Video index
Roll call (11 Present, 0 Absent, 0 Excused)
1. CALL TO ORDER - SUPERINTENDENT'S CONFERENCE ROOM - 7:15 P.M.
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at 7:07 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 Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (CSEA Building Services Unit, CSEA Non-Instructional Unit and Pelham Administrators' Association) and matters of public safety.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Cavanagh, and unanimously carried to recess at 8:11 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 Dr. Arden and seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried to reconvene in a public meeting.
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 PM
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Pelham Memorial High School's Alumni Hall and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the executive session motions. Approximately 38 staff and community members attended. Mrs. Kiernan called for a moment of silence in recognition of the tragedy in a Newtown, CT elementary school of this past week and to join the prayers of the nation for these families.
Mrs. Kiernan noted that this is Dr. Lauro's last Board meeting before his eminent retirement at the end of the month. She spoke of the lovely reception held just before this evening's executive session in recognition of Dr. Lauro. She wished him good luck and congratulations on the next chapter in his professional career. Mrs. Kiernan also noted the retirement of Mrs. Marianne Mileno, a long-time employee who will also be missed and wished her good luck as well.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Special Meeting of November 28, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
6.2 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 1, 2012
6.3 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 2, 2012
6.4 Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 3, 2012
6.5 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 4, 2012
6.6 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 5, 2012
6.7 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 6, 2012
6.8 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 7, 2012
6.9 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 8, 2012
6.10 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 10, 2012
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Administrative and Committee Reports
7.1.1. Presentation: Status of Special Education In District: Costs, Trends, Programs and Future
Mrs. Matthews came before the Board to present the status of special education in the district - the costs, trends programs and the future. In her report, Mrs. Matthews addressed that our classification rates are appropriate, she reviewed a longitudinal look at special education expenses, illustrated how the district is providing necessary services at an appropriate level, illustrated the cost effectiveness of delivery, and discussed how pupil personnel staff support RtI in general education.
Mrs. Matthews asked the Board if they had any questions and some discussion began. Mrs. Kiernan then called for comment from the public on just this topic: How do referrals come about - from parents, teachers, previous schools?
Mrs. Kiernan thanked Mrs. Matthews for her report. Mrs. Matthews thanked her staff for their support at the meeting.
7.1.2. Resolution to Adopt the Pelham Union Free School District's Special Education Plan Dated December 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mrs. Kiernan called for Board Committee Reports:
Mrs. Smith said that a recent community outreach forum at Rockwells was successful.
Mr. Cavanagh said that topics on a recent Finance Committee meeting agenda were the preliminary budget and upcoming negotiations.
Dr. Arden shared that the Personnel Committee discussed various positions and how they affect the budget.
Mrs. Kiernan updated everyone on the superintendent search. She said that the Board hopes to reach a successful conclusion in January to share with the public and also summarized the process to date with the search consultants, Hazard, Young and Attea. She thanked everyone who has been so helpful to the Board in this regard.
Dr. Arden announced that the new policy books have finally arrived from Erie BOCES.
Dr. Lauro reassured the public regarding the approach that we take to security. He said that we have a plan in place that is updated annually and that we have reached out to individual schools to assess any needs which will be addressed. Mr. Rubbo spoke about utilizing a consultant to make the high school and middle school more secure. He feels a more comprehensive review should be done and would like to suggest that the Board consider a recommendation to retain a professional for a fee not to exceed $10,000 as soon as possible. Dr. Arden suggested that we also reach out to our two police departments and villages for some possible free advice before we hire an expensive consultant.
MOTION
from the floor was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland, unanimously approved to retain a security consultant to review existing security systems and make any necessary recommendations to enhance or improve the safety and security of our students and staff, with the expense not to exceed $10,000.
Mr. Cavanagh took the opportunity to respond to questions frequently asked about turf fields: How will the cost of the turf field be funded, how long does the turf field last and what does it cost to replace; how will the replacement field be funded and who will benefit from the turf field, and who has contributed to the turf field fundraising effort? Questions from the public were taken on this topic: Glover Field and the surrounding area (which housed an oil refinery) never had remediation...what about flooding in that area, does it pose a problem.
8. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
8.1 Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9. SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Recca.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3 Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4 Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Cavanagh acknowledged Dr. Lauro's last meeting and his accomplishmets over the last 16 years. He said that the district is ahead of the curve in many initiatves , crediting Dr. Wilson and then Dr. Lauro's reign. Mr. Cavanagh noted that it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with Dr. Lauro.
Dr. Lauro said that he has very mixed emotions about retiring and thanked the Board for their kind words.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
The Board heard public comments on the following comments: security and safety at Colonial School regarding traffic concerns during drop off and pick up times, regarding security assessments - what are preemptive possibilities for students and teachers to be aware of - we should include these in our security assessments.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:24 p.m. with Mrs. Kiernan wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and new year. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:24 p.m. with Mrs. Kiernan wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and new year. (Approved)
Dec 17, 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 - 7:15 P.M.
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at 7:07 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 Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden and unanimously carried to go into executive session to discuss collective negotiations pursuant to Article 14 of the Civil Service Law (CSEA Building Services Unit, CSEA Non-Instructional Unit and Pelham Administrators' Association) and matters of public safety.
3. MOTION TO RECESS
MOTION was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Cavanagh, and unanimously carried to recess at 8:11 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 Dr. Arden and seconded by Mrs. Gilland and unanimously carried to reconvene in a public meeting.
5. CALL TO ORDER - 575 COLONIAL AVENUE - ALUMNI HALL - 8:00 PM
President Kiernan called the meeting to order at approximately 8:15 p.m. in Pelham Memorial High School's Alumni Hall and welcomed everyone. All stood for the Pledge of Allegiance. Dr. Arden reiterated the executive session motions. Approximately 38 staff and community members attended. Mrs. Kiernan called for a moment of silence in recognition of the tragedy in a Newtown, CT elementary school of this past week and to join the prayers of the nation for these families.
Mrs. Kiernan noted that this is Dr. Lauro's last Board meeting before his eminent retirement at the end of the month. She spoke of the lovely reception held just before this evening's executive session in recognition of Dr. Lauro. She wished him good luck and congratulations on the next chapter in his professional career. Mrs. Kiernan also noted the retirement of Mrs. Marianne Mileno, a long-time employee who will also be missed and wished her good luck as well.
6. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
6.1 Minutes of Special Meeting of November 28, 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
6.2 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 1, 2012
6.3 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 2, 2012
6.4 Minutes of Regular Meeting of December 3, 2012
6.5 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 4, 2012
6.6 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 5, 2012
6.7 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 6, 2012
6.8 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 7, 2012
6.9 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 8, 2012
6.10 Minutes of Special Meeting of December 10, 2012
7. ADMINISTRATIVE AND COMMITTEE REPORTS
7.1 Administrative and Committee Reports
7.1.1. Presentation: Status of Special Education In District: Costs, Trends, Programs and Future
Mrs. Matthews came before the Board to present the status of special education in the district - the costs, trends programs and the future. In her report, Mrs. Matthews addressed that our classification rates are appropriate, she reviewed a longitudinal look at special education expenses, illustrated how the district is providing necessary services at an appropriate level, illustrated the cost effectiveness of delivery, and discussed how pupil personnel staff support RtI in general education.
Mrs. Matthews asked the Board if they had any questions and some discussion began. Mrs. Kiernan then called for comment from the public on just this topic: How do referrals come about - from parents, teachers, previous schools?
Mrs. Kiernan thanked Mrs. Matthews for her report. Mrs. Matthews thanked her staff for their support at the meeting.
7.1.2. Resolution to Adopt the Pelham Union Free School District's Special Education Plan Dated December 2012
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
Mrs. Kiernan called for Board Committee Reports:
Mrs. Smith said that a recent community outreach forum at Rockwells was successful.
Mr. Cavanagh said that topics on a recent Finance Committee meeting agenda were the preliminary budget and upcoming negotiations.
Dr. Arden shared that the Personnel Committee discussed various positions and how they affect the budget.
Mrs. Kiernan updated everyone on the superintendent search. She said that the Board hopes to reach a successful conclusion in January to share with the public and also summarized the process to date with the search consultants, Hazard, Young and Attea. She thanked everyone who has been so helpful to the Board in this regard.
Dr. Arden announced that the new policy books have finally arrived from Erie BOCES.
Dr. Lauro reassured the public regarding the approach that we take to security. He said that we have a plan in place that is updated annually and that we have reached out to individual schools to assess any needs which will be addressed. Mr. Rubbo spoke about utilizing a consultant to make the high school and middle school more secure. He feels a more comprehensive review should be done and would like to suggest that the Board consider a recommendation to retain a professional for a fee not to exceed $10,000 as soon as possible. Dr. Arden suggested that we also reach out to our two police departments and villages for some possible free advice before we hire an expensive consultant.
MOTION
from the floor was made by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Gilland, unanimously approved to retain a security consultant to review existing security systems and make any necessary recommendations to enhance or improve the safety and security of our students and staff, with the expense not to exceed $10,000.
Mr. Cavanagh took the opportunity to respond to questions frequently asked about turf fields: How will the cost of the turf field be funded, how long does the turf field last and what does it cost to replace; how will the replacement field be funded and who will benefit from the turf field, and who has contributed to the turf field fundraising effort? Questions from the public were taken on this topic: Glover Field and the surrounding area (which housed an oil refinery) never had remediation...what about flooding in that area, does it pose a problem.
8. FINANCIAL REPORTS AND MOTIONS
8.1 Motion to Accept Donations
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mr. Recca, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9. SUPERINTENDENT'S PERSONNEL RECOMMENDATIONS
9.1 Motion to Approve Schedule A - Certificated Staff
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mr. Recca.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.2 Motion to Approve Schedule B - Extra Duty Appointments
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.3 Motion to Approve Schedule C - Non-Instructional Staff and Teaching Assistants
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mrs. Gilland.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
9.4 Motion to Approve Schedule D - Committee on Special Education (Confidential)
Motion to Approve the following: Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Dr. Arden.
Vote to Approve the following: (Approved)
10. NEW BUSINESS
Mr. Cavanagh acknowledged Dr. Lauro's last meeting and his accomplishmets over the last 16 years. He said that the district is ahead of the curve in many initiatves , crediting Dr. Wilson and then Dr. Lauro's reign. Mr. Cavanagh noted that it has been a privilege and pleasure to work with Dr. Lauro.
Dr. Lauro said that he has very mixed emotions about retiring and thanked the Board for their kind words.
11. COMMUNICATIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE PUBLIC
The Board heard public comments on the following comments: security and safety at Colonial School regarding traffic concerns during drop off and pick up times, regarding security assessments - what are preemptive possibilities for students and teachers to be aware of - we should include these in our security assessments.
12. ADJOURN
Motion to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:24 p.m. with Mrs. Kiernan wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and new year. Moved by Ms. O'Leary, seconded by Mrs. Smith.
Vote to Approve to adjourn the meeting at approximately 10:24 p.m. with Mrs. Kiernan wishing everyone a wonderful holiday season and new year. (Approved)
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