September 19, 2003
“Resolve must be the firmer, spirit the bolder, courage the greater, as our strength grows less.”
- - anonymous, “The Battle of Maldon”
Greetings from Wayne Central School District. Below are some items of interest.
Board Meeting:
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| Executive Session: I have two items to discuss with you in executive session. First I would like to review the progress of our administrators with you. I complete their evaluations each summer and like to report their progress to the Board in the fall. We have some who will be eligible for tenure this year.
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I have also enclosed a memo from Nique which needs to be discussed. You will recall that one of the first things we asked Nique to do was a review of procedures and practices used in food service. Her initial review turned up some issues which I had her document in the attached memo. Nique will be at the meeting with Greg to discuss the specifics of those findings.
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| Annual Report: Enclosed is a copy of our annual assessment report. I ask that you review the report as I will be going over it at the meeting. You can see we did well in many areas but have some subject in which growth is needed. Principals, Mr. Spring and myself will be available to answer any questions.
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| 3. 2002-2003 School Improvement Plan: As follow up to the assessment report and our Board/administrative workshop this summer, Mr. Spring will be presenting the final draft of the School Improvement plan.
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| 4. CSE Annual Reviews: These were inadvertently left off the last agenda. I recommend approval as presented.
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Newsletter:
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| Hurricane: We stayed open, even when the power went off for an hour. After school activities were cancelled however. Most all staff seemed gratified that we didn’t waste an emergency day so early in the school year. I want to compliment the Middle and High School staff and students who were wonderful during the outage. I wish to particularly compliment the Middle School staff who pulled lunch duty during the dark. We have a great staff.
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| Letter to Parent: I have enclosed a letter to one of our parents who raised a staffing concern at our last Board meeting
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| 3.
| October 15 Four Counties: If you haven’t signed up for the four county meeting on finance please call Lori. Greg and I will both be attending and are willing to drive for anyone wishing a ride.
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| 4.
| Student accused: One of our high students has accused another student of sexual assault. The alleged activity occurred away from school and during the summer. Rumors are beginning to float around and so you may here something. There seems to be a bit more to the story involving the girl’s boyfriend who is a former Wayne student. I will keep you abreast as the events unfold.
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| 5.
| Plow Truck: Greg tells me the plow truck has been ordered. It is navy blue. We will be putting a gold Wayne decal on it. I talked to the boys at the garage today. They are very happy they are going to a piece of equipment that they aren’t always repairing.
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| Fitness Equipment: The newest information from the fitness foundation is that it will be shipped by the third week in October. This is even quicker than expected. They also have informed us that the grant allocation has been increased from $218,000 to $258,000 worth of equipment.
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| Fall Conference: I will be in Albany Sunday, Monday and Tuesday attending the State wide Fall Superintendent’s meeting. Greg will be in charge in my absence. Lori can reach me should you need anything.
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| Sept. 24 – Board of Education Meeting – 7:30 p.m.
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| Sept. 25-27 – Homecoming!
(see attachment)
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| Sept. 29 – Freewill Parent Group Meeting @ FE
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| Sept. 29 – Four County School Bds. Legislative Comm. Mtg – Phelps Hotel – 6:30 p.m.
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| Dinner selections: Strip Steak, Char-grilled Chicken, Herb-grilled Whitefish
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| Please let Lori know if you plan on attending
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| Sept. 30 – Middle School Open House
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| October 15 - Four County School Boards Mtg – Club 86, Geneva
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| “The Board’s Fiduciary Responsibility” 5:30 Social, 6:30 Dinner/Program
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| Dinner selections: Steak, Chicken Picatta, Eggplant Parm –
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| Please let Lori know if you plan to attend.
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| October 23-25 – NYSSBA Annual Convention – Rochester Convention Center
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| Lori will process registration next week .
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| Athletics: (home games)
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9/20 – Girls JV & V Soccer vs. Waterloo – 11:00 a.m.
9/20 – Boys JV/V Soccer vs. Geneva – 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.
9/22 – Boys’ JV & V Volleyball vs. NR-Wolcott – 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
9/22 – Girls JV/V Tennis vs. Canandaigua – 4:15 p.m.
9/24 – Boys JV/V Volleyball vs. Newark – 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
9/24 – Boys JV/V Soccer vs. Waterloo – 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.
9/24 – Girls JV/V Tennis vs. Harley Allendale – 4:15 p.m.
9/25 – Girls JV/V Volleyball vs. Williamson – 5:00 & 6:00 p.m.
9/26 – Boys JV /V Volleyball vs. East High – 5:30 & 6:30 p.m.
9/27 – Boys JV /V Soccer vs. Canandaigua – 4:30 & 7:00 p.m.
9/27 – Girls JV /V Soccer vs. Red Creek – 1:00 & 5:00 p.m.
| 1.
| Policy Committee Meeting Minutes – 9/11
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| 2.
| Food Service Director Memo
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| Homecoming Weekend Events
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| Parent Letter
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| 5.
| Wayne’s World – Issue 1, Vol. 2 |
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Att. A
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POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, September 11, 2003 TIME: 4:00 p.m. PLACE: District Office
PRESENT:
Trustees Triou, Lyke & Diller, Mr. Havens, Mr. Switzer
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of the meeting of July 23, 2003 were reviewed and filed.
(Meeting of August 21, 2003 was cancelled)
OLD BUSINESS:
Erie #1 BOCES Policy Update: Second and final reading of the revised policy handbook was completed by the Board of Education on September 10, 2003. Mr. Switzer is working on final logistics for posting of new handbook to network (for staff), web (for public), CD-ROM (for trustees and some on staff), and a small number of printed copies for internal reference. He will also confirm whether public libraries in Ontario and Walworth wish to use printed, CD-ROM or web reference media.
Annual Review Policy 5300.1 etal – Code of Conduct: Second and final reading of revisions to the Academic Standards portion of this policy (now numbered 7310) was incorporated into approval of the new policy handbook, supra. The September 10th Board of Education meeting also served as the required public meeting at which this was reviewed and updated.
Policy Update Service Subscription: Mr. Switzer presented information obtained from NYS School Boards Association for the district to subscribe to their policy update service. Committee members felt this was a valuable resource and asked Mr. Havens to handle details to subscribe to the service for 2003-2004 at an annual fee of $700.
NEW BUSINESS:
Transfer & Create Regulations & Exhibits: During 2003-2004, the committee will work on transfer of regulations and exhibits from the former policy handbook to the new handbook/numbering system and review of new regulations or exhibits to follow the new handbook, as needed.
Matrix of Required Review/Actions/Notifications/Distribution: Mr. Switzer shared a draft of a matrix of the new policy handbook which indicates policies which require annual review by the administrative council, this committee or Board of Education, annual distribution, posting or notifications (e.g. students, parents, public, staff) and those where regulations and exhibits are in place or are needed. Committee members requested addition of a few features to the matrix. He will provide an updated copy at a future meeting including additional features suggested by the committee.
Policy Committee Charge for 2003-2004: Committee members discussed a draft of the charge to the policy committee from the Board of Education for 2003-2004 and approved presentation for consideration by the Board of Education at the September 24th meeting.
NEXT MEETINGS:
District Office @ 4:00 p.m. on the following dates
(all Thursdays):
October 9th, November 20th, December 11th, January 22nd, February 26th, March 25th, May 27th, June 10th
NEXT & FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS:
● Follow-Up On: Potential Policy on Student Privacy & Parental Access (NCLB) & Protected Prayer
● Follow-Up On: Matrix of Required Actions/Notifications/Distribution
● Follow-Up On: Transfer & Creation of Regulations & Exhibits
ADJOURNMENT:
5:15 p.m. Recorded by Jim Switzer
JES/jes:wp
To: Greg Atseff
From: Nique Wilson
CC: Michael Havens
Date: 12/20/22
Re: Food Service Issues
Greg,
Below is a list of the issues from our meeting that required immediate attention.
Accountability:
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| Cashiers have been taking money for a la carte sales and ringing it into the cash register as full paid meals thus claiming state and federal reimbursements on these sales. This is common practice in all but one school.
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| Cashiers have been taking “charges paid” money and ringing it in as a meal thus claiming a reimbursement twice on the same meal.
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On Monday, September 15, 2003, I had discussions with all cashiers and cook managers. I reviewed proper cashing procedures and I explained that the previous processes must stop immediately.
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Staff Purchases:
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| Cafeteria staff members are purchasing items through our vendors. Method of payment varies. Sometimes staff is paying vendor directly on separate invoice and sometimes they are paying the cook manager. In this instance, the cook manager would then ring the payment into the cash register.
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On Monday, September 15, 2003, I told all employees that they will not be able to purchase products through our vendors.
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| One staff member is purchasing various products through us, processing them, and reselling the product back to us. This employee was also purchasing bagels and reselling them to us at an approximate profit of $2000 year.
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Mark and You explained to the employee that this was a conflict of interest and we would not be making any further purchases from her. This discussion took place on Friday, September 12th.
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We are now buying bagels directly from the vendor.
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Att. C
JAMES A. BENEWAY SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL
Michael Havens
Superintendent of Schools
Tel. (315) 524-0226
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Lory Morrin
Principal
Fax (315) 524-8575
Holly Young
Assistant Principal
Jeff Pirozzolo
Assistant Principal
Marc Blankenberg,
Director of Athletics & Physical Education Office (315) 524-0319
Homecoming 2003
Thursday - 9/25/03:
Pep Rally High School 1:00pm
Girls JV Volleyball vs. Williamson 5:00pm High School Gym
Girls Varsity Volleyball vs. Williamson 6:00pm High School Gym
Friday - 9/26/03:
Boys JV Volleyball vs. East HS 5:30pm High School Gym
Boys Varsity Volleyball vs. East HS 6:30pm High School Gym
Homecoming Float Parade 6:30pm High School
Varsity Football vs. Victor 7:00pm Porray Field
**The Home Coming Parade will start at Ontario Elementary School and travel west onto Ridge Road to Route 350 and then onto Porray Field at the High School for a lap around the track.
Saturday – 9/27/03:
Girls JV Soccer vs. Red Creek 1:00pm Porray Field
Boys JV Soccer vs. Canandaigua 3:00pm Porray Field
Girls Varsity Soccer vs. Red Creek 5:00pm Porray Field
Boys Varsity Soccer vs. Canandaigua 7:00pm Porray Field
Admission to All (except JV Soccer)
$1.00 for Students
$2.00 for Adults
Att. D
September 16, 2003
Mrs. Julie Packard
3531 View Pointe Drive
Walworth, NY 14568
Dear Mrs. Packard:
Thank you for your recent letter regarding your daughters Rhian and Cara. Rhian and Cara are well known to most of us here at Wayne Central. I have always enjoyed their singing at our home games. I am pleased to learn that they are currently attending Potsdam.
I have read the concerns you raised regarding one of our staff members, Mr. Peter Derse. It appears that there are six separate issues that you raise and which I want to address. In addressing these issues, I have spent time reviewing the letter you sent, reviewing the investigation I conducted in February, 2001 following a similar letter that was sent to me, holding discussions with Mrs. Morrin, reviewing the twins academic progress with director of guidance Mrs. Gallup and finally, interviewing Mr. Derse.
The information and conclusions below are the result of that work:
Issue 1 “When they applied to the Crane School of Music at SUNY Potsdam they were denied admission due to the lack of basic requirements. They had the talent of voice, but not the skills that could have been taught, had Mr. Derse been a more competent music teacher with a background in voice.”
In reviewing the twin’s folders and transcript, I note that they did not take chorus as freshman. It was in their sophomore year that they informed Mrs. Gallup that they wished to try chorus. They, therefore, began a year behind many of their peers. Following the year of chorus, they did not sign up for any additional music, with the exception of a .5 credit music theory course that Cara took.
In reviewing the Crane School of Music requirements for voice, it indicates that candidates must present three pieces from the standard classical vocal literature and they give a number of examples. They specifically note that candidates are not to include selections from musical theatre, jazz or other “pop” styles. It appears therefore, that Crane’s requirements are for classically trained vocal individuals rather than pop singers.
In reviewing the facts, it appears that not having training in classic voice through chorus may have put them at a disadvantage.
Issue 2 “Peter Derse refused to allow them to participate, even for chorus.” (Babes in Arms)
During the twins sophomore year there was a musical entitled “Babes in Arms” for which Mr. Derse was the choral director. The twins tried out but were not given roles. In reviewing my notes from two years ago when this was last investigated, I note that there were 19 boys and 46 girls who tried out for that particular musical. There were four lead female roles and seven other lesser roles. In total, 23 females were kept including chorus. You are correct in stating that the twins were not one of those 23 girls kept. You met with Mr. Derse shortly thereafter to discuss the reasons for Mr. Derse not choosing the young ladies. I do not believe you agreed with Mr. Derse’s decision at the time and it is clear that you continue not to agree.
It is hard for me to determine, at this point, whether or not of the 46 who tried out, the twins should have been among the 23 who were kept. I do note that there were formal tryouts and there were criteria used to judge the students. The ladies had to read from Act 1, SceneV and sing a song. Their audition was based on their reading, acting, and their ability to perform music. There was a consideration given to seniority if there were students who had successfully performed in previous musicals. It is possible that the girls should have been chosen for a role at least in the chorus. It would have been beneficial if we could have expanded the choral parts to include everyone. This usually can be done for choral roles. It was pointed out to me that for the following two years, during the girls’ junior and senior years, Mr. Derse played no role in the musicals, yet the girls decided not to try out for either of those musicals.
Issue 3 “He told them that they did not sing correctly and predicted that they would lose their voices.”
This issue was reviewed back in February 2001. He admitted then that he said that. He continued to admit that in my most recent discussions with him. He is adamant in feeling that the particular style of the twins is not a healthy way to sing. I am certain he honestly believes that continued use of their vocal chords in the present manner could result in serious difficulties. I must admit, Mrs. Packard, that I am not trained in the area of vocal music so therefore it is very difficult for me to know if there will be harm to their cords or not. You are correct that many of our most popular singers do sing in that manner and Mr. Derse does admit that he made that remark.
Issue 4 “Mr. Derse refused, or was unable to be and educator for my children in the subject of voice.”
In discussing the issue with the twins’ guidance counselor, I was told they did not sign up for chorus their freshman year. However, in their sophomore year, when they were enrolled in chorus, they participated in voice lessons with Mr. Derse. It is accurate to say that they never again signed up for chorus. It appears therefore, that the decision was the twins’. It may very well have been that Mr. Derse’s style of teaching and the concerns raised earlier lead the students not to want to be part of Mr. Derse’s program and I may be able to understand some of that. I do not find any evidence that Mr. Derse refused, or was unable, to educate the children.
Issue 5 “I made an appointment with Mr. Derse to get to the bottom of what was happening, but to no avail. Shortly after that, Mr. Derse refused to let the girls into concert of select chorus, which prevented them from obtaining a sequence in music.”
As I review my notes from 2001 and in my discussions with Mr. Derse, I believe this meeting with you, the twins and Mr. Derse was the result of Mr. Derse not placing the students in Babes in Arms. Mr. Derse reviewed the audition process and his casting reasoning. As I recall, you were not particularly satisfied with Mr. Derse’s answers. At the end of that year, the girls tried out for concert select chorus and they were not selected. Mr. Derse indicates that the number of students selected for select chorus is dependent upon the number of seniors that graduate in each of the voice parts and so the number of openings vary from year to year just as they do in our athletic programs. It is hard for me to determine at this point whether the reason for them not making select chorus was the result of some personal feelings on the part of Mr. Derse or whether it was simply a disagreement about the type of singing needed to blend in as part of a choral ensemble. Not being selected into concert or select chorus did not prevent them from completing a sequence in music however. In order to have a sequence in music, they needed four music credits and completion of music theory and music history. Beginning their musical career during their sophomore year instead of their freshman year made that goal a little more difficult for them. What made it impossible for them was not taking chorus following their sophomore year. If the girls had taken four years of chorus and completed music history and theory, they could have had a sequence in music. They would not have had to make concert or select chorus, though I would be surprised, had they stayed with the program, if it had not been the case.
Issue 6 “Shouldn’t a music/chorus teacher have a background in singing?”
All teachers at Wayne are certified in their areas. Mr. Derse has a Bachelors of Fine Arts Degree from the Crane School of Music. He is certified by New York State to teach vocal music for grades K-12. He completed his Masters Degree in Choral Conducting from the University of Connecticut.
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Conclusion
There is no doubt in my mind that the twins are talented musicians. It appears that conflicts over the style of music desired in a choral setting and personality conflicts with Mr. Derse played an important role in this situation. These past two years I have been disappointed that the girls did not participate in the choral program. I think they would have been fine additions. They are wonderfully talented young ladies. I wish our program had been more appealing to them.
Sincerely,
Michael Havens
Superintendent of Schools
MH/les
Xc: L. Morrin
Board of Education
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