DATE: 11 FEBRUARY 2004

TIME: 7:00 P.M.

PLACE: CAFETERIA

TYPE OF MEETING: REGULAR

MEMBERS PRESENT: Patricia Gibbs, President

OTHERS PRESENT: Mr. Slentz, Superintendent

CALL TO ORDER: The president called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

INTRODUCTION: The superintendent introduced music program substitute teacher Mr. Gegenheimer to the members of the board. He warmly praised Mr. Gegenheimer for his enthusiastic efforts in filling in for Mrs. Cook. The board welcomed him to the staff.

MINUTES: Prior to requesting minute approval, the president, noting that the 28 January draft minutes did not reflect board action regarding the business manager’s contract, requested amendment to include same. The clerk so noted. On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the minutes of the 28 January 2004 regular meeting were approved as amended.

PUBLIC COMMENT: None

NEXT MEETING: Wednesday, 25 February 2004 at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria.

BUSINESS MANAGER: Treasurer’s Reports, Warrants & Budget Transfers - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the Treasurer’s Reports for January were accepted; the General Fund Warrant in the amount of

BUSINESS(CONT’D): $45,865.26, and the Lunch Fund Warrant in the amount of $1,312.27 were approved; and, requested Budget Transfers were approved.

School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget Planning - The business manager presented the second iteration of the draft General Fund budget for school year 2004 - 2005. In comparison to budget iteration I presented in December, this version projects a $27,735 net decrease in expenditures, resulting in a net year-to-year General Fund increase of $64,572, or + 1.85%. Highlighted were uncontrollable employer contribution rate hikes in both the Employees’ and Teachers’ Retirement systems. On a more positive matter, next year’s employer’s health plan premiums will stabilize as a result of the new plan implemented 1 December 2003. Continuing, he noted those remaining budgetary areas where final appropriations data were not yet available. These include CSEA support staff contract negotiations, BOCES contract cost and replacement school bus expense. On the issue of considering a bus smaller than the 48 passenger unit purchased in 2003, the board concurred in the assessment that a smaller unit fits the district’s declining enrollment. Additionally, a 22 to 28 student capacity school bus will cost between $35,000 to $40,000, depending on passenger capacity and options. The anticipated price for a comparable 48 passenger unit off of state contract will be in the high $60's. This potential savings could generate up to a point and a quarter decrease in the ultimate school tax rate. At Mr. Bateman’s request for a consensus on this issue, the board was unanimous in its support for a smaller school bus. In closing, the impact on the school tax rate was discussed, with the caveat regarding the many variables involved. Factoring in the reduced cost of a smaller school bus with budget iteration II projected expenditures, results in a projected school tax rate increase of less than two percent. Barring unforeseen expenditure and/or revenue variances, final budget figures are expected by the regular March meeting. The board thanked Mr. Bateman for his update.

SUPERINTENDENT’S Academic Achievement - A slight dip in the second

REMARKS: quarter honor roll percentage to 57% was reported, with a list of student achievers furnished board members. Regarding the results of the recent Math A

REMARKS(CONT’D): test, nine of nine students passed, well above the 65

minimum Regents score. It was observed that the testing instrument is testing what is being taught.

Distance Leaning - A recent meeting involving the district, Questar BOCES and Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES was reported. Coordination of services and contract issues were addressed, ultimately leading to final BOCES cost data for next school year.

Science Curriculum Update - Referring to a detailed Science Progression in Grades 8 - 12 at LLCS internal memorandum, the superintendent walked the members through science course requirement from elementary through high school. With core curricula requirements derived from the New York State Learning Standards for Mathematics, Science and Technology as a guide, a brief review of grade specific expectations was presented. The members posed various questions dealing with grade level instruction and assessment instruments. The superintendent invited further questions regarding the science curriculum at any time.

Regents Courses at Long Lake CSD - In response to a member request for information at the last meeting, a complete listing of local Regent course offerings, as well as testing requirements for 504/CSE students, was distributed.

Faculty and Staff - The current health status of Mrs. Cook, Music Program Director, was reviewed. Although the long term prognosis is unknown, it appears unlikely that she’ll be able to return for the remainder of the current school year. Further, and in anticipation of an extended absence, it was recommended that Mr. Fred Short assume Mrs. Cook’s collateral duties as Acting Principal. Following brief discussion, and,

Substitute List - Per the superintendent’s recommendation, and on MOTION by Vickie Plumley,

REMARKS(CONT’D: seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, Pamela Carpenter, certified elementary and K-12 special education, was approved for addition to the district’s substitute teacher list.

Recognition - Mrs. Ordway was publically praised for her efforts in designing the district’s webpage. This new communications options will permit students, parents and members of the general community to maintain frequent contact with the school and remain aware of its many varied activities.

Family University Night - Continuing an activity begun last school year, another extensive Family University Night is being planned. A maximum budget expenditure of $1,800 in supporting instructional funds was authorized by the board.

Buildings and Grounds - A 3 February meeting with representatives from NYSEG and Bernier, Carr & Associates (BCA)