Pal-Mac School Board – January 14, 2013

A regular meeting was held by the Board of Education of the Palmyra-Macedon Central School District at the Middle School Large Group Instruction Room on Tuesday, January 8, 2013, 7:00 PM.
Several of the 7th grade students of Mrs. Bennett, Mrs. Chilelli, Mrs. Oaks, Mrs. Quinzi and Mrs. Wahl presented their nonfiction books which were written to achieve the Common Core Learning Standards. Each student shared what they learned by writing their book.
Dr. Ike paid tribute to Dennis Barrett, the school’s attorney, who is transitioning to senior status at the Law Firm of Ferrara, Fiorenza, Larrison, Barrett and Reitz. Mr. Barrett then introduced Joseph Shields, a partner in the Firm, who will be the responsible attorney for the school district effective February 1, 2013. Following the recognition, the Board took a brief recess to honor Mr. Barrett, meet Mr. Shields, and speak with the 7th grade students about their books.
Due to the resignation of Michael Ellis, two candidates were nominated to fill the position of New York State School Boards Area 2 Director. Once all submitted ballots were counted, NYSSBA announced Rodney George the winner.
Mrs. Lang provided an update on the Mandate Relief Proposals the District submitted in August 2012 to the Mandate Relief Council. The Council approved two of Pal-Mac’s three proposals. The Council approved to reduce the costs of special education by eliminating or reforming state mandates that exceed federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act requirements, specifically the 200 mandates layered on top of federal requirements. The Council also approved to eliminate or reform the minimum required minutes for courses of study providing flexibility in seat time allowing students to demonstrate competence in an area of study regardless of time requirements.
The Board accepted an anonymous donation of $720.00 to the High School to assist a student in need and a check in the amount of $548.80 to the Middle School as part of the Box Tops for Education program.
Effective July 1, 2013, the Board approved going paperless at the Board of Education meetings using a digital platform known as BoardDocs.
Dr. Ike and Mr. Vaillancourt presented on a curriculum monitoring tool for the oversight and evaluation of every curricular area in the district. This tool, called eDoctrina, creates the data and helps educators know which students are struggling or succeeding and which standards or skills they have mastered or need help with. In addition the data is used to assist in the evaluation of programs or curriculum.
Mr. Brongo provided an update on the Facility Improvement Team and on the progress of planning for the next facility improvement project. A Facility Improvement Committee will be formed to review and prioritize the District’s needs. This Committee will comprise of Board members, school employees, parents, local business representatives, and community members.
Dr. Ike and Mr. Brongo gave their first budget presentation for the 2013-2014 school year. They reviewed the budget history and next steps in preparing the budget.

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