September 12, 2012 - East Aurora Union Free School

EAST AURORA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICTBoard of Education Meeting Digest for Wednesday, September 12, 2012Following a 6:00 PM Executive Session called to interview a finalist for an administrative position, the regular meeting of theBoard of Education was called to order at 7:00 PM in the Middle School Library by Board President Daniel Brunson. OtherBoard members in attendance were Vice-President Kathyann Lorka, Jessica Armbrust, MaryBeth Covert, Kimberlee Danieu,Eric Sweet and Stephen Zagrobelny.Superintendent’s Comments:Members of the East Aurora Educational Foundation (Margaret Fletcher, James Dusel, Michael Evereth, Diane Schultz, JeffreyMarkello, Susan McClaren, Bob Williams, Betsey Dechert-Boss, Thomas Harris) were present to provided a report on the KellerScholarship Funds and respond to questions from Board Members. Immediately following, the Board of Education hosted areception (7:26 PM – 7:45 PM), and presented the Foundation with a certificate of appreciation.Mr. Brunson thanked members of the East Aurora Educational Foundation for the report and their continued support of the District’sstudents. Mr. Brunson also noted that he also serves as a member of the EA Educational Foundation. Mrs. Covert thanked theFoundation for taking on the role of administering the Keller Scholarship Funds. Mr. Russ thanked the Foundation for the financialsupport the District has received from the Foundation, and noted that every single child in the District has benefited from theirgenerosity.Administrator’s Comments: Mark Mambretti: “On a local level, East Aurora Middle School is ranked 7 th of public middle schools in Western New York byBusiness First. On a state level, EAMS is ranked in the 93 rd percentile of all Elementary and Middle Schools in New York State onour growth and achievement on NYS ELA and Math Assessments.And tonight, I am very proud to announce that East Aurora has been recognized on a national level as well: It has beendesignated as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence by the US Department of Education.This year, 269 schools won the Blue Ribbon. Of those, 25 of them are Middle Schools, 24 of which are in our category: “ExemplaryHigh Performing Schools”. Of these 24, 3 are private/ charter schools, making us one of the 21 best public middle schools in thenation.Press releases regarding this award state that the Blue Ribbon award is widely viewed as recognition of excellence in schoolleadership and, as one paper reports, serves as ‘kudos’ to some of the best principals in the nation. I reject this notion.The above honors and awards belong first to the students of EAMS. These students not only took the tests that mattered to theState – and did extremely well on them – but also took all the other tests and quizzes, and completed the projects and assignmentsgiven to them. They studied and did homework, paid attention and took notes, stayed for review, asked questions, sought outanswers, and, in short, did everything we asked them to do. It is to them, the students, that the glory and honor of theserecognitions come first.Second, this honor belongs to the talented faculty and staff of EAMS. From teachers to aides, support staff to clerical help, theyare the ones ‘in the trenches’ with these students. It is these adults who give of their time, talent and energy to find new andengaging ways to reach students. They are the ones who give of their days, their nights, their weekends, their summers and their

holidays to update their curriculum, design lessons, integrate technology, develop plans, correct assessments, and, in the end, dowhatever it takes to help every child be successful. In this, I would also like to publically thank the teachers and staff at ParkdaleElementary for their role in guiding and developing our students. Any success we achieve is only possible because we stand on thefirm foundation that was laid at Parkdale.And then it is third that this award goes to the support structure that support the students and their teachers. This supportstructure is first the parents and the community, the tax payers and voters. It also extends to leadership by the Board of Educationand the Superintendent. It goes to the resources that support us in the Business Office, the Technology office, the Personnel office,the Curriculum and Instruction office, the Pupil Personnel Office, and our Buildings & Grounds and maintenance crews.From county fairs to French cuisine, the “Blue” Ribbon is universally recognized as the highest color ribbon. Being curious, Iresearched why the Blue Ribbon was so special. While of somewhat murky origin, one indicator of its beginnings points to the “BlueRiband” – an award and honor given to the passenger liner which could make the westbound journey across the Atlantic Ocean thefastest, while remaining both safe and reliable. I found this story to be especially meaningful as, over the past few years, we havedealt with the waves of reconstruction and reconfiguration. We have been buffeted by the headwind of difficult budget seasons.And we’ve encountered sea monsters that are only known by their initials: RTTT, NCLB, NYSTP, and APPR. And throughout it all,we’ve never lost sight of our destination and never wavered from our course. Weather under motor power, wind power, or if we allhad to put our oar in the water and row – this crew has done whatever it took to fulfill our promise of being a Safe, Happy andHealthy Learning Environment.The Superintendent often ends his presentations with the District’s Mission Statement. I am here to announce today that withEAMS being named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, these students and those who work at EAMS do not live up to theDistrict’s mission statement. They live the District’s mission. Congratulations, everyone, on a job well done!”Mr. Mambretti noted a very successful opening of school. He also welcomed former student, Tara O’Connor, who will be appointedas an English teacher in the Middle School. In response to a question from Mrs. Covert regarding impact of BOCES classes housedin the Middle School, Mr. Mambretti responded that all is going well and ultimately will be beneficial to all. He noted that we arecurrently working through a few minor issues including parking, Continuing Education day classes, and bussing logistics.Mr. Roberts noted a very smooth start to the school year given recent changes in the High School schedule and changes to busroutes. Students and staff have supported the changes and all is going well. Finally, he congratulated Business Teacher J. Ryanher recent Gold Star Business Award and student Casey McClaren on her recognition as one of 29 National Merit Semi-Finalists inWestern New York.Mr. Russ noted that Mrs. Klimchuck was not able to attend the Board Meeting due to Kindergarten Open House. He noted asuccessful opening of school but that transportation has remained the greatest challenge at Parkdale as the District strives to makethe rides safe, more efficient and less time for students on buses.Visitors’ Comments P. Aiello – Requested information on the following: a personnel agenda change regarding a particular individual, school district legalcounsel information, school district’s authority regarding personnel resolution and availability of minutes. Mr. Brunson suggested Mr.Aiello contact the Superintendent regarding his questions. L. Grisanti, President, EAFA – Thanked the Superintendent, Assistant Superintendent and Assistant High School Principal, teachersfor their collaboration on the APPR. He noted that the teachers overwhelmingly approved the document. Mr. Grisanti suggestedthat with regard to negotiations, collaboration is a two way street and is hopeful that all can work together for a positive outcome.Finally, Mr. Grisanti commented on the District Preferred Eligibility process.Reports

Mr. Blowers reviewed the July, 2012 Treasurer’s Report and the Budget Status Report to date.Dr. Gibson presented the 2012 Summer Curriculum and District Professional Activities Report.Items for Board DiscussionMr. Russ and the Board of Education discussed the process for providing input on the NYSSBA 2012 Proposed Resolutions for Mrs.Covert, the Voting Delegate or in her absence Mr. Sweet that will be acted on at the New York State School Boards Annual Business Meeting.which will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2012. Board Members were asked to bring their completed tally sheets to Ms. Covert at theOctober 3, 2012 BOE Meeting.In other business, the Superintendent recommended that the Board of Education: Accept the resignation of Kim Kruse as Grades K-12 Library Curriculum Coordinator effective September 1, 2012; Appoint Tara E. O’Connor to a 0.2 F.T.E. position within the English tenure area. This appointee has English Language Arts 7-12initial certification effective September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2017. This appointment is effective September 1, 2012 throughJune 30, 2013. Appoint Katelyn A. Mann to a 0.2 F.T.E. position within the Foreign Language tenure area. This appointee has initial certificationeffective September 1, 2011 through August 31, 2016. This appointment is effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Appoint Kimberly Dees to a 0.6 F.T.E. position within the special education tenure area. This appointee has permanent certificationeffective February 1, 2006. This appointment is effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013; Appoint Michael D. Spahn II to a position of 0.4 F.T.E. within the industrial arts (technology) tenure area. This appointee has initialcertification effective September 1, 2012 through August 31, 2017. This appointment is effective September 1, 2012 through June30, 2013. Appoint Jennifer Parker to a 1.0 FTE Probationary Position within the home economics tenure area. This appointee has professionalcertification in Family and Consumer Sciences effective September 1, 2011. This appointment is effective September 1, 2012through and including August 31, 2014. Appoint Amber L. Baker to a 0.6 F.T.E. position within the Elementary Education tenure area. This appointee has permanentcertification in Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6 effective September 1, 2008. This appointment is effectiveSeptember 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Appoint M. L. Verdi-Korte to a 0.6 F.T.E. position within the science tenure area. This appointee has initial certification in GeneralScience 7-12 Extension (September 1, 2009-August 31, 2014), Biology 7-12 (September 1, 2009 – August 31, 2014), andChemistry 7-12 (February 1, 2009 – January 31, 2014). This appointment is effective September 1, 2012 through June 30, 2013. Appoint Leslie Jones and Lisa Brown as shared District Wellness Coordinators at a stipend of $1814; Appoint the following individuals as Peer Mentors at a stipend of $800:Marcia Nagle Ahern for Kristen Teeft(Special Ed)Jenny Kibler for Karen Cashmore (Grade 2)Michele Maus for Amy Girard/LTS in Nov (Grade 3)Adam Partisano for Laurie Cichocki (Grade 4)Nina Arendt for Tara O’Connor(English)Jeff Mackey for Katelyn Mann(French)David Schmidt for Michael Spahn(IA/Technology)Kristen Teeft for Kim DeesSpecial Education)Margaret Gerstung for Amber Baker(Elem. Ed. Keyboarding)John Swiniuch for M.L. Verdi-KorteScience:Bio/Chem) Appoint the following Grade Level/Team Coordinators as detailed in the chart below at a stipend of $1570:Building Grade Level/ Team Name Year of 3Year Cycle

ParkdaleKindergarten Kimberly McAtee 1st1st Grade Suzanne Austin 1st2nd Grade Jennifer Kibler 1st3rd Grade Matthew Brown 1st4th Grade Adam Partisano 1stSupport Jill Sengbusch 2ndSpecials Michelle White 2nd Appoint the following Curriculum Coordinators as detailed in the chart below at a stipend of $1570:Grade Level Name Year of 5 YearCycleGrades K – 4Math Jennifer Kibler 1stScience Adam Partisano/Matthew Brown 4thSocial Studies Margaret Gerstung 5thELA Christina Edholm 2ndSpec. Ed./ Support K-8 Jacqueline Hanavan 4thGrades 5 - 8Math Lisa Barron 1stScience Aneal Padmanabha 4thSocial Studies Bridget Converse 5thELA Nina Arendt 2ndGrades 9 – 12Spec. Ed. / Support 9-12 Cynthia Marinaccio 4thGrades K – 12LibraryTBAArt Thomas Kegler 3rdLOTE Brian Serwicki 2ndTech David Schmidt 4thMusic Paula O’Connor 3rdBusiness/Career Development Joanne Ryan 2ndPhys. Ed./ Home & Careers Catharine Haight 3rdGrades 9 – 12 Dept. ChairsMath Mary Beth Richey 1stScience John Swiniuch 4thSocial Studies James Stonebraker 5thELA Jason Zevenbergen 2nd Appoint R. Brad Gibson as Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum, Instruction, & Personnel/CIO e Approve the probationary appointment of Carole Reischuck, Teacher Aide, at Parkdale Elementary, effectiveSeptember 4, 2012. Ms. Reischuck will be working 25 hours per week. Approve the probationary appointment of Kate Bell, Teacher Aide, at the Middle School, effective September 4,2012. Ms. Bell will be working 30 hours per week.

Approve the probationary appointment of Alicia Glass, Teacher Aide, at Parkdale Elementary, effectiveSeptember 4, 2012. Ms. Glass will be working 31.25 hours per week.Approve the probationary appointment of Jill McCloud, Teacher Aide, at the Middle School, effective September4, 2012. Ms. McCloud will be working 21.25 hours per week.Approve of minutes of the Special Board of Education Meeting of August 8, 2012 and Regular Meeting ofAugust 15, 2012Approve of recommendations of the Committee on Preschool Special Education as detailed in the minutes ofAugust 21 & 30 and September 6, 2012; and,Approve for a second reading revised Board Policy #6310, “Conditions of Employment for Civil Service andCertificated Managerial/Confidential Employees.”Approve the following resolution:BE IT THEREBY RESOLVED the Board of Education hereby adopts and approves an AnnualProfessional Performance Review (APPR) plan for applicable teachers and principals in compliancewith Section 3012-c of the Education Law and Subpart 30-2 of the Regulations of the Commissionerof Education. The Superintendent of Schools shall submit this plan to the Commissioner of Educationfor review and approval and is hereby authorized to adjust and revise the plan as needed based uponfeedback from the Commissioner and in accordance with the relevant provisions of the EducationLaw and the Commissioner's Regulations. The District's APPR plan is effective and implemented asof the start of the 2012 - 2013 school year.Appoint Christine A. Cutler to a 1.0 FTE probationary position as Director of Curriculum, Instruction andPersonnel/CIO (Chief Information Officer). This appointee has permanent certification as a NYS School DistrictAdministrator effective February 1, 2005. The effective date of this appointment is yet to be determined. Salaryis $90,000 for the 2012-2013 school year.Adopt Resolution that the position of Andrea M. Panczykowski, a 1.0 F.T.E. Probationary Teacher in theScience tenure area, was reduced July 1, 2012 to 0.4 F.T.E. and Ms. Panczykowski was provided that 0.4F.T.E. position – the only available position with the District. Ms. Panczykowski has communicated that sherejects that 0.4 F.T.E. position which therefore results in her no longer being employed by the District.Adopt Resolution that the position of Stephanie L. Parobek, a 1.0 F.T.E. Probationary Teacher in the SocialStudies tenure area, was reduced July 1, 2012 to 0.2 F.T.E. and Ms. Parobek was provided that 0.2 F.T.E.position – the only available position with the District. Ms. Parobek has communicated that she rejects that 0.2F.T.E. position which therefore results in her no longer being employed by the District.Accept the resignation of Jennifer M. Parker, a 1.0 F.T.E. Teacher in the Business tenure area, whose positionwas reduced June 30, 2012 to 0.6 F.T.E. and Ms. Parker was provided that 0.6 F.T.E. position – the onlyavailable position with the District. Ms. Parker has communicated that she has resigned this position effectiveAugust 22, 2012.Next regularly scheduled Board meeting, Wednesday, October 3, 2012Members of the Board of Education:President Daniel Brunson, Vice-president Kathyann Lorka,Jessica Armbrust, MaryBeth Covert, Kimberlee Danieu, Eric Sweet, Stephen Zagrobelnywww.eastauroraschools.org