AFTON CENTRAL SCHOOL
Board of Education Meeting
Date: June 5, 2014
Where Held: Middle/High School Library
Kind of Meeting:
Regular
Presiding Officer: Vice President – Vanessa Warren
Board Members Present: Vanessa Warren, Vice President; Duane Phillips, Henry Bostelman, Ted King
Absent: No one
Administration and
Others Present
Elizabeth Briggs, Superintendent; Dave Glover, Secondary Principal; Kimberly Werth,
Elementary Principal; Ken Howard, Business Manager; Connie Beames, Secretary
Visitors: Marlene Utter, Kim Nutting, Sarah DeLarco, Gene Hatton, James Westfall, Kylie Masse, Payton Cutting,
Dominique Santa Cruz Hess, Tanya Hatton, Shawna Stevens, Shain McGovern, Brenna Caiati, Christiana
Raymond, Cassidy Phillips, Dan Ward, Brad Ward, Keith Ives, Sr., Brian Hart, Lacy Stanton, Jill Nordberg,
Ronal Noone, Donna Glover, Deborah Samuel
CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. by Vice President Warren.
RECOGINITION OF VISITORS
Payton Cutting introduced herself as a member of Student Government. She presented gift bags to the four Board of
Education members and thanked them for being so gracious and always listening to what they had to say. Each board
member was given an Afton Crimson Knight shirt screen printed with a design created by an Afton student, Allison
Wylubski.
MINUTES
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to approve minutes of the meeting of May
13, 2014 as presented.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
FINANCIAL
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to approve the April 2014 Treasurer’s
Report.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Reviewed the monthly financial statements.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to approve the April 2014 DCMO
BOCES Claims Audit Report.
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
Reviewed the Property Appraisal Quotes:
This is for the property located by the athletic fields that is owned by the Town of Afton that the school is currently
using for parking. It is a 1.7 acre lot with a Morton building on it. The Town has the property listed for $50,000.
Three quotes were obtained for a summary appraisal report utilizing a narrative format that would conform with the
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). One quote was from Olin Group, LLC in the amount
of $800. Another quote was from RPI Appraisal in the amount of $800. and the third from Lonnie Ridgway
Associates, Inc. in the amount of $900. Cliff Olin from the Olin Group, LLC was present to answer questions that
arose with regard to the possibility of environmental issues. Mr. Olin indicated that if the tanks in the ground were
removed, the town should be able to provide a letter from the DEC stating that they were removed and reconditioned.
He suggested that a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment Study be done on the property and that the fee for that
typically runs around $1500. He does not perform that service but can get the school some names of organizations that
do. Ms. Briggs said the school’s lawyer is looking into a license agreement to propose to the town to use the property
for 6 months at $500. per month. Ms. Briggs stated she would have it explored whether the payments would go
towards the purchase price, should the school end up purchasing the property. Ms. Briggs also indicated she would
follow up on the necessity to rezone the property, should the school purchase.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to approve the Olin Group, LLC to
perform the summary appraisal report utilizing a narrative format that would conform with the USPAP in the amount
of $800.00
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to authorize Superintendent to sign
contract with Chenango Forks Central School for the provision of health and welfare services provided to one Afton
district student attending private school located in Chenango Forks CSD at a cost of $322.15.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to authorize Superintendent to sign contract
with Four Winds Saratoga for tutoring of one Afton Central School student at a rate of $31/hr. for 10 hours/week.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to authorize Superintendent to sign
picnic shelter contract with Oquaga Creek State Park for middle school field trip on June 12, 2014 for $75.00 to be
paid for by middle school class.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to authorize participation in the
BOCES 2014/2015 Cooperative Purchasing.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to authorize participation in the BOCES
2014/2015 Generic Bid Preparation.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to authorize participation in the BOCES
2014/2015 Food and Cafeteria Supplies Bid.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to authorize Superintendent to sign
contract with Broome-Tioga BOCES, for up to $9,000, for the 2014 Harpursville Summer School Swimming
Enrichment Program.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to authorize Superintendent to Sign
Agreement with Chenango County Department of Social Services Regarding Work Experience Program.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
PRESENTATION
The Afton students involved in YES! LEADS did a presentation. They explained that they are a group of high school
11th and 12th grade students. YES stands for Youth Education Services. The program is sponsored by Senator Libous
and Lourdes Hospital. They have pledged to be good role models and be drug and alcohol free for one year. They
teach elementary students to say no to peer pressure, bullying and how to be a good friend. They do hands on
presentations in classrooms. They had Mr. Bostelman and Mr. King help demonstrate one of their activities. This
consisted of squirting toothpaste out of a tube and then trying to put the toothpaste back in the tube using a toothbrush.
This was nearly impossible. The YES! LEADS students use this lab with the younger students to demonstrate that
once something is out there, you can’t take it back. The group worked with approximately 200 students in grades 2-6
in the month of March. They also sponsored an internet safety night put on by the NYS Police and a community
movie night, which was a huge success. There are currently 18 students in the Afton YES! LEADS group. Mr. Glover
said he gives a lot of credit to the advisor and the students for the time they put in and for promoting the program.
REPORTS
Elementary Principal’s Report – Kimberly Werth
- Ms. Werth reported that May is teacher appreciation month so her report includes some highlights about what her
staff is doing.
- The students just finished the science testing and it was exciting to see that they used the new common core math
they learned to answer some of the questions. This is a really big deal!
- Touched base on the testing schedule and how hard it is to set up the rotation for the laptops and computer use which
is necessary for the testing. Next year, PK-2 will not be taking standardized tests but the state has not announced
what they will be doing for assessments at this level.
- Congratulated the three teachers up for tenure and spoke a little about her connection with each one and their
contributions to the school.
Secondary Principal’s Report – David Glover
- Mr. Glover reported that there were four field tests given at the middle/high school level. In addition there are
benchmark tests and Regents coming up. It is a very stressful time of year for administrators, teachers and students.
- The prom was held at the River Club and he believes the students had a great time at prom and at the SADD after
prom party held at school.
- The varsity sports awards were held on June 3. There was a really good turn out by student/athletes.
- June 16 will be the last day of classes for middle/high school students.
- The 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony will be held on the evening of June 16.
- Mr. Glover congratulated the teachers up for tenure and thanked them for their dedication and service to A.C.S.
Superintendent’s Report – Elizabeth Briggs
- Ms. Briggs reported that she is very busy with student and staff issues, testing, scoring, finding coverage, etc.
- There are questions on the APPR process. Looking at some changes to be talked about over the summer.
- The Bike Rodeo is this weekend. Ms. Briggs thanked the custodial staff for cutting the plywood and the art
department for painting the plywood.
- The Kaitlyn Jackson concert is Friday, June 6, sponsored by the Friends of Afton Village & Afton Chamber of
Commerce. The proceeds will go to the Afton Playground Fund and the beautification in the village.
- The non-instructional unit met Wednesday and will be voting on the non-instructional contract on Wednesday.
- There is a letter in your packet regarding the Afton students who took courses at TC3 and how many credits they
received.
- The NYS Department of Transportation Bus Inspection System Operator Profile letter is also in your packet. It
summarizes the results of vehicle inspections performed on Afton’s fleet by the Department during the last State
Fiscal Year. Our transportation department should be congratulated as we are at nearly 100%.
- The school received a thank you from Mrs. Secrest’s niece for the flowers at the memorial service.
- The 1:1 project is progressing. Looking at network use policies. Questions to be answered relate to blocking
devices in homes, insurance and how to provide and who pays, district or student/parent. Mrs. Gridley is helping
with the technology curriculum which we are hoping to expand each year.
- Will review a list of Board of Education follow-up items from throughout the course of the year, at the end of the
meeting.
DISCUSSION
Date of 2014/2015 Reorganizational Meeting
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to hold the 2014/2015 Reorganization
meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2014.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Special Board of Education Meeting
A special Board of Education meeting for BOCES Board Member Special Election must be held on June 18, 2014.
After discussion, the Board agreed to cancel the scheduled June 23, 2014 BOE meeting and change it to June 18, 2014.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to move the June 23, 2014 Board of
Education meeting date to June 18, 2014.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Board of Education President, Vacant Seat, District Clerk
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to appoint Vanessa Warren as Board
of Education President for the period of June 6, 2014 to July 9, 2014 (the reorganizational meeting date).
Yes – 3, No – 0, Carried. (Vanessa Warren abstained.)
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to appoint Connie Beames as the
District Clerk for the period of June 6, 2014 to July 9, 2014 (the reorganizational meeting date).
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to appoint Keith Ives, Sr. as Board of
Education member to fill the vacancy left by the passing of Margery Secrest until the next annual election of board
members in May 2015.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
PERSONNEL
On the recommendation of the Superintendent:
Instructional
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to add to the list of Afton Adult and
Continuing Education Teachers for 2013/2014 (pending background check and clearance) at the rate of $19.00/hour–
Holly Bucalos
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to add to the list of mentors for the second
semester of the 2013/2014 school year at the rate of $300. per semester, retroactive to February 4, 2014 – Nicki
Andrews
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to approve one half (½) unpaid leave day on
May 16, 2014 – Jennifer Roberts
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to appoint summer 2014 driver’s education
instructor at a stipend of $8,000. for twenty (20) students with an additional $400. per student over twenty (20)
students – Cindy Bostelman
Yes – 3, No – 0, Carried. (Henry Bostelman abstained.)
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to appoint 2014/2015 teachers and aides
for the Afton Adult and Continuing Education Program at the rates listed: Kathleen Baldwin ($19/hr.), Holly Bucalos
($19/hr.), Lorraine Dugan ($21/hr.), Melissa Garland ($20/hr.), Barbara Geidel ($19/hr.), Michelle Hardler ($19/hr.),
Crystal Harvey ($21/hr.), Dale Haynes ($19/hr.), Bridget Hine ($19/hr.), Tricia Hippenstiel ($19/hr.), Amy LaFever
($21/hr.), Raphael Palumbo ($21/hr.), Theresa Watkins ($19/hr.).
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to approve three (3) hours of
curriculum work per person at a rate of $27.61/hour, retroactive to May 23, 2014, to be paid by Title I Grant funds –
Sarah Gauquie, Karen Ludwig, Mary Batsford
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to approve 2014 summer employment of 25
days between June 27 and August 29, 2014 to perform necessary guidance functions – Deborah Samuel, Jilene
Nordberg
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Appointments of Tenure
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Henry Bostelman, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, it was
RESOLVED that the following appointment of tenure is hereby made:
Name of Appointee:
Tenure Area:
Date of Commencement of
Service on Tenure:
Certification Status:
Stefanie Fellows
Special Education
September 1, 2014
NYS – Social Studies 7-12
Initial Certificate
Effective Date – 09/01/2009
NYS Students with Disabilities – Grades 7-12 – Social Studies
Initial Certificate
Effective Date – 09/01/2010
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, it was
RESOLVED that the following appointment of tenure is hereby made:
Name of Appointee:
Tenure Area:
Date of Commencement of
Service on Tenure:
Certification Status:
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Lacy Stanton
Physical Education
September 1, 2014
NYS – Physical Education
Initial Certificate
Effective Date – 09/01/2010
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, on the recommendation of the Superintendent, it was
RESOLVED that the following appointment of tenure is hereby made:
Name of Appointee:
Tenure Area:
Date of Commencement of
Service on Tenure:
Certification Status:
Richard D. Ward
Special Education
September 1, 2014
NYS – Students with Disabilities Grades 7-12 – Social Studies
Professional Certificate
Effective Date – 02/01/2010
NYS – Students with Disabilities (Grades 1-6)
Professional Certificate
Effective Date – 09/01/2008
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Non-Instructional
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to approve 2014 summer
employment of 7.5 hours on June 27 and June 30, 2014 and up to 360 hours in July and August for the Afton Adult
and Continuing Education Program at regular rate of pay – Gloria Harvey
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to appoint 2014 summer census
takers at $800. each – Colette Ketzak, Lori Knapp
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to appoint 2014/2015 adult and student
lifeguards at the hourly rates listed: Adult Lifeguards: Trevor Beames ($20.60/hr.), Catherine Decker ($20.60/hr.),
Daryl Decker ($14.00/hr.), Lindsay Ford ($13.00/hr.), Lila Harris ($13.00/hr.), Helen Kittle ($14.00/hr.), Candice
Lashway ($14.00/hr.), Kaitlyn Moody ($20.60/hr.), Ron Rapp ($20.60/hr.), Susan Shove ($14.00/hr.), Corinne Wilson
($14.00/hr.); Student Lifeguards: Maria Andrews ($8.50/hr.), Caitlyn Tallmadge ($8.00/hr.).
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Duane Phillips, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to appoint 2014/2015 Afton Adult and
Continuing Education Program adult and student lifeguards and instructors at the hourly rates listed: Adult Lifeguards
and Lifeguard Instructors: Trevor Beames ($20.60/hr.), Catherine Decker ($20.60/hr. and $15.00/hr.) , Daryl Decker
($14.00/hr.), Lindsay Ford ($13.00/hr.), Lila Harris ($13.00/hr.), Helen Kittle ($14.00/hr. and $15.00/hr), Candice
Lashway ($14.00/hr. and $15.00/hr), Kaitlyn Moody ($20.60/hr.), Ron Rapp ($20.60/hr.), Susan Shove ($14.00/hr. and
$15.00/hr), Corinne Wilson ($14.00/hr.); Student Lifeguards: Maria Andrews ($8.50/hr.), Caitlyn Tallmadge
($8.00/hr.).
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Henry Bostelman, it was RESOLVED to approve designation of temporary
Aquatics Director during the term of February 24 to March 28, 2014, during the absence of the appointed Aquatics
Director, at a pro-rated amount of $255. – Corinne Wilson
PUBLIC COMMENTS
None
DATES TO REMEMBER
June 16 - 8th Grade Recognition Ceremony –6:00 p.m. in the auditiorium
June 24 - Elementary Moving Up Day – 9:30 a.m. in the big gym
June 26 - Baccalaureate – 7:00 p.m. at the Afton Methodist Church
June 27 - Graduation - 7:00 p.m. in the big gym
EXECUTIVE SESSION
On motion by Henry Bostelman, seconded by Ted King, it was RESOLVED to enter Executive Session at 8:33 p.m. to
discuss a personnel matter.
Yes –4, No – 0, Carried.
REGULAR SESSION
On motion by Ted King, seconded by Duane Phillips, it was RESOLVED to re-enter Regular Session at 9:00 p.m.
Yes – 4, No – 0, Carried.
Ms. Briggs and the Board reviewed items that need to be looked at for future board updates. A list will be compiled.
It will be explored whether technology can be set up so that all board members and administrators will have access to
the list.
ADJOURN
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m.