Minutes Regular Board Meeting– November 24, 2020
Location: Circleville Middle School
Consideration of Executive Session –Particular Contract 6:30 PM
Regular Session 7:00 PM
Meeting televised Live Streamed remotely with attendance via Google Meet Hangouts as well as in person attendance. Video and Minutes Posted to Website with Closed Caption.
Members Present
- Gretchen Meier, President
- Cara Robertson, Vice President (via Google meet)
- Kristin Graessle (via Google meet)
- Dori Johnson (via Google meet)
- Kristi Kheiralla (via Google meet)
- Ross Tompkins
Members Absent
- Matthew Watkins
Others Present
- Donna Geidel, Acting Superintendent of Schools
- Amy Brockner, Assistant Superintendent for Instruction
- Linda Smith, District Communications Representative (via Google Meet)
- John Hicks, Director of Educational Technology
- Deborah June, District Clerk
- Approximately 18 residents/students/staff members (in person and virtual)
Call to Order
The meeting was called to order by President Gretchen Meier with the following motion offered:
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education open the regular meeting at approximately 6:29 PM
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Adjourn to Executive Session
MOVED by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education adjourn regular session to executive session for a discussion regarding a particular contract, noting the time at approx. 6:30 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Return to Regular Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn executive session to regular session at approximately 6:47 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
BOE Resumes Regular/Public Session
MOVED by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education resume the regular meeting/public session at approximately 7:00 PM.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
President Gretchen Meier welcomed all to the regular meeting, and requested all stand for the Pledge of Allegiance, noting the time at approx. 7:00 PM.
Approval of Minutes
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the minutes from the November 10, 2020 regular board meeting as submitted by the District Clerk.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Reports, Recommendations of the Superintendent of Schools
Consent Agenda
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education approve the following Consent Agenda as submitted by the Acting Superintendent of Schools and recognize tenure recipients included as part of this agenda:
Resignations
Instructional
- Alexis Soto, resignation from her position as a 6.0 hours/day Teaching Assistant, effective at the close of business on November 20, 2020.
Non-Instructional
- Rebecca Watson, resignation from her position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor, effective at the close of business December 4, 2020.
Leave of Absence
Instructional
- Michelle Robinson, request for a paid military leave of absence for effective January 4, 2021 through February 3, 2021 (as per section 242) and an unpaid leave of absence effective February 4, 2021 through June 30, 2021 from her position as a 1.0 FTE Teacher- Secondary.
Non-Instructional
- Donna Davis, extension of an unpaid leave of absence from her position as a 3.5 hours/day School Monitor effective January 4, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
Appointment
Non-Instructional – Rescind
Board approval to rescind the following School Security Aide positions previously reinstated or increase in hours for the following staff (based on their seniority) effective on December 1, 2020 or as noted:
Part Time School Security Aide increase in hours Rescind
- Linda Shannon – Rescind increase in hours from 7.0 hours/day to 8.0 hours/day
- Raymond Ramos – Rescind increase in hours from 7.0 hours/day to 8.0 hours/day
- Walter Lapinski – Rescind increase in hours from 7.5 hours/day to 8.0 hours/day
- Anthony Presto – Rescind increase in hours from 7.0 hours/day to 8.0 hours/day
- Melissa Ranta – Rescind increase in hours from 7.0 hours/day to 7.5 hours/day
*Part Time School Security Aide Rescind Reinstatement
- Stephen Kirk – Rescind reinstatement to 3.0 hours/day – effective December 1, 2020
Non-Instructional – Rescind
Board approval to rescind the the following School Monitor positions previously reinstated or increase in hours for the following staff (based on their seniority) effective on November 30, 2020 :
- Dorota Dziadosz – Rescind increase from 3.5 hours/day to 6.5 hours/day
- Mary Meyle – Rescind increase from 3.5 hours/day to 6.5 hours/day
- Sonia Wagner-Babcock – Rescind increase in hours from 3.5 to 6.5 hours/day
- Russhell Gillespie – Rescind increase in hours from 3.5 to 6.5 hours/day
- Gary Manheim – Rescind increase in hours from 3.5 to 6.5 hours/day
- Jamie Hadden – Rescind reinstatement to 3.5 hours/day
- Cindy Rivera – Rescind reinstatement to 3.5 hours/day
- Ann Gaynor – Rescind reinstatement to 3.5 hours/day
- Madai Ramjeet – Rescind reinstatement to 3.5 hours/day
Appointment
Instructional – Rescind
Board approval to rescind the reinstatement of the following staff members previously approved for reinstatement to Teaching Assistant positions based on seniority, effective November 30, 2020 or as indicated*:
- Denise Kulak – Rescind reinstatement to 6.5 hours/day
- Angelina Vita – Rescind reinstatement to 6.5 hours/day
- Valerie Turcotte – Rescind reinstatement to 6.5 hours/day
- Nicole Horne – Rescind reinstatement to 6.5 hours/day (effective November 25, 2020*)
- Debra Finn – Rescind reinstatement to 6.5 hours/day
- Isabel Mejia – Rescind reinstatement to 6.0 hours/day
- Bernadette Tymczyszyn – Rescind reinstatement 6.5 hours/day
- Linda Westerfield – Rescind reinstatement 6.0 hours/day
Appointment
Non-Instructional
Continuing Education
Board approval of the following positions for instructors, assistants, counselors or lifeguards for continuing education courses for the 2020/2021 school year. All classes and salaries are contingent upon enrollment.
INSTRUCTOR NAME CLASS/POSITION PAY
- Brian Lynn Pre-licensing Instructor $250/class
- Brian Lynn Driver Education $90/student
Per Diem Substitutes
Board approval for the appointment of the following individuals as per diem substitutes effective November 25, 2020 (or as indicated) at board approved per diem substitute rates:
- Emma Caccioppoli
- Nicole Raabe, effective 11/16/2020
- Linda Westerfield, effective 11/16/2020
Tenure Appointments
Board Recognition of Tenure Recipients
The tenure recipients for that evening will be recognized by the Acting Superintendent and Board of Education, in person and virtually. The Board of Education will approve appointments to tenure as part of the consent agenda, for the following instructional staff members within the tenure area with the effective dates noted.
NAME TENURE Effective Date
- Patrick Reiser Industrial Arts/ Technology Education November 28, 2020
- Allison White Science November 28, 2020
- Laura Haldeman ESOL December 4, 2020
- Patrice Butler Art December 12, 2020
- Alisa Balestrino Special Education January 30, 2021
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
CSE and CPSE Placement Recommendation
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve all IEPs of the Committee on Special Education and the Committee on Preschool Special Education as submitted by the CSE and CPSE Chairperson and reviewed by Trustee Tompkins.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Acknowledge and Acceptance of MOA with the School Related Professional Association (PBSRPA)
Moved by Trustee Robertson, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following resolution:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education (“Board”) of the Pine Bush Central School District (“District”) does hereby acknowledge and accept the Memorandum of Agreement (associated with the creation of a new title) the District and the School Related Professionals Association (“PBSRPA” ) dated September 30, 2020, as attached hereto; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board acknowledges that the Acting Superintendent is appropriate to execute said agreement Between the District and the PBSRPA pursuant to the Memorandum of Agreement on file with the District Clerk.
Date: November 24, 2020
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Roll Call:
- C. Robertson Yes
- K. Kheiralla Yes
- K. Graessle Yes
- R. Tompkins Yes
- D. Johnson Yes
- G. Meier Yes
Appointment of Impartial Hearing Officer (IHO)
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education officially approve the appointment of Carl Wanderman of Montebello, NY, as an Impartial Hearing Officer, pertaining a parent request for Due Process, note: Trustee Ross Tompkins initially approved the appointment of the IHO, as he is the board designee for the appointment of Impartial Hearing Officers.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
(Noted by Bd. Pres. that approval of Impartial Hearing Officer was inadvertently taken out of order on the agenda).
Public Participation
The first public participation segment was open at approx. 7:11 p.m. requesting no personal references. The following questions/comments/concerns were raised:
- Resident/parent offered denigrating comments regarding the Acting Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent for Instruction. Board members offered comments of praise and support of both administrators.
Appointment of Special Counsel
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Kheiralla, that the Board of Education adopt the following resolution to appoint special counsel:
RESOLVED, that the Pine Bush Board of Education approve the appointment of McGivney, Kluger, Clark & Intoccia, PC as special counsel, according to the terms and conditions set forth in their proposal, dated November 24, 2020 and further authorize the Acting Superintendent of Schools to sign the retainer.
Date: November 24, 2020
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Designation / Disposition of Library Books
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Tompkins, that the Board of Education designate and approve Library books as submitted at the request of Robin Renehan, CVMS Library Media Specialist and submitted by Lisa Hankinson, Principal, as outdated and/or in poor condition beyond repair, therefore, unusable in accordance with Policy #5250 SUBJECT: Disposition of Surplus Property, and authorizes the disposition of the books as submitted under the direction of Michael Pacella, Assistant Superintendent for Business.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Approval of New Policy 3421 for First Reading
Moved by Trustee Kheiralla, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education approve new Policy 3421, Title IX and Sex Discrimination, for first reading.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Acknowledge Receipt and Acceptance of Donation
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt And acceptance of the following donation:
Donation on behalf of Cara and Jim Robertson of a Chickering Piano #217533, acknowledged by Robin Evans, Co-Chairperson for Music for placement at Crispell MS.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
(C. Robertson applauded our administrators for all they do, particularly during the Pandemic).
Upcoming Board Meetings, Events / Old, New Business / Updates
Upcoming board meetings and events announced Tuesday evening:
The start time for the regular sessions of our board meetings – 7:00 p.m., unless otherwise noted.
Regular Board Meetings:
- Tuesday, December 8, 2020, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
- Tuesday, January 12, 2021, 7:00 PM at Pine Bush High School
- Tuesday, January 26, 2021, 7:00 PM at Circleville Middle
District Meetings/Events:
- Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences, Wednesday, November 25, 2020, (1/2 day of school for students and staff)
Other
- Wed, November 25, 2020, ½ day students and staff, Secondary dismissal 10:30 AM, Elem. 11:30 AM
Thanksgiving Day / Recess – School Closed
- Thursday, November 26, 2020 and Friday, November 27, 2020
- Wed, December 2, 2020, 7:00 PM, OCSBA Meeting to be held virtually.
Community Member Needed for Audit Committee
The Pine Bush Central School District is currently looking for a volunteer within our school community to fill an opening as a member on our district Audit Committee.
This is a board committee consisting of three board members and four community members.
Anyone interested in filling the open position as a member of the Audit Committee is asked to submit a letter of interest, highlighting their qualifications, no later than Friday, December 18, 2020 to:
Deborah June, District Clerk
Pine Bush Central School District
PO Box 700
Pine Bush, New York 12566
Or email debbie.june@pinebushschools.org
(Note: The Audit Committee Charter is posted on the district website and provides more information).
Updates:
Kristi Kheiralla and Kristin Graessle participated in the Annual NYSSBA Convention. Kristi Kheiralla is the district delegate and attempted to provide an update to the board, however, due to audio difficulty she will provide an update at a later time.
Business & Finance
Claim Auditor’s Reports
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education acknowledge receipt and acceptance of the following Claims Auditor’s Reports as submitted:
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0028 dated 10/30/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 231,109.27
- Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005437-005441) $ 9,150.10
- Crispell SAF (1 check 002348) $ 540.00
- General Fund (60 checks 065498-065557) $ 221,274.17
- District Activity AC (1 check 005679) $ 145.00
Total $ 231,109.27
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0029 dated 11/6/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 1,017,696.28
- Cafeteria Fund (5 checks 005442-005446) $ 5,331.97
- Trust & Agency Acct. (0 checks) $ 64,263.85
- Federal Fund Acct. (3 checks 002555-002557) $ 12,496.00
- Capital Fund (6 checks 001843-001848) $ 644,970.37
- General Fund (77 checks 065559-065635) $ 290,094.09
- District Activity AC (1 check 005680) $ 540.00
Total $ 1,017,696.28
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0030 dated 11/10/2020 payroll authorizing payments in the amount of $ 861,051.95
- Trust & Agency Acct. (6 checks 004241-004246) $ 861,051.95
Total $ 861,051.95
Claims Auditor’s Report covering Warrant # 0031 dated 11/13/2020 check run authorizing payments in the amount of $ 810,456.61
- Cafeteria Fund (4 checks 005447-005450) $ 16,452.05
- General Fund (40 checks 065636-065675) $ 792,275.18
- District Activity AC (2 checks 005681-005682) $ 1,729.38
Total $ 810,456.61
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Health & Welfare Services Contract
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the Health &Welfare Services Contract for the 2019-2020 school year with the Valley Central School District at a per student cost of $ 1,287.19. The contract covers 30 students who are Pine Bush residents attending a non-public school within the Valley Central School District for a total contract cost of $38,615.70 (30 students have been verified.)
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Authorization / Withdrawal from Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund
Moved by Trustee Johnson, second by Trustee Graessle, that the Board of Education authorize a withdrawal from the Pine Bush Central School District Tax Certiorari Reserve Fund in order to resolve the Stipulation and Order Settlement received for the following property. The settlement is for the school tax years listed below and is based on the lowering of the property assessment for each year.
Town of Crawford
Name School Year S-B-L Old Assessment New Assessment Refund Amt
269 Shawanga Valley LLC 2020-2021 22-1-72.1 $439,900 $385,000 $3,378.99
91 Bridle Path Ln 2019-2020 22-1-72.1 $439,900 $385,000 $3,329.55
Mahwah, NJ 07430
Total Refund $6,708.54
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Annual Approval of Audit Committee Charter
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Robertson, that the Board of Education approve the annual review of the Audit Committee Charter, per recommendation by the Audit Committee, per their annual review on (October 5, 2020) noting there are no changes.
YES –6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Public Participation
The second public participation segment was open at approx.7:34 p.m. requesting no personal references. There were no questions/comments/concerns raised.
Consideration of Executive Session
Hearing no matters for executive session, President Meier asked for a motion to adjourn.
Adjournment
Moved by Trustee Tompkins, second by Trustee Johnson, that the Board of Education adjourn the regular meeting noting the time at approximately 7:35 p.m.
YES – 6 NO – 0 MOTION CARRIED
Deborah A June (electronically signed/daj)
Deborah A. June, District Clerk, Pine Bush CSD
Note: BOARD MEETINGS are video live recorded and can be viewed at www.pinebushschools.org
(Disclosure: Minutes will be printed on numbered minute paper and placed in the district minute books).