RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK CENTRAL SCHOOL

SELKIRK, NEW YORK

The Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, May 5, 2008

5:30 P.M. Audit Committee Meeting – High School Media Center

7:00 P.M. Board of Education Meeting –High School Media Center

Fifteen Minute Executive Session if Needed

Discussion of Personnel Matter

Mr. Bonafide P	At 7:01 p.m., Vice President Elliott opened the meeting. Motion to enter Executive Session at 7:04 p.m. to discuss two personnel considerations made by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney and approved by a unanimous voice vote. At 7:29 p.m., on a motion by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Ms. Puckett, and approved by a unanimous voice vote, the Board re-entered open session. Others in attendance: V. Wright, Superintendent; D. Albano, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; D. Geisler, Interim Business Administrator; G. Chase, Administrator for Human Resources; D. Shaw, Attorney for the District
Ms. Elliott P
Ms. Hafensteiner P
Mr. Hughes A
Mr. Sorensen P
Mrs. Traver P
Mr. Vadney P
Mr. Varney A
Ms. Puckett P
AGENDA ITEMS		ACTION TAKEN
1. Call to Order -Pledge of Allegiance
2. Moment of Silence
3. Anticipated Executive Session – if needed 7:00 PM to 7:15 PM Additions/Deletions to Agenda since Thursday mailing Additions: Add “for review only.” For 9.1 11.1.2 add new leave request date as on letter, October 16, 2008. 11.1.3 additional back-up materials 12.3.6 Attorney changes to Questar III Agreement for Internal Auditor for 2008-2009 Deletions: 7.4 Field Trip Procedures-Diane Albano 9.2 Fund Balance Analysis and Projection-Joseph Pizzo, District Treasurer-will be on agenda for May 19, 2008
5. Approval of Minutes 5.1 Approves the minutes of the April 21, 2008 Board of Education meeting. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Hafensteiner. Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-abstain. Motion to approve 6-0, with 1 abstention.		Motion approved
6. Awards, Honors & Recognitions Frank Barone and Sue Karmo presented regarding the Senior Symposium held last week.
7. Special Reports 7.1 Meet the Candidates 7.2 Excel Project Update – Vicki Wright and Gene Doane 7.3 Senior Symposium – Frank Barone
Hearings & Petitions Parent Stacy Flavin-Arnold expressed concerns with transportation R.C.S.T.A. President Matt Miller spoke regarding an appointment
9. Old Business 9.1 Claims Auditor April Report for review only 9.2 Fund Balance Analysis and Projection – Joseph Pizzo, District Treasurer 9.3 Continued Discussion of Interim Superintendent – Cynthia Elliott 9.4 Discussion of Strategic Planning Proposal – Vicki Wright 9.5 Review of Proposed 2008-2009 Calendar – Vicki Wright
10. Policy Adoption/Review 10.1 Second reading and review of Policy #5810 – Payroll & Related Liabilities 10.2 Second Reading and review of Policy #7619 – Response to Intervention (RTI) 10.3 Review of Procedures regarding Policy #8420 – Salute to the Flag 10.4 Fourth Reading and review of Policy #7618 –Therapeutic Physical Restraint Motion to table by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Sorensen. Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y. Motion to table approved 7-0.		Motion tabled.
11. New Business 11.1.1 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the paid parental leave of Christine Renaldi beginning September 15, 2008 through to and including November 7, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.2 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the paid parental leave of Nicole Weiss beginning September 3, 2008 through to and including October 10, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.3 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the paid parental leave of Deborah Conti beginning September 3, 2008 through to and including October 17, 2008 as per attached. Motion to table by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Ms. Elliott. Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott. Motion tabled 7-0. 11.1.4 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the paid medical leave of Ronald Phillips beginning April 22, 2008 through to and including May 30, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.5 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Ray Starr to fill the temporary vacancy for Groundskeeper at the high school beginning April 22, 2008 through May 6, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.6 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the probationary appointment of Diane Beach to fill a full time position of cook effective January 24, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.7 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the temporary appointment of Karen Tiedemann to fill the morning and PE curriculum lifeguard position effective April 28, 2008 as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.8 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves moving the primary Purchasing Agent responsibilities to the Business Administrator with Jeff Clemens as the secondary person as per attached. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.9 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the addition to the 2007-08 non- teaching substitute list. Motion to approve by Mr. Vadney, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion approved 7-0. 11.1.10 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the appointment of Frank Barone as the grades 9-10 Interim Principal for the 2008-2009 school year and authorizes the Board President to sign the agreement. Motion to hold for Executive Session by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney. Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-n, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y Motion to hold for Executive Session approved 6-1. Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Mr. Vadney. Puckett-N, Sorensen-N, Traver-N, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-N, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y No action. 11.2 Recommendations of the Committee on Special Education. As a result of the meetings on February 28, March 31 , April 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 10, and 22, 2008, the Committee on Special Education recommends approval of the IEPs of 66 students located in the CSE recommendation binder. Motion to approve by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney. Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y Motion approved 7-0. 12.3 BUSINESS CONSIDERATIONS 12.3.1 Budget Amendment Resolution On April 7, 2008, the RCS Board of Education accepted a donation for $500 from the Stewart’s Holiday Match Program. Be it resolved, that the Board of Education increase the 2007/2008 General Fund budget by $500 (donation from Stewart’s Holiday Match Program).              Increase Estimated Revenues:                         A2705                         Gifts & Donations                      $500.00 Increase Appropriations:                         A2110.479-03-0000   AWB Ballroom Dance Program  $500.00 Be it further resolved, that the Treasurer of the District be authorized to appropriate funds as specified by this resolution. Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y Motion approved 7-0. 12.3.2 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approves the $359.73 per student health and welfare services contract with Averill Park Central SD as per attached and authorizes the Board President and Board Clerk to sign said contract. Averill Park CSD will provide health services to the RCS resident who is attending the Robert C. Parker School. Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y Motion approved 7-0. 12.3.3 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education recommends approving the 2008-2009 BOCES school calendar. Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y Motion approved 7-0. 12.3.4 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the board of Education approves the service agreement between Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk CSD and B & L Control Service Inc. to supply chemical treatment for the air conditioning at the high school for the sum of $3,149 and authorizes the Board President to sign the service agreement. Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y Motion approved 7-0. 12.3.5 The Superintendent recommends approving the following resolution: Resolution of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District authorizing the Settlement of Litigation with American Guarantee & Liability Insurance Company WHEREAS , the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District (the “School District”) filed an action in Albany County Supreme Court on April 23, 2007, bearing index number 3044-07, naming American Guarantee & Liability Insurance Company (“AGCL”) defendant, and alleging breach of a performance bond written by the defendant which bond guaranteed the performance of Clean Air Technologies, Inc. of an asbestos abatement contract entered into by Clean Air with the School District dated June 24, 2003. WHEREAS , the defendant interposed an Answer denying breach of the bond and has asserted several affirmative defenses to the claim. WHEREAS , the defendant has offered to settle the above referenced litigation by paying to the School District the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) WHEREAS , the School District desires to avoid the further expense and uncertainty of litigation and hereby agrees to settle the claim of the School District against the defendant upon the receipt of the sum of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) FURTHER RESOLVED, that the School District’s Superintendent shall authorize and direct its attorneys, Lewis & Greer, P.C., to complete the necessary formal documents to effectuate the settlement of the above referenced action. Motion to table by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney. Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y Motion tabled 7-0. 12.3.6 The Superintendent recommends approving the following resolution: Resolution of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District and Questar III Intermunicipal Agreement for Internal Claims Auditing Services: WHEREAS, Education Law, section 1950(4) (k), as amended by Chapter 263 of the Laws of 2005, provides that a board of cooperative educational services (“BOCES”) has the power and duty to establish an internal audit function; WHEREAS, Education Law, section 2116-b, as added by Chapter 263 of function to include, among other things, the development of risk assessment of district operations, a review of financial policies and procedures; the testing and evaluation of district internal controls; and an annual review of risk assessment; WHEREAS, Education Law, section 2116-b authorizes school districts to use intermunicipal agreements to fulfill the internal audit function provided that such function complies with regulations of the Commissioner of Education and meet professional auditing standards; WHEREAS, General Municipal Law, Article 5-G authorizes the District and Questar III to enter into an intermunicipal agreement to carry out any function or responsibility each has authority to undertake alone; WHEREAS, QUESTAR III has established an internal audit function and appointed an internal auditor who will provide internal audit functions for QUESTAR III and is ready, willing and able to provide such functions for school districts as may be agreed upon; WHEREAS, District is required of establishing an internal audit function and has determined that QUESTAR III can provide DISTRICT with professional expertise for such purpose; and WHEREAS, DISTRICT has undertaken a reasonable review of the cost of obtaining professional audit services and has determined that obtaining such services through QUESTAR III will afford best value to the DISTRICT. NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises herein given, and other good and valuable consideration, it is agreed as follows: 1. TERM. The term of this AGREEMENT shall begin on 07/01/2008 and extend for, through and including 06/30/2009. 2. WORK. QUESTAR III shall perform for DISTRICT the services described in Appendix A (SCOPE OF WORK). QUESTAR III shall undertake such WORK in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and applicable regulations of the Commissioner of Education. WORK shall take place at mutually agreeable dates and times, provided that all original DISTRICT documents shall be reviewed at the DISTRICT offices and may not be removed there from any purpose. 3. EQUIPMENT AND OTHER RESOURCES. Unless otherwise provided in the SCOPE OF WORK, DISTRICT shall provide all of the equipment, supplies, and any other resources required to complete the WORK. 4. COMPENSATION. QUESTAR III shall be compensated for the WORK as provided in Appendix B, “SCHEDULE OF FEES.” Unless otherwise provided in Appendix B, QUESTAR III’s fee shall be all inclusive. 5. PAYMENT. Payment for the WORK provided pursuant to this AGREEMENT is dependent upon the satisfactory completion of the WORK and faithful compliance with the terms and conditions of the AGREEMENT by QUESTAR III. 6. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. QUESTAR III agrees to provide such WORK to DISTRICT as an independent contractor. It is mutually agreed that for purposes of providing this WORK, any employee or contractor of QUESTAR III shall not be an employee of DISTRICT, and shall neither hold himself/herself out nor claim to be an officer, employee, agent or representative of DISTRICT nor make any claim, demand or application to or for any right based upon any different status. 7. LIMITS ON COMPENSATION. QUESTAR III agrees that neither it nor any employee or contractor of it are entitled to participate in any benefit plan provided to the employees of DISTRICT; Worker’s Compensation through DISTRICT; unemployment insurance benefits through DISTRICT; nor any other benefit, right and/or privilege available to employees of DISTRICT. 8. INDEMNIFICATION. DISTRICT is responsible for establishing and maintaining internal controls for its financial operations. Questar III shall not indemnify District for theft, loss, unauthorized use or disposition of assets, or failure to comply with law or regulations on the part of District’s employees, regardless of whether such theft, loss, unauthorized use or disposition of assets, or failure to comply with law or regulations occurs before, during, or after completion of the WORK, and District shall not indemnify Questar III for theft, loss, unauthorized use or disposition of assets, or failure to comply with law or regulations on the part of Questar III’s employees under any circumstances. 9. AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION, RECORDS AND PERSONNEL. DISTRICT shall be responsible for making all financial records, related information and relevant personnel available to Questar III as may be necessary for Questar III to complete WORK. DISTRICT is responsible for the accuracy and completeness of any such information. DISTRICT acknowledges that QUESTAR III will not perform a detailed examination of all transactions and that there is a risk that material misstatements, illegal acts, or noncompliance may exist and not be detected during WORK. The internal auditor shall preserve the confidentiality of all DISTRICT information and/or records unless otherwise required by law. 10. REPORTING RESPONSIBILITIES. Internal auditors assigned to perform WORK for DISTRICT shall report directly to the Board of Education of DISTRICT. The PARTIES agree that such internal auditors shall have suitable qualifications that allow him or her to undertake internal audit functions, as directed by DISTRICT’S Board of Education, in accordance with generally accepted professional practices and applicable regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 11. SUBCONTRACTS. QUESTAR III shall not enter into subcontracts for the performance of work pursuant to this AGREEMENT unless such subcontractors are approved by DISTRICT before the WORK is completed. 12. NON-ASSIGNMENT. This AGREEMENT may not be assigned by either PARTY or its right, title or interest therein assigned, transferred, conveyed or otherwise disposed of without the previous consent, in writing, of the OTHER PARTY and any attempt to assign the contract without such written consent will be null and void. 13. DISPUTE RESOLUTION. In the event either PARTY has a dispute relating to the execution of WORK or compensation for WORK, including but not limited to the applicability of professional standards for such WORK, it shall provide written notice to the other PARTY of such dispute and include a detailed description of the nature of the dispute and proposed method of resolution. Within seven (7) days of receiving such notice, the receiving PARTY shall contact the disputing party and a mutually acceptable time shall be set for the PARTIES to meet and discuss the resolution. Both PARTIES shall provide documentation or other information useful for resolution of such dispute. Both PARTIES shall make a good faith effort to resolve such dispute in a mutually acceptable and timely manner. In the event the PARTIES cannot agree to resolve such dispute, either PARTY may exercise its right to terminate pursuant to paragraph fourteen (14) of this AGREEMENT. 14. TERMINATIONS. Both PARTIES reserve the right to terminate this AGREEMENT upon providing thirty (30) days written notice to the other PARTY provided, however, that prior to providing such notice the PARTY seeking termination shall participate in dispute resolution as described in paragraph thirteen (13) of this AGREEMENT. 15. CONVERSION TO CO-SER. In the event that a cooperative service agreement (“Co-Ser”) is offered through QUESTAR III for the internal auditor services during the term of this AGREEMENT, each PARTY agrees that this AGREEMENT may be converted to a Co-Ser by mutual consent without compliance with the terms of paragraph fourteen (14). 16. NOTICES. Any notices or other communications that must be given in connection with this AGREEMENT shall be in writing and shall be deemed to have been validly made or given when delivered personally or when received if properly deposited with the United States Postal Service, postage prepaid certified or registered mail return receipt requested or with a nationally recognized overnight courier service to the address set forth below: (a) If to QUESTAR III: Questar III 10 Empire State Blvd. Castleton, New York 12033 Attn.: Harry Hadjiouannou, Assistant Superintendent With a copy to: Questar III 10 Empire State Blvd. Castleton, New York 12033 Attn.: Susan M. DiDonato, Esq. (b) If to District: Mr. Gregory Chase Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk CSD 26 Thatcher Street Selkirk, NY 12158 17.HEADINGS. Headings or titles of sections are for convenience of reference only and do not constitute a part of this AGREEMENT. 18. FULL AGREEMENT. This AGREEMENT, including all appendices, constitutes the full agreement between the PARTIES. Motion to approve as amended by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Ms. Puckett. Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Puckett-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y Motion approved 7-0.		Approved Approved Tabled Approved Approved