PRESENT: Richard Charron, Sandra Clow, Marcia Ricci, Denise Keyoskey, Carol Cooper, Thomas Lansing

ALSO PRESENT: Timothy Lange, Carol Lyon, Christopher Scanlan, Debra Cardnuto, Joseph Siracuse, Dena Sanders, Mel and Diana Byron, Julie Bishop, Karen Mignery, Patrice King, Eric Nelsen

ABSENT: Robert VanBramer

There were no comments from the public regarding items on this evening’s action agenda.

Comments from Administration

Mr. Siracuse reported full day Kindergarten is up and running; students are getting used to riding the bus and a full day of activities. Students in grades 1-6 are also settling into classroom routines.

Lori Strong, Consultant for Literacy and a professor at The College of St. Rose, is providing professional development to our elementary teachers. Ms. Strong then brings those strategies into the classroom and, using a hands-on approach, works with students to develop literacy skills.

Ms. Sanders is working to finalize schedules for special education students and has attended training sessions including the Part 154 conference on Limited English Proficiency. Ms. Sanders has received updates from the State Education Department on requirements and guidelines relating to student behaviors and corporal punishment. Our district guidelines comply with those of SED partially due to the PBIS initiative.

Mr. Scanlan reported a smooth start to the school year at the Junior/Senior High level and recognized Mrs. Austin and Ms. DiFabio for their efforts in developing the schedule. On the first day of classes, students watched President Obama’s address encouraging school participation and hard work followed by a brief assembly in the afternoon.

Ms. Cardnuto reported that Ms. Strong from The College of St. Rose will also be working in a similar capacity in the high school for 10 days this fall. Plans for Fordian Fever Weekend include sporting events, dances, a bonfire and fireworks. The National Honor Society will induct members on Monday, September 21st and the annual blood drive will be held on Sept. 28th.

Mr. Lange announced a combined meeting of the Adirondack School Boards Association and the Saratoga County School Boards Association on Thursday, October 8th. The administrators met with John Fairclough, Fire Chief, to plan two fire safety programs on October 5th and 16th. Mr. Fairclough was instrumental in securing a fire simulator trailer from the state fire prevention council to provide information on an important topic for our community.

Mr. Lange is hoping for good weather for the bonfire (7:15pm) and fireworks (7:45pm) on Friday the 25th. Board members were reminded of the NYSSBA Convention in NYC on October 15-17. Mr. Charron will be helping Mr. Lange with his presentation on the subject of first year superintendent’s. Mary Cahill, Superintendent at Lake George and Matt Donnelly, Superintendent at Greenwich are working together with Mr. Lange on this project. Many first year superintendents from around the State will be attending the session.

ACTION

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the minutes of the September 3, 2009 meeting.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Treasurer’s Report for August 2009.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Student Fund Report.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Revenue Status Report.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board accepted the Appropriation Report.

Preparing for and Responding to Swine Flu Outbreak, Mr. Lange

Mr. Lange presented what will become the district’s Swine Flu (H1N1) Action Plan developed with the help of Mrs. Lyon, Business Manager, Mrs. Gibson, HS Nurse, Mrs. Zink, Elementary Nurse and state and federal government guidelines stressing a common sense approach (see attached.)

Mr. Lansing asked if we will share this information with St. Mary’s school. Mr. Lange reported that we do share information in any emergency situation. Mr. Lange will be sending a letter home to parents on this subject listing websites that provide more information. Mr. Lansing asked about linking those sites to our website. Mr. Lange considered this but prefers to wait until our new website is up and running.

The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 7/11/09.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved an extra class for Julie Jorgensen to teach Environmental Science for the first semester of the 2009 - 2010 school year; salary per the WTA contract.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved Mr. Nelsen’s first request to investigate two separate trips to New York City with the High School Chorus and the Junior High School Chorus to see a Broadway show during the 2009 - 2010 school year. The HS students will see Ragtime which is based on a novel by E. L. Doctorow set at the turn of the last century depicting stories of historical significance. The junior high students will see Billy Elliott about a young Irish boy coming of age and following his dream to dance. Mr. Nelsen is looking to make travel arrangements in the spring and before the fourth quarter. Mrs. Clow asked if the tickets will be limited to chorus students. Mr. Nelsen said that yes, it is a trip for the chorus students but that he has approached the English teachers who are considering reading Ragtime with their English club students.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the following warrants:

Construction Fund #5 for $632,892.98

School Lunch #2 for $6,449.66

Special Aid #5 for $3,167.49

General Fund #18 for $123,578.40

The Board reviewed CSE minutes dated 8/21/09, 9/9/09 and 9/10/09.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the an extra class for Kathy Shaker to cover the duties of Health and Wellness Coordinator for the first half of the school year; salary per the WTA contract. Mr. Lange responded to Mrs. Ricci question stating the enrollment is down from last year warranting the reduction.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointment of Eric Nelsen as HS Drama Club Advisor for the 2009 - 2010 school year; salary per the WTA contract. Mrs. Clow asked which plays are being considered. Mr. Nelsen will hold an early round of auditions soon to determine interest and then decide.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved Mr. Byron’s final request to take the HS Band to Florida during the February break. In responding to Mrs. Clow, Mr. Bryon stated there will be 47 students plus chaperones on one bus with three drivers. There are currently 62 band students but some will be unable to go based on money and sports. He will determine who will be able to take the trip based on auditions and seniority. Students in the lower grades will get another chance to go in two years.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved the appointments of Delene Clow and Nancy Smith as co-advisors for the Class of 2013; salary per the CSEA contract.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board approved a salary adjustment from step 1 to step 2 for Courtney Rowe, First Grade Teacher, for the 2009 - 2010 school year. Mrs. Ricci asked why and Mr. Lange stated that based on Ms. Rowe’s previous teaching experience and based on the WTA contract Ms. Rowe should have been placed on step 2 originally.

Comments from the Board of Education, residents or staff

Mrs. Ricci asked if the district had received notification of the reduction in STAR benefits. Mr. Lange said that the district did not receive notice.

On motion by Mrs. Ricci, seconded by Mrs. Clow and by a vote of 6 - 0 the Board went into executive session at 7:49 to discuss a personnel matter. They returned to regular session at 8:35 and adjourned.

Julie Caulkins

District Clerk