September 2003
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
(MINSEP.04)
DATE: 8 SEPTEMBER 2003
TIME: 7:00 P.M.
PLACE: CAFETERIA
TYPE OF MEETING: REGULAR
MEMBERS PRESENT: Brian Farr, Vice President
Vickie Plumley
Michelle Hamdan
Hallie Bond
MEMBERS ABSENT: Patricia Gibbs, President
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Slentz, Superintendent
Mr. Bateman, Business Manager
Members of the faculty
Students Timber Armstrong and Anna Pratt
CALL TO ORDER: There being a quorum, the Vice President called the meeting to
order at 7:58 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. The board, superintendent
and business manager conducted the traditional opening-of-school building and
grounds tour prior to convening the regular meeting. The tour commenced at 7:00
p.m.
MINUTES: On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor,
the minutes of the following meetings were approved as presented: 1 July Reorganizational
and Regular, joint 8 July Town of Long Lake and School Board, 16 July Special
and 17 July Special.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: Mr. Farr recognized seniors Timber Armstrong and Anna Pratt,
who reported on their attendance at the summer St. Lawrence Young Writers’
Conference in Saranac Lake. Ms. Pratt commented on her affinity for the conference’s
intimate ambiance and overall inspirational influence. Ms. Armstrong followed,
observing that the opportunity to work away from home, as well as interacting
with students sharing common interest, was very much appreciated. Speaking for
both, Timber thanked the board for making the experience possible. The board
thanked the seniors for their positive feedback.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE TWO
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Condolences - The superintendent acknowledged the tragic loss
this past August of Long Lake Central School rising eighth grader Will Geiger.
After expressing sincerest condolences to the family, he commended the entire
Long Lake community for its support, particularly the young people. The invaluable
assistance furnished by Mr. and Mrs. Nerney was specifically noteworthy.
Student Achievement - Senior Claire Black has again been selected for All-State
Symphony, this year for flute. She was similarly recognized last year for voice.
NEW FACULTY: New faculty members introduced to the board were:
Krista Sparks - Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten
Eileen Bobear - High School Math
Fred Short - Math teacher, part time. Mr. Short voiced his appreciation to the
board for giving him the opportunity to teach.
On behalf of the board, Mr. Farr formally welcomed the new faculty members to
the district.
NEXT MEETING: Thursday, 9 October 2003, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.
BUSINESS MANAGER: Treasurer’s Reports, Warrants & Budget Transfers
- On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, Treasurer’s
Reports were accepted; the General Fund Warrant in the amount of $18,173.33,
and the Lunch Fund Warrant in the amount of $312.64, were approved. There were
no Budget Transfers requested.
School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget Planning Milestones - Mr. Bateman presented proposed
budgetary planning milestones for the upcoming school year 2004 - 2005 budget
development process. The board concurred in the proposed milestones.
School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget Development - The Business Manager initiated
the next year’s budget planning process by furnishing final financial
data
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE THREE
BUSINESS (CONT’D): for the prior school year, as well as planning assumptions
and projections for the upcoming fiscal year. Data presented constitutes the
basis on which future financial planning decisions will be made.
Five Year Capital Projects Plan - Referring to a previously distributed memorandum,
a brief review of the district’s capital projects history was presented.
The current budget funds the Electrical Service Upgrade Project during the 2004
summer construction season. This work will be conducted concurrently with the
Locker Room Renovation Project, which was rescheduled from the 2003 season.
Regarding designating the 2004 - 2005 project, the board concurred in the recommendation
to tentatively plan on funding renovation of the Family Consumer Science and
Technology Program instructional areas. Project work scheduled for the summer
of 2005. On a related matter, consensus was reached on initiating a Request
for Proposals (RFP) for the purpose of updating the district’s capital
planning concepts for school years 2004 - 2005 and beyond.
October Meeting Agenda - It was confirmed that the district’s auditor
will present the annual audit report to the board at the regular October meeting.
There will also be a presentation on health plan cost containment by the district’s
plan carrier.
SUPERINTENDENT’S School Opening Report - Mr. Slentz reported on various
REMARKS: school year 2003 - 2004 opening activities. The two Superintendent’s
Conference Days were well received, setting the tone for the year. Special note
was made concerning the presentations by Hamilton County Community Services,
with appreciation extended to Mike and Camille Nerney for their assistance.
Opening Day organizers were commended, with specific mention made of Tina Pine,
Bernice Burnham and Dave Olbert.
June Test Report - A review of June testing results was presented. Noting the
uncharacteristically low 8th grade scores, Mr. Slentz indicated that remedial
actions have been initiated, with 21 students currently receiving Academic Intervention
Services (AIS). He expects that with the new math teachers in place, academic
improvement will become evident in the near term.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE FOUR
REMARKS (CONT’D): Attendance Policy Revisions - In consonance with State
Education Department (SED) guidance, revisions to the district’s Attendance
Policy were discussed. These include dispensing with 9th period early dismissal
privileges, maximum absences reduced from 36 to 20 days and detailed procedures
for absentee accounting.
Extraclassroom Activity Fund Policy - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded
by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the proposed Extraclassroom Activity
Fund Policy revision was accepted for first reading.
Mentoring Program Update - Per another SED directive, the district has developed
a mentoring program for 1st and 2nd year teachers. The superintendent discussed
program objectives, participants and implementation.
Fall Sports Information - Despite enrollment challenges, the district will field
a full slate for fall sports. The existing sports merger agreement with Tupper
Lake CSD is enabling students to join Long Lake’s soccer program. In response
to a need for additional coaching assistance, the superintendent requested appointment
of an unpaid assistant coach. Accordingly, and on MOTION by Vickie Plumley,
seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, Ted Merrihew was appointed as unpaid
assistant soccer coach.
Joint Board Meeting - As a reminder, the next joint meeting with the Town of
Long Lake Board, scheduled for Tuesday, 16 September, will convene in the Town
Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Fitness Center - It was reported that the district’s Fitness Center was
functional and that a dedication ceremony would be held on Monday, 15 September
at 7:00 p.m. A general discussion ensued wherein related use and access issues
were introduced. These included: public access, supervision, hours of operation,
building security and volunteer versus paid attendants. The matter was left
with the understanding that until larger issues were resolved, access remains
limited to staff and students. On a related fitness question, Hall Walking will
again be permitted within the building, effective 15 September, from 6:30 to
7:45 a.m., Monday through Friday. Visitors must sign in at the Main Office.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE FIVE
REMARKS (CONT’D): Adult Education Program approvals:
Weight Training - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Michelle Hamdan,
with all in favor, Weight Training with Mr. Baker was approved for ten sessions.
Program fee set at $10.00.
Yoga - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor,
Yoga with Mrs. Keough was approved for ten sessions. Program fee set at $10.00.
Health and Nutrition - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Michelle Hamdan,
with all in favor, Health and Nutrition classes with Miss. Keogh were approved
for six sessions. Program fee set at $10.00.
Emergency Shelter - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with
all in favor, approval was granted on a request from the Cedarlands Boy Scout
Camp staff to use district facilities in the event emergency relocation of camp
personnel was necessary.
District Policy Review - The board directed the superintendent to continue,
in concert with district counsel, with the ongoing Policy Manual updating process.
NYSSBA Delegate - Mrs. Plumley, who will be attending the annual New York State
School Boards Association convention in Rochester, NY, was unanimously designated
the district’s voting delegate. Mrs. Plumley graciously accepted.
PUBLIC COMMENTS: None
EXECUTIVE SESSION: On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all
in favor, the board entered executive session at 9:49 p.m. Agenda: Personnel
and negotiations.
Session ended at 10:28 p.m. on MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Michelle Hamdan,
with all in favor.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
8 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE SIX
BOARD ACTIONS: Substitutes - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Hallie
Bond, with all in favor, Lynn Mulholland and Robert Wiedeman were approved for
addition to the district’s academic substitution list. Said approval contingent
upon fingerprint review clearance.
Club Advisor - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all
in favor, Lynn Malerba was approved as Outing Club Advisor for school year 2003
- 2004.
Resignation - On MOTION by Michelle Hamdan, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with
all in favor, the resignation of Mrs. Lorrise Adams as full time school bus
driver was accepted. Mrs. Adams to remain on the district’s
support staff and school bus driver substitute list.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION
by Hallie Bond, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the board adjourned
at 10:22 p.m.
Clerk of the Board,
J.H. BATEMAN
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
16 SEPTEMBER 2003
(MINSEPJT.03)
DATE: 16 SEPTEMBER 2003
TIME: 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: LONG LAKE TOWN HALL
TYPE OF MEETING: SPECIAL JOINT MEETING - TOWN BOARD & SCHOOL BOARD
MEMBERS PRESENT: For the Board of Education:
Patricia Gibbs, President
Brian Farr, Vice President
Vickie Plumley
Michelle Hamdan
Hallie Bond
For the Town of Long Lake:
Cynthia Thompson, Deputy Town Supervisor
Town Board: Lew Plumley
Clerk of the Board: Dixie LeBlanc
Bob Gibson, Director, Parks and Recreation
MEMBERS ABSENT: Town Board:
Gene Darling
Richard Dechene
Greg Wallace
OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Slentz, Superintendent
Mr. Bateman, Business Manager/Clerk of the Board
Mr. Richard Farr, Highway Superintendent
Mr. Pat Gibbs, Mrs. Ruth Howe and Mrs. Sharon Waagner
CALL TO ORDER: The Deputy Supervisor called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m.
followed by the Pledge of Allegiance. After welcoming everyone to this, the
second joint board meeting, she asked Mr. Slentz for his comments.
SUPERINTENDENT: Following the published agenda, the superintendent stated that
school district’s new fitness center had been dedicated Monday evening,
15 September. Now known as the Christine G. Snide Memorial Fitness Center, in
honor of the late Town Supervisor, he expressed the hope that the facility would
be a symbol
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
16 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE TWO
SUPERINTENDENT of cooperative things to come between the town and
(CONT’D): district. Continuing in the area of interagency cooperation,
he reported on a visit to Indian Lake for the purpose of investigating their
T3 data line configuration. The district currently leases T1 capability for
Internet access through a Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES services as an aid able
educational expense. The Indian Lake T3 installation furnishes quality real
time, interactive video, as well as high speed Internet access to multiple users
in the town. Comparative cost data was shared with the boards, with emphasis
placed on the concept of multiple users amortizing the installation and periodic
service fees. As configuration options, provider service fees and related matters
become more definitive for potential town and district investment, Mr. Slentz
indicated that he would report same to the group.
DEPUTY SUPERVISOR: Mrs. Thompson, following up on discussion at the 8 July joint
meeting, inquired as to whether there were further suggestions which might lead
to joint ventures between the town and school district. In the absence of an
immediate response, she introduced a concern of hers. Noting that the school
building was the obvious choice of venue under emergency conditions, meaning
extended loss of electrical service, she asked the school board to what degree
building capabilities could be expected to furnish the requisite services. Mr.
Slentz responded by saying that there was currently no emergency generator on-site.
Continuing, he reported that the district’s next capital project would
upgrade the electrical service and ancillary components next summer. One component
of the project calls for installation of an emergency power interface for bringing
in external power. This, however, does not provide on-call capability for emergency
power generation. The issue of how and when to acquire such a capability will
be reviewed by the school board during its annual budget deliberations.
Mr. Slentz - Continuing on the subject of facilities, it was suggested that
when considering renovating and/or constructing local facilities, joint use
opportunities should be part of the planning process.
Mrs. Thompson - With the town’s current focus on resolving its water system
challenges, she didn’t see any major construction initiatives in the near
term.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
16 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE THREE
REMARKS (CONT’D): Mr. Gibson - Observed that expanding the town/school
ball field by filling in a portion of the pond would permit enlargement of the
soccer field. This activity would necessarily require permitting to fill in
wetlands. Mr. Slentz responded, saying that based on current enrollment trends,
there would be insufficient students to field a soccer team by the time the
project application threaded its way through the approval process.
PRESENTATION: Mr. Gibson - Mrs. Thompson introduced the Director of Parks and
Recreation to make a presentation on the feasibility of constructing an on-land
ice rink facility in Long Lake. Mr. Gibson presented a thorough review of potential
town rink sites, similar facilities in area towns, advantages and disadvantage
of differing design solutions and associated cost, and lastly, recommendations
for acquiring rink capability locally.
Discussion - An active yet cordial interchange of viewpoints, concerns and personal
opinions followed. The main issue was site selection, whether on school property
adjacent to the parking lot, or, on town property at the existing Mr. Sabattis
recreational site. A variety of peripheral issues, such as water and electrical
service, overhead lighting, warming shack, hockey compatibility and long term
expansion implications, were raised. Mr. Plumley observed that the town had
been looking at Mr. Sabattis for years. Mrs. Bond interjected that it was her
recollection that the objective was for recreational skating in lieu of the
more involved requirements for ice hockey. Numerous comments were made characterizing
town pond skating conditions as typically less than desirable for recreational
use. Mr. Brian Farr stated that construction of an appropriate warming shack
on school property, with all the attendant State Education Department code compliance
requirements, would take a minimum of two years from concept to construction.
Mrs. Thompson summarized, by stating that it seemed Mt. Sabattis was the preference,
however, lacking a Town Board quorum, an immediate decision was not permissible.
She would report back to the board regarding the informal consensus reached
at this meeting.
LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
16 SEPTEMBER 2003
PAGE FOUR
DISCUSSION (CONT’D): There was a brief interchange wherein various attendees
indicated their availability as volunteers when the time comes to commence project
work.
CLOSING: As the Deputy Supervisor perforce has to meet with the town board,
no action was taken on setting the date for the next joint meeting. With consensus
on the site issue, and no additional topics brought up for discussion, Mrs.
Thompson requested a MOTION to adjourn.
ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the boards, on MOTION
by Lew Plumley, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the joint meeting
adjourned at 9:35 p.m., sine die.
CLERK OF THE BOARD
J.H. BATEMAN