BOE approves modifications to policies, and fast

PINE PLAINS — The Pine Plains Central School District board of education approved modifications to 22 school policies in less than six minutes last Wednesday night.

Policies that were modified include: code of conduct on school property; school safety plans; qualifications of bus drivers; corporal punishment; and immunization of students.

School Superintendent Linda Kaumeyer said that the changes came from a policy committee meeting where the committee went over the policies.

"Mostly it was just point of information kinds of stuff," Kaumeyer said. "Basically revisions recommended by our policy group that was changed and that was mandated by law. "

She said that one of the big changes was the nutrition policy, which was given a new name and focus. The policy changes were passed unanimously on the first reading.

In other business, the board tabled a proposal to authorize an increase in excess earthquake and flood coverage.

Assistant Superintendent Michael Goldbeck said that the school district’s insurance company, New York Schools Insurance Reciprocal, suggested the increase.

"The district’s current coverage is $5 million, and it was suggested that we should go up to $8 million," Goldbeck said. "The district is only paying a premium of $13,473 on this coverage, and this would increase it to $19,050."

Board member Maureen O’Callaghan Scholl questioned the increase.

"We had a flood a few weeks ago, but a flood like that only comes once every 100 years," Scholl said.

The proposal was tabled so Goldbeck could provide further information to the board.

Motions to approve funds for special education programs, transportation contracts, and an increase in excess catastrophe liability coverage were all approved.

Catherine Parsons was appointed the district’s assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and pupil personnel services. She replaces Steven Throne, and her annual salary will be $106,000.

The school officially approved a new calender for the 2007-08 school year, which Superintendent Kaumeyer said was radically different in April from the previous school calender.

Spring break will now be one week later, from Monday, April 14, to Friday, April 18.

"We hope [parents] will be aware that the break’s location will not be tied in with the [Easter] holiday this year," she said.

Board member Sara Doar congratulated the school district’s baseball and softball teams for a successful year.

The next Board of Education meeting will be on Wednesday, June 20, at 7 p.m. at Stissing Mountain High School.