Regular Meeting Minutes
A Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Scotia-Glenville Central School District was held in the Cafeteria of the Middle School, in said district on June 9, 2008.
President of the Board of Education Margaret Smith called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Present: Ahnert, Benedetto, Carbone, Smith, Yagielski, Superintendent Swartz, Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kavanaugh, School Business Manager Giaquinto and District Clerk DeLong
Absent: Conlon, Normington
Hearing/Privilege of the Floor
Mike Marcelle, Superintendent, South Colonie Schools, spoke to the Board regarding the service of Kurt Ahnert as a School Board Member. He commended Mr. Ahnert for his many years of service and thanked him for the priviledge of working with him over the years.
RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING BOARD OF EDUCATION MEMBER Ð KURT AHNERT
President Smith gave a brief statement honoring Kurt Ahnert for his service as a Board member. Mr. Ahnert thanked President Smith for her words, but stated that he felt he should be thanking the District. He stated that he felt honored to have served on the board and to have worked with such a dedicated staff of people.
RECOGNITION OF RETIRING INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL: DAVID DOAK, ELEMENTARY
TEACHER; DEBORAH ROEDEL, ELEMENTARY TEACHER; LOUIS SCHIAVONE, SOCIAL
STUDIES TEACHER; JOHN GEORGE, ELEMENTARY TEACHER
David Doak
Mr. David Doak began his teaching career at Glen-Worden Elementary School in 1974. He has continued to serve the students of Scotia-Glenville for 34½ years. He spent the majority of his career teaching fifth grade at Lincoln Elementary School.
Mr. Doak has been instrumental in the lives of his students. He has held them accountable for their actions in a firm manner. He has prepared them for what lies ahead both academically and in the real world. They know he means business, for their own good, and they respect him for it.
During his career, Dave has coached Varsity Cross Country and Track and Field
at the JV, Freshman, and Modified levels. In the Scotia-Glenville TeachersÕ
Association, he has held the positions of building representative, elementary
grievance chairman, Sick Leave Bank Trustee, and negotiations team member. At
Lincoln, he has taught the Summer Reading Program, directed the Saturday
Morning Program, founded Lincoln Field Day, and coached intramural bowling and
basketball. For many years, he held annual pizza sales to provide holiday food
baskets for needy school families. In addition, he organized and planned the
Lincoln outdoor education trip to Camp Chingachgook on an annual basis.
Mr. Doak has had a variety of teammates over the years and has worked well with all of them. He has contributed to the development of a strong fifth grade program at Lincoln. He has communicated with parents regularly so that there are no surprises regarding their children. He has received notes of praise over the years from parents -- some of which were shared not by Mr. Doak but by his teammate.
Thank you for the difference you have made in the lives of so many children in Scotia-Glenville. You will be missed at Lincoln School.
Good luck to you in retirement, Dave, as you and your wife embark on the next phase of your life. Congratulations!
Deborah Roedel
Mrs. Debby Roedel has been a dedicated teacher in Scotia-Glenville for the past 34 years. She began her teaching career at Mohawk School; and when that school closed Ð she went on to teach at Glen-Worden and Sacandaga, and then spent the bulk of her career at Lincoln Elementary School.
Mrs. Roedel has enriched the lives of her students throughout her career. They have enjoyed her dedication, sense of humor, and her commitment to them as individual children. Her students have flourished within her classroom.
During her time at Scotia-Glenville, Debby has served on both building and district level committees -- the PTA, SGTA and has taught the summer reading program. Mrs. Roedel was Chairperson of the closing of Mohawk School activities and the building of the Lincoln Playground. She was so very grateful to travel to Washington D.C. to represent Lincoln School in accepting the Excellence in Education Award. She has been a ÒcheerleaderÓ and friend to all.
Mrs. Roedel has enriched the lives of hundreds of children throughout the years. She has also touched the lives of her many parents and colleagues. As Debby told us in the fall, she wants to go out Òat the top of her game.Ó We respect her for this decision, but we will miss her dearly. Although she will not be substituting, she has offered to come back at any time we need her.
We thank you, Debby, for the difference you have made in the lives of so very many individuals.
We wish you the very best as you continue with the next chapter in your life. Best wishes to Robb in college and enjoy retirement with your husband Ron. Congratulations, Debby!
Louis Schiavone
A graduate of Vincentian Institute and SUNY Albany, Lou Schiavone began his teaching career at Scotia-Glenville in 1975. After a brief stint at Niskayuna, Lou returned to Scotia in 1977 and remained a social studies teacher in our district for another 32 years. He has taught every level and social studies subject in grades seven to eleven, and has even recently taught Economics to seniors. Lou may perhaps be best known for the creation and the implementation of our districtÕs eleventh grade Advanced Placement U.S. History program, which he started in 1995. In 2005, he started a distance learning course on American history through movies and music -- tapping into his vast knowledge of music and pop culture.
Lou has also been a busy man outside the classroom. There are few initiatives in which he has not participated. From 1986 to 1989, Lou served as Dean of Students at what was then the junior high. He presently runs the high schoolÕs Current Events League and serves on the Shared-Decision Making Committee, as well as the ninth grade transition team and the Student Discipline Code Committee. On top of all this, Lou is the principal faculty advisor for the Student Senate in the high school.
Lou Schiavone has made it a point to give back to the profession and the community. He regularly writes a column for the Capital District Council for the Social Studies newsletter, and this year was recognized as Outstanding New York State Social Studies Teacher of the YearÑa crowning achievement to an exemplary career. Lou even found time to serve on the Duanesburg Central SchoolsÕ Board of Education, and has mentored numerous interns through Union Graduate CollegeÕs MAT program.
Throughout his career, Lou Schiavone has remained an inspiration and role model to all those around him. His untiring work ethic and professional commitment is only rivaled by his big heart. He is a loving husband and an adored father -- never missing out on his kidsÕ lives despite his extensive obligations. Lou is a natural and gifted musician, taking part in many school talent shows and exhibitions. We know that he is a man who will stay very active as he retires -- continuing to nurture his family, contribute to teaching, play great music, and still root for the New York Yankees!
Congratulations, Lou, and we wish you the best in the coming years!
John George
Mr. John George has been a member of the Scotia-Glenville teaching staff for 36 years. While he began his career at Mohawk School, John has spent most of his years teaching at Glendaal with 5th and 6th grade students.
Throughout his 36 years, John has provided many students with valuable, exciting and memorable learning experiences. He is our local science expert at Glendaal. He has a passion for teaching science and has created very memorable lessons and projects such as the well known Òbug collectionsÓ and the classroom size model of the digestive system. He also enjoys teaching students about the weather and shares many historical weather events that have impacted our area over the years. John has set high expectations for his students and has sent them prepared for success at the Middle School. You will often hear John discussing the importance of good character with his students and how maintaining good character will assist them in achieving success in school and in life.
He has been involved in many activities outside of the classroom, including school store advisor, member of the district science committee, coordinator of outdoor education programs, and coordinator of the Italian student exchange program. He has been the building representative for the TeachersÕ Association for many years. As one of the districtÕs veteran staff members, John has been a cooperating teacher for many student teachers and has shared his expertise and keys to success with many young professionals entering the field of education.
As John approaches retirement, he has a wealth of things that will keep him very busy. He loves quiet time to read history books, hiking, gardening, traveling and plans to be on the ski patrol at Jiminy Peak. He will, of course, continue his tradition of selling Christmas trees in the community, which has become a real joy for him and his family during the holidays. He will also be able to spend the extra time with his family which now includes two grandchildren.
But as they say, "Once a teacher always a teacher." There is no doubt that John will continue to touch the lives of many in his retirement as he has done with many of our students over 36 years. Good luck to you and your family, John. Everyone will miss you at Glendaal, but we know that the next phase of your life is an exciting adventure you have been waiting to begin.
RECOGNITION OF THE CLASS OF 2008 AND OUTSTANDING STUDENT LEADERSHIP:
KATHERINE DEVANTIER, THOMAS GALLANT, LAURA OSSELMANN, BEN WEGENER, KELLY
TREPESS
Katie DeVantier
Intelligent, humble, athletic and personable -- These are the first things that flash to mind about Katie DeVantier. Katie is an excellent student at Scotia-Glenville High School. She strives to do her best in every endeavor. Katie is personable, friendly and outgoing to all she meets.
Advanced in math and science since the eighth grade, Katie has carried a heavy load of honors and Advanced Placement courses throughout her high school career. Each year, she has enrolled in every honors course available to her. In eleventh grade, Katie took on two sciences at the same time, Physics and Advanced Placement Chemistry. This year, she is enrolled in four Advanced Placement courses and fourth year foreign language for college credit. In addition, Katie has played in our symphonic band, was a member of the National Honor Society, and is President of the Class of 2008. At graduation, Katie will receive an Advanced Regents diploma with honors.
Katie has been involved in many clubs and activities throughout high school: GIVE, Recycling Program, Community Connections, Adaptive Sports, Bear Hugs, French Club, Band, and the National Honor Society. She has been the captain of her Varsity Volleyball, Basketball and Lacrosse teams in her junior and senior years. Katie has been very involved in her churchÕs youth group and spent a week in Guatemala City last fall helping children with English and providing health care to people living in poverty.
Katie is honest, sincere and humble about all the things she can do so successfully. Katie's genuineness, ability to get along well with people, and her ability to compromise and see everyone's viewpoint has helped her to gain valuable leadership skills in her career at Scotia-Glenville High School.
Katie will attend Cornell University in the fall, where she will major in Hotel Management and Hospitality.
Katie, congratulations, and we wish you the best of everything in your future!
Thomas Gallant
Well traveled, well spoken, and well liked are words that best describe Tom Gallant. Tom has ÒopennessÓ to new experiences; and whenever he is approached to take the lead, he does so without hesitation, with complete ease, and always with a smile! Tom listens with genuine interest, and most always gives commentary relevant to each personÕs needs. Whether he is on the river with the Crew team, or in charge of a committee at a Hugh OÕBrien Youth Leadership Conference -- Tom is respected and revered by his peers.
Tom comes from a family that advocates self-reliance, responsibility, and a strong work ethic. Equally evident is their unified approach to most every major decision. The family cohesiveness, and positive support experienced by Tom flows like a river through him, and toward those with whom he has contact. He readily offers support to others through positive leadership, genuine concern, and respect.
Academically, Tom takes as many classes as will fit into his schedule and has given up his lunch period throughout high school in order to take additional classes. This year, he is enrolled in the New Visions Health Careers Program. This program is competitive and rigorous. All of the courses are taught at the college level. In addition, he is taking evening college classes in Spanish and Math.
Tom is an active member of GIVE. He is the Director of Community Connections and is also involved in ARC Stiles house, Care Packages for Cancer Patients, Hug aÕ Hearts, and My Soldier programs. Tom is a member of the National Honor Society, Student Senate, Spanish and French Clubs, FBLA/DECA, Mock Trial, and Drama Club. He is on the Crew Team, and is a bagpiper with the Scotia-Glenville Pipeband.
Tom attended the Hugh OÕBrien Youth Leadership Conference, GE Pathways to Engineering Program, the Brown University Leadership and Conflict Resolution Program, and the Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King lecture series on Race and Non-Violent Social Change.
Tom has been part of the Rotary Exchange program traveling to the Netherlands and Australia, and hosting students from the Netherlands and Finland here in Scotia. Tom is an active member of his church, has been an altar server for 10 years, and serves on the Pastoral Planning Board for the Albany Catholic Diocese.
Tom is a superb young man who will make a difference in the world. It is rare to find a young man so prepared for the demands of a challenging academic institution, and wonderfully able to create and establish meaningful relationship with most everyone he meets.
Tom will attend Holy Cross in the fall and will major in International Health.
Congratulations, Tom, and best wishes in your future!
Laura Osselmann
Laura has grades that are impeccable, and her activity sheet is a mile long! Laura knows what she wants and goes after it. As a 10th grader, Laura got involved with our peer tutoring program - turning it into something useful and well respected. The programÕs director, Dr. Deb Cadman, stated that Laura was instrumental in making peer tutoring come alive. Laura has been the director of the program - calculating the hours for each tutor, running meetings, raising important questions, discussing various projects with administrators, and creating calendars. She believes in the work of the tutoring program so strongly that she is tutoring a student after school, which is beyond our lunchtime tutoring program. Laura is an effective leader who can work behind the scenes or run a meeting. She is creative and energetic.
Her influence in the high school extends beyond the Peer Tutoring program. She has been a member of the GIVE program, working in many of the different service areas including Key Calls, Community Connections, Bridge to Friendship, and Recycling. She was Vice President of the Class of 2008 for three years, a member of the Symphonic Band, German Club, Drama Club, Mock Trial Team, and the Current Events League. Laura has also been a member of the Volleyball and Scotia-Glenville Crew Teams.
Laura has been a gifted science student and participated in the National Science Bowl Competition, attended the GE Pathways to Engineering Program and the RPI Materials Summer Camp.
LauraÕs outstanding academic achievement and her considerable intellectual talent have earned her a spot in the Class of 2012 at MIT in the fall.
Congratulations, Laura, and we wish you the best of everything in your future!
Kelly Trepess is the kind of student that teachers dream about because she possesses numerous positive qualities and characteristics. Kelly has consistently resided in the top five of her class both academically and in community service hours. KellyÕs contributions to our school community have made events and activities better for all who are involved and have shaped her personal perspective in ways that are unusual for someone her age.
Kelly is a very talented and motivated student. She has demonstrated a consistent history of leadership. Kelly has been captain of the local Soccer club since 8th grade; and, according to her Varsity Soccer coach, she is a "leader by example". She is currently the Treasurer of the Class of 2008. Kelly has given many hours of community service through the GIVE program through Community Connections, Key Calls, Glen-Worden Homework Club, and ARC program. She has volunteered numerous hours for various charitable organizations, such as Walk for the Cure, Relay for Life, and Locks of Love. In doing so, Kelly has motivated others to participate by serving as a role model for other teens to get involved in volunteering. Kelly has been a Student Senate Representative and has spent countless hours as a very in demand and sought after peer tutor. She has been an outstanding soccer and lacrosse player on our womenÕs varsity teams, a violinist in both the chamber orchestra and symphonic band; and a member of the Choralaires. Kelly also attended the GE Pathways to Engineering program and the RPI Summer Institute.
Given Kelly's brilliant school performance, her accomplishments as a member of this class, and her thoughtful manner, she will be a success at whatever she decides to do.
In September, Kelly will enter Cornell University to study Engineering.
Congratulations, Kelly, and best wishes for a successful future!
BenÕs ingenuity and persistence are qualities that will serve him well in his future. Ben has been frequently referred to "as the voice of Scotia-Glenville High School." During his junior year, he was the voice on the morning announcements and was pivotal in bringing the announcement process into the age of technology. Prior to his tenure, people wrote announcements, handed them in, and the announcers struggled to read handwritten notes that sometimes were hastily put together. Ben advocated for -- and eventually succeeded -- in getting a computer and a school email address so that announcements could get e-mailed to a central location for the morning program.
Ben has a very solid history of high academic achievement and service as a community member and leader in many situations. Ben has been involved in Scotia's GIVE Program, which prides itself on community service and organizing activities that create a greater sense of community in Scotia and surrounding areas; additionally, he served as the groupÕs Director in 10th and 11th grades. Ben is a member of the Mock Trial Team, FBLA and DECA, and the National Honor Society. He is also a cellist with our Chamber Orchestra.
Ben is very involved, both on local and national levels, in the Jewish community. He served as secretary of the Jewish Youth Group in 10th grade and as the Social Action Vice President representing youth members to the adult Congregation. Ben acted as liaison to adult members of the Jewish community and has worked to build better bridges and relationships among the groups. He has been an invaluable resource to high school administrators, who are committed to understanding the needs of the diverse students in our building. Ben is always happy to help make groups who are disparate and, at times, misunderstood, come together to find common ground and to build up rather than tear down.
Ben applied and was accepted to the highly competitive and sought after Capital Region New Visions Law & Government program for his senior year.
Ben will attend Cornell University in the fall and plans to major in Industrial and Labor Relations.
Congratulations, Ben, and we wish you the best of everything in your future!
Mr. Conlon arrived at 7:25 p.m.
There was a brief reception honoring the retirees and outstanding members of the Class of 2008.
DISCUSSION: REVIEW OF CHILD SAFETY ZONES BY SAFETY RULES!
Superintendent Swartz reviewed with the Board the regulations of ÒChild Safety ZonesÓ in regards to certain areas of the village within walking distance of the schools.
REPORT OF INSPECTORS OF BUDGET VOTE
MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education accept the report of the Inspectors of the Election certifying the results of the budget vote held on May 20, 2008, as follows:
1) Resolution to approve the 2008-2009 budget in the amount of $45,857,132
Yes = 1,160 No = 885 Void = 2 Total = 2,047
2) Board of Education Candidates
Benjamin Conlon 1,412
Pamela Carbone 1,497
Brian McCann 1,526
The following individuals received write-in votes: Joseph Bulak, John Bulak, Nelson Budak, Richard Sawyer, Jerry Moore, and J. Kulkus
3) Bus Purchase Proposal
Yes = 1,216 No = 745 Void = 2 Total = 1963
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
ADOPT THE SPILL PREVENTION CONTROL AND COUNTERMEASURE (SPCC) PLAN FOR THE
DISTRICT
MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education adopt the Spill Prevention Control and Countermeasure (SPCC) Plan for the District, as submitted. (This plan is contained as Appendix A to these minutes).
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
UPDATE: PROPOSED BUILDING PROJECT COMMUNITY FORUMS
Superintendent Swartz gave a brief update to the Board on the community forums for the proposed
building project.
MOVED by Carbone that the Board of Education accept/approve the following items:
RESOLUTION: ACQUISITION OF SCHOOL BUSES
Approve the Resolution, dated June 9, 2008, authorizing the acquisition of school buses and the issuance of serial bonds, as submitted. (This resolution is contained as Appendix B to these minutes).
RESOLUTION: ACCEPT GIFT AND DONATION
Approve the Resolution, dated June 9, 2008, regarding acceptance of the DunkinÕ Donuts High
School Player of the Week Award, as submitted. (This resolution is contained as Appendix C to
these minutes).
RESOLUTION: ACCEPT GIFT AND DONATION
Approve the Resolution, dated June 9, 2008, regarding acceptance of the donation from Dr. Jeffrey S. Moak of a used Concept II ERG to the Scotia-Glenville Athletic Department, as submitted. (This resolution is contained as Appendix D to these minutes).
RESOLUTION: ACCEPT GIFT AND DONATION
Approve the Resolution, dated June 9, 2008, regarding acceptance of the donation from the General Electric Foundation of $5,000 to be used for the Dance Residency and for music supplies for musical instruments, as submitted. (This resolution is contained as Appendix E to these minutes).
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
CAPSBA/LEGISLATIVE LIAISON/PTA REPORTS
CAPSBA- Ms. Carbone announced that she has stepped down as President of CAPSBA. The new
President will be Jean Sossnow from Niskayuna.
Legislative Liaison- Mr. Conlon reported that the legislature is finishing up their session and the
budget is still being worked on.
PTA- Superintendent Swartz reported that Sharon Sharrow is the new PTA Council President.
Council is looking at ways to increase participation for next year.
MOVED by Conlon that the Board of Education accept/approve the following items:
COMMUNICATIONS
a. Accept the letter of resignation of Anthony Albanese, Director of Pupil Personnel Services, effective c.o.b. June 30, 2008, with appreciation for his service to the district. (This letter is contained as Appendix F to these minutes).
b. Accept the letter of resignation of Lauren Lyons-Swift, Science Teacher (Middle School), effective c.o.b. June 30, 2008, with appreciation for her service to the district. (This letter is contained as Appendix G to these minutes).
c. Accept the letter of resignation of Jeffrey Reynolds, Teacher Aide (Middle School), effective c.o.b. June 13, 2008, with appreciation for his service to the district. (This resignation is contained as Appendix H to these minutes).
d. Accept the letter of resignation of William Savaria, Senior Mechanic (Transportation), effective c.o.b. July 9, 2008, with appreciation for his service to the district. (This resignation is contained as Appendix I to these minutes).
REPORT OF SUPERINTENDENT
a. Staffing
1) Terminate the probationary employment of Lisa Chiariello, Foreign Language Teacher (Spanish) (Middle School/Senior High School), effective c.o.b. July 9, 2008.
2) Approve the 2008-2009 salaries for the following Management/Confidential employees: Roberta DeLong, Colleen DiCaprio, Jean Ellis, Diane Hartman, Gloria Kudzin, Dana Legere, Doris Munro, Karlean Newton, and David VanSchaick, as submitted. (These salaries are contained as Appendix J to these minutes).
3) Approve the following additional substitutes for the 2007-2008 school year:
Substitute Teacher
Laura Risley
Andrew Smith
Substitute Teaching Assistant
Michele Brisk
Robin Jess
4) Approve the following employees at the rate of 1/200 of their 2007-2008 annual salary for each full day of service this summer:
School Nurses
Up to 10 days for Physical Exam Preparation for 2008-2009, to be divided among:
Lisa Forshey
TBA
5) Approve the following 2007-2008 summer coaching position:
Fitness Center Coach
Regan Burns Step 1 $2,472
Routine Business
a. Placement of Children with Disabilities
Accept the Placement of Children with Disabilities as recommended by the Committee on Preschool Special Education at their meetings on 5/9, 5/16, 11/9, 11/30, 3/7, 3/14, 4/11, and 5/16/08 and by the Committee on Special Education at their meetings on 5/19, 4/4, 5/1, 5/12, 5/14, 5/15, 5/20, 5/27, 5/28, 6/3, 4/7, 4/8, 4/10, 5/6, 5/9, 5/12, 5/13, 5/15, 5/16, 5/19, 5/21, 5/27, 5/28 and 6/3/08.
b. Minutes: May 7, 2008 Formal Budget Hearing
May 12, 2008 Regular Meeting
May 19, 2008 Special Meeting
c. Budget Transfers
President Smith noted receipt of the Budget Transfers. (These transfers are contained as
Appendix K to these minutes).
d. Bids:
1) Award the bid for Science Supplies for the 2008-2009 school year on an item by item basis, as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix L to these minutes).
2) Award the bid for Athletic Supplies for the 2008-2009 school year on an item by item basis, as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix M to these minutes).
3) Award the bid for Custodial Supplies for the 2008-2009 school year on an item by item basis, as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix N to these minutes).
4) Award the bid for Wood Floor Recoating for the 2008-2009 school year to Forth Sport Floors, Inc., as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix O to these minutes).
5) Award the Cooperative Bid for Toner Cartridges for 2008-2009 to Ikon Business Solutions, as per the Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix P to these minutes).
6) Award the bid for Bus Tires on an item by item basis, as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix Q to these minutes).
7) Award the bid for Physical Education supplies for the 2008-2009 school year on an item by item basis, as per the attached Bid Summary. (This bid is contained as Appendix R to these minutes).
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
e. Internal Claims Auditor Report/Warrants:
#25 $ 930,605.85
#26 $ 1,052,224.14
#45 $ 33,673.70
#46 $ 981,176.15
President Smith noted receipt of the Internal Claims Auditor Reports/Warrants. (These
reports are contained as Appendix S to these minutes).
The Board briefly discussed the following items:
MOVED by Yagielski that the Board of Education adjourn to Executive Session in order to discuss matters relating to personnel.
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The Board adjourned to Executive Session at 8:09 p.m. and returned to Open Session at 8:48 p.m.
MOVED by Carbone that the meeting be adjourned.
ROLL CALL
AYES: 6
NOES: 0
MOTION CARRIED
The meeting adjourned at 8:48 p.m.
__________________________
Bobbie DeLong, District Clerk