Video index
Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:30 P.M. - PMS CONFERENCE ROOM
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Conference Room at 28 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE
MOTION was made by Ms. O’Leary, seconded by Mr. Hearle and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss the financial, credit and employment history of a particular person and/or corporation.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to recess at 8:06 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in the Pelham Middle School Library.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN THE PMS LIBRARY
Motion to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 8:00 P.M.
5.3. Opening Remarks
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:15 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Library and welcomed everyone to the meeting. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately 135 staff and community members attended.
Mr. Eicher briefly mentioned the new section added to the Open Meetings Law by the New York State Committee on Open Government, effective February 2, 2012.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Student Recognition
Mr. Eicher announced that the Board would recognize two student groups this evening.
Mr. Longobardi introduced middle school social studies teachers Mr. Accocella and Ms. Ceretta whose eighth grade students participated in the National History Day project. The students introduced themselves and spoke briefly about their project topics. Dr. Lauro asked Mr. Accocella to present each of the students with a certificate of achievement.
Mrs. Clark introduced high school teacher, Brian Powers and the students in his Broadcast Production Class. Mr. Powers and the students shared a video of their work, noting that their project took them from research to concept and then to production. Mr. Powers said that the students appreciated this real-world, professional experience which was sponsored by a grant from the Pelham Education Foundation. Some of the student work can be viewed on cable channels 77 and 42.
7.2. Administrative and Committee Reports
From the Community Engagement Committee, Mr. Hearle reported that there were hundreds of ideas brought to the table at the Saturday community forum and he thanked everyone that participated. He shared just several ideas gleaned from the forum, mentioning that his comments this evening were from himself (as the chair of the committee) and not from the committee as a whole. He said that copies of the information will be made available to the Board and to the public.
Mr. Eicher noted that the Finance Committee needed to choose a date for its next meeting. The chosen date will be posted on the district web site.
Mr. Cavanagh noted several topics of discussion at a recent meeting of the Buildings and Grounds Committee: replacement of a district vehicle, a preliminary look at the district five-year capital projects plan, a donation that is on tonight’s agenda plus another one that will come in the future, and the tax cap as it relates to the possibility of shifting capital expenses.
The most recent PTA Council Meeting was summarized by Amy Heese, PTA Council President.
7.3. Secondary Master Schedule Discussion - Continued
Dr. Lauro, Mr. Farrell and Mrs. Clark presented the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed new middle/high school master schedule. Mrs. Clark went over the time schedule, explained the extra help period and shared a sampling of five possble student schedules. Mr. Farrell also shared some sample schedules for different grade levels. Additionally, he noted several schools in the county that adhered to nine and eight period days. Mr. Eicher called for questions from the Board and a discussion was held.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Eicher opened the floor to the public for comments. The following was heard: If there are decreased elective choices, will our students still be prepared for very competitive colleges; what are the guidelines about how many students register for a class and whether or not we will run it; how will the new schedule accommodate students who may change their minds about what they want to study; concern for making career choices too early in their education; don't make changes just to make changes; how does new proposed schedule change affect the science offerings/labs, etc.; can we do ten 40-minute periods; explain the block schedule; students need time to try courses; students need variety - do not limit them; this will hurt students who have two interests (math/science) and students who want to take APs; half-day kindergarten should not be a consideration.
Mr. Eicher called for a sense of the Board on the proposed schedule change. Each Board Member briefly commented on what they felt still needed clarification. Mr. Eicher thanked the members for their comments.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1. Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2011
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2. Motion to Participate in Southern Westchester BOCES Cooperative Bids
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3. Motion to Approve Agreement Between the Pelham UFSD Non-Instructional Employees Unit and the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4. Motion to Approve the 2011-2012 Flow Through of Funds (IDEA Grants 611 and 619) Agreements for Pelham Union Free School District Special Education Pre-School and School-Aged Students
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5. Motion to Approve the Purchase of a 2012 Ford F-250 XL Vehicle Through New York State Bid Contract #21910-PF/PC65030 ITEM 89B
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.6. Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1. Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2. Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3. Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4. Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.5. Motion to Appoint Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Ms. O’Leary suggested that all future paperwork be done with double-sided printing in an effort to save paper.
Mr. Rubbo reminded parents of the state-mandted, April 1 deadline to submit applications for transportation to non-public schools, even if it is only a consideration.
Mr. Cavanagh noted that the draft superintendet’s budget will be presented at the February 27th Board meeting and that the all day, line-by-line review is schedule for Saturday, March 3rd.
Mr. Eicher reminded everyone of the senior talent show this weekend.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:15 p.m. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:15 p.m. (Approved)
Feb 06, 2012 Regular Board of Education Meeting
Full agenda
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Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:30 P.M. - PMS CONFERENCE ROOM
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Conference Room at 28 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE
MOTION was made by Ms. O’Leary, seconded by Mr. Hearle and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss the financial, credit and employment history of a particular person and/or corporation.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to recess at 8:06 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in the Pelham Middle School Library.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN THE PMS LIBRARY
Motion to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 8:00 P.M.
5.3. Opening Remarks
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:15 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Library and welcomed everyone to the meeting. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately 135 staff and community members attended.
Mr. Eicher briefly mentioned the new section added to the Open Meetings Law by the New York State Committee on Open Government, effective February 2, 2012.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 23, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Student Recognition
Mr. Eicher announced that the Board would recognize two student groups this evening.
Mr. Longobardi introduced middle school social studies teachers Mr. Accocella and Ms. Ceretta whose eighth grade students participated in the National History Day project. The students introduced themselves and spoke briefly about their project topics. Dr. Lauro asked Mr. Accocella to present each of the students with a certificate of achievement.
Mrs. Clark introduced high school teacher, Brian Powers and the students in his Broadcast Production Class. Mr. Powers and the students shared a video of their work, noting that their project took them from research to concept and then to production. Mr. Powers said that the students appreciated this real-world, professional experience which was sponsored by a grant from the Pelham Education Foundation. Some of the student work can be viewed on cable channels 77 and 42.
7.2. Administrative and Committee Reports
From the Community Engagement Committee, Mr. Hearle reported that there were hundreds of ideas brought to the table at the Saturday community forum and he thanked everyone that participated. He shared just several ideas gleaned from the forum, mentioning that his comments this evening were from himself (as the chair of the committee) and not from the committee as a whole. He said that copies of the information will be made available to the Board and to the public.
Mr. Eicher noted that the Finance Committee needed to choose a date for its next meeting. The chosen date will be posted on the district web site.
Mr. Cavanagh noted several topics of discussion at a recent meeting of the Buildings and Grounds Committee: replacement of a district vehicle, a preliminary look at the district five-year capital projects plan, a donation that is on tonight’s agenda plus another one that will come in the future, and the tax cap as it relates to the possibility of shifting capital expenses.
The most recent PTA Council Meeting was summarized by Amy Heese, PTA Council President.
7.3. Secondary Master Schedule Discussion - Continued
Dr. Lauro, Mr. Farrell and Mrs. Clark presented the advantages and disadvantages of the proposed new middle/high school master schedule. Mrs. Clark went over the time schedule, explained the extra help period and shared a sampling of five possble student schedules. Mr. Farrell also shared some sample schedules for different grade levels. Additionally, he noted several schools in the county that adhered to nine and eight period days. Mr. Eicher called for questions from the Board and a discussion was held.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Eicher opened the floor to the public for comments. The following was heard: If there are decreased elective choices, will our students still be prepared for very competitive colleges; what are the guidelines about how many students register for a class and whether or not we will run it; how will the new schedule accommodate students who may change their minds about what they want to study; concern for making career choices too early in their education; don't make changes just to make changes; how does new proposed schedule change affect the science offerings/labs, etc.; can we do ten 40-minute periods; explain the block schedule; students need time to try courses; students need variety - do not limit them; this will hurt students who have two interests (math/science) and students who want to take APs; half-day kindergarten should not be a consideration.
Mr. Eicher called for a sense of the Board on the proposed schedule change. Each Board Member briefly commented on what they felt still needed clarification. Mr. Eicher thanked the members for their comments.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1. Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for the Period Ending December 31, 2011
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2. Motion to Participate in Southern Westchester BOCES Cooperative Bids
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3. Motion to Approve Agreement Between the Pelham UFSD Non-Instructional Employees Unit and the CSEA Employee Benefit Fund
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4. Motion to Approve the 2011-2012 Flow Through of Funds (IDEA Grants 611 and 619) Agreements for Pelham Union Free School District Special Education Pre-School and School-Aged Students
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5. Motion to Approve the Purchase of a 2012 Ford F-250 XL Vehicle Through New York State Bid Contract #21910-PF/PC65030 ITEM 89B
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.6. Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1. Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2. Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3. Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Gilland, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4. Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.5. Motion to Appoint Student Disciplinary Hearing Officer
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Ms. O’Leary suggested that all future paperwork be done with double-sided printing in an effort to save paper.
Mr. Rubbo reminded parents of the state-mandted, April 1 deadline to submit applications for transportation to non-public schools, even if it is only a consideration.
Mr. Cavanagh noted that the draft superintendet’s budget will be presented at the February 27th Board meeting and that the all day, line-by-line review is schedule for Saturday, March 3rd.
Mr. Eicher reminded everyone of the senior talent show this weekend.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:15 p.m. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 11:15 p.m. (Approved)
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