The workshop meeting began at 7:10pm. There was a bigger audience than the Finance Committee meeting which just ended.

Terry Damon gave the usual update on construction projects. There is major work underway on the Meadow Hill Track project that will continue as long as weather permits. The NFA auditorium demlition is 90% underway. New bleachers and PA system are expected at South Junior. The girls gym floor is done at North High. The design team has been asked to design a new water supply line for North High. The next meeting of the Facilities Steering and Planning committee is January 11.

Superintendent of Schools Saturnelli commented that last night over 30 members of the Steering committee were present at a meeting. [As far as I know this meeting was not announced to the Public. It was not listed on the District's "Public Notice" web page. Ed.]

Roger Ramjug gave an energy education presentation. Four members of the District Administration (including Mr. Ramjug) attended a conference in Atlanta on how to save on energy expenses. Savings of up to 40% are possible. Few details on precisely how and when savings would materialize.

Teressa Mari of Energy Curtailment Specialists spoke briefly about a program they run that allows energy customers to save money by targetting a few specific days to reduce energy use. Program participants would be asked to target two days out of the year. Given the District's size, it might be easy to participate in this program (and generate a sort of rebate). No upfront costs to participate. She also mentioned a program that allows customers to bid online for energy. The website is http://bidyourenergy.com/.

After the presentations there was the usual listing of items to be presented for voting at the regular meeting. Most went without comment.

There is a proposal to purchas an electronic "clicker" system, also to renew a contract with NY Learns out of the University of Buffalo.

There were questions from a Board member about the technology traner position proposed for West Street (and other tasks in cluding Infinite Campus training).

Some teachers are applying for a nationally recognized certification process. By contract the district pays for this process and certification of the recipients receive a ten year stipend.

The Newburgh School District Grant Specialist, Sonya Dixon, is working to get the 21st Century after school program at Horizons on the Hudson going this year. There were issues with the City of Newburgh regarding contractual rates which have moved closer to being resolved.

Some curriculum writing within the district [Probably in connection with North Junior becoming part of NFA] is being paid for in "in-service credits". These credits apparently advance teachers along salary step-ups.

In the context of teacher tenuare recommendations, Board Member DeMarco asked does someone beyond the principles see reviews, and was answered that "Directors" and "C and I" also see them.

Board Member Bowles noticed and inquired about an overnight sports trip involving a female team which appeared to have no female chaperones.