By EAST AURORA NEWS  (9/17/2011 8:48:20 AM)

Following an Executive Session to discuss collective bargaining with the East Aurora Civil Service Personnel Association and to meet with a candidate for the position of Director of Pupil Services, the public session of the Board of Education Meeting was called to order in the Middle School Library at 7:00 PM by Board President Daniel Brunson. Other members in attendance included Vice-president Kathyann Lorka, Jessica Armbrust, MaryBeth Covert, S. Dennis Holbrook, Eric Sweet, and Stephen Zagrobelny.

Superintendent Russ:

Mr. Russ commented on a very successful first day of school for students. He also provided a brief overview of the new NutraKids system which has been implemented in all cafeterias in the District. He then read an excerpt from a letter received from a parent commending High School Counselor Ms. Maryann Huber and Mrs. Jen Marshall on their assistance in helping their children enroll in college.

Mr. Russ also thanked Mrs. DiNatale for her fine service and commitment to our District and wished her well in her future endeavors.

Ms. Christine Peters of the Roycroft Campus Corporation made a presentation to the Board of Education on the topic of the Elbert Hubbard and Michelangelo statues which are owned by the School District and located on the grounds of the Main Street Building Campus.

Board members’ comments and committee reports:

Mr. Brunson commented on various activities which took place on Superintendent’s Conference Day held on Tuesday, September 6th. Mr. Brunson also took part in providing a tour for exchange students from Spain.

Mrs. Armbrust thanked everyone in the District who took time meet with her and share information regarding programs.

Mr. Zagrobelny noted the efficiency and cost saving efforts of District clerical staff as reflected in a recent NutriKids mailing sent home to all students.

Administrator comments:

Mrs. DiNatale thanked the Board for their support during her tenure as Director of Pupil Services.

Mrs. Klimchuck, Mr. Mambretti and Mr. Roberts all commented on a very successful opening day as well as noting increases in enrollment at all buildings.

Reports:

Mr. Blowers reviewed the July, 2011 Treasurer’s Report and Budget Status Report to date.

Mr. Blowers and Mr. Russ presented the Draft 2012-2013 Budget Planning Calendar.

Dr. Gibson presented the 2011 Summer Curriculum and District Professional Activities Report.

Mr. Russ and Mr. Blowers provided the Board of Education with updated information related to a proposed September, 2012 date for implementing a Full Day Kindergarten Program.

Board discussion:

The Board of Education discussed a proposed September, 2012 Full Day Kindergarten Program. Topics included: fiscal accountability - conversion aid calculations; impact on GASB; impact on State Aid; potential impact on local daycare/preschool programs. Dr. Gibson distributed a daycare/preschool survey result memoranda regarding increase in class sizes and advantages/disadvantages of full day program.

 At this point in the meeting the Board took action on the following Action Item:

Mr. Sweet moved and Mrs. Armbrust seconded, upon the recommendation of the Superintendent that the Board of Education approve that the District implement a Full Day Kindergarten Program beginning in September, 2012 contingent upon confirmation from the New York State Education Department that the District will receive Full Day Kindergarten Conversion Aid.

Discussion ensued.

Motion Carried: 4-3 (Voting Yes: Mrs. Armbrust Mr. Brunson, Mrs. Covert, Mr. Sweet Voting No: Mr. Holbrook, Mrs. Lorka, Mr. Zagrobelny)

The Board of Education discussed their 2011 self-evaluation document. The Board agreed to table this item and reintroduce at the October 5th Board of Education meeting.

Mr. Russ and the Board of Education discussed the process for providing input on the NYSSBA 2011 Proposed Resolutions for Mrs. Covert, the Voting Delegate, or in her absence Mr. Sweet, that will be acted on at the New York State School Boards Annual Business Meeting which will take place on Saturday, October 29, 2011.  

The Superintendent recommended that the Board of Education:

Appoint Jerome J. Polakiewicz to the position of Director of Pupil Services (replacing Susan DiNatale). This appointee has permanent certification as 1.0 F.T.E. Probationary School District Administrator (September 1, 2007). This appointment is effective October 11, 2011, which is the starting date of probation; October 11, 2014 is the end date of probation.

Appoint Tammie Golabek to the position of 1.0 F.T.E. Probationary Home & Career Skills Teacher at the Middle School effective September 1, 2011;

Appoint Elizabeth M. Brooks to the position of 0.6 F.T.E. Part-Time Science: Chemistry 7-12 Teacher at the High School, effective September 1, 2011;

Appoint Stephanie L. Parobek to the position of 1.0 F.T.E. Probationary 7-12 Social Studies Education Teacher at the High School, effective September 1;

Appoint the following Peer Mentors for the 2011-2012 school year: Linda Girvin for Andrea Panczykowski, HS Science, Brian Serwicki for Kathryn Hannon, HS Latin, Nina Arendt for Tammie Golabek, MS Home & Career Skills, and Lawrence Grisanti for Elizabeth Brooks, HS Science;

Appoint Curriculum Coordinators for 2011-2012: Nina Arendt - Grades 5-8 ELA and Brian Serwicki-  Grades K-12 LOTE;

Accept the resignation of Mary Hubbard, Part time Professional School Nurse at the Aurora Waldorf School, effective August 23, 2011;

Accept interscholastic resignation of Kelly Dudek, Assistant Girls Swimming Coach;

Approve the probationary appointment of Ronald Beyer, Teacher Aide at the High School, effective September 1, 2011;

Approve the probationary appointment of Sherri Hill, Cleanerat Parkdale Elementary effective August 29, 2011;

Approve the following 2011-2012 interscholastic appointments: Eric Sweet, Volunteer Girls Soccer Coach, Terry McMahon, Volunteer Girls Tennis Coach, Katie Mann, Volunteer Cheerleading Coach

Approve the probationary appointment of Lorianne Gervasi, Teacher Aide at Parkdale Elementary and the Middle School, effective September 1, 2011;

Approve minutes of the regular Board of Education Meeting of August 16, 2011; and

Approve of recommendations of the Committee on Special Education of August 10, 2011 and the Committee on Preschool Special Education of August 18, 2011.

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User Comments:

David Gunner ...(9/18/2011 9:12:13 AM)
Nice to see local reporting on here again! Keep it up! Thanks!