DATE: 3 MAY 2004

TIME:7:30 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-Faculty - Mr. Farrell-Community - Mrs. Beardsley, Mr. Geiger, Mr. & Mrs. Lamos and

Mr. Sandiford

CALL TO ORDER: The president called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: On MOTION by Michelle Hamdan, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the minutes of the regular 25 March and special 26 April meetings were approved as amended.

NEXT MEETING: Tuesday, 11 May 2004, at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria. The clerk noted that in consonance with the budget development process, the annual budget hearing is scheduled to commence at 7:30 p.m. on 11 May in the gymnasium.

BUSINESS MANAGER: School Year 2004 - 2005 Budget - Mr. Bateman stated that budget brochures had been distributed to members in advance of the next week’s budget presentation.

Capital Project and SEQRA Actions - In furtherance of planning associated with the proposed school year 2004 - 2005 capital project, the following requested actions were taken by the board:

Lead Agent Designation - RESOLVED, that under the requirements of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) process, the Board of Education of the Long Lake Central School District, on MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, assumes responsibilities as Lead Agent for the district’s Vocational Technology/Home & Careers Reconstruction Project. The Board, in association with the firm of Bernier, Carr & Associates, P.C., project architect of record, shall circulate by mail a copy of this resolution to all other involved agencies.

Determination: RESOLVED, that in the case of the Long Lake Central School District Vocational Technology/Home & Careers Reconstruction Project, SED Project Number 20-07-01-001-015, pursuant to State Environmental Quality Review (SEQRA) provisions, and on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, the Long Lake Central School District Board of Education hereby declares a Determination of Non-Significance. Said board action taken 3 May 2004 in accordance with Part 617.5 of Article 8 of the New York State Environmental Conservation Law.

Building Security - Mr. Bateman reported that a price quote for a security surveillance and lockout system had been received. Total vendor cost was $5,500 for a generic installation to furnish coverage for two building entrances. Two additional quotes will be obtained prior to presenting proposals to the board.

SUPERINTENDENT’S REMARKS: Honor Roll - Academic honor roll statistics were reported for the last rating period, with 67% of students in grades four through twelve achieving honor roll standing. Mr. Slentz added that sixth grade student Sierra Olbert had also made honor roll, although her name was inadvertently omitted from the listing. Well done to all honor roll achievers.

CSE - On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, the recommendations by the Committee on Special Education regarding student 111093 were accepted.

Enrollment Projections - A memorandum updating enrollment

projections for school years 2004-2005 through 2009-2010 was reviewed. Mr. Slentz commented that the data should be viewed as estimates only, as experience has repeatedly demonstrated, actual student count is never confirmed until the day school commences.

Hockey Tournament - The Long Lake/Newcomb hockey team took top honors on Sunday, 28 March, in the Lake Placid Olympic Arena. Copies of a laudatory article from local papers were distributed to members. Coach Karl Geiger and Assistant Coach Jim Waters, and all team supporters, were praised for their efforts in shepherding the players through the challenging season.

Montreal Field Trip - Very positive feedback has been received on the recent French class field trip to Montreal. Consisting of sophomore through senior students, the activity was rated as, "...an impressive day." Thanks go out to chaperones Maureen and Frank LoPresti and Tina Pine, with bus driver Chip Farr filling in as an impromptu chaperone. This out-of-area field trip continues to be a valuable educational experience.

Boston Field Trip - The middle school Boston field trip will depart Long Lake on Thursday, 6 May and return Sunday, 9 May. Students will travel to Johnsburg and join student there for the trip to Boston.

Senior Trip Proposal - On the matter of revising the district’s senior trip program, a transitional "strawman" proposal was distributed to members. Issues addressed were: fund raising, holding the event during school time, determining when to transition to the new scheme and introduction of a community service component. After a few requests for clarification, the board reached consensus on the concept as presented and encouraged the superintendent to press on.

Overnight Field Trip Approval Request - Mrs. Lynch’s science class students once again "cleaned up" in the annual local Envirothon challenge held in Lake Pleasant. As a result of their continuing excellence, and on MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, approval was granted to attend the next level Envirothon competition to be held at SUNY Morrisville during the period 26/27 May. Kudos to all concerned.

Music Program - Positive comment was made on student performances in the school play, Beauty Pageant. Special praise was directed to long term substitute music program teacher Tom Gegenheimer, particularly as this was his first time out as a producer. Concerning Mr. Gegenheimer, Mr. Slentz read aloud an observation letter originated by program director, Mrs. Cook. She praised his organizational skills and infectious enthusiasm, closing with a recommendation that he receive a favorable employment recommendation from the district. On a related program note, exemplary student achievement in the Solofest was also reported. Top evaluation marks were received by many of the fifteen participants.

Faculty and Staff - Various faculty members were recognized for recent activities. Tina Pine’s involvement in P.A.R.P., District Planning Committee and teaching assistant classroom efforts were praised. Bernice Burnham and Gail Seaman were instrumental in ensuring the noteworthy success of this year’s Family University Night. Jim Pine’s classroom work continues to be exceptional.

Sports Merger - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, the board approved the following resolution:

RESOLVED: WHEREAS, current enrollments and related projections make it increasingly difficult for Long Lake Central School District students to field complete interscholastic athletic teams, the Board of Education moves to consolidate selected teams with the Tupper Lake Central School District for the 2004 - 2005 school year and shall include all sports as needed. Furthermore, the parents shall provide transportation to and from related activities involving this merger. Other activities will be studied for Board of Education action at a later date.

REMARKS: Question - Spectator Mr. Sandiford, recognized by the board, inquired as to the permissibility of home schooled children participation in district sports activities. Mr. Slentz replied that Education Law prohibits interscholastic participation. Mr. Sandiford followed up by asking if the board had a philosophical position on the matter. The board was of the opinion that the involvement of home schooled children in school activities would foster positive intra-community relations.

Conference Request - On MOTION by Hallie Bond, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor, approval was granted for the superintendent to attend the Rural Schools Conference, 11-13 July 2004, in Cooperstown, NY.

Community Meetings - Town Supervisor Greg Wallace has asked the board to consider revising its bi-monthly meeting schedule to obviate conflicts with the Town of Long Lake’s board meetings. This accommodation would recognize community size and not present conflicting public meetings on the same night. Board members will take Supervisor Wallace’s proposal under advisement.

PUBLIC COMMENT: Mr. Sandiford - In the event Mr. Beardsley, Technology Teacher, submits his resignation, Mr. Sandiford requested that the board not accept same. He commended the board for hiring Mr. Beardsley in the first place and asked that he be given the opportunity to continue working with community children. Mr. Sandiford’s remarks were noted.

Mr. Geiger - Speaking in support of Mr. Beardsley, Mr. Geiger complimented him for putting kids first, always having an open approach to different learning styles and demonstrating "hands on" instructional methods. He added that Ric has been very community oriented and active in working with kids. The board thanked Karl for his comments.

Mr. & Mrs. Lamos - Speaking for their family, Mr. Lamos expressed appreciation for Mr. Beardsley’s assistance on numerous occasions. Mrs. Lamos stated that she was shocked to hear about Mr. Beardsley’s rumored resignation. She also expressed appreciation for Mr. Beardsley’s help in focusing her children’s ambitions. She stated that mistakes should be viewed along with achievements. Concluding, she asked the board to reconsider Mr. Beardsley’s resignation.

Mr. Farrell - With the board’s permission, Mr. Farrell read a letter from Mr. Beardsley addressed to, "My friends and community." Thanking everyone for their concerns, he acknowledged having made mistakes and learning a lot in the process. For his students, he pointed out the relationship between actions and consequences. He expressed his appreciation to the community for its support, professing his desire that the transition will go smoothly. The board thanked Mr. Farrell for his assistance.

Mrs. Beardsley - Speaking with the perspective of a spouse of twenty years, Mrs. Beardsley spoke of her husband’s positive character, always expecting the best from his students. She stressed his hands-on learning approach to instruction and above all, his integrity.

Board President - Mrs. Gibbs thanked everyone for their public expression of concern. She stated that board members don’t take their responsibilities lightly and are guided in making their decisions by what is best for the students.

EXECUTIVE SESSION: At the request of the superintendent, the board entered executive session at 8:37 p.m. on MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Vickie Plumley, with all in favor. Agenda: CSEA contract negotiations, litigation and specific personnel issues.

Session ended at 10:11 p.m. on MOTION by Vickie Plumley, seconded by Patricia Gibbs, with all in favor.

BOARD ACTIONS: Resignation - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the resignation of Mr. Thomas Hare, Head Custodian, effective 29 June 2004, was accepted with regrets.

Indemnification - On MOTION by Patricia Gibbs, seconded by Michelle Hamdan, with all in favor, pursuant to Education Law 3811, the Board of Education of Long Lake Central School District hereby agrees to protect and indemnify Barbara Hollenbeck, an employee of the district, in matters related to Gagnier vs. Long Lake CSD and Barbara Hollenbeck, and, in the matter of the People of the State of New York vs. Barbara Hollenbeck.

Resignation - On the MOTION by Brian Farr to accept the resignation of Mr. James R. Beardsley, Technology Teacher, effective 30 June 2004, duly seconded by Vickie Plumley, members did cast their voice vote on the question as recorded:

Patricia Gibbs-AYE

Brian Farr-AYE

Vickie Plumley-AYE

Michelle Hamdan-AYE

Hallie Bond-NAY

A majority of four votes to one on the question having been cast, the MOTION carried. Mr. Beardsley’s resignation was accepted effective 30 June 2004.

ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business to come before the board, on MOTION by Michelle Hamdan, seconded by Brian Farr, with all in favor, the board adjourned at 10:13 p.m.

CLERK OF THE BOARD

J.H. BATEMAN

LONG LAKE CENTRAL SCHOOL DISTRICT

11 MAY 2004

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-Members of the community, faculty and staff, seventeen in all.

CALL TO ORDER: The president called the annual budget hearing to order at 7:35 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance.

MINUTES: In response for a motion call from the president to dispense with the reading of last year’s budget hearing minutes, Brian Farr so MOVED, duly seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor.

INTRODUCTION: The president welcomed everyone to the school year 2004-2005 Budget Hearing. She then introduced the superintendent and relinquished the floor.

SUPERINTENDENT:Mr. Slentz also welcomed the attendees and then introduced the membersof the Board of Education and business manager. He subsequently stated that the Laws of 1997 of the State of New York require that the district conduct its annual budget vote and election the third Tuesday in May, with a public budget hearing held at least seven days prior. This meeting was for the purpose of presenting the budget, with the annual vote and Board of Education election next Tuesday, 18 May 2004, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. in the school cafeteria.

He further stated that the seat held by incumbent Mrs. Vickie Plumley was up for election and that as no petitions for the seat had been submitted, the election would be determined by write in candidate the opportunity to speak before the board and audience.

Mr. Jules Comeau was recognized. Mr. Comeau stated that his family has resided locally since 1988 and that he has extensive prior experience as a school board member in another district. If elected, he promised to help the district offer a high quality education while being sensitive to the fiscal impact school spending has on local taxpayers. He asked for everyone’s support.

Mrs. Plumley was next recognized. Mrs. Plumley apologized for not completing a petition to get on the ballot, but has since determined to seek reelection. She briefly reviewed her experiences as board member since election in 1999. Concluding, she stated that she has enjoyed the challenges associated with the position and would like to continue working for the betterment of the district.

Mr. Bissell was recognized and asked to make a statement before the board. Reading from a letter, he expressed various concerns generally relating to declining student enrollment and the difficulties the district will face in maintaining a viable educational program. The lack of a major employer, other than local government and the school district, was not in his view, expected to change. He encouraged the Board of Education to look to the future and consider all options. Mr. Slentz thanked Mr. Bissell for publicly stating his concerns, asking him to attend the 20 May public forum to discuss the very issues he addressed.

PRESENTATION: The superintendent returned to the meeting’s purpose, briefly summarizing the many aspects of the district’s educational achievements. He observed that, "...good things are happening."

The district’s State Education Department Report Card statistics were above and beyond state standards. Fully 67% of students in grades four through twelve earned Honor Roll status. Despite often barely having sufficient players to field an interscholastic team, the students play their best, building character by the experience. He concluded by highlighting the increased adult education opportunities offered as well as the district’s cooperative efforts with the Town of Long Lake to expand after school activities. He then turned the floor over to the business manager.

BUDGET PRESENTATION: Mr. Bateman also welcomed the attendees, thanking them for participating in the budget development process by their presence. The business manager introduced his presentation by observing that the evening’s meeting culminates a process begun nine months ago and, after a two month interval, will in August commence again for the 2005 - 2006 budget cycle. The proposed budget was presented in the traditional three component format, comparing summarized 2004 - 2005 spending plan figures against the current budget. Net inter-year differences shown were Administrative down $447, Program up by $22,952 and Capital up by $10,539. The capital project proposing renovations to the Family Consumer Science and Technology classrooms was presented in terms of on-going facilities preservation. The net dollar difference in the proposed budget was + $33,044, reflecting a 0.95 % increase.

Following projected expenditures he moved on to estimated revenues. The key element in this segment was the continued decrease in external revenues, with the difference being made up by the tax levy, now representing 80% of total revenues. The estimated school tax rate of $7.83 vs. the current $7.71 per $1,000 of assessed value was discussed. Based on tentative March 2004 assessment figures, the estimated tax rate will increase by 1.59%. Mrs. Howe asked if an emergency generator was included in this summer’s project? Mr. Bateman stated that it wasn’t, but that the issue of having an alternate power source for the town’s emergency shelter was very much an issue with the board. Mr. Jennings complimented the district’s support staff personnel, expressing his belief that they should be paid better as a means of encouraging them to continue employment with the school. Mr. Slentz responded, noting that the tentative new three year contract with the support staff included a three percent increase, with specific positions being adjusted to recognize critical skills.

Concluding his presentation, and there being no further questions, Mr. Bateman returned the floor to Mr. Slentz. The superintendent thanked all for attending, once again noting the budget vote and board election next Tuesday. He then relinquished the floor to Mrs. Gibbs.

ADJOURNMENT: The president added her appreciation to that of Mr. Slentz’s for the positive turnout. There being no further business to come before the board, the president requested a motion to adjourn. On MOTION by Brian Farr, seconded by Hallie Bond, with all in favor, the annual budget meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.

CLERK OF THE BOARD

J.H. BATEMAN