Niskayuna Central School District Board of Education

Niskayuna Central School District
Board of Education
Regular Meeting – February 24, 20151
AGENDA
W = Written
O = Oral
I = Information
A = Action
1. Approval of Agenda
Board President
W/A
2. Approval of Proposed Minutes
a) Board of Education - Regular Meeting February 10, 2015
b) Audit Committee Meeting – December 12, 2014
Board President
W/A
3. Comments
a) Superintendent
b) Board Members
c) Students
2
d) Community – Privilege of the Floor
4. Policy
a) 9270.1 Substitute Teachers – Second Reading
and possible adoption
b) Substitute Rates for 2014-15 as Revised
5. Special Items
a) Enrollment Projections
b) Middle School Before- and After-School Program
6. Students
a) Placements for CSE, CPSE and 504 Committees
and Agreed upon Amendments
b) School Sponsored Student Trip – Horticulture Club to Boston
O/I
Policy Committee
W/A
Superintendent
Andy Katz, JCC
W/I
O/I
Mark Treanor
W/A
7. Instruction
a) Textbook Approval – Maus II
Gemmill
b) Draft 2015-16 District Calendar
th
c) School Sponsored Student Trip – 8 Grade French to Montreal, Canada
8. Personnel
a) Regular Staffing Actions
9. Business
a) Treasurer’s Report – January 2015
b) School Lunch Report
c) Budget Transfer
10. Other Items
a) Nomination to BOCES Board Seat
W/A
Mark Treanor
W/A
Nyc-Chevrier
W/A
W/I
W/A
Board President
W/A
Board President
O/A
11. Executive Session
a) Update on Contract Negotiations
12. Adjournment
1
This meeting will be held in the Board of Education Conference Room located at 1239 Van Antwerp Road, Niskayuna, New York
and will begin at 7:00 p.m.
2
Privilege of the floor shall be extended to persons who wish to share their thoughts with the Board of Education. Each speaker is
requested to complete the speaker form and submit it to the Board President prior to the meeting. The Board of Education reserves
the right to limit this portion of comments to 30 minutes in order to complete its public business in an efficient fashion. Additional
comments will be taken prior to adjournment.
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
FEBRUARY 10, 2015
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD PRESENT: Mr. David Apkarian, Ms. Debra Gordon, Ms. Patricia Lanotte, Mrs. Barbara Mauro
(arrived at 6:35), Ms. Rosemarie Perez-Jaquith (arrived at 6:45 p.m.), Mr. Bob Winchester
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ABSENT: Mr. Kevin Laurilliard
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Mr. John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Lauren Gemmill, Assistant
Superintendent for Instruction, Ms. Carrie Nyc-Chevrier, Director of Business and Finance, Mr. Mark Treanor, Director of
Student and Staff Support Services
ALSO ATTENDING: Matt Leon, Communications Specialist, Community, Parents and Faculty Members
___________________________________________________________________________________________
President Lanotte called the Regular Meeting of the Niskayuna Board of Education to order
at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria of Craig Elementary School.
Call to Order
Craig Principal Bill Anders introduced the Students First Presentation to the Board by Craig
4th grade teachers and students. The students displayed and discussed their project work
on the Iroquois.
Students First –
Craig Elementary
1. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education appove the agenda for the meeting. Mr.
Winchester seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Approve Agenda
2. Mr. Winchester moved that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the regular
meeting of the Board of Education on January 27, 2015. Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion
carried 6-0.
Approve Minutes
3. Interim Superintendent John Yagielski spoke about the difficulty we have been
experiencing with the gym floor at Van Antwerp. Water damage under the wood lifted it up in
a couple of areas. While getting estimates on repair, testing was done, during which
asbestos was found to be in the adhesive under the floor. Although there is no risk in its
current state, the district is moving as quickly as possible to get this problem taken care of.
We have worked with New York State to get an emergency declaration and will begin the
asbestos abatement during recess. Once it is removed and cleared, another floor will be
installed, taking us into the return of school. Steps are being taken to continue the p.e.
program until work is completed. The posting regarding the asbestos abatement will be up
shortly.
Reports –
Superintendent’s
Report
Yesterday, the school district used its second snow day. What may not be realized is that
that is the number of snow days that were built into this year’s calendar. Based on a 180day student instruction requirement from NYS, students would need to come in for another
day of instruction if another snow day is necessary. Q. Are we in jeopardy of pulling from
vacation days if there are more? A. Yes, we would have to use an “open” day.
Superintendent Yagielski has started working with the adopted BOCES calendar for 2015-16,
and has put together a first draft of a calendar for next year. He may adjust the district
calendar so that there will be 183 days of instruction, allowing up to three snow days next
year before there is concern about not having enough days of instruction.
He also noted that Labor Day 2015 falls in a very odd spot. If you try to get 182-183 days
into the calendar next year with all of the traditions that we have, we can barely get it all in.
We will have to start school in early September, prior to Labor Day. It will be an unusual
calendar largely because of when Labor Day falls.
The Board of Education was represented at:
Board Reports
Glencliff, Van Antwerp, Rosendale and Birchwood PTO (playground replacement project)
meetings. The High School PTO meeting was cancelled due to weather.
February 10, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting of the Board of Education
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Page 1
Hall of Fame Selection Committee, Hillside Ziti Dinner, Class Size Management Work Group,
Transparency Work Group (will come forward with bullet list of key ideas in March),
Legislative Budget meeting where John Yagielski testified on behalf of the Educational
Conference Board
Board Reports –
(continued)
Good News:
Congratulations to the three Niskayuna High School wrestlers who won Class A titles this
past weekend.
Nisk-Art Gallery will celebrate 25 years with an exhibit of alumni art work, opening on March
25. Entries from the graduating classes of 1990-2014 will be accepted through February 28.
Details are on the website.
Eighteen middle and high school students from grades 6-12 were selected to perform at the
2015 Schenectady All-County Music Festival held this past weekend at Schalmont.
Congratulations to the Iroquois Math Counts team for placing 3rd in the regional qualifier at
RPI, and thanks to volunteer parent coach Steven Schmidt. Good luck at States!
Congratulations to Niskayuna Science teachers Mary Hanchar and Paul Scott who, among
237 others statewide, became Master Teachers this year.
Twelve Niskayuna High School Students have received the 2015 New York State Merit
Scholarship for Academic Excellence. This scholarship is based on a weighted score of NYS
regents examinations taken throughout high school. Of those selected, the weighted regents
score average ranged from 94.8 to 99.3%.
Upcoming:
Community Forum on Flexible Attendance Zones, Wednesday, February 11 at 7:00 p.m. in
Craig School Cafeteria.
“Fool the Eye” art exhibit runs from February 17 – March 11 at Proctor’s Theatre and
involving exhibits from grades 7-12 students, including eight from Niskayuna.
Student Reports
Student Report:
Students Matthew Mizbani, Michael Makoutonin, Chrissy Li, Eileen Ofori, Veronica Liu, Samir
Menon and Noah Rohde invited members of the Board of Education to the next Student
Drop-In Session at the high school on March 3 at 7:00 p.m. in the high school library. The
students brought the following to the attention of the Board:
Code of Conduct is somewhat outdated. Although updated annually, it may be necessary
to revise it further to reflect current technology and standards. The use of cell phones
throughout the day was specifically mentioned as needing clarification.
“Sweets Law” - Section 915 of education law prohibits the distribution of certain candies
during the school day. It does not appear that we are complying with that at the high school.
There was concern that, as juniors, students are not aware of steps needed and
preparation that can be made for the college application process. A possible cause is lack of
time available to counselors to devote to this. Possible suggestions included a feedback
session after college night, Saturday sessions for students and parents, and a focus on the
website at the counseling center.
There were no comments from the community.
Comments from
the Community
4. Policy
Policy –
a. Policy 9270.1 Substitute Teachers – First Read
Interim Superintendent John Yagielski saw a need to look at this policy when a
substitute was needed in a math department position at the high school. In order to
not shortchange either our students, or the teacher in question, he found it hard to
stay exactly within the current policy. So, he asked the Board for an adjustment.
Mrs. Mauro, Chair of the Board Policy Committee, noted that the current policy has
five levels of payment. Keeping with that, but adding some language from the Erie I
BOCES proposed policy and New York State regulations, she proposed the attached
first read of amended Policy 9270.1 for the Board’s consideration.
February 10, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Policy 9270.1
Substitute
Teachers
First Read
Page 2
5. Student Placements
a. Mr. Winchester moved that the Board of Education approve the recommendations of the
Committee on Special Education, the Committee on Preschool Special Education, the 504
Committee and agreed upon amendments as per ASM 5a. Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion
carried 6-0.
Student
Placements –
CSE, CPSE and
504
Instruction –
6. Instruction
a. Instructional Planning – Structures and Processes, presented to the Board of
Education by Interim Superintendent John Yagielski, speaks to where the district is
going instructionally speaking. When he first came to Niskayuna, he had stated that
this district has all the key assets of an outstanding district. However, it has lacked a
clear and unified organizational focus, and there had been little evidence of
thoughtful long-range planning. The most pressing need is to establish
unequivocally that student learning is our focus. There has been a restructure at the
district level, consolidating leadership for instruction, with an eye to improving the
balance of instructional support for all of our schools. The approach is to redefine
roles and responsibilities of princials and directors, and consolidate levels of
instruction. The agenda was to develop instructional expectations which embrace
the underlying intentions of the Common Core by having our own faculty develop our
own Niskayuna curriculum. It is important to shift our focus from teaching to student
learning through greater student engagement. We must also strive for a balanced
assessment plan, meeting SED requirements for accountability, with timely
information to identify student needs.
Instructional
Planning
Presentation
We need to establish clear and consistent structures and processes for formally and
regularly reviewing and updating all of our k-12 instructional programs. In keeping
with the tradition of our school district, we must set instructional expectations that
clearly exceed New York State minimum requirements. How do we do this? By
placing structures and processes in place that will help us do that:
Instructional Program Advisory Council (IPAC)Develop a clear description of the knowlege ,skill and attitudes that all students
should possess upon graduation. Called a “Profile of a Niskayuna Graduate” , this
will be written graduation expectations for each of our program areas including
grade/course expectations at each grade level and instructional objectives for each
grade.
District Curriculum and Assessment Council - is the first step away from the big
picture, organizing our own staff to accomplish the goals of the Instructional Program
Advisory Council. Membership would include the Assistant Superintendent for
Instruction, K-12 instructional program leaders (directors), teachers and Board of
Education members.
Instructional Program Review Process – Next, we need to engage others inside the
organization as review teams. The key steps to be taken are to finish redefinining
roles and responsibilities of principals and directors. This will include supporting and
monitoring the department teacher leader pilot. Then, we will refine and finalize all
elements of the Instructional Program Planning and Support. The target will be to
have the IPAC and District Curriculum and Assessment Council functioning by
September 2015. Lastly, the goal is to finalize a multi-year plan for investing in our
own faculty, and developing our own common core aligned curriculum. We can fund
these efforts through a combination of Title II Grant funds and a General Fund
appropriation - $140,000 per year.
February 10, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Page 3
b. Report on English Language Learner Changes - Marie Digirolamo, Director of
Foreign Language and ESL (English as a Second Language) detailed some
upcoming changes to Part 154 of the Commissioner’s Regulations, which deals with
ESL students. Our district currently has about 87 students in this program, who are
pulled out in small groups and given instruction in that model. The program is
successful, based on students proficiency in English (NYSSESLAT Exam) and ability
to be on track to graduate. Beginning in 2015-16 ESL will now be called ENL
(English as a New Language) and will be given to the students, at least in part,
through a co-teach model. No more that two contiguous grades will be grouped
together. Transitional services will be doubled to two years. Some of the changes
come with an increase in potential costs. There will be an increased need for
translators and ENL teachers.
Report on English
Language
Learners
c. The Board received information on a requested textbook, Maus II, by Art
Spiegelman, published by Pantheon/Knopf Doubleday, copyright 1991, for use in
10th grade English classes. It has been requested, in part, in response to a
Common Core shift toward having additional genres of literature available. The book
will be available in Mrs. Vertigan’s office for review, and will be brought to the Board
for approval at the next regular meeting.
Textbook
Information –
Maus II
7. Personnel
Personnel –
a. Mr. Winchester moved that the Board of Education upon the recommendation of the
Interim Superintendent of Schools, approve the following personnel actions per ASM 7a.
Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Regular
Personnel
Actions
a.
Instructional – Appointment- Department Teacher Leader
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Stipend
Ihnatoyla, Annemarie English
1/30/15- 6/30/15
3% of base salary, pro-rated
Melito, Peter
Social Studies 1/30/15- 6/30/15
3% of base salary, pro-rated
Niro-Booth, Michelle
Special Ed.
1/30/15- 6/30/15
3% of base salary, pro-rated
Instructional
Appointment –
Department
Teacher Leader
b.
Non-Instructional – Appointment- Adjustment
Name
Assignment
Grassia, Nicole
S/CA/TRANS from 4.75 to 5.0 hrs/day
Rodriguez, Nellie
S/CA/TRANS from 4.5 to 5.0 hrs/day
c.
Non-Instructional – Appointment- Permanent
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Jurewicz, Timothy
Grice, Mary Anne
Kaehler, Phyllis F
Palmer, Pamela
Warzek, Thomas
Toth, Renee
Rush, Katrine
1/26/15
1/28/15
1/28/15
1/28/15
1/28/15
1/28/15
1/28/15
d.
Musical
Name
Hughes, Eric
Pizzino-Catalano, Christina
Sausa-Gatta, Michelle
Koste, Tracy
Rice, Diane
DeLuca, Christina
Borges, Linda
February 10, 2015__
Date
Effective Date
2/1/15
2/1/15
HSBD/TRANS
FSH/GLE
SH/IRO
FSH/BIR
FSH/IRO
FSH/VAN
Cook/GLE
Non-Instructional
Appointment
Non-Instructional
Appointment Permanent
Musical
Assignment
Salary as per contract
Director/Producer
$4,285.00
Vocal Director
$1,462.00
Stage Manager/Art Direction
$1,325.00
Business and Ticket Manager $474.00
Advertising and Promotion
$237.00
Publicity Manager
$237.00
Hair/Makeup Design
$237.00
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Page 4
e.
Appointment of Approved Staff – These staff have received fingerprint
clearance from SED
Name
Ali, Farheen
Angermeier, Nicole
Carpenter, Diana
Clinton, Meredith
Coacci, Christina
Conyers, Melissa
Dariano, Carrie
Delansky, Hannah
Gatt, Ryan
Inthavong, Kayla
LaJoy, Kimberly
Magyar, Tyler
Roberts, Brittany
Tapler, Ian
Whitfield, Kevin
Malo, Korynn
Otty, Melanie
f.
g.
Assignment
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Food Service Helper
Substitute Teaching Assistant
Resignation– Non-Instructional
Name
Carriero, Casey
Resignation
Non-Instructional
Assignment
Special Ed.
Effective Date
1/31/15
Retirement – Instructional
Name
Redbord, Diane
Assignment
Reading/IRO
Retirement Instructional
Effective Date
6/30/15
Years of Service
28
b. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim
Superintendent of Schools, approve the following coaches and salaries for the Spring
Interscholastic Sports Program per ASM 7 b. Mr. Winchester seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
SPORT
Crew-Boys
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Modified
Mod Assistant
COACH
SALARY
Mike Gilbert
Kelly Lyschynsky
Molly Grygiel
Scott Meade
$4,415
2,892
2,711
2,349
Crew-Girls
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Modified
Mod Assistant
Stacy Apfelbaum
Christopher Grygiel
Lucas LoRe
Katie Mausert
$3,615
2,892
2,711
2,349
Baseball
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Freshman
th
8 Grade
Volunteer
Volunteer
John Furey
Matt Flynn
Peter Furey
Anthony Fallacaro
Mike Black
Chris Bianchi
$5,189
4,326
2,541
1,864
February 10, 2015__
Date
Appointment of
Approved Staff
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Spring Coaches -
Page 5
Lacrosse-Boys
Varsity
Varsity Assistant
Junior Varsity
th
8 Grade
Volunteer
Mike Vorgang
Chris Delano
Andrew Rizzi
Frank Adamo
PJ WIlliams
$5,189
4,096
4,096
2,909
Lacrosse-Girls
Varsity
Varsity Assistant
Junior Varsity
th
8 Grade
Jason Bach
Noreen Holl
Katie Tiscione
Mark Welge
$4,929
2,711
2,711
1,864
Softball
Varsity
Junior Varsity
th
8 Grade
Jules Paul
TBD
TBD
$3,389
Tennis-Boys
Varsity
Junior Varsity
Jim Neal
Maureen Trefethen
$5,189
4,096
Outdoor Track-Boys
Varsity Head
Varsity Assistant
Varsity Assistant (.5)
Varsity Assistant (.5)
Volunteer
Jason DeRocco
Debbie Harris
Elizabeth Moran
Richard Oden
John Reilly
$5,415
3,597
1,446
1,446
Outdoor Track-Girls
Varsity Head
Varsity Assistant
Varsity Assistant
Mike Peters
John Sharkey
Talene Schaffer
$5,155
4,277
2,892
Spring Coaches –
(continued)
8. Business –
Business –
a. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim
Superintendent of Schools, approve the following (attached) resolution declaring the
replacement of the Van Antwerp Middle School gym floor an emergency project and the
appropriation of $185,000 to the Transfer to Capital budget line (A9950.900-50-0000). Mr.
Apkarian seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Emergency
Resolution – Van
Antwerp Gym
Floor
b. Mr. Winchester moved that the Board of Education,upon the recommendation of the
Interim Superintendent of Schools, award the 2014-2015 Groceries, Snacks and Beverages
Bid per ASM 7b in part to:
Sysco
$ 51,807.28
US Foods
17, 519.28
Ginsberg’s
14,742.48
DeCrescente
9,296.00
Roberts Foods
5,772.78
By George
3,908.05
TOTAL
$103, 045.87
Revised Bid
Award Groceries
This is a revised award based on an error in the pricing provided by one vendor.
Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
February 10, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Page 6
c. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim
Superintendent of Schools, approve contracts with the following districts for the 2014-15
school year to provide health and welfare services to Niskayuna resident students attending
non-public schools located within their district:
Health and
Welfare Services
Contracts
North Greenbush Common School District for three (3) students at a rate of $250.44 for a
total of $751.32
South Colonie Central School District for thirty-two (32) students at a rate of $637.78 for a
total of $20,408.96. Mr. Winchester seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
d. Mr. Winchester moved to accept the attached budget transfer as per ASM 8d. Mrs.
Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Budget Transfer
9. Other Items
Other –
a) One Board member noted that Mr. Laurilliard provided some suggested changes in the
RFP for Legal Services.
RFP Legal
Services
10. Executive Session
Executive
Session
Mr. Winchester moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Interim
Superintendent of Schools, convene to Executive Session to discuss matters made
confidential by state and federal law, collective negotiations and a specific contractual issue.
Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0. (9:02 p.m.)
Return to Public Session
11. Adjournment
Adjournment
There being no further business, Mr. Winchester moved to adjourn at 10:16 p.m. Mrs.
Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
February 10, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Craig Elementary School Cafeteria
Where held
Page 7
Minutes: NCSD Board Audit
Committee Meeting
Dec. 12, 2014
8:00 a.m. – 9:40 a.m.
District Board Room
Meeting called by
Patricia Lanotte called the meeting to order at 8:00 a.m.
Type of meeting
Niskayuna Central School District, Board Audit Committee, Regular
Meeting
Note taker
Barbara Mauro
Attendees
School Board Audit Committee Members: David Apkarian, Patricia
Lanotte and Barbara Mauro; Audit committee Community Members Fred
Shellard and Michael Foley; Interim Superintendent John Yagielski;
Director Business and Finance Carrie Nyc-Chevrier; Accounting
Supervisor John Tamburello; Kenneth Ziobrowski, CIA, CFE, Questar III
BOCES.
I. Annual Update of Questar III BOCES Financial Risk
Assessment (May 16, 2014):
Overview of meeting : Ken Ziobrowski reviewed the annual update of the financial risk
assessment report completed by Questar III BOCES, which had been provided to NCSD on
May 16, 2014. A copy of the full report is attached to these minutes.
Ken explained that his office makes suggestions, but it is up to the district to take corrective
actions. He asked the committee to consider “what kind of audit do you want next time?”
John Yagielski: staffing adequacies. Fred Shellard: Need to understand the materiality and
risk level.
Ken reviewed the report section by section, answering questions during the review. At the
conclusion of his review, Carrie Nyc-Chevrier updated the committee on corrective actions
made to date.
Background on the reason for the report:
The Questar III BOCES cover
letter to the report explains the purpose, the legal requirement for the annual updates, and
the methodology for carrying out the risk assessment:
“We have completed the annual update of the financial risk assessment for the Niskayuna Central
School District. The basis for our current report was the initial financial risk assessment. One of the
requirements of the 2005 School Financial Oversight and Accountability legislation is to update the risk
assessment annually. Our engagement was designed to revisit the risks identified in the previously
issued report and provide a report on the organization’s steps taken to mitigate those risks. As well as
identifying new risks as conditions change within the district.
The purpose of the financial risk assessment was to review the internal controls that the district has in
1
place to prevent errors, detect fraud and ensure that financial reporting is accurate and that the district
assets are safeguarded. In conducting the financial risk assessment, we considered significant classes of
assets and transactions. We interviewed key staff to obtain an understanding of the financial processes.
We noted some areas where the district could improve the internal control structure. Our
recommendations follow in the attached report.”
Pages 1 – 3 of the report: (1) summarized inherent risk areas that impact all school districts;
and (2) listed specific functional areas and the changes in the risk classification for each
functional area from the prior year to the current year for NCSD.
II. Previously identified functional areas of concern and
progress to date
Prior Year’s Comments and Recommendations: (1) Cash (Balances, Receipts, and
Disbursements) and Credit cards; (2) Extra-classroom; (3) Medicaid Revenues;
(4) Purchasing; (5) Board Policies.
(1)
(A). Cash (Balances, Receipts, and Disbursements):
Questar III report:
Condition: Segregation of duties issues remain, specifically over cash receipts and
disbursements.
Recommended solution: test revised procedures to ensure that controls are
adequate and that employees are not performing incompatible job duties.
May 2014 Update: No change to reduce risk; in addition, same person performs the
tax and state aid collection accounting entry and performs the reconciliation
without a second person review.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier report (Dec 12, 2014 Update): the business office staff at
their last monthly meeting discussed addressing issues with cash receipts, including
cash receipt accountability issues at the high school (i.e., NHS main office is not
using pre-numbered receipts, makes cash deposits; student life guard collects pool
admissions cash.)
To address segregation of duties issues at the district office, one employee will be
logging receipts, one will be depositing and entering cash receipts and the
accounting supervisor will reconcile to the bank statement to create appropriate
segregation of duties. To do this, the accounts payable clerk will also be responsible
for cash receipts..
Goals: consistency in use of numbered receipts in the buildings, examining the use of
online payments, i.e., for parking permits. Purchasing policy: transition from lowest
bid to “best value”. Carrie has met with the transportation, facilities and food
service departments to review purchasing requirements and to foster relationships.
(B ).
Credit cards:
Questar III report:
2
Condition: Credit card policy does not specify authorized users of district credit
cards, creating risk of unauthorized use or of an unauthorized line of credit being
opened in district’s name.
Recommended solution: Board policy should be amended to include approved credit
lines, maximum credit limits and authorized users (or board could approve
authorized users at the annual organizational meeting.)
May 2014 Update: Board policy includes maximum credit limits on each card.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier report (Dec 12, 2014 Update): We will follow the
recommendation of approving authorized users at our reorganizational meeting .
(2) Extraclassroom:
Questar III report:
Condition: Funds are separate from district funds, but Board of Education is
responsible. We are following NYS Education Dept regulations. ISSUE: c ontrols over
activity in the extra-classroom fund could be improved. Biggest weakness in many
school districts is collection and accountability of cash. Need a faculty auditor.
Recommended solution: Annual training with club advisors and student treasurers;
use NYS Education Dept’s Finance Pamphlet 2.
May 14 Update: The extra-classroom central treasurer took over the responsibility
as of April 2014 but has not received formal training. District has developed forms
for documenting accountability of cash at point of sale and for inventory control s,
however they may not be consistently used by the clubs.
Condition: Not all clubs maintain a club charter (to ensure that all clubs have been
properly approved by the Board of Education), or meeting minutes (to document
student involvement and key decisions made by the clubs.)
Recommended solution: Each club needs a charter with: name and purpose of club,
advisor, student officers, source and purpose of fundraising. Principal’s written
approval needed prior to fundraising efforts. Clubs should maintain minutes.
May 14 Update: No change from prior report.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier report (Dec 12, 2014 Update): has not yet focused on this
area.
Discussion: possibility of getting community help for extracurriculars, with district
training similar to the training of PTO officers.
John Yagielski suggested training the club advisors, who could then tell district how
the clubs could use community help; “parent-student advocate” to show parents how
to go about solving a problem. How to fund advocate? Mike Foley asked if there is an
ombudsman for anonymous reporting of concerns.
(3) Medicaid revenues:
Questar III report:
Condition: The settlement between NYS and the Federal government changed
Medicaid reimbursement regulations, i.e., the types of services that can be submitted
for reimbursement and the documentation requirements for reimbursement.
3
Recommended solution: Ensure that all district staff involved in provision of
Medicaid eligible services are trained in accordance with the revised regulations,
that the training includes the types of services that can be billed, the revised
documentation requirements for billing the services to Medicaid, and the licensure
requirements for individuals providing services. Ensure that the amount due from
Medicaid is tracked, monitored and recorded accordingly.
May 2014 Update: Staff received the training. The district has addressed this area
of concern.
Discussion: difficulty of staying on top of this, gov ernment making it difficult with
many details; special ed audits vs. Medicaid audits; risks with providers and “session
notes”; involvement of Office of Medicaid Inspector Gen eral; software such as “IEP
Direct”; possible benefits of using an outside service; “Special Ed Solutions” for
Medicaid outsourcing to maximize resources; Questar III BOCES is working on this;
uses an aidable COSER.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier report (Dec 12, 2014 Update):_Since the auditor
determined that the district addressed the concern no further action has been
taken.
(4) Purchasing:
Questar III Report:
Condition: District does not include a right-to-audit clause in formal contract
agreements.
Recommended solution: Include right-to-audit clause in at least capital projects
contracts and service agreements. Could provide legal right to audit a vendor’s
accounting records if billing information is suspect to improper charges. Consult
attorney.
May 14 Update: No change from prior report.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier report (Dec 12, 2014 Update): Capital projects – architect’s
review all b ills for charges and we also receive a certified payroll for all payments,
so there is an adequate review process in place. However, we will look at adding
this language into our contract language.
(5) Board Policies:
Questar III Report:
Condition: Many of the district’s policies have not been reviewed and updated in
several years.
Recommended solution: Establish as schedule to review and update all policies, to
be current and meet NYS regulations.
May 2014 Update: The district continues to update the board policy manual but a
fair amount of financial policies have not been updated since 1996.
Audit committee will work with district staff to update financial policies.
4
III. Issues identified in current year from the 20132014 risk assessment
Questar III report: Eleven functional areas could use improvement to their internal
controls. Comments and recommendations provide a tool for management to assist in
developing or maintaining a risk management system that mitigates risk to an acceptable
level as determined by the Board of Education.
(1)
Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA):
Questar III report:
Condition: PPACA requires coverage for employees working an average of 30 or more
hours a week or 130 or more hours a month. Includes substitutes (teachers, food service,
transportation, etc). Districts need to track hours, particularly for substitutes.
Currently, Finance Manager does not have capability of tracking individual’s daily hours
worked.
Recommended solution: Consider a substitute and attendance management software
system, to better track substitutes in all departments on a 3 or 12 month basis,
whichever the district chooses.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: Niskayuna needs to be in compliance with the Affordable
Care Act by January 1 st based on our plan renewal date. Carrie has looked at
substitutes’ hours; none reached the threshold for being eligible for district health
insurance coverage. We are also in the process of developing a declination form for
eligible employees who decline health insurance to sign. This will help protect the
district in case an eligible employee applies for health insurance through one of the
exchanges.
Discussion: measurement period, requirement to keep track annually, identifying what
the measurement period should be to start the plan year. District consultant First
Niagara suggests a longer look back period.
(2)
Business Office Staff:
Questar III report:
Condition: Small size of business office staff makes segregation of duties difficult.
Concern with cash receipt process without having compensating controls. NCSD has
small business office staff compared to other districts in relation to student enrollment.
Business office has not developed operational procedures for the key func tions.
Recommended solution: Evaluate to ensure proper staffing to improve internal controls
and to minimize risk of not meeting daily business obligations. Create operational
procedures for key business office responsibilities.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: With the reduction in staff that has occurred within the
business office, creating operational procedures has not been a priority.
Discussion:
(3)
Cash receipts:
5
Questar III report:
Condition: Cash receipts at NHS main office, guidance offic e, and athletic office need
improved records for accountability. The business office does not receive documentation
to support the cash collected for deposit other than a bank deposit receipt. Guidance
uses pre-numbered cash receipts for AP exam payments, but receipt book is not verified
to the actual deposits during a bank reconciliation process. Lifeguards collect money for
daily pool usage without record of accountability other than providing an amount to
athletic office for deposit. Money received by athletic office is counted by two people,
properly safeguarded, and timely deposited at the bank.
Recommended solution: Ensure proper staff training for those responsible for collecting
cash at the buildings and departments; use pre-numbered cash receipt books to ensure
accountability of cash collection is documented. An appropriate individual should
periodically review records to ensure that cash collections are properly accounted for
and the deposits are made intact.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: At our last business staff meeting we discussed getting
pre-numbered receipt books for staff responsible for collecting money. We also
discussed the possibility of implementing an on-line payment system to reduce the
amount of cash that is handled by staff members.
Discussion:
(4)
Staff Attendance:
Questar III report:
Condition: Individuals responsible for updating staff attendance records in Finance
Manager also have access to and update their own attendance records. Attendance
reporting and accountability is decentralized by building and department without being
reviewed by the business office to ensure the information was correctly recorded in
Finance Manager.
Recommended solution: Consider implementing a system safeguard that will prevent
individuals from accessing Finance Manager to add or modify their own attendance
records.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: Staff attendance used to be done in the district office
but now the process is very decentralized. The district office is not currently reconciling
attendance. Finance Manager is flawed in terms of not being able to limit access to
records.
Discussion: issue of time and attendance records; low business office staffing levels.
John Yagielski -- district office is looking at situation of gaps with manpower, the depts
have been left to their own devices, most importantly we need to analyze the issues first.
John Tamburello – Would cost $90,000 to implement swipe system; principals and
directors do a good job of keeping track of traveling teachers’ claims for reimbursement.
(5)
Public Use of Facilities:
Questar III report:
Condition: The use of facility program is decentralized. Each building maintains its own
facility use schedule, usually a paper calendar. Difficult to have independent oversight.
6
Individuals in the buildings are not trained on what to look for in the insurance
documents required of outside organizations. The Building Use Form (implemented by
the district to document organizations using a facility and for generating a bill for
payment) is not always completed when received by the business office, or emails are
sent instead of the form being used.
Recommended solution: Consider using an electronic program to schedule and account
for use of district facilities, where all appropriate staff have access. An individual should
have oversight to ensure proper billing, and availability and central location of
insurance documents. Train staff in the buildings who receive the insurance documents
on what to look for in the insurance documents, which should be kept centrally at the
district office. Train staff who do the scheduling in each building. Building use forms
supports the district’s billing.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: This area is one that needs review. It varies by building
how well building use is communicated back to the business office for billing purposes. _
Discussion: Mike Foley—do issues come up over who uses the buildings?
(6)
Continuing Education:
Questar III report:
Condition: The Board of Education does not review and approve the amount payable to
the continuing education instructors. The amounts are established by the continuing
education administrator and the instructors.
Recommended solution: The Board of Education should review and approve the amount
payable to continuing education instructors.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: The continuing education coordinator negotiates a rate
with each instructor. Instructors are typically paid by a percentage, hourly rate, flat fee
or a per student fee. Establishing one rate would make some classes unaffordable and in
other cases could result in the instructors making more money than they currently do.
Discussion: Establishing minimum and maximum thresholds.
(7)
Information Technology:
Questar III report:
Condition: The IT department does not have a process for identify ing and cleaning hard
drives from copy machines. A leased copy machine primarily used by teachers was
recently returned to the vendor without cleaning or disposing of the hard drive.
Recommended solution: Develop a process to identify all equipment having a hard drive
where sensitive data may be stored and ensure the items are properly destroyed or
erased when designated for disposal.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: Talked with Ed Alston III and the IT department has
changed their process to make sure that hard drives are wiped clean before they are
disposed of. In addition, we are currently purchasing all of our copiers through NERIC.
NERIC disposes of the copiers on our behalf and they also have a procedure in place to
wipe all the hard drive. This creates a redundancy for erasing, making sure we comply
with this recommendation.
Discussion:
7
(8)
Special Education:
Questar III report:
Condition: For the summer of 2010 the district submitted $91,943 for transportation
cost but from 2011, 2012, and 2013 no transportation costs were reported in STAC for
the Extended School Year (ESY) program.
Recommended solution: The district should calculate and submit the transportation
costs for each year that was not submitted for aid. The district should develop a formal
process ensuring the transportation costs are included when reporting the ESY
programs in STAC. The individual who finalizes the STAC entrie s should ensure the
transportation costs are included.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: John T. met with individuals from State Aid Planning to
review where we are with our STAC’s. We can still recover transportation aid for 2011,
2012, and 2013. John will be working on this within the next few months.
Discussion: John Yagielski – met with appropriate staff; going in the right direction.
(9)
Accounts Payable:
Questar III report:
Condition: The deputy purchasing agent is also directly involved with accoun ts payable
where at times also performs invoice entries, which are incompatible duties.
Recommended solution: The purchasing agent should not perform invoice entries and
should not have access in Finance Manager to do so.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: The purchasing agent no longer performs accounts
payable. The business office will be turning over administrative rights for Finance
Manager to the IT department. A part of that process will be to review the rights of all
users in the business office and align access to current responsibilities.
Discussion: This segregation of duties situation has been corrected.
(10) Operations & Maintenance and Transportation:
Questar III report:
Condition: The facilities used by these two departments, which includes fuel pumps,
does not have camera surveillance or alarm system. A significant amount of district
assets are maintained at this facility.
Recommended solution: Consider installing camera surveillance and/or alarm system
on the building and fuel pumps.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier : The fuel pumps are on a fob system to monitor usage.
Installing a camera surveillance or alarm system is a cost issue.
Discussion:
8
(11) Food Service:
Questar III report:
Condition: The food service program does not maintain a perpetual inventory program.
Recommended solution: Consider using electronic spreadsheet for maintaining
inventory records. Update as new inventory arrives and adjust as inventory levels are
used. Compare to each weekly physical inventory presently being completed to identify
irregularities. The database can be used to assist with re-ordering and with annual
budgeting.
Condition: There is no formal inventory transfer form when items are transferred to
other locations. Each school has inventory storage for food service. One school
(Hillside) has extra storage available and is utilized to store items for the other schools.
Recommended solution: Consider creating an inventory transfer form to be utiliz ed for
inventory transfers from one location to another. Transfer sheets should be forwarded
with month end inventory sheets to the business office so transfer can be recorded in
the month end profit and loss financials.
Carrie Nyc-Chevrier update: The school lunch program implemented a transfer form
this September. They have also reduced the amount of transferring between locations.
In addition, our vendors are also invoicing the correct school even though Hillside may
be the delivery site. This helps assign costs appropriately. We are also looking at a new
software program that has a more user friendly way of tracking inventory.
Discussion:
9
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
To:
ASM 4a
February 24, 2015
Board of Education
From: Board Policy Committee
Via:
John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent
Re:
Adoption of amended Policy 9270.1 “Substitute Teachers”
Motion: That the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the Board Policy
Committee, amend and adopt the attached Policy 9270.1 “Substitute Teachers” as per ASM 4a.
Background:
Policy 9270.1 “Substitute Teachers” was adopted in 1996 and amended in 2001.
The purposes of the current revisions are to:
(a) update the policy to incorporate the requirements of Commissioner’s Regulation 805.4; and
(b) authorize the Superintendent of Schools to have administrative discretion to
determine the rate of payment of regular or replacement substitute teachers in subject
areas where it is difficult to employ substitute teachers, including but not limited to the
subject areas of mathematics, science and foreign language.
Niskayuna Central School District
Policy 9270.1
SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS
A. Employment of substitute teachers:
In order to ensure continuity of instruction when teachers are absent, the district shall
employ as substitute teachers competent and effective individuals as permitted by state law and
regulations. The Board of Education recognizes that fully certified teachers may not always be
available for employment as substitute teachers when the need arises.
The recruitment, selection and scheduling of substitute teachers is the responsibility of
the Superintendent of Schools. Compensation rates for substitute teachers shall be established
annually by the Board of Education at the organizational meeting. There are two categories of
substitute teachers:
1. Per Diem substitute teachers, who are appointed by administrative action and are
employed on a day-to-day basis.
2. Replacement or regular substitute teachers, who are appointed by Board of Education
action for a leave of absence.
B. The following provisions from Commissioner’s Regulation 80-5.4 “Substitute
Teachers” shall apply:
Definitions:
1. Substitute teacher means one who is employed in place of a regularly appointed teacher
who is absent but is expected to return.
2. Long-term basis means employment for more than 40 days by a school district in a
school year.
3. Itinerant means employment for 40 days or less by a school district in a school year.
Length of employment:
There shall be three categories of substitutes as follows:
1. Substitutes with valid teaching certificates or certificates of qualification. Service may be
rendered in any capacity, for any number of days. If employed on more than an itinerant
basis, such persons will be employed in an area for which they are certified.
1
Policy 9270.1 (con’t.)
2. Substitutes without a valid certificate, but who are completing collegiate study toward
certification at the rate of not less than six semester hours per year. Service may be
rendered in any capacity, for any number of days, in any number of school districts. If
employed on more than an itinerant basis, such persons will be employed in the area for
which they are seeking certification.
3. Substitutes without a valid certificate and who are not working toward certification.
Service may be rendered for no more than 40 days by a school district in a school year.
C. Payment of Substitute Teachers
The rate of payment for substitute teachers shall be established by the Board of Education
according to the following categories with the understanding that the rates of payment may be
adjusted annually:
Level 1.
Daily assignment or same assignment for 20 consecutive days or less.
Level 2.
Same assignment for same teacher for 21 consecutive days until the 60th
consecutive day.
Level 3.
Same assignment for same teacher for 61 consecutive days until the 90th
consecutive day.
Level 4.
Same assignment for same teacher for 91 or more consecutive days.
Changes in the rate of payment for substitute teachers working consecutive days shall
begin on the 21st, 61st and 91st consecutive day.
Level 5.
Daily assignment after working as a substitute teacher for 40 days in the school
year. Days as appointed teacher shall be included in the 40-day tally. This
change in rate of payment shall begin on the 41st day of substituting.
Replacement teachers appointed by the Board of Education for a full semester or more
shall be placed on Step 1 of the proper Niskayuna Teachers Association contract schedule
(Bachelor’s or Master’s depending on the degree earned) and shall receive contractual benefits.
The Superintendent of Schools shall have administrative discretion to determine the rate
of payment of regular or replacement substitute teachers in subject areas where it is difficult to
employ substitute teachers, including but not limited to the subject areas of mathematics, science
and foreign language.
Adopted: February 26, 1996
Revised: Sept 10, 2001; Feb 24, 2015
Ref: 8 NYCRR Sec.80-5.4
2
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOLS
ASM 4b
February 24, 2015
To:
Board of Education
From:
Mark Treanor, Human Resources Supervisor
Via:
John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent
RE:
Substitute Rates for 2014-2015, as revised to conform to Policy 9270.1
“Substitute Teachers” as amended on February 14, 2015.
Recommended Motion: That the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Interim Superintendent of Schools, add the reference to Masters Degrees to “Step 1 BA” in
the table below, and add the reference to administrative discretion in determining the rate of
payment in certain subject areas, in order to conform the table to Policy 9270.1 “Substitute
Teachers” as amended, as per ASM 4b.
Substitute Rates:
Category
2013-2014
2014-2015
Nurse
$19.75
$19.75
Cleaner
$11.25
$11.25
NESA Positions
$10.75
Step 1 of NESA
Classification
Support Staff
$9.25
$9.25
Teaching Assistant
$11.00
$11.00
Cafeteria
$9.50
$9.50
Teachers (per day)
Less than 20 consecutive days
21-60 consecutive days
61-90 consecutive days
91+ consecutive days
41+ non-consecutive days
$ 95.00
$105.00
$130.00
Step 1 BA/MA
$105.00
$ 95.00
$105.00
$130.00
Step 1 BA/MA
$105.00
When a new level is reached, the sub shall be paid retroactively for time worked at the new level.
The Superintendent of Schools shall have administrative discretion to determine the rate of
payment of regular or replacement substitute teachers in subject areas where it is difficult to
employ substitute teachers, including but not limited to the subject areas of mathematics,
science and foreign language.
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ASM 6 b
February 24, 2015
To:
Board of Education
From:
Mark Treanor, Director of Student and Staff Support Services
Via:
John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent
Re:
Approval of School Sponsored Trip by the Horticulture Club to the Boston Flower
Show in Boston, Massachusetts
Recommended Motion: Move that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent of Schools, approve the Niskayuna Horticulture Club trip to the Boston Flower
Show in Boston, Massachusetts on March 14, 2015 per ASM 6 b.
Background: This trip offers the Horticulture Club an opportunity to see the Boston Flower
Show. The students will be able to get ideas and ask questions of professional horticulturalists
that will aid them in their work in the High School greenhouse.
This trip will include approximately 8 students in grades 10 -12. There will be two teacher
chaperones. Each student will incur the cost of $55.00 for transportation provided by Wade
Tours. The Horticulture Club will incur the cost for entrance fees for the Flower Show, Harvard
Museum and lunch.
The one-day trip will be on Saturday, March 14, 2015.
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ASM 7a
February 24, 2015
To:
Board of Education
From:
Lauren Gemmill, Assistant Superintendent
Via:
John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent
Re:
Request for Approval of Textbook: Maus II, by Art Spiegelman, published by
Pantheon/Knopf Doubleday, copyright 1991, for use in 10th Grade English
Classes
Recommended Motion: Move that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of
the Interim Superintendent of Schools, approve the adoption of Maus II, by Art Spiegelman,
published by Pantheon/Knopf Doubleday, copyright 1991, for use in 10th Grade English
classes per ASM 7a.
Background: The English Department has several class sets of Maus I: My Father Bleeds
History, which tells the true story of the lives of the author's parents before and during WWII in
ghettos, prisoner camps and on the run. Maus I ends abruptly with Vladek and Anja Spiegelman
outside of the gates of Auschwitz. This leaves the reader wondering how the Spiegelmans fare in
the camp, how they are liberated and how they are reunited. Many students have expressed
interest in reading Maus II: And Here My Troubles Began to learn the outcome of the people
involved. Maus II reveals the conditions of the concentration camps, how it affects people for the
rest of their lives and the generations that come after them. Together these books reveal the
strained relationship between father and son, given their experiences during the Holocaust.
Given the Common Core’s emphasis on non-fiction test and multimedia text, several members of
the English Department see the value in adding Maus II as an option for the tenth grade
curriculum. This graphic novel will serve as another option for teachers as they use a variety of
fiction and non-fiction texts to explore the Holocaust. These teachers would like to be responsive
to students asking to read the continuation of Maus I.
Niskayuna CSD
2015-16 DRAFT School Calendar
July 2015
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October 2015
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January 2016
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April 2016
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July 3
August 12-13
August 28
August 31
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 4
September 7
September 14
September 23
October 9
October 12
November 3
November 10
November 11
November 17
November 25
November 26-27
December 24 - 25
December 28 - 31
January 1
January 4
January 18
January 26-29
January 28
February 1
February 15
February 16-19
March 3
March 10
March 25
April 5 - 7
April 13 - 15
April 25-29
May 30
June 6
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August 2015
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November 2015
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K-6
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February 2016
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8
May 2016
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15
22
29
M
2
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16
23
30
11
Offices Closed for July 4 Holiday
NYS Testing - Regents
Teacher Unstructured Work Day
All District Staff and Faculty Welcome Back
Classes Begin 1-8, 9th Grade Orientation
High School Classes Begin
First Full Day of Kindergarten
No Classes - Offices Open
Labor Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Rosh Hashanah - No Classes , Offices Closed
Yom Kippur - No Classes, Offices Closed
Emergency Early Release Day Drill
Columbus Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Full-Day Parent Conferences K-8
Half Day - Parent Conferences K-5, 6th Grade
Veterans Day
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-5
No Classes - Offices Open
Thanksgiving Holiday - Offices Closed
Christmas Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed
Holiday Recess - Offices Open
New Year's Day - Offices Closed
Classes Resume
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Regents Testing
8th Grade Orientation
Second Semester Begins
President's Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Winter Recess - Offices Open
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-8
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-5, 6th Grade
Good Friday - Offices Closed
NYS Testing- Grades 3-8 ELA
NYS Testing - Grades 3-8 Mathematics
Spring Recess - Offices Open
Memorial Day - Offices Closed
NYS Testing - Grades 4 and 8 Written Science
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT THEIR
Sa
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28
June 1,14-22
June 13
Draft 2.23.15
September 2015
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10K-6
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December 2015
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7
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March 2016
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June 2016
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NYS Testing - Regents
Last Regularly Scheduled Day at High School
High School Local Exams
Middle School Final Exams
Last Student Day for K-8 (1/2 Day)
Last Work Day for Teachers
Regents Rating Day
Graduation
June 21
June 23
June 23
June 23
Number of Pupil Days in Each Month
September
October
November
December
January
18
21
17
17
19
February
March
April
May
June
16
22
16
21
15
Number of Teacher Days in Each Month
August
September
October
November
December
January
2
18
21
17
17
19
Total # of Pupil Days:
Staff Days:
February
March
April
May
June
16
22
16
21
17
182
186
KEY:
Classes Not In Session
Testing Days
Parent Conference Days
MEETING
Xgrade
Sa
4
11
18
25
Niskayuna CSD
2015-16 DRAFT II School Calendar
July 2015
1
S
M
T
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
W
1
8
15
22
29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
31
Sa
4
11
18
25
F
2
9
16
23
30
Sa
3
10
17
24
31
F
1
8
15
22
29
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
October 2015
4
S
M
T
W
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
Th
1
8
15
22
29
January 2016
7
S
M
T
W
Th
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
April 2016
10
S
M
T
W
Th
3
10
17
24
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
July 3
August 12-13
August 28
August 31
September 1
September 2
September 3
September 4
September 7
September 14
September 23
October 9
October 12
November 3
November 10
November 11
November 17
November 25
November 26-27
December 24 - 25
December 28 - 31
January 1
January 4
January 18
January 26-29
January 28
February 1
February 15
February 16-19
March 3
March 10
March 25
April 5 - 7
April 13 - 15
April 25-29
May 30
June 6
F
1
8
15
22
29
Sa
2
9
16
23
30
August 2015
2
S
M
T
W
Th
F
2
9
16
23
30
3
10
17
24
31
4
11
18
25
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
Sa
1
8
15
22
29
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
Sa
7
14
21
28
T
2
9
16
23
W
3
10
17
24
Th
4
11
18
25
F
5
12
19
26
Sa
6
13
20
27
T
3
10
17
24
31
W
4
11
18
25
Th
5
12
19
26
F
6
13
20
27
November 2015
S
1
8
15
22
29
M
2
9
16
23
30
T
K-8
3
K-6
10
17K-5
24
5
February 2016
S
7
14
21
28
M
1
8
15
22
29
8
May 2016
S
1
8
15
22
29
M
2
9
16
23
30
11
Offices Closed for July 4 Holiday
NYS Testing - Regents
Teacher Unstructured Work Day
All District Staff and Faculty Welcome Back
Classes Begin 1-8, 9th Grade Orientation
High School Classes Begin
First Full Day of Kindergarten
No Classes - Offices Open
Labor Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Rosh Hashanah - No Classes , Offices Closed
Yom Kippur - No Classes, Offices Closed
Emergency Early Release Day Drill
Columbus Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Full-Day Parent Conferences K-8
Half Day - Parent Conferences K-5, 6th Grade
Veterans Day
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-5
Half Day - K-12
Thanksgiving Holiday - Offices Closed
Christmas Holiday - No Classes, Offices Closed
Holiday Recess - Offices Open
New Year's Day - Offices Closed
Classes Resume
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Regents Testing
8th Grade Orientation
Second Semester Begins
President's Day - No Classes, Offices Closed
Winter Recess - Offices Open
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-8
Half Day - Parent Conferences - K-5, 6th Grade
Good Friday - Offices Closed
NYS Testing- Grades 3-8 ELA
NYS Testing - Grades 3-8 Mathematics
Spring Recess - Offices Open
Memorial Day - Offices Closed
NYS Testing - Grades 4 and 8 Written Science
APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF EDUCATION AT THEIR
Sa
7
14
21
28
June 1,14-22
June 13
Draft 2.20.15
September 2015
S
M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
3
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3
10
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
T
1
8
15
22
29
W
2
9
16
23
30
Th
3 K-8
10K-6
17
24
31
F
4
11
18
25
Sa
5
12
19
26
W
1
8
15
22
29
Th
2
9
16
23
30
F
3
10
17
24
December 2015
S
M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
T
1
8
15
22
29
6
March 2016
S
M
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
9
June 2016
12
S
M
T
5
12
19
26
6
13
20
27
7
14
21
28
NYS Testing - Regents
Last Regularly Scheduled Day at High School
High School Local Exams
Middle School Final Exams
Last Student Day for K-8 (1/2 Day)
Last Work Day for Teachers
Regents Rating Day
Graduation
June 21
June 23
June 23
June 23
Number of Pupil Days in Each Month
September
October
November
December
January
18
21
18
17
19
February
March
April
May
June
16
22
16
21
15
Number of Teacher Days in Each Month
August
September
October
November
December
January
2
18
21
18
17
19
Total # of Pupil Days:
Staff Days:
February
March
April
May
June
16
22
16
21
17
183
187
KEY:
Classes Not In Session
Testing Days
Parent Conference Days
MEETING
Xgrade
Sa
4
11
18
25
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
ASM 7c
February 24, 2015
To:
Board of Education
From:
Lauren Gemmill, Assistant Superintendent
Via:
John Yagielski, Interim Superintendent
Re:
Approval of School Sponsored Trip by Iroquois and Van Antwerp 8th Grade
French Classes and Teachers to Montréal, Canada on May 29, 2015
Recommended Motion: Move that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Interim Superintendent of Schools, approve the Iroquois and Van Antwerp 8th grade French
classes and teachers’ trip to Montréal, Canada on Friday, May 29, 2015 per ASM 7c.
Chaperones will include up to fourteen teachers and the director of Foreign Languages.
Depending on final numbers, the cost will be $196.00 - $203.00 per student which covers
transportation, admission to historic sites, dinner at a French restaurant and up to fourteen fullday substitute teachers.
Background: This trip will provide students with the opportunity to experience what they have
learned in the classroom about the French language and culture first-hand. They will be able to
read, speak, and hear French in a native setting, as well as learn about the history and culture
of Montréal.
th
This trip will include the students in the 8 grade French classes at Iroquois and Van Antwerp
Middle Schools. Chaperones will include up to fourteen teachers and the director of Foreign
Languages.
The date of the trip is Friday, May 29, 2015.
NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
To:
ASM 10 a
February 24, 2015
Board of Education
From: John Yagielski
Interim Superintendent of Schools
Re:
BOCES Board Nomination
RECOMMENDED MOTION: Move that the Board of Education nominate
Barbara Mauro as a candidate for a seat on the Capital Region BOCES Board of
Education, election to be held April 21, 2015, as per ASM 10 a.
INFORMATION:
Barbara Mauro is currently serving her second three-year term as a board member of
the Capital Region BOCES. The term ends June 30, 2015.
Pursuant to this nomination, she will become a candidate for a three-year term ending
June 30, 2018.
The election of BOCES board members will be held on April 21, 2015, as part of the vote
by the component boards on the BOCES 2015-2016 administrative budget.