MEET THE BAUMANN SCHOOL BUS DRIVERS
SCHOOLS
MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING
OF THE BOARD Of EDUCATION
WEDNESDAY MAY 17, 1995
Fox LANE HIGH School
Also present were: Dr. Bruce Dennis, Superintendent of Schools; Dr. Susanne Abbott, Director of Special Services; Mr. Mark Betz, Assistant Superintendent for Business; Dr. Marjorie Castro, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum i Instruction; Mr. Don Slater, Assistant Superintendent for Hum Resources; Mrs. Verne Carr, Clerk and about 200 visitors.
Board Announcement Mrs. Schecter announced that a READ-A-THOM was held at the MKES Library. It was an after school fundraiser for the purpose of purchasing books for the library.
She also announced that 54 Latin students from FLHS took the 1995 National Latin Exam. There were 18 gold medal winners, 15 silver medal winners, and 7 Magnum Cum Laude certificates winners. In the Latin Pre-Test, there was 1 silver medal earned out of 10 papers. She said that we have a lot to be proud of. The audience applauded.
In addition to the above announcements, on 4/7/95, 5 FLHS students attended the Business Academic Competition held in Scarsdale. She said that the students did extremely well, and again, we have a lot to be proud of.
The audience
applauded.He also said that School Match of Columbus, Ohio, a National Service that assists parents that are in the process of relocating, to seek information about public schools. The service identified BCSD as a public school system that parents would want to seek. The audience applauded.
Mrs. Schecter moved and Ms. Hauck second the motion that the following staff members be appointed to tenure:
*Sherri Coleman Special Education 9/1/95
*Barbara Gurney Elementary 9/1/95
*Joan Kazer _ Speech-Remedial 9/1/95
Jeanne Camperchioli & Jim Alloy spoke on behalf of Mrs. Kazer. *Richard Kraemer High School Principal 7/1/95
*Karen Landers music 9/1/95
*Cathy Levison Elementary 9/1/95
*Susan Nicholson Elementary 9/1/95
*Suzanne Olivier Elementary 9/1/95
*Nancy Williams Science 9/1/95
Dick Kraemer spoke on behalf of Ms. Williams. *Regina Weiss Reading
Dick Kraemer spoke on behalf of Mrs. Weiss. *Dorothy DeBacher Mathematics
*Alice Peckoff ESL
Jeanne Camperchioli spoke on behalf of Mrs. Peckoff
Jeanne Camperchioli spoke on behalf of Mrs. Peckoff Yes 6
Hr. Markowski congratulated all of the teachers who received tenure and said that they are very deserving of it.
Dr. Nieburq said that he has heard a lot of 'teacher bashing' during the last few weeks. If anyone thinks that those teachers did not earn tenure, to think again. Anyone who thinks that we do not have the best in Bedford, owes those teachers an apology. The audience applauded.
CONSENT kGON
Mr. Solomon moved and Mr. Letersky seconded the motion that the following items in the Consent Agenda be approved as recommended by the Superintendent of Schools.
1. Board of Education Minutes of Meetings
Approved the Minutes of the Board of Education Meetings of March 29, 1995 and April 5, 1995.
2. Warrant Report
Treasurer's Report
Accepted the Treasurer's and Fiscal Report for March 1995.
Personnel
Resignation
Accepted the resignation of Theresa Mauro, teacher in the academic tenure area of foreign language, for the purpose of retirement.
b. Appointments
5. Bid Award - Driver Education
6. Affidavit Ballots
7. Issuance of Tax Anticipation Notes
PQESENTATION/DISCUSS JON P
1. Cca unity Education Foundation
Educational Excellence Awards Lisa Schwartz and Hugh McMillian presented the Community Education
Foundation's O first Educational Excellence Awards to Gail
Friedman and Alice Peckoff. They each received a plaque and a cash award
to be used in their classroom. The School Board also received a plaque for
the Administration Building with space for additional names. Mrs. Schecter thanked Mrs. Schwartz and Mr. McMillian for their
presentation and congratulated Mrs. Friedman and Mrs. Peckoff for their
award. Mrs. Schecter called for a recess at 9:15 P.M., for cake and coffee,
honoring all the teachers who received tenure and awards. The meeting
reconvened at 9:40 P.M.. 2. 1995-96 Budget The Board continued its discussion of potential modifications to the
1995-96 budget. Mrs. Schecter opened the discussion with a brief statement
that she believes reflects the consensus of at least the majority of the
Board, if not the Board as a whole. She stated that the Board and the Administration have been the
subjects of a great deal of praise and criticism which increased both in
volume and in intensity in connection with the most recent budget
referendum and school Board election. Some of this criticism has been constructive and presented in the
spirit of opening a dialogue. As such, it has been welcomed, and while the
result of the dialogue might not be exactly what the proponents of a
different viewpoint might wish, the criticism has enormous impact on
decisions that we, as Board members, make, and, on the direction of this
district. Unfortunately, some of the criticism that we have beard in recent
months has been of an entirely different
nature. it has
been criticism for criticism's sake; smacking of sentiment of `what have
you done for me today?'; characterized by viciousness, disrespectfulness,
a willful disregard for facts and an unwillingness to listen to facts that
might refute the criticism, a lack of focus and a pervasive negativism -
all without regard to potential damage. In sun, it has consisted of
Bedford bashing and teacher bashing. It reflects behavior and tactics
which we would not tolerate in our students. It has been demeaning and
demoralizing to our community, to our staff, and to our children. But the effect of this type of criticism can be even lore
devastating and long lasting, because it ignores the children, polarizes
the community and does not allow any room for dialogue. It backs all sides
into a corner and ignores the possibility of consensus. It chills
volunteerism and only engenders bitterness. And it is only through
consensus - and with care and sensitivity - that children can win. It is
children that we are all about. The core of the constructive criticism that has been leveled
is directed at teachers' contracts. When the current contract was
negotiated, the Board at that time was very cognizant of community
concerns and attempted, during negotiations conducted in good faith and in
a respectful win-win node, to make significant financial inroads. While
there is obviously room for disagreement concerning the outcome of those
negotiations, community input had an enormous impact. The majority of the Board at that time believed the negotiated terns
-including first-time ever employee contributions to benefits and
first-time ever compensation freezes, significant restructuring and
reduction of benefits, and increased productivity and teaching time
-accomplished as such as could be at the time given the constraints of
State law and the devastating impact on the district of impasse. When we negotiated in good faith last year the teacher salary
give-back and extension, we again listened to community input, and managed
to obtain a compensation schedule which for the first time would be driven
by inflation, rather than by some number negotiated in a vacuum. The Board
was unanimous in its adoption of that agreement, and the benefits to the
district cannot be disputed. while we believe we have made significant financial gains, and while
we believe our staff is, with a few exceptions, superior, we continue to
listen, and, notwithstanding the aura of negativism, we refuse to be
backed into a corner. we know that the community remains concerned about
teachers' contracts and related issues. We share the concerns expressed by
many about the escalating costs of our enterprise. So I believe I speak on
behalf of the entire Board when I repeat what we have said all along: we
will lay out an agenda for the next round of negotiations that reflects
fiscal realities and enhances educational excellence. In so doing, we will
continue to seek the advice of the C= community and we will continue to
address issues including: 1. the essential elements of the salary structure, such as - steps,
annual pay increases, longevity, course credit accumulation 2. the concept
of merit pay 3. review of the teacher evaluation process 4. our benefits' structure 5. increased efforts to lobby in Albany for meaningful reform in the
structure of the laws governing local school Boards. In saying this, I need to stress one final point. The foregoing can
be done while still demonstrating respect for the work of our teachers and
the valuable services they provide for our children. As one new member of
our community said to me, she has worked in many districts throughout this
area, and it is the education and professionalism of the staff in Bedford
that makes Bedford so special and that results in a highly superior
education for our children. I would ask all of us to remain mindful that this is about children,
and that our essential purpose as trustees and as a community is to
provide a highly superior education for our children. I hope the entire community will join me tonight, in looking ahead,
rather than looking back. Thank you. The audience applauded. Ken Kurzweil,
President of the Teachers Association read a prepared statement. On behalf
of the teachers in BM, be took the opportunity to address questions which
have been raised in recent weeks. Be also responded to blatant teacher
bashing that has occurred over the past few months surrounding the budget
vote. Members of the community claimed that they are not teacher bashing,
but criticizing the teachers contract, union and salaries. However, the
teachers do not see it that way. Be said that Bedford Teachers Association is composed of
100 %of the teachers in Bedford. Over 251 of the members are residents,
parents, and taxpayers in Bedford. Over the past 20 years they have had no
more than 1 non-member. Be said that the teachers are being sensitive to the
community's needs and briefly related what they have done and are continuing
to do to address the community's needs. Two years ago, a new 3 year contract was negotiated with
the district and the teachers agreed to certain concessions that addressed
the needs of the district: 1. for the first time ever, contributed to the health
insurance costs of the district 2. agreed to changes in the dental plan 3. agreed to work up to an additional 3 days per year
without additional compensation 4. changed the rate of contribution by part-time
teachers toward their health insurance costs significantly Last year, we agreed to reopen our contract for
negotiations and the result was the voluntary return of one half
million dollars to the district; resulted in an extension of the contract by
2 years and the salary increases negotiated for those years were based on
the cost of living or the median increase in salary for districts in our
region. Next year, the faculty in the middle school have agreed
to create a new schedule to have teachers teaching an additional 201 of
academic time with a decrease in preparation time and no additional
compensation. Also the department coordinators in the middle school have had
their roles expanded without additional compensation. There have been significant cutbacks in funds available
for teachers to attend professional conferences and workshops over the past
several years. We are now paying a significant portion of the cost ourselves
to attend these conferences to contribute to our professional growth. The teacher bashers would like to twist, distort or
ignore our efforts, but the facts speak for themselves. However, once again
this year, the teachers are being portrayed as the villains and the impression that a percentage of the budget
goes to salaries that are too high. Every school district's budget is salary
intense and the percentage going to salaries in Bedford is similar to other
school districts. Having 80% of the budget go toward salaries is standard
throughout the nation. Making the teachers contract the focal point of the debate is not the
issue, it goes much deeper than that. Where is the commitment to provide the
best education possible for our children and what are the true motivations
of people who choose to bash teachers? The continuous treatment of teachers
in this manner will have a negative effect on morale, our ability to teach
effectively, and sends a message to the best of tomorrow's teachers that
Bedford is not a place where teachers or education are valued. Be feels
sorry for all of us if we ever reach that point. In closing, he does know that this vocal negative group who has been
criticizing education in Bedford, does not represent the majority of the
people in the district. There are many in the community who do support us
and the quality of education we are providing. They have spoken to us,
raising our morale and making us feel good about the job we are doing. Speaking for all of the teachers, be cannot express how thankful we
are for their support. We hope that other members of the community who
believe that teachers are their allies, not their adversaries in creating
the best possible education for our children will speak out and help us in
our efforts to continue to do our best for the children of Bedford. Thank
you. He received a standing ovation. Mr. Carbone congratulated Mr. Kurzweil
on his statement. Be said that the teachers are represented very well. He
wished that the Board would represent the taxpayers as well. Pete Lidel made a suggestion that when the budget flyers go out to the
community, submit the existing budget with the teachers contract and an
alternative budget and let the taxpayers be the arbitrators. Dawn Sangrey congratulated the
teachers who had received tenure, the 2 Board incumbents on their
re-election and the Board for its democratic process of open meetings and
ample discussions. She said that the Board's critics have not made full uses
of the opportunities to work with the Board, to shape policy, during the
technology bond and budget vote. There was very little public debate about
the merits of these question before the vote. The critics do not serve on
committees or if they do, they serve different by attending only a few
meetings, having very little to say in any public way. Them after the vote,
they blame the Board for not listening. The audience applauded. She
recommended that the Board submit a revised budget only once and if it
fails, to go to austerity, so the community can appreciate what their vote
means. Dorothy Fallon read a prepared statement to the President and the
board. She said that those in attendance at the May 10th Board meeting heard
a number of legitimate reasons provides by the Board of Education concerning
the defeat of the budget. They clearly showed that they were interested in
giving the community a chance to articulate those issues that resulted in a
close vote. They also exhibited compassion as senior citizens voiced their
concerns for the ability to pay ever increasing taxes and understood members
of the audience who expressed their dissatisfaction with the current
collective bargaining agreement. She said that she was horrified at the personal
attacks levied against the Board and members of the district staff,
referring to Bonnie Laub's letter, which demonstrated a total disregard of
facts. She hoped that Ms. Laub took note of the fact that she was the only
one who made personal attacks. Those that offered the greatest criticizism
about teachers contracts, did so without being hateful. She closed by saying that she supported the budget and
does not think that Bedfords' teachers are worth less then any other
teachers. In the past when disagreements have existed, the community has
shown self-respect and the same for others, and a level of dignity. She
hopes that all currently serving on the Board and the Administrators will
remember that and not let one women's approach dampen their spirits and
dishearten then. Thank you. The audience applauded. Mr. Markowski made 2 points. He said that it is important
that the Board not get diverted and waste a lot of time dwelling on the
negative comments at the extremes. We have to keep our eye on the ball. He is pleased with Mr. Kurzweil
statement and he too wants the school district to be the best. Be is also pleased to
bear that Mr. Kurzweil is willing to sit down with the Administration and
work towards changing the system, so problem can be addressed. He added that
the Board needs to address the structure in which we operate and change what
we can change. Dr. Nieburg commented about Bonnie Laub's letter. He said that amount
of intentional intimidation and baiting should not be accepted by the Board
or by anyone else. The audience applauded. Mr. Markowski said that comments like that encourages sore of the sane
because it get attention. Ms. Hauck thanked the community for their support and comments, but it
is time to get back to the focus of the meeting, the budget. Jeff Haslett read a letter addressed to Mrs. Schecter and the Board,
signed by 16 members of the community. The letter referred to Bonnie Laub's
letter to the Board on May 10th. They expressed their concern and dismay at
the abuse, hostility and defamatory statements aimed at the Board and the
Administration. They hoped the members of the Board and the Administration
will not become discouraged by such vituperate and unwarranted attacks. The
audience applauded. Mr. Gruskin said that the Board should keep in mind that the issue is
not about numbers, there are a lot of other community concerns attached to
it that have to be addressed also. It has to be done in a clear and concise
manner or the community is going to send another message. Dr. Dennis presented the proposed revised 1995-% budget. He said that
reductions were made to bring down the bottom line in 3 areas. 1. Equipment reductions - $40,000 2. Staffing &salary reductions - $179,320 3. Contractual reductions - $55.000 $274,320 TOtal reduction The proposed new budget would be $50,704,264, a budget to budget
increase of 3.73%, instead of 4.29%, which was originally proposed. The impact on the tax rate would be as follows: Bedford - 7.57% Mt. Kisco - 4.18% Pound Ridge - 0.46% New Castle - 0.48% North Castle - 3.%% Dr. Dennis recommended that the revised budget be presented to the
public as soon as possible, June 7th. Mr. Solomon had a concern about the reduction in the new maintenance
positions from 4 to 2 would eliminate sore repair project that needed to be
done. Dr. Dennis said that once the Board settles on a figure, we will go
back to the Facilities Sub-committee to prioritize what projects will be
addressed. Mr. Betz said that after the demographic study is completed, we
will look at bigger issues and develop long range plans. Dr. Nieburg asked Mr. Betz if be looked at other alternatives that did
not include the staffing cuts and salary reductions. Mr. Bets said that be did consider different option, like cutting
custodial overtime, which would stop the uses of our facilities for
activities. Ms. Hauck asked if we stopped the uses of differentials, will that
limit the ability of a spot that is bard to be filled. Mr. Betz replied that we have a chance of loosing some good people and
it will limit our flexibility. Henry Pearlman asked why is there such a large increase in tax rate
for Bedford. Mr. Bets replied that the tax rate has to do with the
equalization rate, which in Bedford is going in the opposite direction of
the other towns. The equalization rate can not be changed at the local
level, you have to go to Albany and lobby for it. Mrs. Schecter added that
we can control the budget to budget increase, but not the equalization
rates. Phil Christe
said that we are shaving dollars here and there, but not addressing the real
issue. Sooner or later, we have to sake program cuts and be wanted to know
what programs are the Board willing to cut. Dr. Nieburg said 'let me tell you like it is'. The
Board is trying to come up with a budget that we can pass, so we do not have
into austerity. We do not have to start now, looking at program cuts for
next year. We need to look at the agenda before us now. Mr. Markowski said that we could not cut additional
staff now if we wanted to, it is too late. The cut-off date for lay-off notices has passed. So the
issue is loot and we need to move on. Bob Frisch was concerned about what is the best way to educate the
other 4,000 voters about the new proposed revised budget. Dr. Dennis said
that we will use the media as a resource and do a district-wide mailing that
is brief, but informative, identify what the reductions are and what the
issues are. Mr. ?risch suggested that members of the Board go out and talk
to the community. Linda de Menocal suggested that an exit poll or survey be done to
allow the voters to express their anger or reasons for voting 'no' on the
budget. Mr. Betz said that the exit poll should be well organized and the
voters should not feel that they being harassed. Dr. Dennis asked for names
of people that were interested in assisting in this effort. Mr. Markowski said to look at the past to see what works. In 1993, the
budget was done 3 times. Be suggested that the Board adopt the
non-contingent items in a austerity budget and put forth a separate
proposition. The voters vented themselves once on the budget and there is no
sense having them vent again. Mrs. Schecter said that she is not prepared to adopt an austerity
budget. She would rather have a revised budget adopted. Mr. Solomon said that be is not inclined to take a 'crap shoot' on
children' extracurricular activities and athletics unless the current budget
fails. We owe it to the children to try again with one budget. Mrs. Maxwell said that when you have an austerity budget, the students
'take on the chin'. An austerity budget is taking a chance. Mr. Markowski said that be understands what the impact will be, but
taking a gamble on the whole budget will result in a 'no' vote again based
on the mood of the community. Dr. Dennis said that the Board can adopt an austerity
budget now without going out for additional propositions. Mr. Betz said that
there are financial implications by going to an austerity budget. Michele Esman said that the public should be told what is
in an austerity budget and what will be cut, if the budget is not passed. Beverly Card asked bow do senior citizens find out
about the changes in the tax credit that is available. Mr. Betz said that
the information will be in the next newsletter and in the newspapers. Mr. Carbone
commented that if the love for our children is measured by the size of our
wallets. That is the perception of a sick mind. Al DeBrozzio said that he feels the budget will be voted
down again. It is the burden of the Board to do something about this because
only the wealthy can afford these ever increasing taxes. Nick Cafagno said that people need to come out to the
Board meetings to understand what is going on and bring their neighbors
also. Mrs. Schecter polled the Board to see what their feelings
are on the proposed budget. Dr. Nleburg said that this sounds like a step
that will bring us closer to shaving the budget down. ?he budget is not the
issue, be thinks that it is political. It have nothing to do with money, it
has to do with a message. Be has no objection to the revised budget. Mr. Markowski said that there is not much that we can
do to change the numbers. Be would like to suggest an austerity for
non-contingent items and put the rest on a separate proposition. Be is
convinced that it will work. Ms. Banck said that she was happy with the first budget,
it was responsible and responsive. She bad concerns about the revisions to
the budget, but feels that it is responsible and serves children. Mr. Letersky said that be supports the revised budget. Be
feels that the key to passing the budget is a telephone chain, informing the
community what the budget represents. Mr. Solomon said that he supports going with this budget
and hoped the people who were opposed to the last budget will try to address
the issues and keep their emotions and rhetoric out of it.
shall be appropriated to meet the estimated expenditures for school purposes of the
Bedford Central School District for the fiscal year 1995-96 and that same sum, or so
much thereof as may be necessary, shall be raised by a tax on the taxable property of
Mr. Markowski said that the reason that he voted 'no' is that he wanted to go with a separate proposition because be thinks it has a much higher probability of passing than the whole package.
Mary Ann Di Bari presented to the Board additional information about the dangers of the card game, 'Magic, The Gathering'.
1. there are new cards on the market now
2. more spells and chants
3. the Black Magic cards are more valuable than the other cards
4. there is pornography involved
5. lawsuits are springing up all over the country, including Canada
6. it is a role playing game
7. 'good' always looses
8. there was no investigation done by the Board and Dr. Dennis and the handling of this matter was unfair, but you endorsed it
9. some children are more sensitive than others
She asked the Board and Dr. Dennis to be fair about this matter. If you can not put the 'Genie' back in the bottle, break the bottle.
Cecile DiNozzi said that she thoroughly researched the game and this is not Parker Bros. They are very strange people that are seducing our children. She said that the division on the school grounds and in the community is very obvious. Clearly, the game should be played at home and not on the school grounds or in the classrooms.
Jeff Haslett commented on the spiritual and emotional health of our children. He chose to let his children make their ova choices, but they do talk about values. We want our children to see good and bad, so they can understand the difference and make a wise choice. Those that oppose the game should air their concerns and their concerns should be looked at.
Mr. Markowski said that there is a definite dispute over this game, that is why be is opposed to it being played on school grounds. However the Board has a policy on games in school that is enforced and we have enough issues without getting into this one.
Respectfully submitted,
The Executive Session reconvene at 12:10 A.M. and was called to order by Mrs. on Schecter.