Meeting video recording: https://youtu.be/kPYnMgfPFQA
Mission
We will provide students of every ability the support, dedication, quality instruction and experiences they need as they strive to fulfill their dreams and aspirations for the future.
Board Goals
1. To provide opportunities to improve overall student success by developing and recognizing student achievement in all areas.
2. Ensure and secure the district’s fiscal stability while delivering exceptional educational results at a cost appropriate to the community’s economic condition.
3. Continue to nurture, support and improve the school district culture of a safe, welcoming and inclusive climate with a strong emphasis on effective strategies that support all students.
4. Continually evaluate, maintain and improve facilities that address the current and future needs of our district and provide students, employees and community members with an inviting, safe, efficient and modern infrastructure.
5. Continually explore methods to provide concise, clear and consistent two-way communication among all school and community members.
6. Identify and partner with resources that will assist us in the fulfillment of our mission.
ROLL CALL: Pres. Camille Siano Enders VP Deb Grier Jennifer Sexton
Shayne Mitchell Teresa Wood-Irvin Dianne Grant Henry “Dirk” Felton
MEETING CALLED TO ORDER at 6:32 p.m. by President Siano Enders.
Also Present: Interim Superintendent Ziegler, Business Official Rivenburg, Principal Conover, Principal Marvin, Athletic Director Hardenstine
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
AGENDA CHANGES – additions and/or deletions – addendum
PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR – none
PRINCIPALS REPORTS/UPDATES
Principal Marvin – Teachers are doing a PHENOMENAL JOB and planning new lessons. We have 100% of our HS students participating in schooling; only district in the capital region. Some students are struggling, some are doing great, some are moving along; all the kids though are doing a great job. She is on the Google Classroom/Hangouts with the teachers at all times. The teachers are on all the time too. Not one has complained about this situation. Our teachers have gone above & beyond; doing their own teaching & given other help to others outside our district. We are leading the charge over all districts. We also have great parents connecting with us.
Principal Conover – Ditto to what Principal Marvin stated.
Business Official Rivenburg – Over 300 chrome books issued as of 4/6, remainder of the hot spots received and delivered.
Athletic Director Hardenstine – Echo what Principals Marvin & Conover are saying. We are very far ahead of the game. Sports – timeline is extended through 4/27 or 4/30.
SUPERINTENDENT’S STATUS REPORT/UPDATE
Changes are happening on a daily basis. Regents are cancelled for June. No guidance yet, however, has a 5-page cheat sheet in regard to what will happen. There are waivers – you will receive credit; advanced regents designation & honors regents may not show on the diploma; there’s a lot to cover. Info given to Principal Marvin with many scenarios. Each student needs to be reviewed individually. Even those who expressed a desire to retake in June-even a waiver for that.
Budget – we did ok. We have a rock-solid plan; don’t expect more money and the governor has look back periods. We have a plan in place for this. Foundation Aid frozen as to what we have this year. Perhaps freeze for 2-3 years. TRS & ERS (are market driven)/health insurance rates are going to go up &/or skyrocket. We have plans in place for these topics. Expectations are set for the staff/employees & we deliver! We are key pieces to other districts. Staff is appreciated – not one person has had an issue with what’s been asked of them. KUDOS to the district and everybody.
PRESENTATION/APPROVAL OF BOE MINUTES FOR ACTION:
Recommendation that the Board of Education approve the minutes of the March 24, 2020 meeting as submitted.
Motion by VP Grier, seconded by Board Member Grant.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
NEW BUSINESS: BOE STANDING COMMITTEE REPORT – (2019-20 MEMBERS) – None
Audit Committee – Dianne Grant (chair), Teresa Wood-Irvin
Buildings & Grounds Committee –Shayne Mitchell (chair), Jennifer Sexton
Education Committee – Jennifer Sexton (chair), Teresa Wood-Irvin, Deb Grier
Employee Relations Committee – Camille Siano Enders (chair), Deb Grier, Dianne Grant
Policy Committee – Teresa Wood-Irvin (chair), Shayne Mitchell
Public Relations Committee – Deb Grier (chair), Jennifer Sexton
BUDGET ITEM:
Budget presentation/discussion/recap – Slide presentation
**We were originally going to adopt the budget; however, we’re going to look at it tonight. We’re saving money currently due to non-operating costs, however, that may have some negative consequences and the Fund Balance can be used. Next year – there will be no Federal stimulus adjustment; the state is going to need to recover somewhere; it’s now called Pandemic Adjustment, next year, it will be called something else.
FINANCIAL ITEMS:
1. Accept Claims Auditor’s Comments on March 17, 2020 report.
General Warrant # 17 $163,443.28
Motion by Board Member Mitchell, seconded by Board Member Felton.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
2. Approve Contract for Health and Welfare Services with Schenectady City School District.
Recommendation that the Board of Education approve the health and welfare services contract between Schenectady City School District and Duanesburg CSD for the 2019-2020 school year as recommended by the business official.
Motion by Board Member Wood-Irvin, seconded by Board Member Sexton.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
3. Approve Contract for Health and Welfare Services with South Colonie Central School.
Recommendation that the Board of Education approve the health and welfare services contract between South Colonie Central School and Duanesburg CSD for the 2019-2020 school year as recommended by the business official.
Motion by Board Member Grant, seconded by Board Member Sexton.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
ADDENDUM
PERSONNEL ITEM:
1. Approve Appointment of Superintendent of Schools.
BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of Education hereby appoints and employs James Niedermeier as Superintendent of Schools, for a term of three (3) years, from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2023 and further approves the Employment Agreement dated April 7, 2020 setting forth the terms and conditions of such appointment and employment.
Motion by Board Member Grant, seconded by VP Grier.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
OTHER ITEMS:
Meeting adjourned at 7:48 pm.
Motion by VP Grier, seconded by Board Member Mitchell.
In favor: 7
Opposed: 0
Motion Carried
Respectfully submitted,
Celeste E Junge
District Clerk
4/8/2020
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