Video index
Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. - PMS CONFERENCE ROOM
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried, to go into executive session to discuss the financial and/or employment history of a particular person and/or corporation and the record of a particular student.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan and unanimously carried to recess at 7:54 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 Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 8:00 P.M.
5.1. Pledge of Allegiance
5.2. Reiteration of Executive Session Motions
record of student col neg - all 4 unions
5.3. Opening Remarks
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:05 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Library and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately 123 staff and community members attended.
Mr. Eicher announced that those audience members that are standing in the back of the room should feel free to come forward to sit down after the student recognition portion of the meeting was completed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 9, 2011
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Student Recognition
Art teachers Rebecca Schwarz and Christina Levi introduced themselves to the audience and thanked the Board for the opportunity to present the accelerated art program to them. They reported on the many pieces of the program: how the program was started, the application process, the evaluation, the curriculum, the common bond formed among so many different students, how student skills are growing, how the students do constructive criticisms of each other, collaborative projects, the opportunities afforded students to focus on their artistic passion and art career awareness. Ms. Schwarz asked the students to give their perspective on this class and then thanked them for coming. The Board thanked the students also.
Mr. Eicher recognized three students for their science accomplishments: Lisa Franks, who spoke at the International Excellence in Rheumatology Conference in Madrid, Spain as the lead author of an abstract based on her independent research during the last two summers at NYU Langone Medical Center; Katie Constantini, Intel Semifinalist for her research in finding a cure for Celiac disease; and Holly Carlton for honorable mention placement in the Dupont Essay Challenge for her essay entitled,
Ovarian Cysts: Improving Fertility
. Mr. Eicher noted that Mr. Beltecas is the District’s science research coordinator.
Mr. Eicher recounted this past weekend's wonderful Middle School musical,
Honk, Jr.
In addition, he reported that PMHS senior, Omar Gouda won 1st and 4th place honors at a recent Columbia University forensics tournament.
7.2. Administrative and Committee Reports
Community Engagement Committee
As chair of this committee, Mr. Hearle said that the information shared at the recent community forum was being gathered into a report which he hoped would be presented to the public at the February 6th Board meeting. He thanked the more than 100 forum participants.
7.3. Elementary Reorganization Feasibility Study - Continued Discussion
At a previous meeting Mr. Eicher had asked Dr. Lauro to be prepared to share items exclusive and not exclusive to the elementary feasibility study, as they relate to the budget. He asked Dr. Lauro to present those items tonight. Dr. Lauro spoke about possible retirements (elementary and secondary), anticipated reduction in administrative costs, reduction in nursing time. He also noted the costs of the Rosetta Stone Program and the science program.
After considerable discussion the Board directed Dr. Lauro to develop a budget based on the current configuration of four K-5 neighborhood elementary schools.
The Board also agreed to further study the educational and financial benefits of pairing schools and will determine a process for that study.
Dr. Lauro explained the configuration of the new secondary master schedule, which he hopes will show a savings in the budget by eliminating overages in teacher classrom time. The Board commented on this schedule proposal. Mr. Eicher asked Dr. Lauro to also explain the schedule change at a future board meeting.
Mr. Eicher gave a brief summary of the budgetary pieces that are being considered to hopefully help the district come up a figure that is within the tax cap.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Eicher called for comments from the public. Items brought before the board were: further discussion on secondary schedule, half-day kindergarten, reference last year’s forum findings, do not consider reduction in nurse time, look at cutting modified sports, focus on direct instruction for children, consider going over the cap, do not limit secondary course offerings, eliminate custodial positions and administrative assistants, do no evil to our kids, communicate with state representatives about budgetary issues, and be clear about administrators’ responsibilities.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1. Motion to Approve Calendar for the 2012-2013 District Budget
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2. Motion to Approve Administrators' Grant for Continuing Education in the 2012-2012 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3. Motion to Authorize the Pelham Union Free School District to Disburse Payment to the Eastchester Union Free School District for 2011 Summer School Attendance
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4. Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mr. Eicher and the Board extended their thanks to the donors.
9.5. Motion to Approve Tax Certiorari Settlements Associated with Friedland/Pelhamdale, LLC and Estate of Simberkoff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1. Motion to Approve Tenure Recommendation
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2. Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3. Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4. Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.5. Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following as corrected: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following as corrected: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Arden reported that the Advanced Placement informational meeting held on the evening of January 11th was very impressive and that she felt that a lot of great things are going on in the high schools.
Mr. Eicher reminded everyone of the Pelham Music Festival which will be held on February 4th at the Pelham Country Club. He gave an open invitation for the community to see about 400 kids perform, beginning at 9 am. He also reminded everyone about the high school’s Battle of the Bands, scheduled for Friday, January 27th.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:56 pm. Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:56 pm. (Approved)
Jan 23, 2012 Regular Board of Education Meeting
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Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - 7:00 P.M. - PMS CONFERENCE ROOM
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 7:01 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 Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried, to go into executive session to discuss the financial and/or employment history of a particular person and/or corporation and the record of a particular student.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan and unanimously carried to recess at 7:54 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 Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve to reconvene in a public meeting. (Approved)
5. CALL TO ORDER - 8:00 P.M.
5.1. Pledge of Allegiance
5.2. Reiteration of Executive Session Motions
record of student col neg - all 4 unions
5.3. Opening Remarks
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:05 p.m. in the Pelham Middle School Library and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately 123 staff and community members attended.
Mr. Eicher announced that those audience members that are standing in the back of the room should feel free to come forward to sit down after the student recognition portion of the meeting was completed.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1. Motion to Approve Minutes of the Regular Meeting of January 9, 2011
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1. Student Recognition
Art teachers Rebecca Schwarz and Christina Levi introduced themselves to the audience and thanked the Board for the opportunity to present the accelerated art program to them. They reported on the many pieces of the program: how the program was started, the application process, the evaluation, the curriculum, the common bond formed among so many different students, how student skills are growing, how the students do constructive criticisms of each other, collaborative projects, the opportunities afforded students to focus on their artistic passion and art career awareness. Ms. Schwarz asked the students to give their perspective on this class and then thanked them for coming. The Board thanked the students also.
Mr. Eicher recognized three students for their science accomplishments: Lisa Franks, who spoke at the International Excellence in Rheumatology Conference in Madrid, Spain as the lead author of an abstract based on her independent research during the last two summers at NYU Langone Medical Center; Katie Constantini, Intel Semifinalist for her research in finding a cure for Celiac disease; and Holly Carlton for honorable mention placement in the Dupont Essay Challenge for her essay entitled,
Ovarian Cysts: Improving Fertility
. Mr. Eicher noted that Mr. Beltecas is the District’s science research coordinator.
Mr. Eicher recounted this past weekend's wonderful Middle School musical,
Honk, Jr.
In addition, he reported that PMHS senior, Omar Gouda won 1st and 4th place honors at a recent Columbia University forensics tournament.
7.2. Administrative and Committee Reports
Community Engagement Committee
As chair of this committee, Mr. Hearle said that the information shared at the recent community forum was being gathered into a report which he hoped would be presented to the public at the February 6th Board meeting. He thanked the more than 100 forum participants.
7.3. Elementary Reorganization Feasibility Study - Continued Discussion
At a previous meeting Mr. Eicher had asked Dr. Lauro to be prepared to share items exclusive and not exclusive to the elementary feasibility study, as they relate to the budget. He asked Dr. Lauro to present those items tonight. Dr. Lauro spoke about possible retirements (elementary and secondary), anticipated reduction in administrative costs, reduction in nursing time. He also noted the costs of the Rosetta Stone Program and the science program.
After considerable discussion the Board directed Dr. Lauro to develop a budget based on the current configuration of four K-5 neighborhood elementary schools.
The Board also agreed to further study the educational and financial benefits of pairing schools and will determine a process for that study.
Dr. Lauro explained the configuration of the new secondary master schedule, which he hopes will show a savings in the budget by eliminating overages in teacher classrom time. The Board commented on this schedule proposal. Mr. Eicher asked Dr. Lauro to also explain the schedule change at a future board meeting.
Mr. Eicher gave a brief summary of the budgetary pieces that are being considered to hopefully help the district come up a figure that is within the tax cap.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Mr. Eicher called for comments from the public. Items brought before the board were: further discussion on secondary schedule, half-day kindergarten, reference last year’s forum findings, do not consider reduction in nurse time, look at cutting modified sports, focus on direct instruction for children, consider going over the cap, do not limit secondary course offerings, eliminate custodial positions and administrative assistants, do no evil to our kids, communicate with state representatives about budgetary issues, and be clear about administrators’ responsibilities.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1. Motion to Approve Calendar for the 2012-2013 District Budget
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2. Motion to Approve Administrators' Grant for Continuing Education in the 2012-2012 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3. Motion to Authorize the Pelham Union Free School District to Disburse Payment to the Eastchester Union Free School District for 2011 Summer School Attendance
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4. Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mr. Eicher and the Board extended their thanks to the donors.
9.5. Motion to Approve Tax Certiorari Settlements Associated with Friedland/Pelhamdale, LLC and Estate of Simberkoff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1. Motion to Approve Tenure Recommendation
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.2. Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.3. Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.4. Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10.5. Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following as corrected: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following as corrected: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Arden reported that the Advanced Placement informational meeting held on the evening of January 11th was very impressive and that she felt that a lot of great things are going on in the high schools.
Mr. Eicher reminded everyone of the Pelham Music Festival which will be held on February 4th at the Pelham Country Club. He gave an open invitation for the community to see about 400 kids perform, beginning at 9 am. He also reminded everyone about the high school’s Battle of the Bands, scheduled for Friday, January 27th.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:56 pm. Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:56 pm. (Approved)
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