September 6, 2006 - South Orangetown Central School District

REGULAR MEETING, BOARD OF EDUCATION, SOUTH ORANGETOWN 

CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT, WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6, 2006 

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I. CALL TO ORDER 

Mr. Di Loreto called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. 

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II. 

ROLL CALL 

Present: 

Mr. Di Loreto 

Mrs. Pitruzzella 

Mr. Jacobs 

Mr. Spiro 

Mrs. Uhl 

CALL TO ORDER 

7:35 p.m. 

ROLL CALL 

Dr. Joseph Zambito, Superintendent of Schools 

Other Members of Administration 

PTA & Community Members 

Theresa Campanella, District Clerk 

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V. INFORMATION ITEMS 

Board President’s Report 

INFORMATON 

ITEMS 

Board President’s 

Report 

Mr. Di Loreto reminded everyone about the TZHS Field Dedication on Friday 

evening, September 8, and he hoped to see everyone there. 

Superintendent’s Report 

Boys Cross Country Team Trip to Florida 

Coach Steve Sutton presented to the Board Members the proposal for the 

boys cross country team trip to Tampa, Florida. The team would depart on 

September 28 and return on October 2. The eight students going on the trip 

would miss one day of school. The cost of the trip, including airfare, is $619. 

The purpose of the trip is to participate in Flrunners.com Invitational. 

Superintendent’s Conference Day 

Dr. Zambito showed the Board Members the PowerPoint he presented to the 

staff on Superintendent’s Conference Day, August 31. Dr. Zambito visited 

the various buildings to welcome back staff members and was accompanied 

by Board Member Rosemary Pitruzzella; Deputy Superintendent Ann 

Vaccaro-Teich; Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Lynn 

Gorey; and Jim Willis, Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources and 

Administration. The presentation, compiled by Public Relations Specialist BJ 

Greco, included photos of students taken during the 2005-06 school year. 

Dr. Zambito stated the “Main Thing” is doing what is best for all of the 

students. 

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Superintendent’s 

Report 

Boys Cross 

Country Team Trip 

to Florida 

Superintendent’s 

Conference Day



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SBGA Facilities Assessment (Peer Review) Analysis 

Mr. Stanley Polmteer, a member of the New York State Association for 

Superintendents of Buildings and Grounds Facilities, presented the facilities 

peer review report that was completed in April 2006. The facilities 

assessment encompasses the following areas: 1) Scope of service 

evaluation for those offered by the custodial; 2) maintenance and grounds 

areas; 3) Relationships and credibility evaluation of school facilities with staff 

and community members; 4) Leadership of school facilities, its effectiveness 

and future; 5) Utilities planning and use evaluation; 6) Resources evaluation 

for meeting the scope of services for the level of expectations. 

The executive summary of the report stated the South Orangetown Central 

School District, like any other District, is not perfect, but its decision to 

continually monitor various aspects of its organization and building 

infrastructures is directing them toward the same kind of “School Facilities 

Report” excellence that its academic reputation merits. 

Capital Projects Update 

SBGA PEER 

REVIEW ANALYSIS 

CAPITAL 

PROJECTS 

UPDATE 

Dr. Zambito will give a project update at the September 20 board meeting. 

Residency Issues 

RESIDENCY 

ISSUES 

Dr. Zambito stated that once a month he would be giving a report to the 

Board on residency. Dr. Zambito explained that last year there were 31 

cases, 6 of which are still pending this year. In addition, there are another 31 

cases pending for this year, bringing the total to 37 residency cases. He 

explained there is a legal process that must be completed to determine if 

someone is actually a resident of the District. 

Clarification of Consultant Position 

Dr. Zambito stated the Board was presented with a petition from the South 

Orangetown School District Taxpayers Against Wasteful and Unnecessary 

School Expenditures. Dr. Zambito said the first part of the document 

contains misinformation that is important for him to clarify. The document 

states there are 25 people who can chair CSE meetings at no additional 

taxpayer expense, however, as indicated on the July 5, 2006, Organization 

Meeting Agenda, there are 10 people who can serve as a chairperson of a 

CSE meeting. Also, Dr. Zambito stated the consultant referenced in the 

petition is funded through a 611 federal grant funding under IDEA. He also 

stated the District receives other grant money that comes from federally 

funded grants for other consultants and portions of staff. 

CLARIFICATION OF 

CONSULTANT 

POSITION 

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Opening of School 

Dr. Zambito stated there were the usual challenges, particularly in the area of 

bus transportation. Some of the issues were students taking too long to get 

home, delays leaving school (especially at WOS), and overcrowding. Dr. 

Zambito stated all cases were being addressed by Ann Vaccaro-Teich. 

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VI. 

PUBLIC COMMENTARY 

OPENING OF 

SCHOOL 

PUBLIC 

COMMENTARY 

A group of parents again addressed the issue of hiring a consultant to chair 

CSE meetings. They read statements to the Board (attached) stating their 

concerns that the hiring of this consultant put a burden on the taxpayers. 

Another parent spoke to the Board stating she felt the hiring of this consultant 

was a good decision. This parent also commented on a wonderful opening 

day of school. 

A parent asked if the District was reimbursed for time spent in the District by 

the 31 non-resident students who attended school last year. Dr. Zambito 

explained that the District did not collect money from these students because 

we do not accept tuition but do everything to remove them from the District 

as quickly as possible. 

A parent asked what kind of wood chips were used on the playgrounds and if 

spraying was done while students were present. Dr. Zambito assured the 

parent that spraying was not done while the students were present. He also 

assured the parent he would find out what types of chips are used on the 

playgrounds. 

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VII. 

BOARD DISCUSSION 

• Hiring of Consultant – Mr. Spiro stated that it was up to the Board of 

Education to hire who they believed would be the best for the Special 

Education program. Mrs. Pitruzzella stated that all of the information 

requested was not received and clarification for the need between a 

consultant versus use of existing staff who chair CSE’s and her vote 

would reflect that. 

• Kindergarten Study – clarification was requested and will be given at the 

next Board meeting on September 20, 2006. 

• Picture Identification for Staff Members 

• Security for Athletic Facilities – short term & long term 

• Name tags for elementary teachers for the first day of school 

• Policy Services Comparison – Erie I BOCES versus NYSSBA 

• Donation of baseball scoreboard 

BOARD DISCUSSION 

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__________________________________________________________________ 

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VIII. 

ACTION ITEMS 

A. Consent Agenda 

ACTION ITEMS 

Consent Agenda 

Motion by Mr. Spiro 

Seconded by Mrs. Pitruzzella 

RESOLVED: that the following Consent Agenda Items be approved (see 

resolutions marked with an asterisk {*}) 

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* 

RESOLVED: that Schedule 06/07-P-04, Professional Personnel, be 

approved as attached (see blue schedule). 

Schedule 06/07- 

P-04 Professional 

Personnel 

Discussion: 

Item II, New Position, Administrative Assistant .2 – Dr. Zambito explained 

that this position would be funded at the middle school with funds from .1 art 

and .1 foreign language, which will not reduce services to students. The 

position would be to support the administration with discipline or other issues. 

Mrs. Pitruzzella said that at this time she was concerned about adding new 

positions and asked that this be tabled. 

Item II, New Position, Administrative Assistant .2 – TABLED until September 

20, 2006. 

Mr. Sprio requested that Item IV, Extra-Curricular Appointment, Kathy Spiro, 

Districr-wide Team Leader, be voted on separately 

Motion by Mr. Jacobs 

Seconded by Mr. Spiro 

4 Yes 1 Abstain (Mr. Spiro) 

Mrs. Pitruzzella requested that Item V, Consultant/Other Services – CSE 

Chairperson, 611 Grant, not to exceed $24,000, be voted on separately 

Motion by Mrs. Uhl 


4 Yes 1 No (Mrs. Pitruzzella) 

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* 

RESOLVED: that Schedule 06/07-C-03 Civil Service Personnel, be 

approved as attached (see blue schedule). 

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Schedule 06/07-C- 

03 Civil Service 

Personnel 

4



__________________________________________________________________ 

* 

RESOLVED: that Schedule 06/07-H-03, Committee on Special Education, 

be approved as attached (see blue schedule). 

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* 

RESOLVED: that Schedule 06/07-HP-03, Committee on Preschool Special 

Education, be approved as attached (see blue schedule). 

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* 

RESOLVED: that the following financial schedules for June 2006 be 

accepted. 

Schedule 2005/06 T-JUNE Treasurer Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 BT-JUNE Budget Transfers 

Schedule 2005/06 FR-JUNE 1 General Fund Financial Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 FR-JUNE 2 School Lunch Fund Financial Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 FR-JUNE 3 Special Aid Fund Financial Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 FR-JUNE 4 Capital Fund Financial Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 FR-JUNE 5 Debt Service Fund Financial Reports 

Schedule 2005/06 W-JUNE 1 General Fund Warrants 

Schedule 2005/06 W-JUNE 2 School Lunch Warrant 

Schedule 2005/06 W-JUNE 3 Special Aid Fund Warrants 

Schedule 2005/06 W-JUNE 4 Capital Fund Warrants 

Schedule 2005/06 W-JUNE 5 Trust Fund Warrants 

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* 

RESOLVED: that the following financial schedules be accepted for the 

Extraclassroom Activity Funds: 

Tappan Zee High School Fiscal Year-End Report – June 30, 2006 

South Orangetown Middle School Fiscal Year-End Report – June 30, 2006 

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* 

RESOLVED: that the Board of Education of the South Orangetown Central 

School District authorize the Superintendent to accept 2005-2006 rollover 

funds in the amount of $7,928.40 for the 2006-2007 school year under the 

SARA Grant – Local Government Records Management Improvement Fund, 

to be accounted for in the General Fund. 

Schedule 06/07-H- 

03 Committee on 

Special Education 

Schedule 06/07-HP- 

03, Committee on 

Preschool 

Education 

Financial 

Schedules for June 

2006 

Financial 

Schedules for June 

Extraclassroom 

Activity Funjds 

Acceptance of 

2005-06 Rollover 

Funds under 

SARA Grant 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that the Board of Education of the South 

Orangetown Central School District approve the 2006-2007 budget in the 

amount of $7,928.40 as follows: 

Estimated Revenue – A/C #A510 $7,928.40 

Appropriations – A/C #A960 $7,928.40 

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__________________________________________________________________ 

Motion to accept as amended carried unanimously. 

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B. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT STIPULATION OF SETTLEMENT 



Resolution to 

Accept Stipulation 

of Settlement 

BE IT RESOLVED that the Board hereby ratifies the provisions of a 

Stipulation of Settlement with the EASO resolving a salary credit related 

grievance on behalf of a unit member, dated August 28, 2006, which 

Stipulation of Settlement shall be incorporated by reference within the 

minutes of this meeting. 

Motion to accept carried unanimously. 

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Resolution for 

Salary Adjustment 

C. RESOLUTION FOR SALARY ADJUSTMENT 



BE IT RESOLVED, that the upon the recommendation of the Superintendent 

of Schools and in accordance with Article VII(D) of the collectively negotiated 

agreement between the School District and the South Orangetown 

Administrators and Supervisors Association, the Board of Education hereby 

grants to the Director of Special Education and Student Services an 

adjustment to salary after her third year of employment and tenure conferral, 

in the amount of $3,000 effective July 1, 2006. 


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Resolution to 

Accept 

Professional 

Development Plan 

D. RESOLUTION TO ACCEPT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT PLAN 



RESOLVED: that the Board of Education accepts the District’s Professional 

Development Plan in accordance with Subdivision of 100.2 of the 

Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. 


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Resolution to 

Approve Additional 

Project Manager 

for Capital 

Improvement 

Project 

E. RESOLUTION TO APPROVE ADDITIONAL PROJECT MANAGER 

FOR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECT – LETTER AGREEMENT 



6



__________________________________________________________________ 

WHEREAS: the South Orangetown Central School District Board of 

Education has reviewed and approved the attached Letter Agreement with 

Triton Construction Company, LLC, a copy of which is annexed hereto, to 

provide an additional Project Manager on the District’s Capital Improvement 

Project pursuant to the terms set forth therein. The total cost for this service 

is $27,900.00. 

IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED: that the Board of Education of the South 

Orangetown Central School District authorizes and approved the Letter 

Agreement and authorizes the Board President to execute said Letter 

Agreement. 


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F. EXTENSION OF LEGAL CONTRACT FOR CONSTRUCTION 

CONTRACTS 

Extension of Legal 

Contract for 

Construction 

Contracts 

Motion by Mrs. Pitruzzella 


RESOLVED: that the Board of Education authorize the Board of Education 

President to execute a legal services retainer agreement with the law firm of 

John E. Osborn, P.C. to provide legal services for the 2006-2007 school year 

at a cost of $170.00 per hour. 


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Resolution to 

Appoint Impartial 

Hearing Officer 

G. RESOLUTION TO APPOINT IMPARTIAL HEARING OFFICER 



BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby appoints Dora Lassinger from the 

State Education Department list of individuals who may serve as Impartial 

Hearing Officers, as the Impartial Hearing Officer for the purpose of 

conducting special education impartial hearing involving Case #21479. 

Resolution 

Approving Terms 

of Release & 

Settlement 

Agreement 


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H. RESOLUTION APPROVING TERMS OF RELEASE AND 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT 



RESOLVED that the Board of Education does hereby approve the terms of 

the Release and Settlement Agreement involving Student Number 1804135 

and 

7 

Resolution 

Approving Terms 

of Release & 

Settlement 

Agreement



__________________________________________________________________ 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools be and 

hereby is authorized to execute such Release and Settlement Agreement on 

behalf of the District. 


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I. RESOLUTION APPROVING TERMS OF RELEASE AND 

SETTLEMENT AGREEMENT 



RESOLVED that the Board of Education does hereby approve the terms of 

the Release and Settlement Agreement involving Student Number 1006274 

and 

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Superintendent of Schools be and 

hereby is authorized to execute such Release and Settlement Agreement on 

behalf of the District. 


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IX. 

CAPITAL ASSETS ACCOUNTING POLICY – GASB 34 – SECOND 

READING & ADOPTION 

Capital Assets 

Accounting Policy, 

GASB 34, Second 

Reading & 

Adoption 



RESOLVED that the Board of Education adopt the Capital Assets Policy, 

GASB 34. 


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WHISTLE BLOWER PROTECTION POLICY – FIRST READING 

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Whistle Blower 

Protection Policy – 

First Reading 

ADJOURNMENT 

X. ADJOURNMENT 



10:45 p.m. 

RESOLVED: the meeting is adjourned at 10:45 p.m. to Executive Session to 

discuss the employment history of a particular individual. 

Respectfully submitted, 

Theresa Campanella 

District Clerk 

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September 6, 2006 - South Orangetown Central School District

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