April 5, 2011 - Hamburg Central School District

HAMBURG CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION
REGULAR MEETING April 5, 2011
Held at Hamburg High School
Board of Education
Members Present:
Members Absent:
Patricia Brunner-Collins
Joan G. Calkins, M.D.
Matthew Dils
Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D.
Casey Neyman
Diane R. Reynolds
Gregory Wichlacz
None
CALL TO ORDER
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
RETURN FROM
EXECUTIVE SESSION
PLEDGE OF
ALLEGIANCE
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. called the meeting to order at 6:34 p.m.
Motion was made by Gregory Wichlacz, seconded by Matthew Dils, and carried by a vote of AYES 7,
NAY 0, that the Board move to executive session at 6:36 p.m. to discuss information relating to
administrative proceedings, arbitration proceedings, negotiations with HTA, Hamburg Teacher Aide
Association, Service Employees International Union Local 200 United, Teamsters Local #264 and
Hamburg Registered Professional School Nurses’, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants’, Computer
Aides’, Microcomputer Repair Technicians’ Association.
Motion was made by Casey Neyman, seconded by Matthew Dils, and carried by a vote of AYES 7, NAY
0, to return from executive session at 7:30 p.m.
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag at
7:41 p.m.
Also Present:
Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch
Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction Mary Ellen Monafo
Assistant Superintendent of Information Services Gregg Davis
Director of Administrative Services Thomas Bagley
Community Relations Director Michele Darstein
Director of Pupil Services Colleen Staub
Union Pleasant Elementary School Principal Jackie Peffer
Hamburg High School Principal Michael Gallagher
Hamburg High School Assistant Principal Brent Jordan
Hamburg Middle School Principal Jennifer Giallella
Boston Valley Elementary Principal Paul Pietrantone
Student Representative Kiersten Krolikowski
Members of the Administration and Staff and Guests.
Motion was made by Patricia Brunner-Collins, seconded by Gregory Wichlacz, and carried by a vote of
AYES 7, NAY 0, that approval is given to the agenda and addendum.
APPROVAL OF
AGENDA
RECOGNITION BY
AND/OR PRESENT-
ATIONS TO THE
BOARD
LILLE (FRENCH)
EXCHANGE 2011
French Teacher JoAnn Thomasson and Russian Teacher Sheri Green gave a presentation entitled “Lille
exchange 2011”. Also present at the presentation were high school students Zach Maecker, Courtney
Miller, Kitty Cirrincione, Sara Howard, Lauren Dobson and Mallory Hojnacki. These students, along
with four others, visited the L’Ensemble Scolaire Thérèse d’Avila school in Lille, France. The trip took
place on January 20 and the students visited Lille for 10 days. They took many tours and this was the first
exchange that Ms. Thomasson participated in. The visit demonstrated how language is taught in other
countries. She showed slides of the science classroom, study hall and library. Ms. Thomasson and the
students visited the elementary and middle schools, and went on tours to visit famous buildings and
cathedrals. Student Zach Maecker stated that the trip has culturally enriched him. The experience of
constant speaking in French has enhanced his comprehension of the language greatly. Ms. Thomasson
stated that she wrote an article about the trip for the group and Zach was included in the article. He spoke
to one of the classes and one of the topics he discussed was riding scooters and bikes to school. Student
Mallory Hojnacki discussed transportation in the city by bus. She stated that it was nice that they didn’t
have to stay in a hotel, but rather with their host families. She, too, stated that her French has improved
immensely. She has created a great friendship with her French liaison and she skypes with her host
family. Student Kitty Cirrincione stated that she did not have a host student at her house. She stated that
she had to save up her money and work hard to pay for this trip. She learned a lot on her visit and she
participated in dissecting a heart in class one day.

She made some great friends on the trip and she would like to visit France again. She stated that her French
has improved tenfold and that it was financially worth it. Courtney Miller stated that the visit has made it a
lot easier for her to understand sentence structure and the language in French class. Ms. Thomasson stated
that their French counterparts picked up on words that she and the other students used that are no longer said
in France. She stated that the language is always evolving and that it takes longer to catch up with it here in
the states. You have to experience living there to pick up on the nuances of the language and the new words
that are being spoken. Ms. Thomasson stated that she stayed with one of the teachers, Mr. Pascal
Krzsezewski, and that the experience has enriched her teaching career. She stated that what she and the
students picked up from the trip could not have obtained by being a tourist. Sheri Green stated that this trip,
by far, has enriched her life. It was beneficial to student learning, teacher learning and instructing, and was
beneficial across the board for everyone as it has perked student interest in the French language. Other
students are now asking if an exchange will take place next year. A comparison that Ms. Green made about
the École Thérèse d’Avila school is that students are taking 2 to 4 additional foreign languages at once. Our
schools here in the states are lagging on that compared to world wide countries. Ms. Thomasson stated that
she met the headmaster from the school and talked about an exchange program for next fall. Ms. Thomasson
asked what would be the next step to move forward on this. Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch stated
that he would be more than happy to sit down with her to discuss planning a French exchange for the next
school year.
Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch discussed the concept of contracting with Energy Education, an
energy management firm, which makes behavioral changes in the district’s energy consumption, resulting in
savings through various utility bills. He stated that the board already received a packet from Energy
Education outlining the program. Energy Education Representative Charles Fashnaut gave a brief overview
of the firm and the program. He is proposing a program based on behavioral changes that are utilized by
1,100 clients in 48 states. His firm is projecting a $2.2 million savings over the next 10 years. The first year
would be in the vicinity of about $76,000. There are three ways to achieve this goal. The first is to buy more
efficient equipment; the next is to buy utilities through cooperative purchasing; and lastly, is a continued
evaluation and improvement process for continued savings. There are 1,200 evaluation areas in a typical
school system, which cover every aspect of the schools. These include the use of electricity, natural gas, fuel
oil, water, and heating units. The program is tailored to individual district needs. Their engineers come on
site on a weekly basis and work with a key person or resident expert. There are 15-20 building audits a week.
Attention is paid to the operations of the district and improvement is made week after week. Their 36
specialists, almost all of whom are engineers, have over 450 years of combined experience in school districts.
Everyone works together to be energy savers and there is building communication throughout the entire
organization. The program is a sustainable one and there is a verified measurement of savings to the district
which enhances the integrity of the program. A software program called Energy Cap is downloaded onto the
district’s computer system. His firm offers a no risk guarantee savings plan. The savings plan does not affect
the class day for students. Superintendent Achramovitch stated that he is familiar with the program from his
former employment with the Greece Central School District. He noted that although it was initially difficult
for the district to adjust to new behaviors, once staff members became aware and familiar with the program,
they reminded each other to save. Mr. Achramovitch stated that when you look at the projections, this is a
significant push to the green movement. He found that the movement began to carry over to the students and
teachers which brought about even a broader scale impact whereby people actually took the concepts home
with them to utilize. He stated that the program does work and it is a quality program. There is a training
component piece that works with the various buildings. The program allows for the changes to be well
documented. Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. stated that the district began going green last year and
that the movement did not carry through. She stated that this would be a way for the district to get back on
track. Mr. Fashnaut stated that the firm would offer a four-year agreement with the district. Board Vice-
President Patricia Brunner-Collins asked what the guarantees are. Mr. Fashnaut stated that the district is
guaranteed to not lose money. The resident expert would be a part-time person and travel and other expenses
would be provided for that individual to attend seminars three times a year. He stated that the part-time
individual and software costs are paid for out of the savings to the district. He stated that usually their
projection of savings in the first year is usually exceeded. Board Member Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D. confirmed
that the savings in the first year would exceed the start up fees. Mr. Fashnaut confirmed this and stated that
his firm shares in the savings after four months. Board Vice-President Patricia Bunner-Collins asked if in the
25 years of operation, if Energy Education did not save a district money. Mr. Fashnaut stated that in that
time, only 7 times has his firm had to write a check out to a district and this is out of 1,127 clients. He added
that in year two of the program, these same districts recovered from the shortfall, and the upside is quite
substantial. Board Member Matthew Dils discussed monitoring the boiler systems; and gas, electric and
water usage. Mr. Fashnaut stated that his engineers do work with key staff members to monitor the
program’s progress. Superintendent Achramovitch discussed the proposed facilities project and the
installation of new windows, roofs and boilers. Mr. Fashnaut stated that any changes made in the district is
equated out so that only the people side is left in. Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. asked if the firm
makes any recommendations regarding equipment vendors. Mr. Fashnaut stated that his firm does not, but
they do look at the decision making process. Mr. Fashnaut stated that his firm was awarded the Energy Star
Partner of the Year for 2011 from the U.S. Department of Energy and Sustaining Partner of the Year. He also
stated that every school building that won an energy conservation award was a client of theirs.
LILLE (FRENCH)
EXCHANGE 2011
(Continued)
REPORTS FROM
SUPERINTENDENT
AND STAFF
ENERGY
EDUCATION

2011-2012
BUDGET REVIEW
PUBLIC
EXPRESSION
Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch discussed the proposed preliminary budget for 2011-12. He
discussed potential revisions to the preliminary budget due to additional funding and retirements. He
discussed budget trends over the last few years and the estimates for next year. For the 2011-12 school
year, it is estimated that the expenditures will increase by 2.35%, while the tax levy increase would be in
the 6.8% range. The projected Gap is in the sum of $4,258,470. Mr. Achramovitch discussed the
governor’s budget which reduced state aid by $609,000. Federal American Recovery & Reinvestment
Act (ARRA) funds, which were distributed over a 2 year period, are going to be lost which is a significant
drop off in funding of about $690,000. The Federal Education Jobs money of approximately $1,168,000
will be eliminated at the end of the 2011-12 school year. Mr. Achramovitch discussed financial goals
which are to develop a budget that limits expenditure increases to under 3% or $1.3 million over the 2011-
12 adopted budget. He discussed financial factors, which include employee salary increases based on
contracts and continued health insurance and retirement system contribution increases. He discussed
expenditure reductions and stated that 72% of the district’s expenditures are personnel costs and therefore,
reductions in staff at all levels must be included in recommendations to reduce expenses. Proposed
reductions at the high school include 12.4 teaching and 3 aide/clerical full-time equivalent (FTE)
positions; Middle School, 7.3 teaching and 9 aide/clerical FTE; and elementary, 9 teaching and 12
aide/clerical FTE. Mr. Achramovitch discussed average class sizes with all grade levels at the elementary
schools. On average, there would be 1.5 more students per teacher at the elementary level. Enrollment
and class sizes will be monitored and if there are significant changes, changes will be made to staff
accordingly. Additionally, there would be two administrative FTE reductions. The proposal also calls for
decreases of $50,000 in athletics, one full-time maintenance reduction, $20,000 in High School/Middle
School extra-curricular and $26,000 in Counseling - Summer work. The preliminary budget review
indicates that the proposed increase in spending is 2.35% or $1,295,493 from the current year and has a
6.8% tax levy hike or increase of $1,946,699. There is good news; however, in that there are changes to
state aid. There will be a reinstatement of approximately $536,025 to the governor’s proposed state aid
reductions in the approved New York State budget. This, along with the additional teacher retirements,
gives the district about $600,000 in additional available funds. Budget development considerations are
restoration of positions (including counselors, academic intervention services, art and health teachers and
teacher aides), reduction of the tax levy, and itemize reserves to be funded in consideration of the 2012-13
district budget. Mr. Achramovitch discussed the budget impact on assessed value. He stated that the
proposed budget adoption is scheduled for April 12 and he asked if the board had any questions. Board
President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. stated that she and the board appreciate Mr. Achramovitch having
building/community meetings at the various schools to discuss the budget. There are two more meetings
scheduled, one at Armor Elementary School and the other at the middle school. Board President Joan G.
Calkins, M.D. stated that on April 4, the high school held a building/community meeting. There is a
concern from the community about increasing taxes and the board needs to keep the taxpayers in mind as
well regarding the budget. Only 27% of our registered voters actually have children in the school district.
Many of the other voters are elderly and have fixed or diminishing incomes. The board needs to be
respectful to the community when considering raising taxes. Board Member Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D.
discussed restoration of positions to maintain the quality of education that the school district has achieved.
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. discussed the change from having 4 teams at the middle school to
3 teams. She stated that the system use to be a 3 team system and that the teachers seem to be comfortable
with changing back to the old system. Superintendent Steven A. Achramovitch stated that there has been
a slight decline in enrollment this year. He stated that a large 8 th grade will be moving into 9 th grade next
year. He stated that some reductions can be offset through enrollment declines. He stated that if the board
has any further questions, he would be happy to sit down with them to discuss the budget. Reestablishing
positions will be a priority. He stated that he is recommending a proposal to include funding for a reserve
for the end of the 2011-12 school year, especially for the New York State Employee Retirement System
(ERS), but that is more towards the end of the year.
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. read off the guidelines for persons wishing to address the board of
education. Three individuals were signed up to speak.
Sally Stephenson, residing at 4409 Clark Street, discussed unemployment costs and staff reductions.
Hamburg High School freshman Emily Reagan, discussed the value of the art program. Over 500
signatures of students were collected opposing art staff reductions. She explained that art is a form for
students to express themselves in the classroom, which improves their education.
High School teacher Sally Couzens stated that she has been with the district for 18 years and the district
has a comprehensive health program. She stated that the department staff levels have been cut in half
within two years and she urged the board to restore health positions.
Joe Burke, resident, stated that he recently moved here from the Binghamton area. He discussed the tax
rates and costs per pupil in our district and other local school districts. Superintendent Steven A.
Achramovitch stated that he would be happy to sit down with Mr. Burke to discuss this matter.
ITEMS FOR
INFORMATION
Board Briefings – March 22, 2011
Backpack Express – April 2011 – UPES Newsletter
Claims Auditor’s Report to the Audit Committee – Feb.-Mar. 2011

Student Representative Kiersten Krolikowski stated that the student officers for next year were selected. High
School junior Jillian Summers will be the president of Student Government next year and will also be the
Student Representative with the board of education. She reported that the Drama Club presented the play,
“Ah, Wilderness”, this past weekend and it went well. The girls’ lacrosse team won their game tonight 15 to 3
so they are off to a good start. The band trip to Washington is scheduled for this Thursday.
Diane R. Reynolds reported that the Village Traffic Safety Committee has a meeting scheduled for next
Thursday. The town and village police departments are closely watching traffic conditions on Legion and
Division streets. They are urging everyone to be mindful and cautious in that area.
STUDENT
REPRESENTATIVE
REPORT
BOARD COMMITTEES
AND INDIVIDUAL
REPORTS
Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D. stated that it is good to be back. She stated that she has had to miss the last two
meetings due to family commitments.
Matthew Dils reported that he has a Hamburg IDA meeting scheduled for this Friday.
Gregory Wichlacz reported that he attended an ECASB Technology Night seminar at Erie 1 BOCES on March
31. He stated that it was quite interesting and that we are moving forward with wonderful technological
opportunities.
Patricia Brunner-Collins reported that she attended the 7 th Annual Festival of the Arts at the HUB on March
26. She stated that it was a wonderful art show and kudos was given to the students and teachers. She stated
that the district has many talented students and that the show was well attended. Mrs. Brunner-Collins also
attended the board of education/student luncheon held at the middle school on April 1. She stated that it was a
wonderful lunch with all the students.
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. reported that the following meetings are scheduled:
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
7:00 p.m. HHS-LMC(Budget Adoption)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 5:45 p.m. HAB (Special Meeting)
(Erie 1 BOCES Administrative Budget and Candidate Vote)
Tuesday, May 3, 2011 6:30 p.m. HHS
7:15 p.m. Reg. Mtg.(Budget Hearing)
Motion was made by Gregory Wichlacz, and seconded by Diane R. Reynolds, and carried by a vote of AYES
7, NAY 0, that approval be given to the consensus items under Section G on the agenda, including the
addendum of item nos. G.2.a.8, G.2.a.9, G.2.a.10, G.2.a.11 and G.2.a.12.
Approval was given to the minutes of the March 22, 2011 board of education meeting as recorded.
ADMINISTRATIVE PERSONNEL:
Retirement:
Nemmer, Thomas Director of Technology Effective: 7/1/11
FUTURE BOARD OF
EDUCATION MTGS.
CONSENSUS
ITEMS
MINUTES
PERSONNEL
INSTRUCTIONAL PERSONNEL:
Retirements:
Spoonley, Marcia Elementary Ed. CAS Effective: 7/01/11
Farino, James
Tracy, Jean
Physical Education
Elementary Education
AES
CAS
Effective: 7/01/11
Effective: 7/01/11
Appointment:
Name:
Aromola, Lindsey
Type of Appointment: Regular Sub, 1/BA ($32,750 Prorated) (2008-09 Negotiated Agreement)
Subject Area:
Elementary Education
Effective Date: November 1, 2010
Ending Date:
June 30, 2011 or earlier at the discretion of the Board of Education
Certification Status: Initial New York State Certification for this position
Substitute Teacher Termination: Effective 4/5/2011
Subject 1
Katherine Lee BA Elementary Education
Substitute Teacher Appointments: Effective 3/2/11
Subject 1 Subject 2
Bollinger, Ariele BS Mathematics
Bielat, Rebecca MS Elementary Ed Special Education

PERSONNEL
(Continued)
SCHOOL RELATED PERSONNEL:
Retirements:
Mrozek, Kathleen Teacher Aide Armor Effective: 6/30/2011
Roll, William Teacher Aide/Hall Monitor HMS Effective: 6/30/2011
Collins, Barbara
Madden, Carol
Teacher Aide
Hall Monitor
Armor
BVS
Effective: 6/30/2011
Effective: 6/30/11
Muhlbauer, Beverly A. Teacher Aide HMS Effective: 6/30/11
Conklin, Kathleen Senior Clerk Typist HAB Effective: 4/1/12
Amended Retirement Date:
Dugan, Linda Clerk Typist HHS/HPER Effective: 10/01/11
Resignation:
King, James P. Cleaner HHS Effective: 3/26/2011
Appointments:
King, James P.
Moore, Miranda
Cleaner PT Sub
Student Lifeguard
$9.14/hr
$9.00/hr
Effective 3/28/11
Effective 4/1/2011
Changes of Status:
Ryan, Jacey From: Teacher Aide .5 $10.19/hr
To: Teacher Aide .8 $10.19/hr Effective 3/30/2011
Barr, Michael P. From: Laborer Part-time Sub $9.14hr Effective: 4/6/11
To: School Monitor (Hall) PT sub $9.69/hr. Effective: 4/6/11
WARRANT
TREASURER’S
REPORT
COMMITTEE ON
PRE-SCHOOL
SPECIAL EDUCATION
COMMITTEE AND
SUB-COMMITTEE
ON SPECIAL
EDUCATION
ACTION ITEMS:
Appointment of
Inspectors of
Elections and
Machine Operators
Retirement Incentive
Hamburg Teacher
Aide Association
Retirement Incentive
Service Employees
Int’l Union Local
200 United
Approval was given to Warrant #8 for February 2011 in the amount of $3,948,293.62.
Approval was given to the Treasurer’s Report for February 2011.
Approval was given to the Committee on Pre-School Special Education recommendations for 3/7, 3/14,
3/16, 3/21, 3/23 and 3/25/11.
Approval was given to the Committee and Sub-Committee on Special Education recommendations for
1/28, 2/28, 3/1, 3/9 and 3/25/11.
Motion was made by Patricia Brunner-Collins, and seconded by Gregory Wichlacz, and carried by a vote
of AYES 7, NAY 0, that approval is given to the appointment of the following election inspectors and
machine operators to work at the Annual Budget Vote and School Board Elections on May 17, 2011 with
a daily rate of $105.00:
Inspectors of Elections
Alice Barto
Mary Ann Dossinger
Helene Edie
Shirley Haberman
Margaret Holmes
Debra Magee
Marjorie Mashiotta
Anita Meissner
Jeannette Mugle
Gloria Troyan
Audrey Taft
Elaine Schroeder
Jennifer Lackie
Machine Operators
Robert Brogan
Robert Dossinger
Gerald Gerbracht
Ken Haberman
Motion was made by Diane R. Reynolds, seconded by Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D., and carried by a vote of
AYES 7, NAY 0, that the Board of Education of the Hamburg Central School District approves the
Retirement Incentive Memorandum of Agreement between the district and the Hamburg Teacher Aide
Association.
Motion was made by Gregory Wichlacz, seconded by Diane R. Reynolds, and carried by a vote of AYES
7, NAY 0, that the Board of Education of the Hamburg Central School District approves the Retirement
Incentive Memorandum of Agreement between the district and the Service Employees International
Union Local 200 United.

Motion was made by Matthew Dils, seconded by Patricia Bruner-Collins, and carried by a vote of AYES 7,
NAY 0, that the Board of Education of the Hamburg Central School District approves the Retirement
Incentive Memorandum of Agreement between the district and Teamsters Local #264.
Motion was made by Diane R. Reynolds, seconded by Casey Neyman, and carried by a vote of AYES 7, NAY
0, that the Board of Education of the Hamburg Central School District approves the Retirement Incentive
Memorandum of Agreement between the district and Hamburg Registered Professional School Nurses’,
Certified Occupational Therapy Assistants’, Computer Aides’, Microcomputer Repair Technicians’
Association.
Motion was made by Kelly A. Harper, Ph.D., seconded by Gregory Wichlacz, and carried by a vote of AYES
7, NAY 0, that upon the recommendation of the Superintendent, the Board of Education of the Hamburg
Central School District hereby ratifies the collective bargaining agreement and hereby approves the funding of
the Agreement between the District and the Hamburg Teachers’ Association (HTA). (This contract is for the
period of September 1, 2009 to August 31, 2011.)
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. reported that there is a Budget Ambassadors meeting scheduled for
April 26 at 6 p.m. at the Administration Building. Dr. Calkins confirmed with Middle School Principal
Jennifer Giallella that the middle school band concert is scheduled for tomorrow evening.
Motion to adjourn the meeting was made by Gregory Wichlacz, seconded by Patricia Brunner-Collins, and
carried by a vote of AYES 7, NAY 0.
Retirement Incentive
Teamsters
Local #264
Retirement Incentive
Hamburg Registered
Professional School
Nurses’, COTAS,
Computer Aides’,
Microcomputer
Repair Technicians’
Association
Hamburg Teachers’
Association – Contract
Ratification
DISTRICT HIGHLIGHTS
& ANNOUNCEMENTS
ADJOURNMENT
Board President Joan G. Calkins, M.D. adjourned the meeting at 8:59 p.m.
___________________________________
Gregg J. Davis, District Clerk