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also show expanded space for special education, technology,
and faculty use. One option shows the possible addition of gym
space, also to accommodate larger enrollments. Questions centered
on the district's aim to replace portable classrooms currently
in use with permanent brick and mortar classrooms, possible
multiple uses for proposed space, and the impact of class size
decisions.
The Wampus School is forecast to grow, by 2007, to a population
of approximately 740 students in grades 3 through 5. The architects'
drawings for Wampus showed three options; the recommended
plan shows new classroom space, and expanded space for the
cafeteria/multi-purpose rooms, special education, technology,
and music. Discussion of the Wampus drawings included attention
to the growth experienced in the music program, scheduling
issues, class size
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impact, and the most desirable appropriate on the school
site.
At the end of the work session, the Board discussed prospects
for further development of these master plan drawings, cost
estimates, and the possible timing for a public Referendum
on a Bond proposal. A request from Town of North Castle officials
to consider the school's possible Bond Vote date in relation
to possible resubmittal of a Town Referendum for recreation
facilities was also noted. The school's schedule for study
and a possible Referendum is heavily influenced by the goal
of providing new space in timely fashion to relieve the pressures
of growing enrollment. Even after voter approval of a Bond
Referendum, school construction cannot happen until detailed
architectural plans are submitted for review to the State
Education Department, and that review in turn consumes a period
of time averaging six months. At its juncture, the school
district's optimum
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calendar for the occupancy of new space, considering these
time requirements and the actual construction period, is no
sooner than September, 2006. Meanwhile, the district is using
portable classrooms at the two elementary schools, and a variety
of creative scheduling at the high school and middle school,
to accommodate current enrollments totaling 2,712.
BUSINESS MEETING
The business agenda included adoption of several recommendations
for teacher leaves, coaching appointments, etc., which are
shown in the adjoining box. Also approved by the Board was
a new four-year contract agreement with the district's Civil
Service Employee Association.
The meeting adjourned with the Board's usual executive session
to consider legal and personnel matters.
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COMING ATTRACTIONS
December 2: Work Session re Facilities Needs,
7:30 p.m.
December 9: Public Meeting re Class Size Guidelines,
Demographic Update, 7:30 p.m.
December 18: Work Session re Facilities Needs
and Public Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
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Summary of Action Items - November
18 Board Meeting
Teacher Leaves:
- Margaret McInerney, elementary, childcare leave,
WA, effective 11/20/03-6/30/04
- Elizabeth Castratora-Capua, art, childcare leave,
WA, effective 12/12-12/19/03
Winter Coach Resignation:
- Karen Orlando - J. V. Cheerleading
Winter Coaches Appointments:
- Kim Lapple - Asst. Var. Girls Basketball
- Robert DiFiore - J. V. Girls Basketball
- Stephen Duffy - Asst. Var. Ice Hockey
- Linda Hearns - Asst. Var. Track
- Karen Orlando - Varsity Cheerleading
Change of Civil Service Title:
- Steve Thompson, Superintendent of Buildings &
Grounds II, effective 10/21/03
CSEA Resignation, effective 12/19/03:
- Christine Goven, teacher aide, WA
CSEA Appointments:
- Lilian Castro, custodial worker/bus driver, effective
10/3/03
- Michael Battocchio, custodial worker/bus driver,
effective 10/6/03
CPSE Recommendations
Additional CSE/CSE Subcommittee Appointment
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