Schools
Scarsdale School Budget Discussion Continues
Regular business was quickly sandwiched between ongoing discussion of the 2011-12 school budget at the Scarsdale School Board meeting Monday night.
The Scarsdale School Board quickly sandwiched their regular business meeting between ongoing discussion of the 2011-12 budget.
President Jill Spieler opened the meeting by addressing the extended absence of Scarsdale High School Principal John Klemme, out on sick leave since the December holiday.
Spieler, citing HIPAA privacy guidelines, deferred on providing specific details about Klemme’s health condition, but did indicate Superintendent Dr. Michael McGill had been in communication with the principal. Spieler said she was hopeful a long term decision about Klemme’s status might be mde by spring. Three vice principals have been managing the administrative workload and will continue to do so.
The Board unanimously approved the tenure appointment of David Paquette. Paquette is certified in Mathematics, grades 7-12 and currently teaches at Scarsdale Middle School.
Total enrollment in Scarsdale Schools has increased since last year by 29 students to 4,770. Total elementary enrollment has dropped by 24 students; middle school increased by 81 students; high school decreased by 8 students.
President Spieler reviewed guidelines for textbook loans and private/parochial transportation. Applications for the New York State Textbook Loan program and for transportation will be due April 1. Students of private or parochial schools requesting service must live more than 1.5 miles and less than 15 from their school; at least 10 students from the school must use the transportation.
The Board agreed to participate in joint bidding with BOCES Putnam/ Westchester County to bid on replacement auto parts and to share bidding with Southern Westchester BOCES for a range of supplies and equipment. Bids for athletic and teaching supplies were also approved.
In other personnel matters, the Board approved $100 and $50 stipends for chaperones at several 2010-11 school events. Coaching appointments for Outdoor Track, Softball, and Lacrosse were also approved as listed: Devin Hooper, Ann Marie Nee, Kiera Fox, Kevin Khederian, James, Synowiecz, George Blessing, Cheryl Dreschel-Orlandi, Christi Browne, Stacey Wierl, Kevin Roemer, Bob Keith and Steve Jackson.
Sari Fischman was added to the Homebound Tutoring list. The following Teacher Aide appointments were approved: Diane Gruber and James Synowiecz. Ivy Kelsow resigns as of 2/18/11. Emergency conditional appointments were extended 20 days.Twenty-five professional development grants totalling $21,012.27 were approved for elementary teachers at Fox Meadow, Quaker Ridge and Edgewood.
"My World History: Early Ages" has been proposed as the 6th grade Social Studies text and is available for review.
The Board will hold its fourth and final budget work session on Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. The proposed budget is $138, 678, 679 ,which represents a 2.92 percent increase from spending last year.