Minutes - Niskayuna Central School District

NISKAYUNA CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 13, 2015
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD PRESENT: Mr. David Apkarian, Ms. Debra Gordon, Mr. David Koes, Ms. Patricia Lanotte, Ms.
Rosemarie Perez Jaquith, Dr. Howard Schlossberg
MEMBERS OF THE BOARD ABSENT: Mr. Kevin Laurilliard
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES: Cassidy Beauchemin, Noah Rohde, Veronica Liu
ADMINISTRATORS PRESENT: Dr. Cosimo Tangorra, Jr., Superintendent of Schools, Ms. Lauren Gemmill, Assistant
Superintendent for Instruction, Ms. Carrie Nyc-Chevrier, Director of Business and Finance, Mark Treanor, Director of Student
and Staff Support Services
ADMINISTRATORS ABSENT: None
ALSO ATTENDING: Matt Leon and Stephanie Hunter (District Communications Specialists), John Rickert, Emil Friedman,
Principals, and other community members
___________________________________________________________________________________________
1. President Lanotte called the regular meeting of the Board of Education to Order at 6:04
p.m.
Call to Order
Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent of Schools convene to Executive Session to discuss current litigation. Mr.
Koes seconded. Motion carried 5-0.
Executive
Session
(Return to Public Session)
Return to Public
Session
2. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent of Schools, approve the agenda for the meeting. Mr. Apkarian seconded.
Motion carried 6-0.
Agenda Approval
3. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education appoint Niskayuna High school seniors
Veronica Liu and Noah Rohde and junior Cassidy Beauchemin as student representatives to
the Board of Education, effective immediately. The senior appointments are effective for one
year through June 30, 2016. As a junior, Ms. Beauchemin’s appointment is effective for two
years, through June 30, 2017. Mr. Koes seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Appoint Student
Representatives
to Board of
Education
4. Jim Ammel from Marvin and Company, the district external auditor, presented an overview
of the 2014-15 Financial Report. The district earned an unmodified “clean” opinion, listing no
internal deficiencies. The full financial report is available at district office for viewing.
2014-15 Financial
Report
5. Comments
Comments -
The Board was represented at Craig, High School and Rosendale PTO meetings, High
School Back to School Night, High School Art Show, Freshman/Newcomers Dinner at High
School, student representative interviews, Booster Club meeting, EEF Committee meeting,
District Health Advisory Committee meeting, N-CAP Meeting, NCF Fundraiser at LTs Grill,
Board of Education Retreat and Strategic Planning with Ron Frank, New Board Member
Training, CAPSBA Meeting at which there were about one dozen area legislators, Safety
Committee meeting, Varsity Soccer, communicating with Assembly member Phil Steck’s
office on the effects of PILOTs on school budgeting.
Board of
Education
Reports
Good News –
Congratulations to both of our middle schools on participation in annual Community Service
days. Iroquois 8th graders helped out at 14 different work sites in the
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Page 1
Niskayuna/Schenectady area. Van Antwerp’s events included a powerful anti-bullying
message.
Board Reports –
(continued)
Again this year, Birchwood is proud to have been a stop on the Ride for Missing and
Exploited Children. Second grade teacher at Birchwood, Lisa Luyckx, is in her third year of
participating in this event.
NHS Profile for 2015-16 is now available on the website.
Congratulations to Craig School students for another successful Poetry in Park.
The District has been awarded a grant for $812,000 from the New York State Department of
Education to enhance learning opportunities for students with disabilities. This grant will be
used to continue development of the student work program.
Niskayuna High School German students participated in the Steuben Day parade in New
York City in late September.
Diane Mbombo-Tite and her family talked to Iroquois students about life in the Democratic
Republic of Congo. Ms. Mbombo-Tite has performed with the Kinshasha Symphony.
Thanks to Senator Farley for the $15,000 in funding that he secured for the district. The
money will be spent on a new radio system for transportation.
Glencliff elementary students can now enjoy a new outdoor classroom made by Eagle Scout,
Chris Stroud. The classroom is equipped with log benches, a wooden tabletop workspace
and a blackboard. Thank you, Chris!
Student Comments –
Student
Comments
The next Student Forum with the superintendent will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday
evening.
Student representatives have visited some club meetings at the high school to foster
communication between the Board and the student body.
Congressman Paul Tonko is coming to visit the high school the week before Thanksgiving to
speak about what he does as a representative.
Community Comments –
Community
Comments
President Lanotte reminded community members that personnel matters cannot be
addressed in public session.
Mr. Jamie Ferraro addressed the Board regarding the Niskayuna Rowing program. President
Lanotte clarified that all coaches are appointed by the school district and are district
employees under the supervision of the athletic director.
6. Mrs. Gordon moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of the
Superintendent of Schools, approve the actions in the revised consent agenda, per ASM 6a-k
as listed below. Mr. Koes seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
a. . . approval of minutes from September 15, 2015 regular meeting of the Board of
Education and September 24 special meeting of the Board of Education
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Consent Agenda
Approval of
Minutes
Page 2
b. . . approval of the recommendations of the Committees on Special Education,
Preschool Special Education and 504, and agreed upon amendments as per
attached ASM 6b
Student
Placements
c. . . approve the following personnel actions per ASM 6c-i
Personnel
Actions
A.
Instructional – Appointment – Permanent Status
Name
Academic Tenure Area
Probation Period Cert Status
O’Connell, Ryan
TA/NHS 32.5 hrs/wk
9/16/15-9/16/18
pending
Ciccarelli, Elaine
TA/NHS 32.5 hrs/wk
9/25/15-9/25/18
pending
Robertson, Raekeesha TA/NHS 32.5 hrs/wk 9/28/15-9/28/18
pending
Davenport, Rebecca TA/ROS 29 hrs/wk
9/28/15-9/28/18
pending
Elmer, Maria
TA/ NHS 20 hrs/wk
9/28/15-9/28/18
pending
B.
Instructional – Appointment – Part -Time
Name
Assignment
FTE
Effective Date
Plotnikov, Olga
Tech./IRO
.25
8/28/15-6/23/16
C.
D.
Name
Furey, Peter
Instructional – Appointment- Adjustment
Name
Assignment
Haggerty, Judy
.50 Sped/GLE
Moore, Kellyn
Elem/GLE
Salary
MA1.25
Effective Date
adj start date. to 9/17/15
adj. tenure to 9/1/15-9/1/17
Instructional – Appointment - Replacement
Assignment
Effective Date
Phys Ed/NHS
8/28/15-1/26/16
E.
Instructional – Leave of Absence
Name
Assignment
Watts, Jaime
Elem/HIL
Benson, Caitlin
Elem/BIR
Salary
$14.47/hour
$14.47/hour
$14.47/hour
$14.47/hour
$14.47/hour
Salary
BA 1
Effective Date
approx.12/31/15-5/8/16
approx.11/7/15-12/22/15
Instructional
Appointment Permanent
Instruction
Appointment –
Part-Time
Instructional
Appointment Adjustment
Instructional
Appointment Replacement
Instructional
Leave of Absence
F.
Non-Instructional – Appointment- Probationary
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Salary
Scheib, Lynn
S/CA/VAN 29.5 hours/week
9/15/15
$11.73/hour
Mastroianni, Jennifer
CA/ROS 26.25 hours/week
9/21/15
$10.48/hour
Westendorf, Tammy
LPN/NHS 37.5 hours/week
9/21/15
$19.75/hour
Edwards, Jaimz
Head School Bus Driver-Civil Service title,
Driver/Trainer-Niskayuna title/TRANS 40 hours/week
10/5/15
$19.18/hour
Non-Instructional
Appointment Probationary
G.
Non -Instructional – Appointment- Replacement
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Solomon-Nish, Wendi CA/IRO 20 hours/week
9/16/15
Non-Instructional
Appointment –
Replacement
Salary
$10.48/hour
H.
Club Advisors – Iroquois – 2015-16 school year
Name
Assignment
Tier/Salary as per contract
Adamo, Frank
Broadcasting (TV Studio)
Tier 1
Wolfort, Steve
Broadcasting (TV Studio)
Tier 1
Farina, Laurie
Broadcasting (TV Studio)
Tier 1
Hanchar, Mary
Yearbook
Tier 2 ½ pay
Skinner, Kateri
Yearbook
Tier 2 ½ pay
Stanziano, Lisa
Newspaper
Tier 3
Colby, Bryce
Art Club/Animee Club
Tier 3
Skinner, Kateri
Student Council,
Tier 3
Farina, Laurie
Survivor Book Club
Tier 3
Skinner, Kateri
Garden Club
Tier 3
Toohey, Jennifer
Dance Club
Tier 3
Club Advisors –
2015-16
Iroquois
October 13, 2015__
Page 3
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Name
Judd, Monica
Ackley, David
Jesep, Michael
Farina, Laurie
Adamo, Frank
Leto, Kate
Carroll, Kate
McAllister, Brian
Wolfort, Steve
Smith, Ben
Assignment
Tier/Salary as per contract
Science Bowl
Tier 3
Recycling Club
Tier 3
Drama Producer/Director
$1,111
Drama Director
$684
Drama Set Design
$384
Bus Supervision (a.m. and p.m.)
$19.72/hr.
Cafeteria Supervision (gr.6)
$26.53/hr
Cafeteria Supervision (gr.6, 7)
$26.53/hr.
Cafeteria Supervision (gr. 7)
$26.53/hr.
Cafeteria Supervision (gr.8)
$26.53/hr.
Non-Paid Advisors:
Roeser, Randall
Math Olympiad Team
I.
Club Advisors – Van Antwerp Middle School – 2015-16 school year
Name
Assignment
Tier/Salary as per contract
Delaney, Kevin
Podcasting
Tier 1
Leader, Heather
Podcasting
Tier 1
Cotugno-Surin, Kathy
Yearbook
Tier 2 ½ pay
Redman, Lindsey
Yearbook
Tier 2 ½ pay
Vinehout, Corinne
Student Council
Tier 3 ⅓ pay
Tylock, Christine
Student Council
Tier 3 ⅓ pay
Malkis, Shana
Student Council
Tier 3 ⅓ pay
Postlethwait, Karen
Science Bowl
Tier 3
Postlethwait, Karen
SeaPerch
Tier 3 ¼ pay
Blechinger, Thomas
SeaPerch
Tier 3 ¼ pay
Petrone, Michael
SeaPerch
Tier 3 ¼ pay
Tylock, Christine
SeaPerch
Tier 3 ¼ pay
McFerran, Kevin
Best Buddies
Tier 3 ½ pay
Williams, Meghan
Best Buddies
Tier 3 ½ pay
LaPatra, Alyssa
Art Club
Tier 3
McFerran, Kevin
Homework Club
Tier 3 ½ pay
Williamns, Meghan
Homework Club
Tier 3 ½ pay
McFerran, Kevin
Bus Supervision
$19.72/hr.
McFerran, Kevin
Cafeteria Supervision
$26.53/hr
Williams, Meghan
Cafeteria Supervision
$26.53/hr
Non-Paid Advisors:
McFerran, Kevin
Williams, Meghan
Gioia, Michael
Yager, Kristopher
Ptak, Diane
Redman, Lindsey
Horner, Casey
Pedlow, Susan
Mein, Christina
Petrone, Michael
Study Circles, W.E.B., Game Club,
Dungeons & Dragons Club, Cooking Club
Study Circles, W.E.B., Game Club
Game Club
Fishing Club
Cooking Club
Ski Club
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run
Girls on the Run
Future Cities
Club Advisors –
2015-16
Iroquois
(continued)
Non-Paid
Advisors
Club Advisors –
2015-16
Van Antwerp
Non-Paid
Advisors
J.
Club Advisors – High School - 2015-16 school year
Name
Assignment
Tier/Salary as per contract
DeLuca, Christina
Gr. 9 Advisor
Tier 1
Reader, Joanna
Gr. 9 Advisor
Tier 1
Richard, Kristin
Gr. 10 Advisor
Tier 1
Weidman, Brandi
Gr. 10 Advisor
Tier 1
Club Advisors –
2015-16
High School
October 13, 2015__
Page 4
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Name
Christou, Lainie
Martin, Amy
DeRocco, Shana
Eichfeld, Stephen
Edgar, James
Sharkey, John
Mattice, Bryan
Fountain, Jill
Werther, Leah
O’Connor, Brian
Linehan, Kelly
Jones, Mike
Maley, Regina
Millett, Kelly
Jennings, Chris
Hughes, Meagan
O’Connell, Sean
Salvin, Robyn
Melito, Peter
Eads, Mary
Leach, Melissa
Marcellino, Paul
Jones, Kelly
Honicki, Steve
Walliman, Vicki
Edgar, James
Warren, Peter
O’Connor, Brian
Paquette, Jill
Alcantara, Victor
Mattoon, Dan
White, Carol
Moscinski, Michele
Ryan, Kristen
Spollen, Joe
Lindsay, Janice
O’Connor, Brian
Richard, Kristen
Lester, Thomas
Martin, Amy
Cloutier, Mary
Carosella, Joe
Prebish, Tracy
McFerran, Kevin
Jennings, Christopher
Workman, Heather
Miller, Meghan
Graseck, Stephanie
Lindsay, Janice
Netoskie, Angela
Swisher, Karl
Albanese, Timothy
DeSimony, Richard
Ormsbee, Jeffrey
Caffrey, Thomas
Borges, Linda
October 13, 2015__
Date
Assignment
Gr. 11 Advisor
Gr. 11 Advisor
Gr. 12 Advisor
Gr. 12 Advisor
Newspaper Advisor
Student Congress
Student Congress
Yearbook Advisor
Yearbook Business Mgr.
Mass Media/TV Studio
AFS
AFS
Drama
Drama
National Honor Society
National Honor Society
NICS
NICS
Key Club
Key Club
Nisk-Art
Nisk-Art
Gallery
Gallery
Animal Welfare Club
Anime
Art Pod/Live Expression
Broadcasting
Chem Demo
Chess
Computer Science
Creative Writing Club
Culinary Club
Debate Club
Environmental Team
FBLA
Film Club
Flare -Literary Magazine
Flare -Literary Magazine
French Club
Game Club
German Club
German Club
High School Mentors
Horticulture
IDEAL
Latin Club
Math Club
Mock Trial
Model UN
Natural Helpers
Natural Helpers
Nisky Garage
Niskayuna Outing Club
Niskayuna Outing Club
Pep Club
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Tier/Salary as per contract
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 1 ½ pay
Tier 1 ½ pay
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2 ½ pay
Tier 2 ½ pay
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2
Tier 2 ½ pay
Tier 2 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Club Advisors –
2015-16
High School
(continued)
Page 5
Name
Mattice, Bryan
Paquette, Jill
Lundy, Jeremy
Zelensky, Michael
Pizzino-Catalano, Christina
Scott, Paul
Samascott, Joseph
Varin, Peggy
Millett, Kelly
Gort, Nancy
Gardiner, Caroline
Linehan, Kelly
Scott, Paul
DeCesare, Carl
Plotnikov, Olga
Borges, Linda
Pierpont, Mary Jo
Furey, John
Assignment
Political and Current Events
Raise and Give
Rocketry Club
Rocketry Club
SAPE
Science Bowl
Science Olympiad
Science Olympiad
SCOPE
SCOPE
Spanish Club
Spanish Club
Start (recycling)
Tech Club/Robotics
Tech Club/Robotics
Visibility
Visibility
Warrior Project
Tier/Salary as per contract
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3 ½ pay
Tier 3
Tier 3
Tier 3
Actions
PILOT Clubs:
McCarty, Kathryn
Rickert, John
Paquette, Jill
Hughes, Meagan
Lundy, Jeremy
Honicki, Stephen
Fitzgerald, Jesse
Broadwell, Theresa
Yoga and Wellness
Student Board
Committee for Women in STEM
Committee for Women in STEM
Aviation Club
Photography Club
IT Student Help Desk
Nisky Artists in Music Club
PILOT Clubs
K.
Coaches – Fall 2015
Name
Assignment
Miller, Kadeem
Boys Modified Football
Lamanna, Thomas
Boys Modified Football
Meade, Kathryn
Modified Crew
Bellair, Kayla
Modified Crew
Ganfuss, Tyler
Volunteer Boys Soccer
Positions which
Require Claim
Forms
Salary
$2,952.00
$2,952.00
L.
Non-Instructional – Appointment- Adjustment
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Witko, Paul
Cleaner 2nd Shift/IRO 40 hour s/week
9/15/15
Butrym, Gary
Cleaner 2nd Shift/VAN 40 hours/week
9/21/15
Kent, Marcous
Cleaner 2nd Shift/NHS 40 hours/week
10/6/15
Relyea, Mark
Cleaner 2nd Shift/IRO 30 hours/week
10/5/15
Date
Salary
per NSDEA
per NSDEA
per NSDEA
per NSDEA
Appointment of Approved Staff – These staff have received fingerprint
clearance from SED
Name
Assignment
Adriance, Marjorie
Substitute Teacher
Andersen, Deborah
Substitute Teacher
Angie, Margaret
Substitute Teacher
October 13, 2015__
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
(continued)
Non-Paid
Advisors
Non-Paid Advisors:
Borges, Linda
Positions Which Require Claim Forms:
Bianchi, Vince
Student Activities Coordinator
Lindsay, Janice
Youth Court Liaison
M.
Club Advisors –
2015-16
High School
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Coaches Fall 2015
Non-Instructional
Appointment
Adjustment
Appointment of
Approved Staff
Page 6
Barnes, Michael
Becker, Julia
Benson, Annette
Bollentin, Susan
Bourgeois, Patricia
Bremigen, Ashley
Calderon, Michele
Caruso, Zoraida
Daley, Carlene
Davis, Ingrid
Derenzo, Maria
DeSantis, Bridgette
Din, Haseena
Doak, Brendan
Frager, Aaron
Giaquinto, Ashley
Green, Jonathan
Hayes, Gary
Hellriegel-Allen, Colleen
Hollenbaugh, Joyce
Jackson, Rachael
Jurczynski, Alexander
Langan, Alexander
Lembo, Jennifer
Lima, Karen
Linck, Jared
Mansion, Jodi
Marsh-Stone, Lorna
Mirabile, Matthew
Mistretta, Brooke
Obzud, Chad
O’Connor, Megan
Papuzza, Devin
Pardee, Rosa
Rappoccio, Deanna
Reutter, Sandra
Ryan, Kelsey
Sacks, Stacey
Saglimbeni, Michael
Shaffer, Alexis
Smith, Erika
Spence-Staulters, Sarah
Sprenger, James
Staudinger, Mary
Urbanski, Ann
Walroth, Catherine
Westergard, Heide
Williams, Jeffrey
Tyrosvoutis, Gregory
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Appointment of
Approved Staff
Substitute Clerical Assistant, Teaching Assistant
(continued)
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Nurse
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teaching Assistant
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 Teacher
Substitute School Bus Driver
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Cleaner
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Nurse
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teaching Assistant,Clerical Assistant
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher, Tutor
Substitute Teacher
Substitute Teacher
N.
Resignation – Non-Instructional
Name
Assignment
Effective Date
Teats, Ross
Printing & Mailing Clerk
8/30/15
Mansfield, Theodora
Head School Bus Driver-Civil Service title, 9/17/15
Driver/Trainer-Niskayuna title/TRANS
Clayton-Lembo, Lori
FSH/NHS
9/25/15
Non-Instructional
Resignation
October 13, 2015__
Page 7
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
O.
Retirement – Non-Instructional
Name
Assignment
McPadden, Jacqueline Typist/IRO
Dall, Linda
Nurse/NHS
P.
Non-Instructional
Retirement
Effective Date
11/27/15
3/31/16
Years of Service
30
11
Separation –Instructional
Name
Oshetski-Bacchia, Lori
Assignment
Elem/HIL
Instructional
Separation
Effective Date
10/8/15
d. . .authorize the Superintendent to accept and file the attached Treasurer’s Report
for the month of August 2015 per ASM 6d-i.
Treasurer’s
Report
. . .authorize the Superintendent to approve the attached transfer of funds as per
ASM 6d-ii.
Transfer of Funds
e. . .approve an application RP-556-b for corrected taxes for the 2015-16 tax roll on
parcel 99.4-500-1.3 owned by National Grid and application RP-554 for
corrected taxes for the 2015-16 tax roll on parcel 22.4-1-49 owned by Zhang Yi-Fei
and Guo Wen as per ASM 6e
Corrected Taxes
f. . .approve the Niskayuna Rowing trip to Boston, Massachusetts on Saturday,
October 17, 2015 through Sunday, October 18, 2015 for the 51st Annual Head of the
Charles Regatta per ASM 6f-i.
Niskayuna
Rowing to Head
of the Charles
. . .approve the Niskayuna Rowing trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Saturday,
October 24, 2015 through Sunday, October 25, 2015 for the Head of the Schuylkill
Regatta at St. Joseph’s University per ASM 6f-ii.
Niskayuna
Rowing to Head
of the Schuylkill
g. . .accept the donation from Niskayuna Rowing of a 2015 Vespoli Rowing Shell
Trailer, for the purposes of utilizing the district’s insurance as per ASM 6g
Donation of
Equipment
h. . .appropriate a $15,000 grant-in-aid by increasing budget line A5510.200-33-0000
as per ASM 6h
Grant-in-Aid
i. . .amend the designation of a credit card issued to the superintendent, with an
increase in the credit limit from $2,500 to $5,000.
Credit Card
Designation
j. . . declare as surplus the equipment detailed in the listing below, in accordance
with District Policy #6900, per ASM 6j. This surplus/obsolete will be disposed of by
public sale.
Surplus/Obsolete
Equipment
EQUIPMENT/SUPPLIES DESCRIPTION
Wooden bleachers - 208" l x 36" h x
42 3/4" d; includes four sections
plus two small steps that go with it;
metal bracing on the bottom with wheels.
QTY DEPT
1
Athletics
CONDITION
Fair
Wurtz upright piano
Royal spinet piano
Cable upright piano
1
1
1
Scrap/inop
Scrap/inop
Scrap/inop
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Music
Music
Music
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Page 8
k. approve the following coaching staff for Niskayuna Rowing
Fall Coaches-
Coaches for
Niskayuna
Rowing
Girls
Stacey Apfelbaum, Head Varsity Coach
Sabrina Skotarczk, Assistant Varsity Coach
Christopher Grygiel, Assistant Varsity Coach
Boys
Jonathan Markowicz, Head Varsity Coach
Zachary Spitzer,, Assistant Varsity Coach
Mods
Scott Meade, Head Modified Coach
Kayla Bellair, Assistant Modified Coach
Kate Meade, Assistant Modified Coach
Summer 2015 Coaching Staff
Girls
Stacey Apfelbaum, Head Varsity Coach
Sabrina Skotarczk, Assistant Varsity Coach
Christopher Grygiel, Assistant Varsity
Coach
Boys
Jonathan Markowicz, Head Varsity Coach
Zachary Spitzer,, Assistant Varsity Coach
Burt Apfelbaum, Mentor Coach
Mods
Lucas LoRe, Learn to Row Head Coach
Julia Mason, Learn to Row Assistant Coach
7. There were no items removed from Consent Agenda
8. Administrative Reports and Recommendations
Administrative
Reports Superintendent
a) Superintendent
i. Superintendent Cosimo Tangorra, Jr. noted his intention of moving toward
paperless Board meetings through a program named Board Docs. This method of
making documents available to both Board members and the public will be
implemented later this year.
Board Docs
ii. A process was started one year ago to address class size within the district.
Elementary flex zones became part of a larger class size management plan. See
attached presentation for more information on this Flex Zone initiative. Moving
forward, we will evaluate how new real estate developments are expected to affect
elementary flex zones. A meeting with realtors will take place in order to inform them
of how flex zones operate within the district.
Flex Zones
iii. Matt Leon, District Communications Specialist, addressed the Board about the
plan for communications in the district in 2015-16. During the last budget cycle,
Communications
Plan 2015-16
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Page 9
funding for two additional days per week of communications support from BOCES
was sought and approved. A detailed District Communications Plan for 2015-16 is
attached.
b) Assistant Superintendent
i. “Final Friday” Enrollment numbers are attached and accurate as of October 2.
Updated enrollment figures will be placed on the website monthly.
Assistant
Superintendent –
Final Friday
Enrollment
ii. The Board was provided information to review the textbook Alice in
Wonderland/Through the Looking Glass, by Lewis Carroll, published by Bantam
Classics, copyright 1984, for use in t 9th grade English classes. This textbook is
available for review in the Office of Instruction and will be given to the Board for
approval at the October 26, 2015 meeting.
Textbook
Information
iii. Assessment System – There have been some changes in the district assessment
program, primarily at the elementary level. Three years ago, the number of
assessments increased, with the introduction of both pre- and post- assessments.
The District began to use NWEA assessments for K-8 ELA and Math testing, in part,
because it was an assessment approved by the New York State Education
Department. There have been concerns about the loss of instructional time,
computer lab access, and the ability of the data from these tests to inform teachers in
their instruction and students in their learning. District teachers have brought
concerns forward, stressing that they wanted to return to administering Fountas and
Pinnell for literacy assessments. Initially, Fountas and Pinnell assessments were not
on the approved State Ed list. Now that they are, use of these assessments for
literacy was piloted in 2014-15 and reimplemented in 2015-16. The district will
continue to use NWEA testing in math testing, where data points for identifying both
AIS and acceleration are helpful. Additionally, NWEA assessments will continue to
be used in grades 6-8 for both Math and ELA as it has been able to be used in a
meaningful way at that level.
Assessment
System
c) Director of Business and Finance
i. Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation
of the Audit Committee, accept and file the audited financial statements for the 201415 school year as per ASM 8c-i. Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0. The
district will make the financial statements available on the website as well as in the
district clerk’s office.
ii. Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation
of the Superintendent of Schools, approve the minutes from the attached Audit
Committee meeting on September 25, 2015 as per ASM 8c-ii. Mrs. Gordon
seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
d) Director of Student and Staff Support Services
A safety audit was recently conducted in the district. As part of the Emergency Early
Release Drill Day, emergency drills were conducted at each building, including fire
and emergency drills. All building security procedures are in place and being
followed. The District Safety Committee will conduct a table top drill, planned with
the help of our safety consultant, during which different scenarios are introduced to
the group, handled, then evaluated
During the safety audit, some areas were identified throughout the district that will
be addressed, including more visible signage on doors, and an updated security
camera system. This system and exterior lighting will be two areas addressed
specifically in the building condition survey.
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Director of
Business and
Finance
2014-15 Audited
Financial
Statements
Audit Committee
Meeting Minutes
Director of
Student and Staff
Support Services
Report on District
Wide Safety Plan
Page 10
At the administrative level, a new part-time civil service position has been created.
This individual would be actively involved in the school to address identified needs
for safety and security, as well as participate in the development and implementation
of district security directives.
Old Business –
9. Old Business
a) The Board of Education discussed the resolutions which will be voted upon at the
New York State School Boards Association Convention in New York City this
weekend.
NYSSBA
Resolutions
b) Policy Second Readings and Approvals
i.
Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education adopt Policy 7420
Sports and the Athletic Program as revised to replace current Board of
Education policy 5280 Interscholastic Athletics. Mrs. Gordon seconded.
Motion carried 6-0.
Policy Second
Readings and
Adoption
ii.
Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education adopt Policy 7530
Suspected Child Abuse and Maltreatment as revised to replace current
Board of Education policy 5460 Suspected Child Abuse and Maltreatment.
Mrs. Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
New Business –
10. New Business
a) Policy Process and First Reading
i.
Policy 5672 Information Security Breach and Notification
ii.
Policy 5673 Employee Personal Identifying Information
iii.
Policy 5682 Cardiac Automated External Defibrillators in Public School
Facilities
iv.
Policy 5741 Drug and alcohol Testing for School Bus Drivers and other
Safety Sensitive Employees
v.
Policy 8250 Animals in the School (Instructional Purposes)
11. Executive Session
Policy First
Readings
Executive
Session
Ms. Perez Jaquith moved that the Board of Education, upon the recommendation of
the Superintendent of Schools convene to Executive Session. Mrs. Gordon
seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
Return to Public Session
12. Adjournment
Adjourn
There being no further business, Mr. Apkarian moved to adjourn at 9:04 p.m. Mrs.
Gordon seconded. Motion carried 6-0.
October 13, 2015__
Date
Regular Meeting
Kind of meeting
Board of Education Conference Room
Where held
Page 11
Elementary Enrollment
Report on
Class Size & Flex Zones
October 2015
Elementary Flex Zones
• Six zones phased in with the Fall
2015 kindergarten cohort and
new students in grades 1-5.
• Students who live in flex zones
were provided the opportunity
to state a school preference .
• Kindergarten assignments were
made July 17.
• Flex zone regulations establish
procedures for implementation,
program review, and revisions
as needed.
2
2015-16 Kindergarten Before/After Flex Zones
Prior to Flex Zone Assignments,
July 2015
Opening Enrollments, after flex
assignments, September 2015
Students
Sections
Students
Sections
Birchwood
55
28
27
55
19 18
18
Craig
80
27
27
59
20 20
19
Glencliff
51
26
25
59
21 19
19
Hillside
45
23
22
55
19 18
18
Rosendale
50
17
17
53
18 18
17
Totals
281
26
16
281
3
2015-16 Kindergarten Flex Zone Assignments
# of
Students
Birchwood
Craig
Glencliff
20
Flez Zone 1
CRA/GLE
32
10
Flex Zone 2
CRA/HILL
20
2
Flex Zone 3
CRA/ROS
11
5
Flex Zone 4
CRA/HILL/ROS
4
0
Flex Zone 5
BIR/HILL/ROS
23
7
Flex Zone 6
BIR/ROS
5
5
1
Hillside Rosendale
2
1
18
6
0
4
9
7
0
Registered in August, after flex zone assignment date of 7/17/15, placed in Hillside due to lack of space.
 83% of Family Preferences Granted
4
Class Size Management Plan
• When new students move into the district, they are placed in
the school(s) that serves their residential area if space is
available.
• If space is not available, students are enrolled in another
district school and placed on a waiting list. Families may enroll
other siblings in that same school, if space is available.
• At the end of the year, if there is space available in the
school(s) that serves their residence, students may be placed
there. If not, they remain on the waiting list.
• Parents of students placed in an alternate school may elect to
have their child remain in that school through fifth grade.
5
Class Size Management Plan
Students attending an alternate school , September 2015
> Includes students remaining at alternate school by choice
SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT
HOME SCHOOL ZONE
BIR
BIR
CRA
GLE
2
CRA
GLE
1
HIL
ROS
Total
3
4
9
14
4
18
2
3
HIL
—
ROS
1
1
Total
1
4
6
–
25
8
8
38
6
Class Size Management Plan
Students attending an alternate school , September 2015
> Only students placed by district due to lack of space
SCHOOL ASSIGNMENT
HOME SCHOOL ZONE
BIR
HIL
ROS
Total
1
4
7
CRA
7
1
8
GLE
1
BIR
CRA
GLE
2
1
HIL
—
ROS
Total
5
—
2
–
14
5
5
21
7
Niskayuna Central School District
2015-2016 Enrollment - September 8, 2015
School
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
55
45
50
41
49
54
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
294
Section 1
19
23
25
22
25
28
142
Section 2
18
22
25
19
24
26
134
Section 3
18
0
0
0
0
0
18
59
69
68
72
74
64
Section 1
20
23
23
25
25
22
138
Section 2
20
23
23
24
25
21
136
Section 3
19
23
22
23
24
21
132
Glencliff
59
63
46
61
58
53
Section 1
21
21
24
21
20
27
134
Section 2
19
21
22
20
19
26
127
Section 3
19
21
0
20
19
0
79
55
63
57
66
71
61
Section 1
19
22
19
22
24
21
127
Section 2
18
21
19
22
24
20
124
Section 3
18
20
19
22
23
20
122
53
45
46
70
49
68
Section 1
18
23
23
24
25
23
136
Section 2
18
22
23
23
24
23
133
Section 3
17
0
0
23
0
22
62
Birchwood
Craig
Hillside
Rosendale
Iroquois
Van Antwerp
Niskayuna High School
Totals
Enrollments by Levels
281
285
267
310
301
300
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
406
340
373
331
176
190
209
575
136
138
142
416
312
328
351
352
353
329
361
1,395
352
353
329
361
4,130
1,744
991
1,395
Elementary
Middle School
High School
4,130
Overall Class Sections by Building
K
1
2
3
4
5
BOCES
Self-Cont.
Spec. Ed.
Total
Birchwood
3
2
2
2
2
2
1
2
16
Craig
3
3
3
3
3
3
18
Glencilff
3
3
2
3
3
2
16
Hillside
3
3
3
3
3
3
18
Rosendale
3
2
2
3
2
3
2
17
9
Average Elementary Class Sizes, September 2015
(Class Size
Target – Guideline)
K
1
2
3
4
5
20-22
21-23
22-24
23-25
24-26
25-27
Birchwood
18.3
22.5
25.0
20.5
24.5
27.0
Craig
19.7
23.0
22.7
24.0
24.7
21.3
Glencilff
19.7
21.0
23.0
20.3
19.3
26.5
Hillside
18.3
21.0
19.0
22.0
23.7
20.3
Rosendale
17.7
22.5
23.0
23.3
24.5
22.7
Overall
18.7
21.9
22.3
22.1
23.2
23.1
Low > High
Max Variance
17 > 21 20 > 23 19 > 25 19 > 25 19 > 25 20 > 28
4
3
6
6
6
8
Flex Zone Phase-in Continues
• This data has been reviewed with the Class Size
Management Work Group.
• Improved communication with incoming
kindergarten students/flex zone families
• Meeting with realtors on November 2
• Broaden invitation to preschool programs
• Centralize kindergarten registration; Screening at
schools
• Kindergarten assignments for flex zone students will
be made the third Friday in July.
11
Communications Plan 2015-16
Overview
An effective school district communications program builds the district’s credibility and helps develop and
maintain strong, mutually beneficial relationships between the district and its stakeholders. This communications
plan outlines the communications priorities intended to support these outcomes and will guide the work that we
perform as the public information specialists assigned to the Niskayuna Central School District. This
communications plan is intended to be flexible; it can and will change — in consultation with the superintendent
of schools — as needs and circumstances evolve throughout the year.
Education and communications are two rapidly evolving sectors. The additional two days of communications
support the district has contracted for this year represents a significant investment in keeping pace with these
changes and the needs of our district. However, it remains imperative to make the best use of the available time –
aligning communications resources with the district’s most pressing needs and strategic goals – in any given
moment.
About the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service
The district is served by the Capital Region BOCES Communications Service. As public information specialists
assigned to Niskayuna, we are supported by a team of BOCES colleagues working in the same capacity in districts
around the region and state, as well as by graphic artists, web specialists, print management specialists and
communications program managers. We routinely collaborate with these colleagues to support other districts and
to accomplish regional and/or statewide communications initiatives and projects.
The service’s delivery model has evolved in recent years to better help schools meet the challenges and shifts in
public education today amid a changing communications landscape. Our dynamic shared-service approach
institutionalizes best practices and provides our client districts with a depth and breadth of communications
expertise that no single district or communications professional would be able to replicate alone.
School Communications Portfolio & Enhanced Specialty Hours
The Communications Service’s School Communications Portfolio provides “ready to use” communications
materials, campaigns, and message points about essential topics facing public schools today. See page 6.
The district’s contract with the Communications Service also includes 150 “Enhanced Specialty Hours" that can be
utilized for communications activities including graphic design; web and video services; communications audits
and focus groups; and assistance on special initiatives. See page 5 for the tentative plan for these hours this year.
2015-16 Communications Goal at a Glance
Strengthen the connection between the Niskayuna Central School District and all stakeholder groups to
increase community confidence in the district and build support for initiatives that benefit our students.
1
Research
District: On June 9, 1953, 88 percent of voters in five area school districts voted in favor of creating the Niskayuna
Central School District. Today, the district serves approximately 4,100 students in eight schools and is known for a
vibrant academic program and the accomplishments of its students and staff. It is annually ranked among the best
districts in the region and the state in business publications; Niskayuna High School was ranked No. 26 in the
nation in a fall 2014 Newsweek report. The district serves a well-educated community, with more than 60 percent
of the population ages 25 and older has a bachelor’s degree or higher. The community is engaged in and
supportive of the education of its children. Plays and concerts, sporting events, back-to-school nights, Board
meetings and other activities are generally well-attended. All but one school budget has been approved by voters
in the last 20 years, with an average of 62 percent of voters casting a “yes” vote each year. The average tax levy
increase in that time was 4.07 percent. The district has recently gone through a period of financial difficulty like
many school systems across the state. However, the budget for 2015-16 was built from scratch and continued all
current programs and services, with the some significant new investments in instruction.
Communications: Recent communications efforts have focused, broadly, on: (1) Developing a communications
infrastructure that allows the district to directly connect with parents and community members and (2) Building
community confidence in district leadership and celebrating the work and accomplishments of students and staff.
Communications Infrastructure: Status Report
·
The district launched a new website design in February 2014. Over the course of the first full school year it
was in place, the homepage received about 32,000 pageviews per month. Monthly pageviews for the
school homepages varied by school, ranging from 1,450 to nearly 12,000. The content on many school
pages has become outdated at times as other communications tasks became more pressing.
·
The district established an official Facebook page in the fall of 2012. More than 448 followers were gained
in the 2014-15 school year for a total of 1,499 and counting.
·
More active use of Twitter began in the spring of 2015. From March to August, the district more than
doubled its followership, gaining 136 for a total of 239.
·
The district’s School News Notifier opt-in e-mail system has added 433 “District News” alert subscribers over
the last two years for a total of 1,246 (compared to total student households of approximately 2,800).
·
The district lacks a system that provides the ability to reach parents with e-mail, text, and voice messages.
The following data and informational points specifically shaped the objectives in this plan:
·
Improving communications was one theme expressed through the community survey and forums
conducted as part of the 2014-15 superintendent search. An excerpt from the forum notes:
“Communication: Stronger, clearer. Push information to the community using 21st Century means.”
·
May 2014 exit survey: 14 percent of yes voters said that confidence in the district’s leadership was a
factor in their vote; on the same question a year later, 40 percent cited confidence in district leadership.
·
Response to Board meeting summaries introduced in 2014-15 was positive: One staff member reports, “I
find these VERY informative and worthwhile. Thank you!”
·
In May 2015, one of three recommendations from a Transparency Work Group called for “Consistent
innovative approaches to communication to engage the school community throughout the district
including blogs, texting, newsletter, and social media.”
On the budget voter exit survey conducted each May, more than 85 percent of respondents have
indicated that they have had adequate budget information in each of the last four years.
2
·
Analysis and Planning
GOAL
Strengthen the connection between the Niskayuna Central School District and all stakeholder groups to increase
community confidence in the district and build support for initiatives that benefit our students.
TARGET AUDIENCES
External: All community stakeholders, including students, parents, staff, taxpayers and city residents
Internal: All faculty & staff members
OBJECTIVES
Outcome: Enhance communications on key issues and decisions so that 60 percent of residents who respond to
the budget vote exit survey indicate confidence in the direction of the district.
Output: Begin the implementation of a new mass notification system for the 2016-17 school year to ensure that
parents and others receive information in a timely, effective manner.
Output: Increase social media interactions and overall followers by 10 percent on Facebook (for a total of 1,657)
and more than 100 percent on Twitter (reaching at least 500 followers), by June 30, 2016.
Outcome: Educate and inform stakeholders on school budget issues to build a level of voter support for the 201617 budget proposal in May that is at least as high as the average of the last 20 years (62%).
Process: Educate and inform the community about facilities issues on a monthly basis through December 31,
2015, and – once a facilities planning committee begins work – provide a public summaries of each meeting
(frequency TBD).
Output: Enhance the district’s brand and clarify the commitment to its mission through redesigning select
communications vehicles during the fall of 2015.
STRATEGIES
·
Communicate about the major district initiatives in a way that is clear and focused, and emphasizes a
commitment to students and learning above all else;
·
Use more conversational/engaging approaches on social media to effectively and efficiently highlight
student success, the Niskayuna experience, and the work of our faculty and staff;
·
Develop relationships with regional media and through increased direct pitches and social media activity;
·
Review key publications and communications vehicles to incorporate district mission statement and
reflect the brand;
·
Raise awareness about how faculty and staff can most effectively work with the Communications Office;
·
Promote the website as the first and best source of district information and foster conversations about
the most effective way to use the web ;
3
Communication and Implementation
·
Communicate regularly via the district website and social media channels
·
Produce three to four district newsletters that highlight major issues, decisions and strategic directions
·
Distribute/post Board meeting summaries 24-48 hours after each meeting
·
Create compelling brochures for job openings, particularly Rosendale principal and music director positions
·
Create a “District Profile” brochure
·
Develop a “Working with the Communications Office” flier to be distributed to faculty and staff
·
Increase outreach to regional media through direct “pitches,” social media, and queries
·
Keep all school and district level web pages up-to-date
·
Increase active use of Twitter through posts, hashtags, mentions, etc.
·
Redesign the district’s newsletter and PowerPoint template
·
Develop a flex zone brochure and help organize a meeting with realtors about flex zones
·
Work with a subgroup to decide on a mass communication/notification and begin implementation
(Possibly bundled with a custom district mobile app)
Evaluation & Targets
·
Community confidence
60% of voters indicate confidence in the direction of the district on budget vote exit survey
·
Feedback on Board meeting summaries
50% report they value” the summaries through survey of staff and PTO leaders; Consistent, positive
anecdotal responses
·
Media coverage
At least 2 articles per month in regional news sources
·
Social media interactions
Increase overall followers by 10 percent on Facebook (for a total of 1,657), more than 100 percent on
Twitter (for a total of at least 500).
·
Create job opening brochures, district profile, and redesign of newsletter/PowerPoint templates
Complete by December 2015.
·
Website traffic
Ten or more news articles receive 1,000 views; Increase views for each school homepage by 10 percent.
Enhanced Specialty Hours
·
Redesign of publications such as district newsletter, PowerPoint template
·
Professional layout of district newsletters
·
Design of job opening brochures, flex zone brochure, and district profile
·
District Vision, Goals, & Objectives document
·
Use video as a communications tool (example: facilities planning)
·
Bus safety brochure and bus rules poster
·
Potential website tweaks and/or preliminary work related site redesign
4
Annually Requested Responsibilities
·
Website maintenance (writing stories, photographing events, posting documents, job openings, menus)
·
Take photographs at district/school events
·
Serve as a key contact for local media; draft press releases and facilitate coverage
·
Coordinate annual school events calendar process
·
Produce slideshows/meeting presentations as requested
·
Produce budget materials – flyers, factsheets, Q-and-A’s, meeting handouts; web materials, budget
newsletter, etc.
·
Revise/update publications: NHS Profile, NHS Program of Studies; emergency response information;
harassment brochures, Codes of Conduct booklet
·
Assist in annual retiree recognition ceremony
·
Coordinate updating and distribution of required school policy notifications
5
School
Communications
PORTFOLIO
Instruction
Communications
Service
The School Communications Portfolio, an enhanced benefit for
participating school districts, provides access to “ready-to-use”
communications products, campaigns and message points
about essential topics facing public schools today.
Project Manager:
Audrey Hendricks
EXAMPLES:
APPR background materials for
parents/community, including
FAQ & parent information guide
Common Core talking points
for administrators
Multiple Pathways to
Graduation infographic
Budget
& Advocacy
In addition to tackling complex and often controversial “hot-button” issues such as the
tax levy cap, Common Core Learning Standards and the Annual Professional Performance
Review process, the School Communications Portfolio also provides streamlined solutions
for routine communications such as annual notifications and special events. Carefully
researched and professionally prepared, this vetted material may be used on district
websites, social media channels and in print publications.
Project Manager:
Mellissa Braham
Also included in the Portfolio is Parent Today, a monthly e-newsletter for parents
and educators backed by an information-rich blog. Parent Today provides parents
and caregivers the tools and support they need to help their children succeed at
school, and bridges the gap between families and the classroom to foster stronger
connections and improved parent involvement. Districts may cross-feature content
from Parent Today on their websites and social media feeds to maximize exposure
and impact. This award-winning, research-based product is designed to improve
relationships with a key stakeholder group in every district.
Advocacy Toolkit
Putting the
pieces together
The School Communications
Portfolio brings together the
best thinking of the BOCES
Communications Service to
ensure that clients receive
timely materials to help them
communicate with transparency
and clarity in an efficient
manner. Rather than duplicate
valuable communication
resources in every district, the
School Communications Portfolio
offers streamlined, strategic
solutions for regional and
statewide communications.
CONTACT
Jessica Scheckton
Assistant Director of
Communications
and Public Relations
[email protected]
518-464-3960
Fax: 518-464-3955
www.capitalregionboces.org
Capital Region BOCES
900 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Suite 102
Albany, NY 12205
EXAMPLES:
SMART Schools Bond Act fact sheet
Executive & State budget highlights
GEA & Mandate Relief fact sheets
General Strand
Project Manager:
Nancy Cole
EXAMPLES:
School Boards Recognition package
Theme packages:
Bus Safety Week, National Library
Week, Teacher Appreciation Week
& School Nurse Day
Healthy snack requirements
Dignity for All Students Act
publications and training video
Parent Today
Project Manager:
Tom Antis
EXAMPLES:
Examining technology’s role
in education
The benefits of parent/caregiver
engagement in education
How to educate the “whole kid”
Spotlight on student achievement,
including an emphasis on reading,
why higher standards are needed
and college readiness
BONUS: Summer Seeds of
Learning Calendar
Information 8 b i October 13, 2015
Niskayuna Central School District
2015-2016 Enrollment - October 2, 2015
School
Birchwood
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Craig
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Glencliff
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Hillside
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
Rosendale
Section 1
Section 2
Section 3
K
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
Total
55
19
18
18
58
20
20
18
58
21
19
18
55
19
18
18
52
18
17
17
46
23
23
0
69
23
23
23
63
21
21
21
63
22
21
20
45
23
22
0
50
25
25
0
67
23
22
22
46
24
22
0
58
20
19
19
46
23
23
0
42
22
20
0
71
24
24
23
61
21
20
20
65
22
22
21
70
24
23
23
47
24
23
0
74
25
25
24
57
19
19
19
72
24
24
24
50
25
25
0
54
28
26
0
63
22
21
20
53
27
26
0
61
21
20
20
68
23
23
22
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
174
135
191
138
210
142
354
350
329
361
294
141
135
18
402
137
135
130
338
133
127
78
374
128
124
122
331
136
133
62
575
415
1,394
354
350
329
361
4,123
Iroquois
Van Antwerp
Niskayuna High School
Totals
Enrollments by Levels
278
286
267
309
1,739
Elementary
300
299
309
329
990
Middle School
352
1,394
High School
4,123
Revised 5280
E1B 7420
SPORTS AND THE ATHLETIC PROGRAM/INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETICS
General Principles and Eligibility
Athletics are an integral part of a well-balanced educational program. The District's
interscholastic athletic program will conform with the Commissioner's regulations, as well as the
established rules of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association and the State
Education Department.
Athletic eligibility requires that the student:
a)
Provide written parental/guardian consent. The consent form must contain information
regarding mild traumatic brain injuries (concussions) as specified in the
Commissioner's regulations.
b)
Obtain medical clearance from the school physician/nurse practitioner or the student's
personal physician. The school physician/nurse practitioner retains final approval on
any physicals performed by a student's personal physician.
c)
Meet the requirements for interscholastic competition as set forth by the
Commissioner's regulations and the New York State Public High School Athletic
Association, Section II, Suburban Council and USRA.
d)
Comply with all District rules, codes, and standards applicable to athletic participation,
including the code of conduct as set forth in the Student Athletic Handbook/Athletic
Code of Conduct.
Title IX Compliance
The Board supports equal athletic opportunities for members of both sexes through
interscholastic and intramural activities. To ensure equal athletic opportunities for its students, the
District will consider:
a)
Its accommodation of athletic interests and abilities (the nature and extent of sports
offered, including levels of competition, team competition, and team performance);
b)
Equipment and supplies;
c)
Scheduling of games and practice time;
d)
Travel costs and opportunities for travel;
e)
Assignment and compensation of coaches;
(Continued)
f)
Locker rooms, practice, and competitive facilities;
g)
Available medical and training facilities and services; and
h)
The nature and extent of support, publicity, and promotion, including bands, programs
distributed at games, and booster club activities.
The District may consider other pertinent factors as well. Each of the factors will be assessed
by comparing availability, quality, type of benefits, kind of opportunities, and form of treatment.
Identical benefits, opportunities, or treatment are not required.
The District's Civil Rights Compliance Officer will coordinate the District's efforts to comply
with and carry out its responsibilities under Title IX. This person will be appropriately trained and
possess comprehensive knowledge about applicable federal and state laws, regulations, and
policies. To the extent possible, the District will not designate an employee whose other job duties
may create a conflict of interest, such as the athletic director.
Booster Clubs
The District has a responsibility under Title IX to ensure that boys' and girls' programs are
provided with equivalent benefits, treatment, services, and opportunities regardless of their source.
When determining equivalency, therefore, benefits, services, and opportunities attained through
private funds-including donations, fundraising, and booster clubs-must be considered in
combination with all benefits, services, and opportunities.
Athletic Placement Process for Interschool Athletic Programs (APP)
The APP is a method for evaluating students who want to participate in sports at higher or
lower levels, consistent with their physical and emotional maturity, size, fitness level, and skills.
The Board approves the use of the APP for all secondary school interscholastic team members.
The Superintendent will implement procedures for the APP, and will direct the athletic director to
maintain records of students who have successfully completed the APP.
Student Athletic Injuries
An appropriate medical professional should diagnose and treat an athlete's injuries. The
coach should ensure that any player injured while under his or her care receives prompt and
appropriate medical attention, and that all of the medical professional's treatment instructions are
followed. The injured student has an obligation to promptly inform his or her coach of all injuries.
No student will be allowed to practice or compete if there is a question whether he/she is in
adequate physical condition. A physician's certification may be required before an athlete is
permitted to return to practice or competition. (See also, Student Athletic Handbook)
(Continued)
Athletic Program-Safety
The District will take reasonable steps to minimize physical risks posed to students
participating in the interscholastic athletic program by:
a)
Requiring timely medical examinations of participants;
b)
Employing certified or licensed staff to coach all varsity, junior varsity, freshman and
modified practices and games;
c)
Providing or requiring certified or licensed officials to officiate all competitions;
d)
Ensuring that its players' equipment is safe and operates within the applicable
manufacturers' guidelines;
e)
Ensuring that all home fields, courts, pools, tracks, and other areas where athletes
practice, warm-up, or compete are safe and appropriate for use; and
f)
Providing professional development and training opportunities for all coaching staff.
Alternative Physical Education Credit
Students in grades 11 and 12 may receive Physical Education credit towards high school
graduation for participation in interscholastic athletics. Such credit will be contingent upon proven
cardiovascular and physical fitness and competency in lifetime or carry-over sports. Standards for
such fitness and competency shall be developed by the administration.
Ref: Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, 20 USC Section 1681 et seq.
45 CFR Part 86
8 NYCRR Sections 135 and 136
Revised: September 15, 2015
Revised 5460
E1B 7530
(SUSPECTED)CHILD ABUSE AND MALTREATMENT
Familial Child Abuse
The School District takes seriously the obligations of its officers and employees to report cases of
child abuse or maltreatment. To this end, regulations shall be developed, maintained and disseminated
by administration regarding the:
a)
Mandatory reporting of suspected child abuse or maltreatment;
b)
Reporting procedures and obligations of persons required to report;
c)
Provisions for taking a child into protective custody;
d)
Mandatory reporting of deaths;
e)
Immunity from liability and penalties for failure to report;
f)
Obligations for provision of services and procedures necessary to safeguard the life of a
child; and
g)
Provision of information in recognizing signs of unlawful methamphetamine laboratories for
all current and new school officials (i.e., "mandated reporters") who, as part of their usual
responsibilities, visit children's homes.
Additionally, an ongoing training program for all current and new school officials shall be
established and implemented to enable such staff to carry out their reporting responsibilities.
Persons Required to Report
Persons required to report cases of child abuse or maltreatment to the State Central Register (SCR)
pursuant to Social Services Law Section 413(1) include, but are not limited to, school teachers, school
guidance counselors, school psychologists, school social workers, school nurses, school administrators
or other school personnel required to hold a teaching or administrative license or certificate, and full- or
part-time compensated school employees required to hold a temporary coaching license or professional
coaching certificate.
All mandated reporters shall make the report themselves and then immediately notify the Building
Principal or his/her designee. The Building Principal or his/her designee shall be responsible for all
subsequent administration necessitated by the report.
Any report shall include the name, title and contact information for every staff member who is
believed to have direct knowledge of the allegations in the report.
(Continued)
Prohibition of Retaliatory Personnel Action
Social Services Law Section 413(1) also prohibits a school from taking any retaliatory personnel
action against an employee because such employee believes that he/she has reasonable cause to suspect
that a child is an abused or maltreated child and that employee makes a report to SCR pursuant to Social
Services Law. Further, no school or school official shall impose any conditions, including prior approval
or prior notification, upon any staff member specifically designated a mandated reporter.
Pursuant to Labor Law Section 740(1)(e), "retaliatory personnel action" means the discharge,
suspension or demotion of an employee, or other adverse employment action taken against an employee
in the terms and conditions of employment.
Report Form
The "Report of Suspected Child Abuse or Maltreatment" Form LDSS-2221A may be accessed
at the website of the New York State Office of Children and Family Services.
Child Abuse in an Educational Setting
The School District is committed to the protection of students in educational settings from abuse
and maltreatment by employees or volunteers as enumerated in law.
"Child abuse" shall mean any of the following acts committed in an educational setting by an
employee or volunteer against a child:
a)
Intentionally or recklessly inflicting physical injury, serious physical injury or death; or
b)
Intentionally or recklessly engaging in conduct which creates a substantial risk of such
physical injury, serious physical injury or death; or
c)
Any child sexual abuse, defined as conduct prohibited by Penal Law Articles 130 or 263; or
d)
The commission or attempted commission against a child of the crime of disseminating
indecent materials to minors pursuant to Penal Law Article 235.
"Educational setting" shall mean the building(s) and grounds of the School District; the vehicles
provided by the School District for the transportation of students to and from school buildings, field
trips, co-curricular and extracurricular activities both on and off School District grounds; all cocurricular and extracurricular activity sites; and any other location where direct contact between an
employee or volunteer and a child has allegedly occurred.
(Continued)
In any case where an oral or written allegation is made to a teacher, school's registered professional
nurse, school guidance counselor, school psychologist, school social worker, school administrator,
School Board member, or other school personnel required to hold a teaching or administrative license
or certificate, that a child (defined in the law as a person under the age of twenty-one (21) years enrolled
in a school district in this state) has been subjected to child abuse by an employee or volunteer in an
educational setting, that person shall upon receipt of such allegation:
a)
Promptly complete a written report of such allegation including the full name of the child
alleged to be abused; the name of the child's parent; the identity of the person making the
allegation and their relationship to the alleged child victim; the name of the employee or
volunteer against whom the allegation was made; and a listing of the specific allegations of
child abuse in an educational setting. Such written report shall be completed on a form as
prescribed by the Commissioner of Education.
b)
Except where the school administrator is the person receiving such an oral or written
allegation, the employee completing the written report must promptly personally deliver a
copy of that written report to the school administrator of the school in which the child abuse
allegedly occurred (subject to the following paragraph).
In any case where it is alleged the child was abused by an employee or volunteer of a school other
than a school within the school district of the child's attendance, the report of such allegations shall be
promptly forwarded to the Superintendent of Schools of the school district of the child's attendance and
the school district where the abuse allegedly occurred.
Any employee or volunteer who reasonably and in good faith makes a report of allegations of child
abuse in an educational setting in accordance with the reporting requirements of the law shall have
immunity from civil liability which might otherwise result by reason of such actions.
Upon receipt of a written report alleging child abuse in an educational setting, the school
administrator or Superintendent must then determine whether there is "reasonable suspicion" to believe
that such an act of child abuse has occurred. Where there has been a determination as to the existence
of such reasonable suspicion, the school administrator or Superintendent must follow the
notification/reporting procedures mandated in law and further enumerated in administrative regulations
including parental notification. When the school administrator receives a written report, he/she shall
promptly provide a copy of such report to the Superintendent.
Where the school administrator or Superintendent has forwarded a written report of child abuse in
an educational setting to law enforcement authorities, the Superintendent shall also refer such report to
the Commissioner of Education where the employee or volunteer alleged to have committed such an act
of child abuse holds a certification or license issued by the State Education Department.
(Continued)
Any school administrator or Superintendent who reasonably and in good faith makes a report
of allegations of child abuse in an educational setting, or reasonably and in good faith transmits
such a report to a person or agency as required by law, shall have immunity from civil liability
which might otherwise result by reason of such actions.
Reports and other written material submitted pursuant to law with regard to allegations of
child abuse in an educational setting, and photographs taken concerning such reports that are in
the possession of any person legally authorized to receive such information, shall be confidential
and shall not be redisclosed except to law enforcement authorities involved in an investigation of
child abuse in an educational setting or as expressly authorized by law or pursuant to a courtordered subpoena. School administrators and the Superintendent shall exercise reasonable care in
preventing such unauthorized disclosure.
Additionally, teachers and all other school officials shall be provided an annual written
explanation concerning the reporting of child abuse in an educational setting, including the
immunity provisions as enumerated in law. Further, the Commissioner of Education shall furnish
the District with required information, including rules and regulations for training necessary to
implement District/staff responsibilities under the law.
Prohibition of "Silent" (Unreported) Resignations
The Superintendent and other school administrators are prohibited from withholding from
law enforcement authorities, the Superintendent or the Commissioner of Education, where
appropriate, information concerning allegations of child abuse in an educational setting against an
employee or volunteer in exchange for that individual's resignation or voluntary suspension from
his/her position.
Superintendents (or a designated administrator) who reasonably and in good faith report to
law enforcement officials information regarding allegations of child abuse or a resignation as
required pursuant to the law shall have immunity from any liability, civil or criminal, which might
otherwise result by reason of such actions.
Education Law Article 23-B and Sections 902(b), 3028-b and 3209-a
Family Court Act Section 1012
Labor Law Section 740(1)(e)
Penal Law Articles 130, 235 and 263
Social Services Law Sections 411-428
8 NYCRR Part 83
Revised: September 15, 2015