Video index
Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE ROOM - 6:45 P.M.
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 18 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION was made by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss the record of a particular student and matters leading to the appointment of a particular person and/or corporation.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan and unanimously carried to recess at 7:15 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in PMHS Alumni Hall.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN PMHS ALUMNI HALL
MOTION was made by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary and unanimously carried to approve to reconvene in a public meeting.
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:12 p.m. in PMHS Alumni Hall and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately thirty staff and community members attended.
PMHS Principal, Jeannine Clark introduced students, Daniel Morgan and Doug Kaplan to the Board and announced that they had won the New York State championship in doubles tennis, a first in the history of the school District. Coach Olympia Koclanas was also presented to the Board. The champions thanked their coach, the Booster Club, friends and family for their support. The students intend to play college level tennis this coming year. The Board congratulated the boys and their parents.
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 PM
(This was done previously.)
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Special Meeting of May 9, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
6.2 Minutes of Special Meeting of May 15, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Rutgers Math Study Report
Assistant Superintendent, Peter Giarrizzo introduced Dr. Alice Alston from Rutgers University and shared some of her background with the audience. Dr. Alston noted the Rutgers evaluation team’s credentials and then proceeded to present the team’s external evaluation of our K-8 math program, covering such topics as classroom observations; the make up of the groups interviewed; the dates of open parent meetings; the parent and teacher surveys and the analysis of each; parent concerns; observations (strengths and concerns) from K-5 classrooms and teacher interviews; survey results for grades 6-8; and common core standards goals. Communication was mentioned as well as, how the district supports the math program. Areas of improvement were listed and suggestions given for the district to consider ongoing classroom-based professional development and parent/school relations and communications.
Mr. Eicher called for Board questions and comments, after which he invited the audience to comment on this report only. Questions and/or observations were: ongoing professional development for teachers is essential, hopes that the Board considers the option of making a change of math programs, should teachers be resurveyed, is there a basis of comparison of how many parents use outside tutoring/enrichment for their elementary students, are certain fifth graders being earmarked to take seventh grade math in sixth grade, is Investigations too complicated for the resources that we have in place, how will success be measured and how will we know how well the students are doing.
7.2 Administrative and Committee Reports
7.2.1. Policy Committee - Final Readings and Possible Adoption
Dr. Arden gave some background about how the Policy Committee began its work and arrived at this point. She and Mr. Cavanagh credited former Board Member, Cathy Draper for beginning the arduous process of bringing the policy book up to date. Picking up on Ms. Draper’s work, the committee engaged the services of Erie I BOCES and had prolonged discussions over this compilation of documents, all the while striving to incorporate Pelham policies into all of the state-mandated policies. Every policy has had two readings, some more. Dr. Arden hopes the Board will adopt the policies all at once. Several policies will still need to be updated even if the entire book is adopted on June 18th.
7.2.2. Buildings and Grounds Committee
Mr. Rubbo reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee met today and talked about improving the air circulation in all buildings. These concerns are being evaluated by a staff person who has expertise in this area. Summer projects include: painting, dropped ceilings, installing cameras outside some of the buildings, telecommunications system evaluation, serious pigeon situation in the high school interior courtyards.
Mr. Eicher reported on the superintendent search, noting that the District had received eight responses to the request for proposal. He asked Board Members to individually express their thoughts on what they expect in a search firm. The Board also agreed that timing on this issue was critical and considered scheduling additional executive session time for discussion.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Questions asked, comments and observations made were regarding: the proposed new apartment development in the Hutchinson neighborhood; can the Board weigh in on mitigations before the sale on the property is made; names of superintendent search firms should be made public.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for Period Ending April 30, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Resolution to Approve Westchester/Putnam School Boards Association's Annual Meeting Ballot
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3 Motion to Approve Contract with Dr. Charles Wilson to Serve as Interim Superintendent of Schools
Motion to Approve Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve (Approved) (Recorded at 03:25:30)
Dr. Wilson thanked the Board for their vote of confidence and noted that he will be working closely this fall with Dr. Lauro who will bring him up to speed so that he can hit the ground running in January.
9.4 Motion to Support Legislation Authorizing the Application for Exemption from Real Property Taxes by a Non-for-Profit Agency
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5 Resolution to Approve 2011-2012 Budget Transfers
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.6 Motion to Award Summer School Busing Contract Bid to Royal Coach Lines
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.7 Motion to Extend the Operations and Maintenance Bids for the 2012-2013 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.8 Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mrs. Kiernan said that a nice way to say thank you to the Pelham Education Foundation would be for the Board to recognize them by asking them to come to speak about their grants and projects.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, 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 Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
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 Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
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 Resolution to Approve Annual Organizational Meeting Date for 2012-2013 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Arden, as the Board liaison to the Hutchinson Scool PTA, suggested that the Board might consider whether or not sometime in the coming school year, they should address the perception of the differences in the elementary schools.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at 11:57 p.m. Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at 11:57 p.m. (Approved)
Jun 04, 2012 Regular Board of Education Meeting
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Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE ROOM - 6:45 P.M.
President Eicher called the meeting to order at 6:50 p.m. in the Superintendent's Conference Room at 18 Franklin Place, Pelham, New York 10803.
2. MOTION TO GO INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION
MOTION was made by Mr. Cavanagh, seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss the record of a particular student and matters leading to the appointment of a particular person and/or corporation.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan and unanimously carried to recess at 7:15 p.m., at which time the Board would reconvene in a public meeting in PMHS Alumni Hall.
4. MOTION TO RECONVENE IN PUBLIC MEETING IN PMHS ALUMNI HALL
MOTION was made by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Ms. O'Leary and unanimously carried to approve to reconvene in a public meeting.
Mr. Eicher called the meeting to order at approximately 8:12 p.m. in PMHS Alumni Hall and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the previously noted executive session motions. Approximately thirty staff and community members attended.
PMHS Principal, Jeannine Clark introduced students, Daniel Morgan and Doug Kaplan to the Board and announced that they had won the New York State championship in doubles tennis, a first in the history of the school District. Coach Olympia Koclanas was also presented to the Board. The champions thanked their coach, the Booster Club, friends and family for their support. The students intend to play college level tennis this coming year. The Board congratulated the boys and their parents.
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 PM
(This was done previously.)
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Special Meeting of May 9, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
6.2 Minutes of Special Meeting of May 15, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Rutgers Math Study Report
Assistant Superintendent, Peter Giarrizzo introduced Dr. Alice Alston from Rutgers University and shared some of her background with the audience. Dr. Alston noted the Rutgers evaluation team’s credentials and then proceeded to present the team’s external evaluation of our K-8 math program, covering such topics as classroom observations; the make up of the groups interviewed; the dates of open parent meetings; the parent and teacher surveys and the analysis of each; parent concerns; observations (strengths and concerns) from K-5 classrooms and teacher interviews; survey results for grades 6-8; and common core standards goals. Communication was mentioned as well as, how the district supports the math program. Areas of improvement were listed and suggestions given for the district to consider ongoing classroom-based professional development and parent/school relations and communications.
Mr. Eicher called for Board questions and comments, after which he invited the audience to comment on this report only. Questions and/or observations were: ongoing professional development for teachers is essential, hopes that the Board considers the option of making a change of math programs, should teachers be resurveyed, is there a basis of comparison of how many parents use outside tutoring/enrichment for their elementary students, are certain fifth graders being earmarked to take seventh grade math in sixth grade, is Investigations too complicated for the resources that we have in place, how will success be measured and how will we know how well the students are doing.
7.2 Administrative and Committee Reports
7.2.1. Policy Committee - Final Readings and Possible Adoption
Dr. Arden gave some background about how the Policy Committee began its work and arrived at this point. She and Mr. Cavanagh credited former Board Member, Cathy Draper for beginning the arduous process of bringing the policy book up to date. Picking up on Ms. Draper’s work, the committee engaged the services of Erie I BOCES and had prolonged discussions over this compilation of documents, all the while striving to incorporate Pelham policies into all of the state-mandated policies. Every policy has had two readings, some more. Dr. Arden hopes the Board will adopt the policies all at once. Several policies will still need to be updated even if the entire book is adopted on June 18th.
7.2.2. Buildings and Grounds Committee
Mr. Rubbo reported that the Buildings and Grounds Committee met today and talked about improving the air circulation in all buildings. These concerns are being evaluated by a staff person who has expertise in this area. Summer projects include: painting, dropped ceilings, installing cameras outside some of the buildings, telecommunications system evaluation, serious pigeon situation in the high school interior courtyards.
Mr. Eicher reported on the superintendent search, noting that the District had received eight responses to the request for proposal. He asked Board Members to individually express their thoughts on what they expect in a search firm. The Board also agreed that timing on this issue was critical and considered scheduling additional executive session time for discussion.
8. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
Questions asked, comments and observations made were regarding: the proposed new apartment development in the Hutchinson neighborhood; can the Board weigh in on mitigations before the sale on the property is made; names of superintendent search firms should be made public.
9. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
9.1 Motion to Accept Treasurer's Report for Period Ending April 30, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Resolution to Approve Westchester/Putnam School Boards Association's Annual Meeting Ballot
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3 Motion to Approve Contract with Dr. Charles Wilson to Serve as Interim Superintendent of Schools
Motion to Approve Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve (Approved) (Recorded at 03:25:30)
Dr. Wilson thanked the Board for their vote of confidence and noted that he will be working closely this fall with Dr. Lauro who will bring him up to speed so that he can hit the ground running in January.
9.4 Motion to Support Legislation Authorizing the Application for Exemption from Real Property Taxes by a Non-for-Profit Agency
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mr. Hearle.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.5 Resolution to Approve 2011-2012 Budget Transfers
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.6 Motion to Award Summer School Busing Contract Bid to Royal Coach Lines
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.7 Motion to Extend the Operations and Maintenance Bids for the 2012-2013 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.8 Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mrs. Kiernan said that a nice way to say thank you to the Pelham Education Foundation would be for the Board to recognize them by asking them to come to speak about their grants and projects.
10. ADMINISTRATIVE MOTIONS
10.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Kiernan, 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 Mrs. Kiernan, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
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 Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
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 Resolution to Approve Annual Organizational Meeting Date for 2012-2013 School Year
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
11. NEW BUSINESS
Dr. Arden, as the Board liaison to the Hutchinson Scool PTA, suggested that the Board might consider whether or not sometime in the coming school year, they should address the perception of the differences in the elementary schools.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at 11:57 p.m. Moved by Dr. Arden, seconded by Mrs. Kiernan.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at 11:57 p.m. (Approved)
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