Minutes February 14, 2013 - Union Free School District of the ...

February 14, 2013
A regular meeting of the Board of Education, Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns, was held on
Thursday, February 14, 2013 in the Board Room of the Administration Building, commencing at 8:00PM.
Present:
B. Joseph Lillis, President
Mimi Godwin, Vice President
Sheila J. Conklin, Trustee
Craig Laub, Trustee
Vincent Nadile, Trustee
Paul Rode, Trustee
Katharine M. Swibold, Trustee
Also present:
Howard W. Smith, Superintendent of Schools
John J. Staiger, Jr., Assistant Superintendent for Business
Barbarann Tantillo, Assistant Superintendent
Maureen Massaro, Challenge Teacher, Washington Irving School
Elizabeth Lopez, Principal, Sleepy Hollow Middle School
Carol Conklin-Spillane, Principal, Sleepy Hollow High School
Kristie Martinez, Math/ELA Developer
Sharon O’Grady, Math/ELA Developer
Nelly Valentin, District Clerk
Trustee Conklin, moved, seconded by Trustee Swibold, that it be
RESOLVED: That the Board goes into executive session to discuss particular personnel matters.
CARRIED 6-0
7:15PM
No formal action was taken.
Note: Trustee Nadile arrived for executive session at 7:25PM.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY 8:02PM
Trustee Godwin moved, seconded by Trustee Conklin, that it be
RESOLVED: That the Board returns to Public Session.
Call to Order
Executive Session
Public Session
Meditation
Pledge to the Flag
Roll Call
All members of the Board were present.
There was a moment of silent meditation, after which the Pledge to the Flag was given.
President Lillis asked that the following be remembered who recently passed away:
Juana Franscica Marrero, the grandmother of Kathia Javier, teaching assistant at John Paulding
School.
Communications,
Petitions and
Requests from the
Public
President Lillis noted that the Board received a letter from a parent regarding the proposed 2013/14
school calendar, specifically, the two week break during the holiday season. This is a burden to
working families and the parent asked the Board to consider alternate options.
There were no comments from the public.
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February 14, 2013
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Trustee Nadile moved, seconded by Trustee Godwin, that it be
RESOLVED: That the Board of Education, having received copies of the minutes of the
regular meeting of January 24, 2013, approves same.
Vice President Godwin updated the community on the superintendent search. She reported that the
search was a very serious process. There were a total of 59 applicants and the search consultants
interviewed 17 candidates. Seven candidates were presented to the Board, all were interviewed and the
search was narrowed to two candidates. After careful research, screening, and taking into consideration
the results of the surveys, the Board felt confident in bringing forth Dr. Christopher Clouet as the final
candidate. He is the perfect fit for our District. It was noted that a site visit to the White Plains
School District took place, as well as a day long visit by Dr. Clouet in our District. President Lillis noted
that Dr. Clouet has the set of experiences and educational leadership attributes that most closely align with
the needs of our District and community. President Lillis welcomed Dr. Clouet to the District and looks
forward to working with him. Note: Dr. Christopher Clouet was in attendance at the meeting.
Appointment of
new
superintendent
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Trustee Godwin moved, seconded by Trustee Rode, that it be
RESOLVED:
APPOINTMENT OF NEW SUPERINTENDENT
WHEREAS, the Board of Education of the Union Free School District of The Tarrytowns seeks to
appoint Dr. Christopher Clouet as Superintendent of Schools for the School District and to approve an
Employment Agreement setting forth the terms and conditions under which Dr. Clouet will be employed;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education of the Union Free School School
District of the Tarrytowns hereby conditionally appoints Dr. Christopher Clouet to the position of
Superintendent of Schools for a four (4) year term to commence July 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2017,
subject to and contingent upon the satisfactory completion of the fingerprinting process required by the New
York State Education Law; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT the Board of Education hereby approves an Employment
Agreement with Dr. Clouet dated February 14, 2013 setting forth the terms and conditions of employment
under which Dr. Clouet will serve as Superintendent of Schools during the aforementioned term, with an
annual salary for the first year of the Agreement to be $253,000.00, and hereby authorizes the President
of the Board to execute same, subject to the conditions set forth above.
There was a motion by Trustee Conklin, seconded by Trustee Nadile, that a correction be made to the above
removing the bracket from the resolution. The motion was CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY.
Board Matters: President Lillis reported that one of the items the Board has been discussing over the last
several weeks is school safety, following the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The Board has
decided to reach out to our state legislators both in New York and at the federal level to address gun safety
and more importantly, additional services for those with mental health issues. Trustee Laub volunteered to
spearhead this cause along with the assistance of Trustee Conklin and have drafted a letter to the legislators.
They will work on finalizing the letter and the Board anticipates sending it out sometime in March.
Board Matters
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February 14, 2013
Vice President Godwin reported that she attended a Chamber of Commerce meeting recently and it was
announced that there is a new director at Lyndhurst. They would like to offer internship opportunities
for schools, specifically Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow students. Internships include engineering and
architecture.
Board Matters
Dr. Smith noted that we will need a BOE representative to serve on the John Paulding principal search
committee. Trustee Conklin volunteered to serve.
Trustee Swibold thanked Mimi Godwin for all her hard work with the superintendent search process. The
Board appreciates everything she did. Vice President Godwin thanked the district clerk for her assistance
during this process. Trustee Conklin welcomed back the district clerk.
Dr. Smith indicated that he was impressed to learn about science projects that were going on at Washington
Irving School and invited the teacher, Maureen Massaro, and her group of students to present at the meeting.
Six students presented their projects, which included: How does salt affect the water cycle? Which type of
crystal forms faster? Do different types of water boil at different rates? What is the relationship between
fertilizer and plant height? How does geotropism affect plants? How long does it take for a plant to
germinate? The Board thanked the students for attending and presenting their projects.
Superintendent’s
Report
APPR Report
Dr. Tantillo and Kathy Conley gave a brief presentation on the APPR. Dr. Tantillo noted that Tarrytown
was one of ten districts in the region to submit their plan early and have it approved by the state education
department prior to the beginning of the school year. She acknowledged the work of the committee, which
included teachers and administrators.
Highlights included:
100-Point Evaluation System for Teachers and Principals
o 60 evaluation, 20 growth, 20 local
APPR Point Distribution
Discussion followed.
Dr. Tantillo reported that the district has been working hard to align our curriculum maps to the common
core. Elementary and secondary presenters included: Kristie Martinez, Sharon O’Grady, Elizabeth Lopez
and Carol Conklin-Spillane. The various maps in ELA and mathematics were shown. Parents can access
the maps from our district website and can utilize the tools to assist with their child’s academic learning.
Curriculum Maps
Report
Good news items:
SHHS has been named a finalist for the Inspiration Award from The College Board. The award
recognizes outstanding college preparation programs and partnerships among teachers, parents,
and community organizations. Sleepy Hollow was selected as one of eight national finalists from
among hundreds of applicants. A site visit will be conducted in March as the next step in the
process.
Thanks to John Staiger, the District has recovered a savings of approximately $90,000 in utility bills.
This is due to mistakes on billing statements for gas usage at Morse.
Dr. Smith acknowledged Kid’s Club for all they do for the District. They continue to raise funds and
have contributed the money to the District for various programs.
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February 14, 2013
The Board discussed the proposed 2013/14 school calendar. The committee, comprised of teachers,
administrators, parents, and non-instructional staff, met to review several calendar options for 2013/14.
The committee recommended a full 2-week break in December. President Lillis recommended that we
move the March 21 st staff development day to April 11 th . This would allow for a full month of instruction
without interruption. The board was in consensus. The revised calendar will be presented for adoption
at the next meeting.
A citizen commented on the APPR and the 2013/14 school calendar.
2013/14 Calendar
discussion
Citizens’
Comments
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Trustee Rode moved, seconded by Trustee Swibold, that it be
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby approves the following Staff Personnel Motions, as listed:
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby accepts the following resignation:
STAFF
PERSONNEL:
Resignation:
T. Gomez
Theresa Gomez, Science Teacher – Sleepy Hollow Middle School, effective March 1, 2013, after
six months of service.
In accordance with Policy #9020, be it
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby appoints the following instructional/non-instructional substitute staff for the
2012-2013 school year:
Substitute Staff
Jean Ron Teacher $85 per diem
Jean Ron Teaching Assistant $13 per hour
Allison Burke Teacher $85 per diem
Allison Burke Teaching Assistant $13 per hour
Danielle Gonzalez Teacher $85 per diem
Danielle Gonzalez Teaching Assistant $13 per hour
Theresa Connelly Teacher $85 per diem
Theresa Connelly Teaching Assistant $13 per hour
Michelle Palazzo Teacher $85 per diem
Michelle Palazzo Teaching Assistant $13 per hour
Robin Paul Long Term Teacher $320 per diem effective February 4
through March 8, 2013
Debra Kurzhals Long Term Teacher $320 per diem effective May 28
through June 21, 2013
Staci Grabina Building Sub Teacher $100 per diem
Ramon Dominguez Bus Driver $20.35 per hour
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education
hereby appoints the following instructional/non-instructional staff for the 2012-2013 school year:
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February 14, 2013
Loly Rodriguez, Office Assistant (A/S) Spanish Speaking, PPS Department/Administration Building,
7 hours per day, 12 months per year, probationary appointment in accordance with Civil Service Rules
and Regulations, at a salary of $41,480 (prorated salary effective February 15 through June 30, 2013 will
be $15,422), based on Step 3 of the CSEA salary schedule, effective February 15, 2013. (Replacement)
Staff
Appointment:
L. Rodriguez
D. Kurzhals
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of Education
hereby appoints the following instructional/non-instructional staff for the 2013-2014 school year:
Debra Kurzhals, Health Teacher .4FTE – Sleepy Hollow High School
Appointment Type: Leave Replacement .4FTE
Effective: September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014
Certification: New York State Professional Certification: Health Education, Physical Ed.
Education: Springfield College, Springfield, MA - MS
SUNY Cortland, Cortland, NY - B
Experience: Sleepy Hollow Middle School, Sleepy Hollow, NY
Leave Replacement Physical Education Teacher, 1 year 4 months
Ossining Middle School, Ossining, NY
Long Term Substitute Health Teacher, 1½ years
North Rockland High School, Thiells, NY
Long Term Substitute Health Teacher,
Salary:
MA Step 1 $63,715 ($25,486 prorated)
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby grants an unpaid leave of absence to Sylvia Brabham, teaching assistant – Sleepy
Hollow Middle School, effective February 13, 2013 through February 28, 2013.
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby grants an unpaid medical leave of absence to Kathleen Barstow, teaching assistant –
W.L. Morse School, effective February 5, 2013 through June 30, 2013.
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby revises the long term substitute teaching assistant appointment of Maynor Ramos,
effective December 3, 2012 through February 28, 2013.
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby grants salary transfers to the following staff members, effective February 1, 2013
(as per contractual obligation):
Unpaid LOA:
S. Brabham
K. Barstow
Revision:
M. Raymos
Salary Transfers
Name From To
Janet Longo-Abinanti MA+30 Off Step MA+40 Off Step
Deidre Sullivan MA+15 Step 7 MA+20 Step 7
Marie Marte MA+30 Off Step MA+40 Off Step
Rafael Bencosme BA+15 Step 1 MA Step 1
,
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February 14, 2013
BE IT RESOLVED, That, Howard W. Smith is hereby certified as a Qualified Lead Evaluator of Building
Principals having successfully completed a training program provided by the PNW BOCES, Center for
Educational Leadership, in accordance with the requirements prescribed in NYCRR§30-29 (b).
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby appoints the following as an English/Spanish instructor, for the Dual Language
Program (parents), effective February 28, 2013 through May 16, 2013:
Nicole Sibiski Instructor
$35 per hour
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby appoints the following to Spring 2013 coaching stipends, as per the attached:
(Appendix #1)
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns hereby
ratifies and approves the Amendment to the Employment Agreement between Dr. Howard Smith and
the Union Free School District of the Tarrytowns dated February 14, 2013 and authorizes the President
of the Board to execute same.
Qualified Lead
Evaluator
Dual Language
Program
Spring 2013
stipends
Amendment to
employment
agreement
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Trustee Swibold moved, seconded by Trustee Conklin, that it be
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby approves the following Student Personnel Motion, as listed:
RESOLVED: That the Board of Education accepts the recommendations from the Committee on
Special Education (CSE) at its December 20; January 9, 23, 24, 2013 meetings and the Committee
on Preschool Special Education at its January 17, 31, 2013 meetings, as attached. (Appendix #2)
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
Trustee Godwin moved, seconded by Trustee Rode, that it be
RESOLVED: That, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Board of
Education hereby approves the following Finance & Facilities Motions, as listed:
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the participating school districts of the Southern Westchester Board of
Cooperative Educational Services, adopting this Resolution to bid jointly in those supplies, commodities,
materials and equipment set forth below.
STUDENT
PERSONNEL
CSE/CPSE
Reports
Finance &
Facilities:
BOCES
Cooperative Bid
Now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Tarrytown Union Free School District agrees to participate with other school
districts of the Southern Westchester Board of Educational Services, Westchester County, New York
adopting this in the joint bidding of:
YES
NO
1. Art Supplies __X_ ____
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February 14, 2013
2. General School Supplies __X_ ____
3. Office Supplies __X_ ____
4. Fine Paper Supplies __X_ ____
5. Audio Visual Supplies & Equipment __X_ ____
6. Bakery Goods ____ __X_
7. Cafeteria Food Supplies ____ __X_
8. Custodial Supplies __X_ ____
9. Trash Liners __X_ ____
10. Custodial Paper Supplies __X_ ____
11. Lumber Supplies __X_ ____
12. Laser & Ink Jet Toners __X_ ____
13. Microcomputer Hardware __X_ ____
14. Office & Classroom Furniture __X_ ____
15. Graphing Calculators __X_ ____
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution shall remain in effect until June 30, 2014, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that it is agreed that the specifications as presented will be used, and that
this Board agrees to bid its required amount of said commodities jointly with other participating school
districts in Southern Westchester and the Southern Westchester Board of Cooperative Educational Services.
The recommendation of the Purchasing Steering Committee will be considered when this Board acts on the
purchase of said Commodities.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the invitation to bid will be advertised by BOCES in the Journal News
in accordance with the provisions of Section 103 to the General Municipal Law. Discussion followed.
The Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2013 is attached to these minutes as Appendix #3.
Old Business: Trustee Laub inquired about the status of the energy service contract.
CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY
9:48PM
Trustee Conklin moved, seconded by Trustee Swibold, that it be
RESOLVED: That the meeting of the Board be adjourned.
Treasurer’s
Report:
Jan 2013
Old Business
Adjournment
Respectfully submitted,
Nelly Valentin
District Clerk
Appendices:
#1 - Spring 2013 stipends; #2 - CSE/CPSE Reports; #3 - Treasurer’s Report: January 2013
BOE Approved 3/7/13