There were a half dozen or so updated policy documents.

Superintendent of Schools Saturnelli said this was the first meeting Mr. Damon has missed in five years. He did provide a written report which Saturnelli presented. Punch lists being addressed at several projects. Problem with end aisle seat color at new NFA auditorium; color is more orange than gold; being addressed. Met with water department about two new water lines for domestic and fire service to North High. Existing line corroded and must be replaced. Signage is under development for North High. Acid wash and sealing of limestone is to occur at North High to improve the appearance of the auditorium.

Board Member Bowles asked about a piano on the stage at North High. Saturnelli said it had been moved to NFA, but would go back. Curtains have been ordered for the North Junior auditorium. Meadow and Temple Hill contractors have been decided for boiler work. Gardnertown proposal to SED, bid in March. Gidnee addendums to SED, bids in March; summer program may cause work to be pushed to summer and fall 2010. South window project; building won't be fully occupied. Vails Gate two projects; windows and doors, fire alarm. Meadow Hill track and field plans to SED; construction summer and fall. There was a call with SED regarding options for old Balmville School building.

In 2011-2012 will be moving from the current grade configuration switching K-6 schools to K-5 and GAMS eventually to K-8. There will be further discussion about this.

Saturnelli continued that Edward Diana has proposed to oppose holding 9/11 trials in Newburgh. Does the board wish there to be an item on the agenda to vote on this? [generallly yes]

Deputy Superintendent Pizzo had no items for the regular session but will have some for executive session.

Assistant Superintendent of Student Intervention and Support Services Noriega presented the building use requests. Newburgh Lyceum meetings are now to be approved by the BOE. "used to go through the libraries." [Sounded like there would be no custodial or security costs for their use.]

The district calendar for 2011-12 was discussed [I think this was presented by Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Leimur]. There are a a few differences between the NECSD calendar and BOCES. No 1/2 days in last week of June, same as last year. They are looking at regulations about whether 1/2 days count toward legal days, also asking building about value of scheduling February teacher conference days.

A careful review of coaching assignments commenced. Board Member Popitti noted no modified girls softball for Meadow and Temple Hill. Board Member Woodhull noted girls with male coaches, "thought we had resolved that". Leimur answered Mr. Townsend is well aware of the preference to have female coaches for female teams. Board Member Bowles asked would North still be under modified program which ordinarily would be grade 7 and 8. Also asked why does crew have 2 assistants. A: there are about 60 when they're out on the water. Bowles: what about lacrosse, why 3 coaches. Board President Fucheck: that's not a large team. Leimer: that's how many coaching positions have been approved; we don't have to fill them.

The meeting went to executive session to: review the employment history of an individual; to review the employment history of a corporation; to discuss the sale or purchase of property ...; and to discuss collective negotiations under the Taylor Law.

[Throughout this meeting Leimur had a tall stack of green books in front of her. These were the size, format, and color of the NTA contract. I presume that they were copies of the current contract which expires in June, but who knows?]