BOARD HIGHLIGHTS
SUMMARY OF THE BATAVIA PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT 101
BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING
August 23, 2011
Prepared by JoAnne Walker
Administrative Assistant
Board of Education Regular Meeting
· Recognition of Visitors
Karen Mullins, Representative for Energy Education, presented a plaque to President Link in recognition of Batavia Public Schools energy stewardship. Ms. Mullins stated, “Staff members’ conservation efforts amount to the equivalent of saving 60,318 trees and taking 423 cars off the road.”
· Freedom of Information Officers
The Board of Education approved the following staff members as the district’s official Freedom of Information Officers: JoAnne Walker, Gayle Holan, Jack Barshinger, Kris Monn, Brad Newkirk and Anton Inglese.
· Kindergarten Program
Changes to the kindergarten program were made last May due to the elimination of Elementary Spanish. The administration adjusted the remaining specials (art, music and physical education). Those subjects are now taught by the kindergarten teacher. The administration also adjusted the length of the kindergarten day to meet contractual obligations. This shortened the schedule by 15 minutes. Superintendent Barshinger clarified that in 2010-11, the Board of Education eliminated All-Day Kindergarten and now has one half-day, kindergarten program. The district offers an extended day program allowing students to practice and reinforce their skills.
Based on input from kindergarten parents at the July 26th Board of Education meeting, the administration developed five alternatives which address the length and delivery of the kindergarten program. Superintendent Barshinger reviewed the five alternatives and the budget implication of each. Board Members discussed the merits of each alternative and the length of time for implementing any changes. Board Members also discussed the history of why the district supported an All-Day program in 2000. President Link also recommended having a Board discussion regarding doing away with the enrichment program next year.
Board Member Hinterlong offered an additional alternative for Board consideration which he called Alternative 6. Board Members voted to eliminate three of the alternatives. Further discussion on the alternatives will continue at the September 13th Board of Education Meeting.
In the Consent Agenda the Board Approved the Following:
· Approval of minutes of the Regular Meeting of July 26, 2011 and the Special Meeting of July 11, 2011.
· Approval of the net payrolls in the amount of $1,119,503.27 for July 31, 2011 and August 15, 2011 in the amount of $1,116,757.44.
Education Fund $323,381.89
Food Service $4,884.40
Drivers Ed $1,412.10
Summer School $499.30
Foundation $3,763.50
Grants $4,925.67
Special Education $318,233.84
Operations and Maintenance Fund $299,347.98
Debt Service Fund $374,918.92
Transportation Fund $16,029.82
I.M.R. Fund $38,722.55
FICA $55,865.27
Capital Projects Fund $242,165.36
Tort Fund $0.00
Fire Prevention & Safety $0.00
Total of above: $1,684,150.60
· Personnel
Employment-Certified
Larke Curnock
Katrina Heneghan
Teaghan Marek
Robert Thomson
Julie Thul
Resignation-Classified Staff
Karen Hurd
Employment-Classified
Catherine Ciway
Beatrice Eveland
Nicole Harrington
Jennifer Odom
Thia Ruzicka-Tollas
· Approval of the destruction of the audio tapes of the Closed Session Meetings of February 9, 2010, February 16, 2010 and February 23, 2010.
· Approval of the following Closed Session Minutes and further recommending these minutes remain closed: July 11, 2011 and July 26, 2011.
· Reviewed Freedom of Information requests.
· Approval of the draft of the 2011-12 Elementary School Student Handbook, with amendments as suggested.
· Approval of the disposal of the surplus district property as presented.
· Approval of the resolution authorizing the administration to use legal counsel to intervene in all future tax appeal cases.
The Board of Education adjourned to Closed Session at 9:42 p.m. to hear information on Personnel, Collective Bargaining and Pending Litigation. They returned to Open Session at 10:45 p.m. and adjourned.
