October 2003
LONG LAKE CENTRAL
SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003(MINOCT.04)
DATE: 9 OCTOBER 2003
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: CAFETERIA
TYPE OF MEETING: REGULAR
MEMBERS PRESENT: Patricia Gibbs, President
Brian Farr, Vice President
Vickie Plumley
Michelle Hamdan
Hallie Bond
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Slentz, Superintendent
Mr. Bateman, Business Manager/Clerk of the Board
Mrs. Snide, District Treasurer
Mr. Klein, Hamilton County News
Mr. Reece, Larry Reece, CPA
Faculty members Mr. Farrell, Mrs. Keough & Mrs. Waagner
Student Miss Black
CALL TO ORDER: The president called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES: On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all
in favor, the minutes of the 8 September regular meeting and 16 September 2003
joint meeting were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT: The president recognized senior Claire Black. Referring to the
board’s previous support through the district’s Academic Committee
for Enrichment, Miss Black reported on attending the Young Writers’ Conference
and the Brevard Music Center (in North Carolina) program. At the board’s
request, she briefly described her three week Brevard experience. One of some
450 attendees, ages 14 to 25, Claire said
sharing living quarters with 25 other students was certainly memorable. The
program’s intensity, coupled with an extraordinary staff, made it the
most worthwhile experience she has had to date. Concluding, she expressed gratitude
to the board for making it possible to participate in these two worthwhile activities.
The board warmly thanked Miss Black for her report.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE TWO
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, 13 November 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. (See
amended schedule on page five.)
BUSINESS MANAGER: Treasurer’s Reports, Warrants & Budget Transfers
- On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, Treasurer’s
Reports were accepted; the
General Fund Warrant in the amount of $152,362,11, and the Lunch Fund in the
amount of $2,060.63 were approved; and, requested Budget Transfers were approved.
SEQR - As recommended by the district’s architectural firm, Bernier, Carr
& Associates (BCA), and on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Hallie Bond,
with all in favor, in the case of Long Lake Central School District Electrical
Service Upgrade Project, SED Project Number 20-07-01-04-0-001-014, pursuant
to State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) provisions, the Long Lake Central
School District Board of Education hereby issues a Negative Declaration of Non-Significance.
Said action taken 9 October 2003 in accordance with Part 617.5 of Article 8
of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.
Project Update - As a brief follow-up, Mr. Bateman reported that the superintendent
and he had met with BCA representatives to review the Electrical Service Project
plans prior to submission to the State Education Department. It was also noted
that a Request for Proposals (RFP) had been disseminated to five architectural
firms concerning updating the district’s Five Year Capital Plan.
Annual Independent Audit Report - Mr. Bateman introduced the district’s
auditor, Mr. Larry Reece.
The business manager reviewed various components of the annual audit, commencing
with the Combined Balance Sheet. Comparisons were made to the previous year’s
audit in the areas of revenues, expenditures and interfund transfers, as well
as responses to selected audit notes. Mr. Reece noted that the district’s
practice of maintaining a fund balance demonstrated prudent fiscal management.
Note was also made that, although not required until the 2003 - 2004 audit,
steps had been initiated with regards to GASB 34 compliance. Mr. Bateman concluded
his remarks and deferred to the auditor. Mr. Reece complimented the
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE THREE
BUSINESS (CONT’D): district on its financial management for the 2002 -
2003 school year. He closed by thanking the business manager and staff for their
audit support. The board thanked Mr. Reece for his favorable report.
There being no further audit related questions, Mr. Bateman requested a motion
to accept the audit as presented. On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Vickie
Plumley, with all in favor, the annual independent audit for school year 2002
- 2003 was accepted as presented.
SUPERINTENDENT’S Presentation - Mr. Slentz introduced the Family
REMARKS: Consumer Science teacher, Mrs. Keough, to present a request to initiate
an Organic Garden Project. Her concept, involving both students and community
members, calls for the creation of organic garden plots on school property.
She expects to have the beds ready for planting in the spring of 2004, with
the harvest anticipated the subsequent fall, forest inhabitants notwithstanding.
The board viewed Mrs. Keough’s proposal favorably. On MOTION by Patricia
Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, approval was granted for Mrs.
Keough to initiate an Organic Garden Project, to include the installation of
garden plots on school property. The board thanked Mrs. Keough for her presentation.
Exercise Class - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Hallie Bond, with
all in favor, permission was granted for Miss. Burnham to conduct an after school
Pilates Exercise Class twice a week for six weeks, commencing 3 November 2003.
Student Fitness Center - Use of the new fitness venue was reviewed. Although
students have been using the fitness equipment daily, the fall weather has been
too good thus far to encourage community participation. Looking ahead to the
winter months, the superintendent proposed an after school trial program for
the period November through March, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m., three days a week.
An appropriately qualified supervisor would be compensated $10.00 per hour.
On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor,
the request for a Student Fitness Center trial after school program was approved.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE FOUR
REMARKS(CONT’D): Open House & First Five Weeks - Commenting on the
9
October school open house, Mr. Slentz observed that turnout had been very light.
A revised format will be considered for the next such event. Regarding the school
year to date, he remarked on the district’s active academic program, full
soccer sports schedule and extensive academic intervention services (AIS). Following
this initial AIS period, he expects the program will undergo revisions to meet
evolving student needs.
K-6 Organization - In view of declining enrollment,
student demographics and potential staff retirements, options are being considered
to best structure the Kindergarten through grade six academic program. Approaches
include multi-age grouping and subject matter departmentalization.
Superintendent’s Conference Day - The next conference day is scheduled
for Thursday, 24 October, with members of the Newcomb Central School District
faculty joining Long Lake. The theme of this conference will be "Improving
Student Achievement Through Professional Development."
Field Trip - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all
in favor, approval was granted for Mrs. Cook and Miss Black to attend the New
York State Music Association festival in Rochester, NY, this November.
Community Ice Rink Update - It was reported that the joint Town of Long Lake
and Board of Education ad hoc Ice Rink Committee has made exceptional progress.
It appears that the community will have an ice rink up an running this winter
season. Volunteer labor, along with town and Hamilton County assistance have
been instrumental in moving this project from concept towards fruition. Worthy
of particular note has been the excavation work of Mr. Pat Gibbs in grading
the rink site area. Mr. Slentz noted that the rink will be a component of the
district’s student winter after school program. To fully support this
year’s community effort, the ad hoc committee requested a maximum of $30,000
funding from each board for associated labor, materials and contractual support.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE FIVE
REMARKS(CONT’D): On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr,
with all in favor, the board authorized expenditure of up to $30,000 in support
of after school program activities.
Extraclassroom Activity Fund Policy - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded
by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the proposed revision of the Extraclassroom
Activity Fund policy was approved on second and final reading and authorized
for promulgation.
Board Meeting Schedule - In recognition of the ever-increasing complexity of
board responsibilities, along with attendant paperwork, the addition of a second
monthly board meeting was broached. Various justifications were offered, with
timeliness and shorter individual meetings topping the list. Board members concurred
in the concept, agreeing to add a second meeting the fourth Wednesday each month,
start time to remain 7:00 p.m. The president noted that the board may revisit
the need for a second monthly meeting as circumstances dictate. Accordingly,
the next regular board meeting will be on Wednesday, 22 October 2003, at 7:00
p.m. in the cafeteria.
Miscellaneous - The superintendent indicated that he was progressing through
the Policy Manual updating process, with assistance from district legal and
others. This year’s NYSCOSS Conference was an unqualified success, "...The
most influential one attended thus far." Concerning designating a board
representative to the Essex County School Boards Association, the superintendent
volunteered to attend the next meeting and report back on his impressions. Regarding
an opportunity for board members to obtain professional development through
a BOCES cross-contract agreement, on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian
Farr, with all in favor, approval was granted to participate in a North Country
staff development program for board members through a cross-contract for Champlain
Valley Educational Services.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with
all in favor, the board entered executive session at 8:50 p.m. Agenda: Personnel
and negotiations.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE SIX
SESSION(CONT’D): Session ended at 9:40 p.m. on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded
by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor.
BOARD ACTIONS: Substitute List - On the question to add Kathleen Curry to the
academic substitute list, the following members voted AYE: Hallie Bond, Brian
Farr, Michelle
Hamdan and Vickie Plumley. Mrs. Gibbs abstained. There being a majority in favor,
the applicant in question was approved for addition to the academic substitute
list.
Position Revision - Effective 1 November 2003, Mrs. Tina Pine’s position
title will change from Teacher’s Aide to Teacher’s Assistant. No
compensation change is associated with this revision.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION
by Patricia Gibbs, seconded Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the board adjourned
at 9:47 p.m.
BUDGET TRANSFERS REQUESTED BY THE DISTRICT CLERK
AMOUNT TO CODE FROM CODE
---------------------------------------------------
GENERAL FUND
$100.00 A1320.40 A1310.49
FIN/AUDITOR FIN/BOCES
14.26 A1325.45 A1330.45
FIN/DIST TREASURER FIN/TAX COLLECTOR
1,671.80 A1621.40 A1620.42
MAINT CONTR CENSER/INSURANCE
172.93 A2110.4514 A2110.4511
M&S/DIST LEARNING M&S/SUMSCHOL
164.47 A2110.4519 A2110.45
M&S/MATH M&S/GEN INSTRUCT
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
9 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE SEVEN
BUDGET TRANSFERS(CONT’D):
AMOUNT TO CODE FROM CODE
---------------------------------------------------
127.49 A2110.4526 A2110.4527
M&S/TECHNOLOGY M&S/BOCES GEN
425.00 A2110.4528 A2110.4527
M&S/A/V M&S/BOCES GEN
CLERK OF THE BOARD
J.H. BATEMAN
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
22 OCTOBER 2003
(MINOCT2.04)
DATE: 22 OCTOBER 2003
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: CAFETERIA
TYPE OF MEETING: REGULAR
MEMBERS PRESENT: Patricia Gibbs, President
Brian Farr, Vice President
Vickie Plumley
Michelle Hamdan
Hallie Bond
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Slentz, Superintendent
Mr. Bateman, Business Manager/Clerk of the Board
OTHERS PRESENT: None
CALL TO ORDER: The president called the meeting to order at 7:08 p.m. followed
by the Pledge of Allegiance.
MINUTES: On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor,
the minutes of the 9 October 2003 regular meeting were approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, 13 November 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
SUPERINTENDENT’S Community Projects Update - Distance Learning - Mr.
REMARKS: Slentz reported on efforts to upgrade the district’s distance
learning capabilities at reduced program cost, while concurrently pursuing more
economical Internet provider services. Related to this initiative, but not necessarily
associated with it, is an ongoing effort to extend T1 line service and distance
learning access to various Town of Long Lake facilities. These could include
the Town Fire Hall, Long Lake Library, Town Offices, the Medical Center and
Rescue Squad buildings. No firm commitment to participate has yet been expressed
by the Town Board. A recent fact-finding meeting at Indian Lake with Assemblywoman
Theresa Sayward, Adirondack Area Network representatives and Town of Indian
Lake participants was viewed as very positive. Estimated cost data,
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
22 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE TWO
REMARKS(CONT’D): inclusive of BOCES and E-Rate offsets, were presented.
Efforts are also underway requesting financial support from various sources
to help in bringing this project to fruition.
Ice Rink - On this joint Town of Long Lake and school board initiative, it was
reported that site excavation had been completed and water line extension was
nearing completion, with aggregate and concrete work expected shortly. Mr. Slentz
stated that all involved in this self-help project were enthusiastic over the
rapid progress made thus far. The goal of ice rink skating being a reality to
students and community by Thanksgiving vacation appears well within reach.
Regents Update - A brief, but detailed, review of recent events involving the
Commissioner of Education and the New York State Regents concerning math curricula
configuration, testing instruments and grading thresholds was presented. The
issue of ultimately selecting either 55 or 65 as a passing regents score was
discussed. Further, a passing score of 55 through school year 2009 for students
with disabilities (SWD) was confirmed. Related note was made that the regents
physics exam and curriculum was under review to determine an appropriate instruction
level. Mr. Slentz observed that as this area is obviously in a state of flux,
he would furnish specifics to the board as they become available.
Adult Education - On MOTION by Michelle Hamdan, seconded by Brian Farr, with
all in favor, permission was granted for Mr. Beardsley, Technology Program,
to conduct a Basic Power Tool Woodworking course under the auspices of the district’s
adult education program. Schedule to be announced.
Sports Merger - In response to an informal request to consider future sports
merger feasibility with Minerva-Newcomb School District’s, the board had
no objections to the superintendent investigating the matter. It was suggested
that some form of joint meeting be arranged to determine potential interest,
as well as related athletic, staffing, budgetary and logistical ramifications.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
22 OCTOBER 2003
PAGE THREE
REMARKS(CONT’D): Overnight Field Trip - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded
by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, permission was granted for Mrs. Cook and
Mrs. Butters, with students, to attend this year’s Northeast Instrumental
Music Festival in Lake Placid, 20-23 November. A similar request was also approved,
on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor,
for Mrs. Cook, and students, to attend the Zone 7 Area All State, 14-15 November,
in Glens Falls.
Senior Class Trip - Ongoing coordination efforts among class advisors regarding
senior trip fund raising vehicles and opportunities was briefly reviewed. The
existing senior trip process will remain in place for the foreseeable future.
CSE - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Patricia Gibbs, with all in favor,
the Recommendations Regarding Students with Disabilities, dated 14 October 2003,
was approved.
PUBLIC COMMENT: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Brian Farr, with
all in favor, the board entered executive session at 8:16 p.m. Agenda: Personnel,
compensation and contract negotiations.
Session ended at 9:18 p.m. on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr,
with all in favor.
BOARD ACTIONS: Substitute List - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie
Plumley, with all in favor, the following individuals were approved for addition
to the district’s substitute lists, pending final reference review and
State Education Department fingerprint clearance: Academic - Janet Allensworth
and Tenielle Jarvis, Support Staff - Dianne Waters prospective bus driver.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION
by Michelle Hamdan, seconded Patricia Gibbs, with all in favor, the board adjourned
at 9:19 p.m.
CLERK OF THE BOARD
J.H. BATEMAN