LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
11 MARCH 2004

DATE: 11 MARCH 2004

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
Mr. Pine, Faculty
Mr. Smith, Alex & Margaret Smith

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 Vickie Plumley, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the minutes of the 25 February regular and 10 March special meetings were approved as presented.

PUBLIC COMMENT:
The president recognized seventh grade student Alex Smith. Mr. Smith reported on his recent Washington, D.C., trip where he participated in the Young Leaders Conference. Alex briefly reviewed program activities, noting that the highlight was meeting with various congressional staff members at the capitol. In response to a query from the superintendent, Alex stated that he would highly recommend this experience for students in the future. In closing, he thanked the members for their support in making the trip possible. The president thanked Mr. Smith for his report.
Mr. Pine, Social Studies Teacher, was recognized. Speaking on behalf of the Student Council, Mr. Pine presented the Council’s recommendation for this year’s prom soiree. Proposed for Saturday, 15 May, at the Blarney Stone from 8:00 to 12:00 p.m., the event would be open to students in grades eight through twelve. On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, approval was granted to conduct this year’s prom as proposed. The board thanked Mr. Pine for his detailed presentation.

NEXT MEETING:
Wednesday, 24 March 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. Looking ahead to April, the clerk pointed out that the tentative April meeting was scheduled for Tuesday, 6 April, in recognition of spring break. After brief review, it was agreed to reschedule the regular April meeting for Wednesday, 21 April, subject to change as circumstances may warrant.

BUSINESS MANAGER:
Treasurer’s Reports, Warrants & Budget Transfers - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the Treasurer’s Reports for February were accepted; the General Fund Warrant in the amount of $109,640.50, and the Lunch Fund in the amount of $4,572.93 were approved; and, requested Budget Transfers were approved.
School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget Planning - The business manager reviewed General Fund budget refinements in the area of faculty personnel, the potential impact of CSEA contract negotiations, final Employers’ Contribution Rate data and probable BOCES services cost. Also discussed were adjustments to reflect district property and liability insurance premiums and school bus replacement options. Projecting ahead to the final proposed budget presentation at the 24 March meeting, barring last minute external factors, the overall budget is expected to increase by approximately one percent (1.0%).
Miscellaneous - Mr. Bateman apprised the board that the district wide property appraisal team had confirmed their visit for 18 & 19 March. Also scheduled for 18 March is the bid opening for this summer’s Locker Room Renovation and Electrical Service upgrade projects.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REMARKS:
2004 Summer Project - Mr. Slentz stated that at least twenty five contractors to date had picked up project plans and specifications for this summer’s work. From the district’s financial perspective, this augurs well for competitive project bids.
2005 Summer Project - Bernier, Carr & Associates continues with developing proposed plans for renovating the Family Consumer Science and Technology instructional areas.
Five Year Plan Review - A brief recapitulation of planned, projected and potential capital projects was discussed. Following the proposed classroom renovation projects in 2005, future options include science and distance learning classroom upgrades, overall code updates to the 1925 section of the building, further ADA compliance initiatives, computer lab, libraries and the tennis courts. Concerning the tennis courts, an informal consensus developed that the courts should be retained, with some form of interim resurfacing undertaken, while concurrently initiating plans for long term conservation. The bureaucratic reality of having to work capital projects at least two years in the future was reiterated, as well as noting that future student enrollment statistics would certainly impact capital planning possibilities.
Fitness Center - In light of significant project work in the locker room and lower electrical areas within the building this summer, the superintendent expressed his intention of closing the fitness center during the summer construction season. The board concurred in this assessment.
Course Approvals - Responding to requests from Ms. Havas, and on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, approval was extended to offer Advanced Foods and Vegetarian Cooking courses in school year 2004 - 2005.
Administrative Functions - The superintendent reviewed his use of the District Planning and Professional Development Committees, and the Administrative Team. He acknowledged, despite the district’s small size, the complex interplay of interdisciplinary activities within and without the building, and the challenge of keeping everyone appropriately informed.
Coaching Assignments - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, the following spring coaching assignments requested by the Athletic Director were authorized:

Coaching Assignments:
Gymnastics Club Ms. Bernice Burnham
Tennis Club Mr. Gary Baker
Golf Club Coordinator Mrs. Karin Cook
Girl’s Varsity Softball Mr. Chip Farr
Boy’s Varsity Baseball Mr. Dave Olbert
Boy’s Modified Baseball Mr. James Piriano
Adult Education - On MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, Ms. Havas was authorized to conduct an on-campus Organic Gardening Workshop on Saturday, 1 May 2004, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Field Trip - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, a field trip to Boston, Massachusetts, for grades seven and eight, was approved for six through nine May 2004. The field trip will be in association with students from Johnsburg and Newcomb Central Schools.
Sportsmanship Awards - Mr. Slentz announced that both the Long Lake boys and girls varsity basketball teams would be receiving the Mountain Valley Athletic Conference Sportsmanship Awards this season. Although the ladies deservedly received this recognition many times in season’s past, this marks a noteworthy first for the boys. Well done to both teams.

PUBLIC COMMENTS:
None

EXECUTIVE SESSION:
Per the superintendent’s request, and on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the board entered executive session at 8:35 p.m. Agenda: Personnel review and contract negotiations.
Session ended at 10:22 p.m. on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor.

BOARD ACTIONS:
Substitutes - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the following individuals were approved for addition to the district’s substitute list, pending favorable fingerprinting action by the State Education Department.
Bill Sandiford - Uncertified instructional
B.J. Rehm - Custodial
ADJOURNMENT
:
There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the board adjourned at 10:23 p.m.

BUDGET TRANSFERS REQUESTED BY THE DISTRICT CLERK
AMOUNT TO CODE FROM CODE
---------------------------------------------------
GENERAL FUND
$186.72 A1240.45 A1310.49
CENAD M&S BOCES/FINANCE
4.00 A2110.4513 A2110.4555
BUSINESS M&S GR 5 M&S
47.65 A2110.4514 A2110.4555
DIST LEARNING GR 5 M&S
467.55 A2110.4522 A2110.45
MUSIC M&S/COOK INSTRUCT M&S
125.00 A2250.40 A2250.15
SPC ED CONTR SPC ED SALARY
40.00 A2330.15 A2330.45
CONT ED SALARY CONT ED M&S
458.00 A2630.46 A2630.22
COMP SFTWR COMP HDWR


CLERK OF THE BOARD



J.H. BATEMAN

LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

24 MARCH 2004

OTHERS PRESENT:
Mr. Slentz, Superintendent
Mr. Bateman, Business Manager/Clerk of the Board
Faculty members - Mr. Baker, Mr. Farrell, Mrs. Hall
Ms. Malerba, Club Advisor
Mr. Klein, Hamilton County News

Community - Mr. Benway, Mr. & Mrs. Billings, Mrs. Gagnier, Ms. Holton, Mr. & Mrs. Hutchins and Mrs. Tokarz

CALL TO ORDER:The president called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES:Prior to requesting a MOTION to approve, the clerk noted that Mr. Pine requested his 11 March remarks regarding prom planning be amended to reflect grades nine through twelve rather than eight through nine as previously stated. On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the minutes of the 11 March 2004 regular meeting, as amended, were approved.

PUBLIC COMMENT:The president recognized Mrs. Gangier - Parent of a fourth grade student, Mrs. Gagnier asked the superintendent, "What’s going on with Mrs. Hollenbeck?" Mr. Slentz responded, stating that Mrs. Hollenbeck (fourth grade teacher), following an investigation into the student - teacher related matter, had been reinstated, this following eight days administrative leave. Noting, as previously discussed with Mrs. Gagnier, that in the absence of personnel file documentation substantiating any alleged previous actionable incidents, the district’s disciplinary options were necessarily circumscribed. Mr. Benway followed-up, inquiring if the district contemplated any further action? The superintendent responded in the negative. Mr. & Mrs. Hutchins, grandparents of the involved student, speaking in support, said, "...that children were supposed to be safe while in school." Mr. Billings, also a parent of a fourth grader, similarly expressed his family’s concern. Declining to speak publicly, he submitted a personal letter to the board wherein his viewpoints were detailed.

There being no further comments regarding the fourth grade, Mrs.

Gibbs recognized Ms. Malerba. Speaking as the Outing Club Advisor, Ms. Malerba narrated a slide show documenting the club’s activities over the past school year. Highlights included fall hiking, Geo Caching, snowshoeing and a multi-challenging field trip to St. Lawrence University. She spoke enthusiastically of expanding student and parental participation throughout the year. For the future, she indicated that plans were afoot for a canoe trip and possibly a fall overnight camping experience. Mr. Slentz asked that Ms. Malerba develop her proposals for his review. The board thanked Lynn for her very interesting presentation.

NEXT MEETING:Tuesday, 20 April 2004, at 7:00 p.m. in the cafeteria. This is a revision from the previous tentative 21 April date.

BUSINESS MANAGER:Capital Projects - Mr. Bateman reviewed the results of the 18 March bid openings for this summer’s Locker Room Renovation and Electrical Service Upgrade projects. Low bidders, by contract, were:

General Construction - Ritchie Brothers:$150,600
Mechanical/Plumbing - Skelly Construction: 47,116
Electrical - Dow Electric:101,400

Total project bids:$299,116

Architectural, engineering and incidental items will account for another $60,923, leaving a total project contingency of $49,961 out of $410,000 in total appropriations. The superintendent and business manager concurred that bid responses were very competitive. Barring complications, contract signing is tentatively scheduled concurrent with the 20 April board meeting.

BUSINESS (CONT’D):School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget - Mr. Bateman presented the proposed final General Fund budget iteration for school year 2004 - 2005. Total expenditures are projected at $3,516,062, a $33,044 increase above the current year, or + .95% overall. This compares quite well to the budget’s five year average increase of $125,000. Specific budget areas were reviewed in terms of increases or decreases. On revenues, overall external receipts are projected to remain depressed, with the tax levy compensating, generating an increase of 1.59%, or $2,825,775 vs. $2,781,593 for the current year. Finally, the tentative school tax rate, using current year assessments and estimated revenues, will be $7.8338 per $1,000 of assessed value, representing a 1.59% increase over the current $7.7113. He added that the Town Assessor confirmed that the school district’s portion of the tax base had expanded by about 1%. If this full gain is subsequently reflected in final July assessments, the school tax rate will only increase by approximately 1%. There being no further questions and/or revisions, the business manager requested board approval of the draft budget.

On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the draft school year 2004 - 2005 General Fund budget was approved for presentation to the electorate.

Miscellaneous - Following up on the issue of building security, Mr. Bateman informed the board that a building security assessment had been arranged through a firm recommended by the district’s architect. Regarding upcoming BOCES events, the annual meeting is scheduled for 1 April in Malone, with the annual election and vote on the administrative budget scheduled for 26 April. Mr. Farr, an incumbent BOCES board member, will be on the ballot for reelection.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REMARKS:Architect Contract Update - Work with the district’s counsel and Bernier, Carr & Associates continues in developing an interagency contract more amenable to the district’s legal protection. Noting that the standard industry contract had been developed by architects, this effort will "level the playing field."

School Report Card - Mr. Slentz reviewed the recently released State Department of Education’s Overview of School Performance in English Language Arts, Mathematics and Science. By way of preface, he cautioned that in analyzing Long Lake’s data, it should be remembered that the district’s small class sizes generate insufficient numerical data for statistical validity. That being said, all performance measures meet or exceed state standards. On a specific item, the mid-level science results were the highest in the region. The report reflects the district’s continuing efforts in improving student achievement. This is further exemplified by the fact that twenty five students currently receive academic intervention services (AIS). Members thanked the superintendent for bringing clarity to the complex data.

Contract Approval - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the Board of Education approved the district’s Intention to Participate in BOCES services with Franklin-Essex-Hamilton BOCES for school year 2004 - 2005.

Substitute List - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, Aminda Jennings was approved for addition to the substitute list, uncertified, pending favorable fingerprinting action by the State Education Department.

Superintendent’s Conference Day - Faculty activities associated with the 19 March Superintendent’s Conference Day were reviewed. Kindergarten through grade four faculty attended a presentation on the "Study of Heros" held in Tupper Lake at L.P. Quinn Elementary School. Remaining staff participated in on-campus sessions, including math and ELA articulation, curriculum coordination and discussion and review of various student centered policies. The superintendent expressed the view that conference days were worthwhile investments in time and resources to all concerned.

Certification - A brief synopsis of attaining and maintaining high school science certification was presented. Related requirements for continuing faculty professional development and the New York State teaching assistant testing regimen were also reviewed.

:7^th & 8^th Grade - Members were referred to a memorandum detailing the itinerary for the upcoming field trip to Boston, Massachusetts, for 7^th and 8^th grades students. As previously approved by the board, students will depart Long Lake on Thursday, 6 May and return Sunday, 9 May 2004.

EXECUTIVE SESSION:Per the superintendent’s request, and on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the board entered executive session at 8:10 p.m. Agenda: Personnel review and negotiations.

Session ended at 9:18 p.m. on MOTION by Michelle Hamdan, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor.

BOARD ACTIONS:None

ADJOURNMENT:There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the board adjourned at 9:19 p.m.

CLERK OF THE BOARD

J.H. BATEMAN