Mr. Ratcliffe stated that public comment is some of the most valuable time spent by trustees who appreciate input from speakers. While immediate responses are not always possible, follow-up will occur if needed. He asked speakers to confine their remarks to five (5) minutes. Persons wishing to speak should first be recognized by the school board president, then identify themselves, any organization they may be representing at the meeting, and the agenda topic.

 

A. Elizabeth Peters, 123 Illinois Street, Rochester, counselor at Freewill Elementary School, presented information about the students served by the primary mental health program and noted its value to local children and families. She asked trustees to consider amending the proposed 2003-2004 budget to reinstate that program. She shared information she obtained at the May 3rd state lobby day for education in Albany about the line item in the proposed state budget for the program. (copies filed in clerk’s agenda file, this meeting)

     

IX. BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS - None

 

X. BOARD VICE-PRESIDENT’S COMMENTS

 

A.

Mr. Ratcliffe extended condolences on behalf of the Board of Education to the families of Diana Brusso, a former cleaner at Freewill Elementary School (8 years),   and retirees Kay Wauters, a food service worker at Ontario Primary School (11 years),   and Marie Beach, secretary to three of the district’s superintendents and former school tax collector (24 years).

 

XI.

REPORT ON ACTION ITEMS BY THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

 

A.

Mr. Havens reported on meetings of the high school principal, director of facilities, head custodian, assistant superintendent for business and himself with high school students to discuss issues raised at a prior meeting about conditions of the dining room and some rest rooms. Students are working on a video presentation to share with classmates about proper etiquette and behavior and are participating in the design of rest rooms as part of capital improvements at the high school.

 

The students complimented the efforts of the high school’s custodial staff and expressed support for additional staff in that area. Mr. Havens noted that this effort also served as an excellent opportunity to work with students.

 

B.	Mr. Havens also complimented staff and students at the four schools on the Ontario Center campus on their response to the “lock down” during the morning hours of May 13th when a person with a rifle, later identified as a hunter, walked along the west side of Route 350 across from the schools.

 

XII.

REPORTS OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS

 

DISCUSSION ON PROPOSED BUDGET · 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR

                  

Mr. Havens stated that he sent letters to Senator Nozzolio and Assemblyman Oaks seeking their support for additional state aid for public schools.

Mr. Havens noted recent reports from Albany that the Governor will make a line-item veto of budget proposals from the legislature which is prepared to override those vetoes.

Given those facts, he is comfortable with recommending that the Board of Education include the projected increase in aid for our district in the proposed 2003-2004 school budget and designate one-third to reduce the tax levy, one-third to restore programs and services and one-third for use only after final state aid amounts are confirmed by state aid documents filed in the fall.

If this approach were adopted, the proposed increase in the property tax levy would change from 8.9% to 6.9%.

Mr. Triou asked if most school districts are considering use of additional state aid to reduce their projected tax levies. Mr. Havens stated that many districts are taking a similar approach. He did clarify, however, that the impact of additional aid differs with the amount of taxable assessed property value in each district.

Mr. Robusto asked what happens if the NYS Legislature does not override the Governor’s vetoes. Mr. Havens stated that the proposed restorations would occur only if additional funds were available.

Mr. Havens noted that Mr. Atseff recommends that the total amount of the proposed budget expenditures remain the same with adjustments to revenue appropriations to reflect changes in state aid. If additional aid were not paid, the revenue appropriations would be reduced.

Mr. Ratcliffe also asked about restoration of programs or services if the additional state aid not approved. Mr. Havens stated no changes would occur until the state budget is adopted.

Mr. Wyse feels that trustees should discuss those areas that they would or would not restore. He added that the administrative staff has done an excellent job of managing and recruiting staff and early decisions on program restorations are needed to allow school officials to complete recruitment and selection of staff before the top candidates accept positions in other school districts.

Mr. Robusto feels that the override by the NYS Legislature of the Governor’s veto to extend the date for the annual school election is very different from potential overrides of the final state budget and aid to public schools.

Mr. Havens stated that state legislators have clearly stated that any additional funds they provide by overriding vetoes should be used for restoration of programs or reduction of the proposed property tax levy rather than used as reserve for future budgets.

Mr. Robusto asked if the school district could postpone a decision on restorations until action of the NYS Legislature is known. Mr. Havens stated that could occur; however, the deadline is May 15th to finalize the message we send to our residents about the contents and status of the proposed budget they will consider at the adjourned annual school election on June 3rd.

Mr. Ratcliffe asked if it is likely that a compromise would occur if a legislative override of a veto by the Governor failed. Mr. Havens stated that a change in designation of funds would need to occur. He noted that the school tax levy is not formally established until August but we need to provide our best estimates to our taxpayers prior to the June 3rd school election.

Mr. Wyse stated that if we do not proceed with restoration of some programs and services, he believes the school district would not receive the support from the community. He feels that the community is pleased with the legislative intent to override the Governor’s vetoes and would support the approach presented by Mr. Havens this evening.

By consensus, trustees present accepted the proposal from Mr. Havens on use of additional state aid.

Mr. Havens outlined the items identified by the administrative council for restoration using one-third of the additional state aid for 2003-2004 (not in priority order)

1.0	FTE Music Teacher

.50 FTE Physical Education Teacher (reduced in the 2002-2003 budget)

.50 FTE Home & Careers Teacher (middle school)

.50 FTE Speech & Language Teacher (Freewill Elementary School)

1.0	FTE Teaching Assistant position (high school)

            

1.0 FTE Cleaner Position (reduced in 2001-2002 budget)

Stipends for Team Leaders at the middle school

$20,000 for summer curriculum writing

$40,000 for computer equipment purchases

Restore the summer weight-conditioning program

Restore portions of model school’s program for first round of additional extra-curricular clubs

He added that no official information has yet arrived on the line-item allocation for primary mental health programs mentioned by Ms. Peters.

Mr. Robusto asked about the dollar value of the proposal presented by Mr. Havens. Mr. Havens stated that it includes appx. $240,000 for restoration of programs and services, appx. $245,000 reserved until final state aid is known and appx. $322,000 for reduction of the proposed property tax levy.

Mr. Wyse offered a MOTION to adopt the approach for use of additional state aid and to approve the tentative restoration of programs and services to the proposed 2003-2004 budget, both as presented by the superintendent of schools, contingent on state funding and final review of the proposed restorations at the business meeting on May 21st based on legislative action expected prior to that date.

Mr. Ratcliffe asked if the proposed restorations are the final recommendation from Mr. Havens and the administrative council. Mr. Havens stated they are; he would normally like more time for reflection but deadlines exist for publication of budget information.

Mr. Wyse asked if the delay until May 21st would have a negative impact on staff recruitment and selection; Mr. Havens stated it would not.

Mr. Ratcliffe stated that a second look at this information at the May 21st meeting would also allow opportunity for consideration by those trustees absent this evening.

Mr. Ratcliffe confirmed that the total amount of the proposed budget remains unchanged; Mr. Havens stated that was correct.

Mr. Triou asked for clarification of the intent to make a final decision on restoration of porrgams and services at the May 21st meeting.

Mrs. Brunner asked for clarification of the proposed restoration of additional stipends for club advisors as part of the model school’s program. Mr. Havens and Ms. Morrin noted that activities would include natural helpers (character education), foreign language clubs, science Olympiad, and journalism club, among others. Stipends are appx. $660. each.

Mrs. Brunner stated she is concerned about restoring club advisor stipends and not the primary mental health program.

Mr. Ratcliffe stated he would like more time to consider the overall issue.

On the question, the vote was 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 4 Absent (Mrs. Diller, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lyke), Carried.

 

ACADEMIC PROGRESS REPORT · THIRD QUARTER · 2003-2004 SCHOOL YEAR

 

Mr. Havens introduced Mr. Spring, assistant superintendent for instruction, to present the academic progress report for the third quarter of the 2002-2003 school year. (copy filed in clerk’s agenda file, this meeting)

     

At the elementary level, students are meeting achievement standards. At the middle school, the level of passing and mastery remains high, above 85%, in the four core areas of math, science, social studies and English/language arts. Mastery and passing rates at the high school vary among the core subjects with several examples of success.

Intervention programs are proving successful at the middle and high schools but the goal remains to reduce the number of students for whom academic intervention is required. Additional attention to scores in mathematics district-wide and at the high school continues as a priority. He shared examples of strategies that staff members are using to provide support for students to meet state and local standards and expectations.

Staff members are also analyzing scores received today from the NYS Education Department on the statewide exams for fourth and eighth grade English/language arts. The comparison to prior years for these scores differ some since none of the students with special needs could have their test modifications on those tests. Analysis of the results will also include how student scores on the state exam align with local assessments and achievement by those students.

 

Mr. Wyse asked if the shift in secondary math exam scores reflects the fact that achievement is based more on cumulative understanding of prior concepts and if the increase in passing levels among juniors and seniors is because those students excel in and chose to continue with math studies.

 

Mr. Spring stated that math skills do build on new concepts while English/language arts skills are more constant. Junior and senior year classes do not include those students who have completed their math requirements and chose not to pursue additional math studies.

 

Mr. Robusto asked what percentage of students not passing in grades one and two correlate to those students who are provided services through the primary mental health program. He would find that information helpful as budget discussion continues. Mr. Spring stated he would obtain that information.

   

Mr. Triou asked how many students are enrolled in the high school. Mrs. Morrin, high school principal, stated appx. 860.

Mr. Havens stated that one academic progress report remains, for the fourth quarter, for 2002-2003 and thanked Mr. Spring for his report and presentation.

 

FINANCIAL REPORT

    

Mr. Havens introduced Mr. Atseff, assistant superintendent for business, to present monthly financial reports for review and consideration by the Board of Education.

Mr. Atseff presented reports and information through April 30, 2003 as follows: (copies filed in clerk’s agenda file, this meeting)

(1)	Revenue Status Report: Reflects revenues received compared to revenue appropriations for 2003-2004. 77% of budgeted revenues have arrived; projections on track.

 

(2)	Expense Report – General Fund: 68% of allocations spent to date; appropriations in good shape.

   

Mr. Triou asked if the school lunch fund is separate; Mr. Atseff stated it is.

Mr. Atseff also noted that he is monitoring reports on the status of the state’s cash flow and the possibility of delay of the May and June state aid payments. The district does have a large debt payment due on June 15th and a final 10-month payroll at the end of June. Prior authorization is in place to allow the district to borrow funds for short-term cash flow needs with a revenue anticipation note (RAN) if necessary.

 

DISCUSSION ON STUDENT TRIPS

         

Mr. Havens noted that seniors will travel to New York City for their senior trip next week, a music trip to Williamsburg will take place at the end of May and six (6) students will travel to Germany in July.

 

STUDENT QUESTIONS

 

Danielle Massella, 7448 Furnace Road, Ontario, a senior, asked if cancellation of the senior trip to New York City would occur with an increase in the terror level she heard about today. Mr. Havens stated that he monitors the State Education Department web site for the status of terror alerts and has was not changed as of today.

   

XIII.

RECESS:

9:20 p.m.

XIV.

RECONVENE:

9:25 p.m.

XV.

ITEMS FOR BOARD OF EDUCATION ACTION

 
Jennifer Allen, art teacher, assigned to Ontario Elementary School, effective June 30, 2003 (from leave of absence)
 
Lisa Cook, reading recovery teacher, part-time, assigned to Freewill Elementary School, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Teresa Cundra, mathematics teacher, assigned to the high school, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Lisa Golubjatnikov, English Teacher, assigned to the high school, effective June 30, 2003 (from leave of absence).
 
Kristen Hastings, elementary teacher, assigned to Ontario Primary School, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Pamela Hino, special education teacher, assigned to the middle school, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)  
 
Anne Koestner, special education teacher, assigned to Freewill Elementary School, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Mary Kate Pilletteri, art teacher, assigned to the high school, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Andris Silins, technology teacher, assigned to the high school, effective June 30, 2003 (personal reasons)
 
Robert Rose, technology teacher, assigned to the middle school, effective May 2, 2003 (personal reasons)

 

APPOINTMENTS:

 
Holly Dunn, instrumental music teacher, assigned to the middle school, a long-term substitute appointment effective April 30, 2003 through June 30, 2003 at $32,750 prorated (replacement for Thomas Sousa, resigned)
 

  

Riley Wheaton, science teacher (chemistry) assigned to the high school, a three-year probationary appointment effective September 1, 2003 through August 31, 2006 at $33,500 (replacement for position formerly filled by Ronald Porray (math)).

SUPPORTIVE STAFF:

RESIGNATION:

 

Mary Ann Kritall, teacher aide (1:1) 0.5 FTE assigned to Freewill Elementary School, a temporary civil service appointment effective May 5 through June 30, 2003 at current wage rate (Increase to full-time through June 30, 2003; Mrs. Krittal is also an 0.50 FTE teacher aide assigned to the primary mental health program at Freewill Elementary School)

 
Patricia Miller, teacher aide, assigned to high school (Eagle Ventures), a six month probationary civil service appointment effective April 25 through October 25, 2003 at $7.65 per hour (replacement for Margaret Dostman, resigned)
 
Janice Popoli, bus driver, a temporary appointment effective May 5 through June 30, 2003 at $11.80 per hour (replacement for David Brandon)
 

Lori Eaton Smith, administrative assistant, assigned to the district office (superintendent’s secretary), a permanent civil service appointment effective June 30, 2003 at current salary (having completed a successful probationary period)

   

	Mr. Wyse offered a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Triou, to approve/adopt the personnel changes as recommended by the superintendent of schools. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 4 Absent (Mrs. Diller, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lyke), Carried.

  

B. CPSE PLACEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS

 

Mr. Havens presented the pupil placement recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education for review and consideration by the Board of Education.

Mrs. Brunner offered a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Wyse, to adopt a RESOLUTION to approve the recommendation for placements by the CPSE, TO WIT:

       

RESOLUTION TO APPROVE RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE

COMMITTEE ON PRE-SCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION AND

AUTHORIZE ARRANGEMENT OF RECOMMENDED

SPECIAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education approves the recommendations of the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and authorizes the Director of Student Services to arrange the recommended special programs and services.

   

On the question, the RESOLUTION was adopted by a vote of 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 4 Absent (Mrs. Diller, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lyke).

C. CONSENSUS AGENDA

 

(1)	Reports of the School District Treasurer (A/O 3/31/03)
(2)	Resolution for Non-Public Health Services Contract · 2002-2003 · East Irondequot CSD
(3)	Resolution for Non-Public Health Services Contract · 2002-2003 · Pittsford CSD
(4)	Resolution for Non-Public Health Services Contract · 2002-2003 · Webster CSD
(5)	Adopt Schedule of Paid Holidays · 2003-2004 School Year

       

	Mr. Havens presented the consensus agenda for review and consideration by the Board of Education.
	Mrs. Brunner offered a MOTION, seconded by Mr. Wyse, to approve/adopt the consensus agenda, as presented by the superintendent of schools, as follows:

(1)	Receive & file reports of the school district treasurer for the period ending March 31, 2003 (copies attached to these minutes in the minute book)

 

(2)	Adopt RESOLUTIONS for non-public health services contracts for resident pupils attending non-public schools during the 2002-2003 school year, TO WIT:

 

RESOLUTION FOR HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT

   

WITH EAST IRONDEQUOIT CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Non-Public School Pupils, 2002-2003)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Wayne Central School District hereby approves a contract with the Board of Education of East Irondequoit Central School District for health service charges, pursuant to §912 of the State Education Law, for pupils at non-public schools in the 2002-2003 school year, and authorize the President and Clerk of the Board of Education to execute said contract, pending approval of same by the Superintendent of Schools (copy of contract filed in clerk’s files)

RESOLUTION FOR HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT

WITH PITTSFORD CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Non-Public School Pupils, 2002-2003)

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Wayne Central School District hereby approves a contract with the Board of Education of the Pittsford Central School District for health service charges, pursuant to §912 of the State Education Law, for pupils at non-public schools in the 2002-2003 school year, and authorize the President and Clerk of the Board of Education to execute said contract, pending approval of same by the Superintendent of Schools (copy of contract filed in clerk’s files)

 

RESOLUTION FOR HEALTH SERVICES CONTRACT

WITH WEBSTER CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

(Non-Public School Pupils, 2002-2003)

 

RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Wayne Central School District hereby approves a contract with the Board of Education of Webster Central School District for health service charges, pursuant to §912 of the State Education Law, for pupils at non-public schools in the 2002-2003 school year, and authorize the President and Clerk of the Board of Education to execute said contract, pending approval of same by the Superintendent of Schools (copy of contract filed in clerk’s files)

 

(3)	Adopt the schedule of paid holidays for the 2003-2004 school year for 10- and 12-month full- and part-time employees (copy filed in clerk’s agenda file, this meeting)

 

On the question, the consensus agenda was approved/adopted by a vote of 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 4 Absent (Mrs. Diller, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lyke).

 

XVI. POLICY COMMITTEE

     

Mr. Triou stated that the policy committee pursued the questions raised at prior meetings about possession of weapons on school property by law enforcement personnel, including a school resource officer.
He noted that Policy 5330.11 relates to public conduct on school property and does allow law enforcement personnel to carry weapons on school property. State law also covers this.
Mr. Triou noted that the next meeting of the policy committee is set for Thursday, May 22, 2003 @ 4:00 p.m. at the district office.
Mr. Ratcliffe asked if the hunter walking near the school had any legal or policy implications. Mr. Havens stated that the person was not walking on school district property; however, law enforcement personnel did discuss with the person that their presence near schools with a weapon did result in a “lock-down” of school operations.

 

XVII. ADDITIONAL PUBLIC COMMENT

 

A.	Ms. Peters, supra, invited trustees to attend the Parent Volunteer Recognition Event at Freewill Elementary School on Wednesday, May 14, 2003 at 6:30 p.m.

 

B.	Ms. Peters, supra, addressed the following issues to the Board of Education:

 

(1)	Extended thanks to trustees and school officials for their hard work on budget development and compassion when considering issues
(2)	Noted that comment expressed this evening about timeliness of hiring new personnel also applies to the child associates in the primary mental health program; if the child associates are not restored, the district would be hard-pressed to replace their substantial experience if the program is restored in a future year
(3)	From indications at the May 3rd rally for educational issues at Albany, she believes that the NYS Legislature will override the Governor’s budget vetoes and reinstate state aid for schools
(4)	Noted that the line item appropriation in the state budget for primary mental health programs was only for districts, like ours, which have the program; not all districts have the program
(5)	If the primary mental health program is added to her duties, she will no longer have time to serve pro bono as advisor for the “homework helpers” club which enlists some 30 middle school students to serve as mentors to fourth and fifth graders and provides both community service hours and portfolio building experience for the older students
(6)	Asked for clarification of the earlier comment on correlation between passing levels on state exams and the primary mental health program; she noted that the program is based on prevention

 

C.

Patricia Yates, 4338 Ontario Center Road, Walworth, spoke as president of the Wayne Teachers’ Association and thanked the Board of Education for the tentative restoration of staff and program items as noted earlier this evening and noted that the teachers’ association is supportive of those restorations.

   

XVIII. ADDITIONAL BOARD MEMBER COMMENTS

 

A.	Mr. Wyse asked Mr. Havens to provide trustees with enrollment data and costs of the primary mental health program and how it was prioritized by the administrative council in discussion of restorations for the proposed 2003-2004 budget.

            

XIX.

ADJOURNMENT

Mr. Triou offered a MOTION to adjourn the meeting at 9:38 p.m. 5 Ayes, 0 Nays, 4 Absent (Mrs. Diller, Mr. Griswold, Mr. Johnson, Mrs. Lyke), Carried.

Respectfully submitted,

JAMES E. SWITZER

School District Clerk

APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The foregoing minutes of the Board of

Education were submitted for review

& (approved as presented)(corrected

as noted) at the meeting of

May 21, 2003

---------------------------

School District Clerk

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Att. 2

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WAYNE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

6200 Ontario Center Road · P.O. Box 155 · Ontario Center, New York l4520-0155

 
 
FOR:    Board of Education, Mr. Havens
FROM:  Jim Switzer, School District Clerk
TOPIC:  Appointment of School Election Personnel
DATE:    May 21, 2003
 
Persons listed below are presented for appointment as election personnel for the adjourned annual school election on Tuesday, June 3, 2003.
 
Six (6) inspectors are assigned to each of three (3) shifts during between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. The election machine custodian works with me prior to school election day on preparation of election machines, before, during and after the opening and closing of the polls on election day, and following election day on return of machine keys and related voting equipment.
 
Assignment of election personnel is made from this list based upon availability on school election day and balance of experience among the three shifts of inspectors.
 
ELECTION INSPECTORS
 
Mrs. Jean Bassage, 3785 Walworth-Ontario Road, Walworth
Mr. Lyle Bassage, 3785 Walworth-Ontario Road, Walworth
Mrs. Nancy Benton, 2187 Lake Road, Ontario
Mrs. Althea Biviano, 6484 Furnace Road, Ontario
Mrs. Polly Crombe, 7216 Knickerbocker Road, Ontario
Mrs. Diane Dana, 5979 Walworth Road, Ontario
Mrs. Patricia Fisher, l6l2 Hennessey Road, Walworth
Mr. Edward Friend, 404 Ida Red Lane, Ontario
Mrs. Frances Hastings, 2504 Putnam Road, Ontario
Mrs. Mary Herring, 2156 Evergreen Lane, Ontario
Mrs. Daughn Higgins, 656 Clevenger Road, Ontario

Mrs. Jean Hosier, 1855 Ridge Road, Ontario

Mrs. Norma Jock, 5701 Walworth Road, Ontario
Mrs. Lee Johnson, 6895 Knickerbocker Rd, Ontario

Mrs. Carolyn Lyon, 393 Hillside Circle, Macedon (Town of Walworth)
Mrs. Cynthia Miller, 7355 Lakeside Road, Ontario
Mrs. Barbara Sass, 5547 Walworth Road, Ontario (Town of Walworth)

Mrs. Joyce Smith, 1845 Ridge Road, Ontario
Mrs. Bonnie Snyder, 1018 Willits Road, Ontario
Mrs. Blanche Sones, 2028 Country Club Lane, Ontario
Mrs. Jean Susser, 6011 Walworth Road, Ontario
Mrs. Judy Taillie, 6075 Arbor Road, Ontario
Mrs. Arline Taber, 2203 Walworth-Penfield Road, Walworth
Mrs. Brenda Toal, 1232 Paddy Lane Road, Ontario
Mr. Thomas Toal, 1232 Paddy Lane Road, Ontario
Mrs. Patricia Trunzo, 2543 Lake Road, Ontario
Mrs. Ann Welker, 669 Boston Road, Ontario

 

 
 
ELECTION MACHINE CUSTODIAN
 
Harold O'Connor, 2096 Brookway Crescent, Ontario

 

As required by NYS Education Law, the appointing MOTION for this action will include the compensation rates of $6.30 per hour for election inspectors and a flat fee of $250.00 for the election machine custodian.
 
The machine custodian is trained and certified by the Wayne County Board of Elections. Orientation for school election workers is provided prior to school election day.
 

--WCSD--

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