February 2, 2006
“Parents can only give children good advice or put them on the right paths, but the final forming of a person’s character lies in their own hands.”
- - Anne Frank
Greetings from Wayne Central. Below are a few items of interest.
Board Meeting Agenda: **
| 1.
| Executive Session: There will be an executive session to discuss the current situation with the Gulace property. I have enclosed the letter I sent to the Town Board. We need to review our options. |
| 2.
| Public Hearing: There will be a public hearing to discuss the Student Code of Conduct Policy |
| 3.
| Reality Check Report: High School Senior Blair Germain will present a program on Reality Check. I believe Reality Check is a national organization that promotes healthy living including a smoke free environment. Their newest initiative is a push to eliminate smoking advertisements from magazines sold to school libraries. Last year I allowed Blair and her group to place anti-smoking stickers over the advertisements. She will be asking you to pass a resolution (see Board action) calling for a ban on smoking advertisements in these magazines. I urge you to consider supporting her. She has the activism spirit I recall in myself when I was a 17 year old liberal and so I have a special affinity for her and her causes. |
| 4.
| Elementary School Improvement Plan: Our elementary team will be presenting their plans for the goals established last July (see enclosed plan). Since we are already half way through the year they will be reporting on not only what they will be doing but also on what they have accomplished. |
| 5.
| 2nd Quarter Academic Report: As you may recall, the 1st quarter academic report was sent to you some time ago for your review. Teachers are just finishing up the work on the second quarter with all grade changes due today (Friday). Mr. Spring will be putting the composite report together this weekend and will present it at this meeting. Usually we would send the report ahead of time but because the grades are just getting finished now and we do not want to wait until March, we will carry it in to you on Thursday. |
| 6.
| Budget Presentation: We will be reviewing the instructional portion of the budget for discussion. This is based on submissions of the administration and discussions within Administrative Council. The instructional portion represents approximately 70% of the budget and so is of critical importance to us. As I said in an earlier letter our numbers at the middle and elementary level are down and so there are some reductions in staff possible without sacrificing program. We may also do some shifting of staff to the high school where numbers continue to rise. In the past the Board has always been reluctant to lay off staff and has preferred to wait for natural attrition. We are trying to keep this in mind as we develop this portion of the budget. There also are a number of unknowns that remain, most importantly among them are the teachers contract settlement, New York State revenues and the tax rate. Some of you have talked to me privately to express your thoughts about the tax rate. I would say the general “private feeling” I’ve heard so far is that you are concerned about last year’s vote and are looking for a tax rate increase somewhere between 0 and 2%. I have not heard from all of you and so the range may change. |
| 7.
| Financial Report: Greg will present his regular financial report. |
| 8.
| Business Items: Personnel and CPSE are presented and recommended for approval. A resolution on the Reality Check program is presented for board action. Also included is a gift to the district from the softball/baseball booster club of funds for the purchase of a pitching machine. A health contract from Newark School District is submitted for approval. The budget transfer is for the increased cost of our fuel. The change order is required for moving the scoreboard. Although there is a cost associated with this you will recall from my earlier letter to CPA that we are deducting the cost from the money we owe Clark Patterson Associates. So actually they are bearing the cost of this (as they well should). I recommend approval of all actions as submitted. |
| 9.
| Policy: The policy committee has been very busy. In addition to the public hearing on the code of conduct there are a number of items Mr. Johnson is asking you to consider. |
Board Letter: **
| 1.
| Gullace Settlement: I have been informed that the Town of Ontario has agreed to settle out of court on the Gullace (Orchard Grove Trailer Park) Assessment litigation matter. After a conversation with Supervisor Molino a few weeks ago seeking an update on the status of the litigation, I was assured that he would keep me abreast of the progress. I was informed this past Friday by a councilman that the matter had been settled. I have attached a letter that I sent to Mr. Molino and the trustees indicating my concern over the lack of inclusion in discussions and the lack of information sharing that occurred in this matter. I have requested a meeting with the town immediately to discuss this matter. Our attorney, Wayne VanderByl, has been contacted and has some opinions about the issue. I will be sharing addition information in executive session. |
| 2.
| HS Principal Interviews: This week the high school has been conducting interviews for the high school assistant principal position left vacant when Jeff Pirrozolo left. The committee will be recommending a candidate to me for a final interview by early next week. |
| 3.
| Ray Brooks Appeal: The Ray Brooks Superintendent’s hearing you sustained is being appealed to the Commissioner. It is being alleged that Ray has a handicapping condition, Post Traumatic Stress, and should not have been disciplined. Ray has been reviewed twice during his school career. Both times it was felt he did not have a disability. In addition his grades at tutoring all appear to be in the 80-90s. In order to receive services you have to have a disability that interferes with the ability to be academically successful. This does not appear to be the case. I have had cases go to the commissioner before and I have never lost. Of course one can not be sure what the commissioner will decide this time. |
| 4.
| Susan Brown letter: Enclosed is a copy of my responses to Mrs. Brown’s twelve questions. |
| 5.
| Directory: Attached is an updated directory. Please let me know if information is incorrect. |
2/4 – Ontario Parks & Recreation Chicken BBQ @ Casey Park – 4:00 p.m.
2/2-7 – Freewill Book Fair
2/9 – Board of Education Meeting @ District Office
2/10 – Staff Development Day – School Closed
Athletics (Home Events Only)
2/3 – Varsity Wrestling vs. Geneva – 6:30 p.m.
2/3 – Girls’ JV & V Basketball vs. Canandaigua – 6:00 & 7:30 p.m.
2/3 – Boys’ Freshman Basketball vs. Canandaigua – 4:15 p.m.
2/4 – JV Wrestling Tournament @ Wayne – Time TBD
| a)
| Gulace Letters |
| b)
| Ontario Town Board Meeting Minutes – 1/23 |
| c)
| Policy Committee Meeting Minutes – 1/19 |
| d)
| Susan Brown Letter |
| e)
| Revenue Status Report |
| f)
| Budget Status Report |
| g)
| Directory Update |
Att. a
Wayne Central School District
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
PO Box 155
6076 Ontario Center Road
Ontario Center, NY 14520
315-524-1001
January 31, 2006
Mr. Joseph Molino, Supervisor
Ontario Town Hall
1850 Ridge Road
Ontario, NY 14519
Dear Supervisor Molino,
Some events have come to my attention which are of extreme importance to the Wayne Central School District. I have been told that the Town of Ontario Trustees have voted to accept a settlement agreement on the Gulace property covering years through 2002.
This fall you requested that the school district partner with the town and county in this dispute, similar to what was done with the Ginna Power plant. In that case the town, county and school district met several times with the Constellation Company in order to come to an agreement. I believe you’ll agree that the final settlement was one that was quite beneficial to our taxpayers. I hope you’ll also agree that over the last six years the school and the town have worked hard to develop a good working relationship.
Recent action appears to serve to undermine that relationship. To date we have had no meetings between the town, county and school district regarding the Gulace property. The town did not even inform us that you were negotiating with them or that there was a court date. I am shocked that you would request that we join you in defending the assessment and then never informed us of, or invited us to, any of the strategy meetings.
Although we have not received any official information, if the information shared is accurate, it would appear that your decision will cost the taxpayers of the Wayne Central School District $200,000. Again I am mystified as to why you would believe that a discussion with your partner would be unnecessary when it would have such a huge effect on our taxpayers.
Finally, you will recall I reminded the town during the Ginna negotiations, that certain appellate court decisions including, Liberty Mgmt. of N.Y., Inc. v. Assessor of Glenville, have given status to school districts in taxing disputes such as this. In that case the judge ruled that the school district had certain rights, “including the right to reject an unacceptable settlement offer”.
In conclusion, I request an immediate meeting with the town in which all information including the Midland Appraisal can be shared. I am responsible for protecting the school district’s interests and need to understand clearly from you if we are truly partners in this action or if the district needs to pursue independent counsel.
I await your reply.
Respectfully,
Michael Havens
Superintendent of Schools
MH/les
Xc: Board of Education
“Students First ~ Excellence For All”
Wayne Central School District
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
PO Box 155
6076 Ontario Center Road
Ontario Center, NY 14520
315-524-1001
January 31, 2006
Mr. James Switzer, Councilman
Ontario Town Board
1850 Ridge Road
Ontario, NY 14519
Dear Councilman Switzer,
Some events have come to my attention which are of extreme importance to the Wayne Central School District. I have been told that the Town of Ontario Trustees have voted to accept a settlement agreement on the Gulace property covering years through 2002.
This fall Supervisor Molino requested that the school district partner with the town and county in this dispute, similar to what was done with the Ginna Power plant. In that case the town, county and school district met several times with the Constellation company in order to come to an agreement. I believe you’ll agree that the final settlement was one that was quite beneficial to our taxpayers. I hope you’ll also agree that over the last six years the school and the town have worked hard to develop a good working relationship.
Recent action appears to serve to undermine that relationship. To date we have had no meetings between the town, county and school district regarding the Gulace property. The town did not even inform us that you were negotiating with them or that there was a court date. I am shocked that you would request that we join you in defending the assessment and then never informed us of, or invited us to, any of the strategy meetings.
Although we have not received any official information, if the information shared is accurate, it would appear that your decision will cost the taxpayers of the Wayne Central School District $200,000. Again I am mystified as to why you would believe that a discussion with your partner would be unnecessary when it would have such a huge effect on our taxpayers.
Finally, you will recall I reminded the town during the Ginna negotiations, that certain appellate court decisions including, Liberty Mgmt. of N.Y., Inc. v. Assessor of Glenville, have given status to school districts in taxing disputes such as this. In that case the judge ruled that the school district had certain rights, “including the right to reject an unacceptable settlement offer”.
In conclusion, I request an immediate meeting with the town in which all information including the Midland Appraisal can be shared. I am responsible for protecting the school district’s interests and need to understand clearly from you if we are truly partners in this action or if the district needs to pursue independent counsel.
I await your reply.
Respectfully,
Michael Havens
Superintendent of Schools
MH/les
Xc: Board of Education
“Students First ~ Excellence For All”
Att. B
JANUARY 23, 2006
ONTARIO TOWN BOARD MEETING
A regular meeting of the Ontario Town Board was called to order by Supervisor Joseph Molino at 7:00 PM in the Ontario Town Hall. Present were Supervisor Joseph Molino, Council members: Lori Eaton-Smith, Jason Ruffell, Donald Shears, James Switzer, Director of Recreation and Parks William Riddell, Town Attorney Patricia Crippen and Town Clerk Cathy Herzog.
Twenty residents and visitors were present at portions of the meeting.
Mr. Shears led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Mr. Molino announced the following amendments to the agenda:
authorize the Supervisor to execute a memo to proceed with the purchase of the Zoning Code on a disk from General Code Publishers
waive the fee for O.V.E.S. for a building permit
Mr. Switzer asked for an executive session and he noted the meeting would reconvene afterwards.
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to approve the revisions to the agenda as presented. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Approval of Minutes – A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to approve the January 9, 2006 minutes as presented. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Correspondence – The Supervisor received and asked the Town Clerk to read correspondence from the Wayne County Planning Department – Wayne County has been awarded Access to Home funds to assist in home accessibility modifications. This program will enable frail, elderly and persons with disabilities to remain or return to live independently in their homes. This program is for low income persons with disabilities. Grant application and information is available in the Town Clerk’s office.
A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to accept and file the correspondence. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Old Business – None
New Business – A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to accept the Supervisor’s fiscal report for the month of December 2005 as presented. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to adopt a RESOLUTION to authorize the Supervisor to execute the Nutrition Service Contract between the Town of Ontario and the Wayne County Department of Aging and Youth for the calendar year 1/1/06 – 12/31/06. 5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to accept the quote for printing of a town newsletter from Empire State Weeklies: 6,000 copies, 2 page version $717.00, or 6,000 copies, 4 page version $961.00 and authorize the purchase of postage for mailing as needed. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to adopt a RESOLUTION
RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING FARMERS’ MARKET PROPOSAL
WHEREAS, the Economic Development Department was approached by the Downtown Revitalization Committee and the President of the Ontario Chamber of Commerce, and
WHEREAS, the request was for local farmers to have a place to sell their produce, and
WHEREAS, the “downtown” merchants are desirous of increasing foot traffic in the hamlet of the “downtown” area.
BE IT RESOLVED, that a proposal, rules and regulations, budget and plan for a Farmer’s Market on property owned by the town on Furguson Street and the municipal parking lot south of Furguson Street was presented and reviewed by the Ontario Town Board in a workshop on January 16, 2006, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that William I. Riddell, as Director of Economic Development, for the Town of Ontario is HERE BY authorized and directed to proceed with plans to implement a Town of Ontario Downtown Farmers’ Market per the specification, plans and budget dated January 9, 2006 and presented to the Ontario Town Board at a workshop January 16, 2006. 5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mr. Ruffell, seconded by Mr. Swtizer, to authorize the Supervisor to proceed with the purchase of a copy of the Town’s Zoning Chapter on disk for a cost not to exceed $50.00 plus shipping and handling. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to waive the fee for a building permit for the Ontario Volunteer Ambulance Squad for improvements at the ambulance building at 6132 Furnace Road. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Budget Transfers/Adjustments – A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Shears, to approve the following GENERAL FUND budget transfer of $387.50 from A 6989.4 to A 6989.1. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Appointments/Resignations – A motion was made by Mrs. Smith, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to appoint Bert Sanchez as Chairman of the Recreation Advisory Board beginning 1/1/06 -12/31/06. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Reports by Town Board Members –Mr. Switzer stated copies of the 1995 report from the ad hoc committee on town growth have been distributed to the board members. This report is informational for the proposed Comprehensive Plan (CP). There was a discussion on the results and updating the information. Other topics covered by Mr. Switzer included the Bicentennial Committee’s search for a bookkeeper and the Sodus Wind Farm proposal, which he noted, has potential for the town saving energy costs in the future.
Mr. Ruffell stated the electronic version of the Zoning Chapter will allow for editing Zoning at a minor cost. He was interested in the information provided by Mr. Switzer and stated he is looking at other town’s CP and Zoning regulations. He asked to be on the agenda for the next workshop for the CP.
Mrs. Smith stated she has been working with the Town Clerk to secure users for the town’s display case. The high school and middle school musicals will be showcased in March and April and she is working on several other features. (The display case in the foyer of the town hall is available for a one month display by any not-for-profit, school, town or club use. The months of August through November are still available in 2006.)
Mr. Riddell announced he has received an $8,600.00 grant for the Downtown Tree Planting Project from a joint municipal improvement fund administered by Wayne County. He stated he is still waiting for a DEC grant but will be able to go forward with the project based on funding already received.
Mr. Riddell asked if he could give a presentation on the Community Center at the next workshop if time is available.
Mr. Switzer noted a meeting will be held with the town engineers at their office at 2480 Browncroft Blvd. on February 2, 2006 at 4:00 PM. This meeting is for new town board members to bring them up to date on town matters.
Approval of Claims – A motion was made by Mr. Ruffell, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to approve the abstract of claims for the month of January 2006 including vouchers # 102 through
# 210 with a grand total of $131,636.50 and to authorize the Supervisor to issue payments for same. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Comments from the Pubic – Ms. Kayla Schultz, a Wayne Central School advanced government class student, asked about the method of voting. Mr. Molino answered her question.
A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to adjourn for an executive session on pending litigation at 7:20 PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Mr. Switzer stated the board would reconvene the meeting after the executive session.
Reconvene – 8:10 PM
Mr. Switzer gave a brief history on steps taken to adopt a local law for a business improvement district. He stated because a filing deadline had elapsed the board will be re-adopting and renumbering the local law as Local Law # 1 of 2006.
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Shears, to adopt a RESOLUTION
LOCAL LAW #1 OF 2006
BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT
WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Ontario duly adopted a Resolution authorizing the preparation of a District Plan; and
WHEREAS, a District Plan was duly filed in the Office of the Clerk of the Town of Ontario; and
WHEREAS, a Notice of Hearing on the proposed establishment of the Business Improvement District was mailed to all property owners on July 25, 2005 and a Notification of a Hearing having been duly published in the official newspaper for the Town of Ontario; and a Public Hearing having been had and more than 30 days having elapsed since the time of the Hearing;
NOW, THEREFORE, be it RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Ontario that it be and it is determined as follows:
| 1.
| The Notice of Hearing was duly published, posted, and mailed as required by law and is |
otherwise sufficient.
| 2.
| That all of the property within the proposed business improvement area is benefited by the |
proposed District.
| 3.
| That all of the property benefited is included within the proposed District. |
| 4.
| That the requisite number of owners have not objected as provided by Section 980-e of the |
General Municipal Law.
| 5.
| That the proposed method of apportioning the costs of the District is as set forth in the |
District Plan and need no modifications.
| 6.
| It is the public interest to provide for the establishment of a Business Improvement District. |
RESOLVED, that the Town Board for the Town of Ontario does hereby approve and authorize the establishment of a Business Improvement District as set forth in the filed Plan; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the costs of the District are to be apportioned as set forth in the District Plan a copy of which is annexed hereto and made a part hereof; and it is further
RESOLVED, that Local Law # 1 of the year 2006 be and the same hereby is adopted subject to filings as required by law; and it is further
RESOLVED, that the Town Clerk be and she hereby is authorized and directed to file a certified copy of this Resolution and Local Law in the Office of the State of New York Department of Audit and Control in Albany, New York, together with an application for the approval of the State Comptroller within 20 days after the adoption of this Resolution. Dated 1/25/06.
5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mr. Ruffell, to adopt a RESOLUTION directing preparation of a District Plan
In the Matter of the Establishment of a Business Improvement
District within the Town of Ontario, County of Wayne, New York
WHEREAS, the Town of Ontario has had extensive discussion with business owners located on Ridge Road in the Town of Ontario regarding their desire that the Town establish a Business Improvement District; and
WHEARAS, the Town Board has found it to be in the best interest of the community to allow the establishment of a Business Improvement District; and
WHEREAS, a District Plan or “Plan” as defined by Section 980-a of the General Municipal Law of the State of New York must be and has been completed regarding the area aims and cost involved, and
WHEREAS, that Section 980-d requires such a plan be drafted and filed with the Town Clerk prior to establishment of a Business Improvement District; it is therefore
RESOLVED, that the Town Board accepts and files the District Plan with the Town Clerk.
5 Ayes 0 Nays RESOLUTION ADOPTED
A motion was made by Mr. Switzer, seconded by Mrs. Smith, to authorize the Supervisor to execute the Order for the Establishment of a Business Improvement Plan and any necessary documents as directed by the Town Attorney. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
There was a brief discussion on the Business Improvement Plan, the boundaries and the implementation of a District Plan.
Adjourn – A motion was made by Mr. Shears, seconded by Mr. Switzer, to adjourn at 8:16 PM. 5 Ayes 0 Nays MOTION CARRIED
Respectfully submitted,
Cathy Herzog
Ontario Town Clerk
The above minutes will become official upon approval of the town board.
Att. c
POLICY COMMITTEE MEETING MINUTES
DATE: Thursday, January 19, 2006 TIME: 5:15 p.m. PLACE: District Office
PRESENT: Trustees Johnson, Brunner & Davis, Mr. Havens, Mr. Atseff, Mr. Switzer
PRIOR MEETING MINUTES: Minutes of the meeting of January 5, 2006 were filed as presented.
OLD BUSINESS:
| (1)
| Code of Conduct Revisions: Final details were reviewed for the public hearing and first reading of the revisions to the Code of Student Conduct for Athletics & Extra-Curricular Activities on February 9th.
|
| (2)
| Review of Proposed Policy Revisions –First & Second Reading: No comments were heard or received on the following policy items at first reading on January 12th and they were approved for second reading on January 26th.
|
| |
| 1230 – Reporting of Campaign Expenditures
|
| 3410 - Code of Conduct on School Property |
| 1320 – Appointment & Duties of the School District Treasurer 3420 – Harassment & Discrimination
|
| 1420 – Execution of Policy Through Administrative Regulations 5430 – Use of District Credit Cards
|
| 1610 – Voting Procedures for School Elections
|
| 2320 - Policy on Attendance by Board of Education Members @ Conferences, Conventions, Workshops
|
| |
| (3)
| Proposed Wellness & Child Nutrition Policy/Committee: Mr. Johnson reported that the committee is continuing to meet and gather information and work on draft of the new policy. The goal is to have the new policy adopted by the Board of Education and in place by July 1, 2006.
|
| (4)
| Annual Review of Policy 4250 – Evaluation of the Superintendent of Schools: Mrs. Brunner presented suggested modifications for committee review & discussion. The committee will review a working draft at the next meeting.
|
| (5)
| Review of Policy 3150 - School Volunteers: Mr. Havens stated that this item is scheduled for discussion at the January 24th administrative council meeting.
|
| (1)
| Review of 50% of Policy Handbook – Section 4000 – Administration: Mr. Havens and Mr. Atseff reported on review of this section and presented revisions of four (4) items for the committee’s consideration. The committee will review drafts and finalize them for first reading at the Board of Education meeting on February 9th.
|
| (2)
| Proposed New Policies & Regulations Travel & Meals: Mr. Atseff presented drafts of proposed new policies and regulations on Employee Travel & Conference Expenses & on Meals at Meetings as recommended by the independent auditor. Following discussion, the committee approved them for first reading/single review, respectively, at the Board of Education meeting of February 9th.
|
| (3)
| Schedule Review of Required Policy 5530 – Petty Cash Funds: Mr. Davis & Mr. Atseff will present these items at the committee meeting on February 16th.
|
| (4)
| Schedule Review of Required Policy 5690 – Contagious Diseases: Mr. Johnson will present this item at the committee meeting on February 16th.
|
| (5)
| Schedule Review of Required Policies – 7111 – 7113 – Attendance Policies: Mr. Johnson, Mr. Havens and Mr. Switzer will review these items; they were scheduled for the committee meeting of March 2nd.
|
| NEXT MEETING: Thursday, February 16th @ District Office @ 5:15 p.m.
|
ADJOURNMENT: 6:00 p.m.
Recorded by Jim Switzer
(continued…)
NEXT & FUTURE MEETING AGENDA ITEMS:
·
Follow-Up On: Revisions to Section 400 items
·
Follow-Up On: Review of Policy – Second Reading on January 26th
·
Follow-Up On: Proposed Wellness Policy/Committee
·
Follow-Up On: Proposed New Policy & Regulations – Meeting Meals and Travel & Conference
• Follow-Up On: Review of Required Policy 5530 – Petty Cash Funds
• Follow-Up On: Review of Required Policy 5690 – Contagious Diseases
• Follow-Up On: Review of Required Policies – 7111 – 7113 – Attendance Policies
JES/jes:wp
Att. d
Wayne Central School District
Office of the Superintendent of Schools
PO Box 155
6076 Ontario Center Road
Ontario Center, NY 14520
315-524-1001
February 2, 2006
Mrs. Susan Brown
7518 Knickerbocker Road
Ontario, NY 14519
Thank you for your twelve questions at our January 26th Board of Education meeting. I have attempted to answer them below. Hopefully I was able to capture all the questions and provide you with sufficient answers.
| (1)
| Does the middle school’s efforts for co-teaching also include co-planning time for regular education and special education teachers in addition to the planning time allocated for each team of teachers? |
| §
At the present time teachers who are engaged in the co-teaching model of instruction have team time as well as after school time to meet and discuss the different strategies to assist our students with their learning
.
|
| | |
| (2) Is “extra help” provided for students at the middle school who score 4 and above on state exams to enhance their instruction in the same manner as students who need additional support through academic intervention services?
|
| §
For students who earned a Level 4 on the assessments we have been able to provide enrichment in our ELA classes on an individual basis. Teachers have offered enrichment activities for those students who are interested in more challenging curriculum. In addition we do offer accelerated classes for math and science for those students who demonstrate exceptional academic abilities.
|
| | |
| (3) Why are Reading and Special Education teachers excluded from the Summer Bridge Program?
|
| §
These teachers are not excluded in fact we will be hiring teachers from our own staff who are dually certified in reading and or special education to teach the summer program. This will allow students to have the necessary support to be successful in the program.
|
| (4)
| Are the Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students who need the additional academic support included twelve (12) month programs and, if so, the cost for such programs? |
| §
It is not clear to me actually what is being asked but if you are asking if our special education students will be part of the program? The answer is yes, they will be part of the program and we will have to meet their modifications and goals. The cost of including our special education students should not impact the expenditures for the program.
|
| (5)
| What inducements are planned to secure involvement of students and parents in the proposed summer program at the middle school ?
|
| §
After researching the different programs that were successful parents will be involved in their child’s learning by developing programs and assignments that require parent participation. In addition we will be seeking feedback from our Parent Group on ways to increase parental involvement in the program. At the parent night which initiates the
program we will be soliciting parents for their input on how they may be more involved. We will continue to be open to any suggestions people may have to improve our Bridge Program
.
|
| (6)
| Could audience members receive or view copies of the policy proposals considered by the Board of Education at business meetings? |
| §
The Board meeting is a meeting held in the public as it conducts its business. The documents are draft documents for the Board to work with and revise. When the Board holds a public hearing it is an appropriate time to share documents with the audience and to gather input from them. The meeting you attended was a Board meeting not a Public Hearing.
|
| (7)
| Has any consideration been given to including a resident on the policy committee? |
| §
Certain district committees consist of parents, administrators and Board members. Others may consist of only one or more of these groups. Policy committee is very much a Board committee. It has always consisted of Board members.
|
| (8)
| Why is Freewill Elementary School the only building that has a custodian on the evening crew instead of cleaners? |
| §
Freewill is located the greatest distance from the main campus. By having two custodians on duty more of the maintenance work can be done by those two individuals saving trips by the other staff.
|
| (9)
| How has the energy conservation measures announced at prior school board meetings impacted energy uses in the school district? |
| §
Mr. Atseff is researching that question and will follow up with a letter to you.
|
|
| |
| (10) I do not agree with the sentiment expressed this evening that the public at-large would not understand the concept of fund balance and asked if you would consider using the term “contingency fund”?
|
| §
The Board would have to consider the other meanings to that term including meaning the budget used when a proposed budget proposition is defeated by the public.
|
| |
| (11) Has the committee seeking to increase voter turnout for the school election contacted the PTA and parent groups to assist them in that effort?
|
| §
The committee has only had one meeting and has not yet decided who they will be contacting. In the past the parent/teacher groups have been extremely helpful in getting a good voter turn out
.
|
| (12)
| Having witnessed a child on a skateboard holding on to the rear bumper of a school bus I suggest that the municipal recreation and parks’ departments provide a safe location for skateboard activities? |
| §
That is an excellent suggestion. I hope you follow up with a discussion with Supervisor Molino.
|
Sincerely,
Michael Havens
Superintendent of Schools
MH/les
Xc: Board of Education
G. Atseff
“Students First ~ Excellence For All”
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