The Odessa File: Schools of Schuyler County

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of Sept. 7, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Introduced Chief Tom Struble and Officer Mike Powers. An agreement with the Village of Watkins Glen assigns Office Powers to the Watkins Glen Central School District full-time as a School Resource Officer for the 2010-11 school year.

Distributed the NYSED 2010-11 Differentiated Accountability Status for School with Secondary-level Grades: August 2010. This report indicates that the Watkins Glen Central School District is in good standing in Secondary-Level ELA, Secondary-Level Math and Graduation Rate and that no supplemental education services need to be offered in 2010-11.

Board members viewed the promotional video produced by Verizon highlighting the Watkins Glen Middle School pilot project related to Mobile Learning Devices.

Joseph Fazzary, District Attorney, was present to speak on the benefits to the school and community of having a School Resource Officer program in the schools.

Mr. O’Donnell offered condolences to Tom Richardson and Peggy Richardson on the recent loss of Tom’s mother, and to Becky Sue Bianco on the loss of her mother.

Read a thank-you note from the Senior All-Night Party Parent Committee for the board’s support of this annual event.

Read a thank-you note from Jolene Miller thanking the board for the gift of artwork presented to her in honor of her retirement.

Mr. O’Donnell and the Board of Education thanked Mike DeNardo and his crew for the great job they do each and every year in preparing for the opening of school. Their efforts and the work they do are greatly appreciated!

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 8/12/10 and 8/16/10 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted a donation of a 50” flat Screen Television donated by Welliver-McGuire, Inc. to be used in the Field House by the athletics department.
Approved the following stipend position appointments:
Senior Class Play Director – Michelle Benjamin
Senior Play Set Director – Tim Benjamin
Senior Play Music Director – Sarah Matthews
Acknowledged the Budget Status Report and July Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports.
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

3. Approved an agreement with Clarissa Hong as Mandarin Chinese Course Consultant to provide on-site support for the 2010-11 course offering through Daemen College.

4. Approved the following resignations:
Marilyn Hoxie into retirement as Senior food Service Helper
Katherine Deal as Keyboard Specialist
Susan Schaffner as Monitor

5. Approved the creation of the following positions:
Reading
Physical Education (.5)
Teachers on Special Assignment (2)

6. Approved the recall of the following teachers from the Preferred Eligibility List:
Susanne Vedder as Reading Teacher
James Scott as Physical Education Teacher (.5)

7. Approved the following appointments:
Tara Parish as Elementary Teacher
Kyle Hotlz as Elementary Teacher
Alyssa Hoobler as School Counselor
Anita Isaacs as Cleaner
Emma Beach as Monitor
Linda Brown as Keyboard Specialist\

8. Approved the following coaching appointments:
Volunteer Trainer – James Somerville
Volunteer Assistant Girls Swim Coach – Peter Warren
Volunteer Assistant Volleyball Coach – Jill Kautz
Varsity Boys’ Basketball – John Fazzary
JV Boys’ Basketball – Jim Scott
7th & 8th Grade Boys’ Basketball – Ben Connelly
Varsity Girls’ Basketball – Michelle Simiele
JV Girls’ Basketball – Christopher Clark
7th & 8th Grade Girls’ Basketball – James Somerville
Varsity Boys’ Swimming – Jason Bond
Assistant Varsity Boys’ Swimming – Kelly Sterner
7th/8th Grade Boys’ Swimming – Kelly Sterner
Varsity Wrestling – Nils Watson
Assistant Varsity Wrestling – Bob Hogan
Varsity Bowling – Ward Brower
Varsity Indoor Track – Robert Kurcoba
Varsity Cheerleading – Marcy Estey
JV Cheerleading – Jackie Bubb/Marcy Estey

9. Approved an agreement with the Village of Watkins Glen Police Department to provide School Resource Officer services for the 2010-11 school year.

Top: Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and School Board President Brian O'Donnell at the Sept. 7th board meeting.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop of August 2, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Visitors’ Comments:
Joan Brubaker spoke about the state test results. She provided a copy of Effective Mathematics Instruction and a National Reading Panel report to the Board of Education.

--Distributed pictures of the Outdoor Classroom in use by our summer school program.

--Shared an article published in the On Board highlighting Maggie Edgley and the importance of Library Science in the curriculum and advocating for continued library services.

--Mr. Phillips and the Board of Education recognized the following most recent retirees, presenting them with a gift of artwork drawn by Don Maas, former WG Art teacher, depicting the Watkins Glen area:
Marsha Stout – Elementary Teacher with 28 years of service
Jack Telech – Math Teacher with 37 years of service
Jolene Miller – Teaching Assistant with 25 years of service
Ron Pierce – Teaching Assistant with 11 years of service
Tom Harbot – Custodian with 36 years of service

--Discussed the draft of the 2010-11 Board of Education goals that have been developed. Included are on-going goals to continue improving on as well as new goals to work towards.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 8/2/10 meeting
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Accepted a donation of $500 from Lisa Phillips to be used for the Summer Tennis Camp and increased the 2010-11 budget accordingly.
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2. Created the position of Keyboard Specialist and abolished the position of Library Clerk as part of restructuring of clerical personnel at the Middle School.

3. Accepted the following resignations:
Shelly Kleist as Elementary Teacher
Debra Hepler as Library Clerk

4. Approved the following appointments:
--Jacquelyn Bubb as Teaching Assistant
--Bonnie Ossont as Teacher Aide
--Robin Bingham as Clerk
--Lisa Coats as Cook/Manager
--Debra Hepler as Keyboard Specialist
--David Waite as Volunteer Assistant Football Coach

5. Approved the 2010-11 Tax Levy in the amount of $7,642,104. This represents a tax rate of $11.55 per $1,000 of assessed value; an increase of $.34 per $1,000.

6. Approved the following agreements with Special Education Providers for 2010-11:
--Franziska Racker Centers
--ARC Yates County/Keuka Lake School
--Cerebral Palsy and Handicapped Children’s Association of Chemung County

The next scheduled meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 7, 2010 at 5:45 p.m. It is anticipated the regular session will begin at approximately 6:30 p.m.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of August 2, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Jessica Lawrence, Internal Auditor, reported on the Internal Audit Report for 2009-2010 that focused on purchasing procedures. She reported on the minor weaknesses in the internal control system surrounding purchasing and recommendations for improvement to ensure audit objectives are accomplished.

Distributed 2010-11 Board of Education Goals for the board to review. The board will continue working on these goals at its August 16th board meeting.

Reported on the Appalachian Regional Commission’s grant award to the District in the amount of $86,300 for the installation of solar panels and an alternative energy project at the high school.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 7/7/10 meeting
Approved Substitute List for 2010-11
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Acknowledged the Budget Status Report and May/June Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports.
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2. Accepted the Internal Audit Report for 2009-10 as presented by Jessica Lawrence, Internal Auditor.

3. Acknowledged the first reading and revisions to the Purchasing Policy and Competitive Bidding Procedures Regulations that reflect the recent increase in amounts requiring items to be bid.

5. Approved the following High School course offerings:
--ACE French
--Current Issues in Science, Technology and Society

6. Accepted the following resignations:
--Tom Harbot into retirement as Custodian
--Jessica Clark (Bond) as Teacher Aide
--Terri Myers as Clerk
--Lucy Soper as Cleaner

7. Approved the following appointments:
--Terri Myers as Account Clerk Keyboard Specialist
--Lucy Soper as Custodian

8. Acknowledged a change in the effective retirement date of Billie Bauman, Administrator, as determined by the TRS.

9. Approved a resolution establishing a schedule of standard work hours for all ERS employees as required by the retirement system.

10. Approved the following fall coaching appointments:
Assistant Varsity Football – Louis Condon, Jr.
Modified Football – Bryan Kelley
Volunteer Assistant Football – Claude Treusdell
Volunteer Assistant Football – Dale Irwin
Volunteer Assistant Soccer – Mark Stephany
JV Volleyball – Kiersten Ray
Varsity Cheerleading – Marcy Estey

12. Approved the following agreements:
--Agreement with Nancy St. Julien to act as TIES Coordinator (Together Including Every Student) Coordinator for the 2010-11 school year.
--Agreement with Dr. James Black for five days of consultant work.
--Agreement with Seneca Physical Therapy for summer physical therapy services.
--Agreement with Dr. Jamie Coleman, School Physician, for the 2010-11 school year.

Top: Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and School Board President Brian O'Donnell.

Bottom: School Board member Robert Dill listens as auditor Jessica Lawrence presents her report.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of July 7, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

The meeting opened to the re-organizational portion of the meeting. Brian O’Donnell was re-elected as Board President and Michael Myers was re-elected as Vice President.

Scheduled the Board of Education retreat/goal setting workshop for Saturday, August 21, 2010.
Announced that the 2010-11 school calendar will highlight student photography of local landmarks.

Reported he is working with the HS Guidance office to track student data from 7th-12th grade to determine if the long-standing trend in increased student achievement is a result of recent program enhancements.

Read thank-you notes from retirees Gail Franzese and Kate LaMoreaux for the framed drawing of Watkins Glen presented to them upon retiring from the District.

Acknowledged the individual number of years of experience each board member, the Superintendent, each Administrator, the Business Manager, the Claims Auditor (Marian Boyce) and the District Clerk has with the District. He commented on the total number of years and the wealth of experience both board members and staff members bring to the District.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 6/22/10 meeting
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Approved fundraising requests for the 2010-11 school year
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2. Appointed Joe Fazzary to the GST Regional School Boards Association Executive Committee. Joe is currently serving as President and will continue next year as they transition from SCT-SA to GST BOCES.

3. Acknowledged the annual review of the following polices:
--Investments
--Attendance
--Code of Conduct.

4. Approved the establishment of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America Club for MS students beginning with the 2010-11 school year.

6. Approved the following resignations:
Jack Telech – resignation into retirement as Math teacher.
Jolene Miller – resignation into retirement as Teaching Assistant.
Susan Kirton – as Fifth Grade Team Leader

7. Approved the following appointments:
Mary Mack as Special Education Teacher
Beth Hogan as Mathematics Teacher

8. Approved the following stipend position appointments for 2010-11:
Fifth Grade Team Leader – Alice Conklin
Sixth Grade Team Leader – Susan Kirton
Yearbook Advisor – Eileen Malaney

9. Approved the following coaching appointments for 2010-2011:
Varsity Football – Michael Johnston, Sr.
Assistant Football – Claude Treusdell
Assistant Football – Michael Stephens
Modified Football – Louis Condon, Jr.
Modified Girls’ Soccer – Brian Gardner
Volunteer Strength Trainer – Ralph Diliberto

11. Approved the NYS Chapter 45 Retirement Incentive for one faculty member who has elected to retire under this incentive.

12. Approved the renewal agreement with DeGroot Management Services for 2010-11 for consultation services related to unemployment claims.

13. Approved an agreement with The Arc of Schuyler for 2010-11 for the Work Study Program for students.

WATKINS GLEN, June 23 -- The Model United Nations and Global Issues class at Watkins Glen High School received the blessing of the School Board Tuesday night to seek funding for a possible trip by seven to 10 students, or possibly more, to the African country of Malawi during a break in the next school year.

The class, taught by Marie Fitzsimmons, wants to spend time in February or March at the Malawi Children's Village, an orphanage in Mangochi, Malawi for children who have lost their parents to AIDS. The Watkins school contributed to the early financing of the facility in 1995 and has provided donations in every year since then.

The request was issued by five students from the class -- Rowan Elizabeth, Throsby Wells, Sarah Bond, Christine Ector and Emily Pazar -- along with Fitzsimmons. They cited the connection of the school with Africa -- including the stay here by exchange student Timateo Kamanga of Malawi, the successful trip by four WGHS students to South Africa three years ago, and the successful exchange stay here in 2007 by South African Khaya Makhubu.

Added Pazar: "This is really about becoming global citizens, and bringing new perspectives back to where we live."

The trip would, if taken, be financed by funds raised by the class through grant applications and appeals to corporate sponsors. No funds are being sought from the School Board.

The projected cost would be $20,000, with the goal of at least seven students -- and perhaps more -- taking the trip.

"Then we might suffer some disappointment and take fewer students," she said, adding that the fund-raising "may not work, and it might." In any event, she said, the effort to seek the funds would "be a great experience for us as a class. If we fail, we will have that experience. And if we succeed, then we will have an extraordinary experience."

Board president Brian O'Donnell praised the attempt as "an awesome endeavor. I commend you all for your enthusiasm." After the board voted unanimously to permit the fund-raising, O'Donnell said the board would like monthly updates on the group's progress.

--Heard a report on the Watkins Glen Youth Center afterschool program run in the Watkins Glen Middle School. Program director Erica Murray (pictured at right) explained that it is funded by federal and state grants, serves students in grades 5-8, and averaged a daily attendance of 65 students this year. The program combines homework help with fun projects and field trips -- including a two-day journey to Philadelphia this past school year. The School Board commended Murray on the success of the venture, which will be funded once again by both state and federal grants in the next school year.

--Approved a course offering in Elementary Mandarin taught in conjunction with Daeman College, which will provide classroom instruction through distance learning capabilities at the high school. Lab work will be provided locally. Seventeen students have signed up for the course, exceeding expectations.

From top: Model United Nations class members Rowan Elizabeth and Throsby Wells, and Watkins Glen Youth Center program director Erica Murray.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of June 22, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Mr. Phillips presented the board with a plaque the district received in recognition of their continual hosting of the Relay for Life event. He relayed a thank you from the committee to Mike DeNardo for all he does to make this annual event at our school so successful.

Mr. Phillips (pictured at right) informed the board that the preliminary status as reported by the NYSED accountability measure is that the ES, MS and HS are all considered schools in good standing for the 2010-11 school year.

Marie Fitzsimmons and Model United Nations/Global Issues (MUNAGI) students (Sarah Bond, Emily Pazar, Christine Ector, Throsby Wells and Rowan Elizabeth) sought permission from the board to begin fund-raising for a possible service mission trip for approximately 7 students plus adult chaperones for next school year to an orphanage in Mangochi, Malawi in Africa. Final trip approval will come at a later date.

Erica Murray and students from the Watkins Glen Youth Center after-school program presented an end-of-year program review. Highlights from this year’s program included: Total enrollment of 115 grades 5-8 students with the average daily attendance of 65 students. Murray outlined funding sources of the program that included state federal and state grants. She said the program offers combined academic support with hands-on educational projects and field trips.

Presented board member Mr. Myers with the NYSSBA’s Developmental Achievement Citation for completing 30 credits of leadership development opportunities.

Took this opportunity to thank all faculty and staff for all the extras they do at this time of year for the many special events, field trips and student recognitions held these past few weeks.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 6/7/10
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Accepted a donation of $750 from the Watkins Glen Police Benevolent Association to be used to purchase ES playground equipment.

2. Adopted the following policies:
Equal Opportunity
Annual District Election and Budget Vote
Prohibited Student Conduct
Students and Personal Electronic Devices
Information Security Breach and Notification
Staff Complaints and Grievances

3. Approved Early Retirement Incentives offered through the New York State TRS and ERS for targeted employees.

4. Accepted a Junior Tennis Foundation grant award that will provide a two-week summer tennis camp for Watkins Glen students.

5. Mr. Warren provided a summary of the June Regent exam results as known. Preliminary results look very positive with measureable increases in students achieving masterly level.

6. Approved new course offerings of Mandarin Chinese I and II to begin next year. This is a distance learning class in collaboration with Daeman College that will allow students to earn 3 college credits for each semester course.

7. Approved a request from the Model U.N./Global Issues students to begin fund-raising for a possible trip next school year to Malawi, Africa.

9. Created the Civil Service positions of Cook and Account Clerk Keyboard Specialist.

11. Accepted the following resignations into retirement:
--Marsha Stout as Elementary Teacher
--Ronald Pierce as Teaching Assistant

12. Approved Substitute and Casual Employee Rates for the 2010-11 school year.

13. Acknowledged the retirement effective date for Billie Bauman from August 31, 2010 to July 30, 2010 to allow for her eligibility of the TRS retirement incentive.

15. Approved resolutions to participate in DCMO BOCES Cooperative Purchasing Services for 2010-11.

16. Approved the extension of transportation contracts with First Student, Inc. for 2010-11.

Kate LaMoreaux shakes hands with Board President Brian O'Donnell as he presents her with a retirement gift: artwork from retired art teacher Don Maas.

WATKINS GLEN, June 8 -- The Watkins Glen School Board Monday night honored seven employees who are retiring at the end of the school year after about 200 years of cumulative service to the district.

In a meeting that also saw the appointment of fall sports coaches -- with the exception of football -- the Board presented print artwork of Watkins Glen by retired art teacher Don Maas to each of the following retiring employees:

--Billie Bauman, a district administrator with 14 years in the Watkins district and 17 years elsewhere in public education;

--John Nihill, a Special Education Teacher with 38 years of service, 27 at Watkins with BOCES, and 11 strictly with the district;

--Kate LaMoreaux, an English teacher with 32 years at Watkins Glen and two years elsewhere before that;

--Nanette Hanley, an Elementary Education teacher with 30 years at Watkins Glen;

--Fred Troy, an Art teacher with 29 years of experience, including 24 at Watkins Glen;

--Rosemarie Franzese, a teaching assistant for 25 years in the district; and before that an aide for four years.

--Gail Franzese, a cook/manager in the cafeteria with 32 years of service to the district.

Said Board President Brian O'Donnell of the honorees: "They have devoted their lives to the school district, and they will be missed."

The coaching appointments originally contained each of the fall sports, but the board said that with just one name listed under football -- that of Head Coach Ward Brower, without an assistant, a Modified A coach or a Modified assistant -- it preferred to withhold approval in that sport until a full slate of names is submitted.

Soccer: Henry Ferguson as Boys Varsity Coach; Nils Watson as Boys Modified Coach, and Travis Durfee as Girls Varsity Coach.

Swimming: Abby Tormey as Girls Varsity Coach, Melissa Kissell as Tormey's assistant, and Kelsey Wood as 7th/8th Grade Girls Coach.

Cross Country: Marie Fitzsimmons as Varsity Coach, and Calllie Black as Modified Coach.

Superintendent Tom Phillips distributed copies to board members of District Administration magazine, a national publication with an article by Billie Bauman on the handheld Mobile Learning Devices utilized this year at the Middle School. The devices are essentially cellphones with computer features and without voice or texting capabilities.

The magazine looks at the Watkins program along with programs in three other "trailblazing" districts. The cover article is titled "Innovative Leaders Take the Phone and Run." It is accompanied by Bauman's article ("You Gave Them A What?") and articles by spokespersons for the St. Marys City (Ohio) Schools, the Katy (Texas) Independent School District, and the North Rockland Central School District in Garnerville, New York.

Watkins Glen is also featured in a photo on the cover showing Math teacher Mary Iandoli helping student Kacey Samuels operate a Mobile Learning Device.

From top: Retiring administrator Billie Bauman; the sketch print each honoree received; retiring teaching assistant Rosemarie Franzese; retiring cook/manager Gail Franzese; and Superintendent Tom Phillips holding the magazine featuring the Watkins Glen Middle School's Mobile Learning Devices program.

Retiring Special Education teacher John Nihill, left, and retiring Elementary Education teacher Nanette Hanley.

Retiring Art teacher Fred Troy shakes hands with Board President Brian O'Donnell.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of June 7, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Superintendent Tom Phillips and the Board of Education recognized this year’s retirees presenting them with a gift of artwork drawn by Don Maas, former WG Art teacher, depicting the Watkins Glen area. This year’s retirees are:

Billie Bauman, District Administrator – 14 years in WG and 17 years previously in public education
John Nihill, Special Education Teacher – 38 years in Watkins Glen
Kate LaMoreaux, English Teacher – 32 years in Watkins Glen and 2 years previously in public education
Nanette Hanley, Elementary Teacher – 30 years in Watkins Glen
Fred Troy, Art Teacher - 24 years in Watkins Glen and 5 years previously in public education
Rosemarie Franzese, Teaching Assistant – 29 years in Watkins Glen
Gail Franzese, Cook/Manager – 32 years in Watkins Glen

Superintendent’s Report (Mr. Phillips):
Announced the receipt of the Technology of Music Production and Recording grant through the Twin Tiers Coalition for Learning in the amount of $1,200. Mr. Phillips thanked Billie Bauman for her assistance with the writing of this grant.

Announced that NYS has applied for the second round of Race to the Top federal funding. 90.9% of all NYS public school districts have submitted their Memorandum of Understanding for participation. 70.36% of these districts (including Watkins Glen CSD) have teacher association signatures.

Distributed a copy of the District Administrator, a national magazine that highlights Watkins Glen’s Mobile Learning Device program.

Board of Education – Mr. O’Donnell:
Reported on the retirement party for Tony Micha, BOCES Superintendent, held last week. Mr. Micha was responsible for the 2004 merger of the SCT and SA BOCES that is now the GST BOCES as well as the district’s superintendent search conducted four years ago that resulted in Tom Phillips' appointment as Superintendent of Watkins Glen CSD.

Reported on the Top Drawer 24 Scholar/Athlete Recognition that was held on June 2, 2010. This event recognizes the cream of the crop from WG, OM, Bradford and Trumansburg schools. Thirteen students from Watkins Glen were honored at this year’s event. Mr. O’Donnell thanked Charlie Haeffner for sponsoring this annual event. This year’s recipients were: Taylor Chaffee, Jessica Stansfield, Angela Keough, Austin Stephany, Haleigh Wixson, Adam Rice, Shelby Olafson, Andrew Conklin, Amber Swartz, Travis Waite, Stuart Cook, Eric Mack and Jenna Swarthout.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 5/4/10 and 5/17/10 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Accepted a donation of $100 from Rita Peak for the Lloyd Peak Memorial Library fund.
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and April Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claims Auditor.

2. Acknowledged the First Reading of the following policies:
Equal Opportunity and Nondiscrimination
Annual District Election and Budget Vote
Prohibited Conduct (subsection of the Code of Conduct)
Students and Personal Electronic Devices
Information Security Breach and Notification
Staff Complaints and Grievances

4. Approved changing the June 21, 2010 board meeting to Tuesday, June 22, 2010 due to the Val/Sal Dinner that will be held on Monday, June 21st.

5. Approved the abolishment of the following positions as part of the 2010 budget building process:
Physical Education (.5)
Reading (2)
French (1)
Elementary (2)
English (1)
Art (1)
Drivers’ Education (1)
District Administrator (1)
Teaching Assistant (2)

6. Created the position of Speech Therapist as part of the take-back of BOCES programming.

8. Approved the following stipend position appointments for 2010-11:
HS Disciplinarian – Kai D’Alleva
MS Disciplinarian – Craig Lattin
HS Attendance Officer – Kai D’Alleva
MS Attendance Office – Mary Scotchmer
ES Attendance Officer – Lindsey Starr
Aquatic Director – Cyndy Wood
Senior Class Advisor – Sam Brubaker
Junior Class Advisor – Kaz Estelow
Sophomore Class Advisor – Jeanette Lasko
Freshman Class Advisor – Eileen Malaney
HS Student Council – Marie Fitzsimmons
Broadcast News Advisor – Maggie Edgley
MS Student Council Co-Advisors – Becky Sue Bianco & Sandy Bartone
Supervisor of MS Girls’ Intramural Program – Craig Lattin
Supervisor of MS Boy’s Intramural Program – Craig Lattin
Extra-Curricular Activities Central Treasurer – Diana Crane
HS Art Club Advisor Elaine Wojtus
HS Science Club Advisor – Kate Bartholomew
Diversity Club Advisor – Kate Bartholomew
HS National Honor Society – Nancy Loughlin
MS National Junior Honor Society – Cathy Mangus
HS Music Club Advisor – Diana Groll
HS Business & Marketing Honor Society – Eileen Malaney
Varsity Club Advisor – Kaz Estelow
Production Support Specialist – Maggie Edgley
MS Instrumental Music Director – Sarahjane Harrigan
MS/HS Choral Director – Chris Schiavone
HS Instrumental Music Director – Diana Groll
Fitness Center Supervisor – Diana Crane
Mentors – Lucy Luckey and Nan Evans

9. Approved the appointment of the following Coordinators/Grade Team Leaders for the 2010-11 school year:
PreK-Kindergarten – Rick Comfort
First Grade – Jennifer Titus
Second Grade – Trish Ervay
Third Grade – Krysti Westervelt
Fourth Grade – Claudia LaFace
Fifth Grade – Susan Kirton
Seventh Grade – Jan Bubb
Eighth Grade – Ben Connelly
PK-4 Cultural Arts – Matt Craig
5-8 Cultural Arts – Sarahjane Harrigan
9-12 Cultural Arts – Chris Schiavone
PK-12 Art – Elaine Wojtus
PK-12 Music – Matt Craig
PK-12 Technology, Industrial Technology & Home & Careers – Karen Armstrong
PK-12 Physical Education & Health – Cyndy Wood
5-12 Foreign Language – Kathy Meierjurgen
K-4 Social Studies – Claudia LaFace
5-8 Social Studies – Scott Morse
9-12 Social Studies – Marie Fitzsimmons
PK-4 ELA – Matt Craig
5-8 ELA – Becky Sue Bianco
9-12 ELA – Kelly Muir
PK-4 Math – Daphne Holland
5-8 Math – Holly Weed
9-12 Math – Christie Fedele
PK-4 Science – Sally Cocca
5-8 Science – Jim Murphy
9-12 Science – Barb Coon
PK-4 Computer Instruction – Kathy Gillette
5-8 Computer Instruction – Diane Wood
9-12 Computer Instruction, Business Education – Eileen Malaney
PK-4 Special Education – Peg Cleary
5-8 Special Education – Michelle Rease
9-12 Special Education – Lucy Luckey
PK-12 Library – Maggie Edgley

10. Approved the following coaching appointments for 2010-11:
Varsity Boys’ Soccer – Henry Ferguson
Modified Boys’ Soccer – Nils Watson
Varsity Girls’ Soccer – Travis Durfee
Varsity Girls’ Swimming – Abby Tormey
Assistant Girls’ Swimming – Melissa Kissell
7th/8th Grade Girls’ Swimming – Kelsey Wood
Varsity Girls’ Volleyball – Krystina Westervelt
Varsity Cross-Country – Marie Fitzsimmons
Modified Cross-Country – Callie Black
The Board will appoint the football coaching positions once all positions including assistant and modified football are determined.

11. Declared an Advance Hydro-retriever floor scrubber as surplus and approved it for sale.

12. Awarded the electrical equipment MS Solar Panels to Affordable Alternative Energy in the amount of $35,237.10.

13. Approved an agreement with Schuyler County Community Services Board and Schuyler County for school-based mental health services in the District for the 2010-11 school year.

14. Approved an agreement with Schuyler County Mental Health Clinic for 2010-11 to provide transportation services for the Mental Health Clinic for 2010-11.

Photo in text: Superintendent Tom Phillips is flanked at the June 7 meeting by board members Kevin Field and Mike Myers on the left, and Brian O'Donnell and Robert Dill on the right.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of May 4, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

The meeting began with the Public Hearing on the proposed 2010-11 Budget. Highlights on the 2010-11 budget included:
--A description of guiding principles the board used to develop the 2010-11 budget
--Gayle Sedlack reviewed the revenue/expenditure portion of the budget
--Tom Phillips reviewed staff reductions, tax impact and budget summary

Visitors’ Comments:
Marian Boyce, in attendance for the Budget Hearing, spoke congratulating the board on the 2010-11 budget. She said it is not always easy to let employees go and thanked the board for their efforts.

Superintendent’s Report – Mr. Phillips:
Distributed a detailed summary he developed on the 2009 School Report Card.
Shared information on the Mobile Learning Devise Webinar he recently participated in with districts across the nation as part of the Nebraska State Education conference.

Spoke on the recent passing of Ruth Wilson, mother of Marilyn Cross and Kenneth Wilson. She graduated from Watkins Glen in 1941 with a Regents diploma and was the youngest graduate ever from Watkins Glen, at the age of 14. The board expressed its sympathy and condolences to the family.

Shared pictures from a Kid’s Night Out recently held at the High School. There were 100+ elementary students in attendance for this event. Breana Coon and Emily Cross, Ithaca College students, organized this fundraiser that donated $645 to the Food Bank.

Mr. O’Donnell and the board personally thanked Marian Boyce in appreciation of all of the work she does and expressing the confidence they have in her as the Claims Auditor for the district.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 4/5/10, 4/26/20 and 4/28/10 meetings
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and March Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claims Auditor.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of April 26, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

-- Approved consensus items:
--Approved Substitute List Additions
--Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations as presented
--Awarded Electrical, Plumbing & Custodial Supply bids

Senior Teacher Presentation – Diana Groll
Mrs. Groll (pictured at right) detailed for the board the curriculum development which, under her leadership, was developed by the Music Department. The newly developed Mission and Belief Statements for the Music Department were shared with the board.

Technology Education Course Realignment Presentation – Karen Armstrong
Mrs. Armstrong presented the realignment of course offerings for Technology Education that will begin next year. New courses offered will be Metal Fabrication and Energy Applications. These courses will replace courses currently offered to be determined by student enrollment.

Administrators’ reports were presented to the board with Administrators highlighting recent building/department activities.

The board reviewed a draft of the revised Wellness Policy and was asked to be prepared to acknowledge the first reading of this at the next board meeting. Board questions regarding policy changes were answered at this time. Mrs. Wickham thanked committee members, saying she was proud of the work they did over the past two years in developing the revised policy.

The New York State Report Card was distributed to the board. Mr. Phillips summarized areas of growth as well as areas of concern. Overall, the district continues to demonstrate positive growth in student achievement.

A special meeting of the Board of Education will be held on Wednesday, April 28, 2010 at 7:00 a.m. for the sole purpose of voting on the BOCES Administrative Budget and Election of BOCES Board Members.

The next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 4, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library. The meeting will begin with the Public Hearing on the proposed 2010-11 Budget.

Incumbents are only 2 Board candidates

Incumbent Watkins Glen School Board members Joseph Fazzary and Brian O'Donnell are the only candidates seeking election to 3-year board terms in the May 18 election. Fazzary is a former School Board president, and O'Donnell is the current president. The deadline for filing nominating petitions was Friday afternoon.

WATKINS GLEN, April 6 -- The Watkins Glen School Board Monday night gave its approval to a budget proposal that would increase the district tax levy by 3.71%, increasing the property tax rate to $11.63 per $1,000 of assessed valuation, up from $11.21.

The proposal, which goes before voters on May 18, will be the subject of a public hearing at the next regular board meeting, set for Tuesday, May 4 in the high school library. The session is expected to start at 6:30 p.m.

-- 10 instructional positions, including driver education, art, English, special education, math, reading (2), elementary education, foreign language and academic support.

Superintendent Tom Phillips, Board President Brian O'Donnell, Budget Committee Chairman Robert Dill and Business Manager Gayle Sedlack all spoke in praise of the effort put into the budget, and sounded a common theme by stressing the small (0.31%) increase in spending. Dill also pointed out that the actual tax increase on a $100,000 home after the STAR rebate is figured in: would be $28.59, "or less than $2.50 a month."

-- Approved the appointment of David Waite as a volunteer assistant golf coach. Phillips explained that with a sudden growth in the girls golf roster (from two or three golfers last year to 12 this year) and with practice by the boys and girls teams at two different sites, the board should make the position a paying one for "liability concerns." He said he would propose that, along with a salary, at a future meeting.

-- Heard a report on the proposed Watkins Glen Public Library budget for 2010-11 from Library Board Secretary Kenneth Wilson. The $164,225 budget has a proposed tax levy increase of $3,690, or 3.25%. The plan, he said, is "fairly modest considering all the activities we provide." A public vote on the proposal will be held from 2-8 p.m. May 5 at the library. One trustee position is open, currently held by William Ellison, who is seeking reelection.

Photos in text: Superintendent Tom Phillips and Budget Committee Chairman Robert Dill.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of April 5, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Ken Wilson and Judy Phillips, Public Library Trustees, presented a summary of the 2010-11 Public Library proposed budget. This budget represents an increase of $3,690; or 3.25% over the 2009-10 budget. The vote will be held on May 5, 2010 at the Public Library from 2-8 p.m. The public hearing on the budget will be held on April 28 from 1-4 p.m.

Mr. Phillips thanked our Administrators for the hours they all contributed to developing the 2010-11 budget. This was, by far, the most stressful exercise the group has had to address, dealing with a significant reduction of $825,000 in state aid impacting the organization as a whole.

Mr. Phillips distributed diploma requirements for students entering Grade 9 next fall, reporting these students will be required to have passed 5 regents exams to graduate. Mr. Warren reported that the Grade 9 orientation was held March 18th with over 70 families attending. These new graduation requirements were reviewed with students/parents at that time.

Mr. O’Donnell read a thank-you note received from Diana Groll for the donation the board made in memory of her mother, Emma Roccisano.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 3/1/10 and 3/15/10 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Approved appointment of Nan Evans as new teacher mentor
Approved Fundraising Request
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and February Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claims Auditor.

2. Set April 28, 2010 to vote on the BOCES Administrative Budget and elect members to the BOCES Board of Education.

3. Approved sanctioning the annual senior all-night party and providing buses for this activity.

4. Approved changing the first regularly scheduled board meeting in May to Tuesday, May 4th to accommodate the Public Hearing on the 2010-11 budget that must be held at least 7 days, but not more than 14 days, before the vote date.

5. Accepted the following resignations into retirement:
Billie Bauman as District Administrator
Kate LaMoreaux as English teacher
John Nihill as Special Education teacher
Nan Hanley as Elementary teacher
Fred Troy as Art teacher
Roe Franzese as Teaching Assistant

6. Approved the following recommendations for tenure:
Caryn Grover – Special Education
Melissa Kissell – Special Education
Sharon May – School Counselor
Jamie Pokerwinski – Special Education
Kelsey Wood – Social Studies

9. Approved the appointment of David Waite as Volunteer Assistant Golf Coach.

10. Approved Agreement for Health and Welfare Services for Watkins Glen students attending parochial schools in the Ithaca and Horseheads school districts.

11. Approved the Property Tax Report Card that will be submitted to the State Education Department.

12. Approved the 2010-11 Proposed Budget in the amount of $23,396,127. This represents an increase of 0.31% which is $71,225 over the 2009-10 budget, resulting in a tax levy rate of approximately $11.63 per $1,000 of assessment, which is a $.41 increase over the prior year.

Mr. Dill, Chairperson, thanked all those involved in developing the 2010-11 budget. This has been the most difficult budget development year he has ever experienced as a board member. With the anticipated tax levy of $11.63, up $.41 per $1,000 of assessment after the STAR exemption, it is an increase of $28.59 per $100,000 of assessment or a total of $2.50 per month.

WATKINS GLEN, April 1 -- The Watkins Glen School Board is expected to approve a 2010-11 budget next week that proposes the elimination of 13 positions and an increase in the tax rate of 42 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation.

The board's budget committee, at a workshop Wednesday evening, approved the spending plan and recommended it to the full board for passage April 5th.

The tax rate would rise to $11.63 per thousand dollars from $11.21 -- equalling a 3.71% increase in the tax levy.

At the same time, Superintendent Tom Phillips explained in a printed message for board members and media, "we have included significant decreases in staffing through both attrition and excessing of personnel." It involves elimination of:

-- 10 instructional positions, including driver education, art, English, special education, math, reading (2), elementary education, foreign language and academic support.

The budget proposal -- should it indeed be given the full board's blessing next week -- will go before district voters in May.

The total spending increase in the $23,396,127 plan is $71,225, or 0.31% -- a fact touted by Phillips as "incredible."

Added budget committee chairman Robert Dill (at right): "I hope voters will understand the situation we're in and approve the budget. And I hope they understand the amount of time and sacrifice to get the spending down to a 0.31% increase."

District Treasurer Gayle Sedlack noted that "after the STAR Exemption is applied," the $41.59 tax increase on a $100,000 home shrinks to "$28.59, on average."

The committee decision -- at a workshop attended only by Phillips, board members, Sedlack, Athletic Director Denise Wickham and one reporter -- came, Phillips said in his message, after a process that had "two guiding principles: limit the impact to children of any proposed reduction in program or staffing; and limit the impact of any tax increase for property owners."

"I don't know how you get below a 41-cent increase," Phillips told board members prior to the committee decision. "You can't go much lower before you meet an inability to provide basic educational needs."

Board member Tom Richardson (in photo at right) said he was "real comfortable" with the proposal. "I don't think we can do any more and be prepared for next year" -- which officials have cautioned could be even more difficult. Said Richardson to Phillips: "I think you've come up with a good plan."

Responded Phillips: "I don't have any problem defending this, I really don't. People have to realize the times we're in."

He said the toughest part of the elimination process has been "looking people in the eye and telling them we have no place for them here next year. There have been some tears; but they understand."

He also said there would be "shifts" in the responsibilities of some of the remaining staff -- a matter the board was to take up in executive session afterward.

"Some of the people are not going to like it, and neither do I," Phillips said. "But we need to keep plugging along and make this the best district in the region."

Top: School Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and School Board President Brian O'Donnell.

WATKINS GLEN, March 16 -- The Watkins Glen School Board Monday night honored those athletes in the school who won Section IV titles in the winter sports season.

Honored were Section IV 1500 Meter Racewalk champion Laura Flood, Section IV, Class C diving champ Kyle Cocola, and each member of the Section IV, Class C champion boys varsity swim team, of which Cocola was a part.

Each of the athletes was called forward to accept a handshake and an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award certificate from Superintendent Tom Phillips.

To the swim squad, he said: "Every one of you was outstanding; it was truly a team effort that made you a champion."

The ceremony was preceded by a more somber note as Board President Brian O'Donnell commented in general terms on the difficulty the Board is having in creating a 2010-11 budget in light of increasing health and retirement costs and a proposed reduction in state aid.

In prepared remarks, O'Donnell said that "we -- and school districts across the state and country -- must reduce the size of our organization, most hopefully through retirements ... but realizing also there will be some layoffs, too.

"We are being asked once again to do more with less -- when in effect, you can only do less with less.

"While no one in our administration or on this board wants to reduce personnel AND program, we all realize that is the only option we have in order to have a budget that is cost effective AND respectful and responsible to our taxpayers. While perhaps NOT a happy and pleasant time to be on a Board of Education and to have to make these most difficult decisions, I believe I speak for every member here in saying we do accept the challenge and our decisions will be guided as always by what is best for our district, for our students, and for our program."

Superitendent Phillips added that the board -- with the potential of the New York Legislature providing a late budget again -- could delay the adoption of its budget by two weeks, until April 19, "to give us time to get some real numbers" from the state.

As of now, he said, "there are no numbers" other than those in the governor's budget proposal -- which, if adopted, would trim $825,000 in state aid to the district.

Top: Watkins Glen swim team member Jacq Goehner is congratulated by Superintendent Tom Phillips upon receiving an Outstanding Athletic Achievement Award certificate. Each member of the Section IV, Class C champion squad received one.

Middle: WGHS junior Laura Flood approaches the front of the room to receive her certificate from Superintendent Phillips honoring her Section IV Racewalking championship.

Bottom: From left, Superintendent Tom Phillips, Board President Brian O'Donnell and Board member Robert Dill at Monday's meeting.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of March 15, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Mr. Phillips announced the possibility of having to change the 2010-11 budget adoption date from April 5, 2010 to April 19, 2010 if State Aid figures are not available in a timely manner.

Mr. O’Donnell read a statement regarding the current financial crisis of school districts as they try to balance cost effective budgets with providing the best educational programs possible for students. Mr. O’Donnell thanked the board, superintendent, administrators, faculty and staff for their sense of responsibility to be consistently fiscally responsible during the annual budget process. He stated that the reality is that we must reduce the size of our organization, hopefully through retirements, but possibly through layoffs. We are being asked to do more with less when, in fact, you can only do less with less. The board accepts the challenge they face and their decisions will be guided by what is best for our District, for our students, and for our programs.

Mr. Phillips reported on anticipating a late State Budget and a reduction of $825,000 in state aid with a 1.18% increase in the 2010-11 budget over last year. Mr. Phillips also reiterated the fact that any budget cuts come with a corresponding cut in service to students.

The Board of Education invited the following athletes, as well as their parents, to tonight’s meeting to recognize them for their outstanding achievements during the winter sports season.

Laura Flood as Section IV Champion and 17th overall at the New York State Championship meet in the 1500 Meter Racewalk.

Kyle Cocola as Class C Section IV Diving Champion and 31st over all at the New York State Swimming and Diving Championship meet in diving.

Varsity Boys’ Swim Team Members as Class C Section IV Swimming and Diving Champions: Terry Bond, Frank Cady, Chris Carlton, Nick Cocca, Kyle Cocola, Devon Crispell, Zachary Dvornicky-Raymond, Connor Fazzary, Braedon Fitch, Cameron Fitch, Jacq Goehner, Dillon Gossett, Josh Hamelin, Matthew Hayes, Casey Holland, Josh Lindsay, Mathew Mangus, Michael Olmstead, Branden Palmer, Derek Palmer, Adam Rice, Thomas Richtmeyer, Preston Roberts, Will Simiele, Moritz Schrader, Brandon Swartz, Brenton Whiting, Thomas Wickham, Homer Wixson, Abby Cocca (Manager)

Mobile Learning Device Presentation (Kelley Batrowny, Billie Bauman, Andy Patros and Middle School students Megan Dupuy, Keziah Fraboni, Joshua Becker & Robert Shea):

Students demonstrated the interactive use of their Mobile Learning Devices to board members as Kelley Batrowny presented a sample ELA lesson. Students shared their enthusiasm for instructional learning using their MLD. Parents reinforced the impact that mobile learning devices have had on their children.

1. Approved consensus items:
Approved Substitute List Additions
Approved fundraising request
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations as presented

2. Approved the following coaching appointments:
Varsity Boys’ Track – Beth Hogan
Varsity Boys’ Track Volunteer Coaches – Andy Chouinard, Brian Nowlan & Tom Bloodgood
Volunteer Strength Trainer – Ralph Diliberto

At 6:55 p.m. the meeting adjourned and the board continued with a budget workshop.

2010-11 Instructional Budget summaries were presented as follows:
Rod Weeden – ES Building budget
Dave Warren – HS Building budget
Kristine Somerville – MS Building budget
Nan Woodworth-Shaw – Special Education budget

WATKINS GLEN, March 2 -- The Watkins Glen School Board Monday night announced it is extending Superintendent Tom Phillips' contract, adding a fifth year that carries it through June 30, 2015.

The board had last year enhanced the contract, moving it from a three-year arrangement to five years. This action maintains the five-year status.

The latest move came, Board President Brian O'Donnell said, "after an extensive evaluation process" that involved every Board member. And each, he said, had given Phillips "a commendable rating."

"First, obviously they think I'm doing a good enough job that they want me to stick around," he said. "But the best thing is it means I'm going to be here through my daughter's high school career. I will be here to see her through. She moved from Horseheads to here, and the last thing I wanted was to move her someplace else."

His daughter, Halle, is a seventh grader in the Watkins Glen Middle School and an active participant in school athletics.

Phillips' salary for the five years will be renegotiated in the summer or fall, he said. It currently tops out at $129,792 in the final year of the existing contract.

Photo in text: Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and Board President Brian O'Donnell at the March 1st Board meeting

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of March 1, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Board members were provided with the Booster Club’s report on all activities for the first half of the 2009-10 school year including all funds coming in and out (purchases/donations made). Mr. Phillips thanked the Booster Club, saying how fortunate the District is to have such an active and generous Booster’s Club that is willing to offer support and work at all sporting events.

Mr. Phillips updated the board on activities occurring with the Mobile Learning Devices. A presentation to the board is scheduled for the March 15, 2010 workshop.

Began tonight’s meeting with a moment of silence in honor/memory of Helen Human, who passed away on February 4th. Helen was employed with the district for 30 years as a Library Clerk.

Acknowledged the death of Rosanne Doane’s mother, Nicolina Biagetti, who passed away on February 6th. Nicolina volunteered in the district for 4 years as a clerk in our library through the RSVP program.

Complimented WGFA President Rick Comfort and WGFA association members for donating more than $250 in November to assist a number of families and students with outstanding school lunch fees during these difficult economic times.

Complimented Angela Weeden, the 6th grade team and 6th grade students for their February “Influential Person Walk of Fame.” Grade 6 student Bridgette Guild personally guided Mr. O’Donnell through the displays and spoke very articulately and knowledgably on her project, which incorporated Egyptian history, the scientist Issac Newton and athlete Michael Phelps.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 2/1/10
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and January Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

3.Approved the following appointments:
Charles Lockwood as Cleaner
Abigail Tormey as Assistant Boys/Girls Track Coach

4.Approved a one-year extension of contract for the Superintendent through June 30, 2015. The Board recently completed the Superintendent’s annual evaluation and he received a commendable rating from all board members.

5.Granted tenure to the following:
Nan Woodworth-Shaw – School Administrator
Elizabeth Hartnett – Mathematics
Stephen McFarland – Elementary
Justin Mucitelli – Physical Education
Jessica Purpura – Elementary
Cathy Mangus – Teaching Assistant

7.Approved the Schuyler County Shared Fuel Facility agreement through December 1, 2020.

8.Approved a contract for continued participation with NYBEST to provide student accident insurance.

9.Accepted the 2009-10 Internal Audit Risk Assessment completed by Jessica Lawrence, Internal Auditor. The board recommended Purchasing and Expenditures as the area of focus for the 2010-11 audit.

Budget Committee Report: Mr. Dill, Chairperson, reported on the budget meeting held on Wednesday, February 24, 2010. With the anticipated decrease in state aid, the announcement that Governor Patterson will not run for reelection, and the resultant increased challenges of putting together the State budget by the April 1 deadline, the board is facing many uncertainties during the 2010-11 budget building process. The board has the responsibility of reducing the tax levy to an acceptable level, which may mean additional staff reductions. At this point, any announced retirements prior to budget adoption could impact staff reductions. It is anticipated the 2011-12 budget process could be even more challenging than what we are dealing with now.

From top: School Board members Robert Dill (left) and Joe Fazzary; Board Vice President Mike Myers; Board member Kevin Field.

WATKINS GLEN, Feb. 2 -- The chance of the Watkins Glen School District losing its School Resource Officer "seems more serious" than it did two years ago, when a similar proposal to reassign SROs around the state was met with steadfast opposition, says Glen District Superintendent Tom Phillips.

Phillips told the School Board at its monthly meeting Monday night that he had received a letter from Col. John Melville, New York State Police Field Commander, announcing that the State Police "will no longer be able to provide" an SRO to this or other districts under terms of the reassignment proposal.

The School Resource Officer in the Watkins Glen and Odessa-Montour districts is Trooper David Waite, who is also involved in coaching and mentoring students. The plan to reassign SROs is part of Gov. David Paterson's budget proposal.

"Two years ago," said Phillips, "the plan was rescinded. But we never received a letter two years ago, so this seems more serious."

Phillips told the board that in response, he is making contact with the Schuyler County Sheriff's Office and the Watkins Glen Village Police in an attempt to interest them in possibly providing a police presence in the school.

"I don't know if there's any interest there," he said. "But we'll give them an office here."

--Phillips said that teachers whose jobs might be eliminated by budget cuts in the Watkins Glen School District are being notified of that chance. The number "could be as low as three, or as high as five or seven," he said after the board meeting.

He said support services such as reading teachers and teachers' aides are the most vulnerable, and that depending on the depth of the cuts adopted by the State Legislature, art and music could be affected.

But as board member Robert Dill, chairman of the board's budget committee, said during Monday's meeting: "At this point everything is tentative."

--Board President Brian O'Donnell honored Business Education teacher Kaz Estelow for attaining National Teacher Certification in November. The program leading to certification, he noted, is "a highly specialized and demanding program" achieved by "only about 65,000 of the nation's 3 million-plus teachers" since its origins in 1995.

"Her achievement and increase in knowledge and skills," said O'Donnell, "translates perfectly into increased opportunity and achievement for her students."

Other Watkins Glen faculty members who earned National Certification in the past were Craig Cheplick, Karen Armstrong and Diana Groll.

Baseball: Jesse Schubmehl (Varsity), Craig Heath (JV) and Jason Bond (Modified)

Softball: Jim Scott (Varsity), Harold Chaffee (Volunteer Assistant), Ron Pierce (JV) and Callie Black (Modified)

Track: Travis Durfee (Varsity Boys), Kelsey Wood (Varsity Girls), Kelly Sterner (7th-8th Grade)

From top: Superintendent Tom Phillips (left) and Board President Brian O'Donnell; board member Robert Dill; teacher Kaz Estelow.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of Feb. 1, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Superintendent’s Report:
Read correspondence received from Colonel John Melville, Field Commander for the New York State Police, informing the district that after the 2009-10 school year, School Resource Officers will no longer be assigned to schools due to the fiscal climate of New York State. Mr. Phillips will be contacting local municipalities to discuss the potential of sharing this service.

Board of Education – Mr. O’Donnell:
Mr. O’Donnell and the Board of Education congratulated Kaz Estelow for achieving National Teacher Certification status. Candidates for the National Teacher Certification must complete 200-300 hours of study and complete a rigorous content examination to receive certification. She joins Craig Cheplick, Karen Armstrong and Diana Groll who have also attained National Teacher Certification status.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 1/4/10 and 1/19/10 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Approved Fundraising Requests
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and December Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2.Adopted the following policies:
Evaluation of the Superintendent
Annual District Election and Budget Vote
Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting
Purchasing
Purchasing Authority
Child Abuse in a Domestic Setting
Internet Safety
Audit Committee
Naming Facilities
Students and Personal Electronic Devices

Race to the Top Update:
94.6% of districts in NYS submitted applications for the Race to the Top federal grant. Legislators did not vote on this application but the State still submitted the application to the federal government.

State Budget Update:
--Budget meetings have begun and meetings with principals and staff continue. This is an on-going process. The budget committee will continue to meet to discuss related budget changes for next year as information becomes available from the State.
--President Obama released his federal budget proposal which included additional funding for education. It is too early to know what conditions accompany any of the funding.

Mobile Learning Devices:
Reported that if the GoKnow project is to continue, there will have to be some major changes in service charges per device. Verizon has come through with some reductions, but we continue to work on this.

4.Approved the following appointments:
--Karlene Andrews as Speech Pathologist
--Bradley Daudelin as Cleaner

5.Approved the following coaching appointments:
Wallace Wasson - Volunteer Varsity Assistant Wrestling
Jesse Schubmehl – Varsity Baseball
Craig Heath – JV Baseball
Jason Bond – Modified Baseball
Jim Scott – Varsity Softball
Harold Chaffee – Volunteer Assistant Softball
Ron Pierce – JV Softball
Callie Black – Modified Softball
Travis Durfee – Varsity Boys’ Track
Kelsey Wood – Varsity Girls’ Track
Kelly Sterner – 7th/8th Grade Track
Rob Michel – Varsity Golf
Krysti Westervelt – Varsity Tennis

6.Approved the recommendation of tenure for Amy Planty, MS Special Education teacher.

7.Approved a resolution to participate in the GST BOCES Cooperative Bid for Waste Removal.

8.Approved a contract for Health & Welfare Services for a district student attending a parochial school in Corning.

9.Budget Committee Meeting Update:
Mr. Dill, Finance Committee Chairperson, reported on the meeting held last week. Committee members met with Mike DeNardo to review his budget. Mr. Dill stated that it is a very challenging time and that, at this point, everything is still tentative.

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 20 -- Watkins Glen School Superintendent Tom Phillips delivered some sobering news to the School Board Tuesday night.

Gov. David Paterson's proposed budget would reduce state aid to the district by 5.6%, or $825,000. Combined with increases in health care costs, retirement system increases and salary increases, he said, the district would be facing a $1.6 million deficit at the start of its budget process.

The good news, he said the next morning, was that both Republican and Democratic leaders in Albany are "calling the governor's proposal dead on arrival, that it isn't rational. It's early in the process. We probably have six weeks to see the lay of the land."

But in the meantime, the district must proceed with its budget planning, and "we have to start with what we know, which is what the governor has proposed. We can't say, well, we don't believe that figure he put out, and then find out later that we have to come up with the money."

Accordingly, he said, the district is "looking at everything, at all programs, all operations. We will consolidate where we can."

If it appears that staff cuts must be made, "we can't wait to tell someone he or she is on the employment bubble. We have to give them the opportunity to look" for another job -- even if, in the end, that job might not be eliminated.

Phillips said the system of state aid is inequitable -- that some districts will actually see an aid increase. Others, like Horseheads (a 9% aid decrease) and Corning (a 7% cut) "were hit pretty hard." Odessa-Montour, he noted, was hit with a 2.87% aid cut.

The aid decrease in the Watkins Glen district, he said, was predicated on a state formula based on "an artificial wealth ratio." In essence, "we are being penalized for being fiscally sound. The governor is essentially saying we should have gone out and overtaxed our community, and then we wouldn't be penalized. It makes no sense."

If the board were to increase taxes to cover the proposed deficit, the percentage increase would be "ridiculous," Phillips said -- since every one percent of the tax levy is equal to about $70,000. "It would take a lot of increase to get to $1.5 million," he noted.

Instead, the board and administrators will start building the budget with an eye toward program and operational cuts, which could mean staff -- while hoping that Albany's leaders adopt a budget far removed from what the governor has proposed.

"If his proposal becomes law," Phillips said, "we can't continue to support our students in the way we've been able to."

The situation is, at the very least, "a horrible way to start building a budget," the superintendent concluded.

Photo in text: Present at the meeting were, from left, School Board members Mike Myers and Kevin Field, Superintendent Tom Phillips, Board President Brian O'Donnell, and board members Robert Dill and Joe Fazzary.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of Jan. 19, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Career Development Council Presentation
Nancy Blake, Executive Director of Career Development Council, and Tess Pollack, Career Specialist assigned to WGHS, presented a summary of career development council programs available to Watkins Glen students K-12. Tess reported an increase of 158% in total number of WG students served in the last three years. An overview of the program was presented to board members.

Response to Intervention Update (Nan Woodworth-Shaw & Patti Smith)
A mid-year update of the Response to Intervention (RTI) implementation that continues throughout the district was presented. The district is embracing this initiative to benefit all learners through extensive staff development and collaborative opportunities for staff. Patti Smith represented the elementary school Student Based Intervention Team to share their procedures in supporting students and staff. The Middle and High School Teams will report at the end of the year. Academic Intervention Services numbers were also shared with a comparison to previous years.

Greater Southern Tier School Boards Association Update
Mr. Phillips reported that with the GST BOCES merger BOCES maintained two separate school boards associations. It will now dissolve the two separate associations and form one BOCES wide association that would cover all 21 of the component school districts and the BOCES board. Newly developed GST School Boards Association By-Laws were distributed. Board members were encouraged to attend the Mid-Winter Dinner on Thursday, February 11, 2010 that will be held at the Campbell-Savona High School.

Efforts have begun in the area of signing up students for next year’s courses through the guidance office. Departments have also begun determining assignments for the teachers. The Freshman Academy continues to look at the options needed to provide all incoming students equal opportunities. Freshman teachers and 8th grade teachers will also spend part of the Superintendent Conference day on February 1st sharing ideas.

The status of the cell phone discussions that include student involvement have included the following:
--The principal has met with the entire student council to gather input from the students. Information was also shared as to the guidelines that have been given.
--The principal has met after school with a small interested group of students to gather more information and ideas from them

--The topic of cell phone use and the proposal to allow students to use phones at some point during the day has been discussed at a faculty meeting. No conclusion was drawn from this meeting at the beginning of January. It was understood that the faculty would meet again after dividing into the small pre-determined subcommittees.
--The seven subcommittees will be meeting before the end of the month of January to discuss and gather input from staff to share at a full faculty meeting.
--After all input is gathered a determination will be made as to the best way to offer cell phone use during the day. At that time I will report back to the board.

Student Development continues to thrive by the actions of their Student Council. They have invited other adults into their regular meetings to discuss different topics of concern. They are learning that it isn’t as easy as they might have thought to change things and that there are a lot more aspects to making decisions when it comes to the overall functioning of the school community.

The math and ELA departments continue to monitor students who may have scored a three. Extra support is given to students during and after school for those who scored lower than a three on the state assessment.

We have begun the second semester scheduling process and new schedules will be ready for everyone two weeks before the new semester begins.

The 8th graders have started the Bridges Career Exploration with Mrs. Simiele and Mrs. Bristow. The bridges program helps students learn about many careers (including those which are non-traditional).

The H1N1 vaccines will be given January 26th in the middle school. The health department distributed more than 100 vaccines to middle school students in December.

The middle school webpage is being reorganized to make it easier for parents to the needed information. The technology coordinator and guidance department will be responsible for the management of the middle school website.

The 7th grade students are now taking their handheld computers home. Students are using them for everything from taking notes to logging assignments.

Penn Yan middle school principal with sixteen staff members visited the middle school to gather information about our scheduling and electives to help them build their schedule.

The Annual 8th grade student breakfast was held on December 23rd. The meal is prepared by staff. A big “Thank You” to the Superintendent for his help.

We recently received item analysis data for the 5th grade NYS social studies exam given on Nov. 16 & 17. This data is currently being looked at & shared by our curriculum coordinator, Claudia LaFace. Problem questions have been highlighted in order to disperse this information to the appropriate grade levels.

All of our students will be receiving the DIBELS (Dynamic Indicators of Basic Early Literacy Skills) during the week of January 11.

The H1N1 booster clinic has been scheduled for January 25 for those who participated in the fall clinic. Vaccines will also be offered to our staff by Public Health, free of charge. Parents of students who did not receive an initial immunization in the fall are encouraged to call Public Health to schedule one.

Mr. Karvell, the magician, visited our 4th grade students on January 11 to present his No Magic in Drugs Assembly. This program was sponsored by Schuyler Hospital.

Science & Discovery Center’s mobile lab was here January 6 & will be here again on January 20 to teach our 4th grade students about density.

Mr. Weeden, along with the 3 art coordinators, have been working on next year’s Arts in Education Grant. Deadlines for this year’s submission have been moved up to January & February. Because of the Arts being hit financially, there has been a big shift in NYSCA leadership and many changes in the grant process.

The 15-week marking period for high school athletics ended on December 18, 2009. 10% of the athletes were ineligible and 18% were on probation.

Congratulations to the boys swimming and diving team who are currently undefeated in the IAC. The swimming and diving team honored 10 seniors on January 12, 2010 during the swim meet against Waverly.

A draft of the Wellness Policy and Wellness Regulations will be reviewed at the January Health Advisory Council meeting and sent on for BOE review and adoption during the February BOE meeting.

A special thank you goes out to everyone who took part in making the Mike Watson Memorial Invitational a success this year. 22 teams competed in the tournament. The officials honored the Watkins Glen wrestling team with the Sportsmanship award for the 2010 tournament.

A thank you goes out to our local restaurants and businesses that made the tournament special by supplying soups, pizza, Chinese, fudge, beverages, cannoli, subs, and much more. These groups included Pizza Hut, Subway, Scuteri’s, Wrights Beverage, House of Hong, Seneca Fudge, Glen Mountain Market, Bleachers, Maria’s, Savard's, Curly's, Valero, WalMart, P&C and the Booster Club. Thank you to all of the parents, community members, faculty, staff and students who helped wherever needed during the tournament. It is an honor to work in a community that is so giving.

Watkins Glen will be hosting the IAC wrestling championships on January 23, 2010. Wrestling will begin around 9:00am. Watkins Glen will also be hosting the IAC Cheerleading Championships on January 30, 2010. The competition will begin around 10:00am.

The seniors on the Indoor Track and Field team will be honored at halftime during the varsity boy’s basketball game against Newfield on January 22, 2010.

Mr. Phillips, Superintendent of Schools, and Gayle Sedlack, Business Manager, presented the 2010-11 Executive Budget Proposal received just hours earlier. The proposal includes a reduction in state aid of $825,542 or 5.64% over 2009-10. It was explained that with the increase of salaries and benefits being a total of at least $830,000, the District would experience a gap in revenues to expenses of over $1.6 million.

A packet of information was provided to the Board of Education with the NYSSBA Analysis of the 2010-11 Executive Budget which discusses proposed cuts, proposed mandate relief as well as statements made by legislative leaders. It was stated that the expectation of Governor Paterson is that districts across New York State have a total of $1.5 billion in fund balance and that a $1.1 billion reduction in NYS aid can be tolerated with districts resorting to using the fund balance.

Mr. O’Donnell announced the following:
A note of thanks has been received from the Frank Biagetti family. Kevin Field also thanked the Board of Education for the gift and card for the birth of their child.

1. Approved/acknowledged/accepted the following consensus items:
--Approved Substitute List Additions
--Accept CSE/CPSE Recommendations
--Approve DuWayne Austic as Chaperone

3.Approved agreement with SpecEd Solutions to provide consultant services for Medicaid billing.

Photo in text: Nancy Blake, Executive Director of the Career Development Council, right, and Tess Pollack, Career Specialist assigned to WGHS, present a report to the School Board.

WATKINS GLEN, Jan. 5 -- The Watkins Glen School Board was told Monday night that Schuyler County emergency management personnel have informed the school district that it needs to improve emergency access to sporting events in the Field House by tackling congested parking outside.

Superintendent Tom Phillips said emergency officials noted that crowded parking at the recent Christmas basketball tournaments at the Field House would have made emergency access difficult should it have been required.

Phillips said cars parking along the curbing and in other spots that are not marked spaces create a situation where rapid mobility by emergency crews would be difficult.

"They want us to keep the ingress and egress available," he said. "There would be nothing worse than having the need, and not having emergency personnel get through. We're really going to try to clean up the congested parking."

Planning will involve district and emergency personnel, along with county and village officials.

In response to a question from Board member Joe Fazzary, the board was told by Athletic Director Denise Wickham that buses at large events -- such as the upcoming Watson Invitational wrestling tournament -- are required to park at the bus garage. And, Phillips added, the district has an ongoing "cooperative agreement" with the Arc of Schuyler to use its lot for car-parking after hours.

Emergency officials, he said, "called Mike (DeNardo, the school maintenance and transportation chief) and said 'You have a problem down there.'"

And the district, he told the board, is going to fix it, starting with public awareness about the parking through media releases and through messages sent home with students.

The board heard from High School Principal Dave Warren that discussions have begun that will lead to a policy permitting students to use their cell phones during lunch hour. School rules currently prohibit cell-phone usage at any time during the school day.

Warren said the matter -- discussed at recent board meetings -- had been raised at a faculty meeting that day, and would be addressed in a meeting he was planning with the Student Council the next day.

Photos in text: School Board President Brian O'Donnell (top) and Board member Robert Dill at the Jan. 4th meeting.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of Jan. 4, 2010 was provided by the School District office.)

Presented Brian O’Donnell and Bob Dill with certificates from NYSSBA for earning the Developmental Achievement citation for participating in NYSSBA developmental activities.

Reported on the success of the Varsity Boys, Varsity Girls and JV Boys at the recent basketball tournaments hosted by Watkins Glen.

Preliminary School Report Card Data shows Watkins Glen continuing to do well with sufficient growth. More details to come once the embargo is lifted allowing the release of additional information.

Announced a calendar change for this year. With the dates for NYS Grades 3-8 testing changing, school will now be in session on March 22nd and a Conference Day has been scheduled for May 3rd for scoring.

Mr. O’Donnell reminded board members of the time-line for completing the Superintendent’s evaluation.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 12/7/09 and 12/21/09 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and November Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2.Acknowledged the first reading of the following policies:
Evaluation of the Superintendent
Annual District Election and Budget Vote
Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting
Purchasing
Purchasing Authority
Child Abuse in a Domestic Setting
Internet Safety
Audit Committee
Naming Facilities
Students and Personal Electronic Devices

3.Accepted the resignation of Helen Sullivan as Cleaner effective February 6, 2010.

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 22 -- The Watkins Glen School Board Monday night decided to give the issue of student cell-phone use more study before adopting a policy that would permit calls during lunch periods.

At a combination workshop/meeting, the board also heard an update from Superintendent Tom Phillips and District Treasurer Gayle Sedlack on the New York budgetary woes and the impact of state actions on district finances and programs.

The cell phone discussion was an extension of one from the previous board session, at which the possibility of lunch-hour use of phones by students was proposed. Board member Robert Dill was the chief proponent at that earlier meeting, and High School Principal Dave Warren was supportive. That discussion had been triggered by Student Council President Jenna Swarthout, who brought up the subject as a followup to a previous board discussion.

Swarthout was present again Monday night, and said she liked the idea of lunchtime use "because that time is ours." Cell-phone use is prohibited now during school hours.

Board Vice President Mike Myers suggested that while such a policy initiative is possible, "This will require more than 15 minutes of discussion." He suggested the matter be delayed for further study.

Warren backed that sentiment, and suggested the formation of a committee at each school to consider the ramifications -- but Middle School Principal Kristine Somerville said the policy as it exists at her school "works fine. We shouldn't fix what isn't broken." She conceded that the situation in the high school might be different, which Warren confirmed.

With technology such an important part of our lives now, he said, and with high school students on the verge of entering an adult world in which cell-phone use is prevalent, it makes some sense to give the students the opportunity to embrace the responsibility on a limited basis. The concern, he said, is that there is more than one lunch period, opening the possibility that students at one lunch period will text students from another who are in class, creating distractions in the classroom.

"But I think we need to give them the opportunity," he said. "And if it's abused, then we'll take the phones from those abusing it."

Board President Brian O'Donnell urged speed in the committee process. "The issue should be addressed as soon as possible," he said, "It shouldn't get hidden away in committee."

The state budget, meanwhile, was the subject of a lengthy explanation by Phillips and Sedlack, who said Governor David Paterson's recent delay in distributing state aid payments to school districts would impact the district adversely if the delay becomes permanent.

The amount of money withheld from the Watkins Glen district amounts to more than $300,000. If that is lost forever -- the governor faces a state lawsuit challenging his authority to withhold such payments -- then the district will be faced with a choice, Phillips said, of raising taxes or cutting programs and, thus, services now available to students.

He said a tax increase would be unacceptable, and that the School Board would have to consider options available in trimming elective courses. "Anything not mandated would be fair game," he said, and could range from technology classes to art and music. Larger class sizes would also be a possibility.

He said work on the 2010-11 district budget has not started because "it could be a lot of work that goes for naught" depending on what actions the state takes to try and stem its economic bleeding.

Once the State Legislature reconvenes in January and the governor unveils his executive budget proposal, Phillips said, officials locally should have a better idea of what actions the state might be taking.

In the meantime, he added, administrators in the district are "looking at prioritizing" their needs. This is essential, he noted, because "we're not going to be unreasonable with a tax rate that's ridiculous." But before any district budget-cutting takes place, he said, "we want to know where we're going" rather than cut programs and then find it wasn't necessary.

"The barometer for us is the indebtedness of the state," he said. "If that gets worse, there could be another delay" in payments and further repercussions.

From top: Board President Brian O'Donnell, Student Council President Jenna Swarthout, Board Vice President Mike Myers, and board member Joe Fazzary.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of Dec. 21, 2009 was provided by the School District office.)

High School – Dave Warren:
The RTI team has been very active in developing a timeline to implement the various aspects of RTI. The first three steps include:
Inventory teacher strategies that are already in place
Create a menu of Evidence-Based Tier I interventions for teachers
Establish Tier 1 coaching and support resources.
They have taken time to put together a binder for each department listing proven strategies to use with students
They have presented information at department chair and faculty meetings
They have been designing an effective referral form for teachers to use.
Staff members in the building as well as the principal have become active members of the Wellness Committee working with the Athletic Director to adopt a revised Wellness Policy sitting on various subcommittees.
Student council has been given a voice in expressing their concerns. The principal meets regularly with the entire student council as well as the president of the council.
Promethean board information and usefulness continues to be shared by building ‘experts’. Time at faculty meetings is taken periodically with presentations from LMC specialist to share updated resources. Instruction and staff development in this area continues to occur.

Middle School – Kristine Somerville
The math and ELA departments are monitoring students who may have scored a three, but seem to need some additional academic support.
Our Response to Intervention process is in place and we have now targeted 10 students who are struggling academically and behaviorally. There are two students who have been referred to SBIT.
Our 21st Century program has been running with approximately 80 students everyday after school. The majority of our 5th & 6th grade teachers tutor after school.
The Middle School has implemented an advisor/advisee program for all students. Teachers are asking for additional time for the program. Therefore, it will be two or three times a week next semester.
The H1N1 vaccines were given in the middle school on December 11th to grades 5-8 with parent consent.
The 5th and 7th grade students received their handheld computers this month and they are using them for everything from taking notes to logging assignments. Kelley Batrowny is working with students and teachers as well.
The National Junior Honor Society collected socks to hang on our holiday tree to benefit the health office. The socks will be given to students who need them.
The Schools-to-Watch visit was on December 14 & 15. The group of five met with students, parents, teachers, board members, superintendent and community members.

Elementary School – Rod Weeden:
Our early morning classes are up & running. Our early morning choir program is running every Monday and Friday, and Matthew Craig has been in charge of over 50 students in attendance two mornings each week.
We have had our initial dental health presentations at the school by Andrea Ramsdell. She will be scheduling cleanings for those that requested services in the next few months.
H1N1 vaccinations have been completed at the elementary school for all those students who requested to have them done. We had 150 obtain the vaccine as a nasal mist, and 69 were injected. This was a total of 219 students, which is 45% of our population.
We are planning to publicize our 3rd & 4th grade student participation of collecting food for both the Food Pantry & the Humane Society.
Our UPK Christmas concert is scheduled for December 23 at 10 AM in the ES Auditorium.
As an FYI, Joe Pascorelli will be at the elementary Dec. 22 & 23 doing a Weather Wisdom program for our 4th grade students.
On Friday, Dec. 11, our staff had a professional development day, which was totally focused on the use of technology in the classroom. The first hour demonstrated distance learning activities to our teachers. It focused on how to find out information about distance learning activities and who to call in order to set up the connection. We also had a live distance learning activity from the Cleveland Museum of Art. After the initial DL training, two 45-minute sessions of content-specific training took place where teachers were able to select those technology activities, which were helpful to them. The teachers were able to choose from the following technology programs: Reading A-Z, Power Point, Promethean Tips & Tricks, Wikkis, Windows Movie Maker, and Working with Digital Pictures.

Athletic Department – Denise Wickham:
The first academic eligibility period for athletics was October 19, 2009. 4% of the athletes were ineligible and 15% were on probation. At the 10 week marking period, November 19, 2009, 4% of the athletes were ineligible and 6% were on probation.
Congratulations to Haleigh Wixson for breaking the Watkins Glen pool record in the 100 backstroke at states with a time of 59.19 and a 21st place finish.
The following teams were honored as Scholar Athlete Teams for fall 2009: Girls Soccer, Boys Soccer, Girls Swimming and Diving, Girls Cross Country and Volleyball. 56 of our athletes were recognized for having 90+ averages for the season. Congratulations to the teams and coaching staffs.
The Wellness Policy Sub-Committee has drafted the Wellness Policy Regulations and will be sending it on in January for the Board of Education to review.
The Sports Booster Club is sponsoring new record boards for the pool area to be completed this year. The athletic department and district are thankful for the booster clubs continued support.
The booster club will be sponsoring a Linc Wager night on December 22, 2009 during halftime of the boy’s basketball game versus Odessa Montour. This night is to honor Linc’s 55 years of service to our athletic programs here at Watkins Glen.
The Hall of Fame committee met on December 11, 2009 and Watkins Glen will be inducting three individuals into the Hall of Fame in 2009. Nancy Loughlin will be honored for her coaching of track and field and cheerleading. Athletes to be honored are Sean Love and Todd Lincoln. The ceremony will take place at around 7:00pm on December 30th.
The athletic department has collaborated with area schools (Horseheads, Elmira City Schools, Corning and Odessa Montour) to maintain the boys modified swimming and diving program here at Watkins Glen.
The revenues for the fitness center year to date are almost double what they were at this time last year. This success can be attributed to the fitness center supervisors increased accountability and communication with the fitness center monitors, and a welcoming environment created by the fitness center monitors.

Special Services – Nan Woodworth-Shaw
The Student Based Intervention Teams from all three buildings have developed resources to communicate with staff at faculty meetings regarding RTI and how to get support in implementing interventions. They worked ½ day with our RTI consultant to review progress that has been made with the structure and procedures of our building-level teams. This was a valuable time to share between buildings. Further work with Dr. Black involve him following an individual referral at each building through the intervention process and assessing its effectiveness.
Several of our students with disabilities have the opportunity for school to work experience through our partnership with ARC, both through Glen Industry and community-based job experiences. These are valuable opportunities to ready these students for the world of work and to help them refine their areas of interest.
The Special Services staff have collaborative relationships with numerous county and private agencies to address the needs of pre-school children with disabilities, unaccompanied youth and families in temporary housing situations, students with mental health needs, and those requiring long term care and service coordination. Webinar training has been provided to staff in the use of Reading A-Z and Study Island to assure that staff have the support to utilize these tools to provide differentiated lessons.

Technology – Andy Patros:
Waiting for 6 new Promethean Boards and 30 new laptops/3 carts to arrive for Special Services dept. deployment. Items were purchased with ARRA (federal stimulus) funds.
Dialoguing individually with teachers in order to prepare for 200+ computer replacement district wide in summer 2010. Staff is being provided the option of a new desktop with 19” flat panel monitor or a laptop/dock station/f19” flat panel workstation that will allow them to undock the computer in order to do school work at home.
Adding a wireless access point to the HS band area in order to get connectivity to the 2 practice rooms in that location.
Working with staff to get video captured of teachers and students using technology for the purpose of placing on channel 5, on the district website and onto DVD’s for distribution to area libraries. This was a summer 2009 BOE retreat request item.

Maintenance & Operations – Mike DeNardo:
The second draft of the Building Conditions Survey was distributed to board members. A review of time-line and board responses to the priority list were discussed.

Business Office – Gayle Sedlack:
The current reduction of the December NYS aid of $96,587 is a delay being implemented by Governor Patterson. It is unknown at this time whether this will be just a delay in payment or a reduction. In addition to this delay, there is also a planned delay of payment of 19% of the STAR reimbursements. This calculates to a total of $221,558.
Of the 21 districts in the GST BOCES, Watkins Glen is the second lowest school tax rate of all districts. The average rate for 2009-10 is $17.04/thousand with Watkins Glen being $11.22/thousand of assessed value.
Reported she is working with the district’s Financial Advisors, Municipal Solutions, on the annual update of our Continuing Disclosure for bond rating purposes. We are currently at 36% of our debt limit. This positions the district well for any anticipated capital project for the future.

As discussion was held regarding the financial impact should the delay of state aid become permanent reductions. Mr. Phillips discussed with the board future direction of the district should we experience additional reductions in State Aid. Mr. Phillips stated that “tough decisions will have to be made regarding program and revenues related to the tax levy.”

Mr. O’Donnell announced the following:
Board Member Kevin Field and his wife announced the arrival of their newest addition to the family, Amy Evelyn Field, born on Sunday morning.
Congratulated Jenna Swarthout as Rotary’s Student-of-the-Month.

The Board reviewed the following policies that will be placed on the January board agenda for a first reading:
Evaluation of the Superintendent
Annual District Election and Budget Vote
Violent and Disruptive Incident Reporting
Purchasing
Purchasing Authority
Internet Safety
Child Abuse, Maltreatment and Neglect in the Domestic Setting
Audit Committee and Audit Committee Charter Exhibit
Naming Facilities
Students and Personal Electronic Devices

1. Approved/acknowledged/accepted the following consensus items:
Approved Substitute List Additions
Accept CSE/CPSE Recommendations
Approve Tom Harbot as Chaperone

3. Accepted the resignation into retirement of Gail Franzese, with regret, as Cafeteria Manager (effective 6/30/10).

4. Approved the appointment of Robert Kurcoba as Volunteer Assistant Indoor Track Coach.

Photo in text: High School Principal Dave Warren, center, is flanked by Elementary School Principal Rod Weeden and Athletic Director Denise Wickham at Monday's meeting.

From left: Superintendent Tom Phillips, School Board President Brian O'Donnell, and board members Robert Dill and Joe Fazzary.

WATKINS GLEN, Dec. 8 -- The Watkins Glen School Board is looking at possibly permitting the student use of cell phones during lunch hour and perhaps at the very end of the school day.

Members of the Student Council were present at Monday's monthly School Board session to address several matters, including the cell phone issue. Council President Jenna Swarthout inquired into the possibility of lunchtime use of the phones, and was told by Superintendent Tom Phillips that discussions have fastened on lunchtime as a possible option. Phone use is not currently permitted in school.

Phillips said a small window of usage might also be adopted at the end of each day's final period, "at the start of announcements" emanating from the main office.

School Board member Robert Dill -- who was celebrating his birthday Monday -- told the Council representatives that he agreed with that thought process because "lunch time is your time to do with as you wish."

High School Principal Dave Warren said one complicating factor is the presence of two lunch periods, raising the specter of a student at one lunch period texting a student in class who was scheduled in the other.

The Student Council representatives -- Erik Ellison and Elliott Kelley along with Swarthout -- also told the board that the council is:

-- supporting a student talent show scheduled in the school auditorium about 12:15 p.m. on Dec. 23;

-- donating $250 to the committee overseeing the Top Drawer 24 team of scholar-athlete-citizens honored by The Odessa File in May of each year;

Council representatives have also spoken to a cafeteria authority about the absence of salt and a limitation on ketchup at school lunches. Ellison said low-sodium packets of each might be available to students soon.

-- Superintendent Phillips said that with all the budget machinations going on in Albany, "we are as much in the dark as we have ever been" regarding a possible cut in state aid to schools.

-- The board approved Kelly Sterner as coach of boys modified swimming, a program that had fallen dormant but is being reinstated with scheduling against teams from the Horseheads, Corning and Elmira school districts. Phillips said he hopes 15 to 25 Watkins Glen swimmers participate.

Top: Student Council President Jenna Swarthout addresses the School Board. On the right is council member Erik Ellison, while High School Principal Dave Warren is in the background.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board meeting of Dec. 7, 2009 was provided by the School District office.)

Visitors’ Comments: High School Student Council members updated the board on recent activities:
-- Hosting a HS Talent show on December 23rd
-- Donated $250 to the Top Drawer 24
-- Planning a student euchre tournament during lunch before Christmas break
-- Met with Cafeteria Supervisor to suggest changes to school lunch program that included more recycling and a possible second hot lunch line.

As the board begins reviewing a new Students and Personal Electronics Devices policy, Student Council reps suggested students be allowed to use cell phones during their lunch period. Student Council suggestions for appropriate cell phone use will be considered by the board when developing this policy.

Superintendent’s Report:
Reported the Annual Budget Vote meeting date may change from the scheduled date in May due to it falling on a Jewish holiday.

Recently attended building faculty meetings to discuss this year’s budget process.

Reported some districts are passing resolutions for Revenue Anticipation Notes (RAN) to increase cash flow due to the state reducing state aid payments to school district. Watkins Glen School District does not have the need to take this action at this time.

Discussed the new NYS Retirement Systems Tier V that will take effect on January 1, 2010.
Reported on the progress of the Mobile Learning Devices now being utilized by our 5th and 7th graders. Several school districts have asked to visit the Middle School to learn more about the GoKnow Project, other districts are asking for information. An article on our project will soon be published in the NYSMSA Journal.

Reminded board members that they will meet with the School To Watch site team on Tuesday, December 15 at 8:00 a.m. in the District Office.

Board of Education – Mr. O’Donnell:
Mr. O’Donnell thanked High School Student Council members for attending tonight’s board meeting and updating the board on current activities. The board complimented the Student Council, noting how great it is to see students take an active role in the school community.

Read a note from Pat Stansfield thanking the board for the donation made in memory of her father.

A discussion was held regarding public use of the high school facilities for walking. It was determined a notice will be posted to encourage the public to walk on the indoor track or halls of the high school mornings before school and halls of the high school after 3:00 p.m. days school is in session.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 11/2/09 and 11/16/09 meetings
Approved Substitute List Additions
Approved fundraising request
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Accepted a donation from Wal-Mart of 52 books and leftover Halloween supplies to the Elementary School
Acknowledged Budget Status Report and October Budget Transfers
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2.Approved the Water Safety Instructor ACE Course beginning with second semester.

3.Approved the following coaching appointments:
Kelly Sterner as 7th/8th Grade Boys’ Swim Coach
Brian Nowlan as Assistant Indoor Track Coach

WATKINS GLEN, Nov. 17 -- Water (of the pool variety) and phones (of the cell variety) dominated discussion Monday night at a workshop meeting of the Watkins Glen School Board.

The board heard Superintendent Tom Phillips report on the possibility of the Watkins district joining with the Horseheads, Corning and Elmira school districts in a Boys Modified Swimming program that would see the four districts compete on Saturdays, rotating the locale from one district to the next.

While the Interscholastic Athletic Conference has been "slowly dwindling swimming," Phillips said, Watkins Glen has maintained a stipend in the budget for a Modified coach although not using it recently. With just that and transportation costs, he said, the four-district plan could be mounted with minimal expense and with the chance that "it could open the door to more regional competitions."

This, Board member Gloria Brubaker added, offers student athletes between the Gators program and high school an opportunity to compete on a level that "makes sense."

"It's a great model for working regionally in a cost-effective way," said Phillips, who then was given the board's blessing to continue to investigate the program's possibility.

The board also heard a proposal from swim instructor Cyndy Wood, who wants to start a Water Safety Instruction ACE (Accelerated College Education) program that would provide successful participants with certification as water safety instructors -- a rarity among high school students and prized among college freshmen. "This will given them a monopoly on (water safety instruction) jobs at college," she said.

The class, which will be proposed formally to the board at its December meeting, would be held after school on Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:30-3:15 p.m. There would be no fee, although students would have to buy their own books -- possibly used. Wood would be the instructor, and lifeguarding would be provided by the various students in turn.

The cell phone discussion started with Phillips explaining that he and High School Principal Dave Warren have been considering how, with the rapid advance in technology, there might be room in the future for amended regulations pertaining to cell phones that would take into account their integral role in an evolving society.

Cell phone use is currently not permitted in school. If a student is using one, it can be taken away by a teacher and turned over to Warren, and returned to the student after school.

But any thought of easing restrictions was met with stern opposition by board members.

"I don't see why there's any question" about cell phone use in school, said board member Brubaker. "The answer is no."

Added Robert Dill: "I'm against it 100%. You don't use them. It's as simple as that."

Board member Tom Richardson, referring to a presentation at the meeting's outset on BOCES Computer Services that included a description of increasingly flexible and powerful handheld technological tools, asked: "Do we need all that technology? There are times when you just don't need to be contacted. I think there can be an overuse of technology."

The use of cell phones in school, said board member Mike Myers, "is probably going to get worse" with future technological advances. He noted that years ago, comic books carried to school by students were a problem. Now it's a much more complex problem: small, constantly evolving phones.

Said Dill: "We can't stop technology, but we can stop the inappropriate use of it."

Added Myers: "The kids are addicted" to the technology. "We need to get a little more harsh."

In the end, nothing concrete was decided. Noted Richardson to Phillips and Warren: "If you're recommending a policy change, it won't be less restrictive. But we don't want cell phone-sniffing dogs, either."

Top: School Superintendent Tom Phillips, left, and Board President Brian O'Donnell.

Second through fourth: Board member Gloria Brubaker, High School Principal Dave Warren and Board member Mike Myers.

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of Nov. 16, 2009 was provided by the School District office.)

Steve Manning (pictured at right), GST BOCES Computer Services Program Manager, and Andy Patros presented an overview of the budget and services provided by the BOCES Computer Services Center. This included current services provided as well as future trends in technology for our region.

Cyndy Wood requested that the board consider approving a Water Safety Instructor ACE Course through Corning Community College. She presented a summary of the course outline in hopes of offering this to High School students beginning second semester.

Mr. O’Donnell summarized the Board of Education Self-Evaluation Survey recently completed. He highlighted strengths of the board and areas for future focus. The board will complete this self-evaluation survey annually and use the information provided to continue to strive for excellence. Mr. Dill added that positive board relationships and the efficiency of operations relating to board business were reasons he chose to continue to serve as a board member.

A discussion was held regarding student cell phone usage and procedures. With the advances in technology, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Warren asked the board for direction relating to cell phone use/abuse. The feeling of the board, at this point, is to prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day. Mr. Warren will communicate to parents and students the process/procedures related to monitoring cell phone use by students during the school day.

1.Approved the following consensus items:
Approved Substitute List additions
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations

2.Approved the revised Committee on Special Education and Committee on Pre-School Special Education Members for 2009-10.

3.Approved the appointment of Mendy Thorsland as School Nurse to be assigned to the Elementary School. Kelly Fitch will transfer to the High School.

4.Approved the appointment of Rosanne Doane as Purchasing Agent for the 2009-10 school year.

5.Approved the appointment of the following volunteer coaches:
David Waite – Assistant Varsity Boys’ Basketball
Jeff Learn – Assistant JV Boys’ Basketball
Harold Chaffee – Assistant Varsity Girls’ Basketball

(The following summary of the Watkins Glen School Board workshop/meeting of Nov. 2, 2009 was provided by the School District office.)

From left: Student Council secretary Shannon Hazlitt, vice president Jordan Myers, treasurer Shawn Bliss. Below right: Council president Jenna Swarthout.

High School Student Council officers Jenna Swarthout, President; Jordan Myers, Vice President; Shannon Hazlitt, Secretary; and Shawn Bliss, Treasurer introduced themselves and each explained their specific role as an officer. Jenna reported on activities held so far this year and changes they are working on for the future. Mr. O’Donnell, on behalf of the board, thanked Marie Fitzsimmons, Student Council Advisor, and Student Council members for attending tonight’s board meeting and welcomed their attendance at future board meetings.

H1N1 update: Parent informational packets prepared by Schuyler County Public Health were mailed to each family in the district last week. Included in the packet was a parent consent form for their child(ren) to receive the vaccine. Informational meetings are scheduled to present information and answer parent questions.

Immunizations will be offered by Schuyler County Public Health here at school. Clinics will be scheduled when enough vaccine is received.

Congratulated the following Teacher Center Grant Awardees:
Jennifer Nichols/Barb DeDominick – Storytelling Experience through Play Performance ($650)
Wendy Grinolds – Traditional Tales ($700)
Fiona Gibson – Properties of Air ($700)
Trish Ervay – New Heights Dance Theater “The Nutcracker in Motion” ($700)
Fiona Gibson – Mini Regatta ($700)
Rick Comfort – Welcome to Literature Rich Environment ($700)
Jennifer Titus – Our Feathered Friends ($700)
Trevor Holland – Snow Shoeing in the Primary Grades ($700)
Karen Armstrong – Building with Green ($1,200)
Travis Durfee – Digital Literacy Education ($1,174.15)

NYS Middle School Conference:
Reported on the success of the Middle School Conference held last week thanks to the combined efforts of our staff.

Thanked Mike DeNardo and his crew for all they did assisting in setting up for the conference and tearing down after the conference and the extras done to make our facilities sparkling clean.

This conference was a school/community effort that was much better than ever expected.
Board members thanked Mr. Phillips, saying they were proud of all that he did to bring this conference to Watkins Glen.

New York State School Boards Association Annual Convention Report:
Board members (Brian O’Donnell, Bob Dill and Mike Myers) reported highlights from some of the sessions they attended at this year’s convention.

Mr. O’Donnell discussed some of the resolutions of interest that were voted on at the convention’s delegate meeting.

1. Approved/accepted/acknowledged the following consensus items:
Approved minutes of the 10/5/09 and 10/19/09
Approved substitute list additions
Approved fundraising request
Accepted CSE/CPSE recommendations
Accepted Treasurer’s Reports
Acknowledged September Budget Status Report and October Budget Transfers
Acknowledged Warrants as approved by Marian M. Boyce, Claim Auditor.

2. Mr. O’Donnell reported that the BOE Self-Evaluation forms board members completed have been compiled and were distributed for board review. This self-evaluation will be discussed at the next board workshop.

GoKnow Project – This mobile technology project for grades 5 & 7 will begin December 1st. Teacher trainings have begun and are on-going. A demonstration for the board will be scheduled in the near future.
Race to the Top – This is a federal program that will make monies available to states that most aggressively embrace reform. This could mean student performance will increasingly be a factor assessing both teacher effectiveness and school accountability.
State Budget Issues – Governor Paterson announced mid-year state aid cuts that could mean $394,000 less monies for Watkins Glen. Districts will be asked to do more with less and be fiscally responsible while still meeting the needs of students.
Business Education/Student Mentoring – Students will participate in a business fair this Wednesday at the Harbor Hotel. This is an opportunity for students to put into practice skills needed for careers. This is a collaborative effort between area businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and the school.

Liz Paradiso - resignation into retirement as HS Health Office Clerk. The board accepted her resignation with regret, thanking Liz for her 35 years of service to the district. She performed above and beyond the call of duty while making this school a better place.
Randall Stone - resignation as Elementary Teacher, wishing him the best of luck.