Regular Meeting June 18, 2013 BOARD OF EDUCATION VALHALLA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT VALHALLA, NEW YORK June 18, 2013

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1 BOARD OF EDUCATION VALHALLA UNION FREE SCHOOL DISTRICT VALHALLA, NEW YORK June 18, 2013 SUBJECT: TIME: PLACE: Board of Education Regular Meeting 7:00 PM Valhalla Middle/High School Library BOE REGULAR MEETING Call to Order: At PM, Ms. Clark presiding. EXIT SIGNS ANNOUNCED TO PUBLIC PLEDGE TO FLAG I. Review and Approval of Board Agenda A motion was made by and seconded by that the board, after review, approves the agenda as presented and/or amended. II. Approval of Board of Education Minutes A motion was made by and seconded by that the minutes of the following meeting be approved as corrected or as presented: May 14, 2013 Budget Hearing / Regular Meeting May 20, 2013 Special Meeting May 21, 2013 Budget & Trustee Election May 28, 2013 Special Meeting June 4, 2013 Work Session III. Acceptance of Financial Report & Budget Transfers: April 2013 & May 2013 A motion was made by and seconded by that the financial reports for April 2013 & May 2013 be approved as presented. Motion. IV. Celebrations Spring Sports Recognition Mr. Jamie Block Resignations / Retirements: o Dr. Steven Garcia, Principal, Valhalla Middle School Dr. Brenda Myers o Marge Carty, Teacher, Kensico School Matthew Curran o Carol Koza, Teacher Aide, Kensico School Matthew Curran o Dr. James Skorney, School Psychologist, VMHS John Salatte Roberto Trigosso - New Middle School Principal Dr. Brenda Myers Short Break for Refreshments V. Superintendents Report Middle School / High School Transition Committee Superintendent Conference Day Plan VI. School Board Report BOE Performance Evaluation Robert Ierace

2 VII. Public Comment Comments will be taken from the public at this time. Comments can pertain to old or new business or can pertain to any agenda item. VIII. SPECIAL AGENDA 1. Approval of High Stakes Testing Resolution A motion was made by and seconded by that the following resolution be adopted: WHEREAS, our nation s and New York State s future well-being relies on a high-quality public education system that prepares all students for college, careers, citizenship and lifelong learning, and strengthens the nation s social and economic well-being; and WHEREAS, our nation s school systems have been spending growing amounts of time, money and energy on high-stakes standardized testing, in which student performance on standardized tests is used to make major decisions affecting individual students, educators and schools; and WHEREAS, the overreliance on high-stakes standardized testing in state and federal accountability systems is undermining educational quality and equity in U.S. public schools by hampering educators' efforts to focus on the broad range of learning experiences that promote the innovation, creativity, problem solving, collaboration, communication, critical thinking and deep subject-matter knowledge that will allow students to thrive in a democracy and an increasingly global society and economy; and WHEREAS, it is widely recognized that standardized testing is an inadequate and often unreliable measure of both student learning and educator effectiveness; and WHEREAS, the over-emphasis on standardized testing has caused considerable collateral damage in too many schools, including narrowing the curriculum, teaching to the test, reducing love of learning, pushing students out of school, driving excellent teachers out of the profession, and undermining school climate; and WHEREAS, high-stakes standardized testing has negative effects for students from all backgrounds, and especially for low-income students, English language learners, children of color, and those with disabilities; and WHEREAS, the culture and structure of the systems in which students learn must change in order to foster engaging school experiences that promote joy in learning, depth of thought and breadth of knowledge for students; therefore be it RESOLVED that Valhalla Union Free School District calls on Governor Cuomo, Commissioner King, the State legislature, and the Board of Regents to reexamine public school accountability systems in this state, including the Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR) and to develop a system based on multiple forms of assessment which does not require extensive standardized testing, more accurately reflects the broad range of student learning, and is used to support students and improve schools; and RESOLVED, that that Valhalla Union Free School District calls on the U.S. Congress and Administration to overhaul the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (currently known as the No Child Left Behind Act"), reduce the testing mandates, promote multiple forms of evidence of student learning and school quality in accountability, and not mandate any fixed role for the use of student test scores in evaluating educators.

3 2. Approval to Accept Resignation A motion was made by and seconded by that upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the board accepts, with deep regret, the resignation, for the purpose of retirement, of Dr. James Skorney a school psychologist in the district assigned to the Valhalla Middle/High School effective June 30, Approval to Appoint Science Teacher A motion was made by and seconded by that the following resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, Cristina Conciatori, who possesses a Professional Certificate in Biology 7-12, and a Professional Certificate in Chemistry 7-12, be appointed as a 1.0 FTE Science Teacher in the district with a three year probationary period in the tenure area Science effective September 1, 2013 and ending June 30, 2016 at a salary of $75,392 (MA, Step 7). Motion. 4. Approval to Recall from Preferred Eligible List a. A motion was made by and seconded by that the following resolution be adopted: BE IT RESOLVED that Michelle Della Sala is hereby recalled from the preferred eligibility list in the Elementary tenure area to a full-time Elementary teaching position, in the Elementary tenure area, effective September 1, b. A motion was made by and seconded by that the following resolution be adopted: BE IT RESOLVED that Clinton Pierce is hereby recalled from the preferred eligibility list in the English as a Second Language tenure area to a full-time English as a Second Language teaching position, in the English as a Second Language tenure area, effective September 1, Approval of Donation a. A motion was made by and seconded by that the Board accepts a donation in the amount of $ from the Mattison Family to be used in the Christopher Mattison Computer Lab at the Valhalla High School at the discretion of the computer teachers (per donor request). b. A motion was made by and seconded by that the Board accepts a donation of an 8 Orion Dobsonian Reflector Telescope with base and eyepieces, to be used in the High School Science classes, from David Mintzes, a teacher in the district. 6. Approval of Unpaid Leaves of Absence A motion was made by and seconded by that the following resolution be adopted: BE IT RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the Board of Education grants Donna D Apice, a teacher aide in the district, a four day, unpaid leave of absence on October 4, 7, 10, and 11, Motion. End of Special Agenda IX. CONSENT AGENDA The following recommendations will be moved as one item. A motion was made by and seconded by that the Board of Education approves the consent agenda as presented and/or amended.

4 SUPERINTENDENTS RECOMMENDATIONS Personnel - Teachers 1. Approval of Long Term Substitute Teachers a. Approval that the following Resolution be adopted: RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, Kerry Dinsmore, who possesses an Initial Certificate in English Language Arts 7-12 and an Initial Extension in English Language Arts 5-6, be appointed as a Long Term Substitute Teacher in the District effective September 1, 2013 for a maximum period through June 30, 2014 to serve at the pleasure of the Board assigned to the Valhalla Middle/High School at a salary of $72,493 (MA, Step 6). b. Approval that the following Resolution be adopted: RESOLVED that upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, Anthony DiBenedetto, who possesses an Initial Certificate in Mathematics 5-12 be appointed as a Long Term Substitute Teacher in the District effective September 1, 2013 for a maximum period through June 30, to serve at the pleasure of the Board assigned to the Valhalla High School at a salary of $64,446 (MA, Step 3). 2. Approval of Amendment to Annual Appointments Advisors/Co-Curricular Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the following annual appointments be amended for the school year with the salary determined per negotiated agreement: Peer Leadership Club Charlene Bosco $2,359 (to be shared equally with Stacey Gagliardi) 3. Approval of Annual Appointments Advisors/Co-Curricular Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the following annual appointments be made for the school year at a salary determined per negotiated agreement: Peer Leadership Club Stacey Gagliardi $2,359 (to be shared equally with Charlene Bosco) Personnel School Related Personnel 1. Approval of Resignation a. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, the board accepts, with regret, the resignation of Keri Torsiello, a teacher aide at Virginia Road School effective June 30, b. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, the board accepts, with regret, the resignation of Shana Jones, a teacher aide at Kensico School effective July 1, Approval to Appoint Teacher Aides a. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, Amanda Hughes be appointed as a Teacher Aide in the district assigned to the Virginia Road School effective July 1, 2013 at a salary determined by negotiated contract $32,135 Step 5. b. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, Denise Herrera be appointed as a Special Education Teacher Aide in the district assigned to the Virginia Road School effective July 1, 2013 with a week probationary period at a salary determined by negotiated contract $28,458 Step 3. c. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, Jessie Fierro be appointed as a Teacher Aide in the district assigned to the Virginia Road School effective July 1, 2013 with a week probationary period at a salary determined by negotiated contract $24,778 Step 1.

5 Other Business 1. Approval of Substitute Teacher List Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the following be placed on the Substitute Teacher List for the 2012/13 school year: Brianna Cosenza 2. Approval of Affirmation of Paper Ballots Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers the following resolution be adopted: RESOLVED, that after confirmation by the Board of Elections, the Board of Education accepts the Affidavit paper Ballot figures as follows: Proposition #1 YES 5 NO 0 LaVerne Clark 4 Joseph Garbus 3 3. Approval to Adopt Policy Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, the board adopts the following policies as presented and/or corrected: #8272 Student, Staff and Visitors Use of Computerized Information Resources (Acceptable Use Policy) SPECIAL EDUCATION RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Approval of CSE and CPSE Recommendations Upon the recommendation of the Committee on Special Education, the Committee on Pre-School Special Education and the 504/ADA Accommodation Team as of June 18, 2013 be accepted and placements be arranged as follows (ATTACHMENTS in supportive folder and will become part of the minutes of this meeting). 2. Approval of Contracted Personnel Summer and School Year 2013/14 Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the following contracts be authorized for the summer and school year for mandated special education services: Cathyann Kurlander Occupational Therapist $90/hr. session/ Maximum $75,000 HTA Parent Training/ $95/hr. session/ Maximum $8, Psychologist 64.5 hours for school year Occupational Therapist $77 per ½ hour session Max - $6, hours for school year Susan Doherty Speech Therapist $110/45 min session, 2x weekly $1,320 Maximum - Summer Only Absolute Home Healthcare Nurses $34/hr. LPN - $39.36/hr. RN $56,000 Maximum AND ANY OTHER NURSING SERVICE BASED ON AVAILABILITY Jacqueline A. Fisher Oral/Motor Feeding Therapist $12,880 Maximum Heather Wilson Physical Therapy $90/hr. session/ Maximum $50, Approval to Appoint Summer CPSE Chairperson Upon the recommendation of Dr. Myers, Marisa Albano shall be appointed as the CPSE Chairperson for the 2012 Summer period at an hourly salary based upon a salary of $59,584 (MA, Step 1, pro-rated) determined by negotiated contract. 4. Approval of Special Education Consortium Upon the recommendation of John Salatte, the Board of Education approves the Mid-Westchester Consortium School District Special Education Programs for the school year to provide appropriate special education placements in a quality and cost effective manner.

6 5. Approval of Educational Services Contract a. Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the Board of Education approves a contract for education services for placement of a student in the district with the Lavelle School for the Blind for the school year in the amount of $70,172 subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released. b. Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the Board of Education approves a contract for education services for placement of 3 (three) students in the district with The Devereux Foundation for the school year in the amount of $158,000 subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released. c. Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the Board of Education approves a contract for education services for placement a student in the district with Cerebral Palsy of Westchester for the school year in the amount of $36,621 per student subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released. d. Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the Board of Education approves a contract for education services for placement a student in the district with Westchester Exceptional Children, Inc. for the school year in the amount of $34,124 per student subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released. e. Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the Board of Education approves a contract for education services for placement 2 (two) students in the district with New York School for the Deaf for the school year in the amount of $230,000 per student subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released. 6. Approval of Children s Residential Contract Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the board approves a contract with The Center for Discovery, Inc. for the placement of a student in a children s residential program in the amount of $66,350 per student subject to change when the current year rates from NYS are released 7. Approval of Medicaid Services Contract Upon the recommendation of Mr. John Salatte, the board approves a contract with Management Advisory Group Business Operations, Inc. to provide Medicaid filing services for the school year at a cost of $4,250 and that the board President is authorized to sign the contract. SCHOOL BUSINESS OFFICIALS RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Approval of Renewal of Lease Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the following resolution be adopted: Resolved, that the Board approves the renewal of the lease between Valhalla UFSD and Easter Seals NY INC for the period July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 for the lease of the Columbus Avenue School Building, 70 Columbus Ave., Valhalla, NY in the amount of $194,406.00, and that the Board President is authorized to sign the agreement. 2. Approval of Contracts a. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves a contract with Karin B. Reets, Let s Make Books, an art residency teaching class at Virginia Road School, in the amount of $2,300. b. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves a contract with City Winds Trio LLC, for 4 first grade performances of Peter and the Wolf/Classical Music Programs on May 31, 2013 in the amount of $1,200. c. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves a contract and Property Access Agreement with Cablevision Lightpath, Inc., for high speed internet and telephone service as part of the Westchester County Government contract number IT-233 in the amount of $4,800 per month. d. Upon the recommendation of Dr. Brenda Myers, Dr. Traci Furbert Gardner is appointed District Medical Officer for the school year at an annual fee of $32,640 and that the board president is authorized to execute a contract.

7 3. Approval of Intermunicipal Transportation Agreement Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the Board of Education approves an Intermunicipal Agreement between Valhalla UFSD and Mount Pleasant CSD for the purpose of shared transportation services for the year. 4. Approval to Accept Intermunicipal Transportation Bid Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the Intermunicipal Transportation Bid (10:00 AM) dated June 14, 2013 be awarded to TLC Transportation, 390 Riverdale Ave., Yonkers, NY as follows: Proposal #1 Summer 2013 Transportation $3,622 per month monitor $800 per month Proposal # School Year Trans $3,222 per month monitor $800 per month 5. Approval to Dispose of Equipment a. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves the disposal of 6 incubators and 6 egg turners from the Kensico School. b. Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves the disposal of multiple books from the Middle/High School library due to age, mold and outdated information. 6. Approval to Amend Contract Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the contract with Jacqueline A Fisher, a therapist in the district, which was approved by the Board of Education at the meeting of July 10, 2012, be increased to $12,880 (increase of $880.00). 7. Acceptance of Internal Audit Report Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board accepts the internal audit report of Tobin & Co., CPA, PC for the year ending June 30, Approval of SEQRA Resolution Ceiling Project Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves the following resolution: Whereas, the Board of Education of the Valhalla Union Free School District is planning a project to replace original acoustic ceilings in the Jr/Sr High School; and Whereas, the Board of Education wishes to comply with the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA); and Whereas, the Board of Education has reviewed the components, phases and aspects of the Proposed Project; and Whereas, the Board of Education has reviewed the Proposed Project with respect to the Type II criteria set forth in the SEQRA Regulations at 6 NYCRR Part and has determined that the Proposed Project is a Type II Action pursuant to Section 617.5(c)(1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations; Therefore, be it resolved, that the Board of Education of the Valhalla Union Free School District is hereby designated Lead Agency under the State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA) for the proposed project; and Be it further resolved, that the Board of Education hereby determines that the Proposed Project is a Type II action pursuant to Section 617.5(c) (1), (2) & (8) of the SEQRA Regulations and will not have a significant adverse impact on the environment and that no further review of the Proposed Project is required. 9. Approval of Appropriation of Funds Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves the following resolution: WHEREAS, the voters of the District approved the School District budget that includes a transfer to capital for the purpose of the ceiling replacement project at Jr/Sr High School.

8 BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board hereby appropriates the sum of $375,811 from unassigned unreserved fund balance for the school year, and authorizes and directs the School Business Administrator to transfer the amount of $375,811 from unassigned unreserved fund balance for the school year to the District Capital Fund to be used for the ceiling replacement project. 10. Approval of Emergency Resolution for Boiler System Replacement Upon the recommendation of Mrs. Howe, the board approves the following resolution: WHEREAS, the boiler system at the Valhalla High School ( High School ) is past its useful life, inoperative and needs to be replaced immediately in order to ensure that there will be adequate heat at the High School, when needed, during the school year; and WHEREAS, according to the District s Architects, KG&D Architects, the lack of a properly functioning boiler system at the High School creates a health and safety issue for the students, staff and others in the building; and WHEREAS, the boiler system replacement is a component of the District s energy performance contract with Johnson Controls, Inc. which has been submitted to the New York State Education Department for review and approval; and WHEREAS, the Board is empowered to determine that the expense of this activity is an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of 2023 of the New York State Education Law and 170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and that the project constitutes an emergency; THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education hereby determines and declares that the cost of the Valhalla High School boiler system replacement, including incidental costs and expenses, constitutes an ordinary contingent expense within the meaning of 2023 of the Education Law and 170.2(l) of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education, and that the project constitutes an emergency, and hereby authorizes the expenditure of a sum not to exceed $3,735,478 for the energy performance contract, as may be approved by the New York State Education Department, which includes the boiler system replacement at the High School, with such sum to be funded through a Master Lease Purchase Agreement, the annual savings from which will pay for the cost of the energy performance contract; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby determines that the High School boiler system replacement project will not have a significant environmental impact and declares this project a Type II Action pursuant to of the State Environmental Quality Review Act, and no further action is required; and BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board hereby authorizes the Superintendent of Schools or designee to undertake whatever actions are necessary in order to effectuate the purposes of this emergency resolution. End of Consent Agenda XI. Adjournment