September 27th, 2012 - Greenburgh-North Castle Union Free ...

A Meeting of the Board of Education of Greenburgh-­‐North Castle Union Free School District was
held Thursday, September 27, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting was held at the Dobbs Ferry
campus (Chapel).
Board Members Present:
Also Present:
Anona Joseph
Betsy Biddle (part of the meeting)
Robert Maher
William Prattella
Anne Crudge
Eric Granick
Abby Connett
Edward Placke, Superintendent
Bill Federice
Jennifer Herrera
Marc Sharff
1. Call to Order and Pledge of Allegiance
REGULAR BUSINESS
Anona Joseph called the Regular Business Meeting to order at 3:05 p.m.
2. Comments from Board
Dr. Prattella asked Dr. Placke to report the current events District wide.
Dr. Placke reported that the last couple of weeks have been challenging. The District is
facing great financial challenges. However, he is working with the teachers union,
administrations union and the New York State Education Department to develop a
District budget that is balanced and contains the resources required to educate our
student body.
3. Public Comments
Union President, Michael Petriano stated that on September 21, 2012 the union asked
Dr. Placke to resign as Superintendent of Schools. This request was made upon events
that could potentially close the school. The District received recommendations from the
2009 audit which the report included that the District made limited progress to
implement these recommendations. Key recommendations include: the Board should
require a treasurer to prepare and submit monthly and quarterly financial reports for
review, the Board should audit claims against the District and the Board should establish
an audit committee to oversee annual and external audits. The union believes if the
aforementioned recommendation were implemented the District would improve its
fiscal status.
The union is requesting the following:

• Required that the Board receive a prepared budget by March 1 st to review every year;
• Asked the Board to further research what is being presented;
• Try to conduct business in open session and try to limit discussions in executive session; and
• Dr. Prattella take on a more active role in guiding the District due to his many years
of experience as Superintendent.
In closing Mr. Petriano said he had a productive meeting with Dr. Placke prior to the Board of Education
meeting regarding the above concerns and collectively a plan will be developed in order to move forward.
4. Superintendent’s Update
Dr. Placke was very pleased to present the breakdown District wide of the 2012
graduates which included a record breaking number of 81 students. This graduating
class included the second student to earn an Advanced Regents diploma. In addition, 65
percent of students plan to attend college.
A power point presentation of the 2012-­‐2013 Overview Balancing the Budget included
key information in order for the District to move forward. Two budget hearings for staff
and other stakes holders will be scheduled. Dr. Placke will continue to work with the
State Education Department to ensure additional resources and once again he
committed to working with the union to address this fiscal challenge.
5. Approval of Minutes of Preceding Meeting
Motion: To accept the Minutes of the June 26, 2012 Meeting.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Ms. Connett.
7 yes 0 no
6. Approval of Minutes of Preceding Meeting
Motion: To accept the Minutes of the August 21, 2012 Meeting.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Dr. Maher.
7 yes 0 no
7. Personnel
Resolution: To accept all personnel appointments recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.
A. Tenure:
1) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Petal Thom tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective August 31, 2012.
2) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Ulikia Alvarez tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective September 8, 2012.
3) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Dawn Buttinelli tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective September 8, 2012.
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4) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Cloritta Gayle-­‐Bramwell tenure in the tenure area of Teaching
Assistant effective September 1, 2012.
5) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Adryan Hartung tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective September 1, 2012.
6) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants April McCormick tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective September 1, 2012.
7) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Kevin Young tenure in the tenure area of Teaching Assistant
effective September 8, 2012.
8) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Jason Gerard tenure in the tenure area of Assistant Principal
effective September 7, 2012.
9) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Jason Federice tenure in the tenure area of Physical Education
Teacher effective September 1, 2012.
10) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Joan Rice tenure in the tenure area of Art Teacher effective
September 1, 2012.
11) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Brent Baier tenure in the tenure area of Social Studies Teacher
effective September 8, 2012.
12) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Thomas Belluzzi tenure in the tenure area of Math Teacher
effective September 8, 2012.
13) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Vanessa Clay-­‐Williams tenure in the tenure area of School
Counselor effective September 8, 2012.
14) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Daniel Extra tenure in the tenure area of Music Teacher effective
September 8, 2012.
15) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Daniella Montalto tenure in the tenure area of Speech Pathologist
effective September 8, 2012.
16) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Mathew Ridgeway tenure in the tenure area of Science Teacher
effective September 8, 2012.
17) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Kristen Waters tenure in the tenure area of English Teacher
effective September 8, 2012.
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18) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Sonya Haskins tenure in the tenure area of Business Teacher
effective September 21, 2012.
19) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Donna Pasini tenure in the tenure area of Special Education
Teacher effective September 7, 2012.
20) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Eileen Kelly tenure in the tenure area of Occupational Therapist
effective September 7, 2012.
21) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Lauren Zierer tenure in the tenure area of Speech Pathologist
effective September 7, 2012.
22) BE IT RESOLVED, that on the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools, the
Board hereby grants Eleanor Ortiz tenure in the tenure area of School Psychologist
effective October 4, 2012.
B. Resignations:
a. Fasolino, Michael resignation as English Teacher effective September 4, 2012.
b. Gugliemo, Joseph resignation as Math Teacher effective September 1, 2012.
c. Lababera, Julie resignation as Special Education Teacher effective September 21, 2012.
d. Huffman, Jacqueline resignation as School Monitor effective September 1, 2012.
e. Rodriguez, Samuel resignation as Principal effective September 21, 2012.
C. Appointments:
a. Fasolino, Michael to a probationary appointment as a Teaching Assistant in the Teaching
Assistant tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3, 2015 (Step 4).
b. Federice, Nicholas to a probationary appointment as Physical Education Teacher in the
Physical Education Teacher tenure area effective November 29, 2010 through
November 28, 2012.
c. Gerard, Jason to an appointment as Interim Principal (Kaplan Career Academy)
September 8, 2012 through August 31, 2013.
d. Grippo, Alyssa to a probationary appointment as English Language Arts Teacher in the
English Language Arts tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3,
2015 (MA Step 1).
e. Hamidi, Ahmed to a probationary appointment as Math Teacher in the Math Teacher
tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3, 2015 (MA+36 Step 1).
f. Johnson, Sheree to a probationary appointment as School Counselor in the School
Counselor tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3, 2015
(MA+36 Step 3).
g. Lawrence, Taylor to a probationary appointment as Math Teacher in the Math Teacher
tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3, 2015 (BA Step 1).
h. McKeever, Chrysoula to an appointment as Long term Substitute Teacher effective
September 4, 2012 through September 4, 2012 (MA Step 1).
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i. Mendoza, Alejandro to a probationary appointment as English Language Arts Teacher in
the English Language Arts tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September
3, 2015 (MA+36 Step 1).
j. Roman, Ariana to a probationary appointment as English Language Arts Teacher in the
English Language Arts tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3,
2015 (BA Step 1).
k. Zacharowicz, Joseph to a probationary appointment as Science Teacher in the Science
Teacher tenure area effective September 4, 2012 through September 3, 2014 (MA Step
4).
D. Other:
1) Arrigo, Inez – Science Curriculum Coordinator stipend, $1,250.00 (2 of 2).
2) Capers, Timothy requested Family Medical Leave of Absence effective September 4,
2012-­‐September 24, 2012.
3) DiCesare, Christopher transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Social Studies Teacher
(MA Step 9) effective September 4, 2012.
4) Gerard, Jason leave of absence from Assistant Principal position effective September 8,
2012-­‐August 31, 2013.
5) Gerard, Jason stipend of $1,500.00 as Acting Principal effective July 1, 2012 – August 31,
2012.
6) Guiden, Darry transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Teaching Assistant (Step 4)
effective September 4, 2012.
7) Lewis, Michael transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Teaching Assistant (Step 8)
effective September 4, 2012.
8) Marino, John – Math Curriculum Coordinator stipend, $1,250.00 (2 of 2).
9) Muscat, Barbara – Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator stipend, $1,250.00 (2 of 2).
10) Nolan, Jane transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as School Social Worker (MA Step 7)
effective September 4, 2012.
11) Ortiz, Felicia transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Teaching Assistant (Step 4)
effective September 4, 2012.
12) Philips, Melissa transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Physical Education Teacher
(MA Step 4) effective September 4, 2012.
13) Poveromo, Roxanne – English Curriculum Coordinator stipend, $1,250.00 (2 of 2).
14) Reveron, Ivonne, Foreign Language Teacher employee status changed to part time .5
FTE effective September 6, 2012.
15) Sasso, John employee status changed to Executive Principal effective September 4,
2012 through January 30, 2013.
16) Taylor-­‐Merril, Danielle employee status changed from CSE Secretary to School Monitor
effective September 4, 2012.
17) Waltzer, Joseph granted unpaid leave of absence effective September 1, 2012-­‐June 30,
2013.
18) White-­‐Vela, Kristen transferred to Kaplan Career Academy as Art Teacher (MA Step 7)
effective September 4, 2012.
19) Placke, Edward salary decrease of $10,000.00 effective July 1, 2012.
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E. Abolished Positions:
WHEREAS, the Board for reasons of economic necessity and efficiency, has determined
that it needs to abolish certain pedagogical positions in the District;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby abolishes the following positions,
effective close of business on August 31, 2012;
1.0 FTE Assistant Principal position;
1.0 FTE Director of Behavioral Management position;
1.0 FTE Director of Curriculum and Instruction position;
1.0 FTE Secretary position;
2.0 FTE Social Worker positions;
.6 FTE Psychologist position;
1.0 FTE Physical Education Teacher position;
3.0 FTE Special Education/Social Studies Teacher positions;
2.0 FTE Special Education Teacher positions;
.5 FTE Foreign Language Teacher position; and
.3 FTE Math Teacher position.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board Clerk is hereby directed to provide written
notice to those employees whose positions are hereby abolished, as set forth in a
Memorandum to the Board from the Superintendent of Schools, dated July 27, 2012, as
presented at this meeting, in accordance with the provisions of Section 3013 of the
Education Law, Part 30 of the Regents Rules of the termination of their employment
effective close of business of August 31, 2012; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the affected employees who are entitled to Part 30
bumping rights shall be notified, in writing, of their right to a position in a previous
tenure area of service and of their placement on a preferred eligibility list in the tenure
area(s) of their employment regarding their statutory recall rights; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that said employees who are not entitled to Part 30 bumping
rights shall be notified, in writing, of their placement on a preferred eligibility list in the
tenure area(s) of their employment regarding their regarding their statutory recall
rights.
F. Employee Agreements:
Non-­‐Represented employee agreements effective July 1, 2012 – July 30, 2013.
1. Altenphol, Mary, Accountant.
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2. Bess, Lakeysha, Receptionist.
3. Biele, Jessica, Administrative Assistant.
4. Byrd, Juanita, Administrative Assistant.
5. Campuzano, David, Maintenance Worker.
6. Campuzano, Eduardo, Maintenance Worker.
7. Campuzano, Jairo, Maintenance Worker.
8. Effort, Lashanda, School Monitor Supervisor.
9. Federice, William, Assistant Superintendent.
10. Gonzalez, Eleanor, Practical Nurse.
11. Harden, Carolyn, Practical Nurse.
12. Herrera, Jennifer, Secretary to Chief School Officer.
13. Hilsenroth, Barbara, Secretary to the Principal.
14. Lipson, Anne, Bookkeeper.
15. Mancuso, Gabriel, School Monitor Supervisor.
16. McKay, Josephine, Secretary to the Principal.
17. Retleff, Rochelle, Senior Payroll Clerk.
18. Scullin, Elisa, Administrative Assistant.
19. Siegal, Marilyn, Receptionist.
20. Tarantino, Dena, Administrative Assistant.
21. Vidal, Elvis, School Monitor Supervisor.
22. Zaborowska, Bogumila, Accounts Payable Clerk.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Ms. Crudge.
7 yes 0 no
8. Tenure Recognition
Dr. Placke presented certificates to staff in recognition of tenure and thanked them
for their dedication to the students and District.
9. Approval of Claims Audit Minutes
Motion: To accept the Minutes of the June 14, 2012 Meeting.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Dr. Prattella
6 yes 0 no
10. Bid Recommendation: Heating and Air Conditioning
Resolution: To accept the Award Winning Bid of AMX Cooling and Heating LLC. Journeyman
$105 per hour, Apprentice $95 per hour, Percentage of Make Up on Material 25% and 1 hour
travel charge for Kaplan Academy service calls. Contract Period: September, 2012 through
August, 2013.
Motion: To accept the Award Winning Bid as Presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Dr. Prattella.
6 yes 0 no
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11. Bid Recommendation: Electrical
Resolution: To accept the Award Winning Bid of MJ Rooney Electrical Contracting Ltd.
Journeyman $94.95 per hour, Apprentice $45.47 per hour, Percentage of Make Up on Material
7.5%. Contract Period: September, 2012 through August, 2013.
Motion: To accept the Award Winning Bid as Presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Dr. Prattella.
6 yes 0 no
12. Alarm Agreement
American Alarm CO. standard fire alarm and monitoring for Kaplan Academy.
Motion: To accept the agreement as presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Dr. Prattella.
6 yes 0 no
13. Elevator Agreement
Otis Elevator Company, located at 41 Page Park Drive Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 to service Kaplan
Academy; $173.20 per month, payable annually.
Motion: to accept the agreement as presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Dr. Prattella.
6 yes 0 no
14. Sacred Heart Lease Agreement
BE IT RESOLVED, that the Greenburgh-­‐North Castle School District Board of Education authorizes
the approval of a lease with Roman Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart, 108 Shonnard Place,
Yonkers effective November 1, 2012 through October 31, 2017. This is a five year lease; the
District plans to move January 2013.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Mr. Granick.
6 yes 0 no
15. District Policies
The following policies were presented to Board for review:
• Anti-­‐Harassment in the School District
• Sexual Harassment of Students
• Equal Employment Opportunity and Non-­‐Discrimination (Students)
• Equal Employment Opportunity of Non-­‐Discrimination (Non-­‐Students)
• Rules and Code of Ethics for Users of Computer Facilities, Electronic Communications
and the Internet
• Budget Transfers
• Acceptable Use Policy for Internet and District Network Services
The District clerk will send the aforementioned policies to the Board electronically.
16. Board of Education Audit Committee
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BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of the Greenburgh North Castle UFSD has
established an Audit Committee as required by Education Law Section 2116-­‐c. The audit
committee shall act in an advisory capacity to assist the Board of Education with overseeing the
District’s internal audit function, external audit and review.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Ms. Crudge.
6 yes 0 no
17. Finance Committee
The goal of the Finance Committee is to assist and advise the Superintendent of Schools on
issues related to the District’s budget and policies and procedures related to fiscal topics. The
Finance Committee shall meet a minimum of once per month.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Mr. Granick.
6 yes 0 no
18. Cullen & Danowski, LLP – Internal Auditors
Dr. Placke recommended Cullen & Danowski, LLP as the District Internal Auditors.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Mr. Granick.
6 yes 0 no
19. The Energy Advocate
Agreement to perform and expense reduction analysis and make written saving
recommendations in the following areas: electricity, natural gas, heating oil, propane, energy
efficiency opportunities, free of charge to the District.
Motion: To accept the agreement as presented.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Ms. Crudge.
6 yes 0 no
20. Approval of 2012-­‐2013 Budget
Dr. Placke presented the temporary 2012-­‐2013 School Budget which included a breakdown of
tuition, revenue and expenses including personnel.
Note: The budget presented is a temporary budget; the final budget will be presented to the
Board for approval at the next scheduled meeting.
Resolution: To accept the temporary 2012-­‐2013 School Budget of $22,311,796.56.
Motion: To accept the recommendations as presented.
Dr. Prattella moved, seconded by Ms. Crudge.
21. Board of Education Meeting Schedule
The board agrees to meet monthly starting November 2012.
6 yes 0 no
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22. Executive Session 4:24 -­‐4:41PM
A motion was made by Dr. Maher and seconded by Ms. Crudge that the Board goes into
executive session to review the employment of a particular employee.
Dr. Maher moved, seconded by Ms. Crudge.
6 yes 0 no
A motion was made by Ms. Connett and seconded by Dr. Maher that the Board goes into open session.
Ms. Connett moved, seconded by Dr. Maher.
6 yes 0 no
23. Adjournment 4:42PM
A motion was made by Dr. Maher and seconded by Ms. Crudge that the meeting be
adjourned.
6 yes 0 no
Jennifer Herrera, District Clerk
Future Meeting Date:
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
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