Arlington Central School District

The meeting addressed public comment regarding a transportation issue and a resident's proposal for study strategies. Key discussions included updates from various departments, the status of the APPR project, and the establishment of board goals focused on student learning, which will lead to future board meetings being held in school buildings. New Business involved the unanimous approval of the 2012-2013 Board Goals and the adoption of Policy #5350 (Dignity Act Policy) and Policy #4305 (RtI Policy). A resolution calling on the Governor to veto legislation concerning seniority rights for non-competitive labor classes was approved. The calendar for 2012-2013 was revised. The Business Consent Agenda featured approvals for personnel actions (resignations, terminations, appointments, leaves), curriculum mapping payments, summer program staffing, salary and tenure corrections, stipends, and authorization for unpaid marching band volunteers. Significant financial actions included approving tax warrants/levies totaling $128,257,450, accepting the Treasurer's Report for May 2012, appointing an Internal Auditor, approving a contract for Athletic Trainers, and approving several tax certiorari settlements, including one with Con Edison resulting in a total refund of $769,907.33. The Board also approved bid awards for various supply categories (Grocery, Paper, Dairy, etc.) and re-established the Tax Certiorari Reserve with several deposits. Finally, the creation and appointment for the new position of Supervisor of Special Education was approved.

The meeting included a Board Communications session where members discussed attending a program about Common Core featuring Diane Ravitch. A parent raised concerns about potential school closings, longer bus rides, and larger classrooms. The District Safety Plan was presented, highlighting simplified plans and successful emergency drills, evidenced by a recent positive reaction during an incident in Pleasant Valley. Budget Workshop #1 reviewed budget highlights, enrollment, staffing, revenue resources, 2013-2014 budget facts, 2014-2015 planning, property tax levy impact, budget gap identification, state aid, and budget reduction history. New Business involved the unanimous adoption of a resolution regarding a drainage and construction easement on JSM Development property, where the District released its interest in compensation but retained existing drainage rights. Personnel actions included accepting a certified retirement, approving a certified appointment, approving unpaid leaves of absence, approving various stipends and appointments for AIS Before & After School Programs and Extra Curricular activities, and approving classified retirements, resignations, appointments, and leaves. Business and Finance items included accepting the Internal Claims Audit Report for November 2013 and awarding the bid for Bus Tires and Rims to multiple low bidders.

Key discussions included congratulating the Marching Band and Girls' Soccer Team for State Championships. A Public Hearing for the Veteran's Tax Exemption was announced for November 29th. Reports covered the Marching Band's undefeated season, updates on upcoming student government events like "Mr. Arlington" and "Seniors in the City," and a financial forecast presentation detailing budget drivers and fund balance. New business involved the second reading and unanimous approval for several Board Policies, the deletion of three existing policies (Policy 1900, 5453, 1511), and the granting of tenure to a Director of ELA & Social Studies. The consent agenda covered personnel actions, including the appointment of a School Psychologist, temporary and part-time certified staff, classified appointments (custodial workers and bus drivers), staff retirements, and the approval of CSE & CPSE designations. Financial items included accepting the Internal Claims Audit for October 2016, accepting donations, approving Extra Classroom Purpose Statements for the 2016-17 school year, and declaring certain pianos as obsolete equipment.

The agenda was modified to include two discussion items, a Personnel Resolution, and an Executive Session. Key actions included the unanimous approval of the Dutchess County BOCES Administrative Budget for 2015-2016. The Board voted to fill three vacancies on the BOCES Board of Education for Dale Culver, Edward McCormick, and Robert Rubin. Furthermore, the Board adopted the Property Tax Report Card for the 2015-2016 school year and approved the appointment of Michael Malet as Acting Assistant Principal of Arlington High School, effective April 23, 2015. The Board also authorized a comprehensive medical and psychological examination for an employee under Education Law Section 913. During discussions, the Board approved the posting of a non-affiliated community service flyer on the District website, discussed an advocacy resolution article, and Mr. Edward McCormick announced his recusal from discussions regarding the Raymond Avenue property sale. The Executive Session was held to discuss the potential sale or lease of the Raymond Avenue, Poughkeepsie property.

The meeting included an executive session to discuss potential disciplinary matters, followed by a return to the regular session. Key discussions involved clarifying the Board's decision regarding the Veterans' Tax Exemption and the budget. The Arlington Education Foundation presented a check for $33,000, completing a commitment of $100,000 for the 21st Century Classroom Technology Initiative. The Overlook Primary School report covered the PLC (Professional Learning Community) structure and highlighted teacher achievements. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the School Start-time Report, which was tabled pending further exploration. The Board also discussed the possibility of hosting international students on a tuition basis. The Budget Workshop reviewed the 2015-2016 proposed budget summary, including state aid assumptions, the property tax cap, and two propositions, with the Board confirming agreement to a 2% levy increase. New business included the first reading of several Board Policies (Nomination of Officers, Annual Organizational Meeting, Duties of the School Attorney, etc.) and the approval to delete Policy Number 2170 regarding Board Member Conflict of Interest. Personnel actions included approving the appointment of Lorraine Costello as Acting Supervisor of Special Education and the suspension of an employee pending Section 3020-a proceedings. The business consent agenda covered the approval of Health & Welfare Contracts, Extraclassroom Activities, acceptance of a $33,000 donation from the Arlington Education Foundation, and authorization for attorneys to execute a Consent Judgment in a tax certiorari proceeding.