Tuxedo Park FYI | Tuxedo Union Free School District



HOME VILLAGE GOVERNMENT Board of Trustees Planning Board Board of Architectural Review Board of Zoning Appeals VILLAGE SERVICES Village Police Department Department of Public Works Tuxedo Park Fire Department Tuxedo Volunteer Ambulance Corps TOWN OF TUXEDO Town Board Tuxedo Union Free School District Town Planning Board Subdivisions and Development TUXEDO RESERVE COMMUNITY Clubs and Associations Institutions Neighborhood News Local Contractors and Professional Services

LOCAL PRESS EDITORIALS FEATURES CALENDAR QUIPS & QUOTES ARCHIVE POSTS ABOUT US CONTACT

TOWN OF TUXEDO

Recent Town News
Town Council (Town Board)
Tuxedo Union Free School District
Town Planning Board
Town Zoning Board of Appeals
Subdivisions and Development

School Budget Vote and BOE Elections To Take Place May 21 | Posted 5/20/13

The 2013/2014 Budget Vote and Board of Education Elections will be taking place on Tuesday, May 21st from 2-9pm in the George Grant Mason Multipurpose Room.

Click here to view a copy of the 2013/2014 Budget

DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!!!!

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting April 25 2013 | Posted 4/24/13

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Recognition of Valedictorian & Salutatorian
V. Student Council Liaison Representative
VI. Naviance Presentation – Mr. Arthur Shouten, Ass’t. HS Principal
VII. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VIII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 3/21/13, 4/4/13, 4/11/13
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
IX. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Adoption of 2013/2014 Proposed Budget
4. Adoption of School Tax Property Report Card
5. Orange-Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget Vote
6. Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Member Election
7. Donation of SMART Board
8. Revision to 2012/2013 School Calendar
9. Adoption of 2013/14 School Calendar
10. Board Meeting Date Change
11. Appropriation of Funds for the Tuxedo Chapter of the National Honor Society
12. BOCES Cooperative Bid
13. Revision of Policy #4110 Non-Resident Tuition Student Payment
14. Personnel
X. Public Participation
XI. Correspondence
XII. Miscellaneous
XIII. Adjournment

Tuxedo’s STEM Academy plans taking shape - 4/16/13

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 21, 2013 | Posted 3/20/13

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. BOCES Budget Presentation – Mr. Terry Olivo
V. High School Musical Presentation
VI. Student Council Liaison Representative
VII. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VIII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 2/21/13
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
IX. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Lease of Quarry Field
4. New High School Courses/Classes
5. Review of 2013-14 Student Calendar
6. Nomination of Orange-Ulster Board Candidates
7. High School French Trip to Montreal, Canada – 4/19-4/21/13
8. High School Sr. Class Trip to Orlando, Florida – 4/10-4/14/13
9. Donation from Tuxedo Volunteer Ambulance Corps
10. Personnel
X. Public Participation
XI. Correspondence
XII. Miscellaneous
XIII. Adjournment

STEM Academy is coming to Tuxedo - 3/1/13

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting January 17, 2013 | Posted 1/17/13

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Student Council Liaison Representative
V. Performing Arts Presentation
VI. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 12/20/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Board Meeting Date Change
4. PTO Donation for 7th Grade Tubing Trip at Tuxedo Ridge
5. Eighth Grade Overnight Trip to Boston – 6/13-6/14/13
6. Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR)
7. First Reading of Policy #4110 – Non-Resident Tuition Student Payment
8. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District: Shaping the Future of George F. Baker High School | Posted 1/11/13

Click here to view presentation.

High School Consultants To Present Recommendations To The Community Thursday January 10 at 7pm | Posted 1/8/13

IMPORTANT MEETING DATE - January 10th at 7:00 PM

The Public Consulting Group (PCG) will be presenting their recommendations for the future of the George F. Baker High School on January 10th at 7:00 PM in the George F. Baker High School Auditorium.

The purpose of this meeting is to provide an opportunity for our communities to hear these recommendations directly from the PCG consultants. There will not be a Question and Answer portion of this meeting. However, there will be an opportunity for questions from the community to be collected. Answers to these questions will be provided
as we proceed through this year’s budget cycle, if appropriate.

For those who are unable to attend this meeting, the presentation from this meeting will be made available on our school website under the Shaping the Future of Our High School link. Questions may be emailed to the Board of Education at BOE@tuxedoschooldistrict.com .

Carol A. Lomascolo
Superintendent of Schools
Tuxedo Union Free School District
Route 17
Tuxedo, New York 10987
(845) 351-4799
Fax: (845) 351-4907
clomascolo@tuxedoschooldistrict.com

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting December 20, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Fourth Grade Orchestra Performance
V. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VI. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 11/15/12, 11/29/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4.Superintendent’s Report
VII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Excessed Textbooks
4. APPR Lead Evaluator Certification
5. Resolution for Board of Education President to Execute Project
Adventure Iroquois Springs Contract
6. Personnel
VIII. Public Participation
IX. Correspondence
X. Miscellaneous
XI. Adjournment

Shaping the Future of our High School

Click here to download a .pdf of the most recent update

School District Looks to Tuxedo Community for Valuable Input and Participation

The Greewood Lake School Board and the Tuxedo Union Free School District have signed a 22 month contract, which effectively adds George F. Baker High School to the list of choices for parents to send their high school students to. This is great news, however in 22 months time, Tuxedo could find itself right back where it was 2 weeks ago…wondering whether or not this community can maintain the district without Greenwood Lake. To this end, the Board of Education has engaged Public Consulting Group to provide both support and expertise in putting together recommendations for the future.

As the process gets underway, the district is looking to the community for their feedback. A community survey has been posted on their website. Input from residents and taxpayers is invaluable. If you live in Tuxedo or pay taxes here, please take a moment to read through and complete it. You can do this by clicking here. The Survey will only be available through October 26.

Additionally, next week, the district will conduct several important community based focus groups to discuss shaping the future of George F. Baker High School. Participation is strongly encouraged. Register by contacting Nancy SanEmeterio at (845)351-4799. The meetings will run roughly 90 minutes in duration. The schedule is as follows:

Town Board Work Session – Tuesday (10/23) –6-7pm – Town Hall
Village Community Members - Tuesday (10/23) 8-9:30pm - H.S. Library
Hamlet Community Members - Wednesday (10/24) - H.S. Library
Southern Town (Eagle Valley, Woodlands, Hamilton Estates, Table Rock) - Thursday
(10/25) - 8-9:30 - H.S. Library

Please make every effort to attend one of these meetings and let the district know what you are thinking. Your input can help shape the future of our high school, our district and our community.

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting October 18, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Routine Business
1. Independent Auditor’s Presentation
- Chris Melley of Nugent & Haeussler
2. Introduction of New Teachers
3. Approval of Minutes – 9/6/12, 9/20/12
4. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
5. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
6. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Adoption of 2013/2014 Budget Calendar
4. Acceptance of 2011/2012 Financial Audit Report
5. School Board Recognition Week - October 29-November 2, 2012
6. Resolution to Amend the Tuxedo UFSD 403(b) Retirement Plan
7. Overnight Trip to Villa Roma -1/04/13-1/06/13
(NYS Theater Education Association Conference)
8. New Course Recommendation – Conversational Spanish
9. Personnel
VII. Public Participation
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

George F. Baker To Hold Spirit Rally This Friday Night - 10/5/12

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting September 20, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 8/23/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Personnel
VII. Public Participation
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Greenwood Lake Board of Education votes to rescind Recent resolution regarding Tuxedo Contract - 8/30/12

The Greenwood Lake Board of Education has voted 4-2 in favor of removing Tuxedo as an option for their high school students beginning in the fall of 2013. Instead, they will enter into a 22-month contract with Warwick and Chester, giving GWL parents the option to choose which of these schools to send their children to.

What this means for the Tuxedo Union Free School District is unclear at this time. In a message sent by mail to the community last week and posted on the District website, Superintendent Carol Lomascolo said that the Tuxedo Board has been “carefully considering options for our district both with and without Greenwood Lake.” As the year unfolds, members of the community will be invited to attend both communication meetings and community forums dedicated to the issue.

Still Up In The Air - 8/17/12

Tuxedo Union Free School Greenwood Lake Update - 8/13/12

Message from the Tuxedo superintendent - 8/10/12

Greenwood Lake BOE hosts special meeting August 15 - 8/10/12

GWL BOE mulls 'parental choice - 7/3/12

Greenwood Lake Board of Education votes to rescind Recent resolution regarding Tuxedo Contract

At a Special Board meeting of May 23rd, the Greenwood Lake Board of Education voted to rescind the resolution to allow for a community vote to enter into a 5 year contract with Tuxedo.

This Special Meeting took place in response to an overwhelming community outcry for high school choice. The discussion at this meeting focused on the lack of information available for the two options that were presented at the April 25th meeting - Regional High School and Parent Choice. The community and the Board of Education discussed various options that might allow time for the necessary information to be gathered.
The Tuxedo Board of Education and Superintendent of School Carol Lomascolo remain committed to the continuation of Tuxedo’s long-standing relationship with Greenwood Lake.

GWL Starts Over on School Choice - 5/25/12

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting May 17, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Student Government – High School Update
VI. Technology Update
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 4/19/12, 4/26/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Proposed 2012-2013 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
4. Senior Citizens Tax Exemption
5. Real Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Workers
6. Code of Conduct
7. Adoption of 2012-2013 School Calendar
8. First Reading of Board Policy # 5207 - Animal Dissection
9. Second Reading & Adoption of Board Policy # 1606 – Display of the Flag
10. Board Meeting Date Change
11. BOCES Cooperative Bid Resolution
12. New Course Approval for High School
13. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Proposed 2012/2013 School Budget

Click here to download.

George F. Baker High School/Tuxedo New York/Best High Schools/US News - 5/9/12

School Budget Vote /BOE Election May 15, 2012

On Tuesday, May 15 the community will be asked to vote on the 2012/2013 school budget. Additionally 4 individuals will bevying to fill three open seats on the Board of Education. They are: incumbents Diana Petroski, Robert Werner and Ed Gedvila and newcomer Angie Mulvaney.

Voting will take place in the George Grant Mason Multipurpose Room from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m.

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE.

Tuxedo is the one - 5/3/12

Dub This - 5/2/12

Greenwood Lake School Board Votes 4-3 In Favor of Renegotiating Contract with Tuxedo

On April 25 the Greenwood Lake School Board voted 4 – 3 in favor of negotiating a new five-year contract with the Tuxedo Union Free School District. A proposed referendum on allowing parents to decide which of the three high schools to send their kids to was defeated 3-4. The decision will be put to a public vote in that district on June 19. If voters reject the proposal, the board could hold another referendum, or vote without a referendum on a one-year contract.

Greenwood Lake voting on high school in June - 4/26/12

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting April 19, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Recognition of Valedictorian & Salutatorian
V. Student Government – High School Update
VI. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 3/8/12, 3/15/12, 3/22/12, 3/29/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Adoption of 2012/2013 Proposed Budget
4. Adoption of School Tax Property Report Card
5. First Reading of Board Policy #1606 – Display of the Flag
6. Resolution for BOCES Cooperative Bid
7. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Greenwood Lake To Conduct Final Public Forum on High School Options April 25

The Greenwood Lake School Board has announced that they will conduct a final public forum regarding high school options on Wednesday, April 25 at 7:30 pm. This meeting will take place at 7:30pm at the Greenwood Lake Middle School.

Tuxedo proposes $16,519,011 school budget - 3/30/12

Board of Education Budget Workshop Presentation #4

Click here to download .pdf

Board of Education Budget Workshop Presentations #2 & #3

Click here to download .pdf

Board of Education Budget Workshop Presentation #1 - General Support & Transportation

The following was presented at the B.O.E. meeting on March 15, 2012:

Click here to download .pdf

Community service at Tuxedo High School

Agenda For Board of Education Meeting March 15, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III.Pledge of Allegiance
IV.BOCES Budget Presentation – Mr. Terry Olivo
V.Student Government – High School Update
VI.Guidance Presentation
VII. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VIII. Board Work Session #1 on Working Draft of 2012/2013 Proposed Budget
•Review of Budget Philosophy and Chronology of Budgeting Process
•Presentation of General Support Portions of Proposed Budget
•Other
IX. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 2/23/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Director of Student Services/Human Resources
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
X. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Lease of Quarry Field
4. Review of 2012-13 Student Calendar
5. PTO Donation: $1,200 for Play “Austin the Unstoppable”
6. NYCLASS Resolution
7. Personnel
XI. Public Participation
XII. Correspondence
XIII. Miscellaneous
XIV. Adjournment

Frequently Asked Questions About The GWL and Tuxedo Contract Discussions

Click here to download .pdf

Tuxedo School Budget - Detailed Budget Calendar

Reasons for kids to smile in Tuxedo

Greenwood Lake high school kids' fate up in air

Agenda For Board of Education Meeting February 23, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Student Government – High School Update
V. Guidance Presentation
VI. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 1/19/12, 1/30/12
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Appropriation of Funds for the Tuxedo Chapter of the National
Honor Society
4. Nomination of Orange-Ulster Board Candidates
5. Second Reading & Adoption of Board Policy #1605 – Ceremonies, Holiday Displays & Observances
6. Donations: PTO – Project Adventure | PTO – Two Cellos | St. Mary’s Church – Kohls’ Gift Card
7. APPR Update
8. Review of BOCES 2012-13 Student Calendar
9. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Bullying prevention program begins at the George Grant Mason School in Tuxedo

Chester To Make A Play For GWL High School Students

The Greenwood Lake School District announced last week that the Chester School District has returned to the table to discuss the possibility of hosting its 300 high school students in the fall of 2013. The decision comes as result of Greenwood Lakes request that Chester reconsider its original choice not to make a play for the students. Chester decided not to enter the race back in December because they felt that they would not have enough time to meet with the community and obtain feedback, a step they believe to be of vital importance. Following Monroe Woodburry’s decision to withdraw their district from consideration this past month, the prospect of adding a third choice to the mix has led GWL to extend their original timeline. With a community forum scheduled for February 9, Chester is planning to present to the GWL district on Thursday February 16 at 7pm. Similar presentations already given by the Tuxedo and Warwick districts, this presentation will take place at the Greenwood Lake Middle School and will be open to the public.

Tuxedo students collect 1,000 items

George Mason geography students know where they stand

Monroe-Woodbury bows out of effort to attract Greenwood Lake students to attend its high school in Central Valley

Students Organize For Tuxedo

Campaign To Remain

Tuxedo Union Free School District Makes Presentation To Greenwood Lake School Board - January 17, 2012

Residents from Tuxedo, Greenwood Lake and Warwick packed the multipurpose room at the Greenwood Lake Middle School on Tuesday night for a presentation by the Tuxedo Union Free School District entitled “What Makes Us Proud.” The presentation was given at the request of the Greenwood Lake School Board and will be followed by similar presentations from both the Warwick and Monroe Woodbury school districts later this week and next. All three districts are hoping to host the 300+ Greenwood Lake high school students when the current contract with Tuxedo expires in June of 2013.

Greenwood Lake has announced that they plan to make a decision by June of 2012.

Greenwood Lake students make up roughly 80% of the total student population at George F. Baker High School and without them the future of the school would be in serious jeopardy.

Representing the district were Superintendent of Schools Carol Lomoscolo and George F. Baker Principal Denis Petrilak. The hour long presentation focused not only on those aspects of GFB that make the district proud, but also those that set the district uniquely apart from their competition, namely its small size(10:1 student to teacher ratio) and the extra level of student attention and program flexibility that this allows. Suggesting that cost saving measures such as shared services and consolidations would be an integral part of negotiations, Mrs. Lomoscolo also emphasized the need for a joint legislation committee, which would in her view be a key element for enacting meaningful change in the district.

The presentation was followed by a brief question and answer period, with questions being limited to fact clarification only. Once all three districts have made their presentations, the Greenwood Lake School Board will hold a follow-up meeting for the purpose of discussion at which public opinion will be welcomed.

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting January 19, 2012

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Recognition of Ronald Stover, High School Football Coach of the Year
V.Student Government - High School Update
VI.Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 12/15/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Director of Student Services/Human Resources
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Resolution for Board of Education President to Execute Project
Adventure Iroquois Springs Contract
4. First Reading & Review of Board Policy #1605 – Ceremonies,
Holiday Displays & Observances
5. Cyber-Bully Awareness Week January 15-21, 2012
6. PTO Donation to Garden Works Club
7. March 15, 2012 – ½ Conference Day
8. Property Tax Relief Resolution for Hurricane Irene & Tropical Storm Lee
9. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District To Make Important Presentation to Greenwood Lake January 17

Last Thursday, the Times Herald Record ran an article (below) regarding the future of Greenwood Lake high school students and whether or not they will continue to attend George F. Baker High School when the current contract expires at the end of June of 2013.

While this may seem like an all to familiar song and dance, things are different this time around with 4 other districts actively campaigning to host the students.

Students from Greenwood Lake make up roughly 80% of GFBs’ student body and without them, the school would like have to close its doors.
On Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at 7pm at the Greenwood Lake Middle School, the Tuxedo Union Free School District will make a presentation before the Greenwood Lake School Board entitled WHAT MAKES US PROUD. The presentation will run 30 minutes in duration and is being done at the request of the GWL Board. It is open to the public.

The Greenwood Lake Middle School is located at 1247 Lakes Rd in Monroe, NY.

5 districts vie to host Greenwood Lake's H.S. students
Board wants better balance of cost, studies

Times Herald-Record
Published: 2:00 AM - 01/12/12
GREENWOOD LAKE — In a telling sign of the economic times, an unprecedented number of school districts are bidding to host some 300 high-school students from Greenwood Lake in 2013-14.

Five districts offered letters of interest to the Greenwood Lake school board, which is beginning work on a new contract. The students have been attending Tuxedo's George F. Baker High School since 1981, but under state law the districts must renegotiate a contract every five years, Superintendent Richard Brockel said.

The district is beginning the high school choice process early to ensure time to consider all options, Brockel said. Earlier this year, the district asked for and received letters of interest from five districts: Chester, Florida, Monroe-Woodbury, Tuxedo and Warwick. Interested districts were also asked to provide a list of course offerings and indicate whether they would negotiate on tuition.

The school board is looking for the district that offers "the most comprehensive high school education in academics, co-curricular activities and athletics at the least cost to the taxpayers," Brockel said.
"The education in Tuxedo has never been in question," Brockel said. "But in the current economic climate, affordability becomes more of an issue."
Greenwood Lake officials have said in the past that tuition at Tuxedo, now $3.2 million a year, is too high, primarily because the district is in a wealthier community that receives less state aid per student. During the last negotiations, the district was poised to send students to Warwick until a community vote in Warwick rejected the proposal.

Warwick Superintendent Ray Bryant said he wants to rebuild the bridge between the communities. "Our kids grow up together and take part in the town's athletic program together," Bryant said. "We should be together."
Bryant believes Warwick can offer Greenwood Lake students a broad range of courses. Further, the students would bolster his district's declining enrollment. "It's a win for both of our communities," he said.

Tuxedo will also make a strong pitch for Greenwood Lake students, who make up at least 75 percent of Baker's population.

"We are willing to work with them on the tuition, and we're willing to work together on consolidations and cost-savings measures," Superintendent Carol Lomascolo said.

Each district will make 30-minute presentations to the board. The school board hopes to vote on a contract by the end of this year, Brockel said.

Two presentations, open to the public, have been scheduled so far, both at 7 p.m. at Greenwood Lake Middle School. Tuxedo presents Jan. 17; Warwick presents Jan. 18

5 districts vie to host Greenwood Lake's H.S. students

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting December 15, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Routine Business
1.Approval of Minutes – 11/17/11
2.Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of Student Services/Human Resources
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3.Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4.Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Conference Day – March 21, 2012
4. Excessed Textbooks
5. Overnight Trip to Villa Roma -1/06/12-1/08/12
(NYS Theater Education Association Conference)
6. Personnel
VII. Public Participation
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting November 17, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III.Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V.Budget Parameters – Ms. Dawn Cupano
VI.Annual Professional Performance Review Plan (APPR) – Dr. Patricia Tripken
VII. Routine Business
1.Approval of Minutes – 10/20/11
2.Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Director of Student Services/Human Resources
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3.Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4.Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Donation for Crew Team
4. Standard Work Day Resolution
5. Personnel
IX. Public Participation
X. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Carol Lomascolo is now officially Tuxedo schools chief

Halloween Arcade at GGM October 28th 4-7pm

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting October 20, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Routine Business
1. Independent Auditor’s Presentation
- Chris Melley of Nugent & Haeussler
2. Introduction of New Teachers
3. Approval of Minutes – 9/15/11
4. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Director of Student Services/Human Resources
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
5. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
6. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Adoption of 2012/2013 Budget Calendar
4. Acceptance of 2010/2011 Financial Audit Report
5. School Board Recognition Week - October 31-November 4, 2011
6. Review of Policy #2110 – Anti-Nepotism
7. Excessed Science Books
8. Annual Professional Performance Review Plan
9. Board Meeting Date Change
10. Personnel
VII. Public Participation
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

A Tuxedo School Program Celebrates Peace

Tuxedo PTO Presents The 4th Annual Back To School Carnival September 16, 2011

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting July 14, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
IV. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 6/14/11, 6/23/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
V. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. EPEX Energy Contract
4. Review and Update of Board Policy
#2109 – Non-Discrimination
5. First Review of Policy #2110 – Anti-Nepotism
6. Nomination of Area 9 Director
7. Purchase Option Plan for IKON
8. Building Conditions Survey
9. Personnel
VI. Public Participation
VII. Correspondence
VIII. Miscellaneous
IX. Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting June 14, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III.Pledge of Allegiance
IV.Recognition of Retirees
V. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VI. Routine Business
1.Approval of Minutes – 5/10/11, 5/19/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Independent Auditor for 2011/2012
4. Acceptance of School Budget Vote & Board of Education Election
5. High School New Courses – Music Theory, Oceanography, College Readiness Seminar
6. Overnight Trip for Summer Soccer Camp
7. K-5 Math Adoption
8. Donation of Picture
9. Amended 2011/2012 Board of Education Meeting Schedule
10. Personnel
VIII. Public Participation
IX. Correspondence
X. Miscellaneous
XI. Adjournment

Announcement of Selection of New Tuxedo Superintendent of Schools

After an extensive search for Superintendent of Schools, the Tuxedo BOE is
pleased to announce that the position has been offered and accepted by Carol
Lomascolo. We are currently in the process of finalizing her contract and expect
to formally vote on this appointment at the June 14th BOE meeting. We are excited
about the opportunity to have Carol Lomascolo lead the District into a new and
progressive direction to provide our students with an excellent educational
experience.

By Education Law, the Board has the responsibility for selecting, appointing, and
evaluating the Superintendent. However, the Board recognized that the input and
beliefs of our stakeholder groups served as an invaluable resource in assisting the
Board in making this extremely important decision. We thank the District Staff
and Community members that took the time to serve on the focus groups. Along
with the District Administration, these focus groups interviewed the finalists and
highlighted the strengths of Carol Lomascolo which led to our final decision.

We thank Mr. Terry Olivo, the BOCES Search Consultant and his staff for their
support in this search process. We reviewed over 20 applications and resumes and
interviewed many applicants over the course of the past few months. We are
confident that the selection of Carol Lomascolo as Superintendent of Schools will
provide our School District and Community with a new vision and focus.

School Budget Vote May 17, 2011

Voting for the 2011/2012 School Budget and election of Board members will take place this coming Tuesday, May 17 from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Multipurpose Room at George Grant Mason Elementary School.

This year’s budget, totaling $16,449,304 calls for a 1% decrease in spending, with an estimated 1.98 percent tax levy increase. The district lost $58,487 in aid due to state budget reductions.

As proposed, the budget will not require any layoffs or reductions in programming.

For more specific budget information click here

TPFYI strongly encourages all residents to come out and vote in support of this budget. During a time when many districts are facing mass layoffs and serious cuts to programs and services our school board is to be commended for their hard work and accomplishment.

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 17, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III.
Pledge of Allegiance
IV.
Recognition of Valedictorian & Salutatorian
V. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
VI. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 3/10/11, 3/17/11, 3/24/11, 4/2/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
•Business Administrator
•Elementary/Middle School Principal
•High School Principal
•Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Adoption of 2011/2012 Proposed Budget
4. Adoption of School Tax Property Report Card
5. Photo Equipment Donation
6. Adoption of 2011-2012 School Calendar
7. Resolution for BOCES Cooperative Bid
8. Personnel
VIII. Public Participation
IX. Correspondence
X. Miscellaneous
XI. Adjournment

Upcoming Events

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 17, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation on Agenda Items (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes
total per meeting)
V. Budget Work Session #2 & #3 on Working Draft of
2011/2012 Proposed Budget
• Presentation of the Instructional/Community
Service and Undistributed Portions of Proposed
2011/2012 Budget
• Introduction of Supplemental Needs Budget
VII. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 2/17/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VIII. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Child Nutrition Corrective Action Plan
4. Time Warner Cable.
5. Standard Work Day Resolution
6. Board Policy #6210
7. Personnel
IX. Public Participation on Agenda Items
IX. Correspondence
XI. Miscellaneous
XII. Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 10, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation
V. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1.Board Work Session #1 on Working Draft of 2011/2012 Proposed Budget
• Review of Budget Philosophy and Chronology of Budgeting Process
• Presentation of General Support Portions of Proposed Budget
• Other
VI. Public Participation
VII. Adjournment

Goodbye to the Tuxedo superintendency

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting February 17, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation on Agenda Items
V. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 1/13/11, 1/20/11
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of PPS/Curriculum
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Nomination of Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Candidates
4. Modification of 2010-2011 School Calendars
5. Tuxedo Employees Union Memorandum of Agreement
6. Standard Work Day and Reporting Resolution
7. Resolution to approve the Corrective Action Plan for the Internal Audit.
8. Personnel
VII. Public Participation on Agenda Items
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Tuxedo already takes back one day due to snow; M-W safe…for now

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting January 20, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation (Up to 3 minutes per person; up to 30 minutes total per meeting)
V. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 12/16/10
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of PPS/Curriculum
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Equipment/VHS Tapes Donation
4. French Trip to Quebec, Canada
5. Resolution in Support of the Continuance of the Greenwood Lake/
Tuxedo Relationship
6. Personnel
VII. Public Participation
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Agenda for Special Board of Education Meeting January 13, 2011

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Interviews for Prospective Board Member
V. Adjournment

Open Meeting to DIscuss Taxes, Services and Schools for Residents of Northern Tuxedo January 5, 2011

Click here to download flyer.

Community Survey regarding Northern Tuxedo and the Monroe VS. Tuxedo School Districts

What follows is a survey regarding the community sentiment in northern Tuxedo concerning Monroe vs Tuxedo schools.

To date, the survey has 54 responses and is showing very interesting data.

Please"spread the word" and encourage participation so that a good sense of what the residents of northern Tuxedo want/think can be ascertained.

The online survey can be accessed at this link:

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/5JPH87B

A meeting has also been scheduled for January 5, 6-8 at the VFW Hall in Southfields. Turns out that a number of people are looking at this issue and I thought it would be useful for everyone to get together and brainstorm/compare notes.

All interested parties are welcome.

Board of Education Update

At the December 16th Board of Education meeting, Mrs. Carol Lomascolo was appointed by resolution to the position of Assistant Superintendent, effective January 1, 2011. This will provide for transition as Mrs. Lomascolo will become the Interim Superintendent of Schools, effective March 1, 2011 through June 30, 2011.

The Board of Education will continue in our search for a new Superintendent of Schools. It is our hope to make an appointment to this position, effective July 1, 2011.

The Board of Education extends our wishes to all for a very Happy New Year!

Community Member Needed to Serve on Join Steering Committee of the Greenwood Lake/Tuxedo School Districts

Vacancy On The Board of Education

Diana Petrosky Erns Mid-Hudson School Study Council Honors

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting November 18, 2010

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation on Agenda Items
V. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 10/21/10
2. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of PPS/Curriculum
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. BOCES Cooperative Bid Resolution
4. Approval of Corrective Action Plan 2009/2010 Audit
5. Garden Works
6. Personnel
VII. Public Participation on Agenda Items
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Agenda for Special Board of Education Meeting November 8, 2010

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Proposed Executive Session
• Collective Negotiations
V. Adjournment

Agenda For Board of Education Meeting October 21, 2010

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation on Agenda Items
V. Routine Business
1. Independent Auditor’s Presentation
- Chris Melley of Nugent & Haeussler
2. Introduction of New Teachers
3. Approval of Minutes – 7/28/10, 9/16/10, 9/23/10
4. Administrators’ Reports
• Business Administrator
• Director of PPS/Curriculum
• Elementary/Middle School Principal
• High School Principal
• Asst. High School Principal
5. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
6. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. NYSSBA Conference Approval
4. Adoption of 2011/2012 Budget Calendar
5. Acceptance of 2009/2010 Financial Audit Report
6. School Board Recognition Week - October 25-29, 2010
7. MSG Varsity Network
8. Donation of Nautilus Squat Machine
9. First Review of Policy #1502 – Board of Education Meetings
10. Personnel
VII. Public Participation on Agenda Items
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X. Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Back Pack Program

The BackPack Program provides necessities to keep school-age children from going hungry over the weekend

While many children of lower-income families receive free breakfasts and lunches during the week at school, the weekends often go overlooked. As a result, these children frequently go hungry awaiting their next full meal on Monday. In response to this need, in December 2009 the Tuxedo PTO and the Tuxedo Union Free School District collectively launched the BackPack Program to aid at risk children in our community. Each Friday, eligible students are given backpacks filled with nutritious food to be consumed over the weekend. Oftentimes, parents/legal guardians are away at work and unable to cook meals or supervise food preparation. As such, the backpacks are filled with many child-friendly, shelf-stable foods. Sample items include peanut butter, cereal, fruit cups, granola bars, juice, etc.

Since this program is funded 100% by community donations we need your help to continue for the 2010 – 2011 school year. The Tuxedo PTO will be hosting their 2nd annual “Dine Out to End Hunger” fundraiser on Tuesday, October 26th at Characters Bar & Restaurant in Sloatsburg, NY. Simply dine in or take out for lunch or dinner and 15% of your bill (excluding tax and gratuity) will be donated back to the Tuxedo PTO. All money raised from this event will be reserved for the BackPack Program.

If you would like to make a direct donation to support the BackPack Program please make your check payable to the Tuxedo PTO and note BackPack Program on the memo line. Direct donations can be mailed to: Tuxedo PTO, c/o George Grant Mason School, 11 Hillside Avenue, Tuxedo, NY 10987. If you would like additional information on the BackPack Program, please contact Angela Mulvaney, Tuxedo PTO Co-President at apm1@optonline.net.

Whirled Peace

Tuxedo School Superintendent Joseph Zanetti Announces Retirement

The Tuxedo Board of Education has been notified that Superintendent Joseph Zanetti will resign for retirement purposes effective February 28, 2011. We thank Mr. Zanetti for his dedication to the students, staff, and community of Tuxedo and Greenwood Lake for over 25 years. He has led the district in a most positive direction and we are grateful for his many fine accomplishments over the years. We wish Mr. Zanetti and his family all the best!

The Tuxedo Board of Education will begin to plan for this change in administration over the next few months and we will provide updates as we move forward. We thank you in advance for your cooperation throughout the transitional times ahead.

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting September 16th, 2010

I. Call to Order
II. Roll Call and Quorum Check
III. Pledge of Allegiance
IV. Public Participation on Agenda Items
V. Routine Business
1. Approval of Minutes – 7/8/10, 7/28/10, 8/24/10
2. Administrators’ Reports
- - • Business Administrator
- - • Director of PPS/Curriculum
- - • Elementary/Middle School Principal
- - • High School Principal
- - • Asst. High School Principal
3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
4. Superintendent’s Report
VI. Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
2. CPSE/CSE
3. Designation of Legislative Liaison to NYSSBA
4. Designation of Legislative Liaison to OCSBA
5. Energy Performance Contract Financing
6. Surplus Equipment – Projectors, Optical Microscopes
7. Academic Excellence
8. Senior Trip to Orlando, Florida – 4/28-5/1/11
9. Personnel
10. Student Transportation Appeal
VII. Public Participation on Agenda Items
VIII. Correspondence
IX. Miscellaneous
X Adjournment

Back To School Carnival September 10

Friday, September 10th
4:30 PM – 6:30 PM

Circle Field
(adjacent to GFB High School)

Admission: $10 per child
Children under age 3 are free!

BOUNCE HOUSES
FOOD
CARNIVAL GAMES
TUG-OF-WAR
MUSIC
TEAM RACES

Show your school spirit - dress in red & white - (Prize for best dressed!)

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED!!!

Contact apm1@optonline.net if interested

SPONSORED BY TUXEDO PTO

Special thanks to…

John Meore ~ J & J Jump Rentals, Inc.

Tuxedo’s George F. Baker High School named again to Newsweek’s best high schools nationwide

Garden Works Club gives Tuxedo students opportunities to grow

Hickey voted off Tuxedo School Board

Tuxedo voters approve $16.6 million school budget

School Budget/Board Results

Budget: $16.6 million
Yes 261
No 173

School board (four seats, three for three years, one for two years)
*Ray Barone 334
*Laurance J. Hickey 228
*David Kaufer 284
*John G. Moon 351
Robert R. Werner 267

Choices In Tuxedo

School Board Election Forum WILL NOT Take Place

Please take note, contrary to a report in the May 14 Photo News there WILL NOT be a School Board Election forum on Monday May 17.

Five Candidates Vie for Four Spots on the Tuxedo School Board

On May 18, 2010 School Board elections will take place in the Town of Tuxedo. This year, five candidates are vying for 4 spots.
Running for re-election are Tuxedo residents Ray Barone, James J. Hickey, (current board president) David Kaufer and John G. Moon. Robert J. Werner, also a Tuxedo resident, is running for a first time seat.
The make-up of the school board is extremely important as it has a direct and immediate impact on the future of the School District as well as every ones taxes. Therefore, understanding these candidates, their areas of expertise and their levels of experience is crucial in making an informed decision.
TPFYI has asked each candidate for biographical information and will post this in the order that it is received.

* TPFYI will provide links to local newspaper coverage as it becomes available for those seeking further info.

DAVID KAUFER

Tuxedo resident for 13 years
Born and raised in Suffern, New York
Post graduate degree Doctor of Chiropractic 1989
Joined family practice established in 1957 by father Dr. Marshall Kaufer
Married 22 years, 3 children educated in the Tuxedo school system
Community Oriented
Coached Hal Block Ramapo Soccer League 5 years
Coached Tuxedo baseball T-shirt League 2 years
Elected School Board of Education Tuxedo, New York for 2 terms 2004–present

I chose to run for the Board of Education six years ago enabling me to be involved in the educational process of our children. I wanted to secure the best possible educational experience and allow for enriched academic opportunities for our community.

As a Board of Education member, many difficult choices have been made, and there continues to be ongoing challenges. I have confidence that this Board of Education will continue to make positive changes for our students. It is important that continued educational excellence remain my top priority.

I am extremely proud that our school district has been recognized academically for high achievements by the state and other published journals. This success has occurred due to the involvement of the administrators, teachers, and the hardworking students.

The current economic status in our state has played a critical role in the upcoming budget. The Board of Education has worked tirelessly over the last several months to maintain the academic integrity that the Tuxedo School District is known for.

In closing I am running for the Tuxedo Board of Education for a third term to offer continued stability and unity within the school district. It is my intention to maintain quality education and give the students tools for academic excellence and achieve a successful future.

ROBERT J. WERNER
As many of you know on April 19th I officially became a candidate for the Tuxedo School District Board of Education. I would like to thank those of you who signed the petition and request your support in the upcoming election on May 18th.

I believe the school board will need to make difficult decisions in the near future, decisions that will affect the quality of education in Tuxedo. I know most of the costs associated with the district are the result of contractual obligations which leaves few areas to trim. Nonetheless, I am confident the school district needs to and can work smarter.

I hope to be part of the decision making process that will determine what is best for the students and people of Tuxedo. I do not believe that state aid will be restored this year and I expect it will be reduced further next year.

The salary and fringe benefits for the Tuxedo School Districtís Superintendent and Business Administrator exceed $425,000 or 2.5% of the entire 2010/2011 budget or 50% of the projected state aid. There may be an explanation for these escalating costs, maybe these two individuals have reduced costs in other areas and saved the district thousands of dollars, it is possible our graduating students receive a very significant portion of academic scholarships to the best universities. I do not know the answers to these questions, but I intend to find out.

I will bring to the school district the same traits I have exhibited as a member of the Woodlands Board of Directors, honesty, transparency and fair play.

I would also like to share a short bio. I retired from the New York City Police Department after 21 years, the last 11 of which were at the New York County District Attorneys Office. I was asked to join a management team to establish the office of the Special Commissioner of Investigation for the New York City School District, leaving as the Deputy Chief Investigator. In 1996 I was recruited to rebuild the New York State Office of the Inspector General. I am currently the Chief Investigator and in that role supervise all criminal investigations and systemic reviews of over 200 state agencies, authorities, boards and commissions.

Finally, if you believe students and taxpayers need to receive the full value of every dollar spent by the school district and new ideas and fresh perspectives are needed, vote for me. I promise to do my best for the Tuxedo School District and all concerned.

DR. RAY BARONE

Biographical information. I attended grades K-12 in Tuxedo, graduating in 1974. In 1978, I received an undergraduate degree in Business from Siena College and was commissioned as an Officer in the United States Army. After completing Airborne and Ranger training, “Uncle Sam” stationed me in Vicenza, Italy with the 1st of the 509th Battalion Combat Team, Airborne. For the next 20+ years, I served in the US Army, retiring honorably as a Lieutenant Colonel. In July 1999, the United States Military Academy, West Point competitively selected me to teach physical training as well as some cognitive courses. Additionally, I instruct ‘Professional Military Ethics Education’ to cadets; a curriculum that focuses on the moral and ethical challenges of being an Officer. My education includes: a Masters from Indiana University, a Masters of Military Arts and Science from the Command and General Staff Officer’s College, Fort Leavenworth, and both a Masters and Doctorate in Teaching and Curriculum from Columbia’s Teachers’ College. I have been blessed with 3 children: Kyra, 21, who is a second semester junior attending West Point; Kyle, 20, who will start West Point this summer as a member of the Class of 2014; and Clayton, 18, who will graduate from high school this year and subsequently attend a civilian preparatory school on his way to the class of 2015 at West Point.
What makes a sound school district, and what is required to ensure its proper functioning? I believe that parental involvement, student effort, and the proper mix of good teachers, administrators, and Board of Education members are the foundation of high-quality education system. The School Board working with the administrators first and foremost has to ‘protect’ the core courses to ensure that students meet the requirements to graduate and are prepared for their future endeavors. To achieve this, especially during these tough economic times, the Board must balance the needs of the students to receive a well-rounded education with the constituent’s needs regarding taxes and the tax levy.
Candidate’s statement. I have been privileged to serve on the Board of Education within the very school that I attended, as a result of the people of the community providing me with their ‘vote of confidence’. I am running for my 3rd term on the Board and will continue to do my utmost to represent and balance both the needs of the students with those of the voting constituents.

JOHN G. MOON
Several reasons motivate me to run for the Board of Education, but there are three I would like to emphasize. Primarily, I hold a strong belief in advancement through education. I hold a Bachelorís degree in Philosophy and Political Science, and graduate degrees in Law. Education has taken me from growing up in a distant part of Pennsylvania to in-house counsel at a global financial institution in Manhattan.

Furthermore, as a practicing lawyer, I have complemented the Boardís skill set with the retirement of Judge Brown. I am dedicated to financial accountability, having been a Federal Prosecutor of financial crimes and an Enforcement Branch Chief at the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. My present board experience includes a seat on the Board of Managers of the Harvard Club of New York City. I hold a Fiscal Oversight Certification issued by the New York State School Boards Association.

I have enjoyed serving the entire community while on the Board; that is to say, by working to deliver education directly to the children, caring for our studentsí special needs, and honoring the fiscal constraints of our taxpayers. It has been hard work. The school budget before you involved detailed assessment and cuts of certain administrative and non-essential expenses, and a reduction of personnel. However, the budget does not cut a single core educational program and even enhanced the Mandarin Chinese curriculum. Significantly, the proposed tax levy will increase less than 1 percent at a time when state aid is diminishing.

I ask for your vote on May 18, 2010.

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting April 22, 2010

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Recognition of Valedictorian & Salutatorian
GGM Guidance Presentation – Rose Laure Beauvais
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 3/18/10, 3/25/10, 4/8/10, 4/13/10
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Adoption of 2010/2011 Proposed Budget
  4. Adoption of School Tax Property Report Card
  5. Orange-Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget Vote
  6. Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Member Election
  7. Donation: Plexiglas Purchase for Frames from Tuxedo PTO
  8. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo continues to grapple with school budget challenges

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting April 20, 2010
Budget Work Session #7

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation
Budget Workshop
Other
Public Participation
Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 18, 2010

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Information Technology Update by Ms. Carol Lomascolo
Budget Work Session #2 & #3 on Working Draft of 2010/2011 Proposed Budget
      • Presentation of the Instructional/Community
        Service and Undistributed Portions of Proposed
       2010/2011 Budget
      • Introduction of Supplemental Needs Budget
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Surplus of Textbooks
  4. Lease of Quarry Field
  5. Proposed 2010/11 School Calendar
  6. Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Nominations
  7. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting March 4, 2010

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Presentation – Kelly Fosstveit, Intervention Specialist
• Pupil Personnel Services Support Function
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 1/21/10, 1/28/10
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Audit Committee Report
  4. District-Wide Superintendent’s Conference Day – March 26 th
  5. Proposed 2010/11 School Calendar
  6. Surplus Equipment - VCR
  7. Resolution for Board of Education President to
       Execute Project Adventure Iroquois Springs Contract
  8. Proposed Resolution by Orange County Executive in
       Opposition to Holding 9-11 Terrorists Trial in Orange County
  9. Proposed 2010-2011 Attendance Policy
10. Overnight Boston Band Trip Proposal – May 14-15, 2010
11. Donation of 25 Reading Books to GGM
12. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Board of Education to Hold Work Session on Working Draft of 1010/2011 Proposed Budget March 4, 2010

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Board Work Session #1 on Working Draft of
      2010/2011 Proposed Budget
      • Review of Budget Philosophy and
       Chronology of Budgeting Process
      • Presentation of General Support Portions of
       Proposed Budget
      • Other
Adjournment

Tuxedo school board picks Moon to fill vacancy

Agenda for Special Board of Education Meeting January 7, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Comments on Agenda Items
Items for Action and/or Discussion
1. Board of Education Candidate Interviews
Adjournment

Agenda for Board of Education Meeting December 17, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 11/19/09
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Amendment to 403 (b) Retirement Plan
  4. Response to Intervention Update (RTI)
  5. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education Meeting November 19, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 10/15/09, 10/22/09
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Donations: Tabletop SunLite Garden
                  Rulers & Pencils
                  Art Supplies
  4. Proposed 2009/2010 District Goals
  5. BOCES Cooperative Bid Resolution
  6. State Environmental Quality Review Resolution for High School Front Steps
  7. Approval of Corrective Action Plan 2008/2009 Audit
  8. Tuxedo Reserve Update
  9. Anticipated Vacancy for Board of Education
10. Zero Based Budgeting
11. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Dine Out To End Hunger

Characters Bar & Restaurant

Tuesday, November 17th
Lunch, Dinner, Take-Out
11:30am – 10:00pm
No reservation required.

Tell your server you support the Tuxedo pto and
15% of your dining bill automatically gets donated
back to tuxedo pto to help stomp out hunger!

Characters Bar & Grill
94 Orange Turnpike
Sloatsburg, NY 10974
845-753-5200

Proceeds to Benefit The Tuxedo PTO BackPack Program
The BackPack Program provides children at risk of hunger with a weekly backpack full of nutritious, kid-friendly, shelf-stable food to get them through the weekend, when school meals are not available. Backpacks are discreetly distributed to children on the last day before the weekend or holiday vacation. All money raised from this event will be reserved for the BackPack Program.

SPONSORED BY TUXEDO PTO

Special thanks to…
J & J Jump Rentals, inc shoprite
John Meore Photography A &P Mariano’s Pizza at Take-a-break

Agenda for Board of Education Reorganization Meeting July 9, 2009

ANNUAL ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call and Quorum Check

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Organizational Meeting

     1.0 Read Oath of Office into Minutes
     1.1 Nominations & Appointment of President of Board of Education
     1.2 Nominations & Appointment of Vice President of Board of Education
     1.3 Nominations & Approval of Officers and Personnel for the
            School District
     1.4 Approval by Board for Services
     1.5 Approval by Board for Authorizations
     1.6 Approval by Board to Re-Adopt Existing Policies & Past Practices
     1.7 Approval for Business Official/Superintendent to Invest
            Monies at Best Prevailing Rate
     1.8 Approval for Bonding of Business Official, District Treasurer,
            Tax Collector and Treasurer of Extra-Classroom Fund

V. Public Participation

VI. Adjournment

REGULAR BOARD OF EDUCATION MEETING

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 6/18/09
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Surplus of Textbooks/Equipment
  4. Energy Performance Contract Financing
  5. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Agenda for Special Tuxedo Union Free School Board of Education Meeting July 2, 2009

I. Call to Order

II. Roll Call and Quorum Check

III. Pledge of Allegiance

IV. Oath of Office

V. Proposed Executive Session

VI. Adjournment

Baker High School Makes Newsweek's List of Top 1,500 High Schools

School District Budget Notice

Download the PDF here.

About Your Schools...Budget and Board of Education Information

Download the PDF here.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting April 23, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Recognition of Valedictorian, Salutatorian, Wrestlers, Skiers,
Girls JV & Varsity Basketball Teams
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 3/12/09, 3/19/09, 3/26/09
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Adoption of 2009/2010 Proposed Budget
  4. Adoption of School Tax Property Report Card
  5. Orange-Ulster BOCES Administrative Budget Vote
  6. Orange-Ulster BOCES Board Member Election
  7. Return of Unused Emergency Closing Day in Accordance
       with the Collective Bargaining Agreement of the
       Tuxedo Teachers Association
  8. Adoption of 2009/2010 Code of Conduct
  9. Greenwood Lake Elks Lodge 2067 Donation
  10. Wheelchair Accessible Bus Lease Agreement
  11. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Reschedules Open Forum Meeting

Public Invited to a
Board of Education Open Forum
(Rescheduled from February 18th)

Thursday, March 12, 2009

(Immediately following Budget Work Session #2
scheduled at 7 PM)

George Grant Mason Multi-Purpose Room

Come share your constructive ideas or
ask questions regarding:

- 2009/10 School Budget
- School Activities
- Other Concerns

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School Board of Education Meeting
February 19, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 1/15/09
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. District-Wide Superintendent's Conference Day – March 23rd
  4. Lease of Quarry Field
  5. Dedication of First Floor HS Corridor to Carmine Antonelli
  6. Overnight Trip – Mudville Softball Tournament May 8-9 – Herkimer, New York
  7. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Community Briefing

Download the briefing here.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education Meeting January 15, 2009

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 12/18/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Energy Performance Contract Financing
  4. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Executive Session
1. Collective Negotiations
2. Litigation
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 11/20/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Donation of Puzzles and Fun Pack
  4.  Adoption of 2009/10 School Calendar
  5. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting November 20, 2008

The Board meeting convened at 6:34 PM with all members present except Barone, who arrived late. The normal administrative matters were covered, and items of unusual interest are as follows.

First, a teacher and a senior student made a very compelling presentation about the five year old Safe Schools Ambassadors Program, which now starts in the sixth grade and goes through twelfth grade. The program’s goal is to make the school a safe environment for students to work in, and recognizes that without ongoing student assistance, the faculty and staff alone cannot realistically achieve this goal. Students account for 90% of the school population; 95% of its targets for either cruel or violent behavior; and 99% of the aggressors. However, students are really the ones who determine what acceptable norms of behavior are and are not, and students often see and know things that staff does not and can take timely action in ways staff cannot. The program is built around regular training for all students and additional training for selected students. This program encourages students to work with other students in preventing abusive or violent behavior before it happens using a variety of methods.

The School’s website has been revised and updated with particular focus on the high school, in an effort to improve communication with both parents of students and the community. Please go to www.tuxedoschooldistrict.com to review the information at the website. This is part of an overall effort by the school Administration and Board to explore ways to reduce paper communication in favor of electronic communication.

Other items covered during this meeting included the Tuxedo Library, which is now hosting an exhibit of various student works of art and the addition of a daily 5:30 PM bus to Greenwood Lake to accommodate the GWL high school students who have late afternoon commitments.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting November 20, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 10/16/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. CPSE/CSE
  3. Overnight Trips: Girls Varsity Basketball Competition in Lake Placid
       Wrestling Tournament in Oneonta
  4.  403 (b) Third Administrator and Requisite Plan Adoption Agreement
  5.  Approval of Corrective Action Plan - External Audit
  6.  Donation of Children's Scissors to GGM
  7. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting October 16, 2008

The Tuxedo Union Free School District School Board met on October 16, 2008.
Board member Ray Barone was absent. During the first portion of the meeting, normal administrative matters were covered, including the introduction of new teachers who joined the District this fall.

There were two items of substance covered during the remainder of the meeting. The first was a report from the independent auditor’s, Nugent & Haeussler. The audit covered the previous fiscal year. Chris Melley of the accounting firm highlighted the firm’s findings. The auditor commented positively on the strong internal audit and accounting controls that were in place. District Management was complemented for budgeting revenues within one percent of actual revenues received, and expenses within 5% of monies actually spent. Overall, it was a very positive audit report.

The second item of interest was the Board’s vote on a new contract with the Greenwood Lake School District. They approved a five-year Memorandum of Agreement, running through June 20, 2013. Earlier this week, Greenwood Lake’s Board approved a one year Agreement with the Tuxedo District covering the current school year, with the intent of putting a request to approve the longer five year Agreement on the Ballot before the end of December, as is required by New York State.

There are several very important points covered by the Memorandum of Agreement. The three most important points of agreement are:

The two Districts agreed on a base year tuition amount for General Education of $12,800 plus multipliers for Special Ed, CTEC and Vocational Special Ed students
Both parties agreed to a formula for calculating additional years’ tuition levels. The formula relates to each District’s General Fund expenditures as reported annually to the State on the ST-3
Both parties agreed to billing procedures to include late payment penalties.

The two districts issued joint press release regarding this Agreement.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Board Meeting October 16, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Independent Auditor’s Presentation Chris Melley of Nugent & Haeussler
  2. Introduction of New Teachers
  3. Approval of Minutes – 9/18/08
  4. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Memorandum of Agreement with Greenwood Lake
  2. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  3. CPSE/CSE
  4. NYSSBA Conference Approval
  5.  Adoption of 2009/2010 Budget Calendar
  6.  Approval of Corrective Action Plan– Internal Audit
  7.  Acceptance of 2007/2008 Financial Audit Report
  8.  School Board Recognition Week October 2024th
  9. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Meeting September 18, 2008

The meeting started promptly at 6:30 PM, with Diana Petrosky chairing the meeting in the absence of Jim Hickey. All other members were present, although Ray Barone arrived 30 minutes late.

The Superintendent advised that the Audit Report for the past financial year had been received and there were several accounting matters needing to be addressed. He expected some of the issues would be resolved by the end of 2008, and the balance will be dealt with before the end of the 08-09 school year.

The various Administrators’ reports were then presented primarily dealing with routine matters of a routine nature. With regard to Greenwood Lake and its on-going use of the TUFSD for High School purposes, the Superintendent advised that negotiation discussions were continuing and both Districts still had legal issues to resolve. Once this had been accomplished, an appropriate press release would be made.

Shortly before 7 PM, the Board adjourned to Executive session, indicating they expected to return within 15 minutes. However, they did not returned until 7:40 PM, once again leaving the public waiting for a long period as they had done at the prior month’s meeting.

When the meeting recommenced, the Superintendent addressed the subject of a report in the Greenwood Lake/New Milford News alleging that his salary and benefits had been under reported in State Board filings. He did confirm the relative numbers reported to the State were incorrect, in that the school business office had reported such costs for the year, as opposed to budgeted numbers. Reporting errors also covered two other employees. At the conclusion of this discussion, the Board then approved granting tenure to two employees, approved the employment of two other staff and approved the remuneration levels of an assorted number of part-time staff primarily responsible for extra-curricular activities. A total dollar number was not available, but it looked to be somewhere in excess of $150,000.

In the public comment period questions were asked regarding dress code for the children, the manner in which tenure was judged and approved, the frequency of outside trips to places of historical, cultural or otherwise academic benefit to the children and finally the content and appropriateness of the school lunch menu.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Meeting Thursday, September 18, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 8/28/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. Greenwood Lake Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Greenwood Lake Update
  2. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  3. CPSE/CSE
  4. Approval of Corrective Action Plan to State Comptroller's Audit
  5. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Tuxedo Union Free School District Board of Education Meeting
August 28, 2008

The meeting was called to order at 6:41PM. Members absent were Diana Petrosky and Shawn Brown.

A fairly lengthy discussion took place regarding the approval of the prior meeting’s Minutes, with particular focus by Ray Barone on the draft of the Minutes stating that the vote to increase Superintendent Zanetti’s salary had been “unanimously” approved, when both David Kaufer and Barone believed they did not vote in favor of the increase. At 7 PM, Chairman Hickey requested the public meeting be adjourned to Executive Session to discuss personnel matters – specifically, the Contract between the School District and the Superintendent. Public session was not resumed until 8:15 PM, by which time I had left, so what follows is information gathered from third parties.

GOOD NEWS: Upon reconvening the public meeting, the Board approved a 3.39% increase in the 2008-09 Tuxedo School District tax levy, which is exactly what the estimated increase was back in May during the most recent School Board elections, at which Joanne Vernon won her seat on the BoE.

During the Public Session, several speakers focused on various issues, the most substantive being administrative salaries and the leasing of Konica copiers. Regarding administrative salaries, the Board President was questioned as to whether he had seen a specific newspaper article pertaining to Orange County School District administrative salaries – he had not. Also, the leasing of certain Konica copiers by our District was also discussed.

Although the topic of going into Executive Session twenty minutes into a regularly scheduled public meeting was not raised, it would be extremely helpful for purposes of both public participation and transparency if this could be avoided in the future. Ideally, if Executive Session could be held either before the public meeting [a practice that Greenwood Lake’s Board uses] or after the public meeting, this would be very helpful in maintaining the public’s ongoing participation. If a pressing contractual issue arises during the public session requiring an immediate adjournment to Executive Session, that meeting should be held to no more than ten minutes, with the focus of the Board being to agree to reconvene after the Public Session to further discuss whatever issue or issues need Executive Session resolution.

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School Direct Board Meeting August 28, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 7/10/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. GWL Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. GWL Update
  3. CPSE/CSE
  4. School Breakfast & Lunch Prices
  5. Tax Levy & Tax Rates
  6. Designation of Legislative Liaison to NYSSBA
  7. Designation of Legislative Liaison to OCSBA
  8. Donation: Educational Games, Children’s Books & Videos
  9. Varsity Soccer Trip to National Soccer Hall of Fame – Oneonta, NY
  10. Purchase Option Plan for Konica Minolta
  11. Approval of Academic Intervention Services Plan
  12. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

State Board of Education gives Greenwood Lake Specific Direction

On June 20, 2008 Charles Szuberia of the New York State Education Dept. sent the following letter to both John Guarracino, Superintendent of the Greenwood Lake Union Free School District and Joseph Zanetti, Tuxedo Union Free School District Superintendent, with regard to the ongoing issues between the two districts:

greenwood

In reviewing the letter, please focus on the following of Szuberia‘s points, in order to gain a better understanding of our District’s current situation with Greenwood Lake.
In paragraph two, second to last sentence, Szuberia clearly lays out the only two viable tuition choices Greenwood Lake has regarding tuition costs that must be paid to Tuxedo. “Tuxedo, however, must charge Greenwood Lake tuition based either on the non-resident tuition rate (Seneca Falls formula) or the actual costs of educating students.” For the upcoming fall school year [2008-09], Tuxedo has demonstrated that the actual cost for high school tuition students was well over a thousand dollars per student higher than the Seneca Falls Formula. Thus, for the upcoming school year, it is a safe bet that Greenwood Lake’s Board will opt for the Seneca Falls formula to determine its tuition per student cost.

The first part of paragraph three is extremely important. Szuberia clearly states that the Governor’s Commission on Local Government and Efficiency “…recommends greater consolidation of school districts and services.” In other words, the State Department of Education is not in favor of creating additional small schools at any level unless there are very compelling reasons to do so, which flies in the face of Greenwood Lake’s desire to build its own small high school.

In the second part of his letter Szuberia lays out four steps Greenwood Lake must take if its request for a separate high school is to be considered. The first is that Greenwood Lake must enter into a new five-year agreement with the Tuxedo District. Assuming this cannot be done over the summer, we are looking at the school years 2009 -2014. Given that a five-year agreement with Tuxedo is a precondition Greenwood Lake must meet in order to achieve their own goal, the Tuxedo Board has no reason to make any tuition concessions to Greenwood Lake as it has done in prior five year agreements. Ergo, there is no reason for the Tuxedo taxpayer to subsidize the Greenwood Lake students.
Only after Greenwood Lake has reached a five-year agreement with Tuxedo, may it proceed with steps two though four. Step two is a road Greenwood Lake has gone done repeatedly with zero success, but this does not mean that they will stop looking for a new high school district home for its students.

Steps three and four, as laid out by Szuberia, represent very high hurdles for Greenwood Lake to overcome. Why? Given today’s construction costs, it will be extremely difficult for their Board of Education to come up with all inclusive cost numbers for a new high school, properly staffed, that has a cost per student that is less than the cost of tuitioning them into Tuxedo. Even the Greenwood Lake tax payer will be able to figure this out. Thus, Greenwood Lake’s only viable option is to find a District other than Tuxedo, where it can send its students.

As an aside, I would tell you that in this editor’s opinion, this entire ongoing debate has always had at its heart the Greenwood Lake Board of Education’s desire to control the education of its own students, and although cost has been an important issue, it has never been the main issue. Thus, sending its students to another district, will not solve the issue of “control.”

-David du Pont

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School Board of Education Meeting
June 19, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Presentation of Road Merit Safety Plaque
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 5/6/08, 5/22/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. GWL Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. GWL Update
  3. CPSE/CSE
  4. Review of Board Policies
      #3115-1 - Personnel: Sexual Harassment of Employees
      #3115-2 – Personnel: Sexual Harassment of Employees Regulation
      #3115-3 - Personnel: Sexual Harassment of Students
  5. Independent Auditor for 2008/2009
  6. Code of Conduct
  7. Course Approval for High School
      - Advanced Placement Chemistry
      - History in Hollywood
  8. Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Playground Equipment
  9. Senior Class Trip – 2009
  10. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

School Election Results

School Budget
281 – Yes
191 – No

School Board
Joanne Vernon – 232
Carol Stachelek – 219

Agenda for Tuxedo Union Free School District Meeting May 22, 2008

Call to Order
Roll Call and Quorum Check
Pledge of Allegiance
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Routine Business
  1. Approval of Minutes – 4/10/08, 4/17/08
  2. Administrators’ Reports
      • Business Administrator
      • Director of PPS/Curriculum
      • Elementary/Middle School Principal
      • High School Principal
      • Asst. High School Principal
  3. GWL Liaison’s Report
  4. Superintendent’s Report
Items for Action and/or Discussion
  1. Warrants, Transfers & Bids
  2. GWL Update
  3. CPSE/CSE
  4. Second Reading & Adoption of Board Policies
      #3112 - Personnel: Equal Opportunity Employer
      #3113 - Personnel: Absence for Religious Purposes
      #3114 - Personnel: Tobacco Use and Smoking Policy
      #5204-2 – Instruction: Local Certificate to Handicapped Students
      #4106 – Attendance: Non Resident Students
  5. 2008/2009 Board of Education Meetings
  6. Code of Conduct
  7. Adoption of New Elementary ELA Textbooks
  8. Senior Citizens Tax Exemption
  9. Real Property Tax Exemption for Volunteer Workers
  10. State Aid Review Consultant
  11. Donations: Playground Equipment from Tuxedo PTO
        $250 for High School Chorus from Spanish Evangelist Church
        Photography Equipment from Dr. Patricia Tripken
  12. Personnel
Public Participation on Agenda Items
Correspondence
Miscellaneous
Adjournment

Newsweek Ranks George F. Baker High School in the Top 5%

Meet the School Board Candidates

On May 20, 2008 voters will take to the polls and decide who will fill the soon to be vacated seat on the School Board. Two candidates, Carol Stachelek and Joanne Vernon, are running for the position. In an effort to provide the community with a better picture of who these ladies are TPFYI has collected the following Bio information.

CAROL STACHELEK

Vote for
Carol Stachelek
for School Board

Personal Background:

Resident of Tuxedo for 11 years
Married 20 years, 2 children - ages 6 and 9
My 2 young boys attend the George Grant Mason School and are in the 1st and 4th grades.

Professional Background:

Bachelor of Science Degree - Business Administration - State University of New York at Buffalo.
Currently employed as bookkeeper at the Tuxedo Park Library. Work closely with library board putting together yearly budgets.
Tuxedo PTA - Vice President, 2 years - Corresponding Secretary, 2 years.
Member of the Save Our Schools Committee. Working with the superintendent and school board, this committee was instrumental in providing information that helped keep Greenwood Lake at our High School.

Why do I want to be on the School Board?
I am all about the kids! With my own 2 children attending the elementary school, I have a vested interest in our educational program. An excellent school district not only serves our children by bringing about the best in all of them, but it also is a reflection on the community, thereby drawing people into our district and enhancing real estate values. I am a strong proponent of small class sizes. Studies show that the smaller the class, especially in the elementary level, the higher the grades, the better the morale of the teachers and the happier the kids.

Our High School offers an excellent program and it is important that we get back to talking about the education of the students. To that end, negotiating with Greenwood Lake for a long term solution is imperative to having our focus back on the educational program. This needs to be accomplished without the expense burden put on the Tuxedo community.

Being a school board member will allow me the opportunity to be a part of a team that will work toward the best educational setting for our children.

JOANNE VERNON

Dear Neighbor,

My name is Joanne Vernon and I am running for the Tuxedo Board of Education on Tuesday, May 20, 2008. I would like to share some information regarding my background and why I would like to serve our community.

My educational experience is extensive. I have a B.A. in Education and an M.A. in Administration and Supervision. I hold the following N.J. certifications: Elementary Teacher K-8, Teacher of Reading K-12, Reading Specialist, Supervisor, and Principal.

I have been involved in the ever-changing world of education for 27 years. Currently I am the Principal of the Robert D. Reynolds School in Upper Saddle River. I am completing my ninth year in this wonderful school of over 460 students. My prior work experiences include: serving as a classroom teacher for 15 years in the public schools of West Orange, Vice-Principal and Director of Special Services in Oradell, and Principal of Ridgewood Avenue Upper Elementary School in Glen Ridge.

Recently, I have served on the Tuxedo Options Committee charged with exploring alternatives due to Greenwood Lake’s desire to withdraw from G.F. Baker High School. Additionally I served on the Tuxedo Strategic Planning Committee to determine the needs and goals for the Tuxedo School District K-12. I served in a leadership position in the Tuxedo PTA for four years and also served as President of the USR Administrator’s Association. In my teaching days, I served as Treasurer of the West Orange Education Association. I am a current member of the Tuxedo PTO, SPOT, the Upper Saddle River PTO, and the Upper Saddle River Educational Foundation. I am also a member of the NJ Supervisor’s Association, National Reading Association and many other curriculum based organizations.

My desire to serve as a Board of Education member is to add a new dimension and to bring some creative thoughts to the major issues we are all facing. I am most especially concerned about the rising costs of education (taxes), fiscal accountability regarding various contracts and most importantly the curriculum development and student needs facing us in this time of major technological advances in education. It is time to bring new ideas and solutions to the table.

My husband Russ and I have lived in Tuxedo for 12 years. We have the pleasure of raising two wonderful girls, Alex, 17 and Annie, 11. I know the community of Tuxedo and the Village of Tuxedo Park very well. I look forward to serving as a BOE member if given the opportunity. I am confident that with your vote, I will make a difference for our community.

Please feel free to email me jvjds1@optonline.net or call me 753-1910 with any questions you may have.

Thank you for your consideration of my candidacy.

Sincerely,
Joanne M. Vernon

Again, voting will take place on Tuesday, May 20 from 2pm-9pm at George Grant Mason Elementary School. Please take the time to cast your vote in this very important election.

School Board Candidates Comment on The Issues

On May 20, 2008, voters will take to the polls for two very important reasons; the school budget and the School Board. Two candidates, Carol Stachelek and Joanne Vernon, will compete for one seat on the School Board, currently held by Michael Catenaro. In an effort to educate the community as to where they stand on several key issues, TPFYI presented both candidates with the following questions:

Please tell us why you have decided to run for the School Board at this time.

C.S. - Since I have 2 children that attend the Tuxedo elementary school, I have a vested interest in the educational program. I wish to be a part of a team that will work toward the best educational setting of our children.

J.V. - I have been interested in serving on the Tuxedo BOE for the past few years, however due to family commitments did not feel the timing was right. Now with one daughter off to college in the fall and my younger daughter entering 6th grade I believe I will have the time needed to devote to this important position. Additionally I have become increasingly concerned with the current issues related to GWL, negotiations, school budget development, and the quality of education needed in our world today. I believe my expertise will be very helpful to the BOE and the community and therefore decided to run.
In your opinion, what has been the School Board's most important accomplishment within 2007/2008 school year?

C.S. - As a member of the Save Our Schools Committee, I feel that the best accomplishment was disseminating information to the Greenwood Lake and Warwick communities that was instrumental in keeping Greenwood Lake at our High School

J.V- In my opinion, the School Board’s most important accomplishment within this school year has been to form committees which included community members along with school staff and Board members to study the critical issue of the GWL District’s desire to leave Tuxedo. (Options Committee and SOS Committee) The community involvement in the researching, planning, and development of ideas was very valuable.
In your opinion, what has been the School Board's most significant failure within the 2007/2008 school year?

C.S. - I feel that there have been no significant failures this past year.

J.V. - In my opinion, the School Board’s most significant failure within this school year is that they refused to utilize the expertise of negotiators for the GWL contract. It is now May and there are no scheduled meetings or plans for a settlement. The long term goals of GWL and Tuxedo must be clearly understood before a deal can
be made.
If elected, what will be your priorities and/or goals as a School Board member?

C.S. – My priorities are the kids! I wish to keep classes as small as possible thus accentuating the “uniqueness” of our small school district. This uniqueness makes for what I think is something that people look for when buying a home in Tuxedo, this enhancing our real estate values. I wish to try and show the need for enrichment programs in the elementary school for our more advanced students as well as more clubs for extra-curricular activities

J.V. - If elected, one goal as a Board Member is to ensure that I fully understand and have reviewed all details related to any and all items up for vote. I will be sure to do my homework. Additionally I would like to see improved communication between the School District/Board and the community. The District web page must be kept up to date and serve as a daily means of informing the community of all aspects of the school district. I intend to review policy and contracts and explore creative ways to provide for the many needs of the schools. Increased costs are a challenge for all and we must look to alternate funding sources, beyond school taxes to support the educational goals of the District.
What specific steps, if any, should the School Board take to develop a long-term relationship with Greenwood Lake?

C.S. - Unfortunately, the answer here lies with the New York State Department of Education, who, thus far, have not been much help. Coming to a 5-year contract is important so that we can focus our energies again on the educational program, not money. This is not an easy thing to do since the 2 boards are so far apart on what an acceptable tuition should be. The only real way to solve this is for Greenwood Lake to get their state aid based on the income of their town, not ours. So, the ball is in their court. They need to lobby for more money, since they have no other district to go to. We have an unprecedented situation in NY state in that the sending district (Greenwood Lake )makes up the majority of the receiving districts (Tuxedo) school population. The State Education Department needs to address this.

I do not feel that a having a mediator is in Tuxedo’s best interest. All a mediator will want for us to do is meet in the middle, which would bring the tuition way below what we feel is fair, and cost the Tuxedo tax payer even more.

J.V. - Developing a long-range relationship with Greenwood Lake requires the willingness of both sides to agree to long term goals of at least five to eight years. Both Districts must work together to accomplish a long range plan instead of working and meeting separately with the State Education Department and law makers. A commitment to implement funding changes and/or allowing GWL to build its own High School must be made by the State Education Department so each District can plan and move forward.
If it continues along its current path, the School Board’s Budget will double every nine to ten years. In your opinion is this a problem? If so, what steps should the School Board need to take to reduce budget growth?

C.S. – There were a few years where we experienced tremendous growth in our school. A new development (Hamilton Estates) went in with 50 houses and many small children. Other areas experienced a big “turnover” where older families moved out and younger ones moved in. This made an elementary school that for years has had only 1 class per grade, now have 2. This, of course, comes at an expense. More teachers, materials, extra buses and all that goes into educating those children increased our taxes for about 4-5 years. This was necessary to the proper education of our Tuxedo’s children. I have lived here for 11 years and I know that for the first 4 or 5 my taxes were stable. It was only in the last 4-5 where the growth was seen. I know this well, since my children are in the elementary school where the growth was felt.

For now, the Tuxedo school population is at a downward trend. For the last 2 years, the incoming Kindergarten class has only been around 18 kids. So, now those classes are back to being only 1 class. Our budget this year is at a mere 3.36%.

If you check other districts, our school taxes are still way below other districts, even with the bigger increases in our growth years. In fact, we have the 3rd lowest real school tax base in Orange County.

We will see what the future holds. If the Tuxedo Reserve goes in, we will again see growth in a few years. It is always a struggle for school districts to try and keep a budget palatable to the voters. I have attended many board and budget meetings over the years and I know that it is not easy.

I currently work as bookkeeper of the Tuxedo Park Library and am closely involved in putting together the library’s budget each year. And, even though their budget is only about 3% of the school’s budget, it is also an arduous task getting together a good budget for the town, so I know how difficult this can be.
With the current costs of just about everything rising, we are up against even more challenges. Only the future will tell how we can reduce our budget growth without it affecting the educational program.

J.V. - Increasing costs are always a problem, especially when the only source of funding is local taxes. Prices all around us are increasing, school budgets are no exception. We must keep in mind that school budgets are made up of some fixed costs, many of which are non-negotiable; hence there is limited room for reductions. The steps the School Board must take to reduce excessive budget growth is to explore cost saving measures and alternate funding sources. We have a community of many talented individuals that can serve as a resource to the Board to plan and develop options other than increased taxes. The BOE must tap into the expertise of the residents and develop alternative ways to provide the funding needed to support excellence in our schools.

Voting will take place at the George Grant Mason School from 2pm-9pm on May 20th.

Superintendent's Office Tel. # (845) 351-4799
Business Office Tel. # (845) 351-2296
Email address: BOE@tuxedoschooldistrict.com
Website address: www.tuxedoschooldistrict.com