March 31, 2010 - Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District

MINUTES INUTES OF THE
March March 31, , 2010 2010
Regular Regular MMeeting
M Meeting
eeting
of of of the
the
Berne Berne-Knox Berne Knox Knox-Westerlo Knox Westerlo CSD
Board Board Board of of Education
Education
The regular Meeting of the Board of Education of the Berne-Knox-Westerlo Central School District
was held on March 31, 2010, in the Elementary Cafeteria.
Members Present: Maureen Sikule Michelle Fusco
Helen Lounsbury Sean O’Connor
Carolyn Anderson
Others Present: Kevin Callagy Tom McGurl
Brian Corey Approximately 15 Residents
Karl Griffith Jack Eisenbach
Robert Bentley Mike Hagin
Mike Daskalakis Honeywell Staff
Robert Zordan BKW Staff
Stakeholder Representatives: Peter Shunney
Kimberly Audino
Thomas Gagnon
Dan Lim
The meeting was called to order by the President, Mrs. Sikule at 6:00 p.m.
Ex Executive Ex ecutive Session
At 6:01 p.m., motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Fusco to enter into Executive
Session to discuss Recommendations from the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and the
Committee on Special Education, Superintendent’s Search, Personnel, and Contract Negotiations.
Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Mr.Callagy and Mrs. Martin were present during executive session.
The Board requested that Mr. Callagy and Mrs. Martin leave executive session at 6:12 p.m.
Mr. Robert Zordan from Capital Region BOCES entered executive session at 6:15 p.m.
The four representatives from the Superintendent Search Committee Stakeholder Groups entered
executive session at 6:21 p.m.
The Stakeholders left executive session at 7:00 p.m.
Return Return to o Public Session
Session
At 7:05 p.m., motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Lounsbury to return to public
session. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
The meeting was called to order by the President, Mrs. Sikule at 7:08 p.m. Mrs. Sikule welcomed all
present.
Pledge Pledge of of Allegiance
Allegiance
Board President, Mrs. Sikule led all in the pledge of allegiance.
Mrs. Sikule asked for a moment of silence in memory of Freida Saddlemire who was a long time
BKW Teacher; active in the PTA , after school programs, and the Berne Library. Her passing is a
great loss to the entire community.
Consent Consent Agenda
Agenda
Mrs. Sikule noted corrections to the “Dates to Remember”: remove March 29 th
; add “April 7 th
-

Special Board of Education Meeting to conduct Superintendent Interviews with executive session only;
and add April 26 th
– BOCES Vote at 7:30 a.m. Mrs. Lounsbury and Mrs. Fusco will not be available.
Mrs. Sikule asked if there were any other changes to the Consent Agenda. There were no other
changes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the minutes of the Special
Meeting of the Board of Education held on March 12, 2010, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the minutes of the Special
Meeting of the Board of Education held on March 16, 2010, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of the Board of Education held on March 18, 2010, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor that the Board of Education has no
objections to the recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and the
Committee on Special Education, and approves the authorization of funds to implement the Special
Education programs and services consistent with such recommendations, as attached. Motion was
carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the Treasurer’s Reports, as
attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the Dates to Remember, as
amended and attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Special Special Presentation Presentation Presentation by by Karl Karl Griffith Griffith – Ca Capital Ca
ital Project/Mi Project/Mike Project/Mi
ke Hagin Hagin Hagin - Honeywell
School Architect, Karl Griffith, gave an overview of the Capital Project as voted upon and approved,
and stated that all is now ready to go out on bid. However, he was asked to present options for the
Capital Project. Option #1 has no changes; proceed as currently planned; Option #2 retains the major
feature of the design, but deletes air conditioning, art rooms, new library, and moves guidance to the
existing technology area; Option #3 has a redesign which meets the primary goal of achieving
handicapped accessibility only; Option #4 is to cancel the project altogether. Mr. Griffith outlined the
costs associated with each of the options. Discussion ensued and questions were fielded regarding the
impact on the tax levy, bonding, state aid, and handicapped accessibility. Mrs. Lounsbury expressed
concern over a potential that state aid would not be there, thus leaving the District “holding the bag”.
A resident heard that a similar situation occurred in Middleburgh in which state aid has recently been
withheld. Mr. Griffith stated that historically, State Ed has never withheld building aid, especially once
approval for a project has been granted. He suggested that what may have occurred in the other
district was that their project was not already approved. Mrs. Lounsbury asked if we could get a
guarantee from the State. Mr. Eisenbach suggested the District contact the head of facilities at State Ed
to garner such a letter.
Motion was made by Mrs. Lounsbury, seconded by Mrs. Anderson to request that a letter be sent to
the Facilities Division of the NYS Education Department on behalf of the School District, which
would ask for some sort of written guarantee that the District would receive the State Aid projected for
the Capital Project. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Mr. O’Connor asked what the contents of the letter should be; to verify funds? guarantee funds? Mrs.
Lounsbury wants written assurance that could be relayed to the taxpayers. Mr. Kalina suggested
contacting Middleburgh CSD and get the factual information regarding the alleged withholding of aid.
Mr. Callagy will contact the superintendent or school business official there. Mr. Eisenbach
volunteered to draft a letter and present it to either the Board of Education or Superintendent for
submission to State Ed. A resident felt it irresponsible to proceed with the Capital Project, especially
in light of the State’s and School District’s fiscal crisis. Mr. Griffith noted the time line for completion
of the Capital Project is five years from the date of approval (which was December 31, 2009). He also
noted the District has been in violation of the American Disabilities Act since 1991, and is open to
potential law suits. Mrs. Lounsbury remarked that the accessibility issues apply to all entering the
building, not just students. Another resident suggested delaying the project for a year in anticipation of
a better financial environment. It was mentioned that construction costs are lower now, and if the
project were delayed or not able to meet deadlines, state aid would definitely be affected. Mr. Callagy
explained the bonding for the project and impact to the taxpayers.
Engineer, Jack Eisenbach was present to answer questions concerning the proposed Energy
Performance Contract. He briefly reviewed the scope of the EPC. He went on to say the District
would realize a savings immediately, enumerated other school districts who have already participated

in Energy Performance Contracts through Honeywell, and Honeywell’s written guarantee. There was
brief discussion regarding the Solar Project Grant, and its potential as an educational tool for our
students. He answered questions concerning guaranteed returns, financing, boiler types, State Ed’s
and NYSERDA’s oversight of the projects. Mrs. Lounsbury asked if the State could change the
Building Aid Ratio in the future. Mr. Eisenbach noted that once the District is locked into a project,
the State cannot change the percentage of aid for the duration of the project. Mr. Eisenbach
suggested that the District submit both plans to State Ed for approval, with the Board of Education
making the final decision on which course the District would take. Mrs. Sikule noted the School
Attorney was awaiting an editable copy of the Energy Performance Contract from Honeywell. This
will be forwarded by next week.
Motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Fusco to award the Energy Performance
Contract to Honeywell, Inc., pursuant to final approval by the School District Attorney, and authorize
the Board President to sign the documents which will include submission of both options ($2M Project
vs $1.4M Energy Performance Project) to be presented to NYS Education Department for approval,
at no additional cost to the District. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Public Public Discussion
Discussion
Mrs. Sikule asked if there were questions on any items on the agenda. Mr. Corey clarified an issue
regarding shared services between school districts in order to create a cost savings versus the District
attempting to make a profit.
Program Program Focus
Focus
Social Studies Teacher Robert Bentley gave a verbal presentation with respect to to his Department.
He spoke of the Department’s increased use of technology, curriculum mapping, Rubicon Atlas,
updating of resources, especially textbooks, University in the High School, the increased number of
AP level courses and how the students garner savings when attending colleges, and increased interdisciplinary
activities and projects.
Mr. Bentley also mentioned the food drive initiative the Key Club is conducting in conjunction with
the Kiwanis to the stock the Hilltowns Food Pantry, and encouraged all to contribute.
Committee ommittee ommittee Reports
Reports
Mr. Callagy reported the Budget Advisory Committee had met on March 22 nd
. The budget process
continues. Budget adoption is scheduled for April 15 th
.
Mrs. Sikule noted the Audit and Finance Committee had met to go over Independent Audit RFP’s
received. Mr. Callagy has checked references for the Bonadio Group with other districts, which were
favorable. The Banadio Group was rated highly, and was also the lowest bidder.
Member Member CComments
C omments
Mrs. Sikule reported that seven BKW Students from Mrs. Barber’s class out of 1,442 entrants
advanced to the semi-final round of the Invention Convention competition. These students will be
recognized at an upcoming Awards Ceremony.
Mrs. Lounsbury read a statement from a taxpayer with various suggestions to reduce budget costs,
which will be added to the record.
Mrs. Lounsbury also reported that at the recent Community Budget Forum, a resident questioned the
legality and appropriateness of a Board Member who is also a retired teacher serving on the
Negotiations Committee for the Teachers’ Contract. Although courts have ruled this to be an
acceptable practice, Mrs. Lounsbury resigned her seat on the Negotiations Committee, in order to
avoid any perception of conflict.
Mrs. Anderson thanked those who came to the meeting tonight and the previous meetings. She stated
the Board is attempting to accomplish the best course of action for the community, while ensuring a
sound educational program for students. The public’s input is invaluable, and she thanked them for it,
stating she is proud to be a Member of this Board.
Mr. O’Connor thanked the members of the Stakeholder Groups. He is impressed with the input
from the Community on the important issue of choosing a Superintendent.
Mrs. Fusco announced that BKW has been awarded the 2010 Utica National School Safety
Excellence Award for the seventh year in a row, which is a titanium award, with honors.

She also reminded all present that petitions for Member of the Board of Education are still available
and encouraged those present to run for a seat on the Board. Completed petitions must be submitted
to the Board Clerk by 5:00 p.m. on April 19, 2010.
New New Business Business
Business
Mr. Callagy reported that although the Governor is threatening to withhold state aid, BKW has
received it’s Spring allotment. However, there may be a delay in the May/June payments. Mr. Callagy
noted his attendance (along with regional Superintendents and Business Officials) at a forum to
brainstorm cost savings suggestions, held at Capital Region BOCES. The consensus for the top
priority item was in connection with health insurance – to create a larger pool, perhaps Capital Districtwide
collaboration, to reduce premiums. The second suggestion was to tackle mandates in regard to
special education; to bring federal and laws and state laws together. Also discussed was the Triborough
Agreement under which unsettled contracts still provide for step advancement. The group
acknowledged these are not immediate changes that could be enacted, but long term goals of the
group.
Mrs. Sikule noted the big item of concern at the Budget Forum was whether dates for contract
negotiations have be set. She noted sessions as follows: Teachers – April 12 th
; CSEA April 13 th
; and
Support Staff – April 27 th
. Mrs. Sikule also presented questions as posed by the public.
Mr. McGurl distributed to the Board more information on the CTE Program, and gave an
explanation on the document.
The issues of reductions to the sports programs were also discussed, along with potential fund raising
initiatives. Mr. Callagy explained the mechanics of accepting donations for specific purposes, to be
done by Board resolution. Further discussion of the sports program ensued. Mrs. Fusco asked if it
were possible to get actual operating costs broken down by sport in order to keep each team active,
and then forward those figures to the parents interested in fundraising. Mrs. Fusco felt that if monies
were to be reinstated, academics should be the priority, not sports. Mrs. Sikule asked that the Athletic
Director canvass other school districts to find out what teams they would be offering next year. It was
noted individual questions should be directed to Mr. Callagy via email. Mrs. Sikule also asked for an
in-depth analysis of Clubs and Advisor costs. Mrs. Sikule also directed Mr. McGurl to explore the
possibility of adding an accounting course through Distance Learning. Mrs. Fusco asked, if possible,
that AIS instruction at the Elementary School be added back in. The issue of the bus fleet was
discussed. It was decided to hold another meeting on April 8 th
to answer the questions presented to
the Board.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mrs. Lounsbury to approve the field trip request from
the Art Department for a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on April 30,
2010, at no cost to the District, with the usual disclaimer, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the 2010-2-011 School
Calendar, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Fusco to appoint the Greene County
Commercial Bank as the Official Bank of the District.
Mrs. Sikule votes yes.
Mrs. Fusco votes yes.
Mrs. Lounsbury votes yes.
Mrs. Anderson votes yes.
Mr. O’Connor abstains.
Motion was carried.
Motion was made by Mr. O’Connor, seconded by Mrs. Anderson to appoint the Bonadio Group as
the Independent Auditors for the school years 2009-2010 through 2011-1012, as attached. Motion
was carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Fusco to accept the monetary donation from
Carol Willsey. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Personnel Personnel
Personnel
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mrs. Lounsbury to appoint Phillip Sperry as a
Substitute Bus Driver, provided he meets all the rules and regulations under Article 19A of the Vehicle
and Traffic Laws, effective 04/01/10. Motion was carried. 5 yes.

Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mr. O’Connor to approve the retirement resignation
from Jeffrey Teats, Physical Education Teacher, with regrets, effective June 30, 2010. Motion was
carried. 5 yes.
Motion was made by Mr. O’Connor, seconded by Mrs. Fusco to approve the resignation from Sarah
McCarthy, Special Education Teacher, effective June 30, 2010. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Unfinished Unfinished Unfinished Business Business
Motion was made by Mrs. Fusco, seconded by Mrs. Lounsbury to approve Board Policy #7690 –
Special Education Mediation, as attached. Motion was carried. 5 yes. (Second Motion)
Public Public Discussion
Discussion
A parent asked how many students participate in AIS. Mr. Corey will get those figures, by grade level.
Mr. Corey noted Academic Intervention Services are also administered based on teacher
recommendation, in addition to test scores.
Mrs. Sikule noted the Board would be meeting tomorrow night at 6:00 p.m. in the High School
Library to discuss superintendent candidates.
Executive Executive Session
Session
At 10:25 p.m., motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mrs. Lounsbury to enter into
Executive Session to discuss Personnel and Contract Negotiations. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Mr. Callagy and Mrs. Martin were present during executive session.
Return Return to to Public Public Session
Session
At 10:49 p.m., motion was made by Mrs. Lounsbury, seconded by Mrs. Anderson to return to public
session. Motion was carried. 5 yes.
Adjourn
Adjourn
Motion was made by Mrs. Anderson, seconded by Mr. O’Connor that the meeting adjourn. Motion
was carried. 5 yes.
The meeting adjourned at 10:50 p.m.
Denise J. Martin
District Clerk