence (C4E), funds have all been allocated to programs in the District. Much thought was put into the process and how to spend the funds. Postings for two new positions passed earlier, have and will be placed on OLAS, advertised in each school building and various newspapers.
H.e. Budget Discussion – Monticello Central School District’s budget calendar is now available. Fifty CABC invitational letters will be mailed from Central Office on January 25, 2008.
H.f. RJK Middle School Roof Update – The Wetco, Inc., construction estimator’s report was included in the Board of Education member’s agenda packets. The report indicated various causes of the recurring roof leaks. Estimates to repair will be forthcoming. The construction company that did the original work on the RJK Middle School roof will be contacted, as well as the District’s attorney’s office to review original contract.
H.g. Grading – The District has taken a first glance at setting in place a standardized grading policy. Questionnaires were sent out to each academic department asking how they grade their students work. Pat Michel will meet with the grading committee at the High School level to get the history of the committee and then move forward to include the committee district wide.
H.h. Negotiations Sub-committee – An initial meeting was held. It was good to see how other schools negotiated their contracts. The next meeting has not yet been scheduled.
H.i. Elephant in the Room – Pat Michel enclosed an article in the Board of Education member’s agenda packet for a reading assignment and future discussion. The article was titled, “Elephant in the Room”. The article comprised of; in the quest for property tax relief, the New York State Senate passed a bill allowing school districts to phase out property taxes in exchange for state funding.
H.j. Academic Walk Through Schedule – It was proposed that the academic walk through take place on the Thursday’s that the Board of Education holds its meeting. A schedule will be created and posted. Please pass on to Central Office, the academic programs that you would like to visit.
H.k. RJK Middle School Discipline Data – The RJK Middle School was proud to report that the disciplinary issues in their school have dramatically decreased. Total referrals are down 40% from last years data. With minimal disruptions happening during class, it allows enhanced academic time for student learning. The PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports) District Team training will take place in the next month or two.

QUESTIONS & COMMENTS
I. Judy Buffa-Kunis, Teacher – Would like to see standardized grading start at the Kindergarten level.

EXECUTIVE SESSION
3. Upon Motion to go into Executive Session by Eugene Nesin, seconded by Yvonne Housman at 9:16 p.m. to discuss the evaluation of a particular person; and ongoing contract negotiations.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten
Motion to come out of Executive Session at 10:10 p.m. by Liza Glick, seconded by Yvonne Housman.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van Etten

ADJOURNMENT
J. Motion to adjourn at 10:12 p.m. by Eugene Nesin, seconded by Richard Feller.
Yes: 6 Feller, Glick, Housman, Liff, Nesin, StewartNo: 0 Absent: Billig, Buckstad, Van

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Ryan-Buchholz, District Clerk

Return to Board of Education page