Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education of ...

Minutes of the Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
of Guilderland Central School District
at the Guilderland High School
February 14, 2012
The meeting was called to order at 7:36 p.m. by Colleen O'Connell, President of the Board of Education.
Board members present: Denise Eisele, Emilio Genzano, Rose Levy, Allan Simpson, Judy Slack, Gloria
Towle-Hilt and Richard Weisz. Barbara Fraterrigo was absent.
Marie Wiles, Neil Sanders, Demian Singleton, and Lin Severance were present from the Central Office.
Public Comment
Joe Giordano gave the Board a petition with 105 signatures asking the Board not to
reduce the enrichment program at Farnsworth Middle School.
Marie Irving asked the Board not to make staff cuts by seniority only. She feels the
relationships the teachers have with the children should be taken into consideration.
Consent Agenda
Approved
A motion was made by Denise Eisele, seconded by Judy Slack, to approve the
following items under the consent agenda:
Minutes of Regular Meeting of January 24, 2012;
CPSE and CSE Recommendations;
Personnel Actions;
Resignations - Instructional
1. Carol Austin, a teaching assistant at Altamont Elementary School, is
resigning for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms.
Austin has been employed by the District since September 9, 1999.
2. Michael Battista, a teaching assistant at Guilderland High School is
resigning, effective February 17, 2012. Mr. Battista has been employed
by the District since September 8, 2009.
3. Judy Beninati, a special education teacher, is resigning for the purpose of
retirement, effective December 31, 2012. Ms. Beninati has been
employed by the District since September 1, 1994.
4. Noreen Benton, an English teacher, is resigning for the purpose of
retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Benton has been employed by
the District since September 1, 1980.
5. MaryHelen Collen, the district data coordinator, is resigning for the
purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Collen has been
employed by the District since September 1, 1995.
6. Linda Cook, a teaching assistant at Guilderland Elementary School, is
resigning for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms.
Cook has been employed by the District since September 10, 1987.
Page 1 of 11
February 14, 2012

Consent Agenda
Approved
(continued)
7. Catherine Haggerty, an occupational therapy assistant, is resigning
effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Haggerty has been employed by the District
since September 25, 2001.
8. Alice Klump, a health and FACS teacher, is resigning for the purpose of
retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Klump has been employed by the
District since January 6, 1986.
9. Harry G. Lampman, a mathematics teacher, is resigning for the purpose of
retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Mr. Lampman has been employed by
the District since September 1, 2000.
10. Linda Larmon, a teaching assistant at Farnsworth Middle School is
resigning, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Larmon has been employed by the
District since September 1, 2005.
11. Marie Lucik, a teaching assistant at Guilderland High School, is resigning
for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Lucik has been
employed by the District since November 13, 1998.
12. Robin Michaels, an enrichment teacher, is resigning for the purpose of
retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Michaels has been employed by
the District since September 1, 1988.
13. Marie Mitchell, a teaching assistant at Pine Bush Elementary School, is
resigning for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms.
Mitchell has been employed by the District since September 1, 1987.
14. Dana Vachon, an elementary education teacher at Lynnwood, is resigning
for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms. Vachon has
been employed by the District since September 1, 1992.
15. Peter Wachtel, a physical education teacher, is resigning for the purpose
of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Mr. Wachtel has been employed
by the District since September 1, 1990.
16. Arleen Warren, a teaching assistant at Lynnwood Elementary School, is
resigning for the purpose of retirement, effective June 30, 2012. Ms.
Warren has been employed by the District since September 6, 1984.
Appointments - Instructional
1. High School Co-Curricular Advisors - 2011-2012
Musical, Orchestra Lee Russo
2. Interscholastic Athletic Coach - Spring 2011-12
Track and Field, Girls Varsity Ass’t. Coach Chris Scanlon
3. Substitute Teachers
Amy Armstrong Early Childhood Education, Students w/Disabilities
Alyssa Bencivengo Early Childhood Education
Aaron Boudreau Physical Education
Jennifer Demerse Childhood Education
Daniel Eckard Biology 7-12
Daniel Fountain Social Studies 7-12
Jennifer Gillette Childhood Education 1-6
Chris Gockley
Childhood Education 1-6, Students w/Disabilities
Carrie Griego Biology 7-12
Christine Hayes Social Studies 7-12
Page 2 of 11
February 14, 2012

Consent Agenda
Approved
(continued)
Anna Kemp
English Second Language
Katelyn Klobus Childhood Education, Students w/Disabilities
Jaclyn Krolick
Biology
Laura Lawson
English Second Language
Michael Loomis Business, Math
Sharon Lynch English, Social Studies 7-12
Jesica Mastrianni Childhood Education, Students w/Disabilities
Allison McArdle Childhood Education, Students w/Disabilities
Christine Murphy Family and Consumer Sciences
Meghan Murphy Special Education
O’Malley, Riley Social Studies 7-12
Mackenzie O’Neil Students w/Disabilities, Childhood Education
Kelyn Petrie Social Studies 7-12
Thomas Pibbs
Physical Education
Reed, Katie Social Studies 7-12
Lisa Rust
Childhood Education.
Sheila Sarrafizadeh Math 7-12
Amy Thomas
Childhood Education.1-6
Julie Utter Childhood Education. 1-6
Diane VanWoert Childhood Education 1-6
Dustin Verga
Physical Education
Jessica Wax Childhood Education 1-6
Megan Yhlen
Childhood Education, Students w/Disabilities
Tenure Corrections
1. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Guilderland
Central School District, based upon a review of the employment history of
Sean McConaghy, which reveals that he was incorrectly tenured in the
Health tenure area (as he has not provided service in that area for the
requisite time) and hereby amends his tenure appointment to be in the area
of Physical Education only.
2. BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Guilderland
Central School District, based upon a review of the employment history of
Shelly Strack, which reveals that she was incorrectly tenured in Athletic
trainer (as this is not a recognized tenure area under Part 30 of N.Y.S.
Education Law) and hereby amends her tenure appointment to be in the
area of Health only.
Resignations - Non-Instructional
1. Nancy Carr, a bus attendant in the Transportation Department, is resigning
effective January 24, 2012. Ms. Carr has been employed by the District
since September 4, 2002.
2. Samantha Hart, a bus attendant in the Transportation Department, is
resigning effective February 1, 2012. Ms. Hart has been employed by the
District since April 4, 2011.
3. Anthony LaTorre, as a custodial worker at Pine Bush and Lynnwood
Elementary Schools, effective January 26, 2012. Mr. LaTorre has been
employed by the District since July 6, 2009.
Page 3 of 11
February 14, 2012

Consent Agenda
Approved
(continued)
4. Toni Montone, a cafeteria monitor at Pine Bush Elementary School is
resigning this position effective January 29, 2012 to accept another
position within the District.
5. Paul Rickard, as an automotive mechanic in the Transportation
Department, effective February 9, 2012. Mr. Rickard has been employed
by the District since October 11, 2012.
Appointments - Non-Instructional
1. Toni Montone, as a part-time food service worker at Guilderland High
School, effective January 30, 2012.
2. Deborah Panariello, as a part-time food service worker at Guilderland
High School, effective January 31, 2012.
3. Danielle Poirier, to a probationary term as a transportation supervisor,
effective March 5, 2012 at an annual rate of $88,500.
4. Lea Sandberg, as a part-time food service worker at Farnsworth Middle
School, effective February 6, 2012.
Requests for Leave of Absence
1. Katherine Nelson, an ESL teacher at Guilderland Elementary School, is
requesting a parental leave of absence following her period of disability,
through June 30, 2012 and continuing through the 2012 - 2013 academic
year.
2. Alexis Ziomek, a music teacher at Altamont and Westmere Elementary
School, is requesting a parental leave of absence following her period of
disability, through June 30, 2012.
Emergency Conditional Fingerprint Clearance
1. Lea Sandberg
Financial Reports;
The following financial reports were recommended for approval:
1. Revenue Report for the period ending January 31, 2012
2. Expense Report for the period ending January 31, 2012
3. Cafeteria Reports for the period ending December 31, 2012
a. Breakfast
b. Lunch
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Curriculum &
Instruction
Information
The following items of information were presented and discussed with the Board of
Education:
Congratulations to Cassandra Jennings, grade 1,1 and April Alfieri, grade 12,
who had works selected into the annual "Art in Three Dimensions" juried
student exhibition. There were 11 schools submitting a total of 157 pieces. Of
the 157, 67 were selected into the show. The show runs from January 30 th
through February 29 th at Mohonasen High School. A reception honoring
students and their families was held on February 9 th .
Page 4 of 11
February 14, 2012

Curriculum &
Instruction
Information
(continued)
The 53rd Annual Hudson-Mohawk Valley Area Math Conference Program
will be held at Guilderland High School on Saturday, March 24, 2012. Mike
Piscitelli, instructional administrator for High School Math, Science, and
Technology is chairing this event. Mike Piscitelli is quoted, “As you review
this program you will find there is a plethora of interesting and informative
workshops. Conferences such as this, not only provide us with information
that can be used in our classrooms immediately, but they also rejuvenate our
energy and enthusiasm about teaching. The focus shifts back to student
learning rather than the outside factors that sometimes dominate our
discussions at school.” For more information please go to
http://hmvamc.webs.com/.
This year students in Amy Salamone’s high school class have been looking at
the relationship between loss and writing. Last year, this same class read a
number of books, and stories and watched a great movie called “The Mighty”
that all focused on writing as a way to remember and to honor. In grade 10
they have extended that thinking with works like The Pigman, Night, Caged
Bird and Black Boy (to come), all stories of loss, but all stories of hope.
Writing plays a key role and they talked about the reasons why Elie Wiesel had
to write the book despite how hard a story it is to tell. They read about
holocaust victims and survivors. They watched Oprah’s interview with Elie
Wiesel and did some reading about Anne Frank. Presently they are writing
research papers and preparing presentations on other genocides post WW2 or
heroes who save those in harm’s way. They learned that a tree grew outside
the annex where the Frank’s were hidden and the tree became a symbol of
hope and new growth.
This rich experience culminated with students opting to create a tree for Elie
Wiesel. Each student composed a message to Elie that they read and placed on
the tree. In the spring they will plant a live tree to honor and remember Elie
Wiesel’s story as well as all who suffer from discrimination and hatred.
The class also sent Elie a letter with their specific messages and a picture of the
tree they made. Mrs. Salamone and her students were thrilled to have heard
back from Elie. Included with your materials is a copy of his response.
The FMS Math Counts team came in first place at the Regional Competition at
the General Electric on Saturday, February 4th. Congratulations to Bill Dong,
Will Wang, Michael Zhu, and Jeremy Collison for their superior achievement.
All four of the team members also individually scored in the top 12 out of 135
students and 19 schools.
We can also be proud of our alternates - Eric Pasquini, Edward Yu, Mohona
Sengupta and Catherine Seita. Edward Yu scored 18th and will be the
alternate who will go with the team to the State contest, which will be held at
RPI on March 17th. Eric Pasquini also came in 25th out of 135 students.
FMS teachers, Deb Escobar and Caley Vangelis were the coaches.
Page 5 of 11
February 14, 2012

Curriculum &
Instruction
Information
(continued)
Dr. Singleton invited the Board to join him on Friday, 2/17 on a visit to
Schodack School District to look at their distance learning program. They will
be leaving the high school at 7:15 a.m.
A meeting has been scheduled for March 26, 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. to review
the Shared Decision Making Plan.
Superintendent
Information
Dr. Wiles presented and discussed The following items of information:
Two draft versions of the 2012-13 school calendar were presented to the
Board. The final version will be presented as an action item at the March 6
Board meeting.
Responses to the list of questions that were raised during our last Board
meeting regarding the potential changes to student schedules were reviewed
and discussed.
Dr. Wiles thanked the community members who were able to attend the
Community Conversation on Tuesday evening, February 7. We had more
than 55 people attend our third Community Conversation discussion which
outlined the potential reductions for the 2012-13 school year.
On January 31st we hosted a first-ever Community Conversation with more
than 60 students from grades nine through twelve. A big thank you to those
students who were prepared, engaged and thoughtful when expressing their
views and questions.
Last Thursday, an All-Staff Community Conversations with over 95 staff
members attending took place at the high school. The session began with a
brief presentation on the current state of the district, including a closer look at
the challenges we are facing and the work that has been done to date to try and
address those challenges. Small group discussions followed the presentation.
The feedback from the community conversation will be shared on our website
when compiled.
Dr. Singleton gave the Board an update on Full-Day Kindergarten (see
attached memo).
Dr. Wiles discussed the rumors of the possibility of closing an elementary
school. No plans have been considered as of yet. The administration would
need direction from the Board to start a study of the entire district before any
plans could be considered. The study would take several months to complete.
Page 6 of 11
February 14, 2012

Board President
Information
Changer Order
Approved
The following policies and regulations are presented for review and discussion:
1920 - Relations with Persons with Disabilities
2000 - Board Operational Goals
2100 - School Board Legal Status
2110 - School Board Powers and Duties
2110 - R -School Board Powers and Duties Regulation
2111 - Board Member Authority
2265 - Shared Decision-Making and School-Based Planning
2270 - Litigation Procedures
2300 - School Board Meetings
2310 - Regular Meetings
2330 - Executive Sessions
4316 - Physical Education
5140 - Entrance Age
6600 - Fiscal Accounting and Reporting
A motion was made by Richard Weisz, seconded by Denise Eisele, to approve the
following change order:
Lynnwood
Number Contractor Description Amount
GC03-2 Rosch Bros., Inc.
Change Order GC03-1 was
approved for $1,764 to remove the
remaining unused contract
contingency allowance. However,
due to a clerical error, the prior
authorization to use $1,244 of the
contingency balance was not
recognized. This change order will
correct that omission.
$1,244.00
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Capital Project
Authorization
for Use of
Available Funds
Approved
A motion was made by Richard Weisz, seconded by Gloria Towle-Hilt, to approve
the following Resolution:
RESOLVED, that the Board of Education authorize the expenditure of any and all
available uncommitted funds, currently estimated at $105,000, from the November
13, 2007 $26,971,500 voter authorization, for the replacement of the Farnsworth
Middle School phone system and/or expanding wireless technology at Guilderland
High School.
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Page 7 of 11
February 14, 2012

Broadband
Ethernet
Services
Cooperative
Bidding
Resolution
Approved
A motion was made by Denise Eisele, seconded by Allan Simpson, to approve the
following Resolution:
WHEREAS, it is the plan of a number of PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICTS and
Capital Region BOCES, (“the BOCES”) to bid jointly for Broadband Ethernet
Services; and
WHEREAS, the Guilderland Central School District (“the School District”) is
desirous of participating in the joint bidding of the Services, as authorized by
General Municipal Law, Article 5-G; and
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby appoints the superintendent
or designee to represent it in all matters related above; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that in accordance with Cooperative Bid Procedures
the Board of Education agrees to award bid item purchases according to the
recommendations of the BOCES if such award is in the best interest of the school
district.
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Resolution
Authorizing
Participation
NYSMEC for
Electricity and
Natural Gas
Approved
A motion was made by Allan Simpson, seconded by Gloria Towle-Hilt, to approve
the following Resolutions:
WHEREAS, Article 5-G of the New York State General Municipal Law authorizes
municipal corporations to enter into cooperative agreements for the performance or
exercise of services, functions, powers or activities on a cooperative or contract basis
among themselves or one for the other, and
WHEREAS, Section 119-n of the General Municipal Law defines the term "municipal
corporation" for the purposes of Article 5-G as a county outside the city of New York, a
city, a town, a village, a board of cooperative educational services, a fire district or a
school district; and
WHEREAS, the Guilderland Central School District (hereinafter sometimes referred to
as "Participant") is a "municipal corporation" as defined above; and
WHEREAS, this Board wishes for this municipal corporation to become or remain a
Participant pursuant to the Municipal Cooperation Agreement For Energy Purchasing
Services dated the 1st day of May, 2005 (the “Agreement”), among municipal
corporations collectively identified as the New York School and Municipal Energy
Consortium ("NYSMEC") upon the terms of the Agreement and further wishes to
authorize participation as an energy consumer as specified below.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Board hereby determines that it is in
the interests of the this municipal corporation to participate in the NYSMEC, and
authorizes and directs the Superintendent to sign the Agreement/and or the Billing
Schedule and Agreement for electricity on its behalf; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Board authorizes the Administrative Participant
Page 8 of 11
February 14, 2012

Resolution
Authorizing
Participation
NYSMEC for
Electricity and
Natural Gas
Approved
(as defined in the Agreement) to prepare, advertise, disseminate and open bids pursuant
to the General Municipal Law and to award, execute and deliver binding contracts on
behalf of this Board for the purchase of electricity for this Participant to the lowest
responsible bidder as is determined by the Administrative Participant at a commodity
price not to exceed $0.085 per kWh for a term of at least one year and no more than three
years commencing May 1, 2012, and other terms and conditions, all as may be
determined by the Administrative Participant, or to reject any or all such bids; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Participant agrees to advertise said bid as may
be directed by the Administrative Participant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers and employees of this Participant are
authorized to execute such other confirming agreements, certificates and other documents
and take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent of
this resolution.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
And
WHEREAS, Article 5-G of the New York State General Municipal Law authorizes
municipal corporations to enter into cooperative agreements for the performance or
exercise of services, functions, powers or activities on a cooperative or contract basis
among themselves or one for the other, and
WHEREAS, Section 119-n of the General Municipal Law defines the term "municipal
corporation" for the purposes of Article 5-G as a county outside the city of New York, a
city, a town, a village, a board of cooperative educational services, a fire district or a
school district; and
WHEREAS, the Guilderland Central School District (hereinafter sometimes referred to
as "Participant") is a "municipal corporation" as defined above; and
WHEREAS, this Board wishes for this municipal corporation to become or remain a
Participant pursuant to the Municipal Cooperation Agreement For Energy Purchasing
Services dated the 1st day of May, 2005 (the “Agreement”), among municipal
corporations collectively identified as the New York School and Municipal Energy
Consortium ("NYSMEC") upon the terms of the Agreement and further wishes to
authorize participation as an energy consumer as specified below.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that this Board hereby determines that it is in
the interests of the this municipal corporation to participate in the NYSMEC, and
authorizes and directs the Superintendent to sign the Agreement/and or the Billing
Schedule and Agreement for natural gas on its behalf; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Board authorizes the Administrative Participant
(as defined in the Agreement) to prepare, advertise, disseminate and open bids pursuant
to the General Municipal Law and to award, execute and deliver binding contracts on
behalf of this Board for the purchase of natural gas for this Participant to the lowest
responsible bidder as is determined by the Administrative Participant at a commodity
price not to exceed $0.8160 per therm for a term of at least one year and no more than
three years commencing May 1, 2012, and other terms and conditions, all as may be
Page 9 of 11
February 14, 2012

Resolution
Authorizing
Participation
NYSMEC for
Electricity and
Natural Gas
Approved
determined by the Administrative Participant, or to reject any or all such bids; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Participant agrees to advertise said bid as may
be directed by the Administrative Participant; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the officers and employees of this Participant are
authorized to execute such other confirming agreements, certificates and other documents
and take such other actions as may be necessary or appropriate to carry out the intent of
this resolution.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately.
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Board of
Education
Policies Adopted
A motion was made by Rose Levy , seconded by Denise Eisele, to adopt the
following Board of Education Policies:
1150 School Budget and Bond Referenda Information
1220 Relations with Community and Business Organizations
1222 Relations with Booster Organizations
1800 Gifts from the Public
1810 Gifts to School Personnel
1925 Interpreters for Hearing-Impaired Parents
2120 School Board Elections
2120.1 Candidates and Campaigning
2120.2 Voting Procedures
The following policies will be deleted from the G.C.S.D. Policy Manual:
6130 Budget Adoption
6135 Contingency Budget
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Committee
Reports
Audit Committee
The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Monday, February 27 at 8:00 a.m. at
the District Office.
Business Practices
The following topics were discussed at the February 14 th meeting:
Proposals for the 2012-13 bus and truck proposition were given a final
review. The committee will make a recommendation at the March 6 Board
meeting.
A letter from Early Childhood Education (ECEC) was reviewed. ECEC is
requesting the room rental rate remain the same for the 2012-13 school year.
The Committee recommended keeping the rate increase.
Page 10 of 11
February 14, 2012

Committee
Reports
(continued)
Communications Committee
The next Committee meeting is scheduled for Thursday, February 16 at 3:30 in the
District Office. They will review the last Community Conversation.
Policy Committee
The Committee is working on the new policy Dignity for all Students Act which goes
into place by July 1, 2012. Due to a change in the law, Board members are now able
to attend Board meetings via Skype. Gloria Towle-Hilt will be out of town on
March 1 but will be attending the meeting via Skype.
Board
Discussion
Richard Weisz announced that after being on the Board of Education for 12 years he
has decided not to run for another term.
A discussion ensued about alternative revenues. Mr. Weisz explained the results of
a report on alternative revenues and forming foundations completed in June 2006.
Denise Eisele said she attended the Pops Concert. The groups sounded professional
and everyone was smiling and happy. She said it was wonderful experience.
Executive
Session
Approved
A motion was made by Allan Simpson, seconded by Judy Slack, to enter into
Executive Session to discuss Personnel Issue and Negotiations Update for
Guilderland Teachers’ Association.
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
Executive
Session
Adjournment
The Board entered into Executive Session at 9:48 p.m.
A motion was made by Allan Simpson, seconded by Denise Eisele, to adjourn the
meeting.
All members present voting in the affirmative, the motion passed by a vote of 8-0.
The meeting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Linda M. Livingston
District Clerk
Attachments:
Voting Roster
Financial Reports
Agenda
Elie Wiesel letter to high school class
Memo- Full-Day Kindergarten Update
Page 11 of 11
February 14, 2012