RAVENA-COEYMANS-SELKIRK CENTRAL SCHOOL

SELKIRK, NEW YORK

 

The Board of Education meeting will be held on Monday, August 6, 2007

6:00 P.M. Board of Education Meeting

 

6:00 P.M. Anticipated - Executive Session

Discussion Regarding Proposed, Pending or Current Litigation

Collective Negotiation Under the Taylor Law

Matters Leading to the Appointment of a Particular Person

To Discuss Matters Made Exempt by Federal or State Law

Attorney – Client Privilege

 

 

Mr. Bonafide P

At 6:02 p.m. the meeting was called to order by President Varney.

 

At 6:04 p.m., on a motion by Mr. Bonafide, seconded by Mr. Hughes, with a unanimous voice vote, the Board entered executive session to discuss: proposed, pending or current litigation, collective negotiation under the Taylor Law, matters leading to the appointment of a particular person, matters made exempt by Federal or State Law, or matters under attorney-client privilege.

 

 

At 7:11 p.m., the meeting returned to open session.

 

 

 

 

 

Others in attendance: Ms. Vicki Wright, Superintendent; Dr. Diane Albano, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; Mr. Gene Grasso, Interim Business Administrator; David Shaw, Counsel.

Ms. Elliott P

Ms. Hafensteiner P

Mr. Hughes P

Mr. Sorensen P

Mrs. Traver P

Mr. Vadney P

 

Mr. Varney P

 

AGENDA  ITEMS

ACTION TAKEN

1.    Call to Order

-Pledge of Allegiance

 

 

 

2.   Moment of Silence

 

 

3.  Anticipated Executive Session – 6:05 P.M. to approximately 6:55 P.M.

      * This is a change from original agenda sent out.

 

  1. Additions/Deletions to Agenda since Thursday mailing

 

Move #4 up after #2.

 

The change from the original agenda is reflected in #3.

 

 

5.   Approval of Minutes

 

5.1   Approve the minutes of the July 16, 2007 Board of Education meeting.

 

Motion to approve by Mr. Bonafide, seconded by Mr. Hughes.

 

Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-abstain, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion approved 8-0.

     

 

 

Approved

6.   Awards, Honors & Recognitions

   

None

 

7.      Special Reports

 

            Facilities Update – Vicki A. Wright, Gene Grasso & Jeff Clemens

            Update – Village of Ravena/RCS Summer Program – Vicki A. Wright & David Shaw

 

Motion to add a new agenda item 9.8 was made by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

9.8    Whereas roof repair work at the high school above food preparation areas is essential for the maintenance of the health and safety of students and staff; and

 

Whereas it is necessary to contract for such work immediately, on an emergency basis dispensing with the bid requirements of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, to the extent such requirements apply, now, therefore, having received quotes from several vendors, the Board hereby authorizes its President to execute an agreement with WeatherGuard Roofing Co., Schenectady, N.Y. in the amount of $14,700.00, as presented to the Board.

 

Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sonrensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to add 9.8 to the agenda is approved 8-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion 9.8 added to the agenda
  1. Hearings & Petitions

 

  1. Mr. Pickett (MS teacher) asked to speak with the BOE in executive session.

 

 

 

Motion to add agenda item 9.9 was made by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

9.9    Motion to listen to Mr. Daniel Pickett in executive session before the next meeting.

 

Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-N, Sonrensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-N,  Elliott-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to add 9.9 to the agenda is approved 6-2.

 

  1. Mr. Miller (HS teacher, Energy Manager, R.C.S.T.A. President) spoke in support of repairing the BOE building.  He also spoke about accountability issues.

 

 

            

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion 9.9 added to the agenda

9.   Old Business

9.1 Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve the amendment to the Memorandum of Agreement with the RCSTA which establishes an additional 25 days of work per year only for the most senior school psychologist. The purpose of the addendum is to clarify language and further define #5 of the MOA.

 

Motion to approve with amendment to have Ms. Wright and Mr. Miller address language of MOA made by Mr. Hughes, seconded by Ms. Elliott.

 

Hughes-Y, Sonrensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-y,  Elliott-Y,  Hafensteiner-Y, Varney-Y

 

9.2 Discussion regarding yearly cost of District’s official newspaper – Vicki A. Wright

 

Yearly cost-$489.  The district pays $1.52 per line for notices.

 

9.3 Discussion of the Board process to review the resumes, to interview candidates and appoint legal counsel for the 07-08 school year. – Mike Varney

 

Discussion to review RFPs and compare at 8/20 meeting.  Possible interviews on 9/10 or 9/24.

 

9.4 Motion to establish Audit Committee – Sarah Hafensteiner

 

Motion to approve agenda item 9.4 by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

9.4 Whereas, Chapter 263 of the Laws of 2005 permits the Board of Education to determine that the Board of Education, sitting as a committee of the whole, shall serve as the Audit Committee; and

Whereas, the District’s current Audit Committee was established as an advisory committee; and

Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to change the Audit Committee from an advisory committee to a committee of the whole of the Board of Education: Now therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of education hereby determines and declares that the Board of Education of the Ravena-Coeymans-Selkirk Central School District, sitting as a committee of the whole, shall serve as the District’s Audit Committee, commencing with the 2007-2008 school year.

 

Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion approved 8-0.

 

9.5 Discussion of 9th Board of Education Member – Mike Varney

 

Consensus was to have a vote for the 9th member during the EXCEL vote.

 

A motion to add 9.10 to the agenda was made by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

9.10  Be it resolved that the Board of Education hereby directs its Clerk to give notice of an election of a member of the Board of Education, to be held on or before October 1, 2007, to fill the vacancy that now exists on the Board.

      Be it further resolved that said voting shall take place at a single polling place at the R-C-S high school gymnasium between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

      Be it further resolved that said voting is contingent on the EXCEL bond issue under consideration being put up to a public vote on the same day.

 

Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to add 9.10 to the agenda approved 8-0.

 

 

9.6 Discussion regarding direction and scope of EXCEL project – Vicki A. Wright

 

Motion to add item 9.11 made by Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

Be it resolved the Board directs the Superintendent to contact bond counsel to determine appropriate bond language consistent with the project features of the EXCELL project as discussed by the BOE this evening.

 

Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-abstain, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to add 9.11 to agenda approved 8-0.

 

 

 

9.7 Discussion of Board of Education on Agenda Organization – Mike Varney

 

A discussion was held to adopt items as brought up by NYSSBA staff such as consent agenda, etc.

 

9.8   Whereas roof repair work at the high school above food preparation areas is essential for the maintenance of the health and safety of students and staff; and

 

Whereas it is necessary to contract for such work immediately, on an emergency basis dispensing with the bid requirements of Section 103 of the General Municipal Law, to the extent such requirements apply, now, therefore, having received quotes from several vendors, the Board hereby authorizes its President to execute an agreement with WeatherGuard Roofing Co., Schenectady, N.Y. in the amount of $14,700.00, as presented to the Board.

 

Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Ms. Hafensteiner.

 

Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sonrensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion is approved 8-0.

 

9.9   Be it resolved the BOE listen to Mr. Daniel Pickett in executive session at a separately scheduled meeting.

 

Motion by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

Motion withdrawn by Ms. Hafensteiner and Mr. Vadney.

 

Motion to enter executive session to discuss the legal ramifications of 9.9 made by Mrs. Traver, seconded by Ms. Hafensteiner.

 

Approved by a unanimous voice vote.  The meeting entered executive session at 9:16 p.m.

 

At 9:51 p.m. the BOE returned to open session.

 

Motion to approve 9.9 by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mrs. Traver.

 

9.9 Be it resolved that the BOE listen to Daniel Pickett in executive session, after he submits in writing his concerns, and we are provided by the District with the area of the transcripts that this Board needs to evaluate prior to the meeting.

 

Hughes-N, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-N, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion approved 6-2.

 

9.10 Be it resolved that the Board of Education hereby directs its Clerk to give notice of an election of a member of the Board of Education, to be held on or before October 1, 2007, to fill the vacancy that now exists on the Board.

      Be it further resolved that said voting shall take place at a single polling place at the R-C-S high school gymnasium between the hours of 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.

      Be it further resolved that said voting is contingent in the EXCEL bond issue under consideration being put up to a public vote on the same day.

 

Motion to table by Mr. Sorensen, seconded by Mr. Bonafide.

 

Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to table approved 8-0.

 

9.11 Be it resolved the Board directs the Superintendent to contact bond counsel to determine appropriate bond language consistent with the project features of the EXCEL project as discussed by the BOE this evening.

 

Motion to approve by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Hughes.

 

Traver-Y, Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion approved 8-0.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to add 9.10 to agenda approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to add 9.11 to agenda approved

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion withdrawn.

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to enter executive session approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion approved.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion tabled.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion approved.

10. Policy Adoption

 

     10.1 Discussion of Policy 1410

     10.2 Review and Reading of Policies 7132, 1330, 1334, 1335, 1339, 1620 and 2330.

 

Motion to table 10.1 and 10.2 by Ms. Hafensteiner, seconded by Mr. Vadney.

 

Vadney-Y, Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion to table approved 8-0.

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

Motion to table10.1 and 10.2 approved.

11.   New Business

 

11.1  Personnel Considerations

             The following personnel actions are contingent upon each individual                                

             successfully completing fingerprinting unless otherwise stated:

 

11.1.1      Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve Frank Haughton’s, mechanic, notice of intent to retire with regret effective August 3, 2007 as per attached.

 

Motion to approve by Ms. Elliott, seconded by Mr. Sorensen.

 

Bonafide-Y, Elliott-Y, Hafensteiner-Y, Hughes-Y, Sorensen-Y, Traver-Y,  Vadney-Y, Varney-Y

 

Motion approved 8-0.

 

 

11.1.2      Be it resolved that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve the resignation of Drew Romanowski, effective September 6, 2007 as per at